Cyn Stitches

“Fifteen Minutes Stitching a Day (FMSAD) - Successful!!!” -- February 28, 2010”

2010-02-28T22:00:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of February, 2010, I set a goal to stitch at least fifteen minutes each day during the month of February. I decided to call this personal challenge the Fifteen Minutes Stitching a Day (FMSAD) project.

I am pleased to report that the FMSAD project was an outstanding success!

In some ways having three major snowstorms during February helped as we had several days off of work and school. On the other hand, we spent a lot of time digging out from all of the snow! :-)

What also helped was that there weren’t that many school and other activities scheduled for this month, so many of our week day nights were free. In addition, I spent a good bit of time stitching while watching the Olympics. I have several finished projects which I’ll be sharing with everyone over the next few days.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and I wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading each and every comment. I think it’s just amazing that my little home here in blog land is visited by people from all over the world! Wow!!!

Cynthia
A Slightly Snowy Windy Meadow

“Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane” -- February 28, 2009

2010-02-28T20:00:00.001-05:00

My last finish for 2009 was Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane by Melissa Shirley Designs as I finished the Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane on December 31, 2009.

Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane, #953C
Designed by Melissa Shirley Designs
Rainbow Gallery’s; Petite Very Velvet, Neon Rays, Petite Frosty Rays
Caron Collections Impressions

The second picture is of the threads that I added to my Totally Useless SAL container when I finished the Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane. So these are some more threads for the December, 2009 TUSAL. Yes, I know I’m really late but once again since I took the picture I figured I would share it. LOL!

I’m so glad that you stopped by my blog!

Cynthia
A Lot Less Snowy Windy Meadow

“Halloween Cat Bitty HS5772 by Heartstrings -- February 27, 2010”

2010-02-27T21:00:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone!

I’ve been busy catching up on life and work after our series of major snow storms. I’ve also been spending a lot of my evenings watching the Olympics and doing some new stitching which I hope to share with everyone soon. I finished one small project and I’m almost done with two more!

I’ve also started working again on the great “Needlework Organization Project” and I realized that I didn’t share with you all two of my recent finishes!

I finished the Halloween Cat Bitty, HS5772 by Pat Thode of Heartstrings on December 28, 2010. As you all know, I just LOVE Pat’s designs so this was a fun stitch.

Halloween Cat Bitty, HS5772
Designed by Pat Thode of Heartstrings
DMC Floss, DMC Perle Cotton #8

The second picture is of the threads that I added to my Totally Useless SAL container when I finished the Halloween Cat Bitty. So these are actually threads for the December, 2009 TUSAL. Okay, I know I’m late but since I took the picture I figured I would share it. LOL!

Totally Useless SAL
December, 2009

I’ll be back tomorrow with the second project that I finished on December 31, 2009.

Thanks for visiting and I hope you are having a fun Saturday!

Cynthia
A Somewhat Snowy Windy Meadow

“Mail Art” -- February 16, 2010”

2010-02-16T21:00:00.031-05:00

I’ve received my very first piece of mail art!

Beth asked a while back if I would like to receive one of her mail art projects. Of course, I said Yes!

She mailed it on Saturday, February 6, 2010. It arrived here in Windy Meadow on Saturday, February 13, 2010 in perfect condition in spite of the snow storms!

As you can see it’s made out of fabric with stitching outlining the hearts and the fabric shapes. Beth added some glitter to the fabric so it just sparkles!

Beth blogs at Beth’s Needlework Stash. You can see more of her mail art pieces on her February 4, 2010 post.

Beth, thank you so much for the mail art. It is just beautiful! It has brightened things up around here as I think we are all getting tired of the white and now not so white snow. LOL!!!

Thanks for stopping by very snowy and windy Windy Meadow!

Cynthia
A Very Snowy and Windy Meadow

“February, 2010’s Totally Useless SAL!” -- February 14, 2010”

2010-02-14T23:00:00.011-05:00

I am so amazed that I’m finally posting a TUSAL photo on the day of the New Moon!

Not only that, but I have three photos!

The first photo is of the orts from the January, 2010 “Happy New Year” Fortune Cookie Club offered by Fireside Stitchery.

The second photo is of the orts from the January, 2010 Christmas Lights from the 2010 Canvas of the Month Club offered by The Stitching Post.

The third photo is of the orts from the February, 2010 Christmas Lights from the 2010 Canvas of the Month Club offered by The Stitching Post.

The fourth photo is of Ortessa with her new Orts!

Hope that you are staying warm and dry in this February wintery weather!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Cynthia
A Very Snowy Windy Meadow

“February, 2010 Christmas Green Ornament” -- February 14, 2010”

2010-02-14T21:00:00.000-05:00

In between digging out from the second major snow storm of the week, I was able to finish up the February, 2010 Christmas Green Ornament this past Friday.

"Christmas Green Ornament"
Sally's 2009 Christmas Lights from Rainbow Gallery
Offered by The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland
February, 2010

The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland is offering 12 Christmas Lights for their 2010 Canvas of the Month Club. These were designed by Sally for Rainbow Gallery and are based on a concept by Susan Portra.

This was another very quick and fun stitch. Now I have to wait until March, 2010 for the next ornament. :-)

This is the Christmas series that I’ll be stitching for Yoyo’s 2010 Christmas Stitch-a-Long. I am now caught up as I’ve stitched both the January and February, 2010 ornaments. Actually, I’m thrilled as I finished both ornaments by February 12, 2010! LOL!

Dee asked if there is a different design on each light bulb. Yes, there are different designs and different threads used on each ornament. The only repeating design element between the light bulbs so far is the gold Neon Rays+ that is used for each bulb cover. This area is stitched in a long diagonal stitch. We will be using the gold for the first six ornaments so I’m “guessing” that we might be doing the next six with a silver cover. Or than again we might be getting a new card of gold to continue with the next six. :-)

Please note that since the designs are by Rainbow Gallery each ornament is stitched using threads from Rainbow Gallery. These are a fun way try the Rainbow Gallery threads if you haven’t used them before.

I hope with the two sets of photos you can see the difference in the stitches by clicking on the photos. With all of the “fun” weather we have been having, it’s been a challenge taking photos! :-)

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that enjoy seeing my new finished project!

Cynthia
A Snowbound Windy Meadow

“The February 9 – 10, 2010 Blizzard! – February 14, 2010”

2010-02-14T19:00:00.008-05:00

On February 9 through February 10, 2010 the Mid-Atlantic area experienced its second major snow storm of 2010. We experienced Blizzard conditions and at times we had white out conditions. We added about 20 more inches of snow on top of the 26 that we received earlier in the week!

We’ve been out and about the last three days as the driving conditions are slowly improving each day. One of the major challenges is pulling out of side streets or out of parking lots as the snow is piled high and in many places you can’t see over the piles. There are snow hills in many of the parking lots that are twice as tall as my van! It’s truly amazing at how much snow we received in this area. One snow storm of this size is very unusual let alone two in the same week! We’ve set records over most of the state.

I thought I would share some new photos, especially so our daughter who is away at college can see how it looks around here.
Hi Sweetie! :-)

Here we go again! This is the normal Windy Meadow view which I actually took from a window instead of from the end of our driveway. The second blizzard is just beginning. At the peak of the storm not only could we not see the tree line, we couldn’t see the house across from us which is quite closer than these trees.

A view out of our back windows during the blizzard on the night of February 10, 2010 as the blizzard was starting to wind down. The snow is up to the top of our fence.

This is our son who is trying to climb out of the snow after uncovering a vent which is located to the left of the window. The metal object you see right in front of him is our sundial which is telling us its snow time! :-)

Our brick sidewalk after about 1 ½ hours of shoveling and snow blowing by three people. The sidewalk lights are 24 inches tall. So in this area of the yard the snow is about 4 feet deep. You can also the top of our one evergreen bush which is about 6 feet tall. We had about 2 feet of snow blown up against our front door. It took a while to clear off the front landing to even get to the sidewalk. LOL!

The front of our house showing that the snow is up to the bottom of the windows.

The pile of snow at the end of our driveway before the plow guy came by for the second time in one week. We used the snow blower on Thursday after the blizzard to clear off the area right in front of the garage doors. I’m standing on the cleared portion of the driveway trying to take a picture of the dogwood that I include in all of the Windy Meadow pictures. As you can see, we can only see the dogwood’s top most branches. The top of the cut in the snow, on the bottom right of the pictures is 2 feet tall.

Another picture of the snow pile at the end of our driveway. This is the dogwood that I include in all of the Windy Meadow pictures. I had to stand on part of the snow pile to take this picture.

These last two pictures were taken after our plow guy stopped by and dug us out for the second time this week.

The pile of snow at the end of our driveway. For reference, it’s taller than the height of a standard car and almost as tall as the top of my van.

The light pole at the top of our driveway. You can see the huge pile of snow on the side of our road. Our road is still only one to 1 ½ lanes wide in most places.

We’ve had a lot of snow melt which means late at night its freezing and making driving challenging.

Oh, we are getting more snow tomorrow night, Monday into Tuesday. This time it’s supposed to be only three inches. Sigh…

I appreciate everyone’s comments and I’m so glad that you decided to stop by and visit us at Windy Meadow.

Back later today with some stitching pictures!

Cynthia
A Snowy Windy Meadow

“January, 2010 Christmas Red Ornament” -- February 10, 2010”

2010-02-10T21:30:00.003-05:00

In between digging out from all of the snow this past week, I was able to finish up the January, 2010 Christmas Red Ornament this past Monday.

"Christmas Red Ornament"
Sally's 2009 Christmas Lights from Rainbow Gallery
Offered by The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland
January, 2010

The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland is offering 12 Christmas Lights for their 2010 Canvas of the Month Club. These were designed by Sally for Rainbow Gallery and are based on a concept by Susan Portra.

This was a very quick and fun stitch. I’m already working on the February Green Ornament which I hope to share with you soon!

I know that I have the original patterns that were designed by Susan for Rainbow Gallery in my stash. Hmm, I’ll have to find those when I start organizing again! :-)

By the way, the top of the ornament is actually gold which just wouldn’t photograph well! Especially with the gray skies we have been having with all of this snow. I’ll post a second picture below which hopefully shows the gold better. Sigh…

I decided to stitch the Christmas Lights as the series that I’ll be stitching will participating in Yoyo’s 2010 Christmas Stitch-a-Long. Yoyo decided in November, 2009 that she needed some encouragement to work on her Christmas designs. So she decided to create the 2010 Christmas SAL. The rules are very loose and you can read them by clicking on the 2010 Christmas SAL links.

Basically, the participants are to pick a design or series of designs that they want to stitch that have a Christmas theme. The goal is to spend the first week of each month working on this project. Did I mention that the rules were loose? Yoyo just asks that we send her a new photo by the end of each month so that she can post the photo in our Christmas SAL photo album. Hopefully by the end of year we will have made a lot of progress and we meet some new stitchers and have some new fun blogs to read. :-)

If you think that Yoyo’s name sounds familiar that’s because she is the creator of the Totally Useless SAL!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are staying safe and warm this winter and staying busy with some fun stitching!

Cynthia
A Snowbound Windy Meadow

“Batten Down the Hatches! Again? Yes, Again!!! -- February 9, 20109”

2010-02-09T18:30:00.001-05:00

Batten down the Hatches or in other words, A MAJOR SNOW STORM is HEADED OUR WAY!!!

Again???!!!

I can’t believe I’m saying this for the third time this winter and the second time in one week!

Yes, we have another huge weather event headed our way. It’s actually here already as it began lightly snowing at 1:30pm this afternoon. The snow became heavier at about 3:30pm. All of the bare surfaces, the few that are out there, are already white. The photo below of Windy Meadow was taken about 4:30pm this afternoon as the storm was worsening.

The forecast is for between 10 to 20 inches of more snow over the next 24 hours!

They are also predicting higher winds this time so hopefully we won’t lose power. We are also hoping that the snow from this past weekend is packed down enough that it won’t add to the drifting problems.

I’m not sure where we are going to put the new snow as we still have over 2 feet of snow in the yard. We were able to get out late yesterday and then again today to pick up some more supplies. You ought to see the snow piles in the parking lots! There were still snow piles in many of the parking lots from the December 19, 2009 snow storm. Add in the snow from the February 6, 2010 snowstorm and we have mountains of snow! And a lot less room in many of the parking lots to park!

DH and I have been off of work for the last two days. We both work further south where they received 28 to 30 inches and the roads down there are still a mess. In addition a lot of trees are down on most of the major highways adding to the problem. We probably won’t be at work tomorrow as that will be the height of the storm and it will be questionable whether or not our respective places of employment will be open on Wednesday or even on Thursday. We’ve never been closed for this long, not even in the 1994 snow storms!

The public schools let out early this past Friday right before the snow storm worsened. They are still closed and will probably be closed for the rest of the week. Then on next Monday and Tuesday they are scheduled to be closed for Presidents Day and the day after. So DS may not be going back to school until a week from this Wednesday!

Yesterday, DH was a little bit under the weather so DS and I went out to Panera for lunch. We then stopped by the grocery store to restock on bread and bananas and a few other things. It’s amazing how much food we go through when we are all home as usually we eat our lunches at work and school! I then stopped by the local park so DS could do some sledding. Then we both came home and spent about an hour with the shovels getting the packed snow off the top of the driveway by the road where the plow pushed it back on our driveway. We also made sure to clear out the packed snow in front of our mailbox. Thank goodness we were up by the main road as suddenly a buck and two doe came running through the snow along the side of our property line, across the street, and down through the next yard. A car was slowly coming down our road, we are still down to slightly over one car width of cleared road, and he stopped when he saw the buck crossing the road. I started waving so he would know to not move as he couldn’t see the does. When they passed I was able to wave him on. As he drove by he rolled down his window and thanked me. :-)

In this area, we know if there is one deer there are going to be more! But we were able to let him know that there were only three and that it was safe for him to continue. It was also fun to see the deer running through the snow as they take huge leaps with snow flying! Two feet of snow does not slow them down!

We then had fun clearing the packed snow that was rapidly turning into ice from the main/flat part of the driveway. Usually, I would just let it go as it would be gone in about two days with the winter sun, but with another 10 to 20 inches on its way, we both thought we needed to clean up the packed snow and ice. It’s a lot of fun working with DS as he tells stories, pretends the snow is attacking us, has fun seeing how far he can throw the snow from his shovel, etc. Always and adventure! This was a nice workout for both of us so when we were done it was time to unpack the car, take showers and just goof off. :-)

What did we do when running around today? While DH was getting more gas for the snow blower, running a few errands, and then putting the two cars in the garage, I made a quick stop for several paperbacks and magazines for me and a new DVD for DS, plus a few other odds and ends. DH and I met for a quick lunch at Five Guys, love the burgers and fries, as DS wanted to stay home and catch up with everyone on Facebook.

Since I want to play with my quilting I decided to stop by Joann’s earlier today to pick up a couple of fat quarters. I thought this was a good idea, especially, since I’m a very novice quilter and I don’t want to ruin the good fabric! I have this vision of sitting in front of the TV watching the Winter Olympics while doing some English Paper Piecing to make a quilt. I’ll post a progress picture when I have something to share that hopefully won’t be embarrassing! LOL!

We just finished getting the candles, flashlights, and camping lantern ready, and filling up a bathtub with water (we are on well and septic and if the power goes out, we can't flush as the well pump stops pumping). We washed the dishes and now we’re doing laundry so we’re all caught up if we lose power. We are now all at home, warm, safe and dry.

DH already called our wandering plow guy so that he will stop by and dig us out again after this storm passes. So hopefully, we’ll be able to get out on Thursday or at the latest on Friday.

While we are snowed in we are planning on doing a few chores, playing a bunch of games and hopefully watching some movies if we have power. I'm also planning on washing and pressing some of my new fabrics.

Stitching? Oh, yes, I finished the January, 2010 light bulb ornament for the February Christmas SAL and I’ve already started the February, 2010 light bulb. I’m also planning on putting Uncle Sam back on the table as I need to finish him up by June, 2010 for the Black Eyed Susans challenge.

I’ll be sharing a photo of the finished January, 2010 light bulb ornament with everyone soon. :-)

We’ll be thinking again of our police officers, volunteer fire, EMT personnel, State Highway employees, and the personnel at the local Hospitals and wishing them well. Thank goodness we have them!

Many of them have been working non-stop since the first storm. Hopefully, we’ll get a break in the weather so they can have a chance to rest!

Today, the Mayor of Baltimore put out an all hands call asking for help from any private contractor with snow equipment. In addition, there are repeated reminders on both the TV and radio stations asking everyone to stay home and off the roads! Hopefully all will listen and honor their requests.

Vancouver, would you like some snow? We have some to spare that we would gladly send North! LOL!!!

I hope everyone in the path of this new storm, stays safe, dry, warm and that you hopefully find some time to stitch!

I also wanted to add that I appreciate everyone’s comments! I read and smile over each and every one. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I have friends who enjoy reading my blog and who have been thinking of us and everyone in this area during these challenging storms. Thank you!

Cynthia
A Very Snowy Windy Meadow

“January Fortune Cookie” -- February 8, 2010”

2010-02-08T22:00:00.002-05:00

This past weekend I had lots of time to stitch due to the 2010 Blizzard. That is when we weren’t digging out from all of the snow! LOL!

I was able to finish up the "Happy New Year" January Fortune Cookie canvas. This was a quick fun stitch and I would definitely recommend the Fortune Cookie Canvas of the Month Club from Fireside Stitchery.

"Happy New Year" Fortune Cookie
January, 2010
Hand Painted Canvas by Little Shoppe Canvas Company
Stitch and Thread Selection by Fireside Stitchery
2010 Fortune Cookie Club offered by Fireside Stitchery in Frazer, PA

The snowflake medallions are stitched in a silver metallic and the filler between is ThreadworX. Unfortunately, the camera is having problems with the silver metallic but it’s beautiful in person. Just shimmers and looks like silver fireworks or snow falling out of a night sky. Yes, we’ve seen plenty of night snow this winter. LOL!

