tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45497005601418164102024-02-20T03:43:58.837-05:00the striped rosethe striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.comBlogger441125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-22263480401882226182013-10-05T12:48:00.001-04:002013-10-05T12:52:16.938-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVcDjkEBQhpyd8_m-_y1nIl7QHX0fVZFdnW-USv5qLHnXrkrj1w3qZbhdYHgyAgJooc9g4cVhsCfA6zT7o2ZiIntsnrkzYxjNaiU_04umKPBNpEfpnKLO3-xoAlR22juIoJT_nAtJ14k/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVcDjkEBQhpyd8_m-_y1nIl7QHX0fVZFdnW-USv5qLHnXrkrj1w3qZbhdYHgyAgJooc9g4cVhsCfA6zT7o2ZiIntsnrkzYxjNaiU_04umKPBNpEfpnKLO3-xoAlR22juIoJT_nAtJ14k/s320/IMG_3134.JPG" width="213" /></a>
I have been faithfully working on 'Mary Tillinghast,' but I am itching to start something new. This is partly because I received the Fall SANQ, and partly because to get more of the one-over-one done now instead of saving it for last.<br />
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Last night at church we had the Blessing of the Animals for St. Francis' Day. Three sweet pups turned up to be blessed. Nutmeg and Buttercup are holding on to Hektor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeZ26D3BiH2CwpwAC0jnffgNP0yhbH1a0cBQQfWUWPgMBg_0x6UZbg3ILFhBd4gJJByeBPMxO57cGjp4iXA3-MJZ8uQpnZFnNEmaqu_DocY0tuRqQDYrM5jcDWrPN37M-cbE970uJikg/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeZ26D3BiH2CwpwAC0jnffgNP0yhbH1a0cBQQfWUWPgMBg_0x6UZbg3ILFhBd4gJJByeBPMxO57cGjp4iXA3-MJZ8uQpnZFnNEmaqu_DocY0tuRqQDYrM5jcDWrPN37M-cbE970uJikg/s320/IMG_3096.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Here are a couple of random shots . There is not much to say except they are precious snapshots of my everyday life.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN38BbbcvCJaZYaQp92utYdSFHdv-OofML4-7YtdeAXjQgtijoWjVgJezajyzlI-tAH8B0AFOiQv2M1ApvP5K3LykzWFAoKI9tvFzOHDlVJWHjSKO3r5xOzZ_hPTk47mTwgJxQkK-UWY/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN38BbbcvCJaZYaQp92utYdSFHdv-OofML4-7YtdeAXjQgtijoWjVgJezajyzlI-tAH8B0AFOiQv2M1ApvP5K3LykzWFAoKI9tvFzOHDlVJWHjSKO3r5xOzZ_hPTk47mTwgJxQkK-UWY/s320/IMG_3058.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnp_-95R8p0deK8jKcRJn5wUQkWbWom4D1j4sPpggKudzMInLOuZMntHA86XdTSKjszt-x8me51I_3jZzCZliy0QalSxgLrxgpWniV_Tr39zPSz8R-S_uyL5h-t8mNk80QJSOYVB5sF4/s1600/IMG_3060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnp_-95R8p0deK8jKcRJn5wUQkWbWom4D1j4sPpggKudzMInLOuZMntHA86XdTSKjszt-x8me51I_3jZzCZliy0QalSxgLrxgpWniV_Tr39zPSz8R-S_uyL5h-t8mNk80QJSOYVB5sF4/s320/IMG_3060.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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<img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" />the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-87005768112772885452013-09-23T10:07:00.001-04:002013-09-23T10:10:06.766-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF6AEAWAV86rmkhRTV3DRmMSEuAl-wxYlqKCWBVkUORvokqB8-HZeAwuDySkCzSrFZ7l4trM0ghOjBKYta__1tWPTOkKpt9H-iOYRv6aNXyRYsF_umrsGXpXcnv-wmMe7QelIthWFbKQ/s1600/IMG_3053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF6AEAWAV86rmkhRTV3DRmMSEuAl-wxYlqKCWBVkUORvokqB8-HZeAwuDySkCzSrFZ7l4trM0ghOjBKYta__1tWPTOkKpt9H-iOYRv6aNXyRYsF_umrsGXpXcnv-wmMe7QelIthWFbKQ/s320/IMG_3053.JPG" width="213" /></a>
Here is a quick update on 'Mary Tillinghast.' I managed to get in quite a bit of stitching this weekend while listening to an audio book of <i>The Fellowship of the Rings.</i> I have read the series many times over the years, but it really makes a difference to hear it read aloud. The sounds of the words are really beautiful. I have to wait until Oct. 14 to get a new Audible credit, so I am going to listen to an audiobook of <i>The Silmarillion </i>I already have.<br />
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Louisiana Man won the wall debate, and <i>suggested</i> we add something under the sampler instead of lowering it. I <i>suppose </i>is will do for now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoYCnvCd2p07-D2iTo06_OyTFU7Zfi6kHMlgpg3Qp7AeqiU4siCunn7i04fu_vfr087ImGTy-nRDHJuVHEL661UznTvVoFpRbSMgenuLOBRoBeFlc3yMDKYx_uVZWaYpdG2YpmNwgWy0/s1600/IMG_3054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoYCnvCd2p07-D2iTo06_OyTFU7Zfi6kHMlgpg3Qp7AeqiU4siCunn7i04fu_vfr087ImGTy-nRDHJuVHEL661UznTvVoFpRbSMgenuLOBRoBeFlc3yMDKYx_uVZWaYpdG2YpmNwgWy0/s320/IMG_3054.jpg" width="213" /></a>
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I will be making <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/169729479679841589/">roasted cauliflower dip</a> again today - I have gotten a little obsessed with it. Cauliflower sounds like a crazy thing to crave, but there is almost as much dairy as veggie in this fabulous recipe!<br />
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<img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /><br />
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the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-7175492942211628272013-09-19T08:28:00.001-04:002013-09-19T11:43:54.596-04:00Evidence<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFELfShDN1-D6h1nB1_nr5I8u07Qup8pTbv5VdDWvBz7WAjb6Wjj7VJLmymTbGAw-XCtZbFi4Fh8LdNYNRepMt7eY5fgTDz_2edLaZSXRTYvPjeFDv049jBUwtP0lEbEL9o3tMI93rBg/s1600/IMG_3018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFELfShDN1-D6h1nB1_nr5I8u07Qup8pTbv5VdDWvBz7WAjb6Wjj7VJLmymTbGAw-XCtZbFi4Fh8LdNYNRepMt7eY5fgTDz_2edLaZSXRTYvPjeFDv049jBUwtP0lEbEL9o3tMI93rBg/s320/IMG_3018.jpg" width="213" /></a>
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Good Morning, all! I thought I would ease back into blogging with some evidence that I <i>have</i> actually been stitching this summer!<br />
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My mom had a few pieces framed for me, and I hung one on an existing hanger in our front room. I told Louisiana Man it needed to be hung a bit lower. Louisiana Man <i>hates</i> making nail holes in the wall - or rather, he <i>hates</i> me making nail holes in the wall. He tends to mutter something about it "compromising the structural integrity of the house." o.O<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnEIcYjcPDqhjJKhcvkz6nIVrm5o40a7a7y4treyrFunrgmv5P5vS87pp9hEXN7RZ-H1Q85gJt3mri4JOW8pMoByjMeUmaY5f5-j35IldKRloZ0-oLjvAd5xCgZNV979H55vLx67bwXM/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnEIcYjcPDqhjJKhcvkz6nIVrm5o40a7a7y4treyrFunrgmv5P5vS87pp9hEXN7RZ-H1Q85gJt3mri4JOW8pMoByjMeUmaY5f5-j35IldKRloZ0-oLjvAd5xCgZNV979H55vLx67bwXM/s320/IMG_3019.JPG" width="320" /></a>
I have great plans every year to stitch Prairie Schooler designs every month. I finished two March designs I have been working on and off for a year or two.<br />
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I also finished the 'Dutch Alphabet' design by Sheepish Designs that I searched high and low for. It's long. Long and skinny. It will definitely break up a grouping of upright rectangle frames!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn8HCicXdOdBcub3pcUor7MMdFfenRn2hRooFAzFh6NL3fVnmbneK2D6aR-Rvxk1MhM0wHWDSYBi0koKHvwLoMDsx3UXTUYuusU_D9wMxPw20nDjntdwV3vZTgElYQUq6LLXrv86zvJY/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn8HCicXdOdBcub3pcUor7MMdFfenRn2hRooFAzFh6NL3fVnmbneK2D6aR-Rvxk1MhM0wHWDSYBi0koKHvwLoMDsx3UXTUYuusU_D9wMxPw20nDjntdwV3vZTgElYQUq6LLXrv86zvJY/s320/IMG_3021.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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Yesterday, I was out of sorts. I really think it is just the beginning of this season's seasonal allergies. I self-medicated by starting a new sampler: 'Mary Tillinghast' by Sheepish Antiques (Sheepish Designs).<br />
The peach colors in this sampler looked a bit washed out to my eye, so I bumped the colors up: instead of 950 (dark) and 543 (light), I used 407/3773 (dark) and 950 (light). I am happy with the change so far. Today I will be searching for new yellows. The yellow flowers seem so bright and happy; 3045 and 3046 are not going to cut it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBViZNMia7J1KlzdFCTwHWC2MyFoD2kbCvVWuu8OKBaYTfhXkJ3SdhVONSO9__P0h4ToTlVYW3et_J8XYmsJ1IHdem4ihjwDB7mCX12b1o3ffZuvadTqa2BDiGic5JBdtIaBm0PxNnWU/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBViZNMia7J1KlzdFCTwHWC2MyFoD2kbCvVWuu8OKBaYTfhXkJ3SdhVONSO9__P0h4ToTlVYW3et_J8XYmsJ1IHdem4ihjwDB7mCX12b1o3ffZuvadTqa2BDiGic5JBdtIaBm0PxNnWU/s320/IMG_3023.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBmnGK-jGDZpdJGKBzJnyBjM7rd-XXMLduhWC3xV9HHsyIaO8oIvwR99qJ__XvCFGdHi_LSXFeV8m6-Gc_2ZAuDY-JlW3KLpivUunJsl6dWilwubkw3tAtN1g2rJN0RE5-hEfKtd3sQU/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBmnGK-jGDZpdJGKBzJnyBjM7rd-XXMLduhWC3xV9HHsyIaO8oIvwR99qJ__XvCFGdHi_LSXFeV8m6-Gc_2ZAuDY-JlW3KLpivUunJsl6dWilwubkw3tAtN1g2rJN0RE5-hEfKtd3sQU/s320/IMG_3025.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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I shopped Tanya the Sampler Girl's fabulous stash sale, and acquired this gem: Prairie Schooler 12 Days of Christmas! I was so excited to find the non-Santa version. I'm not a big Santa person - I know, that is heresy in the cross stitch world. I might as well come clean and say I am not a snowman person either - do I have any readers left? Santas and snowmen have a bit of the clown-scare-factor to my taste. Don't hate me! lol I have this brilliant plan wherein I stitch two complete sets of the 12 Days - one with blond people and one with brunettes. Then I can lovingly present the appropriate set to my daughters. I may be on a 10-year plan here!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlwsPKZMXjDu_BiFMlfP8jR6WrqUdKILraH6tkOaPwkTeTETcLAaFmY1Ah5SkReOgUaJaH60T73XSIRmd1GwZTxSgSBiAM-n2gjzXSpkdR9DvPpZYoCXC8Cx_-Tol5Rml-3UVLnx-XVo/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlwsPKZMXjDu_BiFMlfP8jR6WrqUdKILraH6tkOaPwkTeTETcLAaFmY1Ah5SkReOgUaJaH60T73XSIRmd1GwZTxSgSBiAM-n2gjzXSpkdR9DvPpZYoCXC8Cx_-Tol5Rml-3UVLnx-XVo/s320/IMG_3027.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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Homeschool is all systems go here - can't you tell? ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSFJtS8oiQ0k2LAhKBOiiwrIGP6ITICoqkF9_JsP96TtjUr2KwhAqwb5gUvvCCE2VbzbEYlz031Tv1lknwjbO88djNGe-n1E9UiwAGYQ03VWkhvm53BG4eIC5g8TAjfKumygBZTRtna8/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSFJtS8oiQ0k2LAhKBOiiwrIGP6ITICoqkF9_JsP96TtjUr2KwhAqwb5gUvvCCE2VbzbEYlz031Tv1lknwjbO88djNGe-n1E9UiwAGYQ03VWkhvm53BG4eIC5g8TAjfKumygBZTRtna8/s320/IMG_3028.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ycwgXIbBIPRywav9jKqrlWcrGV6Hxt2MY-c6kMcHPQi3btYCMFhRrpLBRB42ikJlHJe2LMZQVJb4IUnV2iEFPb54hYYOQoAwZzgNy_gQCzowV-BqaMQ2eYZT23K2kWT2IW5BBlJeI-Q/s1600/IMG_2926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ycwgXIbBIPRywav9jKqrlWcrGV6Hxt2MY-c6kMcHPQi3btYCMFhRrpLBRB42ikJlHJe2LMZQVJb4IUnV2iEFPb54hYYOQoAwZzgNy_gQCzowV-BqaMQ2eYZT23K2kWT2IW5BBlJeI-Q/s320/IMG_2926.jpg" width="213" /></a>
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<img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" />the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-14199582306964246262013-05-29T12:27:00.000-04:002013-05-29T12:31:06.757-04:00That Dessert<br />
My late grandmother used to make a dessert she called Chocolate Torte. It goes by many names: Chocolate Sin, Chocolate Delight, but they all have in common a pecan shortbread crust, a cream cheese-C%l Whip layer, and a layer of chocolate pudding. I loved it!<br />
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Louisiana Man hates pecans, and Buttercup is SEVERELY allergic (and my parents live in a pecan grove - yikes!), so I haven't made that dessert in years!<br />
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There is another popular C%l Whip-pudding dessert that is layered with graham crackers. I decided to combine the two, and I want to share it with you. I have made 4 in the past....4 weeks? maybe 3 weeks?...ahem. We like it. We really like it. We refer to it, casually, as That Dessert.<br />
