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

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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Just another Day....

Dear friends!

    Finally a sunny and pretty day here in SE Michigan.  We actually had snow flurries again yesterday!  I have to keep reminding myself (or someone has to remind me) that I adore Michigan in the Spring, Summer and Fall.  Unfortunately, at least this year, winter has lasted far too long.  Things are starting to bud and it will likely go from cold to hot in one day so I'm waiting patiently!

    In the meantime, Rob got his 50th b-day present.  Yep, a colonoscopy.  I swear, I know this stuff isn't supposed to be funny, and it's not really butt...  As Rob was coming out of the anesthesia, the nurse told him that he'd need to, you know, pass gas.  But, she said, "don't worry, it's clean air".  Well.  That got Rob going and he couldn't stop.  No not laughing, farting.  Honestly, we were behind a curtain and were laughing like a couple of numb skulls.  I was mortified and he just kept enjoying the freedom to poot however much he wanted.  And he wanted to.  A Lot!    I had my colonoscopy a few years ago (4 in August) and wrote about it here. Colonoscopy Story~  This was one of my most popular posts and I got a lot of email about it. The procedure really is no big deal anymore and it's so important to get yours when you turn 50.  So much better than being afraid and then ending up with colon cancer.   If you haven't done so, go!  There is no need to lose someone to a very treatable cancer because they were afraid or embarrassed by this procedure.  BTW, Rob wouldn't let me put a message for the doctor on his behind.  I know, he's not quite as much fun as I am!  JK.

Okay, I'll get off the throne, I mean soapbox....

I was making good headway on my "With the Needle" sampler when Julie reminded me that we have to have Margaret Cottam stitched by June for our guild.  So... I set WTN aside to work on Margaret.  She's proving to be a quick stitch and I'm enjoying it.  I've changed some of the colors, not changed really, I'm using the threads that were recommended (except one, I did add one light pink to the mix), just not where they are charted.

Pics are clickable.

 By mistake, I stitched the gold thread in the middle of the carnations.  Since I liked it, I left it and am doing them all that way rather than leaving that area unstitched.


I also decided to add a few eyelet stitches here and there, just to make it a little more visually interesting.  Should finish this up in another week or two.

Here is where I left off on WTN:


The pattern did not call for all the grass on the farm block to be filled in, but I decided to do it anyway to mimic the house.  The fill-in wasn't bad because most of it is done in tent stitch.  There was also a very light pond behind the family that just didn't stand out enough (IMHO) so I made the whole thing grass.  

Here's the way the pattern directed the scene be stitched:
Which do you like better? 


I owe a couple of you emails on the threads I'm using but I still need to sort out a few.  I think I'm going to do something with the flowers on the left and then there's  another reason I haven't responded.  The problem is, I used a one for one swap for MOST of the symbols but sometimes, I used a different color and didn't mark all those down.  I just sort of used what I thought looked best.  I will try my best to get to it this week.

I was the lucky winner of Annette's BLOG giveaway but forgot to post about it last time.  Not because I didn't love it, but because I quickly ate the chocolates for breakfast the next morning (yes, I really did) and I put the lovely project and bag in my stitch room where I'd be able to find it when ready to start this sweet project.


The project bag, with the wool flower in front to park your needles, is so pretty!  I love the vintagey fabrics Annette used and this little bag is beautifully made.  If you've never visited Annette's blog, please hop on over and say hi!
I also love BOAF patterns and she included a pattern (sadly, they are no longer in business) with the fabric and threads to stitch it.  Isn't it grand!?  I was tickled to death.  Thank you so much, Annette!

Are you still with me?  
I want to show you one of my recent estate sale finds.
The whicker pull toy, thingy.   
It has old paint on it, doesn't look like it's ever been touched with another color of paint and it has metal spoke wheels.  
Here it is with another of my Annie Beez dolls sitting in it.  The doll was another gift from my mom!  I know... my mom's the best and no, you can't have her!

 Meet Euphemia!  Isn't she a beauty!?  If you ever want a beautifully made, folk art doll, Annie's are amazing with wonderful details like the hanky pantaloons and just look at that face!  Beautiful, isn't she?  This lovely doll she was made in 2004 and is as pretty today as she was then!


Look at her hands:
swoon.....

I love dolls.  Especially cloth dolls.  How do you like these?
They were made by Hallmark in the 1970's.  You can find them on ebay and at antique malls and stores, on occasion but you really have to have your eagle eyes working.  There are two different sets in here - one from the Hallmark Famous American Series and the other is the "We the People" series with our founding fathers.  I don't have complete sets of either but I'm always on the lookout for them.

Do you see Babe Ruth, Annie Oakley, Betsy Ross and Pocahontas?  There's Mark Twain, Davy Crockett and even P.T. Barnum, Chief Josef Oregon, Susan B. Anthony and Martha Washington (still looking for George).  The "We the People" dolls you see are Francis Scott Key, Cesare Rodney, Thomas Jefferson, Eli Whitney, Francis Marion, Betsy Ross and of course, George Washington. 

