Good-bye's and Hello's......

After a two-week stay with us, my parents flew back home this afternoon.   My kids weren't too happy to see them go, and neither was I!!   We had a wonderful time while they were here, with way too much spoiling going on!!   It was a sad good-bye but we're so thankful to get to see them!


Now for the hello's......HELLO to all my new followers!  I'm up to THIRTY already!!  I just about fell off my chair today when I saw that!!

Thirty total followers means that 15 joined after my contest announcement, so I'm adding 1 more item to the prize stash!   I haven't had a chance to snap any shots, so I'll load a picture of the new item ASAP.

If you haven't already entered, take a moment to enter my first giveaway here.  I'm purposely running it for more than a few weeks, so the goodies can increase!  (contest ends 12/03/2011)


I was able to get some stitching time in during my family's visit, so here's an update on what my Angel of Hope piece is looking like:

Progress as of 11/05/2011

I also started a bit on my two Heaven and Earth Designs pieces.  My progress on Cathedral is going slower than I'd like, but the piece is so big its difficult not to get frustrated. 

I've finally found all my floss for Coral and finished the gridding the other night.  Hoping to kick that one off this week!

Here's how Coral is looking so far:

My first official HAED!  :)

I'm hoping to finish both Angel of Hope and Coral in time for Christmas, to give them as gifts.  Wish me luck!!

Now to get caught up on everyone's blogs from the last two weeks!!



-lesli

My First Giveaway! (wooo!)

I've put together a few items for my first blog give-away!  
Just a little "thank-you" for those of you that are following and posting inspiring messages....and hopefully some incentive for others to join!


The breakdown.....
1- Contest will end at midnight EST on December 3rd
2- Enter by becoming a follower and posting on this thread
3- Enter by posting on this thread (if you're already a follower)
4- Post about this contest on your blog and let me know by posting a message
5- For every 10 new followers I get before the contest ending, I'll add a new item to the prize-loot!


Here's what I'm giving away so far......

Lavender and Lace pattern of "Angelica"

One of my favorite thread organizers

Wichelt-Permin Aida in Stoney Point

I'm hoping to be able to add more items....I have them chosen out already!!  :)




Edit:  Additional prize items


Added 11/14/2011 - 25 followers

Anchor #8 Perle Cotton floss in Nutmeg and Spice colors

Added 11/19/2011 - 35 followers

Lizzie Kate Flip-it: Caring

Cute little charm :)

Added 11/22/2011 - 45 and 55 followers

Weeks Dye Works hand over dyed floss in Peach and Lagoon

Betty Friess Baumer chart - Williamsburg Garden Dance

Added 11/25/2011 - 65 and 75 followers


Cute holiday card, in time for the holiday!



3 skeins DMC cotton floss- winners choice of colors!

Added 11/30/2011 - 85 followers

Lovely Santa chart from Stoney Creek

Because I hit 50 followers already - I'll have an additional drawing for a second name.  The first item for that drawing is:

Lavender & Lace, Fairy Dreams by Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum

Added 11/25/2011 - 65 and 75 followers

22 count fabric in rust - 12"x12"

Celestial Chart by Janlynn

Added 11/30/2011 - 85 followers

DMC Cotton Perle floss - colors 3041 and 762 (a med purple and a silvery color)

Below is the list of names I'll be using (I'll add names as more join the giveaway).  I've included your blog address so others can visit you too!  For those of you who also shared my giveaway on your site, you'll see your name twice.  If I've missed anyone, please let me know!

