Chosen

Wow, putting you to the test was fun. I guess I like hearing people's opinions. Thirty-three of you voted for fourteen different projects! And one voted for a project that wasn't even on the list. (I think it was title confusion rather than hallucination.) If you voted for more than one, I only counted the first vote. And if you said I should finish the one closest to being done (people, I don't have that kind of spacial sense!) and then mentioned something else, I went with the something else. The problem is there's a tie: Tree of Life Window and Anna's Bird both received five votes. And Apple Sampler got four which seems statistically insignificant, so I'm having a run-off. (And since my senator Arlen Specter changed parties, you can too.)

The choices are:
Tree of Life Window--Heartland House Designs This is based on a Frank Lloyd Wright window (Darwin Martin House in Buffalo). I have not been to Falling Water; it's in Pittsburgh which is very far away considering Pittsburgh's enticements. The back story on this one is that I started it as a gift for a gay friend's commitment ceremony. Very masculine. But then I wasn't invited. So I put it away. I don't even know what I am going to do with it when it is done. (Doris, maybe this is my way of doing that.)

Anna's Bird--Good Huswife This one only seems to come out when I go to camp, but it is for me. It would look great in our dining room which is painted "Fragrant Clove" (rust for the regular folks, "deep terra cotta" for the designers, and DMC 920 for the stitchers).

Apple Sampler--Curtis Boehringer Also for me. I fell in love with this one when I saw it in the Cross Stitch Sampler. It's why I bought that issue of the magazine, and it's why I subscribed to the magazine until it folded. (Then subscribed when the editor of CSS started Fine Lines until it folded. Or she ran off without any announcement to speak of!) (Speaking of magazines going out of business, RIP Simple Scrapbooks. To be incorporated into Creating Keepsakes.) I carried this pattern around for ages until I finally decided it was time for me.

So those are your choices. Maybe I'll leave it until Monday. My parents are coming back through PA this weekend on their way home, having bought a new house in Florida, so I might not have a chance to stitch until then. So vote again, here, by Monday.

---

And in the Giveaway:



Rachel is the winner! Congratulations!

May Bee

I have decided for the month of May to be a one-at-a-time stitcher. But I don't know which project I should choose. You be the judge.

The WIPs:

1. Mirabilia, Christmas Elf
2. Shepherd's Bush, Brett's Stocking
3. Moss Creek, Elizabethan Rose
4. Heart in Hand, Monthly Mania (March, September, December) (see below)
   
5. Heartland House, Tree of Life Window
6. Good Huswife, Anna's Bird
7. Linda Jary, Majestic Rooster
8. Nutmeg Needle, Treasured Tulips
9. Hillside Samplings, Folk Art Threadkeep
10. Curtis Boehringer, Apple Sampler
11. Liz Turner Diehl, 16th Century Knot Garden
12. Bent Creek, Snowman Stocking
13. Watercolor Geranium
14. Theresa Layman, mermaid
15. Mirabilia, Emerald Mermaid
    
16. BOAF, Scared Silly (see below)
    
17. Shepherd's Bush, Anna's Stocking
18. Corinne and Gigi, French marquoir
19. Dimensions, Santa kit (see below)
    
20. Dimples Designs, St. Basil's Cathedral
21. Heart's Content, Merry and Bright (see below)
    
22. Hardanger Napkin Rings
23. Lilybet, Spots II
24. Blackbird, Flea Market Souvenir

Pictured here: Merry and Bright, Scared Silly, Santa Kit (aka a red blob), Monthly mania*

Vote in the comments! My fate is in your hands.

* You may not recognize this one (March). I don't like the leprachaun on that one.

Rookies

Let me begin by saying I admire what this woman did. Creating a pattern, even with Photoshop, coming up with the idea, executing a one-over-one project--it all takes creativity. And I admire that. And I completely identify with misunderestimating the time a project will take.

But both the craftzine report of this stitched piece--which, incidentally falls into my favorite category: celebrity faces in cross stitch--and the woman's blog are, shall we say, adorable in their naivete.

I don't want this post to be discouraging to beginner stitchers, or people whose secondary or even tertiary craft is cross-stitch. But I do think it's funny the awe with which the craftzine writer says the piece was stitched with single strands of floss. I'm guessing most loyal readers, nope ALL loyal readers have done a one-over-one project. (Okay 92.38% of you.) I also like how the stitcher wasn't sure she could find six discrete grays. (Too bad she didn't have access to a DMC color family chart. pdf) And I like how she calls 28 hpi "finest resolution"--it's not that that's not the finest, it's using the term "resolution" to describe fabric count.

