SFE from Michelle

I received a package in the mail from Michelle - it was my SFE (small finish exchange) from the ILCS group. And the note read, "if I didnt like it I should let her know, and she would make me something different."

So anyone want it?!?! Any takers?!?! Awww shucks... its already claimed by ME!

I LOVE IT! Its so adorable! Michelle - you are a great stitcher and finisher! Notice the scissor charm and needle stuck in the pillow?! Its so cute!

Thank you so much Michelle! This little pillow is going to join Mylene's by my stitching area.

SBQ - Nov 29

Today's SBQ is:

How do you secure your thread when you begin a new one? Specifically, do you or have you ever used a waste knot?

Mostly when I stitch, I just catch the thread in the stitches Im going to make. If Im only making one or two stitches, I will place a knot so that the thread catches under the previous stitches, and doesnt come out.

When I finish with a color, or even when there isnt enough thread left to stitch with, I run it under the few previous stitches, making sure that it is secure, then trim.

Model for Moonflower Designs

Patty from Moonflower posted the model I stitched for her to a Yahoo group I am in with her. So I thought I would post the finish to my blog.

On the left is the model that I model stitched for her. I believe that there was 7,900+ stitches in the model. I love how I was able to get the curving affect in the design! Turned out really cool!

On the right is the picture that Patty posted to the group, as you can see she added - this is what she posted in the email... "Just for fun, I will share a picture of a new design being released next year. The stitching on this picture was done by my wonderful model stitcher - KIM. I stitched the alphabet in the middle, and that is why I chose to share this, so that she may see what I added. " I really love what she has done with the model! This design is going to be released in 2007. If you would like you can check out Moonflower Designs for more charts available.



And once again, I thought I would post the other models that I stitched for Patty this year. I stitched the daffodils, both on the left and right. I stitched the orange one first. I really loved the experience of model stitching, and I hope to do more in the future!

Final SS in the mail!

I received my final Secret Sister goodies in the mail today! My Secret Sister was Vicky from CT. She was a wonderful SS! She sent me LOTS of goodies! "Home Of A Needlework", and "ABC 123" from Little House Needleworks from my wish list. And an adorable Christmas tree decoration finish! She knew me well! Thanks Vicky for the wonderful goodies!

I also received a few more bday cards in the mail too.. woohoo! Love having an extended bday. Now if only my Sassy mail would be arrive, I would be in heaven :)

Turning Twenty Quilt

Guess how many fat quarters it took to make this quilt?!?! There is a clue in the title of this post.. LOL If you guessed 20, you are correct! This quilt pattern was from a book called, "Turning Twenty". You use 20 fat quarters, cut them up into various indicated sizes and follow the directions and sew it all together!

For this quilt I used flannel material - which I got from the quilt shop. Im making this quilt as a display. I love the bright colors! This thing is huge! And I dont even have a border on it yet!

It calls for a pieced border, but I have to check with my quilting mentor, LJ to find out if I should stick to the pattern, or just do a simple border, cause man oh man, is this quilt BUSY!

I did have a few struggles with the quilt, but I got it all figured out. I had sewn a few of the blocks backwards... grr! So I had to rip a few of them apart, and sew them back together. And also when I cut the fabric the other day, I found that some of the material that was on the bolt wasnt 44".. rather it was only 40". So that makes a big difference. But it was a fun experience!

Also yesterday, I went back to the craft place in Eagle River that was closing yesterday. I picked up some more linen! And I got it all for 50% off! WOOHOO! Im happy!
When I was finished there, I drove up to Iron River, MI, and stopped at the St. Vinny's and got some cross stitch magazines that had some really cute Northwoodsy patterns in it. :) And I also went and visited LJ at the quilt shop, since she was working, and I told her my problem of being short on some of the fat quarters, and I cut some more material that I needed.(and I had to add to the kit that I made with the material I cut out for this quilt.) And then while I was there, I saw a quilt pattern that I would love to do. Its called "Spools", I got some homespun material, both plaid and stripes. I hope to start it on Wednesday, which is my next day off.

Cinderella - Round Robin

I signed up to do my first ever Round Robin! And I was the first to start out a project for someone else. I have decided to stitch for others, than have a Round Robin go out for myself.

This finish is from the kit called Disney Princesses. I chose to stitch the Cinderella in honor on Natalie, who loves Cinderella!. :)

Now its off to Pennsylvania to be stitched on some more, then its going to Indiana, and then back to the UK, where its from. I hope to post pictures as it progresses. :)

Friends Dont Let Friends Stitch Alone!

