Getting Back in the Groove

I have had kind of a hiatus from my usual stitching the last month or so. My good friend's mom became very sick and then passed away on Thanksgiving. I spent quite a bit of time with them. I grew up next door, so I have known them all of my life. Being out of work, I am glad I can be there for her during all of this.

Then, last Wednesday, I was opening a can of soup for lunch and got distracted. My finger got a little to close to the lid.


An afternoon in the ER and 5 stitches later. I have to wear this until next Saturday, which is when the stitches will come out.

I did manage to completed Block #11 of my CaHRH.




Now I only have 1 block left. I am very excited to get this complete.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I had a private exchange with Kathy A. I received her package last week. Kathy sent me all kinds of wonderful goodies. I don't know specifics of the pieces she made as she forgot to include a note.





Lots of my favorite things...peacocks, pink things for my pink basket, needles, pretty thread and a few small bags. Kathy did a great job. I love it all. Thank you Kathy!

I am trying to get some Christmas gifts and a few birthday gifts done now. I won't be able to share these for awhile.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Review of November's Goals
*1 Pink Stitch - DONE
*1 Red Stitch- DONE
*Block #11 of CaHRH- DONE
*1 Christmas Ornament- DONE
*1 Christmas Gift- NOT DONE
*Start a new Stitch for Me- DONE


December Goals
*1 Pink Stitch
*1 Red Stitch
*Winter Exchange
*Block #12 CaHRH
*At least 1 ornament

Well, I think that's all I have for now. Thanks for visiting.

Happy Stitching :)

JillMN

Hello November...

Well, here we are, another new month. Time seems to go by faster and faster.

First, I need to review my goals for October--
*Block 10 of CaHRH -- DONE
*1 Pink Stitch -- DONE
*1 Red Stitch -- DONE
*Winter Row -- DONE
*Christmas Ornament -- DONE

Those along with the knitting I did, I got quite a bit done. However, I have LOTS to still do! LOL!


November Goals
*1 Pink Stitch
*1 Red Stitch
*Block #11 of CaHRH
*1 Christmas Ornament
*1 Christmas Gift
*Start a new Stitch for Me

That's enough for this month.

* * * * *

I received a lovely birthday gift from my friend, Cathy.



Cathy made me a lovely peacock pinkeep. It looks like a very dark, rich purple. I love it! She also gave me a purple thread winder. YAY! I am kind of collecting these. It makes a great addition to what I have collected already. Thank you Cathy.

* * * * *

Yesterday I went through my "stash" and pulled several projects that I have wanted to do. I pulled threads and fabric so they are ready to stitch. One of them was this:



This is the Shepherds Bush 2005 Fob. I stitched it on 32ct. Park City Boulevard with the threads as charted except I stitched the hive with Weeks Tiger's Eye. I did the finishing this morning. I thought it looked pretty good with this Premax scissors.

Now I am going to start my pink stitch!

Happy Stitching :)

JillMN

September Catch Up

I'm a little late in posting this but better late than never, right?

I participated in a Pumpkin themed exchange over on the Tiny Treasures, too blog. I received my exchange from Melissa last week.



Melissa had stitched this very cute needlebook (over 1) for me when she learned that I had requested something non-holiday related as I was adding pumpkins to my kitchen. So, she also stitched this for me.


She used the same pattern but stitched in my favorite color and made this trivet! This turned out great as I plan to bring in purple into my kitchen also.

* * * * *

Along with my red stitch this month, I decided to knit my pink stitch also. I made this cute little bag that has the breast cancer ribbon on the front.


This was very quick. The yarn I used was a special pink yarn that Michaels and Joanns had as part of a whole display for breast cancer.


Goals...
Review of September goals--
*Block #9 of CaHRH -- DONE
*1 Pink Stitch -- DONE
*1 Red Stitch -- DONE
*Autumn Exchange -- DONE
*Halloween FS -- DONE

October goals--
*Block 10 of CaHRH
*1 Pink Stitch
*1 Red Stitch
*Winter Row
*Christmas Ornament

I think that is it for now. I am going to get my stitching out now and watch the rest of the Twins game. Happy Stitching :)

JillMN

Goals and a New Craft?

Review of August goals--
*Block #8 of CaHRH - DONE
*1 Pink Stitch- DONE
*1 Red Stitch- DONE
*Finish Summer Snapper- OK, this shouldn't have been one of my goals since it was already finished and I forgot! LOL!
*Start something new- DONE, actually there were several!

