Navy Stitching

Christmas Project

2011-12-23T21:30:00.004-05:00

I know that I have been very quiet on this blog. Hopefully I'll have a bit more time to post once in awhile. I haven't been doing a lot of crafting recently but have managed a few things.

So here's my big home made gift for Caitlyn this year and the big craft project that I have been working on:

I decided to make Caitlyn some counting bean bags. I used Chez Beeper Bebe's tutorial for the bean bags. I had originally gotten Sweetwater's Make Life charm pack to make bean bags but decided to use Andover's Maisey fabric instead since Caitlyn absolutely adores "Maisy Big, Maisy Small: A Book of Maisy Opposites" by Lucy Cousins. I had a lot of fun doing the hand embroidery on the numbers.

Here's a closer peek:

I think they turned out well and I can't wait to see Caitlyn's reaction when she opens them tomorrow. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! May God bless you and your family during this season of remembering when Emmanuel (God with Us) came to earth as a baby who arrived in the little town of Bethlehem.

3rd Quarter 11 - Top 5 Photos

2011-10-02T16:06:00.004-04:00

Well, another 3 months have gone by without me posting much. Things will probably be changing around here, when I actually get some time to spend looking at what I want to do and share. I know that there are probably few people who still come by, but that's alright. I like having the space to share and link up with various posts that I'm interested in (like this Top 5 pics of the quarter). Anyways, without further ado, here are my pictures from the last three months of our Pooh Bear. It was a bit easier to pick pictures since I had fewer to chose from (many haven't been downloaded yet). These are my favorites from the ones I had on the computer.

This one was taken in downtown Portsmouth after we went to the Children's Museum with my in laws. I love her daddy in the background.I love this picture and little one helping her daddy stir up ingredients (I don't remember what they were making). She had scrapped up her nose the day before while visiting me on the ship. I just love the apron and her intense expression.
This was one evening when we were hanging out in the backyard. She was saying "ball" as she would bring the ball back to me or her daddy. Love the colors in the evening.

This one was taken at the Children's Museum in our area. Just love the expression on her face as she tries to listen to two different headsets.

This last photo is from just a couple of weeks ago. Little one was climbing in and out of her toy box in the family room, so I wanted to snap a picture of it.

Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully I will have time to share a bit more frequently in the future.

Narnia Reading Challenge

2011-07-03T12:46:00.002-04:00

Carrie @ Reading to Know is hosting the Narnia Reading Challenge again this month.

C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia is one of my favorite series and I plan on reading through the whole series again this month as part of the challenge. In addition, I am reading "Aslan's Call" by Mark Eddy Smith and "A Field Guide to Narnia" by Colin Duriez. I look forward to sharing more with you as the month goes on. Would you join us?

2nd Quarterly Top 5

2011-06-30T22:13:00.003-04:00

It's been a long time since I posted ... in fact the last time I posted was last quarter. I'm definitely thinking about doing some changes to what my focus is since stitching has taken a back burner at this point in my life (still working on projects but not nearly as many at a time to talk about). So for now, here are my top 5 pictures of little one for the months of April, May and June. Click on the banner if you want to link up and participate :) Can't wait to see everyone's pictures.

Without further ado:

This first picture I just love the backlighting and the smirk on her face. This was just one day taking pictures in her room.

I decided to play with editing the color on the camera for this one ... love her looking around the shower curtain. She loves bath time.

We went to the beach for a week at the beginning of May. This is one of my all time favorite pictures from that trip. Her daddy and granddaddy are in the background fishing and she is just staring at the ocean ;)

We went strawberry picking at a nearby farm. She enjoyed picking the berries (didn't eat many though) and had a great time.

This last pictures is at the children's garden at the local botanical gardens. She has so much fun whenever she is around water. I love the water in the foreground of this picture.

It was hard to narrow it down to 5 pictures from the past three months. I hope you enjoy a small glimpse into our lives. God Bless!

March Quarterly Top 5

2011-03-30T18:30:00.008-04:00

It's time for the first Quarterly Top 5 of 2011. This is hosted by Amber's Articles, Click it Up a Notch and Nap Time Momtog. It's a chance to showcase our five favorite pictures that we have taken of our children during the months of Jan, Feb and March.

As usual, it is hard to narrow down to my favorite pictures since we do take a lot of my daughter. Here are the five that I chose for this go around:

This first one showcases what a goofball Caitlyn can be. She was making faces out the door in the kitchen so I decided to go around and get pictures from the other side of her. There was a whole series but I loved the pucker face in this one.

I take monthly pictures of Caitlyn in this glider in her room. This just shows how hard it is to get her to sit still these days. This one was taken on her birthday. I love the lighting in the picture and how it softens it.

I chose this picture because she decided to climb in the box herself. She started to bring the toys in with her.

This one was taken at a local park that our family enjoys on nice days. Unfortunately it's gotten cold again recently but I am looking forward to heading back again. This is just one of my all time favorite pictures ... I love the backlighting and the expression on her face.

This last picture is from our visit to my parents. It was a beautiful day so we headed to the park. I love the wind blowing her hair as she comes down the slide with her daddy.

Thanks for stopping by! I'm looking forward to sharing more in June.

Smile!

2011-03-10T19:10:00.002-05:00

At the end of last year I participated in the top 10 of '10 hosted by Amber's Articles. She has decided to do something similar this year. However, instead of choosing 10 photos at the end of the year, we share 5 photos every quarter (so we'll share 20 throughout the year). Click on the button for more information and if you want to participate as well.

Recent Projects

2011-03-07T21:18:00.003-05:00

Blogging has definitely taken a back burner right now. I just started a new school in preparation for a new job. I have been crafting and such. I am finally able to show you the sampler that I stitched for my sister and her new husband as a wedding present. I had it framed at my local LNS as I usually do and it turned out great. Without further ado:

"Wedding Blessing"

Designer: Cathy Bussi (from the Cross Stitcher July '10 Issue)

Fabric: Silkweaver 32ct Autumn

Threads: DMC (converted to my sister's wedding colors of coral and green)

I have also been able to start my daughter's stocking. I am hoping to be able to complete that before Christmas. I definitely don't have as many projects in progress at the moment (other than as ideas in my head). I have one other cross stitch project that I am currently stitching on and hope to finish soon. It is a gift for our nanny in appreciation for how she takes care of our little one and has really become part of our family. I hope to be able to share that with you soon.

In addition to cross stitch, my sewing machine has also been getting a workout. I made my first attempt of making clothes for my daughter. I decided that I would make her a Valentine's Day outfit rather than buying one this year. I used a L'amour honey bun from Moda (the line is designed by Sandy Gervais) for both the skirt and the applique. I decided to use the strips to cut a heart from rather than a solid fabric so that it would coordinate with the skirt. I think it turned out alright for my first skirt.

So I think that covers most of the crafty stuff that I have done lately. Hopefully I'll be updating more frequently with more projects and other types of things. Have a great night!

Christmas Stitching

2011-01-01T10:50:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to do a quick post to share the gift I made for my mom this Christmas. I shared a sneak preview earlier in the month but here it is all finished:

Little Women "Baking" Threadpack

Designer: Diane Williams

Threads: Included Crescent Colors

Fabric: 32 ct Cocoa Belfast Linen (Silkweaver)

I thought I had a picture of the cube I finished but can't find it right now. I know I have pictures of my mom opening it. I picked out a nice fabric with poinsettias on it to go with the stitching. I hope you are all having a Happy New Year and may 2011 bring you much joy!

Top 10 of '10

2010-12-31T14:37:00.007-05:00

I saw this linked on Rachel's blog and decided that I would participate as well. If you would like to join me you can link up here. Caitlyn joined our family at the very beginning of 2010 and many, many pictures have been taken of her through out the year. Here are what I have chosen as the 10 I would share in chronological order:

1. This was taken about a week and a half after little one was born (January). I was taking pictures of her laying on my lap and just really like how she's looking at the window behind the couch.

2. I love, love, love this picture. I love the look on her face as she watches her mobile in her crib. I took this in February while I was still on maternity leave and spending all day with the little one.

3. Another of my favorites. This was taken at the end of April in our backyard. It was a gorgeous day and we were watching a bunny or two that were hanging out in the backyard. I think I had her propped up on my knees when I took this picture.

4. I had to include this picture from June. My husband was on his last underway before detaching from his sea command. We watched videos of him reading to her often while he was gone.

5. This photo is from July ... we were hanging out in the office. She has the greatest expressions and I just love how she looks like she was caught red handed doing something.

6. Caitlyn had to be put into a Spica cast back in August ... this photo is from shortly after that. You can just see it in the photo but I wanted to include it since this demonstrates her personality and just how happy and well adjusted she was even in the cast. Nothing can get this girl down.

7. I took this picture during one of our many visits to my parents this fall. I love the look on her face and how excited she is with her book. This particular picture is from early September.

8. This photo is from a session that we did in our back yard in the fall. It was a fairly warm day for November and we had a lot of leaves on the ground. Her intense study of the leaf in her hand is what made me chose this picture out of the many I took that day.

9. This is just a random picture from December when she was climbing on her bean bag chair. I love the pictures I take when she is looking over her shoulder back at the camera. You can see some parts of what we like to call the results of Hurricane Caitlyn.

10. We love to rip tissue paper. We went to my sister's house for Christmas and the first day she was there, one of the packages caught her attention and she just needed to pull the tissue paper out and start ripping.

It was very hard to narrow down the many pictures that I took this year to just 10. I hope you enjoy a small glimpse into our year. Thanks for stopping by. Thank you to Amber's Articles and her fellow bloggers for hosting.

DPP - Day 16 -23

2010-12-23T12:54:00.002-05:00

December 16 - Snow in Virginia Beach ... still had a few pumpkins out from the fall.

December 19 - Hanging out with our cousin!

December 21 - Cookbook for Christmas cookies

December 23 - Stockings at my sister's house

Trying to catch up ... unfortunately we have a few days with no pictures since we have been on the road a lot. Merry Christmas!

DPP - Day 9 -15

2010-12-15T20:37:00.003-05:00

I have been taking daily photos but haven't been able to post so here's my catch up.

December 9: The centerpiece at my command's Christmas party.

December 10:

December 11: The table at my MIL and SIL cookie exchange.

December 12: My little one playing with her first puzzle.

December 13: Snow!

December 14:

December 15: One of the ornaments I made from little one's left over birth announcements.

My "Grown Up Christmas List"

2010-12-09T14:59:00.002-05:00

Today's question for the Wives of Faith Christmas Carnival is:
Write your own “Grown-Up Christmas List” (taken from Amy Grant’s song of the same title)

-For no separations
-Love for every child
-Food, water and shelter for every person
-For everyone to have their basic needs met
-To really understand the meaning of Christmas

This was a hard question for me to answer and I'm still afraid that my answers are the stock answers. Thanks for stopping by.

DPP - Day 8

2010-12-08T20:39:00.002-05:00

The results of a hurricane called Caitlyn and playing with the settings on the camera for color accent of the greens in the room.

A Stitching Post ... Finally

2010-12-07T19:58:00.004-05:00

This blog has been becoming more than just my stitching blog and that's alright by me. However, since stitching is one of the main reasons I started this blog, it's only right to show case what I've been working on once in awhile. I haven't been doing too much stitching recently since I have other projects to complete for the holidays. The first thing I have is a sneak peak of a Christmas gift (so I don't want to show too much). I'm sure some of the veteran stitchers may recognize the design.

This has been finished into a cube and I look forward to sharing the complete project with you. Next up is the ornament I stitched to exchange with Vonna. I enjoyed doing this exchange and it sounds like she likes the ornament.

Design: The Christmas Cross (JCS Ornament Issue 04)

Designer: The Stitchworks, Ltd.

Fabric: Unknown from stash

Threads: DMC substitutions

In return, Vonna stitched this beautiful angel for me. I love the finish and it has a prominent place on our tree.

In addition to exchanging ornaments with me, Vonna also finished a few stockings for me. I've shared pictures of them before but here they are in all of their finished glory. Both were designed by Joan Elliot as part of her annual series in the Cross Stitcher. Now I just need to stitch one for our daughter.

Hubby's stocking

My stocking

I currently have three things that are in progress: a birthday present for my sister in law (that I need to finish the beading on which is why it's still in progress), my sister's wedding sampler (that needs to be finish in Feb) and the third of LHN's ornaments from this year. I stitched the first two over one but am thinking that it takes me a long time to finish them stitching over one so I might just start over and stitch them on high count over two. Let me know what you think. I hope you are all having a wonderful December! God Bless!

DPP - Day 7

2010-12-07T19:56:00.001-05:00

Our mantel :)

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without ...

2010-12-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

LOVE!

There could be so many answers to this topic, but Christmas is still Christmas even without many of the traditions that I have come to love and expect. As a military member and spouse, it is not uncommon to be separated from family during the Christmas season. Some of my favorite traditions are decorating sugar cookies with my sister, opening presents on Christmas Eve, going to Christmas Eve services at church, reading all of our Christmas books and so many other things. However, those don't make Christmas what it is. Christmas is about love ... love for our family and our friends, our neighbors and others around us. Not to mention, the greatest love of all ... God who came to earth as a little baby to redeem us from our sins. This season celebrates his birth. Jesus took on the trappings of human form to be savior for us all. Remember this Christmas, whether you are surrounded by family or separated by time and distance, God's love is greater than any thing else.