My plan is to stitch two of the fortune cookies and then send them off for finishing.

Thank you for stopping by and I’ll have another post for you soon of another finish from this weekend!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“26 Inches!!! -- February 7, 20109”

2010-02-07T21:00:00.002-05:00

26 Inches!

That’s the unofficial measurement here in Windy Meadow, twenty six inches of snow during the February 6, 2010 Blizzard.

That my friends, is a lot of snow!

Our primary roads are now in good shape. Our secondary roads are passable as we now have one lane open in the road in front of our house and on the rest of our secondary roads out to the main road. Most of the public schools in the path of the blizzard have already cancelled school for tomorrow.

We are very thankful for our state highway employees, police officers, volunteer fire personnel, EMT personnel, our Hospital personnel, and all of the others who volunteered their time to keep everything running during the blizzard. Many of them arrived on Friday night and are just beginning to go home as they are being relieved by those who can now get out of their homes.

Once the snow stopped yesterday afternoon, we were able to dig our way out of the front door. Yes, even though we have a roof over our front door, the snow was blown up against the door!

I thought I would share some pictures of the 2010 Blizzard.

During the blizzard,

This is the looking out of our front door,

Our sun dial is almost under snow,

Looking out of our garage,

Front sidewalk cleared by dusk. Look at the snow on the little roof!

Dear son clearing sidewalk,

Front sidewalk cleared and sign posted asking to be plowed,

Dear husband working hard to clear in front of the garage doors,

Did you know that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter? Sigh…

By the way, there are now predictions for 5 or more inches of snow beginning this Tuesday through Wednesday. Yes, we have another winter storm watch posted already!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“26 Inches!!! -- February 7, 20109 - Continued”

2010-02-07T20:55:00.001-05:00

More pictures of Windy Meadow after the Blizzard of 2010.

We have a plow guy!
It only took him about 20 minutes to move all of that snow. WOW!

Deer tracks in 2 feet of snow at Windy Meadow,

Dear son exhausted after clearing snow. Or that’s what he wants me to believe! :-)

Climbing the snow mountain,

Almost to the top of the snow mountain,

Dear son’s Rocky imitation,

Back soon with some stitching pictures!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Batten Down the Hatches! Again!!! -- February 5, 2010”

2010-02-05T16:03:00.001-05:00

Batten down the Hatches or in other words, A MAJOR SNOW STORM is HEADED OUR WAY!!!

Again???!!!

Yep, we have another huge weather event headed our way. Actually it’s already here and we have gently falling snow outside right now. The grass is just about covered.

It began about 11:30am this morning and is supposed to last until about 10:00pm Saturday night. We are forecasted to get from 20 to 30 inches of snow”!

Some areas might get more than 30 inches of snow!

One of the weather newscasters said that so far Maryland has received more snow than Alaska?

This is not typical for this area!

DH and I took the day off as the storm would arrive at both of our places of employment before it would arrive here and the commutes home would be terrible. Neither one of us is critical so we don’t need to be there, thank goodness. The schools let out 2 hours early and a lot of the businesses are already closing. Basically, everything will be cancelled for at least the next two to three days. I’ve been receiving emails announcing cancellations from the school, and now from all of the LNS and the not so LNS announcing that their super bowl sales are being cancelled and rescheduled. :-)

We spent the morning running a few errands, getting the cars and the van in the garage, getting gas for the snow blower and the generator, one more trip to the grocery store, and getting the money ready to pay one of the wandering plow guys. We then took DS out for lunch at Olive Garden as we figure we won’t be back out until late Sunday night or on Monday.

And of course I had to stop by the fabric store to pick up some fabric to play with as I’ve decided that I want to teach myself how to quilt. Yes, Beth, I fabric stashed! LOL!!!

We should have blizzard conditions in this area after dusk. So it’s safer to be home than out and about. We’ll be thinking about our police officers, volunteer fire, EMT personnel, State Highway employees, and the personnel at the local Hospitals and wishing them well. Thank goodness we have them!

The storm on December 19, 2009 was predicted as the storm of the century but this one is expected to be much worse. Higher winds, blizzard conditions, and snow totals.

We just finished finding the candles, finding the flashlights, checking the batteries, filling up a bathtub with water (we are on well and septic and if the power goes out, we can't flush as the well pump stops pumping). We are now home, warm, safe and dry.

We are planning on doing a few chores, playing a bunch of games and hopefully watching some movies if we have power. I'm hoping to be able to stitch a little bit as I want to finish up my January, 2010 light bulb ornament for the February Christmas SAL. I also need about one hour of work to finish up the January, 2010 Fortune Cookie from Fireside Stitchery’s Fortune Cookie club. Once I have both of these done, I’ll have some new pictures to share with you. I’m hoping that once I finish adding the floss and the petite very velvet to the January Fortune Cookie it will photograph better. The silver metallic keeps showing up as gray on all of the pictures I’ve tried to take!

I hope everyone in the path of the storm, stays safe, dry, warm and that you hopefully find some time to stitch!

Back in a few!!!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Fifteen Minutes Stitching a Day (FMSAD)” -- February 2, 2010”

2010-02-02T21:00:00.002-05:00

Instead of an apple a day, I’ve set a goal to stitch at least fifteen minutes each day. So, I’ve started the Fifteen Minutes Stitching a Day (FMSAD) project for the month of February, 2010!

I’ve checked the calendar and so far it looks like there aren’t gobs and gobs of activities scheduled for this month. Or at least right now there aren’t! But since this is Windy Meadow that could change quickly. :-)

Last night I was able to stitch over 15 minutes, so right now I’m on track.

Think I can keep it up for the next 27? LOL!!!

It's snowing again tonight. They are forecasting 3 - 6 inches. I'm just going to sit here and look at my blog header for a while and remind myself how hot it can get in Windy Meadow. Hopefully that and a cup of soup tonight will help. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

January Fortune Cookie -- February 1, 2010

2010-02-01T22:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I was working very hard to be able to share with you a finish, my January Fortune Cookie from the Fireside Stitchery's Fortune Cookie Club. I had a lot of time to stitch this weekend due to the Saturday snowfall and lot's of activities being cancelled. As I said, I was hoping to have a finish but sadly there was a bit of undo stitching here in Windy Meadow. Sigh...

Since I haven’t finished all of the non-metallic stitches it’s not playing nice with the camera. So let me point you to Fireside Stitchery’s Fortune Cookie Club page so you can see what it’s going to look like. Have fun and I’ll be back soon!

Thank you for stopping by my little home on the web!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Finishing” -- January 29, 2010”

2010-01-29T21:15:00.000-05:00

I had several questions as to whether or not I would finish the Marquis ornament myself. Nope! LOL!!!

Even though I know how to finish ornaments and have experience finishing ornaments, I rather stitch. Especially since it seems that I’m only spending about 15 minutes each month actually stitching! Sigh…

So I usually send them off to be professionally finished.

I thought things were supposed to slow down when you sent the first child off to college? Not!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to have a picture to share with you soon of my stitching progress.

I appreciate your visits and all of the comments that I have received!

Thank you!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

"Spoiled Rotten” -- January 27, 2010”

2010-01-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

Yep, I’m spoiled rotten!

Why you ask?

I was hoping you would!

Well, last fall was a “Magic” birthday for me which is a birthday ending in a zero.

Oh gosh guys, you are too too kind, no I didn’t turn 30! :-)

So my dear, sweet, clueless husband was trying to figure out what to get for me as he really, really wanted to make this a special birthday.

Now, this is especially hard as if we want something, we usually just buy it. He also, ahem, has absolutely no talent in picking out clothes or jewelry for me. And since I read between three to five books a week, well that wasn’t going to work.

So, to save the poor dear man, and at his fervent request, I pointed him to several websites for canvas and Canvas of the Month clubs gift ideas.

On the day of my birth anniversary, actually it was several days later as we were too busy on my birthday to slow down for a fun meal and presents, he presented me with my birthday gifts. I was absolutely amazed as not only did he buy the Fireside Stitchery Fortune Cookie Club, he also purchased the Fireside Stitchery Candy Cane Club!

Well, I was speechless!

And for those who know me, this is a very rare event!!!

This past weekend I received the first canvas from both clubs so I hope to share some stitching progress with you soon!

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting Windy Meadow!

Where it is about to get very windy and cold this weekend!

And I don’t have to go anywhere so hopefully I’ll be able to stitch!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Snow Cone Santa -- January 23, 2010

2010-01-23T22:19:00.006-05:00

“Snow Cone Santa” by Janet Zickler Casey!

I had sent him off to Pocket Full of Stitches to be finished into an ornament last fall. He came back from the finisher in plenty of time to be placed on the Christmas tree. He looked so good!

"Snow Cone Santa"
Janet Zickler Casey Designs
Finishing by Pocket Full of Stitches

Hope you enjoyed visiting with my newest Santa ornament! :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

"Marquis" August, 2009's Canvas of the Month Club

2010-01-20T21:12:00.002-05:00

I stitched "Marquis" back in October, 2009. This is the August, 2009 kit from the 2009 Bargello Ornament Club from The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland. The red, green and gold threads just sparkle on the red canvas.

"Marquis"

Sally's 2008 Bargello Christmas Ornaments from Rainbow Gallery

Offered by The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland

October, 2009

Rainbow Gallery's Silk Lame Braid, Neon Rays, Panache, Petite Treasure Braid

Hope you enjoyed another one of my stitched projects from last year!

So glad you took the time to stop by and I enjoy reading all of the comments. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

All Caught Up with Reading Blogs!

2010-01-19T22:14:00.004-05:00

Things have been a bit busy around here lately with the Holidays, kids home from school, and family visiting. I still have several "older" posts to add to the blog before I can show you the little bit that I've been working on this year. But in the meanwhile I wanted to catch up with what everyone has been up to since I last checked in.

I have finally caught up with reading everyone's blogs!

Wahoooooooo...

Uh... Wait a minute... I was caught up... Dang... Be back in a minute...
So many pretty things to see....

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Trick or Treat Heart - Finished! -- January 13, 2010

2010-01-14T22:00:00.000-05:00

I finished the Trick or Treat Heart in November, 2009!

The original stitch guide was by Sekas & Co which I followed except for the area behind the Halloween figures and around the outside of the heart. I added a brown background in DMC #612 Tan which exactly matches the brown canvas.

"Trick or Treat" Heart

by Sekas & Co.

DMC #5 Perle Cotton, DMC Floss, Caron Impressions, Caron Watercolors

I thoroughly enjoyed stitching this project!

Sekas & Co. has a nice range and variety of projects. Many of which are available as needlepoint canvases and have also been charted for cross stitch. Enjoy looking over their site!

Hmmm.... there are a couple more of the Hearts that I would love to have. :-)

Thanks for stopping by my VERY windy and COLD meadow this week!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Lee's Needle Arts Update -- January 14, 2009

2010-01-14T21:50:00.003-05:00

It's now official. The new Lee's Needle Arts website by Colonial Needle is up and available for our viewing pleasure!

You can find it at;

http://www.newleesneedlearts.com

The online catalog is at;

http://www.newleesneedlearts.com/files/Lees_Needle_Arts_Catalog.swf

I'll be back again soon. I need to go and look at every item in the catalog. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

November, 2009's Totally Useless SAL!” -- January 11, 2010

2010-01-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Well I'm a tad bit late but here is the official post for my contribution to the November, 2009 Totally Useless SAL.

These are the orts from the Trick or Treat Heart which have now been placed in Ortessa.

November, 2009
Totally Useless Stitch-a-Long

I do have some orts to share from a project that I finished in December, 2009. But next up will be the finished Trick or Treat Heart!

Hope that you are staying warm and dry in this January, 2010 weather!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Pink Patchwork Shoe -- January 10, 2010

2010-01-10T22:15:00.003-05:00

The Patchwork Pink Shoe is from A Collection of Designs and was one of the designs available in 2004 through Fireside Stitchery's " Halloween Cookie Club". I finished the first several in the club series and then of course, life got busy. :-)

I pulled it back out earlier this fall and this is where I left the stitching when I last put it down. I've made a bit of progress on the pink background and some of the other areas. It's back on the table and hopefully I'll be able to make some more progress soon so I'll have something to share with you.

Patchwork Pink Shoe
A Collection of Designs
Halloween Cookie Club through Fireside Stitchery

DMC Floss, DMC#5 Perle Cotton

Rainbow Gallery's Grandeur, Petite Frosty Rays, Petite Sparkle Rays, Splendor

River Silk Ribbon,

Kreinik #12 Braid

YLI Corporation Ultra-Shimmer

Wichelt Corporations Mill Hill Petite Seed Beads

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting my blog!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

It's 2010! -- January 10, 2010

2010-01-10T17:13:00.006-05:00

Thank you for all of the well wishes during the Snow Storm of 2009!

I took several pictures of the 17+ inches of snow but I'm not too sure what happened to them on the camera. They ummm disappeared! Okay, it was probably operator (that's me) error.

The snow didn't stick around very long as the next weekend we had fairly normal to slightly higher than normal temperatures for our region. But while the snow was here, it was very pretty. The Holiday lights looked just beautiful with the snow.

Now that the Holidays are over and all of the guests have left my thoughts are turning to closing out all of the family 2009 paperwork, taking down the decorations, eating all of the leftovers, and stitching!

While I was not active in Blog Land I did make some progress on several projects. I'm going to catch up with those here on the blog before I show you what I've done since the first of the year. I also several photos for the 2009 TUSAL. By the way, don't get too excited as I haven't done much stitching since the beginning of 2010. LOL!

Back soon,

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Quiet After the Storm in Windy Meadow

2009-12-22T21:43:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, here in Windy Meadow we received 17+ inches of snow in the big storm this past weekend! Yep, 17+ inches of snow. It was a dry fluffy kind of snow and was just beautiful!

I wish I could have shared with you the huge pile of snow that formed on top of our sun dial. It was fun to watch it grow all day and into the night on Saturday. Unfortunately, when the sun came up on Sunday it melted very quickly. :-(

We were dug out by Sunday afternoon. Our State Highway guys did a great job. We also were able to flag down one of the roving guys with a blade on the front of his truck to do a couple of passes on the driveway. Then DH and DS got busy with the snow blower and the shovel. DD and I were on Christmas decorating and hot coffee/hot chocolate/hot tea patrol. :-)

You ought to see all of the big piles of snow in the parking lots. To quote DS, "Epic"!

I don't have a picture to share with you as I kept forgetting to take one on Sunday. I'll try to take one tomorrow morning before going into work. And hopefully I'll have time to post tomorrow night.

I haven't done much stitching though I do have some pictures to share of what I've done over the last few weeks. And yes, I actually finished something! Wahooo.....

Yoyo, I'm sorry but I don't have a post for this month for the TUSAL. Almost no stitching has been done in December, 2009. :-(

Just returned from taking DD and her best friend out to dinner. DS decided to stay home (smart guy). I now need chocolate or a nice cold beverage!!! They are both great girls but can they talk! LOL!!!

DH is out goofing off for the night. Actually (this is for Anne of the Cape Stitcher), he's playing Bridge. LOL!!!

Back soon...

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Batten Down the Hatches!!!

2009-12-18T23:07:00.005-05:00

Batten down the Hatches or in other words, A MAJOR SNOW STORM is HEADED OUR WAY!!!

Huh you say?

Beginning at about 11:00pm in our area until 6:00am Sunday morning, we will be getting at least 10 and up to 20+ inches of snow. Now I know that this might not sound like a lot to some of you but for this area, that's a lot of snow! :-)

Here in the Mid-Atlantic states when snow is predicted, everyone runs out and buys bread, milk and toilet paper. When they predict a lot of snow, which in this area is 2 to 6 inches of snow, everyone runs out and buys lots of bread, milk and toilet paper and lots of other groceries. When they predict the storm of the century (okay, I know it's only 2009 but that's what they are saying) they run out and buy EVERYTHING! LOL!!!

Usually we try to make sure that we have all of the neccessities several days before a storm is forecasted to arrive but not this week. After a full day of work, I then headed out tonight to the local grocery store with about 500 of my closest friends!

Yes, I didn't get to the grocery store until after 7:00pm and it was still crazy. Everyone was being very nice and friendly so what could have been a very frustrating experience actually wasn't. I also noticed that everyone was being very nice to all of the cashiers as they had been working hard all day!

What made this even more challenging for me was that we hadn't had a chance to do any grocery shopping this week so not only was I getting items for the snowed in weekend, I was picking up everything else that we had not been able to buy this week due to lot's of other activities. Including the afore mentioned bread, milk and toilet paper. Sigh...

We were also planning on putting up some more Christmas lights outside but we haven't been able to as each weekend when we weren't running around with family and school activities it was raining. And by raining I mean heavy, heavy rains! This was our last opportunity to finish up the outside decorating and obviously it isn't going to happen! LOL!!!

Hopefully our power will stay on so we can spend the weekend finishing up the inside cleaning and decorating and hopefully a little bit of baking.

Who will be that standing up at the head of our driveway on Sunday? That will be my husband flagging down one of the trucks with a plow on it's front who drive around volunteering to plow out your driveway for a fee. Or at least he'll be doing that in between using our snow blower to dig out our driveway. :-)

I've already seen several of the trucks with plows cruising around this evening while I was out as they were stocking up on coffee and other neccessities so they will be ready!

Tonight we are going to be playing the fun games of, finding the candles, finding the flashlights, checking the batteries, filling up a bathtube with water (we are on well and septic and if the power goes out, we can't flush as the pump stops pumping), and then putting two cars and a van in the garage.

I'm hoping to be able to stitch a little bit though I really need to dig out the dining room to get ready for next week! LOL!!!

I hope everyone in the path of the storm, stays safe, dry, warm and that you hopefully find some time to stitch!

Back soon!!!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Cross Stitch 101

2009-12-12T21:30:00.002-05:00

One of the things that I enjoy doing is teaching, especially children and teens, how to do needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, etc.