September goals--
*Block #9 of CaHRH
*1 Pink Stitch
*1 Red Stitch
*Autumn Exchange
*Halloween FS


A New Craft...
Well, as many of you know, I have been getting together with the ladies that were in my mom's knitting class for months now. The more I went, the more I was getting the bug to try it. I said I would after my retreat. Here is my first piece.


A dishcloth--YAY! Not too bad. And don't you just love the color? I really need dishcloths so there will be more. However, I did start something new last night. I am not very far. I will share later.

That's it for now. I need to get my act together. I am going to Joan's house for a day of stitching--YAY!

Happy Stitching,
JillMN

Goodbye June

Well it is July 1 so it is time for new goals. First a review of June's goals:

JUNE GOALS:
*1 Pink Stitch - DONE
*1 Red Stitch - DONE
*Summer Exchange - DONE
*Complete finishing on at least 4 stitched pieces - DONE (actually 7)
*Start something new - DONE (more than 1)


JULY GOALS:
*Find my collection of overdyed threads
*1 Pink Stitch
*1 Red Stitch
*1 Patriotic Stitch
*Block 6 of CaHRH
*Summer Snapper
*Complete finishing on at least 4 stitched pieces

That's it for today. I'm going to stitch tonight while watching a movie with my son. Have a great day!

End of Another Month

Tomorrow is June 1 already so I need to catch up on my May goals and set new ones for June.

One of my goals was to do the finishing on 2 pieces. I have kind of an overload of these from Fair Squares and such. The first one I did was some squares from Tuula. She stitched me a beautiful peacock and I finished them into a floss tag.




I also finished some squares that I received from Marie. I finished these as a hanging pillow.




This weekend I also finished block 5 of CaHRH. 1 more and I will be half done!


REVIEW OF GOALS FOR MAY:
* 1 Pink Stitch -- DONE
* 1 Red Stitch-- DONE
* Block 5 of CaHRH-- DONE
* Hand finish 2 stitched pieces-- DONE
* Stitch and finish 1-2 scissor fobs-- DONE, 1 anyway
* Start a new something for me-- DONE, started and finished SB stocking

JUNE GOALS:
*1 Pink Stitch
*1 Red Stitch
*Summer Exchange
*Complete finishing on at least 4 stitched pieces
*Start something new

I am already anxious for next weekend. My husband is going away on a fishing trip for 3 days. Lots of stitching is in order for me!

Have a great week!

May is Here!

Where did April go? It went by so fast it is just kind of a blur.

I did finish reorganizing/kitty proofing my stitching stuff last week and unearth'd quite a few things. First, I have a fair amount of stitched pieces that need hand finishing. Second, I own quite a few pairs of scissor that really should have fobs. And, I have LOTS of projects that I want to do. Things things will become part of my monthly goals.

I did finished my Block #4 of Christmas and Hawk Run Hollow.


Here it is so far, blocks 1-4. Just think, this piece is 1/3 done already!



MY GOALS FOR APRIL WERE:
1 Pink Stitch -- DONE
1 Red Stitch -- DONE
Block 4 of CaHRH -- DONE
Start CA Wells Sampler Block -- DONE

GOALS FOR MAY:
* 1 Pink Stitch
* 1 Red Stitch
* Block 5 of CaHRH
* Hand finish 2 stitched pieces
* Stitch and finish 1-2 scissor fobs
* Start a new something for me

I think I am going to work on CaHRH on Sunday's of the month. Hopefully I won't be hurrying at the end of the month to get it done. Today I am going to pull projects together for the month so they are ready.

Thanks for visiting and have a great rest of the weekend.

April Already!

Where does the time go? The older we get the faster time goes by it seems. I am glad winter is over.

Another thing I am very happy about is that my bestest stitching friend, Joan, is moving back to Minnesota in 2 DAYS! Joan moved to South Dakota last June just 4 days before my dad passed away. She has been back at least 1 weekend every month except January, but it just hasn't been the same. Our little stitching group will be able to resume our weekly gatherings. Welcome home Joan and David!

I had stitched my "Pink Stitch" for March earlier in the month, but I was unsure on how I wanted to finish it. It finally hit me.


This is part of Primitive Bettys Spring freebie Tulip Time. It is stitched with Belle Soie Carnation on 40ct. Antique White linen.

REVIEW MARCH GOALS
1 Pink Stitch--DONE
Spring Exchange--DONE
Stitch 1 Gift--DONE
Stitching something for ME!--DONE

I kept my goals quite simple because that gift I stitched was the hardanger cloth I did for Joan and I knew that would take some time.

APRIL GOALS
1 Pink Stitch
1 Red Stitch
Block 4 of CaHRH
Start CA Wells Sampler Block

I have stitched a couple more things but I have to do the finishing on them.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I appreciate all the comments.

