Christmas Surprise

For the past few years my mom, my daughter and I get together to make holiday memories.  This year the three of us went to a local greenhouse and made outdoor holiday decorations.  As many of you know, I have been cross stitching small pillows as decorations for my mom and myself this year.  On the way to the greenhouse I was quickly stitching shut the pillows for my mom.  Here are the photos of the front and back.  

The three of us had a very good time.  The patterns are from the holiday edition of Just Cross Stitch Magazine from 2017 and 2018.  Thank you designers.  These were stitched on 14 count Aida coffee)tea dyed by me.  I think they turned out well.  

Tis the Season SAL

I am new to cross stitch alongs.  My first stitich along (aka SAL) is a pattern from Blackbird Designs.  I started Labor Day weekend.  I have yet to iron or have it framed but the stitching is complete.  I changed a few colors and I changed the words at the bottom a bit as well.  

I am so pleased with the outcome and I plan to participate in more SALs.  In this project I utilized 18 count Aida hand dyed by Picture This Plus in the Sterling color.  I stitched for the first time with hand dyed floss and stitched one thread over one.  

The floss colors are Classic Colorworks Pea Pod.  The Gentle Art Forest Glade and Grecian Gold.  DMC 3852 for the bird beak.  Several colors of Weeks Due Works Palamino, Bark, Whitewash and my favorite color Turkish Red.  

I hope to have it framed and hanging this winter.  

Summer Cross Stitch

As readers if the blog may make note,  I do like to stitch Lizzie Kate and this is another Lizzie Kate pattern- Summer Smalls.  Stitched on 14 count Aida in Antique White fabric.  The colors are DMC and one specialty floss Whisper White distributed by Rainbow Gallery.  DMC floss colors are:. 413, 310, 3052, 730, 3803, 3687, and 834.  I did make some changes in the colors by putting in the yellow color.  I just love yellow- it says summertime to me.  

I do have plans to eventually make at least one more pattern in this brochure.

Stitching on the 4th if July

This patriotic cross stitch was also completed this month.  I stitched on 14 count Aida fabric in the antique white color.  All floss colors were DMC:. 311, 223, 3051, 3031, 801 and 3777.  This was a fast project that I plan to display as a completed pillow along with other patriotic theme decorations.  

Patriotic Stitching

Pattern is America by Threadwork Primitives.  stitched all in DMC floss colors are:. 930, 355, and 739.  The fabric is 14 count Aida in antique white.  

Very pleased with how it turned out.  I intend to make a pillow for display.  

Last Start of Stitchmaynia

This pattern is entitled Land of Liberty by Brenda Gervais.  I started this cross stitch pattern on May 28, Memorial Day.  

I think it is 16 count Aida.  The DMC colors are  498, ecru, 645, 336, 610, 783, 3774, 311, Blanc, 310, and 612.  The pattern was not stitched according to pattern but only by mistake.  I did change the colors and stitching ofvthe dog to mimic our dogs at home.

Happy stitching!  

Farmhouse Christmas

This is the reason for diving back into cross stitch after 30 years.  I fell in love with this pattern when I saw it being stitched on Instagram.  It is one if a nine part series.  Floss colors are 422, 310, 535, 648, 99 and an unknown brown likely also DMC.  There is one color of J.P. Coats 235 from old stash.  

 

The fabric is Aida 14 count in the toast color.  

What a great stitch!!  I adjusted some if the colors, especially the sheep, to make them look more like our natural coloreds here on the farm.

I look forward to stitching more of the designs in this series.

Happy stitching!

More Summer Inspired Stitching

Lizzie Kate Summer Smalls patterns #182.  I had trouble deciding which cute pattern to start...and the winner is Berries.  

The DMC floss colors are 580, 3803, 834, 932, Blanc, 435, and 3687.  14 count Aida anitque white.  

Looking forward to starting the next pattern- hint watermelon sounds refreshing...

Happy stitching!

Stitchmaynia Craze

This pattern is another one of my stitchmaynia starts this year.  This is also my first year to participate in stitchmaynia.  I planned to start a new pattern every four days resulting in eight starts.  Since I am a newish cross stitcher I focused on simpler small patterns.  I was able to finish all but one start during the month.  

This pattern also started my inability to follow colors.  Truly on accident I changed the color placement and I did leave off the words.  Lizzie Kate patterns are a great choice for beginning cross stitchers.  I plan to complete all the four designs in this Spring Smalls #190 pattern.  The DMC colors are 597, 413, 3865,can3834, 580, and 316.  Fabric  is 14 count Aida in antique white.  

