Stitchitandie

Deep Blue Sea Part One

2012-01-22T20:35:00.000+13:00

Yay :D I finished Part one tonight, I know I always say the picture doesn't show the true beauty but it is so true!

Those antenna things in the outer part are so gorgeous in real life! They are my favourite part in Part One!

I am stitching on Double Dipped INK on 28 count Linen from Sparklies
I am leaving the beads to the end....... I haven't got my bead pack yet...... I won't get it til the end of the year

*hugs*

Andie

Lady Alexandra and Deep Blue Sea

2012-01-17T22:13:00.000+13:00

So far I have withstood temptation! Martina is making it super hard with her other new release Sleeping Beautys Castle for her 15th Anniversary... have you seen it?!!

While waiting for my light to arrive (it came today) I pulled out Lady Alexandra

Before:

After:

Here also is a pic of my Deep Blue Sea, this was before I picked it up again today, I'm still waiting on the silk lame, hopefully its here by the time I'm ready for it.
This photo isn't very accurate of my fabric, I'm using Sarahs conversion to HDF's.... Thanks Sarah!!! :D

*big hugs*

Andie

Deep Blue Sea

2012-01-15T20:31:00.000+13:00

No picture yet sorry! I am about one third of the way thru part one and I need a new light! *sigh* I've sent away for a new one, so I should have it this week and I can get back to it, I wasn't enjoying it cause I couldn't see anything.

My neglected Lady A has been pulled out :D In reality I should be stitching on Deepest Love to get it done but the thought made me cringe...... lol

Have you guys seen the new releases?

I love Waterlily from Mirabilia

Isn't she beautiful?!

And I am also in love with Martinas latest release.... Spring Watergarden!!! I really need to get this to make my set and I love that it has dragonflies! And I love the wee fishies in the pond!

But seriously I am going back on the wagon and not getting either of them, just adding them to my wishlist. I'm intending to save up til the end of the year and have a big splurge then :D I have so many things kitted up or mostly kitted up its pretty ridiculous! So here I go trying again :D

Thanks for stopping by, photo next time :D

*hugs*

Andie

Water Goddess SAL

2012-01-14T11:39:00.000+13:00

Over on the Love 4 Stitchalongs board there is a sal for Joan Elliots Water Goddess.

I had decided not to join, but then thought I am sure I can cope with a day a month (the sal is 5 days a month) and I can do more if I am not stressing about obligation stitching that month!

So here is my January progress

Hope your year has started well!

*hugs*

Andie

Well I didn't & WIPocalypse #1

2012-01-10T15:59:00.003+13:00

start Tarissas T.... we decided it would be cool to do her whole name (which won't all be done for her birthday) Luckily.... she wants the letters on seperate fabrics in seperate frames... awesome!.... Unfortunately she wants it on white opal and do you think I have any in my stash?! so I need a yard of white 32 count opal belfast! I ordered a fat quarter and will just get it a bit at a time :D

So I pulled out the piece I need to get done for my niece and got a bit of progress....

Deepest Love

Before

After:

I decided it wouldn't hurt to stitch on Water Goddess... even if its only a day or two a month instead of the whole five.... I will just play it by ear each month. I have spent about 20 mins on it today.

Its my honeys birthday today so we are going out for dinner tonight, just Mike and I. I am sure it will be awesome! :D

Still waiting on my DBS threads :D

*hugs*

Andie

P.s This is my WIPocalypse check in so here below is my progress on WWG again as well :D

Before:

After:

Winter Watergarden

2012-01-07T13:50:00.000+13:00

Part 7 is done! Yay! I also started part 8 :D

I have really enjoyed getting back into this and there really isn't that much more to go! Part 8 is the gates and parts 9, 10, 11 and 12 are adding detail and birds to the outer corners!

My threads for Deep Blue Sea have not arrived yet :( So now I am tossing up what to stitch on next. I am supposed to be joing a sal on the Love for Stitchalongs board for Joan Elliots Water Goddess but I am thinking of delaying or pulling out :( I have so many wips and obligation pieces I don't know if I can spend the time on it and I am starting to stress about it. I don't want my mojo to disappear again from stress!

My eldest daughter is having a few issues, with her Dad and her health. She wanted Summer Queen for her 16th but has suggested delaying it until her 18th and has asked for the Letter T instead, I would really like to get it done for her by her 16th in March.... so I think I just answered my own question! I will start the Letter T and stitch until I get my threads, stitch part 1 of Deep Blue Sea and then see what that date is :D

Hope the year is going well for you all!

*hugs*

Andie

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T20:22:00.000+13:00

I hope 2012 is great for you

My aim for Merchant Mermaid was to finish the whole top portion of the chart (minus beads) by the 31st, and I did it! YAY

*hugs*

Andie

Stitching Plans 2012

2011-12-29T13:50:00.000+13:00

I don't know why I do these... I don't end up following them...... BUT I do like to write lists so why not indulge huh?

1. Finish Winter Watergarden (Chatelaine) 6 parts to go

2. Stitch Deep Blue Sea (Chatelaine) and keep up :D

3 Finish Deepest Love (Mira) for Jas

4. Stitch Summer Queen (Mira) for Tarissa

5. Stitch on Water Goddess (Joan Elliot) for the sal over on the Love for Stitch Alongs board

6. Stitch Christmas Visit (L&L) for Paula

7. Start Celtic Winter (L&L) for Mum if a spot opens up in my rotation

8. Letter A (Nora) for Abby if I get time

9. Letter T (Nora) for Tarissa if I get time

10. Sunflower Fairy (Nora) for Gabrielle

Try and complete 6 other wips

11. Merchant Mermaid (Mira)

12. Lady Alexandra (Mira)

13. Septembers Sapphire Fairy (Mira)

14. Charlotte (Mira)

15. Mermaids of the Deep Blue - conversion (Mira)

16. Iris for my sisters birthday in Jan 2013

When I finish Winter Watergarden I would like to replace it with Swan Lake, A Secret Victorian Garden or Tuscany Town Mandala

Thats it from me..... are you making stitching plans for 2012?

*hugs*

Andie

p.s next time I will have another photo of Merchant Mermaid :D

hyperventilate Its Sarahs fault!

2011-12-27T18:22:00.000+13:00

Okay so Sarah is all to blame for my recent purchases...... Sarah does wonderful conversion of the silks on Chatelaines to HDF silks, go to her blog and check out her recent Winter Watergarden finish, which had the silks converted to HDF's

Anyway..... so what is Sarah to blame for? She wonderfully, kindly, for Christmas converted Swan Lake for me, so with Christmas money in hand I toddled off and purchased the silks, I have a large piece of off white lugana which I think will look great for Swan Lake but I will floss toss when they came....... the cost? $43! (+ PTB, fabric and bead pack - which I am leaving til later) Then I went to SB&B and ordered the PTB since I'm not in a hurry and they always have a sale on......

THEN

I finally caved and signed up for Mystery 15 Deep Blue Sea...... why did I cave do you ask? Its all Sarahs fault once again! She also converted to HDF's for Deep Blue Sea, the cost of the silks? $40! So I rushed over to ABC and ordered the PTB since I am in a bit more of a hurry for the threads. I have a piece of fabric I bought from Sparklies during their sale which I think will be perfect for the piece, waiting on floss toss as well :D So bead pack at a later date.... maybe with birthday money in June :D Then I zoomed off to paypal, paid Martina and signed up for the group..... now its just a case of waiting for the post! I am so looking forward to it!

I have really enjoyed spending my Christmas money from my Sweetie and overspending :D

Thanks Sarah! I am hoping that one day it will be your fault cause you would have converted a few others.... like Fairy Flower Garden, Hyacinth Mandala, White Nights in St Petersbury, Venice Mandala, Evening in the Park, and MTM..... just to name a few :D

*hugs*

Andie

I'm still stitching! :D

2011-12-27T07:43:00.000+13:00

Merry Christmas! I hope everyones day was as lovely and relaxing as mine! :D

I started Merchant Mermaid on the 17th, my camera is dying though so all the photos I have been trying to take are turning out rubbish.

