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

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Saturday, March 2, 2013

Howdy, Y'all

Well, dear friends, it has been a while!  After my last blog post I was aggravated with blogger that I decided I wouldn't pay to post my rambling thoughts on the web, but 
I miss it.  I miss you!  So... here we go.

It has been a frightfully busy few months and a lot of stuff has gone down.  Like in everyone's life, some of it has been good, and some of it, not so much.  Rather than try and catch you up on the things that have happened in my life, I'm just going to jump back in!  I will tell you though that because of the ups and downs that are this thing I call my life, I haven't stitched too much.  I work full time, try to maintain a reasonably clean house, keep up with the laundry, make an occasional meal and try to find time to exercise and by the time I sit down in the evening, I'm bushed!  Often too tired to even look at a needle, much less pick one up.  This has always been the case but lately, it's seemed worse.  Is getting older the reason?  Could it be the continual gray skies that are Michigan, in the winter?  Whatever the reason, I haven't stitched, blogged or done much of anything to get excited about, of late.   I haven't been very motivated.  I'm hoping that getting back into blogging, and getting your support and encouragement, will help.  If not, I may have to resort to something more extreme - like margaritas!  With that being said, let's get this picture show going, shall we?  

Although not a great deal has been accomplished these last few months, I did stitch the new Valentine's release from Brenda, owner and designer extraordinaire, of With Thy Needle and Thread.  I haven't stitched all the pieces but two are done and I'm pretty pleased with the way they turned out.  The boxes I used were slightly smaller than those Brenda used, but I like them.  The ecru colored lace is vintage (found at an estate sale) and the colored lace is new, from BBD, I think.  The color of the lace looks better in person than it does in this photo.


We had a La D Da and With Thy Needle and Thread designer day for our guild last month.  I wasn't able to attend but we were all challenged to take the Rose freebie by La D Da and stitch and finish it.  This is what I did:
Over one on 32 count blush fabric from R&R (I think). 


It turned out okay until I pressed it and forgot to turn off the steam.  Yep, the colors ran, but only on the back side.  If you squint, you can almost make believe it's the color of the linen and is supposed to look like that.  Squint hard, okay!?


Remember Susan Rambo?  I feel like a bit of a heel because I've all but abandoned her. It's not that she's not worthy of love.  She is.  But, she's been kind of rotten to me lately and I felt like she needed a long time-out, in the corner.  I think she's beginning to get the hint that I'm mad at her so hopefully, she'll straighten up soon and I can give her some love and attention.  To tell you the truth, I thought she'd be a fun, sweet girl but she's proven to be a bit of a tomboy.  She's CONSTANTLY bringing frogs in when she comes inside.  Can you believe it?  Bad Susan.  Bad, bad, BAD!

I have started Margaret Cottam from La D Da.  She is being stitched on 36 count R&R straw (I think).  She is being worked as a stitch-a-long with my guild but, as you can see, I haven't done too much on her. 

I got distracted by this:


 For someone that doesn't really like multiple projects, I started another one (I may never get anything completed at this rate).  This is called "With the Needle and Thread" by Lila's Studio.  I really loved the colors in it when I saw the pattern but was disappointed with the DMC colors it was charted for.  Consequently, I have changed many of the threads.  It has three blocks and sort of reminds me of the older "country" things we all know from the 80s.  
 What do you think?
  You can find her on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilasStudio or at many other retailers.  This is what the whole thing looks like: 
I think it's so pretty!

If you are on Instagram, you may have noticed a lot of stitchers participating in Santa Sundays.  I have no idea who started this but a lot of the stitchers we all know and love have been stitching old Birds of a Feather (BOAF), Prairie Schooler and other Santa patterns to have ready to go for Christmas.  I particularly love the BOAF patterns - they're adorable.  I wanted to join in, but didn't want to be a total copy cat, so I started the BOAF angels.   There are four included with the pattern, Peace, Love, Hope and Charity.  

Once I finish these, I may have a go at the Santas.  We'll see.


If you're not on Instagram, you need to check it out.  Use hashtags (pound signs in front of the subject you're searching for) to find like minded users and pictures (#crossstitch or #santasundayxs).  You can find me on Instagram by searching for Terri Malinovich or choc4breakfast.


I recently got back from a quick trip to FLA. I was there to visit my sister and niece who was starring in her HS production of Grease.  What a great job she did and I was so tickled to get to see her.  I'd show you some pics of her but I swear, I can't get my pics from the iphone 5 to transfer to the computer.  Not sure what's up with that.
Anyway...
While I was there I found these sweet Miser Bags at an antique store.  I've never seen them before and thought they were so sweet.  Ladies would attach them to their waist belt and carry a coin or two in them.  You pull them apart and drop the coin in the bag between the strings the cinch it up, tight.    


