another cross stitch addict

Our Christmas home

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:12:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

Here's our Xmas home, as promised a few days ago... Sorry, this post is picture heavy... All pics are clickable.

These are my reindeer:

We have two Xmas trees and the smaller one was intended for cross stitched ornies, but Euston, our dog, loves munching them... I'll show you the result next time I take pics...

Near the small tree, my snowmen.

So that I had to place my stitched ornies there:

See the "all hearts come home forXmas" and the beautiful cards? They're presents from my beloved friend Margaret.
This is where I hide my stitching fabric and most stash (not really "hide" actually...) Lol!

And this wonderful fire place and Xmas tree?

Well, that's just my Xmas computer screen... Makes me dream...

That's it.

Thank you for all your kind, soothing messages. You're the most wonderful friends I have. I will try and visit your blogs soon, so much to see and crave upon...

Until then, hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

A tale of two kitties

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

Because we were miserable after losing Pumpkin, because we love cats beyond reason, because the number of abandoned kittens is ever increasing, because the therapist would advise it, we have decided to contact a shelter in our town to give a home to a lonely cat.

At first, we intended to adopt only one kitten, but these sisters (yes, they're sisters! Almost unbelievable but true) were so cute and happy together, we have adopted both of them. With extremely friendly conditions from the part of the shelter and from the vet who very warmly recommended us to the shelter lady.

They'll be three months old on Xmas day. The tabby one is very thin and shy and her name is Pudding. She's adorable and loving, just needs to be reassured and she gives you all her love.

The grey one is bigger and her hair is longer and softer. She's also adventurous and incredibly trusting and loving. Her name is Crumble.

I wanted to name them Plum and Pudding (would've been perfect for the season) but we used to have a cat named Plum (though in French Prune) and my son didn't want to use the name again, even if in English.

Both pics were taken on Daphné's bed, their fav spot.

Daphné is feeling better, she's more peaceful, less sad.

I'm not a child, I'm still grieving Phoebe who passed away last July, and always will. Same for Pumpkin. Same for all the pets who have shared our lives and been fondly loved. Though I had doubts, the shelter lady said that even one day of love and good care was more than many cats ever get and she trusted us.

So here we are with three cats again, all female and loving and beloved. Now all I hope is that they live a very happy and long life. This is not all in our hands, but as always, we'll do our best.

Thank you for your kind messages, for sharing the sadness and being there.

I will try to make a new post before Xmas to show you our Xmas home. I know I probably won't have time to visit your blogs before Xmas though. And just in case you don't have time either, (time = luxury), I want to wish you

a very merry and peaceful Xmas, filled with love and cheer.

And as my current wip says (by Midsummer Night Designs):

At Christmas play and make good cheer,

for Christmas comes, but once a year.

Thomas Tusser.

Hugs to you all, Stitchers,

Lili

Grieving again

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:52:00 +0000

After losing our beloved Phoebe last July, we had two cats left in our home: Pumpkin and Luna.

Here's Pumpkin. She was adopted from a shelter aged six months in October 2008. This morning, a neighbour rang at our door to say our cat was lying dead in the street. She had been hit by a car and as her face was not as it used to be, we had to check her tatoo to make sure she was Pumpkin as she had a twin in the neighbourhood. But it was Pumpkin, indeed.

We're devastated. Daphné, our nine year old daughter was her fav human in the world and when she was not outside hunting and playing, Pumpkin would spend all her time on Daphné's lap, and slept with her about every night. Actually, it's been difficult to find pics of her without my daughter.

Pumpkin was a fierce hunter, a fine hugger and a wonderful companion. She was playful and she would never ever use her claws or teeth on any human. She was the sweetest and kindest cat I'd ever met.

She was a good climber too.
When you have a cat, you have two options: let her out and pray that she doesn't have any accidents, or keep her indoors and deprive her from the natural joys a cat experiences in life. I have had both indoor and outdoor cats. My outdoor cats were undeniably happier. But the price to pay is high.
I don't regret that she was an outdoor cat, I regret that there was snow, that cars don't stop at the stop signs we have just at the corner of the house. I'm angry and sad.