I've been doing this informally to anyone (friends, family, scouts, etc) who would sit still long enough to hold a needle. I've also been teaching more formally at two different events during the year.

The first event is a mall lock-in which is held every year in early Spring. I updated and now maintain the needlepoint and cross stitch kits. We estimate that these two stations are visited by apx. 225 to 350 girls, teenagers, and adults each year. I've "talked" about this event in earlier posts. If you are interested in reading the earlier posts go down to the labels and click on teaching_children.

The second event is an older girl weekend event which is held in August every year. I coordinate the needlework area where we offer knitting, crochet, hardanger, huck weaving, cross stitch and embroidery. For each session the girls pick which needlework technique that they want to learn. Many times we also have adults who are not busy for that session participate or they stop by to see what we are doing and talk about their needlework hobbies. We've even had the girls sign up for two sessions so they can learn two different needlework techniques. We've also had a girl or two over the years who was having so much fun learning that they did not want to go to their next sessions activities!

We not only give them instruction, but we also give them the materials/tools so that they can continue with their new hobby. This includes additional cross stitch kits, knitting needles, crochet hooks, needles, and sometimes scissors. As volunteers we are always using our craft store coupons to pick up items. Yes, we can receive a set dollar amount for this station but this is one of our "gifts" to the program. Our time and our donation of the materials.

For the first few years, I was able to purchase a beginning cross stitch kit of an owl by "Designs by Gloria and Pat" at my LNS. This kit worked out really well for several reasons. The first was it was a well done kit and included the Aida cloth, needle, and floss. The second reason I used this kit was it only cost $1.00. Okay, this was a real bargain especially since the instructions were so well done. The third reason I liked this kit, is it taught how to cross stitch, back stitch, and how to make a french knot. Three of the most basic stitches for cross stitch designs. The fourth reason is that the wise owl has special meaning to our program.

Unfortunately, the kit was discontinued so for several years I've been teaching each girl using a cross stitch kit that they picked out from all of our donated kits. Of course, this made the teaching adventure a bit more interesting and more challenging for me. :-)

After several years of trying to teach more than one girl using very different kits, I decided enough was enough. So earlier this year I started searching online to find a beginner project that was a free pattern that could be used for the class. If I didn't find one, I was going to make up my own!

After searching for a while, I found the "Designs by Gloria and Pat" site. I started looking at all of their free designs when on one of the later pages I saw that they had posted for anyone's use the Owl chart. Wahoo! I had my chart back!!!

Of course this was a duh-uh moment as I should have started with their site first but oh well I got there eventually. :-)

You can find the online picture of the owl here;
http://www.gloria-pat.com/webpages/free_charts_toc2.html

And the chart and instructions here;
http://www.gloria-pat.com/Images/Owl.pdf

I thought you might like to see a picture of the owl that I stitched that I use in the class.

Thank you for visiting and I love reading everyones comments!

I'm hoping that you are finding time to stitch or to do your favorite needlework activity at this very busy time of the year. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Questions and Answers -- December 8, 2009

2009-12-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

Hello!

It's been a while since I've done this so I thought I would take a moment and answer some of the questions that I've received via comments and email.

If you've sent me an email please don't be offended if I haven't answered your email yet. I got a tad (okay a lot) behind and I'm slowly catching up!

Helen,

Yes, Lee of Lee's Needle Arts has retired. Though I've heard that someone(s) may be buying her line and that they may be offered to us again soon. If I hear anything definite, I'll post the information on my blog. Has anyone out there heard if the line has been bought and if so, how soon will it be offered again?

As far as I know, Lee's Needle Arts designed painted canvases and did not offer charts of her designs. Helen you also asked if I knew of any shop in the UK who carries her designs. Unfortunately, I don't but you can ask any needlework shop in the US of A if they have the designs that you are looking for as I know that many will ship internationally. If you would like to know who I have ordered from in the past, please leave an email where I can reach you on a comment and I'll respond as soon as I can. :-)

Ort Containers

I've loved reading everyones comments on my ort containers and that you have shared with us what you have named your ort containers.

Pam, I love the idea of a glass rolling pin which you have named the Ort Port! LOL!!! I was also grinning when I read that if you have some sparkly threads, you'll redistribute your orts in the Ort Port so that the sparklies are spread throughout the rolling pin. I was also glad to hear that you also carefully saves your orts until you have successfully completed a project before adding them to your ort container, The Ort Port, just like Moi (yes we heard the Muppets and John Denver 12 Days of Christmas. Love that one!). Nope, I don't think that's a bit obsessive Pam! LOL!!! Especially since I am also one who carefully saves all of her orts, and nothing else, for each project until it has been successfully completed and then carefully puts my orts into Ortessa! :-)

Beth, glad to hear that you like the idea of saving all of the orts for one project in case you need a little bit at the end. Glad to help out and hopefully share some helpful hints so someone else doesn't need to learn this the ahem... hard way as we (the royal we) did! Sigh...

Yoyo, yes our daughter does have her own ort container or rather she acquired one of mine! :-)

Right now she isn't stitching as she's back in school but she is EAGERLY looking forward to finishing exams and coming home for a few weeks and plans on doing some stitching then. That is after she has slept in late for, oh a bunch of days, visited with everyone, caught up on all of the news with her friends, and eaten a lot of different foods that she can't get at school! LOL!

Oh, I should add that the food at school is really, really, good (her words) but they don't make a pot roast as well as she does and she can't get a good grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup at school. What do I make for her? Reservations! Hee, hee, hee... :-)

Yoyo, I should add that our daughter may not be "officially" participating in the Christmas SAL on a monthly basis but she will have lot's of monthly projects to stitch as she has last years canvas/ornament of the month club from our LNS in her stash and I'll be buying next year's (2010) for her also. I'll post about this soon so everyone will know what Yoyo and I are talking about. Or go visit Yoyo's blog now to read about the Christmas SAL.

Beth,

No I haven't started on Heart of the Cabin (she mutters...). I have the canvas and some of the threads but not all. Yes, I am doing it in the original colors. That is unless I change my mind between now and when I start. ;-)

I'm hoping, really hoping that I will be able to start/continue on one or more large projects after the Holidays. Just too much going on now and not enough stitching time. Smaller projects are working for me right now. Hopefully after the first of the year I should have more time. Especially if we get the snowy/icy winter that everyone, including the woolly bear caterpillars and the almanacs, say we should get this year! Though I'm not sure if that is a good or not so good thing! LOL!!!

I am very thankful that you stop by and read about my stitching adventures!

Cynthia

Windy Meadow

Windy Meadow's First Snow Storm!

2009-12-06T20:09:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday a winter storm went up the east coast and shared it's snow with Windy Meadow. It was supposed to start as rain and then convert to snow but it changed it's mind and decided to start and stay as a snow storm! Soooo I had to change what I was planning for the day as I didn't want to drive an hour away to go shopping in this mess! LOL!!!

Usually we don't have snow this early in the year and many years we don't have snow at all or just a few snow showers. Our daughter was very frustrated as the rain that they were having didn't convert over to snow until late in the storm. So sweetie, this post and these pictures are for you!

The first picture is about mid-morning when the storm was really getting strong.

The second picture was taken on Sunday morning before the snow started melting. It's quickly disappearing though we still have some on the ground today.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you are having some nice warm weather where you live! Or at least I hope that the snow come quickly, looks beautiful, and then leaves as quickly. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Lee Kimono

2009-12-04T21:00:00.002-05:00

I don't think I've shared this with you all before???

It's another Lee Kimono that our daughter stitched.

I think she did an absolutely loverly job! But then again, I'm a bit biased in her favor! :-)

We are planning to send this off for finishing soon. We'll share it again when it's been turned into a Kimono ornament.

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm just amazed sometimes that I have visitors. LOL!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Harlequin Star - A Final Finish!

2009-11-30T21:28:00.008-05:00

"Harlequin Star" has finally been finished into an ornament!

Wahoo!!!

Okay, I know the picture is a bit washed out but it's the best I've been able to do. It's actually quite bright and colorful in person.

Here in the Mid-Atlantic we've been in a wet weather pattern for several months. Well, that's what the local weather personnel call it. LOL!!!

So of course, anytime I have some free time during the day and I want to take a picture it's raining, or just finishing raining, or just about to start raining. Sigh...

I finally decided that I'm going to start posting with the pictures that I've been able to take.

Yes, I enjoy all types of weather but the rain is starting to get a bit old. Can you tell that I went grocery shopping tonight in the rain and got rather wet loading the groceries into the car? LOL!!! They are forecasting an inch of rain tonight and I think I came home wearing about a quarter inch of it. LOL!!!

Thanks for stopping by, especially as I've been gone for a while! :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Totally Useless SAL -- October 23, 2009

2009-10-23T21:30:00.003-04:00

Do you have the patience for one more post about Orts?

Well, I am making up for June, August and September’s TUSAL posting dates which I missed! Somehow I found the time to post an entry in July (she says while scratching her head). I think after this post I’m still down one but we are not going to worry as hopefully Yoyo will understand. Do bottlecaps count as orts? :-)

Two days ago, I introduced you to Ortie. Yesterday I showed you how I collect my orts in plastic bags for each project until I am done with that particular project.

Once I’m done with a project, I then have a little ceremony (okay not much of one) where I put all of the orts for that particular project in my ort container. So with a drum roll please….. Here’s Ortessa!
As you can see she is getting a tad full as she is a well fed lady, but that’s half the fun. When I finish a new project, I can put the orts in, mush them down a bit, and I have a 7 Layer Ort Salad! LOL!

Yes I do have fun looking at the different layers of orts from different projects. Yes, I do have a tendency to name things and yes each of our cars, among other appliances has been named.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my posts about my orts and I hope you come back again soon as I have some new stitching pictures to share with you. I have been stitching and I’ve finally been able to take some new pictures now that we have had a few days of sun here in Rainy Windy Meadow!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Totally Useless SAL -- October 22, 2009

2009-10-22T21:40:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, I introduced you to Ortie. Ortie is my former ort container as Ortie has now been adopted by Dear Daughter (DD) as her ort container.

One of the challenges I have had with the Totally Useless SAL, besides not stitching a lot this summer after finding the TUSAL in May, 2009, is that I stitch on multiple projects at any one time. I am a multi-project stitcher as opposed to a mono-project stitcher. I guess that makes me a MUP stitcher as opposed to a MOP stitcher. :-)

As I stitch, I don’t place my orts for all of my projects in one container. I actually collect them and save them with each project. This way, if I need a little bit of left-over thread, I can dig into the ort bag for that project as opposed to having to dig through a larger container.

As you can see I’ve been placing all of the orts from my “Trick or Treat Heart” project in a small plastic bag. As I work on each project, I place the orts for that project in its own little or sometimes not so little, bag.

Once I’m done stitching on the project, as part of packing up the left-over threads, journaling that project, and packing it up until I decide how I want to finish it, I place all of the orts for that project in my ort container. Yes, I’ll share that container with you tomorrow.

Monica, leave me your email so I can respond. You are set up for noreply-comment.

Thank you for visiting!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Fabulous Fat Quarter Giveaway

2009-10-21T22:31:00.001-04:00

Be sure to check out this fabulous fat quarter giveaway at Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilting!

Fabulous Fat Quarter Giveaway

Totally Useless SAL -- October 21, 2009

2009-10-21T20:18:00.013-04:00

On January 26, 2009, Yoyo of the "Dragon My Needle" blog started the Totally Useless SAL.

The TUSAL asked that you use a clear container and then throughout the year you put in the container any of the following (in her own words);

- regular Orts (thread ends)
- little snips of fabric
- broken buttons you were going to use on that little Lizzy Kate flip it
- a bead or two from your Mirabilia design
- worn out needles
- the labels from used up floss skeins
- whatever you like, as long as it is, or rather, was (LOL)
going to be part of a stitching project currently underway.
- you may include orts from any type of stitching project:
cross stitch, knitting, crochet, whatever, but please
do not include other craft leftovers such as paper crafts,
rubber stamping, etc.

She then asked that you post a picture of your container each month on the new moon.

Well, I have to admit that I “ahem” have not been a very active participant. Well, my excuse is that I haven’t really been stitching much this year. Please refer to exhibit/blog entry number 1 and exhibit/blog entry number 2!

I was determined to post a picture of something for the Totally Useless SAL on or about October 18, 2009 which was the new moon for this month! Well as they say, the best laid plans of…

So better late than never I would like to introduce you to Ortie. Ortie was made for me many years ago for me by my husband when he was playing around with his work bench, his scroll saw, and some wood. I used to use Ortie a lot for my orts. You ask, “You used to?” Yes, Ortie has now been claimed by dear daughter for her stitching orts. As you can see from the picture, she does not believe in throwing away her orts. Rather she mashes them down in the container until they start overflowing unto the floor. Then someone (me) usually fusses at her that she’s made a mess and then she cleans up the orts on the floor. Not the ones in Ortie. Sigh…

Tomorrow, or as soon as I am able, I’ll share a picture of what I use to store my orts. And yes, my ort container also has a name. :-)

Monica asked what was a SAL. SAL stands for Stitch-a-Long. A Stitch-a-Long may be offered by a designer who plans on releasing portions of a design periodically so a group of stitchers can stitch-a-Long as the design is release. It can also two or more stitcher who have decided that they want to stitch the same design or a design by the same designer at the same time. Usually there is a starting and ending date set for a Stitch-a-Long. A Stitch-a-Long can also be held on a specific day of the week where the stitchers in the group have decided that they want to stitch on that specific day. There are many forms of Stitch-a-Longs but the intent is to have fun, make progress on a project, and share the community of like minded stitchers. For the Totally Useless SAL, Yoyo has asked us to collect our orts and post them each month on the new of the new moon. So for this SAL there is no stitching but it is held on a specific day of the month. As she says, it's totally useless to collect orts but hopefully we will have a lot of fun and learn about other stitchers blogs, a just for fun SAL! :-)

Thank you for stopping by and I appreciate all of the comments. Especially as I’ve been a little bit erratic on my posts. Okay, a lot erratic! LOL!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Lee Kimono -- October 6, 2009”

2009-10-06T21:00:00.001-04:00

This is a Lee mini-kimono which our daughter finished stitching last spring. Yes, it took me a while to send it off to be professionally finished into its kimono shape but we were rather busy this summer! :-)

I think this was only her third or fourth canvas that she finished stitching. It’s now in our display cabinet for all to enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by to visit us! I hope you are having a wonderful and healthy fall! The leaves are falling here at Windy Meadow and yes it’s getting rather windy. LOL!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Monday Memories – Green Holly Mini-Ornament” -- July 6, 2009

2009-10-05T22:00:00.001-04:00

The “Green Holly Mini-Ornament” is another canvas that I stitched in the early to mid 1990’s.

"Green Holly Mini-Ornament”
Designer: Unknown
Early to mid-1990's
DMC #5 Perle Cotton, DMC Floss
Stitches & Threads chosen by Cyn.

The ornament is stitched entirely in Continental and Basketweave stitches using DMC #5 Perle cotton and DMC Floss.

The slightly padded ornament is about 2 ¼” tall by 2 ¼” wide. Red cording was added around the whole ornament and to form the hanging loop. The ornament was backed in red velvet.

I didn’t keep records for this project so I don’t know who the designer was, the cost of the canvas or the cost of the finishing.

I would have stitched this in the evening after the kids were in bed while watching TV or when the children were napping. With two little kids, I’m impressed that I was able to do any stitching! :-)

I have several more ornaments by the same designer which I’ll be sharing over the next several weeks.

Thank you for visiting with me for this week’s Monday Memory!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“5,500 Bottle Caps, 5,500 Bottle Caps #2 -- October 4, 2009”

2009-10-04T17:42:00.003-04:00

Thank you for all of the wonderful comments about our daughter’s bottle cap mural “Starry Nights” mural!

Yes, we are very proud of her and by the end of the construction of the mural, we were also very tired! Have you ever tried to maneuver a 6’ x 4’ panel of plywood covered in bottle caps and screws (very heavy) through library doors that are only 3 ½’ wide? Well, it was a challenge and a test of marital harmony as I was on one end guiding my darling husband who was on the other end walking backwards! Dear daughter, could not lift an end as she is a bit vertically challenged compared to the two of us. She was manning the doors. LOL!

I’ve posted another picture of the mural as MN Stitcher wanted to see a close up photo. Hopefully you can see a little bit better in this picture.

Beth, there aren’t any larger pictures online but you can tell your library about bottle cap art by sharing with them the link to Michele’s Stitzlein’s site at;

http://www.artgrange.com/LittleBottlecap.html

You can also see close-ups of other projects here and on the cover of her book and another version of the “Starry Nights” mural at the bottom of the page.

Edy, all of the bottle caps were plastic as she needed to be able to screw them onto the plywood so that they were not easily removed.

The mural has been mounted at the library and is in one of the conference rooms. The library plans on taking school and youth groups through the room as part of their education activities. In addition, the library has printed the information pamphlet written by our daughter and they have also printed the game that our daughter created to share with students and the library patrons.

What is the game that our daughter created? The mural contains one clear bottle cap in addition to the ones used for the initials. The game is to find the one clear bottle cap. This is a bit harder than it sounds as it’s not easy to find the one clear bottle cap, especially with all of the white bottle caps! :-)

Thanks for stopping by and I have some needlepoint pictures and progress to share with my next post!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

5,500 Bottle Caps, 5,500 Bottle Caps -- Sepember 20, 2009

2009-09-18T23:10:00.019-04:00

I can finally share with everyone what we have been up to this summer and why I have been missing from my blog. No, I haven't been stitching. :-)

Our daughter spent the summer working on her last big service project before heading off for college. Early in the summer she met with our local library staff to develop a large service project. After reviewing several different ideas, she volunteered to make a 6' x 12' mural of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Nights out of bottle caps. Yep, bottle caps! The library thought this would be a great example of recyclable art to share with the community and our daughter loved the idea.