Boy!  I think that's enough for my first post back in a long while.  Don't you!?
Thank you for sticking with me and for all the emails and notes!  You guys rock!

I've got all kinds of things to show you - two antique samplers I've received as gifts from my Mom and from Rob.  All kinds of other goodies I've gathered in my travels and estate sale excursions but those will wait.  After all....
tomorrow is another day.

Peace!
Terri 

63 comments:

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Awww Terri, I'm so glad to see you posting! You have such a wonderful way of making me feel like I'm just sitting with you and nodding, drinking a cup of tea!
I love all your projects, especially love that last one shown...gorgeous! You did fabulous with the boxes!
and I look so forward to seeing you again :)

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Please can you tell me the name of the BOAF chart that has the four lovely angels on it Terri. I would love to do a web search for it but don't know where to start.

Melissa said...

It's lovely to see your post, Terri! Yes, life can get in the way of doing stitching. Though, in your case, I do see some lovely projects on the go and also finished ones too!

I took a 5 month hiatus from blogging and stitching last year. Work has gotten way busier and I am hoping not to repeat this same pattern!

Take care and hope to see you again soon!

Grit said...

Wow, your stitching is so wonderful.

Grit from Germany

Ann said...

Hi! I think you've stitched lots! And the small over one on 32 count - WOW! Not sure my eyes could do that. It's beautiful - as are all your pieces. I did a lot of stitching in the fall, but I'm on a rug hooking kick at the moment. ~Ann

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Missed you, Terri. So happy to be able to see all that you've been up too. Love all the projects that you've chosen and your finished boxes are darling.

marly said...

Enjoyed the post! All of it. Never saw the BOAF angels - how darn sweet. Susan must be a fidget like Lucy was to me but she sure is beautiful. All the started projects are nice.

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Welcome back! This post certainly makes up for your absence!
love the Lila's Studio piece the most though.

Leslie's Garden said...

You have a lot of wonderful projects going. Can't wait to see them updated. I'm glad you came back! I have no idea what an instagram is! Sounds intriguing!

Annette-California said...

Oh Terri its so wonderful to see you post. Welcome back I missed you:) Your Valentine boxes are so pretty and With the needle and thread? LOVE IT! I love all your projects. So exciting that your back:) You have done a lot of stitching. Beautiful Job sweet Terri!!! love Annette

Giovanna said...

Hi there, great to see you post! Some gorgeous finishes and WIPs in here - lovely stitching! Please get the mojo back :-)

Anne said...

It's so lovely to read a post from you Terri!! I've been in the same boat with the work/stitching, etc. Hard to want to stitch when your bushed. I'm glad Susan is back, even though she's been a naughty girl. The little La-D-Da fob is very sweet as is your new start...very 80's but in a good way. Love those miser purses!! I just wonder about putting coins in there..wouldn't they fall out? I suppose they had chunkier coins back in the day and didn't have to worry about it. Take care Terri!!

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

Oh Yeeri, So glad to see you blog. I love everything you are working on!! I may just have to go check out Sunday santas. I sure dont need another project to stitch. I have to many started. I sometimes take a break to from blogging.. Just when I dont have much going on. Cant wait to see more pictures!

Nan ~ Threadwork Primitives said...

Missed your blog postings. So glad to see what you're up to. Your heart boxes are sweet with the lace.
Welcome back! ~Nan

Marsha said...

For not stitching much, I think you stitch a LOT. And it's all gorgeous. I love the beads on the rose piece. Susan needs to behave herself. I have never seen miser bags before, pretty neat. Good luck. We all need little breaks in our lives.

Loraine said...

Holy smokes, I'm so glad to see a post from you! It's been a long time. You've done some wonderful things the past couple of months. I love the Valentine boxes, and your new sampler is just drop dead amazing. I'm going to have to check that one out for sure.

Sorry to hear your mojo is in the dumps. I feel the same way lately. Why does it feel like life is busier than normal? I do hope you have time to enjoy the things that make you happy.

I haven't tried instagram yet, but I'm going to check it out. I think it may work better for my schedule than regular blogging does.

Have a wonderful weekend and can't wait to see you again soon. Hugs to you.

Margaret said...