And Luna, the hunter who taught everything to our Pumpkin, is the only cat in our home now. She's a little devil, always purring and talking and she has virtually destroyed every wallpaper in the house. Since this morning, Luna has been looking for her best friend in and outside, and meowed at me in dismay. This is heartbreaking.
Here's Luna, our fierce hunter in action.

For months, I have had nightmares in which Pumpkin died stuck in a window like our Salem, now I know that Luna will be the main character in my nightmares. This little lady loves me to bits, follows me very far when I go walking the dog with DH. She doesn't when I'm not there. I love her so much. Doesn't she have the most beautiful eyes?

Daphné is in denial. She is acting as if nothing had happened and I don't know what to do. I will take medical advice on monday. Our son learnt the news this morning at school from a friend who had seen her dead while his father was driving him to the college. How difficult it must have been... He has spent the morning hoping his friend was wrong...

I wish our kids wouldn't have to experience such sad and difficult things so early and so often. I don't know how to act. I have always said that love should be stronger than death, that life must go on, that you shouldn't stop loving for fear of losing your loved ones because a life without love would be far worse. Now I just don't know. I think I was wrong from the beginning. May be I shouldn't have taken another cat, she wouldn't be dead. And we wouldn't be sad.

I'm sorry to write this post, because I know some of you will be sad and I don't want to spoil the joy of the season. But you know, I need a cheer up. Seriously, I do need to tell you and read your comments.

Hugs my friends,

Lili

Miscellaneous - that's what happens when you don't post often enough...

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Ho Ho Ho Stitchers!

I have found a cute background for the Xmas season, and I just can't say how much I am enjoying this season.... I have lots of things to show: my house decorated for Xmas, the most beautiful gift from my dear friend Margaret, the exchange gift I have made for Barbara, as part of an exchange organized on a board... but my goldfish memory is in need of DH to upload the pics... Call me Dory -you know, the blue fish in "Finding Nemo"...

Yet, I have scanned a few thing, not all Xmassy. You probably recognize three of the four seasons by Prairie Schooler from TGOS magazine. I found them last summer in the to-stitch projects just before we left for our holiday and decided they would be a perfect summer project. So I started with summer, of course:

Then I intended to stitch the spring one with sheep but my mojo for spring was gone. I wanted to stitch winter, because my puppy's coat would glisten like snow in the sun and it was inspiring..

And last autumn was the season to stitch the autumn chart, that is also my contribution to the December Hallosal.

Oh, and here's one of my other contributions to the Hallosal, I don't think I have shown it here. It's Bent Creek's Cat O'lantern.

What next? Well, I have just finished my Spot of Xmas by Midnight Stitching.

And I have finished the Threadbasket's sal (see posts below for links) with Jardin Privé's lovely stocking. I have brought a few changes, because I intend to turn it into a real stocking for filling next Xmas. Daphné is clearly counting on finding some Daim caramel sweets in there... Lol! I have the fabric, just need the courage to deal with the finishing... (sorry the fabric is creased...).

Daphné and I have been sick for two weeks now, with ups and downs, but the virus is clearly nasty. We're extremely tired and nauseous -good thing for me to lose weight, but Daphné is already very thin, with possible tendencies to anorexy that we have to deal with -without showing our concern...

Corentin is doing OK. His teeth haven't changed colours so it's a good thing. Next appointment in January, and then March... We'll see.

OK. That's it for now. I just wanted to say thank you for reading me, for leaving comments in a hectic moment.

Enjoy the season, Ladies! Take time to sit and look and smell and feel Xmas and the special spirit that's filling us with joy.

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

Running in circles with reindeer

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

A short message to say I'm sorry I haven't had time to blog lately. I really hope that things become less hectic soon so I can visit your blogs, see what you've been up to and say Hi.
Last event was my son's accident while playing football. His front teeth are very sore and the dentist says he might lose them in the mid term. He's 14 so there won't be any other teeth as we don't have any sharks in the family (though I have serious doubts but no proof. Lol!).