The inspiration for this project was a book written by Michelle Stitzlein called "Bottlecap little Bottlecap". Ms. Stitzlein was very supportive of the project and gave the library and our daughter some very helpful suggestions.

While our daughter was waiting for final approval of her project, the library began collecting bottle caps.

My mother works part-time at another county's public library. When she told them about the project, they decided that they wanted to support our library and they began a bottle collection campaign of their own for this project.

As word spread, family and friends began collecting bottle caps. She also received bottle cap from the volunteers at a local Day Camp where she volunteers

After receiving approval of her project, our daughter began the planning and construction phase of the project. With the help of family and volunteers, the base of the mural was made from three 6' x 4' plywood panels with 2" x 2" supporting rails on the top and on the bottom of the back of each panel. The rails were pre-drilled prior to attaching to the plywood so that they could be used to hang the mural. Once the rails were added, each panel was painted with a white primer. Once this was dry, each panel was then framed with molding that had been stained a dark walnut. The molding was added to the top and bottom of the center section and to three sides on the two end pieces.

Meanwhile, the bottle caps started pouring in and she had a lot of bottle caps to sort and clean. After some trial and error she discovered that the easiest way to clean that many bottle caps was in the washing machine. Yes, our washing machine! After collecting the bottle caps she sorted them in the garage by removing any that could not be used. She then placed the bottle caps in lingerie bags, zipped the bags, and then used rubber bands to tie the tops of the lingerie bags. The rubber bands kept the zippers from coming loose and spilling all of the bottle caps into the washer. You can imagine how we found out that this can happen, and DH was not pleased. LOL!

The bottle caps in the lingerie bags were then placed in the washing machine with several towels as the challenge with washing the bottle caps was to make sure that the load was balanced. Though, several times one of us would have to go running to "save" the washing machine as it started walking across the floor. :-)

Once the bottle caps were washed, they were then sorted again by removing those that could not be cleaned or could not be used. They were then placed on paper towels in several layers to dry. Once the bottle caps were dry, they were then sorted again by color into shopping bags.

With the help of family and volunteers, our daughter began designing the mural. The library had asked for some additions to "Starry Nights" that would reflect the local community so with their approval our daughter added a raven, a barn, and a wagon with a horse. Let me tell you, designing the horse took a while and the raven wasn't easy either! LOL! With the help of a volunteer who is an artist and with lot's of other helpful and sometimes not so helpful suggestions we finally had a recognizable horse and raven. :-)

As each motif was designed, the bottle caps were temporarily attached to the mural using glue dots. Then each bottle cap was screwed down. Once all of the motifs were designed and attached, she started filling in the background

Our daughter found that the best way to attach the bottle caps was to have one person hold the bottle cap in place using a needle nose pliers while the other person used the drill to attach the bottle cap.

Okay, this sounds easy and we thought that she could work on the mural every day when she came home from her summer college class with the help of her brother. Yes, easy until you realize that some of those bottle caps are really thick and our daughter and our son did not have the leverage or upper arm strength to do many bottle caps at a time. So with lots of help from family and friends, and after many, many, hours of work, all of the bottle caps were finally attached.

We cleaned out our local big box hardware store and several not so local big box hardware stores of the screws that were needed. We also bought out our local craft stores of glue dots several times. We were wondering what the inventory/ordering people were thinking! LOL!!!

After several weeks of hard work the mural was completed. Now the next challenge was how was she going to deliver the mural to the library? She measured the back of our van and each panel would fit. Thank goodness, as she did not have the cost of hiring a moving van in her project budget. :-)

It took three trips but finally all three pieces of the mural were delivered. It took several weeks for the library staff to figure out the best way to hang it as it is fairly heavy. The mural is now on permanent display!

Our daughter also made a smaller mural which contains the symbol of the library (a stylized light bulb) on a much smaller piece of plywood (2' x 18"). The smaller mural can be easily carried by one person for when the library staff visits schools and day cares. She also created an informational pamphlet for the library.

The library staff were thrilled with their new mural!

This was a lot of fun and a lot of work for everyone especially our daughter. She was amazed at how absolutely wonderful everyone was and how many bottle caps were donated. She was concerned that they might not be able to collect enough bottle caps. The library had people mailing bottle caps to them from across the state!

Hope you enjoy seeing our summer project and thanks for stopping by to visit!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Summer Fun! -- August 13, 2009

2009-08-13T11:07:00.004-04:00

We've been very busy here in Windy Meadow.

The kids are out of school so we have vacation, camps, and summer classes all summer long.

Lot's of great summer fun but not much stitching is going on. :-)

I'm having a lot of fun reading and seeing what everyone else has been stitching by following along with everyone's blogs.

I'll be back about Labor Day so see you then!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

"Trick or Treat Heart" by Sekas & Co. -- July 22, 2009

2009-07-22T22:14:00.009-04:00

I have some more progress on my "Trick or Treat Heart" to share with everyone. When you last saw this project, almost all of the stitching was complete. I needed to add some details to the Trick or Treaters and I needed to finish adding the top stitching on the orange and green patches. Well, I'm done!

"Trick or Treat Heart"
by Sekas & Co.
DMC #5 Perle Cotton, DMC Floss, Caron Impressions, Caron Watercolors

Now I just need to decide if I want to stitch the area behind the Trick or Treaters as the original instructions does not have you stitch this area. I must admit, I'm not sure if I like the bare area. Hmmmm...

Well, thanks for stopping by and I hope you are keeping cool during these long, hot summer days!

Cynthia

Windy Meadow

So Many Posts so Little Time! -- July 21, 2009

2009-07-21T22:52:00.004-04:00

I turn my back on you all for one minute and everyone starts posting like crazy! LOL!

It's wonderful but I can't keep up right now! Thank goodness the posts will still be there when I can read them. :-)

Not a lot of stitching progress here in Windy Meadow. We are still working hard on DD's large service project and it's taking up all of our spare time. I plan on sharing pictures soon.

In the meanwhile, my daughter's Mini-Kimono was returned from the finisher and it's so cute. Also, two of my recent projects were finished. I hope to take pictures this weekend and I'll have them up on the blog shortly.

Thanks for stopping by even though I don't have pictures for you yet. :-)

Cynthia

Windy Meadow

Nobody "Nose" the....

2009-07-15T22:45:00.003-04:00

As we remember from previous episodes, I mean posts, problem number 1 with Uncle S. was a dye lot issue with the DMC floss I was using for his face. I can't blame anyone but myself as the original floss was a little bit old (okay 7 years old) and it didn't match up with the floss that I purchased to finish the face. Please note that there was plenty of floss in the original kit but due to earlier ummm... undo stitching I ran out of the original floss with the left cheek unfinished.

Soooo once I was done undo stitching his face, I started re-stitching his face after purchasing two, count them two, new skeins of DMC floss from the same dye lot. We were stitching quite merrily along when I realized that, dang it, his nose was getting ummm... rather ummm... there is no other word that works as well, his nose was getting rather fuzzy. Sigh...

After much thought and two consultations with DD, I finally decided that I would have to undo and then redo Uncle S' nose. Sigh... Sigh... Sigh...

So I think I'm going to have quite a pile of undo stitching orts for the July installment of the TUSAL. Sigh...

Uncle S. does not want the official photographer to stop by and take his photo until his face has been "fixed". So you all will just have to wait a little bit longer to see him again. And knowing Uncle S. he's going to want to have more than just his face stitched before he makes another appearance for his fans. :-)

In other news the main computer, which was at the computer doctor, is home and we are working on reinstalling what needs to be reinstalled. DH wanted to make sure that all of my emails were restored correctly so he did it twice. Yep, twice. I now have duplicates of all of my messages in all of my folders. And yes, it's driving me crazy. Soooo every night I'm working hard to delete the duplicate messages from at least one folder. Did I mention that some of these folders are quite large and that this is taking a while??? He is a wonderful DH so I'm not actually complaining as he has been bringing me cold beverages every night as I spend an hour or so deleting duplicates. LOL!

We are also working on another large family project which I hope to share pictures with very soon. It's not a stitching project but my stitching design expertise has helped DD with the design of the project. Or at least my ability to look at a picture and see it as pixels/stitches. Once I can take some more pictures in the daylight I'll post an entry to let you know what we are up to. Cause you know us, it's going to be interesting! And all 6' by 12' of it is interesting. LOL!!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week and I'm very thankful that you are still stopping by since it's been a while since I've posted a picture!

Thank you as I appreciate all of your lovely comments! Especially the ones that make me grin or laugh. LOL!

Cynthia

Windy Meadow

A Fun Questionaire or We Have No Computer... :-(

2009-07-09T21:25:00.008-04:00

I was planning on sharing a new picture of my progress on "Trick or Treat Heart" tonight but our main computer which contains my recent pictures is down and out for now. Sigh...

We should have it back by the weekend so in the meanwhile I thought I would have some fun. I came across this fun quiz some time ago and thought I would post it and my response on my blog when I was stitching away and didn't have any progress to share. I guess that's now! LOL!

Anyway, here's the fun questionnaire. I thought it was interesting that of all the things that I have not done there are only two that I would like to do.

Enjoy and feel free to borrow if you think it would be fun! :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Things you have already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to: leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
Yes, as you can see here. :-)

2. slept under the stars
Yes, camped a lot when I was a child and teenager.

3. played in a band
Does Middle and High School Band count? If so, the answer is yes.

4. visited Hawaii
Would love to but actually I want to visit Alaska first.

5. watched a meteor shower
Layed in the grass at night and watched. Lot's of fun!

6. given more than you can afford to charity
When I was a lot younger, at times I gave more than I should and then raided savings to make it to the next paycheck. Does that count?

7. been to Disneyworld
First trip was when I was an adult and we took the kids.

8. climbed a mountain
Kind of as I've hiked mountain trails when I was younger.
Have actually not scaled a mountain.

9. held a praying mantis,
Didn't actually hold it in my hand as it's not good for the praying mantis but have moved them to safer areas.

10. sang a solo
No, and you would not want me to! :-)

11. bungee jumped
No, and have no desire to! LOL!

12. visited Paris
No, and actually it's not high on the places that I want to visit.

13. watched a lightning storm at sea
Yes, I have watched lightening storms over the Atlantic and
over the Chesapeake Bay. I've also watched a lightening
storm over the ocean on my one and only cruise that I've taken.

14. taught yourself an art from scratch
Does needlework count?
My grandmother and mother got me started but I'm mainly self taught.

15. adopted a child
No, but I've done an awful lot of volunteer work with children who are not mine. :-)

16. had food poisoning
Yes, and let's not go there.

17. walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Always wanted to do this but on my one and only trip to New York City in the 80's was when it was being repaired so the top was closed to visitors.
Did visit the island and walked around the base.
Then it was closed after 9/11.
They have just reopened the top for tours so maybe I will be able to do this...

18. grown your own vegetables
Oh yes, we grew up in the country and I had my own garden and worked on the family garden.

19. seen the Mona Lisa in France
No

20. slept on an overnight train
As a child we would visit family by going on a train but we never traveled overnight.

21. had a pillow fight
Oh goodness yes! More than once and also as an adult with my kids! :-)

22. hitch hiked
Never as this has not been safe as long as I remember!

23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Oh yes, that's why they call them mental health days!

24. built a snow fort
And then had the snow battle! LOL!

25. held a lamb
Not that I can remember but we were around farms and animals a lot when I was a child.

26. gone skinny dipping
Yes, and don't ask for details! LOL!

27. run a marathon
No, and don't plan to.

28. ridden a gondola in Venice
No.

29. seen a total eclipse
Yes. There was a total eclipse over the east coast when I was a lot younger. We made the plates so that you could see the eclipse happening without looking at the sun.

30. watched a sunrise or sunset
Yep.

31. hit a home run
With neighborhood games but I don't think that counts.

32. been on a cruise
Yes, once.

33. seen Niagara Falls in person
No, but I hope to someday.
Can't convince the DH and the kids to go in that direction for vacation.

34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
No, as that would include Wales, Germany, England, Ireland, and who knows what else. :-)

35. seen an Amish community
Spent my early years in PA and lived next to an Amish farm so saw the real thing.

36. taught yourself a new language
No, as I'm not good with languages.

37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
Yes as I've been fortunate but I also think it's in how you think and what you do with what you earn.

38. seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person
No.

39. gone rock climbing
Not as we think of it now, but have clambered up rocks while hiking.

40. seen Michelangelo’s David in person
No.

41. sung karaoke
No, and you don't want me to!

42. seen Old Faithful (geyser) erupt
No, but dear daugher has. :-)

43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
No.

44. visited Africa
No.

45. walked on a beach by moonlight
Many times.

46. been transported in an ambulance
No, thank goodness.

47. had your portrait painted
Does having my portrait done in chalk count?

48. gone deep sea fishing
No, as I rather just sit on the boat instead fishing.
Though I have gone fishing and crabing lot's of times in rivers and on the Chesapeake Bay.

49. seen the Sistine Chapel in person
No.

50. been to the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris
No.

51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
No.

52. kissed in the rain
Yep and no telling!

53. played in the mud
Yes, hey I was a kid once and it was fun!

54. gone to a drive-in theater
May times.

55. been in a movie
No.

56. visited the Great Wall of China
No.

57. started a business
No.

58. taken a martial arts class
No.

59. visited Russia
No.

“Totally Useless SAL” -- July 5, 2009”

2009-07-05T23:00:00.000-04:00

On January 26, 2009, Yoyo of the "Dragon My Needle" blog started the Totally Useless SAL.

For the Totally Useless SAL, you first find a clear container. Then throughout the year you put in the container any of the following (in her own words);

- regular Orts (thread ends)
- little snips of fabric
- broken buttons you were going to use on that little Lizzy Kate flip it
- a bead or two from your Mirabilia design
- worn out needles
- the labels from used up floss skeins
- whatever you like, as long as it is, or rather, was (LOL)
going to be part of a stitching project currently underway.
- you may include orts from any type of stitching project:
cross stitch, knitting, crochet, whatever, but please
do not include other craft leftovers such as paper crafts,
rubber stamping, etc.

She asks that you post a picture of your container each month on the day of the new moon.

When I read this I laughed out loud at the thought of a Totally Useless SAL. No pressure except to post a picture every month. So I signed up in May, 2009 expecting this SAL to be very easy. Well it should have been! LOL!

I failed to consider all of the end of the school year activities and day camp let alone working full time, family activities, and the annual family reunion. Well you get the picture. Though actually you didn't get a picture in June. :-)

Needless to say, I haven't been doing much stitching. My main contribution for the last several weeks has been my undo stitching of Uncle Sam!

I'm a little late but here's my picture of what I have accomplished since I joined the Totally Useless SAL. All of the remnants from undo stitching Uncle Sam. Well at least it's something so stop laughing! LOL!

I'll decide next month if I'm stitching enough to continue participating in the Totally Useless SAL. Next picture is due on July 22, 2009!

Yoyo is keeping a list of all of the Totally Useless SAL participants. There is at least one international member. Have fun checking out the blogs of all of the participants!

Thank you for visiting my little home out here in blog land and I appreciate and love reading your comments. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Liberty Heart -- July 4, 2009”

2009-07-04T17:53:00.000-04:00

Since this is the 4th of July I thought I would share another patriotic design with you. I’ve stated stitching the cross stitch freebie design “Liberty Heart” by Trail Creek Farm.

“Liberty Heart”
Trail Creek Farm
Crescent Colors

I’ve made a little bit of stitching progress on “Liberty Heart” in between family activities and working on Uncle Sam.

Thanks for stopping by. :-)

Have a Happy 4th of July!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Uncle Sam's Status -- July 3, 2009

2009-07-03T21:23:00.001-04:00

Uncle Sam asked me to tell you that he will return shortly. All of the undo stitching has been completed but he does not want to pose for any publicity photos until he has put his face on. In other words, he has asked me to hurry up and finish the redo stitching!

Guess what I'll be working on all weekend? At least I'm stitching Uncle Sam on the 4th of July weekend! :-)

Have a Happy 4th of July!

In our neighborhood it appears to have started tonight as we are hearing lot's of people setting off fireworks in their backyards. The big ones will be tomorrow night!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Monday Memories – The Night Before Christmas MSD #9 JB Stocking” -- June 29, 2009

2009-06-29T22:46:00.001-04:00

I stitched “The Night Before Christmas” MSD #9 JB Stocking in the early to mid 1990’s.

"The Night Before Christmas” MSD #9 JB Stocking
Early to mid-1990's
DMC #5 Perle Cotton, Kreinik Braids
Stitches & Threads chosen by Cyn.
Julia Needleworks

Most of the stocking is stitched in Continental and Basketweave stitches using DMC #5. The base of the candlestick, andirons, and the gold on the package were stitched using gold metallic Kreinik braid. The wallpaper stripes were stitched using the Slanted Gobelin stitch. The stripes were stitched vertically and alternated between two shades of blue. The red bricks were stitched using the horizontal Cashmere stitch.

The stocking is about 5 ½” tall by 3 ¾” wide. Blue cording was added around the outside, around the top of the stocking and then forms a hanging loop. The back is blue velvet. The inside pouch of the stocking was finished in red satin.

JB Designs created a different stocking for each stanza of the “Night Before Christmas” poem. In many of the stockings, the same view with the same elements is used such as the fireplace with the wreath above, but was shown from a different distance or from a different perspective.

I was planning on stitching each one of the stockings but was not able to find all of the stockings before the line became unavailable for several years.

I don’t remember the finishing cost, but I do remember that since were young with very young children, I had to carefully consider our budget before sending anything out for finishing. This was truly a luxury!

JB Designs was purchased by Julia’s Needleworks in late 2007/early 2008. The JB Design line became available again during the summer of 2008. You can see the first set of stockings and the second set of stockings on Julia's website under JB Designs.

JB Designs was and still is one of my favorite lines of needlepoint designs!

