Ive given up trying to use other blogger platforms, and have decided to move to Typepad! Its not a free service, but I think the 49.00US it charges a year, will be worth it. To all my stitching friends, please bare with me as I try to move my old posts over and create new ones! My new address will be: Ka-Ching! I know I havent been great in updating these last months, but I do dearly hope that the friends I have made through blogger, wont be lost with my new blog move.

Ive been really slack in my blogging I know! Im still here, though not online as much lately... Ive had a few personal and medical problems dealt with - which if you want you can read about here; http://bandit2007.blogspot.com/ its a new blog journalling my WLS (weight loss surgery) I hope to update with my stitching news very soon - as goodness I am way, way behind!

Labels: life

with Blogger! I have tried to update three times in the month of Feb, and everytime I hit the publish button it eats my post! I got so fed up I tried to make the switch to Wordpress - you would think great right? but no..... for some reason it locks up my PC all the time!! Hopefully I will be able to update ASAP so stay tuned!

Labels: life

Obviously not stitching related! but I couldnt help but write about my excitement. A bit of history first; We lived up in the rolling hills of Roleystone for 8 years, on a huge half an acre block which was beautiful to reside in, but a real pain to maintain. We had fires up there a couple of years ago, and I will never forget the shock I felt, when the fireman came around saying "leave, or prepare to defend your home". My husband was at work, my children had to be evacuated from their school, and my sister was with me (thank goodness) as we stayed all day, watering down the house, and packing my families valuables just in case we had to leave. It was really scary, though gratefully the fire was able to be got under control before it came any closer to us. Another issue that bothered us, was there just wasnt enough young kids living in the area. Playdates were a 20 - 40 minute drive for my girls and the school itself didnt even offer a full high school education, so we knew that the girls would have to travel to and from prospective schools. Roleystone, I guess was more of a retirement area with the average home owner up their being in their late 40's and early 50's. So after much consideration we decided to move. I dont know if my friends in the USA are aware, but Perth has had a real hike in median house prices over the last 18 months, increasing over $120,000 and my DH and I were very lucky to find a home, just before the prices skyrocketed. Straight away we werent happy with the house itself, but in re-sale consideration it was a great place to buy as it offered 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms, study and a wonderfully huge pool. School for my children is only a 1.5km walk and our business is located in the next suburb over which saves my DH a huge amount of travelling time, not to mention fuel. Any back to the present.... Weve been looking at our options for about the last 4 - 6 months or so and had come to the conclusion that we had to build - basically so we could get what we wanted... One of the biggest factors for us, is that we wanted to stay in the area we were (there was only three suburbs we would consider moving too) and that we had to have quite a large block as my DH wanted a huge shed, (in his spare time, he works on restoring cars, which he then proceeds to race) and I wouldnt budge on not being able to have a pool for the girls. So the search was on... Going back now about a month, we came across a block that suited us, had enough square meterage for all the things we wanted to place on it.. so I rang the real estate agent that was listed. Unfortunately... the same day I rang, another offer was accepted. Not too matter, we placed our names with her, in case any more blocks that size came available so she could give us a call. A couple of Wednesdays ago, I had a list of prospective blocks to go and view, and the DH and I were in the car, when good old Mum comes running out with the portable phone. You could have knocked me over with a feather - it was the same real estate agent that we had left our name with, over a month ago saying that the original block we wanted to purchase was back up for sale as finance had fallen through for the other buyers. Well my DH and I jumped, and jumped quickly.. Within the week, our offer had been accepted, and our finance was given the pre-approval! So now, even though I dont have a new home as yet on it... I have some new land!!!!! Let the fun begin!

Labels: life

Well, Im at a loss for words.... and for those of you who read my blog regulary, you would know it doesnt happen very often!!! I have been thoroughly spoiled by Zohrah! Firstly would you look at this gorgeous wrapping paper - "thankyou for being my victim" *giggling away here* And then check out this beautifully stitched and finished lid that Zohrah made for me, and I just absolutely love! And to top it all off, I received Judy O'Dell's Simply Elegance finishing and chart, glow in the dark glitter!, a blue scissor fob, a blue purse, a key ring, blue and white ribbon, a tatting set and... incense and cute little elephant holders!! Zohrah, thankyou so very much for making today so wonderful! I absolutely love everything!!!

As promised, here is my (finally!) completed part one. No bicones however, but I did add the delica beads. Im actually stitching this on Sugar Mapel's Shimmering Jellybean, however, the scan I took doesnt do the colour any justice. (the picture is a bit wonky looking as well - my apologies!) Now off to finish my Valentines exchange for SBEBB! Hope everyone is having a great stitching week!

Labels: Chatelaine

My goodness, Ive been really slack with my blogging! Unfortunately though, I am having a few troubles with my adsl connection these past couple of weeks. Something to do with upgrading the infrastructure where I am connected.... needless to say my web time has been limited. If going by our esteemed telephone company - the repairs are supposed to be finished by the end of next week. We shall see! I DONT have alot of faith in Telstra at all. In stitching news, I sent my exchange piece for SBEBB two weeks ago today - I havent had any word that its been received - so yes, I am worried. Actually Im trying not to freak out and run round the house like a chicken without its head. Im trying to stay positive and hoping that I receive an email from my stitching buddy very soon. Its so nerve wracking when sending off these exchanges!!! And.... to top it all off and to be perfectly honest, I am not happy how my Quaker exchange turned out. I think I should stick to what I know, and not attempt something new for someone else, before trying it out for myself!! I attempted twisted cord *sighs* I dont know how successful I was with it, but hopefully my partner will let me know! I also had a slight mishap with piecing this one together but managed to (I hope) successfully fix it. I have a Valentine exchange coming up - and its very nearly complete! I had a hard time deciding on what to actually do! but am happy with my choice! I think I will be stitching one of these for myself! Chatelaine's I have started Mystery X and it is lovely! I only have the backstitching as well as rhodes stitches to do, and my first part is complete. Stay tuned a picture of this will be coming as soon as its finished. Im really happy with my fabric choice - Shimmering Jellybean from SMF - it looks gorgeous IMHO! Watergarden - Im still plodding along.... Im itching to finish it! and have now started the golden gates and lovely greenery. The picture below doesnt do it justice at all! Feather Fairy from Mirabilla is getting there too! I cant begin to tell you how much easier my new stand makes things! To anyone who has been contemplating purchasing a System 4 stand - dont hesitate! I take it everywhere I go! I just pop off my scroll frame, fold the stand down (its so easy), and then put it in my car. It fits in the passenger seat beside me and is just so darn handy!. I however, must make a carry bag for it, as I dont want it getting scratched. It *is* the best thing I have purchased to date! Edited to add: Karen, the needlework system 4 is really sturdy even though light weight. I dont know if you have seen any pictures of it at all? You can adjust the angle from the base position, which is via a metal knob (for lack of a better word) you do have to make sure you tighten it correctly (it doesnt take alot of strength) and there it sits, adjusted perfectly to whatever angle you wish to stitch from. When adjusting the scroll frame, how it works again is via a metal knob that has teeth - on the scroll frame and one on the actually stand itself. You just turn it and let the teeth click in and tighten.. then away you go. I havent had any problems with mine at all.

Labels: Chatelaine, exchanges

My new stand arrived yesterday!! *doing the happy dance right about now* and its fantastic! Firstly I cant believe how light it is! I purchased the travel mate stand, along with the large scroll rod frame which adjusts from 24" to 40" and is so easy to attach your scroll rods!! they just snap in and out! It was a truly a pleasure to stitch on last night. For the first time I was even able to sit on my chesterfield and adjust the stand to suit me. I think I got so much stitching done, because I was just so comfortable!! All my Aussie and NZ friends will be glad to know that the scroll frames you purchase from your LNS (you know the ones I am talking about? the really cheap ones that only cost around $10 or so for a 30" scroll frame) all fit on the system 4 with no problems at all!! I admit to being concerned about this (even though I received a free 30" set) because I have a few larger projects happening, and was thinking that I might have to order in some more rods from the USA - but all is good and all fits really well! Cathymk if Joel goes for it, I would say definitely put this stand on your list!! I had no problems with folding it down and taking it to my sisters, where both her and my Mum drooled all over it and added it to their wish lists LOL! Zohrah? Crazy X-Stitcher the postage was alot! but in my opinion well worth it! It cost $76 US dollars for the postage alone which worked out to be around $110 AUD. But when you weigh in the other factors, - the stand and scroll frame has a lifetime warranty, portable and not to mention sooo light! - I decided to go for it, and I am so pleased that I did!

Labels: stash

Generally speaking I manage to fit at least two hours of stitching in during the day (somewhere!) but Im eager to bring that total up to at least four if not five. Where I am hesitating in starting a rotation is whether or not to base it on hours, or days? I know there are times that I am not going to be able to put aside a minimum of four hours - actually Im darned confident of this, for I have two kiddie winks that like to keep me on my toes as well as an assortment of nephews and nieces, and it IS school holidays! Convinced myself (just be writing this down) that I will opt for days (it seems more simple!). BAP's are; Water Garden (three quarters or nearly done!), Mystery X and Pomeji (both starting in the new year) Obligation/Family: Mirabilia - Feather Fairy (head and wings completed) and Au Fil Des Reves - Bourse (kitted but not started) Smalls/Exchanges: Quaker (just finishing left) and Valentines (not started) So until the first ot Jan 2007 Im going to try this. Mon and Tuesday: BAPs Wednesday: Exchanges Thursday and Friday: Family Weekends - Free to stitch or finish what I like. I think by keeping the weekends "my choice" it will give me catch up time - especially when Mystery X starts! On new stash buying news - Mystery X is now working its way over to me as I type, and Pompeji (I cant believe I succumbed!) should be sent out this week also. My new Needlework System 4 travel stand and big scroll frame was posted Tuesday just gone by air mail parcel post, so I am hoping that too arrives by Christmas. Cathymk - will definitely let you know how this stand works for me!! Any thoughts?

