DIP DIDDLY DESIGNS

A Visit from the Green Grinch Himself

2012-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

"Summer's Souvenir"

by Blackbird Designs

30 ct Dye Pot linen

GAST

Sunday my furry cuddle bug, Jibby, and I snuggled most of the afternoon watching old black and white movies from the 50's and I started a new project. It was a great way to spend an afternoon after I washed sweaters and did some general cleaning. This is yet another "patriotic" stitch that I have been wanting to do, so I was happy to pull everything I needed for it from my overwhelming stash of "to-do's". But, like I said, no pressure here, I am going to enjoy the journey. Well, I did until this little fellow showed up......

Yup, I know some of you have been unfortunate to receive a visit by Mr Frog himself, too. As you see that purple border, well it was suppose to be separated into two lines not one big bulky one....ugh!!!!!! I wish the tooth fairy or Peter Cottontail showed up instead, but I guess it was my turn for the grinch of frogs to visit me. At least I caught my mistake before it became a monsterous disaster and had most of it done. I need to rip out the star, too.

Onto other things, here is a not so perfect photo of an old quilt I happened along on a visit to one of my favorite thrift stores. A steal of a deal for only $6.99. You can't even buy a yard of fabric for that today. I love the red baskets and this was a treasure find for me. It had never been washed by the looks of it. Not that it was dirty because it wasn't but it wasn't puckered as cotton tends to do once it is washed. So as soon as I got it home I threw it into the washer and here it is. Love it!!! Pretty and simple.

Here is my favorite son, or young man, Brayden. He is my near perfect boy, he is awesome at everything he does. He amazes me everyday. He gets straight A's in all of his classes, and they aren't easy classes. Which makes me glad he is getting some college credit for his hard work.

Here are a few samples of his artwork. He loves being crafty, too, just not with needle and thread! Maybe someday.......one never knows!

Siberian Tiger

Leopard

Not sure who this is, but most likely an athlete, he absolutely loves the game of basketball and he is a go getter at this sport, too.

Hope you are staying warm and healthy. Until next time......

Smiles,

Jolene

2012

2012-01-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Blackbird Designs

"Union Forever"

In 2012, I have decided to concentrate on this:

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it." So, I am going to enjoy my stitching time and not make it a "job" but a "hobby"; something that relaxes me and calms me from the daily stesses of everyday life. I am not pushing the limits on how many projects I have to do and finish in 2012. I just want to enjoy the feel of the fibers, threads and textures along with the beautiful flavors as I stitch with my needle. Simple, and doable with "no strings attached".

So, with this in mind, I started something new for the new year, something that would sing to my heart when the skies are bleak and gray. Something simple, yet subtle and delivers a punch......so I turned to our nations colors, the red, white and blue. I am "focusing" on patriotism this month and the brave hearts that give us these freedoms, the freedoms that are not free, but come with a high price. Sometimes that price is life.

May I introduce you to my first finish for 2012.

Smiles....

Jolene

TURKEY TALK

2011-09-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was "talkin' turkey" and this is what it looks like so far as of last night. This is a pattern by Need'l Love called "Primitive Gobbler", that I bought a few years back and I found that turkey just a jabberin' and screaching for me to rescue him from my stash.....so I did! Now, if I am lucky enough I will have all the punching done this evening. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Also, I have been working on "Fancey Blackett" by Pineberry Lane. Oh, how..I..LOVE..her! This is where I left off on it a week ago.

Fancey Blackett

by PineBerry Lane

Vintage Light Exemplar, 35 ct

DMC thread

And last I have been making hundreds, and really I mean 100's of yo-yo's for a quilt. I took a snap of what a few of them are looking like.

I am enjoying the beauty of the fall flowers, here is a pretty photo of some black-eyed Susan's I took just as some of them were starting to die off.

Today I let my son drive his car to school for his very first time. I haven't received any phone calls yet for any mishaps, but I am keeping my fingers crossed.......soooo scary!

"I know the year is dying,

Soon the summer will be dead.

I can trace it in the flying

Of the black crows overhead;

I can hear it in the rustle

Of the dead leaves as I pass,

And the south wind's plaintive sighing

Through the dry and withered grass.

Ah, 'tis then I love to wander,

Wander idly and alone,

Listening to the solemn music

Of sweet nature's undertone;

Wrapped in thoughts I cannot utter,

Dreams my tongue cannot express,

Dreams that match the autumn's sadness

In their longing tenderness."

- Mortimer Crane Brown, Autumn Dreams

Humor

2011-09-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

Fall Giveaway at ORP

2011-09-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this adorable fall decoration that is being offered as a giveaway on Old Road Primitives blog. If you want to join in on the fun click on the link and.....you only have until September 15th. Hurry along now, don't be late!

AS PROMISED......

2011-05-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

A Friend is one that that helps you bridge the gaps

Between Loneliness and Fellowship,

Frustration and Confidence,
Despair and Hope,

Setbacks and Success.

Love yourself, but love others more.

Side by side or miles apart,

Friendship doesn't count miles,

It's measured by the heart.

A friend is one who knows you as you are,

Understands where you've been,

Accepts who you've become.

And still gently invites you to grow.

Good friends are like stars,

You can't always see them,

But you know they're always there.

This was truly a fun stitch and finish. The colors were so fun to work with, I had a hard time giving this one away. But......I made this as a gift to give my sweet friend Loraine for part of her 40th Birthday. She is such an inspiring, cheerful, bursting with energy kind of girl. She is an amazing stitcher, quilter, decorator, gardener, Mom and friend. I am so glad I can call her "my friend".

P.S. Happy "late night" Mother's Day to all you awesome mothers! I hope you were all treated like Queens and received lots of pampering! You are all worth it.

May you always find a reason to smile.....

Jolene

Strawberries, Blossoms......& Chocolate!

2011-04-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

I'm getting closer.......yippee!!!!

Since I have been stitching strawberries and seeing pink. I decided tonight I would make a frozen treat for the guys for dessert. This recipe is a big hit at our home. It is light, fluffy and refreshing.

I hope you will try it, it takes about 5 minutes, yes, that's only 5 minutes to make!!! Can't go wrong with that now can ya? The recipe calls for chocolate syrup drizzled over the top, but sometimes I like to add a little bit of sliced strawberries on top, also. Makes for a perfect finishing touch, not to mention taste.
Raspberry Lemonade Pie Recipe

Strawberry Lemonade Pie

1/3 cup sweetened strawberry lemonade drink mix (like CountryTime)
1/2 cup water
2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 chocolate crumb crust (9 inches)
Chocolate syrup, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, combine drink mix and water. Add ice cream; beat on low speed for 2 minutes or until blended. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into crust.
Freeze for 4 hours or until firm. Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving. Serve with chocolate syrup if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

A WRINKLED HEART

2011-04-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

"wrinkled heart"

Before you speak,

Think and be smart.

It’s hard to fix

A wrinkled heart.

Here I sit, pondering about "the wrinkled heart". It makes one think....but in a good and positive way. Hmmm......

Anyway, here is a snapshot of my "wrinkled heart", aka, Truly Thine by Blackbird Designs. I have changed a few of the colors here and there, but when she is all stitched up she will become a beautiful "cushion of love" to store some crimson pins. Also, a quaint little strawberry emery will adorn the heart to keep those needles sharp!

Stay tuned.....I will post again when she is stuffed and unwrinkled! LOL

Wishing you a sunny, funny kind of day.

Smiles......

Easter Wishes

2011-04-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

***April***

How can the day be dreary,

How can the heart be sad;

How can the soul be weary

When all the winds are glad ~

When every bud is leaping

Triumphant from its bed;

When March is spent and sleeping

And Summer is just ahead?

There's joy among the flowers,

There's glee upon the hills;

There's laughter in the showers

That swell the leaping rills.

There's gladness in the hedges

Where happy songsters wed,

Exchanging lovely pledges

With Summer just ahead.

There's joy in every cluster

Of reeds upon the slope;

Each morning puts new luster

Upon the shield of hope.

Why should a heart beat sadly,

An eye look out with dread,

When all the woods ring gladly

And Summer's just ahead.

Blessed Easter greetings to you and yours.

May your heart be light

And full of Joy.
Peace.

~ Jolene

Adam and Eve Freebie

2011-04-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

((((EDITED)))) This is a photo of the pattern I didn't stitch it.

Hi all you Adam and Eve lovers. I found this fun little reproduction freebie at In the Company of Friends. Click on the link if you would like to print this pattern. Also, they have some other fun stuff to peruse. Go check it out, you won't be sorry!

Smiles....

BETSY

2011-04-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hello! Do you remember a while back I was looking for this sweet pattern, "Betsy", by Sheepish Designs? Well, a dear blogging friend, Joan, let me borrow her pattern.

This is such a fun design, love the patriotic colors and sweet birds. This photo was taken in the sunshine, but the linen looks more like the color in the first photo.

I have been trying my hardest to work on a few WIP's so I can get them off to be framed.