For these are the people reviving our craft...

Fair and Square, Final

I have sent and received my last Fair and Square.

I stitched these squares for Maureen, from Christiane Dahlbeck's Fadenspiel (Floss Play):

I also sent a card from pink month:

Maureen stitched these lovely squares for me.

The dragonfly is highlighted with metallic floss and little pearly beads. Very sweet.

April Giveaway

Are we still doing this? I'm just kidding. I want there to be 12 winners, and, let's face it, the only way that's going to happen is if we do it once a month. So here we are celebrating five years and eight months of Stitch Bitchery.

I'm so sorry that I didn't have time to make something special for you, but I spent too much time gallivanting around the country. And this month is ending soon.

So I sacrificed myself yesterday and had a good wander around Joanns. I made sure I went into a complete daze. Good thing too, because I found myself standing in the clearance aisle and this trim just leapt out at me. It seemed so "Blackbird" to me. And since they are the bloggers of the moment, I had to build a prize around the trim. I went back to the fat quarters and found the appropriate fabric. Pearlized pins and some white 32 count linen for you to tea or coffee dye round out this months prize.

To win, stitch the Blackbird sampler (I must still be in that fog--I forgot who I was for a minute) leave a comment on this post only. I'll draw it on my parents' anniversary and nephews 8th birthday, April 30. It will really be a banner day.

Book 'Em

CinDC at Pencil Crossings answered these questions for Library Week, which I missed because I was away at stitching camp. But since I make love to a librarian (ok, library student) I thought I'd answer them too.

How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?

I take out all kinds of books from my library on a fairly regular basis. I try to always vet craft books instead of buying them and being disappointed. Of course, eleventy years of grad school gets you in the habit of using libraries, public and otherwise.

I remember once at a faculty meeting someone said that amazon had replaced the library as a place to research "the literature" (you know all the books ever written about whatever subject). Much easier, more thorough, and more books at hand, so to speak. But I don't think bookstores, even virtual ones--can replace libraries. First of all, there aren't a lot of bookstores that let you read and return books. There aren't even as many bookstores as there used to be. And fewer bookstores, no matter how behemoth they may be, mean fewer choices.

I don't remember going to the library a lot as a child, but I don't remember having a lot of books either. I did, however, read volumes. I think I relied on the school library, but I'm sure my mother will tell you that she took me to the library. I started going to the public library in high school because my high school's library had ancient out of date books that were guarded by a nun nearly as ancient. In college, I went to the public library on rare occasions. In those days there wasn't a bookstore in the town. Or in any nearby town. And we couldn't order off the internet either. I rarely studied in my school's "modern" library, choosing Haverford's dark and cozy library instead. (Pictured. I remember it as dark because when I wasn't in "the ship," I was in the smoker.)

I think the dude's studies have led me to have a better appreciation for the scope of the library's mission and the way it can/does serve as a community center.

Stitching is My Bag

Or something like that... This is the bag I made for myself. Unlike the other two, I finally figured out the proper size for the pieced section. But I was patting myself on the back so hard I forgot to put pockets inside. And I didn't really do a great job of cutting the piece to size. But I love love love that fabric.

I loaded it up with stuff, dumped it out at the register and piled it all back in after I dropped a pretty penny. Good thing I had that gift certificate from my favorite aunt!

And since Monique gave her full shopping report, and someone did ask for details, here's the full shopping list:

Some WDW floss
WDW fabric, 35 ct fabric cappuccino and havana
28 ct Days Gone By fabric
Mill Hill Buttons and Beads Martini (for you know who)
Erica Michaels, To Thee My Heart (silk gauze) and the called-for GAST and Crescent Colors
Giulia Punti Antichi D2 Biscornu
Shepherd's Bush charms for Anna's stocking and Reed's (crossing my fingers I didn't buy the latter twice)
Lizzie Kate, Cinderella is Proof
Just Nan, Scream House
Threads that Bind, Sunday Social (another sheep punchneedle)
JABC clay--three bats for the monsterbubbles Halloween ornament from JCS

When I arrived on Thursday night, I took out Anna's bird and put a little more floss on that bad-ass black fabric. Here's how it looked last time I worked on it, which I think was last year at camp. And I know why: it's the white table cloths. They're so conducive to stitching on dark fabric. I guess I should buy one!