Thank you for strolling down memory lane with me. I hope you enjoyed seeing my “The Night Before Christmas” MSD #9 JB Stocking!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

"Patchwork Pink Shoe" -- June 27, 2009

2009-06-28T00:30:00.000-04:00

Several years ago, I signed up for the “Halloween Cookie Club” which was offered by Fireside Stitchery. The canvases are Halloween hats and shoes and were designed by “A Collection of Designs”. You can see the Halloween ornaments that they currently have in their Trick or Treat Halloween Ornaments collection.

Okay, okay, I’ll admit that I signed up for the class about four years ago! LOL!

I finished two of the cookie ornaments that year which I can’t share with you right now as they are packed away until next fall. They were a lot of fun to stitch and I actually sent them off to be finished into ornaments!

I started working on the next ornament in the series, but I then put it away when I became busy with family life. :-)

That’s usually what happens when I don’t finish a project. We get busy, one if not all of us get sick, or the project(s) get packed up as I need to clean up for a family event. Once a project is packed up it may not get pulled back out right away and some times it doesn’t get pulled out for quite a long while!

While organizing my stash, I found my “Patchwork Pink Shoe” and I decided that I wanted to finish it this year. So it went back on the table. Once I make some progress, I’ll share a new picture with everyone.

"Patchwork Pink Shoe"
A Collection of Designs
Stitch Guide by Fireside Stitchery
DMC #5 Perle Cotton
Rainbow Gallery's Grandeur, Splendor, Petite Frosty Rays, and Petite Sparkle Rays
River Silk LTD's Silk Ribbon
Mill Hill Petite Seed Beads
Ultra-Shimmer
Kreinik Braid #12

Thank you for visiting!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

"Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane" -- June 25, 2009

2009-06-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm almost done with my "Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane".

I just need to add the orange beads in the center of the flowers and then it will be done!

"Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane"
Melissa Shirley Designs
DMC Floss, DMC #5, The Caron Collection's Watercolors and Impressions
Stitch Guide by Sekas & Co.

Thanks for stopping by to visit with me today. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Trick or Treat Heart” by Sekas & Co. -- June 23, 2009

2009-06-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

I’ve made some more progress on my Sekas & Co. “Halloween Heart” and I’m almost done.

"Trick or Treat Heart"
by Sekas & Co.
DMC #5 Perle Cotton, Caron Impressions, Caron Watercolors

I’ve finished stitching all of the sections in the heart and the Trick or Treaters. I’m now working on stitching all of the black overstitching on the orange and green sections. Once these are completed, I just need to add the eyes to Frankenstein and the eyes and the hair on the witch.

School is now out for the summer so all of the school related activities are over. Once I finish helping out with a day camp this week, we’ll be on our summer schedule and I’ll have more time to stitch! I have been able to do a little bit of stitching over the last few weeks which I’ll share with you over the next several days.

Don’t forget to vote for my blog challenge to help me decide what will be my second challenge project for this year. And yes, I do plan on finishing all three projects! :-)

I’m so glad that you could stop by and visit with me in Windy Meadow!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

"Blog Challenge" -- June 20, 2009

2009-06-20T14:18:00.000-04:00

Now that the Black-eyed Susans chapter has selected "Uncle Sam" as my chapter challenge I need to decide which of the two remaining projects that I'll stitch as my blog challenge. And now you will be able to see "Uncle Sam" with pants! LOL!!!

Since the voting by my blog readers was even among the three projects without a clear winner, I though I would re-start the voting with the two remaining projects. If you would like to vote, just leave a comment on this blog entry letting me know which of the two projects, "Anasazi Song" or "Avalon" that you would like to me stitch as my Blog Challenge. You can read about the two projects on the June 11, 2009 entry. My goal will be to stitch "Uncle Sam" and my blog challenge project by July 31, 2010.

Yes, I know that I can stitch all three as a rotation but since I already have several (okay many) projects in my rotation I just want to add two more right now. So you can only vote for one. :-)

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving comments. I do enjoy seeing that I have readers who enjoy my stitching.

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

*** Update ***
I forgot to add that if you still prefer that I concentrate on "Uncle Sam" and you don't want me to add in one of the other projects to my rotation that's fine. Just let me know by voting for "Uncle Sam". I plan on eventually stitching all three as they are all in my "Class" category and would have been stitched one after the other as part of my usual rotation/group stitching.

"Black-eyed Susans Challenge" -- June 20, 2009

2009-06-20T14:11:00.000-04:00

The members of the Blacked-eyed Susans voting results are in!

They have decided that I should stitch, drum roll please....

"Uncle Sam"!

He's already on the table and I've gathered up the surgical instruments to "Undo" stitch his face. When we last saw dear Uncle Sam I realized that I had run into a DMC dye lot problem and would have to re-stitch all of his face. I'll be back in a few days with a progress report. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

"Calloway Gardens" -- June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

The Calloway Gardens School of Needle Arts has just finalized the details of the course descriptions for the classes that will be offered in January, 2010.

Not only will there be 13 days of needlework classes, but there will also be a needlework boutique and bookstore. The Embroiderer's Guild of America Georgia chapter has a juried show of needlework and they also offer a merchandise night during each sesssion. All of this is located at gorgeous Calloway Gardens!

Every year I have a wonderful time reading through the course descriptions. I'm looking forward to attending in future years when I have more free time to travel. I can see myself spending all day stitching while I send DH out on the local golf courses. We can then visit with each other during dinner, that is when I'm not visiting the bookstore, the boutique or the merchandise night! LOL!

Have fun browsing through the catalog and let us know if you plan on attending!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

"Lee's Needle Arts is Going out of Business!" -- June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T09:36:00.000-04:00

Lee's Needle Arts is closing after 40 years as the owner, Theresa Lee, has decided to retire!

Lee's Needle Arts has produced many lovely painted canvases over the years and is also known for their wonderful leather goods such as totes, purses, travel wallets, checkbook covers, bags, wallets, cosmetic cases, pouches, gift and jewelry boxes, mirrors, coin purses, ID tags, and Christmas ornaments. They also have several sizes of kimono stands. The leather goods have been so popular that other designers have designed canvases that can be placed in Lee's leather goods.

My dear daughter has enjoyed stitching several of the Oriental themed round canvases. She loves the kimonos and has already stitched three of the petite kimonos. She just started this week on one of the medium sized kimonos that has been waiting in her stash for summer vacation.

Once I saw her interest in the kimonos, I began purchasing them to put away for gifts. Of course, I didn't tell her how many I've picked up as I wanted to surprise her over the next several years or as she finished stitching a kimono. After hearing that Lee's was closing, I was very glad to realize that I have quite a few of the petite kimonos and one medium sized kimono stashed away. I decided to tell her about the kimono stash so that we could inventory to see if there were any others that she would want so we could hopefully find them before the shops start running out of inventory. I also wanted to start hunting for the kimono stands as of course each of her kimonos will need it's own stand! LOL!

I was fortunate and was able to pick up six of the petite kimono stands yesterday at my LNS. We just need to find two of the medium kimono stands and I have emails out to several needlepoint shops so hopefully we'll find them by the end of the week. Yes, we know that we can have the petite kimonos finished as ornaments or have the kimonos framed but she prefers to have them on the stands if at all possible. And yes, she knows that she can rotate the kimonos on the stands. :-)

We are both very sorry to hear about Lee's Needle Arts closing but are both wishing Ms. Lee a wonderful, happy and healthy retirement!

Now we are both crossing our fingers that someone will purchase the line so that these wonderful canvases and leather goods will be available for another 40 years!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Black-eyed Susans Challenge” -- June 11, 2009

2009-06-11T23:05:00.000-04:00

I belong to several ANG chapters including the Black-eyed Susans Chapter. This year the Blacked-eyed Susans have decided to challenge the members of the chapter to share three projects that are partially stitched. The chapter members will then vote on which one of the projects each member is challenged to finish by July, 2010.

I decided to play as I have several, okay stop laughing – Yes, I know I have many not several, candidates! Please let me know which one you think that I should work on first. If you, my wonderful readers, pick a different one than the chapter members, I’ll set a goal to finish both by July, 2010.

First up is “Uncle Sam” by Janet Zickler Casey. I started “Uncle Sam” way, way back at the 2001 ANG Seminar which was held in Washington, DC. He fell by the wayside as I came home from seminar with an awful cold! I pulled him out last summer with the intention of working on him and hopefully finishing him up by the end of 2008. Unfortunately, I ran into a DMC dye lot problem as I have a very noticeable (in person) change in color line running across his left cheek. I’m going to have to undo stitch most of his face to correct the problem. That’s when I ran out of momentum on this particular project. Sigh…

The second candidate is “Anasazi Song” by Carole Lake. I began this project several years ago when I took a class offered by the Black-eyed Susans chapter. I enjoyed working on this project both at the class and at home but I still haven’t finished it. I have to admit that the colors are not what I favor (maybe that’s what I lost momentum) or what we have used to decorate our house even though we live in a south-western style home. Our house is very unusual for a mid-Atlantic home as it’s a large one story home with pink/mauve brick with burgundy shutters. We also have rounded corners on the walls, pot shelves, and almost no wood trim at the doors or windows. Our decorating style is more folk art with some elegance thrown in and very casual. The “Anasazi Song” class was a lot of fun and I would like to finish this project. I would highly recommend taking a class with Carole!

The third candidate is “Avalon” by Susan Reed. I took this as a two-day class with Susan at the 2007 ANG Seminar in Baltimore, Maryland and I haven’t picked it up since. Not because I didn’t like the design but because once seminar was over I went right into all of the school and kid activities and this project was set aside. Susan offered to work up different color combinations if you weren’t excited about the colors used for the example of the class project. I requested red, blues and creams and I liked what Susan put together for me.

That’s all three candidates so please let me know what you think!

So glad that you stopped by and that you are helping me decide which I should stitch for my challenge!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Monday Memories – Doves & Pink Bell” -- June 8, 2009

2009-06-08T23:00:00.000-04:00

I stitched the “Doves & Pink Bell” in the early to mid 1990’s. The bell is stitched using the Basketweave stitch in DMC #5 perle cotton. The red ribbon at the top came with the canvas and a bell was added at the bottom. The cording is made from pink DMC #5 perle cotton and the ornament is backed in pink satin.

"Doves & Pink Bell"
Early to mid-1990's
DMC #5 Perle Cotton

I picked this design as the colors are a little different than the usual Christmas colors. I had it finished within a year of stitching the design as it’s been placed on our tree for many years. I don’t have any records as to the designer, cost, or the finishing information.

Thank you for strolling down memory lane this Monday with me. I hope you enjoyed seeing my “Doves & Pink Bell” ornament!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Halloween Heart” by Sekas & Co. -- June 7, 2009

2009-06-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

I started on my Sekas & Co. “Halloween Heart” several weeks ago but I’ve been too busy to share!

"Halloween Heart"
by Sekas & Co.
DMC #5 Perle Cotton, Caron Impressions, Caron Watercolors

As you can see in the first picture that I took back in April I’ve stitched all of the green sections and started on the orange.

I’ve had time to stitch a bit more and I’ll be sharing a new picture with you soon but first I want to share some other progress pictures! :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Mushroom Meadow!” -- June 6, 2009

2009-06-06T21:46:00.000-04:00

I’ve finally been able to take a new picture of Windy Meadow, I mean Rainy Meadow, Oh My, I mean Mushroom Meadow!

We’ve been having lots of rain and now we have lots of mushrooms in the flower beds!

We aren’t complaining as we’ve had drought conditions for quite a while but now the ground is so saturated we have flooding conditions across the state! And yes we have a nice new crop of mushrooms!

We finally had some sun today while I was home so I rushed out to take a picture of very green Windy Meadow today to share.

I’ve been so busy with the end of school activities I haven’t been able to do much stitching but I have made some progress on several projects that I’ll be sharing this week.

I’ve been reading your blogs though I haven’t had much time to comment. Now that school is almost over, I hope to be able to visit everyone and leave comments!

More pictures of my stitching tomorrow!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“The Little Sheep that Could” -- May 6, 2009

2009-05-06T22:02:00.001-04:00

We have a sheep!

"The Little Sheep that Could"
Bent Creek
Free Cross Stitch Chart
The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland
May, 2008

I finally sat myself down and finished stitching “The Little Sheep that Could” by Bent Creek. This was a free design offered during May, 2008 by my LNS, The Stitching Post in Catonsville, MD.

I started working on Ms. Sheep last spring and I decided it was time that I finished this project. The rest of the stitching went very quickly.

Now I just need to decide if I’ll finish her as an ornament, or as a pin keep. Decisions, Decisions! :-)

Next up is “The Black Sheep” by Bent Creek.

Glad you stopped by to visit!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Mini-Nativity” -- May 5, 2009

2009-05-04T22:27:00.000-04:00

Several years ago I purchased a Canvas of the Month club from The French Knot. This was the Rebecca Wood's Mini-Nativity stand ups with the stitch guides by Diana Bosworth. Each of the twelve stand ups is 3” tall and there is also a stable canvas. I’m really looking forward to stitching the camels. :-)

I had a lot of fun stitching Mary and Baby Jesus and then as so often happens, I was sidetracked by family and work issues.

Recently Margaret, The Stitching Lawyer, decided to stitch Rebecca Wood's Mini-Nativity but instead of stitching the stand ups she decided to stitch the ornament set.

When I saw this I thought, hmmmmm, maybe we could do a Stitch-a-Long. :-)

Since both Margaret and I work full time and are raising children, setting aside a particular night a week to stitch together was probably not going to work. After several emails we decided that we would both try to stitch at least one of the stand ups/ornaments each month. If we were able to stitch more than one canvas per month, well that would be great. If we find that we are having a busy month and we can't finish one of the canvases that would be fine. I'm sure we will both have a month where we are going to be doing our best to handle family issues and stitching won't be a priority! :-)

The goal for the month of May is Joseph. Since its May 5, 2009, I better get started!

This is going to be a fun relaxed Stitch-a-Long. Anyone else want to join us?

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“JB Nutcracker – 1st Day of Christmas” -- May 3, 2009

2009-05-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

I’ve made some more progress on my JB Nutcracker, 1st Day of Christmas.

He now has his boots which are stitched in the Brick stitch using black petite Very Velvet.

His belt is stitched in Tent stitch using black petite Very Velvet and gold Kreinik #12 braid.

I’ve also started stitching all of the gold on his robes in Tent stitch using gold Kreinik #12 braid. This is going to take a little while! :-)

I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s comments on the last posts.

Yes, the joy is in the journey but sometimes it feels like it’s taking a long time! Especially when you work on more than one project at a time but that’s what makes it fun and makes me happy! LOL!

I also have to “fix” things as if I know it’s wrong and if I know it can be easily fixed, well dang then it needs to be fixed! LOL!

Well, I’m going back to my stitching corner as its pouring here in Windy Meadow (will be for the next several days). The rest of the family is at other activities for most of the day so I can stitch! Wahoo!!! :-)

Yes, I do love PFOS (and several other not so close LNSs) as my local LNS, The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland is wonderful but is primarily a Cross Stitch shop though they keep adding to their canvas inventory and thread collection. With some encouragement from me and other local stitchers. If I keep ordering threads and canvases so that they add them to the inventory, then I’m really helping the local stitchers and economy, aren’t I? :-)

I’m looking forward to two trunk shows at The Stitching Post. In July they will be having the Melissa Shirley trunk show, and in August, Artists Collection. I’m already saving up money as I want more of the MS Candy Canes and I want to see and probably purchase the new candy canes. And of course more of everything from Heartstrings! I’m in trouble! LOL!!!

The organizing is still going on though it’s slowing down due to the end of the year school activities. I’m still plugging away and am slowly making progress! It’s amazing what you find when you finally start really organizing but more on that later. :-)

Yes, several smaller containers work better for me than larger as they are easier to handle and keep neat, or at least attempt to keep neat! I did have a suggestion for the container store but unfortunately, there isn’t one near me. Can ya see DH’s reaction now… You want to drive two hours one way to go where??? But knowing me he wouldn’t think it was strange at all. LOL!

Thank you for stopping by my blog and I love reading everyone’s comments!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Candles Glow” by Joan Lohr -- April 29, 2009

2009-04-29T22:33:00.000-04:00

I’ve Finally finished “Candles Glow” which was designed by Joan Lohr for Rainbow Gallery.

“Candles Glow” was the August, 2008 Canvas of the Month club from The Stitching Post. I only have two more (September and October, 2008) and I’ll be done with the 2008 canvases. Then it's on to the 2009 Canvas of the Month Club canvases.

Why do I say “Finally” finished? Well, this design took a little bit longer to stitch. Mainly because I got in the rhythm of stitching the candles and somehow, somehow, somehow, I ended up stitching the middle candle exactly one stitch short width wise. Of course I didn’t notice this until I finished stitching all FIVE candles and half of the gold border on the bottom. I FINALLY realized that I had a problem when I couldn’t get the bottom gold border to come out correctly. After much recounting, I finally figured out that the center candle was the problem. Heavy SIGH!

So, after ordering new threads, undo stitching and then re-stitching three of the candles, I was finally able to finish stitching the gold bottom border.

Then all I needed to do was fill in the background with the T-Stitch using yellow pearl Hi-Lights. This was a lot of fun but a bit of an adventure as I had to spend time repeatedly untwisting the Hi-Lights as it tended to want to curl back on it’s self. This wasn’t a real problem but it just took a while.

I do think that it turned out lovely!

Once I’ve written the journal entry for “Candles Glow”, it will be added to the container to wait its turn to be finished into an ornament.

I hope that you are having a great week, that you are staying cool (temperatures here were in the low 90’s earlier this week!), that you are safe and dry (it’s started raining here again but we need it), and that you have found some time to stitch!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Fabric Giveaway - April 28, 2009

2009-04-28T12:49:00.001-04:00

Daffycat (Sharon) is giving away fabric that she hand-dyed herself!

Please check out Daffycat's blog as she has all of the details on her April 26, 2009 entry.