Labels: cross stitch

Better late than never right! These is what I received from Outi in regards to the Scissor Fob exchange in November! It was a Robins Next Exchange, and was so much fun! Outi did this over one, in one of my favourite colors! Its just perfect, and even as I speak its attached to my scissors :) She was very generous with me, and as well as my fob, I received some DMC Color Variations and a piece of linen banding! I loved absolutely everything! Outi, please forgive my lateness in posting these pics - but Im doing my best right now to play catch up! I love everything about this exchange, and your stitching *drooling* is just marvelous! Everybody comments about this fob - and I show it with pride!

Labels: exchanges

Just! I cant believe its been nearly three weeks since last updating! So much is happening in my life - but unfortunately there isnt a great deal on the stitching side of things. :( I want to firstly apologise to Jo, here on my blog. She was kind enough to post out to me the Au Fil De Reves chart that I have been trying to acquire for ages, which was so lovely of her! but because of the rush of things happening with myself and family, I wasnt able to email her to let her know I had received it, or to say thankyou as I should. This I should have done straight away! Jo, once more apologies from my end. Sincerely. I hope you enjoy your "thankyou" gift which is winging its way towards you! In stitching news - Ive finished my exchange piece for Beckys - but unfortunately I cant show any pics. Also have made a little dent in my valentines exchange. So all is looking well here. As mentioned in my last post - Ive kind of put Watergarden to the side for now, as I was starting to find it really repetitive and I was becoming frustrated! so Mirabilia Feather Fairy, is what I started next - but alas not a great deal done on this either. In regards to real life news; DH had his op on Monday - all is looking good except for he is still in alot pain. He's hobbling around, and I really cant see him returning to work next Monday either. My sister had her op on Wednesday which took 5 hours! I was at the hospital for 11 hours straight with her, as I promised I would wait to see her when she woke. All is good for her too! She still has drains and such in at the moment, but is hoping to get them removed tomorrow. I think its a good sign that she wants to get on her feet and start moving :) Last day of school today for my kiddies - its been a hectic three weeks with all the planned operations and sickness, and I cant see it letting up till after Christmas unfortunately. In regards to looking after five children, Ive had to put my foot down, and get them into childcare for at least one day a week regardless of the expense - because I am just not achieving all the things I have set myself to do before Christmas is here - not to mention I'm starting to feel really run down myself. Have made a promise to myself to update my blog at least twice a week, and try and catch up will all your news through your journals too! Hope everyone is doing great!

Labels: exchanges, life

I promise those pictures are coming! Ive got an exchange pic to post, as well as all the goodies I have received other the last week or so - it all looks yum! I just wanted to fill you all in; The next two to three weeks are going to be really busy for me! My parents arrive home from a travelling trip (they have been gone nearly 9 months) on the 4th of December. The same day my DH is going in for an operation, (not serious!) and my sister then has her operation on the 6th! and then help me! the kiddie winks start their holidays on the 7th!!!! I will be in charge of all 5 kiddie winks for probably about two weeks - give me strength! They are all such bundles of energy LOL! so just wanted to let you know that if I dont post much during this time, there is a reason and I havent disappeared into cyber space. I'm probably unconcious laying on the lounge *grins* Then of course its Christmas - eek! and of course this year its at my place So Im trying to organize lunch details (I still dont have final numbers, but its already up to 21) and finish Christmas shopping now before it becomes to chaotic for me to do anything! Not too much time for stitching as you can imagine Though I did manage a new start,(Feather Fairy - Mirabilia) as my Chatelaine was starting to drive me a bit batty. Anyhow there you have it, in a nutshell Thought it wise to let you know where I am, and what I am doing. Hope everyone is fine!

Labels: life

I just wanted to quickly pop in and say "yes I'm still here!" but just havent had a great deal of time in the last week! I have been reading blogs, but havent commented - so forgive me! I've got some great pics to upload also and I promise tomorrow morning - it will be done! Hope you are all having a great week :)

Labels: life

I'm so surprised and really pleased! I was about four days late in sending off my exchange gifts to my partner Svenja as it was a week of many "brain fart" moments for me, and yet they arrived within a four day period!! I just cant figure out our postage system here in Australia. With my gifties to Barbara I sent them via international courier express with a four day maxium delivery time and yet they took over a week to to get there!! This time I just used the normal airmail and wha la! they have already arrived. Boy oh boy lesson learnt and I now know which option I am taking for future exchanges! I was concerned about this exchange too, but didnt want to babble on in my blog about it, for I read my prior entries for my last exchange and boy did I sound really manic! Went to upload my photos I had taken for the fob exchange, and boing! Camera isnt complying - Arrrrghhhh! so I've pinched these pictures from Svenja so I can at least show you what I stitched and sent. I picked a little chart out of the JCS Ornament issue, by "Cherished Stitches." Its actually supposed to have been finished into a needlecase, but I think it looks great as a fob! I used DMC to stitch (the number eludes me) but it wasnt black, but a very dark blue as I knew from reading Svenja's blog that blue was one of her favourite colours. Stuffing was just some normal fibre fill, which I had in hand and I weighed it down with a 20c piece. I think my stuffing skills could be brushed up on though! Boy it was quite hard to try and get it looking even, and I dont think I quite succeeded in this department. However I am really, really pleased with how this turned out! This was my first fob ever :) For Svenja's gifties, I was overjoyed to find that I was able to send her something off her wish list - a chart from Chatelaine Designs "Taj Mahal" as well as some VC Silks, some little boomerangs, and a koala notepad. Hope you enjoy everything Svenja!

Labels: exchanges

Aaackk! Some bad news Im afraid on the stash buying - Attic Needleworks got back to me and unfortunately they only have one of the three items that I want to purchase from Au Fil des Reves! Oh bugger! This was after numerous emails assuring me that they had the items and more importantly the bourse that feels as though I have been trying to purchase for ever.. So if any of my darling blogger friends know where I can buy this chart or kit - new, second hand whatever - please leave a message in my blog :) I would be forever grateful! The chart is called; "Bourse Maison de brodeuse" I also want to take a little time to thank everyone for stopping by in the first place to read and leave comments on my blog :) Hope you are all having a great week!

Labels: stash

and when Im bad, Im very, very bad!!! I feel like Ive resisted splurging for a while - even though in reality its probably been only a couple of months. (yes Im right, Ive just checked my orders and the last one I placed was in August, which by the way I am still waiting on Paw Prints to send out! no wonder I went crazy the last couple of days!) My fingers went haywire on the keyboard and Ive ordered heaps of stuff online!!! Im blaming it on the stress of worrying about my exhange giftie arriving *nodding head, yes that sounds good* Here's what I bought.... please dont slap me - Im going to be good from now on I promise!! Needlecraft Corner ~Attic Collection Book Kit - Judy ODell - Ive chosen the summer colors which are so beautiful - Lavender and pale, pale buttery yellow. Ive really surprised myself here, because generally speaking I am not a big fan of yellow - but this colour combo just did it for me :) I dont know if many people are aware of this, but Judy actually has a new message board, which you can access *here#. She has a cute free pattern, a christmas ornament competition going, which includes her sending you free chimes to emblish with, and is even willing to organize SAL's for her designs. Anybody else want to purchase or already have the Attic Book, and have a SAL with me?? Chatelaine Designs ~Grape ThreadKeeper Online Chart - this is ending on the 31st of October and I didnt want to wait another year to be able to purchase it - especially after seeing Cathymk's beautiful stitching on hers - Yes thats right Cathy, Im blaming you for enabling me on this one LOL! European Cross Stitch ~Chatelaine Designs - Grape ThreadKeeper Kit - makes sense dont you think? ~Sampler Cove - Spanish Rouge - Have you seen this - Im usually not a sampler type person, but this one had my name on it!! ~Reflects de Soie - Pochette Versailles ~Reflects de Soie - La Brodeuse et l'Oiseau Attic Needlework ~Au Fil des Reves - Porte ciseaux et aiguilles Maison de brodeuse. ~Au Fil des Reves - Porte epingles Maison de brodeuse. ~Au Fil des Reves - Bourse Maison de brodeuse. Stitched from the Heart Now this was all bargain buys here, as they are in their last week of operating and its 70% off! My discount was $189.00!!!! ~The Stargazer - Mirabilia ~Lilly Of The Woods - Mirabilia ~This Too Shall Pass Kit - Lois Mouriski Bear Kit ~Welcome Knocker Kit - Bent Creek ~GAST Threads - Cherry Wine, Cinnamon, Copper, Poppy, Purple Iris, Sable, Tarnished Gold, Nutmeg, Midnight, Ginger Snap, Blue Spruce, Hyacinth, Deep Sea. ~Fabric - 60cm x 60cm -28 count Platinum Cashel, 60cm x 60cm - 32 count Sand Belfast and last but not least Sugar Maple Fabrics had free worldwide delivery for the month of October and it was just too good an offer to turn down! I've never used an SMF fabric before, but I have had my eye on them for ages!! I finally got my huge cut of fabric (27" x 36") in Shimmering Snapdragon opalescent which I plan on using for my Taj Mahal (its going to look gorgeous me thinks on this fabric!) and opalescent Serendipity in the 18" x 27" cut - I just love these colours!!
by sugar maple fabrics Needless to say I am now on the wagon until after the New Year!! I even think I might get myself one of those little ticker signs counting down the days till I can buy stash again, or better yet maybe I should try my hand at the project challenge - reducing my stash inventory by a certain number - that may just be a plan! Ive also been tagged by Andie. Apologies Andie for not responding straight away {{hugs}} Five things that I have to admit to about myself or my pets.. 1. Well my Miss Lulu (our pussycat) has a love thing happening with our vacuum cleaner!! You would think the noise would scare her away when I start it up, but no way.. She wraps herself around it, whilst emitting purring sounds!!! She's only just recently had kittens (a week ago last Sunday - 4 of the cutest moggies you have ever seen!) but the comment from the DH, was a bit snide in regards to their parentage!! 2. I can put one leg over my head - yes it hurts, especially with the extra weight I have been carrying, and no I dont do it often LOL! 3. I can suck my top lip into my nostrils. A party trick that only comes out when I have had a skinful. 4. I absolutely detest going to the gym.. but I make myself go whilst counting every minute when I get there until I leave. 5. My biggest fear is... not being a good parent. I would hate for my girls to grow up and think that Mum was lacking somewhere along the line. So, who to tag? Cathymk, Cindy, Jo, Sharon and Barbara. Feel free to answer or ignore - which ever suits your fancy :)

