Scattered Threads

Blog Closed

2011-11-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I've had to close this blog and move on here.

Feel free to visit if you'd like.

Jackie

Some things Old, Some things New, and Most are Red, White, and Blue

2011-07-04T06:06:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone, friends, readers, and recent followers,

Happy 4th of July.

I hope you all have kicked off to a good summer. I don't know what your temperature is like where you are, but it is awfully hot in this desert. Good Lord!  We had a few minutes of rain on Friday and I sat on my patio smelling and listening to the rain. It was refreshing especially after running errands getting beat up by the heat and the sun all day on Friday.

Since my last post, Yes! indeed, my busy drill continues. and I shall spear you of those monotonous details. Ho hum, ho hum, ya di ya di da... and so on....

First, I cannot go on without saying "Thank you" again for all of your kind and appreciative comments on my last post. I must continually tell you again, how much I appreciate them.

Well, here we are on Independence Day, and I want to give a shout to all service members, veterans and their families a big "Thank you" for their sacrifice and service. I go to church with these humble souls and see them about on the roads traveling to and from training a lot of times before the sun comes up and long after the sun goes down.

Hmmmm. God loves soldiers.  So as in that old adage go,4

If you love your freedom, Thank a soldier.

Alright.  Moving on.  Some things Old.

While looking through some drawers, I found some unfinished things, and thought I would put a few finishes to them.
.

Wash Lady by Green Apple

My Wash Lady is finished in a thrift store find frame and repainted to give her a little prim look. This will hang in my washroom.

The "Crowslines"
Cedar Hill

The Crowlines will be hung in my washroom also.

God Bless You
Bent Creek

God Bless you by Bent Creek is also finished in a thrift store find frame and repainted for another prim look.

Glory Bee (freebie)
Glory Bee Designs

Glory Bee (freebie) is finished as a flat fold with an added hangar so that I have the option to to hang it on the wall also.

Hearts for America (freebie)
Shepherd's Bush

I cannot begin to tell you how long Hearts for America has been sitting.

Some things New and these are my latest finishes to fill my summer/patriotic basket

Summer
Blueladie Designs

Summer by Blueladie Designs is finished as a little pillow. Just too cute and so quick to stitch.

Freedom
Blueladie Designs

Freedom by Blueladie Designs is also finished as a pillow for my summer/patriotic basket. You all know how much I love fabric and this one was a very nice accent for this finish.

Bless Our Home
Country Cottage Needlework's

Another challenge piece finished. Woot! Woot!

I cannot believe I added this one to my challenge list. It only had about 14 stitches in it. It should have been more so of a newly started project because I frogged the stitches and restarted it. Well she is done with a few changes.

Celebrate the 4th (freebie)
Glory Bee Designs

And... Working right up to "press time", LOL, I was able to get this one stitched, but not into a finished.

And. That's all. Hope you saw something you like.

Wishing you all a Happy and safe 4th of July.

Be Safe and "Enjoi".

Always.

Jackie

When Men Pray finished and BBD Exchange

2011-06-19T06:53:00.000-06:00

Hello Dear friends, readers and visitors,

Happy Father's Day to all, I hope you will get to spend some quality time together today with your father, grandfather, husband, and children. A special Happy Father's Day to the mom's that hold the roles of father and mother

Thank you all for your wonderful comments on my last post. They keep the fire going over here.

Alrighty. Since my last post, I've been busy as a bee. I was so happy school was over, but I continue to run about with the children to appointments and the likes of running a household, and becoming very overwhelmed with it all. I managed to pull a muscle on my leg while out walking a 3 mile incline last weekend. I elevated my leg last and rested it over the past week as much as I could, which I helped tremendously. Unfortunately, I had no weight loss. No worries. I will keep plugging away at it.

During that time I worked on o my challenge pieces, Me, Myself and I RR, "A Woman's work is never done" (no pics) and the piece shown below, When Men Pray.

When I saw this chart in the October 1998, Just Crosstitch Magazine, I absolutely loved the saying in it. I knew I wanted to stitch it for my husband, but as with some projects, I became side tracked and set it aside,
and this was the state I left it many years ago.
.

I showed you all a progress pic of it on my last post and I continued to work on while waiting at the doctor's office and every little minute I could find.

It had a LOT of quarter stitches, a good sum of back stitching and some frogging. I tell ya, determination is a bear. I was determined to get this done for father's day.

When Men Pray, stitched on 18ct. White over 2. with recommended DMC threads
Just Crosstitch Magazine, October 1988

And. Ta Daaaaa. Here it is. The heart of God is touched when men pray. Hallelujah, praise be to God. I just love that saying. It is inspired from the song "When Men Pray", according to the magazine, It "serves as a reminder for every generation of the importance of prayer".

I believe men pray for many things much like us, for good health, world peace, hope, vision, healing, solitude, understanding, making good decisions, knowledge, strength, and the list goes on; and for this I know, The heart of God is touched.

Alrighty, I wrote a few post ago about Blackbird Design's yahoo group Mystery pincushion Exchange. I received my pincushion and a card on Friday from Lisa S. She stitched Summer Stars from the Stitcher's Journey booklet. Lisa used Gentle Art Sampler Threads to give a spring/summer look for the pincushion.

It holds three complimentary pins and she trimmed the pincushion in a beautiful lilac chenille trim. On the underside, the pincushion holds a little charm that say, "made for you. It is really beautiful and I love the colors she used.
Thanks Lisa S.

Here is the pincushion I sent to the Mystery Exchange that was received by Paula.

I used My Home - Thread Keep from the Summer Basket chart. I selected a red, white, and blue theme for this exchange

Here is the front.

The back.

The top finished as a mattress style pincushion.

Here my little handmade card with a blackbird.

and the blackbird saying, "Have a great summer.

a pic of both of the card and the pincushion together.

I really enjoyed making the pincushion and Paula has since received the pincushion and like it. So I was happy about that.

One more note. I wanted to express a big Thank you to Joy who hosted the exchange. She did a fantastic job of putting it all together and I appreciate it very much.

I will end here and I hope you all have get to a special day.

Blessings!!!

Jackie

School is OVER

2011-06-05T08:12:00.000-06:00

Hello all,

"School is over for DD" and what a week it has been. Needless to say, I survived it too. LOL.

Alrighty. First up. Always. Thank you all for your comments on my last post. They all in someway touch my heart with warmth and sometimes sadness (in a good way). I am always grateful to you all who take the time to come by and make a comment and as I do my very best to extend that same gratitude to you by coming by your blog doing the same.

With that said, unfortunately, some of you all do not have a blog and your emails also have a "no reply blogger," therefore, I was unable to email you.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I was finishing up my DDs dress, Missy Tiger, for her ceremony at school. This event is known as "Walk Across." It is held much like a graduation ceremony (without hat and gown) for the 8th graders moving on to 9th grade in high school. You are to wear your "Sunday Best."

DD and I started this process of this dress sometime ago. She found some inspiration on the blog to give me an idea of what she wanted and I gave her a piece of foam board and hair barrettes (for color) and some pins to hang the barrettes. She wanted a tropical look for the dress.

After readjusting the commercial pattern which I used as a base, I made two muslin's for fitting, then cut and sewed the dress. I finished the hem on Tuesday morning, just in time for Walk Across on Wednesday afternoon.

Here is what the dress looks like. It is lined and have boning in the bodice.

I cannot believe I signed up to do all those flowers, but this is what gave the dress the look DD was after.

...and of course, you gotta have matching shoes, Right?

Whew!!!! Glad it was done.

DD got lots and lots and lots of compliments from her dress from her friends and some of her teachers. This little miss felt some kinda special and she looked good too.

Moving on. I was able to deliver that quilt for DD school mate at the same event. I told the mother how I wrote about her son, not by name, but by circumstance, and that we (on my blog) sent prayers for her son's recovery. In return she was most grateful for the prayers and the quilt and I extend a big "Thank You" to all of you that said a prayer for him. He looked so good y'all.

Thanks again. I know prayer changes things.

OK. On to the stitching front. After the dress ordeal. I started a LHN small piece (no photo).

I found a piece (Heart in Hand) that should have been on my 15 WIP challenge list. I worked a little on it and finished the first block and moving on to the second.

For the rest of the week, I also picked up another of my WIP challenge.

Here is where I left off before starting again.

...and here is where I am currently.

I also lost two more pounds this week in my weight loss.

I apologize to anyone if I had mislead you into believing it was my BD on my last post. I was chanting and singing being joyful of my weight loss.

Well... Now that school is over, it is time for me to do some catching up on my stitching and enjoy some summer reading

So until next time all.

Be Well!!!

Always,

Jackie

All gave some, Some gave all, Pink Hill Manor and blog update

2011-05-27T01:32:00.000-06:00

Hello all my dear friends,

Goooood morning 'yall!!!! How are you all doing? I hope you all are well and in good health. It has been about two weeks since my last post, but certainly seems a lot longer.

Thank 'yall so very much for your dear comments on my last post. You all are so encouraging to me and I appreciate you all. It seems I 'd been in a state of sadness of late, missing mother, etc...and somehow became uninspired and struggled to get some of my stitching completed. I am so glad that that time has passed on.

OK. So here is what I have to account for some of that time.

I made The Sampler Girl, Mother's Prayer, I mentioned in my last post, into a simple little pillow with this very pretty fabby.
I really love this little saying/prayer and the way the fabric show it's gentleness. Such a special way to remember mother and why not with a prayer.

Blackbird Designs, Anniversaries of the Heart, Pink Hill Manor

I finally finished my April block for the BBD, Anniversary of the Heart (SAL). It is dedicated to my mother. I used all the recommended threads and changed the saying to "Dear Mom."

I remembered as a little girl my mother had a set of cups and saucers similar to the one in the photos. Mother didn't dare drink her tea from a mug. She always used a cup and saucer.

Sign of the times???

