Late "9 Day Christmas Challenge" Recap

It turns out that this challenge was actually the thing I needed for my mojo. I have been stitching almost every night since I started this challenge on 24th of December, 2013.
It just dawned to me yesterday that it ended a week ago.... well, I am such a perceptive person, aren't I?

But let's see what I did achieve:

1. Stitched "Kisses From Heaven".

2. I did stitch approximately 15% of Lizzie*Kate's Flora McSample "Heart Sampler". I might have got it done before New Year's, but then I burned my hand...
3. Successfully started "Crazy January Challenge".

It may not sound much, but I still think that it's a lot for just night time stitching. *grin*

Cross posting: This the Season to Be Jolly

The Gift of Stitching's ornament number was published earlier than normal this year and I can't say anything else, but WOW!
It is filled with beautiful designs from several designers one of them being Frosty Pinecones from Periphaeria Designs!

I have loved the design since I designed it ages ago and when I was looking for ornament design for TGOS' ornament issue it was an obvious choice.
The design style is generally very traditionally Slavic (the name comes from the "pinecone" motif within the whole design), but I wanted to give it a special twist and make it suitable also for those stitchers who don't live in Northern Hemisphere and decided to go with shades of raspberry and rose to make an example of how varying the design is.

It was originally planned to be stitched with only one colour, but my household gnomes hid not one, but two skeins while I was model stitching the design and it ended to have three colours - very succesfully, if you ask my opinion. :)
The design can, of course, be stitched with just one colour or three colours of your own preference.

Feel free to play with the colours and I hope you enjoy stitching the design! I did.

(Originally posted to Tales from Periphaeria.)

Just a quickie

Hop at the Periphaeria Designs' Community and read about the Spanish Sampler Mystery Stitch-A-Long I am organizing - for free!
It starts officially 15th of March, but project info and the gridding line chart has been posted so you have enough time to grid the blocks to their rightful places.

See you there!

Halloween SAL competition is up!

Do you want to have a chance to win some new stash?

Good. Then I recommend that you read this article at the Independent Needlework News and take your chance by voting.

...You ask what there is to win…? Loads of lovely stash, more details in this entry.

Ship ahoy!

When I woke up yesterday I heard that Deb has received my payment for Freddy: Auspicious Argosy.
It took three weeks for the parcel to get from UK to US, but it finally got there - just in time as I'd have emailed Sewandso regarding it in Monday.

And when it comes to Frederick the Literate... Leena and I have reached a preliminary agreement upon SALling with Freddy in next year (we haven't set any dates yet, just the startng year - as we a re both loaded with projects at the moment) (I think I need to designate one weekend of every month as a SAL Weekend as I seem to need some control over myself... one day for Egyptian Sampler, one day for Freddy) if anyone has the design in their to-do list we'd love to have you stitching with us! Just email me.

Close to an end

As unbelievable as it is I have only three days of my traineeship left... though it is only the first training period. I have few "proximity days" (those will be sheer bliss: six hour days of leisure after actually working my ass off for eight hours a day) and then I am back to the $COMPANY for seven weeks - and who knows, maybe they notice that they simply can't function without me during that time...

Extremely evil cross posting...

I have just released Halloween Ornaments for sale!

Click here for more info!

Virtual RR #1: Theme

Well, I went crazy while browsing my oh-so-small () collection of magazines and decided to chose one design which I have wanted to stitch since I saw it for the first time.

Let me introduce you Amy Adamses Flashes of Gold (Cross Stitch Collection, issue 134).

 
(As usual click for a better view.)

My choice is only one design, but I will divide the thing to nine parts, each part will be approximately 93 x 66 stitches (I will provide "pieced" and numbered image later).

Because this design uses Anchor colours (I'm too lazy to do the conversion ) and Kreiniks I can't start before middle of November because I need to get my finances back to even some kind of balance before stash shopping.
I also need to buy some dye and dye the fabric for this. (I may have enough white Jobelan, but not suitable dye... )

And yes, I do know that those black spots look a bit odd, but kois are like that.

(Cross posted to Solarium Sublime.)

Cross posted religious ponderings

If you are easily offended stop right... now.

"Over the weekend I was once again reminded why I could never become a Christian, even that way would be much easier and much more socially acceptable - myself and the doctrines of Christianity are in conflict in several levels, in those important levels.

I have never understood the need for missionary work, the need to come and almost claim that your belief system is wrong and that you can't honestly be happy if you believe in a different way and to different things than they do.
That the salvation is only in them...

I don't need to be rescued from anything, my life is as it is because of the choices I and others around me have made. I am not afraid of dying and going to Hell because I don't believe that there's such thing - as what G-d who's claimed to be forgiving and just could send one's "children" to such place for the rest of the eternity just because they were what they are: imperfect humans?

Missionary work... As a person who born to non-religious family I have always been missionaries' favourite prey: a pagan, sinner, impure soul to be saved.
I have always despised people who come to me and say what should do, who judge my way and my decisions. To be honest I have always felt like being raped when some missionary comes to preach about The Only Right Way.
Some could say that it's just denial, that I should accept Jesus to my heart etc., but how could I? I believe in one G-d and my simple mind can't understand monoteistic religion with at least two god figures: G-d and Yeshua of Nasareth (think of it, how often Jesus is referred as G-d?). Neither I can digest aspect of G-d's son or favourite son. In my world either no one is or we are all, and this is actually what I believe that Jesus meant by being "son of G-d", children of G-d.
Jesus... he was a human and his mother was just a young woman and not a virgin, son of Joseph. I can believe that Jesus was a wise man, someone who wanted to modernize Judaism, not start a new religion or be a G-d.
But then, I am just a pagan and I base my opinions on the things I have heard and learnt during my life.

