Life is a Stitch

May's Totally Useless SAL

2009-05-26T07:04:00.004-04:00

Here is my ort jar for Yoyo's TUSAL for May 24th. I looks really full because of the angle I took the photo. I'm just sticking to thready things and frogging fluff. I hope to get back into the groove and really work on filling up the jar for June!

Create Beauty,
Kim

TW Cross Stitch Pattern Giveaway!

2009-05-18T07:30:00.005-04:00

Lily Maiden
by Teresa Wentzler

from the April 1993 issue of
"Just CrossStitch"

The stitch count is 120H x 96W

28 count: 8-5/8" x 6-7/8"

This is the perfect project for the TW beginner.

If you would like this pattern, just leave a comment on this post (before June 1st) letting me know.
I'll pick the winner on June 1st - Good Luck!

Create Beauty,
Kim

Lily Maiden

2009-05-18T07:26:00.003-04:00

Lily Maiden
by Teresa Wentzler

This was the first (and so far only) TW project that I completed. It's hard to get photos with the glass glare, but I tried my best.

As you can see, I had the project triple matted with a special cut top mat. I had it done at The Rag Shop and was really pleased with how the framing turned out!

You really can't tell by the photos, but there is translucent blending filament used, especially in her wings. She is sparkly and really lovely. Click photo for detail.

I took a shot of border and my signature (KIM 94) to show more detail. There is also blending filament used on the Smyrna Crosses.

This may have been my first linen project. I had started (and abandoned) "Rapunzel" before this project on aida and was frustrated poking through the cloth, so I learned to stitch on linen mainly to stitch TW's designs.

I entered it and won a ribbon in my LNS show. Another older, but proud finish.

Yes, I am a TW pattern collector. Time for a giveaway . . .

Create Beauty,
Kim

Another Giveaway Winner!

2009-05-16T09:47:00.008-04:00

Lynn B
Congratulations!

You are the winner of
"Picking Wildflowers"

I just need you to email me your info.
life.is.a.stitch@gmail.com

Thanks to all who entered!

Yesterday (5/15) was my 12th Wedding Anniversary and here is a pic of the flowers I received:

We plan to celebrate with dinner at the Melting Pot (fondue) tonight. Our favorite courses are the cheese & chocolate! Yum! I can't wait!

I'll post my next giveaway tomorrow - get ready all you Teresa Wentzler fans . . .

Create Beauty,
Kim

New Cross Stitch Giveaway & Winner

2009-05-01T11:30:00.004-04:00

... bring May flowers

Picking Wildflowers
by Angela Pullen

Forget-Me-Nots by Just CrossStitch

The stitch count is 148w x 90h

14 count: 10-1/2" x 13-1/2"

From the leaflet:

Sweet Flower
Oh! When I gaze upon
that flower;
I deeply feel thy love's
sweet power;
Subduing charms that
love has got;
Sweet flower then say,
"Forget me not."

It's from my original stash. I love it, but if it hasn't been stitched by now (17 years), sadly I'll never get to it.

If you would like this pattern, just leave a comment on this post (before May 15th) letting me know.

I'll pick the winner on May 15th - Good Luck!

Pumpkin
is the winner of the Marjolein Bastin pattern "Spring Joy"
Congratulations!

I just need you to email me your info.
life.is.a.stitch@gmail.com

Thanks to all who entered!

Create Beauty,
Kim

"Present" Projects

2009-04-29T22:57:00.003-04:00

I'm sure you all have had one - a project you need to get done that is going to be a gift. On a deadline. One that you are not necessarily all 'that into' stitching. Ugh - how do you do it? I need help . . .

This is for a Golden Wedding Anniversary in June. I truly love my Aunt and Uncle, and I'm sure they will love the piece, but I have spent too many years as a GA (graphic artist) and doing cross stitch type makes me CRAZY. I have to have it all line up exactly perfectly and look flawless. Right now I'm wrestling with graph paper trying to figure it all out.

AND there really isn't much cross stitching to be done in the piece at all - most of it is backstitching of the leaves. I usually pick designs with minimal BS! This is another reason why I love HAED and Mirabilia.