Sorry about the photos, I have tried several times to get them to look presentable but nothing seems to be cooperating at the moment. This peacock is my favorite motif on this design. I am drawn to any design that has a peacock on it, such a magnificent bird and I enjoy stitching them, too. I will close for now, just wanted to post a quick update but I want to get back to my stitching before American Idol comes on. Is anyone following this show this season? There is a lot of talent this year and I love Jennifer as a judge and that Steven Tyler, well, he's just B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! Catch my drift?

Until next time, thanks for visiting my blog and I will be back with more!

FRIENDSHIP

2011-04-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Progress update on BOAF, Friendship Sampler, April 11, 2011:

How can you put a Price Tag on a good friend

when they are made of pure gold? Is it even possible?

What is the value of a new suit?...$500.00

What is the value of a Rolex Watch..$2,000.00

What is the value of a College Education?...$50,000.00

Value of a New Home...$200,000.00

What is the value of a Friend?

Friends who listen,

Friends who care,

Friends who love you for who you are,

Friends will last a lifetime!

I would have to say......Priceless.......

In a nutshell, I am proud to say I have many, many friends, several of whom I have never met in person before but I value each and every one of YOU!

FINISHING UP THE HARVEST.... JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING

2011-04-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

A finish....finally.....

This design is titled "Harvest Time" by The Prairie Schooler.

My heart always longs for autumn, but I am looking forward to spring. Is it spring yet?

Today it feels and looks like winter, the sky is bleak and gray, the ground is white and I am excited that Friday is finally here!

I can't decide which section I love the best, but I really love the hay wagon with pumpkins.

Love the church and graveyard, too!

Psssst! I think spring is really here she just dosen't realize it...teehee heee heee heeee! Don't you just love my new spring hat, uh, umbrella?

Miles of Smiles.......

Jolene

A Gift for Larry

2011-04-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

LARRY BATEMAN

Larry D. Bateman 1962 ~ 2011 We are all very saddened by the passing of Larry D. Bateman on Saturday, March 26, 2011. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He was born February 24, 1962 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Peggy Arlene Hodges and Jerry Glen Bacel. Larry graduated from Granite High School in 1980 and then proudly served his country as a US Marine. He was an excellent carpenter and enjoyed passing his knowledge onto others. He was blessed with many friends, some of whom he considered his family. Larry was a loving husband to Ellen Cleveland and a proud father to daughters Charity and Arianne and sons, Chaz and Trevor; grandfather to Kaleb, Sharese, Arabella and David ; brother to Doug and wife, Janet; uncle to Tawnya, Joshua and Natawsha; great nieces and nephews; and a wonderful son-in-law to Glena Cleveland. Larry is preceded in death by daughter, Cheala; mother and father, Robert and Peggy Jorgensen; daughter, Cheala; granddaughter, Kyla; grandmother, Viola Stiles. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011, 12:00 noon at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road where a viewing will be, 11 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Graveside services will be held Monday, April 4, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 South Redwood Road, Bluffdale, Utah.

Published in Deseret News on April 1, 2011

I know this is a stitching blog, but I wanted to share with you some photos of what his friends are doing for his final resting place.

What you see here is brotherly love, the love of a friend who will truly be missed. A dear friend of his, Sam, wanted to build him a casket, a casket made by loving hands of those that loved him as a brother, not only as a friend.

With this in mind, there were a handful of people who had the honor to create something beautiful from beginning to end to cradle Larry in.

Because Larry was a master carpenter, Superintendent, it only seemed fitting that the working hands of those that loved him make him this beautiful "bed".

I don't have any final pictures of it yet. The handles and brackets still need to be attached along with the pretty lining. But all in all how fabulous is this!

Larry was also known as the "Devil Dogg" aka "Tazmanian Devil" at least that was how he addressed himself as. I will miss working with him, talking with him and seeing his bubbly and fun sense of humor he possessed. May you rest in peace........

WINDOW SHOPPING

2011-03-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Not much to say today. I lost a friend to suicide this weekend. My heart is bleeding.....

Winding to UnWind

2011-03-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Do you wind to unwind? Have you ever even thought about winding to unwind? Well, I hadn't until last night. While visiting my sweet 83 year old mother-in-law at the care center, I sat next to her winding my DMC thread onto some bobbins while she stewed over her dinner. A dinner that was too salty, too bland, and not very good, so I think I am not hungry enough to eat dinner! lol I had a rough day and was not in the best of moods until I saw my MIL's smiling face. But, don't let that fool you......she has some fire left in her and she lets you know it every once in awhile. Especially when she wants to get out of there and GO HOME! She has been recovering from some surgery she had just over a week ago to remove some tumors from her bladder wall. I am still waiting for the test result from the hospital.

So while she is recovering I am stitching, and working, and well......the list goes on. Here is a current photo of the Friendship Sampler from BOAF that I have been working on.

I have been working on a little "Twister" quilt that has been fun so far, but still need to dedicate some more time to get it done.

Meanwhile, I won a giveaway from Nancy of Bountiful Heirlooms . She sent me a charm pack from Moda called "Baskets of Flowers" and a fabulous pattern with lots of pincushion patterns. Now I just need to decide which one to make first!! Decisions, decisions, decisions. Thanks Nancy!!!!

On March 11th my (sweet 16 and never been kissed) son, Brayden, celebrated his 16th birthday. What a milestone!!!!! He had so much fun which included "three" birthday parties. The first party was celebrated at Garcia's Mexican Restaurant on his real birthday, the 11th, followed by a party with friends on the 12th and last one with family on the 13th. Lucky for me he is taking drivers education right now and has to complete 40 hours of drive time with his learners permit before he can get his official drivers license. That won't happen until August because he has to have his learners permit for six months before he can take the actual test. Here are just a few of his birthday photos:

Next up is a cute Bird Pincushion that my friend, Kathryn, made for me. I should have taken a photo of the other side as is has a little pocket that holds a thread separator. Isn't it just darling!!!!

I have the last finish I made for 2010 to show you. It is "One Sheep" by Carriage House Samplings.

Stitched on 32 ct. black linen using DMC threads as per pattern. No changes were made.

Another finish by The Goode Huswife called, "Fruitful Clusters". I loved stitching this one, too. It never got old, the journey with needle and thread was fabulous!

Thanks for stopping by for a quick visit, I know I shouldn't be a stranger to blogging, I need to work on that one, too. Happy day and as always....keep smiling and stitching!

FESTIVAL OF BROKEN NEEDLES

2011-02-01T08:23:00.000-08:00

I FOUND THIS INTERESTING AND WANTED TO SHARE.....

On February 8th, all across Japan, Harikuyo will take place in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Hari means noodle, and Kuyou is a Buddhist memorial service. Memorial services are usually held for spirits of the dead but it is also common to hold them for inanimate objects that have served well in life, or indeed that life depends on.

Known as the Festival of Broken Needles, it is a ritual of thanks and respect for tools of the sewing, tailoring and embroidery trades. It dates back 1500 years; women (and men) dress in fine kimono and gather together all of the needles they've used, broken and/or and worn out during the previous year. They proceed to the local temple or shrine, where a three-tiered altar is prepared. The lower level displays sewing accessories, such as scissors, thimbles, thread and so forth. The top tier offers seasonal fruit, and white mochi (ceremonial rice cake offerings). In the center section is a large slab of tofu, into which everyone plunges the pieces of their broken needles.

Later they will be taken to a sacred final resting place. The tofu keeps them safe and not forgotten, yet because of being protected in the tofu they can do no harm with their points. In a second sense they are still present in life. The priest will incant a sutra, that reflects the passage of the needles from use, and invokes a Buddhist blessing that is passed on to the users of the needles. By showing respect to the needles they have used through the past year, they are offering thanks and requesting that the power and energy of the needles be present in the stitchers for the coming year, so that their skills may be improved. Priests will also sing sutras to comfort the needles, heal their broken spirits and thank them for work well done. No sewing takes place on this day.

Resources: Pulse of the Planet, presented by the American Museum of Natural History; Rufus,Anneli: The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994; About.com/Japan

HELP.....ANYONE!!!

2011-01-18T11:57:00.001-08:00

*****EDITED*****

Thanks to a fellow blogger, I have located this pattern. Thank You Joan!!!!

Does anyone have this pattern called "Betsy" by Sheepish Designs? I am dying to stitch this one!!!!

THE WINNER IS....

2010-12-24T07:23:00.001-08:00

OOOOhhhhhhh!!!! I partied like an animal....ok...really, like a lazy ol' cat! I had THE best Birthday a girl could ask for. Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes, they all came true!!!! My dear friends, Loraine and Kathryn, shared a pre-birthday afternoon with me for my birthday on the 22nd. Loraine and I met up in Ogden and we went shopping at our favorite LNS, Shepherd's Bush. We bought a little stash and then went out to lunch with Kathryn at Roosters. It was a GREAT afternoon. And then we shopped until way past dark....in the rain! Definitely a memorable afternoon.