I agree! Friends shouldnt stitch alone! But when you have no one to stitch with... you blog about it right?!?! I had the chance to sit and stitch while I was in Omaha with 4 others, and I had so much fun!

I wanna (someday) organize a stitching group in the area. That is my goal. Just waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

This design is from a chart called Friends Stitch by Moonflower Designs. I stitched on 14ct white aida with the floss that Missy sent me for my bday present, called Sweet Memories from Six Strand Sweets.


I plan to finish this design off into a pillow.

THANK YOU MISSY!!!

Tonight I came home to find a package on the table from Missy. Missy had mentioned about me receiving a package this week, so was I ever surprised to find what was inside the package! She sent me a birthday present!

She sent me a scarf (I LOVE IT! You do a wonderful job!), which she made, and she also included a tuck pillow with stars, and linen inside to stitch on. Patriotic Santa Zipper from Bent Creek, a skein of Sweet Memories from Six Strand Sweets, a piece of 28ct Permin Linen Apple Blossom.

She also stitched a birthday card for me! I had seen it on her blog and assumed it was stitched for her DH, but nope it was for me :) *Notice how excited I was about the present.. I didn't even take my jacket off... LOL Thanks so much!
So thank you again Missy! This was so thoughtful of you! Thanks for making my day!





Its amazing what friends will do and give to you.. total strangers meeting from reading each others blog, then comments turn to emails, and then emails turn to gifts and surprises in the mail!

Blogging has really opened up a new world for me! I really enjoy reading other blogs, and leaving comments. I too enjoy blogging and reading comments of others that are left for me. Thanks to everyone that do leave comments, they mean alot to me! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to wish EVERYONE a Happy Thanksgiving, whether you celebrate it or not. I hope that you have many things that you are thankful for! I know I have have several!

Brian and I are invited next door for Thanksgiving dinner. I had to chuckle, cause on the radio yesterday they were commenting about motorist would be traveling within 50 miles of home, heck I only have to make 50 steps.. LOL Then later today, probably after a nap.. Im going to address Christmas cards. I gotta work tomorrow, so Im missing out on the Black Friday festivities, oh darn.. LOL

So again, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful day, and thanks be to God!

Thanks everyone!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! Brian and I had a great day! Yesterday Brian and I went to Iron Mountain, Michigan for lunch and some shopping. I got Cars on DVD, and got some groceries. Got home unpacked the stuff, and checked emails, and then I thought I would work on a quilt project. Well I got to the point where I need more material!.. LOL Im sure once I get more material, the quilt will whip up in no time!

Last night, I sat down and started watching Cars... what a cute movie! It had some funny parts! Im sure I will be watching it again! I even got a call from my 3 yr old niece, Natalie. Nat, my sis, and my mom went and saw Elmo Makes Music in Green Bay (I was actually invited but turned them down as I would have had a 110 mile trip home alone, and Im not a fan of driving home in the dark. She enjoyed herself - now I wished I would have gone.. oh well. Next time! :) But it was so cute - Nat sang Happy Birthday to me, what was funny is that she sang "Happy Birthday to you" three times and then said "Happy Birthday to Aunt Kim"... it was a priceless moment :)

Lizzie*Kate Fan Letter.. LOL

Yes, I wrote a fan letter to a cross stitch designer, Linda from Lizzie*Kate. I was working off a "high" with the 12 Blessing Ornaments and thought I would share my completion with the designer, so I contacted them thru her website.

Hi Linda -

My name is Kim, and Im a fan from Long Lake, Wisconsin. I have all the charts and snippets in my collection and have favored your designs to stitch! So quick and fast!

I would just like to thank you for the wonderful designs that you created for the 12 Blessing ornaments. I stitched every one, and now have made them into ornaments. I thought I would share a picture with you. Many have looked and commented via emails, and comments on the blog - some have even inquired where they can find the charts. :) Again I thank you for your creativiy and I look forward to purchasing more designs to be in the future! Keep up the great work!

You can find a picture of the 12 Blessing ornaments on my blog. Thanks for looking :)

~Kim~
Blog: www.upnorthxstitching.blogspot.com

I wasnt expecting to get a reply, but I did today! Thought I would share with you what she responded.

