tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30423441641328614842024-03-19T06:12:57.102-04:00Needle in HandMusings of an avid cross-stitcherXSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-64924822566861205712021-03-04T20:05:00.001-05:002021-03-04T20:05:24.106-05:00<p> Wow I am surprised this blog was even still here. My needles have been busy since I last blogged with plenty of cross stitching and knitting. But I guess I am just not very consistent as a blogger. </p><p>This has indeed been a strange and stressful year for the world. I remind myself often that no matter what God is still on the throne and I don't have to figure it out or get stressed out about it.</p><p>I find myself turning to my crafting more just trying to catch some calm Do any of you find that your crafting helps balance the crazy that is going on out there?</p><p>This entry is a tad bit all over the place isn't it? That is sorta how life has been the last year or so....I don't spend too much time trying to get it figured out because just as soon as I think I have it figured out someone goes and changes the rules. I am thankful and grateful that there is one thing I KNOW will not change and will always lead me to truth...God's Word. </p><p>So does this mean I am going to be actively posting to this blog again? Maybe yes maybe no...But since I know it is still here I just may pop in from time to time to jot down some of my random thoughts. Who knows I may even post some of my current craft projects.</p>XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-19935009641520030332015-09-25T21:37:00.003-04:002015-09-25T21:37:57.444-04:00All finished and ready to take a cross-stitch break. Time to dust off my knitting needles. Going to send this to a friend.<br />
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<br />XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-64308838579082479142015-09-23T09:53:00.004-04:002015-09-23T09:53:51.398-04:00I have been stitching on the same piece as in my prior post. I am making pretty good progress. There are parts of this pattern that are indeed challenging as there are a fair amount of color changes and it can be hard to determine where I am in the pattern. But here it is this morning....<br />
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<br />XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-16890322371934513642015-09-16T13:58:00.002-04:002015-09-16T13:58:48.954-04:00Here is my latest work in progress. I am stitching this for a friend. It was proving a bit hard until I decided to stitch straight from my computer (got the pattern on my computer) and that way I could enlarge it so that the emblems were easier to see. Now it is moving along a bit better.<br />
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<br />XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-77242967267160967382015-09-16T11:53:00.000-04:002015-09-16T11:54:10.221-04:00Sharing some of my daughter's artwork<br />
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<br />XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-67882978572034392782015-05-23T19:28:00.001-04:002015-05-23T19:28:32.698-04:00My mother has a dear friend that asked if I would be willing to cross-stitch a couple kits for her that she had gotten but can no longer see well enough to stitch them herself. I agreed even though I detest kits, and these were on black and that is another detest thing for me. I will say these kits were absolutely horrible. I opened the first one and the entire pattern was missing. Thankfully I had the same picture in a book by the same company. The second one was there but so tiny I had more trouble reading the pattern than I had stitching on the black cloth. At any rate both pieces are done and are gorgeous. I hope that she likes them.<br />
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<br />XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-76042768122596846772015-05-05T14:00:00.002-04:002015-05-05T14:00:36.541-04:00I am a minimalistFour more boxes of "stuff" to be donated...I think the house is finally at the minimalist place where I am happy with it. I question every purchase now so wasteful things typically do not find their way into my house these days.<br />
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Every inch of my home has been sorted through multiple times over the last several years. I found that sometimes things I thought I needed to keep were not things I wanted a year later so the process took me some time. My wardrobe is now a capsule wardrobe that I am satisfied with. While I know this is a journey with no real finish line, I am now at this time happy with where we are as far as "stuff"<br />
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I am grateful that just over three years ago the Lord started speaking to my heart about simplifying my life. When I first heard of the idea of minimalism something about it touched a chord in me. I even found that it lined up with my Biblical worldview. So I set about learning what it meant and deciding if it is was something I wanted to do but all the time I really felt the Lord nudging me towards it.<br />
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He brought this aspect into my life at the perfect time. I started this journey just right before my life would take an unexpected turn and I would go through something very emotionally hard. I think this minimal focus often gave me the diversion that I needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other during that time. It was as if shedding the clutter was giving me courage to face the things going on in my life.<br />
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I wish I would have taken before pictures when I first got interested in living more minimal. I know the kitchen would have reflected a HUGE change Obviously there is a difference in the way that my house looks now. However, the biggest change was inside me.<br />