I know you all have been patiently waiting for me to unveil the lucky winner of the Sonia scissors, soooooooo

JENNIFER of Feathers In the Nest

you are the lucky girl today!!! I will contact you for your address so I can get your scissors out to you. Merry Christmas to each of you, I value your friendship and I have made (and met) some fabulous bloggers. I hope to keep up my blog in 2011. That is my goal and one I wish to accomplish.

Blessed Winter Wishes,

Jolene

BIRTHMAS GIVEAWAY

2010-12-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings Dear Blogging Friends. In just under a week away marks a "day" which I haven't decided whether or not this "day" serves as a curse or a blessing. I guess that depends on who I ask. To some I am considered a blessing, being born on December 23rd and taken home on Christmas Day, I was swaddled in a snowy white blanket with a big red bow smelling like freshly scented baby powder. To my family I was more than likely considered a new festive ornament with a "tax deduction" that year. But.....to me, growing up felt like a curse. Birthday and Christmas gifts (aka Birthmas Gifts) were received as one, not on my birthday, but on Christ's birthday. I know, I know, I shouldn't be complaining, but, it would have been nice to have received birthday presents wrapped in birthday paper on my real birthday like my friends received on their birthdays. Seems simple, right? Wrong!!!! Too much hustle and bustle with Christmas so near, who had time for a birthday?? As you can tell, I am a little bitter towards my birthday, in fact, I would almost rather not celebrate it at all.

But......this year I am turning 41, forty-one, 4+1, ah, who am I kidding, anyway I look at it, it all spells and reads "old"!!! So, I have decided to do something fun on my birthday, and fun for me is to give so why not have a giveaway? After all, I seem most happy when I "give" to others. Maybe because I was born at a "giving" time of year is why I feel the need to be so generous all the time. So, if you would like a chance to win these beautiful, limited edition, Sonia Gingher scissors, all you need to do if leave a comment with your birthdate. Simple. If you just want to list your month and day that works perfect. If you want a second try post this giveaway on your blog and let me know when you have done so.

Next up, I finished this primitive Santa and friend (could it be Rudolph?) just last weekend.

It's a pattern by Pineberry Lane called Bringing Home the Tree. I contemplated buying this patterns for a few weeks, but didn't purchase it until I found this:

Yes, this. A clock, what am I doing with this you say? Well, being the creative person I am, I am going to remove the face of the clock and use the "frame" of the clock for mounting the Santa in. I adjusted the fabric to ensure a perfect fit and it is going to be awesome!

I stitched this on 35ct Confederate Grey linen with DMC floss. Below you will see the colors I used in place of what was called for in the pattern.

My friend, Mr. Jack Frost would like to wish you all a Joyous Season. Happy Holidays and if you would like to enter the giveaway, you can post your entries until the clock strikes midnight December 23rd. Good Luck everyone! I will post the Birthmas winner on December 24th.

Smiles....

Jolene (aka JoJoBean)

A TISKET, A TASKET, THE BEGINNING OF A BEAUTIFUL "BASKET"

2010-12-13T08:43:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays sweet friends and blogging buddies. It has been forever it seems like since I last posted. First up I would like to show you some progress photos on a fun "City Bucket" project by In Your Bonnet. It reminds me of "Sue Spargo" style, you know, bright, funky, colorful, and fun. Zany is the perfect word for it. What do you think?

The embelishments are so fun! Take a look-see.......

Each of these little blocks will be stitched together and will become the outside pockets to a "bucket" style bag. When it's finished I will show you the "grand finale".

Have a glorious day and as always,

Smiles....

Jolene

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

2010-11-23T10:02:00.001-08:00

First Thanksgiving

If I had been a Pilgrim child

Among the fields and forests wild

Where deer and turkey used to roam,

A cabin would have been my home

With fireplace and earthen floor

And bearskins hanging at the door.

I would have gathered berries bright

For candles fragrantly alight,

And dug for clams and picked the corn

And laid the table smooth and worn.

Or hunted nuts hard-shelled and good

And helped in any way I could,

With time to laugh and play and run

When Indian children came for fun.

And on the first Thanksgiving Day

I would have met with friends to pray

And thank the Lord for all his care

In keeping us together there.

By Margaret Hillert

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving filled with warmth and love from family and friends.

As always, Smiles....

Jolene

FRIENDSHIP

2010-11-08T11:47:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday!! Thought I would share a little snippet of the latest project I am working on. This is a beautiful little sampler by Birds of a Feather called, "Friendship Sampler". This will be a fun project since it is a "traveling" pattern that was passed on to me from my sweetest and dearest BFF Loraine of Sew Be It! You can see her finished version of it here. I have chosen to stitch mine on 28ct (mystery) linen over one. It is so tiny!!! I am loving this little one and by looking at the stitching next to my little scissors it kind of puts it in perspective. I have changed all the colors to my liking and when I am all finished I will list the colors I am using on it.

Next up is a little "scissor ornamentation" I stitched up for a Breast Cancer charity event that Pumpkin hosted. This is a freebie pattern from Lizzie Kate. I stitched it on 30ct black evenweave over one using DMC threads. The back is made from the same linen and pretty glass beads adorn the edges and french knots were made for the stamens on the center of the flower.

I really enjoyed participating in this fabulous and worthy cause. There will be a silent auction on November 20th which is a Saturday where you can bid on some fabulous items that will benefit Breast Cancer Research. It will be held in the evening from 6-8pm. Please take a look on the event section at the Attic Needlework's web page for more information.

It's raining cats and dogs here....mixed with a little snow!!! Stay warm and enjoy your stitching.

Smiles....

Jolene

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN

A gentle breeze rustling the dry cornstalks.

A sound is heard, a goblin walks.

A harvest moon suffers a black cat's cry.

Oh' do the witches fly!

Bonfire catches a pumpkins gleem.

Rejoice, it's Halloween!

-Richard Anderson

"Waiting for the Harvest"
by Blackbird Designs

Stitched on 32ct 18th Century Brown
by R&R

Using GAST, "Dark Chocolate"

On a recent trip to see my sister's new home away from home, I stitched up this wonderful new pattern from Blackbird Designs. It was a quick stitch as I did most of it while riding in the car. Now, how to finish it?????

Smiles,

Jolene

BOO WHO?

2010-08-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Did someone say "Boo Who"? I participated in a scissor fob exchange in June and this is what the fabulous Lisa P sent me. Isn't this a wonderful way to hold and display my scissors in the fall months?! I love the little bandit mask over his eyes, and he possesses such an "attitude" in his stature.

Thank you again, Lisa, he is a "H*O*O*T"!!!!!

I am getting ready for fall weather, how about you? My mind keeps brewing and stewing as Halloween draws nearer. Can't wait! Especially when I keep running across things that remind me of:

Witches' Night Before Halloween

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

'Twas the night before Halloween and all through the cottages,

The witches were stirring their brews and their potages.

Their cupboards were bursting with hop-toads and newts,

And they'd shined up their pointy-toed, fancy-dress boots.

The witchlings lay snoring, quite snug in their beds,

With visions of moist, creeping things in their heads.

"Nice night," whispered Mad-Maud to Potbelly-Pat

As she snuffed out the torches and took in the cat.

But at the first stroke of midnight, when folks lay asleep,

The whole gang of witches on tiptoes did creep

Out past the cornfields and 'neath the trolls' bridge,

To the crossroads that lay beyond Cemetery Ridge.

"It's time to begin," hissed Elise-With-One-Eye

As the moon reached its peak in the October sky.

On the stump of a tree, with a thump and a creak,

Big-Bree drummed a beat as the witches all shrieked:

"Come goblins! Come ghosties! Come skeleton bones!

Do you really expect us to do this alone?"

They stomped on the ground! They bellowed! (They wheezed.)

They tangoed! And salsa-ed! (On arthritic knees.)

Louder and wilder with each passing verse

They chanted in voices from tuneless to worse.

'Till BANG! the old charnel house doors cracked and broke,

And out flew their pals with a big blast of smoke!

A few drooling ghouls from down underneath,

With cleanly picked bones and half-rotted teeth;

A pale, dark-eyed viscount quite long in the tooth;

Two squadrons of zombies, unkempt and uncouth;

Dark, furry, four-footed, hard-to-see things

That vanish unseen midst a flutter of wings;

Redheaded banshees with ear-splitting wails;

And a rheumy-eyed ghost dressed in neatly pressed tails.

With one boney finger, Maud tested the breeze,

Grabbed hold of her broom and ascended with ease.

"To town!" she commanded. "There's much to be done.

Pack your newts and your spiders. Let's go have some fun!"

They dangled black bats from the City Hall eaves

And festooned each doorway with poisonous leaves.

Cobwebs were stretched from church spire to town square,

And green slime was dribbled down every porch stair.

On each hollow pumpkin they scratched a mad grin,

Set the kitty-cats yowling, and stoked up the wind.