Hi Kim,
Thanks so much for writing! Thanks also for sharing your great photos of the 12 Blessings. It has been a really fun series for us.

I'm hard at work on the 2007 Flip-Its. I have them all designed and stitched. The first couple are finished and photographed and now I'm waiting on printing. We plan to have them in the shops sometime in December.

Thanks for your kind words and your continued support of L*K! Super stitchers like you are what makes my job worthwhile!

Yours in stitches,
Linda
L*K

WOOHOO!!!

Happy Birthday to me...

I got a wake up call this morning.. it was my niece Natalie calling to wish me Happy Birthday! It was so cute that she even sang the Happy Birthday song.. LOL

I would also like to thank everyone that has sent birthday wishes via emails and snail mail! It means alot! I got to open birthday cards from my friends at ILCS. I received cards from the following, along with a skein of DMC floss; Mylene (518), Teresa (SSS - Berry Twist & Cherries Jubilee), Betty in AZ (CC - Ruby Slippers), Annette (160, 602), Marta (758), Shari (445, 602), Debra (321, 744, 792, 3326, 3753), and Michelle (150, 701, 3340). Thank you, ladies! And I also got a Christmas card from Meghan, and Angie in the mail. :)

Plans for today is go to out to eat and SHOPPING! I wanna get Cars on dvd today!.. Yeah I know kiddish, but I want to see that movie!.. LOL

12 Blessings Ornaments.. FINISHED!

YEA! I sat down tonight and started and finished the 12 Blessings (from Lizzie*Kate) ornaments into ornaments!

WOOHOO!

They went quite quick! Even though I had to attend to a umm little bitty of an dumb moment.. that ended up needing a bandaid, and was this close to making me pass out!

I'm fine, didn't need a stitch... even had someone mention if DMC floss would work to stitch up the cut.. Thanks for the laugh Renee! Should heal up quickly... but the finger is black and blue under the cut skin. The details of the incident... umm careful with the rotary cutter.. its meant to cut material, not tips of fingers!

Back to the ornaments....

These will be going on a Christmas tree next month.. the nursing home I work at is sponsoring a Christmas tree, at a local mall in Eagle River. I was asked if I could stitch some cross stitch ornaments, and what perfect these turned out to be! The theme for the tree is "A Homespun Christmas".. the tree will be done in craft related items.

And I just hope when I give the 12 away, I get the 12 back!! Cause they are going on the tree next year! Since I wont get them back till after the New Year.

SBQ - Nov 16

Today's SBQ is:

Do you stitch Christmas ornaments? If so, how many do you stitch each year and for whom? If not, why not?

In the past, I havent really taken the time to stitch Christmas ornaments, but this past year I have stitched all of the 12 Blessings from Lizzie Kate. I plan to finish them into ornaments tomorrow.

Instructions might help

I was given a quilting assignment at work. I cut all the material from the bolts into fat quarters, and kitted the other half of the fat quarters. I included the instruction book in the kit I had kitted up. Driving home with my 20 fat quarters... I realized.. ummm I forgot the darn instruction book! Oh well it gives me a chance to wash the fabric. :) The quilt is going to be a Turning Twenty pattern, and the funny thing is.. this is the same book I left at work, which I found on the net.. LOL

Its amazing how our lives can be full of instructions.. and sometimes you gotta have the instructions to do a simple task.. LOL

SFE from Mylene

This afternoon, I found mail from The Netherlands.. and in the package was an adorable hanging pillow from Mylene! This is from the Small Finish Exchange Im participating in ILCS. November is my month to receive the small finishes! What an lovely finish! Thanks Mylene!

Fabric Enhancement eXperience

I had F.E.X. today! (Fabric Enhancement eXperience) WOOHOO! I have since fallen in love with linen.. so I have been wanting to search for some fabric.

Today Brian had a dr appointment in Eagle River, and since I knew of a arts and craft kind of store that was going out of business. In the past was kinda out of my way to get supplies and kinda expensive.. well I asked Brian if we could go alittle earlier. Stop at this shop, and see what I can find.

Well... $104 later! I treated myself to linen and some evenweave, and some couldnt pass up aida! I called this my early birthday present.. LOL

Each package had a % off.. varied from 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50% off. Well I really didnt look at the prices.. I just kinda grabbed and tucked.. LOL Tucked it either in my arms, or Brian's.. LOL The cuts of linen I pretty much saved 50% off! Got a 1/4 yd cut for about $9!