I've since finished the label and the binding for DDs school mate and I wanted 'yall to see a bit of the quilting my dear quilt buddy, Magda Drawe, did on the quilt. She did a fantabulous job on it and when I told her what was the purpose of this quilt. she gave me a bill that said "N/C" (No Charge). All I could convey to her is that "God will bless you and Thank You." 'Y'all see how God bless us all so we are able to bless others?

The quilt is absolutely beautiful. It looks like a football field.

Here is a table runner I worked on.

I've completed the last block from my local quilt group BOM.

This is a possible layout for now.

A possible layout using The Yellow Brick Road Pattern.

Alright. What else?

I just finished a mystery exchange pincushion with BBD yahoo. So we will have to wait, see for that one.

I went for my annual diabetes check. My blood sugar is borderline (still) and my doc said she is not going to diagnose me as diabetic. So that was good news for me. Since then, I've been pounding the ground walking trying to beat the sun up sometimes. I just love end results. I lost two solid pounds. LOL. Woo Hoo!!!! "Go Jackie, it's your birthday". Go Jackie, it's your birthday". (and then one of those Michael Jackson kicks)

Pardon my excitement. LOL.

Alrighty. In closing.

Memorial Day

All gave some.

A day to remember our fallen soldiers and service members and to honor those that have served and those that are still serving.

As I reflect on this memorial day, I think about an airman and a widow I had never met or seen.

While in Germany in the mid 80s when the threat of terrorism was very high, I remember trying to get a ride to Frankfurt (Germany). It must have been about 8 o'clock or so when all of a sudden there was a big blast about 300 yards from my barracks. The blast was so loud, it shook the building and it made the curtains swing. Everyone ran outside in pajamas and whatever they could get into quickly. Somehow a terrorist got past the gates with a bomb in it. The car was on fire, there was debris everywhere. Parked cars had broken window/glass. It was ugly.

As we approached the car, someone yelled "another bomb". Everyone just scattered away in the opposite direction almost running into each other.

What we later learned, one person died from that bomb.

He was a young airman that had just arrived in Germany and was going into the adjacent building to

in process.

There was a lady here locally that I saw often crossing a heavily trafficked bridge that had a very narrow sidewalk. She appeared to be an elderly lady. What struck me as a little odd (as we know people tend to not slow down for pedestrians anymore) was whenever she was walking on the bridge, the cars would slow down.

The local media captured her on the news. The ladies husband served in the military and she walked to the cemetery everyday, rain or shine, to clean his grave and place flowers on it.

I knew then the cars slowed down to give her safe passage across the bridge, recognizing her husband's service and sacrifice and the dedication she has.

Alrighty 'yall. I just wanted to share these two with you all as over the years I think of the young man's family and the widow. As we approach the Memorial Day Weekend, 'yall say a prayer for our soldiers and please say a prayer for everyone affected by all the tornadoes we've had.

Please be safe this weekend.

Take Care.

Jackie

Mother's Day Greetings to all

2011-05-08T20:35:00.000-06:00

Hello dear friends, visitor, readers, and recent followers

Greetings and Happy Mother's Day to all of you.

First, Thank you all very much for your comments and your compassion you all left on my last post. I am very grateful to you all.

Alrighty. Since my last post, I've missed

Easter.

I've completed the finishing on

Faithwurks,

Stitching is always in Season

Finished another quilt block from my local quilt group.

Block: Millstone

Charity begins at home.

Update: Do you all remember I made a post of my DDs school mate that was diagnosed with cancer? According to my DD, he has since returned to school but have missed a day here and there, presumably, going for some treatment. His return I read as a positive sign.

I also wanted to say "Thank you" to all of you that had said a prayer for him for we know God heals all if we give it to him.

Thanks again.

Here is a snippet of the quilt top I made for him. I have just picked up the quilt from being machine quilted just yesterday and as soon as I finish the label and binding, I will be sure to post another pic.

Moda Just One Star, can comfort a soldier

Here is my Moda Just One Star, can comfort a soldier

As part of the Quilts of Valor program, Moda Fabrics have a challenge "to piece, quilt and bind 100 quilts in 100 days using

the Flag of Valor pattern."   I sent this block in before the deadline of May 1, 2011. These will quilts will surely send a gesture of "Thank you" to our wounded soldiers and veterans.

Love Quilt (Anytime) Square

I have joined in on stitching for Love Quilt (Anytime) Squares and have not gotten very far.

I've seen the Love Quilt Squares over at Joy, The Busy Stitchers Babble, and at Tricia, The Stamper's Stitches but did not realize they had an anytime square when I read about it at Vonna, The Twisted Stitcher.

This I will work as in progress

April was my mother's birth month and I stitched up this small piece from Blackbird Designs, Joyeux Noel. It is incomplete until I can find complimentary fabby for it.

Vintage Pincushion

I struggled to finish my next BBD, Anniversary of the Heart, 4th block, Pink Hill Manor, dedicated in memory of my mother.  Mother would have been 77 this year on her birthday.

And while I struggled to finish the piece above, I continued to be uninspired and continued the struggle with

BBD, Their Song

DD, Miss Tiger has her transition 8th to 9th grade ceremony and here was the beginning of a dress for her. The white in the background is the muslin (test) for the dress and the other fabbys are for the dress. When complete, I will post a pic.

Ok. As if I didn't have enough to do.

Bama Bound Quilts

I found another need 'yall. If you have the capability to make a quilt, please consider making a quilt. Here is the link Bama Bound Quilts

Here is one I made and will be working on to complete.

And from the left over fabby from the other quilt.

I stitched this small for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29th.

A Royal Wedding Souvenir,
designed by The Sampler Girl
with a combination of DMC and GAST

As I stitched A Royal Wedding Souvenir, and Mother's Day approaching, I remembered I had the next pattern in my stash and thought I could stitch it in time for mother's day.

Mother's Prayers

I really enjoyed stitching this piece as I remembered my mother this mother's day. I reflected on the time when I was about 13 or 14 years old and my mother was dying from cancer. I remembered kneeling on the floor next to her bed trying to help to comfort her as she was in pain. Feeling helpless, my mother held my hand and started to pray for I am sure she knew what was to come and me not yet knowing.

And so this piece gave me a reflection of that time of remembering my mother's prayer creating a this very special bond with me.

Mother's Prayers by The Sampler Girl
done on 32 ct antique white linen
Crescent Color: Prickly Pear
GAST: Celery

"I remember my mother's prayers.

They have clung to me all my life".

Well my dearest friends, I will close here and hope you all have enjoyed your mother's day and in spite of missing my mother, I enjoyed my day with my special girls beginning with the day in church today and what a wonderful blessing that is for me.

Please take care you all.

Be blessed.

Happy Mother's Day.

Jackie.

Blackbird Designs, Anniversary of the Heart, Moonlight Garden

2011-04-03T19:49:00.001-06:00

The color of Hope.

Hello dearest readers and friends,

Thank you all again so dearly for your comments. I am slowly but surely coming around to visit you at your blogs.

What is the color of Hope? Have you ever thought of hope as a color?

Let me first say that this 4th block of the Anniversary of the Heart should have been done long before any of those things on my last post. The truth of the matter is that I was keeping myself busy so as not to deal with this block; well, not until I finished this WIP, which I made mention in my last post was to celebrate the successful potty training of my youngest DD and while in the midst of stitching it, it took on another meaning for me.

and so I did.

One Sunday morning in March, eleven years ago, I had gone to church. Afterwards, I went home feeling a little more tired than usual, had a bite to eat and rested. About two hours later, I was awakened by this rush of water. I was six months pregnant.

DH and I gathered our two young girls and rushed off to the local German Hospital. I was admitted with uncertainty's. Initially, DH could not come with me each step or move, and with the language barrier, I wore lots of uncertainty's and confusion on my face, not knowing what was happening, what was going to happen next, or where I was being taken.

Can you imagine that feeling? It even gives me shivers to this day.

To make a long story short, I was in the hospital by now for a few days being monitored. It was the first day of spring that year, and that first day of spring gave me hope. Hope that all will be well. I prayed and cried my little heart out, and prayed and cried, and prayed.

I hummed in my head a song. "Grace. Grace...Your grace is sufficient for me".

Was God testing our faith? My faith in him?

DH and I made it through that day; and on the next day after spring, we lost our little girl.

I was able to hold this gentle little soul in my arms, and while I clenched her to me with tears rolling down my face, I closed my eyes, looked upward and felt assurance that the the sun will shine again; and that gave me hope.

So while I revisited this chapter of my life, I ask myself what is the color of hope? Does hope come in colors or things?

Blackbird Designs, Anniversaries of the Heart
Moonlight Visitor with changes

I've selected BBDs, Anniversaries of the Heart, Moonlight Visitor to make this tribute to my DD.

The butterfly represents springs new life. I changed the house color to a lighter yellow (for this shows hope and that the sun would shine again over my house). The pink roof top and front door depicts a precious baby girl.

The heart left as is for she is always in my heart until I see her again. I left the standing tree as is, showing my strong faith in God with a cross at the top, trusting in him at all times.

And I love the way this block turned out.

Well my dear friends, I will now leave you all with these words; and this is one of the reasons these words are at the top of my blog.

I believe in these words for they have helped me to get through that time of uncertainty and more times thereafter; and I "hope" this will do the same for you or someone you may know.

Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

and

Thank you God for all you have given me,

for all you have saved me from,

for all I am because of you.

Thank you all for reading.

Always,

Jackie.

Spring Greetings

2011-03-28T16:53:00.000-06:00

to everyone and a mixed bag of things to share.

First up. Thank you all for the comments you all left on my last post and a hand of welcome to those that have come on to follow, visiting, and passing through.

My postings of late have not been consistent, but I assure you it is not because of boredom or nothing to share. I'll try to make blame to Daylight Saving Time. LOL. Pushing the clock one hour forward had me out of balance this year and just couldn't get my act together.

Alright... What has happened since my last post? I have been busy with my girls taking them to and fro to appointments, spring shopping and the likes of a teenager; then came school spring break with more appts. The girls and their friend even managed to get me in the gym playing volleyball for three consecutive hours. Sheesh!!! I must say, I had a good workout, but I licked on my sour muscles for an entire weekend. LOL.