Lizzie Kate "it's a jingle out there"

His upper lip is sore and "inflated", and he's having big headaches. I had to go and pick him up from college in spite of the high doses of ibuprofene and antibiotics he receives. He needs to see the dentist almost every week to see how things evolve.

I don't know how working mums manage with their sick kids. I'm so admirative... I am totally unable to think of anything but my son and daughter and worry worry worry... Running in circles...

Rico designs

As you can see, I spend wonderful evenings running in circles with my reindeer friends...

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:44:00 +0000

San Man Originals.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends!

French online shop offers free shipping worldwide

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:38:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!
Only today, November 20th, from 00.01 am to 23.59 pm French time. Beware, if you're in the US, you're about six hours late.
You will have to select "gratuit" on the first page, that is "free" when filling the order form.
Here's the address:

Des filles et une aiguille (girls and a needle: who's gonna win the one and only needle? Lol!)

I recommend their service. They're great.
Will post later but wanted to let you know asap.
Hugs to you all, Stitchers!
Lili

Jardin Privé, a long love story and a great sal

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

I didn't intend to write another post that fast, but a beautiful worthwhile sal has just started and if you want to be part of it, the fun is for NOW! It is a new sal by French designer Nathalie Cichon, aka Jardin Privé.

You can find her site there and she sells pdf files of her designs. On the left part, you can find adorable freebies in differents languages under the name "grilles gratuites".

Jardin privé (Private Garden) is getting famous worldwide (who doesn't know her Quaker Lady and her Quaker Gentleman? The Lady is even proposed with a cat instead of a flower on her blog!) and has a partnership with an American online needlework shop named The Threadbasket. There's a SAL there that started Nov 1st.

I haven't hesitated long and I'm in, with a fabric I didn't think I would ever use as it's DMC321 aida... and I'm having fun with every stitch. It's in four parts, and the first two have been issued.

I have also found out that my love story with Nathalie Cichon's designs is a few years old, as I have stitched this design that she offered on her site "Les Marottes de Nathalie" back in 2005. It was my first try with silks and one on one.

And this design, "aux fils du temps" was sold by A Mon Ami Pierre and Nathalie was the designer...

I was quite new at cross stitching at the time, so of course now I have a very critical eye on my NOEL and the threads you can see underneath... But hey, you gotta start and practice makes perfect...

Edit: I am also stitching her delightful "Douceur de Vivre" that I would translate into "La vie en rose"...

That's what I wanted to -quickly- share with you. I'm a fan... Gotta go now.

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

Fall projects

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:06:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

First of all, I want to thank you for your kind comments that never fail to fill me with joy, and especially Diannthe who so kindly inquired about what I've been up to lately. Diannthe and I have very similar tastes and I've just found out that she and I had picked the same background (I think I did it unconsciously after she did). Lol! I love playing with backgrounds so I'll enjoy myself after writing this post... :D

Well, lately, I've been a lazy blogger but a very active cross stitcher. Though I wish I could do both, and I know people who are very good at it, I can't... I'm the kind of person who would get drowned in a puddle so you imagine with the kids off school, the bedroom repainted pink by courageous DH (I soooooooooooooo love my new bedroom!!!) and all the other rooms filled with things from my own bedroom (we don't have a spare room), well I was quite stressed out, believe it or not... Pathetic... Lol! Now that my aliens have gone back to school/work, things are more peaceful. I can breathe. Breathe, Lili. Breathe.

It smells of fallen leaves and wet earth here in Northern France. Here's JBW's Autumn Harvest. I have stitched it a few months ago (well, may be April or May) but haven't shown it yet. I stitch fall season all year long actually, as I'm part of the Hallosal. This is my August contribution to the SAL.

It is stitched on 25 count lugana, with from left to right Needle Necessities Witch's Brew, DMC fourty something, and Needle Necessities Vixen Red. The bird is Carrie's Creations black coffee. I would encourage everyone I know to try their hands at a JBW design. In fact, I think I have offered my best stitching friends at least one of those designs to stitch. And they have all loved it.

