Ice + snow January 28, 2009

WARNING–LOTS OF PHOTOS IN THIS POST…

(I always think this is a good thing, but I see these kind of warnings in blogs sometimes and there must be a reason…those on dial up, maybe?)

Day 2 of the winter storm happened today. It rained last night and eventually turned into freezing rain. The temperatures dropped causing more ice accumulation. Then it snowed. We are more fortunate than most. We still have electricity, and there are no trees laying on our house or in our vehicles. There are so many here without power and the electric companies are telling people that it could be one to two weeks before their power is restored because the damage is so massive. Red Cross has set up a shelter in one of the local elementary schools to help those that need it. Lots of people bunking in with friends and relatives that have power to stay warm. The local grocery store has a lot of empty shelves–no bread whatsoever!  We went out and about today to see some of the area. The pictures below are from that outing.

 

 

Our family is truly blessed and fortunate. I am not complaining at all. My in laws have their power restored. My parents are without power, but are fine. They heat with a wood stove insert and have a gas fireplace in the basement should they need it. Both my brother and myself have encouraged them to come to our homes, but they insist they are warm and well taken care of. I know they are. When we were kids, the power would sometimes go out for more than a week at a time during winter storms like this one. We not only survived, but were warm and had plenty to eat. My parents know what to do in these situations and also have the equipment to do so. We never camped out as children, but we had camping equipment for just such occasions.

Now on to stitchy news…I finished Mermaids of the Deep Blue last night. WhooHoo!! This was one of my main stitching goals to start the new year. I put the final bead on around midnight last night.

Mermaids of the Deep Blue-Mirabilia

 

 

 

MOTDB is stitched on 32 ct. Amsterdam Blue linen with recommended DMC, Kreinik threads, and Mill Hill beads and treasures. It was fun to stitch, and I am glad it is finished.

I am now working on Mirabilia’s Shimmering Mermaid on a beautiful piece of Silkweaver fabric that my parents gave me for Christmas (have I mentioned lately how much I love Silkweaver fabric? ).  As soon as I have enough progress to show (I am hoping tomorrow) I will upload a photo.

I am off to do a Wii fit workout, watch Lost (any Lost fans out there?) and Life On Mars (yeah! It’s back on tonight!!), and stitch on Shimmy.

I want to say a big thank you to all who have been reading and commenting on my blog lately. I TRULY appreciate it.

 

More later…

Kellie

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…