Alrighty...

1. I stitched this spring embroidery piece, Spring Greetings, and finished it as a pillow. Cute I thought.

Spring Greetings embroidery pillow stitched with
DMC threads: 605, 747, 209, 745, 564, 3824

2. While playing with some dye for a project, I tossed a few skeins of threads in and so I used the threads on the Tulips only to see what they would look like. I really love the way this pillow turned out with it's soft colors. I will use this as a bowl filler.

Glory Bee free: Spring Tulips on 32 ct Belfast (mystery)
stitched with DMC threads: 605, 747,209,745,564.3824
Tulips in hand over dyed threads
finished with pink rick rack and filled with crushed walnuts

3. I finished Blackbird Designs, Anniversaries of the Heart (SAL), Bonus block.

Blackbird Designs, Anniversaries of the Heart, Bonus
stitched with said threads

4. While watching Eleanor Burns on T.V. one day, I took notes and made "How Charming Table Topper". The topper required the charm squares that are so very popular now. Well I did not have any charm squares so I made some up with some spring fabric I had calling me to use them. It is unfinished (waiting for a scallop ruler) but I just love the cheerfulness in this topper.

How Charming Table Topper by Eleanor Burns

5. As all quilters know, there are the leftover fabbys. So I made this little zipper pouch to hold my spring floss.

Zipper pouch

6. Then these carrots looked good enough to eat!!! See the link for the tutorial. I did not paint mine because I liked the way they finished up.

Fabric carrots
find the tutorial here from this very talented lady
@ Our Cozy Nest

7. Our spring shopping was a bit disappointed as we came home with barely anything. Just a good lunch. LOL. So I pulled out a pattern and made these no frills, easy peasy dresses for my youngest DD.

The first I made just as the pattern required, using it for fitting.
The hem fell just above the knee as is the picture on the pattern.

and here was my review: "Mom, I like it, but it's not long enough."

8. So as with any great mom would do, I readjusted the pattern and made the second one a bit longer below the knee, hoping I could get a better review.

and here is my review as I am taking the picture (see her in the corner) "I like it Mom, but is doesn't twirl enough."

I told her she was going on the sewing machine next. LOL.

9. Okie dokie. My BOM with my local quilt ladies. We were introduced to using thangles on this block; and I would certainly use thangles again.

10. Another stitchery block, Merry.

Merry

Up for a Challenge WIP

I thought I should get back to business and work on my WIPS. My first one is now framed and worked on two more.

11. Here is Blackbird Designs, Winter Wonderland, I finished with BBDs yahoo group winter SAL. I now have this piece framed and hope you all like it.

Blackbird Designs, Winter Wonderland

11. Although not part of my WIP, and a little rough stitching this "winter" piece during spring, I thought I would go ahead and stitch the accompanying pin cushion to Winter Wonderland for it may never get done if I stow it away. I used the leftover threads to stitch the pincushion and did not have enough of the WDW Lancaster Red to do the urns so this is why the urns are in white and used DMC 221 on the berries. Hope you all like the make do changes.

Blackbird Designs, Winter Garden Pincushion
with said threads and the addition of DMC 221 and slight variation
finished with a beaded trim and filled with crushed walnut shells

12. Next WIP. I was to finish this yesterday, but my DD threw one of those curved balls at me; and that's alright because It was a teachable moment with DD. So here is this WIP for now.

Faithwurks, Stitching is always in season

13. This next WIP was to celebrate the successful potty training for DD some time ago; but while I was stitching this piece, it somehow took on another meaning for me and I hope to get the courage to write about it when I am done stitching my 4th block of BBDs, AofH.

Sue Hillis Designs freebie
Put on your big girl panties
go make your own here

14. Bear with me. Here is part of my curved ball from yesterday.
My DD, Tiger, asked me to take her to the hospital to visit one of her schoolmates who is diagnosed with cancer. We stopped to pick up a card and a beautiful bouquet of bright spring flowers.

DD went in to visit and came back to the lobby very emotional. We took turns going in to visit as my youngest DD was not allowed in. Now having never meeting this young man or his mother, I greeted them both with a hug, expressing a few words of encouragement and to please call on me if she should need anything. Needless to say, I was too very moved by entering the room seeing this dear mother crying. Just wondering.

She mentioned she appreciated the flowers and I could not help but think that maybe those flowers helped to lift their spirits and just the fact that someone cared enough maybe to just come visit her son.

I felt a deep sense of sorrow within my DD and asked if she would like to make a little something for him and of course she said yes.
So we made our way over to Joann's and picked up some fabby and we will make a quilt for him.

And, so with that said, I'd like to believe we were out making sprit's bright, doing God's work of comforting the sick. The young man will be in surgery tomorrow his mother told me and I pray the surgery will be successful.

On this last note, if you all would say a prayer for this young man and his family, I'd be much grateful to you all.

If you have another send one for our military servicemen and women and their families; and please say also a prayer for the people of Japan.

Be blessed 'yall.

Hugs.
Jackie.

MARCHing On

2011-03-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hello all dear friends,

I have been having too much goof off time and simply got lost in all the beautiful Market release last month. Wow!!!

March marches on toward the end of the winter season and I am sure everyone is ready for a bit of spring, but before I embark upon spring, I had to get some things finished and caught up from winter.

I've finished my winter SAL with Blackbird Designs Yahoo group on Friday evening. I filled the windows in and filled the top of the door and the window atop the door so it appears there is a light on. I hope to go out for a frame soon.

Here are two more blocks of the red work I made mention in my last post.

OK. I fell waaaayy behind on my BOM I am doing with a group of ladies here locally. I think I was behind 3 months (3blocks) and will get a new block this week.

The first one has been done for sometime now and I don't even remember what the block is called. I do remember it was to be a star in the center, but because of my fabric choice and placement, I lost the star. I liked the way the way the block looked so I did not redo it.

I cut the following three blocks on Friday and sewed them up this morning.

Pinwheel

Lover's Knot

Maple star

And finally, here is my second Folk Art Tribute Bom I made mention in my last post.

I made yo-yo's for the flowers and added some buttons for the center

Please forgive all the dangling threads. The blocks have not yet been squared but will be when before putting them together.

I hope you all enjoy these pictures of my work and hope to be coming around visiting your blogs as I have fell off there as well.

Ooops! One more note. I've had to change my email addy and my new email is under my profile.

Until next time. Be well.

Always,
Jacq...

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hello all. "Happy Valentine's Day."

I hope you all are well on this fine day.

What a roller coaster of the weather. We have had our "arctic blast" in my corner of the universe with rolling blackouts around the city, water restrictions, school closure for about five days, and a service call for our heater, because the city increased the gas pressure causing my furnace an auto shut off. Needless to say, no one was working for cheap that day and gave my service guy some of my stash $$. The city heads are still answering questions on a number of all of these things.

So started the domino effect. Since I did not want to stitch by candlelight, one of my projects did not get done and had put me a little behind and to help things along, I had to include my moments of my lazy curb.

Alrighty. A big thank you to you all for all your comments. I so appreciate them very much.

Ok. Here is what I've done in the meantime.

1. BBD: Anniversaries of the Heart, Valentine Rose, attributed to DH, who celebrated his birthday this month.

The only changes I made were to add the initial in the door and changed the color in the background of the door.

I was not all that crazy about the mortar in the house but it did make the block look more masculine, so I continued with it.

2. I enjoy hand applique and have not done any of this techniques in a very long time; and when I recently saw this Folk Art Tribute BOM, by Dawn Heese (Linen Closet Quilts) that started last year, I thought I would give my hand a try at this technique again. I finished the first block and have four more prepared with freezer paper. The challenge is to use what you have in your stash, I even managed to stay in one bag. Here is what I came up with this bird and heart block.

After a brief chat on red work embroidery along with an enabling photo, I thought I would pull out the next two pieces of stitchery and red work.

3. Gail Pan Designs, A Christmas Wish BOM (love)

4. Pacific Patchwork Seasons (no longer available as a freebie)

She is now posting another freebie called Home Sweet Home, which I think is another darling design of which I plan to do also.

5. And finally, I will leave you all with my weekend stitching. An embroidery Valentine's finish. Finished as a pillow.

This is it for me. I hope you all enjoy the pics.

Hugs and Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.
Always, "enjoi".

Jackie

La D Da, A Right Spirit, LHN Patience framed, and ornie finishes

2011-02-01T15:35:00.002-07:00

Hello dear friends,
How are you all? Are you all getting snow or is it just very cold where you are? Either way, it is good stitchy time. Would you all agree?

Thank you all that have left comments on my last post. You all write/say such wonderful things and admittedly, you all help to motivate me to continue to blog:-D

Alright. My DD, Missy Tiger, read my last post of what I wrote about her birthday and she read the comments you all left wishing her a happy birthday. She also wanted me to convey to you all a big "Thank You" for all the birthday wishes you all granted her. She is such a spirited little miss. Here she is. I captured a photo of her before she went to school on her birthday in her pink and purple ribbon.

Missy Tiger

I think you all made her day and week and with all the cake baking and decoration, food preparation and eating, and having her friends over (all ten of them), she was absolutely elated to the point I could not get her off "Cloud Nine" for the entire week. LOL.

After all was said and done, I was very tired for the rest of the week.

The following weekend, I was still faced with taking down the Christmas Tree's and decorations and putting them away. I was very tired that weekend too.

So, as you all can read, you guys motivate me to keep blogging. I was indeed in need of some R&R and so I took a part of last week and all weekend and did some R&R and did no stitching.

Last night I got off my lard stretched and laced my two framed pieces.

Here they are:

La D DA, A Right Spirit (framed).

The frame have a greenish undertone that pickups the green from the leaves. The inner portion of the frame which is a little more ornate have an old gold, muted undertone and does not compete with the border. It is also complementary with the the coffee dyed fabby picking up the browns in the piece lending itself to an antique feel which was what I was going for.

