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

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Thursday, December 3, 2015

Total Hodge Podge


Edited to add - sorry for the funky font colors… no idea what's going on with that.  I've tried to fix it a couple of times but it's taking too long and I'm tired.  I'm going to bed.  Good night, all!


Dear friends, 


I started this post when I was in Florida.  But, I am restarting it now, back home in Michigan.  I just couldn't seem to get it done.  So much has been happening.  I've been so busy and have a lot of changes coming up in our lives that we are beginning to prepare for.  My parents are going to be moving to Michigan to live with Rob and me, in the Spring.  We will do some renovations on the house to make it comfortable for all of us.  I am excited that they are coming - it will be a big change for all of us but one that I think will be a blessing for us, too.  I think it's a good decision and am happy that we are able to do it.  My Rob will be good for my dad (golf, beer, sports) and I think my doggies and I will be good for my mom.  The boys, whenever they're around, will be good for everyone!


How about some stitch pics???


 


You may recognize these as Birds of a Feather; Love, Honesty, Loyalty and Patience.  I put my initials on one and Rob's and the boys on the others.   It was a long time ago that I stitched these and I didn't make a record but I believe they're stitched on 32 count (no idea of the linen color) with two threads, using the called for fibers.  I could be wrong about all of that however so if you decide to stitch them, don't hold me to any of the specifics.  
I took this pic a couple of weeks ago when I was in Florida.  There are no flowers blooming in Michigan, right now!


The next piece I had taken to stitch while I was there is another one I started long ago.  It is the With Thy Needle and Thread mystery sampler.  When I initially stopped working on this, I had made a mistake somewhere and got so frustrated, I just tossed the whole thing aside.  When I went back to stitching it I couldn't find the original mistake!  I know it was there, and I was certain I knew where it was, but when I started working on it again I couldn’t find it.  Cue the Twilight Zone music: Doo do, do doo.  I searched, counted, examined and searched some more but couldn’t find it so I gave up and just started stitching.  I thought I would finish this while in Florida but I didn't get much stitching done whilst there. 
Here is my progress so far but I hope to finish this soon.

 

You may notice some of the alphabet letters are in a deep scarlet while others are not.  I am frogging the ones that are not scarlet and will be re-stitching them.  The red letters are going to give the sampler a bit bolder look, but I think I'll like it.  I stitched another sampler years ago that used a tone on tone alphabet and I really regret not changing the floss color on that one.  I thought the suggested color would grow on me but you can't really see it at all so I’m gonna change it, so I don’t regret it.  

The very day I flew into Florida, I attended a small Halloween party at my parent's clubhouse.  Because I had to come up with costumes and transport them as well, they had to be easily transportable, cheap and easy to assemble.  A quick internet search for 3 person costumes and here we are:

 The 3 Blind Mice:
Easy? Check.  Cheap? Check. Transportable? Check.  Cute? Double check!

 I think my dad looks pretty bad ass.  Don 't you?

 

My sister went as the farmer's wife who cut off our tails!



I also attended a Trunk or Treats at their church and assumed that everyone decorated their trunks (boots in the UK, I think) like we do in Michigan.  I was wrong.  We were the only car decorated but we were also the hit of the event.   I built the cardboard house from moving boxes someone in the sub was tossing.  I got it all done the night before the big event after working on it in un-Godly heat and humidity.  I had it set up in the driveway and was completely devastated when I got up the next morning and the entire thing had collapsed.

Completely Collapsed. 

Damn humidity. 

  Honestly, the humidity was ridiculous and the whole thing was a mushy, crumpled mess. 
I almost cried.  Instead, I hauled it all out into the yard, laid it flat, let it dry out and got it reassembled about 20 minutes prior to trunk or treats that evening.  It turned out pretty well for a first time effort and a non-architect type!  It was quite the challenge getting it into the car but I did it and all went well.



That's my sister, Cheryl, and my mom and dad in the upper left and I'm in the pic on the lower right.  The "house" looked great as night fell and the car lights illuminated the windows.

Back to stitching.