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And did I mention I doubled the layers? ;)<br />
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Brace yourselves!<br />
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1 box chocolate graham crackers<br />
2 boxes 1/3 reduced cream cheese (it makes me feel a tiny bit better to uses reduced)<br />
1 8 oz tub C%l Whip (by all means whip the cream yourself if you are inclined)<br />
1 cup powdered sugar (this is a double layer remember!)<br />
chocolate pudding made with 4 cups of milk (use your recipe or boxed, or mine)<br />
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Here is the chocolate pudding recipe we use. It is not the worst for you, nor is it meant to be diet-friendly. You have been warned.<br />
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This is doubled. I make it single for just pudding, or make it single with 1 3/4 c milk instead of 2 and pour it in a graham cracker pie crust.<br />
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1 1/2 c sugar<br />
2/3 c cocoa powder<br />
4 Tbs cornstarch<br />
4 Tbs All-purpose flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
4 c milk (I use 2% because my girls will not drink skim) <br />
4 egg yolks (I cook the whites in the microwave, and feed them to the dog and cats)<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 single serve of instant coffee (I used Folgers classic decaf)<br />
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Combine all pudding ingredients EXCEPT vanilla and instant coffee. Heat over medium heat. ***Medium! It will burn, and the whole thing will taste like burned milk, and you will spend the afternoon scraping burned pudding off the bottom of the pot - ask me how I know.***<br />
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So it will take awhile, and you will be stirring with a whisk until you think your arm will fall off. You will begin to think you are no longer capable of stirring when you realize - lo and behold! - the pudding is thickening!! I do not let it boil - that is the quickest way to pudding burned on the bottom of the pot.<br />
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Stir in vanilla and instant coffee (add another packet if you want a stronger coffee flavor), and let it cool.<br />
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Then combine the C%l Whip and powdered sugar and cream cheese.<br />
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Lay the graham crackers in a layer on the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Spread 1/2 C%l Whip-cream cheese mixture over crackers. It will not be easy. I drop spoonfuls all over then gently spread them out with an offset knife.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qthSjWV5uRMGTBUZK32jZwlzbacIlPtlJ4TsKT8fQDc0R64GBNAL_JzzUnN2h5RSkt802eI_j79E8uITdjkg4zNnv4oXWHZWwenTX3EgFv9l4_2F1GHb_RWZVCg5nIaP8PxGoYO8eow/s1600/IMG_2414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qthSjWV5uRMGTBUZK32jZwlzbacIlPtlJ4TsKT8fQDc0R64GBNAL_JzzUnN2h5RSkt802eI_j79E8uITdjkg4zNnv4oXWHZWwenTX3EgFv9l4_2F1GHb_RWZVCg5nIaP8PxGoYO8eow/s320/IMG_2414.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtl6mPtZnv-MyciJlcy4KVrHJmmTtEVFfFmBis6ob5uotuOQYAFJZAyj7WK4l5A2fJU1JrJosdM-QPdbQUdgJ8QBgA3P5tspa1G5lF9_C1P9oOjuE-3ycHuqtn1wci72og6oi2qdNWis/s1600/IMG_2415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtl6mPtZnv-MyciJlcy4KVrHJmmTtEVFfFmBis6ob5uotuOQYAFJZAyj7WK4l5A2fJU1JrJosdM-QPdbQUdgJ8QBgA3P5tspa1G5lF9_C1P9oOjuE-3ycHuqtn1wci72og6oi2qdNWis/s320/IMG_2415.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zyHMlq6UB0XhNTbtV2MkDR1I9MORYI7w3WZztqnZSgMZp6Uwnc6lWVf5Gevx_s40lbQZE_JQoeoadMINoplDEqxgBQbvikKt1IfSqp7qxbcKztTxtTIIMqMxE4_Gv9_7mYxOWy9bxfQ/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zyHMlq6UB0XhNTbtV2MkDR1I9MORYI7w3WZztqnZSgMZp6Uwnc6lWVf5Gevx_s40lbQZE_JQoeoadMINoplDEqxgBQbvikKt1IfSqp7qxbcKztTxtTIIMqMxE4_Gv9_7mYxOWy9bxfQ/s320/IMG_2416.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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Layer 1/2 the COOLED pudding.<br />
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Another layer of Graham Crackers, C%l Whip-cream cheese, pudding and you are finished! Let chill. The graham crackers will soften and be very cake-y.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PmAD3SYqh3DmXn-LpS9GeWcrGDkrQAa-44ezWVHo2Zfgwee0_sB3kE1Iu77yYhb95TP-9xlBZBZ954An5G37Wiujgnn5B9ozCEPKMbbLTJwOFU4fPJ9e9W3W47ecHjATLrM2h3nIZbc/s1600/IMG_2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PmAD3SYqh3DmXn-LpS9GeWcrGDkrQAa-44ezWVHo2Zfgwee0_sB3kE1Iu77yYhb95TP-9xlBZBZ954An5G37Wiujgnn5B9ozCEPKMbbLTJwOFU4fPJ9e9W3W47ecHjATLrM2h3nIZbc/s320/IMG_2417.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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*I have an extra layer of C%l Whip because someone bought a 16-oz tub. I used the whole thing, and it was way too much! Really!<br />
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I hope you enjoy it, and please share any variations or tweaks!<br />
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<img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" />the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-54911285155983822822013-05-13T08:07:00.003-04:002013-05-13T08:52:47.739-04:00Will I ever....Will I ever blog again? Yes<br />
Will I ever cross stitch again? Yes<br />
Will I ever do that give-away? Yes<br />
Will I finish this year of homeschool? Yes<br />
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But right now, there are roses...<br />
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'Mutabilis' <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRg8Ly0s6gveatmpS0ARQLh0yNEe1Y8aRV6Lpt5jYH1Tn6n0_ZU3mYQoG0TmWP6-6v6CbbqjiD1N0LZcMDxA0Wa9oxkHA_r4joqpdNMxdi5VpKTQu9rs06c39DUfJHzrAsIn-1xMvT0A/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRg8Ly0s6gveatmpS0ARQLh0yNEe1Y8aRV6Lpt5jYH1Tn6n0_ZU3mYQoG0TmWP6-6v6CbbqjiD1N0LZcMDxA0Wa9oxkHA_r4joqpdNMxdi5VpKTQu9rs06c39DUfJHzrAsIn-1xMvT0A/s320/IMG_2160.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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'Purezza'<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8vYSL3yJitkrpyOsx8BZcbt5ut-hfslPeg_QOdhslEPV42tO3mANoG9utudHouNw1W2hVBSixYyr_-J9OoNh1PqhOeLoYJthXuwWHPzcP2NYMFa79ZmMD1bmd9886eUxJvh5mQ6AiFE/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8vYSL3yJitkrpyOsx8BZcbt5ut-hfslPeg_QOdhslEPV42tO3mANoG9utudHouNw1W2hVBSixYyr_-J9OoNh1PqhOeLoYJthXuwWHPzcP2NYMFa79ZmMD1bmd9886eUxJvh5mQ6AiFE/s320/IMG_2037.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
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'Clementina Carbonieri'<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ_yPjoY9AvSJnE0H7MeGlglnX5g524ZeWMqOYtDkeNgL8YS9CMq01xnu1izuXHS5Bv-npjHBnNyCCb4Chd4OTZ54cCifXI8Bag65ZHRIjmPuGX4Z5DZzlH8Q25StwQR-dC5DDmpplq0/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ_yPjoY9AvSJnE0H7MeGlglnX5g524ZeWMqOYtDkeNgL8YS9CMq01xnu1izuXHS5Bv-npjHBnNyCCb4Chd4OTZ54cCifXI8Bag65ZHRIjmPuGX4Z5DZzlH8Q25StwQR-dC5DDmpplq0/s320/IMG_2039.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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'Fisherman's Friend'<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtP8WFCZNTDLPZlLVmIouzbADu2m-VfbOgyYgZdlSZmMaCLSrzSsTXukZg6WUPm9anA8LBPppD6MXPQ9H2141lnu8vXAPgj5tcdpz5COR3Yx3dsQktoPW1DQXzPaLw-LgFmLyCLHpCzg/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtP8WFCZNTDLPZlLVmIouzbADu2m-VfbOgyYgZdlSZmMaCLSrzSsTXukZg6WUPm9anA8LBPppD6MXPQ9H2141lnu8vXAPgj5tcdpz5COR3Yx3dsQktoPW1DQXzPaLw-LgFmLyCLHpCzg/s320/IMG_2156.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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<br />the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-1341872284168155932013-02-09T10:28:00.000-05:002013-02-09T10:32:14.229-05:00Stitching ProgressI made a bit of stitching progress this week, stitching in the car while my children had dance and music lessons.<br />
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First up is a finish from the CHS 'Mr. and Mrs. Abbot' chart.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnVHaCEacvS6Ypz4mf4vSWcxIdPKhB3HOmm4USt-6k6bXPnYJq1ztNt5qlvK_hKo2l_6w5YBlc1Dhz0Et9jFiNsgj5svbUtauBJIFNNzz2Ri9yDDr1yceZub-CfWXYQCa5gOM3krFBg4/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnVHaCEacvS6Ypz4mf4vSWcxIdPKhB3HOmm4USt-6k6bXPnYJq1ztNt5qlvK_hKo2l_6w5YBlc1Dhz0Et9jFiNsgj5svbUtauBJIFNNzz2Ri9yDDr1yceZub-CfWXYQCa5gOM3krFBg4/s320/IMG_0836.jpg" width="296" /></a><br />
Then there was some work done on 'The Cottage Girl.'<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF82mf26UewJZSGPfa-ulzKUWU_VFqGdvGsevXojWouumJiL46MwWs58SF1ClVPJxYB6jefp2xEDnfXVX3C0EPhyphenhyphen8fmBJOwhiVVJV5x0w4S0ekcgElxxffMvgY4RStP4v6AgV0njORUN0/s1600/IMG_0834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF82mf26UewJZSGPfa-ulzKUWU_VFqGdvGsevXojWouumJiL46MwWs58SF1ClVPJxYB6jefp2xEDnfXVX3C0EPhyphenhyphen8fmBJOwhiVVJV5x0w4S0ekcgElxxffMvgY4RStP4v6AgV0njORUN0/s320/IMG_0834.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
And finally a new start: 'Dutch Alphabet' by Sheepish Designs.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY4FFlNfPiR4v2X83zwL87tsEMMGj-uEznpxANOBi6W0wj-QvL4luf7hO3VMKhSlFVKQ9Y5gyGYFIGVAVW_unq_pH_MB5Io1zxCJ6TiMCUp9-fAtUyR3zjavh8gV0r80TWZCz-bnQ3K0/s1600/IMG_0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY4FFlNfPiR4v2X83zwL87tsEMMGj-uEznpxANOBi6W0wj-QvL4luf7hO3VMKhSlFVKQ9Y5gyGYFIGVAVW_unq_pH_MB5Io1zxCJ6TiMCUp9-fAtUyR3zjavh8gV0r80TWZCz-bnQ3K0/s320/IMG_0833.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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This is a design I looked for FOR YEARS! I searched and searched until it finally came up on e$ay at a reasonable price. Have you ever noticed on e$ay that you search for years for a hard to find chart (usually a Sheepish Designs, Birds of a Feather, or Goode Huswife ) and then suddenly e$ay is inundated with the designer's charts? I wonder how often the people selling a chart for $99 actually make a sale?<br />
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I am toying with the idea of spending the day alternating between completing an alphabet/crown motif and doing a chore around the house. I'll keep considering my options while I finish my coffee. ;)<br />
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<img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /><br />
<br />the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-10852134854542762962013-02-04T08:50:00.000-05:002013-02-04T08:50:26.425-05:00Birthday Giveaway!I turn 40 next month.<br />
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Hmmmmmmm.......<br />
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I am sure you all will help me through it, right?<br />
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I am putting together a little giveaway of charts to celebrate the Big Day. Some will be oldies, all will be goodies.<br />
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Interested?<br />
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<b><i>Leave a comment on this post telling me something great about being 40.</i></b><br />
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<b><i> </i></b>A winner will be drawn at random.<br />
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I will update later with hints about the chosen charts- helpful hints such as "baaa-baaa" and the like. ;)<br />
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Anyone is welcome to enter. You don't need to be a "follower," although it would be good for my aging ego... ;)the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-7904520249969002892013-02-02T14:30:00.002-05:002013-02-04T08:29:10.468-05:00<br />
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<span class="s1">Wednesday the tornado sirens were going off, and today big, fluffy flakes are falling from the sky! That means it is almost spring in North Georgia! I may dig out Tanya the Sampler Girl's "Snow Day" chart for some afternoon stitching.