Here is the best I could get though :D

She is much prettier in real life :D

*hugs*

Andie

And ~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~

2011-12-18T18:43:00.000+13:00

~~~***HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETHANY***~~~

4 today!!!

Where has all that time gone?!

*hugs*

Andie

Wades Stocking

2011-12-18T18:21:00.000+13:00

I finished this a week or so ago.... maybe two?! I have had no mojo since....BUT yesterday and today I stitched! yay!

Anyway.... here is Wades Stocking

I have a week to make them all up! :D

*hugs*

Andie

Wades Stocking

2011-11-29T14:17:00.000+13:00

Is still not done... I am not sure if I will get it completed this month.... for sure my other goals won't be met.... Oh well maybe next month :D

Here is Wades stocking today though
Before:

After:

I think I am finally starting to improve healthwise, although still unwell I have managed to cope today (although I have done nothing except look after children) But my sweet DH was home Thurs, Fri, Sat and Mon to look after me and help out..... although I would really like a nap.

Our wonderful church has arranged some meals for us. They are so wonderful, although I feel a bit bad accepting them for this week, last week I was really incapable of cooking but this week...... Oh well I just need to accept in the spirit they are given :D

Also poor Bethany came out with Chicken Pox on Wednesday last week so she has been miserable too.... at least when Aliyah gets them I should be well again!

*hugs*

Andie

Hello :D

2011-11-25T08:44:00.000+13:00

How have you all been?

I have a nasty chest infection and it feels like I have been coughing forever!! I am on antibiotics and feel slightly better, last week I had no energy at all, I just sat and zoned out.
This week I am starting to have energy.

I spent an hour or so on Mermaids of the Deep Blue and then my threads for Wades stocking came so I have gone back to it :D

Also my Mirabilia Round Robin came home :D

These are not very good pictures, I honestly couldn't be bothered fighting with out camera for a better one. I still have to add the beads to my piece so might show you another picture then.

*hugs* everyone

Andie

Yay!!! The Mira RR is finished!

2011-11-14T15:19:00.000+13:00

Today I finished my square for Susans Mira RR!

I stitched Bedtime Friends (blurry photo)

Here is Susans whole piece!

I think this has turned out beautifully.

I just saw on the board that Sophia has finished on my piece and it will be coming home soon :D

I will post a pic when it comes home :D

Gosh thats a lot of I's... just goes to show this blog is all about me me me lol

*hugs*

Andie

Wades stocking

2011-11-11T07:33:00.000+13:00

I started Wades stocking, but have now put it away again. The last piece of the Mira RR has arrived and I want to get it finished and sent on its way home :D

I have also been naughty and bought the chart for Miras Merchant Mermaid, she grew on me very quickly and now I am obsessed. I can't wait for her to arrive. I probably wouldn't have succumbed except I needed a few more perle threads for Wades stocking :D

*hugs*

Andie

Goals for November

2011-11-03T07:27:00.000+13:00

Well I did set goals last month.... not sure where that post went though!

What I do know though is: there is NO way I met them!

For November I want to:

Finish Wades stocking
Stitch on Deepest Love
Stitch on Saphy
Stitch on WWG
Stitch on Summer Queen
Stitch on Lady A
Stitch on Mermaids of the Deep Blue (conversion)

I have changed to a 10 hour timed rotation with Wades stocking as a focus and it seems to be helping the mojo :D

*hugs*

Andie

Oh thank goodness

2011-10-31T20:48:00.000+13:00

Finally something to show

Here is Tarrs stocking, only Wades to go (I started) I'm leaving mine til next year!

Sorry I haven't been around much, I have hardly any mojo, am making myself get these stockings done!

Hope you are all well!

*hugs*

Andie

Winter Watergarden

2011-10-03T12:33:00.000+13:00

Yay I finished part 5 and 6, minus the beading on part 6, I left them so they wouldn't get caught on the next few parts

Ages ago when I first got the passwords I started Tree of Stitches, I had done 4 lots of stitches but decided I didn't like the colour I was using so pulled them out.

I picked it up one afternoon this week and added a few stitches

Back to Deepest Love now :D

*hugs*

Andie

Kathy's Mira RR

2011-09-29T11:41:00.000+13:00

I stitched Fairy Flora for Kathys Mira RR (Kathy has her pieces and places chosen so it was real easy :D)

The whole piece

Hope your are all well!

*hugs*

Andie

Have you been hanging out for my drawing?

2011-09-27T08:57:00.000+13:00

I have!

I was going to take pictures but the camera died.... should have checked the battery first

Gift 1 goes to LesleyAnne (name drawn from the baking dish by Gabrielle)

Gift 2 goes to Pumpkin (drawn by Miss Aliyah (2) who was saying what about me, what about me?! lol)

Gift 3 goes to Lissanne (also drawn by Gabrielle)

If you could contact me stitchitandie at gmail dot com..... with your postal addy I will get the goodies in the post to you.

Thank you everyone for entering. I so wish I could have given you all something!

*hugs*

Andie

WWG and Deepest Love

2011-09-21T16:23:00.000+12:00

Well not much to show but here they are:

Deepest Love:

And Winter Watergarden, which needs two birds to finish part 5 and two gate posts to finish part 6 lol (next month :D)

*hugs*

Andie

Blogoversary

2011-09-16T15:09:00.000+12:00

Well as most of you will know..... my blogoversary is coming up :D

As this is my 6th year blogging and I have never had a giveaway (although I have intended to many times lol) I wanted to do a biggish one.

I hope you will all like what I have picked and put together.

Now onto

THE RULES

1.You do not need to post this on your blogs... in fact I would rather you didn't. Although I love new followers I would rather they followed me because they enjoyed reading my blog, not just cause of some gift.

2. Gifts are not exchangeable, if you do not like something in your gift please pay it forward and gift it to someone else.

3. I am not a great photographer, I have represented items to the best of my ability.

4. All items are new and unused and so in fantastic condition.

5. One entry only please and please make sure I can contact you somehow

6. Entries close 26th September 2011 (my time) and will be drawn by the nearest available child on the 27th September 2011

7. First name drawn will get gift one, second name drawn will get gift two, third name drawn will get gift three.

8. Any one, any where can enter :D

THE FUN STUFF

To enter please leave a comment on this post only, saying why you like reading my blog and/or what your favourite post on my blog was.

Gift One
Contains:
Two hand dyed threads from Colours of the Outback
1 piece of 18 x 27 Jobelan 32 count from Polstitches in the colour English Rose
1 piece of 18x27 Opal Lugana 32 count from Sunny Dyes in the colour Deep Pool
1 Bent Creek chart - Long Winter
3 Mirabilia charts - Rose Celebration, The Woodland Fairie and Winter Queen

Gift Two
Contains:
2 x hand dyed threads from Carries Creations
1 piece of 13x18 Opal linen 32 count from Sparklies in the colour "Aries"
1 piece of 18 x 27 linen 32 count from Ayroom Fibres
1 Passione Ricamo chart "Winter Fairy Spirit"
1 Mirabilia chart "White Christmas"
1 Shepherds bush chart "Bethlehem Christmas

Gift Three
Contains:
1 hand dyed thread from Carries Creation
1 piece of 9 x 15 monaco 28count from Enchanted Fabrics in the colour "Trick or Treat"
1 piece of 18 x 27 Jobelan 32 count from Wichelt in the colour "Waterlily"
2 charts from Little House Needleworks "Plant Kindness" and "Coffee Menu"
1 chart from Nora Corbett "Orchid" from the Pixie Couture collection

Thanks for stopping by!

*hugs*

Andie

I AM

2011-09-16T14:11:00.001+12:00

by My big Toe

Stitched for Mike for his next birthday

28count opal linen
Carries Creation - Sapphire
Anchor - 1206

Also :D I few weeks ago I bought Kathys unwanted wip if Chatelaines Tuscany Town Mandala, Parts 1 and 2 are done and part 3 is started...... it arrived the other day and I can't wait to get my needle stuck into it :D