And this is my September-October contribution to the Hallosal. It's a big design according to the Hallosal standards, so I have decided to count it for two months.

And you sure recognize LHN's Autumn Harvest, that took me quite a long time to stitch, with a long pause that almost turned it into a UFO... I love it, but I must admit it was quite a boring project... I used the DMC threads the designer called for, and a French 32 count linen. A little stiff, which probably explains why it took me so long to finish it. A stiff fabric will really put me off stitching a design...

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

Is it Xmas yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:58:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

In France, after our three week summer vacation, we have no celebration to look forward to but Xmas. I must confess that I envy my American and Canadian friends who celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving while we wait for Xmas and it's looooooooooong... Lol!

Autumn is a wonderful season, with beautiful yellow light and beautiful leaves to kick in while walking, yet it's also dull sometimes, and minds become dull too.

That probably explains why I have stitched for Xmas so much, lately. Lol!
You probably recognize the JCS LHN ornament and its companion piece (same year but can't remember which). Originally, they were not companion pieces though, but I wanted them to be, so I have changed the cardinals' colour to fit the pear tree, and used the same thread colours (my own mix, as always) and fabric (32 count Zweigart Fein Floba evenweave).

I have also stitched my initials in red instead of green. I no longer sign my stitching, but I like to personalize it when possible... ;)))

Here's French stocking by JBW. I'd love to finish it into an ornie for my tree so we'll see if I do. I have stitched it quite a while ago and can't remember neither the fabric nor the thread used.

The kids will be off school next friday night for ten days and it's high time because the're exhausted. My son is obviously still sad after the loss of his teacher, he talked about him last week with my mother and his eyes were filled with tears. My proud, sensitive little guy won't talk with me because he thinks I'm too fragile. I'm glad he found my mum to talk to.

My daughter is still her old self. We should've named her Alcaline... She's a bundle of joy... so energetic and happy. :D

My Dh will also have a week off and we intend to redecorate our bedroom. It was... pink wallpaper and it will be... pink paint. DH loved it so much, he wanted to keep it pink. That's fine with me, I love pink. Lol! I just hope I'm able to help him because I've been under medication for a week now with a very painful back, and thing don't seem to improve at all. I might have to resort to injections. Not fun...

Thanks for your kind comments, I feel so happy when I read them. I know how precious time is, which makes your comments even more precious to me.

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

Celebrating?

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:54:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

Last week was one of those weeks you wish to forget about. My son turned 14 years old but he just didn't want to celebrate and he had good reasons: he had decided to attend his first funerals that very day. His technology teacher had just died of a massive attack. He was 46, he had a wife and a daughter aged 15. Everyone in his school was/is incredibly sad and the teacher will be awfully missed.

It's our daughter's turn to celebrate her birthday this week, next friday. Last year, we hadn't had the heart to celebrate because our dog, Jam, died that very day. I'm afraid 9th October will always be stained in my heart...

Yet good things also happened last week. I have enjoyed blogging again, reading your blogs and your nice comments. The weather was fine (fall has arrived today, for sure) and I was happy to be a stay-at-home mum to take care of my son, be there to listen when he needed to talk. And believe me, with a 14-year-old, you have to seize every opportunity... I felt I was needed and mums love being needed, even under such circumstances...

But still, it's important to celebrate, and I'm in the starting blocks for Xmas. I'm also in the starting blocks for Halloween and Fall but that's another story for another post. ;)))

No need to mention all the unfinished ornies I already have in that drawer, or the dog that will probably enjoy munching the tree branches and my stitched ornies, I don't wanna know. Lol!

This is Santa arrives tonight by Homespun Elegance. There are star charms missing but the rest is complete. I used a 28 count vintage Zweigart, and a combination of DMC and special threads that I have. The trees are green grass by Carrie's Creations and the snow is Polar Bear by Carrie's Creations.The reindeer is Cappuccino also by CC. The sheep are GAST unknown reference.