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I can clean my house really fast now. I have more free time and with it I have been able to actually enjoy doing some things I love doing. I don't look for lost items anymore...having less means I can stay organized with minimal effort so things I need are where they should be.<br />
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But inside it was changing me. I find my entire attitude is more giving now. I am quicker to give something away to someone that may need it more than I because well it is just a material thing and that drive to hang on to things has been broken. I have more time to spend with Him because I am not busy sorting and cleaning and organizing stuff.<br />
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I no longer try to keep up with the Jones's. It is easier for me to tell if what I am wanting is really a need or a want. Saying no to myself is liberating and freeing in ways I never expected. I don't need more bling to have a sparkle in my eyes. My worth comes not from things but my worth comes from Christ Jesus.<br />
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It is said the value of something is based on what someone would pay for it. Jesus gave His life for me...that makes me worth more than I could ever imagine. The King of Kings laid down His life for me. Material things can't give me any joy when compared to that. I don't need some lavish earthly gift because I have the best gift ever, salvation bought with the Blood of Jesus. Nothing in a box could ever compare with that.<br />
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No longer do I need the latest and greatest gadget. My computer is older and I will keep it as long as it serves my needs. I don't have a smart phone, nor do I want one. I just need one that will do the basic stuff. God knows I waste enough time on the internet on my computer and my kindle, so I don't need it on my phone too. The most surprising benefit is the peace and calm that living with less has given me.<br />
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I know this isn't for everyone and I am sure there are people in my life that think I may be a tad crazy to find it good and wonderful to see how little I can live with. Before someone who doesn't know me gets the idea I have a home with nothing in it...I still have things. I just tend to have less things. I don't do a lot of decor type things in my home. I prefer clean table tops and counters. I have even tried to limit the number of frames and such hanging on the walls. But it is not like I have nothing. I have what I need and what I enjoy.<br />
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Now the focus is on other areas to simplify that aren't material but need some decluttering. I feel the Lord is leading me to make some changes in how I live. Those areas may prove to be more challenging than letting go of material stuff. If I have gotten this many positive things from shedding material clutter I know the next leg of the journey is going to be even more rewarding...although I have a feeling it may take a bit longer. I also suspect it may be a bit more painful to walk out. But I trust Him and I am ready for the pruning to start.<br />
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But as far as the time it will take...that time is going to pass by anyway so I may as well spend it doing something positive. And since my work for the day is done I think I shall go spend some time at the feet of the Father and see where He is going to take my journey now. I have a feeling this leg of it is going to require me to hold even tighter to Him. But that is a good place to be...and one that I long to be more fully. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-53262529872725850172015-03-06T14:21:00.000-05:002015-03-06T14:21:30.789-05:00Current projectThis has been my winter project. Hoping to finish it here real soon The close up of the stitches is actually more true to color than the picture where you can see the entire afghan. It is a simple seed stitched afghan.<br />
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<br />XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-42447231676610483082015-03-04T08:39:00.000-05:002015-03-04T08:39:02.175-05:00Marriage and Key Lime Pie<br />
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When anyone asks my husband, Noel what kind of pie is his favorite he always responds, "hot or cold". The man loves pie and it doesn't really matter which kind of pie it is...but there is one exception to that rule. He does not like Key Lime Pie even just a little bit.<br />
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Saturday our church hosted a dinner for those in leadership and the dessert for the event was a choice of two different kinds of pie. The one was a chocolate cream pie and the other wasn't as easily identifiable. I saw it and reasoned it was some sort of sugar cream, or banana cream or perhaps not even pie at all but cheesecake.<br />
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I went through the line before my husband and chose the chocolate cream pie. Upon returning to my seat the lady next to me commented that the other pie was key lime pie. My initial reaction was, "darn, I wish I would have known that." Did I mention that I really like key lime pie as in it is one of my absolute favorites? But then it hit me Noel was still in line.<br />
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I smiled and said, "no problem. I guarantee Noel will pick up the key lime thinking it is something else and I will trade him my chocolate pie for his key lime."<br />
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Noel returned to the table and as he lowered his dessert to the table I took his plate and said, "you don't want that. It's key lime, but I will trade you my piece of chocolate pie." To the amusement of the others at the table he was happy I had rescued him from the key lime pie.<br />