"So much haunting to get done in so little time,"

Mourned a vain, headless countess, a bit past her prime.

"Not to mention the rusty old gates we back-ordered

Are stuck in a truck at the Canadian border."

"Not like the old days," whined Rotten-Tooth-Ruth,

"Is this the example we set for our youth?"

More shadows! More cobwebs!

More monsters! More slime!

More dank, moldy cellars!

More grave dust! More grime!

And when they had finished, thick fog hugged the ground,

So they snapped a few photos, and flew out of town.

"To the hovels! Let's go! Time to wake up the spawn!"

Cried the witches while hobbling back home 'cross the lawn.

They banged pots together, poked the witchlings with sticks,

Till the kiddies woke up and threw terrible fits.

"It's Halloween, you gremlins!" crooned Bubonic-Sue,

"Time to show all the humans what witches can do!"

At that, the wee witchlings leapt straight from their beds,

Tied pointy black caps to their misshapen heads,

Laced up their brat boots, grabbed onto their brooms,

And rode single-file toward the just-risen moon.

"Stay warm! Make good choices!" yelled the parental group,

As the young witches circled above with a whoop,

Shouting loud as they could on this night of all nights:

"Happy Halloween to all and to all a good fright!"

By Lesley Bannatyne

Deadline Met, RAK Received, Halloween

2010-08-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here she is in all her final glory. I met my dead line with a breeze and now I can look forward to some Halloween stitching. I really did enjoy stitching this one. It went fast because of the repetition with the birds. I am contemplating on attaching some black snaps in the center of the flowers and a larger one smack dab in the middle of the pinwheel. What do you think?

Do you see this antique pincushion in the upper corner of the photo? I bought this off the bay of evil a few months back. I LOVE it!!!! It is made with wood and is hand carved and painted. The center of the "sandwich" is where the pins go. I should have added some so you could see how it looks. It was a fabulous find to add to my collection of pincushions.

This little flower in the corner is my favorite. I love the unusual leaves, they remind me of thistles.

Close-up of the spinning wheel!

Pennsylvania Pinwheel

by Carriage House Samplings

using DMC 3371, 3857, 829

completed 8/2/10

Speaking of pincushions, look what I received in the mail today. A beautiful red pincushion stitched by Patty of Hanging By A Thread. Her stitching is meticulously "perfect". Amazing work Patty, you deserve a shout out on this!!! This Random Act of Kindness is truly appreciated and deserves to be paid forward. A sweet reminder that it is my turn to give back.

This is what the flip side of the cushion looks like. I have been spoiled lately, thank you sooo much dear Patty, I will cherish it always.

And finally here is a quick looksie at what I will be starting next. I have changed everything on this one. I am sooooo excited to put my needle to work on this one. Thanks for visiting and happy stitching!!!

Smiles....

THANK YOU FAYE RAYE!!!!!!

2010-08-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I just had to share with you a BEAUTIFUL gift, aka RAK, I received from my friend Faye Raye. Isn't this sweet little pincushion just gorgeous! It is so tiny and sweet, just look at the beautiful shades of red and the pretty little pins in the upper corner. OH MY!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart Faye, I will treasure it always. I love pincushions and you must have known I collect them. It's absolutely perfect....the stitching, the colors, the button, the pins. You are such a talented gal to say the least.

Here is a picture of the back of the pincushion. Love it!

And here is a little closer snapshot of those sweet little pins. Aren't they just the neatest!

Thanks again my friend, that was soooo sweet of you.

Here is the latest photo of my WIP, Pennsylvania Pinwheel by CHS. I am closing in on finishing this one and I am not going to sleep until I finish this tonight. I am just dying to start on a Halloween project.

My hubby and I recently went on a day trip to Wyoming and I took this photo of an old train station that I think is in the process of being restored. I wonder if someone ever thought about turning it into a great restaurant! That would be awesome!

I took this photo of my sweetie on the side of the train station. I loved the patina of the rusty equipment and the beautiful thistles. Look how tall they are....one of them is as tall as my hubby!!! Yikes, be careful of those prickly leaves......they might bite!

Speaking of prickly leaves, check out this Cactus. We went to this little hole in the wall restaurant for dinner. You can see by the photo it was a Mexican restaurant (our favorite) and I thought the "chandelier" was hilarious, who would have thought a cactus would be the perfect choice of lighting???? Just had to share......he he he....

Well, that's all for now, I have a deadline on my Pinwheel and if I don't get stitching soon, I just might be up all night and into the wee hours of the morn. Thanks for visiting, I hope you had a fantastic weekend!!

Smiles...

Jolene

HEAD OVER HEELS FOR PINWHEELS!

2010-07-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Howdy! Does anyone remember the cute little old lady, "Minnie Pearl" from Hee-Haw? It was a show my family always watched when I was a much younger than I am now girl. Anywho, for some reason "Howdy" has Minnie Pearl written all over it. She always wore this large brimmed hat with the price tag hanging down on the back of her hat. It was her funny sense of humor and trademark. She has nothing to do with this post, but the greeting brought her to mind.

It has been soooo long since I last posted, and actually I have stitched (completed) four or five projects. I guess I must be saving them to post on a rainy day. Keep your eyes out.....you just never know when I will get them posted. I still need to finish my draft on Shop Hop, Part II. I kind of left you hanging on that one. Sorry!!!

This is a photo as of lunch time today on my latest WIP, Pennsylvania Pinwheel, by Carriage House Samplings. I changed the colors to DMC 829, 3371, 3857. As I was stitching this it dawned on me that these three colors are mine and my hubbys high school colors. Mine were brown/gold and his were the gold/red. I thought what a coincidence, who would have ever thunk it!!!

This will have to be a short post, got to get back to the grind, work is calling!!

Have a wonderful day and thanks for visiting.

Smiles.....

SHOP HOPPIN' 2010 - Part 1

2010-06-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

Good evening friends, I have been working on this "Tour de Utah" for a couple of nights now, I am warning you, this is one HEAVY post with lots and lots of fabulous eye candy. On the last post I told you I was going on my first Shop Hop with Loraine. Turns out, the day we had planned, Wednesday, June 16th, opening day, didn't go as we had originally planned. There were severe wind warnings at the point of the mountain and predictions that there would be 70 mph winds. Loraine's hubby was concerned and thought it best to hold out for a day because the forecast was better on Thursday and Friday. Unfortunately, I had made arrangements to get Wednesday off and I had to work Thursday and Friday so I couldn't make the swap so the two of us could go shopping together. So, what's a girl to do??? Go anyway, fight the winds and have fun! I hit 10 stores the first day, 3 the second day, and 1 on each of the last two days. On Saturday, I met up with Loraine at Village Dry Goods and we shopped, shared stash, and went out to lunch together. She made me a cute little pincushion of the American flag with a tag that read "Shop Hop 2010" to commemorate the event. (I will post a photo of it in Part 2, Shop Hop). It was a really fun day, I wish we could have had the whole day on Wednesday to shop til we dropped. That first day was fun, but tiring. I wore comfy clothes, socks and shoes, but nevertheless I shopped so much I wore blisters on my feet. Ouch! Tomorrow I will post Part 2 of Shop Hop and show you some of the fun things I bought. So, sit back and enjoy all the beautiful eye candy, there are some talented gals here in Utah and this is some of their beautiful artwork, the photo's do the talkin'.......

Loraine (center) with two of her favorite gals at Village Dry Goods

Thanks for visiting, I hope you enjoyed a little insight to Shop Hop 2010.

Smiles....

Jolene

A NEW START

2010-06-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Missing Yo"u"

by Prairie Moon

18th Century Brown, 30 ct

Using GAST and Weeks threads

Greetings guys and dolls! We have sunshine today and it feels soooo good. Weather here in Utah is crazy, snow one day and hotter than blue blazes the next. I guess you could say Utah's weather is like a box of chocolates, you never know what to expect! lol

Sunday I started this fun little pattern by Prairie Moon. As I was looking at these photos I thought how strange the colors vary, the linen in the first photo is what it actually looks like. I have ordered some R&R, Copper Penny linen and I am anxiously waiting for it to come, so in the meantime this is what got my attention. You will see later how neat the bird is on it. I think that is why I decided to stitch this one. All it needed was a little revamping on the colors and a rich choice of linen.

I am getting excited for Wednesday to get here as it marks the first day of Shop Hop. Sweet Loraine and I are going shopping together to find more stash! Everyone needs more stash, right?! It is going to be a fun day. I hope you are having a fun and creative day.

Smiles....

Jolene

Love Story

2010-06-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here it is Sunday morning, and finally a quiet one. Yesterday we had really, really strong winds. It blew the air vent off the top of the house and broke alot of big branches and one of the main trunks in our trees. Knocked over both of our garbage cans that were full of waste and the aftermath is going to be a day full of cleaning up the wrath of Mother Nature. No rest for the weary.

Once again I want to thank you for your friendships and sharing your love stories with me. They were so fun to read and now it's my turn to share my love story with you. Where to start......