*hugs*

Andie

Hello :D

2011-09-12T12:11:00.000+12:00

How have you all been?

I haven't stitched much lately but this last week I finaly got Christians stocking done.

I made a few changes to Christians stocking.

I also started Deepest Love for my niece

And I AM (My Big Toe) for Mike

*hugs*

Andie

Couple more pics of Tarr with Simon

2011-09-11T15:47:00.000+12:00

At the ball

*hugs*

Andie

My beautiful girl - picture heavy

2011-09-09T18:17:00.000+12:00

Tonight Tarissa has gone to her first school ball. She has gone as the partner of a good friend from church whom she has known since she was about 9.

Here are some pictures my sister took before she went with Simon (you will probably get some with him tomorrow lol)

With me (ugh!)

With her best friend

With Aliyah

And again

All 4 of my girls, this isn't very good but it was the best of the two we got lol

Thanks for looking!

*hugs*

Andie

Goals for September

2011-09-01T07:33:00.003+12:00

My goals for August were

Stitch part 1 MX (can't start Herby so may as well stitch something else :D) yes
Finish part 5 and stitch part 6 WWG No
Stitch on Christians stocking Yes
Bead the top half of Lady A and stitch on the bottom half Yes
Stitch my square for the next Mira RR when it arrives Yes
Maybe stitch on SF for the PR sal No

My goals for September are going to be pretty simple.

Stitch on Winter Watergarden
Finish Christians Stocking
Stitch on Deepest Love
Start Tarissas Stocking

Hope I do better this month!

*hugs*

Andie

Secret Sister #3

2011-08-21T20:12:00.000+12:00

A huge thank you to my Enchanted Fabrics Secret Sister, Mel! *hugs*

Mel sent me a piece of fabric from Postitches (colourful clouds) and a Joan Elliot chart for Water Goddess.

*hugs*

Andie

25 Project Challenge

2011-08-18T21:40:00.000+12:00

Well I know I have tried this before but I'm giving it another go :D

I have listed my rules and my projects in a seperate page (up the top)

Anyone want to join me? :D

*hugs*

Andie

Annettes RR

2011-08-16T21:46:00.000+12:00

Annettes RR theme is mermaids and Annette has chosen the mermaids she wants, where she wants them and which part she wants... that made my choices really easy :D

I chose Waiting for Ships, I had all the items needed and also...... Waiting for Ships was the first Mira I fell in love with and the one that started me on this journey. I still haven't finished my own Waiting for Ships, I need to pull her out :D

The whole piece:

*hugs*

Andie

THUD!

2011-08-15T19:25:00.001+12:00

Nora strikes again! Wouldn't she match my Sabrina beautifully? With Lady A in the middle? :D

*hugs*

Andie

Hmmmm I haven't

2011-08-14T12:07:00.000+12:00

updated my pics for a wee while!
Winter Watergarden: Part of part 6, part 5 not finished and beads added up to part 4 :D

Joan Elliots Mother and Child - using Noreens pink conversion for the baby, I started this some time ago, then decided to change the colours for the babies shirt and put it away, when I saw Noreens conversion I decided to be lazy and use hers since its so gorgeous, so unpicked my small start and restarted. I am stitching on this piece for the SAL on Love 4 Stitch Alongs Forum. This is for Aliyahs birth sampler... I did make her one but I decided I didn't like it.

I also did the beading on the top half of Lady A except for her purse as I am missing one colour of beads grr! (Please excuse the wrinkles!)

I have just started stitching on Annettes Mira RR, I was planning to wait for the 16th and stitch this one for the stitch along but I just couldn't leave it any longer! But I will show that when I have more than a blob to share :D

Speaking of RR's, recently Rachel shared a picture of mine. Its looking so good now!

*hugs*

Andie

Quick!

2011-08-12T07:58:00.002+12:00

someone slap me!

I'm thinking of starting a HAED!!

Stitch Alongs!

2011-08-11T07:57:00.000+12:00

Do you like stitch alongs? I do! And Mel has restarted her stitch along board and is getting different stitch alongs set up! Please come over, have a look and say Hi :D If there is a stitch along you would like to see started let her know and she will get it set up for you! At the moment there are sal's being set up for PR's, Mirabilia, Chatelaine, Joan Elliot and Dark Side of the Moon.

Love for Stitch Alongs Forum

Hope to see you there!

*hugs*

Andie

MotDB and Name Change

2011-08-08T09:39:00.001+12:00

Well I felt inspired to try more colours for the fin of my mermaids, after 3 colours in and ripped out I decided finally on these colours, Mike thought I was nuts to start with but I think he likes it now, doesn't matter if he doesn't cause I do lol

My dilemma now?

What shades to stitch her "skirt" in, Mike says lighter shades of the red but I'm not sure if that would look wrong, the original has a different shade of the fin.

As you may have noticed I have changed my blog name, I just felt like a change, it may change back or change to something else.... I'm mot sure yet :D

We made the decision some time ago to home educate Gabrielle, Bethany and Aliyah. It has been a bit of a process preparing and writing Gabrielles exemption application. I'm sure when its time to apply for Bethany and Aliyahs it will be much easier. I sent Gabrielles application in about 6 weeks ago and we got her exemption approval on Friday :D So today is the first day of "school" for us :D

I am sure it will be an adventure :D

*hugs*

Andrea

Mid year round up :D (goals)

2011-08-07T07:28:00.000+12:00

Well I thought it would be interesting to see what my goals were at the beginning of the year and how I'm going with them...

Well stitching from stash? A big fat NO!

Complete SSM? Yes!

Start and finish MotDB (Kris's conversion) - Have started my own conversion instead

Finish Rose of Sharon (Red conversion) - Haven't touched her!

Participate in Mira RR on the WWRR board - Yes!

Start and Finish Lilac pixie - Nope

Start and Finish Amaryllis pixie - Stitched part of her for the Mira rr.... does that count? lol

Stitch 6 SB stockings and make up 8 (lol) - Stitched 2 made up none yet

Finish Butterfly - Day - Haven't touched it

Finish Dawn - don't think I've touched it

Finish Blossom Harvest - Haven't touched it

Start and maybe finish Deepest Love for Jasmyne - Planning to start it

Start and Finish Letters K and T and finish Letter G - Finshed Letter G! Haven't started T cause Tarissa decided she wanted SQ for her next birthday. Am not going to stitch Letter K

Maybe Start Celtic Winter for Mum - Nope

Maybe another Mira Mermaid for the Mermaid sal - I guess MotDB conversion counts?

Goals for the rest of the year

Stitch 3 maybe 4 more stockings and make them up

Start Deepest Love for Jasmyne

Stitch MX up to end of Part 3

Stitch WWG to end of Part 8

Finish Lady Alexandra

Finish MotDB conversion

Stitch I AM for Mike

Finish Iris

hahaha I like writing lists - will see how it goes :)

*hugs*

Andrea

Poll

2011-08-07T06:35:00.000+12:00

Okay so the majority of you would like several winners with a mixture of items and an emphasis on fabrics :D

Thanks everyone for voting!

I will start getting my giveaway ready :D

Oh by the way, this won't be a link to my blog to get extra entries, more of a people who already read my blog giveaway :D

*hugs*

Andie

Mystery X - A Secret Victorian Garden

2011-08-04T13:27:00.000+12:00

Well as I coudn't start Herbuarius yet I had the perfect plan! I started SVG :D

This is Part 1 complete with beads :D

Stitched on 28ct lugana - Wildflowers from Countrystitch

Thanks for stopping by!

*hugs*

Andie

My Secret Sister strikes again!

2011-08-02T16:24:00.000+12:00

Wow! Check out what my Secret Sister got me this month! I am so so so happy :D OOOOOoooooo I love stash! I love planning and dreaming on fabrics for patterns :D Thank you so much to my EF secret sister!

*hugs*

Andie

Goals :D

2011-08-01T11:10:00.001+12:00

My Goals for July were:
Finish Part 4 and 5 of Winter Watergarden - Finished Part 4, have 3 of the over one birds to go to finish part 5