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane” -- April 25, 2009

2009-04-25T17:17:00.001-04:00

I’ve made lots of progress on my “Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane” by “Melissa Shirley Designs”.

I’ve finished stitching the black hats with the bright green hat bands. Now it’s on to the flowers and the background!

I purchased this canvas with a stitch guide and fibers from Poc ket Full of Stitches in Lubock, Texas.

I’m very comfortable selecting my own threads and stitches for painted canvases but sometimes I enjoy purchasing a canvas with a stitch guide and fibers from a LNS. Especially when I’m very busy and I don’t want to take the time to work out the details for a design! And life is very busy right now!!! LOL!

I also like to see what thread and stitch ideas someone else might come up with for a canvas. Especially since many LNS’s, such as PFOS, will pull fibers and write up a stitch guide for any of the canvases that you purchase through their shop.

Now after saying that, I should add that I don’t always follow the stitch guide as written as I’ll change things up. :-)

So far for this design I have followed the stitch guide and I’m using the included threads. And by the way, I’m not the only stitcher who changes things. This not only happens in the needlepoint world, but you ought to see what the cross stitchers change! LOL!!!

I’m so glad that you stopped by my blog!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

2009-04-20T20:40:00.000-04:00

After many months of effort, I’ve reached a major milestone in my organizing campaign, the threads are finally organized! Wahoo! Let the celebrating begin!!!

Oh, wait a moment…

Drat…

Just found the Rainbow Gallery specialty threads (non-Splendor).

Sigh…

Let me try this again…

After many months of effort, I’ve almost reached a major milestone in my organizing campaign, the threads are almost finally organized! Wahoo! Get ready to celebrate!!!

What’s that? You also want to know what’s in the other gazillion containers, those bags on the floor and those piles that are about to topple over?

Ummmm, please ignore the man behind the green curtain. They are nothing, just nothing. Okay, those are my books, magazines, needlework charts, painted canvases, beads, and bead kits that still need to be organized. But hey, the threads are almost done! Wahoooooooooooo!!!

Actually, the Rainbow Gallery non-Splendor threads are organized, inventoried, and just need to be dropped into the appropriate containers which did not quite… happen this weekend. But since I’m so close, I decided to share my organizing progress with you anyways! :-)

As my dear readers and family know, the great organizing campaign began last summer when I looked at the mess and send to myself, “Cynthia you have got to do something with all of this stuff!” This occurred after a very frustrating hour or so of looking for something that I know that I have probably bought ten of but right then I couldn’t find any of them!!!

The first thing I did with my stash is pull it all out. When we redid the basement several years ago, all of my stash was dumped into a lot of large storage containers (40 and 60 gallons). Please keep in mind, I started stitching and collecting when I was about 7-8. :-)

The first step was to open up these containers and rough sort it back into the containers, but it would now be organized by large categories such as threads, beads, canvases, UFO's, WIP's, canvas of the month clubs, canvas, charts, etc. Well you get the idea.

I then looked at all of the large containers and decided that I would start with organizing my threads. Why? Well, I have a lot of threads and if they were organized that would downsize several of the larger containers. I also thought my sorted threads would probably need the most of my new storage containers and boy oh boy was I right!

I then started on my quest to find containers that would work for what I was sorting, were non-paper, would be available for a long time, and weren’t going to be very expensive. This way, I could purchase several storage containers every week or so to spread out the cost. After I have several containers, I would wash them to remove the oils and any dirt and then they would be ready to be labeled with their contents.

I have found several storage solutions that are working very well for what I need. The first ones that I found are large 12” x 12” x 3” containers at Michael’s that are available in several colors. They are Iris Scrapbook Central ™ Scrapbook Cases. Michael’s puts these frequently on sale from 30% to 40& off their usual price. These are the containers that you see in the left of the picture. The three shown here are holding part of my DMC Floss collection. What’s that you ask? Yes, I do have every color in DMC floss so yes it is just part of my collection. :-)

For smaller collections, I finally decide to use Sterilite ™ containers that are 11” x 6 5/8” x 2 3/4”. These are in the center of the picture and the ones shown here hold part of my Kreinik collection.

For future storage needs I’ve also picked up samples of two other styles of Sterilite ™ containers which are not shown here. They are the 8 ½” x 11” containers and the 11” x 6 5/8” x 5 3/8” storage containers.

As I’m organizing, I’m allowing room for my thread collection to grow so I won’t need to keep reorganizing my threads. No, I’m not admitting how many containers I’ve purchased so far but it’s been quite a few! :-)

It’s taken many hours of my spare time to organize my threads but I’m so glad that I did. It’s a wonderful feeling to finally know what is in my thread stash and to be able to find thing quickly!

While I was organizing my threads I decided to also organize how I worked on projects. I’ve been storing my ongoing projects in plastic bags which I always disliked.

One day while running around Target, I found their new scrapbook containers. Okay, they were new to me. :-)

I brought home one of each size, washed them, and tried them out. Instant success!

The large green containers are approximately 14” x 14” x 1 ½”. These are working beautifully as they hold and protect fairly large projects even on stretcher bars or I’m using them to hold the fibers and patterns for several of my larger projects.

The smaller containers are 9” x 11 ½” x ½”. These are also working out well to hold smaller projects such as small cross stitch projects and Mill Hill kits.

These are also helping greatly with my rotation system as I have a stack of at least 12 of the larger and 6 of the smaller containers by my stitching nest. When I want to rotate I put the current project on the bottom of the stack and pick up the one of the top. Or I spread out several of the containers on the dining room table and move from the contents of one to the next as I work on different projects. When I need to clean up, I just put the contents back in the container and put them back in project stack. I just love this system!!!

Now that the threads and my current projects are organized, I’m moving on to beads! Or I will as soon as I label my Rainbow Gallery thread containers. :-)

Dritz ™ now has smaller containers (Purple, Pink, Blue/Aqua) with lids that are going to work great for the beads. I found mine in Michael's in the sewing notions section.

Hope you seeing my new storage containers!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane” -- April 18, 2009

2009-04-18T17:40:00.000-04:00

Please meet one of my new projects. It’s a “Halloween Hats & Flowers Candy Cane” by “Melissa Shirley Designs”.

They have a series of candy canes and one of the sets is for Halloween. Well, when I first saw these I just had to laugh! I love them!!! I now have two in my stash and I’ve started working on the first one which is “Halloween Hats and Flowers”.

I’m looking forward to adding the rest of the Halloween Candy Canes to my collection. I also love the new candy corn designs. You can see all of the new Halloween designs at “Halloween Ornaments”.

Also please check out the other candy cane sets, “Wintergreen”, “Peppermint” and “Chocolate” which you can see in the “Shaped Category”.

I’m trying to decide which of the chocolate candy canes I want to order first???

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Update:
I've updated all of my Lists on the right hand side and added lot's of new stitching blogs. Please note that if you are interested in Cross Stitch blogs, please look at the ones I have listed. These are the ones I read on a regular basis and most of them have links to many, many, many, more cross stitch blogs!

I'm also planning on updating my blog header picture as soon as the leaves emerge here in Windy Meadow. They are almost out!

Have fun with all of the new blogs!

"Journalling Needlework -- April 9, 2009"

2009-04-09T20:39:00.000-04:00

Beth asked how do I journal my needlework?

I started journalling a while ago so that I would have a record of what I've stitched, when I stitched it, what threads I used, who it was for, etc.

I decided that as I finish each project, I'll write up the journal entry before finishing or sending it off to a finisher. Then I would just need to add pictures of the finished project to complete the journal entry.
I also decided that I'm going to journal the projects that I've already completed or at least those I still have as I've given away many Works of Art (WOAs) over the years. LOL!!!

I take different pictures while I'm stitching and I only load up a couple to the blog. The rest I save for the journal entries. Since these are for my own use, these pictures include closeups with a lot more detail.

For those WOA's that I've already finished that I still have, I'm working on taking pictures and writing up journal entries.

For those who might be interested in what information I include in my journal entries, I've included a sample journal entry below. Please note that this is formated much nicer in my actual journal entries. :-)

Please let me know if you are journaling and what information you include in your journal entries.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Update:

Once the journal entries are completed (these are typed in Word), they are printed off with the pictures and placed in a journal. So not only do I have the printed copy, we also have the electronic copy.

I've found that it's easier to journal if I'm creating the journal entry electronically as opposed to creating it the entry by writing it in a journal. Please note that these are journal entries, not scrapbooking entries as I feel that the pictures are all of the embellishment that is needed. Though I might get creative with the paper or with borders! :-)

I'm also helping my daughter with journaling her projects, especially as she has only stitched and finished a few so it will be easier to catch up with hers! LOL!!!

“Title of Project”
Designer

Stitched By: Your Name

Designer: Designers Name

Gift: Yes or No

Class Project: Yes or No

Purchased: Name of Store.
From

Kitted: Yes or No
Project

If Kitted: Yes or No
Did the kit include canvas and threads?

Cost: $?.??

Started: Date or approximate date.
Stitching

Completed: Date or approximate date.
Stitching

Professional: Yes or No
Finisher If professionally finished,
add in name of finisher or store
through which finishing was done.
If finished by me, add in
finishing details.

Finishing: Date and any finishing details.
Date

Finished: This project was finished as a …
Details It’s about ??“ tall by ?? wide.
Add in additional finishing
details.

Finishing: $?.??
Cost

Threads: Thread List
Thread
Thread

Stitches: Areas – with stitches and threads.
Next area.
Next area.
If using a stitch guide, note any
changes from the stitch guide.

Description: Add in a description of the
project and any fun details such
as why it was stitched, how long
it took, any problems with
threads or stitches, who it was
for, and why I had it finished
the way I did.

Add in progress and finished
photos with the description.

Journal Entry: Written on Month Day, Year.
Date

“JB Nutcracker – 1st Day of Christmas” -- April 7, 2009

2009-04-07T21:39:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite design series is the JB Nutcrackers. I started collecting these many years ago as I would find them in different LNS’s. These are a fun stitch and they work up very quickly.

I don’t actually collect nutcrackers but there is something about these little guys that has always appealed to me. So much so that I have stitched quite a few of these and actually had them finished into nutcrackers! As many of you know, I do finish stitching projects, but I’m not the best at having the project actually framed or finished into something. :-)

The JB Designs line became unavailable for a while and I was very disappointed… :-(

But there is a happy ending to this story. The JB line including the JB Nutcrackers was picked up “Julia’s Needleworks” so they are available again! Yeah!!!

You can see all of the JB Nutcrackers that are currently available here;

http://needleworks.ehclients.com/index.php/gallery-jb/category/C133

I’ve added a Nutcracker into my rotation so that I will always be working on one, especially since I have so many of the little guys! LOL

The first one to be added to the rotation is the “1st Day of Christmas Nutcracker”. I’ve made some progress as I have most of the face and the hat done. The next time you see him, I should have both of these areas done.

Update: The problem with uploading the picture was with our main computer. DH is working on it now trying to take off several viruses. Fun in Windy Meadow! Sigh...

Glad that you stopped by and I hope you enjoyed seeing my progress on my nutcracker!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Harlequin Star” by Laura J. Perin -- March 28, 2009

2009-03-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

I’ve finished another of the Canvas of the Month club canvases. This time it’s “Harlequin Star” by Laura J. Perin!

This was the July, 2008 Canvas of the Month club from The Stitching Post.

This was a very fun design which worked up quickly. It’s stitched on a lovely gold metallic flecked canvas and it just sparkles!

I’ve already written the journal entry for this project and I’m hoping that soon I’ll be able to send this design and several others to the finisher.

Now on to comments and questions…

Thanks for all of the positive comments on the “Snow Cone Santa” and no he isn’t going visiting! He’s going to stay right here!!! :-)

I’ve had several questions about my rotation system and I’m working on a detailed post which hopefully (she says while crossing her fingers) I’ll be able to post next month. I can’t believe that March is almost over! I’ll just give quick answers to several questions now. I usually have 3 to 4 active projects on the table. I then move between them as the mood strikes or depending on the tiredness factor. As a project is finished, I write up the journal entry, the extra fibers are documented and stored just in case, and the project is labeled and placed in a storage container to wait its turn to go to the finisher or to be finished. I keep a master list of all of my current projects by category and I check the list to see what should go on the table next. I always have on the table one of the canvas of the month clubs, a JB Nutcracker design, and usually a Heartstrings design. I then have at least one canvas from the large, medium or small categories. Of course this can vary!

One of my “challenges” is that I finish stitching a design but I’m not quick about sending it off to be finished. Yes, I know that I can finish it myself but I rather stitch! As one of this year’s goals I’m working on sending off more of my stitched pieces to be finished. We’ll see how I do??? LOL

I was also hoping to be able to announce that I have finally finished organizing all of my threads. I’m so close! But sigh, it will take a little longer. I ran out of cleaned containers right before I started organizing my Rainbow Gallery threads. And, ummmm, since I have a few fibers, I’m going to need several (a lot) of containers. Stay tuned and depending on school, work and children activities, I’m hoping I’ll be able to make that announcement soon!

Hope that you are having a great day and that you have found some time to stitch!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“My Interview” -- March 22, 2009

2009-03-22T17:03:00.000-04:00

I volunteered to be interviewed by Ruth, "The Musing Badger". The way this works is that you volunteer to be interviewed. The person interviewing you gives you a list of five questions to answer. After posting your answers, you select a person to interview and you make up your own interview questions for your interviewee. You can read Ruth’s answers to her interview questions on her blog, "Interview with a Dork".

I’ve finished with wardrobe and makeup (yes it took a while) so on to the interview!

1. How and why did you start needlepointing? Do you still remember that first canvas? Do you still have it?

My first needlepoint canvas was a simple house in a garden scene and yes I still have it. The center of the design was already stitched and you just stitched the background. I finished this when I was about 9. I framed it when I was in my teenage years by purchasing a small frame at the local 5 & 10. The mat was made by me by cutting up a paper trash bag as that is what I had available. LOL! I did lace the needlepoint around the cardboard center of the frame as I knew I shouldn’t be using glue. I am not a fan of glue and I think I can get a better finished project by lacing and using a needle and thread. And by the way, don’t ask me my opinion of glitter which is not positive! :-)

I come from a long line of crafty/creative women and we used what we had long before reduce/reuse/recycle was re-invented again. This was also stitched and finished long before many of our local needlework stores were available and definitely before the craft big box stores opened. Anyone else remember when J.C. Penny had a fabric and craft department? :-)

2. What's the best ANG (or ANGesque) class you've ever attended and why?

This is a harder question for me as I haven’t attended many ANG or stitching classes. These weren’t available when I was younger and just started becoming available after I was married and I was raising my children. I’ve only taken one class through my LNS and only five classes through the ANG so I don’t have a favorite as I’ve liked all six! :-)

My grandmother was a wonderful sewer and knitter. She could just look at an outfit or a knitted garment, and then she would go home and not only recreate it but make it better! My grandmother could also crochet but she only did that when she had to (her words not mine!). She was able to get me started on my needlework journey though we did have one challenge. She was left-handed and I’m right-handed. We were able to work out several techniques but I never did learn how to knit from her and believe me, we both tried! Many years later this has been helpful as I teach needlework to children and teens and I can translate what we are doing for those who are left-handed.

My mother could do different needle work techniques though she preferred folk art painting. Now she spends her time working on making story time kits for the local library and gardening.

I’m self-taught mainly through trial and error, except for the few things that I learned from my grandmother and mother. For example, I figured out on my own how to lay threads and how to railroad as it looked better though my grandmother and mother did teach me how to thread a needle properly! No licking and sticking here… lol

3. What piece(s) of yours just make you smile when you see them/think of them?

I love this question as this is one of the criteria that I have for choosing a new canvas/design! Not only does the design have to appeal to me but I have to smile or grin when I see the project though I don’t like designs that are very whimsical or over the top. A gentle sense of humor or whimsy appeals to me. My favorite designers are Pat Thode of “Heartstring Designs”, “JB Nutcrackers” (love these little guys though I don’t collect nutcrackers), and canvases by Janet Zickler Casey. I then have an eclectic mix of “Lee”, “Associated Talents”, and “A Collection of Designs” painted canvases and a few other designers thrown in. I do stitch geometric designs and I have several older books with these types of designs. I also have charts from primarily “Laura J. Perin Designs” and “Kick Back and Stitch” designs.

My favorite things to stitch are Christmas, Patriotic, and Halloween designs. Our house is very neutral as I love to decorate for the seasons and the Holidays.

4. If you could take an all-expenses paid holiday anywhere for as long as you wanted to be gone, where would you go and why?

This was my hardest question as I’m not a big traveler. I’m very comfortable at home and we only travel for vacation and that’s usually locally. Hmmmm… I’d have to say that I would want to travel to wherever my family is. Though we are hoping to be able to travel again soon to Walt Disney World as DD and I want to have tea at the Grand Floridian! Does that count?

5. Why did you start blogging about your stitching?

I started blogging to share my love of needlework with others. I was enjoying reading the few needlework blogs that were available (this was several years ago). Since there weren’t that many of us way back then, I thought it would be fun to create a blog to share what I was doing. I created my first blog on Yahoo 360 several years ago. Unfortunately, due to family and work activities I wasn’t able to post as many times as I wanted. When that system started having problems, I moved my blog over here to blogger.com in early 2008. By the way, that took a while to move all of the blog entries and comments!

I should also add that I post entries when I can as family, job, and volunteer work come first. I’m pleased that I’ve been able to post as many entries so my fellow needle workers have another blog to hopefully inspire them or to at least hopefully give someone a laugh when they need one! :-)

Now that I’m done answering Ruth’s questions, I’m going to interview Kelly of “Orts”. Kelly is new to blogging though we’ve been email friends for several years. And yes, we were able to meet in person once at the Baltimore ANG Seminar! Hmmmm… now what am I going to ask Kelly…

Thanks for stopping by Windy Meadow!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Snow Cone Santa” -- March 16, 2009

2009-03-16T21:27:00.000-04:00

Please meet my finished “Snow Cone Santa” by Janet Zickler Casey! He is now my second stitching finish for the year. Wahoo!!!