It's so good to see a post from you! I totally get how life gets in the way of stitching sometimes, or even one's desire to do so. But wow! You have some wonderful finishes and WIPs! Love the two Valentine's boxes! Love your BOAF angels too! And the Rose is a Rose fob -- sorry about the bleeding... Susan sounds like she's too much trouble, but she sure is pretty. And Margaret Cottam -- I'm not very far on her either. I've fallen in love with that With the Needle and Thread piece. Wow! So pretty! Thanks for pointing that out -- I think. lol! That's so cool about those miser bags -- never heard of them before. So interesting! Congrats to your niece too! HS musicals are so much fun! Looking forward to seeing those antique samplers and all!

Jackie's Stitches said...

For someone who hasn't stitched very much, you have a lot to show. Hopefully the sun will shine for you soon!

Everything looks gorgeous - I'm particularly fond of Susan Rambo. I need to start her myself.

Glenna said...

Glad to see you again--I always think of you as they're talking about the situation in Detroit! Love the projects you're working on--I'm working on S. Rambo too, and now I'll have to go off and look for Miss Lila's--what a wonderful design!

Catherine said...

So good to see your post! I hear you on the mojo, life and being too tired in the evenings...despite all of that, you seem to have accomplished quite a bit!! Love all of your stitches!!

Prims By The Water said...

So glad you are back to blogging Terri as you were missed. I have a hard time working on anything after work myself. As always, your stitcheries are lovely! It snowed most of the day at the store today and so looking forward to blue skies and warm temps. Janice

Dot said...

Just found your gorgeous blog and can very much relate to the busy work and family schedule. I too find it hard to find time and motivation to stitch at the end of a long day but I do dream about it a lot. LOL

I'm in instagram and have just started following you. I'm @doturi

Barb said...

I missed you and am so glad you are back!! I was thinking of stitching Susan Rambo but since she is so naughty I might have to reconsider! Love your WIPS!

Faye said...

I had you on my mind just the other day!!! Is it the job?, is she sick?, has she drifted off to parts unknown?...... SO good to hear from you with all these great photos...... I love your Rosé is a rosé pieces.... I think one of my finishes was at the guild meeting.... Get right back on Susan and ride girl.... I'm off to check out Lila's Studio and Instagram!!!!!

Ranae said...

I love you valentine boxes
I love the one from Lelia, I don't recall seeing it before
Glad to see ya post

Jonette said...

Your stitching is beautiful! I have missed your posts. Welcome back!

Ellen said...

Glad to see your post! Love your valentine boxes, gorgeous! Love your Rose's finish as well, so beautiful!

Well, my Susan is in cold storage too ha ha!

Hope to see more from you!

Hugs,

Carole said...

Susan may.be bad, bad, BAD....but she surely is BEAUTIFUL!

Krista said...

Great post, Terri! For someone who thinks she hasn't stitched much you had quite a bit for show and tell :) Loved it all, especially the BOAF angels, I had never seen them before. I will have to check out all the fun on Instagram. Enjoy your day!

Sue said...

I feel just as you do as far as being too bushed in the evening to attempt any sort of hobby. I miss my SAHM days at times, and the more carefree days of that time in our lives. I am often times too busy now to sit and relax at all, so I can totally relate to what you're saying.

Your work is all so lovely, and it is always a pleasure reading your blog. So glad to see you posting.

Nicola said...

I was so pleased to see a post from you in my reader and I have certainly enjoyed catching up.

Looking forward to seeing your antique samplers.

daniela said...

Felice del tuo ritorno!!!!!
Grazie per le belle cose che ci hai mostrato!!!
La vita è bella!!!!
Un abbraccio
Daniela

Sherry :o) said...

Good post and welcome to the world of "many projects@one time". If I didn't do many, I would be so bored with one. Mine also vary in fabric size, project size and difficulty. I love the flower border on your new piece. And of course, all your others look awesome, as usual. See you soon...glad to see your post!

Cath said...

Good to see you back. Hope things settle down for you soon , and the frogs stay out where they belong .x

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Welcome home, Terri! So great to see you posting again. You have been missed. Your WTNT Valentines turned out great! And your little fob is adorable - love the beaded attachments, too. Susan is lovely, and I think she will look great along with Mary Gibson. Speaking of her, yours was one of the fine examples of her that kept me going to finish her! And that Lila's piece is so pretty, too. Then the BoaF angels -- be still my heart! Have also missed seeing your treasured finds, and look forward to seeing more and visiting with you again! Good to see you!!

Anna van Schurman said...

You've been missed! So happy to have you back. :)

Vickie said...

So glad to read your post this morning and get caught up. I think you have been stitching plenty! It's not like you stopped all together. I missed your shopping finds. Look forward to seeing what you have gotten lately. You always find such deals! An inspiration. Or maybe you are encouraging me in a bad way. ;)

KAREN said...

YIPPEE! You're back.