Start and Finish 2 or 3 stockings - HAHAHA, Gabrielles seems to have taken FOREVER! So 1 finished :(

Bead up Spring Quenns head for Measis RR - Yes but the beads only just arrived in time

Well I really need to get rid of some of this ob stitching, it really kills my mojo knowing they need to be done and not wanting to!
Goals for August
Stitch part 1 MX (can't start Herby so may as well stitch something else :D)

Finish part 5 and stitch part 6 WWG

Stitch Christians stocking

Bead the top half of Lady A and stitch on the bottom half

Stitch my square for the next Mira RR when it arrives

Maybe stitch on SF for the PR sal

*hugs*

Andie

Weekend stuff!

2011-08-01T07:08:00.000+12:00

Stitching:
I finished Gabrielles stocking! YAY! Thought it would never be done!!

I'm stitching on WWG now :D

I got my Wade back last night! YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!!
We had a lovely day, Wades flight was due in at 5:20pm so we decided to do the trip in stages as Aliyah doesn't travel well.

We left at 8:30am and drove an hour to Ashburton where Tarissa has church friends and was taking the opportunity to spend the day. We went to their church and it was nice to go somewhere different and meet some new people. They sang different songs than we do too so that was fun :D

After church we drove to Lake Hood, about 10 or 15 minutes down the road, where we had our picnic. Its a man made lake, I wasn't that impressed but the kids liked it, even though the ducks were so well fed they didn't bother coming to eat their unwanted sandwiches.

Then we drove back into Ashburton and went to the Domain and fed their ducks..... they were very happy with the food we offered. We had a walk around the gardens there and down to the childrenss play area. It had a great playground :D

We got back in the car and thankfully Aliyah and Bethany fell asleep for the next hours drive to Christchurch (which was our plan) We had a bit of a drive around and the damage from the earthquakes is still very visible, in the roads that are now pretty badly repaired and the buildings that are now demolished and the few obviously (from the outside) damaged ones. But overall its a city that seems to have pulled itself back together and is moving on, traffic was less than normal though and I must admit to that being nice.

Wades flight was 40 minutes late so once he got through customs the girls were rather scratchy but we were all very happy to see him, and he to see us. He ended up having a good time with his Dad which I am very glad for. He says he might even go back again (he was planning not to at one stage)

The girls fell asleep halfway thru the drive home with only minimal screaming from Aliyah (phew!) it helped she had her Wade sitting next to her I think :D

Hope you all have had a lovely weekend!

*hugs*

Andie

Chatelaine's DMC conversions :D

2011-07-30T18:42:00.000+12:00

Hey everyone :D

Well Herbularius is just about to be released and the floss list is up.... I sersiously can't afford to buy the kit this time and I'm thinking about using the conversion to DMC.

So my questions are:

Have you used the DMC conversion?

What do you do when there is no DMC number listed?

Have you been happy with the finished piece?

Thanks for taking the time to help me out.

*hugs*

Andie

Please vote

2011-07-28T14:56:00.001+12:00

in my giveaway polls to the right!

Its coming up to my 6th blogoversary and I want to have a giveaway :D

*hugs*

Andie

Measis Mira RR

2011-07-27T18:31:00.000+12:00

Well I was getting really worried! Final posting day for this round robin is next Tuesday, and the beads I ordered for it 4 weeks ago and that shipped 12 days ago finally turned up today! I finished the stitching ages ago and was hoping to get it posted early as it has to go to the states and takes about 10 days.

Anyway!

Here is Measis Queens :D (all that have been stitched so far)

I stitched Spring Queen

I'm having another all over the place week... but I'm happy :D

Wade comes home from Australia on Sunday night, I can't wait! Even though it means a two hour drive to the airport and back *sigh*

*hugs*

Andie

Lady A and PR sal

2011-07-25T18:01:00.000+12:00

Well I forgot to update you with my Lady Alexandra few days :D

Here she is

And here is my Serendipity Fae wip after the PR sal :D

I'm back with my MotDB conversion :D Thats what the red one is :D The fabric is SMF Raindrop

Also I found out that the fabric that Stargazer was on is HLC Atmosphere..... alas the company is out of business :(

*hugs*

Andie

PR sal

2011-07-22T18:32:00.000+12:00

Hey everyone is PR sal weekend over on the PR board :D So if you have a PR wip.... or want to start one why don't you come over and join us? :D

It was a toss up for me whether to pull out Dawn the Dreaded or my barely started Serendipity Fae, I wasn't totally sure on my fabric Choice for SF cause her wings don't stand out on the fabric, but after doing many, many, many, floss tosses I have decided to stick with what I have and to backstitch the wings after :D

This is not a good photo, the fabric is Tropical Sunset(? Sunrise?) from Enchanted Fabrics and is yellows and oranges....... anyway! I have decided to stitch on Serendipity for the sal

So rotation.......? What?! Rotation? What?!!! I can't hear you! What did you say? Rotation?.......? haha

I got this idea in my head for a conversion for a Mira I was planning to do eventually, I played with floss stitched one bird on WWG went to bed and in the morning it was still running around my head so I pulled off WWG, looked at fabrics, put some stitches in, pulled some out and put different ones in......

Can you guess what it is?

I absolutley adore this fabric! Mel gave it to me years ago and I have been waiting for the perfect pattern for it, although a few have come along that I loved their floss colours didn't work at the time I was sad but not anymore :D

Here is Aliyah

And here is Bethany

They are both going thru a "take a photo of me" whenever they see the camera stage, which is really nice :D

Well thats it from me today :D

*hugs*

Andie

Framing happy dances

2011-07-21T15:43:00.000+12:00

Today my framer sent me back the pieces I got framed :D :D :D :D :D :D

Sabrina

CDC for Christian

The Teacher for my cousin

3 pieces on my wall - Christian loaned me his CDC til he decides where he wants it :D

As usual my photography sux but you get the idea... Sabrina is totally stunning!

*hugs*

Andie

Wow! Jill Rensels's framing and a question

2011-07-18T18:53:00.000+12:00

is astounding! I am so jealous of you guys able to make use of her service :D

Here is her blog for those of you who haven't seen it :D

Now onto my question. She has just framed a gorgeous Stargazer and I REALLY need to know what the fabric is? For some weird reason I am coming up with HLC Atmosphere but I never really saw any of theirs and I can't find any pictures or info anywhere..... but I REALLY REALLY REALLY need a piece of this fabric!!!

Any info you have would be fantastic!

*hugs*

Andie

Stocking update and a new Rotation :D

2011-07-18T09:28:00.001+12:00

Well I stitched on Gabrielles stocking for a few days

Before:

After:

Then I pulled out Lady A for the weekend, but I had lots of pain on Saturday so took some awesome pain killers..... alas they put me to sleep. Then Saturday night Mike and I watched a movie together. Sunday afternoon was looking good for some stitching time (Mike does things with the girls) but then someone from church asked for help with shifting so I only got a couple of hours stitching time last night... instead of my lovely Sunday afternoon.

I have decided on a new rotation... at least until the end of the year or until my ob stitching is done. I was thinking either really big or really small and have decided on as small as I can get, partly thanks to Jo and her TaaT (not tart lol Jo) except mine is ToTaaT (not too tart lol) which is 1 part of Chatelaine, rest of the month stitching on one piece. To start with the pieces will be the stockings I need to get done, then Deepest Love which I need to get stitched for my niece, then Summer Queen for Issy. The third thing will be the Mira round robin (until that finishes at the end of the year).