Labels: life, stash

My exchange piece has finally arrived! I can now reveal who my partner was... the lovely Barbara in the Netherlands. As you all know, especially if you've read my last couple of blog entries, I have been anxious, terrified and silently pulling out my hair, whilst waiting for this to arrive. Its my first exchange ever, as well as my first attempt at finishing anything at all.! However, Im feeling fine and dandy right now - especially as Barbara loves it :) I couldnt have even attempted it, without some help from my lovely friend Sharon, who emailed me some lovely finishing instructions.. Thankyou so much my friend! I really, truely appreciate it very much! Barbara has sent me some wonderful comments, that have made me feel really comfortable about my first attempt at finishing. Thankyou so much Barbara for making this newbie finisher feel more at ease! But what is really great too, is that I was on track with what Barbara's likes were!! I was really nervous about this, cause I couldnt find a wishlist for Barbara!! I ended up stitching her the LHN and Crescent Colors Combo - "Watermelon" and finished it into a pinkeep. Barbara absolutely loves crows, (which truely I had no idea!) and on her blog, Barbara has stated that her wonderful hubby Niek said it looks like something she would stitch herself!!! So I am feeling pretty dandy right now :) I stitched it on a 28ct jobelan fabric called Tundra from Stitches and Spice. I also included some small gifties - Vicky Clayton silks, the LHN - Lucy Fairchild (Dear Diary Series) and some boomerangs for her kiddies to play with :) Barbara - they actually do work too! Anyhow here is some pics... Barbara has much better ones on her blog though! After all my fretting, I must admit that right now I have a bit of buzz on.. I feel relieved, excited and happy - did I mention relieved LOL! Now to answer the SBQ (Ive been slack here and missed a couple!) The question is by Vash and is; Which way do you stitch, i.e. do you stitch /// followed by \\\ on top, or the other way around \\\ followed by ///? Are you left- or right-handed and do you think that this affects the way that you stitch? I stitch /// followed by \\\ and Im right handed. I dont think what hand you use, affects the way you stitch I think its more of a case on how you have been taught. My sister is left handed and stitches exactly the same way.. Today I have to finish up my fob exchange giftie, and then Im off to post it :) Now that I have had my virgin run out the way in regards to Exchanges, heres hoping I dont stress too much about this one!! Happy stitching everyone!

Labels: cross stitch, exchanges, SBQ

Arrrgghhh! After having my b*tch and grumble I forgot to post my good news!! Today I received my exchange gift from my partner Aniza - she made me an absolutely beautiful biscornu (my first one ever!) and gifted me with some six strand sweet threads - again my first aswell as "Westown Green" from Olde Willow Stitchery!! How spoiled am I? But I tell you there must be something happening with the post, because even though Aniza wrote my address correctly on the envelope it was actually delivered to number 90 - when I'm number 9!!! go figure!! Aniza - thankyou so much!! I am absolutely thrilled with my gifties and feeling very spoilt!!

Labels: exchanges

Okies, well Im more than anxious now - not just about my finishing, but that my exchange piece hasnt arrived to my partner. Its been a week today, since posting and I actually coughed up the $45AU to send by international express courier. When tracking my parcel all it can tell me is that it left Australia on the 19th of October and that is it... This actually annoys the heck out of me anyhow, because I was assured that by sending via international courier a maximum of four days is all it would take to be delivered to her front door. I expected her to receive it no later than last Friday. Thus, I contacted Australia post about it. What a waste of time, even though I did manage to give them a piece of my mind. What I did find out that is that it wasnt processed at the Perth post office until the 18th - thats two days after I went to my local PO and choose the international express courier option. They then tried to tell me that the four days applies once it has left the country...I think they are trying to pull the wool over my eyes, and I am not impressed. So I am waiting for a call back from the Post Master. Ive double checked the address I received and I *did* write it correctly.. I could probably post my pic of the exchange because my partner has never posted to my blog, but I dont want too just in case on the off chance she does happen to read it! Arrghh!!! What to do?

Labels: exchanges

Okies... well now I am feeling very anxious.. Ive been looking at everyones needlework smalls (those who have received them) and the work is just outstanding!! I'm very conscious of the fact, that mine is NOT up to par in regards to finishing... Im confident about my stitching, but not how I have finished it.. Why oh why did I think I should join in exchanges?!?! Im anxiously waiting for my partner to receive hers....and I am hoping she wont be too disappointed in my first attempt (without ruining it) at finishing. I'm hoping the goodies I have included will make up for my technique. Ok enough rambling... I still have my fob exchange to complete!! *groaning softly*

I am feeling wonderful - I finished my needlework exchange piece! and I am really happy with how its turned out :) Ahhh the joys of learning *grins* Because I was chucking a snit, I didnt have time to review my September goals or make new ones for October so here goes; My excuses first; I think I was too optimistic especially with my personal stitching goals and there are a couple of reasons... Firstly its school holidays here, and for four of the seven days of the two weeks, I have had five children under foot which was fun but tiring - school starts back on Monday so I have no excuse from then. Secondly: I didnt take into account my finishing experience - which was nil. I have only ever had pieces framed before and hadnt even attempted so much as a scissor fob or flat fold or anything for that matter... so I didnt make allowances for stuff ups, jitters and nerves when it came to finishing my pieces. Needless to say my goals for the month of September especially on the stitching front, werent accomplished much at all. Thirdly: I am just a slow stitcher! Stitching Goals Personal Stitching ~ Watergarden - to finish all thistles and reeds and to at least get three of the four silk blocks stitched. I have three of the thistles stitched and one of the four silk blocks finished with the second one started. Im not even going to post a wip pic until I have completed this. ~ To make a pin keep. I did do some mock up pin keeps when experimenting for my needlework exchange, but nothing used with a stitched piece. ~ To make a flat fold. Again same as the above.. I put one together when doing a mock up but nothing with a stitched piece - though I must say I really like this finish! Exchange Stitching: ~ Needlework Smalls Stitched, Finished and posting tomorrow! ~ Scissor Fob Still stitching, but I have very little to complete and I will be finishing it on Monday :) Personal Goals ~To lose 3 kilos - I have lost 2. ~To go to the gym at least three times a week - it hasnt happened Ive only managed to go three times in the last two weeks! ~ To review our budget - done and implemented. ~To file paperwork. - started but not finished. You know I am two weeks into October so I am not going to make any new goals, because I think I will be setting myself up for failure if I do so. What I am going to do however, its keep plugging on, and trying to complete the goals I set myself in September and hopefully in the next two weeks I will have them accomplished. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Labels: exchanges, goals

Firstly apologies for not updating my blog in over a week. It's school holidays here, so have been a tad busy with my girls and my nephews, but I have managed to log on every now and then and catch up on some other blogs so havent been completely out of the loop there... My attempt at finishing something and failing made me so annoyed with myself, that I couldnt even bring myself to stitch for three or four days or even look at it, or talk about it! On that note, thanks to everybody who offered sympathy and help *huge hugs to all* So, I have managed to stitch another piece for my exchange partner *does the happy dance* No, its not finished (it will be by this evening) ... but.... I have been fiddling and putting together mock "finishes" (does that sound right?) so I am not expecting any problems with it now *crosssing fingers* I will however, wait till Monday to post it so that I can have the parcel insured, as I am sending to a different country - I think that makes me a day late with sending to my exchange partner :( Im really nervous now.. about the exchange thingy... hopefully she will like what I have done as well as the little goodies I have picked out for her. This is actually making me feel quite jittery! Scissor Fob Exchange I forsee no problems with, and hopefully will do the finishing this weekend too! Ive Been Tagged! by Cathymk Better late than never eh? The rules; List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether or not they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they're listening to. 1.···Hips Dont Lie - Shakira 2.···Devil Woman - Intensely Mellow 3···Pomegranate - Trans-Global Underground 4···Desert Rose - Sting and Cheb Mami (Melodic Club Mix) 5···Punkrock Girl - Sandy Thom 6···Bent El Balad - Fatime Seran 7···El Sultaan - Hossam Ramzy I can here you all say, well I know some of them, but who the heck is Fatime Seraan and Hossam Ramzy. These are actually arabic musicians who I love and choregraph bellydance routines too :) In regards to tagging others - I choose; Sharon - Sharons Cross Stitch Obsession Andie - StitchitAndie Sue - Home Sweet Stitching Lisa - Desert Stitching Michelle - Cozy Egg Renee - Stitched with Love and Cat Hair Katrina - A Kiwi Stitching If any of you ladies have already been tagged, I apologise for not being up to date!