Yes, I chose the design from my LNS, but mainly it was because it will look good as a pillow (it was square). That's my Mom's job, getting it made into the pillow, and she's going to have her friend do it! Talk about easy - and the gift will be from both of us.

To add insult to injury, then I have to redo this design as a SILVER Anniversary design for my cousin (Mom's idea). Their anniversary is also in June.

I definitely need to start this by the weekend - tomorrow is my HAED SAL day and I'm not sacrificing that! And as another way to procrastinate, I started yet ANOTHER stitch blog!

Stitch-o-ween

(the other is Stitch-mas)

And I really need to get going on those projects too! Boo hoo! (get it - boo?)

Peace, Love & Happiness!
Kim

Totally Useless SAL - April

2009-04-25T07:21:00.004-04:00

This is my first posting for the Totally Useless SAL. I did an extreme close-up on my jar because I've just started this month. My orts so far are from Mirabilia's "Gathering Eggs" and the HAED freebie "Bunny on Path". I have a new project I need to start this week, but I'll leave that for another post!

Peace, Love & Happiness!
Kim

Mary Engelbreit Free XS Pattern

2009-04-19T06:44:00.005-04:00

FYI
New!

FREE
"Mary's Minis"
Cross-Stitch Flower Pots
from Leisure Arts

(Photo from Website)

Get the instructions, chart, and color key.

These are really adorable! There are other ME Crafts on the site too - click here!

One other cross stitch pattern on the site is:

Home Sweet Home

(Photo from Website)

Which has been done as a pretty cottage pillow. You can obtain the instructions here.

I'm a big ME fan myself and have MANY charts and books . . .

Peace, Love & Happiness!
Kim

Cross Stitch Pattern Giveaway

2009-04-15T11:22:00.005-04:00

Spring Joy
by Marjolein Bastin

from Lanarte by Leisure Arts

The stitch count is 120w x 158h

14 count: 8-5/8" x 11-3/8"

It's a color pattern as you can see . . .

It's from my stash. Realistically I've realized I'll never get a chance to work it into my rotation.

If you would like this pattern, just leave a comment on this post (before May 1st) letting me know.
I'll pick the winner on May 1st - Good Luck!

Peace, Love & Happiness!
Kim

Giveaway Winner!

2009-04-15T05:16:00.004-04:00

Mel
Congratulations!

You are the winner of
"Sweetheart Rose"

I just need you to email me your info.
life.is.a.stitch@gmail.com

Thanks to all who entered!

As it is Tax Day, I need to get my act together and I'll be posting my latest giveaway later today . . .

Peace, Love & Happiness!
Kim

Egg Hunt Sans Border

2009-04-12T22:42:00.002-04:00

I visited my favorite LNS - The Cross Stitch Cupboard - at the end of March and HAD to pick this up - Lizzie Kate's Egg Hunt. It was just too adorable to pass up!

Well, silly me didn't bother to look at the threads I needed. I was so overwhelmed with all the beautiful things in the store, and I was on a mission to find a pattern for my Aunt and Uncle's Golden Anniversary. Total brain fart!

I stitched it up as best I could with the DMC I have:

Luckily, I'll need to go back to get more supplies since now my Mom wants me to also do the Anniversary pattern as a Silver Anniversary for my eldest cousin.

Once I get the proper thread and finish the border on Egg Hunt, my Mom plans on turning this into an Easter pillow for next year.

Peace, Love & Happiness!
Kim

Progress - Gathering Eggs

2009-04-10T05:05:00.006-04:00

Here is my progress on Miribilia's "Gathering Eggs" since the first time I posted about this project:

I am finding this really fun to stitch with all the vibrant colors. So far I have avoided the confetti stitching on the top left and the blends in her hair. I need to "get my head in the game" to work on those.

I have gotten the beautiful Easter lilies stitched. I was hoping to have stitched up her egg basket for Easter, but you know how life intrudes on you stitching aspirations . . .

I mostly stitch this project on 'Mirabilia Monday'. I had reserved my weekends for my Christmas stitching (see my other blog Stitch-mas) but I've been in such a spring mood that it hasn't happened for about a month! I am also busy on my HAED little freebie "Bunny on Path" which I'm participating in "Our Friends' HAED SAL" (Thursdays). That project can sometimes go Wednesday to Friday. Lately I stitch more to my mood than to my schedule.