As I am not starting this til next month I have totally thrown my goals away and am stitching on Lady A from now, except when the beads finally (hopefully) arrive for the Mira RR I have nearly completed and maybe to finish Part 5 of WWG (not sure how long those over 1 birdies are going to take lol)

*hugs*

Andie

Lady A

2011-07-12T07:47:00.000+12:00

End of week 1 :D

Not sure if the colour is off in this photo..... I'm on my DH's netbook ;)

Moving back to Gabrielles stocking now to get it finished :D

*hugs*

Andie

Yummy Yummy Chatelaine Yumminess

2011-07-11T16:25:00.000+12:00

Well........ MY AUTUMN WATERGARDEN KIT ARRIVED TODAY!!! Can you tell I am happy?!!!

Also I finally decided on fabric for Secret Victorian Garden and it arrived the other day too..... I pulled all the threads out of the baggies and did a floss toss and it is perfect, just like I imagined it!

So..... for you One at a timers.... how do you resist all these deliciously yummy starts?

And for those of you who have multiple wips, including multiple Chats, how do you work it?...... (I'm thinking Ineke and Ana here by the way :D)

Can you hear these gorgeous Chats ~~calling~~ screaming my name?! lol

So although I sometimes like to stitch OAAT I love having lots of new starts..... should I just go with the flow and enjoy my stitching or try and be disciplined and torture myself? lol

*hugs*

Andie

Nothing to see here

2011-07-08T07:37:00.000+12:00

Move along!

LOL

Silkweaver Robins Egg, 28 count Lugana

4 days stitching

Whoops :D

*hugs*

Andie

Random question

2011-07-05T11:51:00.003+12:00

So do you share DMC between your projects? Do you keep your leftover threads for new projects or throw them out and buy new ones? I ask this because of the bad photo below (your seeing things I haven't started anything new)

I am now pulling out the top half of her face (haha) and restitching with the same shade of 948 used in the bottom half.

The only reason I have used dmc from previous projects is its so expensive here :( and I thought it was wasteful throwing it out...... and I've never had a problem before.........

So what do you do? Keep it or throw is out and buy new? And if I'm going to buy new then I may as well buy the silks from HDF........ lol

*hugs*

Andie

P.S Sorry for those confused.... What I mean is I buy a skein of floss and use any leftovers for other projects which is what must of happened with the piece (not being stitched) above, as the same colour was two different shades, so the bottom half of her face was a different colour than the top. So my question is do you buy a new skein for each project (I have heard of someone doing this) or do you use the remainder of the skein for other projects?

Winter watergarden update

2011-07-03T15:51:00.000+12:00

Part 5 minus the birds.

Wouldn't you know it I'm missing a couple of threads for the birds! I will come back to it in a few days when I have had a chance to get into town :)

Top:

Bottom:

I will unroll once they are added :D

*hugs*

Andie

Playing on my DHs iPod

2011-07-02T10:41:00.000+12:00

Well I think Im caving going to pull threads and look at fabrics for Lady A in a minute unless my wee girl wakes up. I'm about half way thru part 5 of winter watergarden so should be a le to meet my goals and start her :)

*hugs*
Andie

Oh My Gosh

2011-07-01T16:02:00.001+12:00

*gasp* *hyperventilate* *faint*!!

I have the most awesome Secret Sister (over on the Enchanted Fabrics board)

Look what I got in todays mail!!!!

Lilly of the Woods whom I love (and am already picking a fabric for)

And Lady Alexandra.... whom I REALLY Love!! I so what to start this one straight away!! Oh NO Joyce what am I going to do?!!! LOL How long do you guys think I can wait?

*hugs*

Andie

P.S I'm thinking maybe if I meet this months goals I can start her..... what do you think? :D

Goals

2011-07-01T01:17:00.010+12:00

For June I wanted to:
Finish Summer Queens head and hair (not counting beads) - YES!

Put the BF on Saphy that I didn't have and has now arrived, finish her wings and arms and maybe the middle part of her sash (obi?) - YES!
Finish Part 2 of WWG and hopefully start part 3 - YES!

Start and Finish Gabrielles stocking - Started but didn't have all the thread I needed

In July I want to:

Finish Part 4 and 5 of Winter Watergarden

Start and Finish 2 or 3 stockings

Bead up Spring Queens head for Measis RR
*hugs*

Andie

A mixed up week

2011-06-29T09:48:00.000+12:00

in stitching :D

This week I started Gabrielles stocking - Jillians Stocking from Shepherds Bush..... I had forgotten I needed to order some more threads..... so I ordered them and then put it aside while I wait.

Then I pulled out the latest Mira RR (Measi's Queens) I stitched Spring Queen..... got to the beads and realized I didn't have one colour :( So ordered the beads and put it away til they arrive :D

I then pulled out Winter Watergarden.... no problems there! lol I will show it next week

*hugs*

Andie

A 2 year old and WWG

2011-06-20T07:49:00.000+12:00

Well my baby turned 2 on Friday! Shes trying to toilet train herself so I put her in knickers today.... she seems to little, we will see how it goes :D

I am amazed how much of Winter Watergarden I got done in 1 week! Here is part two completed and Part 3 over half done, so next time I imagine I should be able to get Part 3 done and Part 4 easily done as it looks quite easy....... I'm slowly catching up lol

*hugs*

Andie

Lady Alexandra

2011-06-15T18:53:00.000+12:00

OH MY GOSH!! I AM IN LOVE

With the newest Mirabilia release

Isn't she fabulous?!!! The last time I loved one this instantly was Sabrina whom I think she would match very well with :D
I even have all the beads required already! How long do you think I can last before I cave and get her? lol

*hugs*

Andie

Saphy end of Week 2

2011-06-13T06:04:00.001+12:00

Saphy is stitching up pretty quickly! This is about 2 weeks of stitching. Fabric is washed out in this picture

I was right the BF is a right pain to use, I've heard of people swapping it for #4 braid, which I would do everywhere except the butterflies if I had any easily available, I think the BF works really well in the butterflies and makes them seem really fragile.

It was my birthday yesterday and I had a wonderfully relaxing day :D This is the gorgeous sunrise that greeted my day

I have picked Winter Watergarden back up this week and talking of Chatelaines..... I was bad and signed up for Herbularius.... I just couldn't resist especially with it going to be a set :D It starts in August so I need to get Saphy and those stockings finished :D

For my birthday Chatelaine I have decided on Autumn Watergarden, then I just need to wait on a fourth one to finish that set :D Thanks everyone for voting!

Have an awesome day everyone!

*hugs*

Andie

Summer Queen

2011-06-06T07:57:00.000+12:00

Well its a new start for me this week.... although I can't say I've enjoyed it lol

Tarissa asked me about two weeks ago to stitch something special for her next birthday... it will be her 16th. I said yes, she chose and then I realized if I'm going to continue rotating, which I want to do so that I can keep stitching Winter Watergarden and I need to get these stockings done, then I would have to start straight away. Luckily there was a slot movable in my rotation (the little letters) although I now have all big pieces.

This is just under one week of stitching. I felt I deserved a reward after getting that *ugh* hair completed so started back on Saphy a day early since I had met my goal with her for the month. Although the hair is gorgeous I found it a pita to stitch lol

*hugs*

Andie

Early birthday Pressie :D

2011-06-04T09:27:00.000+12:00

My friend Lynne (no blog) sent me a birthday present :D Lynne knows me well and said I could open it when it arrived.... I managed to hang out a few days before I couldn't stand it anymore lol

Here it is :D

Lovely Lynne sent me a gorgeous card, 3 pieces of fabric for stocking, a lovely piece of hand dyed fabric from Polstitches and a yummy block of choccie :D Thank you very much Lynne *hugs*