This post is part of the Wives of Faith Christmas Carnival

DPP - Day 6

2010-12-06T19:14:00.002-05:00

Playing with Momma's cover :)

My Favorite Christmas Decoration

2010-12-06T08:00:00.009-05:00

This week I am participating in the Wives of Faith Christmas Blog Carnival. The first topic is to describe our favorite Christmas tree ornament or Christmas Decoration. I don't know that I can pick a favoritee Christmas tree ornament. That is one tradition that I loved growing up and have continued since moving away from home. Every year, my mom got my sister and I an ornament for Christmas. We collected other ornaments as well through the years so we both had a significant ornament collection when we moved out of the house. I love the memories associated with each ornament. Some I don't remember the exact years that we received them, but I could tell you most of the ones that were our yearly ornament. I still continue to get an ornament every year for our family and started to do the same for my daughter this year. Here are our ornaments for 2010:

Caitlyn's First Christmas Ornament

The Family Ornament for 2010

Since we have so many ornaments it is hard to pick a favorite one. So in addition to telling about our ornament tradition, I will talk about my favorite Christmas decoration. My favorite Christmas decoration is my Nativity. I have one of the Willow Tree Nativities, which was a Christmas present about five years ago. Setting up the Nativity is one of my favorite activities. In addition to it being a beautiful set, I also love it for its display of the reason for the season. It is not elaborate and has simple colors. It is hard for me to put into words how much it means to me. So instead I'll let a picture do the rest of the talking for me:

DPP - Day 5

2010-12-05T18:45:00.002-05:00

Sneaking a peak through the door before getting little one dressed for church.

DPP - Day 4

2010-12-04T21:16:00.003-05:00

Today Justin, Caitlyn and I bundled up and went to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. We got her bundled up better than either of us were though. It even started snowing on our way home.

DPP - Day 3

2010-12-03T18:14:00.002-05:00

An early morning shot of my nativity:

DPP - Day 2

2010-12-02T19:09:00.002-05:00

Today for the December Photo Project I bring you two shots ... first is Caitlyn helping me with the laundry:

The second is our basket of Christmas picture books (Caitlyn went for this before heading towards the tree).

December Photo Project: Day 1

2010-12-01T22:59:00.003-05:00

I know I'm cutting it close today (not a great beginning I know). Here is my first photo for the December Photo Project:

I decided that a picture of some of our decorations was a necessity. Here are the stockings we purchased a few years ago to have until I completed our cross stitched ones. Those are in the place of honor on our mantel along with the stocking my mom made for our little one (and future little ones).

Quick Update

2010-11-19T10:12:00.002-05:00

Stand by for a much longer post with more pictures ... I received my stockings back from Vonna (she did a great job) yesterday as well as the ornament she made me for our ornament exchange. I wanted to do a quick post to share that I will be participating in the December Photo Project this year. I hope you enjoy a peak into our holidays!

No Posting but Lots of Stitching

2010-10-19T19:56:00.004-04:00

I know it's been awhile since I have posted. We've been somewhat busy around here so this has been the thing to fall off of the shelf. Around the time of my last post, my daughter was diagnosed with hip dysplasia so we have been dealing with that for the past few months. She has gone through being in a pavlik harness, an unsuccessful closed reduction, a successful open reduction, six weeks in a Spica cast, three weeks full time in an abduction brace and we're a few days into three weeks of the abduction brace only while sleeping. I think that about covers everything. She has been a real trooper through out the whole thing.

So in stitching news, I finished my Christmas stocking on Sunday. Here she is in all her glory:

Design: "Christmas Angel Stocking"

Designer: Joan Elliot (The Cross Stitcher Aug '06)

Fabric: 14 ct White Aida

Thread: Recommended DMC, Kreinik and beads

I started her at the beginning of Dec 09. So she took a little over 10 months to finish (I was able to cut the time that it took me to finish hubby's stocking in half). She and the gingerbread stocking will be heading to The Twisted Stitcher's Finishing Service soon. I can't wait to see what Vonna does with them.

On the subject of finishing, I also finished a couple of fall pieces that I had (both were squares I received in the Fair and Square Exchange). I choose to finish two as cubes. Here's one of my finishes (I still need to add ribbon my Halloween cube):

I love this fabric with this stitched piece. What do you think?

I have a few other projects that I am working on for the holidays. I have been keeping busy but don't have too many other pictures to show of my WIP (and most of them are for gifts). So instead I leave you with a picture of my little one and one of her baskets of books. Have a great night!

June's SBQ

2010-06-10T20:46:00.004-04:00

Here's this month's stitching blogger question from Lee at Lake Stitcher:

Tell us about something that you have stitched or plan to stitch for any father in your life. Maybe it’s for your father, your father-in-law, your children’s father, your grandfather, your godfather, or someone who was or still is an important father-figure in your life. Why did you choose this particular piece of stitching? Tell us the story behind it.

And because a simple one part question is never adequate, let’s go some more:

Often times we identify our love of needlework and our skills with our mothers or grandmothers or other women. It’s understandable because often they were are first teachers or role models. Now let’s think about our stitching life as it relates to our dads. Is there anything about our approach to stitching that we can recognize as traits of our fathers? For instance, does your dad (or any other important man in your life) have an approach to one of his interests that you can observe and think, “Hey….if I substitute the word “needlework” for “fly fishing”, we’d be pretty darn similar!” So tell us about it.

The first piece that came to mind was "Thank You for Serving" by the Sunflower Seed. I stitched this for my grandfather in the summer of 2008, right before I left on deployment. When I saw the design I thought of him and the other military men in my life (my other grandfather, step-grandfather, father and husband). I stitched it to remember the years that he spent in the army. I was able to drop it off at my LNS before I left and my mom picked it up when it was done. She gave it to him when she saw him at Christmas time. It is a design that I hope to stitch again for others in my family as they complete their service.

As for the second part of the question, I think part of my love of cross stitch comes from having a very analytical mind. This was inherited from both parents but especially my father.

Quilting and Stitching

2010-06-05T19:42:00.004-04:00

Well, back to my regular scheduled programming ... at least somewhat. I've started to get into quilting as well as cross stitch. I has a chance to finish a project this week, which I was really excited about. I still need to finish the second bag but one has been completed. My first project was a Child's Activity Bag. I found the tutorial on Moda Bake Shop and it was created by Melissa Stramel of Lilac Lane.

The Front of the Bag

Fabric: Sandy Gervais' Nautical and Nice

Pattern: Child's Activity Bag

Designer: Melissa Stramel of Lilac Lane

The Back of the Bag

My local quilt shop, What's Your Stitch N Stuff, is celebrating is 20th Anniversary this week. So I stopped by to pick up some backing and batting so that I could complete the strip quilt top I had finished (the kit was purchased from there as well). I picked up some brown minkee for the back of the quilt. Here's the top with the backing and binding:

I know that I still need to iron the quilt top. I had started one night but realized that I really needed to do it on our full ironing board downstairs instead of the little ironing board I keep in the guest room for my quilt projects (great for blocks and small units, not so much for long strips). I really love the different fabrics in this quilt. I have a few more strip quilts to make ... it's one of my favorite kits that my LQS carries.

I also picked up a kit for a Christmas present for my sister (hopefully for this year) as well as another strip quilt that used Wine Country by Barb Tourtillotte.

I have been spending quite a bit of time stitching as well. I completed the center part of my stocking (well, except for a small part of her hand since I didn't have the color at the time and wanted to start working on the bottom).

I'm hoping to complete this in time to be able to send it out for finishing and still have it by Christmas. I've also been working on the Letter L that I showed to you previously. I've almost completed all of the stitching and will just have the beads left to do. My other project at the moment is a wedding sampler for my sister. It's been a lot of fun to work on with changing the colors to match those she picked for her wedding. My daughter's birth sampler has been framed ... I just need to take a picture of it to share as well as actually hang it on her wall. I hope it won't be too long before I can share some more projects with you ... both stitching and quilting. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend! God Bless!

Quilt Festival 2010

2010-05-21T20:07:00.004-04:00

Since I'm starting to explore quilting as well as my cross stitch, I wanted to participate in the Blogger's Quilt Festival this year.

Unfortunately, I have yet to finish a quilt. I have a quilt top upstairs that needs to be pressed and quilted (it's a strip quilt kit that I picked up at my LQS eons ago) and a few other wip. I've started the cutting on little one's baby quilt so I'm hoping to finish that before her first birthday (I figure that's a good goal ... gives me about 8 more months ;)). Since I don't have one of my own to show off, I wanted to show case a quilt that my sister made for me as a wedding present.

If you look closely, you will see that there are pictures from our wedding included in the quilt. My sister completed it shortly after our first anniversary about three years ago. She had started to do picture quilts for special occasions. I think I also received the first one she made as a graduation present when I graduated from college. This quilt has a place of honor on our bedroom wall. My sister has inspired me to explore quilting as well. I love the special memory quilt and hope to return the favor soon to her.

Thank you for visiting. I hope that you enjoy looking at some of my other work in cross stitch. I have some plans for some projects that combine the two ... quilting and cross stitch but they are years in the making. God Bless!

May Stitching Bloggers Question

2010-05-03T09:51:00.004-04:00

Lee at Lake Stitcher has started up a monthly SBQ. Here's this months:

Suppose we say that there are two types of stitchers.

There are those who enjoy the “process” of stitching. They stitch for stitching’s sake and if something gets finished, so much the better, but it’s not necessarily the end goal. Primarily, it’s the application of needle and thread to cloth that makes them happiest.

Then there are those who are “project” stitchers. They move steadily through their projects, certainly enjoying their stitching time, but finding their greatest joy in the completed stitching.

If you had to pick one to describe yourself, which type of stitcher would you be? I imagine that we could all say that we fall somewhere in between, but really think hard about this and try to pick just one. And once you’ve decided whether you’re a Process or Project stitcher, tell us if your recognize that approach in other parts of your life.

I would say that I am a Project stitcher if I had to pick one to describe myself. Part of the reason that I enjoy stitching is that there will be a finish project at the end. There is something tangible that results from the work I put in. In other parts of my life, the work does not always have the tangible results. I am satisfied in what I do, but some of it can be very repetative both at work and at home (ie standing watches or doing laundry). I love the repetiveness of taking thread to fabric ... it is very relaxing after a long day. However, for the most part, it's not just about the stitching to me. It is about the project. Many of my stitchings have been gifts for others, with deadlines and such. Others are projects for myself that have a purpose. I enjoy being able to have a finished project and start a new one. I try not to have too many projects that I'm working on at one time ... though I do enjoy have a few different ones to work on so that there is some variety. So what about you? If you take the time to answer this SBQ, please go and leave a comment on Lee's blog. God Bless!

The Promised Pictures

2010-04-20T20:46:00.006-04:00

WARNING ... PICTURE HEAVY POST AHEAD :)

Here's the finished birth sampler for my daughter ... I guess it's time to take a trip to my LNS to have it framed :).

Anchor's Classic Pooh Birth Sampler

Threads/fabric included in kit

Close up of personalization

Close up of top of sampler.

Here was my last finish of 2009 which I realized I never shared for the LHN ornament SAL:

LHN's Fa La La

Threads: Recommended DMC

Fabric: Random scrap piece (stitched over 1)

Next up, the current progress on my stocking. I haven't worked on it for probably a month now so it's time to start again. Hoping to finish it before Christmas, with time to possibly have someone else finish it.

And the last WIP is Nora Corbett's "L" ... a gift for my SIL (I don't think she checks my blog).

Until next time ... happy stitching and God Bless!

Happy Dance :)

2010-04-19T22:32:00.002-04:00

I finished little one's birth sampler tonight at our ladies' UFO fellowship that my church holds once a month. I will post pictures tomorrow of it and my WIP (I'd rather get pictures using natural lighting). However, I'm really excited so I had to share :)

First Finish of 2010

2010-03-18T19:52:00.003-04:00

This post is hard to start. Yesterday I had my first finish of the year. It was a special piece in memory of a special little girl named Layla Grace. I stitched a quilt block for a quilt that I heard about at the Isaiah 43:1 Project, a site that I found just recently. Candace of Cotton Candie Fabric came up with the idea to make some quilts for her family. Layla Grace is a little girl who lost her battle with cancer last week. You can read more about her and her family here. I decided to make a block with some fabric that I had picked up just last weekend when I was at my local quilt shop, What's Your Stitch N Stuff. I picked it up because I realized I didn't have any spring or Easter fabric in my stash. I think it was perfect for the quilt block. I found a floral alphabet to use to stitch the word "Hope" on the block. Hope for a cure and hope for healing for this family.

Design: From 101 Alphabets by Dale Burdett

Fabric: 28 ct Luguna Fairy Dust

Threads: DMC

Mom - if you're reading this and you haven't gotten a box of tissues yet, you might want to.

Part of the reason I wanted to make this quilt square is that Layla's story really touched my heart. I'm no stranger to pediatric cancer. My little girl is named after a friend that I lost to cancer. That is how my husband and I chose her middle name. I'd known Emily my entire life ... her family lived next door to ours when I was born. Her birthday was just two days before my own (she was a year older). Our families vacationed together often. Both families had two girls ... Emily had an older sister and I a younger sister. My sister was the odd one out in the four of us since the three of us had birthdays in July and hers was in December. My family moved around quite a bit when I was younger. We kept in touch with Emily's family though and when we moved back to the area we got together a lot. Emily's family even lived with us for a few months after their house was damaged in a hurricane. We moved away again and then ended up living near each other again when my father left active duty (in a different state than we were born in). It was soon after we moved that Emily was diagnosed with cancer (I think she was 11 at the time). She fought a hard battle. I remember when she lost her hair to chemo her sophomore year in high school, her sister shaved her head as well so that she would have to go to school bald alone. Unfortunately she lost her battle with cancer later that year. It was very hard to lose a friend that I had known my entire life at the tender age of 14. Whenever I hear about pediatric cancer, I think of her. Her memory was one of the main reasons I wanted to help make this quilt(s) for Layla Grace's family. I hope that it will help to bring healing to the open wounds that they have. There will always be scars ... I know that. Please pray for all children who are affected by cancer and their families.

Where I've Been

2010-02-06T18:06:00.002-05:00

On Jan 7, my husband and I welcomed the newest addition to our family. She has already brought such joy to our lives ... though the only stitching that I have really done since she arrived is putting her name on her birth sampler (I still need to finish the backstitch and the rest of the personalization).