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How did I know he would grab the key lime pie? After nearly 30 years of marriage I know that while he likes chocolate he would prefer something else in the way of pie. And key lime pie isn't often served places so I knew it would not even be on his radar as he tried to determine what the white cream looking pie was.<br />
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After decades of being together there are very few surprises between us. We know one another better than we know ourselves. When things happen he knows how I am going to react, and the same is true when me. I know how he processes things.<br />
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Some may find it sad that there are few surprises left but not me. I find that intimate knowledge of one another comforting. The reminder of that "knowing" sure made for one delicious piece of key lime pie.XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-80532827681693906142014-12-25T20:10:00.002-05:002014-12-25T20:10:59.763-05:00Isn't it gorgeous!!I have been busy as most this time of year but wanted to pop on and show you a picture of the yarn bowl that my dad made for me. He does such amazing woodworking. I LOVE it!<br />
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<br />XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-51205246881250616362014-11-19T13:35:00.001-05:002014-11-19T13:35:25.152-05:00Well, I seem to be a flunk out when it comes to blogging. I am not sure why as I have been an avid journal keeper for many years. So I am dusting off my blog here and making a new post.<br />
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Winter is arriving early it seems here in Indiana. We have a thin blanket of slow and the winds are bitter cold. For some reason the hush and still of winter inspire the crafter in me. I love curling up with a cup of coffee or hot tea and picking up a set of knitting needles, a crochet hook or my cross-stitch supplies and sitting in front of a window where I can craft while watching the beauty of a winter wonderland.<br />
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This week I finished up some ornaments for the shut-ins at my local church and for the team that I serve with visiting those shut-ins. This can be a lonely time of year for many people. Make a point to go out of your way to let others know that you love and care about them. I hope in some small way these ornaments will put a little warmth in the hearts of those that receive them this cold winter.<br />
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<br />XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-75406084264161844312012-03-20T00:47:00.002-04:002012-03-20T00:47:59.011-04:00Still craftingI haven't finished anything recently because I started a project that is taking me longer than I had anticipated. I am making a shawl and it is going slow. I just can't seem to get into this project but I am too far in to not do it. So I am working on it a bit here and there. <br />
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I am seriously thinking that it might be a smart move to begin a small project to work at the same time so that at least I am doing something that I will finish. It is hard for me to stay focused on craft projects when I go so long since I have had a finish.<br />
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Anyway as soon as I have something to post a picture of I will be sure and do so. Until then I hope everyone is having a blessed early Spring and is taking time every day to do the things they enjoy doing.XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-64935488385691187942011-12-01T14:32:00.001-05:002011-12-01T14:33:49.633-05:00two in one day???? What's up with that?As I was doing housework, trying to blow off steam from the frustration of losing all my pictures, my eyes fell on the most recent cross-stitch that I completed. I had to chuckle at the irony. It was as if God was saying HEY YOU. I got it Lord, took me a few but I got it....<br />
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While I am not going to spend another half hour taking pictures of all my completed projects I had to take a picture of the one I finished this morning that my eyes fell upon as I was cleaning and having my tantrum...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOD-yU4wHcZtm7fRzAQLYj6Kdnz1ZKjlEoqIZtOw6n-hNdJa8EhrdEACZ7_Ht5Kh3j27_9lnEwJduMu5Bo7Jb_llPFIYjSLfDR2KHrFZ40sc5I09Ux8g0w2Eiy6iV4sLW6t0kltXRf2GJ2/s1600/PC010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOD-yU4wHcZtm7fRzAQLYj6Kdnz1ZKjlEoqIZtOw6n-hNdJa8EhrdEACZ7_Ht5Kh3j27_9lnEwJduMu5Bo7Jb_llPFIYjSLfDR2KHrFZ40sc5I09Ux8g0w2Eiy6iV4sLW6t0kltXRf2GJ2/s320/PC010001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Simple yet profound words...Give thanks...sure I lost some pictures but I will never lose the memories of the events photographed. So for that I will give thanks. I spent a half hour taking pictures of things I had made for Christmas presents and that time was wasted when I lost those pictures...but I am looking forward to the times of celebration and being with loved ones when those gifts will be given and for that I can give thanks. <br />
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I lost some pictures and was letting it foul my mood when there are people going through real losses this season. I have a roof over my head, food in the kitchen, a supportive and wonderful husband, amazing children who make me very proud to be their mom, a church family that strenghtens and grows me in my faith. I have a lot to be thankful for and to let a small bump in the road cloud my day would be a vast waste of my time. <br />