This one is a freebie by Rosewood Manor, kindly offered by Karen Kluba on her site. I think it's high time to point it out for those of you who haven't found it yet. Isn't it gorgeous? I mean, to me, every reindeer is gorgeous... But this one is... special. It's so elegant...

It's stitched on 32 count Zweigart evenweave with DMC threads, except for the metallic gold that is Madeira.

That's it for now.

Oh, btw, I had to reinstall the word control because of unpleasant spams I was receiving on my post about Phoebe's passing. Sorry because it makes commenting more tedious, but... that was too much for me. I'm talking dozens and dozens of very unpleasant spams on a particularly painful post... I hope it works...

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

Is summer really over yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:46:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

Long time, no post. I think recent events in my life, and the flow of kindest comments I have received -even when my blog was totally neglected- will motivate me to feed this blog more.

Above all, I have missed sharing with you, and there are very special friends among you with whom there's no easy way to share otherwise. I also have more time on my hands, now, which feels pretty cool IMO.

I have had new commenters too, and I would love to point out this blog: The Ohio Farm Girl. I have sooo enjoyed taking a plunge into her lovely autumn home. She definitely deserves a visit and a nice comment, I think. ;)))

I will also update my links when I have more time, so you can discover Pilar's blog. It's written in Spanish (use your memories) but Pilar understands English very well and she does wonders. Say Hi, we all love it, don't we?

Enough talking, let's get to serious matters. A little stitching to share. Much more on the way...

Here's Little House Needleworks, Hannah Purrington, from the Dear Diary series. I have stitched it on 28 count cashel blue linen. I haven't added the key because I'm contemplating turning my favourite Dear Diary stitched designs into a quilt. Not sure yet.

And here's Brightneedle's Season Petites, the summer part. I reassure you: it was finished quite some time ago, and the autumn part is in the hoop. I wanted to stitch it along with seasons, and for the moment, I have stuck to the plan...

That's it for now. Gotta go. No time on my hands now: someone is finally coming to repair my garage door so I can park my car inside, as there's been a series of thefts in homes and cars in the neighbourhood lately. Gotta clean it up as I have no idea how the poor man will reach the door as it is... Shame on me...

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

Amazing Xmas designs by LHN, Workbasket and Swappons for the UNICEF

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:36:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

I just wanted to tell you that there's a wonderful initiative on this blog.

Little House Needleworks, The Workbasket and Sof' from Swappons have associated to offer three charts for Xmas. Two of them are brand new and especially designed for this special cause. All proceeds will go to the children via UNICEF.

Gigi Ries, a famous Belgian designer, speaks current English, everything is explained on her blog in English, Dutch and French, and you can pay through Paypal.
You can even choose to receive a pdf file for a very interesting price.
The charts are great, the cause worthy. Just go there and check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili the ghost ;)))

PS: If you could inform as many stitchers as possible on your blogs, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Plum Street Samplers' First Blogiversary Drawing

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:34:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!
Paulette, Plum Street Samplers' great designer, is having a drawing on her blog tomorrow. There are five charts to win, and you know how talented the Lady is...
Plus a new amazing complimentary chart on her blog.
Just go there and read today. And comment.
I never play but I couldn't resist that one...
Hugs!
Lili

Thank you

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:24:00 +0000

for your sweet messages.
I am buried very deeply inside my shell at the moment, and have hardly been able to visit a few blogs.
I just gotta go back to my bedroom and wait for time to pass. Which is almost all I've been able to do since Phoebe passed away.
Fortunately, the kids are old enough to take care of themselves.
I use a huge amount of energy to just fake and let my DH and kids think everything's OK when nothing is.
I will have to come back to the living somehow, and better sooner than later.
Just can't right now.
I'm broken.

Phoebe's now at the Rainbow Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Phoebe, my feline twin, has passed away in my arms this afternoon. It took an instant, I don't think she had time to suffer. Thank you good fast driver. She was only five years old.