Aren't these fun!  They are not washable so you must find them in good condition.  I found most of mine at estate sales or antique stores.  I think they're a bit pricier on ebay but if you like an instant collection, that might be a way to go!

That's all I have for today, my friends!  I hope you are all well and remember as a man I greatly admire (who also happens to be my dad) once said, "If you're not having fun, it's nobody's fault but your own".   I have tons of fun reading all your comments and so appreciate you following and commenting!  Welcome to some new friends and now all of you, go out and make some fun!

Peace,
Terri 

42 comments:

Sherry :o) said...

M.C. sure is a quick gal. I really enjoyed her. I your addition of the pink. Enjoy the sun today.

Sherry :o)

Anna van Schurman said...

Lately, doctors suck the air back out of you after a colonoscopy before they unleash you back into the world. I remember one of my early colonoscopies (for other readers, I have a condition that warrants regular tests; I'm not 1000 years old!) where they put me into a hallway to recover. It was more than a little humiliating! I think I'm owed nonhumiliating colonoscopies, frankly!

WTN looks great!

P.J. said...

Your works in progress are gorgeous. I personally love that you added the filed in tent stitch. Looks great. Also dig the added touch with the eyelets. Ok now I will be on the hunt for those little people; very cool. I picked up the cutest pickaninny doll Last hear while visiting family in Maryland; she is a cutie in my stitching room. All about having fun...enjoy your Sunday.

marly said...

I love Margaret and your project bag is fabulous! What a darling little cart. I'm not a doll person but your collection is really great. I had my colonoscopy without anesthesia. I didn't have any extra air left to expel, it all went out with my screams.

Kris said...

Hi -

WTN is just gorgeous. I have been trying to email you for the colors you used, but for some reason when I click on your email link it takes me to my email, but doesn't give me your email address. Ahh, technology. But if you could email me at kstutz@comcast.net once you get the colors sorted out, I would greatly appreciate it. (I was the one stalking you on instagram about this project! :) )

Thanks!
Kris

Kris said...

Clearly the problem is with me - my email address is kastutz@comcast.net not kstutz. Ugh. I need help, or wine. :)

Thanks!

Fiona said...

Your adaptations look fantastic and I'm quite envious of your beautiful scissors (I like pretty scissors). I enjoyed reading about your DH. Your win from Annette looks lovely.

Karen said...

I love both of your WIP. The colors on both are so pretty. Love the changes you made too.

Thanks to the link for the dolls. After visiting Missouri and Nebraska last year, I am in love with Pioneer dolls so I am going to check these out!

happy stitching...

Annie said...

Gorgeous stitching. I like the way you stitched the grass on the farm much better than the original.

Your dollies are wonderful! Euphenia looks lovley in her personal rickshaw (or whatever it is).

Lucky you to win Annette's giveaway. Nice to see that you live up to the name of your blog!

Annie said...

Gorgeous stitching. I like the way you stitched the grass on the farm much better than the original.

Your dollies are wonderful! Euphenia looks lovley in her personal rickshaw (or whatever it is).

Lucky you to win Annette's giveaway. Nice to see that you live up to the name of your blog!

Barb said...

Such a great post! First, your stitching looks wonderful. I love the sampler you are doing and I much prefer your changes in the second project. That is a wonderful little wicker cart. So cute with the doll. I agree about colonoscopies. I lost my Mom many years ago to colon cancer so I have been getting them for years! Such an easy way to maybe save your life!!

Laurie in Iowa said...

I like the changes you made. Your estate find is sweet.

Margaret said...

Love both your stitching projects -- so pretty! I think the grass looks better filled in -- I'll have to remember that. Love that doll chair you found too, and your doll! I'm planning on scheduling a colonoscopy soon. Ugh.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Love your story about your husband and his colonoscopy--my husband is exactly the same--they could have been in a passing gas contest. Colonoscopy for me this year. Ugh

Your sampler is beautiful, Definitely yes on filling in the grass

Excellent yard sale find and the dolls are beautiful--

Robin in Virginia said...

Super post, Terri! I love the little Babe Ruth doll in your basket. Your WIPs look good.

Robin in Virginia

Faye said...

Gorgeous stitching lady!!!!! And total estate finds..... Are you sure your momma doesn't want to move to NC??? :)

Kathy said...

Another great post!! I love both of your WIPs. And, on WTN I love the look with the grass filled in verses without it. It makes the whole area look more lifelike.
Your doll collection is really pretty and I absolutely adore your estate find. That was a cute story about your DH's colonoscopy!! Tell him he was a brave guy for having it done. I had one a couple of years ago and I had put it off forever. But, once over I was so glad I had it and don't have a clue as to why I had dreaded it for so long. Once they give you the needle you don't know anythng else til it's over, lol, and the gas, roflol.
Hope you had a great day in the sunshine.