I've just stuffed up my finishing, and I dont think its salvagable :( *weeping quietly*

Labels: exchanges

Since I cant upload my photos, for whatever blogger reason, I've decided to share something with you all... For those of you who dont know me, let me tell you this....I am not the worlds greatest cook... Im not even creative in the kitchen (thank goodness for the DH there!) Im one of those people who need a recipe to follow, unless Ive cooked the same item so many times I dont need to check the written words. In saying that I have come across some really easy recipes in my time, that are no fail - no matter what type of chef you are :) So what I've decided to do (with my sisters urging) is post a recipe maybe every couple of months to share, and Im starting with the big guns - SWEETS! This is so easy, but so yummy! Easy Ice Cream Slice Ingrediants; 1 tin of Condensed Milk 1 600ml of thickened Cream 2 pkts of Arnotts Malt Biscuits (or whatever you prefer as long as they are rectangle shaped) and the piece of resistance... 2 large chocolate bars (I tend to go for the king size Crunchie bars as I love honeycomb!) that you smash the heck out of in whatever way you decide - as long as they become broken up and not too crumbly! Method; Beat your cream until it just starts to thicken up, and then slowly add the condensed milk to it (take note it may go really runny for a little while here). Once it starts to again thicken, add your smashed up chocolate bars to the mixture and let it go a few rounds in the mixer so the chocolate gets nicely folded in. The mixture should be (once your finished) nice and fluffy :) If it isnt - keep beating it! Once done.. line a tin with alfoil, and place your biscuits along the bottom of the pan. Add your mixture to the top and even out with a spatula. Add another layer of biscuits to the top. Cover again with alfoil Place in freezer until set. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ These are the BEST ice cream slices!!! and the great thing is - all up it should only take you 15 - 20 minutes from start to finish :) Enjoy - but dont count calories!!

Labels: recipes

What an absolutely terrible two weeks I have had! It started with my video card on my computer - I turned it on, and all I got was lines across my screen that seemed to get worse - it made looking at the screen quite a chore I can tell you! So off went my trusty PC down to the repair shop thinking that I would only have to get a new card. No such luck! Whilst there it was discovered that one of the fans wasnt working, which in turn wasnt cooling down my system properly - no biggie I think - please fix and send it back to me. So as I am waiting for the return of my PC, I think great - stitching time! It wasnt to be. My youngest had a accident at school, which resulted in her going for a CAT scan. Have you ever tried to get a five year old to be still whilst a noisy machine tries to take pictures of your head? After much cajoling, pleading, bribing and reassurance, she did manage to stay still long enough for the scan to be done - the whole thing nearly took four hours, with us trying to get her to be very still "like a statue". It was a relief to get the results and find out that she hadnt fractured her skull, or had any type of cranial injury. Poor baby actually wanted to go back to school, but we had to keep her home for a couple of days - just to keep an eye on her. Then I got sick. It started off with a completely normal runny nose, and persistant cough which progressively became a hacking cough, wheezing breathe and hot and cold sweats. Off to the Doctors I go, because I know when I have trouble breathing or getting my breathe I need medicine! You would think that they would right me a script for antibiotics - but no I was basically told, drink lots of fluids, keep warm and rest!! Oh and that will be $45!! This was without checking my breathing, looking in my throat or asking me anything else!! Will I still be able to breathe if I pay you your fee? Or is it an option that I have to pay more for? I asked. I suppose in a way, going to an unknown doctor is like getting a lottery ticket - your numbers might come up and you find yourself with a person who asks about your background and takes notes..... or it can go the other way - where no numbers come up and the ticket gets thrown in the bin with no second chance given. Getting back to it, I asked this person if I could see someone else... Someone a little bit more proficient - the Dr asked me "what did I mean?!!!" Ummers I said, you havent asked me anything about my medical history, you havent even asked me if I had been hospitalized for anything in the past couple of years (which I have!) Would you like to sit in the visitors chair, and give me your stethoscope so we can commence playing charades? I was shown to the door but I didnt pay the bill. I am really grumpy when Im sick!! What to do? I rang the hospital where I had been admitted last for pneumonia, told them what had happened and asked them to recommend a Doctor in my local area. They were absolutely great! Gave me someone to see and even faxed through my records from the last visit to hospital. I found a lovely lady Dr who has given me the relief I needed. I can breathe!! I ended up having to go on the ventalator twice for a dose of steriods aswell as ventalin, was given a nice injection into my behind as well being prescribed some oral antibiotics - but I can breathe!!!! I can breathe!!! I can even drive my car without having a coughing fit! which is great because I was able to pick up my PC this morning which has been sitting there waiting for me patiently for over a week :) You know I even managed to stitch my last exchange piece (so now they are both done except the finishing) and work on my beloved WG! As this is a really long post, I will leave off my progress pics for another time! Its good to be back! its even better being able to draw breath!!

Labels: life

I was supposed to have six hours of stitching time this past Saturday - whilst I watched the AFL finals but I got so carried away cheering on my teams, that I think I only probably got in three hours at the most LOL! I did however, finish stitching my needlework smalls piece for SBEBB exchange *does a happy dance* Im a tad nervous about the finishing though, as I have never ever done anything like this before - Its always been framing jobs. *biting fingernails* Weekend Goals were; Exchange SBEBB - finished!! WG - nothing done!! Needleroll SAL - not a thing stitched! Does kitting up the materials count? Oh well.... Im determined to play catch up this week with both WG and the Needleroll SAL! Im itching to complete my thistles and reeds on WG, and I want to start my Shepherds Bush needleroll! I have a tentative plan to spend all day Sunday finishing my smalls piece - I have a feeling that its going to take me all day too! On other news; will have some pictures to share this week, for I received my MB from Stitching Bits and Bobs as well as my FOTM from Silkweaver and my packages from Lois at Elegant Stitch :) Hopefully to top it off I will be able to post my WG update and needleroll to boot! Happy Monday everyone *Rava waving to all*

Labels: exchanges, SAL

Ahhhh sad news :( One of my ONS shops that I frequently purchase from - is closing down. It will be a shame to lose Georgia and Tim from Stitched from the Heart but its fully understandable why they have decided to shut their doors. They are however, having a closing down sale and I received a newsletter from them this morning with the details. I thought I would post them here to my blog so my stitching friends could get some great deals. Sept 11 - 17 = 10% off all items Sept 18 - 24 = 20% off all items Sept 25 - Oct 1 = 30% off all items Oct 2 - 8 = 40% off all items Oct 9 - 15 = 50% off all items Oct 16 - 22 = 60% off all items Oct 23 - 29 = 70% off all items You can visit them from here; Stitched from the Heart

Au Fil des Rêves I am looking to purchase some of Sylvies charts - but cant seem to find an english online shop to do so... Ive got no problems in ordering through a french ONS if anybody has some recommendations? Thanks in advance, and hope everyone is having a great stitching weekend! Edited to add: Thanks Sharon and Cathymk for all your help!

Ive started my first exchange piece! Its so exciting!!! Ive received my partner for the needlework smalls from Beckys SBEBB. Ive cruised my recipients blog over the last few days and feel like I have gotten to know her a little better - she seems like such a nice person!! Today after hours of torture (it felt like it anyhow) I was finally able to decide on what I was going to stitch - that was the hardest part you know? After making the decision, time really seemed to fly - and no frogging too, which of course I am taking as a good omen :) Im already 3/4's of the way finished and Ive marked out Saturday as my big stitching day this week. Saturday goals are; to finish stitching my exchange piece - and to complete thistles on my beloved WG. I have six hours of AFL football finals to watch and as long as it doesnt get too exciting, I know I will be able to complete it all - bar the finishing of course! On that note - Come on West Coast Eagles!!! (just couldnt help myself).

Beta Blogger...

Ahhh I felt like I was doing such a wonderful thing by taking my account over and all was good until I couldnt comment anymore. Yah go me! I took Andies advice (thanks Andie and thanks Leslie too!) and actually opened up another blog account so I could go back to commenting on all the blogs I enjoy and who that havent made the switch as yet. So if another Rava on your blog shows up with a different profile, yeppers its probably me. Keeping my fingers crossed that Beta Blogger will soon have all the kinks ironed out!

With beta blogger! I have been trying to leave comments, and now for some reason it wont let me!! I know my account has been merged, but why was I able to post comments before today? Does anybody have any ideas on how I can get around this? With the rant out of the way, I just wanted to say "Happy Fathers Day" to all the DH here in Australia. I hope you enjoy your day Dads :)

Firstly the SBQ - and again Im late with responding (sorry Renee!) but as the saying goes, better late than never - well I hope thats right. The question was suggested by Carol and is; How do you share your finished pieces with others? Do you frame them, scan and/or photograph them, or do you have another method that you would like to share? Actually this is really a great question! For the pieces I have done that have been gifts - they have all been framed, and for sharing my progress through my blog they are photographed. Im actually interested to see if a scanner would show the pieces differently - so I might give it a whirl in the future. But getting back to *finishing* I want to start doing different things - especially a pinkeep! So many bloggers who are such wonderful stitchers have inspired me to try different techniques. I figure a pinkeep should be pretty safe to attempt first and I am so eager that I cant wait to complete a quick stitch so that I can finish it. For something different... Stitching Goals Alot of the blogs I follow and enjoy start with stitching goals at the beginning of the month, and then post a review of their accomplishments at the end. I think this is a great way to keep on track and have decided to take the plunge and do the same. I want to center alot of my goals around finishing. I havent done alot in this area, but all your wonderful blogs have inspired me to try and I'm really eager to see how I go :) So lets begin... Personal Stitching ~ Watergarden - to finish all thistles and reeds and to at least get three of the four silk blocks stitched. ~ To make a pin keep. ~ To make a flat fold. Exchange Stitching: ~ Scissor Fob ~ Needlework Small Compared to all you wonderful, talented stitchers out there I know it doesnt look like much, but as I recently told a new friend "baby steps" is a good way to start :) Because I think this is such a good idea, I am going to set some "personal" goals as well. Lets take the plunge! Personal Goals ~I really want to lose three kilos this month. Seven weeks ago, our family changed our diet. We decided to follow the CSIRO lifestyle change - and its bought us great success. For me personally as I am overweight I have managed to lose 6 kilos in the seven weeks. The last couple of weeks have seen us veer off course with fast food being the main problem, and with the kiddies sick, gym hasnt come into it either. Can you guess what the second goal is? I bet you can... ~To go to the gym at least three times a week. ~ To review our budget and to file paperwork. I have just been putting this off so much and its something that really needs to be completed and dealt with. ~ Last and not least I want to set up a schedule. We have just recently purchased a whiteboard which even now is hanging up in our kitchen. So what I am going to do, is schedule my everyday things into it, all the mundane things like washing, ironing and everything I can think of - and then do my best to adhere to it. I dont think I am being unreasonalbe with the goals I have set, and I want to try and keep them being attainable. Sometimes I feel you can set your sights too high, and when you dont accomplish what you set out, its a blow to your confidence. So with that in mind, Ive kept my goals as being attainable, so that I can build up confidence in myself. In Conclusion... Writing down the above feels really good. I've never been one NOT to meet committments to others, but I have been lacking in meeting goals that are or have been, directly related to changing myself. I'm guilty that I can sometimes put things back on the too hard shelf, and then make excuse after excuse not to try again. Spring is here, a new season of growth, and its definitely time that I took a step up that ladder so that I can personally bloom along with my garden.