Caitlyn Emily

Hopefully I will be getting some more time to stitch soon. God Bless!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T19:06:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone has had a wonderful 2009 and here's to 2010. I did have one more finish for 09 ... I finished the first ornament "Fa La La" for the LHN SAL. I received "Pear Tree" this week so that will probably be my next start. I've put a few more stitches in my stocking as well. I've had a fairly productive year ... but I do believe that I still have quite a few projects to finish finish. I don't have that many WIPs at the moment (I think two) and have some projects that I do want to start next year for birthdays and such. We'll see how it goes with the little one around.

Here's was my second to last finish for the year ... an ornament for an exchange. I hope you enjoy.

"Snow Cottage"

Designer: Cross Wise Designs

Fabric: Unknown linen from ornament pack

Thread: DMC White and Krienik pearl

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Go Navy!

2009-12-12T12:05:00.003-05:00

We interrupt our regular scheduled programing to say

Go Navy! Beat Army!

Today I will be watching the game with friends from work. Nothing like one of the best rivalries in college football :). I know they are a long way from being national contenders (there have been years where the Army-Navy game was between the #1 and #2 teams in the nation ... but that was way before the BCS and all that jazz) but it is full of great pageantry and often a really great game. I'll go back to regularly scheduled stitching soon ... I have some ornaments and progress to share. Have a great day!

Christmas stitching

2009-12-06T11:59:00.003-05:00

Well, I have been able to get some good stitching time in, so I've been focusing mostly on some Christmas stitching (since it's that time of year). First up is a piece that I wanted to finish for the Advent season ... I've picked up some coordinating fabric and just need to complete it in a finished form (maybe I'll work on that today).

Design: "Lights of Advent"

Designer: Erica Michaels (from JCS Ornaments 06)

Fabric: Unknown ornament cut from DSL

Threads: Recommended DMC

I've also been working on LHN's "Fa-La-La", the first ornament in their monthly ornament series. I don't have a progress picture but will post once I finish it. I decided to stitch it over 1 ... which has been an interesting experience. On Tuesday I finally pulled out the fabric and pattern to start my Christmas stocking. Here's what I had at the end of Friday night:

And this is all the work that I did on Saturday, while watching football and a Christmas movie (and doing other chores around the house):
I am really enjoying this piece. This one is Joan Elliot's Christmas Angel Stocking from the Aug 06 issue of the Cross Stitcher. Hopefully she won't take me as long as the first one (she shouldn't if I don't put her aside for months on end).

I'm enjoying the weather today much more than the rain we had yesterday (it was a little too warm for it to turn to snow here). Today is blue sky with white clouds, a bit chilly but not too bad. I think I might wrap presents today and maybe do some baking to send to family and friends that are deployed for the holiday season. I'm going to do a bit more stitching as well. Have a wonderful day!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:22:00.004-05:00

As I sit here in the quiet, up before others are moving around or have arrived, I am taking some time to reflect on today. I love this quiet time in the morning before everything starts to get hectic. Especially today, a day set aside to give thanks for the blessings that we have. However, giving thanks shouldn't be restrained to one day or just remembered for one day. We should continually give thanks in all that we do.

For the past week or so, I have been putting something I'm thankful up daily as my status on Facebook. I have tried to expound on those things. Today I give thanks to God that both my husband and I are home for Thanksgiving rather than half way around the world like last year. I am thankful that both sets of parents live close enough to come down for the weekend. I rejoice that we are able to share the cooking responsibilities with parents and other relatives. I am thankful that my parents are coming for Thanksgiving since I haven't spent a Thanksgiving with them in 5 years. I give thanks that we are able to open our home to my husband's sailors that don't have a place to go for the holiday. I'm grateful for the weather that we've had ... even though it's been rainy and cloudy it hasn't been too cold. I give thanks that our preparations for our new arrival continue to go on pace. I can't believe how close it is getting to her arriving.

We give thanks in all situations. No matter what trials are going on in your life, there are always some small blessings to be thankful for. Sometimes it's hard to find those blessings, but if you search hard enough, they'll be there. I pray that you all have a wonderful day and Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate :) God Bless.

Happy Dance!!!!

2009-11-22T21:01:00.004-05:00

This has been a great weekend for finishing :). I finally finished DH's Christmas stocking ... it only took me 2 years and 2 months. Hopefully the next ones will go faster (since there were long stretches of time without stitching on the stocking. I had a lot of fun stitching it and am looking forward to the next one. I am going to wait to finish finish it until I at least get mine done as well so that I am doing more than one at a time (and there isn't a huge time in between finishes).

Design: "Gingerbread Stocking"

Designer: Joan Elliot (The Cross Stitcher - Aug 05)

Fabric: 14 ct White Aida

Thread: Recommended DMC, Kreinik and beads

I also finished my "whet your appetite" ornament for the Little House Ornament SAL. I plan on finishing this as a pillow ornament. It was a fun stitch and now I'm just waiting for the first ornament of LHN's new series to arrive since I believe it has been shipped.

Design: "Glory to God"

Designer: Little House Needleworks (JCS Ornament 08)

Fabric: Stash Linen (count and color unknown)

Threads: Recommended and DMC alternatives

I also finished my SWO pin to go with hubby's dolphins. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture before I took it into my LNS to get framed. So I will share a picture when I get it back. I haven't quite finished the next project, but am to the point where I'm working on the backstitch. This one won't be finished until I can personalize it with little one's information so it will probably be one of my first 2010 finishes. I plan on getting everything but the personalization done in the next few weeks. So here's my current progress on the Classic Winnie the Pooh sampler.

Since I finished up my other ornament, I was inspired to start another. I decided to start stitching Erica Michael's "Lights of Advent" from the 2006 JCS Ornament issue. This was as far as I got since I need to pick up the other DMC colors needed to stitch the ornament.

Since I didn't have the threads needed to finish, I spent the rest of this evening working on a wedding present (which I don't have any pictures to share of). I decided to put it on my scroll frame since I've taken the stocking off. So that's it for my stitching ... it feels good to get some of those long UFO finally finished. Hope you had a great Sunday!

Birthday Present for My Sister

2009-11-16T17:11:00.002-05:00

I hadn't had a chance to post this before since I wanted to wait until my sister received it before I put it up. I finished the cross stitch a few weeks ago and finished it as a no-sew cube about a week and a half ago. I saw the kit at my LNS back in the spring and just knew that I need to stitch it for my sister. This is my first attempt at this kind of finish. I think it turned out fairly well and my sister loved it.

"N" Is For Nurse

Designer: The Sweetheart Tree

Fabric: 28 ct Summer Khaki Cashel Linen

Thread: DMC

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T09:36:00.004-05:00

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 91 years ago, the Armistice was signed ending WWI. That day became known as Armistice Day and in 1954, the US changed it to honor all Veterans and it was henceforth known as Veterans Day in the US (I believe it's still celebrated as Armistice Day in many other countries). This Veterans Day, I would like to take the opportunity to honor three Veterans that have had an impact in my life. I would like to honor my grandfathers for their service to this country.

The first is Grandpa Ray (my paternal grandfather). He served in WWII in the US Navy. He enlisted towards the end of the war and continued to serve for another few years after the war. Once he got out of the Navy he used the GI Bill to go to college and then went to work for an electric company. Unfortunately, I never knew him that well since he passed away when I was about four.

Grandpa Ray

The second is Grandpa Mac (my maternal grandfather). He was a little to young to enlist during WWII, but joined the army afterwards. I didn't realize this until I had called him to get his service dates, but he had gotten out for a year or so and then reenlisted. He served for over 20 years and retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. They were stationed in places such as Greece, Iran, Taiwan and Germany.

Grandpa Mac Sampler I stitched for him

The final person I want to honor is Grandpa Fred (my paternal step-grandfather). He retired as a LtCol from the Army. He served with Gen Patton in WWII. I always loved hearing his stories from that time and from his time teaching at West Point. Fred would always greet you with a smile. I want to honor him today because this past Sunday we lost him, as we continue to lose the WWII veterans almost daily. RIP Fred ... you will be greatly missed.

Remember the fallen, those who have served and those who are serving today and every day. God Bless!

PIF and WIP updates

2009-11-03T07:23:00.006-05:00

Well, I heard from Belinda and Pike that they received their PIF a few weeks ago. I haven't heard from Gaby yet, but hopefully she's received it. So without further ado, here are the ornaments that I stitched for my PIF:

The Angels are from Leisure Arts' Holidays Remembered (Christmas Remembered Book 5). They are stitched on random pieces of fabric that I had in my stash (I think one was probably a 28 ct and the other two were either 30 or 32 ct) with the recommended DMC threads.

I've also made some great progress on DH's stocking. I've just got a bit more backstitch in the bottom, then it's coming off the scroll frame in order to add the beads. That aspect doesn't seem as daunting anymore since I completed a small project with beads as a present for my sister. That was the one thing I was slightly worried about. So right now I'm going to make my goal to finish his stocking by the end of November and start on mine. I think I will wait to do the finishing until I complete at least my stocking. I will also have to pick out a stocking for the little one as well. I'm planning on sticking with the Joan Elliot stockings from the Cross Stitcher magazine.

I've been working on two other projects as well. The first is the birth sampler for the little one. She's gotten nicknames such as Peanut, Pooh Bear, Dinosaur and others. We decided to decorate the nursery with a Winnie the Pooh theme (the classic style). I was lucky to be able to find this birth sampler kit from Anchor. Here is my progress so far:

The other project I'm working on is going to be a wedding present for a good friend. Unfortunately it's a wedding we won't be able to attend since it's two days prior to my due date in another state. At this point, I don't think it will be finished prior to the wedding, but we'll see how it goes.

I was able to finish a project for my sister this past weekend but since it's going to be a present, no photos at this time. I'll post a picture after I give it to her (I don't think she reads this but just in case). I still have to finish it into it's final form, but should be able to complete that this week. Other than that, I've decided to join Vonna's LHN ornament of the month SAL. I am also planning to actually start my work on my Bride's Tree ornaments for the Bride's Tree SAL this month so I will start with the Nov ornament and have them complete by next Christmas.

I've been enjoying the fall weather around here. The rain has finally gone away and hopefully it will stay away through out this weekend. Hopefully it won't be as long until my next update (I just need to remember to take pictures so I can post them). Next time, I'll share some pieces that have been framed with you. God Bless and have a wonderful day!

Long Needed Update

2009-09-17T17:58:00.003-04:00

First of all, I want to begin with an apology to the three ladies that I owe PIF to. I have been terrible about getting them done, but not to worry, they are in progress and hopefully will be winging your way soon. Unfortunately I had about a two-three month period that I was not stitching at all (and of course the deadline for my PIF fell right in the middle of that period). Due to a few different events in my life, stitching was not high on the priority list.

The first major event was changing this:

into this:

DH and I decided that our kitchen was in serious need of a makeover, so for most of the summer most of our kitchen stuff had been moved to the living room and there was dust every where from the demolition and the construction. This was not the most cross-stitch friendly environment. So that is one reason my stitching got pushed to the side. The other reason was that for most of that time period I was just plain exhausted due to this:

DH and I are expecting our first little one at the beginning of next year. Thankfully the worst that I got was the exhaustion and not really the morning sickness. The pending arrival also resulted in a change in jobs which caused about a month or so of upheaval around the house as well.

Thankfully, I finally found my stitching mojo again towards the end of August. I succeeded in finishing the cross stitch for DH's stocking (now to finish the backstitch and the beading). It's taken a back seat so I can finish up these PIFs. The stitching is complete for the first and started on the second. Hopefully all three will be finished and ready to head out the door at the end of the month.

Oh, and I finally get to show you a piece I finished during my deployment. Thank you Vonna again for finishing it. It has been sitting around my house for months waiting to get sent to the intended recipient. I finally got my butt in gear and sent it to Miss Hope this week and she received it yesterday.

Design: "Hospitality"

Designer: Erica Michaels

Fabric: I think it was a 32 ct R&R that was suggested in the pattern

Threads: Suggested WDW

Finished by: The Twisted Stitcher

Hopefully there will not be such a long delay before my next posting. Have a great night! God Bless!

Fair Square Update

2009-05-23T13:17:00.002-04:00

I received my squares from Karen T. about three weeks ago. I'm a little behind in posting pictures ... she also received the squares I sent her about two weeks ago. It's been a little busy around here because I am in the process of changing jobs. I hope you enjoy :)

Design: "Spring Time"

Designer: Homespun Elegance

Fabric: 32 ct Linen

Threads: WDW and DMC

Stitched by: Karen R.

"April Showers"

Designer: Cookie Cutter Charmers (Charland Designs)

Fabric: 32 ct. Ivory Jobelan

Threads: DMC, Caron Collection, Needle Necessities

As for current stitching ... I've been working on DH's stocking and my pin. I'm about half done with my pin (unfortunately don't have an updated photo). I think I might begin a new start this weekend. Enjoy your long weekends in the US ... don't forget to remember our fallen service men and women on Monday.

My Favorite Things

2009-05-08T13:32:00.002-04:00

Since Shari tagged me ... here you go.

These are the rules:

1. Mentioned who tagged you.
2. List six unimportant things that make you happy.
3. Tag six more blogs, then go and comment on their blogs. Let them know that have been challenged, and invite them to play along.

Six Favorite Things

1. Watching TV series with my husband ... we started with the first season of NCIS and have also worked through How I Met Your Mother, Lie to Me and started Scrubs.

2. Reading ... mostly fiction but I'll read a lot of different things. I love to go to the library and check out a stack of books to read.

3. Cross stitch ... I love seeing the designs come together as you put more stitches in the project. Amazing what you can do with some fabric and floss.

4. Sunsets/sunrises ... the sunrise is the best part about having an early morning watch. I love the late watches when the weather is clear and you can see all of the stars.