I have also worked on a little Easter stitch that I hope to post this weekend.
I will have to limit my time on these projects now to work on a Golden Wedding Anniversary pattern for my Aunt and Uncle who will be celebrating this June - and it looks like we are going to be able to attend the festivities in N.Y.! DD is ecstatic over her first airplane trip - and we plan to visit the 'American Girl' store in the city. Her Nana and Grandpa bought her the Kit Kitteridge doll for Christmas last year.

I'm looking forward to dying eggs today with DD and meeting friends to see "The Hannah Montana Movie". Also looking forward to that chocolate bunny this weekend - then the 'reunion diet' must begin - Ugh!

Peace, Love & Happiness!
Kim

Cross Stitch Giveaway - Sweetheart Rose

2009-04-01T15:48:00.002-04:00

April Showers . . .

I have decided to hold bi-monthly cross stitch giveaways on my blog, on the 1st an 15th of the month. For April 15th, the item will be a never stitched pattern from Black Swan Designs, (BS-9) Sweetheart Rose, in honor of Spring.

The sample was stitched 0n 32 count Dove Gray Linen, 2/2, 12" x 12" finished. Stitch count 189 x 195.
If you are interested in this gorgeous pattern, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post before April 15th to be entered.

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

March Giveaway Winner

2009-04-01T04:15:00.005-04:00

Corina Graham
is the winner of
The Special Edition Kit (item#38009 Jungle Friends) from Just CrossStitch.

Congratulations!

Later I will post the April Giveaway - I've decided to turn it into a bi-monthly event so stay tuned . . .

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

Wonderful Mail Surprise

2009-03-30T04:21:00.003-04:00

I had to make an emergency trip to my LNS on Saturday (which I'll post about later) and when we returned home there was some mail waiting for us. I received the pattern I won on Lynn B's blog - Happiness is cross stitching - along with a lovely card and an adorable angel for my little angel, DD Grace. She was so excited to receive a gift all the way from England! Many thanks Lynn!

BTW - send Lynn your happy wishes for her (SILVER!) Wedding Anniversary tomorrow, March 31st. It is quite an accomplishment these days! And, please don't forget her birthday on April 2nd! So much to celebrate, many more happy days to you Lynn!

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

Last Week's Starts

2009-03-23T04:42:00.004-04:00

Last week I began two more projects in my rotation. The first was Finding Nemo. He replaces Snow White in my Disney Minis category since I finished her the week before.

Once again I've replaced the aida cloth with some white linen I had on hand. Since Nemo gets a little complicated around his eyes, I felt linen was the way to go. I was able to do the dark orange and the black (except for the backstitch black).

The other start was Coyote Whimsy. I didn't get very far with this one. It is going to be a gift for one of my Mom's friends as a "thank you" from me for some nice things she had done for our family. She is into the Southwestern theme, so this is perfect for her.

The rest of the week I stitched on "Gathering Eggs" and my HAED SAL project (post). I'll be showing my progress on the first in a few days. I'm hoping to get better organized this week and start kitting up some of my other rotation projects.

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

Snow White & An Award

2009-03-14T18:56:00.012-04:00

Today I finished Princess Snow White for my DD, Princess Grace Elizabeth Messick. I had tried to finish her to add to the Christmas wrappings, but did ran out of time. She is a little bigger then was intended to be, because I stitched her on linen instead of the aida that was provided, but I think it turned out rather well. She is from a janlynn kit I purchased from Joann online. I have several other little Disney kits to work on among everything else.

I was quite surprised and delighted to receive my first award from Wendy the other day. Thank you Wendy! I'm really happy that you like my blog. I have a lot of fun posting and it keeps me focused on my cross stitch. Now comes the hard part, choosing only ten other blogs I enjoy reading.

Believe me, I read and enjoy many more blogs! I always look forward to the updates that keep me entertained and inspired. Everyone does such lovely work!

I better see what my Princess GEM is up to . . .

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

Oops!...I Did It Again

2009-03-11T11:09:00.004-04:00

I was in a spring mood the day before the last cold snap hit, and started YET another project. This is "Gathering Eggs" by Mirabilia. I had the pattern from an old (April 1998) issue of BH&G Cross Stitch & Needlework magazine. I just looked it up on the Mirabilia site and the image is actually flipped from the pattern they printed for distribution.

