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A little blog about my big loves; family, friends, stitching and yep, chocolate!

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Friday, March 13, 2009

Hodge Podge

I am a collector. And, I'm not a person who likes to collect slowly, over time. Nope, I am one of those people, who wants a big collection, and I want it now! One of anything just isn't good enough. My mom had a lovely collection of bells, so I had to have bells, too. Yeah, I'm still not sure what made me think I needed bells. Maybe, I thought, I could use them when I'm sick and need Robbie to bring me some tea. Or maybe, when we're having an oh so elegant dinner party, I can ring one of them when it's time to eat. So, off on an ebay hunt I went and within a few short weeks, I had quite the collection going. Uh yeah, I've never used a single one of those bells for anything but they sure are pretty! Thada also had a couple of beautiful antique cake plates she was using one day and so I had to have those too. Yep, I went in search of and now have quite the extensive collection of antique cake plates - all sizes, all shapes, all clear glass. I always say I'll use them for dinner parties (remember the bells?) so the food, deserts and other items are all at different heights and the table will be lovely. Yeah, I've done that maybe twice! Oh, lets see. I discovered Longaberger baskets a few years ago (16 to be exact) and had to have a collection. Because they were so pricey, I decided to sell them. Not the best timing in the world because Tyler was only 3 months old at the time and I was going back to work full time. Didn't matter. I had to have 'em so I started selling. Turned out, I was pretty good at it and before I knew it, I was so busy with it I just had to quit in order to have any family time at all. However, I did have quite the collection by that time so I was okay with the decision. Now I've got baskets stored in closets, under the bed, in boxes, literally everywhere! I tease my BFF Julie all the time because she's really the same way (well, with some things, with other things she can be quite restrained). One year, Tyler (she and her DH are Ty's godparents) gave her a very pretty Santa for Christmas. I was thinking that if she liked it, he could give her one from this same designer every year. She liked it alright - went out the next week and bought a whole collection so she could fill her mantle the next year. For some of us, with some things, one just isn't enough - and waiting a while to build a collection (especially on fairly inexpensive things) just doesn't work for us, does it? Which leads me to my first picture.

When I first got back into cross stitch, I discovered that a lot of people collect scissors. Oh! And some of those scissors are "LIMITED EDITIONS! Two of my favorite words in the english language (besides free and chocolate). Anyway, I started to collect scissors. Never-mind that I don't think the Gingher scissors I've collected are that great for cross stitch (I like a much finer point). Nope, that didn't matter - everyone else had 'em; I had to have 'em, too. So, with every 40% off coupon I got from Joann's I bought a pair of scissors. Then, I started seeing scissor fobs. Who wants a pair of naked scissors when everyone else's scissors are dressed so elegantly? I knew I'd never get that many scissor fobs stitched and then finished (not my strong suite especially when I first started this little collection). But..... I had learned how to make a puffy heart pendant using 72 Swarovski crystals with three bigger beads inside to keep the heart from collapsing. I made these to wear on a short silver cord but hmmm.... wouldn't they make great scissor fobs? I added a length of beads to make a holder for the heart and clipped them on the scissors and WHALA! Scissor fobs (I do still wear the hearts too, though)! Two of the fobs in the pic were gifts, the biscournu from Julie and the one with the "T" is from Robin. The rest...... I made. I found the flower frog at the antique mall last weekend - perfect for holding scissors. I've been looking for one ever since I saw them on someone's blog but I've long forgotten whom that was. I had to make a wool pad to place under the frog because it's a tad bit short so I am on the hunt for a taller frog! Uh-oh, do you see a trend here? The multi-colored heart was the first one I did - you do them in multiple colors so you can figure out the pattern.

The little table my fobs are sitting on is one I found at the same antique mall last weekend. The top has been stripped but that's okay, I'll fix it. I thought this was perfect for my craft room because it's small enough but also utilitarian with the little shelf to hold some stitching books.

I haven't gotten much stitching time lately - work has been busy so not too much stitching during lunch this week. I did manage to finish the third virtue from the BOAF collection though and have started the fourth. I love these little samplers and can't wait to get them framed. I'm going to hand them over the archway between our family room and kitchen table area. I think they'll look really cute. I'm using my initials on one (I get Love) and Tyler's, Rob's and Matt's on the others. I didn't decide to do this till after I stitched the first two but it worked out okay. Tyler is honest - brutally so sometimes. Matt is very Loyal to his friends and family and Rob will get "Patience". Truthfully he deserves one that says Saint but Patience is what he's getting. To put up with the three of us and not blow his stack continuously, really does take some major control, patience or drugs. I'm pretty sure he's not taking anything and he's not dead (thank God) so he can't get Sainthood so it has to be patience.




I finished the March block for my PS "A Praire Year" stitch-a-long with Julie and I'm really lovin' how this is turning out. It's very small - but it's going to be a really sweet piece when finished, I think.I did notice a stitch boo-boo on one of the blocks after I took the picture that I have to fix but nothing that can't be adjusted. Nope, not telling!