Labels: exchanges, goals, life

Ive just joined Renee's "The Robins Nest" and Becky's "SBEBB" Whoo Hoo! These two ladies are so very nice, and I am really happy to be part of their boards. Everybody has been so welcoming, and the information that is shared is truly amazing. These lovely stitchers are all so talented and their finishing *draw drops* is unbelievable! I feel pretty honoured to be part of both these groups - and I am so looking forward in starting exchange pieces with them! With my new committments comes a change of stitching plans most definitely! Rotation, rotation, rotation will have to be the name of the game from here on end, and will try and work out some type of system. Watergarden will still be my main priority, its the only thing I have started for myself! but the exchange pieces will work themselves up to the top of ladder until they are finished. Im really like a dog with a bone in regards to committments and I cant settle until the job is done, or relax for that matter LOL. Onto stash news - I have already received my first fabric from Silkweaves FOTM! Its actually the July FOTM and its such a pretty piece of material. Its called "Starquest" and its on a 28ct piece of Jazlyn. Ive never used Jazlyn so Im looking forward to stitching on it. Just by feeling it though its so smoother and pliable - very, very nice! Alot differnt to lugana thats for sure. I also received my two charts from Dragonfly dreams. Dragonfly Dreams I can hear you say, you didnt mention them in your previous posts.... I know I have been really naughty, but I swear I only stopped in for a fat half of some raw linen, and then saw these two in the new arrivals and couldnt resist them - of course I had to get the speciality threads whilst I was there *nodding head and trying to convince herself she did the right thing* Back to Watergarden - finally another update picture. After all my frogging (and dammit - just looking at this pic I've found some more!) its now progressing more slowly than usual. I admit to extreme frustration, and I absolutely abhore unpicking stitches! To top it off my kiddies have had this dreaded virual thingie this past week (yeppers they are still at home too!) that has been doing the rounds, and its really knocked them for six - my poor babies. Its unbelievable actually, my youngest daughters class is down to only 12 children from 25! so needless to say there hasnt been as much stitching time as there would have. My frustration went up another level with WG when I found I had made a glitch. I didnt estimate the size of my fabric correctly *groaning* its the first time I have done this. Now dont get me wrong, I can fit the design on my fabric piece, but what I have done is instead of having a three inch margin on all sides, theres only going to be just over a inch *sighs* Im trying not to worry about it, and hopefully when I take it in to be framed, suggestions will be aplenty. Where was my mind that day???? Edited to Add: If things go a bit wonky with my blog - its because I've swapped over to the new beta and Im slowly muddling through. Cathymk - On Robins Nest Ive signed up for the scissor fob exchange, and on Beckys - the Needlework smalls. The Quaker exchange is tempting me too!

Why is it so easy to get sucked into these? I have to admit though seeing this one I couldnt resist trying it out.. No surprises for me LOL!

You Are Miss Piggy

A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it. You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less. You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way. Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!

Cathymk if you read this I cant wait to see what yours says *cheeky grin*

Its been a week of not much stitching - or thats the way it feels like anyhow! A little frog came to visit and I found myself unpicking more than anything else! So no WG pic update this week. *grumps* Because of my feelings of frustration, I consoled myself by online shopping. On that note, why does shopping make you feel better? - especially online shopping at that? Is it because, do you think, that its easier to hide the Visa statements, and if the hubby does manage to pick up on all these arrivals coming, you can say "well, its about time! I ordered these months ago!" *shrugs shoulders* Anyhow I did something I have been meaning to do for a while and that is join Silkweavers FOTM I ended up chosing the "rotating through options" and I think its a great choice!! Lately for the life of me I cant decide on my choices for fabric - especially of the pretty sparkly sort, so the FOTM will help me out definitely! Thats my excuse and I am stiicking to it! But still, joining the FOTM wasnt enough to make me feel any less frustrated you know, so I found myself at Elegant Stitch and boy, oh boy, did I get some good vibes coming off this order! Lois is such a sweetie - we have been conversing back and forth all day, with me adding to my purchases all the time LOL - Last email she stated "she wants to hire me as her order writer" goodness if that did happen nobody elses orders would ever get processed because I'd just be doing mine LOL! I've fallen in love with Little House Needleworks they have some wonderful quickie stitches that I just had to have. I ended up purchusing, "Watermelon" (the combined chart with crescent colors - yum!), "Plant Kindness", and "Lucy Fairchild" from the Dear Diary series - have you seen how gorgeous these are? I then ended up looking at Wendy KC Designs - which is someone I had never heard of before, but boy I am so glad I did her designs are just fab!, so onto my order I added the "Bees Garden" and "Summer Hearts" I was just about to wrap things up, and push the send button on my order when I thought I'd head on over to Indigo Rose (whom I adore!) and what did I find.... a new release - it just couldnt be helped, I mean its Indigo Rose right? So onto my purchases I added the "Pretty in Pink" kit too! You know as soon as I had my last confirmation from Lois regarding this order I just felt so much better! It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, I knew that the sun would shine regardless of what day I was having, and that there actually is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow... Talk about feeling so much better!

Im am so doing the happy dance right now! For the last 6 months I have been unsuccessfully trying to hook up to broadband, with absolutely no luck at all. I tried so many providers, went through so much drama with Telstra in regards to acquiring broadband that I had literally given up on the idea that we would be able to connect faster than our pitiful 28kbps dialup speed. What's changed you ask? Recently our next door neighbours sold their home, and ever since the "sold" sign went up, I have been trying and re-submitting our B/Band order through my ISP. Late Friday night I noticed a difference in our connection speed on dialup - Mmmn I thought - could be something.... Today I checked my order status - and DSL is now fully provisioned for your number!!! OMG!!! you could have knocked me over with a feather! Hopefully by the end of next week (our new modem should arrive by then!) I will be cruising the net with our new Broadband connection at a whopping 1500mbs per second!! Whoooo Hoooo! I am sooooo thankful to my neighbours who are moving! Its enabled me to have their port on the local exchange which has given me our beloved broadband :) On to other news! I posted stash pics on my last update, but forgot to post the pic of the ACEO that I purchased from HAED when they had their sale. She is called "Dreaming Mermaid" and is just divine! I have never purchased a HAED chart , but couldnt resist when I saw her in the quick stitches section; Isnt she beautiful? and the colours *sighs dreamily* I heard her sirens call and clicked on purchase :) I was really impressed with their prompt service too - within three hours I had this chart delivered to my email! And last but not least, I forgot to answer this weeks SBQ from the 9th August (late I'm sorry!) It was submitted by Ami and the question is: For those of you who use hand or over-dyed floss, how do you store it? Well since receiving my kits from European Cross Stitch and discovering the fantastic way they package their goodies - I have started doing the same - that being using the little floss-away baggies which are then attached to rings depending on their manufacturer. They then go into one of my lined plastic storage containers, which is then stored under my bed away from my little girls loving hands :)

Again another hectic week has happened - do you sometimes wonder if the universe keeps throwing things at you to see how much you can handle? and as you finally head towards your melting point it throws in something good to make it all seem as though it wasnt a hardship at all? Well thats the kind of week I have had LOL! If I had posted yesterday, you would have literally (even over cyber space) seen me pulling out my hair! But today I keep wandering to myself why were you even stressing over that little thing. Ahhh the joy of it :) Anyhow I am going to leave out my lifes ramblings - its more than likely pretty boring to you all and get on to the good stuff - my stitching :) Firstly - Stash Enabling. I received so many things last week, that I have to admit to being on a bit of a buying splurge as of late. First off my kits from European Cross Stitch- Japanese and Persian Iris Gardens. I received these nearly two weeks ago (or could be nearly three) but they are so beautiful that I wanted to post a pic. Cindy packages them beautifully! Then my order of oppy fabric from Stitches and Spice came through - Peacock Fantasy. I have to admit I am not as happy as I would like with my fabric choice. (The pic below) I suppose thats the joys of buying over the net. On my monitor this fabbie looked as though there was lots of blues and hints of pinks through out the green. But its actually just more green than anything else. I actually purchased this one for my Japanese Garden (see floss toss pic) but its not quite right.... However that said, I am sure something else will pop up that will go fantastically with it. Next.. my Monthly Bits from Stitching Bits and Bobs. I had fallen in love with the Crescent Colors (I think I saw them on Katrina's blog) and decided I had to include them in my Monthly Bits. I am so glad I did as they are just gorgeous! I also get my three skeins of Caron Waterlillies - yummy! This time I also received two freebies from Little House Needleworks - Summer House and Miniture Winter Board Game! And last but not least I decided I wanted to stitch some ornaments and maybe even get involved with some type of exchange - (I am a newbie enough though that I am not quite not sure how to go about this) but anyhow I ordered the JCS 10th Anniversary Collection of Christmas Ornaments - I am really pleased with the designs included! Now I just have to pick one to start first! I also managed to get in some time on my beloved Watergarden. And below is my updated pic.