So I hope you all like my frame selection.

Okay. Next. LHN, Patience.

I intentionally left the border off of this design because I knew I was going to put a mat on it. The mat is a dark brown suede and it complements the brown on the roof, birds, tree, writing. I've had this pattern in my stash for a while and wanted to stitch for my DH's birthday this month. When I first saw this design, I though of DH and thought it would be fitting for his birthday. So here's to the ole' man. LOL.

Two finished ornies:

Ornament: Primrose, JCS Magazine 2010

Finished with beaded edging and beaded hangar.

Would you all believe me if I told you I had no idea what I was doing with the edging and the hangar? Trust me I had no clue.

Ornament: Prairie Schooler - Autumn,
JCS Magazine, Ornament Issue Preview, October 2006.

finished with green felt backing (as per magazine finishing)

On this ornie, I did not fill/cross stitch the background and I wish I could tell you I intentionally left the smoke off, but in my admiration for the darn ornie, I forgot the smoke from the chimney. It looked so perfect without it, so I called it "early fall." Not quite cold enough for the fire place as yet!!!

Alrighty y'all. I hope you all enjoy these few finishes. It is always my hope to be back to post again soon.

And, as always, Welcome to all my new followers. I hope that when you come to visit, you may find something inspirational here.
So until next time.

Please take care and be well.

Jackie

La D Da, LHN, BBD Snow Garden finish

2011-01-13T11:45:00.003-07:00

Hello dear friends and recent followers.

Welcome to a New Year y'all. What are you all up to? Is the New Year treating you all well thus far? Are you all in "A Right Spirit" with a good attitude? Are you all getting you challenge projects done? I hope so 'yall. May heaven shine on all our faces.

Okay!!! So where do I begin. My story began early fall last year when Joy @ The Busy Stitcher's Babble and I were brainstorming about our projects for 2011. We planned some SALs between ourselves and when the Crazy January 2011 challenge and the Up for a Challenge was born. We could not help our selves but to sign up to do these challenges.

Alrighty. I have not been procrastinating but been busy purging pots and pan, bowls, closet and drawers and a little stitching in between. I still need to take down Christmas tree and decorations and I am headed to get middle DD's birthday going for tomorrow.

In between, I was able to finish my "New Year" project done and hope to go select a frame soon after the dust has settled here. I really enjoyed stitching this piece and as I was stitching this on New Year's Eve while it was quiet and peaceful, I just felt such a cleansing spirit come over me. So here she is. Such a beauty. La D Da's. A Right Spirit.

La D Da: A Right Spirit
28 ct Cashel, Antique White 100% Linen
coffee dyed with said threads

I've listed my projects on my sidebar for some time now and the projects annotated with the red * are the project's Joy and I agreed to for our SALs.

I will list them here again and you may skip this portion of this post as it is a duplicate on my sidebar and only wish to make this a matter of my blog.

Crazy January 2011 Challenge (New):

Black Bird Designs: Anniversaries of the Heart*
Black Bird Designs : Mystery Sampler*
Rosewood Manor: To Church I go
Green Apple: Buffalo Soldier*
Primrose: 272 Words
Littlehouse Needleworks: Scripture Series
Country Cottage Needleworks: Sweet Treats*
Gifts of Wisdom
Desert Flower
Alma Lynne: African American Santa*
Santa's Gift
Prairie Schooler: 12 Days of Christmas
Prairie Schooler: Songs of the Season
Prairie Schooler: Christmas Alphabet
The Taco Sampler
Chile Sampler
Serenity Prayer
John 3:16
The Lord is my Shepherd
Little House Needleworks: Patience
Lizzie Kate Prayer Connection

Up 4 a Challenge (WIPs):

La D Da: A right spirit
Black Bird Design: Winter Wonderland
Black Bird Design: Two Hearts
Faithwurks: Stitching is always in season
Sue Hillis: Put on your big girl panty
Leisure Arts: Samplers Stitched for you: Mother
When Men Pray
Country Cottage Needleworks: Bless Our Home
Blackbird Design: Give Thanks
Giving Thanks (Cross Stitch Magazine)
Lizzie Kate: 12 Blessings of Christmas
Lizzie Kate: Christmas Spirit Double Flip
Country Cottage Needlework: Christmas Carol
Shepherds Bush: Earth Gatherer
Prairie Schooler: ABC Alphabet Bee
Heinzeit: Southwest
Camouflage Angel
Me, Myself and I Round Robin

As I progress with the projects mentioned above, I will be sure to post.

Alrighty. Moving along, I've also finished this piece and will present to DH for his birthday next month.

Little House Needlework: Patience
28Ct. Vintage Lentil with said threads

and I've just finished this piece yesterday. It is one my SALs with Joy and BBD yahoo group.

Blackbird Design: Anniversaries of the Heart, Snow Garden
on 32 Ct. Antique White with combination of said threads and DMC

Okay, lastly. My Anniversaries of the Heart, Snow Garden, is dedicated to my middle DD, Victoria. My Victoria was born in the month of January on a very cold and icy morning as I remembered. She will be 14 years old tomorrow, and since the day she was born my DH and I have nicknamed her "Tiger."

From the time I went into labor at about 5 a.m. and the drive to the hospital on the icy roads, arriving at the hospital, "Missy Tiger" was born at approximately 8 a.m. I never made it to the delivery room/floor and she was born in the emergency room. As the doctor on call was discussing with the nurses who could be in the room, I pointed to DH to get the doctor; and DH told the doctor he believes there something going on over here (by me). As the doctor turned he had to catch her with his apron and so "Missy Tiger" was born. She gets embarrassed when her friends learn of her nickname. LOL.

So let me tell you a little about my big, little Tiger. Tiger is such a beautiful child always so upbeat, funny, considerate, confident, and very kind hearted. She is very responsible, reliable, and requires minimal supervision concerning school and at home. She is a friend who if she see you have been crying, she will console you. She is a person who will try to bring "outsider's" into her circle of friend's and won't stand for anyone being picked on, or bullied at school. She loves to play sports and dream of being a pharmacist one day. Her favorite color is purple.

I am sure I can go on and on about my big, little Tiger, but I just want to y'all to know, she is just a good kiddo. A great American.

Alright, this has been lengthy even for me, so I am going to sign it off here. I hope you all, however, have enjoyed reading. So until next time, take care.

Always,
Jackie :)

Attitude is Everything

2010-12-27T20:54:00.001-07:00

Hello dear friends,

Christmas has come and gone and I hope you all had a wonderful time with family and friends. Now we look forward to a new year.
A new year of bright hopes and promises. New beginnings, new attitudes, new goals, new births, new friends, and new projects.

So with that said, I would like to just take a moment to wrap up the year and a recap of the completed projects and move my focus into the new year.

Quilts (large and small) 6

Quilt Blocks 3

Cross stitch (larger projects) 9

Cross stitch (ornaments) 29

Embroidery 1

Pillows 7

Stuffed dolls 2

Fabric Collage 1

Cards 3

Sewn Items (miscellaneous) 11

Blog Award 2

Blog RAK/Giveaway 5

Followers (as of this post) 106

Blog post 37

Alrighty y'all.

If you may note, I have placed a photo of myself that my oldest DD took of me on Christmas day; but what I wanted you to capture were the quotes above the photo and the scripture below it.

Attitude is everything. Pick a good one.

I think this is so important and can be an effective tool in how we lead our lives. The relationship we have with family, with God, our friends, our tone, our work, in our body language and just life in general. Do you all think so too? So going into the new year, I hope to continue a good attitude and hope you all will adopt this little saying too.

Okay now, in saying this, here is what I've captured underneath the photo which is also one of my WIPs I am working on.
I want this to be a reminder to me from this day forward and throughout the rest of the year.

La D Da: A Right Spirit

Psalm 51:10. Create in me a clean heart; O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

I am also participating in Blackbird Designs Yahoo Group winter SAL and so I thought I would show a pic of my progress.

Blackbird Designs: Winter Wonderland

Okie Dokie. For those of you that are having snow. I hope you all are enjoying it.

Glory Bee freebie: I love Snow days

I will close here and just now say "Thank you" all for coming by and visiting my blog, leaving your comments and for your friendship. I have said in the past and I will say it again, and will continue to say it. I appreciate you all and I am forever blessed by your comments and your visits.

I also want to wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope you all will find a renewed spirit for 2011.

May God bless you all.
Hugs and hugs.
Jackie.

Blessed Assurance

2010-12-24T00:31:00.001-07:00

"Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine... This is my story this is my song..."

Do y'all know this song. If you know it, go ahead and say it to yourself. Hum it if you would like. Doesn't that make you feel good? Doesn't something just come over you when you say it, hum it.

Alright. I know we are singing Christmas Carols, but, To God be the glory y'all.

What a week dear friends. During the last post, I was nursing a little sniffle of the nostril but still functioning. Soon after, I turned to feeling awful with the I don't know what I had. My dear husband, Mister, was certainly a true trooper during this time bringing me soups and tea and taking care of my little busy dd. I thank God for him and what a blessing to have him by my side.

Okay. Not one, but several of the days in the past week while under the weather, I awoke with this song, Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine... in my little coconut head.

and so... this is my story I wanted to share it with you all.

I didn't know what it meant to me at the time, but several days when I was awakened with this song in my head I was feeling better and better by the day. It is now clear to me that the Lord is always with me and he didn't forget about even me during this time and I sure thank my God for giving me this peace and assurance. I am not 100% myself, but I do feel 100% better than the last several days.

Alrighty, let me move along here.

I had been corresponding with my friend Joy at The Busy Stitcher's Babble and told her I think I am going to do a whole laundry list of things of whatever. So what are friends for. Joy said that my laundry list of what I wanted to do was all good and reminded me that I am still sick.
So Joy "Thank for a listening ear dear. I appreciate your friendship."

Okay so Joy has gifted me with Little House Needlework freebie she and her DD finished into a box. They did a fine job don"t you all think so?