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Thank you, Lord for the reminder that if we stop and look there are always things for which to give thanks. The sun is shining and once again the Son shinned on my life and brought a much needed correction.<em> </em>I will choose this day to give thanks and not whine about things that really are not as big as I was letting them be.XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-15962130666223575262011-12-01T13:38:00.000-05:002011-12-01T13:38:33.883-05:00A frenzy of Christmas gifts flying off my needlesI prefer the simplicity of things and ordinarily I do not like a lot of decor type stuff setting around the house. This year with our oldest moving back in and construction on a soundroom for music and recording, I had decided to tone down the Christmas decor. Well that didn't happen...because there is one time of year I don't keep it simple. And we are now in that time. My daughter and I got the house ready for the holidays this week and yep I decided to put up all four trees after all (One large one and three smaller theme trees). <br />
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I have been finishing up gift items and my needles of all types have been busy.I took pictures to share but...I made a grave error when putting them in folders on my computer and actually only saved the shortcuts...and unfortunately before I discovered my error I deleted all the files from my computer. I am too lazy and bummed to retake all the pictures....Unfortunately I lost some that I really wanted to save of some singing gigs of my kids and a birthday party. I am seriously hating technology right now. Okay I realize it was my fault and not technology but I am still ticked.<br />
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Most of these items have been finished here in the last several months. I have now completed all of the handmade gifts I am giving this year. What has been on your needle heading up to the holiday season?XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-65271962738515622592011-11-16T23:02:00.000-05:002011-11-16T23:03:56.262-05:00Tug of WarI have had a tug of war of sorts between journaling and doing other things that I usually do on paper and doing them via the computer instead. It has been amusing as I have even in the course of a day gone back and forth between the two modes of recording my thoughts and other writings.<br /><br />On the one hand is pen and paper…granted a slower form of getting my thoughts down but one of comfort that I have turned to many many times in the past because…well for many years that was the only option for recording my thoughts. I was in high school when home computers started showing up but they were very limited and expensive. So for many years my mode of writing was pen and paper.<br /><br />Then the computer age engulfed and more things were possible on a computer. And while I have adapted to some things giving up the pen and paper has proved a challenge for me at times. This year it has reached new heights because also I have been focusing on simplifying and minimalizing my life. That makes this mode of writing and record keeping, make much more sense than a pen and paper. Even knowing that fact I have had a time convincing myself to get with technology.<br /><br />I can see the benefits. 1. I can record things much faster typing. 2. It is neater and I can actually read it. 3. It is easier to store and doesn’t end up filling up a landfill. 4. It is easier to keep organized so it makes it easier for me to find things when I need them later.<br /><br />And as far as cons there truly aren’t any that I can think of except that for some strange reason there are times I want to write with a pen on paper. Perhaps it is just waves of nostalgia that will pass the more I resist?<br /><br />I read recently that a school district is currently trying to find out what they need to do to make their internet ready for the students to be doing things online. They are letting the kids bring their i-phones and i-pads and the like with them so they could see if their internet connection needed upgrading because they are preparing for the future when all homework will be done via computer or i-pads.<br /><br />The publishers of school books have said they will no longer be making printed books in several years or so. That means that schools are going to have to get with the technology that is out there. I can see the advantages of going to e-books. The kids won’t be carrying around heavy textbooks. Hopefully this will also mean the cost for textbooks will be decreased although I am sure the publishers will try fighting this if at all possible. They will be able to be quickly updated so that the things the kids are learning are up to date. They will be doing their homework on there as well so that cuts out the need for a mountain of paper and pencils and pens and the like.<br /><br />There are many school districts that no longer teach cursive writing, choosing instead to focus on teaching the kids keyboard skills. I am torn how I feel about this. I see the reasoning behind it as cursive writing really isn’t a reality that kids are going to need. However, how will they sign a legal signature? And the basic form of communication for many years will be dead to them and thus dead to future generations.<br /><br />It sort of saddens me that my grandkids will never know the excitement of opening a new package of unsharpened pencils and smelling the wood. They won’t go shopping for notebooks and folders and the like. Their shopping will be only for an computer device that will allow them to store the data they need stored.<br /><br />What’s next on the chopping block? Crayons? I mean there are already programs that allow for making pictures on the computer. What will we lose as we march toward the new technology? Will we lose some creativity? Likely it will just be funneled into the new technological ways. That may bring more creative thoughts and processes than we now currently have so it may not be a bad thing.<br /><br />Book readers and the i-pads have started pulling many away from buying physical books. There is nothing like holding a new book in your hands and reading the contents. It can only be beat by opening a well-worn book and reading it over and over again. My grandchildren will likely do all of their reading on a screen of some sort. I guess as long as they are reading the stories will be the same as print.