Well I suppose you wanna hear about what I got.. right?!?! Well here it is! :)

• 3 pkg - 14 ct Black aida (12" x 18")
• 2 pkg - 14 ct Lt Blue aida (12" x 18")
• 22 ct White Handanger (12" x 18")
• 28ct Evenwave White (20" x 27")
• 2 pkg - 28ct Linen - Beige Brown (14" x 18")
• 25 ct Evenweave - Winter White (14" X 18")
• 2 pkg - 28ct Linen - Winter White (14" x 18)
• 2 pkg - 28ct Linen - Cream (14" x 18")
• 1/4 yd 28ct Country French - Cafe Mocha
• 2 - 1/4 yd 28ct Cashel Dirty Linen
• 1/4 yd 28ct Lambswool Linen
• 1/4 yd 28ct Country French Latte Linen

Woah! I think I might go back again get some more. They are offically closed a week from this Saturday. I think I did well! Brian says, he doesnt care, cause he know I will actually use it! Ive trained him well! :)

Blogger Beta

Test.. Test.. Test This has been a test.

I have switched over to Beta... so no looking back, as I cant switch back. This better be good! LOL

How I talk quiz..

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
North Central
The Midland
The Northeast
The South
Philadelphia
The West
Boston
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

I have to agree! Even though when I do talk.. I some times talk before I think.. LOL And you will know when Im tired.. cause I mumble. I remember a few years back... I was booking a hotel room in Minneapolis to go to the Mall of America.. and they wanted me to verify my age, as I sounded too young.. LOL Umm I was 24 at the time! And what was really funny.. just before I turned 18yrs old.. I had a guy guess my age.. and he thought I was about 27.. EEK!.. LOL

Cross Stitch Quilt - Wedding Gift

Earlier this year I was asked if I would be willing to help with making a quilt for a cross stitch friend, who got married yesterday. This quilt was part of an Angel Project that a cross stitching group Im involved in, does for other group members. We sign up to stitch a design for the cause, and its then sent to the person receiving the Angel project.

Of course I agreed, and in September I received the blocks from 12 other stitchers, and some money to use to put the quilt together. I just did the basic quilt design.

I added the buttons to the quilt so that maybe some of the party favors from the wedding can be hung on the quilt.
I used curtain rings to hang the quilt.

The quilt has been received by the bride and she loved it! So Im happy for that! :) She stated that it will be hung in their bedroom.

Please excuse the picture with me in it.. LOL It was pretty late that night, and I had even worked at the quilt shop that day (my first day), so I was pretty whooped!

Been asked to stitch on another model.. WOOHOO! As far as the week to come - I have to work Mon, Tues, at the nursing home. Wed - Bri has a dr appt, and going shopping afterwards (Yeah!), Thurs work at the quilt shop, and Friday Im off.. not sure of the plans yet. Work Sat, and then Im off for my birthday! YEA!.. LOL I was suppose to work but I asked a coworker if she could work for me on Sunday and I would work for her on Monday.. and she said "Ok" So plans for my bday so far is to go to my favorite resturant in Long Lake, but Bri is hinting about going to Iron Mountain to go to our 2nd favorite resturant.. and so he can get me something for my bday..... Men!... LOL

Finish - "Winter Wonderland" LHN

Would you believe I started this umm 3 nights ago! And as of this morning, I only had the snowman, 2 of the snowflakes, all the snow, the bunnies, and the tree trunks stitched.. and well I took off from there! It was a STITCHFUL day!.. LOL

This is called - "Winter Wonderland" from Little House Needleworks, stitched on 28ct Misty Blue linen. Stitched with DMC floss. I actually started this design out 3 times! First the 712 just wasnt bright enough on the first color of fabric I had used. Then I started over again with 3865 to be the white... then it was the fabric, just wasnt going to do. So I found this piece of Misty Blue linen, and gave it a try! I also subsituted a few other colors for the green, the blue, and the brown. Here is the result! :) I love it!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Just wanted to post this... I know my mom reads my blog from time to time..

HAPPY 60th Birthday MOM!!!
Here she is with Nat and Kaylee from this summer, doing what she does best... being Grandma!

There, that being said... I wish I was there to join you this weekend, but that darn work thing! Hope to get home for your 40th Anniversary weekend. Then we can celebrate! Hope you enjoy the day with Amy and Natalie at the play, and later tonight when you go out for dinner. And the little surprise that we have for you and dad for your anniversary.. he he he.