1 Kaisievic at http://kittenstitching.blogspot.com/
2 Chaotic Crafter at http://crochetstashroom.blogspot.com/
3 Chaotic Crafter at http://crochetstashroom.blogspot.com/
4 AmyJo at http://miniquilts.blogspot.com/
5 AmyJo at http://miniquilts.blogspot.com/
6 Kate at http://momuboocreaisland.blogspot.com/
7 Kate at http://momuboocreaisland.blogspot.com/
8 Cucki at http://cuckistitchingcove.blogspot.com/
9 Nancy at http://alilbitofstitching.blogspot.com/
10 Nancy at http://alilbitofstitching.blogspot.com/
11 Becka at http://stitchylion.blogspot.com/
12 Terri at http://rosystitches.blogspot.com/
13 Linda at http://bengalcatlover10.blogspot.com/
14 Blu Stitcher at http://blustitcher.blogspot.com/
15 Blu Stitcher at http://blustitcher.blogspot.com/
16 Jennifer Gail at http://hoodiesandflipflops.blogspot.com/
17 Jennifer Gail at http://hoodiesandflipflops.blogspot.com/
18 Kimberly R.
19 Mangogirl at http://mangogirl-naughtscrossstitches.blogspot.com/
20 P.G.
21 Vroomans' Quilts at http://vroomansquilts.blogspot.com/
22 Mel
23 Lesleyanne at http://lesleyanneslifeinstitches.blogspot.com/
24 Lesleyanne at http://lesleyanneslifeinstitches.blogspot.com/
25 Wagapapa at  http://wagapapacreations.blogspot.com/
26 Wagapapa at  http://wagapapacreations.blogspot.com/
27 Vicky L at http://nswvml.blogspot.com/
28 Vicky L at http://nswvml.blogspot.com/
29 Kate W at http://theflyingneedle.blogspot.com/
30 Kate W at http://theflyingneedle.blogspot.com/
31 Meari at http://meari.blogspot.com/
32 Meari at http://meari.blogspot.com/
33 Cleejoow at http://cleejoow.blogspot.com/
34 Cleejoow at http://cleejoow.blogspot.com/
35 Shanda at http://stitchcrazy1.blogspot.com/
36 Shanda at http://stitchcrazy1.blogspot.com/
37 Patty C.
38 Alicia at http://dorkyyorkiesstitchingmama.blogspot.com/
39 Alicia at http://dorkyyorkiesstitchingmama.blogspot.com/
40 Sunshine at http://sunshinestitches.multiply.com/notes/item/22
41 Sunshine at http://sunshinestitches.multiply.com/notes/item/22
42 Cindy at http://homeofaflossjunkie.blogspot.com/
43 Cindy at http://homeofaflossjunkie.blogspot.com/
44 Stitcher Mom at http://stitcher-mom73.blogspot.com/
45 Stitcher Mom at http://stitcher-mom73.blogspot.com/
46 Grannystitches at http://grannystitches2010.blogspot.com/
47 Grannystitches at http://grannystitches2010.blogspot.com/
48 Nancy at http://nancysxstitch.multiply.com/
49 Nancy at http://nancysxstitch.multiply.com/
50 Socialsue at http://socialsue.blogspot.com/
51 Socialsue at http://socialsue.blogspot.com/
52 Joyce clark Frank at http://joycesloveoflife.blogspot.com/
53 Joyce clark Frank at http://joycesloveoflife.blogspot.com/
54 Kate at http://crazypurplemom.blogspot.com/
55 Kate at http://crazypurplemom.blogspot.com/
56 Country Stitcher at http://countrystitcher.blogspot.com/
57 Social Debbie at http://debbiescrossstitch.blogspot.com/
58 Social Debbie at http://debbiescrossstitch.blogspot.com/
59 Elena
60 Peggy H. at http://www.neverenoughstash.blogspot.com/
61 Peggy H. at http://www.neverenoughstash.blogspot.com/
62 Mommarock
63 ♥ Nia at http://caixinhadepirlimpimpim.blogspot.com/
64 ♥ Nia at http://caixinhadepirlimpimpim.blogspot.com/
65 Nancy at http://cosystitchingcorner.blogspot.com/
66 Nancy at http://cosystitchingcorner.blogspot.com/
67 Kat at http://pontinhosdakat.blogspot.com/
68 Kat at http://pontinhosdakat.blogspot.com/
69 Hilachas at http://muchashilachas.blogspot.com/
70 Yorkie Mom at http://sewyorkie.blogspot.com/
71 Sheryl
72 QuigleyFran
73 Lanybleu at http://lanybleu.blogspot.com/
74 Lanybleu at http://lanybleu.blogspot.com/
75 Hueisei at http://loveitsewit.blogspot.com/
76 Stitching Noni at http://firefliescatsinthegarden.blogspot.com/
77 Stitching Noni at http://firefliescatsinthegarden.blogspot.com/
78 Valma at http://feelepoint.blogspot.com/
79 Valma at http://feelepoint.blogspot.com/
80 Blue Star Stitcher at http://bluestarstitcher.blogspot.com/
81 Jo who can't Think of a Clever Nickname at http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/
82 Beauty Bonnet at http://beauty-bonnetsstitch.blogspot.com/
83 Beauty Bonnet at http://beauty-bonnetsstitch.blogspot.com/
84 Blu at http://therapy-by-thread.blogspot.com/
85 Weestitchy.com at http://weestitchy.com/
86 Mel at http://epicstitching.blogspot.com/
87 Mary Joan at http://maryjoanstitching.blogspot.com/
88 Mary Joan at http://maryjoanstitching.blogspot.com/
89 Laurita Hall at http://laurahallisnearby.blogspot.com/
90 Laurita Hall at http://laurahallisnearby.blogspot.com/
91 Valhi
92 Pippirose
93 Katrien at http://katrienslittlestitches.blogspot.com/

Entry is closed.  Thank you to everyone that entered!!! 