5. Hot chocolate

6. Pictures ... I love to take pictures of people, places and things.

I think I'm going to pass on the tagging of others this time ... if you want to play along, feel free. If you do ... please leave me a comment so I can see your responses.

On this Day in 2006

2009-04-29T06:00:00.002-04:00

I married my best friend.

Happy Anniversary!

New Start and a Ball

2009-04-28T16:23:00.005-04:00

I started a new piece on Sunday after I finished up the Spring Round of Fair and Square (which should be in the mail later this week). I finally started to stitch my SWO pin to go with DH's dolphins. I changed the colors so that they match what I already did. So hopefully I will finish this quickly and maybe Becca can update my banner ;). Here's my progress so far:

The other part of my post title refers to the Sub Ball that I mentioned last week. DH and I had a wonderful time with the other sailors from his boat. Here's a quick pic from the night.

Thanks for visiting!

Finish!

2009-04-25T13:58:00.004-04:00

I was hoping to have this finished earlier in the week but didn't quite make it. After a marathon of Heroes (both today and Thursday) I finally finished the piece. I was planning on trying to finish it last night while on duty at the ship, but ended up playing Monopoly with my sailors for most of the evening (a very enjoyable evening, I must say). So with out further ado, here is "Liberty Lights".

"Liberty Lights"

Designer: Erica Michaels

Fabric: 32 ct. Dark Expresso

Threads: Recommended WDW

This was a fun stitch. I used the recommended thread and fabric (though a 32 ct rather than a 30 ct). The funny thing is, I don't think I picked out the fabric because it was the recommended one ... I think I realized that after I bought it for the project. The pattern is one that I received from Heather

last year as part of our 4th of July Fair Square exchange. I just remembered that the red isn't the recommended garnet but Turkish Red instead (Heather sent me half of the threads to get started).

Though I do have a question for all of you stitchers out there ... what is the best way to iron a piece? Since I travel with mine a lot, they will get folded or rolled or just develop creases from where I hold it. I have discovered that I really like to stitch in hand when I'm stitching on linen. I don't want to cause any damage to the piece but would also like to get it ready for finishing so I can try some different techniques myself. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Next up ... finishing my spring F&S round. I think I will continue to work on DH's stocking and may start something else this weekend as well. Have a great weekend!

Deployment Finishes

2009-04-17T06:30:00.005-04:00

I didn't have a lot of time to stitch while I was gone but I did manage to finish a few pieces other than my exchange squares. I also finished almost all of the cross stitch on DH's stocking. Stitching was a great way to relax but typically I really only had a chance to do some serious stitching on Sundays. The first piece I finished was one I had started right before I left on deployment called Music Harmony. It was a Dimensions kit.

Music is Harmony (Dimensions)

Fabric: 14 ct Ivory Aida

Threads: Cotton floss (kit)

The next piece that I finished was one that only took me about a week and a half to do. I started it while watching the Army Navy game (which I am glad is an early game since it wasn't in the middle of the night due to the time difference) and finished it on the 12 of Dec. I have decided to gift it to a friend so no pictures until it is finished and received ... I don't want to ruin the surprise.

My last finish of 08 was an ornament kit that I received in a care package from Melissa M. who sent me a couple of books that had been on my wishlist. It's called Hearts come Home and I finished it on New Year's Eve. Now it just needs to be finished into an ornament before this upcoming Christmas.

Hearts Come Home

Designer: Leisure Arts' Designs for the Needle Kit

Fabric: 18 ct White Aida

Thread: Cotton floss (kit)

While on deployment I did make a lot of progress on DH's stocking. I finished the bottom half and moved to the top half. All I have left is some of the snow on the roof, the name and the top border (for the cross stitch). Then I have all of the detail work ... backstitching and beads. I should have no trouble finishing it this year ... I just need to actually work on it.

The last two pictures are of pieces that I finished before deployment and had framed at my LNS. They turned out wonderfully again ... as always. The first is the dolphins I stitched for my DH and the second is "Thank You for Serving" which I stitched for my grandfather. They both saw the finish products in December. My husband received his when he returned from deployment and my parents took the piece down to FL to give to my grandfather during our annual Christmas gathering.

So I think that pretty much catches you up on what I got done while I was gone. I also worked on a wedding sampler and started another project (Erica Michael's Liberty Light). I finished the wedding sampler last week and need to take it in to be framed. I should finish the other shortly. I am also working on my squares for the Spring round of the Fair and Square exchange. The other fun I've had is designing another wedding piece for friends of mine that are getting married in June. So now I just have to get started stitching. I'm off duty for the weekend and DH and I are heading to the sub ball tonight. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with plenty of time to stitch. I will see you next week!

PIF received

2009-04-14T10:31:00.004-04:00

Here is the PIF I received from Paula C.. I absolutely love the floss tag. Now I just need to get cracking on mine since I only have a few months left to get them done. This was a great thing to have waiting for me when I got home a few weeks ago.

I still have more to update (I finally got all of the pictures on my computer). I will post more soon. A few of my finishes I'm going to wait to post until after they have been received since they are gifts. I know at least one of the recipients checks my blog on occasion so I don't want to ruin the surprise. Thank you for all of the welcome homes. I really appreciate it. Now if I could just get rid of the cold/illness that has been plaguing me, I might get some more stitching done. God Bless!

Fair Square Exchanges

2009-04-14T09:51:00.004-04:00

Here are all of the squares that I have sent and received in the Fair Square exchange in the last four months. I had a great time participating while I was deployed. Most of my stitching during deployment was for the exchange. I hope you enjoy! I loved all of the squares that I received from everyone. Thanks to Karen R., Melissa P, Nancy and Cyndi H!

"Italian Ice" - Just Nan
Stitched by Karen R (Australia)

"April Blocks" - Lizzie Kate
Stitched by Melissa P (MA)

"Egg Ornaments"
Designer: Linda Culp Calhoun (Leisure Arts: Holidays Remembered)
Fabric: 32 count Ivory Jobelan
Threads: DMC

"Snowy Night"
Designer: The Prairie Schooler, Inc. (2008 JCS Ornament Issue)
Fabric: 32 count Ivory Jobelan
Thread: DMC

"The Many Faces of Santa"
Designer: Leisure Arts Christmas Portraits
Fabric: 32 count Ivory Jobelan
Threads: DMC

Christmas Squares (I don't remember the name of the design right now)
Stitched by Cyndi H (CA)

Thanksgiving Squares (I think the main square was a Lizzie Kate design)
Stitched by Nancy

"Give Thanks"
Designer: Joan Elliot (Cross-Stitch & Needlework Nov 08)
Fabric: 32 count Ivory Jobelan
Threads: DMC

Home Again!

2009-04-11T12:53:00.004-04:00

I'm home again! We pulled in two weeks ago in the midst of a lot of fog and rain. My sister was able to come out for our tiger cruise and spend the last day on board with me to see what we did. My husband and mom were waiting for us on the pier. It's great to be back stateside. I have a lot of stitching to update you all on, but that will have to wait for a massive picture post. I just wanted to do a quick post to say that I'm home and should be getting back into regular posting again soon. Happy Stitching!

DC Olympics and other updates

2009-01-19T13:58:00.002-05:00

Well, first I need to share what's been going on for the last month. Around the time of my last posts I was at home (yes ... in the middle of deployment) waiting for my dear husband to return home from his deployment. My command allowed me to take leave to fly back home for a short period of time to see Justin. On the other side of the coin, he was allowed to get off the boat two days early since their homecoming date got pushed back four days (leaving us with about a day and a half together). So between the two commands we got to have four days together :). I had to fly out again on Christmas Day but we got to do our presents and hang out and even go to church together on Christmas Eve (you can probably count the number of times we went to church together in 2008 on two hands). Justin is enjoying his stand down and only having to be at the boat on duty days (for the most part). I'm enjoying the fact that communications are not hampered by XX ft of water.

Since I've been back to the ship, the major event that we have had is a change of command. (For you non-military types ... it's exactly what it sounds like ... a new Captain has assumed command of the ship and our old Captain headed back home). Of course this is somewhat unusual to do in the middle of deployment, but if that's when they rotate, that's when they rotate. It was definitely a laid back change of command. The uniform was coveralls or flight suits (typically it's at least a dress uniform such as summer whites or service dress blues). One benefit of being underway for the change of command. In addition, we will be getting a new executive officer (the second in command) shortly. So the command environment will be different when we return from when we left.

We have been keeping busy with various exercises. For the most part, it's somewhat boring and really turns into Groundhog's Day. So to break things up we do things like the "Arabian Gulf Games" which is a chance for the departments to compete against each other in various physical activities such as volleyball, soccer, dodgeball, tug-o-war, kickball and basketball. Yes, there is enough room to do some version of these activities on my ship. Most of the events were held in the well deck (where the LCACs (landing craft air cushion) and other amphibious vehicles are kept when embarked).

Today we had a DC (Damage Control) Olympics. It was a competition between the repair lockers (and a team from the staff) at various DC events. Repair lockers are a GQ (general quarters) station. When there is a fire, flooding, or other emergency, the equipment to fight the casualty can be found in the repair lockers. General quarters is a condition we go to in case of emergency (whether a main space (propulsion spaces) fire or an imminent attack). The repair lockers allow for damage control efforts to be organized. There are ten lockers on board my ship (due to its size). We competed in races to done FFE (fire fighting ensemble) and SCBA (the breathing apparatus), pipe patching, finding a fallen shipmate in an area that was dark and smoky and various other events. Each of the lockers was well represented. I believe my locker ended up right in the middle of the pack, which made me happy since during most of our drills, we aren't really involved. My locker provides the 5th or 6th relief team in case of a main space. Hopefully I have explained everything well, I know a lot of the terms will not be familiar to those not in the Navy.

We are past the halfway point and on the downward slope. I am looking forward to being home again. I hope the new year is treating everyone well. God Bless!

Fair Square Exchange Pictures

2008-12-18T15:30:00.005-05:00

Here are the promised pictures from the Fair Square exchanges I have done:

The squares I stitched for Melissa for the Halloween exchange

The squares Melissa stitched for me for Halloween

The squares that Jayne stitched for me for the Autumn round

The squares I stitched for Jayne

Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the squares I stitched for Cyndi for the Christmas round, and the squares I stitched for Nancy for the Thanksgiving round haven't arrived yet. I have received squares from both Cyndi and Nancy but didn't take pictures before I left for home so I will post them later. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday! Some more pictures coming soon!

New Header

2008-12-17T16:16:00.002-05:00

A big thank you to Becca for the awesome header she created for me. Now I have even more motivation to finally stitch up a SWO pin for myself (her original design used my pictures of the dolphins I stitched for the hubby ... though not quite appropriate for my blog). She was working on developing a portfolio to possibly start a shop for headers on etsy. She is just super talented in both photoshop type things and ink and paint artwork. I still need to get with her about the crest.

Stop by again soon ... I promise there will be a large picture update coming. Have a great day!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T05:56:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving ... a time of family, friends and a reminder every year to give thanks. However, thanks is something we should be giving each and every day. God has blessed us so much in our lives. There is always something to be thankful for, not matter what situation you are currently in.

Right now is a tough time for me in many ways, but in many ways it is actually quite easy. It is tough to be away from those I love for such an extended period of time. It is tough to not always have the communication I would like with others (especially my husband). It is tough to spend days in the confines of a vessel that's about 100ft by 900ft and about 3 stories that I actually spend time on. It is tough to not really be able to walk away from work ... to separate the various parts of my life.

However, it is easy because I am at most 15 min from anywhere I need to be. It is easy because I don't have to worry about cooking meals, or a place to rest my head. It is easy because I don't have to think about what to wear in the morning. It is easy because I have the priviledge of seeing an amazing amount of stars at night. It is easy because I am not going through this alone.

Thanksgiving is tough away from your family and friends. However, I am thankful for a command that cares and puts the effort into making it close to what it may be like at home. I am thankful for all the hard work that the CS's and FSA (culinary specialists and food service attendents) put in for the past week or so preparing the feast that we had yesterday. It was truly a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings.

I am thankful for so many things each and every day. I am thankful for:
- my husband first and foremost
- our family, immediate and extended
- the friends we have made along the way, that are there when we need them
- a home to return to at the end of this deployment
- a wonderful church home
- the advances in technology, that communications are a little easier now than they were 10 years ago
- a steady job
- each and every day I can enjoy God's creation

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. God Bless you all!

Time for another Update

2008-11-24T07:35:00.005-05:00

I know it's been awhile since I've updated. First off, it was really exciting since I won Becca's giveaway on her blog. I'm looking forward to see what we come up with together for a family crest.

The main thing I have been working on are my squares for the Fair and Square exchange. I have received both my Thanksgiving and Christmas squares ... thank you Nancy and Cyndi! The squares I have stitched are on their way to their new owners. So I think I may be done with squares until I return home (depending on what seasonal and/or holiday rounds are coming up).

I am also almost done with the music piece that I started back in August. I'm just working on the detail work right now. I think when I finish that I will work on DH's stocking for awhile though I might start something else small ... who knows.

As for what I've been up to, it's been the same old, same old. It has definitely turned into ground hogs day around here. We are getting ready for our Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday.

Have a great day!

This and that

2008-10-29T08:23:00.002-04:00

Just a few odds and ends to catch up on. First off, I want to post about a give away that one of my fellow Navy wives is doing. Please go visit her at Lovely Yellow Ribbons ... the post is a few posts down for the Christmas give away. She does wonderful artwork.

Also, I want to thank Jen for tagging me. I haven't forgotten about it, but I think I will have to do the 6 (or 5) random facts about me another time.

The last is a thank you for the award given to me by Margie ... she passed on the Kick A** Blogger Award. Unfortunately I will not be able to pass it on this time.

Thank you for taking the time to visit me. I continue to be busy ... though we definitely get into Groundhog Day (each day can be very similar). I am finishing up my Thanksgiving squares and trying to decide what to do for my Christmas exchange. Thanks again to everyone that has left me a note and those that have thought of me while I'm gone.

