mainely stitching

Whew. Now that was a week! Thank you all so much for sticking with me! So, since we last sat down and spent any time together, the cast & crew of Chateau Chaos has:

played
No extra words are really necessary, are they?

experienced both thunder and sunshine

We’ve had some extreme weather during this extreme week, with everything from high winds and T&L storms to streaming sunshine. Guess which I prefer… LOL!

spent quality time with the family

Last weekend we visited with Niek’s parents, who’d recently returned from a vacation in Scotland. The kids had an absolute blast with their Opa and Oma.

eaten well

All the kids are very keen on the fresh produce available this time of year, but this picture of Rowen hamstering baby tomatoes in her cheeks was just too cute to keep to myself!

visited the dentist

At our recent checkup, we discovered that Max  is overly sensitive to the fluoride treatment (thus the blisters on his gums) and will need braces, just like his Mom did those many years ago.

engaged in the slightly naughty

When Lola saw me taking this picture, she got right off the couch - she knows it’s not allowed. But hey, rules are made to be broken now & again, aren’t they?

learned to sit in chairs

Arden seems to have finally mastered the art of sitting in a chair without tipping the whole thing over.

and stitched

I finished this round of the Quaker RR and sent it on, and promptly started on the next round. Doesn’t everyone have lovely taste in colors?

I also finished a charity quilt square in record time. Not my finest effort, but certainly my fastest, this is going to a lady with advanced breast cancer who enjoys horse riding. The motifs are taken from an old JCS issue.

In parting, I wish you more sunshine than rain, unhurried stitches, lots of playtime, and an absence of cavities. Take a little time to be naughty – and to enjoy it!

What a nice weekend! I hope yours was, too! I did indeed finish the stitching on the third gift and, if all goes well, the finish-finishing will be done by the time my head hits the pillow tonight. I’ve managed to pull all the coordinating fabrics, etc. so it’s “just” a matter of assembly. LOL. If only you could see me when I’m putting things together … you’d laugh yourself silly.

While I was stitching, Ash was busy putting a lot of irresistible goodies up on eBay. One of the most talented all-around crafters I’ve ever met – I mean, everything Ash did was drop-dead gorgeous – she’s out of crafts and is clearing out all her remaining stash. You really have to go look. And drool! (And bid, LOL!)

We enjoyed a very laid-back Father’s Day here at Chateau Chaos. No pictures, I’m sorry, though I was tempted to post one of Niek in his special red & white striped apron. He insisted on cooking dinner even though he should’ve had the day off.

While the kids were out playing, I picked up Blessed Be by Stacy Nash. It’s been a long time since this one has seen the light of day. The linen, 40 ct Dark Chino R&R, is very challenging to stitch on and that’s probably why it got shoved to the back of the drawer. But it really is the perfect linen for this project, so I’ll soldier on. Believe it or not, I did the face three times before I was remotely satisfied with it (and even now, I’m not sure …). I’m doing this using my own choice of flosses.

I also picked up Eleanor Spooner’s Spot Sampler, one of my own designs, and put in a few more stitches on this one. I love this project, but because I started it just for myself, it was continually pushed back to make time for other stitching obligations. Since I’ve recently made contact with Eleanor’s youngest daughter, however, I’ve decided to stitch and frame it for her. And now my procrastination is due to worries that my work won’t be good enough. Sigh … I’m my own worst enemy! (Please overlook the creases & wrinkles – because I’m doing this in non-colorfast silks, I’m waiting till the very end to iron it.)

For the next couple of days, I’ll be stitching a quilt square for the breast cancer group. The lady receiving this quilt is an avid horse rider, so I’ve combed through all my old magazines and found some horse-related designs that I’m combining to create her square. I just started it this morning and the first part of the design is from Cross Stitch & Needlework June 1997.

Wishing one and all a most lovely week, full of sunshine and good health!

Su’s exchange has reached her and she’s happy with it – hooray! I love having this year-long exchange with Su, but I’m always very insecure about my choices and finishes for her because she is so insanely talented and because I don’t have that ‘feminine flair’ that so elegantly marks her stitching. But my Prim Fem Sampler Bird, finished with vintage lace and floral backing, was a hit. And knowing that Su (like me) is a huge Brightneedle fan, Mama Bird was also well-received. (I didn’t follow the color scheme for this design, and I omitted the bottom-most part of the design.)

I also finished the Swirly Girls (freebie by Sharon Crescent, 2007) for a breast cancer quilt square. The lady who’ll receive this is wild about flowers, and I thought the blue and yellow color scheme was both restful and cheering. She is currently recovering from a grueling operation, and I can imagine both rest and cheer are important.