I actually finished this Mary Beale piece this morning while listening to <i>Mansfield Park</i> on librivox.org.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJmqugQatBE8ZieXw5tutFOVrq6VUDx5lC8TajHlo2Qs3JyjTNdjSxhPi4HiXCFOtEEJumvWwO2tewNsJ6cGWvWi-Ut3Wyuiu0ck26RiomN6Lsq1PG5SS-nAK5_4KaYTy6fQ0DHGIliQ/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJmqugQatBE8ZieXw5tutFOVrq6VUDx5lC8TajHlo2Qs3JyjTNdjSxhPi4HiXCFOtEEJumvWwO2tewNsJ6cGWvWi-Ut3Wyuiu0ck26RiomN6Lsq1PG5SS-nAK5_4KaYTy6fQ0DHGIliQ/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"> I have been listening to it for several days, so it is no surprise that I chose 'Mr. and Mrs. Abbott and Daughters' by Carriage House Samplings as my reward for a finish. This looks like a perfect addition to any Jane Austen-themed stitching collection.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyQomYUtBThKTMrgweClsPXd-zo1fb1jPmoa5dbamKeVq_yZjG2sbuVqGfGl2qjktt30OzJ-phHAwiJ0rMX1AZn-H-VogWaW7NP0GLTGdc0iyXt4fLqqCIfngjhXE3FTYIzqMbxCaZjs/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyQomYUtBThKTMrgweClsPXd-zo1fb1jPmoa5dbamKeVq_yZjG2sbuVqGfGl2qjktt30OzJ-phHAwiJ0rMX1AZn-H-VogWaW7NP0GLTGdc0iyXt4fLqqCIfngjhXE3FTYIzqMbxCaZjs/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" /></a>
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<span class="s1"> I am really enjoying <i>Mansfield</i> more this time than any other time I have read it. Jerry and I also have been watching an old 'Barchester Towers' mini-series. All my frustration with the two novels <i>The Warden</i> and <i>Barchester Towers</i> is coming back! Jane Austen novels are about the only ones I can read and not get frustrated. The good guys are lovable, and the and guys are too ridiculous to get upset about!
I am still working away on 'Pennsylvania Bird.'</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78JPA8AjU5uwQzVKl5VBRnz6_CNQOsqllL2nyLyqAUccM2oscvqrM-5uP87HvUV83mBiXECixoCRN3umt020aspp_uKZDkv64GvUrEOSmftNhvF1gowhN8DWvIPUgTJMplQt1rbfEc-Y/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78JPA8AjU5uwQzVKl5VBRnz6_CNQOsqllL2nyLyqAUccM2oscvqrM-5uP87HvUV83mBiXECixoCRN3umt020aspp_uKZDkv64GvUrEOSmftNhvF1gowhN8DWvIPUgTJMplQt1rbfEc-Y/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" /></a>
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This morning I sketched in my initials, and now I need to work on a 2013. Then it will just be "filling in." Buttercup and Hektor are anxious to get out into the snow! I was only tempted out to take a 10-second video, and will be parking myself in my stitching corner with a coffee for the foreseeable future!
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<img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" />the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-86007324761512152522013-01-26T17:20:00.001-05:002013-02-04T08:28:44.802-05:00Hello, Stitching Friends! Is it freez-y cold where you are? We have had several winter storm warnings, but only a bit of ice and not a single flake! The winds are cold coming off the mountains, and I have been stitching or playing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/MayFair-Games-MFG3061-Settlers-Catan/dp/B000W7JWUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359238286&sr=8-1&keywords=settlers+of+catan"><span class="s2">Settlers of Catan</span></a> with the family. Hektor has not been happy that he alone must go out into the cold to do his business.<br />
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This week I started "A Pennsylvania Bird" by Elizabeth's Garden. I had no idea about this designer until I saw the charts pop up on e$ay while searching for Carriage House Samplings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLtNLm78yVyU57VAkg3OoaJjE12-WgsZLbePYuasYtAfZl8WfW-sBAF8itflIsQxlZVYx5TCkQZZn6pm1dZLLSKJUoWDrRS9JucQGVdvBmQpGqTjw6PJjD7HxwzeB-zNK-AYL4QOcJao/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLtNLm78yVyU57VAkg3OoaJjE12-WgsZLbePYuasYtAfZl8WfW-sBAF8itflIsQxlZVYx5TCkQZZn6pm1dZLLSKJUoWDrRS9JucQGVdvBmQpGqTjw6PJjD7HxwzeB-zNK-AYL4QOcJao/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Di5a1Y952KFccGJn-6eSFspfI_zp36NR6ybXIDmXmHxb2JVJGjvN3fxeeQQvhkZl0Fs3NuyFIHS3E5-TZkMErLO7_Azf-YYY6lxHIbuEqXt9bjkW73U9miCQnE49ds-SI3FnqSupd8I/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Di5a1Y952KFccGJn-6eSFspfI_zp36NR6ybXIDmXmHxb2JVJGjvN3fxeeQQvhkZl0Fs3NuyFIHS3E5-TZkMErLO7_Azf-YYY6lxHIbuEqXt9bjkW73U9miCQnE49ds-SI3FnqSupd8I/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" /></a>
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I have not quite finished the Mary Beale I was working on - I just really do not want to do that last wing on the angel. Maybe I can force myself to work on it sometime this weekend. After all, the reward for finishing a piece is to start a couple new ones, right? ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlhBFHNLIKq-imRCgF0FcjEBTQbCwJ80HZqYyM3Kmt309C6-EvIGBYiXA_IAliK-QhSWD-R2L3T5Yi3xlizrs__ajYwzVHzbzgnj7z0IhJkLZHLp9IYEJXd4uPcYYPCdU31X-jRutA7E/s1600/IMG_0804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlhBFHNLIKq-imRCgF0FcjEBTQbCwJ80HZqYyM3Kmt309C6-EvIGBYiXA_IAliK-QhSWD-R2L3T5Yi3xlizrs__ajYwzVHzbzgnj7z0IhJkLZHLp9IYEJXd4uPcYYPCdU31X-jRutA7E/s320/IMG_0804.jpg" width="320" /></a>
the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-17355253277311551452013-01-12T12:54:00.000-05:002013-01-13T09:05:15.878-05:00Glory of the LordI still have not fixed the wonkiness on this blog, so please bear with me. I did start a new blog which focuses on preparations for my Sunday School class. <a href="http://amiabledwellings.blogspot.com/">Today's post</a> is about making felt and wood saints for Bible story presentations.<br />
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I really have not been stitching much since the first week or so of December. I may have finished a few more ornaments, but that was it. Last night I picked up the Mary Beale piece I started before Christmas, and the needle felt odd in my hand!! I am going to do what I can to get "back in shape" with a long afternoon of stitching! LOL<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhhGWKK_5-WI4t4AKmHVmsUxW9_xnpljyXshl5ew2YwMy-_S4Qn3Rqs-nr27BKUSnvhQNbwzlQoTpkXCGywRWHqm4FEMinhdUK9YOFCR9Gw7Ffc4spo2N8k47irBsnNB5MgE9oNvS5so/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhhGWKK_5-WI4t4AKmHVmsUxW9_xnpljyXshl5ew2YwMy-_S4Qn3Rqs-nr27BKUSnvhQNbwzlQoTpkXCGywRWHqm4FEMinhdUK9YOFCR9Gw7Ffc4spo2N8k47irBsnNB5MgE9oNvS5so/s320/IMG_1156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png"></p>
the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-28376069162877432972012-12-10T14:07:00.001-05:002012-12-10T14:29:17.489-05:00Stitching updateSorry about the red bar behind each picture. If I delete it, then the pictures from past posts start showing up in random places in the center and the otherwise "dead" right-had column.
I have been stitching. I have been trying to post also, but apparently my blog is too out of date to cooperate nicely with blogger. Not quite sure how to go up about fixing it.
Today is a nasty rainy day. The girls and Jerry and I are sick. I have eaten nothing but tomato soup for a week. I thought I deserved a new start today. :) I have been wanting to stitch this Mary Beale Christmas design for a long time. Yesterday I actually picked up 'Lo a Rose,' and put a couple of words and motifs in. I love the design, but hate the fabric I chose. I think I am on a 15-year plan with it.
I have always wanted to have an Old Testament tree for Advent. We do readings with the girls based on the idea of the 'Jesse Tree,' but it focuses on Jesus' bloodline, and so leaves out many Old Testament stories. I stitched 'Elijah' and 'Joshua' from Mary Beale's Christmas ornament. I am adding names. I also stitched 'Jonah and the Whale' from another Mary Beale ornament series. I like those slightly bigger ones better, but there are not as many of them. I actually spent some time this afternoon cutting out pieces of foam board for the ornament-making. Well, that's one step closer to a sampler tree! I also separated this post into paragraphs, but it did not work...
