More Mermaids September 29, 2008

I have been diligently and exclusively stitching on Mermaids of the Deep Blue for over a week now. I am almost finished with the first mermaid. I think I will be able to finish her tonight and start on the other mermaid beside her. This is such a pretty delicate looking piece. I am loving every single stitch. Normally I can’t stitch on one piece for days on end, but this one has really caught my attention.

Mermaids of the Deep Blue

 

Close up of the beads

closeup of face and beads

And as I am stitching I am debating on which Mirabilia I want to stitch next. I am thinking maybe another mermaid like Shimmering Mermaid or Emerald Mermaid…or perhaps a fairy like Fairy Flora…I have fabric and some of the beads to start Winter Queen…decisions, decisions. I am hoping to have this finished or be very close by next weekend. Next weekend we are going for a little family getaway. I am looking so forward to shopping at the cross stitch store there.

On a complete other topic, I have been researching Amazon’s Kindle. I am thinking I would like to have one of these for Christmas. I think it would be so neat to buy a book anytime and be able to read anywhere you are without having to carry a heavy book with you. Anyone out there in blogland have one of these and would like to share your opinions with me on the subject?

Mermaids of the Deep Blue September 17, 2008

I started this project some time ago. I quickly got frustrated with it because I was having a hard time distinguishing between stitches and beads on the pattern. I kept going back over areas thinking I had forgotten stitches realizing that those “missing” stitches were places where a bead was attached. This piece has TONS of beads. I recently pulled it back out and decided that I would bead it as I stitched it. I have never worked a piece this way before, but I think I am going to like it. I stitch in hand. I think I would be reluctant if I used a hoop or q-snaps. I love how it is working up so quickly. I placed an order with 123 stitch on Sunday for the rest of the beads, treasures and Kreiniks that I needed to complete this one. I received them in the mail today, and I thought that was super fast. I think I am becoming a bit Mirabilia obsessed. I have added several to my collection in the last week, and have several more on my wishlist. I don’t know where I am going to find the time to stitch them all, but collecting them is almost as much fun as stitching them.  My pic is a little blurry and really doesn’t do her justice. But I am using all of the recommended threads and fabric for this one. Someday I am going to try a conversion or some of that wonderful hand dyed fabric that I have seen stitchers use for these designs. They are incredible!

Mermaids of the Deep Blue WIP

On a different note, our church has hosted a revival this week. Tonight is the last night and it has been really good. I have enjoyed it tremendously. It has made me think a lot about my own attitudes and willingness to help those in need, those who need ministry, the ministry that I do, not only in church but outside of the church walls, the gifts and talents that God has blessed me with that I can use for Him, and if am I using them accordingly. Much to contemplate…

Christmas Flips September 12, 2008

I received the new installments of LK’s Christmas Flips in the mail on Saturday from Mary Kathryn at Ehandcrafts. If you need a good online needlework store, I cannot recommend this one highly enough. She has wonderful customer service. I started stitching Tree last Saturday, and I am hoping to finish Cheer tonight. Then I will put it away and wait for the last four to be released.

I am not sure which WIP I will pick up next. I have dozens; deciding is usually the hard part.

I have been Ebay stash shopping this week. I lucked in to two Mirablilias at reasonable prices…

 

 

Christmas Elegance

Fairy Flora

 

 

I also love to scrapbook. One of my favorite tools is my Cricket. I have fallen in love with a new cartridge called Graphically Speaking. Once again, Ebay to the rescue. It would be great to get this in the mail tomorrow to play with this weekend, but that might be expecting too much too soon. I am looking quite forward to it.

We have had quite the week. DS and I have both been sick. I went to the dr. Wednesday after work with a sinus infection. I took DS to the dr. Thursday morning with a sinus infection and pink eye. We came home and enjoyed a quiet R&R day afterwards. Today was back to work and school. Luckily it is Friday because we are both tired. DH is coaching a football game tonight. I really hope we win. I plan to listen to part of it on the radio and also watch the Weather Channel for the latest Ike coverage. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Texas tonight. I have several Texan relatives that are in the path of Ike. I have thought about them all day.

I hope to post another stitching update at the end of the weekend…so stay tuned.