Andie

Chaaaaarrrrrrllllliiiiiiiieeeee

2011-06-02T18:37:00.000+12:00

Hey Charlie from Charbs and the Bumpy Dog!!!

I can't comment on your posts (there is a way to fix in the post below if you want) I just wanted to let you know I think your Winter Watergarden update is GORGEOUS!!!

*hugs*

Andie

June Goals

2011-06-02T07:05:00.000+12:00

Well since I'm stitching again I am also setting goals :D
For June I would like to:

Finish Summer Queens head and hair (not counting beads)

Put the BF on Saphy that I didn't have and has now arrived, finish her wings and arms and maybe the middle part of her sash (obi?)

Finish Part 2 of WWG and hopefully start part 3

Start and Finish Gabrielles stocking

Do you set goals?

*hugs*

Andie

Blogger comments probs

2011-05-30T09:06:00.000+12:00

Hey all if you are missing all those lovely comments cause people can't comment on your blog Daffycat has the solution!!!

This is copied from her blog:

Change your comment form to the pop-up window type.

Easy as pie, I promise!

Go to:

Dashboard

Settings

Comments

Comment Form Placement

Choose POP-UP WINDOW

Save

Thanks Daffycat!!!

Hope that helps! I've changed mine :D

*hugs*

Andie

Aliyahs stocking

2011-05-30T08:35:00.001+12:00

Here she is "finished" the stitching not the finishing lol :D

You can't see from the photo but I changed her hair, I used pale yellow and did a heap of french knots, I really like the way they worked out.

Onto Chatelaines..... Oh My Gosh! I have fallen in love with Autumn Knotgarden I already love Summer and Spring and Frosty Knotgardens.... I'm going to have to get them!!! But Autumn first lol
I think I am truely going to become a Chat addict.... and thats VERY bad for my wallet lol

*hugs*

Andie

Mira RR - Rachels piece

2011-05-27T13:05:00.000+12:00

I got my piece stitched on the Mira RR for Rachel

I stitched Amarylis:

The whole piece:

I haven't added the treasures (but they will be packaged up to send along), I did tack them on and take a photo but it was washed out and duh! I didn't check before taking them off again.

I really hope Rachel likes it, yesterday I didn't lol, but I filled in the wings with off white, on the model they aren't stitched but the fabric she is stitched on is antique white and the blue just didn't make sense. I said to DH that I was going to rip her out and start again he thought I was nuts lol But today I like her.

Ineke I can't comment on your blog, it keeps on trying to get me to log in, its just blogger wanting to be a pain! but I wanted you to know that I adore your Chats! I've been on the fence on Fairy Garden.... I LOVE the dragonflies but wasn't sure of the fairies but you just pushed me over it with your latest wips :D And thank you very much for the Marlitt tip! I will try that out on the rest of part 2 :D

*hugs*

Andie

Aliyahs stocking

2011-05-23T10:10:00.000+12:00

I am stitching Shepherds Bush's Marys Stocking for Aliyah.

I haven't stitched a week yet but I wanted to get onto my part for the Mira RR... I don't like leaving them undone, so I am putting her aside for now :D

Here she is :D

Gosh I've been posting a lot lately... hope you guys aren't getting sick of me :D

Please remember to vote in my Chatelaine poll :D I found a couple more I really want but I'm thinking its to late to add another in now... Maybe for next year lol

*hugs*

Andie

Winter Watergarden Part two

2011-05-21T08:01:00.002+12:00

I got the first quarter of Part two done on WWG before it was time to put it away. It didn't take long! Only a day and a half! So next month I imagine I will be able to get Part 2 completed.

I find that Marlitt horrid to stitch with,but the effect once the PB is added is gorgeous!

I'm going to pull out that backstitching on the cattails. I thought I used the right colour but it looks wrong......

Thanks very much to Charlie for pointing out the back stitch that was missing on my Rhodes stitch :D

I think I will need to work on my special stitches technique but I'm guessing by the end it will be lots better.

Please don't forget to vote in my poll :D

*hugs*

Andie

Poll

2011-05-20T07:07:00.001+12:00

I have added a poll to my side bar. I've asked my family for $$ for my birthday.... I'm making it a tradition to buy a Chat kit for my birthday pressie (last year.... or was it the year before?! I got Mystery X....can't wait to start that!)

I am so enjoying stitching WWG in its "parts" as opposed to the daunting look of Watergarden in all its pages :D That I want to get the patterns as PDF's.

So your choices are:

Autumn Watergarden (to join Watergarden and WWG)
Venice Mandala
Medieval Town Mandala
Summer Knotgarden
Spring Knotgarden
Peacock Garden (This photo belongs to Jess)

*edited to add links for the pattern names*

Looking forward to seeing your votes :D If you vote can you please comment saying why you chose the piece?

Thanks!

*hugs*

Andie

P.S 2 posts in 1 day!!!!

A mummy show off moment

2011-05-20T06:30:00.000+12:00

I just wanted to share this You Tube video of my son Wade.

They recorded a jamming session at school the other day, Wade is on the drums. I think he is really good and wanted to brag :D

The song they are playing is one they wrote themselves, it does have words but the girl who sings with them attends a different high school.

Thanks for stopping by!

*hugs*

Andie

Winter Watergarden Part one

2011-05-18T13:15:00.001+12:00

Complete!

Minus beads/treasures etc

I found I needed to print both the black and white and colour charts. The black and white for the cross stitch symbols and the colour so I could see the back stitch. I also discovered (after they were done and after I had stared very hard at other peoples lol) that the colour chart made it easier to work out which specialty stitch was which :D

Well here it is :D

I'm trying to decide whether to bead each part as I go or wait til the end...... what do you do with your Chat's?

*hugs*

Andie

Saphy & WWG

2011-05-16T07:40:00.001+12:00

Here is Saphy as she goes away til next months rotation when the.....*eek* blending filament will be here..... not sure if I will use it or find an alternative....

This week Winter Watergarden gets some love :D

This is a photo of how it looked when I picked it back up yesterday..... I didn't have a latest photo of it

I'm really loving spending time on it :D

*hugs*

Andie

Jeremiah 29:11

2011-05-13T07:37:00.000+12:00

Does anyone know of any patterns for this verse? I found one by My Big Toe but its a bit too...... busy for what I'm wanting. With the house and everything..........

Any help much appreciated :D

*hugs*

Andie

Saphy

2011-05-09T08:19:00.002+12:00

Not due to finish this round of my rotation til the 14th but I took a photo for the EF board so thought I would show you guys my first picture of Septembers Sapphire Fairy too :D

She is on Polstitches Jobelan "Spring"

*hugs*

Andie

A finish :D

2011-05-05T13:50:00.002+12:00

Well I have the flu so have been lazily stitching on Letter G for Gabrille

Today I finished :D

She is on EF Spring Meadow Opal Linen

Thanks for stopping by again today :D

*hugs*

Andie

Royal Weddings and such

2011-05-05T08:55:00.005+12:00

WEll I'm a bit late but its fun anyway :D

This came from Pauline and I have basically just copied her post :D And filled in my answers :D

What's your Royal Wedding Name and which Tiara will you be wearing?

Well, I'm still waiting for my invitation to arrive! Then I found out last night that the invitations have all been sent to our Royal Wedding Names, along with just our country and that's why they haven't arrived. So, go the post office and see if your invitation is waiting there for you in your Royal Wedding Name.

So what's our Royal Wedding Name, I hear you ask? It's quite simple really...

1. Choose between Lady or Lord

2. Take the name of the oldest relative (of the same sex) you know about.(go back as far as you can)

3. Take the name of the first pet you owned. And then hyphenate it with -

4. The name of the first street you lived on.