When we last visited with “Snowy” he was definitely a work in progress. I had started stitching his hat brim when I realized that I really needed to finish the outline stitching before I could stitch the areas with the very fuzzy and very sparkly threads. After several weeks of working on him every once in a while I was finally able to stitch the finishing touches this past Saturday. I’m excited that he’s done as he just sparkles!

He’ll go off to the finisher as soon as I can finish his journal entry. I’ll share him with everyone when he comes back. :-)

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Bronze Ornament with Red Gem” -- March 4, 2009

2009-03-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

I stitched the “Bronze Ornament with Red Gem” in the early to mid 1990’s.

On the left side of the ornament is a flower made up of golden swirls. The red gem was placed in the center of the flower. The swirls then dance through the right side of the ornament as if they are petals blowing on the breeze.

The entire ornament was stitched in Continental and Basketweave using Kreinik metallic threads. The red gem was already attached and I just had to stitch around the gem.

It’s been finished as an ornament with gold cording around the ornament and for the hanger. A gold wire ribbon bow was added at the top of the ornament. The back of the ornament was finished using tan velvet.

I probably picked this design as it’s a cute, quick project.

I don’t have any records as to the designer. If you know, please let me know.

Hope you enjoyed my “Bronze Ornament with Red Gem”!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Bronze Ornament with Blue Gem” -- March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T21:01:00.000-05:00

I stitched the “Bronze Ornament with Blue Gem” in the early to mid 1990’s.

On the right side of the ornament is a half moon which is blowing wisps of gold through the rest of the ornament until they reach the star. The blue gem was placed in the center of the star.

The entire ornament was stitched in Continental and Basketweave using Kreinik metallic threads. The blue gem was already attached and I just had to stitch around the gem.

It’s been finished as an ornament with gold cording around the ornament and for the hanger. A gold wire ribbon bow was added at the top of the ornament. The back of the ornament was finished using tan velvet.

I probably picked this design as it’s a cute, quick project.

I don’t have any records as to the designer. If you know, please let me know.

Hope you enjoyed my “Bronze Ornament with Blue Gem”!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Heartstings Bittie Pumpkin” -- February 21, 2009

2009-02-21T12:45:00.000-05:00

First finish of 2009!

I just finished the outline stitching on the Heartstrings "Bittie Pumpkin". Wahoo!!!

There was a narrow black border around the design which was stitched with black Kreinik braid. I decided that it was a little skimpy so I stitched an additional 3 stitches in black DMC braid in Basketweave all around the ornament to make the border a little bit more prominent and to aid in finishing.

I’ve been spending a lot of time doing basketweave on several projects and I hope to have a progress picture on another project for you soon!

Glad you stopped by my blog and I hope you enjoyed my stitched Heartstrings “Bittie Pumpkin” ornament!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Santa Golfing” Stocking -- February 16, 2009

2009-02-16T20:33:00.000-05:00

I stitched the “Santa Golfing” stocking in the early to mid 1990’s.

At that time we were pretty much limited to DMC, Kreinik metallics, wool, and Mill Hill beads, or at least that’s what I had access to.

The entire ornament was stitched in Continental, Basketweave, and Turkeywork using either Paternayan or DMC’s Medici. The background was stitched using some sort of nylon thread/ribbon (I can’t remember what) for a light glistening look.

It’s been finished as a stocking with a green cord hanger. The backing fabric is done in green velvet and the inside of the stocking is finished with a patterned green holiday fabric.

I would have selected this design as a gift for my husband as he is an avid golfer.

I don’t have any records as to the designer. If you know, please let me know.

Hope you enjoyed my “Santa Golfing” stocking!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“A Weather Report from Windy Meadow & Everything’s Okay!” -- February 16, 2009

2009-02-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

I’ve received several comments and emails asking where I’ve been and if everything was okay. Thanks for your concern! It’s a nice feeling to know that if I don’t comment for a while that you all are thinking of me! :-)

Everything is fine here in Windy Meadow except for Dear Daughter’s severe cold. She’s in day 5 and still pretty miserable. :-(

I spent last weekend with Dear Daughter (before she came down sick) visiting one of her college choices. This is her number 1 choice and since she’s already been accepted, we went for another visit to see if it was still number 1 on her list. We stayed down for the weekend to visit the college and to explore the local area.

The family is always laughing that wherever I go I collect people. In other words, I enjoy talking to people and hearing their stories so of course I hear lot’s of stories. For those of you who met me at the 2007 ANG Seminar, I was not at my best that week due to illness! :-(

The family also jokes that if you put Mom on a park bench, within 1 hour someone will be telling her their life story and that Mom will enjoy hearing the story! LOL!

Well, on Sunday before returning home we stopped in at the local visitor center and there we met two very lovely ladies, Maryanne and Melba. By the time we were done, we knew all about the local area and my daughter has two leads for fun jobs if she decides to attend this university and a possible date candidate! We had a great time and then we were off to visit more of the area before driving home.

Why is it as stitchers, before we go on a trip, we pack our stitching supplies and projects first??? Before heading out for our trip, I packed several projects as I thought I would have time to stitch during the two nights that we spent in the hotel. Well, actually I didn’t have time so I didn’t make any progress on my projects, but we still had lots of fun. :-)

I’ve been mainly working on stitching basketweave around several projects when I have had time to stitch, so I haven’t had too much to show in the past several weeks. Hopefully, I will have something to share soon. In the meanwhile, I think we’ll stroll down memory lane again with some of my completed projects.

I took a moment to update my blog header with a recent winter picture of Windy Meadow. This is how it usually looks during the winter. Many and varied shades of brown with a blue or gray sky! On several of the discussion lists in recent months, there have been discussions as to what colors do you think of when you think of winter. Ummm, for me it’s brown with some blue! LOL!

Yes, I do think of whites, clear blues, silvers, and other “normal” winter colors but at Windy Meadow this is what I usually see when I look out the window. :-)

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you and your loved ones are warm and healthy!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Birds in Snow” Stocking -- January 27, 2009

2009-01-27T19:48:00.000-05:00

I stitched the “Birds in Snow” stocking in the early to mid 1990’s.

At that time we were pretty much limited to DMC, Kreinik metallics, wool, and Mill Hill beads, or at least that’s what I had access to.

The entire ornament was stitched in Continental and Basketweave using either Paternayan or DMC’s Medici.

It’s been finished as a stocking with blue wool cording and with a blue wool tassel. The back and inside are white moiré.

I would have selected this design as I enjoy stitching designs with birds. This is an interesting design as it’s a night scene and there is a stream flowing through the snowy landscape. I would have selected the wool threads to soften the design.

I don’t have any records as to the designer. If you know, please let me know.

Hope you enjoyed my “Birds in Snow” stocking!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Heartstings Drum Nutcracker” -- January 24, 2009

2009-01-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

I started working on “Drummer” over the Holidays but I haven’t gotten very far.

Pat Thode of Heartstrings includes stitch suggestions with all of her designs and I enjoy using her ideas. For the Drum Nutcracker she suggests stitching large and small Thodes stitches in the black border using black Kreinink metallic. The rest of the black border will be stitched in Basketweave using black Impressions.

This is working up very well but I need to stitch it during the day with daylight and with a red piece of fabric underneath. Unfortunately, we have not had too many sunny days when I was home and I had time to stitch here in Windy Meadow!

So glad that you could stop by today!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Heartstings Bittie Pumpkin” -- January 22, 2009

2009-01-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

I’m not quite done on my Heartstrings Bittie Pumpkin but I’m close! I’ve finished stitching the design and I’m adding two to three rows of white Splendor around the outside for finishing. Should be completely finished soon!

Then I’ll write the journal entry and put it in the box to wait until it can be finished.

Hope you earned Heartstrings Bittie Pumpkin!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Snow Cone Santa” -- January 20, 2009

2009-01-20T22:52:00.000-05:00

I’ve been focusing the last several weeks on organizing my needlework stash and taking pictures. I’ve also been working on journaling already completed projects. These two activities which have kept me quite busy, especially since returning to work and the children back to school!

I have been doing some stitching which I’ll be sharing with you this week.

The first is I’ve made quite a lot of progress on my Snow Cone Santa. When we last left “Snowy” (December 15, 2008 entry), I had completed his face and was beginning to work on his hat which worked up quickly.

I then moved on to his hat brim and that’s when I decided that I had to change what I was doing. His hat brim, mustache, and pompom are done in very fuzzy fibers. Since I usually like to add two rows of stitching around the outside for finishing, I decided to stop working on the hat brim and start stitching the outside stitching. In this picture you can see that I’ve started adding two to three rows of Splendor around his beard. This will take a while so you won’t see “Snowy” again until some time in February or if things get really hectic… March! :-)

Glad that you stopped by to visit!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Baby Its Cold Outside!” -- January 19, 2009

2009-01-19T19:23:00.000-05:00

This has been the theme for many blogs over the last few days! And yes it’s been very cold and windy here in Windy Meadow!

Today we had a small snowstorm! Since it’s usually brown during the winter in Windy Meadow, I thought I would update my blog header with a picture that I took early this afternoon when it was snowing.

We had a lovely light snow for several hours. It would snow for a while and then the sun would come out, then more snow. This continued for most of the day and I think we had about ¾” to 1” of snow accumulation.

Once the snow disappears, as it doesn’t last long around here, I’ll take another picture so you can see how Windy Meadow usually looks in the winter.

A while ago, there was a discussion online as to what colors do you think of when you think of the winter season. Here in Windy Meadow we have many shades of brown from the trunks of trees, branches without leaves, dried grass, and dormant bushes. We also have various greens from the evergreens and in late winter, we can start to see the new grass growth and the leaves of Daffodils and other early spring flowers.

Hope its warmer where you are or at least that you are warm and cozy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Christmas Trees” -- January 19, 2009

2009-01-19T19:05:00.000-05:00

A year ago I talked about all of the Christmas trees that we put up every year. So I had several comments asking for me to share them. Unfortunately, we had already taken them down! So I promised that I would share pictures of them this year. :-)

The first tree is our “All American Tree”. This tree is about four feet tall and all of the ornaments are of course red, white or blue! We put this one up in a corner of our finished basement. I have lots of red, white, and blue ornaments in my stash which will be added to this tree as they are stitched and finished.

The next tree is our “Fiber Optic Tree”. This was a gift from my parents many years ago. When lit, it rotates around in a circle. We place it on an inexpensive round table with a gold tablecloth. It came with a collection of gold ornaments. My mother spray painted dried Honesty plant gold which she added to the tree. It just glistens at night!

We also put up a “Tomato Cage Tree”. Many years ago, my parents made a tomato cage tree for us. The first step is to put the first tomato cage on the floor with the large round side on the floor. You then add the second tomato cage on top and drop it down so it sits on top of the first tomato cage forming a tree shape. You then wire them together. You then take a long lighted garland which you wrap loosely (you may need to wire to the cages) around the tomato cages. You now have a large green tree shape. You can then add ornaments and a tree topper of your choice. Ours has white and gold ornaments with a lighted star at the top. I was planning on taking a picture of this tree to share with you this year, but sigh… I forgot…

The next tree is the large “Christmas” tree. This tree is set up every year in what we call the music room. Most of the ornaments are hand made by me and many are stitched ornaments. I’ve also made a lot of jeweled Christmas balls over the years. I’ll be sharing these with you many of these ornaments over the next several weeks. We also have some memory ornaments and our children’s Hallmark ornaments on this tree. The family jokes that Mom’s decorating philosophy is that there should be no green showing on the tree!

Ummm… I guess I should now add that I don’t do simplistic minimalist decorating. :-)

We also put up a tree on our large kitchen counter/bar. The theme for the kitchen tree is blue and white, and snowman. We also have quite a few mini cookie cutters on the tree. It is fairly close to one of the lights but it does look nice in person.

The final tree that I can share with you this year is our “Raven’s Tree”. This one has been a lot of fun over the years as the Raven’s colors are primarily purple, black and gold. Not your typical Christmas colors. :-)

For the Raven’s tree, I purchased a two foot tree and then wrapped it in purple lights that I purchased during one Halloween season. We place it on an inexpensive round table with a gold tablecloth. We then added the buttons from the year that the Raven’s won the Super Bowl as ornaments. That year our local school received a donation of purple, gold, and white pompoms which are placed at the base of the tree on the gold tablecloth. I then took the purple and gold football necklaces that you can buy at party stores and cut them at one point so I could use them as garlands. I found purple and gold Ravens’ candy canes. The final decorations on the tree are small purple and gold ball ornaments and small purple light ornaments. We’ve also added some Raven’s stuffed animals and other items around the base of the tree and the base of the table. The Raven’s tree stays put up as long as the Raven’s are still playing. The year they won the Super Bowl it stayed up for a week after the Super Bowl!

I’ve always planned on making an Orioles tree. I’ve been collecting decorations and I have the orange lights but I haven’t purchased a tree yet. Maybe next year!

Each of our children have their own small trees which they setup in their rooms. We started a collection for each of them when they were very young so that they would have a starter tree when they were ready to leave home and setup housekeeping. Now that they are older, it’s up to them to decide if they want to set them up each year.

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Red Cardinal with Snowy Tree -- January 11, 2009

2009-01-11T22:53:00.000-05:00

I stitched the “Red Cardinal with Snowy Tree” probably in the early to mid 1990’s.

At that time we were pretty much limited to DMC, Kreinik metallics, wool, and Mill Hill beads. Or at least that’s what I had access to.

The cardinal and tree, including the snow, were stitched in DMC Floss. I then stitched the blue sky using a Kreinik metallic for night time sparkle. Beads were added on the tree to add some depth and glitz. I also added french knots for the snowflakes.

It’s been finished as an ornament with a red velvet back and with blue cording. The finished ornament is about 4” across.

I don’t have any records as to the designer. If you know, please let me know.

Hope you enjoyed my “Red Cardinal with Snowy Tree”!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Stitching Goals for 2009 -- January 10, 2009

2009-01-10T22:31:00.001-05:00

At this time of year, many needle workers make a list of their stitching goals for the year. They then post through out the year on how they are progressing on their goals or they cross them off of lists published on their blogs.

Last year in January, 2008, I prepared a list of projects that I wanted to work on and hopefully finish during the year. I did accomplish a lot but not necessarily a lot on the projects listed in my 2008 goals.

During the year I accomplished the following;

1. Moved blog to Blogger.
This took quite a while!

2. Copied over all previous blog posts and comments.
See above…

3. Developed my needlework rotation (section rotating).
This took a while as I tried out different options and styles.
Finally decided that I can’t rotate based on time or when I finished
a length of thread. I found that I’m comfortable rotating after
I finished a section of a design. This is what I’ve been doing for years and I decided that it still works for me. :-)

4. Had a needlework article published!!!
This was exciting!

5. Began the MAJOR reorganization of the needlework stash.
“I have how much stash?”
“Oh my!”
This was said after throwing forearm over forehead.

6. Began documenting, with pictures, all completed needlework projects.
“I remember stitching this. That was in xxxx, oh my goodness how long ago was that?” Sigh… “That long ago…”

7. Finished 11 needlework projects.
Wahoo!!! And one of these was started two years ago!

This year I spent some time thinking about what I wanted this year’s goals to be and this is what I came up with;

1. Have Fun with my needlework!

Yes, that’s it!

That’s all you ask? Well, yes I finally decided that I’m not a goal stitcher. I have more fun working through different projects without worrying about what I have to finish for this year, especially at this time in my life.

I’m planning on continuing to reorganize my stash and yes I do actually have fun organizing. :-)

I’m also planning on writing some additional articles/information on my blog.

I’m also planning on continuing working through my needlework rotation.

I’ve taken lots of pictures to share with everyone and to document the projects that I’ve completed. It’s been amazing to look at what I’ve stitched and to see how far we’ve come! And this is only the pieces that I still have as I’ve given lots away! :-)

I’ve removed the “Needlework Status” section of my blog as it was a challenge to keep it updated.

I’ve added the “2008 Completed Needlework Projects” section to my blog.

I hope everyone is having a great start to 2009!

By the way, is anyone else having trouble trying to remember to write 2009 on everything? I am!!!

Thanks for stopping by! :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Bargello Marquis” by Joan Lohr -- January 6, 2009

2009-01-06T22:25:00.000-05:00

The last needlework finish for 2008 is…

“Bargello Marquis” by Joan Lohr for Rainbow Gallery!

This was the June, 2008 Canvas of the Month club from The Stitching Post.

This was a fun stitch and worked up very quickly. I’ve already added several rows of basketweave for finishing around the outside of the design. Now, I just need to journal this project and set it aside for future finishing.

I have several other projects that I’m very close to finishing within the next few days/weeks that I’m looking forward to sharing with everyone. :-)

I’ve also been taking a lot of time to take pictures of many of my needlework ornaments as they are out right now decorating the house for the Holidays. I’m planning on sharing these with everyone and then adding them to my journal entries before they are put away until next year. I think you are going to enjoy seeing how far needlepoint design has come, especially in the last 10 or so years!

Now on to comments and questions.

I enjoyed reading all of your recent comments and everyone especially liked the “Chimney Santa”. He was a very fun stitch and I would highly recommend any of Pat Thode’s projects – “Heartstrings Designs”!

Annemiek asked how I was going to finish the “Chimney Santa”. I’m planning on having him made into a standup figure. I send most of my projects out to a professional finisher as I prefer to spend my time finishing. Yes, I know I can do my own finishing but after spending that much time on a project, I want it to look professional, not amateurish. :-)

Beth asked about my rotation system. I’ll write up a detailed post soon on how I rotate between my projects.

One of my dear friends, Kelly, has started her own needlework blog. Please stop by and say how and welcome Kelly to our needlework blogging world!

http://kellysorts.blogspot.com/

Glad that you stopped by my little blog!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Chimney Santa” by Heartstring Designs -- December 30, 2008

2008-12-30T21:02:00.000-05:00

I’m very pleased that I’ve finished stitching the design on my Heartstrings “Chimney Santa”!

