I`m still here!

My comp problems seem to be fixed *knocks on wood*. It seems that a program called RealPlayer was causing the crashing. I uninstalled it, and so far, so good.

This is my progress on Winters Lace. I am enjoying stitching this much more than I thought I would. My only peeve is I don`t care much for the fabbie I replaced the aida with. I think it`s Lugana...white 'fuzzies' seem to be separating from the fabric as I stitch. It also feels rough to the touch, and seems to be making my floss fray easily. I will be getting back to my sampler when my floor frame arrives.

Comp problems

My comp seems to be having a major meltdown. I may be gone for awhile.

Not A Sampler...

I have been working on 17th Century Style Band Sampler for a while now, and have hit a snag. There are two rows of a decorative buttonhole stitch that I can`t seem to do neat enough to suit me. So, after stitching and ripping it several times, I have switched to a different project for awhile.

My SO saw this in Fanci Mats and loved it, so I am stitching it for him:

It is a Dimensions kit. It came with Aida, but (no offense to those who like it) I despise Aida. So I picked out a 32 ct Zweigart and matched it as closely in colour as I could. Here is my progress so far:

It has been a fun stitch so far...lots of colour blending, of course, but not a lot of what I call 'confetti' stitches. The shades of colour move in a somewhat logical progression. The quality of the floss seems better than in most kits also (another pet peeve of mine...I don`t usually buy kits for that reason).

I am still packing...I think I have enough needlework packed to last me several lifetimes, but I figure choice is good. It`s going to be a long, cold winter.

Til next time, keep stitching ladies!

The Last Roses of Summer

These are the last of our roses. We are getting a hard frost tonight. Fall is here.

I have been busy lately

I am trying to get my supplies organized for the trip back to Nova Scotia. Sounds simple, right? WRONG! It involves making decisions...what to take, what to stitch, which threads go with which project...do I want to frame the finished item, or make it into a pillow/wall hanging/ stand up/needlebook etc, etc. I am having trouble making decisions lately.

While I am not actually dreading going back, i`d much rather just stay here. But, thanks to Homeland Security, and US law, I can`t. I knew I could only stay 6 months at a time, and that`s fine (well, not fine but I realize they need to set a limit), but when I came into the US this time I was told i`m spending too much time here. I have been flagged by Homeland Security as a possible risk of becoming an illegal alien. Excuse me? I don`t THINK so! I would just LOVE to become an illegal, have to change my name, live on the run, have my SO quit his job, sell his house, and change his name also. (are you sensing the sarcasm?) It`s like they have me convicted of a crime I haven`t committed...that they think I just might be tempted to commit. Good lord! I feel guilty when I jaywalk, so it just isn`t even within the realm of possibility.

So, I am headed back to Canada, and don`t know when I will be allowed back. My SO is filing paperwork to bring me here legally, but it takes years to get it sorted, so i`ve been told. So i`m busy...and cranky...and distracted...and, it seems ranting, so i`ll wind this up now.

As for stitching, i`m still working on 17th Century Style Band Sampler. I have stitched and ripped a few sections as they just didn`t suit me. I would post a pic, but my SO is asleep and the camera is in the bedroom. I will post a pic soon. Hopefully stitching will keep me from coming unravelled. Til next time ladies...keep stitching!

Answers to questions.

Samplerjane...to answer your question, the first sampler (Suzey Oliver) is available from The Scarlet Letter .
http://www.scarlet-letter.com/

The second sampler (Lucy Ann Parker) is published by Amy Mitten Designs and is available from Wyndam Needleworks
http://www.wyndhamneedleworks.com/index.htm

It is possibly available other places as well.