<br /><br />Perhaps I am just trying too hard to hold on to things when change is inevitable. I am learning to embrace some of the technology. I do enjoy the computer and am beginning to do more and more on here all the time. I pay most of my bills online. I do online banking. I rarely write a snail mail letter or send a card. And hush, don’t tell the kids, but I think an I-pad would be fun to have.<br /><br />But still I can’t quiet that nagging feeling that in our changes we are going to lose something. I am sure every generation has felt that way as they see the things they are familiar with being replaced. Perhaps there is a bigger fear there that the things we know will be replaced and we will not be needed anymore. Whatever the case I fully admit that the tug-o-war between pen and paper and my computer isn’t likely to be one that has a clean date when it is over but that slowly and quietly my pen and paper will be placed aside in order for technology to move forward.XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-91013305902778672342011-10-03T21:36:00.001-04:002011-10-03T21:37:26.938-04:00I am a crafting machine....I just don't blog much. LOL I am currently working on some gifts for some special people for the holidays. I sure hope I get them all done on time.XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-80237900233702733882011-06-14T15:37:00.005-04:002011-06-14T15:58:11.109-04:00I am a better crafter than I am a blogger!<div><br /><br /><div>I am not a good blogger but I have been crafting. Right now I am working on the second sock in my first pair of socks. I am a bit bummed though because despite the yarn being the same dye lot there is a very noticeable difference in the shades of the two skeins. Unfortunately I didn't notice when I purchased it several months ago and so now my socks are not going to be an exact shade match. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I finished up some Easter crafts prior to Easter so sharing a pic of those.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMtTIK1emB4gFUSfDwZtEd1SWtHfVUGhZ3kPzbu2_3Y7aR9hhIabVrTXCpld4Q2rU8qqjpaMJLewz9F0Wfmc1dGBxHIccgoaSvzQ3E2TOni1cxYvcnUR8-ju1yP0x_O-jAsZFrgRKH0At/s1600/P4230022.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618166195673454642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMtTIK1emB4gFUSfDwZtEd1SWtHfVUGhZ3kPzbu2_3Y7aR9hhIabVrTXCpld4Q2rU8qqjpaMJLewz9F0Wfmc1dGBxHIccgoaSvzQ3E2TOni1cxYvcnUR8-ju1yP0x_O-jAsZFrgRKH0At/s320/P4230022.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrKIy-BoPSaUWfAMrtY9uG6I3l-3aU8zsmAleIWDgVkvYsLJw-ewWZdNgwDIyMXzqtfxFooFWBiyzUJjL22aCPX7dN4NdrlxJ3G1hOdnyw-lN2wUiVUuZZAFhR9x-p2GBs9trxsvVwQgQ/s1600/P4230023.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618166205567404402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrKIy-BoPSaUWfAMrtY9uG6I3l-3aU8zsmAleIWDgVkvYsLJw-ewWZdNgwDIyMXzqtfxFooFWBiyzUJjL22aCPX7dN4NdrlxJ3G1hOdnyw-lN2wUiVUuZZAFhR9x-p2GBs9trxsvVwQgQ/s320/P4230023.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Also we remodeled our bedoroom and I am sharing a picture of that.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67rYHAcXXkzo0vdHCtz0oFNWrSKJxloNHOzgWYxNaWRR4yK5LF6cimMoSgGp5waluOW24CLozYT7J83Z4aZcFsNIspTgX2HtjIB5dpNYt-6U88NzxIOGA2geIULY3FS6ksWjodUvXKpAg/s1600/P6140051.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618166215956474946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67rYHAcXXkzo0vdHCtz0oFNWrSKJxloNHOzgWYxNaWRR4yK5LF6cimMoSgGp5waluOW24CLozYT7J83Z4aZcFsNIspTgX2HtjIB5dpNYt-6U88NzxIOGA2geIULY3FS6ksWjodUvXKpAg/s320/P6140051.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Summer is a busy time around here so not sure how much I will be blogging but you can bet I will be soaking up the sunshine with a needle in hand.</div></div>XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-60048446369571791602010-12-13T23:47:00.003-05:002010-12-13T23:58:00.497-05:00Winter WonderlandAll of the Christmas preparation is completed except for baking some cookies and making some fudge. My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">darlin</span>' daughter will be helping me with that this Thursday and Friday. So I have actually found myself with more time for crafting than I typically have. <div><div><br />It is bitter cold out there this week. We are to see temps down to zero tonight. Over the weekend we received a blanket of snow. It's definitely starting to look like Christmas out there. So staying inside and crafting while enjoying some coffee or hot cocoa is a wonderful way to spend a cold evening.</div><br /><div>I have a couple more finishes to share. They were both freebies that I picked up somewhere. They were both fun projects. Tonight I started on a new project. I am stitching some of the designs from an old Prairie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schooler</span> book called A Prairie Christmas. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXWTXgqAvvsWCs-X_LG6l_G_te4OxbLzI1TAUMpQM0H8cLdD2_wValH5-QW_3y_7PzB0cOoW1WZaO7d_eCtDuYNtALuftWcpqtIhcH1R4CQlZqfrdsVYvOZI4Ul1RhbedUPf_w6iYya-n/s1600/PC130002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550396981933314818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXWTXgqAvvsWCs-X_LG6l_G_te4OxbLzI1TAUMpQM0H8cLdD2_wValH5-QW_3y_7PzB0cOoW1WZaO7d_eCtDuYNtALuftWcpqtIhcH1R4CQlZqfrdsVYvOZI4Ul1RhbedUPf_w6iYya-n/s320/PC130002.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxy4RekXDzC3h_kSGIuvgGLtXHcXygkAwqpMDFNxO1gxMtv9ivbOfMRjr9BIYEo0lOs74WRzgHs9j8zZQwQ8VLo2PISaIwxH5Uc3yiwoezKWVvBa5vC8w2cT7N49FNr5mpltT5D_27LuP/s1600/PC080001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550396983557480626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxy4RekXDzC3h_kSGIuvgGLtXHcXygkAwqpMDFNxO1gxMtv9ivbOfMRjr9BIYEo0lOs74WRzgHs9j8zZQwQ8VLo2PISaIwxH5Uc3yiwoezKWVvBa5vC8w2cT7N49FNr5mpltT5D_27LuP/s320/PC080001.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Hope your holidays are filled with love, family and blessings.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-58292307668186626282010-12-05T19:45:00.005-05:002010-12-05T20:21:05.252-05:00Christmas season is here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_xd-JrnbP9ZcfhFJAVwLeH8b2PsrxKnFS5fXm4gDtBcwhB93yl2nJXgfkmeY8siv7IPTbmpDOlEIsXz4B4OoKEH0r03ckvXQu3K3LiGMdUG9PRRxtE79Z9Dk6IBYJmpIt5yPr3gar-xe/s1600/P9090017.