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the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-13948451927647529212012-08-04T12:45:00.015-04:002012-08-04T15:02:54.244-04:00Ornaments and Blogging Blahs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxiPCzl2x5Hkk3Ug5aVyIRRrnQ-r73kSAkToGJCBVXOoqQ8QnZMI_u2GVuHDtJu588YUsMVsSgwl2v5_RPHC-5A6IEFFt8NTywzeCK5k8TWjzrEL51-LVmQHoG1X8C1WNcNmt0_7Klcg/s1600/IMG_9750.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxiPCzl2x5Hkk3Ug5aVyIRRrnQ-r73kSAkToGJCBVXOoqQ8QnZMI_u2GVuHDtJu588YUsMVsSgwl2v5_RPHC-5A6IEFFt8NTywzeCK5k8TWjzrEL51-LVmQHoG1X8C1WNcNmt0_7Klcg/s320/IMG_9750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772862262412754194" border="0" /></a><br />I love being part of the blogosphere, but some things have changed lately that encourage me to avoid blogging. 1. I can't figure out how to blog straight from Picassa anymore. <i>(Louisiana Man fixed that)</i> 2. Whenever I upload pictures, suddenly they are all on top of each other, and I have to go in a separate each one. (<i>got fixed somehow)</i> 3. The right-hand sidebar is way, way down at the bottom of the blog. I looked it up on help, and it instructed me to look at link by link to see what the problem could be. Gee, thanks. (<i>Now that is suddenly fixed too!! What is going on? This morning I had to scroll all the way down...Oh, for crying out loud!)</i> (<i>Now it is gone again! AAARRRGGGHHHH!)</i><br /><br />Anyway, I have been stitching like..like...like a what? A house a-fire? A banshee? Do banshees stitch?<br />Next week homeschool starts back hard and heavy, so this week I am indulging in all my fantasy stitching!<br />The first picture is an WIP ornament from the November/December 1991 Just Cross Stitch. JCS has been publishing ornament for a long time - I have '85, '87 and '88! I love looking back through the older issues (older? I graduated high school in '91!!!) and seeing how the designers have honed their styles over the years; I also lament designers no longer designing. This issue seems to have left off the designers' names. It is fun to try and guess the designers, but they are only guesses. I wonder if the above is a Sheepish Designs, or Nostalgic Needle, or ... Any guesses?<br /><br />The design below is definitely Sheepish Designs from the 1999 JCS ornament issue. It was designed for a dark blue (gunmetal?) linen, but I used what I had on hand (wood violet) and adjusted the colors a bit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESMUqkCtykhnQCD_YIdJZfr-gHPS686nZUIPr4DoDgWbezyXydc21Jb_HVoPItFO7zsxIDK69yMhgUbeymgtiSoX8KqUC9BS5q8X_Km_NRxfUTPlcLcN5iE1-_R37oSs29NGMNYJm69k/s1600/IMG_9748.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESMUqkCtykhnQCD_YIdJZfr-gHPS686nZUIPr4DoDgWbezyXydc21Jb_HVoPItFO7zsxIDK69yMhgUbeymgtiSoX8KqUC9BS5q8X_Km_NRxfUTPlcLcN5iE1-_R37oSs29NGMNYJm69k/s320/IMG_9748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772860979969821154" border="0" /></a>Who can resist Prairie Schooler? Such classic designs that never looked dated! This is 'Cranberry Christmas' from the 2007 JCS ornament issue. I think I might try to back this one with felt.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInuYyepoettu0h-_iyJLqTzAal2HB6SUx7MwZiCm2lXyFFwN4H5xeqQ66nhlTmRUQSLTBEXOv4E7CRjv5Y0D-XPz4lP_kqbi1GkDYN9YPtImT-pjmai9C5KuKX7kFh71AeWgskxpxccU/s1600/IMG_9747.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInuYyepoettu0h-_iyJLqTzAal2HB6SUx7MwZiCm2lXyFFwN4H5xeqQ66nhlTmRUQSLTBEXOv4E7CRjv5Y0D-XPz4lP_kqbi1GkDYN9YPtImT-pjmai9C5KuKX7kFh71AeWgskxpxccU/s320/IMG_9747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772860970817498754" border="0" /></a>This is a Brittercup design from the JCS ornament issue 2006. I stitched this for our puppy dog Hektor, and plan on backstitching his name on the stocking.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxexYZ780CS-vLlyZa4aXZ0vKx6iEUoSZdnkQHRVVY5c-HaA3FR5WMFHxQ5DV4iOpT9Rzc0dd7-Kq_rIuEGLB_K12awkNrzabpZvdR1327FuTTSduHFvp5XZX-1N1Q16xtZPiGSAeizkg/s1600/IMG_9746.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxexYZ780CS-vLlyZa4aXZ0vKx6iEUoSZdnkQHRVVY5c-HaA3FR5WMFHxQ5DV4iOpT9Rzc0dd7-Kq_rIuEGLB_K12awkNrzabpZvdR1327FuTTSduHFvp5XZX-1N1Q16xtZPiGSAeizkg/s320/IMG_9746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772860963190249250" border="0" /></a>This design is so obviously Homespun Elegance! I found this leaflet on e$ay a year or so ago. It is 'Colonial Celebration I' from 1990. There are 10 designs, and I would like to stitch several of them. This design is called 'Williamsburg Couple.' Louisiana Man and I went to Savannah on our honeymoon and again this year for our 15th anniversary. I thought this would be a good commemorative ornament for those trips. I need a wider ribbon for the edging - the turquoise floss I used for stitching it together shows! (I didn't want to waste a color I use frequently just for binding!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jkZSqAjx2liXVuJUsjLZ4PWwncaGiQx8TE8ehEXM5npBZaaAQ2zkkg66_g1TsbkBkHMHTHktmDLMuaBNm-J0aIS2SY2k6Y35dBJSkDQaAIXfMN3rZGfD0Le3DSV71km6CgmwkWSdtX8/s1600/IMG_9744.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jkZSqAjx2liXVuJUsjLZ4PWwncaGiQx8TE8ehEXM5npBZaaAQ2zkkg66_g1TsbkBkHMHTHktmDLMuaBNm-J0aIS2SY2k6Y35dBJSkDQaAIXfMN3rZGfD0Le3DSV71km6CgmwkWSdtX8/s320/IMG_9744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772860952602450226" border="0" /></a>I have always loved this series by Shepherd's Bush! This is the ornament for the JCS ornament issue 2006. I am just using overdyed threads I have on hand. I keep thinking it looks very Americana!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHMpeaKLclqcIwnz96Br_AyIQXtiokOaNmq8vws20dI-IqeSfiwKG2CoK08n_woB60s8x2zYoVm7wDHp3d52kuMV5Gu7gMN9CH72nUji9vOl6Nx79AlfLpDUBheElueu3iumY9LiJDzE/s1600/IMG_9749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHMpeaKLclqcIwnz96Br_AyIQXtiokOaNmq8vws20dI-IqeSfiwKG2CoK08n_woB60s8x2zYoVm7wDHp3d52kuMV5Gu7gMN9CH72nUji9vOl6Nx79AlfLpDUBheElueu3iumY9LiJDzE/s320/IMG_9749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5772860983240340018" border="0" /></a>I am going to hop on the treadmill and read a bit more of 'Ross Poldark.' I started watching the mini-series on Ne$flix. It is very <i>dated</i> (an odd complaint about a <i>period</i> piece!), but still enjoyable. I like the book even better, and there are seven more in the series! It has to be a fantastic read to keep me on the treadmill - if only I could stitch and walk!! :)<br /><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-5651599823968733112012-07-13T14:38:00.001-04:002012-07-13T17:49:21.418-04:00Anybody still there?
Yes, it has been awhile!
I have been stitching and reading and homeschooling (a little bit), and taking girls to the pool and dance camp.
I have managed to finish three pieces in the past month.
'Liberty Belles' by Little House Needleworks
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NgD1QP32i0YW7G-LUFj3PjSrqnwHV2IPoV9BbN2JK-zdgTodkkE4peB696WKIadqOqdR1jnQEdaVVipfDykz5BNfV-OFX9UfPxfkkajO1f01p6Fk3TqVSMHSBJPlLWPZSmweex1d9SA/s1600/IMG_9577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NgD1QP32i0YW7G-LUFj3PjSrqnwHV2IPoV9BbN2JK-zdgTodkkE4peB696WKIadqOqdR1jnQEdaVVipfDykz5BNfV-OFX9UfPxfkkajO1f01p6Fk3TqVSMHSBJPlLWPZSmweex1d9SA/s320/IMG_9577.JPG" /></a></div>
'Pinkhouse Sampler' by Little by Little Designs
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHNgspZP2ji0yYvek0UCcM_DOX5azgWTIHzk5eTkrUQQ0T8Eicx5lT3UUR5mSTey_NHn27d3XXoh5VFfs2C5SyaEZKXseZBM0RdDvgzwf7SEAFa4xBFMyG8bI8kuoPM5RPZ97OThzMzg/s1600/IMG_9579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHNgspZP2ji0yYvek0UCcM_DOX5azgWTIHzk5eTkrUQQ0T8Eicx5lT3UUR5mSTey_NHn27d3XXoh5VFfs2C5SyaEZKXseZBM0RdDvgzwf7SEAFa4xBFMyG8bI8kuoPM5RPZ97OThzMzg/s320/IMG_9579.JPG" /></a></div>
'Canterbury Tapestry' by Barrick Samplers
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDZeMgQH3fYUAmF_HBWjzfxFtQ1Aq7AUzRh4cj8w5fAKq4Wih-678AJAfJCStQ5kiM76RlzfQzA83WgXOcjAWQwJLhH6ZMGGgXRISmuwsDsmlP8gmEL_MWnSZEdKo44OoWy_8tIRPSjk/s1600/IMG_9578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDZeMgQH3fYUAmF_HBWjzfxFtQ1Aq7AUzRh4cj8w5fAKq4Wih-678AJAfJCStQ5kiM76RlzfQzA83WgXOcjAWQwJLhH6ZMGGgXRISmuwsDsmlP8gmEL_MWnSZEdKo44OoWy_8tIRPSjk/s320/IMG_9578.JPG" /></a></div>
Off to start Handwork Samplers' 'Flora Virginia Home's Sampler!'
<p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png"></p>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-40452109068587362292012-06-04T09:23:00.000-04:002012-06-04T09:40:14.673-04:00Argh! Having trouble posting pictures!!! Do you see them?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInNVF5njui8Y_5qOZyUv6gJw52EC99f3t1qmurcc8adNS7c-zFdWU2HAFovEUxtkz2oUk4SDfTE8C00mbfSITIBjLPS1XXhXaQwdWClk_0xA1imMxfgGei1QdnASTgsT-wpI40mLxx-Y/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInNVF5njui8Y_5qOZyUv6gJw52EC99f3t1qmurcc8adNS7c-zFdWU2HAFovEUxtkz2oUk4SDfTE8C00mbfSITIBjLPS1XXhXaQwdWClk_0xA1imMxfgGei1QdnASTgsT-wpI40mLxx-Y/s320/IMG_9374.JPG" width="320" /></a>
I am having so much trouble with Blogger!!! I guess everything changed, and I missed it. I used to upload pictures from Picassa. Now I cannot find the blog button. When I post pictures, there is a divider band between each one, and the pictures are still on top of each other!!! Is there some weird little imp in my computer or has anyone else had problems?
Anyway, over the weekend I visited my WIP basket. I was shocked! When I start something, I am usually so excited and think it is the most wonderful design in the world and calculate how soon until it is finished. Then, somehow, it winds up in the WIP basket. I looked at WIP after WIP thinking "Why in the world did I ever put this down?" I took pictures of some of my favorite finds. The above picture is by Little by Little. I have no idea when I started it or why it was cast aside. I LOVE the color combination. I worked on it last night and really hope to finish it up. As I was stitching the inner border, I thought how nice it would look done in satin stitch. Around midnight I glanced at the chart and noticed it actually called for satin stitch!! I decided not to rip out my evening's work though.
The next picture is an actual finish! This is 'Anonymous Women' by Sheepish Designs. It is actually their first design and the work of Little by Little designer Cindy Bradford. Very fun piece!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido_H_0MBPJFxzqlBdG2Bo4uGdblobC6vgWoyBoQnVGy7RW1mDVxWOuz3fe1AwzOfPVyT6yl9icFq_JozGkqr-MC46Ehufzd0QuSzP1Yoi6OxGCqwx1kHTzRgGhS2uFb_aF3kMWxj4uVc/s1600/IMG_9371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido_H_0MBPJFxzqlBdG2Bo4uGdblobC6vgWoyBoQnVGy7RW1mDVxWOuz3fe1AwzOfPVyT6yl9icFq_JozGkqr-MC46Ehufzd0QuSzP1Yoi6OxGCqwx1kHTzRgGhS2uFb_aF3kMWxj4uVc/s320/IMG_9371.JPG" width="213" /></a>
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'Anonymous Women' was published in 1985 the same year as Margaret and Margaret published this design. I found it in my mom's stash and began it as soon as I finished AW. I got a chuckle when I noticed the dates!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJOBwu7Z2p3IzlDU9JrrpajUKKD8zg853Dwy9XnOofIDlGPo0-9iacJGXybRK0EOCKk2njQBiSd8EThfERjuuXt-JDjL7hr281wcY1iAwG_u5A4DR62psyTisY6JZ2EURg3iZaapBQHQ/s1600/IMG_9375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJOBwu7Z2p3IzlDU9JrrpajUKKD8zg853Dwy9XnOofIDlGPo0-9iacJGXybRK0EOCKk2njQBiSd8EThfERjuuXt-JDjL7hr281wcY1iAwG_u5A4DR62psyTisY6JZ2EURg3iZaapBQHQ/s320/IMG_9375.JPG" width="320" /></a>
Here is a lovely WIP by Nostalgic Needle. This was in two editions of Just Cross Stitch a few years ago. I started it the day I saw it. The colors and designs are beautiful. How could I put it down???