For those of you who have read this blog the last year, you know I have had three cats who passed away since 29th July 2008. That's too much for me. I'm devastated, sad and angry beyond repair.

The pain's beyond words.

Phoebe was the most special cat. She loved us in an incredible way. She was just all ours, spending all the time she could in our arms, always in contact with us. She would offer even her belly, every inch of her body to our hands. She was all trust with us, her beloved humans. And Jam, our golden who -also- passed away last October, was her best pet friend.

Yet she also was completely anguished and asocial with other cats. Just like I am with the humans who are not part of my little bubble. The two of us were completely connected, I understood her so well...

Our children are devastated, Daphné was there when it happened, poor baby.

This poem is helping us.

Edited 27th September 2009: I had to remove the Rainbow Bridge Poem as there were some key words that attracted spams of a shocking kind...

I am still grieving Phoebe and always will. But life is stronger than anything.

Thank you for the kind, loving and understanding comments you have left for this message.

Lots of love to you,

Lili

Boo!

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:11:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

This is Halloween all year here, as I'm part of a very friendly SAL called the Hallosal. This is my June contribution.
It's a freebie that you can find there. The Stitcherhood is a great site, IMO. Many beautiful designs that you can order in pdf so no shipping charges. Great!

Oh! Pay a visit to Casey Buonaugurio's site! She has a new freebie there that every gourmet will want to stitch!

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

A quilt, a spell... and a rabbicat (no, not a rabid cat)

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:51:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers and Quilters!

I have bookmarked this and could spend hours watching it. So if you have four minutes to spare and good loudspeakers on your computer, just watch this and get hypnotised by a quilt.

The hypnotising quilt

This cat is my fist attempt at sewing a stuffed animal and I'm quite happy with how it turned out. I found the design in a French magazine named "Born to Quilt" and just couldn't resist.

Not everyone thinks it's a cat here as my DS and DD would call it a rabbit... I have offered this kitty to a dear friend of mine. And I clearly intend to sew more of those (with modified ears... Lol!). I'm hooked!

Hugs to you all, Stitchers and Quilters!

Lili

Tis the Season for Gardening... Fa la la la la...

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

It's a beautiful day today and that's definitely something to celebrate so I have decided to write this short post to show some stitching and -hopefully- make you smile.

You do make me smile every time you leave a nice comment here. Thank you so much, Ladies.

Brightneedle's Season Petites, Spring.

32 count white Belfast.

Blackbird Designs Country House.

Stitched on 28 count light yellow Cashel linen. The threads used are Vaupel and Heilenbeck. This is cotton thread, non divisible and it has a waxy aspect. I like waxy aspect for threads so I decided to try on this small design. Not a success: the thread doesn't glide easily through the fabric and besides, tends to tangle a lot. A nice try but I won't invest in those. Actually, I prefer DMC's linen threads.
I changed the colours a bit as I wanted the heart pink instead of green (though I love green) and the backstitch around the heart is white but it's not very obvious on the scan. Isn't more obvious in real...

LHN's Gardening

It's a semi kit that I have stitched on the same 28 count Cashel linen as above. But I really had to change the "yellow" colour that was provided as it was more brownish than yellow. You could not even tell between the lady's hat and her hair! I used Ohio Lemon Pie by GAST instead.

And here's something to make you smile.

Euston is a keen gardener, digging holes and eating all the flowers in our back garden. Only the pricky rose bush has made it until now... The cats (grey is Luna and black is Pumpkin) are his great passion.

I also think he has a real hunter's instinct. Lol!

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

A Plum Street Samplers Addict

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:01:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

I wanted to share these lovely designs by Paulette Stewart, Plum Street Sampler's soul, one of my fav designers... How can I tell? Well, I have quite a few of her designs as wips and just can't pick anything new that's not PSS... Lol! But I try hard, so I'll show you something that's not PSS soon... Lol!

These ones are freebies (thank you for these lovely gifts, Paulette) found on her blog. I have used Zweigart marbled pink fabric, 28 count. I'm very happy with this choice. I'd found this fabric on discount at my LNS and thought I might eventually someday perhaps use it... and these cute designs were perfect for it (IMO).