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547367004078979890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_xd-JrnbP9ZcfhFJAVwLeH8b2PsrxKnFS5fXm4gDtBcwhB93yl2nJXgfkmeY8siv7IPTbmpDOlEIsXz4B4OoKEH0r03ckvXQu3K3LiGMdUG9PRRxtE79Z9Dk6IBYJmpIt5yPr3gar-xe/s320/P9090017.JPG" /></a> I've not been updating my blog but I have been crafting. So I decided to finally take a few minutes here to post some pics. This first picture is a knitted scarf and hat set that I have made to give as a Christmas present. I hope it keeps the receiver warm in the wintery weather.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kYPZQuM0qb8yjnKlGAtPXI8P2YX1FrNcL_FpjknNqIVsfg8BLRziCLQ17doh_XuBgAnNOx4zs0zS_daitjOM8zKIMvw_tXNr6Hun3qSfQ6fuGuYSGDCLnV2XRUqqXYdigo4Z3GB6h59v/s1600/PB230001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547367002911240210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kYPZQuM0qb8yjnKlGAtPXI8P2YX1FrNcL_FpjknNqIVsfg8BLRziCLQ17doh_XuBgAnNOx4zs0zS_daitjOM8zKIMvw_tXNr6Hun3qSfQ6fuGuYSGDCLnV2XRUqqXYdigo4Z3GB6h59v/s320/PB230001.JPG" /></a> This afghan (Crochet) was made for my hubby. I realized not too long ago that I have made a lot of warm afghans for others but haven't made him one. So it is wrapped and under the tree for Christmas morning. So shhhh don't tell him. I don't have to worry about him seeing it here as he isn't one for being online much and I don't think he even knows I have a blog LOL<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjRFObOPhZmeSyFZgdPUXVHF9XY2MZRol5qePAeWZrNnW_GoQ1CAFwF3tn5vdOJGMVwdOE0u9TyPJlDfF4hCm43AoONAL44cceYw9GIgt7S5AHiRVoz1qttyUiXJbPngrpEvZNUOeE49Z/s1600/PC010005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547366990978749154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjRFObOPhZmeSyFZgdPUXVHF9XY2MZRol5qePAeWZrNnW_GoQ1CAFwF3tn5vdOJGMVwdOE0u9TyPJlDfF4hCm43AoONAL44cceYw9GIgt7S5AHiRVoz1qttyUiXJbPngrpEvZNUOeE49Z/s320/PC010005.JPG" /></a> These are some cross-stitched cards that I made for spreading Christmas cheer. I love doing simple projects like this.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqC-Bkxs7jkxhLbTYvZ94LCTcZdCFNCDvnagdvkcs_uT1fTsUahcR9ED6v_DrqA-rvzIAqggXkN5iQhC4AhgVFH9HbK53JmH5ITQo6HTwAMMLxsQ-2JZXvc9SLf0R6TdFQsgPfnHuZnYE/s1600/PB230002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547366983028224594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqC-Bkxs7jkxhLbTYvZ94LCTcZdCFNCDvnagdvkcs_uT1fTsUahcR9ED6v_DrqA-rvzIAqggXkN5iQhC4AhgVFH9HbK53JmH5ITQo6HTwAMMLxsQ-2JZXvc9SLf0R6TdFQsgPfnHuZnYE/s320/PB230002.JPG" /></a> Winter has started to arrive in Indiana. This weekend we got some snow. It is starting to feel like Christmas out there. Yesterday I enjoyed the open house at Warm Glow Candle Outlet in Centerville, Indiana. My son, Levi sang for the open house as he has for several years now. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and get a little extra Christmas shopping done. My shopping has been finished for awhile, except for a few little things I am picking up as I am out and about. </div><div></div><div>It has been good weather for sipping hot chocolate, reading and crafting in a comfy chair. There was a point in my life I used to dread winter but last year I made up my mind to try to see the beauty of the season and surprisingly I found myself appreciating the natural slow down that the winter brings. There is a certain hush and peace on a cold winter morning you find at no other time of the year. This year I am even looking forward to winter.</div><div></div><div>Pastor Berry has been speaking about the celebration of Christmas. I've enjoyed the sermons and it has really helped me to take pause this year and remember the heart of why we celebrate. If you strip away all the lights, the glitter, the gifts and the busy schedules you are left with a babe. Not just any babe but one that came into this world and changed EVERYTHING. May your Christmas be full of the realizaton of what Christ has done for you.<br /></div></div>XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-36406063636437288142010-08-20T12:16:00.003-04:002010-08-20T12:20:12.348-04:00A cold weather finish<div>We had a few days break from the heat and humidity but we are once again back dealing with it. As a result I have been inside more. Ironically my latest craft project finish is a cold weather item. This is a Christmas present for someone. Worked up fast...and now am on to another project.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zSw1kyZNL6ISsMlqry4EWDNrVcTEu_NH9xdt2ZXBQvWJuvFsWbzpVSjVN5JCi6Ov9ikpqTMEsTs50ZvmCTLy-7-H_XFbpHvF__JGtqQa4NGWKt7oQ1s38J_xzSBHmCraQB7qhRIR9eNO/s1600/P8170001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507527373179332258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zSw1kyZNL6ISsMlqry4EWDNrVcTEu_NH9xdt2ZXBQvWJuvFsWbzpVSjVN5JCi6Ov9ikpqTMEsTs50ZvmCTLy-7-H_XFbpHvF__JGtqQa4NGWKt7oQ1s38J_xzSBHmCraQB7qhRIR9eNO/s320/P8170001.JPG" /></a></div>XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-88215009295903846432010-08-06T11:30:00.003-04:002010-08-06T11:40:58.859-04:00Good weather for staying inside<div>Indiana, like many areas, is experiencing a lot of hot humid weather. Good weather for staying inside where it is cool and stitching. I was cross-stitching and enjoying the company of my family Wednesday night when a storm blew in knocking out our electricity. I'm not one for stitching by candlelight so spent the rest of the evening just talking. We were without power until 3;30am. It was only six hours but it sure makes one realize how dependent we are on electricity.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are on well water so no electricity also means no water. The air was humid so the house got a bit uncomfortable. I was sure glad when things came back on again. Nothing like doing without something awhile to make one grateful. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Both patterns are from the leaflet Country Cupboard Trademarks from Grandmother's Kitchen. I did adapt the boy though as the towel simply wasn't large enough for me to put his entire body. I have made both to give to someone for their birthday. I hope they like them.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm70KtubeGE_B0CEZCdau44yMwmNzfWeg42Z4AH0UMJns5HiUMoX9DfEae7SlgoibkQ9PTaeJf7gmfCih2LEP6SbZFdCkUZ4fFIUWZbA_2PNdmVGx78D14DeGmEju-KQbeIYamG2lqzYb8/s1600/P8060002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502321926938735954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm70KtubeGE_B0CEZCdau44yMwmNzfWeg42Z4AH0UMJns5HiUMoX9DfEae7SlgoibkQ9PTaeJf7gmfCih2LEP6SbZFdCkUZ4fFIUWZbA_2PNdmVGx78D14DeGmEju-KQbeIYamG2lqzYb8/s320/P8060002.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-80218393768380114952010-07-09T16:51:00.004-04:002010-07-09T17:08:54.439-04:00Crafting with my darlin' daughterIt has been hot and humid here in Indiana. A bit too hot to enjoy the outdoors so my daughter and I have been finding indoor things to do while we chat. Wednesday we painted. Please make note that I am not posting a picture of my painting....made a rediscovery...I still can't paint. My daughter has the talent there. One of these days I will have to post some pics of her work.<br /><br />Yesterday she started a knitting project but took a break to do a very small cross-stitch. She isn't fond of cross-stitching so even the small one was a surprise. Here is her lil bird project.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoYeKlh-gBSAh-UoCzpIIV73d6QD8AlLKwNkHJqtRBp3JrUBpUMvqqIRecdC75-pdymvtWvAwEl-HOrq65opAYE3UoEhi8aQqQtsjWS-nDoEIg7cjBCaOTKd4T6DE1O0V-s8gbyb8lc9r/s1600/P7090004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492012501858574146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoYeKlh-gBSAh-UoCzpIIV73d6QD8AlLKwNkHJqtRBp3JrUBpUMvqqIRecdC75-pdymvtWvAwEl-HOrq65opAYE3UoEhi8aQqQtsjWS-nDoEIg7cjBCaOTKd4T6DE1O0V-s8gbyb8lc9r/s320/P7090004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><p>I finished a piece this morning. It is from the October 2009 issue of The Cross Stitcher magazine. It is called Tea with a Welcome Guest. This is a reproduction piece by Margaret Kohl. I stitched it on a piece of Silkweavers hand dyed 28 count Lugana called Rock Quarry. I used DMC 3750 for all stitches. It went together pretty fast. Now I have to decide what I am going to stitch next.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFjaaaXc_vMO2_Zi46Kj5S0tIspkEha39ZBH9Rv9tO9jJsFYTuNokEXQDEh18Q3SD3AljjlfFMq4CkQQ1izRpyFfMagalLXwI-riP1i4GyAixvrr8haiDUKezWwy2nkufUzPZ2siLB6tK/s1600/P7090001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492013751927978002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFjaaaXc_vMO2_Zi46Kj5S0tIspkEha39ZBH9Rv9tO9jJsFYTuNokEXQDEh18Q3SD3AljjlfFMq4CkQQ1izRpyFfMagalLXwI-riP1i4GyAixvrr8haiDUKezWwy2nkufUzPZ2siLB6tK/s320/P7090001.JPG" /></a></p>Recently I picked up a new devotional book entitled The Simple Life and a few days ago Matthew 5:16 was the focus of the devotional. At the end it had a food for thought quote I thought was worth sharing. "Lamps do not talk; they shine." I think that would make a good quote to put on a sampler. What do you think?XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-32507413441424167992010-05-07T23:53:00.004-04:002010-05-08T00:10:24.579-04:00It's been awhileI've been crafting but seem to forget to update my blog. For those of you with blogs, share your secrets to keeping it up with me.<br /><br /><br />This first finish is a freebie pattern from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DMC</span> that I made for my daughter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZBOGDB_T3kjtVfqgt0OLEFSoixEWH4defQv6HjKGfvYYigEr1YTZb8i7pf7eA5WwDBrMpPAa210xDBgwjtbUlQaTaKVZIP0PiYIZSnyuDLHE3-0z9kjQbUYNGZqeJFiaohZbCdP9tzHW/s1600/P5070027.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468742959381523906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZBOGDB_T3kjtVfqgt0OLEFSoixEWH4defQv6HjKGfvYYigEr1YTZb8i7pf7eA5WwDBrMpPAa210xDBgwjtbUlQaTaKVZIP0PiYIZSnyuDLHE3-0z9kjQbUYNGZqeJFiaohZbCdP9tzHW/s320/P5070027.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />This was a quick stitch that is also a freebie that I found online from a UK magazine. It is a different way to give a gift of $$. I made this for my niece for her upcoming wedding shower.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdiVySaIrTANpSMcwbrDNOibGdrTpX627U9-AOf2Kyl7rMtXlynIalZn-xEFNUOG355st03omAtEb3OoaNEf7FNvR9R7HrYHIuuE3ZpyywBXLZ-CLpM79S5pvV-8-4rajmdaq4f0lsb1L/s1600/P5070025.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468742798096412674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdiVySaIrTANpSMcwbrDNOibGdrTpX627U9-AOf2Kyl7rMtXlynIalZn-xEFNUOG355st03omAtEb3OoaNEf7FNvR9R7HrYHIuuE3ZpyywBXLZ-CLpM79S5pvV-8-4rajmdaq4f0lsb1L/s320/P5070025.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />I am also about a quarter of the way done with a baby blanket. The pattern is from the Blossom street book by Debbie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Macomber</span>. I have used this pattern before. Nice and simple but very pretty. I also have a cross-stitch in progress. It is a reproduction of an old sampler done in one color. I'<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ve</span> also finished several beanies and a blanket for Covered with Love.<br /><br />Sometimes I think I need to go back to working on one project at a time or just a couple at a time. I overwhelm myself when I get to many things going at one time. Anyone else have that issue?