Easy peasy!

So, my invitation went to.... drum roll please...

Lady Mary-Alyssa Galloway
(Very posh sounding, isn't it?)

So I went down to the post office and there it was! UNFORTUNATELY I've missed the wedding! *gasp* luckily I watched it on the tele :D

I've picked my favourite Tiara out, I'm hoping they don't think I'm a snob and I get an invite to Harrys (hasn't he grown up cute?!) - what do you think?

You may recognize it I got it from Sarah ;)

Changed my mind.... think I'll wear this one instead lol

*hugs*

Andie

Back to scheduled programming :D

2011-04-26T08:15:00.002+12:00

Hey everyone!

Yes I'm still here! And yay! I'm feeling great.. and I think its gonna stick this time :D

Last week I finished my section on Mels Mira RR..... I didn't post cause I didn't wanna get your hopes up lol

My Part: I did Iris

The whole piece:

This is so gorgeous and my bad photography skills (lack of lol) do not do it justice!

This week I have stitched again!

Here is Charlotte from this week!

Before:

After:

I think I'm over that icky bitsy bit in the sash so she should fly along from here :D

I have also bought Miras latest release Septembers Sapphire Fairy, I can't wait :D

*hugs* to all

Andie

Oh My gosh a post!!

2011-03-23T22:16:00.003+13:00

Well finally I finished my section on Sophias Mirabilia RR!

Before:

After:

*hugs*

Andie

Not coping

2011-02-27T19:07:00.007+13:00

I have to say, this time Mike is away I have really not been coping very well. I have been very down and struggling to get thru the day. That has been compounded by the fact that since I have been "hiding" reading all the time I have been staying up way too late and so after being woken twice in the night by Miss I like to wake my mother (Aliyah) and then being up at 6 with Bethany I have been getting more and more and more tired. Along with the emotional/mental drain of being a temporarily single Mum to 6 children (3 of them teenagers). Today I told Mike on the phone how I really wasn't coping this time and he is so sweet do you know what he said?! "Honey you are more important to me than anything, if you keep feeling this way I will just quit this job and come home even if it means we loose the house and everything"!!! Talk about make me feel important!! So..... funny enough it has snapped me out of my doldrums and put me back into the mood to live my life instead of hiding in a book.

SO! Back to normal programming lol

I have been reading thru the rotationers BB trying to feel inspired and have decided on a new/old rotation (lol) I know I know I can hear you sighing from here.... not another rotation :D But it seems to be the way I go, rotation, change, change, change, OAAT, rotation, change, change, change

So my new rotation (for now)

5 projects + Mira rr

Maximum 3 Miras
Minimum of 5 hours per piece, maximum of 10 hours
Must work 5 hours on all projects before starting over again, but can be worked in any order
After 3 finishes I can start something new (excluding stockings which is swapped for another stocking until I have completed them all)
My Mira rr piece will be worked on until completion then I will rotate thru my own pieces

My pieces are:

Winter Watergarden (Chat)
Dawn (PR)
Charlotte (Mira)
Letter G (Mira)
Aliyahs Stocking (SB)

Thanks for listening to me whine, I find that it helps me to write my thoughts out.... I should do it more often.... but not necessarily here lol

*hugs*

Andie

P.S Can someone leave me the addy for the Needle Haven board? My firefox crashed and I lost all my links, its the only one I can't find THANKS!!!

PPS: Ok, I have changed my mind about this rotation 3 times now so I guess it won't work for me.... not sure what I'm gonna do...... :-\

Still Here

2011-02-24T11:47:00.003+13:00

I know its been a wee while since I posted. DH is working away in the North Island so that makes my life a lot harder. I am totally blessed to have him. I normally complain when Mike has to work away in the North Island but this time I can say I am very happy.... otherwise he would have been in Christchurch

The damage in Christchurch is just heart breaking and I start crying everytime I look for an update. I did have the t.v on the first day but turned it off as Bethany was getting very upset at the sirens going off and people crying and people with blood all over them.

Christchurch is two hours North of us, so although we felt the earthquake and some of the aftershooks there is no damage here (and if there is I haven't been out looking for it) I have lots of friends in Christchurch and am so thankful that they are all ok. One of Tarissa best friends live there and they were so thankful that they were all home sick on the 22nd.

I am so very proud of our Prime Minister Mr John Key. And would have to say this is the first one I have ever liked. I think he is doing a wonderful job and he comes across with just the right attitude.

Here is a link to some photos of damage to Christchurch city if you haven't seen any yet. The photos are only of landscape damage.

I want to thank all of you who are not NZers and have sent your prayers, they are very welcome at this time.

Onto nicer news:

I finished South Seas Mermaid last night.

She is stitched on Polstitches Mythical Mermaid 32 count Jobelan, my photo isn't very good and I so wish it was, I know a lot of people don't like her so much but she is absolutely wonderful in person!

I am going to stitch on Dawn for the EF PRsal until Sunday then I will start on Sophias project for the Mirabilia RR

*big squeezy hugs*

Andie

Winter Watergarden progress

2011-02-08T07:22:00.002+13:00

Well I still haven't completed part one of Winter Watergarden. I've been a bit of a slow stitcher this week, while I have adjusted to DH being away, having all 6 kids home again and school starting up. Think I'm all set for this week to get under way :D

*hugs*

Andie

All over the place

2011-02-03T09:44:00.003+13:00

Well my stitching seems to be all over the place at the moment... but its not stressing me out yet :D

Here is SSM as I left her yesterday afternoon

My kit for Winter Watergarden arrived in yesterdays mail, so I got started on it last night after putting the last few stitches in my RR border. Part 2 was just released and I would like to try and catch up :D

Here is my Mira RR, all ready to send out later on in the month

The new school year has just started here and it was Christians first day of High School so here is his first day photo :D

I also managed to get one of Wade, not an easy thing to do.

This was the day before school went back for him so he looks real scruffy... I watched him from the kitchen the next morning, I could see him in the bathroom mirror, having a shave.... my wee baby sure has grown up!

Here also is Bethany

And this is how I usually see Aliyah..... clinging to my leg, especially when Mike is away for work (which he is now)

Well I hope you don't have picture overload!

*big hugs*

Andie

Bye Bye Charlotte

2011-01-30T14:49:00.003+13:00

Oh my gosh! Shes driving me nuts and driving me towards a slump.... so bye bye! lol

Here she is as gets put away (Heidi will be happy :D)

Although my day by day progress didn't seem much, I think for a week of stitching she looks great!

*hugs*

Andie

You guessed it....

2011-01-28T07:31:00.001+13:00

Charlotte day 6 :D

We go away today (my Mums coming to babysit :D) so no update tomorrow.

*hugs*

Andie

Charlotte day 5

2011-01-27T09:34:00.002+13:00

Well my DH is home til Monday... so as you can see, not much progress :D

I absolutely love her colours!

*hugs*

Andie

Charlotte day 4

2011-01-26T09:27:00.002+13:00

I didn't get as much done yesterday, I was really tired.

Thanks for stopping by again

Bethany is really loving kindy, its 3 afternoons a week (2 hours per day)

*hugs*

Andie

Charlotte day 3 :D

2011-01-25T10:04:00.001+13:00

Shes growing pretty fast!

I will have to take her off the scrolls for tomorrows photo

*hugs*

Andie

Charlotte day 2

2011-01-24T07:02:00.001+13:00

I thought I would enjoy doing a day by day progress photo, hope I don't bore you lol