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLJx4HsZ6214VdkOhtwnLu0zU40TPORO1VHvMUt73OgNn5ZcCEY8xh7N3JQsmzyyHVSfB4LqmsNkG2FBD2LnSXx79h8xTKElmzvAZOezs9LLSIW2v84fEzYmcdLDkzrquCVO0wStE0O8/s1600/IMG_9369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLJx4HsZ6214VdkOhtwnLu0zU40TPORO1VHvMUt73OgNn5ZcCEY8xh7N3JQsmzyyHVSfB4LqmsNkG2FBD2LnSXx79h8xTKElmzvAZOezs9LLSIW2v84fEzYmcdLDkzrquCVO0wStE0O8/s320/IMG_9369.JPG" width="213" /></a>
Wow! This is by With My Needle. I started this during the early phase of my Scottish Sampler passion. I think it was the band of queen stitches that stifled my passion.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5riSeb-eGUaUmbVcL0C9TVH51rnwd89CbN02kXngnC9UkyxCO1fGaPqSJIvl6TDwHexf_iaDTfIudJS-bC3CrcbkMAS2SX_pQLeOUSBTFut3QItIxON1xBiJFb_9U-BD7ZIBognAOk-k/s1600/IMG_9373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5riSeb-eGUaUmbVcL0C9TVH51rnwd89CbN02kXngnC9UkyxCO1fGaPqSJIvl6TDwHexf_iaDTfIudJS-bC3CrcbkMAS2SX_pQLeOUSBTFut3QItIxON1xBiJFb_9U-BD7ZIBognAOk-k/s320/IMG_9373.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXvXzBN7zhqSe1zM_L00S3D72_YeCjTUHKZHklq_hpHSDLSCQoJG5fxcTB3pAVhi1XD9wuOIoAidYUAaeYgxS3twCS8IwUEtMCcymi6R2R7hd0Sz4_S2OeSvwPfJ2D7dSVGDPh7ArB_0/s1600/IMG_9376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXvXzBN7zhqSe1zM_L00S3D72_YeCjTUHKZHklq_hpHSDLSCQoJG5fxcTB3pAVhi1XD9wuOIoAidYUAaeYgxS3twCS8IwUEtMCcymi6R2R7hd0Sz4_S2OeSvwPfJ2D7dSVGDPh7ArB_0/s320/IMG_9376.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypAoo-2RRgEbfiiGNqIAl-SyNSDjnSOi8RZ-aAY9hJmBIVj3xPB00wCJe0nolMAG8GpdkuTCu_unVHH4YyNWchDGI6IONFFz70K-beBZNQlSBrJ74Jepyn-P11IaRCUYjGkaHpcjlECg/s1600/IMG_9372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypAoo-2RRgEbfiiGNqIAl-SyNSDjnSOi8RZ-aAY9hJmBIVj3xPB00wCJe0nolMAG8GpdkuTCu_unVHH4YyNWchDGI6IONFFz70K-beBZNQlSBrJ74Jepyn-P11IaRCUYjGkaHpcjlECg/s320/IMG_9372.JPG" width="320" /></a>
I hope you enjoyed some of the highlights from my WIP basket. I hope to get this HTML thing straightened out soon!
Michelethe striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-71119588604546567762012-04-15T08:34:00.004-04:002012-04-16T07:25:23.764-04:00Why, hello there!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm0Nt_hGjHxv4Gz04X4gRQOicLjoq0ylZdCp3JJw1yNB3D67vq41T3F4Y3SIcw8eqqTsqL6t1KV56Wv6PvNeKVIxj6OJGJaFCcB-nLIO1yTIDVVUXXZ6X_st2yEPLN92Yh6EDjjdV7LE/s1600/IMG_8666.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm0Nt_hGjHxv4Gz04X4gRQOicLjoq0ylZdCp3JJw1yNB3D67vq41T3F4Y3SIcw8eqqTsqL6t1KV56Wv6PvNeKVIxj6OJGJaFCcB-nLIO1yTIDVVUXXZ6X_st2yEPLN92Yh6EDjjdV7LE/s320/IMG_8666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731608238783526946" border="0" /></a>That is all the stitching that has been done in ever so long - I almost didn't recognize it! All the way back in January, I signed up for a BAP with this Bridget Powers sampler. I obviously have a B-A-way to go! I was stitching it while watching an older miniseries on Netflix about Edward the VII. I thought it was quite appropriate.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hXRmWqst6yruqauI_RI_SJlx3-9pQcp8C3iv_zubxN_PFaXdURlqemwYr8SiPbXG03joaa_5Z16PRz4O4q5O6fXRM-4Le8ps3SzFg1AmfbZHTj99Cxwg4wzGShXJCDhr73X0Yxi9Wuc/s1600/IMG_8011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hXRmWqst6yruqauI_RI_SJlx3-9pQcp8C3iv_zubxN_PFaXdURlqemwYr8SiPbXG03joaa_5Z16PRz4O4q5O6fXRM-4Le8ps3SzFg1AmfbZHTj99Cxwg4wzGShXJCDhr73X0Yxi9Wuc/s320/IMG_8011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731606781539074066" border="0" /></a>We celebrated my birthday last month with a chocolate cake with peppermint butter cream frosting made by my sister. It was every bit as good as it looks and sounds!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXRG8E1a92qDsETVkkhhVfRQHSOt2Hd2yYdsjNWOp2FLjOERNX_rofyh2lc1wguExrW5-g4t1gfSDcFqLoEN-vJVTZ8LfjHr1ivCH6xj-g-vQYWrYLjk2FhRjj85-gz0tNZ-jUycLOCo/s1600/IMG_8128.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXRG8E1a92qDsETVkkhhVfRQHSOt2Hd2yYdsjNWOp2FLjOERNX_rofyh2lc1wguExrW5-g4t1gfSDcFqLoEN-vJVTZ8LfjHr1ivCH6xj-g-vQYWrYLjk2FhRjj85-gz0tNZ-jUycLOCo/s320/IMG_8128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731606775839031810" border="0" /></a>Easter Day dawned fair and bright.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMnqZV28NjlQIatRahQ7Dl9_zCqOL8fWyAiL0ZHdfCc3SNxVAutoMHhAKWRbYtT8eHdiSHZStS1-tWaIcqpP15DGzwKyItz3_blbNlqodH7wa8lRn0T-Xq7sny1bCX9Hu5LoCMaccQq0/s1600/IMG_8135.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMnqZV28NjlQIatRahQ7Dl9_zCqOL8fWyAiL0ZHdfCc3SNxVAutoMHhAKWRbYtT8eHdiSHZStS1-tWaIcqpP15DGzwKyItz3_blbNlqodH7wa8lRn0T-Xq7sny1bCX9Hu5LoCMaccQq0/s320/IMG_8135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731606771139720194" border="0" /></a>We celebrated my niece's birthday. This year my sister's got squished in between.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGjXEnRA4wlf3EB4hsdulLNbsSg_v-I7LDvx1gjAScJlcDAhbvngzHi1BcpAVU7GbWrxDs8xjuibLl5f37Di2Sk_gg-LIwddLGKD44epF5fpjrR3HKUGr7PhfkJMZgNutlsRIZOH8tvs/s1600/IMG_8427.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGjXEnRA4wlf3EB4hsdulLNbsSg_v-I7LDvx1gjAScJlcDAhbvngzHi1BcpAVU7GbWrxDs8xjuibLl5f37Di2Sk_gg-LIwddLGKD44epF5fpjrR3HKUGr7PhfkJMZgNutlsRIZOH8tvs/s320/IMG_8427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731606763231341362" border="0" /></a>false indigo is beginning to bloom...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5We8syvBMzA3szpwudUjtOvsr_EEFYkMIOjt0vAVu0QSoZOjXE2RF2bWuesrSdVa_HTkqtnqjVl4NvY6qL6BwcocJ7-G3eSaSdsazaRFcFuTkxab0wfzMSyT3MIBa3AX9gVQrkAwMD6k/s1600/IMG_8648.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5We8syvBMzA3szpwudUjtOvsr_EEFYkMIOjt0vAVu0QSoZOjXE2RF2bWuesrSdVa_HTkqtnqjVl4NvY6qL6BwcocJ7-G3eSaSdsazaRFcFuTkxab0wfzMSyT3MIBa3AX9gVQrkAwMD6k/s320/IMG_8648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731606754423613794" border="0" /></a>It's cloudy out, so maybe I will be able to stitch today. There has been so much to do in the garden lately!<br /><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-80716277864134805942012-03-14T08:18:00.002-04:002012-03-14T08:19:25.957-04:00It's My Turn, Turn, Turn for a Finish!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTmmdMthJBBiWEitPr-5hWS1DdvK5HA-WV-yduUkxDh9Qlc-NN9A0N7YksFr-xSPnk4lBTAf_g-vnDd3j_DBQ-JKC_ZdcVlc9cr0mYxRqY2ahIALa3iOc2KB3fx54HlxkzUSv0FqqMMM/s1600/IMG_7932.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTmmdMthJBBiWEitPr-5hWS1DdvK5HA-WV-yduUkxDh9Qlc-NN9A0N7YksFr-xSPnk4lBTAf_g-vnDd3j_DBQ-JKC_ZdcVlc9cr0mYxRqY2ahIALa3iOc2KB3fx54HlxkzUSv0FqqMMM/s400/IMG_7932.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Thanks, Siobhan, for the post title! Thanks to all of you for the encouragement to stay focused on this piece! 'Renaissance Garden' by Goode Huswife 40 ct Angel Hair & DMC<br />I really, really love this piece, but I am glad the stripes and shading details are done. Whew!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Varp7wjqO6Ba94oDrm6KmlaD_lVyxw1k6NwLRsbRLVxqbK2LLqqdGbsJy65oH7A1wiVHbjskgQ75fp2RLyfYcuJo2Xgt8r1tqMoR238XIMf_UQ0tqun-sFoO3IXBwO-FQrejEOPysts/s1600/IMG_7933.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Varp7wjqO6Ba94oDrm6KmlaD_lVyxw1k6NwLRsbRLVxqbK2LLqqdGbsJy65oH7A1wiVHbjskgQ75fp2RLyfYcuJo2Xgt8r1tqMoR238XIMf_UQ0tqun-sFoO3IXBwO-FQrejEOPysts/s400/IMG_7933.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">I love the color combination in this butterfly!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVgqFf8XQPg4FbZahXrFgf3eEeZlqwm53vLPclmqyTBjwSpCzuoLrxiqdtv2onkCd51MivHsUwur5qwUnwJexfOSsuhaQJN1Co-3FSpErgroA2meA6uOBYYL6bQytX4Vhz3lMpBJ4f48/s1600/IMG_7934.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVgqFf8XQPg4FbZahXrFgf3eEeZlqwm53vLPclmqyTBjwSpCzuoLrxiqdtv2onkCd51MivHsUwur5qwUnwJexfOSsuhaQJN1Co-3FSpErgroA2meA6uOBYYL6bQytX4Vhz3lMpBJ4f48/s400/IMG_7934.JPG" /></a> </div><br />Last night, I worked a bit more on 'Anonymous Women' by Sheepish Designs. Today I am looking forward to FINALLY starting on 'Bridget Power.' Hope you all get lots of stitching done!<br /><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-78830318018743643092012-03-12T09:01:00.004-04:002012-03-12T14:04:04.131-04:00Must break free!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZI6TKlcniVs0EngXSJviBhIn7vLntSsJId1aZu-6jQ8oydiFpFBMOTvBs05R9_whr1ApgKniblZxmOm1F8S5M3bWkvwNhRKWDz3fvOnAUJwUhOMzmvpmoTMDbOU1_RgQZjeJ_ITpAdk/s1600/IMG_7912.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZI6TKlcniVs0EngXSJviBhIn7vLntSsJId1aZu-6jQ8oydiFpFBMOTvBs05R9_whr1ApgKniblZxmOm1F8S5M3bWkvwNhRKWDz3fvOnAUJwUhOMzmvpmoTMDbOU1_RgQZjeJ_ITpAdk/s400/IMG_7912.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>If you know me at all, you know I like to switch my stitching projects frequently! 'Renaissance Garden' by Goode Huswife must have some sort of voodoo over me because I cannot put it down and start any new stitching projects however tempting. The race to the finish feels like a sick obsession. It must get finished this week! The spell must be broken! Must start new projects!<br /><br /><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-79971342511761462502012-02-27T14:26:00.005-05:002012-02-27T14:34:20.958-05:00Howdy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c5yye14jR-TmbdLd3RGnMPV9t0bUVT4m66RPRwgayQ6qHC52IloWMpm_ilSA0sxm8dlqYNJvjEK2rqYGO1fWycQUnEy5ykYmq0OMuckdBzRVxNCCsn4_SdE9N3TrcVwQkHmyJ8Eb1QA/s1600/IMG_7868.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c5yye14jR-TmbdLd3RGnMPV9t0bUVT4m66RPRwgayQ6qHC52IloWMpm_ilSA0sxm8dlqYNJvjEK2rqYGO1fWycQUnEy5ykYmq0OMuckdBzRVxNCCsn4_SdE9N3TrcVwQkHmyJ8Eb1QA/s320/IMG_7868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713899929372690178" border="0" /></a>Just a quick note to tell you I am still around: still driving girls to dance and still stitching whenever I get the chance!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9_TlCAztovWPnaxVIKd4iRZjruB0A8srqV0oQi56JA43jiOJDpr9-rJwf0S1yWmRT3eFwnOcNV_cCttgbildfSShtAbgznfHWGunRtY4zwiqKH9iOEpvV38LpkHDxeQH3LwbKDVusMU/s1600/IMG_7846.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9_TlCAztovWPnaxVIKd4iRZjruB0A8srqV0oQi56JA43jiOJDpr9-rJwf0S1yWmRT3eFwnOcNV_cCttgbildfSShtAbgznfHWGunRtY4zwiqKH9iOEpvV38LpkHDxeQH3LwbKDVusMU/s320/IMG_7846.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713899926076754850" border="0" /></a>Renaissance Garden - Goode Huswife 40 ct (Angel Hair?) with DMC<br /><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-58973145456450433162012-01-25T08:24:00.005-05:002012-01-25T09:34:56.008-05:00Stash and StashabilityI don't have any amazing progress or finishes to show you, so I thought I would share some views of my stash with you. I love making piles of charts and rearranging the "stitching order." These are some that have been at the top of the pile for a while.<br /><p>You all know how dutifully I have been working on <span style="font-style: italic;">Anonymous Women</span> by Sheepish Designs.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2wqDX7ed9nhRocuaR6jjlHhtjZ5Yca6e6GlSRyMWjsU646iI_PJbbO2te-rii1omcMjM3l69S2ZQZlPKduOqrqAgGqBDYkPEcJMCV9yyBtOw9jSI1OiVYJdaC2tD77HHursA8dNUP74/s1600/IMG_7643.