I love it Joy. It is beautiful and very me (in pink). It will be nestled between some of my finest treasured goods and be a reminder of the friendship we share.

Okay. Next are the last of the ornaments for my Bride's Tree SAL.

September: Teapot or Coffeepot ~ hospitality

finished as a tea cozy

November: Angel or church ~ God's guidance in the home, spiritual guidance

Lavender and Lace freebie

December: St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) ~ giving and sharing, unselfishness and/or goodwill

Heart in Hand, Wee Santa 2008

Here is an ornament I struggled to finish while I was sick for my friend Ms. Tencha, who is located here with me locally.

Lizzie Kate freebie

Okay, I've held you long enough.

I am very backlogged on emails and visiting blogs and hopefully over the next few days in between cooking and entertaining my in-laws I can pop in for a visit or two as time allows; and so...

as we all are gearing up to celebrate the birth of Christ, the reason for this season and with keeping "Christ in Christmas," I want to wish you all Blessed Assurance and a Merry
Christmas with this piece I finished. I hope you all like it.

Thread Primitives (Nan) freebie finished as a shadow box

and now finally, I have just one more to ask of you all.
Please say a prayer for our soldiers/servicemen and their families who are serving in our military here at home and abroad. Some of them are without their families this Christmas and these are very lonely times. So I ask you all to uplift them with a prayer or two and of course if you have another say one more for them.

Until next time again. May you have Blessed Assurance in your home this Christmas.

Always,
Jackie :)

3rd RAK Winner

2010-12-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Thank you all for the comments you all left for this giveaway. I appreciate each one and each of you.

For the ladies that signed on to follow, "Welcome" to my blog and I hope you will always find something inspiring when you come to visit.

So here we go. 24 names all in a bowl. Numbered chronologically as they came in.

But only one could be drawn.

And the winner was:

Congratulations LisaV. I hope this will help dwindle your wish list down.

Alright for the rest of us. If you've made a response onto the giveaway and if you all don't mind, please send me your snail mail at your leisure (if you don't mind) me having it to xsfriend@yahoo.com.

Your snail mail will be held in confidentiality.

Until Next Time.

Always,

Jackie

RAK Closed

2010-12-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

The RAK Giveaway is closed.

Will be back soon.

Thanks.
Jackie

Third RAK Worked Out

2010-12-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hello again every one.

Alrighty then. Moving along here. My 3rd RAK has been worked out and so I am back. I have 100 followers listed over there on the right so let's do a giveaway.

Here's what's up for the taking. A $50 Gift Certificate from 123stitch

So here is how we will play.

1. Please make a comment (about whatever you fancy) on this post that you would like to be entered.

2. You must be a follower of my Blog. You may sign up to follow if you would like.

3. If you do not have a blog, please ensure you leave your email address.

4. Please do not post this giveaway on your blog. This really is for the few of you that come by, leave a comment, and follow by your choosing, of which I am very appreciative; hence a giveaway.

5. I will run the giveaway from Thursday, December 9, 2010 until 10 a.m. MST, Monday, December 13, 2010.

6. I will announce the winner soon after on Monday, December 13, 2010.

Alrighty. I hope these time lines will give the winner enough time to place an order and hopefully get it prior to Christmas.

I will check in with you all on Monday and Thank you all in advance for entering.

Always,
Jackie.

RAKs (Calamity Jr. and Joy)

2010-12-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hello. Just a quick post.

In September at my one year blog anniversary, there were four people that left comments for my giveaway. One was the winner, Karen, and two others sent me their snail mail as requested.

At the time, I had no idea where I was going with this, but here is what I came up with.

Two RAKs for

Calamity Jr. (no blog)

freebie by Threadwork Primitives

I didn"t know what to make for Calamity Jr. but when I saw this freebie I stitched for Calamity Jr.

I wanted it to look like a gift package and with this finishing I think I got close.

Here is a side view.

Here is a view of the bottom to show the bell feet, which also is utilized to have the piece tilted upward at an angle.

and the other for Joy @ The Busy Stitcher's Babble

Lizzie Kate, Quick it, Be Naughty

Here is a side view

Here is the bottom with pepermint feet which is utilized to have the piece titled upward at an angle.

Okay ladies. These will be off in the mail tomorrow and hope you both like them and I know these surprises are usually shown after you receive the packages, but I thought I would do this a little different.

Okay. For the rest of us, I will have a 3rd RAK as soon as I get it worked out.

Until next time.

Jackie.

Finished quilt, CCN Pumpkin Cottage finished/framed, Prairie Schooler framed, JBW Designs, Sampler Girl freebie

2010-11-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hello dear friends,

Thank you all for your comments that you all have left on my last post and as always I am most appreciative of them. Thank you.

For you all that have joined in following my blog, I welcome you all and hope you will continue to find some spurt of inspiration.

Okay, without much more rambling, here is what have kept me partly busy since my last post.

First up is my "Pumpkin Quilt" that I totally forgot about until I got a call to let me know the quilt was ready to be picked up. Since I was deep into cross stitching I had to figure where I could plug the quilt in to make the sleeve, label and binding before it became next year's fall news.

Well, I got her done and here she is. My "Pumpkin Quilt." I used a pattern from here to make this easy peasy quilt.

Here two ladies, Charmaine (on the left) and our visitor for a night (on the right) from my local quilt group held the quilt so I could get a picture. Thank you Ladies.

Close up pic

The back of the quilt

I left off on my last post that I finished stitching Prairie Schoolers, Autumn Sampler, and that I would use the same frame as LHN's Pumpkin Hollow. Well here is Thanksgiving framed; and I sure do love it.

I also made mention on my last post I was off to start stitching CCNs, Pumpkin Cottage. Here is Pumpkin Cottage and again with all my changes I made, stitched, and framed.

Okay, I'm feeling like baseball here. Next up is:

JBW Designs, Sweet Nothings, "Giving Thanks." This pattern has been with me for the longest and I know this pattern have been across the ocean two or three times, in storage a few years, and finally, I am able to get my hot little hands around her. This piece is finished as a flat fold.

The design did not quite ring fall, or Thanksgiving to me, but, it said "Give thanks for the kindly fruits of the earth," and so with that saying, why not for Thanksgiving. It was good enough for me.

Next up is a freebie, "eat, pray,love," from The Sampler Girl.
I feel I apply this little saying daily, but as I kept thinking of this simple saying, I thought, is this not what we do, hope to do, try to do, at our Thanksgiving table. I think so.

So here is my little finishing as a little Table of Hope, "Eat, pray, love."

Next are Bride's Tree SAL for June (fruits). This little ornament took me forever it seems; and I've finally finished it. Thank goodness.

and finally the Bride's Tree SAL for October (pincones).

I hope you all like what you've seen and are inspired by one or all.

I bid you all well until next time.

"Enjoi"

Jackie

Prairie Schooler WIP, LHN Pumpkin Hollow Farms framed, and quillow

2010-10-19T06:24:00.000-06:00

Hello dear friends,

Thank you all again for all the comments you all have left onto my finishing Pumpkin Hollow Farms. I appreciate them very much.

Here lies another quick post to show:

This frame was love at first sight. I like this frame so much, I think I will use it again on my Prairie Schooler, Autumn Sampler.

Little House Needlework, Pumpkin Hollow Farms framed

Next up is one of my many WIPs. Finally.

Prairie Schooler, Autumn Sampler

and, lastly, seems like a long time now, is my quillow I finished.

Quillow front.

quillow back.

Now I am on to Country Cottage Needlework, Pumpkin Cottage.

I hope you all like them.

Until next time.

Take care,

Jackie

LHN Pumpkin Hollow Farms finished

2010-10-13T06:06:00.000-06:00

Hello dear friends,

"Thanks" again to you all that stopped in and left a comment. I appreciate you all and I am blessed by your visits.

I finished Pumpkin Hollow Farms Sunday night while watching the football game and made a few more changes again.

Hope you all like the changes again.

Take care you all.

Jackie.

Pumpkin Hollow Farms

2010-10-08T06:10:00.003-06:00

Hello,
Here is a small "blogger upper".

I started Little House Needleworks, Pumpkin Hollow Farms last Saturday evening. While stitching, I made a few color changes.

LHN Pumpkin Hollow Farms

stitched on 32 ct Light Mocha Linen

with recommended threads and others

I hope you all like the changes.

'Til next time.
Jackie.

Season of Harvest and Thanksgiving

2010-09-24T16:09:00.002-06:00

Good day friends of Scattered Threads, followers, recent followers, and visitors. I hope you all are well.

My first day of fall was rainy; and while it rained, I continued to work and finish a few things I wanted to share with you all.

For me, fall is the season of Harvest and Thanksgiving and is one of my favorite times of the year. This is where we gather our crops, give thanks to God for all his blessings "in all things," while preparing and looking forth for the cold winter days to come.
With those thoughts in mind, here is what I've worked on for this post.

I loved the way Lizzie Kate's piece turned out with it's pumpkin feet. I hope I gave this piece "justice" with it's finishing and hope you all and Lizzie Kate would think so too.

Lizzie Kate, Fall Crazy

In All Things...Give Thanks

Next is the same photo, but what I wanted to show was the wool applique candle mat.

Next is my Scarecrow with it's mini pumpkins. What's a pumpkin patch/farm without a scarecrow. (I wondered if this pattern is by crosstitch designer, Barbara, Plum Pudding Designs)

I recalled a couple years ago going to a pumpkin farm, and there was such an abundance of corn. The kids went on a hay ride to select their pumpkins, played, and ran through the corn field. When I saw the corn fabby, I knew what I was going to use it on, my scarecrow. I loved the way he turned out too. He will nestle very well between my fall decor.

Plum Pudding Pattern Co.

It's All About Fall

Next up is a Pumpkin

Country Friends

Frost on the Punkin

Here are two blocks form my BOM quilt I mentioned in my last post. I love the good contrast between the fabby's

Block 1: Woven 9-Patch Variation

Block 2: Antique Tile

and; finally, I prepared the backing for my quilt I mentioned in

my last post and will post a pic after quilting and binding. I also started a quillow and will show after completion.

