Sunday, November 16, 2008

Another Saturday Night SAL

After a week of no stitching due to a slight injury to my hand, I was glad to start up again by participating in the Saturday Night SAL sponsored by the Only One Ewe cross stitch forum. I had a great night of stitching, due in part to my state of mind after returning from a stressful all-day swim meet. Those of you who have kids involved in competitive swimming will understand, but to those who do not, let me explain. Pools are usually not set up as a spectactor sport, so for many meets, parents bring their own folding chairs and space is always an issue. This year, perhaps because of Michael Phelps, it is nearly impossible to find a place to even set up your chair. This made parents cranky and unfriendly. In addition, indoor pool buildings are heated to a level for the swimmers' comfort, who are running around in wet swimsuits. So for parents, who are not in swimsuits or wet, it is uncomfortably warm. Then there is the smell and taste of chlorine in the air, and the echoey nature of almost all indoor pools that seem to amplify sound and bounce it all around all the walls, increasing its volume fourfold, I'm certain. Add to this lovely environment, about 250 excited, pumped-up, carb-filled 9 to 12 year olds, and you may begin to get the picture.

So when I got home, I was very happy to sit in my comfortable chair, and cross stitch away on the North Pole while watching The Lake House on TV. Cross stitching helps me to de-stress, and I had a lot that to accomplish :-).

I got the toolbox on the left side done, the icicle on the right side roof, and all the light brown stitching in the ceiling part. I continue to love this design and hate the fabric that I am using, but felt in my Q-Snaps helps tremendously. Here is the progress picture:

I also had a good stash week. Two separate orders, from two different stores arrived. One of the orders arrived promptly, but the other was placed nearly 9 weeks ago and I had all but given up on it ever arriving. I received Blue Bird Sampler and Christmas Row by Bent Creek, and Blessings & Kind Wishes which is a Loose Feather design from Blackbird. There were also some Weeks Dye Works threads which are for a another Blackbird design, Awake the Dawning Day, that I want to start, probably after Christmas.

And I also received Winter Wonderland by Crown & Thistle, which I have to tell you, I would never have purchased had I not seen one finished. The picture on the pattern really does not do it justice. In this package was also The 4th Day of Christmas by Prairie Moon, a designer that I am becoming more and more fond of, who actually lives near here. I have to say, though, I am still a little shell-shocked from perusing the thread list on this design-- a whopping 22 different GAST threads. Finally, there were three Lizzie Kate monthly flip-its from a few years ago.
I have been busy surfing many beautiful blogs this week. Here are a few that had some wonderful finishes:

At Jum's Blog, there is a beautiful finish of Blackbird's I Thee Wed. The colors on this one are spectacular! Edited to say that Val at Jum's Blog emailed to point out that this is not yet finished, there is a bit left to stitch.

There is also a cute finish at Roses et Caramel. Charline has stitched Winter Row by Bent Creek. I have seen several splendid Bent Creek "Row" design finishes in the last month, and it is really making me want to stitch one myself.

And at Croix Begood, there is a stunningly beautiful picture of her finish of Momenti di Vita.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

10 comments:

Ann said...

You're a good mom. I was one of those carb-hyped swimmers once, and I still remember fondly seeing my mother at the pool for my swim meets. It meant a lot to me then. It still does today.

I'll bet your youngster will feel the same way one day, too.

But you are right, it's a tough environment!

Sally said...

Nice progress on North Pole and nice new stash too!

Cindy F. said...

Great progress on North Pole and great stash too!

Ranae said...

I love your new stash, how fun.
North Pole is looking good!!

Beatrice said...

The north pole is lookin' goooood!
Lovely stash too.

Wendy said...

I found it tough just sitting at the pools during lessons and then having to face the winter outdoors. What a great Mom you are :-D

Great stitching on your Christmas Stories!

Petra said...

North Pole is looking great. I like the fabric for what it's worth...I know it's not nice to work on and all.

Great stash too. I haven't purchased much online lately, maybe it's time for a little pick me up!

My parents never came to my sporting events, but then it didn't seem like many did back in the 80's...I know I will be there for my son, so while it may not be nice conditions I am certain your kids are happy you are there!

Dani - tkdchick said...

that's a cute little christmasy piece you're working on!

Carolien said...

Hello Laura,

Thank you for visiting my blog again, I kind of lost track with yours, how silly! I will catch up, that's for sure. I hope your hand will be better soon and yes, I once had 3 daughters swimming like that and in a way I am glad it's over! :)

Have a nice Sunday & greetings, Carolien

Alison said...

Hi Laura, I love your blog, first visit today! There is so much to read and see - I love all your projects! And what a sweet name - Mellow Bungalow. On a similar theme, I have recently posted a Happy Dance for a project I completed recently "The Road to A Friend's House Is Paved with Happy Thoughts" :-) Stay happy, Alison xx