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2wqDX7ed9nhRocuaR6jjlHhtjZ5Yca6e6GlSRyMWjsU646iI_PJbbO2te-rii1omcMjM3l69S2ZQZlPKduOqrqAgGqBDYkPEcJMCV9yyBtOw9jSI1OiVYJdaC2tD77HHursA8dNUP74/s320/IMG_7643.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701562455646453618" border="0" /></a></p><p>Yesterday, I put her aside when the mail carrier delivered some fabric for <span style="font-style: italic;">Bridget Power Sampler</span> by Of Female Worth.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4u63py6-24hUjxQRwl4-9MEgfktHZsye1AOzYrH6O6JywkuFMVEeBRur2A0S-_9qKmvYeXHFyXf6pvG6T2FFphXfPhRFO_yO4JZsbPsy6bIjeRVTw4OhowzPFZdFemCUI4GUrKRq47c/s1600/IMG_7642.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4u63py6-24hUjxQRwl4-9MEgfktHZsye1AOzYrH6O6JywkuFMVEeBRur2A0S-_9qKmvYeXHFyXf6pvG6T2FFphXfPhRFO_yO4JZsbPsy6bIjeRVTw4OhowzPFZdFemCUI4GUrKRq47c/s320/IMG_7642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701562462380080338" border="0" /></a></p><p>Unfortunately there was a stain on the otherwise lovely 40 ct Angel Hair, so back it will go. But the linen for <span style="font-style: italic;">Renaissance Garden</span> by Goode Houswife looked perfect, so I thought about starting it.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfh0_551W8LQ4viPXGloas1rUVhwx_v-glPhUYqBNkGq03XVz8_HIM2gMTIB3IAGD6_8sHA_YcbapfRJSUimr0vJnt5VPkCF7bT7RA78zGAm_bZAEjJuBgx4vkt_8H29fqA3wGle1ZNSI/s1600/IMG_7645.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfh0_551W8LQ4viPXGloas1rUVhwx_v-glPhUYqBNkGq03XVz8_HIM2gMTIB3IAGD6_8sHA_YcbapfRJSUimr0vJnt5VPkCF7bT7RA78zGAm_bZAEjJuBgx4vkt_8H29fqA3wGle1ZNSI/s320/IMG_7645.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701560891169790978" border="0" /></a></p><p>Whenever I see <span style="font-style: italic;">Renaissance Garden</span>, I think of <span style="font-style: italic;">1762 Canterbury Tapestry</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> by Barrick Samplers for some reason. They are very like and very unlike to my mind. I have the fabric and could have started it.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIgPDCusbz-Bv4HpOW2UG6bYiwvSegkZX8JbIqsQmJmFFy8a56R0MoE6-wE33XTXIblikCsQ5NEdWtqO1-1JaSyrrxrc7RWRZii3IjAJrxf3Ff3axJJSyvuKUpxHvcwyJ17YBcIXawAU/s1600/IMG_7644.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIgPDCusbz-Bv4HpOW2UG6bYiwvSegkZX8JbIqsQmJmFFy8a56R0MoE6-wE33XTXIblikCsQ5NEdWtqO1-1JaSyrrxrc7RWRZii3IjAJrxf3Ff3axJJSyvuKUpxHvcwyJ17YBcIXawAU/s320/IMG_7644.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701562456029852962" border="0" /></a></p><p>But the birds were singing yesterday, and the bees were buzzing, and the day was unusually mild for February.(ETA: Thanks, Barbara! It is January! lol) So I considered <span style="font-style: italic;">English Cottage Sampler </span>by Chessie and Me.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeok8mlTkDA47PLqBm2en2eF2F1lw7pG7bpSESa_aJ39PuGqCHBS2T-Z_nPs5K8TikYJdZW1yPZE2JLEWepz60yz-S4sMbu3IaHjdNkBOz33b__Nb5K3IK3D8I4ZyELY4ZEfWbQtQQ2Ks/s1600/IMG_7647.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeok8mlTkDA47PLqBm2en2eF2F1lw7pG7bpSESa_aJ39PuGqCHBS2T-Z_nPs5K8TikYJdZW1yPZE2JLEWepz60yz-S4sMbu3IaHjdNkBOz33b__Nb5K3IK3D8I4ZyELY4ZEfWbQtQQ2Ks/s320/IMG_7647.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701560874631767058" border="0" /></a></p><p>or <span style="font-style: italic;">Awake the Dawning Day</span> by Blackbird Designs.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg719Sc776M3-6RcHOM7gVo-yGQbAQIbWpP_SuGCbgtm77J2cCY8jM9NWL9EXKjOO9yyktkdQRVB5OnkYYXDo6ayZmiaImx-7e8S8zANOvofXlsmqiFzfar265wvkjRS3yOT4Z3AdrZY64/s1600/IMG_7641.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg719Sc776M3-6RcHOM7gVo-yGQbAQIbWpP_SuGCbgtm77J2cCY8jM9NWL9EXKjOO9yyktkdQRVB5OnkYYXDo6ayZmiaImx-7e8S8zANOvofXlsmqiFzfar265wvkjRS3yOT4Z3AdrZY64/s320/IMG_7641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701562471246788674" border="0" /></a></p><p>As you can see, I was spoiled for choice. With all this vintage-y goodness spread before me, my capricious needle may another stab, as it were. I sat myself down in my car in front of the ballet studio and stitched this.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYr0fj1lARQuEF-WRFc11xySk2QXYrSW0kApd8hpWPb5-l9S12yDzfyG7y7iS-C3SaNPVfzG3ypRgMyVz8Zr3Cl5EKre6MhRcB9xiWcV0nY5rMU-LJXtK1yTKM2-KzJ1QrEPZK2hQAeg/s1600/IMG_7640.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYr0fj1lARQuEF-WRFc11xySk2QXYrSW0kApd8hpWPb5-l9S12yDzfyG7y7iS-C3SaNPVfzG3ypRgMyVz8Zr3Cl5EKre6MhRcB9xiWcV0nY5rMU-LJXtK1yTKM2-KzJ1QrEPZK2hQAeg/s320/IMG_7640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701562478321467026" border="0" /></a></p><p>I suppose I will always have a spot in my heart for Cross-Eyed Cricket!</p><p>I found this freebie in one of the newsletters at Stitchville USA. http://www.needleartworks.com/stv/nwsltr/svnwsltr.htm<br /></p><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-79092322007344934472012-01-23T08:54:00.002-05:002012-01-23T08:56:41.110-05:00Sewing Class<div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwP5wly6q5_MNev_xX4OpeZ_WK0XkGvtZqpaX_X6Yd4SLvFpo8_J_JN5Um24YbY6ZfW_aW2LUY5hQ53Nay8r6QVWEma5w7U1Zh23WUaYJ2t0fXEunXnsGaOcnan_SrLhTezKeI4w4-v0/s1600/IMG_7637.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwP5wly6q5_MNev_xX4OpeZ_WK0XkGvtZqpaX_X6Yd4SLvFpo8_J_JN5Um24YbY6ZfW_aW2LUY5hQ53Nay8r6QVWEma5w7U1Zh23WUaYJ2t0fXEunXnsGaOcnan_SrLhTezKeI4w4-v0/s400/IMG_7637.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div>This weekend we went to a craft store. The girls chose some Valentine fabric for little pillows I have in mind made from a Sampler Girl freebie. I mentioned to Nutmeg that it would be cute to stitch up a few for her a couple of her besties. She misunderstood; I was suggesting <i>she</i> stitch them! Maybe we will stick to candy this year...<br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZvEfWYWqssasCN4Ocijpk2SicMvpFlqAyv7-NBBy9mTYFaJJSk1-5xTdWb4b-UU6BzfkY_iQlCbU9kLXh1BfScQ1fN7_HwjtMAhSacTHKlSBYFUrrTqjHCC613pM8jONBVg5CHzW8iQ/s1600/IMG_7636.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZvEfWYWqssasCN4Ocijpk2SicMvpFlqAyv7-NBBy9mTYFaJJSk1-5xTdWb4b-UU6BzfkY_iQlCbU9kLXh1BfScQ1fN7_HwjtMAhSacTHKlSBYFUrrTqjHCC613pM8jONBVg5CHzW8iQ/s400/IMG_7636.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div>I divided my weekend stitching time between<i> Mary Queen of Scots </i>and <i>Anonymous Women</i>. I picked up a few DMC colors I was missing and so was able to stitch some of the "fun bits" of <i>Anonymous Women,</i> in particular that big glow-y flower. I stitched it incorrectly. I decided to call it <i>personalization </i>and leave it.<div><br /></div><div>This will be the week the girls and I conquer the sewing machine. If we can get past Latin, French, Math, Composition, <i>et al.</i> hmmmmm....<br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxYKIumGVEetZqI9cT9bI8gInOa8Wr0wIWRuPof5hRusoq5Ha_1iZMlPypX5EAUu9fBQPLtm34PAStuemH3YGuidB61z5VkS58qTVLdDYuJGwo9vllP7o_kpKNtQ_68BfOQZST4-yj7E/s1600/IMG_7635.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxYKIumGVEetZqI9cT9bI8gInOa8Wr0wIWRuPof5hRusoq5Ha_1iZMlPypX5EAUu9fBQPLtm34PAStuemH3YGuidB61z5VkS58qTVLdDYuJGwo9vllP7o_kpKNtQ_68BfOQZST4-yj7E/s400/IMG_7635.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-10368107756695276332012-01-21T19:08:00.005-05:002012-01-21T19:24:54.267-05:00Because I Love You...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE852b7uQaJIW3y3IKn4_wtbaV4zSQV9VTZc_pobkDg5BgQR2hS-5VIfOmB-SY9WUXr05KKMpLnJ8X0DAINg-cfMAKtQ1LQS984vaUJG8hZf4c-wSDGS22bOSjshPzgdWS6xhO6-zrJA/s1600/035MY+SD+PEACE.JPG"><br /></a>...and nothing says love like a Sheepish Designs chart...<p>http://www.yankeecrossstitch.com/default.aspx?Page=FREECHARTS</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE852b7uQaJIW3y3IKn4_wtbaV4zSQV9VTZc_pobkDg5BgQR2hS-5VIfOmB-SY9WUXr05KKMpLnJ8X0DAINg-cfMAKtQ1LQS984vaUJG8hZf4c-wSDGS22bOSjshPzgdWS6xhO6-zrJA/s1600/035MY+SD+PEACE.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE852b7uQaJIW3y3IKn4_wtbaV4zSQV9VTZc_pobkDg5BgQR2hS-5VIfOmB-SY9WUXr05KKMpLnJ8X0DAINg-cfMAKtQ1LQS984vaUJG8hZf4c-wSDGS22bOSjshPzgdWS6xhO6-zrJA/s320/035MY+SD+PEACE.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700245439067942818" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">(mine)<br /></p><p>I hunted down what I believe to be the last Sheepish Designs freebie on the internet! I stitched this a few years ago, and my chart is too ratty to share! This is the "Peace to all who Enter" Angel. Download it and save it while you can.</p><p>You are welcome. ;)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-90341095849023873072012-01-18T21:53:00.001-05:002012-01-18T21:55:43.190-05:00Tweet Tweet!<div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nITooJEuX1PJAHg5sXW-KZBxuJWMES-Lx0ExCoAjphMwSj3w5ZcgzxR_XWVuo3gLaU5dCktnMKbhsOu0SOG-tPi8vgmOS2biunYXI2vEEdybEnAWQY5xVgrYVX6aIWYb8_RZ4JzfVWQ/s1600/IMG_7632_2.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nITooJEuX1PJAHg5sXW-KZBxuJWMES-Lx0ExCoAjphMwSj3w5ZcgzxR_XWVuo3gLaU5dCktnMKbhsOu0SOG-tPi8vgmOS2biunYXI2vEEdybEnAWQY5xVgrYVX6aIWYb8_RZ4JzfVWQ/s400/IMG_7632_2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div>Alright, the title is lame. <div><br /></div><div>Here is my first ornament finish of the year - not the first ornament start, no that has already been laid aside. </div><div>I confess, I chose a design I knew I could easily finish in an afternoon. As I stitched, I was constantly aware of what an excellent designer Paulette of Plum Street Samplers is. The design is small, yet filled with detail. I stitched this on 32 count antique ivory with the given DMC conversion. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is Hector guarding my progress on Sheepish Design's <i>Anonymous Women</i>. I really like this more and more. This was designed by Cindy Bradford, now of Little by Little Designs. As I stitch the bottom portion, I seem to recognize the hand that designed <i>Ann Pennsylvania Peacock</i>. Maybe that is just fanciful! I would love to hurry and finish this up, but I have dutifully laid it aside to work on another piece or two. My definition of <i>rotation</i> is getting looser by the day! ;)<br /><div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPSdpWNdv7gp17s59aCs62zTi0ihh_nbXz88soSERax_rwff3ITNgT-REHrI42yO3maIyzfngdEWY1cIvSJS0PIL3C_T7Tn4IkwPPElFuCKYbfyKNJ1NYC-yYXMhZEHTEmxXYODh0qZg/s1600/IMG_7634_2.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPSdpWNdv7gp17s59aCs62zTi0ihh_nbXz88soSERax_rwff3ITNgT-REHrI42yO3maIyzfngdEWY1cIvSJS0PIL3C_T7Tn4IkwPPElFuCKYbfyKNJ1NYC-yYXMhZEHTEmxXYODh0qZg/s400/IMG_7634_2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-54934894452359691102012-01-14T11:58:00.000-05:002012-01-14T11:59:03.122-05:00Stitching Progress<div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7MZ7O-UGjReAhyphenhyphencpcDhDJpOSBRVi2XJ8t3Zq1DnWMb-6HfCa7vnmMoI67SGVYj5v2GEB1Xou0mLjzHbXk0UJy4c7phcBBToy1xSbzCFp3Dqdi6aVlW5W4GAevSP4dRjLxm4g7woz7Ng/s1600/IMG_7626.