I met my hubby on a blind date when I was 17, it was August 1987. My brother in law set us up on a blind date. Little did he know at the time that Mike was 25 years old!! He had no idea there was such a gap in age between the two of us. But in my eyes, love doesn't have an age.

Our dirst date was on August 29, 1987. He picked me up in his beautiful white camaro, which I later named "Ultra Hot". I loved that car, it had black interior and a fast engine, the only thing it lacked was an air conditioner! Ugh!!! Anyway, we went to Trolley Square and ate at Mulboon's, a very nice place for a date at that time. It was the first time I ate fresh shrimp where I had to peel off the shell. Then we walked across the street and watched a James Bond 007 movie, can't recall the actual name of the show though.

We dated for almost 2 and a half years before he popped the question. He proposed to me on my birthday, December 23rd, 1989. He took me to the Thirteenth Floor for a romantic dinner overlooking the beautiful lights of Salt Lake City. Strangely enough, I can't recall what we had for dinner, but it was a night to remember. After dinner we went back to the car where I was presented with a huge balloon that was filled with shiny metallic shreds, and a little stuffed animal holding the most beautifully wrapped "small" box. My heart started to skip a beat, I knew what that little box had in it. I knew it wasn't a necklace or a pair of earrings. It was a beautiful engagement ring with 21 diamonds in it. It was gorgeous! My shy boy asked me to marry him in a card, yes, a Hallmark card, he was too shy to ask. The ring has meaning behind it and those 21 diamonds. I turned 20 years old on that day and that represented the 20 diamonds on the sides of the ring that hugged the larger single diamond that would represent that we became "one" when I was 20 years old. I still can't believe to this day that he actually left that ring in his car just before Christmas, good thing no one broke in and swiped that balloon!! That was the best birthday present I have ever received and the most memorable one too.

So that is the short version of "My Love Story". Now, as promised here are the four random winners of my First Blogiversary giveaway:

Theresa ~ Giraffe Xing

Faye ~ Carolina Stitcher

Alice ~ One Hundred Eyes

Hillery ~ North Country Samplings

Congrats to you all!!! I wish I could send you all a little something, if I was loaded with cash, I would!!! I will be contacting you soon for your snail mail address. Thanks again to all of you, this has been a fun first year! Hopefully, many more to come.

On the stitching front
Last year I started the Stars and Stripes design by Sam Sarah and evidently didn't finish it.....

Until Now!

I am not sure why I didn't finish it, I was so close. But, better a late finish than no finish at all, right? I hope you are all having a wonderful and relaxing kind of Sunday. Until next time...

Smiles....

Jolene

20th Anniversary and First Year Blogiversary Giveaway

2010-06-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome sweet friends! Today is my 20th Wedding Anniversary and "Belated" Blogiversary! I can now show you a beautiful finish I made for my hubby to commemorate our wedding. I absolutley love the muted tones and nostalgic look of this design. Thank you Carolyn and Magaret for sharing this pattern with me.

Stitched on 32 count linen

Suggested DMC threads

"I Thee Wed"

by The Goode Huswife

Two Hearts, One Love

Close up the of the beautiful floral wedding gown, Love those flavors!

I wish you could see this in person, it takes my breath away!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Dear Sweet Mikey,

When I was young, I couldn’t think

What it would be like to be older.

How could I know it would bring such joy

Just to cuddle my head on your shoulder.

So many things bring happiness now,

Like a rub on the back or a smile,

And my feelings for you are stronger today

Than they were when we walked down the aisle.

When I was young, my fondest wish

Was a marriage that could be this good.

Where we’d work through pain to laugh again

As loving partners should.

As the days drift by we’re settling in,

To a life that’s rich and rewarding.

Just sharing with you is a dream come true;

You’re a pleasure well worth hoarding!

I’m still in love with you "My Mikey"

And I’m blessed and thankful that you are mine.

I Love you Sweetheart!!!!

143, Jolene

When I decided to start a blog I never imagined that it would be so much fun and that I'd meet so many amazing people from all over the world! Your support and your comments mean so much to me and I am glad to know you! So to celebrate my First Blogiversary (365+ days) of blogging I'm offering a giveaway as a small thank you gesture from me to all of you for your support and inspiration.

Now, as you all know, I like to have fun with my giveaways so this time around if you would like to enter please leave me a comment and let me know how the love of your life proposed to you and then let me know if your name is drawn what your first, second, third and fourth choice prizes would be.

Prize #1

"Gabby" Make Me Blush Purse

by Vera Bradley

*****************************************************

Prize #2
"Simple Joys"
by Little House Needleworks
Pattern and Thread

*******************************************************

Prize #3
"1892" Sewing Pouch

by French General

********************************************************

Prize #4

"Honeysuckle Manor"

by Blackbird Designs

Good Luck my friends! I will keep this Giveaway open until midnight, June 12th and the winners will be drawn and posted on June 13th.

Smiles......

Jolene

Belated Blogging Blues

2010-05-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today is a difficult day for me and probably alot of you are feeling the same way as I do. Today is a day about our loved ones that are no longer with us. Last night my hubby and I watched "Dear John", such a great movie!!! So in the mixed up crazy part of my life, I missed my one year blogaversary (May 1st) and I have several things I feel obligated to blog about and want to so you can see some amazing things I have received from wonderful blogging friends from all over. What I have decided to do is finish out the obligations I have made on exchanges, etc. Post a couple of final posts and put my blog on vacation. I haven't been a very good blogger lately and even though there are things I really want to share with all of you, I really lack the motivation, no matter how small or how big, to post. So I will try and keep up with all of your blogs, but feel like my blog has become a downfall for me. I hope you understand.

Smiles....

Scissor Superstitions

2010-05-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

I read this early this morning and thought it was food for thought and kind of funny, too. So I thought I would share it with you all, since I love scissors and collect them like so many of you. What is your take on it?

Superstitions About Scissors

You will 'cut off' fortune if you use scissors on New Year's Day
Scissors should be put away during thunderstorms to decrease the likelihood that the house will be struck by lightning.
Placing a pair of scissors under the pillow of a woman in labor will ‘cut her pain in half’.
As with childbirth, placing a pair of scissors underneath the pillow of anyone in pain will halve their discomfort, making it more bearable.
Breaking both blades is a sign of an impending disaster.
Giving a pair of scissors as a gift will cause problems in a friendship by cutting the relationship in half. When giving scissors as a gift, the receiver should always give a little money in return, since ‘buying’ the scissors will not cause the friendship to be cut.
A pair of scissors nailed above a door in the ‘open’ position, so they resemble a cross to some extent, was said to protect a household from witchcraft and evil influences.
Dropping a pair of scissors is said to warn that a lover is unfaithful.
Breaking one blade of a pair of scissors is an omen of quarreling and discord; if both blades are broken at once; a calamity is to be feared.
Scissors should always be sold, they should never be given.
On Wednesday and Friday, no one should use a needle or scissors, bake bread or sow flax.

Superstitions about Needles and Pins

See a pin and let it lie, sure to rue it by and by.
Never lend a pin to a friend lest it prick the friendship.
A bent or crooked pin is thrown into a wishing well for good luck.
Dropping a needle was good luck unless it sticks upright in the floor, then company was expected.
Remove a needle or pin from the packet and prick the recipient before giving it to them
A knotted thread means an argument is coming.
A tangled thread on a needle during mending gives health and prosperity to the owner.

Challenge #6 - G.O.S.

2010-05-12T23:10:00.000-07:00

Here in Utah it is 11:01 p.m. and I have just finished Challenge #6, for The Gift of Stitching. I made it just in time, too, since it closes May 13th, whew!!!

I used a small piece of 28ct linen and DMC threads with some Blue Moon beads. The pattern reads, "I only have red thread". I couldn't resist taking part when I ran across this sweet little pattern on a blog I discovered over the weekend. The fun part was trying to decide how to finish it. So, the hunt began and I found this cute little "curio" at a second hand store and it was then that I knew what I was going to do.

I removed the plastic "glass" and picture that was in the frame opening. Then I antiqued the front only with apple butter brown stain to give it a little more antique look. I coffee dyed the linen half way through stitching to get an idea of how I wanted it to look. I decorated the tree with some gala apples, reduced the size of the puppy because I wanted a miniature one. I satin stitched the roof, added some window panes and a belt with a flower to her dress. Placed a door knob on the house and gave her some facial features. Once the stitching was done, I added some brown cotton lace and a "ladder" ribbon to add interest.

When you open the cabinet you will find that "I only have red thread" inside.

I hope you like my little version of this pattern, I had fun making it. Thanks for stopping by, and I love your comments, they make me happy!!! Until next time, happy stitching. Smiles.....

Jolene

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful Mother "Gail"

1936 ~ 2005

If Roses Grow In Heaven

If Roses grow in Heaven, Lord,

please pick a bunch for me,

Place them in my Mother's arms

and tell her they're from me.