Happpy Stitching :)

February Goals

I forgot to add my goals on my last post. First a review of last month's

JANUARY
CaHRH Block 1 -- DONE
1 Pink Stitch-- DONE
Start HoE Red Exchange-- DONE
Finish Isa Vautier-- DONE
Stitch 1 Gift-- DONE


FEBRUARY GOALS
CaHRH Block 2
1 Pink Stitch
Start Spring Exchange
Start Pinkeep Exchange
Stitch 1 Gift
Send Red Exchange

Goals

Well, with everything that has happened this last month, I did catch up and complete my goals.

NOVEMBER GOALS:
Stitch square #12 of Ackworth Friendship Squares (this will complete this project) - DONE
2009 Christmas Challenge (November)- DONE
1 Pink Stitch- DONE
Start Part 6 of Isa Vautier's SAL- YES
Fair Squares Round #16- DONE
FTT Ornament Exchange- DONE
Personal Exchange with Cheryl- DONE
1 Christmas Gift - DONE

December is going to be tough. I am only going to list what I absolutely have to get done. I have a few gifts to stitch also.

DECEMBER GOALS
Fair Squares Christmas Round
3 Christmas Ornaments
2009 Christmas Challenge (December

I am looking forward to 2010. I am hoping it is a better year for my family. I plan on doing ALOT of "me" stitching also.

Have a great weekend,
Jill

October

Yes, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Most of us have been touched somehow by this dreaded disease. I lost my good friend, Shari, this past May, who fought hard for 2 years to beat this disease. Please support this cause. You can go to the Breast Cancer site everyday and click to give free mammograms. Thank you.

OK, on to my goals. Here is a review of my goals for September--
2009 Christmas Challenge (September)--DONE
1 Pink Stitch--DONE
Finish Sisterhood piece--DONE
Start Part 5 of Isa Vautier's SAL--Yes, I did start it
LHN Exchange--DONE
Fair Squares Halloween--DONE

GOALS FOR OCTOBER--
2009 Christmas Challenge (October)
1 Pink Stitch
Finish Part 5 of Isa Vautier's SL
Fair Squares Fall Round
HoE beCAUSE It's Pink Exchange
FTT Autumn Exchange
1 Christmas Gift

Monthly Goals

I am a little late in posting my goals. I just didn't have the time this past week.

First, a review of my goals for August--
Get caught up on my stitching commitments--DONE
2009 Christmas Challenge (July and August ornies)--DONE
1 Pink Stitch--DONE
Send out PIFs--WILL BE DONE THIS WEEK!
Finish Part 4 of Isa Vautier's SAL--DONE
ASOE Ornament (Terry)--DONE
Start something new for me--YES

GOALS FOR SEPTEMBER--
2009 Christmas Challenge (September)
1 Pink Stitch
Finish Sisterhood piece
Start Part 5 of Isa Vautier's SAL
LHN Exchange
Fair Squares Halloween


It seems like I should have more. Oh well. Looking forward to lots of stitching time this long holiday weekend. Have a great one!

April Review and Goals

Can you believe it is May 1 already? I wanted winter to be over but I don't want summer to come and go before you know it. Here is a review of my April Goals:

2009 Christmas Challenge--DONE
Ornament Exchange—Julianne--DONE
1 Pink Stitch--DONE
Finish 1 WIP--DONE
Fair Squares Round #12--DONE
Finish part 2 of Isa Vautier SAL--DONE
MAW--Shelleen--Floss Tag--DONE
Finish PIFs--DONE
Stitch 1 gift--DONE-I did a replacement exchange for the HoE mailart. I think that qualifies as a gift!
Start Summer Exchange/Lynn--YES
Start something new for myself--Unfortunately, no. Maybe next month.

I also stitched the BBD contest sampler in memory of my Grandma and I went ahead on the Ornament Exchange and stitched Amy's (May) and Becky's (June). I am finished with this Ornament Swap.


MAY GOALS:
1 Pink Stitch
2009 Christmas Challenge
Finish 1 WIP
Finish Lynn's Exchange
FTT Blackbird Designs Exchange
Send out PIFs
Start Part 3 of Isa Vautier's Sampler (when it comes out)
Start something new for ME!

I love doing these goals. It really keeps me on task.


In my previous post, Ellen asked about the other beaded fobs that go with the Pansy. Like I said earlier, I have 3 of them done. Winter (Snowflake), Spring (Pansy) and Autumn (Acorn). I just need to do the Summer (Strawberry) one. The snowflake and pansy are identical on both sides. The acorn, has the squirrel on one side and on the other side you stitch your initial. Here is a picture of them.


