And the Traveling Pattern goes--------

Slow start this morning morning.... blogger seems to be having a few issues from yesterday....and I think they are still here!  Photobucket was having problems this morning. I do think I am ready for my post today.
First, I have been having sewing issues with my faithful 30 year old Kenmore machine. Mr H suggested, again, that I look for a new machine rather than invest in this one. Kenmore does not appear to be in the sewing machine business anymore. Sears, does not carry very many choices. Mr H kept the car to run a few errands while I worked. When He came to pick me up, he was visiting with the Viking Center. That, if you do not know, is Jo Ann's sewing area.... there he was sitting with one of the ladies discussing

my situation. I looked over the machine they talked about and decided to get it... it is a nice simple machine suitable for my needs. Nothing really fancy.... has over 100 stitches, 7 button hole stitches and simple alphabet. I do not require a "quilter" machine or the fancy embroidery types.... so this will do nicely. I am scheduled for 2 classes with the Viking Center in a few weeks. In the meantime, I did play around a little this morning. Of course, at the moment I do not have anything needing sewing!
My co-worker Mara brought me....

yes, a tatting book and 2 shuttles. She bought these some time ago...the date on the shuttle still in the package is 1992...as is the publication of the book, but never was able to really learn and lost interest. Lucky for me! My friends do encourage me...all the time. Mara and I have lots of laughs during our work shift.... always there to keep the spirits going. Yesterday was a very busy day...my 3 hour shift felt like 8....I really need this weekend....speaking of which, The Debra and I will be getting together later today....always enjoyable.
Oh, that's right, you want to know where the pattern is going.....

Calamity JR.....I just checked my Blogger Address book and Mary Jane's address is there. She does not have a blog so I will include the other names and then she can draw from that for the next mailing. Speaking of the address book, I don't want to overload you today, so I will post about the book tomorrow and have an updated photo of a change I made to the cover. A visit with you is always a pleasure and reading your kind words and emails is great. Hope you have a marvelous day!

A motif and a BBD

Saturday, my end of the week day. My weekends start on Sunday as I am off both Sunday and Monday each week. Mr H and I are just waiting for the cooler weather to arrive. We would be happy with 90 for a few days! The yard needs attention and the plants are so tired from the heat. What it does mean is that I really have time to stitch and I will never complain about that. Yesterday the Postman delivered a package from Linda Oja who was my BBD exchange partner...

Linda covered a box for me and made a pin pillow. She included a bag of assorted buttons which I always like to have and a beaded kit. Thank you Linda for your thoughtfulness. Hope my partner will be receiving her package soon....I really enjoy exchanges.


 I tatted another motif on a ring...

 my sleeping angel is watching over it. This little angel has been with me since forever.... many years. The motif is just under 2 inches and is with lavender thread and white. I am having trouble finding 23mm plastic rings... can only get 20mm and 25mm. I would like to make a few larger motifs on the rings. I may have to go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby....shh, don't tell my MOD's. We do not have them at Jo Ann's.

I have had a question about my Blogger address book and I will post about that tomorrow and about the nice tote bag I put together for my tatting. Something to take along when I go to The Debra's.
Don't forget that Sunday I will draw for the traveling pattern's next stitcher. If you are interested, leave a comment and tell me that you would like the chance to stitch it.....I just discovered this highlight thing! Well, need to get back to my tea and toast. Glad to spend some time with you and thank you for the kind words and email....have a great day.

Oh look at what I have done...

Had the day off yesterday... that means being busy with my needles of any kind.
I finished another tiny motif

Just love these! Not sure what to do with them.... a collage maybe. I think it is good practice at this point. As soon as my new stash of tatting threads arrive.... maybe today.... I will make a few more. I want to try the size 20 thread. Right now I have been using size 30.
 We had 2 days of rain and it was wonderful. Although at times it was a heavy downpour and there was some local flooding, it was great to have it. It is amazing how fast it floods around here.
I would like to introduce...The Witch to you

She is so cute. I did her apples in 2 shades of seed beads...had the perfect fabric for her backing, added a piece of lace for her apron and wisps of hair. She finished just as I pictured her. I made her felt hat removable.... just because. Let me tell you about her.... when I saw her, I immediately thought of Snow Whites witch. Yes, I know, she was dressed all in black. I saw the apple in her hand and the scene from the movie whizzed by in my mind. I did change the bottom border and left out the wording. I really like making them more to me. The next doll will be another Alphabet one...the pink one and yes,  I will not stitch the letter on her.... already have changes plans for her too.
Now, on to the Traveling Pattern...