I swear I have been meaning to update more regulary but the days are skipping away from me. This week, my sisters eldest son has been sick - so of course he has been staying with his Aunty :) He's such a sweetie and a really good kid, so it was no hardship on me here. We did have a bit of a scare early during the week with him, as we couldnt get his blood sugar to level. Poor sausage he ended up with ketones too! If you hadnt guessed he has diabetes - it just makes him extra special! I actually have a lot to do tonight before putting the kiddies to bed, so I will quickly answer the SBQ suggested by Carol Question being: Do you have a favorite needlework tool that you like to work with? What is it and why do you like using it? Apart from the obvious being my needle - my next pick would be my newly bought Q-Snaps - the ease of these are just wonderful, and I love being able to move the fabric around without having to baste it like I have to on my scroll rods. Its also easy to pick up and take anywhere! My sister has a case of envy at the moment because I purchased some LOL! so as she doesnt read my blog I feel pretty safe in saying she should have some early next week too! Now I really got to run, but let me leave you with my latest on Watergarden. Stash pictures will be coming soon as well!

I saw this on lots of blogs today, so had to have a try :)

You Are: 30% Dog, 70% Cat

You and cats have a lot in common. You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude. However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out!

and this weeks SBQ suggested by Von Many of us have a few pairs of embroidery scissors and some even have a "collection". How many pairs of scissors do you have? Ummm I actually only have two pairs of scissors at the moment. One of which my sister bought me when I first started cross stitching, and the other I just bought recently only because at the time I couldnt find the others. I tend to spend more time on buying charts and threads right now, but I must admit have been thinking of buying some Dinky Dye scissors as they look so cute!

Ahhhh (can you hear my sighs of relief?) the kiddies are back at school - thank goodness! Its lovely to start back into a routine and get things settled down again. If you hadnt guessed from reading my previous entries.. I really didnt cope well these school holidays LOL! I love them dearly and they mean the world to me, but boy was I ever so thankful to send them back to school. In the last week I didnt get hardly any stitching done at all! and Im really itching to get back to Watergarden. Actually, just checking my little diary I have only done 13 hours and 40 minutes - so the last couple of weeks during the school holidays - I have only mangaed to stitch for just over 4 hours which really is pitiful! I've set myself a goal with WG and that is to complete it within 3 months. "The Sanctuary" is most definitely taking a back seat whilst I feed my Chatelaine addiction. Speaking of Chatelaines, I did something that I have never done before - I signed up for a chart without seeing a picture! I was browsing the Chatelaine EZ Board and found Mystery X "Secret Victorian Garden"and the description sucked me right in - so whilst our Aussie dollar was good, I paid for it LOL! I then had the misfortune (my DH would say - I would say fortune!) to see that a "St Petersburg" chart will also be coming in the near future - again, my fingers felt itchy - but thank goodness nothing up on this one as yet so my funds were safe. Some Stash news; I did receive my kits for both Japanese and Persian Iris Garden from European Cross Stitch - Happy Days! The silks and beads are so pretty and sparkly that I think I get them out at least twice a day to just touch and look! For the above two kits, all I have left to choose is some fabric and then I am set to go! Enough from me today - tomorrow as I am kid free I am going to try and get some good pics of my WG progress and will post an update as well as some stash photos!

and I definitely need one! The kids are running me ragged, and I cant wait for them to go back to school next Tuesday! I think the problem is, that usually we plan some outings so they are reasonable occupied. However, having five of them in total for four days a week, means we are housebound. To make matters a tiny bit worse, it has rained the last couple of days so of course they have been inside and underfoot. Today is the first day this week that I havent had five kids to look after, and I feel wiped out. It was all drone work today, with the vaccuming, moping the floors, washing clothers and god forbid ironing! I also usually try and get my cleaning job done Friday nights (I clean factory units for STASH) but I can already tell, that its going to be Sunday before I get there - thank goodness I have the flexibility to do the cleaning when I want too. I did manage to get a couple of more hours of Watergarden and I have to admit that I am loving it. It really *is* an enjoyable stitch. I am loving the way the mandala keeps popping out at me - its like its nearly lifting of the fabric. I have been doing my best to get a good picture of it, but somehow it still eludes me! What I have read that others have been doing is scanning the fabric - Mmmm I might give it a go! On another note some more photos - one old and one new. Brainwave - I thought it might be nice to actually post a picture of myself, so those who comment on my blog could have some idea what I actually look like - and because I dont have a pic of me in my profile pic, I thought why not. Not to mention my youngest DD asked me to, because she took this picture :) I think she is better on the camera than me! Anyhow here is a pic she took of me the other night whilst I was trying to grab some free time on the pc. This is the old one (it was still on my picture card) that I hadnt been able to upload until this week. My favourite picture of Sphinx that I took whilst on holidays in Egypt in 2004. And on that note, I think Im off to have a glass of red, do some stitching and generally veg out in front of the tv. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Took my camera into Jerry Gibbs Camera Place in Cannington yesterday - and yeppers just as I thought it is well and truly knackered. The cost of replacing parts basically entails buying a new camera - so as I was in the area I headed on over to Carousel and had a look in Myer. (Huge stock take sale happening there right now). I picked up an Olympus 6 megapixel camera for less than what I bought the 3 megapixel camera two to three years ago! So another picture of my WG wip... I dont know if its the fabbie or if I just havent worked out the nuances of the new camera, but its amazing how many different colours the fabric changes too when taking happy snaps. Anyhow below new pic - this time looking more blue! I think the colors of the silks however are more true this time around, and just picture it on start sparkly white! As I am finally able to upload pictures to my PC I thought I would include one of my two girls. Isabella with her hair in a bun (6 years old) and my Sophie-Maree with the pigtails (5 years old). The Thursday before the school holidays started they had their concert at Johnny Young Talent Time. Both the girls take singing and dancing lessons, and at the end of each term they put together a little concert so the parents can see what they have learnt. The song they learnt was from "The Seekers" "Georgie Girl" and I think my DH and I also know all the words by now too! The dance they did - which was so gorgeous! All these kids doing hip hop and only 5 - 8 years of age was absolutely adorable! was to "Michael Jackson's" "Blame it on the Boogie" Honestly I have never smiled so much in my entire life as I did that night! Last night (and because it was the school holidays) we took them to see Ashtons Circus at Maddington Metro. The girls were in awe especially of the performing miniature horses and dogs! I had thought that the trapeze act would have been what they talked about the most, but nope it was the animals. The Ashtons are asking for support from local councils to be able to perform. Right now in Western Australia some of the local councils will not allow them to have their circus because of the ponies and dogs - I personally think its unfortunate, because every year they come to Maddington and have done for probably the last three years, and there is never any mess or animal left overs that I have seen. And just because I can - one pic of my DH that has been on my camera since Easter! Now isnt he the most gorgeous Easter Bunny you have ever seen?

Hi all! Firstly I know its been a week since updating my blog - so apologies to all :) School holidays started last Friday, and boy oh boy I have had my hands full! My sister works four days a week, so as well as having my two girls at home, I've had my three nephews to look after as well. Five under seven - I'm sure you can imagine how its been.... I feel as though I have been blown over by a mini tornado I tell ya! Its been quite hard entertaining them, and they are at the age when they demand it LOL! Needless to say its stopped my stitching goals in its tracks. To date I've only put in 10 hours on Watergarden (actually just under) and have been religiously logging into a little notepad I have to keep track of how many hours this will actually take me. It is such an enjoyable stitch and the picture I have posted doesnt do it any justice at all. Speaking of pictures - I apologise once more for the lack of quality - it is so much prettier in person! I did take some pics on my supposedly now fixed camera - went to upload to the pc and all I got was a grinding noise. I'm just not having any luck with the darn thing. Actually I am seriously considering updating it now, as all it is giving me is grief. Not to mention the fact that it is nearly five years old and only 3 mega pixels. I had to laugh - the picture I took was with my DH's mobile phone and it is actually 4.3 mega pixels! on a mobile!!! Sharon re: blogger template.. What I've done with mine is cruised through some blogs, picked one I liked the look of and diddled with the html. Pannasmontata also has some great templates that are easy to change. If you do need some help, feel free to give a yell :) I have a graphics program that I play with consistently so if you want any type of background or header I would be happy to help out. Like I said just give a holler. Tonight, for the next couple of hours at least.. Im going to read everyones blogs - head over to the Chatelaine EZ Board and catch up on all the gossip, and put in at least two hours of stitching whilst I watch House! Im around home for the next couple of days, so I promise to update!

I sent the email to Martina, and within two hours was accepted into the yahoo groups! Im one happy little camper right now :) Gill, read your blog so know you have been trying to post :) no problems! Unfortunately I didnt get to start my WG yesterday evening... my little Sophie decided it was a night to power hurl and I didnt get any peace until 1.00am Kept her home today from school and she is being a touch antsy right now. I did pull out my threads and all she wanted to do was touch them *sighs* Thanks to all who have been posting on my blog and reading my vents. Its kept me quite sane - or as much as I can be *grins* On some more good news I now have my new battery for my camera - so no more excuses not to post pics! As soon as I have something substantial to show with WG I promise to be snap happy. Which leads me to a question.. I've been wondering how many people keep stitching diaries - recording your hours you've worked on a certain piece? I havent in the past, but I am most definitely going to do so with WG and would be interested to hear if others keep a log of the time the put in to their patterns. Hope your all having great days :)

Good news! First thing this morning I received my 28ct opalescence lugana from Countrystitch. Its so pretty and sparkly! I then manged to do a quick run to my local LNS Stitchers Corner and picked up the rest of the DMC I needed for Watergarden - I had gone through my stash last night, kitting up what I had so I only had to purchase seven skeins. Im ready to stitch! I feel so excited!! How many others get feelings of europhoria from buying Stash?!? or looking at a Chatelaine Design?? I cant be the only one surely? Whilst there, I just couldnt resist a few extras. I didnt go overboard mind you, but I couldnt help myself either. I got a needle organizer - which Ive been meaning to grab for ages! and the "Valentine Folio" by Shepherds Bush. Two things I wasnt able to purchase which I need for Strawberries so Faire by "With my Needle" were .. Thread Gatherers Silk n Colors - Camoflauge Green as well as Gloriana Silk - Poisenttia. Oh well you win some and you lose some. Another excuse for online shopping I guess *evil chuckle* In regards to Martina Weber - mmmn ok.... well nothing heard about the orders. Its a bit weird as I also have had no notification in regards to the yahoo groups either, which I joined on the same day as the monies were debited from my account. I do feel a tiny bit apprehensive, but maybe the emails have just gotten lost in cyberspace somewhere. So an email has been sent and hopefully I will know sooner rather than later. The kids are calling, and I am going to try and get dinner ready early so I can start my WG!