SBQ - Nov 8th

Today's SBQ was suggested by Jan and is:

How many different brands of "complete" embroidery floss sets do you own? How do you keep track of it? (i.e., spread sheet program, index cards, palm pilot, etc.)

Well I do have one complete set of DMC floss. They are stored on bobbins in plastic boxes, and I have 4 of them. The extra floss that I store in gallon size bags, are in smaller zip lock bags, depending on the amount of the floss on hand, determines the bag size. As for as keeping track of them.. I have a list of the extra floss I have. I have listed the number of the floss, and if I have more than one I will indicate the number of skeins. And when I need another floss, I will check the list first to see if I have that color, if I do, I cross of the number from the list, and go to the bag to look for the color.

I do have some WDW, GAST, and other skeins of floss. I do have a list of the colors I have of them, so if I think I might use some of the specialty floss, I can check the list to see if I have them or not.

"ABC Friends Are We" finish

Gosh I love quick finishes! I began and finished this design today. This is from Simple Samplers from Heart In Hand, called "ABC Friends Are We". Stitched on 28ct linen over 2 threads with DMC floss.

Will be finishing it into a pillow, and sending it off. :)

Breast Cancer Scissors Fob - PIF

WOOHOO, I received word that the fob that my sister and I made for a friend, who's Mom, is battling breast cancer, has arrived!

Since my sister does an awesome job making bracelets, I had asked if she could help me with this fob idea I had. We found the charm and beads, and I arranged the beads, and my sister then put the fob together for me.

I sent the fob along with alittle note, stating why we wanted to do this. And so now its at its new home. :) Hope you enjoy Missy!

Here is the fob attached to my scissors before it took it's trip across the big pond!

Star Light , Star Bright

This adorable finish is from Little House Needleworks, called "Star Light, Star Bright". I stitched this design on 28ct greenish color linen, using DMC floss.

Now what to stitch next, of course Im not going to find something tonight, as its late, and I have to work the weekend, and I also worked today (well now yesterday.. LOL)

Just wanted to post this finish :)

*WARNING* - It happened to me!

Don't blow through a straw into a Capri Sun juice box... cause its gotta come back up!.. LMAO Try it ... you will see what I mean! LMAO!! I can see it now.. Kim gets the "Here's Your Sign" award for gushing juice from the juice box.. LOL

Ok I admit, I raided the Halloween bowl, and got myself a Capri Sun, its in those umm what do you call them pouches. Well I took the straw off the pouch, put the straw into the little hole, and proceeded to suck on the straw. Everything was going great.

I saw the bills on the counter, and thought, well I better get the checkbook out and pay them. Well I set the pouch down on the counter and it sorta tipped over. Well I tried standing it up again. Of course the corner on the bottom was buckled a little, rather than squeezing on the pouch, I did the next best thing. Blow in to it through the straw. You know when you blow in a straw while drinking milk, you get bubbles right?!?!

Well when you drink Capri Sun from the pouches you get a FACE WASH!!!!!! LMAO I blew into the pouch till the pouch went back to its shape, wel then I took my lips off the straw, and out it came.. of course I was trying to put it down on the counter, it continued to fountain out of of the pouch. I laughed so hard! As I type this, I still have juice on my eye lid hairs, or maybe its tears from laughing so hard..LOL Its a good thing I'm home alone... humm I wonder if I can get Brian to try it.. Should I?!?! LMAO!

SBQ - Nov. 1

Today's SBQ was suggested by Lee and is:

How did you decide on the title of your stitching blog? Was it random, or does it have a special meaning to you or about you?

Well I had a title of "Kim's Thoughts and Such", cause when I first started out I wanted to share my thoughts with the world. But then, I started showcasing my cross stitching and quilting projects.. so it wasnt a thought.. it was a such.. LOL Just this past weekend I changed the name of my blog to "Kim's Northwoods Discoveries" and as I mentioned in a previous post how I decided on changing the name. So yes it does have a special meaning to me :). Also the url of the blog (upnorthxstitching.blog.com) was my second choice, as I had lost my first blog some how! The blog is still there, but there was no way of accessing the blog, so I just created a new one. The upnorth in all my emails and such is cause well, we live in northern Wisconsin and this is claimed as the Northwoods or "Up North", and well xstitching is what I love doing!