My favorite and last pic of the day is The Goode Huswife's Noah's Garden sampler framed. I really like the way it turned out and now just have to figure out where to hang it. I also picked up another piece of framing I had done for a friend and it is gorgeous. The gals in the shop were drooling all over it - don't worry, R - I cleaned it up! It is a gift for a friend of hers and while I don't know that she reads this blog, you never know and I'd hate for her not to be surprised. All I can say is, it's a good thing those aren't my initials in the piece or it might not get mailed out tomorrow. It is really pretty and I hope you love it!

That's it for now. If you've made it to the end of this long, hopefully not too boring post, I thank you!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend wherever you may be! Thanks for stopping by! Peace, Terri

31 comments:

Margaret said...

Oh Terri, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who decides she wants to collect something and proceeds to go crazy with the collection! lol! It's so nice to hear about your collections. And I love your framed Noah's Garden, and your scissor collection, and your PS over one piece, and your BOAF virtues -- what a wonderful post! :D

Deb said...

I knew there was a reason we're friends Terri - we both have obsessive personalities. Misery loves company, I guess. Love your Noah's Garden and especially the framing. Now I can't wait to see your Virtues framed too!! BTW, long posts are good!!! :)

Siobhán said...

Ah, sweet bliss, to read about somebody else who jumps into things whole hog. ;) I do the same thing with collections because life just isn't complete until I have it all. Oh, and I sold Longaberger, too! GMTA. Your Noah's Garden... omg. You should hire yourself out as a frame consultant. Gorgeous!!!!! Your PS piece is fab, and the BOAF pieces--love love love them. I think it's a great idea to personalize them as you have planned. YGG!

Melissa said...

That's what's nice about the stitching blogs - you get to see what other stitchers are mad about! Since I'm just 'getting back' into stitching, I'm collecting charts. Have not even gotten into scissors - look away look away I tell myself! I love that little table you bought.

I especially love the framing you did for Noah's Garden. Perfect. Other stitching looking lovely as usual! Have a great weekend, Terri!

Jan said...

Argh Terri, boy I can relate to that 'collections' mentality!! I have way too many collections but do try to limit them more now, since I have realized all of these need to be cleaned, and that takes away from good stitchey time!:) Love, love how your Noah's Garden turned out, that is simply a yummy molding for that piece. And thanks for the idea on the BOAF Virtues, with my 4 children, I can use one for each of them!! Novel idea!:)

Patricia Lessell said...

I was going to start this with Oh Terri I'm so glad that I'm not the only instant collector but I see that Margaret beat me to it! I love your scissor collection and the little pot that they are in. I have loads of scissor and just love them all. I am really hankering over the Sajou scissors though and I love your framed Noahs Ark and your PS year over one. Over one is my new favorite and I always love your posts and am so glad you finally decided to blog with the rest of us. Lots of Love Patti xxx

Cari said...

Oh my Terri - Fabulous over the top post today!! I used to see things I just loved and I'd say..oh I can do that..and never did. So now I just buy what I want too. Your stitching pieces are lovely. Girl you are a stitching maniac..but then aren't we all? Just love your work and reading your blog. Thanks for your posts on my blog as well. By the way, Maggie Bonanomi's art work was developed into cross stitch patterns under the umbrella of Blackbird Designs. She also did/does drawings that appear in Blackbird Design books. You were right on... Hugs and have a great weekend.

doris said...

Love that Noah! And your picture of scissors makes me feel so normal. ;) I collect rabbits and funky or folky angels, and I completely understand your collecting issues.

BTW, I sent you an email, but you were gone already. It'll wait 'til Monday.

Anonymous said...

I love your little BOAF Virtues - they look wonderful all together like that!

Your Noah's Garden turned out beautifully framed, the frame is just perfect for it!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Noah's Garden is gorgeous! Oh, I get the whole collection thing too... Longaberger baskets, vintage Santas and feather trees... vintage anything Christmas related will find its way home with me. When I decided that I may just have enough Christmas stuff I latched onto vintage Halloween... and so it goes.

LauraNorthernCA said...

One of my favorite expressions is "afford your passions." (smile)

Your needlework is lovely, and that frame is PERFECT!

The Scarlett House said...

Hi Terri, I can so relate! I'm a collector, too. My latest thing is reading glasses for stitching. I'm obsessed with the hunt for more of them. They are all over the house, but yet I always have to go looking for a pair when I need them. I really love the frame you chose for Noah's Garden. I have that one in my stash so it's inspiring to see it framed like that.

Sandra said...

Noah's Garden looks amazing, the frame is perfect. I'm a great collector too and have dozens of pairs of Gingher scissors - all still in their boxes in a drawer!! The loft is full of boxes of china, which I've fallen out of love with, but can't sell right now because of the falling market. Thankfully, the only thing I collect nowadays is stash.