I havent received any notification from Martina Weber in regards to downloading the charts I ordered last Tuesday. I checked my credit card statement and payment was taken out via Paypal on the Wednesday (28.06.06). I'm trying not to fret, and know that she is really busy so have hesitated in contacting her just yet. For my own peace of mind I did look up some info on the Chatelaine EZ Board and from there confirmed that she processes paypal on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays... Mmmmn I will bite my nails and grit my teeth, but give it till tomorrow morning - if I dont have any type of notification then, I will email her and post on the Chatelaine EZ Board. Can you tell I'm trying hard not to panic? In regards to my other goodies I had ordered (Watergarden, 28ct opal lugana and q-snaps) with the hope of receiving them by the weekend - I ended up with nothing *grins* Oh well good things come to those who wait right? I kept telling myself that over and over during the weekend! Today I received everything bar the fabric I ordered from Country Stitch. DHL Express tried to tell me they came to my door but nobody was home. Seeing as I have been home *all* day due to the fact the darling hubby has my car (his was being serviced today) - I wasnt impressed. Lucky for me I have "The Sanctuary" to fall back on - I really am enjoying it very much!

This weeks SBQ was suggested by>Vash Have you ever used a magnifying glass while stitching? If so, did you find it helpful? A little while back, I came across a great find in a LNS. These magnifiying glasses where on special for $35.00, with a 40cm reach and clamp to attach to your stand - so a bargains a bargain and I picked one up for myself and also one for my sister. Prior to picking up this special I had only stitched on Aida and was really hesitant about using a higher count evenweave or linen to try. So in this regard the magnifying glass was great as it gave me more confidence to tackle the different fabric types. After a short period of time though, I found that it really did start to irritate me with the distortion from lifting your eyes to check your pattern and then looking back through the glass to your stitching. I was starting to feel quite head-achey and so it became more of a nuisance than anything else. Hence I dont use it anymore. Thats not to say that I wont use it again in the future. Right now I am only stitching on 28ct fabric, but I do want to tackle higher counts so I am sure the magnifying glass will come into play once more. Its a confidence thing for me obviously :)

Phew all monies have now been deposited! *does a happy dance* I am feeling so relieved about this, as I knew by my own standards that I was really starting to stress in an unhealthy way... but now since everything has been finalized, the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders feels amazing! My darling husband *P* knows how much I have been itching to buy some Chatelaine designs, and has been urging me to purchase. He has actually fallen in love with the Japanese Garden Mandala, so I didnt feel much guilt at all in spending what I have. I do however, now know that I am going to be unable to resist the call of the "Chatelaine". Firstly of course I purchased the charts from Martina Weber for both Japanese (left pic) and Persian Iris Gardens right pic). Hopefully by the weekend I should have an email from her, letting me know I can download them :) I am aware that she only does this twice a week so I do know that it shouldnt be too long to wait :) I then ordered both kits from European Cross Stitch. where Cindy is just wonderful, and her email replies were really prompt, and really friendly :) I didnt end up ordering the Watergarden Kit through her, even though her store is the cheapest around. I'm just itching to get stitching and really want to start this weekend. Naomi from Stitches and Spice is gorgeous and again so helpful! I must have bugged her with about 50 questions regarding her kits for sale, and she didnt get bothered at all. Her site is really great and from there I also ordered the chart for Taj Mahal Garden and Designing Ladies Finishing instructions for 2006. Off I went to Country Stitch and ordered some 28ct Opal Lugana - Linda the lovely lady dealing with my emails has popped it in an overnight delivery bag for me so that hopefully it will arrive by tomorrow. I even managed to find some Q-snaps in Australia! Helen from Stitch About has free postage, and even when I explained that I wanted to pay for them to be overnight expressed, she wouldnt hear of it and insisted on paying for the postage herself - what a darlin! If all goes well, these too should arrive tomorrow. If all does go as planned, (though to be honest I am not counting too heavily on Australia Post) Friday night will see me stitching my Chatelaine! My splurging didnt end there *blushing* I then found myself at Elegant Stitch where I ordered "Quakers Odds" by the Workbasket, "Victorian Elegance Kit" and "Marys Pin Cushion by Indigo Rose. I finally started to feel guilty, so forced myself to stop looking at some Shepherds Bush designs, and get to blogging :) I plan on having a very busy weekend if everything I ordered arrives tomorrow! Fingers crossed!!

Phew! Kids are eating dinner, and I am finally getting some peace! Its been one of those mad Mondays where all you seem to do is rush around, *thinking* you are accomplishing a million and one things, but in reality when you turn your head to admire what you've done, you seemed to have started a great many things, but have finished very little. Yep I have a case of Monday-itis! Lets see.... *G's* Party on the 17th of June - was wonderful! I had an absolute blast. He flew in a band from the Eastern States that were his favorites in the 70's and they were actually quite good! They played three sets, and even though I didnt know any of the songs I found myself up there and having a wiggle. Yes I got semi plastered - I cant remember the name of the band *blushes* but I didnt get a hangover, and I didnt make a fool of myself, like some people *slides a look at her darling *P*. After the band had stopped for the night, a jukebox came on (these songs I remembered!) and everybody started dancing. To be honest I think those who hadnt imbided were probably really cold, (as it was freezing!) and felt the urge to stomp around to keep warm. The name of the park was "Woodman Point Recreation Camp", which is a park/centre with dormitories that I can remember going to school camp at in grade seven! (12 years old) When we got there it was easy to see it hadnt probably been used for many years... Half of the place was a major construction job happening, whilst the dorms we slept in had new wooden floor boards with the smell of the varnish still quite strong. It was hell on high heel boots as you made your way back and forth through the sand from the ladies to the function hall I can tell you!

~House News~

Monday up and arrived and I thought finally.. the settlement surely will go through today - I couldnt believe it didnt! It wasnt until Friday that wet managed to settle! I cant understand the thoughts and reasoning behind some people - they bargain us down with the house (which is fine - its what you do) but then string the settlement out over another 30 days and end up paying the five thousand they haggled over to start with!! Of course, the drama doesnt end there - the house settlements on Friday morning - money should be in the account by 12 noon (as per the settlement agents statement) Check the bank at 3.30pm - mind you this was with European Cross Stitch ordering cart open and ready to press the buy button and no money ARRRRGHHHH! I ring the settlement agent to find out what the hell is going on, and they hadnt even deposited the funds as yet!! Ok, calm down I tell myself - ordering from European Cross Stitch can wait till Monday - cant it??? So after much discussion I was told that the funds would be deposited by close of business and as they had a clearance money should be available straight away... Could you tell I was itching to buy some Chatelaines? Friday 5.00pm - still no money.. Saturday check the accounts... no money... Sunday - check again (well it cant hurt right?) Monday morning 9.00am still no money.... Monday 12 noon... same old, same old... Monday 4.00pm.... ARGGHHH! Monday at 5.00pm it finally shows up in one account, but wait.... the other account (we split the money between two) hasnt shown up! and it still hasnt!!! At least half of it is there I suppose...

Onto Stitching

Last week was a right off and I didnt pick up my wip until Saturday morning, where it had the much needed effect of calming me down LOL! I'm really enjoying stitching the "sancturay" so far and have just started doing the reversed cushion stitches - which are easy!! The chart is so full of information, and the stitch diagrams are really easy to read and understand - thank goodness! I hope the Chatelaine instructions will be as clear. So now I am off to order my Chatelaines - did I mention the money that we received at least went into the right account so I can finally purchase my "love its!"

I didnt mean for it to be this long - seriously I didnt! and unfortunately I dont have a great deal of time to fill you all just yet! I know I have a weeks worth of blogging to catch up on, and as you can see I also have been fiddling with the design too! So if anything seems a bit sqew-if - hopefully within the next few days I will be able to sort it out. Updating more this evening..