This one was for Easter, I left the Happy Easter out so I can display it all year long if I want to....

This one was for Mother's Day in the US. In France, we'll celebrate that next 7th June -much later than in other countries. I haven't stitched the date but kept the text. After long hesitations. I loathe Mothers' Day as my parents used to fight a lot every year at the same period, and they still do. Thirty years later, I still feel very uncomfortable this time of year and find it hard to celebrate it. Actually, I didn't last year -which makes me a very naughty daughter- and won't this year nor any other year...

But "Good Day for You" could be said any day, couldn't it? And yet, you know, it is this mother-children aspect that I find so appealing in these designs. I love the relationship, just don't see the point to celebrate it. I'm working on it, though...

I still need to stitch one or two of Paulette's hares' designs, and then I'll make it all into a small quilt to hang on a wall.

I could say a lot about Plum Street Samplers.
"Christmas Tea" started the addiction... (wip)
"Free Birds" reminds me of Gangs of New York, it makes me dream.
"Love Notes" is a cute message that I soooooooooo love. I'm stitching the French design in it for my DD. Paulette made me feel very special with this design as she credited me for the translation of this "Je t'aime de tout mon coeur", "I love you with all my heart", at the back of her leaflet, and even offered it to me with a few kind words written on it. I could never part from it...
"A sweeter Love" is so beautiful, I just had to have it.
"Fruit of the Spirit", oh I love it...
And there's "Salem's Sisters" and its companion chart, very Halloweeny, with a vintage feel. I love them.
"The Exhumeplary Collection" is special for me. These are the designs I like to stitch when I learn a bad news. They collect my angry sad feelings and they help me feel better. At the same time, my other projects are not "stained" with those feelings. It's hard to explain.
I could go on and on but I think I'm losing you. If you want to see what I'm talking about (as seeing is best), have a look there.

How could I resist?

Hugs to you all, Stitchers.

Lili

A Good Deal for French Designs Lovers

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:03:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!
Just a small piece of information. This French shop is celebrating its first anniversary. No shipping charges worldwide today and until 27th May midnight (French time).
They're serious and fast.
Their site is a treat. It's in France so threads are very pricy. But for those who would like to try French designers...
http://www.desfillesetuneaiguille.com/epages/210375.sf
If you buy from them, you'll have to select Mode de Livraison, Gratuit.
Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Meet Euston!

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:23:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

I'd like to introduce our new puppy, Euston, named after Euston station in London (ring a bell? I'm a Paddington fan). In France, dogs born this year should have a name starting with an E. So that was it.

Euston is an English setter. Seven months ago, we lost our golden retriever and we thought we wouldn't have another dog. But little by little, we realized we missed having a dog. And I do need "someone" to go out with me or I'll just stay indoors (phobia). So Euston is some sort of therapeutic dog.
We have chosen to not have another retriever for the moment, because we would have been prone to comparisons and that would have been unfair for the puppy, so we made some research and found that a setter would fit well in our family.

That's his mum, Texane.

And that's his dad, Vasco.

Euston joined our family last friday and he is quite clever as far as I can tell. You know, the little signs like trying to find other doors to enter the house from the garden, watching TV with us, sitting when told (already!)...

It does take time to have a well educated dog, but I think he is promising.

Now, let's talk about stitching. I have dozens of things to show and I've been so lazy with blogging lately...

This one on one design is from a French book called "Miniatures au Point de Croix" by Françoise Prax. I think that you can buy it on Amazon since I have bought it there and I have access to almost every US or British book through Amazon France. It's all small designs in red. This one is stitched on 25 count lugana with DMC variations.

These love birds are a freebie by Plum Street Samplers that you can find here. Paulette is the sweetest designer I know. And I'm a total fan of her designs so you can expect to see other ones on this blog soon. I have used two complementary threads by House of Embroidery named Peacock. They're a pleasure to work with. I have changed the birds' beaks and decided to stitch the hearts inside the birds in the colour of the other bird (I'm not very clear, I know) to symbolize the fact that my DH owns my heart and I own his.