Pam Tanner said...

What a delightful post. Colonoscopy story and all. Love to see that you have more than one project you are working on at the same time. I do the same thing, and refer them as my upstairs, downstairs, and take along project. Where in SE Michigan? I was born in Watervliet, and grew up in G.R.

Vinniey said...

Oh no.. I am having my lunch while reading your colonoscopy story.. Lol.. Anyway, thanks for reminding me. I still remember you post about colonoscopy few years ago. Beautiful WIPs! Especially the WTN. Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

well what a fun way to start the day... with a warm cupa jave and a few good chuckles, I have to say, as soon as I began reading,,,well you know what I was thinking...something permanent...
Love your stitching and how lucky for your winnings. And those dolls, very nice.
Cheers to warm weather and NO SNOW

daniela said...

Un post M E R A V I G L I O S O !!!!!!
Baci
Daniela

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

what beautiful pictures thank you for this moment of happiness! this is a huge share your article! I'm in love! kisses

Carol said...

Such a fun post, Terri--your stitching is as lovely as always... Love the addition of the eyelet stitches... they do add so much! I'm in love with those historical dolls of yours--have never seen anything like them! So sweet...

And you're not the only one who eats chocolate for breakfast (and lunch and dinner!). I always start my day with it!!

Shirlee said...

Very enjoyable post! I must admit I like your addition of the grass for WTN. I mean, what's a poor cow to eat if there's no grass??? Congratulations on your win from Annette! Great estate find, & equally great doll. Love your little basket of Hallmarks : ) Have a great week!

Samplers, Silks and Linens said...

I do love the addition of gold you put in around those carnations, if I ever stitch this piece I think I will do the same - beautiful stitching and adorable collection of dolls - Amanda

Vickie said...

Yes, I prefer the grass filled in. What a great find! Again!

woolwoman said...

your posts are so much fun Terri and so informative - and in so many interesting ways LOL ! Hope you have a great week ~ Mel

Holly Hills Primitives said...

What a great story! LOVE the wicker buggy you picked up, it is adorable. Keep watching, we are going to have some GREAT surprises coming by next month. Miss you!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

It's always fun reading your posts! Spring weather is a weird thing - we had 80 highs last week - 60s this. Margaret is really nice! Your color choices are lovely as always! Love the grass on the farm, too. The doll cart (rickshaw?)is adorable - especially with your beautiful dolls.

A Canny Stitcher said...

I love the changes you made to your stitching. I used to stick strictly to the charts but, now, I'm like you and make a few changes here and there. Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my blog.
Anne.

cucki said...

aww such sweet post..with lots of cute stitching and sweetie dolls..you know i love making rag dolls and love collecting them too..
big hugs x

Mouse said...

been there and done that heheheh ...gorgeous stitching and like your version with more grass better ... cute bath chair find and lovely doll just perfect for it ... never seen those cloth dolls before ...
hope you have a wonderful stitchy week :) love mouse xxxxx

Chris said...

Great update Terri! Poor DH. So glad that that is over for him :)
Great stitching progress, I love Margaret.
Wonderful estate finds and treasures.
Have a great week!

Giovanna said...

Gorgeous stitching! And what wonderful finds - especially the dolls.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Oh Terri, you are a hoot! I've not made it to that monumentous age yet but I'm inching ever closer. Now I have something to look forward to...NOT! LOL!

I heard folks talking about Margaret this weekend and wondered what was up. Now I now...it's a guild thing.

Maggie said...

Oh Terri, you do make me laugh :-)

All your stitches are just perfect and you dolls are lovely, my youngest daughter, Stevie still has all her dolls,(she loved her dolls to be hairless, more like a real baby!) she won't let me give them away, unfortunately we don't really have anywhere to put them so they are all in bin liners!
Perhaps i should knit them all new clothes and find a shelf to sit them on.

Take care x

Annette-California said...

I think some mistakes are soo meant to be - love your gold thread in the flowers, and LOVE your eyelets. Great special touches you add to your lovely samplers:) Pretty scissors too. love Annette

Prims By The Water said...

I love the colors of MC! Hope Rob is doing alright now. Have a great weekend. Janice

Karoline said...

Your samplers are looking gorgeous, great progress

Peonies & Magnolias said...

What a fun time with a colonoscopy, really loved reading about yours.

What a great fine your wicker buggy was at the estate sale and your works in progress are looking beautiful, really like your changes too.

Have a great weekend.

Sandy

Catherine said...

It is always a treat to red one of your posts! Love your stitches, your treasures, and your stories! Now, I'm off to find some chocolate before bed!

Anonymous said...

Love all the colour in WTN!