Happy Stitching!

Long awaited update

2008-10-09T15:05:00.000-04:00

No, I have not fallen off the face of the planet ;). I've just been extremely busy and not had much time to sit down and update my blog. I am way behind in reading other blogs, so I might be playing catch up for a long while once I return home.

Let's see ... first off, I have received my squares from Melissa and Jayne. I love both sets. I will try to get some pictures loaded at some point. I also have my partner for the Thanksgiving round, which will be Nancy K. Now I just need to sit down and stitch the squares (which I can now that I received the fabric I ordered from Mary Kathryn). I apologize for the lack of links, but I don't have the time to add them in.

First, to answer Laurie's question a few posts ago ... no I am not part of a carrier strike group. I am on an LHD, which is a large deck amphib. It is the flag ship of an expeditionary strike group. So the ship I'm on is very similar to an aircraft carrier. The majority of the aircraft we carry are helos, though we do have a handful of Harriers. We don't have a catapult, but that's alright since the Harriers are VSTOL aircraft. VSTOL is Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing. All but two of our aircraft are Marine aircraft (we have two MH-60s which are the SAR (search and rescue) detatchment, flown by Navy pilots). In addition to the Marine ACE (aviation combat element, I think) we also have a few other elements of the MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit). There are about 1400 Marines embarked on my ship (there are about 1000 Sailors on board). We also carry LCACs (landing craft air cushion), which help to land the Marines and all of their gear if they get sent ashore.

There are two other amphibious ships in company, an LPD and an LSD. We also have two destroyers and a cruiser that make up the rest of our strike group. We stayed together during our Atlantic transit, but have been given separate taskings a lot of the time. So sometimes we see each other and sometimes we don't.

My ship had the opportunity to pull into Haifa, Israel. It was a great port visit and an excellent chance to visit Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. I don't know that I would ever have a chance to visit Israel otherwise. I look forward to sharing pictures with you all. It was very interesting to visit the Holy Land and actually see the places that the Bible talks about. It made a lot of it much more real.

I have to wrap this up since I need to go to bed. A quick stitching update ... I've actually had a chance to work a bit on DH's stocking. I'm currently working on that, the violin piece I had started (I'm on to the back stitching so almost done with that) and I need to start Nancy's squares. I have a few other projects that I hope to start, but trying to finish others before I start them. Have a great day!

Blogoversary Winner

2008-09-21T07:22:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has taken me so long, but I have been having trouble with the internet on my ship. Without further ado ... using random.org ... comment #9 is the winner. So Monique ... keep your eyes open for a package from me. It may take me some time but I won't forget about you :). Congratulations!

I also found out that my Halloween Fair & Square exchange has been received ... Melissa - I'm glad you like them. Have a great Sunday!

Bridge watch 101

2008-09-09T06:21:00.000-04:00

Well, we've been underway for two weeks now. We pulled out of Norfolk on a grey, windy day to head down to NC to pick up the Marines that would be deploying with our strike group. After spending a few days anchored off the coast of NC, we met up with the rest of the ships in our strike group and headed east across the Atlantic.

I have been spending most of my time standing watch on the bridge as the Officer of the Deck (so basically in charge of the navigation and driving of the ship while we are underway). I spend anywhere from 2-5 hrs at a time on the bridge (possibly longer for special evolutions). I have a watch team that consists of two other officers (a Junior OOD and a conning officer), the quartermaster of the watch (QMOW), the boatswain mate of the watch (BMOW), a helmsman, lookouts and a messenger. The JOOD helps me with the running of the watch team, taking care of checklists and helping with comms with other ships and such. The conning officer basically drives the ship ... they give the course orders and speed orders to the helmsman. The helmsman is the hands on the wheel of the ship. The QMOW concentrates on navigation ... they plot where we are and let me know if we are on our required track or not. The BMOW passes word over the 1MC (announcing system) as well as overseas the helmsman, lookouts and messenger. The lookouts do just that ... look out and report any contacts that they see. The messenger is there to run errands such as taking the Captain's night orders down to CIC (combat information center). We all work together to make sure that the ship stays on schedule, balancing flight ops, contact management and many other evolutions.

The thing I loved about crossing the Atlantic was the clear nights when you could see thousands of stars. There's very little light pollution in the middle of the Atlantic so that was an amazing thing to see.

On the stitching front, I did have a chance to finish Melissa's squares for the Halloween Round of F&S. They left the ship a few days ago so hopefully they will be arriving shortly. I have also worked some on DH's stocking as well as my violin piece. I am not going to post pictures at the moment ... so you will have to put up with wordy entries. The main reason is that we don't have a lot of bandwidth on the ship to upload the pictures.

Just a reminder, you still have a few more days to sign up for my blogoversary give away in the previous post. I will draw a name on the 18th. Happy stitching to all!

PS - Thank you to all who have volunteered to send me packages while I'm gone. I appreciate the love and support from this community!

Upcoming blogoversary

2008-08-25T15:46:00.001-04:00

Well, amazingly enough I am coming up on my 1 year blogoversary in less than a month. I would like to do a give away in honor of it. So you have the next 24 days or so to make a comment on this post. I will draw a name on September 18th, and the winner will receive a gift from me.

I have determined what stash I'm taking with me on deployment. I'm probably taking more than I will have time for ... but I figure that's better than running out. Thank you to those who have volunteered to send me supplies or care packages. I will be e-mailing my ship address to you. Thanks again!

Another award

2008-08-22T11:58:00.004-04:00

I received this award from Jen and Mary Ann. Thanks ladies!

The rules of the award are:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

So I'm going to nominate

1. Miss Hope
2. C
3. Rachel
4. Jill
5. Samantha
6. Becca
7. Kristina

I read all the blogs in my blog roll and have a bunch of non-stitching ones on my google reader. I love each and every blog that I visit but decided to narrow it down to seven. I also decided to go with non-stitching blogs this time. Enjoy :)

Memories

2008-08-17T21:50:00.003-04:00

I borrowed this from Helen's blog.

I do wonder if there is anyone who reads but doesn’t post comments, I don’t mind as I do read some blogs but don’t comment as well. But it would be nice just to say hello and maybe come and read your blog as well
So who reads my blog?
1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! And if we’ve never met in real life, leave me a comment of your favorite post I wrote and why it was your favorite.
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It’s actually really funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you.
3.Do you read my posts from a reader,blogroll or is this your first visit?
Thank you

As for stitching ... I've been working on DH's stocking. I have been able to move up to the top of the stocking but don't have a recent picture. Hopefully I'll get one up later this week. Now I just need to figure out what supplies and such I'm bringing with me on deployment to stitch while I'm gone. Have a great night!

Odds and ends

2008-08-12T17:11:00.003-04:00

Well, the past week or so has been an adventure for me. The big plan was to travel with my parents down to FL to visit grandparents and go to a friends graduation. My parents drove down to my house on Wed and we headed down to south of Jacksonville on Thursday. I, of course, made the trip even more complicated by getting poison ivy. It wasn't too bad to begin with, but somehow I reacted poorly and my hands and fingers got really swollen and painful at the end of last week (I had gotten into it about two weeks ago). Thank the Lord for urgent care clinics ... I woke up Friday with swollen eyes and extremely painful hands. So we found a clinic that morning that gave me a nice steroid shot and prescriptions for three medications. It worked rather quickly and the swelling started to go down later that day. I was able to fully enjoy enjoy our dear friend's graduation from college on Saturday. After the graduation (in Tallahassee), my parents, sister and I head further out the FL panhandle to FT Walton Beach to visit my other grandmother. The best part was that I was able to stitch again that night :), finishing up "Thank You For Serving".

"Thank You For Serving"
Designer: The Sunflower Seed
Fabric: 30 ct R&R "Apple Brown Bindy"
Floss: Recommended WDW

So after finishing that, I started on another project. I decided to start a dimensions kit that I had picked up called "Music Is Harmony". I enjoyed stitching on it while watching the Olympics and on our long drive back to VA yesterday. It was relaxing after being out in the sun on Sunday (my dad rented a boat so we went out to enjoy the nice weather). Here's a pic of the current progress.

I had picked up the kit since I play (well, used to at this point) the violin. I like to vary the fabric that I work on. In many ways I really enjoy working on linens and such, but Aida doesn't bother me either.

I received my Fair Square round 8 exchange today from Paula C. We share a love of lighthouses so she stitched up Bent Creek's The Lighthouse on Snapper Island for me.

Paula - I absolutely love them :). I have been thinking about what I want to do with my squares and think I have decided that I am going to do a scrapbook with the signature squares (with pictures of how I finish the designs). Some of them are just calling out for different types of finishes. So that will be one of my big projects when I return from deployment.

The last picture of the day is "find your song" back from the framer at my LNS. I picked it up last week after returning from our underway. Patti did a wonderful job again. I just dropped off "Thank You for Serving" and DH's dolphins today. I'm looking forward to seeing how those turn out.

Hope you have a great week. I'm enjoying watching the Olympics in the evenings and stitching (especially the swimming ... gotta love that 4X100 relay race from Sunday ... I miss the sport :)). Until next time ... God Bless!

Fair Squares Arrive in WA

2008-08-04T15:14:00.003-04:00

I found out yesterday that Paula C. had received her squares for Round #8 so I can share them with you all now. I'm glad to hear that she likes them. There were a lot of fun to stitch.

Design: Chocolate Lover from Lizzie Kate's Chocolate Lovers
Fabric: 32 ct. Lambswool
Floss: Recommended WDW & Sampler Threads

Hopefully I will have a finish later tonight for my Thank You for Serving. Just a few more touches are needed. All my stitching yesterday was for surprises ... so shhh it's a secret. I'm looking forward to being able to show them to you.

I knew I forgot one

2008-08-01T15:31:00.001-04:00

I had one more picture to share with you. I was at the in-laws last weekend, and they finally had a chance to get a piece that I made them for their 40th wedding anniversary framed. Here it is ... I apologize for the glare.

In other big news ... I am now a qualified Surface Warfare Officer ... which means I am now authorized to wear this in uniform: SWO Pin. It's the first one in the top left corner.

Pictures, pictures and more pictures

2008-07-27T20:23:00.006-04:00

Well, it's about time that I am able to share some pictures with you all. I came home today to a mail box full of goodies. I received my squares from Monique and can finally show you the squares that I stitched for her as well.

Here are the ones that I stitched for her:

Design: Call of the Ocean Cottage
by Abby Middleton, X-Appeal Designs
Fabric: 32 ct. Lambswool
Floss: DMC

Monique stitched me some wonderful squares as well. My guess, knowing her is that they are mostly her own design. She even included a navy ship off in the distance. I love them Monique! The sand castle is awesome!

I have finished my squares for Paula C ... I just need to mail them tomorrow. I've also been able to do a lot of work on Thank You for Serving. I finished the top part and am just working on the bottom and need to do the personalization (still need to get the dates from my grandfather). So without further ado, here is my progress:

I also had some stash waiting for me. I decided to sign up for the autoshipment of LHN's Little Women, so I have received Quilting and Reading. I'm trying to decide what I want to do with these. The project will probably wait until I return from deployment. I took advantage of MaryKathryn's summer sale and picked up LHN's Bookshelf, My Mark's "redeemer" and Lizzie Kate's Treat Time and Gather a Harvest. Here's a picture of all my new stash:

I had a great time while I was in Newport. I learned a lot and got to explore the Northeast again. I like visiting, but don't think I would want to settle up there. I got a chance to walk part of the Cliff Walk, visit Fort Adams, see some of the wineries that RI has to offer, and spend multiple evenings walking downtown. Here's my favorite pictures from the Cliff Walk

So now back to cleaning the house. I came home to a nasty surprise since I was rushing so much when I left that I forgot to take out the trash. I don't remember what exact food item I had thrown out but I came home to a nice smell and multiple flies. It has been fun trying to kill them all and make sure I clean out the trash can really well. So some more cleaning tonight and the big project tomorrow before I head back to work on Tuesday is to mow the lawn. Three weeks, when it rains, causes a lot of growth. I now get to catch up on all of the household chores that I have not been missing. Hopefully I'll have some time to stitch this weekend. Have a great week!

Kreativ Blogger Award

2008-07-24T22:20:00.003-04:00

Thanks Heather for nominating me for the Kreativ Blogger award :). I really appreciate it!

Here are the rules of the award

1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.
2. Put a link to the person you got the award from.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to the blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

So who to nominate?
1. Kristin Stitches - Kristin, another submarine wife, who does amazing work. I love the pieces that she has been working on.
2. Mystitchingtreasures - Barb, who has done a lot of great pieces for love quilts as well as personal pieces.
3. Sharon's Cross Stitch Obsession - Sharon, whose blog was one of the first I found and was one of the ones that inspired me to start blogging. Her work is fantastic!
4. Who has time to stitch??? - Sonda, who has had a lot of lovely finishes and great stories :).
5. Squazi & the Chicken - Suzanne, another wonderful stitching blogger. I found her while searching for engineering designs since she is engineer on hiatus.

It was hard to just chose five ... so many have inspired me. Though I did try to hit some blogs that have not been nominated yet. I enjoy each and every one of the blogs that I visit :)

PIF Update

2008-07-21T20:42:00.003-04:00

Well, looks like I got my third person ... Gaby from Germany. So it's going to be a very international PIF ... and looks like it's spreading overseas :). This has introduced me to three new blogs, which will expand my knowledge since they are all foreign language (two also in English). Pictures really do speak 1000 words ... and break down some of the language barriers.

Other than that, I have finished Round 8 of Fair and Square ... Paula, I will be mailing it once I return home since I want to include a note :). I hope to finish Thank You for Serving soon too. Have a great week!