Tell her, I love her and I miss her,

and when she turns to smile,

place a kiss upon her cheek

and hold her for awhile.

Remembering her is easy,

I do it every day,

but there's an ache within my heart

that will never go away.

~Author Unknown

My Beautiful Mother-In-Law, "Helen"

Age 17

As I was laying in bed this morning enjoying my breakfast and playing on the computer, I remembered a cross stitch I made for my mother for Mother's Day many years ago. I thought I would share some photos of it with you today:

This is a pattern from Bent Creek called "Mom and Dad" that I stitched up using my own version of hand dyed threads. I had it framed in an antique frame that I had cut down to size. I love the marbled purple/gold mat along with the eggplant suede mat that compliments the finish. I added alot of Mill Hill charms and antique glass beads. You can click on the photos to supersize them. I have added some butterflies, tulips and little flowers to personalize it "my style".

Happy Mother's Day!!!

~Jolene

Three Crows

2010-05-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hi my friends, it has been a long time since I last posted, but I have been working on some "secret" projects/exchanges. So....I thought I better take a minute for a quick post and update you on my latest and greatest addition....

This is a design by one of my very, very favorite designers, The Goode Huswife, called "Three Crows". I was able to stitch this thanks to CathyB for sharing this design with me. I love blackbirds, they are so mysterious. I used the DMC threads as called for in the pattern, no changes were made which is so unlike me. I guess it's perfect the way it was planned.

I really like the mustard flavor that was used on this one with the black. I like to use off-beat colors as they add interest to the design. The "Three Crows" is going to be framed in a handmade black frame (made by yours truly, me, myself, and I). I believe I have a perfect spot in my kitchen where I can display this one.

Hooray for sunshine, it makes taking photos soooo much nicer.

I love this old, really old, worn out black velvet pincushion. It is shaped like a heart, but you aren't able to see it that well in the photo. It still has the old pins in it and some of the heads on them are interesting. I bought it last weekend at an antique store, the lady mentioned she bought it at an estate sale and it was made in the late 1800's. I had seen this pincushion in her store about two months ago, but didn't buy it, so I was very lucky it was still there for me when I went back. I guess it was meant to be for me:)

Below is another new start I am making for my cousin's first baby. I have to keep a low profile on this one because she checks out my blog and I want it to be a surprise. So, I won't be posting anymore info on this one until it is done.

Have a marvelous weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all you Mommies!!!! Thanks for visiting and as always.....Smiles

Jolene

PIN PILLOW EXCHANGE FOR BECKY

2010-04-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

I am still excited over my beautiful pink princess frog I received from Deb, I still can't believe I actually won it even though it is in my possession. I guess I am just "tickled pink" over it still....

I participated in a pin pillow exchange recently that BeckySC hosted and here are some photos of what I stitched up for BeckySC. (Yes, I got Becky's name for the exchange). It was strictly confidential not to post any photos until the recipient had received their exchange, so now I can share with you what I made since it has been received.

Since Becky seems to adore bees, I thought it would be fun to go with that for the theme. This is a little pattern designed by Bent Creek called "Buzzzz".

I layered some eggplant ribbon with some "fuzzy" rick rack for a little decorative touch. I stitched the rick rack down on the ribbon/linen by hand using a zig zag stitch. I really like the way it turned out, kind of like a satin stitch, and the "guacamole" linen was a fun color to stitch on.

I love the little bee button "buzzzing" through the flowers.

Here is what the fabric looked like that was used for the back of the pillow. Isn't is sweet?

Since we weren't allowed to "add" anything extra to the exchange, I thought I would be creative in packaging it for the presentation. This hat box was "perfect", the flowers even matched the ones on the pillow, just a different shade of loveliness.

I love the rich plum colors against the "guac" linen, I think it made a beautiful combination. It was stitched on 28 ct linen by Weeks Dye Works, with GAST and WDW threads and Just Another Button Co. bee button.

There's still more to come......but I don't want to overload you and overwhelm me!!! Taxes are due tomorrow (yuck) and I have to pay this year which is really affecting the pocket book. I have some last minute things to finish on them so I can get them in the mail, a woman's work is never done......catch ya tomorrow! Happy stitching.....Smiles!

Jolene

PRETTY IN PINK....THANK YOU DEB!!!

2010-04-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

You've heard the saying that the best gifts come in small packages, right? Well, I beg to differ. You see I received this HUGE box from Deb on Saturday. It was so exciting and I knew right away what was in that big ol' box.....lots and lots of peanuts, green peanuts that is, the packaging kind to cushion the ride! I don't think I could have found the scissors fast enough, my heart was racing because I knew something beautiful was waiting for me inside. Are you ready?.......... Ok, I know alot of you will be jealous when you see this, but look what I won from Deb (Thread Gatherer) in her Spring Giveaway....

"Precious, My Pink Princess"

WooHoo!!!! Let me introduce you to "Precious, My Pink Princess", isn't she just amazingly beautiful and crown worthy! I think I am entitled to bragging rights about this one! I snagged this photo from Deb because it is such a great photo - I hope that is ok with you Deb. I figured it would be easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission, so I went ahead and did it anyway.

I was so excited to win Deb's giveaway. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Deb, I will be adorning her "crown" with jewel toned scissors very soon. This is the kind of frog I like, it requires no unpicking of threads!

She also included a lovely pair of silver/gold scissors, some needles, a chocolate rabbit and eggs, some beautiful fabrics, gorgeous ribbon and some Ferrero Rocher Fine Hazelnut Chocolates. Incredible.....you are such a sweet friend Deb. I am so glad our paths crossed in blogland. I will cherish my antique frog forever! I have posted some photos of these goodies below so you can drool over your keyboard (just kidding, not)!!! lol

***For those of you that have requested copies of the recipes I have gathered, I am still organizing them and will get you a copy of them as soon as I can get them put together. Also, I will post an update about the Hares Christmas a little later in the week. Thanks for understanding. Smiles.....

Jolene

Award...Thanks Carin!

2010-04-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks Carin for sharing the Sweet Friends award with me. I was asked to list ten things that make me happy. Something fun to think about so here is my list:

Things that bring me happiness:

My Son, Brayden, definitely my greatest miracle
My Three Children in Fur Coats, Jazpurr, Tinkerbella, and Twinkie Doo for their unconditional love
Shopping for Second Hand Treasures and Antiques
Bringing Happiness to Others .... Spoiling
Cross Stitching and Buying More Stash (Addict for sure) lol
Sunshine and Music...Country and Rock
My Hubby, Mike, and the little things like Coffee in Bed, Mike's special recipe
Family & Friends (Chatting, Camping, ATVing, Fishing, etc.)
Creating....My mind never sleeps!!
Photography and Gardening (gates, tractors, barns, dirt, flowers, yard art)

That was hard to narrow down to only ten. Now I would love to pass this award on for ten fabulous friends:

Terri
Deb
Cari
Siobhan
Pumpkin
Kellie
Jennifer
CarolynNC
Myra
Ranae

Wow, and I though the first ten were hard to narrow down.....personally, I think everyone that visits my blog deserves the Sweet Friend Award. I enjoy reading your comments and I enjoy visiting your blogs for inspiration, eye candy and friendship.

Smiles....

Jolene

Jingle All The Way!

2010-04-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh!!! Have you seen the newest design from Plum Street yet?? I LOVE IT! Here's what it looks like:

Is this so dang cute or what?! I am in awe over the reindeer.....definitely a must have. It is scheduled to be released on April 15th, aka "Tax Day". This has to be my very favorite pattern in the "Hare" line. Is anyone interested in a stitch along with me on this one? I am almost "out the door"....my hubby and I are going to Logan to get some squeaky cheese (curd) and have lunch at Cafe Sabor. And, I think a couple of thrift stores are calling my name so there must be a treasure waiting there for me to discover.

I have so much to post about, but it has been such a busy and sad week for me that I haven't had the chance to sit down and post. I have so much to post, so I am penciling in my Sunday morning to get my blog up to date. Lots of pictures and fun things to share with you.

If you are interested in stitching this with me, leave me a comment or send me an email. I think I can share the threads with someone if they want to stitch this one, too. Have a fun Saturday, the sun is finally shining here and it is suppose to get to 65 degrees today!!! Yippee!!! Spring is here for the day.

Smiles....

Jolene

EASTER GREETINGS AND WINNERS!

2010-04-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

Easter Greetings!!! I hope you all had a lovely Easter with your family and friends. I have some very fond memories of Easter when I was younger. My family and I would spend the holiday with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in southern Utah. We would pack a picnic lunch and go for the day to Zions Park. My Grandpa would tease me because I very seldom ate pickles and he told me that I wasn't a "Hatch" if I didn't eat pickles!! Grandpa loved the sweet pickles best as he had a sweet tooth. I can just see the "popcorn popping" on the apricot trees. I remember finding geods and breaking them in half to see the beautiful crystals that were hidden in the centers. Memories, I am so glad they are just a memory away... as I dearly miss my parents and grandparents.