Oh, and I don't know how I forgot to tell you about this, but there was a small festival going on in the state park the same weekend we were there. The National Fry Bread Champ was there selling "Indian tacos," which for those of you who don't know is basically taco ingredients slathered on a piece of fry bread. Oh mama, that was good stuff.

Home Again, Again

I'm back from camp. I don't know if it was all the sleep I missed out on, or the lovely weather in Pennsyltucky or what, but I am tired in my very bones. Trying to think about what to tell you is tiring me. I'm too tired to even read your blogs, though I am forcing myself to catch up. You will forgive the lack of comments on those during this period.

Thank you, though, for leaving comments on my autoposts. You all can be so thoughtful. Donna's comment makes me wonder if I shouldn't add that story about the young reviving the craft of cross stitch to the old lady count. I'm also pleased that you too wander around your favorite craft store in a zombie-like stupor created by...let's call it possibility. I appreciate your solidarity.

I don't quite know how to write my camp report. It was much the same as it always is: a lot of stitch-ass, too little sleep, three projects, Vera Bradley giveaways, many of the same "spring" people. I didn't finish-finish any of the projects, but I have stitched two, including a needle book with a couple of accessories. I didn't even get to the cupcake. Of course, it might have been easier to get to if they had remembered the floss for that project*. I guess it's hard for me to understand the lack of organization because I am so perfect, but man, hire a pa. Ah, but good help is hard to find these days, and what would be the charm of camp if everything went smoothly?

What I did manage to stitch was the Primitive Needle Halloween scene; it will be finished as an easel and that piece of fabric dangling is the backing--only a little more pink, still purple though. The patriotic (Come on! Why why why? We've had enough!) needle case got stitched while I waited for air traffic in Philadelphia to ease (rain). Next, to put it all together.

This time, I arrived to and departed Oklahoma from OKC. I got to spend some time with DD and Jomama. We took the long way to camp and stopped off at a little quilt and "antique" store (the oldest thing in there was the proprietor). I snapped up a couple of not-too-spendy things: a vase, that has a small sticker on the back "Souvenir of Shawnee, Okla" and this southern Cal apron. The dude asked me why I bought it. How about, we met there, you big lug! And also, look how good it looks in my "Gypsy gold" kitchen and with that jug.

(That wall behind the vase is much closer to the blue in the vase. )

Of course, much too much shopping was done. It's too boring to look at my shopping. I'll say this: the deruta biscornu I wanted last year. Just Nan Scream House. Fabric. Odds and ends. Maybe I'll start them someday and you can watch me stitch them.

DD and I are beginning to think we might go to camp again in November. Maybe. It will depend on a hundred million things and all the stars aligning just right.

Okay, I need someone to come and organize my time. I am wandering through my life in a fog and getting very little done. Pfffft.

*When they announced that I cackled uproariously, as I do.

Young People Reviving Old School Crafts

I love the media. Those people are so funny and so...clueless. Here's what they say about cross-stitch now.

"The age-old hobby using a needle and thread is having a shock revival as hundreds of young people flock to bars to take part in 'urban' cross stitch.

"Shock" revival. I love that. Because it's only happening if you see it happen. No one does it at home behind closed doors or anything...and never in the rural areas. What happens in cities is what's important. (Actually it is to us.*) And, only when the youngsters have a go.

But I am perplexed about the bars thing. Are they drinking and stitching? Because that doesn't usually go well.

* Over 80% of Americans live in urban areas and 90% of economic output happens there.

The Sixth Sheik's Sixth Sheep

A long time ago--November to be exact--Sadie tagged me for the sixth picture in my sixth folder meme. At the time, the only photos I had on my computer were ones I'd already posted here. I told her I'd get back to her when I found my missing thumb drive. Well, I was looking for something in my messenger bag while I was at the Tampa airport. I dug into the pocket for my sunglasses and felt something...could it be? The thumb drive I had given up as lost lost lost? Indeed.

So the sixth file that had photos (the sixth file was all documents) was my family made into South Park characters. One year the dude and I "Southparked" everyone and put the resulting pictures on their Christmas presents. My niece loved matching them. So the sixth photo is my grandmother, the one you've come to know and love. She's got two drinks because she was a bartender...oh that's right, you've read about that.

She hated it. "It makes me look old."

Winner, Winner

Aussie Stitcher wrote to tell me that she's received her prize from last month's blogiversary drawing. That thing really flew to Australia is all I have to say because I just mailed it a week ago.