<br /><br /><br />Let's talk UFO projects....I started Starry Night several years ago. I went at it pretty good for awhile but it is such a big project that I lost interest and put it down and haven't taken a stitch in quite some time. When you meet with a project like that do you 1) Sit it aside until it grabs your interest again because you can't NOT finish or 2) Get rid of it...Life is too short to torture yourself stitching something you don't have the interest to do anymore.XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-52798651984089766042010-03-03T10:38:00.002-05:002010-03-03T10:52:24.546-05:00I love working with yarn!I spent yesterday finishing up a shawl that I have been working on for awhile. I discovered something...I am not fond of using large knitting needles. The entire time I was working on it I felt like I was trying to color with those really big crayons that you use in preschool. But rarely do I start a project and not finish it so I marched on despite the feel of the fat needles in my hands. The results turned out pretty good for my first shawl attempt. I simply made a triangle shape by increasing one at the beginning and end of each row. The entire project took less than two skeins of yarn. While I like the lacy open look of using the bigger needles I am thinking the next time I will use something a bit smaller.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEAyFdad0US5HNrbZ0p6MtqjwOBYqtD2nMojED28xkPcBURBNs2gkuEZQInYmjcA3mL912oSrPzQNWb0K5LlvYKepu2s3RfkVuR5HESEMCVCexxa8dQQrVwdWukgJNqrpwyiN5v98cWYL/s1600-h/P3020002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444433518091821698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEAyFdad0US5HNrbZ0p6MtqjwOBYqtD2nMojED28xkPcBURBNs2gkuEZQInYmjcA3mL912oSrPzQNWb0K5LlvYKepu2s3RfkVuR5HESEMCVCexxa8dQQrVwdWukgJNqrpwyiN5v98cWYL/s320/P3020002.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYlz_-b2BDmV0Ci9hC1CVm-TRAlONOZDsOZKy8wTOKMmUth6TMNtHU1HGpcuoOK59SrVEngE7o-V10FF4ic2P56D4JNngyBbtMUuOOfW15bvhJoplNk2vguUJyW-qzkbNiSaPOcdiJVSp/s1600-h/P3020001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444433508100511058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYlz_-b2BDmV0Ci9hC1CVm-TRAlONOZDsOZKy8wTOKMmUth6TMNtHU1HGpcuoOK59SrVEngE7o-V10FF4ic2P56D4JNngyBbtMUuOOfW15bvhJoplNk2vguUJyW-qzkbNiSaPOcdiJVSp/s320/P3020001.JPG" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>The next project I started and finished withing 24 hours. I guess cupcakes are just addictive even if these were not for munching. This was a free pattern a friend showed me on the web. The first picture I put them in a cupcake tin as I think this would be an adorable way to present them. The second picture I took them out so you could see more of the detail.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9igjK-00IpQuYvHZS-wNJVkqF1CMTvtgH4IZK2i3O4H4oTdi6myoUyE6xEcp84Op4ZbYmkcrq9v91riQgqe0BLbBlIr7EaGyMNA6bs09BLv-XqLsCXrdXiFGoo6_4m6HCrNuMd1Gzrde9/s1600-h/P3020003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444433502443832898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9igjK-00IpQuYvHZS-wNJVkqF1CMTvtgH4IZK2i3O4H4oTdi6myoUyE6xEcp84Op4ZbYmkcrq9v91riQgqe0BLbBlIr7EaGyMNA6bs09BLv-XqLsCXrdXiFGoo6_4m6HCrNuMd1Gzrde9/s320/P3020003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JwjdDLguYQwMVL9_NSmYAPk2WE2ODoPzwOBtbn7iUJVDv9GjJEooNxqq_ylStRhd6_lFtWGZAG1_Mqr3O_9ZFEl1qUmcJj0QCM1ZMMYZA0dnl2d42ebxNMAPagjPZuHmBrynNB4SoyHQ/s1600-h/P3020004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444433486638123922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JwjdDLguYQwMVL9_NSmYAPk2WE2ODoPzwOBtbn7iUJVDv9GjJEooNxqq_ylStRhd6_lFtWGZAG1_Mqr3O_9ZFEl1qUmcJj0QCM1ZMMYZA0dnl2d42ebxNMAPagjPZuHmBrynNB4SoyHQ/s320/P3020004.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div>We are finally seeing the sun today here in Indiana. It is going to be 50 degrees this weekend, which is a welcome change. The winter has felt rather long to this Hoosier. I am ready to see the sunshine and be able to get outside. There is no light better for stitching than the sun. </div><div> </div><div>Today I think I am going to work on a beanie for Covered With Love. I still have a cross-stitch project going that I might spend some time on as well. If you stop by my blog, leave me a comment and let me know what you crafting!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042344164132861484.post-10527435206334023212010-02-16T17:58:00.005-05:002010-02-16T18:07:57.247-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZf2np8fFALDffQzfitlMKpJAvAUtn1dMu7UxUH8SLZaCeqlRv9jsMaB8vqlHKhXeXCtP4YFqmiARKKvYUqEkk-rG01QnVURvdTCYJmFsOYxiI1EPaDV1_inxvvqgR5GdT1-8l-Dhm4Ig/s1600-h/P2160004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438981412926230994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZf2np8fFALDffQzfitlMKpJAvAUtn1dMu7UxUH8SLZaCeqlRv9jsMaB8vqlHKhXeXCtP4YFqmiARKKvYUqEkk-rG01QnVURvdTCYJmFsOYxiI1EPaDV1_inxvvqgR5GdT1-8l-Dhm4Ig/s320/P2160004.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhj20Irpb4R1RsFQF2Hr4EUo1QWClGWW2W8Kp-KVvvoxcqKSKn7jMe_-Wwd_HYW5XLCYVJsXfEyaUP1dDnuMt5zFgup59k5gS_uqqjXNbnFROqSCYqFfvfGhA2QRfGpTMN4jnB4fuAM6t/s1600-h/P2160003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438981244667744306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhj20Irpb4R1RsFQF2Hr4EUo1QWClGWW2W8Kp-KVvvoxcqKSKn7jMe_-Wwd_HYW5XLCYVJsXfEyaUP1dDnuMt5zFgup59k5gS_uqqjXNbnFROqSCYqFfvfGhA2QRfGpTMN4jnB4fuAM6t/s320/P2160003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Something about snowy days puts me in the mood to craft...perhaps because it is because I prefer observing snow from inside the warmth of my house. I am admittedly not a winter person but have really been trying this year to appreciate the beauty of winter.</div><br /><div>As I type we have just had another snow move through and apparently there is more to follow tonight. It has been a very snowy February for the Hoosier State. It has given to some beautiful landscapes. Several morning we woke up to fog freeze glazing the trees like diamonds. Very pretty. But enough is enough...I am so ready for some sun and warmer weather.</div><br /><div>As you can see my recent finishes are fall themed. Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors and the quietness of an autumn day. The Thanksgiving Sampler is a design by Frony Ritter from The Cross Stitcher magazine October 2009<br /><br />I have put my first stitches on a new project. It is a freebie from DMC. I will be back when it is finished. In the meantime I hope you are surrounded by blessings and have been enjoying the beauty of the winter.</div></div>XSLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10045460691609371638noreply@blogger.com3