This and That

2008-07-18T15:36:00.004-04:00

Well, I found out yesterday that Monique received her squares for the Summer Celebration Round of Fair and Square. You can see a pic at her site (I promise to post the picture as soon as I can upload it to my computer). I will post the pattern info again then, as I try to do with my finished pictures but since Heather asked, the design is from X-Appeal's Call of the Ocean by Abby Middleton. It was a fun and pretty quick stitch. I used the recommended DMC threads for it. For the signature block, I used the alphabet and numbers from Linda Bird's Happy Home Sampler in the Jul 08 issue of Cross-Stitch and Needlework.

In addition to finishing up Monique's block ... I have been working on Thank You for Serving. I have finished the American flag and started on the greenery at the top. Again ... I hope to share pictures of it with you soon. Upcoming projects include Fair & Square Round 8, as well as the Halloween and Autumn rounds. I'm enjoying my time in Newport ... able to catch up on reading and cross stitch and still study. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Oh, before I forget ... I still need one more person to sign up for my PIF. I have had two takers, Belinda from Slovakia and Pike from Finland. Two new bloggers to me ... and it will be fun to send thing across the ocean. So please, just one more volunteer ... to receive something hand stitched by me and in return, pay it forward to three more people ... either through your blog or in person. Thanks!

Picture Update

2008-07-12T22:44:00.003-04:00

Yay! I was able to borrow a card reader ... here's my progress on "Thank You for Serving". I haven't been working on it at all since last week since I needed to finish my Summer Celebration Squares but this is as far as I got after I started it. Looking forward to putting some more stitches in it in the next few weeks.

As for me, I've been in Newport, RI for the past week and will be here for another few weeks for school. It's definitely a nice change of pace from my regular work. I get back to my room at a regular hour ... class starts between 7 and 8, so don't have to get up too early. I get to spend some time learning about other types of ships and other missions. It's really nice to be able to talk to other division officers and find out about their experiences. I'm enjoying my time up in the Northeast again.

Another benefit has been having the chance to travel up to Boston on the weekend. I've had a chance to see some old friends and hope to see more tomorrow and next weekend. Have a great weekend!

A Quarter Century

2008-07-10T11:13:00.002-04:00

Well, I think I am officially 25 (close enough anyways) ... I believe I was born around 11 am in the Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC. I was a very convenient baby :). At times it's so hard to believe that 25 years have gone by (which I'm sure is something my parents are saying today). There have been a lot of changes in the past 25 years. I don't have too much special planned today. For yet another year, DH is not here for my birthday (nor will we be together for his). Such is the military life, however. I was very blessed to have a card that he left for me and an e-mail waiting for me this morning from him. I have had many wonderful wishes already today ... nothing like a call from my "neighbor" this morning to wish me a happy birthday (the girl who's living next door to me during SWOS ... and when we are at sea as well).

I have been stitching and wish I could share my progress on "Thank You for Serving" but I forgot to bring the cord to download pictures from my camera to my computer. So until I can figure out a way to down load pictures or until I get home in about 2 and half weeks, there will be no pictures. I'm working on it and might be able to get some sooner. I've also been working on my Summer Celebration Squares for the Fair Square Exchange. I need to finish those by Monday to be on time ... I know I'm cutting it close to the wire ... don't worry Monique, I'll let you know if they are late but they should definitely be out by next week.

I'm still looking for two more people to sign up for a PIF. I have been impressed with the range of places people are visiting from. I'm hoping some more of the first time visitors will leave notes, but don't feel obligated. I would just love to know what leads people here.

Until next time ... Happy Stitching!

PIF

2008-07-03T20:07:00.004-04:00

Well, I've been going back and forth about doing this for months. I finally decided to sign up for a PIF on Paula's blog. I figured I could do three (some of the other ones with more people just seemed out of reach at this point). So ... most of you know how this works. The first three people that leave a comment that they want to participate will receive something homemade from me sometime between now and Independence Day 2009. All you have to do is do the same for three more people and keep paying it forward.

The Last 15 Years

2008-07-02T21:31:00.002-04:00

Here's a meme that I got from my friend Jill.

Here's the deal. Think back on the last 15 years of your life.What would you tell someone that you hadn't seen or talked to for 15 years? How would you sum up your life? You get 10 bullet points. A list of 10 things to summarize about you. At the end of your list, tag 5 more people and send on the love.

1. Well first off, in 1993 my family moved from Annapolis, MD to Tarpon Springs, FL. Little did we know at the time that this would be our last move for quite a bit of time (prior to that we had moved about every two years). My dad had resigned from the Navy and went into the reserves, as well as starting Adams Atomic Engines. I started school at my third (and last) elementary school that fall.

2. 94 - 97 I went to a magnet middle school for advanced math and science. During that time I was swimming and playing softball. Of course those were the awkward pre-adolescent years ... I think I have blocked out a lot of that time period.

3. In 1997 I started high school at a brand spankin new school (it was the second year that it was open) so there were no seniors that year. I was doing International Baccalaureate (another magnet program) which consisted of a lot of college level courses. High school saw me swimming on the school team, playing softball my sophomore year (winning the state championship) and participating in Mu Alpha Theta (a math competition team) as well as other various activities.

4. I graduated on June 5, 2001 and 24 days later reported to Annapolis to begin the fun that is known as plebe summer at USNA. That summer was the first of many that I would celebrate my birthday somewhere other than home.

5. At the Academy I studied Systems Engineering ... which eventually cumulated in doing a Trident Scholar project my senior year. I focused on determining the angle of approach of a target using a reconfigurable array of sonar sensors. Thus began my interest in underwater acoustics and sonar.

6. My four years at the Academy was also a great time of growth in my faith as a Christian. I got involved in OCF and met my core group of friends from the Academy. These are the friends that I can talk to after long stretches and pick up right where we left off. I also met my husband there and we started dating our senior year.

7. In May 2005, we graduated and were commissioned as ensigns and second lieutenants. About a week after graduation, my husband proposed to me in Central Park (we had stopped in NYC to see Wicked on our way home from a wedding at Holy Cross).

8. At the end of the summer, I headed up to Boston to work on my masters in Mechanical Engineering at MIT. A few months later, DH headed down to Charleston to begin the fun known as nuke school. We got married during the two weeks between Nuke School and Prototype on April 29, 2006. Afterwards he moved to Saratoga Springs, NY (which was a little bit closer). The best though was when he was in Groton for 3 months for Submarine Officer Basic School since we could visit every weekend.

9. In Jan 2007, DH finished up SOBC and moved down to VA. He flew out to meet his sub for the last month and a half of their deployment. He returned at the end of May ... I flew down to VA to close on our house and be there for homecoming. I graduated in June and reported to my ship two days later.

10. DH and I are currently doing the dual military thing. He is on a fast attack and I am on a large deck amphib. I can hardly believe that I have been aboard my ship for a year. DH left on deployment recently and I will be shortly. So far God has blessed us with similar schedules for the most part. We have settled into the area and are looking forward to having more time to explore it. DH just recently qualified in submarines and I will be heading up to RI for my school this weekend and should be qualified by the end of the month.

I think I am going to leave it open to those who would like to participate and not actually tag anyone. My past fifteen years have included a lot of growth since it covers the time from 5th grade to a year out of grad school. I hope you enjoy ... thanks for reading.

As Promised

2008-06-29T21:13:00.003-04:00

As promised ... a post full of pictures. First up, DH's stocking. As you can see, I'm almost done with the bottom part of the stocking. I hope to start work on the top part of the stocking before I leave for deployment. I don't think it will be done by this Christmas (I'm not going to take it with me) but it should be done by next Christmas.

Next up, the quilt that my sister made for our wedding. The two middle rows have pictures from our wedding. I will have to get a close up of the square in the bottom corner that has the date embroidered on it. She did a wonderful job and I have finally hung it up in our bedroom.

Wedding Picture Quilt
Made by Brianne with love

Here are the squares that I made for Sue W. for round 7. I decided to go with a nautical theme since I'm in the Navy and Sue works for the VA. The flags in the corners spell out our initials (DM and SW). They are delta, mike, sierra and whiskey. I'm glad to hear that Sue likes them. The ship's wheel in the middle is a modification of a design.

Fair Square Round 7
Design: Inspired by "Signal Flags and Ship's Wheel" (Judith Brown)
Fabric: 32 ct French Country Latte
Fibers: DMC

Here's a non stitching related picture. Last weekend I went to the Surface Warrior Ball in Norfolk, VA. Here is a picture of me and my roommate all dressed up :) I treated myself to having my hair and makeup done.

Yep, I finished it today ... here is "find you song" all complete, signature and all. Now it just needs to go to the framers and then hung on a wall somewhere in my house :)

Design: "find your song" by My Mark Designs
Fabric: 32 ct. Wichelt Natural Linen
Fibers: DMC 806 and WDW Santorini

The last two pictures I'll leave you with are "Liberty Lights" and "Thank You for Serving" all kitted up. I started "Thank You for Serving" tonight, but don't have any progress pics for you. I am stitching it for my Grandfather who served 20 years in the Army. I may stitch it for others as well, I'm liking it so far.

Have a wonderful week! Happy Stitching!

Teaser :)

2008-06-28T20:54:00.002-04:00

Well, I have been stitching since my last update ... I just haven't taken any pictures yet. I plan to do a full post with pics tomorrow night. I found out today that Sue W. received her squares for Fair and Square round 7. I can't wait to show them to you ... and explain them. I'm glad to hear that she likes them.

Other than that, I have been working on "find your song" and DH's stocking. I have been rotating between the two for the past week. I have decided what I'm stitching for Monique for the summer round of Fair and Square ... I just need to go pick up the require threads for it. I am almost done with the bottom of the stocking and should be moving up to the top soon. The problem I found with my original way of working on the stocking is that my threads would get mixed up (since I kept what was left over since it would be used again in another part) and the light colors are really hard to distinguish from each other ... even in a great light. That's what I get for the weeks and months in between working on the project.

I'm almost done with "find your song" ... only three more musical motifs and two letters to go. It should be finished by tomorrow and then just needs to go to the LNS for framing. So look out for pics tomorrow! Have a great night!

Songs, stockings and quilts

2008-06-15T16:09:00.003-04:00

Well, it has been a little while since I have posted. I haven't been doing a lot of stitching until lately. I did finish my Fair and Square exchange for Sue, just need to get it to the post office and send it to her. I hope she enjoys it ... it should be waiting for her when she returns from her vacation.

I started "find your song" by My Mark Designs on Friday. I finally got the fabric for it. This was the design that I asked for inputs on the fabric due to the floss that I would be using. I decided to go with a natural linen. It's looking great so far (I think). Thanks for all of the inputs. Monique is the designer and also my partner for the summer seasonal Fair and Square exchange. Still trying to work out the design for her squares.

I have also had a chance to work on DH's stocking as well. I have finished up the green in the bottom part of the stocking and started on the yellows. There is some definite progress ... I just need to sit down and designate times to work on this. It has often gotten pushed aside for other projects.

I have two projects that have been kitted up ... "Liberty Lights" designed by Erica Michaels Designs and "Thank You For Serving" by The Sunflower Seed. The first was an extra goodie from Heather as part of our 4th of July F&S exchange. I picked out some linen from my LNS and as I am looking at it realize that I picked out the exact linen that the model was stitched on other than the count (I have 32 rather than the 30ct it was stitched on) - R&R's Dark Expresso. I just realized this today ... though I've had it for over a week. The second design is one that I saw at my LNS on Friday and decided to get everything to stitch it while I was there. I am planning on stitching it for my grandfather ... and probably a few others in my family as well depending on how well the first goes. The model is stitched on a yummy R&R Apply Brown Bindy which is hand dyed. I am looking forward to both of these projects.

Here are the lilies that grow in our front yard. Unfortunately they are past their prime now and are started to drop their flowers. They were pretty while they last thought.

And as a final though ... I wanted to showcase some of my sister's work. She made this quilt for me as a graduation gift when I graduated from college. The picture is from prior to completion but is just missing the outer border. She also made my husband and I a wonderful quilt for our wedding ... unfortunately I don't seem to have a picture of it. I finally bought some hangers for it this weekend and was able to hand it in our room ... so I will get a picture of it in the future and show it to you. Have a great weekend!

Good Mail Day!

2008-06-02T16:56:00.004-04:00

Got home from work, open my mail box and this is what I found:

Squares from Sue W., my partner for Round 7 of the Fair Square Exchange
Along with a whole bunch of goodies:
And I also received the threadholder that I ordered from Studio Twenty along with a Vickie Clayton set of silk thread as an extra goodie. Plus I just found out today that Monique (of Studio Twenty) will be my partner for the Summer Season Celebration round of Fair Squares. Can't wait!

Squares, stash and misc stitching

2008-05-30T19:53:00.005-04:00

Since I have no desire to post things in any sort of chronological order, I am going to start with the squares I received today. Heather spoiled me rotten with the squares that she sent me for the 4th of July Fair Square Exchange. The squares she stitched were amazing. She also included a great chart, along with some of the floss required and a neat little heart. Here's all of the great goodies and of course the squares themselves.

Since I got those today, I decided to head to my LNS to pick up the other threads required for the piece as well as some DMC that I needed to complete my next set of squares. While there, I picked up some goodies for both Round 7 and the Season Celebration (Summer) exchanges. In the same area, there is also a quilt shop, so I picked up some fabric as well. I was good though and did not enhance my stash at all while I was there. When I came home, I was blessed by the mail. I received two charts that I ordered from a new (to me) ONS that is based in Norfolk. I also received some materials for a surprise that I am working on as well as a picture mug that I ordered for the hubby to take with him on deployment. It was a great mail day :). Here are the new charts that I got. Since I was unable to get all of the Something In Common charts for the Brides Tree, I decided to go with Rosewood Manor Best Wishes. Maybe I can now catch up with that SAL. I also picked up Call of the Ocean by X-Appeal. Here's my new stash:)

Over Memorial Day, I believed I mentioned the entire family (minus my sister) came down to visit. Both my MIL and SIL brought stitching projects along with them. I wasn't really in the mood to pick up DH's stocking to work on, so I decided to stitch up Lizzie*Kate's Work Pray Trust. I made substitutions in the colors since I didn't have the ones called for. I ended up with half the colors as called for and the other half with substitutes (that were somewhat similar). This took me about two days of actual stitching (3 from start to finish).