Don't you just love the little house??

Happy stitching!

More Lizzie Kate

As the calendar year is progressing I am being pulled into summer and thinking about stitching patriotic themes.  This is my first one.  You may recognize the fabric Aida toast a 14 count.  Needles are size 24 for this fabric.  This cross stitch was started during stitchmaynia.  The DMC colors are:  311, 317, 712, and 321- which is a fabulous red.  

Happy stitching your patriotic patterns!

Lizzie Kate

Earlier this year there was an announcement that the designer behind Lizzie Kate was to retire.  This announcement prompted many patterns purchased by cross stitchers everywhere.  This pattern is in of many I bought.  

It is stitched on 16 count ivory Aida.  The colors are all DMC.  The colors are:. 3806, 3828, 646, 932, 310, 611, 822, and 3721.  I think I have found my favorite floss color 3721.  The pattern is a Flora McSample Snippet #s118.

I just love the sentiment behind the words as well.  

Happy stitching!

Another Hands On Design

This pattern is called Be Mine by Hands On Design.  It is stitched on 14 count Aida toast color.  Fast and fun stitch!  Will likely make it again as a quick gift.  Looking forward to options to fully finish it. The colors are DMC 601 and 605.  

You can find this pattern on the Hands On Design blog.

Happy stitching!

Farm Fresh

This is a Hands on Design pattern.  The fabric is 14 count Aida in ice blue color.  

The colors are all DMC and they are ecru, 612, 779, 647, 115, 3756 and 3820.  I considered 168 and 3866 however they did not make it into the final product.  I changed the colors a bit to mimic the eggs our chickens have produced. 

What a fun stitch!  

Experimenting with 18 Count Aida

My first crossstitchbpattern on 18 Count fabric.  The fabric is antique white Aida.  The pattern is Easter Whimsies by ScissorTail Designs.  For this project I switched to a 26 needle.  I needed a floss threader as it was challenging for me to thread the needle with two strands of DMC.

The colors of DMC used are:. 3781, 3348, 3782, 722, and 743.  I enjoyed this project and I am looking forward to finishing it into a pillow.

Happy stitching!

Crossstich Crazy

As I have mentioned I have fallen in love with cross stitch.  I plan to chronicle my progress on the blog. 

These two patterns are from Shepherd's Bush Printworks.  The pattern is St. Patrick's Day Trifles.

The ivory fabric is 14 count Aida antique white.  The purple is indeed 16 count Aida peaceful purple.  All stitched with DMC colors:  3012, 580, 935, 3740, 729, 3799, 739 and 3041.

I enjoyed these patterns and plan to stitch the third pattern this next year. 

Happy stitching!

Learning to Shear

As most of you know, in the past year we have started raising sheep.  Our breeds are all natural colored of the Rambouillet and Columbia breeds.  Prior to this endeavor we raised Angora goats and did the shearing ourselves.  Well we can tell you that sheep are much different than the goats and a might bit easier as well.  This past weekend my husband gave it a go to start the shearing on our small flock.  This fall the remaining few will be short after fall lambing. 

Here are a couple photos.  

I will be having each fleece tested for micron count and some will be offered for sale this summer.  If you would like to be put on an email notification list please email me goatgirl@ridgedalefarms.com.

Finished, Finished, Finished

This pillow marks a milestone for me.  As most of you know I have gone back to cross stitch over the last couple of months.  I am pleased to present my first totally finished object.  Do you hear the drumroll?  

Tada!!  This pattern is from The Primitive Hare.  The DMC color is 107 stitched on 14 count Aida color Antique White.  I purchased my supplies from Hobby Lobby.  The pattern I downloaded from www.theprimitivehare.com.  This became the centerpiece to a decorative arrangement for my mom for her birthday. 

New Baby

As many if you know this past year we purchased our first sheep.  We picked natural colored sheep as they are unusual.  We have a mix of Columbia and Rambouillet.  I have been anxiously awaiting a new lamb.  The original breeding date had the ewe due March 2.  We were finally blessed about a week ago with a new ram lamb.  He was born about 20 pounds.  His mom is doing great!  At this point he doesn't have a name but he likely will. 

Return to Cross Stitch

I took lessons from  needlework shop owner when I was in college 30 years ago.  I found it challenging and stressful. I think it was made difficult due to poor college dorm lighting, poor posture working on the project and a lack of videos that we now have on You Tube.   I completed one small fingertip towel and gifted it to my mom.  My mom had given me her floss stash and I still have it.  I have been able to use some of the floss in punch needle and cross stitch both. 