Well, I dont know what has been happening with blogger, its been eating my posts! I have tried to update for the last four days, and everytime I hit publish post - they disappeared. The world wide web of blogger must have been hungry! Finally got my camera back last Friday - yeah it takes pictures! Try to upload them to my computer and nothing!!! Argghhh.. apparently my memory card needs replacing, so hopefully I will be able to purchase that today. I'm getting real antsy about not being able to take and upload pics to my blogger account, especially since I started "The Sanctuary". I also wanted to let you all know, that I received my silks from Vicki! Really quick considering that they came from the USA and I got my hot little hands on them in exactly a week. On another note, apart from starting a rotation for WIPS, I think I'm going to have to start one for the forums I visit - especially Chatelaine. I find myself on that EZBoard more often than not, drooling over all the progress pictures of the Mandala gardens, and asking for opinions. The ladies and lads over there are so nice and helpful - its lovely! Im going to order four kits from European Cross Stitch - Finally decided on Watergarden, Taj Mahal, Persian Iris and Japanese Gardens. Yep - I'm being greedy! and I am treating myself because of the sale of our old home. It was supposed to go through on the 16th (after a 28 day delay) and same old, same old - it hasnt gone through once again. The purchasers bank are just pains in the behind, as their settlement agent was waiting for a discharge notice, and then didnt get the check splits in time for the settlement to go through at 2.30pm Arrgghhhh!!! Now, hopefully it will go through by Tuesday afternoon at the latest. I can only hope. Already they are being charged penalities at $96 AUD a day, but it doesnt seem to bother them at all - they are already over the $2,000 mark, but still no bee's in their behinds - mores the pity. Oh well enough moaning about the house, the sale will definitely go through, its just a matter of when. Onto stitching matters.... I actually havent done a great deal as of late, and I only started "sanctuary" on Tuesday morning. I had found myself in a bit of a slump I guess, due to house worries etc.. but finally picked up my needle and thread once more. I am stitching it on a 28ct Jobelan fabric and am finding it lovely to work with. The speciality stitches which I have never done before are really well explained and so far no problems. No stitching for me tonight however, as I am off to a 50th birthday party where we are all meeting up at a campsite with dorms. *G* has even flown in his favorite rock and roll band from the Eastern States, so its definitely going to be a big night. I cant remember the last time I have gone out, so its going to be just lovely. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Received my stash from Stitches and Spice yesterday, it was so quick! I have to say that I adore the colour as well as the feel of "Tundra" a 28ct jobelan. Its so silky and smooth that I cant wait to stitch on it! I've also been eyeing off Peacock Fantasy - in the Spice Blend range - it looks divine. I also received my first chart from Drawn Thread "The Sanctuary" and its absolutely lovely! I'm really pleased with the little booklet - especially the diagrams for the speciality stitches, its going to make my world a whole lot easier me thinks! Now I just have to wait for my silks! Vicki sure is quick though, because I received an email from her on the 6th letting me know that it has been shipped! Fantastic service! It will be interesting to see just how long it takes to get here, and I cant wait to feel the silks! On another note, still no camera - but have been told that hopefully it might be ready on Friday for me to pick up - I think I am having picture snap withdrawals LOL

I finished the Urban Princess! Oh yeah, oh yeah!! I'm so happy cause I felt I was really dragging along with it, due to the fact it was an obligation stitch more than anything else. I mean I did *have to* complete it, as I had already done one for my first daughter, so I couldnt leave my second one out! and boy am I glad to have it completed!! So feeling pretty happy with myself I then had a bit of time for some online LNS. First I found a new shop (well one for me anyhow) called Stitches and Spice From there I purchased "The Sanctuary" by "Drawn Thread" as well as some spice blend material called "tundra" - and my hands are already itching to get myself on this material. What next I thought... well... After reading Sharon's blog a few days ago, and being envious over her purchase of some silks, I decided I had to have some. *evil chuckle* I found myself at Vicki Claytons Silks website and fell in love with her silk conversions. She had done one for "The Sanctuary" and that was it.. First item in cart :) I then spied True Wisdom by "Examplars from the Heart" and had an instant melting moment. Second lot of silks tumbled into the cart. Quick I thought to myself I had better checkout, otherwise my cart will start to over flow! I then then spent the rest of the afternoon looking for the chart "True Wisdom". Could not find it anywhere! So thought better send an email to Vicki and thanks to her quick response, realized it hadnt even been released as yet!! Well at least I am prepared! *grins* Oh nearly forgot to add, I received a call from Stitchers Corner on Sunday, and my order for both Victorian Strawberries and Heraldic Rose (needlecases and fobs) had arrived!!! Now singalong with me (to the theme of eagle rock) *doooooiiinnnng the stitchers dance*

First Sophie-Maree... Sharon and Barbara thankyou so much for your comments - you both really reassured me in regards to dosing her with her pain meds. I have actually had some sleep, and even better so has she. Her disposition has improved greatly just by getting some sleep, and I am feeling alot more confident about her health. So I have actually managed to get in some stitching time - not alot, but at least some! I now have only one side left of the border to do and I have finished!!! *does the happy dance* In regards to stitching... I actually need some help. I have been cruising some of the x-stitch blogs lately and am finding some fantastic needlework. Its really whetted my appetite to learn some speciality stitches. I was hoping that someone would comment and leave me some suggestions as to what they consider to be a good learning charts or kits to purchase. I have been vividly looking at Victoria Sampler as they do have a learning collection. Does anyone recommend them? Or can you recommend some other charts that are of course quite detailed in their instructions... I am also going to purchase a book me thinks to have on hand to refer to.. Again any recommendations? Thanks for helping..

Last night was terrible with my little Sophie up and about all night. Since bringing her home from hospital, and being the worried Mom I am, I had allowed her to sleep in my bed so I could keep an eye on her, as the Dr's warned me that in the next 8 - 10 days, her pain and swelling would probably get worse. She loved it of course and told me she felt really special, but I needless to say, didnt get much sleep for each sniffle, groan and wimper woke me up.. Last night I put her back in her own room. Started really well, and my hubby laid down with her for all of probably 10 minutes as he told her a story and gave her a cuddle, then she was off in noddy land. 10.30pm up - Mommy my I need drops in my ears.. I told her that they have had already been done, and it was ok she could go back to sleep. 11.45pm up again - Mommy my nose is sore.. So new hankerchief - asked her if she wanted some pain medicine, (and of course she said no) and back in bed once more.. Checked in on her at 12.30pm and she seemed to be sleeping peacefully. At least no tossing and turning. 1.15am - Mommy my nose is *still* sore. She didnt want the pain medicine but of course this time I gave it to her. Well, that was the start of the end... over the next three hours my poor little baby was crying (which of course then blocked up her nose) and I just couldnt settle her at all. I asked her if her nose or ears were hurting and she kept on saying no - so I laid down with her in her room to try and get her settled... No luck. At 4.30am I ended up bringing her into our bed, and she tossed and turned all night and didnt really sleep at all. The hubby and I didnt either! Bleary eyed this morning I rang the Dr at 9.00am and he has put her pain meds up to 20ml (instead of the 12ml) and told me to make sure that she has it 4 times a day with 4 hour intervals in between. I really dont like giving pain meds to children, in as much as that I think that if something is going wrong.. the symptoms can be masked, making it harder to really know whats going on. Dont get me wrong Panadol for temperatures and such I have no qualms about giving it to them - but something with a sedative in it really makes me hesitant. But... having little or no sleep the last three nights has made me resolved to at least give it to her for today and see if her disposition improves.. Maybe she too, just needs a good night sleep.

Last post I vowed only two days would go by till I updated my blog, however again its nearly a week - but this time I *do* have a valid reason. My youngest has been complaining of ear aches for sometime, and upon a recent hearing test was found to have fluid behind her ears. Light globes went on and we realized that this is probably why she has been having speech problems. To cut a long story shorter, we were put on a waiting list - hoping for a cancellation so that she could have gromits put in her ears, as well as her anoids taken out - sooner rather than later. Late Friday evening I received the phone call informing me that she would have surgery first thing Tuesday morning!! My poor little girl (she is still only a baby only just having turned 5) is so sore, but she really wanted to come home. An hour after waking up from surgery she was asking the nurses when she could leave LOL! So this morning, home I am - and my little Sophie-Maree is resting comfortable for now. So not much stitching has been done over the weekend and till today. I havent managed to get my camera working again (Arrrrgh!!) I think I am going to have to get it looked at.. But, I have managed to find some pictures of the DMC charts I have completed or should I say nearly completed.. The first pic is Urban Princess - Ballerina - has only the border to complete. Second pic is Urban Princess - Fairy. This one is fully completed and ready to frame for my eldest. Hopefully this pics will show up ok.

Over a week now since I published in my blogger! Eeek! time does fly when your having fun! but seriously I will be posting more often now - I'm making a point to at least post every couple of days. I have to confess, that I *did* get caught up with designing the template to something that was a bit more pleasing to my eye, and now since I've done that its time to play catchup! After sorting out all my stash and kitting up four projects - I didnt actually start x-stitching again until the 13th of May!! I have only probably 20 minutes of stitching left on my dancing fairy - from Urban Princess and then I am starting on my Briar Rose from Mystic Stitch. (pic on right) I wanted to upload some pictures of my cross stitch today to my pc - but when I went to, my camera was flat and when I finally got them uploaded for some reason I couldnt get photobucket to accept them.... Mmm will be definitely trying again later on to see if I can fix it. Friday the 12th was my birthday.. and I gave myself a birthday present (as you do LOL!) with that being $100 to spend on you.... you guessed it - cross stitch. I purchased myself another frame, for I am interested in setting up some type of rotation, (the details I am still figuring out) and I am also going to enroll myself in the victoria sampler cyber classes! The heart to heart vertical sampler is the one I am leaning towards. These classes really sound right up my alley - and will help me gain some experience in reference to all the new types of stitching that will come into play. Im actually really looking forward to it! Tomorrow I go and visit Stitchers Corner to pick up some more cloth. After having only worked in Aida in the past - Im really keen to start on an evenweave to see the difference in how the finished projects present themself. Updates will keep on coming throughout today...

Bloody everywhere! I cant believe I have accrued so much in such a short period of time!! If someone had told me twelve months ago that I would have skeins, needles, linen and aida lying all around the place I would have laughed in their face! Who knew it could become so addictive, and that I would turn into this raving maniac everytime I saw something related to cross stitch?? By the Gods, I am even cruising ebay like some druggie, who knows where to travel to get her best fixes from!! Last week, I decided enough was enough I had to clean up, and what an effort it was! I had threads here, charts there, and bits and pieces in every nook and cranny you could find, but low and behold my hubby finally realized that it wasnt a faze I was going through and cleaned out a room for me to hold my crafts! I actually have a room for cross stitch! and to top it all off, as I had been grumbling about all these lovely cross stitch work tables - he crafted one for me out of an old drawing plan holder. It even has a light attached to an arm!!! *fall over in a dead faint* - no wait.... must cross stitch, must cross stitch LOL! ~Pic coming I promise! I am so organised! Im the organisational Queen of Floss!!! My skeins are all rolled onto bobbins, my needles are packed away, or stuck in pin cushions and I have even kitted some of the charts I had bought but havent got to yet!! Yeppers thats me the "Queen of Floss" just dont look at my housework - its all suffered in the past week, buy hey! Whats a girl to do but get her priorities straight!