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7MZ7O-UGjReAhyphenhyphencpcDhDJpOSBRVi2XJ8t3Zq1DnWMb-6HfCa7vnmMoI67SGVYj5v2GEB1Xou0mLjzHbXk0UJy4c7phcBBToy1xSbzCFp3Dqdi6aVlW5W4GAevSP4dRjLxm4g7woz7Ng/s400/IMG_7626.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div>Happy Saturday to you all! I don't have any big stitching news, but I didn't want anyone to be scared off by that last homeschool post!<div>Here is my current progress on Papillon's <i>Mary Queen of Scots</i>, GH's <i>Easter Rabbit</i>, and Sheepish Design's <i>Anonymous Women.</i><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgykitfen4zfY9fJMHVdEiRaMD8P1zmzf5CVaSNt80XzQQp6hxi-Tc1iMq9LiKo6qo5nL0CkqQxlGdntirMvNLA3yTxe0d1yM2G2ZUQRjOmT7B-aVUMwUXm5p1CyU69H0lOBBdW_i74E/s1600/IMG_7628.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgykitfen4zfY9fJMHVdEiRaMD8P1zmzf5CVaSNt80XzQQp6hxi-Tc1iMq9LiKo6qo5nL0CkqQxlGdntirMvNLA3yTxe0d1yM2G2ZUQRjOmT7B-aVUMwUXm5p1CyU69H0lOBBdW_i74E/s400/IMG_7628.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz1sOJTwS-859Qq6MVMJxKUmsWIky6fxidQr9ISFDvbg0cI0CMeCI03C3GpiOFD8wNS9uT5oVeGhV-YJshWz9kYfyEfSPpsAPBYTzFo-KGe1tT_v_g8i6J5XdZOBUVWyG4XnAGSVQIV4/s1600/IMG_7629.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz1sOJTwS-859Qq6MVMJxKUmsWIky6fxidQr9ISFDvbg0cI0CMeCI03C3GpiOFD8wNS9uT5oVeGhV-YJshWz9kYfyEfSPpsAPBYTzFo-KGe1tT_v_g8i6J5XdZOBUVWyG4XnAGSVQIV4/s400/IMG_7629.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><br /><br />Hope your Saturday is full of stitching!<br /><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p></div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-19655630446332032112012-01-14T10:57:00.014-05:002012-01-15T14:07:50.007-05:00Weekly Report 9 January - 13 January<div style="text-align: left;">This was another eventful week here in our homeschool! Highlights this week include the vet discussing revolting dog things with the children (science-check!), a delivery from Rainbow Resources, a new 6-week composer/artist study .... Read on, Dear Reader, read on!</div><div><br /></div><div>My parents gave me a gift certificate for Rainbow Resources for Christmas. The order arrived this week, and I am looking forward to livening up these winter months with new lessons and books. Monday we started our new 6-week artist/composer study: Rembrandt and Vivaldi. I love a new beginning with a new plan. I never know whether the end result will meet or exceed the plan.<br /><br /><p><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Rembrandt</span></i></b></p><p>Our first picture for study is <span style="font-style: italic;">Tobit and Anna</span>.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4Q6GGoItR5o5OQMx1BY-mHeEluvZUVntPdymoKSzl2RutdE6zVe8bja50PMmEpqBD3N5FtdH0b1JKMbrOeus3phBegn2a54DjnFI8CPaQq_qEwYwpbq1mPTh1kAjqiJUnWCtJzan-uY/s1600/Rembrandt_-_Tobit_Accusing_Anna_of_Stealing_the_Kid_-_WGA19108.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4Q6GGoItR5o5OQMx1BY-mHeEluvZUVntPdymoKSzl2RutdE6zVe8bja50PMmEpqBD3N5FtdH0b1JKMbrOeus3phBegn2a54DjnFI8CPaQq_qEwYwpbq1mPTh1kAjqiJUnWCtJzan-uY/s320/Rembrandt_-_Tobit_Accusing_Anna_of_Stealing_the_Kid_-_WGA19108.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697263526218416898" border="0" /></a></p><p>This is from an episode in the Book of Tobit. The righteous Tobit has become blind, and his faithful wife Anna is working and brings home a goat kid. Rembrandt has painted the couple after Tobit accuses his wife of stealing the kid and then asks forgiveness. We had a Sunday School lesson on this in October for Raphael the Archangel's feast day. I hoped this would be fresh in the girl's minds. St. Raphael, who is the angelic guide to Tobit and Anna's son Tobias, is a favorite of mine and Jerry's. This archangel leads Tobit to the wife God intended for him, and prayers are often prayed that, by the power of God, St. Raphael will lead you to whom you seek. Jerry had a St. Raphael prayer card that he carried with him for some time before he met me. We have decided St. Raphael's feast on October 24 will be our "Valentine's Day." </p><p>Even if you are not interested in this book for religious reasons, I strongly recommend familiarity with it if you plan for you or your children to study art history.</p><p>Resources I plan on using for Rembrandt</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEEuLsUxLHcxzKEYe3iGSpOkPt346naKPHI5ZfdxoMholEnv1KVhN0L_YfLTDtVjqnawBMYfbC7hUbHb6wK8CjkYX20kjnXxrxvSrd8qXQ0js9dgo8119PsOoSb6TihNVjIO4JQoUr1A/s1600/IMG_7617.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEEuLsUxLHcxzKEYe3iGSpOkPt346naKPHI5ZfdxoMholEnv1KVhN0L_YfLTDtVjqnawBMYfbC7hUbHb6wK8CjkYX20kjnXxrxvSrd8qXQ0js9dgo8119PsOoSb6TihNVjIO4JQoUr1A/s400/IMG_7617.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p> Now, don't freak out about the number of books on my list! It is not all necessary! I have collected many of these books over a couple of years from my favorite used book seller for $1-$3 each. Some I have purchased on the Amazon Marketplace for under $1 plus the standard Marketplace shipping of $3.99. An incredible variety can be found if you hunt and hunt for months and years BEFORE you do a lesson. I don't have <span style="font-style: italic;">any where near</span> this many books on any other artist, but Rembrandt books were easy for me to find. I just want to show you what is available if you look around (or check your library.)<br /></p> <p>The focus of picture study in grammar and middle school is on the PAINTING itself, not the artist or his times. Some of the books I have are for me to read (and educate myself!) and pass on the information to my children in conversation. I <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> my children would be mortified if I hauled a few books to the museum and walked around reading out of the book! I hope (one day) my children appreciate me walking around the museum and whispering to them funny stories and sad histories related to the artists and their works. My children want us to <span style="font-style: italic;">tell</span> them things in conversation; they want to be treated like maturing human beings. Eventually, my children can read the art histories for themselves. I love my Kindle, but I cannot imagine studying art history on a screen.</p> <p>Many of my books are ex-library. I hope they can still be found on many other library shelves!<br /></p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">General Art Histories </span><br /></p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">*The Story of Art</span> by E. H. Gombrich (I think I paid around $6 total) </p><p>A classic work for generations. You can read about the various editions and choose the one for your purposes.</p> <p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">The Story of Painting</span> by Sister Wendy This is an enormous coffee table hardback rich with color. Because I care neither about the original dust jacket nor the black line drawn across the bottom end, I was able to purchase it for $20 and free shipping. Some of the paintings cover 2 pages and are good for detailed study.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIzPsAFO3Mbem6RLWdYPg9QgjK3HDlps8SRHy5S475p2ef2SbK0CeO9PjAX9HT0hGVDPgsjHRZEiFfv6gOEB5FbKhtfAgIBJUXm0vNpdB4oRGeoSsaOhjXFc044FxoWeXB_LEHKBWpkw/s1600/IMG_7618.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIzPsAFO3Mbem6RLWdYPg9QgjK3HDlps8SRHy5S475p2ef2SbK0CeO9PjAX9HT0hGVDPgsjHRZEiFfv6gOEB5FbKhtfAgIBJUXm0vNpdB4oRGeoSsaOhjXFc044FxoWeXB_LEHKBWpkw/s400/IMG_7618.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">The Annotated Mona Lisa</span> by Carol Strickland </p><p>I love the sidebars! I love the comparative charts! A "Crash Course!"</p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFwfA_L6pUZ9mUv8fbKIIE4Hm3dfLRe6-nMAt3tYewHLOO3uNiBQih8wfUKrdyLvz3TII7DZ26YTLW8OTD-xQPdYsunqCIuUzoSYYWShYv0wpj9iWYi6FznhKls-4fdGfoHPp8YuX3QE/s320/IMG_7621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697522302616499570" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" /></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qUwcg98XNCfN6nzZlSwdkvMNVmvkpcNiagNJgDtybwuN-yk4jEpr9o2aKdpSdGr_BDzpJuBY3WAN6P1NsgwN1L8xiIb6yRcYc8EScoNaSNVGAYvW6h7-HebBWBLLTLEw1RnQzv2-gbc/s320/IMG_7619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697522296105306386" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" /></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Anthologies for Children</span></div> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">*Lives of the Great Artists </span>by Charles Ayres<br /></p> <p>If you hang out on homeschool forums long enough, you will notice other homeschoolers posting "deals and steals." I think this book was on special pricing for $3 or $4 and free shipping at one time. The selection is limited to 20 artists from Giotto to Van Gogh. The book is over-sized which allows for pictures large enough to study. There are sidebars throughout such as "Why don't you..." and "Did you know..." The artists covered are covered well for $4.</p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">*Stories of the Painters</span> by Amy Steedman.</p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtcCWJ1MPuBegaMNZg2OrxjGQSo9o9Hs2AmPrJaYk6cGh-YuWpyjwKrmiGBa_tA8MgnqZlRHJKCyOrBWlk9NYszEtD9nov_3va6Ak9rt1J9S55EatQd0KgY5TeHQZ5O0Q5cvepkGLzp0/s320/IMG_7622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697522358077716194" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" /></span></p><div>This book can be found from $20 to $100. Mine was $20, in beautiful condition, and with pages still uncut. Many of Amy Steedman's books are in the public domain and can be found in many places online such as The Baldwin Project and Librivox.org. This book is apparently <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> in the public domain. Sometimes I see 1910 as the date and sometimes 1938. I love this book. I love Amy Steedman's writing style and the color plates. As always, Steedman's stories begin with childhood. These stories make a nice read-aloud over several days for grammar and middle school students.</div> <p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Masters of Art</span> by David & Emily Kales 1967<br /></p> <p>I spotted this book at a friend's house. Her librarian MIL passes along "discards" to her. I read several selections and then immediately turned to the computer. I found it on Amazon for $0.30 plus $3.99 shipping. I plan on using this book for middleschool outlining and written narrations.