I hope you all enjoy looking around and hope you all will leave a comment as I appreciate them and enjoy hearing from you all.

Until next time, take care and be well.

Always,

Jackie.

Blog Update September

2010-09-21T12:46:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,

It is still officially summer and from what I've been reading on most blogs, most are ready for fall.

It is still hot in my corner of the world and although it drizzled early this a.m, it is now very sunny and bright. No overcast here.

These few ornaments should have been posted about two weeks or so ago, but I was feeling a bit lazy from all the heat. So here they are.

Brides Tree SAL for:

May: Birds or Bird in a Nest - happiness and/or joy, confidence in the shelter (if the bird is in the nest)

June is a WIP, which is also eating my lunch.

July: Fish - Christ's blessing, fertility

August: Rose - beauty and/or affection, Virgin Mary

Here's a quilt I started and because I was sorting and reorganizing my things, I placed it away somewhere and could not find it for r4rtbh
a few weeks. I found it the other day and finished it and now preparing the backing to get it ready for quilting, but not by me though.

This next photo is some fabric choice for 1800's Quilt for a QAL on the Small Quilt yahoo group. I don't know if I am totally satisfied with my fabric choice. Looks as if I won't be quilting along because they are at the binding and labeling stage. I will still get this done however.

I've just joined some local ladies on a Tuesday evening group and they just started a BOM. I chose this penguin fabric and some others I think will work since they were already in my stash.

And finally, My Lizzie Kate Challenge that didn't bring home the prize. Karen that won my blog anniversary giveaway won the prize; which she deserved. Hers was very creative and I too voted for Karen's.

This is all for now.

Please take care.

Jackie

Blog Anniversary Giveaway Winner

2010-09-10T14:13:00.000-06:00

Hello again 'yall!

My Blog Anniversary Giveaway Winner is Karen from Karen's Handiwork.

Karen, please send me your snail mail address. "Thank You."

I'd like to "Thank you" all again for your comments and please know I am always appreciative of you taking some of your time to stop in. I am always touched by your comments and what you may share and request.

Calamity Jr., Heidi, and Joy, please if you would, at your leisure, please send me your snail mail address. Perhaps I could get you on my Christmas list. Winka! winka!

I appreciate you all, and wish you all God's unconditional blessings.

Be Well.
Jackie

Blog Anniversary Giveaway closed

2010-09-10T10:09:00.000-06:00

Hello,

Blog Anniversary Giveawy is closed.

Thank you all for making an entry. Stay abreast. I will announce soon.

Always,
Jackie.

It's Anniversary Time

2010-09-05T17:49:00.000-06:00

First Blog Anniversary Giveaway

Hey there 'yall, it's ma' 25th Wedding Anniversary and ma' first blog Anniversary. So let's have a giveaway.

I have been busy as a bee 'yall, especially with ma' splinted finger and so this is all I could get in this giveaway.

Alright, "Purpose Driven." Love that one. Do 'yall?

Here is what I came up with:

Crosstitch: Work, Pray, Trust (Lizzie Kate)

Soft back book: The Purpose Driven Life. What on earth am I here for? (Rick Warren)

Book Light.

This giveaway will close when the honeymoon is over on Friday, September 10, 2010 at 12 p.m. EST.  I will post the winner via email and/or on my blog (hopefully September 11, 2010).

All "purpose driven" folks are welcomed to this drawing. You may invite your friends and announce on your blog if you would like. You may not announce on your blog if you would not like.

I will ship overseas if need be.

You may follow if you would like. You may not follow if you would not like.

All are invited because we are all purpose driven in some form.

If you would like to be included in this giveaway/drawing, please leave a comment to this post, with your email address if you do not have a blog.

I hope you all will share a comment about being purpose driven on this Labor Day weekend.

                                     Be of a blessing.
                                    Always,
                                    Jackie

I keep on Falling

2010-08-22T18:28:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone,

I keep on falling and can't seem to get on track. Not literally, but I continuously get kicked off my trail.

Here's a little update of what has been keeping me.

I went to California picked one DD and birthday-ed another DD. Upon my return, school registration awaited me along with Volleyball practice for DD. I visited the emergency room for an injured ligament on my finger. My DH told me to leave the balls alone and stick to the needles and threads. Well, best compliment I got in a while. LOL.

So anywho, I am here with finger in splint.

Okay! Enough of "woe is me," and let me get on with it.

Here are a few ornies I completed.

Christmas Ornament SAL for April: Church/Religious

Christmas Ornament SAL August: Geometric

Brides Tree SAL: April - Rabbit

Little House Needleworks Christmas Ornament SAL: Snowy Pines

Hope you all have a blessed evening and a good week ahead.

Always,

Jackie.

Blog Update July

2010-07-25T17:49:00.001-06:00

Hello dear friends, visitors, and recent followers,

The weather has been overcast for the past week and have kept me indoors. Today it is raining, and so I thought I would do a quick blog update.

Raindrops on yellow rose and bushes.

The rain has made everything beautifully green.

My friend Joy sent me a pattern along with a few others I was interested in and we anticipate a little SAL between us. No set date as yet because we both have to eat some things off of our plates first (LOL) to make room for our SAL. I guess I'll have to work this in my five year plan some how.

Joy has since received my little package and told me I did not have to send her anything; but I told her I wanted to.

So here is what I sent to Joy. "Thanks again Joy".

Lizzie Kate: Friendship needs no reason

Handmade card

Pincushion (side with 100% wool on one side and fabric on the other side)

coffee dyed floss

2 rice bags (the other photo was blurred)

tissue cover

2 fat quarters

The ensemble of a happy package

Earlier this week, I received my dryers (no washer yet). I remembered seeing this chart I only have red thread, over at the GOS (The Gift of Stitching) magazine blog. It was one of their challenges, so I thought I would stitch it. It is finished as a cutie flat fold which could also be hung.

GOS: I only have red thread

I also made two each of the pillow covers below, and still need to make a few more.

This one was made with the leftover scraps. I

I recently joined Angela P at Lizzie Kate Lover's blog , and signed on to do the Creative Challenge # 1. I stitched up the challenge and finished it, but cannot show the pic. I will have to wait until the challenge is over. So if you are a Lizzie Kate lover, go over and participate.

Not much else here. I started working on a UFO and started another project. Coffee dyed some fabby and kitted up a few charts. Now getting ready celebrate my little misses birthday.

So I will have to see what I can get done in the coming week.

Until next time, you all be well.
Jackie

Blog Giveaway Winner

2010-07-16T03:16:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone.

"Congratulations Rachel" of meeyeehere blog for the winning number of my blog giveaway (courtesy of http://www.random.org/)

There were 43 comments. One was mine to end the drawing and another had two entries.  The numbers were assigned numerically as they were recieved. 41 comments were entered as the maximum and Number 1 was the result.

Here is what Rachel said. So please help me to congratulate her. Will you all?

"Why, you must really be a sweet person. I am not just saying that because you are having a lovely giveaway but because you said follow if you want and just all the things you said. You seem very kind.
It makes me feel good to visit your blog. I am gonna follow you."

Thank you Rachel. I appreciate it.

Alright 'yall! "Can we talk?"

It's been a good week 'yall, and I thank God for it. "Lord, have mercy!" I've had some ups and some downs this week; but I've had more ups (because of you all) than I had downs (because my dishwahser quit working and I did'nt get my washer and dryer delivered). LOL. It's all good though. Dishwasher is fixed. Still waiting on the latter.

"Can we continue to talk?"

I want to express a big "Thank you" to everyone that entered my first blog giveaway. It far exceeded my expectation.  The truth of the matter is, the purpose of my giveaway was to be a little summer picker upper, but this had taken on another direction for me; and for this, I am grateful.

Sometimes you do things and you never know who you will touch by your small gesture; and for this, I am grateful.

I have utilized the better part of the last two days to express to each of you (via email) my gratitude for your visit, leaving your kind comments, entering my blog giveaway and to follow (if you chose to); and for this, I am grateful.

My heart has been filled by your comments this past week as I read your comments and I am humbled and blessed by all of them. Most have made me smile, some have made me laugh, and a few made me draw a tear; and for this,I am grateful.

For those that have made me a little teary eyed, I have said a prayer for you with the hope that your situiation will be better and you will begin to see some little light. If I were close by you, I'd give 'yall a hug and let you know that everything is going to be all right and everything will work itself out.

I too know all too well about adjusting one's sails and sometimes we just need to hear that everything is going to be okay. There is something to be said about adjusting one (1) sail, but when you try to manage two or three at once, it can become very overwhelming; which ain't much fun. I am sure a lot of us, or someone we know can attest to that.

Okay! I'm justa 'bout done talking.

Alright 'yall. Moving right along.

Some of you have expressed an interest in the pattern and since then I recieved permission to distribute part of the pattern.  If you are interested, please email me or make a request in your comment, and I will be more than happy to send it to you.

I am very approachable.

I hope you all will want to stitch it for yourselves or to stitch it for someone you know could use a little picker upper. It is such a beautiful saying.

In closing, I just want to say again, Thank you all for coming to visit.  I hope this little gesture did something for you all on the inside. Those of you that decided to stay and follow, I welcome you and I am glad to have you come along with me.

Please don't forget to give Rachel some congratulatory remarks.

I thank you all.

My heart is filled.

Always
Jackie.

First Blog Giveaway

2010-07-09T18:00:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my "First Blog Giveaway." A Summer one!

Theme: "We cannot control the wind, but we can adjust our sails".

Okay sometime ago, I wrote about "Random Act of Intention" and although I've had good intentions to have done a giveaway much earlier than now, I too had to adjust my sails.

I started the same saying for myself, with a slight twist; and of course life gave me a slight turn on it, and never finished it, but do plan to go back to it.

I, however, got this one done to give away.

I hope you all like it, or perhaps you can win it for someone that could use it. It can have so many meanings.