Next up, a special "thank you" to each of you who shared a few of your family favorite recipes with me. I can't wait to try them all! (And yes, Terri, I will defintely make the slush). I will compile them in categories and if any of you would like a copy of them, just send me an email and I will send them to you. So, now I would like to announce the WINNER of the "Fabulous Star" Pincushion to:

Terri ~ "Chocolates for Breakfast,
Stitching for Lunch"

And, as promised, I have two "mystery" prizes for two more entries:

Louise ~ Raggedy Stitcher

and

CarolynNC ~ Carolyn's Stitching Chatter & More

Delightful Easter

Easter Eye Candy

I am adding another sneek peek for your curiosity. I was going to post about the two "littles", but it will have to be tomorrow, sorry!

See you tomorrow......Smiles......

~Jolene~

SNEEK PEEK...AND A "SUNDAE" DESSERT!

2010-04-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!!! Today is going to be another busy, busy day for me, but I wanted to give you a sneek peek at tomorrows post. So what does this......

and This.....

have in common..... check back tomorrow and you'll see!!!

In the meantime, here is a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S dessert recipe. It truly is a spectacular dessert and oh so worth the calories!

Layered Dulce de Leche Dessert

What you'll need:

40 NILLA Wafers, divided
2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O White Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding (not sugar free)
1-1/4 cups cold milk
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

Make It!

CHOP 4 wafers; set aside. Arrange 12 wafers on bottom of 9x5-inch loaf pan lined with foil.

BEAT pudding mixes and milk with whisk 2 min. Add COOL WHIP; spoon 1/3 over wafers in pan. Top with 12 wafers and drizzle 2 Tbsp. caramel topping over wafers. Repeat layers of pudding mixture, wafers and caramel topping. Cover with remaining pudding mixture. Sprinkle with chopped wafers; press gently into pudding mixture.

FREEZE 4 hours or until firm. Lift dessert from pan, using foil handles. Place on serving plate. Let stand 5 min. to soften slightly, remove foil before slicing.

Enjoy!!!

PINCUSHION GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

2010-03-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Do you love pins and needles, fabric and threads???? Or are you a collector of pincushions? Well, if you would love a chance at owning this meticulously quilted, beautiful "red star" pincushion all you need to do is:

Send me a family favorite recipe

for a chance at this fabulous "star".....

1 Recipe = 1 Entry

I am looking for some fun new recipes (tried and true) to make and I will give you the opportunity for up to 3 entries. One ticket for a Dessert/Cookie recipe, a Second ticket for a Main Dish/Crock Pot recipe, and a Third ticket for a Salad Recipe. Leave me a comment telling me how many entries you would like to participate in and then email me the recipes to:

dipdiddly143@gmail.com

I hope I get a great turn out and when I have compiled all your wonderful recipes I will give you the opportunity to obtain a copy for your own recipe box as well. (Including some from my own collection). Also, I will have a second and third prize drawing, just not sure what the prizes will be, maybe I will let you choose! Time will tell.

I will leave this drawing open until Saturday, April 3, 2010 midnight. The three winners will be posted on Sunday afternoon.

Smiles....

Jolene

SPECIAL GIFTS....TIMES THREE!

2010-03-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Kindness...
has a way of touching my heart; it lifts my spirit, brightens my inner candle and puts a smile on my face. With heartfelt "thanks" to some wonderful friends, Sharlotte, Ranae and Myra, I have been blessed (and definitely a little bit spoiled) with some beautiful gifts from these talented ladies from all over the United States. One for my 40th birthday (Sharlotte), one for a pin pillow exchange (Ranae) and one "random act of kindess" from Myra. All three of these ladies are very special to me as they have each touched my heart and for that I am grateful.

Miss Sharlotte spoiled me....

with this beautiful needlecase she presented me for my 40th birthday. I received it weeks ago, back when I was sick and didn't feel much like blogging so I never took the time to post until now, but I wanted to make sure you got to see some photos of her lovely work. If you click on the picture you can enlarge it to take a closer look at her dainty stitching. The colors of the flowers are so pretty and I love the little flutterbee, it's so me. Here's sending you a long awaited {{{hug}}}, it was so sweet of you to think of me and take the time to make me such a lovely gift. It's fabulous and I will use it and cherish it always Sharlotte. I have added some shiny new needles in it and it is tucked in with my current project. She also made me some fabric covered floss tags that color coordinate with the needlecase. Thanks again for such a wonderful gesture, you made my 40th birthday so much more special.

Miss Myra sent....

Next up are two wonderful floral bags that Myra stitched for me. She sent these to me "just because". I am going to place my scissors and odds and ends in the smaller bag and store my pattern and supplies in the larger one. Aren't they just fabulous! I am going to be so organized and stylish at the same time. Yippee!

Random Acts of Kindness are alive and well these days, thanks so much Myra, I will use these proudly.

I love the little golden heart "Made With Love" charm she attached to the zipper with a piece of gold ribbon..... the perfect addition for a special touch. Love it!!

And an exchange from Ranae.....

I joined in a fun "Pin Pillow" exchange that BeckySC is hosting. Ranae was given my name and let me tell you.....she went above and beyond!!! I absolutely can't say enough about how much I LOVE this pin pillow. The colors, the fabric and everything are so wonderful and so me. I have been wanting a pin pillow made with this Blackbird Designs pattern ever since it was released.....how Ranae knew I wanted this one remains a mystery but I am so lucky to receive such a beautiful pin pillow. You have no idea how loud I squealed when I opened up the box and unwraped the lovely pink bow!!! It felt just like Christmas....maybe even better. You did an awesome job on this Ranae and I owe you a million and one thank you's for it....you are a very talented gal.

Here's to each of you......a special thank you from my heart to yours, you are truly kindred spirits.

Until next time.....wishing you Sunshine and Smiles!

Jolene

MY PRIMITIVE PINCUSHION

2010-03-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to you!! As some of you may already know, I LOVE PINCUSHIONS!!! Insert...(understatement). Anywho, I thought I would share a very primitive stained pincushion that I made from a Stacy Nash pattern called "Netty's Sampler - Pinkeep Drum". I love the dark tones and the flavors of thread I stitched it in. I stuffed it with sawdust and voila...here is Miss Prim (the beautiful peacock)in all her glory. Now I am laughing at myself as it should be Mister Prim, as the female species is called a "peahen"!!! Whatever.....

DID YOU KNOW.....

that as early as the 1300's, pins were carried around in a pouch? Metal pins were very costly and hard to find, so a special container was very important! During the 1400's carriers came into fashion.

These early pins carriers were made of ivory, bone, or silver. At the time names such as pin keeper, pin poppet and tuffet were popular.

At the beginning of the 1700's pin-pillows came into use. Usually delicately embroidered and made from finer fabrics such as linen, canvas or satin. Hanging ball pincushions were found in many parlors. Soon pin-pillows evolved into mounted cushions. Silver or wooden stands were topped with these cushions.

Pincushions from the 1600's through the 1800's were most popular and more decorative. On some, the pins were the decoration. At this time pincushions came in the forms of eggcups, baskets, china, metal, and glass.

During the early 1900's pincushions became useful sewing aids. Clamp pincushions were decorative and functional. They would be screwed onto a table edge and also would help to hold fabric in place.

One of the most well recognized is the tomato. People believed that placing a tomato in the entree area of their home would bring prosperity. Since tomatoes, at that time, were not available year round, people would make red balls of fabric stuffed with straw or sawdust. These would eventually be used as pincushions!

In today's world, pincushions play an important part of our sewing history and a collectible that comes in many, many shapes, sizes and forms.

Until next time......Smiles

Jolene

Sunshine and Shadows

2010-03-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hello....is anybody there? It's me, Jolene. Yes, I am still among the living, just been hiding in the shadows. I have been down for quite a while it seems like and I just haven't felt like blogging. Do you ever have times when you feel like that? I guess I was in need of a little sunshine to poke my head out of hibernation. I think Jennifer must have known I needed a little sunshine and she blessed me with this:

THANK YOU Jennifer for sharing this award with me. I think it was just what I needed. I do have quite a few things I have been wanting to share with you all. Maybe I need to get my camera out and start getting a show and tell post ready.

Today I spent some time in the yard doing a little spring clean up. The sun was shining and it felt so good to be out doing something different and I love working in my yard.

Thank you for visiting my blog and I promise to be a better blogger. I'll be back on Monday with some finishes to show you. Until then, have a wonderful evening....I am off to bake the boys some chocolate chip cookies. Smiles....

Jolene

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

2010-03-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

IRISH BLESSING

May you always find

Blue skies above your head

Shamrocks beneath your feet,

Laughter and joy aplenty,

Kindness from all you meet,

Good friends and kin to miss you

If ever you choose to roam,

And a path that's been cleared

By angels themselves

To carry you safely home.

Lucky Sheep

by Shepherds Bush

Happy St. Patricks Day to all!!!