When you purchase a Heartstrings design, Pat Thode includes a stitch guide with lots of fun stitch and thread suggestions. This was a fun stitch and I stitched it pretty much as suggested by Pat.

I’m not sure yet what I’ll do for the background stitching. I’ll put it aside for now while I consider my different options.

The PC is finally back up and running so I’ll be able to post more in the next few days. Thank goodness! I’m way behind on my blog reading. :-)

Enjoy!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

Technical Difficulties in Windy Meadow - Please Stand By!

2008-12-27T19:19:00.000-05:00

We are currently having computer technical problems in Windy Meadow.

Actually, we've been having computer technical difficulties since before Christmas. Sigh...

Dear Husband decided that the main computer needed to go in for service. Well, that's been one adventure after another. They started working on it before Christmas and due to construction next door, they lost power for hours. Sigh.

Then it was time for the Holidays so everyone went home for the day, especially since they still didn't have power. They finished everything they needed to do yesterday, but the new hard drive had not arrived. DH went over today to pick it up so it can be used until the new hard drive arrives. Guess what won't connect to the internet today? Yep, the main computer. We are now all sharing the laptops and I'm on the Apple which I usually don't use. Right now, DH is NOT a happy camper.

I'm slowly catching up on everyone's blogs and I've been enjoying reading about everyone's Holiday's and/or your current stitching projects. I'll catch up with comments soon. :-)

I've been stitching and I have lot's of pictures of stitching projects, stitching gifts, previously stitched projects, and Christmas trees to share with everyone. The pictures will have to wait until the main PC is back up and running as I don't want to load them here and then have to move them later.

In the meanwhile, I hope everyone is having fun, spending lot's of time with family, received lot's of stitching goodies, and that you are finding time to relax with your stitching!

Back to stitching and having fun with the family.

See ya soon!!!

Cynthia

Windy Meadow

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T19:07:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas, and, oh, I was weary.
My stitching unfinished, my eyes getting bleary.
The stockings weren't finished, the chimney was bare.
And I knew that morning soon would be there.

My children and husband were tucked in their beds,
But visions of backstitches ran through my head.
I'd stitched ornaments and presents and gifts by the ton,
And now, I was finally, almost, almost done.

As I poised my needle for one more backstitch,
I heard something outside that made my hand twitch.
I jumped up from my stitching, and flew to the door,
Pressed my eye to the peephole, tip-toed off the floor.

My stitching forgotten, I peered into the night.
When suddenly, I got a terrible fright.
On my porch appeared Santa, holding his sack.
He knocked softly, and I took a giant step back.

I unlocked the deadbolt, and let Santa in,
He entered and gave a mischievous grin.
"Hope you don't mind if I come in the door?"
"Coming down the chimney can be quite a chore."

He said, "You're up late. Still working I see."
"Do you know how tired you're going to be?"
"I know, Santa," I said, with a sigh,
"But I'm still backstitching the stars in the sky,"

"And the fields on that stocking look blobby you know,
I need to backstitch the drifts in the snow.
I've been stitching and stitching and stitching, no rest.
I just tried to finish stitching too much, I guess."

"I know what you mean," he said with a smile.
"This is my busiest time of the year, by a mile."
He stooped down by the tree, and he opened his sack,
And began to pull presents out of his pack.

"I've got some things here I think you might like,
An oak stitching frame, and a brand new Ott-Light.
A bundle of floss, and a great big mat cutter,"
I smiled and felt my heart go a-flutter.

He put down gifts for us all, then he waved his right hand.
"Go to bed," he said, glancing at my floor stand.
He gave me a wink, and stepped out the door.
I just stood there a moment, glued to the floor.

After he'd left, I turned back to my chair,
Picked up the stockings, and started to stare.
The backstitching was done! The stars lit the sky!
And on my son's stocking angels sung on high.

I ran to thank Santa for this final gift,
And watched as his sleigh started to lift.
I heard him exclaim as he pulled out of sight,
"Merry stitching to all, and to all a good night!"

Author Unknown

“Cats & Bats and a Pumpkin!” -- December 17, 2008

2008-12-17T22:01:00.000-05:00

A while ago…

Actually it was in October of 2008, that Laura of Laura J. Perin Designs posted a free design, “Cats & Bats” on her website. Of course I decided that I needed to stitch this new design, and I was determined to have it done by Thanksgiving.

I rummaged through the stash (we will not mention here that I was distracted for several hours). I finally selected some lovely black canvas to use. Eventually I found my DMC #5 perle cotton (more updates on the stash reorganizing adventure soon) and I was stitching away.

The border worked up very quickly and then I ran into my stumbling block. Why oh why did I use black canvas???

Because I thought it was a good idea at the time she says while thumping herself on her forehead.

You see, Laura’s two center elements for this design are a black cat or a black bat. Please note that these will not show up very well on black canvas. No, I am not yelling, just speaking with lot’s of emphasis. Sigh…

So here I sat, looking at my canvas, going “now what” as I put on my thinking cap or should that be a sorting hat? Do I stitch a purple cat or a purple bat, how about adding a sparkly thread to the black DMC #5, or should I design my own element for the center. Hmmm… all of these have possibilities.

I then decided to visit my local large box craft store and my local LNS to see what type of buttons or other fun objects would go in the center. No, I wasn’t looking for excuses for another shopping trip! Please don’t notice the crossed fingers behind my back… After lots of stash enhancement, I had a nice collection of possibilities.

About this time, I decided to catch up on my blog reading and talk about perfect timing! Laura had just updated her blog with the “Border Bits” entry, which had another sample of the stitched chart with a pumpkin in the center! I was excited that the orange pumpkin would work with my border on would show up on the black canvas. As you can see below, the pumpkin worked out beautifully!

Oh, you asked what I’m going to do with all of the buttons and things I picked up as possibilities? Well, I like some of them so much I’m planning on stitching up a few more “Cats & Bats” ornaments. This time I’ll be using ecru and lavender/purple canvas and maybe another one on black. I’m still intrigued with the idea of a purple bat and cat. So yes, they will eventually be used.

Laura’s blog is the “Two-Handed Stitcher” which I highly recommend!

Glad you stopped by!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Snow Cone Santa” -- December 15, 2008

2008-12-15T21:46:00.000-05:00

Janet Zickler Casey’s “Snow Cone Santa” is being offered through the Shining Needle Society. As you know, I love Janet’s designs and had to add this one to my collection. :-)

Since this is offered as a class through the Shining Needle Society, I was determined to keep up with the class lessons for this Santa!

Well, I started off great as you can see by the picture below. I was able to quickly stitch Santa’s face. I took a picture at this point and started working on the next steps which are his beard and his hat.

I took pictures of our Santa (note the picture above) and several other progress pictures of my other projects to share with you, my dear readers. That’s when I ran into my “challenge”.

My dear daughter left last week to volunteer at a school run outdoor school for sixth graders. She was one of the counselors and she would be away for the whole week. This past Sunday she was having troubles getting her camera to work. Of course, like any other doting mother, I told her she could take my camera if she couldn’t get hers to work. Please note, that I said this while busy with other activities and while forgetting all of the recent lovely pictures that I had taken that weekend. So off goes dear daughter to camp… with my camera. I then drove myself nuts for several minutes trying to find the camera to upload pictures before I remembered that she probably had it up at camp. Sigh…

I think dear daughter will be getting a new camera soon that works!

Both dear daughter and camera have safely returned from camp. The camera was fine but did I hear stories of weather as we had over an inch plus of rain in about 36 hours last week.

I will now be able to share my recent (okay, I know, they are over a week old), pictures with everyone.

Glad to see that you all enjoyed “Merry”.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Merry” -- November 25, 2008

2008-11-25T17:44:00.000-05:00

“Merry” was put in my travel bag in mid-October, 2008. I have all of the kits in this series and I’m enjoying working on them!

“Merry” worked up quickly. As you can see, the cross stitches have been completed. I’ll pick it back up again one evening at home to stitch on all of the beads as beads don’t travel well!

“Frosty” has been put into my travel bag and I’m making great progress so you’ll be seeing him soon!

During my reorganization efforts, I found lot’s of Mill Hill kits that I’ve stitched but that I’ve never finished into ornaments or pins. I’m planning on having a finishing party sometime after the Holiday’s. It’s easier to finish a bunch at one time then to do them individually. :-)

Have fun visiting with “Merry”!

I’ve enjoyed reading the different comments about the Bargello Monthly club. The fun thing with this club is that these are small ornaments. And unlike food they don’t spoil so if you can’t stitch a project during the month it’s released, it’s still good later! And please don’t look in that container over there where I have all of my monthly club canvases/kits. Yes, I’ll get to them! And, no I don’t feel a bit guilty! :-)

If I remember correctly, the kit prices ranged from $6.00 to slightly less than $20.00 per month.

Glad to enable those who have decided to look into the club!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Stars in the Sky” -- November 22, 2008

2008-11-22T18:35:00.000-05:00

I’ve finished the May, 2008 Canvas of the Month club. This one is by Margaret Bendig and is offered by the Rainbow Gallery.

I enjoyed stitching this design and it worked up very quickly. I added two additional rows of basketweave using the Old Gold for finishing.

I’ve had several questions about the Canvas of the Month projects. These were offered by The Stitching Post which is located in Catonsville, Maryland. They will be offering a Bargello Christmas Ornament Club again next year. This time you will be able to choose between 18 count canvas or 18 count linen. You can read about the club in their quarterly newsletter at;

http://www.the-stitching-post.com/documents/Newsletter-December2008.pdf

I’ll be signing up for the 2009 club but I need to get the rest of this year’s ornaments done. On to June’s ornament!!!

Comments, Questions, and Answers:

Pierrette,
Since I usually do rotation stitching, the Heartstrings “Chimney Santa” will probably not be finished by the Holidays. He’s actually not that little. He’s apx. 5” by 7” and that doesn’t include the background. Though I might decide to pull him back out again soon! :-)

Thanks for stopping by and I enjoy reading everyone’s comments!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Heartstrings Chimney Santa” -- November 16, 2008

2008-11-16T13:09:00.000-05:00

I’ve been able to make some progress on my Heartstrings Chimney Santa!

When you last saw him, I had finished the face and was working on his coat. I was able to finish his coat and the fur on his coat last week! I’m planning on stitching his mittens, stocking, tree, and the star during his turn in the rotation.

Pat writes great stitch guides and even though I’m comfortable choosing my own stitches for painted canvases I usually follow her stitch guides.

The main reason that I make changes to a stitch guide is that I like full stitch coverage on my canvases. Now, before you all comment that lighter stitch coverage is perfectly acceptable and that it allows the painting to show through let me add that this is a personal preference and that I prefer to cover most of the canvas. And, yes, I’ve tried lighter stitches but I just don’t like them. :-)

I’ve modified my rotation a little bit as I’ve been playing with different options during the last few months. I’ve already discussed that rotating based on a set time doesn’t work as I can’t sit down for an hour at a time. What I’ve found that is really working is to stitch a section or sections on a project when its turn comes up in the rotation. During another post I’ll share with you how many projects I actually have in my rotation. It’s quite a few! LOL!!!

A quick note about the Mill Hill kits as I’ve been receiving some questions. For those who are interested in these kits and who have not tried them before, they are very well written and are a quick and easy stitch. The line is now carried by Wichelt Imports, Inc. To find a retailer near you, visit the Mill Hill site at;
http://www.millhill.com/

I’ve been stitching and collecting the Mill Hill kits for many years. When the Holiday decorations come out of storage again, I’ll share my finished pieces with everyone!

Madonna,
The stitch on the cuff of the “Peppermint Stripes” stocking was called Woven Ribbons. I’m not sure if it’s in Father B’s stitch book as right now my copy is deep in the reorganizing pile!

Beth,
Yes, I love the Mill Hill kits and I’ll be sharing a picture of “Merry” soon!

Jane,
Yes, the “Moonlight Ghost” is a Mill Hill kit. If you can’t find them locally, you can view the line at the Mill Hill link above.

Judy,
Thanks for letting me know about the new pens and your high tech testing methods! If they don’t run after all of the things that you have tried, they should be safe! :-)

Thanks for all of your comments and emails and for stopping by and visiting my blog!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Moonlight Ghost” -- November 13, 2008

2008-11-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

I started Moonlight Ghost in the summer as I was going to stitch him as a travel project. I spend a lot of time waiting for our children at different events and I like to have at least two to three small projects in my tote bag for those moments. I had added Moonlight Ghost to my travel bag but I quickly found out that he was not a good travel project. I’m usually stitching in low light conditions and since he’s stitched on black perforated paper well, this was just not working! :-(

Ghostie was quickly promoted from a travel bag project to a table project. I finally had a chance to pick him back up last week and I was able to quickly finish all of his cross stitches. Beth, I didn’t forget him!

The next time that you see him, he’ll be beaded as doesn’t every ghost need a little bling? :-)

Have fun visiting with Moonlight Ghost!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Boo and Stash Enhancement” -- November 11, 2008

2008-11-11T23:02:00.000-05:00

I belong to several ANG Chapters including the San Bernardino Chapter.

I’m a long distance member and they are very supportive of those who can not attend meetings. They offer many different programs, classes and projects through out the year and many of these are open to their long distance members who are referred to as “Ghosts” for the classes. Very appropriate for this post! :-)

They recently offered several classes and projects by Janet Zickler Casey. Since I enjoy stitching her designs, I ordered several;

“Boo!”

“Trick or Treat” A Spooky House”

“Along Came a Spider”
No picture available.

They all arrived at my house in time for Halloween. I wanted to add one to my rotation so I finally decided on “Boo!”. I quickly put "Boo!" on stretcher bars and began stitching. I decided that I would stitch Boo’s eyes and mouth during this rotation. The eyes worked up quickly though it took me several try’s to get the outline of the month just so. Okay, I’m picky! :-)

My teenagers did not trick or treat this year so they were taking turn’s answering the door. This has been my job for many years as I enjoy seeing all of the children’s costumes while DH would take our children around the neighborhood!

We decorate the outside of the house and play fun spooky music out through an open window. The inside of the house by the front door was dark except for my stitching light. I was sitting by the light quietly stitching until we heard someone coming up the walk. I would quickly turn out the light as one of the kids answered the door so the inside of the house would be dark. Since my kids were now the “official” door answerers, I had to peek around the corner to see the children in their costumes. Once we were done, I would return to my stitching corner and turn back on my light.

This was lots of fun and what made it even more fun was that the white portion of the eyes and the center of Boo’s mouth were stitched with Kreinik glow in the dark threads. Yep, they really glow! We thoroughly tested them that night!

Enjoy my start on “Boo!”

I hope you had a fun Halloween or at least had some great candy!!!

Glad you could visit! :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“A Tale of Two Finishes” -- October 21, 2008

2008-10-20T23:04:00.000-04:00

I’ve been able to finish all of the stitching on two of my current projects.

Two Happy Dances!

The first one is “Santa” by Cheryl Schaeffer. This was the project for the July, 2004 Canvas of the Month Club from the Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland.

When we last left this project… I had admitted to some reading confusion where we learned that I had misread the pattern and I had mixed up the Alabaster and the Fancy Fur threads. Sigh…

I was able to easily pick up more of the Alabaster but I had to order the Fancy Fur from my N-LNS (not local needlework store). Once the Fancy Fur arrived it took several weeks before I could put this project back on the table but now it’s done!

The pompom was stitched with alternating Tent and French Knot stitches. I’m pleased with how it has turned out!

The second finish was the “Peppermint Stripes” stocking by Joan Lohr. This project was the April, 2008 Canvas of the Month Club from the Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland. It’s been a while since you last saw this project as it took quite a while to stitch the body of the stocking. The silver and red vertical stripes worked up very quickly. The green stripe is done with the Fern stitch which takes a little longer as I have to carefully lay all of the threads. It’s worth the time and effort as it’s very pretty when it’s done.

I outlined each project with two rows of Basketweave using Splendor S802. This will help with the finishing.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my latest finishes. Thanks for stopping by my blog! :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow

“Blog Redesign & Comments, Questions and Answers” -- October 20, 2008

2008-10-20T23:02:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all of the positive comments about the blog redesign! It took quite a while to do but I’m glad it’s done as it will be easier for me to update the sections on the right. I was also able to take a picture of fall at Windy Meadow this past Sunday. The leaves are starting are getting quite colorful! We are going to be having high winds tomorrow into Wednesday so I’m not sure what will be left to turn brighter colors over the next week or so. If it does get more colorful, I’ll take another picture to share with everyone. In the meanwhile, Enjoy Fall at Windy Meadow!

I received several great comments and emails about the Shenandoah Valley Chapter’s “Stitching for the Cure” event which will be held Saturday, November 22, 2008 at the Virginia Quilt Museum in Harrisonburg, VA. Don’t’ forget that even if you can’t attend the event, you can order the pattern and have it sent to you!

I’ve been enjoying reading everyone’s comments on my recent posts so I thought it would be time for another episode of “Comments, Questions, and Answers”!

Helen:
You are making a wonderful contribution by volunteering to be part of a control group for Ovarian Cancer! With the help of you and many others, hopefully they will quickly find a screening test for this awful disease.

Becky:
Please share with us pictures and information about the EGA workshop with Pat Thode in November. I’d love to hear all about it! Will you be stitching “Gillian” HS2123? I have her in my stash!

Beth:
North Star Santa was finished by a professional finisher through my not so local needlework shop! I usually send my completed items out for finishing as I rather spend the time stitching. Though there are a few things that I will finish myself. Hmmm... I'll have to create a post with some finishing ideas/instructions. :-)

I’ve been able to finish two projects in the last several weeks and I have two more new starts. More info with pictures tomorrow! :-)

I do enjoy reading everyone’s comments! Knowing that you are visiting and commenting on my blog leaves me with a big grin on my face!

Thanks for visiting!

Cynthia
Windy Meadow