I'm stitching this on pink evenweave. It's hard to tell by the photo. The color matches the pinks in the pattern, so I think it will look really cute. True, the path will be pink, but that will brighten up the piece and it will fit in nicely in my mom's guest room. The girl reminds me of my DD Grace.

So now I'm alternating between my small HAED "Bunny on Path Freebie" and this one. I am into the basket of eggs theme. I am trying to locate my pattern "Easter Kitty Moon" by Stitchy Kitty to begin another spring stitch project. That one has no basket, but it does have Easter eggs.

I confess, I'm a serial starter. SIGH! I just seem to have so many beautiful patterns in my stash, I can't resist! I am a little stuck finishing "Mother's Arms", another Mirabilia. I'm on the beading and I have to be in the right frame of mind for that. I also have two other projects waiting to be washed and ironed and embellished - I'll post those once I'm done.

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

My Latest Obsession

2009-03-07T15:32:00.008-05:00

This is my first SAL and my first introduction to HAED. On the site, I am Kim from FL and I'm working my cross stitch on the little freebie from the HAED website called "Bunny on Path" in honor of Easter. I'm in a spring mood! If you are interested, click on the above banner and check out our accomplishments.

I am grateful to Wendy and Cindy F. for starting the group and setting up the site. It seems like every time I turn around, someone has posted something new. It is all very inspiring to me, and a huge motivator to see all the gorgeous designs people are working on. It is making it very difficult for me to decide which design(s) I'd like to stitch next!

I just received in the mail today my 'The Pyramid Collection' catalog. What a coincidence! This catalog, and online store, have items by many of the designers from the HAED site. I have always enjoyed their merchandise and am so happy now that I am aware I can cross stitch some of my favorites!

Well . . . I better get back . . . to . . .
Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

Disney’s “The Lion King” Cross Stitch Kit Giveaway

2009-02-28T18:13:00.021-05:00

“If March comes in like a lion . . .”

I am giving away to one lucky winner,

The Special Edition Kit (item#38009 Jungle Friends) from Just CrossStitch.

The design was adapted by Charlotte Holder.

This item is no longer produced, and quite rare (original price $45.00).

It is brand new and still in package.

The kit contains:

Complete counted cross stitch instructions
Design chart
28-count hunter green evenweave fabric
Pre-sorted numbered floss
Needle

The finished design size is 13” x 17-1/2”

This contest runs the entire month of March, starting Mar. 1, 2009 at midnight EST, and ending Mar. 31, 2009 at midnight EST. The winner will be chosen at random, and if the rules were not followed, a new winner will be chosen. This contest is open to everyone.

Giveaway Rules

Bedtime Friends

2009-02-24T23:20:00.021-05:00

Little Stitches by Mirabilia

"Bedtime Friends" #LS-2 cross stitch was stitched for my DD Grace (and needs to be ironed). I began this project in 2000 when I was pregnant with her, and got about as far as stitching the flower garland. Last year I began to work on it again and finally finished!

The polka-dots in the curtains are done with the shiny silver DMC floss. I find it a bit difficult to work with because it's pretty stiff, and I had to jump around with it.

The beading went pretty quickly because they were all the same color - iridescent - and used the same floss color. It looks really gorgeous and sparkly under my OTT-light. You just have to adore the little teddy bear!

UFO now means unFRAMED object!

I included these pics from the Mirabilia website because I actually stitched these projects also, but had no good photos to share. "Crescent Dreams" #LS-3 was stitched as shown, except no pink (substitute blue) because it was for baby boy Corey S. His mother Diane was a co-worker at the time and I was pregnant with Grace. I did this as a baby shower gift for her.

"On Grandmother's Quilt" #LS-4 was stitched after Grace was born, for my boss Susie's baby girl, Elizabeth C. Another shower gift. The Mill Hill treasure beads used on these truly help make them special. Ahhh . . . memories . . .

Time to get back to my needle & floss.