I love how Tanya finishes her pieces a bit off-center, and I thought that would be perfect for this piece. I did decide to go with a pillow instead of a wall hanging, mostly because I have become so awesome at making pillows. It's my go-to finish. As I was photographing this delightful pillow, I was thinking everyone needs one for Christmas. But then I exhaled and realized, a woman's got to know her limitations, with apologies to Clint.

I found the wooden star buttons as I was wondering around Joann's in a daze--am I the only one who does that? You go to the craft store to buy something specific and once you find it, it's like you're in a Vegas casino, where you can't head straight for the door. Instead you find yourself wandering through the button section or the scrapbooking section or the frames...and you realize you are feeling lightheaded, like you are out of your mind. My sister used to call it my "Ben Franklin orgasm" back in the day when Ben Franklin was a craft store, and not an old man wandering around Philadelphia.

Anyway, I forgot to buy lining fabric for my tote, and I really want to finish this today. Let's hope I can get out of Joann's with my head screwed on straight...as it were.

Home Again Home Again

I'm back home (try to ignore the glossy abelia which is in need of pruning) for two days before I head out again, and I'm avoiding the laundry and the grocery shopping and the cleaning that goes along with being away and going away. But it will all be worth it because I have such a good time at camp every year.

I had promised some photos.





My mother's bracelet.

As you can see, I got a mermaid in there. My mother loved it. I overestimated the size of her wrist by five links. It may not be as big as she claims.

The piece I finished on the delayed trip to Florida. With luck I will finish-finish this so I can use it when I shop! This is a JBW freebie created for the Silver Needle. I stitched it on white linen with DMC 335.

Love you too, blogger!

And an update on the mermaid. I spent most of my free time on DD's RR. Funny story about that. Should probably tell DD before I share it here though. I don't want it to be that kind of surprise.

Now to the cleaning, laundry, shopping and responding to e-mail.

Florida Vacation

I made it to Florida. Believe me, there were times yesterday when I didn't think it would happen. My flight was overbooked, and they were looking for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for a free round trip ticket, lunch and dinner vouchers. If my sister hadn't been arriving in a different airport at the same time as that flight got into Tampa--and during my parents' pub quiz--I would have done it. (Of course, my sister's flight out of Philly was delayed and she ended up on the flight to Tampa I would have been on...) Then there were mechanical problems which delayed our flight an hour. Then of course we were in weather induced traffic--after we had been on the runway for an hour, they told us we were #22 in line, "Go ahead and use your cell phones," the Captain says. It finally dawned on me how late we were when I realized I had read three magazines, a book (it was a short one), and finished a cross stitch project (it was small and halfway done). So yeah, I got in four hours late. Not having eaten anything. And my mother brings me a sandwich on one point bread. Thanks, lady.

I ended up making her a bracelet for her birthday, which I will show you when I get home. I have no means of getting my pictures onto the computer here. I also have the piece I finished on the plane and an update of the knotty mermaid. I didn't put in as much time as I had hoped on that, but I am more than halfway done. Just a little more background and all the border...

Weather here sucks, so I think we're going shopping after we pick up my sister's baggage from the other airport. And my mom promised me a bead show...

April Goals

Today I sent the dude to work with an April Fool's lunch. I took the goldfish--okay I know, but he only likes baked snacks--out of the single serving packet and put baby carrots and a note inside and resealed it. The note told him where to find the goldfish. Because there are jokes and there are jokes, and the dude doesn't like the ones that result in him not getting his goldfish. I also put a gummi worm into an apple for him. Now his coworkers think I have too much time on my hands. Pshaw.

In addition to being a day for little jokes, the beginning of the month is a time to reflect and project.

What I set out to do in March:

1. Work on mermaid--not so much
   
2. Finish and send birthday gift--Done
   
3. Finish-finish one project from the to-be-finished pile--more than one!
   
4. DD's RR--And I'm supposed to be Donna's friend. :(
   
5. Make an anniversary giveaway--Yup
   

April's goals:

1. Donna's RR
2. Flea Market Souvenir
   
3. one Saturday, work on French marquoir
4. Have fun at camp--and finish all the projects
   
5. Finish-finish one project from the to-be-finished pile

It's true, camp is this month! Woot. I am going to be gone for nearly a week, tacking on a visit to OKC this time. I know you'll miss me, so get your fill while you can.