I finished it to be the cover of my Blogger Address Book.  I found these pearls in my bead cupboard and thought they looked nice. I did stitch this with the listed DMC threads on 28 count cherry dyed linen. Now it is time for this sweet pattern to travel. So, if you are interested in stitching it for yourself or as a gift, please leave a comment telling me that you would like to be in the draw. I will pick a name this Sunday.... it is a quick stitch and even with the DC threads, it is pretty. Of course, you can change the colors to suit you. Will you be next?
As usual, I have loved your visit with me today. Your kind words and emails are always so nice. Hope you have a wonderful day.

I love a rainy night...day

We had rain late yesterday and now it is sprinkling...lovely soft rain and no wind. I am happy that you enjoyed my sunset pictures....I was so tired last night....busy day at Jo Ann's... that I never looked out to see what the sky was showing.
Here is The Witch..

 I have several more rows to finish her dress....down to the green thread marking the last row. I have everything at the ready to complete her. These patterns are a delight to stitch... I hope there will be  more to come. I bought an already made felt witch hat but I am not sure it will fit. That's okay, because I have the felt to make it according to the pattern if not. I still have the apples to add to the basket. i love when I get to the finishing of a project...
My Halloween project is coming along...almost finished with the stitching part. I kitted the Traveling Pattern...

I put a white envelope in so you could see that the linen is not white, but rather a pink shade. I dyed it with cherry pie filling syrup. I do have to iron it but like the linen to sit for time before using it when I use food to dye it. Yes, I do wash it with cold water thoroughly...although smells of cherry pie are good. My goal is to stitch this over the weekend and then send it off. Do you want to stitch it next? Just leave me a comment telling me so and I will put your name in the drawing.
I am planning a pillow finish...
Enough about me and my plans. Glad you had some time to spend with me today... thank you for the kind words and emails. You really help top start my day with a smile! Smiles are contagious...so smile! Have a good day.

My Tatted Christmas Wreath

A lovely day today....the temp is only 98 at the moment but expected to climb to 103 and with it the heavy humidity. I really miss sitting outside on my days home. Had a nice morning at the dentist office. Routine cleaning. Are you ready for a traveling pattern? I received this this week from The Easily Influenced Stitcher,  Shirlee  

 and I will get to it today and then hopefully post to pass it on again by the weekend. So......if you are interested please comment or email me . Look at the pretty needle threader she sent to me. I think I have just the right piece of linen... then again, once I open that container, I know I will ponder this and that. Then it will be "do I want to stitch colors as is...maybe I will change..." that is just me.
Tomorrow I hope to post some pictures from our stitch group class. I did not take it as I am not fond of Needlepoint. Wait until you see how pretty there all are.
Oh, the wreath. I did finish it and now have to starch it, but take a look

I really am happy that I added the last round. Still want to make it as I posted the other day, just the first round. I love how the beads in a  cluster of three look like berries. I know my goal was for 12 ornaments/motifs, but maybe a few more. Actually, I will continue to make them just because!
I added a few more stitches to my Halloween exchange piece... as well as to The Witch. How I wish for a few more hours in my day! I will get to the Post Office this week and mail out the magazines that I posted... time, just need more time in my day. I made the mistake of looking into the craft closet... I must wear blinders when I enter! I think I kitted up another to do!
Well, dear friends, Thank you for spending some time with me and for the kind words and emails. I send you all a hug today....speaking of hugs, one of our lovely friends could really use some tight hugs....Libbie (And This Little Pig)  is not having a good time right now. So if you have time, drop by and send her a hug or two.

The Bunny is ready to travel!

I could not wait to stitch and send on the Travelling Bunny, Here is my version

I did  a little different. I chose not to stitch the background and I added black Delica beads for eyes and more beads to the flower center. I stitched it on 32 ct Belfast linen that I tea dyed. My plan is to finish it as a needle-book. Not to look through my stash for the fabric... and I think I have just what I want there. The pattern will now be off to Annie Bernstein then on to Liela. I have added to the enveope: Delica beads and 2 Simply Shaker threads as well as a DMC thread and a package of needles.
I am off to work today so my weekend will start Sunday. The days here in Arizona are getting so perfect. I enjoy sitting outside to stitch and read and it is finally comfortable enough to do so. Did I mention I bought a bread machine? No? well that will have to be next time... speaking of time, I must move along and get organized to go to work. Thank you for visiting and leaving kind words and emails. Enjoy you day.

EDIT: Just got the call to stay home! Love it. It is just too nice a day to go to work! So i will get to sit outside and stitch....