Work Pray Trust by Lizzie*Kate
Stitched on 28 ct
Threads: DMC

Here is a picture with the fabric that I picked out to finish this with. I will probably finish it as a pinkeep (my first) when I get a chance. Let me know what you think of the fabric. When I picked this up, I also got some other fabric for my stash: some patriotic and some musical fabric. (all at AC Moore).

Currently I am working on round 7 of Fair Square Exchange. I will probably try to get some stitches in on DH's stocking this weekend as well. Who knows if I'll start another project ... depends on how I'm doing with the stocking. Happy Stitching and enjoy your weekend!

I'm Back :)

2008-05-24T10:47:00.005-04:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've been able to post to my blog. I've been able to keep up with others for the most part, but I apologize for the lack of comments recently. When I'm underway, our connectivity is slow and I don't usually have a lot of time for personal web browsing. I was glad to hear that Heather received her squares in a timely fashion. I finished them right before I left to meet up with my ship in FL and had DH drop them off at the post office. Heather and I were partnered up for the Fourth of July holiday round, so I found lots of patriotic goodies for her as well ... some fabric, a few spools of flag ribbon, a Bent Creek pattern and Weeks Dye Works floss called Independence. It was a lot of fun looking for the extra goodies. Here's the whole kit and caboodle and then a picture of the squares themselves. I'm so glad you like them, Heather :)

So what have I been up to while I was gone? My ship was out doing operations with the other ships that will deploy with us as well as the MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) that will embark. Our strike group consists of a large deck amphib (my ship), two other amphibs, two destroyers and a cruiser (oh and there will be a sub that's nominally attached to us). During the past three weeks we did various formations with the other ships and anchored often to do operations with the Marines. We embarked about 2000 Marines on board my ship, both ground troups and the ACE (air combat element). To put the number in perspective, we have about 1100 Sailors permanently attached to my ship. Bringing the Marines on board fills us up to capacity. We did a lot of flight operations for the ACE to get their carrier quals and do some missions as well. The past three weeks were dress rehearsals for when we embark the Marines for deployment later this year. Here are some pics from the last few weeks.

One of the destroyers coming alongside for underway replenishment practice

The "bone yard" - all the ACE's aircraft, CH-46's taking off

Swim call from the stern gate

The best part was coming home yesterday. Our ship organized a family day cruise so our families came out to meet the ship in LCUs (landing craft utility). I spent the day showing my parents, FIL and SIL around the ship. I took them to engineering, the flight deck, my stateroom, the wardroom, the bridge and other various places. We enjoyed the wonderful weather that we were blessed with coming in. Here's one of my favorite pics of the day - me and my mom on the 07 level.

Hope you all have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Please remember all those that are serving and have served in the Armed Forces (both in the US and wherever you may be from) this weekend. I'm going to enjoy spending time with my family. Happy Stitching!

Fair Square: Sent and Received

2008-05-01T19:13:00.003-04:00

I came back from our anniversary trip to find Laura's squares for me in the mail and to find out that she has received her squares from me as well so I can share both with you.

Here are the squares and the treats I sent along for Laura. I knew that she liked Mary Engelbreit, so found a great design by her. I also included a magnet (it had a friends saying, but I don't remember the exact saying), a journal, some bright fabric, a needle minder and some red hand dyed thread. I'm glad to hear that Laura likes it.

Mary Engelbreit, Cross Stitch for All Seasons
Cheery Cherry Tieback
Thread: DMC
Fabric: 32 ct Country French Latte

Laura spoiled me as well. She sent me a great tin of fruit drops (who knows ... might be used as a finish at some point), some great hand dyed threads and a wonderful flag day/4th of July pattern (too bad I already finished my square for 4th of July or I might have used this one). The squares feature a lighthouse ... one of my favorite things :) Thanks Laura!

"The Lighthouse Sampler" By The Bay Needleart

As I said in my intro, we just got back from spending some time out in South Western VA for our anniversary. DH surprised me with a stay at a wonderful B&B cabin. We enjoyed wine tasting, the mountain air, good food and a wonderful show. It was great to be able to spend our anniversary together (#2) with our schedules. We both took some leave and were able to enjoy time together without any contact (e-mail, cells, etc) with the outside world. I will share some pictures when I get back at the end of the month. Happy Stitching!

Who, what, where, when and why?

2008-04-27T13:36:00.002-04:00

I saw the following on Barbara's blog and decided to answer her questions here.

Who taught you to stitch, and were there any special circumstances or memories surrounding this?
My mom and my grandma taught me to stitch. My mom did quite a bit of cross stitch when we were younger. I think one of the first things I stitched were some Christmas ornaments. I think I mostly learned using kits and have did mostly kits until I was in high school.

What’s your favorite thing to stitch? (A project, a kind of stitching, etc.)
I love stitching medium sized projects. I like a more contemporary country feel (somewhat of an oxymoron). I have stitched a variety of projects and like doing those that feel realistic.

Why do you stitch?
I like doing homemade things. I love doing stitching for gifts. It is something to keep my hands occupied while watching movies or television. It's also something I can do and spend time with my husband while he is playing video games. It is very relaxing and I enjoy creating.

When is your special stitching time?
This varies greatly. When I'm home, often it's in the evenings after work. I also love weekends where I can spend a lot of time stitching. If I'm underway with the ship, usually I'll be able to spend a bit of time on Sundays or evenings when we pull in to port. I don't have as much time then but may get an hour or two every few days.

Where is your special stitching place? (An accompanying picture would be great!)
I typically stitch in one of our two armchairs in the living room ... we have a large bay window. I'll stitch there at night as well, though don't really have the best light.

Well that's my who, what, where, when and why ... though not in that order. I'm actually underway at the moment. I have sent off my round 6 Fair and Square which should be arriving any day now ... as soon as I have word I will show it to you. Other than that, just need to finish up the one for 4th of July, which hopefully will go out really early :). Have a great Sunday!

Stitching meme

2008-04-23T20:26:00.003-04:00

I have seen this on multiple people's blogs ... since I'm working on exchanges right now, don't have much to show so decided to do the following meme.

How do you hold your fabric? Depends on the type and size of fabric. The aida stocking that I am working on is in a lap scroll frame. I have decided that I like stitching on certain types of linen in hand, using more of a sewing motion. Aida, I definitely prefer a hoop or the scroll frame (though have stitched in hand before).

Floss licker? That would be an affirmative :)

How do you thread your needle? Usually lick and thred through.

What needle do you like best? Not particular at all ... got some smaller needles when I started working in linen (before often just used the needles that came in kits).

Are you a needle loser? Sometimes, but my frames have magnets on them and I have a nice magnetic needle keeper (though managed to lose one off of it by flinging it to the floor one day ... I'm sure it's underneath the chair somewhere).

What fabric do you prefer to stitch on? I am learning to like linen a lot, but don't mind working on Aida either. Often I'll use the recommended fabric but it just depends. Also depends what I'm going to be using the project for.

Bobbins or floss bags? Bobbins for DMC. My few skeins of overdyes and specialty floss are all how they came (there are about 6 of them).

Are you a scissors collector? Nope, I have one pair that I bought recently. Before I just used regular scissors or my mom's sewing scissors (the kind that have a spring in them)

Do you do your own framing, and if so, do you lace or pin? Mostly when I don't have the time to get it framed before it's to be given as a gift. I neither lace nor pin but usually use the mounting boards for embroidery.

Are you a floss floozy? Not really.

Silk?Haven't tried stitching with it yet.

Railroader?I had to google this when I saw the term ... nope, I'm not.

Are you a pattern or designer snob? Nope.

Do you get antsy when you give someone a stitched gift? Sometimes but not really. I've had good reception of my gifts so far.

Have you reached S.A.B.L.E.? Not at this point ... still fairly small stash.

Do you wash your projects? I haven't really.

Framed Finish

2008-04-13T09:06:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been awhile since I have posted but I've mostly been working on my Fair Squares exchanged so haven't had anything to show. Just a little bit more to do and it should be off on its way (hopefully next weekend).

I did pick up the gift for my friends on Thursday from my LNS. I think it turned out wonderfully. I hope they like it.

Framed by My Hand Neddlewerks
Patti Nicolosi

So stitching has been getting done ... just nothing to show you all yet. Other than that, I've been keeping busy with work. On Friday, DH and I went to the Submarine Birthday Ball with a group from his command. It was a fun chance to dress up. Here is a picture of DH and me. There are two very solemn ceremonies that are a part of this, the tolling of the bells for the boats on eternal patrol and the table set up to honor MIA (missing in action). The boats on eternal patrol all of the submarines that have been lost at sea ... I think there are around 70 US boats. There was a guest speaker, they cut the birthday cake (cut by the newest qualified in submarines and the person that had been qualified the longest ... a WWII veteran who has been qualified for almost 70 years), dinner and dancing. All in all a fun evening.

Well, hopefully there will be a bit of time for stitching today but there is lots to be done. I'm heading out of town for the week so there's stuff to finish before I leave. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Weddings, stockings and floss, O my

2008-03-29T12:33:00.004-04:00

Well, I've had a little bit more time to stitch this week. Yesterday I finished up the following sampler as a wedding present. It was a really quick stitch which would be what one would expect since I found the design in Quick & Easy Cross Stitch Gifts part of The Joys of Cross Stitch series published by Oxmoor House. It's definitely not your typical wedding sampler. However, I wanted to make a piece that had some meaning for both of us. The bride and I had a conversation about the worst part about being military was that you made friends but then they (or you) would move away. So I thought the following verse would be perfect for her. There are four parts of the design ... with interchangeable verses and borders. I didn't particularly like the colors in the design, so I picked some colors that I believe the couple is using to decorate. I hope you like it as well.

Design: A Friend (from Quick & Easy Cross Stitch Gifts)
Fabric: 28 ct Flax color
Floss: DMC

Next I have the promised update on my stocking for DH. I haven't made any progress on this in about a week, but plan to try to put some stitches in it tonight after I finish up chores and such around the house. Once I finish the bottom, I can go back up to the top ... which includes the personalization. Then I have to do the backstitching and beads ... though I am going to take it off the frame to do the beading. It should be interesting since this is my first project with beads. So slowly making progress :)

And now for a question to all you dear stitchers. I picked up the floss below to do "Find Your Song" from MyMark . Now my question is what color fabric should I use? I would like something that the white and blue will show up well against. I did find a DMC color that matches the darker blue for the solid color part of the design. However, I am at a loss for fabric color ... too light and the white won't show up at all. I would appreciate any suggestions that you all have.
Yesterday also included a trip to my LNS to pick up some extras for my fair squares exchanges. The main reason to drop by was to drop off the above piece for framing ... so I can't wait to show it to you once I get it back. While there I picked up the above floss and another highly variegated floss (more with some purples and greens). I'm planning to probably stitch the "find your song" for my choir director as well. I was good when I went to the store since the only additions to my stash were the flosses ... the rest of my purchase were for gifts.

I have to take a second to thank Mary Kathyrn from Handcrafts Online. I've placed two orders with her recently. The designs that I ordered came very quickly. I can't praise her enough for her quick response to e-mail. I had also ordered some fabric, which hadn't arrived. When I e-mailed her, she quickly responded to let me know that she was still waiting for it. However, she had another type of similar color that she could send me instead. In addition, when I told her that I didn't know much about the different types of linen, she offered to send some small samples so I could tell the difference. She has great customer service. She was also my first partner for the Fair Square exchange. So thank you Mary Kathryn! I appreciate all of your help!

Well, I'm off to do some grocery shopping and hopefully meet up with a friend for lunch. Have a wonderful Saturday!

Quick project

2008-03-26T15:56:00.004-04:00

I finished this bookmark on Sunday after my parents and roommate had left. It was a really quick stitch. I had picked the kit up during our last trip to Scotland back in 05 and decided that it was time to stitch it up. If you haven't been able to tell, celtic and scottish motifs are some of my favorites. I guess that comes from being part Scottish and mostly English with some other nationalities thrown in for good measure. I love all things celtic, especially music and fantasy stories. I haven't finished the bookmark yet ... the kit included a backing fabric and a tassle. That will come at another time. I love the colors in this piece ... it was fun to stitch with a blended needle for the green part of the flowers (two strands of green with one strand of light purple). I have one other kit from the same company that is a celtic cross. Something else to keep for when I am looking for a quick stitch.

The Scottish Thistle Bookmark
Designed by Anne Orr
Stitched on White Aida

I've made some more progress on my stocking but don't have a current picture. Hopefully I'll get an update up this weekend. I started a small sampler for a friend's wedding last night. It should be a fairly quick stitch ... it's not one with their names or anything but with a verse that I think is very appropriate for our lifestyle (both she and her husband are military as well). I will show it to you when it is all finished. I had fun changing the colors and trying to come up with something that would match their decor.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend, early though it was. Unfortunately my husband was out of town, but my parents and roommate from college were able to come visit. We enjoyed some wonderful meals and just some time spent talking and catching up. Everyone came with me Sunday to church, where I sang with the choir (the first time in a few years since I had traveled home the last two years for Easter). Afterwards we went out for Bar-B-Q which was fantastic. I've got a few more weeks in port before my schedule really starts to get crazy again. Have a great day!

Claddagh ... Finished Finished!!

2008-03-17T14:08:00.006-04:00

Just wanted to do a quick update ... I finally figured out what I wanted to do with my claddagh that I finished a few months ago. I had wanted to do a tin finish but couldn't find any round tins that I wanted. This weekend I went to AC Moore and had the luck of finding a basket that was just the right size (good thing it's Easter time :)). Thanks to Vonna for her tutorial on lining a basket ... unfortunately I am not in the possession of a sewing machine at the moment so I had to sew by hand. At least it was a small project and not a large one. Without further ado here is the top of the basket.