In the photo below are the items I have included in this "Summer" giveaway:

The crosstitch, finished as a flat fold

The crosstitch (back)

This little wooden sailboat. (sorry 'bout the fuzzy photo)

A small gift bag made by me.

Three fat quarters.

and a semi-handmade card.

This giveaway will close on July 15, 2010 and I make the announcement of the winner on July 16, 2010, via your email and my blog.

Everyone and anyone is welcomed to this drawing. You may invite your friends if you would like. I will ship overseas if need be. You may follow if you would like. You may not follow if you would not like. All thread and fabric lovers are all invited. It is my hope to do more giveaways.

My only stipulation is that you would make a comment, perhaps about the saying, to this post and leave your email to contact you.

I hope you all "enJoi".

Always.

Jackie

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-03T20:27:00.001-06:00

Hello again. Two post in one day.

Hope you all have a safe 4th of July Holiday.

Okay, If you love your freedom, thank a soldier. These men and women guard our way of life.

I salute you all and your families for your sacrifice and "Thank you" all for your service.

This is my "Waste Not American Doll." No fabric was wasted. The leftover fabrics was used to make the other accessories.

Here are a few of the "bolts" of fabrics that was used to make up her dress, hat, aprons, needlecase, rug and doll quilt.

Needlecase and rag rug

Apron (in 3rd photo) and rag rug from Book: Prairie Children and Their Quilts

Civil War Needle Case from Book: American Doll Quilts

by Kathleen Tracy

Doll quilt. My attempt at handquilting. Not perfect; but made do.

The American Schoolgirl Club

Eliza Jane Nine patch Doll Quilt

Kathleen Tracy.

Okay! Here I was thinking I was done.

Just one more.

Have you ever purchased pattern, fabric and floss that became a UFO before you even placed one stitch in? Well this was one was one of those pieces. After about eightish years, I pulled this one out, started it and finished it; but I admit, it ate my breakfast, lunch, and dinner to finish it. Very densed stitching.

The Lone Star State

(Enchanted Needle Designs)

I sure hope you all see something you like.

Be blessed, "enjoi" and be safe.

Always,

Jackie.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

2010-07-03T18:55:00.000-06:00

Hello,

I was away and visited the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. What a beauty. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking.

Hope you all will enjoy the pictures.

I've seen these buffalo's up close and they are very beautiful animals. They command attention.

"Enjoi!"
Jackie

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T17:05:00.003-06:00

Wishing all the father's a blessed and relaxing day.

Alright 'yall,
I didn't anticipate being back so "soon," but, sometimes you just don't know where small things will take you.

This morning I explained to my little miss about "Father's Day," and to go wish Daddy a "Happy Father's Day." Of course she did not understand all of what I explained to her and said "No."

But here's what she understood.

I told her that was not very nice and when it is her birthday, Daddy may not say "Happy Birthday" to you, and that will not be very nice either.

So she quickly ran to Daddy and said "Happy Birthday Daddy." How funny, but that was still good enough for Daddy.

So we are thankful for these tender moments.

"Happy Birthday Daddy."

Big smiles for Daddy and modeling her skirt.
Mom's hard work making the skirt, but Dad gets the glory.

Teachable Moments

Subject: How to water Daddy's bushes

Explaining

Showing (Hands on)

Watching (Measuring)

and watching (waiting)

mission accomplished; one proud Daddy.

(I don't know who's in charge here)

Dad: "Get out of my rocks!"

Little Miss: "What you say Daddy?"

and, then it was time to play after all that work.

The Twirly Test.

I think all little girls love to twirl.

Oh! and one request for Father's Day.

Banana Pudding.

I hope you all enjoyed these few pics. Until next time.

Jackie

Is it spring yet? Am I too late?

2010-06-14T20:34:00.000-06:00

Is it spring yet?

Hello FOST (Friends of Scattered Threads), recent followers and visitors,

How have you all been? I hope this greeting/post find you all doing well.
Isn't that a beautiful flower y'all.  I captured this pic one day in April while it was raining here in the dessert. I hope this spring flower with it's April rain will brighten your day. Hope I am not too late.

Okay! I believe this is where I fell off the blog scene; somewhere in April. I did not go away intentionally. I have been well, just awfully busy. For you all that inquired about me, just want you all to know, I truly appreciate it. Sincerely.

Alright!  I will spare all else the details and get about our business.

Not very much to show for the amount of time I was absent. However, here is what I was able to squeeze in.

Butterfly Garden

Dinky Dyes Designs

free chart with the purchase of thread pack

A skirt for my little miss

Twisty Twirly Girly Skirt Tutorial

By Sherri Howard at Moda Bake Shop

I think I skipped mother's day, but still managed a go out to eat and sit down mother's day dinner. Boy did I need it at that point.
Here is what I stitched, easy peasy red work called

Mother's Day Floral Wreath (freebie)

Bird Brain Designs

I finished off my UFO doll quilt. I needed to just add binding and label.

Bunny Hill Designs

freebie, but no longer on her website

Sometime in May, I was just out of steam. I consulted with my bag of tricks (UFO pile) and I felt like the little engine that could. I wanted to do a quilt, so here is my UFO quilt.

The "Crowsline"

Cedar Hill Designs

and now I'm a bit early for the red white and blue day.

The next two have been completed for some time, about sevenish years the oldest and I hope to get to a frame shop this year.

Patriotic Row

Bent Creek

Brave Flags

Shepherd's Bush

Last.

embroidery design taken from Liberty Pillow project

from American Doll Quilts by Kathleen Tracy.

I hope you all like what y'all see and I hope y'all will leave a comment or two if ya' see something ya' like. Be good to hear from y'all again.

In the meantime, I'll see what else I can round up to post and will be peeking in on y'alls blog.

So y'all come back now, 'ya hear!

Be of Good Cheer.

To God be the glory.

Jackie

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T17:19:00.000-06:00

The Ransom was High

Fabric collage by Jackie

Wishing you all a Happy Easter.

Always,

Jackie

The Beautiful Blogger Award

2010-03-24T19:08:00.003-06:00

The Beautiful Blogger Award

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you Michelle ," for this Beautiful Blogger Award. Michelle is talented (perhaps a future crosstitch designer) and have listed some other things on her blog I did not know about her before now. I "enjoi" visiting with her on her blog because she is filled with inspiration through her stitching and is always so encouraging upon her visit to my blog. Thanks again Michelle.

With this blog award comes with some of my favorite words, rules and responsibilities.

1. Thank the person who gave it to you.

2. Paste the award on your blog.

3. Link tothe person who gave you the award.

4. List 10 interesting things about yourself.

5. Pass the award on to 10 blogs and link to them.

Alright, I am up to #4, and this is where I'm stuck. I have to ponder. Let's see how this one go. I don't know if anyone would find any of these interesting, so I'll list 10 things that I think makes me, me.

1. I love the Lord, because he heard my cry through all my success and failures. God has blessed me with the gift of my hands, the gift of laughter, the gift of compassion and the gift of giving. I am a product of Poverbs 22:6.

2. I am a proud Black, Jamaican, Chinese, African American with a bubbly, upbeat personality with a huge sense of humor. I love to laugh, have fun, and live each day as though it is the last.

3. I am my mother's child. My mother (mom died when I was 14)is my greatest influence who after all is my inspiration to sew and do needlework. She too had a hearty laugh. She has set the bar for me as to being a wife, mother, how to give, how to treat others, and how I should be expected to be treated as a person.

4. My senior year in high school during Homecoming, I was voted "Class Clown" and my geometry teacher called me "Sunshine". I wanted to become, a math teacher ( I only help my DD with math homework now), an architect (you'll only find some fabric buildings on my quilts or my crosstitch) or a stenographer (that's what is was called then, and now I only use long hand).

But, I settled to:

5. Serve proudly, and is a veteran of the U.S. military where I met a gentleman I call Mister. A Little about Mister. Real short story here. Many years ago, I made a robe for my DH, one of my very first serious sewing project. It was solid blue with piping made with a very small checkered print. I toiled over this robe and presented to him. Well, some years had passed and I noted he never wore the robe. I thought maybe he felt it was so special he didn't want to ruin this beautiful robe I made him and placed it away. It was not until I overheard his conversation with his friend on the phone about, his beautiful wife made him a robe and that the robe was nice but, he looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame. One sleeve was shorter than the other. He never said a word about it to me. Well, I commenced. I commenced to giving him a swift knock about the head and just laughed and laughed. Needless to say, I only made crosstitch things and quilts for him since.

Anywho,

6. I have visited or lived in Jamaica, Germany, The Cayman Island, Macedonia, and Puerto Rico.

7.  My writing style on my blog is direct, to the point, trim the fat, and usually in hurry. (I apologize to anyone who find this type of writing offensive).

8. I am school trained in Fashion Design.  Currently, I prefer to crosstitch and quilt and dabble in oil painting.

9. I enjoy all types of people with good attitudes and a sense of humor.  I don't like misunderstandings and I have a low tolerance for rude behavior. Rude behavior has to be changed within one's self.

10. I like crosstitching because it can have a spiritual overlay. May my work speak for me.

With humble thoughts, I hope you all have learned something about me you did not already know before now.

Okay, here goes.

Here are the Gentleladies I have nominated. In my other life, you start naming names and you start getting into trouble, but; it must be done.

Alphabetically by name
1. Annette         The Seaside Stitcher
2.  Babs              Babs in her own world
3. Barbara         Plum Pudding Needleart
4. Dani              Dani: Black Belt Stitching Wizard
5. Julian             Julianne's Stitching Corner
6. Lorilee           Mommy's Delights
7. Nima             Made to Treasusre
8. Sheila            Sheila's Stitches and Stuff
9.  Sherri             From the Berri Patch
10. Willa            In the Willawags

And lastly, Thanks to all of you all that have bid me Congratulations on The Sunshine Blog Award and for the recipients who have made a mention/link to this blog.

May it bring you all more blessings and friendship.

Always,
Jackie.