I can't believe Bethany starts kindy today!!!

*hugs*

Andie

SSM and Charlotte

2011-01-23T11:27:00.002+13:00

Well I pulled out SSM again after Watergarden

Here she is after 3 weeks total stitching

My Charlotte chart arrived in yesterday afternoons mail, so last night I started on her..... I'm trying to catch up with Heidi :D

Here is after day 1

I am stitching her on Polstitches Snow Storm, 28ct Opal linen, this is one of their new colours

*hugs*

Andie

Just a quick post

2011-01-19T06:32:00.001+13:00

To tell you all about Shannons new blog
She has beautiful wips on beautiful fabric and I'm sure she would love some readers :D

*hugs*

Andie

Watergarden

2011-01-17T07:40:00.003+13:00

is so much easier than I thought! I did my first lot of specialty stitches and they weren't hard at all..... now they were probably the easiest ones but I already know how to do eyelets and the rhodes look pretty basic too :D

Anyway here are my pictures :D

Before:

After:

and yes that is pink on my fabric.... thanks be to Miss Bethany and her highlighter stage..... I'm hoping most of it is covered by stitching.

Now I have to tell you something before you think I fell off the wagon :D I sold some of my fabric stash (need to update my list) and it was decided (by Heidi, Vanessa and Myrns) that I could spend money earnt on selling stash to replace stash lol so I have signed up for Winter Watergarden and bought the kit as well :D
Also.... not sure if I told y'all my son gave me some xmas money to spend on a pattern, I gave him some I liked to choose from and he chose Charlotte.... good boy :D
And my lovely friend Mel sent me a birthday pressie.... it was 6 months late (lol) but was so worth waiting for and included A womans world in cross stitch, a piece of PTP crystal mercedes and BEST of ALL!! A Bon Jovi t-shirt and bag from the concert she went to :D Thanks so much Mel!!
Oh AND on the 31st Dec, Polstitches had a sale and I spent my Xmas GC for there for a piece of sale fabbie and got two other pieces as well........ think I have confessed all :D

*hugs*

Andie

Those Chatelaines!!

2011-01-14T08:25:00.016+13:00

I recently pulled out my Watergarden wip. I've always felt kind of intimidated by Chatelaines. Everyone always says how big they are and how intricate. After studying it a wee while I have come to the conclusion that its nothing I can't handle, so I'm not going to be intimidated by it any longer. I have a few patterns in my stash, Watergarden as a wip and Secret Victorian Garden all kitted up except for fabric. So I'm going to get onto them :D

These are my favourites of the new/er ones. I especially like Winter Watergarden, Autumn Watergarden (gorgeous in the pictures of actual stitching I have seen) and Venice mandala. I really love dragonflies, which is why the fairy garden one made my list...... I know there is flowers option instead but it doesn't have as many dragonflies lol

All images are copywrited Martina Rosenberg/Chatelaine

*hugs*

Andie

p.s sorry about the big gaps..... stupid blogger photo uploader!

My Mira RR

2011-01-12T15:19:00.003+13:00

Nearly ready to send!

As you can see... I ran out of krenik for the outline but I have some on the way :)

*hugs*

Andie

South Seas Mermaid

2011-01-08T09:35:00.003+13:00

is my Mermaid for the Mirabilia Stitchers board :D

Here are two pictures of her for you :D

I am stitching her on Polstitches Mythical Mermaid 28ct Jobelan (gorgeous fabby wish it was made in an opal!)

Unfortunately yuku is being mean to me and won't let me on the boards! Its driving me N U T S!! I tried from my Mums computer and it won't let her on either, so I don't know what it is but its not my computer. I can get on every other website!!

Back to my Mira RR outline and square now :D

*hugs*

Andie

End of the Year

2010-12-31T15:40:00.003+13:00

Well I'm all set for my Stitching from Stash... I hope! LOL

I have ordered Charlotte with some Xmas money I got. I also have a Polstitches GC to spend. And I have two presents coming from friends, one is a late birthday one lol and one is for Christmas.

I went to my sisters today and she gave me back some charts I had loaned her so I need to put them in my stash list

End of year round up:

I finished a total of 10 projects this year:

Magnolia

Bluebell

Mikes Stocking

Januarys Garnet Fairy

CDC

Floss Fairy

Sabrina

Bethanys Stocking

Celtic Spring

And they lived

I'm pretty happy with what I accomplished this year :D

My goals for next year.....

Stitch from stash (not including threads/embellishments I may need)

Complete SSM
Start and finish MotDB (Kris's conversion)
Finish Rose of Sharon (Red conversion)
Participate in Mira RR on the WWRR board
Start and Finish Lilac pixie
Start and Finish Amaryllis pixie
Stitch 6 SB stockings and make up 8 (lol)
Finish Butterfly - Day
Finish Dawn
Finish Blossom Harvest
Start and maybe finish Deepest Love for Jasmyne
Start and Finish Letters K and T and finish Letter G
Maybe Start Celtic Winter for Mum
Maybe another Mira Mermaid for the Mermaid sal

This is a very loose list.... things sometimes grab my attention.... I'm sure most of you can relate :D

Have a very Happy New Year!!

*hugs*

Andie

And they lived

2010-12-29T22:14:00.003+13:00

Happily Ever After by Sisters and Best Friends. Total days stitching? 4!!

Stitched on SMF Fairy Fields 32 count lugana. I freaking LOVE this fabric!! If anyone has some they want to part with I would love to buy it from you!!

Now back to the borders for my Mira RR :D

*hugs*

Andie

Our wedding Sampler

2010-12-27T09:23:00.004+13:00

Well...... its been 4 years now, so I thought I should get onto it :D This was the 3rd piece I picked :D I saw this when Lori from EF stitched it and totally fell in love.

Miss 14 has already put in her order and told me I am NOT allowed to give away the chart lol!

Its a very quick stitch so far, I started late on the 25th and took this pic early on the 27th. I'm thinking it will be finished in time for the start of the sal on the Mira board..... I still haven't decided what my sal piece will be but I am thinking probably SSM, I have a very small start on her and then for the rest of the month I can stitch on something else...... like Kris's MotDB conversion :D

Hope everyone has had a lovely few days!

*hugs*

Andie

Edited to add: Lol Barb its by Sisters and Best Friends :D

Stitchitandie

Deep Blue Sea Part One

Lady Alexandra and Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea

Water Goddess SAL

Well I didn't & WIPocalypse #1

Winter Watergarden

Happy New Year!

Stitching Plans 2012

*hyperventilate* Its Sarahs fault!

I'm still stitching! :D

And ~~~***HAPPY BIRTHDAY***~~~

Wades Stocking

Wades Stocking

Hello :D

Yay!!! The Mira RR is finished!

Wades stocking

Goals for November

Oh thank goodness

Winter Watergarden

Kathy's Mira RR

Have you been hanging out for my drawing?

WWG and Deepest Love

Blogoversary

I AM

Hello :D

Couple more pics of Tarr with Simon

My beautiful girl - picture heavy

Goals for September

Secret Sister #3

25 Project Challenge

Annettes RR

*THUD!*

Hmmmm I haven't

Quick!

Stitch Alongs!

MotDB and Name Change

Mid year round up :D (goals)

Poll

Mystery X - A Secret Victorian Garden

My Secret Sister strikes again!

Goals :D

Weekend stuff!

Chatelaine's DMC conversions :D

Please vote

Measis Mira RR

Lady A and PR sal

PR sal

Framing happy dances

Wow! Jill Rensels's framing and a question

Stocking update and a new Rotation :D

Lady A

Yummy Yummy Chatelaine Yumminess

Nothing to see here

Random question

Winter watergarden update

Playing on my DHs iPod

Oh My Gosh

Goals

A mixed up week

A 2 year old and WWG

Lady Alexandra

Saphy end of Week 2

Summer Queen

Early birthday Pressie :D

Chaaaaarrrrrrllllliiiiiiiieeeee

June Goals

Blogger comments probs

Aliyahs stocking

Mira RR - Rachels piece

Aliyahs stocking

Winter Watergarden Part two

Poll

A mummy show off moment

Winter Watergarden Part one

Saphy & WWG

Jeremiah 29:11

Saphy

A finish :D

Royal Weddings and such

hyperventilate Its Sarahs fault!

And ~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~

THUD!