This has been a nice family weekend. We celebrated my father-in-law’s birthday with Niek’s siblings, nieces & nephews, aunts and uncles. I especially enjoyed watching Nick and Rowen playing with their cousins – but of course, I’d neglected to bring my camera and therefore have no pictures to share. Lola’s mom and dad were also there, which was kind of fun. Lola is bigger than her mama, and I do hope she’s reached her adult size now.  One big dog is enough – LOL!

Another busy week is looming and I wish you all a most wonderful one.
Thank you for visiting!

I have to admit that I’m beginning to feel a little freaked out by the trials and tribulations that friends and family are suffering. It was bad enough when it was “just”  finances, but lately it seems like almost everyone I care about has been suffering from worrisome illnesses.  I don’t want to get up on a soapbox and make a speech, but I needed to say something. You wonderful people take care of yourselves; and if you want or need to talk, don’t hold it in – getting it out will be better for your health in the long run. Big,warm hugs to you.

Let’s see, stitching …. I have been stitching and finishing. Su’s seasonal exchange came out pretty good – though I always worry because I cannot create those wonderfully feminine delights that she is so great at – and hopefully the mail will rush it to her. As soon as that was finished, I got busy with a charity square – it’s for a rush quilt, so time is of the essence.  The design is an old freebie from Sharon Crescent called “Swirly Girls”  and I’m doing it in my own choice of DMC on white evenweave. Anyone who has this design but hasn’t stitched it yet: Beware, the chart contains errors. (It is stitched straight, but it looks crooked because of the angle at which I took the photo.)

I’ve also been reading. I really, really enjoyed Hearts in Atlantis. And now I’m enjoying The Bright Forever. I also have a couple of library books that called my name when I popped in yesterday with Rowen & Arden. Rowen, btw, is back at school today for half a day. Though she’s still very tired and pale, she really wanted to see her friends and get out of the house for a few hours.

Speaking of getting out of the house, Niek and I are going out to dinner tonight without the children. Gasp! It’s only been about two years since the last time. I hope I remember how to behave in a restaurant. LOL. Because Rowen’s not 100% and because it’s a new babysitter, we’re only going downtown to a new-to-us Cuban restaurant.

For some new and interesting goings-on: There is a giveaway going on at Kerin’s blog for some great ATC cards associated with the Australian fires. Pop over and take a look.   Nicole is celebrating her 1000th post with a stunning giveaway! Sue has started up a blog specifically for the delights of Blackbird Designs. She’s taking sign-ups if you’re interested! And Betty has yet another gorgeous freebie available at her blog!

Well, I guess I’ve rattled on long enough. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. Your friendship means so much to me. Stay healthy!!

*** Comments Closed for Giveaway***

Yes, it’s time for December’s giveaway – finally! Sorry to have delayed it by a few days, but hopefully it’ll be worth the wait.  This month, I’m happy to offer The Garden Gate Hareby Ewe And Eye And Friends (still unopened it its original packing!) that will give you a taste of spring (in case you’re wearying of red and green, LOL!). The photo isn’t the best, as the cover photo is rather pale and I’m photographing through plastic, but I think it gives a pretty good idea of how cute this chart is. I purchased it as a gift, but plans changed, as they so often do.

Please leave a comment (to this post) that makes it clear you want to be included in the giveaway. I’ll use the randomizer to select a name Sunday evening. Good luck!

And, as if there weren’t enough pictures in my last post, here’s my latest finish. This will be used in a quilt for a woman battling breast cancer. If you’d like to make squares for this group, go check out their site. I used two LHN patterns to reflect her love of gardening and reading, and I think it came out pretty well. It’s already in the mail, as are the last of my Christmas cards. (Phew!)

Today’s been another hectic day, made a little stressful by the fact that I realized that I missed an appointment yesterday and will now have to wait two monthsfor a new one. It’s cold and dark, but this evening we’re having a hearty homemeade soup and biscuits (if I get away from this PC) by the lights of the Christmas tree. Life could certainly be worse.

Thanks for visiting with me ~Wishing you peace!

Edited to add: Nicky’s blood-work came back okay. He has toxoplasmosis, which the doctor assured us is very common here; usually you don’t know you’ve even been exposed (with pregnant women being the big exception). We’ll go back in a week, and again in a month, just to monitor it.