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

Next Week, A Giveaway

2009-02-22T02:42:00.009-05:00

I am so excited! Next week I am hosting my very first giveaway! I have a HUGE xs stash from a former life when I had money (a.k.a. SINGLE!NO KIDS!GOOD JOB/ECONOMY!), and I know I will never get to all of them, so I'd like to give the projects & patterns a good home.

I will be starting one in March, and running the giveaway a month long, and doing one EVERY month. I know I like to win, and I LOVE to cross stitch, so I've combined my favorite things for my stitching cohorts here on the web.

Here is a an idea of what the project will be. If you love Disney, you'll be quite happy! So make sure you are back here during the month of March and then check in every month there after.

The contests will be open world-wide and will begin the first of every month, and end the last day of that month. Fun!

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

The Bride

2009-02-20T11:34:00.012-05:00

She hangs in the hallway, at the top of the stairs. My first Lavender & Lace project. Once again, I changed the background color - I can't remember if it was called pewter or putty. I stitched her on aida cloth, as it was 1993 and I hadn't learned to stitch on linen yet. I actually won a blue ribbon for her at The Cross Stitch Cupboard in their 1994 annual competition.

I had taken her to the Rag Shop to be framed. They did an awesome job. The inside blue matt matches one of the blue shades in her ribbons. The white matt is actually a satin texture, like bridal shoes. The double matting works well for beads - giving more room so they aren't squashed against the glass. This may have also been my first exposure to adding beading to cross stitch.

It was a lovely project to do, I enjoyed the whole process. This pattern was a wonderful introduction to Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum's designs, and I have been a fan and "collector" of her patterns ever since.

This is the stitched example from the Told in a Garden site. L&L 9. I need to get another Marylin in my rotation . . .

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

Working On

2009-02-18T17:09:00.011-05:00

This is one of the projects I am currently working on, "Touching the Autumn Sky" by Mirabilia. I am stitching it on a lilac evenweave. As you can see from the picture, I changed the original suggested background color. I tend to do that with my projects. I just thought the purple color look more like autumn.
I began this project in the fall and remember stitching it while watching the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television. I had to put it aside to work on Christmas gifts and have not had the chance to work on it since.

UNFORTUNATELY, after I had been working on the piece for some time, I noticed the fabric boo-boo. I'm not sure how, but my Q-snap frame helped fray the fabric, evenweave seems to be fairly delicate. I was too far gone into my stitching to start over. I don't think there is a way to correct this so I think I'll just have to leave it alone as much as I can and hope that it is not too noticeable.

So I am about 2/3 done. All that is left is her dress and the bead work. When I do finish, it will just sit anyway until finances improve enough to afford to frame it. I have several pieces in line before this one for framing as it is!

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

My Take Along Project

2009-02-16T20:35:00.005-05:00

This is the project I keep in my purse to work on while waiting for the doctor or for anything else. I like this because it is on plastic canvas which eliminates the need for a hoop. If you look closely, I have taken out the black dots in his beard. I just didn't like them. My husband agreed with me and added that it looked like Santa had been eating raisins. Ha ha! I'm not sure who is getting this one at Christmas yet - but I have quite a while to figure that one out.

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim

My Stitching History

2009-02-15T14:04:00.007-05:00

One of my earliest memories is of my mother sitting on the couch stitching. I believe she was working on some crewel project.
In first grade my mom taught me to do needlepoint. She took a clown picture that I drew and helped me to transfer it onto a canvas, and I started stitching. I never finished it, but I still have and cherish it.
Later, I learned crewel from a kit and made a cute Christmas mouse ornament for one of my friends. I also learned how to latch-hook, and my mom had the piece made into a pillow which we gave to a family friend for her new baby.

Sadly, I don't remember my first cross stitch project. My mom was stitching first and had all of the supplies. She even subscribed to a few cross stitch magazines.
My stitching really took off in the early 1990's. I had a 'stitching buddy' at work and we both signed up for a linen class at a cross stitch shop north of us. After that class, I was hooked on linen and I have rarely used aida cloth since. It was also at that shop that I learned of my favorite cross stitch store - which I will discuss at a later date . . .
I have no idea how many items/projects/etc. I have stitched. I usually give my stitching away as gifts! I have included a few photos of some of my most recent small projects here.

Itching For More Stitching!
Kim