-lesli

One done....new one started!

My Japanese Maiden project is COMPLETE! 

Here's an image of the final product:

She's a little wrinkled, but it will all be pressed and stretched out after she's framed.

Those little tassels on her kimono and on the fan were a P A I N !!    I almost gave up on them, but I'm glad I finally got them done.  You can see my journey of a little over 3 months of work on this project here,  I have more close up pictures of the 4 corners and the back stitching.

I have been able to get a start on my Angel of Hope while my family is in town visiting.  Lounging around with them has allowed me to stitch a little as well.  My progress:

Finished one of the angel's wings. 

Close up of her

This is my first stitch using "gridlines"....and I'm loving it!  It is definitely worth the time I spent getting all those lines in there!



Have you heard the news!?   I have THIRTEEN followers!!    I'm so close to twenty that I'm beaming!

I've started thinking through what I have in my stash to put together for a give-away/contest.....  I'll post the contest and the items next week once my family is done visiting.  WOO!!  Maybe I'll break 25 before 2012 rolls around!! 


Thanks to the followers I have.....you all give such inspiration in your blogs and your work and I really appreciate the time you take to catch up on my posts and enter comments!!   Sending you all some online hugs!!


-lesli

The Home Stretch.......

My Japanese Maiden is almost done!! The back stitching has been brutal for me though. For some reason I don't enjoy the back stitching portion of a project nearly as much as the rest of the work!!
I can say though, that I love the results and how much the back stitching adds depth to my design. It is just so grueling!!

Here's my updates:

Bottom left-hand corner



Bottom right-hand corner




Flowers along side of maiden


I had hoped to be done with this one by now...I'm ITCHING to start my Angel of Hope and my HAED project!!

My parents are coming for a visit this Friday and will be here for 2 weeks!  We're all so excited to see them!!   Not sure how much stitching time I'll get in, so my next update might be delayed.

Next year I need to plan ahead better and allow myself some time to stitch some cute Halloween items.  I see them on everyone's blogs and get so jealous!

Hope to be back here soon......



-lesli

First Snow- Complete!

Finished my first linen project, First Snow by The Drawn Thread!!

Here's a look:

I made it into a cute little pillow to hang from a doorknob or on the wall.  I love it!! 

Linen is definitely still a challenge for me, though I was getting better towards the end.  There 1 or 2 mistakes I left in there, and I did have to frog a few times....but I survived!

Daffy at It's Daffycat opened my eyes to Monaco....I went out and bought some this weekend.  I also got some Hardanger.  They're both teeny tiny, but not as straining as linen.  Thank you for the suggestion, Daffy!!  I'm thinking of trying a small Heaven and Earth Design on one of those and see how it works out!



I also got a little time in on my Japanese Maiden WIP.  Almost done with the gold stitching, then it's all back stitching that will be left.  Here's a few close up pictures of the areas with gold:



 Thought I'd be about done by now, but my side projects took me off my timeline.  Well worth it though!


I'm so anxious to get started on my Angel of Hope stitch, but I promised myself I wouldn't start anything else until the maiden was complete.


My new follower tally is at ..... SEVEN!!   I feel like I win a little mini-lottery everytime I have someone new join!  :)

Thanks so much to everyone who's taken the time to read my posts and stop and leave a comment.  I really appreciate the support!!


Hope everyone has a happy day!

-lesli

Linen - First attempt

I'm attempting my first stitching on linen!! 
I love how finished projects look when they're done on linen, but the material itself has always scared me.  I have trouble getting all the counts right using aida cloth, how could I expect to get anything done using linen?  :)  I've played around with linen before, just to see what it was like and it felt too difficult for me, so this is my first official "project" using the pretty material.


Here's my progress so far:

It feels like it took me an hour just to finish that much!!!  I've even had to frog a little, already!!!  <sigh>  But, I am loving how it's looking,  so I'm determined to see it through!!

The pattern called for 36 count, but I decided to start slow, so I'm using 28 count (it feels like 500 count!!).


The pattern is adorable, here's a look at what my finished item should look like:

The pattern design is from The Drawn Thread and you can download it for free here.


I'm starting to put together some items for a contest!  I'm excited.... I know I love getting stuff but giving away is just as satisfying!  (After this linen attempt, I may have some linen to give away!!)  :)


Happy stitching, blog-land!



-lesli