I decided to braid the ribbon I had gotten to accent it since it was a bit too sheer to hid the gap between the top of the basket and the needlework. I think the color matches perfectly with the darker colors in the heart of the claddagh.

This is the fabric that I used to cover the rest of the lid and line the inside of the basket. I love the blues and greens in it and think that the hearts are more appropriate for the design than shamrocks would have been. What an appropriate finish for today ... Happy St. Patricks Day! I hope you enjoy it!

Near Finish

2008-03-16T20:31:00.009-04:00

I know it's been awhile since I have posted any pictures or anything. It's kinda tough to upload pictures when I'm on my ship. I got back last week after being out for about two weeks. Don't worry, I had a little bit of time to stitch (though not much).

However, I do have a lot of photos for you, from before I left and this weekend. My near finish is the dolphins for my husband. All that they are waiting for is the date of qualification, which is still unknown at this point. That should only take me maybe an hour to do (with the graphing and stitching) and then I'll need to get it framed. I have really enjoyed working on this piece. It has gone quickly (only two colors to work with).

This first photo is with all of the light gold done.

This is the progress I made before I went underway.

Designed by Ruth Hiller and Carol Stuffer
Stitched on 14 ct Navy Blue Aida
Threads: DMC

I also heard from my Fair and Square exchange partner that she received my squares. I am finally getting an opportunity to show them to you. I really enjoyed stitching them for Willeke. The mail was cooperating and I think it only took about 10 days to get to her. I designed them based on a quilt block. When I was searching her blog to find out more about her and her likes and dislikes I followed a link to another of her blogs. On that site I found out that we shared a favorite author Jennifer Chiavanni (who writes the Elm Creek Quilt series). The quilt block I picked out was one of the main characters' favorite block. Since some of Willeke's favorite colors are blues and neutrals, that's what I stitched the block in. I hope you like it as much as she did.

Designed by Danica Middlebrook (based on tradition quilt pattern)
28 ct linen (I forget the color)
Threads: DMC

Since I finished the dolphins earlier today, I have been able to put some stitches into hubby's stocking as well. The bottom part is starting to get some more color. I changed my process around a bit from the middle section. I personally like to stitch all of the same color in a section before switching. This time I am doing all of the shades of the same color before switching. It is a lot of fun to come back to. I can't wait to finish and get started on the next.

As for some upcoming projects, the partners for round 6 of Fair and Squares just came out this weekend. This round I am paired up with Laura K. I am still trying to figure out the perfect design for her that fits into her likes. I am also participating in the 4th of July holiday round. Since that round isn't so dependent on whom I am stitching for, I have already picked out a design. I am just waiting for the fabric that I ordered to start. That way it will be done in plenty of time for me to mail it out before the due date since I am going to out and about again for most of the month of May. Other upcoming projects include finishing finishing the claddagh ... I picked up a small basket at AC Moore yesterday that should be perfect. Wish me luck, it will be my first try at doing a finish like this. I also am thinking about doing a small sampler for one of my friends for her wedding (though not a wedding sampler ... I have something different in mind for her).

Well, I think I've caught you all up on stitching news. On other news, I start working with a new group of people on Tuesday. Wish me luck. I hope everyone has a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and blessed Holy Week. I have the day off tomorrow (a reward day for no alcohol related offenses for the past month) so should be spending some time stitching. Unfortunately, I need to clean first since my parents are coming down next weekend for Easter. Maybe that will keep me motivated if I don't let myself stitch until I clean. I also need to finish up a scrapbook that was long overdue in the making. So busy day in store tomorrow. Until next time ... happy stitching!

Another book post

2008-03-02T19:01:00.002-05:00

Here's some thing I stole from Barbara at Mainely Stitching.

Look at the list of (100) books below. Bold the ones you’ve read. Italicize the ones you want to read. Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in. (Movies don’t count.)

1.The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25 . Life of Pi (Yann Martel) (I have tried several times to read this but it puts me to sleep)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

I've been working a bit on my dolphins this weekend. I'll post some progress pictures later. Other than that ... enjoying my short weekend on land. Went to a bridal shower yesterday in Williamsburg for a girl whose husband works with mine (they've done the civil ceremony and are doing the wedding and reception in a few months). Have a wonderful night :)

Exchange Received from the Netherlands

2008-02-23T12:51:00.005-05:00

After finally braving the trip home from MD after the ice storm Thursday evening, I arrived to find a package waiting for me in my mailbox from the Netherlands. I couldn't wait to get inside and open it up. Here's what Willeke stitched up for me and the goodies she sent as well.

She sent me some lovely squares. I love the hearts, Willeke! They're just the right shade of pink for my taste, a little bit on the darker side :). She also sent me some wonderful soap and some hand dyed threads ... I will have to find some sort of Navy project to use these on. I love the colors you picked out for me. Thank you for the beads as well. I am currently working on my first project that incorporates beads (the stocking) so I hope to do many more.

Speaking of the stockings, I have finally taken a picture of it currently. I finished most of the middle about a month or so ago and so moved on to the bottom. It had gotten pushed aside by other projects and work related stuff but I had some time to work on it this past long weekend. I am really enjoying this project ... can't wait to finish and get started on the second one for me :). I really love Joan Elliot's designs.

I have also made some good progress on the dolphin's for my husband. I was finally able to take a picture of them. Hopefully I'll get a chance to finish them, other than the date, while he's gone. In case you're wondering, which I'm sure many of you are, this is the pin that he will get once he is qualified in submarines ... they are called dolphins (I believe it's a dolphin fish not the mammal). I plan on stitching his name and the date he qualified underneath them once I finish. I added a bit to my stash to accomplish this ... I decided to pick up a book of alphabets. I picked it up at Joann's as well as some more fabric for finishes. I thought about getting some floss while it was on sale, but didn't have a good list with me of what I might need or what I was running out of.

I will leave you with a picture of a sunrise out in the Atlantic from the last time I was underway on my ship. I hope you enjoy it :)

Tagged by C in DC :)

2008-02-19T17:18:00.003-05:00

Like C in DC I haven't been tagged before. So first, the rules:

THE RULES:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

1. There is something about graduation for me ... I graduated 50 years to the day after my grandmother did from high school. I also graduated exactly 24 years after my dad from the US Naval Academy.
2. In another random date fact, my parents', my in laws' and our anniversary are all on the 29th of the month (three different months).
3. I had the opportunity to spend a month circumnavigating Great Britain with the Oxford University Royal Naval Unit when I was in college (where by the way I met one of my current roommates on my ship ... she was the other American).
4. My grandparents used to take my sister and I on trips around the country ... on these trips I learned how to cross stitch, play poker, cribbage and ma jong.
5. I like to name my pets after famous people (Disney and Shakespeare).
6. Princess Bride is one of my all time favorite movies ... it's also the movie that I will put on when I am fighting insomnia and can't fall asleep.
7. I've sung in various choirs and music groups pretty consistently since I was about 6 (but prefer not to sing by myself).

Now for the tags ...
1. C - not C in DC
2. Hope
3. Emily
4. Andrea
5. Vanessa
6. Barbara
7. Nicole

Can't wait to see what you guys come up with. I hope you enjoy it as well!

Fair Square Exchange Round 5

2008-02-16T17:11:00.003-05:00

Well, round 5 is off to the Netherlands. I will post pics once I find out that Willeke has received her package (I don't want to ruin the surprise). So that's my second finish of the year.

Other than that, I started working on the dolphins for my husband a few days ago. It's coming along nicely ... no pics since it's a surprise for him and he's home at the moment. I will hopefully have some pics of it next week. I haven't been around much recently ... the navy has been keeping me busy. Hope all is going well for you out in blogland. Have a great Saturday!

First finish of 08

2008-01-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

This is my first finish of the year. It was actually a UFO that I started probably back in high school, if not before that. The design is simply called "Claddagh" and it is from Holidays In Cross Stitch 1990: The Vanessa Ann Collection. The fabric is one that I picked out to use to finish the piece. This is where you guys come in ... how do you think I should finish it? I haven't quite decided yet. I was hoping for some suggestions. The second picture is just a better picture of just the design. I made some adjustments to the suggested DMC thread, mostly since I didn't have the exact colors called for and just used similar ones.

In other stitching news, I have acquired quite a bit of stash since the new year. DH gave me a gift certificate to AC Moore, which I used to purchase some fabric (all Aida since I don't really like the selection of linens there, I'd rather get that from my LNS) and stock up on some of the floss that I would need to complete some of the projects that I have picked out. I have received one of three charts that I ordered from military x-stitch (the other two had to be charted and should be here this week). I have received my class crest and am waiting on the ship crest for both my and my husband's ships. I also picked up a bunch of fat quarters of various fabrics to add to my stash for finishing purposes.

I am also looking forward to participating in Bride's Tree SAL but I am still waiting on the pattern books that I ordered. Of course I find out after the fact that the ONS that I ordered them from has a history of taking a long time to fill their orders and not providing information. I believe one of the charts is out of stock, so my entire order is waiting to be shipped. Oh well, I'll get started at some point.

I found out this week who my partner was going to be for the Fair and Square exchange: Willeke from the Netherlands. I received an e-mail from her today. I already have my square planned out for her ... I just need to pick out the floss for it. I hope you are all having a wonderful day and evening.

My other love: books

2008-01-18T14:14:00.000-05:00

I found this on Pencil Crossings and thought I would give it a try. I had to laugh at the result since Anne of Green Gables is one of my absolute favorite books and characters.

You're Anne of Green Gables!

by L.M. Montgomery

Bright, chipper, vivid, but with the emotional fortitude of cottage
cheese, you make quite an impression on everyone you meet. You're impulsive, rash,
honest, and probably don't have a great relationship with your parents. People hurt
your feelings constantly, but your brazen honestly doesn't exactly treat others with
kid gloves. Ultimately, though, you win the hearts and minds of everyone that matters.
You spell your name with an E and you want everyone to know about it.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Fair Square Exchange

2008-01-07T18:36:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to post for a few days but have been slow at uploading my pictures. I found out that Mary Kathryn received my squares on Thursday but hadn't had a chance to post them yet. So here are the squares and other goodies that I sent her. The design is by Diane Williams (of LHN fame) - I took bits and pieces from various designs in Simply Blessed Wedding Samplers. I chose to modify the colors a bit since I knew that pink was one of Mary Kathryn's favorite colors.

I received my squares from Mary Kathryn in the mail today. I was really excited to get them. She stitched me a cute design ... now I just have to figure out how I'm going to finish it. I may like to do a quilt, but knowing me, that project would not be finished for a long long time. Without further ado, here are the squares that Mary Kathryn stitched for me and the extras she sent along (I love the color of the hand dyed thread she sent along).

2008 Goals

2007-12-31T09:38:00.000-05:00

1. Finish DH's Stocking
2. Start my own stocking
3. Participate in another round or two of F&S
4. Bride Tree SAL
5. Finish my two WIPs (the zebra and the dolphins)
6. Various gifts for family
7. Stitch gold dolphins for DH

Mostly some small projects and starting early on gifts so I have time to finish them. I will be stitching when I have the opportunity, which at times will be more than others. I hope you all have a wonderful new year ... can't wait to see what 2008 brings us :)!

Stocking update and F&S

2007-12-29T19:11:00.001-05:00

Here is the most recent picture of DH's stocking. I was able to do a bit of work on it before Christmas and hope to work on it a bit more this week before I have to go back to work again.

In other news, I also am almost finished with my squares for the Fair and Square exchange ... they should be at the post office on Monday to be sent to Mary Kathyrn. I will post pics once I have found out that she has received them. So that's about it in stitching for me. Have a wonderful night!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T13:23:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to take a quick moment to wish everyone a merry Christmas! We have a full house here ... both sets of parents, sisters and my aunt and uncle and expecting a few friends for Christmas dinner as well. We've been busy preparing Christmas dinner. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. I've made a bit more progress on the stocking for DH (unfortunately not enough to actually be finished this year) so look for more updates in the next few days. I will leave you with a picture of our nativity scene.

Merry Christmas!

Wedding sampler and ornament exchange

2007-12-20T09:47:00.000-05:00

Well, I've actually been finished with this for a few weeks (the wedding was last weekend) but I've been slow downloading pictures to the computer to actually blog about them. I ended up doing a significant portion of the sampler while I was on my ship (most of the celtic boarder). It's a combination of various patterns ... the border and internal knot from Celtic Cross Stitch by Gail Lawther and the verse and alphabet from United In God's Love printed by Praying Hands and designed by Mary Scott. I hope you enjoy it!

Here are the ornaments that I received from the ornament exchange I was a part of this year. It was a mixed craft exchange ... so I received a nice variety of ornaments. My favorite is the Santa at the bottom ... both the front and the back were stitched.

Finished ornaments

2007-11-25T15:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I did my first finish today that did not involve framing. I finished the ornaments for my ornament exchange on time (they need to be sent out by next Monday) which is great since I'm getting underway again. So without further ado ... here's all four when I finished stitching them.

The next series of photos are the ornaments finished ... with the fabric that I chose for each one as the background. I hope you enjoy them.

The blue and silver one ... I really liked the fabric for this one.

The gold and white.

The original red and green. It was tough finding fabric for this one.

The other red and green with slight darker colors. I really fell in love with the fabric for this one.

In other stitching news, the stocking has been pushed to the back burner between these ornaments and the wedding sampler I am working on. I don't have a really recent picture of it at the moment but I will share when I take another picture and get some more work done. The wedding is the 15th ... so a few more weeks to finish it. I got a little bit of work done while I was gone, but there really isn't too much time to cross stitch when I am underway a lot. I have a bit more time at home coming up so once I finish this wedding sampler I will get back to working on the stockings. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving (at least those in the US) and is getting ready for the winter holidays. God Bless!