I’m making a concerted effort to stay focused on breast cancer awareness this month. Maybe it’s my age, maybe it’s the shock of hearing about family who’ve been affected, or maybe it’s just time I woke up … but in any case, I hope I’m not boring your socks off. Even more – I hope I manage to give anyone who needs it, that last little nudge to take care of her own health. On that subject, here is a link to a youtube video that Anne S sent me – I had never heard of this form of breast cancer, and I’m willing to bet that my doctor (and maybe yours, too!) hasn’t either. Please take a few minutes to watch, and to pass the word.

Don’t forget to sign up for the giveaway on this blog, at Stitch Pink, or by placing an order/making a purchase from my etsy shop!

I’ve also finished a quilt square for the yahoo group that makes quilts for women who are fighting or have fought the battle against breast cancer. The woman who will receive this quilt loves owls and retro designs, so I thought this design was perfect for her. The owl all by itself (the original design) seemed a little too stark, so I added some leaves from a Blackbird Designs chart to cozy it up a bit. It’s stitched on 18 count white Aida using DMC. The colors are a bit off, despite photo editing, because I took the picture at midnight and then promptly packaged it up for today’s post.  (Speaking of post, please be on the lookout Hazel, Cynthia aka beestitcher, and Jessica aka Deb’s daughter. LOL!)

Last night I had some help in the kitchen during dinner preparations. As I watched Arden busily playing, I couldn’t help but wonder how it’s possible that ten whole years have passed by since Max kept me company like this. (Chiloe, you’ll notice he’s wearing the clothes you sent!)

Finally, on a reading note, I tore through A Scientific Romanceby Ronald Wright (after I decided to keep reading it – I nearly didn’t make it beyond page 30) and although I believe the novel is flawed on numerous counts (I can’t help but point that out in case anyone decides to read this), I believe the idea of the novel – the near annihilation of the human race due to our current course of genetic tinkering and wasteful consumption – is very thought-provoking. Taking breaks yesterday from my reading to pick the kids up, for example, I couldn’t help but try to picture the scene as viewed by David in 2500 AD. Very weird…. Anyway, it’s a novel I’d recommend but only after warning you that (IMHO) it has a lot of problems as a novel.

Today is going to be a busy one – the kids have half a day at school, Rowen has a friend coming over to play, Max’s bike is in the shop for repairs and needs to be picked up, and there’s a bit of pressure from my job to do some stuff that simply doesn’t fit in to my real-life schedule. I hope that your day is filled with sunshine and laughter.

A  hot, muggy new day is underway and before I get too busy with the kids I wanted to pop by here and say hello. I’m listening to Johnny Lang’s album “Lie to Me” and feeling pretty chipper in spite of getting about 3 hours of sleep last night. Hope the feeling lasts…

Arden (the cause of sleepless nights, but we’ll all forgive him because he’s so darn cute) wanted to say hello too, pointing out that I haven’t put his picture up for awhile. This is just a quick snap this morning after his bottle & diaper change. He’s ready for another hot day, as you can see.

Last night I finished up Kelsey’s quilt square and I think it turned out pretty well. I modified the pattern to fit the size requirements and I moved the tree and changed a few colors – but Prairie Schooler designs are so perfect as-is that it’s always a bit of a challenge to change them and still have them look as good as the model. I plan to mail this off this week with my exchanges so everything will reach everyone in good time. (Sorry the photo is a little tilted – I was holding the fabric and it obviously wasn’t quite straight.) 

Today’s big plan is fabric painting for Father’s Day. Gulp!

But in here it’s so delightful. Well, that may be an exaggeration, but I did actually do some housework first thing this morning, so it’s at least a little closer to delightful. As soon as I’d beaten the dust bunnies into submission, I finished the stitching this bookmark for the Nordic Needle literacy action. The design is from a 1978 Danish magazine that Niek’s mom gave me awhile ago, and I’ve stitched it using DMC 4065 on a scrap of R&R Linen.

I think it’s the weather that’s been prompting me to try a bit harder to keep up with the housework. All that wintery whiteness makes me want to nest. LOL! Here’s the view up my street at 7 am this morning. Who’d ever guess it’s the end of March??

Thank you for your kind comments about Niek’s Oma. I’m afraid she really isn’t doing well. I’m very glad that we were able to spend a bit of time with her yesterday and I wish we lived close enough that I could go in regularly to chat and help her with her meals. Like many elderly people who’ve been ill, she’s not making much of an effort to feed herself and told me she’d eaten nothing but vanilla pudding with cream for the past couple of days. I took an antipasto salad with us, figuring she could pick out what tasted good to her, and indeed she did manage to eat a bit. I left enough with her for a couple of meals. Unfortunately, the 2 hour drive is just a little too much for me to manage during school hours and still leave time enough for emergencies like traffic jams (which occur more often than not) or flat tires (I am a flat-tire magnet, I swear).

