Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Not Posting Today

Well, at least not about stitching. It's been a hard week so far...and I've not sewn on anything except a few stitches on a surprise swap piece, which I can't blog about.

But, I thought I'd at least let you know I was alive and kicking! The sinus crud is still in full swing...and I don't think I've gotten 6 hours of sleep in the past four days! So, I'm tired and can't think enough to be creative!

Sommer goes to the hospital today for a scan of her liver. She got her annual physical last week and her white blood cell count is very high (over 250) when it's supposed to be around 20 so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She has been battling the sinus crud too, and has a UTI. So we think that the infection is the cause of the elevated white count...however, they want to scan her liver to just make sure it's not something worse. She is also anemic. They have advised she quit smoking and no more beer drinking for her on the weekends...(I totally agree...but hey, I'm not young any more...so fun is not important to me! Ha!)

She was trying go get some sleep today...after working last night. But, NO...she had to get up and go to the school to pick up Aidan. Ms. Aidan has been mis-behaving lately. She talks in class...a lot! She does not listen to the teacher, and is talking back. And this is just the first grade! (Oh the joys to come in following years I'm sure!!)

She has been in the principle's office off and on for about 3 months now; AND has gotten little "behavior" comments on her report card too. We have tried taking away privileges, spanking, time out, and she crys and carries on...and then does it again the next week.

This week, she has been in the principle's office each day. The principal makes her write sentences..."I shall not talk, I shall not thrown food in the lunchroom, I shall not whatever...." but, apparently that has not worked. So, today...they called her mother...and Sommer had to go and pick her up. She brought her to me (Nana's get the FUN jobs too!). So, right now...Aidan is in bed...for a nap (punishment). She will not get any TV time today either. When she gets up...the plan is to feed her a peanut butter sandwich and milk (prison food)...and give her school style work to do. No fun things. I'm thinking about corporal punishment (have her help me mop the floors) but I'm not sure I have the strength to carry that out!

So, no fun for either of us today it seems...and I was wondering if any ya'll had any suggestions you'd like to share? See...I'm desperate! I'm pleading for help to the public at large!

Aidan is a good kid generally; makes all A's...but just won't stop talking when she has something to say. (Sounds a lot like her Nana...I know...hush! this is not about me...) And, I have told her many times that she has to be quiet in school, listen to her teacher, do her work...and not get in trouble.

When we were children (my mom has seven!)...I don't remember us having problems in school. At least not to the point that my parents had to go pick one of us up! Of course, in those days kids got whippings if they were bad....first at school, and then when they got home. I myself have carried many a stripe across my legs from a hickory switch and on rare occasion, my Dad's belt. The fear of getting a whipping kept me in line pretty much. Today...that's not an acceptable thing...to have children be in "fear" of you. I'm not sure I agree or disagree with this. Depends on the particular mood I'm in when asked the question....today...I am wishing for a hickory bush. But, instead...I'm going to go lie down and get my own nap! Think I'm gonna need one! Hope the coughing doesn't keep me awake!

Now is your day going?

Monday, April 4, 2011

Redwork Peacock

This little peacock is based on a crochet pattern for a pillow that was published back in 1911. I modified the original design to adapt it to cross-stitch, and think that it would be particularly suited for redwork. Hope you enjoy it too!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

CIJ Round #4

The Round #4 files for the Christmas in July Block(s) of the Month are loaded on the Shawkl_Blog_Files Yahoo Group Site now. So, hop on over there and download them if you are working on this Christmas in July quilt top.
Here's a sneak peek of Round #4

Saturday, April 2, 2011

More Free Charts!

Morning all! I've been stitching on a secret gift for my Secret Sister, so can't show any pictures. Instead, I thought you might like another chart. Yes, I'm still playing! Just can't get over how quick and easy this software is! Here is a little fly pattern that would be easy to do in seed beads as well. And, if you change the color green out for yellow and play around with the chart just a little... viola, you have a reasonable little bee too!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Studio Heads Up

I've re-done the Studio pages for charms and lace as we just got loads of new ones in. And we put several laces on clearance too! So, if you need more charms and lace (and really, is it possible to ever have enough??) just hop on over and check them out!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Dogwood Charted

Okay, here's the last chart...at least for a few days. No, seriously...I mean it! I've got to get back to other projects...really, I do!
The pink dogwood version is easier to follow since it isn't white on white. LOL!
And, here it is...stitched across two threads on 32 count sky blue linen.

So pretty! Now, what to do with it? Perhaps a needle book?

I'm adding this post to Fabulous Friday links over at http://www.littleandalucia.com/2011/04/creative-friday-features-and-link-party.html

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Owl Chart

I know, I said one more yesterday...but I just can't quit!
The colors can be browns, but the purple and pink shows well for a photograph. Just copy the image, and enlarge it when you print.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Bumble Bee Chart

Here's one more little chart for you. Enjoy!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Free Rose Sampler

I'm still playing around with creating cross-stitch designs. A sampler seemed like fun idea, and yes it was enjoyable. However, it took many more hours that I had thought it would...so as usual, I feel like I'm running behind in other things. Good thing the dog doesn't care if I dust or not! Hope you enjoy the Rose Sampler.
And here is the chart...
...and the legend. The colors are very basic and you can easily change them up to fit whatever color of roses you enjoy.
I'll load a full size photo of the color chart and the symbol chart into the Yahoo Files in case you need a larger version to stitch by. 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

HGTV One-block Swap

Lisa finished my swap block and I received it last week. Finally getting around to blogging photos for ya'll! Hope you enjoy the vintage beads, silk ribbon, and lovely embroidery work as much as I do!





Thanks again Lisa!

ETA: Thank you ladies for all the nice comments on "my work"...but this is work that was created by my friend Lisa. She drew my name and I asked her to stitch a block with the theme "ROSES". And she did a super job! I'm so glad you appreciate her work too!