If you go to Elegant Stitch, scroll down a little and you will see the kits.

Thanks for visiting and I appreciate all of the great comments!

Have a great weekend.

An Award and March Goals

I can't believe it is March 1 already. February is a short month, but jeez. However, I must say, we are that much closer to spring and maybe NO MORE SNOW!

I got quite a nice surprise this morning when I turned on my computer. My friend, Lynn, gave me a very nice blog award. Here is what she said about me--

"Jill at Purple Peacock for her lovely stitching and for her ability
to complete sooooo many projects in such a short space of time
Jill certainly inspires me. Jill was also the first person I communicated with in the blog world and she was the recipient of my first ever exchange!"

Her first exchange was the HoE mattress pincushion exchange. She not only made me a beautiful peacock pincushion, but she put together a little history lesson incorporating some of my favorite things. You can see and read about it here. Actually, the truth of the matter is, Lynn has blossomed so much since joining the blogging world, she has inspired me a few times in her stitching. If you haven't visited her blog already, you should go see some of the beautiful items she has made.

Thank you so much for the award and all the kind words about me. You really made my day!


REVIEW OF FEBRUARY GOALS--
3 Pink Stitches - DONE, Yes, I am finally caught up!
HoE mailart exchange - DONE
Fair Square Winter - DONE
Fair Square Round #11 - DONE
Birthday Gift - DONE
40th Anniversary Mailart - DONE
Finish 1 WIP - DONE

YAY! I met all of my goals for February. I also completed my Easter Fair Squares and Carol's ornament for our swap (which I forgot to add as a goal). I really worked hard and I can't tell you how great a feeling it is to complete a WIP! Hopefully I can continue to do more.

MARCH GOALS--
2009 Christmas Challenge
Continue Isa Vautier SAL part 2 (when it comes out)
Start PIF’s
Finish 1 WIP
Start 4x8 spring exchange
1 Birthday Gift
1 Pink Stitch
MAW for Kathy A.
Start something new for me

OK, I think that is enough. I don't have to stitch an ornament for our swap as it is my month to receive! I will have lots to share this month.

Also, as of this past week, I am the new owner of the Fair and Square board. When I was asked to take this over, I wasn't sure. I have been a moderator for about the last 6 months or so on this board, and I know how painful it is to track down squares. However, I felt that this was a great tool for the stitching community to meet new friends. I have met alot of wonderful people through the Fair and Square. Hopefully this won't take up too much of my time.

I am still staying away from getting involved in all those exchanges. It is most wonderful to do some "me" stitching. Not to mention that pressure of getting things out on time.

OK, got a little long winded here. Thanks for visiting my blog and thanks to all of you who leave those wonderful comments--I appreceiate it!

Have a wonderful day!

Thank You

Thank you to all of you who took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday this week. Thank you to all of you who take the time to leave the wonderfully nice comments on my blog. I know how much time one can spend doing this and there are some of you who are very diligent about it.

Make A Wish
I granted Carol's wish for a Christmas ornament. She didn't want anything cutesy so I decided to unearth my Hardanger skills and made something more elegant. I was pleased with how it turned out.



Random Act of Kindness
This is something I have decided I am going to start doing. There are alot of people out there that are so helpful with sharing their tips, ideas, new findings and words of encouragement.

My first recipient of an RAK was Staci K. I have gotten alot of great things from Staci's blog, the latest being the one on how to make your own overdyed white floss using coffee. It worked great!

I sent Staci some of her favorite things and a few others. Thank you Staci!



Monthly Goals
Review of October Goals:
Christmas Ornament Exchange (Edgar)--DONE
October Bride's Tree Ornament--DONE
Stitch #9 and #10 of LK Flip Its--NOT DONE
Complete pocket #6 of My Favorite Things Basket--DONE
Complete SBEBB Fall House Exchange--DONE
Complete Legacy Halloween Sweetbag Exchange--DONE
MAW for Becky (Emery)--DONE

I thought I had my "stitching pink" items as a goal, but I guess I didn't. I did manage to get 5 complete. I am not going to stop though. There are still things I want to make. My BFF, Joan, made me this chicken for my pink basket. Isn't he cute?



November Goals:
November Bride's Tree Ornament
Christmas Ornament Exchange (Carolyn)
All Season Ornament Exchange (Gaby)
Fair Square #10
Fair Square Christmas
HoE Christmas Ornament
Private Thanksgiving Exchange
LK Flip Its (#9, 10 and 11)
At least 1 Pink Stitch

Whew! I hope I remembered everything. I thought I could show another exchange that should have been received by now but it hasn't been acknowledged. Next time.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!