Merry One, by Paulette of Plum Street Samplers, is finished!  I took this little piece to Florida, hoping to find some inspiration for finishing.  Instead, I found a new frame molding that was perfect!  I got it framed while I was there and then gifted it to my sis. I thought the frame was perfect.


I can't remember the color of linen - it's a kind of green and on my monitor, the color looks very true to the fabric.  I had to change some of the colors of the fibers to work better with the fabric but I just pulled them from stash and didn't make notes.  I got the kit from Dyeing to Stitch in VA Beach.  If you can't get this one, they do have some wonderful, exclusive clubs you might be interested in.  Check them out!


I've invited my guild members over to my house on Saturday.  I've got the house decorated and I'm excited to have this beautiful, talented group of women come to my home.   Here's one of my small trees that I hope they'll enjoy seeing.  It's decorated with my vintage (and not so vintage) tomato pin cushion collection.  I think this may become a tradition, I like it that much. Whenever I find these old tomatoes, I keep them just as they're found with all the pins in them which is what makes them so charming, I think.  


You may have to look closely to see Gracie on the left, and Sophie on the right, in the chairs.

Thank you so much for stopping by and especially for leaving a note, when you can.  I love reading your comments and truly do appreciate that you take the time to let me know you stopped by!

Be well.

Peace,
Terri

12 comments:

Prims By The Water said...

What a wonderful idea for Halloween costumes! The frame on the piece you gave to your sister is just perfect and your tomato tree is vintage cute! Hope you have a great Christmas! Janice

Annie said...

You are such a great daughter to welcome your parents into your home. Those decisions are never easy. But it sure looks like you know how to have fun together. Those Halloween pix are so funny.

Love all of your pretty stitching. Those Birds of A Feather designs have been on my list to stitch for ages. I also heard some buzz saying the PSS design will be released as a chart next year for those that missed the limited edition kit.

Vickie said...

Good for you! How exciting and wonderful for your parents to come live with you. And what a good sister you are also! Love that gift.

Angie said...

Terri, we tried very hard to get my dear mother in law to move from Tampa but she insisted the Winter was too cold. She's gone now but I think about her often and how nice it would have been to have her with us. Your parents are making the right choice. I'm sure it's not easy for them leaving their community but to have each other is something that can not be replaced by anything else. You and your husband are good people:)
I love your tree! Blessed holidays!

Robin in Virginia said...

What a fabulous catch up post, Terri! Your stitched pieces are incredible and I remember you stitching the BOAF ones. Enjoy your weekend!

Maggie said...

What a lovely catch-up post! Love your stitching, i might have to go in search of the
Plum Street one, I know a little boy who just loves reindeer and stags :-)

It's wonderful that you are able to have your parents move in with you, if space allowed i would have my mum, if she would come, alas we do not live in the sort of house that would accommodate any more people, at least not in any comfort.

Take care and have a great weekend x

woolwoman said...

love your BOAF ornaments - I so miss their linen. I have a few hoarded pieces I am saving. I do see a lot of their designs in needlepoint canvases - such a distinctive style - I can always spot them. AHHH - heat and humidity - yes it is still going on - record high temps up until a week ago here in the deep south. It is miserable to deal with even with a native Floridian like myself. I hope you have (had) a grand time hosting your guild members. Enjoyed seeing all your beautiful things - hope you enjoy the sights and sounds of the season - Hugs Mel

Carol said...

By the looks of things, you and your family have so much fun together that I'm sure the transition to moving in with you will work well, Terri. I just love the 3 Blind Mice outfits. My friend's daughter has triplets and she dressed them up the same way for Christmas...

Lovely stitching--especially Merry One!

Enjoy your countdown to Christmas!

Mylene said...

A great post Terri!
Love your BOAF finishes, they are all beautiful!
Lovely halloween pictures.
Happy weekend!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Your costumes are adorable! Trunk or treating is really big here but we've never been. Humidity is low here now comparing it to summer (which is miserable). I'm sure your parents are going to enjoy their new home with you and will have a blast with you!

Le crocette di Mariuccia said...

Your post is very nice and sweet. I like your lovely stitching!! Best regards, Mariuccia

Joy said...

What a fun post and lovely stitching. That "Merry" is calling my name.