</p> <p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Young People's Story of Fine Art</span> by V. M. Hillyer and E. G. Huey</p> <p>Hillyer and his works are legendary in the homeschool world, but because of decades of revision and updates, I never know which editions to choose. My favorite online used book dealer, Linda's Used Books, had several individual titles in his art series for $3 each. She was selling the homeschool library that belonged to a friend. I have rarely paid $3 for a used book before, but these have been worth it. These are from 1970, and have color pictures and text suitable for both reading and outlining. (Nutmeg has written several narrations from the Architecture book - I highly recommend it as well!)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specifically Rembrandt</span></p> <p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Picture Study Portfolios</span> published by Simply Charlotte Mason.<br /></p> <p>I purchased the Rembrandt because I felt I needed "handholding" as I embarked on this journey. A booklet is included that gives detailed information (with quotations from Charlotte Mason) on the purpose and form of CM Picture Study, as well as an adapted biography of the artist. In the case of the Rembrandt Portfolio, the biography was adapted from Amy Steedman. Eight large, glossy, sturdy prints are included. This would be an option for someone who does not have ideas about which pictures to choose. (I like none of them.) Finally, the portfolio includes a list of other books for further study. Here I found the title of a middle school novel called "Night Watch." I have been unwilling to pay $15 for it on Amazon though. I'll keep searching...</p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">*Hanna in the time of Tulips</span><br /></p> <p>a picture book by Deborah Noyes</p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">*Introducing Rembrandt </span>by Alexander Sturgis</p> <p>$1.50 ex-library book, middle school</p> <p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Rembrandt and Seventeenth-Century Holland</span> by Claudio Pescio</p> <p>This ex-library book I bought from Linda has come in very hand this year as we have studied the 16th and 17th centuries. Several other artists from this time and place are covered as well as political and social aspects of the society. It is over-sized and contains good pictures and illustrations. The large, detailed illustrations of the canals, dikes, and windmills were invaluable as we studied events in Holland's history. There is a lot of information here!</p> <p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Eyewitness Art: Looking at Paintings</span></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-style: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIEqku1w90kU6XNJ8hQSfLwJ5huC7MWmQkkv_2_togm6iDwJrdds54q6CYVBL2sLVcSOb23gVXCQfpQ-tjLHQz20Ecb4mk-Zw6FsjHxHe5w_QdBz8voMmnwtblI65cMa96xFjhwgUtEQ/s320/IMG_7624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697523734403766354" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px;" border="0" /></span></span></p><div>I have had this ex-library book for several years. It has interesting information on wide range of topics.<br /><br /></div> <p><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Composer Study</span></i></b></p><p>Our Composer for this 6-week period will be Vivaldi. The children are already familiar with some of his music; Jerry and I listen to it a lot. The focus will be putting the name, face, and a few facts with the music.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AI6NGNJoNtWhTQcGMdbMQGNSngXv8H1HfQwVwuFf9_K3BzRRt7EpxkQOqVRrINz3zaCbME2X5wXphUe-kl1K0iFlHxFqf6PwFIHQmKRsbXTWxMCOxcEEDfhgw1yn6R4zHFsxcBOss8E/s1600/IMG_7616.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AI6NGNJoNtWhTQcGMdbMQGNSngXv8H1HfQwVwuFf9_K3BzRRt7EpxkQOqVRrINz3zaCbME2X5wXphUe-kl1K0iFlHxFqf6PwFIHQmKRsbXTWxMCOxcEEDfhgw1yn6R4zHFsxcBOss8E/s400/IMG_7616.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p>*Classical Kids cd and Teacher guide <span style="font-style: italic;">Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery </span></p><p>*The Music Masters Series cd <span style="font-style: italic;">The Stories of Vivaldi & Corelli in Words and Music, </span><span>$4 ?</span><br /></p><p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Lives of the Musicians Good Times, Bad Times (And What the Neighbors Thought), used</span></p><p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">I, Vivaldi</span> a children's picture book written by Janice Shefelman, used</p><p>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Anna Maria's Gift</span> A Stepping Stone Book by Janice Shefelman, used</p><p>I worried that this last book might upset 7-year old Buttercup. The first chapter deals with the death of a beloved parent. I then remembered that most of Buttercup's imaginary games begin with orphans whose parents have died of the cholera... Yes, Buttercup has been steeped in classic children's literature, in large part due to Librivox.org.</p><p>I am considering reading the chapter on Vivaldi in Victor Chapin's 1969 <span style="font-style: italic;">The Violin and Its Masters.</span> Perhaps I could glean some interesting bits of information and pass along to our violinist, Nutmeg. It is something to keep on hand for high school at any rate.<br /></p><p>In addition to these resources, we will be listening to my husband's impressive Vivialdi collection as well as some Vivaldi pieces found in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Beethoven's Wig</span> cd series. We love those at our house!</p><p><br /></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><i>Geography</i></b></span></p><p>Some time ago I purchased a download of Beautiful Feet's geography program using four of the Holling Clancy Hollings books. I did not want to spend the money on the maps hoping I could use some I already had or could find on the internet for free. Using my gift certificate, I bought the Beautiful Feet maps that go with the program. Each of the four maps is 24" x 18" and printed in two shades of brown on cream cardstock. I really think these maps are necessary to the program; the size will allow the child to include and observe so much detail! Nutmeg was very excited when she saw the maps, less excited when she saw the first book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Paddle to the Sea</span>. I think she will certainly be able to handle one lesson per week.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5JAKUWKtdi1GXPHAu3bdlyxcasAvcCF4sUV_ELeXSdM68coe7nt9VEtzmCm_g0ceVMlwRYJ2o7YudrVIeJL7aEp0FxNDmUS0nuI5YRvy6yN3lFCW6z1apoee4AkTR5XgzIVzgmwR5CE/s1600/IMG_7615.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5JAKUWKtdi1GXPHAu3bdlyxcasAvcCF4sUV_ELeXSdM68coe7nt9VEtzmCm_g0ceVMlwRYJ2o7YudrVIeJL7aEp0FxNDmUS0nuI5YRvy6yN3lFCW6z1apoee4AkTR5XgzIVzgmwR5CE/s400/IMG_7615.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Greek</span><br /></p><p>I also purchased <i>Elementary Greek: Koine for Beginners </i>volume 1 of a 3-year program. It is New Testament or <span style="font-style: italic;">Koine</span> Greek. Now, I know this is perhaps controversial. I know that Attic Greek is preferred in Classics departments. I know it is recommended that one study the more difficult, Attic, before the simpler, <span style="font-style: italic;">Koine.</span> I <i>know</i>.<br /></p><p>BUT-</p><p>1. My primary goal with this subject is for my children to read the New Testament as written and to understand the nuances and idioms.</p><p>2. My husband is studying New Testament Greek.</p><p>3. There are many homeschool <span style="font-style: italic;">Koine</span> Greek programs for non-Greek-reading parents to choose from. Attic - not so many.<br /></p><p>4. I got a Rainbow Resources gift certificate. This program was on their damaged/bargain page. That's how I was raised to shop. :)</p><p>I'll update again in the coming weeks and let you know if these resources are livening up our homeschool through the winter months!</p><p>Hope you found something useful!</p><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div></div>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4549700560141816410.post-3079328963236069332012-01-09T08:27:00.008-05:002012-01-09T21:42:46.474-05:00WIPocalypse January<div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfy5lb1l-l1Ss1NiANWn5GauPMo08GBx8-yLGFoQd94PO263DQvBS2oBA-_9TbH-aWCfyNrrloUGtf5y6ec53_UephKfYjV0-MRMnhk3E3GzBmEaA7621qEouCP2ctRnnW2f6MvbO3Gw/s1600/IMG_7610.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfy5lb1l-l1Ss1NiANWn5GauPMo08GBx8-yLGFoQd94PO263DQvBS2oBA-_9TbH-aWCfyNrrloUGtf5y6ec53_UephKfYjV0-MRMnhk3E3GzBmEaA7621qEouCP2ctRnnW2f6MvbO3Gw/s400/IMG_7610.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div>Greetings, Fellow WIPocalypse Stitchers! For this month's full moon, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45911225/ns/technology_and_science-space/#"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">the </span><i style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Full Wolf Moon,</i></a> I finished <i>Stitcher's Prayer</i> by CHS. I started it in the last week of 2011, so it was hardly a WIP that had been long in Stitching Limbo. But a WIP is a WIP, and a Finish is a Finish!<div><br /></div><div>I also have made some progress on <i>Susan Rambo</i>. I started her as soon as she appeared in SANQ last summer. I am stitching her on Exemplar with DMC threads, some are my own conversion. I love her, and want to see her hanging proudly on my wall, but I have a serious case of Stitcher ADD. I hope to show you more progress by next month.<br /><div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC24l7tZ2J0CfPYJUdXLjvw-LRyooVic3wxNskIIm1Zi4vlJfGyRlV25Jf2L2Q6pygLnBa3tfe7wv48xBDpgZ8POZ_XSNJiBK9fkTIAcpD3cKs_S4BYX03k3dJizfaFx8b04iGyemZHy8/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC24l7tZ2J0CfPYJUdXLjvw-LRyooVic3wxNskIIm1Zi4vlJfGyRlV25Jf2L2Q6pygLnBa3tfe7wv48xBDpgZ8POZ_XSNJiBK9fkTIAcpD3cKs_S4BYX03k3dJizfaFx8b04iGyemZHy8/s400/IMG_7614.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div>This is a new start from yesterday, so it is not on my WIPocalypse list. I am going to spend 2 more days on it to complete a rotation. I don't want it to be on a WIP list or a UFO list one day!<br /><br />ETA: This is <span style="font-style: italic;">Anonymous Women Sampler</span> by Sheepish Designs<br /><div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKMTmf60F9Q8OF_HSeoPTN3bi_P_I2dMv-efP9tbLiVkmoGpJsWUS-fj8lf-yYYrpryLX9ZRZH9GRyxWt9UhvYMvxB7mSb_C-lH9u1r5Z3mSyAFQvHTA3JkAvSd2nglh6tNlH9SaqnNg/s1600/IMG_7612.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKMTmf60F9Q8OF_HSeoPTN3bi_P_I2dMv-efP9tbLiVkmoGpJsWUS-fj8lf-yYYrpryLX9ZRZH9GRyxWt9UhvYMvxB7mSb_C-lH9u1r5Z3mSyAFQvHTA3JkAvSd2nglh6tNlH9SaqnNg/s400/IMG_7612.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><br />I am looking forward to seeing your progress!</div><div><br /></div><div><p><img src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w333/micheletbruce/MicheleSig.png" /></p></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>the striped rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13971373349800972797noreply@blogger.com14