Sheila said...

Another one here who can relate to collections. Not any more - I try and stick to stitchy 'n sewey stuff now. Mostly useful as well as pretty.
Love your scissor display - think you may find a few people (uh hum - who me?)copying you with that idea.
And as for your framing and stitching - absolutely wonderful.

Margie said...

I love your scissor frog! I might have to steal, er, borrow that idea. :-)

Jane said...

I think there's a little bit of madness in all of us. I can relate to the scissors. You start seeing different varieties on other blogs and then the hunt is on! I have a few of them now, but not what I would call a lot. Haven't actually counted how many - maybe I should. :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog also. Glad I gave you a laugh with my latest post.

Tanya said...

I guess I am with everyone else on the collections. I can't stand to have just one either. I have to have the whole kit and caboodle. Love your finishes and your frame choice.

Carin said...

Terri, I really enjoyed reading your story about your collecting. So recognizable.:) Who's not?

I fall in love with your little table, so cute! So adorable with a those scissors on it.

Lots of love and hugs.

Kim said...

LOLOL OMG I'm the same way! I wanted a lovely collection of glass pedestal creamers....Hel-Lo Ebay? Yeah...lovely collection I have going! I want a collection NOW as well! Scissors you say? Yep...I collect those...AND guess what else I collect..FLOWER FROGS! LOL I kid you not! I saw Martha Stewart collected those many many years ago and decided I should too! Scary huh? Youre stitching's fabulous! :o)

Lisa said...

Terri! I love your stitching and the moulding you picked out for Noah's Ark is to die for!!!
Alas, I'm right there with ya when it comes to collecting something! My daughter and I just discovered this way cool charm jewelry, I'm in trouble!lol!!

Solstitches said...

Hi Terri,
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your nice comments.
Wow! What a scissor collection you have there and I love all the gorgeous fobs.
Your Noahs Ark piece is beautifully stitched and the frame is just gorgeous.
Margaret

PS love the humour in your posts!

Brigitte said...

Your scissor collection and fob collection are so nice. Aren't we all like that? We usually have so many books and leaflets and mags that we can't stitch them all up in a lifetime. But it's such a lot of fun to build up a collection no matter how small or big it is.
Noah's Garden looks terrific! Great frame.

Glenna said...

LOL! I want to collect scissors, only I want the fancy sajou scissors. Fortunately, I can't afford them, or they'd be everywhere! Then there's the scissors block I saw at the needlework shop. It has holes for about 8 scissors, and I don't have that many, so I'd have to get more to fill up the holes! It's terrible, isn't it?

The little BOAF samplers and Noah's Garden are wonderful!

Anonymous said...

As a fellow scissors collector, I'm impressed by the colourfulness of yours! I've been staying more on the classic types, but of course I can always expand, lol. Great stitching!

Autumn said...

I've gone a bit overboard on my scissor collection too. LOL

mainely stitching said...

Everything's so wonderful! I love the BOAF samplers. I've gotten my hands on 3 so far, thanks to the help of a friend who's sharing one with me. ;) And TGH Noah's Garden is awesome! Great frame!!

Love that scissor collection! ;0

Katrina said...

Terri, I am the same way! I have no patience and I want everything at once, LOL.

Love your BOAF pieces too.

Andrea said...

See, you're are not alone, there are so many of us like you! I've gone nuts with Longaberger and Mary Engelbreit stuff, not to mention stash stuff, lol! Love your scissor collection, it's awesome!

I LOVE your Noah's Garden, it's gorgeous! The frame is SO perfect!
And those Virtue Samplers are so cute!! I've stitched them too but haven't framed them or anything. Yours are way cuter than mine :-)

Love your post! Wish I could articulate my thoughts as well as you do, lately I've been stumped!

Hugs!

MyLifesAStitch said...

I LOVE the use of the frog!! I've gotten a couple to use for flowers and just to leave laying around b/c I love them... but wowee that's a great use for them! Here's hoping you never have to empty your frog to... erm... frog. :) Yes, cheesy, I know. I couldn't resist b/c I'm a great big corn ball.

Carin said...

Terri,

Please look at my blog; you received an award!

Happy Stitching.

Bine said...

I hope you are doing good and you just have like a blogging hickup.
I am a bad collector, too. Especially needlework relatied like charts and silks and floss and LINEN :9 ...but other things as well. I don't have a lot of scissors...but I feel like I am getting there soon. And I just love your fobs. They are awesome!
Seeing your virtues reminds me that I have to keep my eyes open for them in my stitching stash. I am pretty sure I own them already and yours are looking so cute. They make me wanting to stitch them right awasy.
Youd did a fantastic job on framing Noah's Garden. I love it, love it, love it..... LOL
A little bit of floss and linen and a chart or just a picture of that can make me so happy....