That's DH and Euston, my two Pisces. Think they will get along?

Time for me to go. But before I do, I want to send a million hugs to my friends who still follow this blog in spite of the very few posts I make. I'll be back soon.

Lili

Spring time

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:01:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

First of all, I want to thank Margaret who has kindly given me this award -though I clearly don't deserve it... One post a month doesn't make me a keen blogger indeed... But I'm very happy nonetheless. Margaret is very dear to me and I can only advise that you go and visit her blog.
I know I'm supposed to list a few blogs too but I guess many of you have received it already. And I love so many blogs. So you who are reading this poor neglected blog, just know that I am sharing this award with you.

Margaret is also the stitcher who made me discover Homespun Elegance and kindly offered me this design: Delivering Flowers. I just sooooo loved stitching it. It was finished almost as soon as I received it but I'd never taken a pic before. It suddenly occured to me that this spring decoration HAD TO appear on my blog so Margaret could see it. I've added the small ewe button, and you can see the fabric I used for the back of the pillow. I used Needle Necessities threads mainly. On the right, you can see a pair of old scissors that my father found in the middle of old fishing items (antiques that he collects). The silver thimble was offered to my mother by her godmother who died very young. This is the only souvenir we have of her.

This small pillow is the gift I stitched for my DD, Daphné (8) for Valentine's day. It's a freebie kindly offered by Gigi. Perhaps you've read the article about her in the March issue of The Gift of Stitching. Daphné really loved the Ewe/you pun and she's using it as a pillow for her favourite plush elephant -meaning that she sleeps with it. Quite a success... You can see the backing fabric under.

I know some of you have wondered why I was so quiet. We've been under the weather lately with Daphné's heart being a real cause of worry. It's getting better now.
One of my grandmothers is receiving heavy treatment (dialysis 3-4 times a week) in order to keep her alive. I just don't understand why she wants to live like that at 94... Survive would be a more appropriate word. Yet this is what she wants. And let me tell you this is heartbreaking...
When difficult things happen, some people feel the need to share in order to lighten their burden, some just need to go back into their shell. I am one of those shell inhabitants. Only a few shellseekers knew what happened. You know who you are. Thank you.

I'm off now.

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

A pumpkin in a tree

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Hi Stitchers!

Here's a pic of Pumpkin in the willow in my rear garden. She's about ten months and the nicest devil...

I've stitched lately, but not as much as I'd like.
Yet, as I am only in one SAL (er, two if you consider the thread bin), I've been able to stick to my schedule.

Here's my Halloween tree with the four designs stitched AND finished until now. The Hallosal started last November and will end next October.

At the bottom of my Hallotree, you can see the witch's feet, they're by La-D-Da from JCS special Halloween. I just changed the green legs for funny long socks...
On the left two freebies. The cat is by Homespun elegance. See their site.
The Boo Pumpkin is by Primitive Betty. On her site too. I have stitched it in tent stitch with two strands over one thread of fabric (25 count lugana distressed with coffee). Quite good with Primitive style, but the fabric ends up out of shape (which I was able to cure with good ironing and stretching).
That was a try before starting Brenda Keye's New England Sampler: the designer says it should be stitched in half cross stitch on the same 25 count fabric. I don't think I will.
On the right is Lizzie Kate's Booster Club Member, not complete for size purpose.

Hugs to you all, Stitchers!

Lili

Vanished?

noreply@blogger.com (Lili) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Not really. But life's been hard on me lately.
I have another blog, in French. It's not about stitching. It's a mess, a melting pot, something unconventional. I need that. And it's not about me.
I'm still stitching but haven't got pics to show.
Still reading your blogs but not always commenting.
Thank you for your kind comments. I see some of you still visit this blog. This makes me very happy.
I don't want to promise anything, but perhaps I might eventually end up posting here about cross stitch someday may be... Lol!
Hugs!
Lili