Yesterday’s snowfall did eventually entice Rowen out, despite the cold wetness of it. I guess she couldn’t resist that clean white slate to leave her mark upon. LOL! Look at these rosy red cheeks she came in with.

Arden’s approach to this late-season winter weather is to hibernate through it, though.

And my approach, after doing a bit of housework, is to stitch or read my way through it. I’m reading The Sea by John Banville, an often beautifully written novel, but one that’s full of melancholy. Perhaps not the best choice for someone trying to keep spirits high. My stitching today will hopefully see the completion of the pocket angel, which I plan to stuff with lavender, and then I will either work a bit more on Rowen’s sampler or take Max’s sea dragon out. I really would like to get that done for his birthday.

I hope that whatever you do today, it will bring you joy!

I think a lot of us have known this for a long time, but giving really is better than receiving. Even the scientists are figuring it out:

“Regardless of how much income each person made, those who spent money on others reported greater happiness, while those who spent more on themselves did not.”

come rain or come shine

Yesterday was the weirdest day for weather that I’ve ever experienced. We woke to a thunderstorm, which quickly turned into a hail storm. By the time we came down for breakfast, it was just dark and windy. Eventually the sun came out, and I took the kids to the supermarket – and as we stepped out of the car, it began to snow. It rarely snows here, and never in March. When we came out of the supermarket, the sun was out so full & bright that I wanted to take my coat off.  We got home and had lunch, and it began to snow in earnest – it even stuck to the ground. Incredible. The day just went on like that, from one extreme to another. Hello Spring, hello global climate change.

I didn’t get much stitching done, with four kids trapped inside for the day. I started a little gift and I looked at my biscornu-in-progress. I envisioned Rowen’s birth sampler completed, framed, and hanging with her brothers’ samplers. I thought about how much I want to do the whole Hawk Run series and wondered where, in our tiny house, I would ever hang them all. Maybe borrow the rotating exhibits concept from museums? Send out little flyers announcing that this month our house will be featuring birds or houses or Quaker or …. Maybe I could even charge a nominal admittance fee for future stash.

hippity hopping along

So what are your Easter plans this year? I fully intended to stitch gifts for the kids, and my story is that if Easter were in April, like it usually is, I would’ve succeeded. They tricked me by having it in March this year. LOL. Every year, I try to re-create Easter from my childhood, but every year I feel I’ve fallen short. Maybe you just have to be a kid to be tuned into that wavelength of expectation, joy, and surprise? When I was around 8, we lived waaaayyyyy out in the New Hampshire woods in the White Mountains in the funkiest A-frame house. The trees grew right up to the house, there were only a few dirt roads connecting those families crazy enough to live out there to the rest of the world. I loved it. Anyway, that Easter I discovered rabbit tracks outside and around the house – not so surprising, given that the rabbits probably outnumbered the humans, but it convinced me that there was indeed an Easter bunny. That year, Mom had also outdone herself on our baskets. We didn’t get much in the way of candy of chocolates, but she’d make something (that year it was yarn chicks and they were so cool!) and of course we had new clothes. We didn’t go to church, but for some reason new clothes seem to be associated with Easter.

For my kids, I’ve tried all kinds of different Easter basket themes. My personal favorite was the grow-your-own theme, where I put seeds and little gardening gloves and those tiny seed-starter peat thingies in the baskets. I thought that was a brilliant idea. The kids were less than enthusiastic, though. I’ve also tried artistic themes, where the kids get crafty stuff, but they usually have just gotten a lot of that stuff for their birthdays so it tends to be overkill. This year, I’m going with a *KISS theme (LOL!) and we’ll stick to a community basket filled with various edible yummies and, of course, an egg hunt in the morning. I make something for them every year – this year they’ll find these soft felt bunnies with pompom tails.

I’d love to hear how you celebrate Easter in your home, if it’s a holiday you recognize.

*keep it simple stupid

Whew! Will someone slow this month down? I swear my days are only about 3 hours long….

Arden woke up bright and cheery (after keeping his mom awake during the wee hours) and brightened up even this gray day with his smiles. The sun may not have come out all day, but he sure made it feel like it did.

In between everything else going on, I managed to make two false starts on a britty kitty pattern (grrr!) and had somewhat better luck finishing off this comfort kitty doll. See her little friend on her hip?

And that’s about all I have the chance to write for today. My goodness, what I wouldn’t give for a couple of ‘free’ hours… Thank you for visiting with me here!