KAREN said...

Whoa-I just went to #santasundays not xs. The typo put me in another place. Pretty funny actually but was a bit of a shock. Missed you Terri.

Rita said...

I've missed your blog posts...glad to see you posting again.

Your work is beautiful as always!

I must have missed those BOAF angels...I'd love to find them somewhere.

We lived in MI for 13 years and I still remember how those long winters/grey skies saps the energy right out of you. Not a problem down here in Texas, though. lol!

Don't be a stranger! :-)

cucki said...

wowwwwwwwwwwww your stitching is so pretty..
big hugs x

MoonBeam said...

Hi, Terri -

Good to see you back, and with such a fun filled post. I'll have to review it again later to really study all your wonderful photos.

Take care,

Bobbi

Mayté Bermúdez-García said...

Welcome back Terri!! All you projects are very pretty, specially the sampler.

Keep posting :)

~Narita said...

I'm so happy to see you post again. I love all the things you're working on, sooooo pretty!

Annie said...

Lots of nice stitching for someone who doesn't have much time to do it. I know the feeling of planning to stitch in the evening and being to tired after a full day's activities to think about it though.

Bertie said...

Hey Terri good to see you back and in your own time!! We do go through these stages in life, it took me six months too pick up the pen! You have not been idle by the look of your projects, wonderful they are!!
Susan looks indeed a bit of trouble, too large lol! All your stitching is fabulous.
Look after yourself:))

Katrina said...

Love all your projects!!!! The colors you are using on the Lila Studio piece are gorgeous. Sweet fobs too!!!!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Welcome back! It was nice visiting with you this morning. Lovely progress on all fronts! Can't wait to see what else you've been up to. Have a great week.

Mylene said...

Great post Terri!!
Always enjoy reading your post...you've been busy and beautiful finishes!!
Hope you're having a good week.

woolwoman said...

welcome back terri - I have missed you but we have communicated a bit on FB. I don't do a lot with FB - like you said just NO time for anything ! I'm glad you are trying to pull out of your blogging funk. Sometimes there is just nothing much to say - I agree with that! take care my friend
Melody

valerie said...

Wow, I never realized you hadn't blogged in so long! I keep up with your shenanigans in other ways! :) I've never gotten a photo warning before and I've been blogging for almost 8 years. *gulp* Love your heart box finishes. You did a great job and Susan Rambo is looking lovely. So sorry she is being like a petulant teenager. She just wants more attention. And I adore those BOAF Angels. I have been unsuccessful snagging them from eBay...so elusive! I'm glad you had a great trip to FL and found those cute lace bags. So pretty!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

oh comme je suis heureuse de vous relire sur le blog heureusement qu'il y a facebook !!!! lol
Vos broderies sont merveilleuses, vous avez tellement de talent !!! je bous embrasse ma douce amie !

Nana said...

This is absolutely wonderful to look at.

Greetings from Germany,

Nana

Karoline said...

Lovely to hear from you :) Your finishes are gorgeous, congratulations

Your wips are looking lovely, shame that Susan keeps consorting with frogs as she's a beautiful piece

P.J. said...

Hello lady! So good to see your post. I have to say, for someone who has not been up for stitching you are on a tear... I feel ya. The needle calls my name but some nights I can't even imagine picking it up. Looking forward to seeing more of you and your lovely estate finds and your stitching progress. You continue to inspire!

Claire said...

Hi just found your blog.Great stitching.x

Evi said...

we all are hitting lows, and sometimes tasking a break is a very good thing. Life gets complicated, and I find, when my heart is not in it, it is not worth my time to just try to satisfy what people might expect. Glad you are back in blog land, but go with the flow....
Your work is lovely. Unless you need to make a living from it, it should give you pleasure, not stress. And I know what I am talking about....
Warm thoughts,
Evi

Fiona said...

Great to catch up with what you have been up to. Love all your stitching projects.

Claire said...

Lots of lovely stitching.x

Unknown said...

Beautiful work. I do hope your have more energy to enjoy your crafting time soon. Keep blogging.

Happy Easter and thanks for stopping by my blog earlier today.

A.B. said...

Thank you for leaving a nice comment on my blog.
Happy Easter to you.

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

♫ Joyeuse Pâques ♫ !!!

Bisous ♥ Marylin from FRANCE

Carolyn said...

I'm behind on blog reading, but was so glad to see this one from you. I've missed you! I just love all of the projects you have going. I'm not used to seeing you have more than one at a time! You're boxes are so pretty!

I'm looking forward to seeing these wonderful projects as you continue on with them. Stop by and see me sometime. :)

Hugs,
Carolyn