Recently I have started watching floss tube You Tube videos about cross stitch and I have the cross stitch bug!  I have completed a piece that I did modify a bit from the original pattern.  I feel like the patterns are a jumping off point.  It is a Lizzie Kate pattern in the winter smalls collection #189.  Now I just need to decide if I want to make it into a pillow, an ornament or frame it. 

I encourage you to check out cross stitch and the online community of flosstubers.  

Punch Needle Crafting

This year I have started some new crafts.  One of the new crafts is punch needle needlework.  I purchased my first pattern from The Woolen Needle Shop in Williamsburg, IA.  I purchased the lap stand that I punch on from The Woolery online.   It was punched with three strands and the punch I purchased at The Woolen Needle as well.  

The pattern name is Winter Blanket #675 from Threads that Bind.  I used a kit that included Valdani 3 strands floss color 196, Weeks Dye Works #1103, DMC 310, 3033, 904, 817, 844 and miscellaneous for the pennies on the blanket. 

I am very happy with the result.  I plan to add a wool border and frame the piece.  

 

What I am Reading

This is all of the books I have read so far in 2018.  There will be a new release in this series in April.  I am currently reading The Adjustment.  Suzanne Young is the author and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series The Complication.  

2018 Here I Come

Well I have decided to come clean with my knitting works in progress.  I have hopes to get back on track enjoying my hobbies and freeing myself of what I "should" be working in in my spare time. 

You are looking at from top right My Granny Stripe Blanket in worsted weight.  I am hoping to finish this blanket this year.  In the blue project bag at the bottom is my Timber Cardigan, which I dearly love!  In  the middle of the photo are two(yes, two) sock knitting projects.  One is a vanilla sock knit from a sparkle sock blank from Fibernymph Dyeworks.  The other is a modified sock pattern the Evergreen Socks that can be obtained through Ravelry.  There is a poncho project-that I am considering frogging in a turquoise blue with white, black and gray colorwork.  Lastly my mitered square blanket I cast on 64 stitches which makes about a 4 inch square.  These projects and their progress(or lack of ) can be found on Ravelry.  I am Angellac.  This looks to be an exciting knitting year!!

Balance

I have picked my word for 2018 and it is BALANCE. 
I am hoping to find a better balance with home life, work life, how I spend my leisure time and a new balance as both of my adult children are off in college.  I have started to change some things already.  Regarding work I have been exploring more methods of obtaining continuing education hours.  I have often attended night courses after a full days work.  That leaves the farm work left to my spouse (he is willing, thank goodness).  I am hoping to key into classes I really want too take even if it involves travel or webinars etc.
I am planning to continue with farm pursuits- as I still enjoy produce from the garden and fruit trees. I may slow down on the canning and food preservation in favor of smaller quantities and bigger diversity of produce. I have purchased a couple of new cookbooks hoping to gain inspiration cooking for two.  I also enjoy animal husbandry so the goats and sheep still have a solid stake on my attention. 
As far as hobbies, I am ashamed to admit I have read very little over the past year.  I have purchased several books- some paperbacks and some downloaded ebooks- still reading little more than two books last year.   That is crazy, given that I like to read.  I am hoping to give up a little knitting time to put reading back on this year's agenda.  I also am fascinated with punch needle and rug hooking.  I have ordered very basic supplies and an educational cd(as well as watched a few You Tube videos on the topic).  Fiber arts will remain an important aspect of my spare time.  I have started to spin more wool.  I have committed to spinning 15 minutes a day for 2018.  I hope to rediscover my fiber stash making yarn that I can use later.  Any further crochet plans are on hold until I complete my granny stripe blanket.  It is already 75% complete.
Last year I felt both rushed and stressed with obligations trying to "make it all happen".  In part the stress of deadlines and goals was self imposed.  I will admit I can certainly be harder on myself than anyone else.  Things should level out a bit where the college kids are concerned.  I won't be planning anyone's senior year in high school, prom or graduation.  I can pass on some of that college responsibility to the proper young adults.
I hope to spend more Sunday dinners with my parents.  To message my mom less and call more.
I plan to go on more dates with my spouse of 24 years.  Cherish the quieter times sitting on the couch sharing a bowl of popcorn.  He makes the best popcorn.
And lastly, to look up and enjoy the view.
I hope you can find better balance in your life too.