Jolene

A VERY SPECIAL DAY

2010-03-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

March 11, 1995 was a very special day for me. In the early morning hours on a Saturday not so long ago, I gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy which my husband and I named Brayden Michael. He weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs 14.6 oz., and 21 1/2 inches long. What a big boy!! My Mom was a great coach and was by my side helping any way she could during the labor process. After many hours of pushing and pushing, my Mom decided she needed a quick break and left the room to get some fresh air. She wasn't gone more than 5 minutes and on her return she missed the birth of her first grandson. She was sad she had missed it as she was there the whole time patiently waiting and helping me through the difficult time I was going through. My husband said he came out with his eyes wide open looking curiously at the new big world that surrounded him. He was beautiful with big blue eyes and blonde hair. He had large hands and big "little"feet. I sure miss those days when he was so tiny. It seems like with each blink I make he turns another year older. The thought of him entering high school next year and getting his learning permit scares me to death!!! Where did my little guy go?
Happy Birthday my one and only son, I Love You always, no matter what!! You have made being a mother my most rewarding job.

An Award After The Oscars

2010-03-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

I feel so honored to receive such a wonderful award Sharlotte! It means so much knowing you thought of me for this award. Upon acceptance, I was asked to tell of seven interesting or unknown facts about myself so here's the list:

1. When I was in third grade my sister cut my hair off shoulder length, which at the time was sooo long it hung to my knees.

2. I was born on Joseph Smith's birthday (L.D.S.) which is December twenty-third.

3. I became an Aunt to twin nieces when I was 8 years old.

4. I am the youngest of three children. I have one sister who is 12 years older than I am and a brother who is 8 years older.

5. When I was about 20 years old I entered a Jello Contest here in Utah and I took first place in the salad category for my own "Cantaloupe Treat" recipe. My larger than life photo and recipe was published in the Salt Lake Tribune.

6. This is too funny, I can't believe I am sharing this, but......when I was three years old I ate so many homemade pickled beets that I peed in the bathtub and it turned the bath water beet red!!! My mom used to love telling my boyfriends this story, so I figured why not let the whole world know!!! lol

7. I have had lasik eye surgery twice and I still need to wear glasses to drive!

Now you know a few little tidbits about me you never knew before. Next up, I am to pass this award on to seven blogs that I love and even though there are soooo many to chose from, I would love to nominate the following:

1. Loraine - Sew Be It

2. Deb - Thread Gatherer

3. Yuko - Be Happy

4. Staci - Snippets and Stash

5. Cari - Serene Stitches

6. Terri - Chocolates for Breakfast, Stitching for Lunch

7. Kellie - The Stitching Post

If you want to accept this award, the following are the list of rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.

2. Paste the award on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you.

4. Tell 7 interesting things about yourself.

5. Nominate 7 blogs and post links.

This has been kind of fun..... until next time.....

Smiles...

Jolene

NEW KELMSCOTT SCISSORS!!!!

2010-02-15T15:50:00.001-08:00

Kelmscott "Steweb" Scissors

Yowser!!! Look at these wild and crazy new scissors that will be released at Nashville market. I just received an email from one of my LNS to see if I wanted to pre-order some of these zany scissors. Can't wait to get them!!!! Yippee!!! They remind me of Halloween, my favorite holiday.

P.S. Happy Birthday Callie!!!!!!

HAPPY "SWEETHEARTS" DAY!

2010-02-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

HaPPy VaLEntIneS DaY RoBiN!

I am HaPPy To AnNOuncE tHaT YOu ArE The WiNNer of The BeaUTifUl ShEpHErdS BuSh "ThOuGhTFul HeART" kit!!!

CoNGratS!!! PLeaSe E-mAiL ME YoUr AdDreSs sO I KnoW WHeRE yOu WOulD LiKE yoUr PAckAge SEnt.

Thank You for making this another fun giveaway. I love to read your comments, they are always so fun/funny and bring a smile to my face. Happy Valentine's Day to each of you.

I have been working on a few things lately (which I will post later). I have started my anniversary project but am choosing to not post any photos until it is done. I am working on an exchange so I can't post any photo's until it is finished and she has received her gift. That sounds so boring, no photos!!! Sorry guys! I am in hopes that this will be finished by the end of the week.

Last weekend my nephew was involved in a really bad snowmobile accident. He shattered his spleen and wrist among other things and he is still in the hospital. I wasn't able to go see him because I have been sick for quite some time. I went to the doctor and my diagnosis was, as he put it "gross"!!! What kind of a diagnosis is that? I really like my doctor, but he was leaving for Disneyland in less than two hours when I was there so he really didn't give me a thorough exam. He prescribed me some antibiodics and sent me off. (I think he was already in California!) After the course of 10 days on antibiodics, I am still not well. I guess I will be going back for a follow up. YUCK!

Enough about me, I hope you are all staying warm and feeling well. It has been such a bad winter in so many areas this year, but not necessarily Utah. It has been pretty mild considering.

My Mikey fixed me a really nice "breakfast in bed" this morning. We ate hashbrowns with ketchup, poached eggs, sausage links and coffee with french vanilla creamer, delish! What a sweetheart. I wonder what is in store for the rest of the day?

Have a "Sweet" Day!!!

Jolene

A SWEET CONVERSATION

2010-02-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

With sweethearts day drawing near, I found it in my "heart" to have another giveaway. As always, I like to have a little fun with my giveaways so I thought I would give you a few options. You've heard the saying:

"Roses are red, violets are blue"

So the first option is to finish the second line, for example:

"I can't live my life without you".

Another option is to "reinvent" the conversation heart. What are some new "sayings" we could print on these traditional candies we all love?

So, the choice is yours. If you would like one entry, choose one of the two options and leave me a comment for one entry. If you want a second entry to up your odds at winning, post another comment so that you actually comment on both options. And if you would like, you may post this on your blog for a third entry and leave me another comment telling me so.

The winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, February 14th, Valentine's Day 2010. You may leave your comments (entries) on this post only until midnight, Saturday, February 13th.

The Valentine's Day winner will be presented with the "Thoughtful Heart" kit by Shepherd's Bush that you see below.

I wish each of you a lovely Valentine's Day and best of luck to you. Your comments can be as corny or as sincere as you would like, just have a little fun while you're at it. It is all about the journey and I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Smiles!

Smitten

2010-02-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

Today I came down with a terrible bout

a sickness that is serious and deadly, no doubt

The doctors say it’s without a cure

and just how I got it, they are unsure

The symptoms are awful

and horrible, I say

You appear to be glowing

all night and all day

You also will experience

a permanent smile

and a continuous happiness

that makes life worthwhile

the worst part of this whole thing

is when your words become muddled

you get all nervous and can’t speak

and turn into a puddle!

But never fear, my friend!

this illness will not bother you

unless you are hopelessly in love

with a love that’s true

for this illness with which I’ve been stricken

happens only when you fall in love,

when you are smitten…

like mittens!!

Baskets and Breadboards

2010-01-31T18:37:00.000-08:00

Are you a little curious about the history on punch needle embroidery? Well, punch needle embroidery is an old needle art dating back to the early centuries and was used in its day to mark clothing. The technique was worked using hollow bones of birds' wings as needles in its early days. Punch needle pieces are generally quite small in size and are indeed works of art!

It is so fun and so easy, I tell ya, you just have to try it yourself. I started doing punch needle when I was about 19 or 20 years old. There was a co-worker at the credit union where I worked that was a distributor of "pretty punch". It was through Shauna that I tried this fun little art and enjoyed it thoroughly (along with my cross stitch). I purchased spools of wool thread which was used in pretty punch years ago, but there are so many beautiful hand dyed threads we use today which make it so much "funner". Not to mention some wonderful designers, like Brenda Gervais of Country Stitches - With Thy Needle & Thread, who make this art form more enjoyable with her beautiful designs.

"Heart and Hand"

by With Thy Needle & Thread

Next up is the adorable "Peter Cottontail" hopping down the bunny trail with his little basket and lovely robin egg. Such a sweet finish, this one made me so happy. I am wishing and hoping for the arrival of spring, I am sure it will be here before long. I am in need of some sunshine soon.

"Speckled Eggs"

by With Thy Needle & Thread

Last night I stayed up and made Mexican Lasagna so I could just pop it in the oven for dinner today. It's spicylicious!!!! Did you know mexican food is my favorite?

And for dessert we had birthday love cakes! Complete with hearts and cherry icing. Yum! You see today is my dad's birthday, he would have been a mere 75 years young. It's hard to believe he has been gone for over 11 years now. I sure miss him, he was such a special man. I loved him dearly and think of him every day.

What's next ya say? Well I guess it will be "Signs of Spring".......stay tuned to see how sweet this one will turn out.

Thanks for visiting, I love your comments, they are so uplifting and very much appreciated. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and here's to a fabulous new week and month!!

Heart & Hand

2010-01-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

Good evening!!! A sneek peek before tomorrows post.