The Sunshine Blog Award

2010-03-19T13:12:00.001-06:00

The Sunshine Blog Award.

Do small things in a great way!

Oh my!

First, let me convey a big "Thank you" to Cathryn at Blueladie Designs, a talented designer and stitcher in her own right, for sending me "The Sunshine Blog Award." What a surprise Cathryn. I certainly never expected this. "Thank you".

Second. Here is in keeping with my end of the bargain of PIF (Pay/Pass it Forward).

1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
2. Pass the award to 12 bloggers.
3. Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Here are the 12 bloggers who have inspired me in one way or another listed alphabetically by name. There were more, but I have been limited to 12.

1. Babs          Babs in her own world
2. Bridgette    At Brigette's Place
3. Deb            Thread Gatherer
4. Heidi          All My Scattering Moments
5. Isa              Isaderena Passions
6.  Joy             The Busy Stitcher's Babble
7. Mayleen     "Q is for Quilt!"
8. Michelle      Hearts in Stitches
9. Mylene        mylene's blog
10. Sharon         Sharon's Cross Stitch Obsession
11. Vonna          The Twisted Stitcher
12. Zinaida         Hearty Craft

And, so I thank all of you.

Always,

Jackie

March Ornament SAL

2010-03-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I am now up to par on my ornament SAL for March; so here they are. Hope you all enjoi them.

Bride's Tree Ornament for March is flower or flower basket (good wishes, beauty in the home. Here is my selection.

A rose is a rose by

La D Da

freebie here

scroll down to La D Da button

done on 32 ct. scrap with color thread changes.

Finished as a small posy pocket with ribbon hangar.

Christmas Ornament SAL for March's theme is Sheep/Shepherds, Snowmen, Trains.

I chose God's little lamb freebie

done on 32 ct Jackie's hand dye with said DMC threads.

Finished as "a no sew" ornament with 100% wool, utilizing Lizzie Kate's instuctions (with adjustments for this ornament)

found here

(see paragraph below 12 Blessings of Christmas Border

Little House Needleworks Ornament SAL

He's a Flake

LHN

done on 32 ct. (Jackie's hand dye) and personal colors in various threads

Hope you all enjoi and have a good weekend.

Always, enjoi,

Jackie.

Brides Tree SAL

2010-03-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

Moving along.
Here is my chosen ornament for the Bride's Tree SAL, February's theme, Heart (true love, loveof family). This piece is from Brenda Keyes, Traditional Samplers book, Little Girls skipping. Almost 25 years of marriage, brought these three little miss.

My three miss are outfitted into the silver anniversary colors of blue and silver. I thought this little ornie came out rather cute.

This will be my last post for now. I've gotta go get stitching and play catchup for March.

Until next time.
Enjoi, always,
Jackie.

Flower Quilt Show

2010-03-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings again 'yall,

I am moving right along.

Here lies one of my UFO quilts. My quilt guild had a UFO day as a workshop and I jumped head first at the opportunity to finish this quilt. The binding was already sewn on and the only things left to do on it was to finish the hand sewn part of the binding and to make and sew on the label. Label still not done.

What a beauty this quilt is. I really like looking at it and I hope you all do too. I am to make a king size of the same pattern, but the thought of this monstrosity is just not allowing me to start cutting as yet. I think in time.

Anywho, "enjoi."

Jackie

Southwest Wallhanging show

2010-03-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hello again everyone. Greetings!
First up 'yall. Just want to say "Thanks" again for all your generous comments you all have left on LHN Pear Tree ornament. I am ever so humbled by your comments and hope 'yall don't get tired of me saying thank you. Sorry! It's my home training. LOL. (for real, that's true).

Today, I am posting my wallhanging I promised sometime ago now.
Allow me, if you will, to start with my reference point, and I will go from there. All of my fabrics were given to me by my friend, Ms. Tencha. Isn't she just gracious. I will tell you about her at a later time.

and now, here is the end product.

Please note. These are not professionally rendered photographs, so if you are okay with what you see thus far, then please continue looking at the individual blocks.

Pattern: The Country Quitler, Desertscape

I switched the sun and the cactus group in the top row.

The next two is to show a close up of the pieced mesa border.

Here are the individual blocks by row, top to bottom and left to right.

Cacti Group

Chili Peppers

Sun

Lizard

Cow skull

Road Runner

Cactus and Scorpion

Rattlesnake

Fat Cactus

Armadillo

Does anyone have a favorite block? Mine is the armadillo.

Again, until next time.

Always,

Jackie.

LHN Pear Tree finish

2010-03-02T12:54:00.001-07:00

Good day everyone,
How have you all been? With this post, I hope you all are in good health and a good spirit.
What a whirlwind of a month February was for me. Since my last post, we've had a death in the family. My DH's uncle died. I did not attend the funeral, but my DH did, and I was the doing the preps for him to go and return. Needless to say, I was very tired, and so now, I am trying to resume my energy.

Well, without further rambling on, I just competed the finishing to LHN monthly SAL, Pear Tree. Hope you all like it.

I've changed the colors a bit and tried to make her into the shape of a pear.

and here is a pic of the trim I used.

Lastly, "please say a prayer for the people of Chile in their recovery from the earthquake."

Until next time, you all be blessed.

Always,

Jackie

Back with another finish

2010-02-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hello there again.
Let me begin by saying "Thank You" so very much for all your comments and concerns you all have bid me on my last post. I am so appreciative of you all. "Thank you all".

So here goes.

Can you all believe I am back with another finish. I am just tickled pink. Speaking of pink, I hope you all liked my new blog look. It is very pink and I like it.

Anywho, this here cause is for my Christmas Ornament SAL. The theme for February is love, music or winter.

My Big Toe Designs, Christmas Pinkie II

stitched on 28 Ct. mystery with DMC 93, 902, 987 and baked in coffee after stitching.

DMC 93 was too bright.

I hope you all like it. I did not like it at first with the blue, re,d and the green together, but after the coffee settled it down, I was able to work with her and I think she looks better now.

Okay, again, until next time,

Please "enjoi"

Jackie

Happy Valentine's Day and some finishes

2010-02-14T13:11:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Hello FOST,

How are you all on this Valentine's Day?

It has been a little while since me last post. I had a few curved balls thus far this month, but still managed to dodge the balls and got a few things done.

I am going to work backwards here.

First up are some Valentine's Day finishes. In the photo following are some things old and some things new.

Okay, now on to the rest of my story without boring anyone to tears.

First, It was DH's BD, so there was the baking, decorating and card making. Afterwards, I had an episode of some dizziness where everything was dark and the room was spinning, which landed me a visit to the doctor. I came away with what is believed to be "Postprandial Hypotension". An excessice decrease in blood pressure which occurs after a meal.

Then there was follow up of blood work. The result was everything was normal, except, very borderline Type 2 diabetes (which I know already)and bordeline elevated cholesterol.

I just hope that the diabetes is what kicked off this episode and hopefully it is only an episode.

Well, I hope you all enjoi the finishes and 'yall eat some chocolate for me.

Until next time,

Always, "enjoi"

Jackie

Guild workshop quilt

2010-01-30T09:49:00.001-07:00

Hello FOST,
Good morning and good day to all of you. Just a quick post. I am checking the block. LOL. I wanted to get at least one quilt done this year.

Here is my Guild workshop quilt I worked on last week. I hope you all like it.

Let me first show my reference point. On my last post, I showed this pic of the fabby's I used in the quilt.

I finished the quilt top earlier during the week, but I had to get two of my stitching buddies to hold it to get a pic.

I will post my wall hanging soon.

Please enjoi.

Jackie

Keeping Busy

2010-01-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Goooood Morning to all of you!

To you all that have joined in following, to you all that have left comments, and to you all that just like to visit. God bless all of you. I am so honored and truly blessed to be among you.

What a great day to be alive? As I often say, and reminded that "tomorrow is not promised". Okay, so with that said as an introductory note, please say a word or two of prayers for the people of Haiti. Give and donate in any way you can to help in their effort to recover from the earthquake.

Did anyone watch the special, Hope for Haiti Now?

Alright! Here we go! Here's what keept me busy this past week.

Just one finish. This I made for an online friend who became a first time grandmother last year. I had every intent to have it done for Christmas, but life took on its own path here. So as I am a person of my word, here it is finished and will be sent out next week.

Now on to a few starts. The first two I will put on my five year plan. LOL.

Prairie Schooler Alphabet SAL. I waited to start this one because I could not decide as to whether I wanted to dye my fabby or not. I decided I liked more of a brick and mortar (basic) look for this one, with the stark contrast of a white or cream background. This baby is a whhhooping 46" wide. Can you see why the five year plan?

S is for start here. LOL. Believe I will travel from left to right and up.

Next, my other five year plan is Me, Myself, and I Round Robin.
I've entitled mine, "Woman's work is never done". This one is fairly large also.

and, I also started LHN monthly SAL, Pear Tree recently (No pic).

Okay. I was feeling a little quilty after I attended a quilt workshop I signed up for, but was unprepared. I did not have my fabby so I ended up just helping. It was a lot of fun still.

So I gave myself a little ugly fabric quilt challenge. Just something small to use as my primer since it has been a while since I've done a quilt.

I started with this fabric, added another or two and ended up with...

This.

Lesson learned. Work on the half square triangles. Watch for the directional fabby'.

On to my Prairie Children and Their Quilts

Small Quilt Challenge, Bear's Paw Quilt

I am debating hand quilting this little one, but not sure as yet.

Alright! I am nearing end, and not so pretty pics.

This photo include the fabby's I used in the quilt from the quilt workshop. I will post more pics of my progress.

This photo is a wall hanging I am preparing. Will also post progression here.

Hope you all enjoi,

Jackie

Ornament SAL finish

2010-01-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hello and Good Afternoon,

Hope you all had a good week and a better one ahead.

Here is what I completed this week. Two ornament SAL.

Christmas Ornnament SAL

Plum Pudding Needleart

Next is for The Brides Tree ornament SAL

Please "enjoi"

Jackie.