The fact is that three "book religions" (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) share the same G-d, the commentary just differs. And I believe that all those thousands of gods in this world are all reflections of same entity and therefore just as correct than mine.
And to claim that G-d actually cares about to which religion you belong to is just a bad joke: we look for religion because we want to belong to something and claim that ours is better than our neighbours just because we want to be right - because we are afraid of being wrong.

I believe that G-d is just and fair, as much as one can be revengeful. We were created to One's image anyway.
This also means that I don't need Satan, and devil for me is just the evil in all of us. We born pure and we have given the ability to choose how we live our lives - and we can change our way at any point. It is all about the way you act, the way you think.... and really meaning what we do.
As previously asked: what G-d would judge newborn based on one's parents' deeds?
That would be one sadistic G-d indeed.

This is one of my favourites and it reflects my views on the basics of actually almost any religion:

"Man came to rabbi Hillel saying that he would convert to Judaism if Hillel could teach him the whole of the Torah in the time he could stand on one foot.
Rabbi Hillel replied: 'What is hateful to yourself, do not do to your fellow man. That is the whole Torah; the rest is just commentary. Go and study it.'""

(Original source)

Cross post: It's time for a Halloween Stitch-a-Long!

Love Halloween? Love Periphaeria Designs' designs? Love SALs?
If you answered yes to one or more you should join Halloween Tree Ornaments Stitch-A-Long in Wonderful World of XS and enjoy stitchy gossip, stitching and, of course, over 40 exclusive Halloween designs designed for you by Lady Periphaeria of Periphaeria Designs and Helga Mandl from HM Designs.

Here's preview of few my ornaments, but there is nine more and more is still to come!

© Periphaeria Designs/ O. Peri

Basics:

1. SAL Rules
2. Start day 1st of August
3. Ends 14th of October, followed with a competition hosted at CraftGossip (details to follow ;))

You can join the SAL by joining the group and emailing Helga that you wish to join the SAL.
By joining to the SAL you agree not to distribute the charts to anyone within the SAL group, or outside it - you know the rules.

These designs are exclusively designed for this project so it really pays back to join! :)

I recommend that you also read Heather's latest article at CraftGossip called Are You Ready for Halloween Yet? as she is way better with words than I am - and CG's needlework blog is always a good read!

Nevertheless, I hope I will see many of you in there!

(Cross posted from Tales from Periphaeria.)

(Mmm?... yes, this is the project with lots of black, orange etc.. *grin*)

Egyptian Sampler WIP

Another Monday's worth of stitching. Actually much less, but I don't want to stitch this while having a migraine...

There's one annoyance in the chart: symbols B and 8 look too similar, and as they are in same motif you really need to double check every single stitch you are doing...

(Progress cross posted to Solarium Sublime.)

As I have that darned migraine (it was lovely: first all time low, then hour's nap and waking up with a migraine... /me likes... not) I can't stitch ES nor the model I stitched in the morning because it has not enough contrast... I think I'll find the bag where I kitted my Mystery Exchange item and concentrate on it.

If I were red...

You Are Apple Red

You're never one to take life too seriously, and because of it, you're a ton of fun. And although you have a great sense of humor, you are never superficial.

Deep and caring, you do like to get to the core of people - to understand them well.
However, any probing you do is light hearted and fun, sometimes causing people to misjudge you.

What Color Red Are You?

(Cross posted.)

Shamelessly stolen from engelmeine:

Your Slanguage Profile

Aussie Slang: 25%
Canadian Slang: 25%
Prison Slang: 25%
Southern Slang: 25%
Victorian Slang: 25%
British Slang: 0%

What Slanguage Do You Speak?

This equals 125%, by the way.

(Cross posted to my test blog.)

Blaaaaaaaaaah

1. I'm quite pleased that I ditched Cross Stitcher. I got the latest issue yesterday and there's nothing which strikes my fancy nor there will be in next issue - like that'd be much of an issue, as this one was last in my subscription.

2. Despite my migraine I've made some progress with Dovey (though I've spent most of the day sleeping and/or entertaining cats in bed):

This is very quick stitch, and I'd almost swear that I'll have HD within next three weeks. (Yes, that is waste canvas. Last piece of that one I bought over two years ago, that one which made me realise that I'm more severely allergic than I thought. I can use it because it has been washed and because my allergy behaves better than it used to (there's still traces of starch in that fabric, deducing from the fact that I get minor symptoms from handling it)).

3. Futurecast is kitted and I've written its conversion up. Its main colour will be orange, and if I'm happy with the result its colourway may be available for curious souls (Teresa Wentzler is known to give AOKs for publishing conversions - and this particular design is designed as a conversion practise piece).
Coming soon to a blog near you!

Now this was interesting...

Snatched from Ami.

Your EQ is 140

50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick!
51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding Chinese.

71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely.
91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could have guessed that.
111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt.
131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin.
150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty liar.

What's Your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)?

Now, that is lower than my claimed IQ, but surprisingly high noticing how problematic I find social interaction, so even they say that IQ and EQ aren't comparable I might disagree.
And yes, I know this was just a time killer. So? *g*

And now... I'll probably doze off any time soon...

What Color is Your Brain?

GOLD:

At work or in school: I like set routines and organized ways of doing things, rules and directions are a great help to me.
I prefer to stay on one topic at a time. I need to know what is expected of me, and I always want to know if I am on the right track.
I like subjects that are useful and traditional, such as business, accounting, history and government.

With friends: I prefer people who are careful with their money and who make plans ahead of time. I like my friends to be loyal, dependable and on time.
I am serious about love and show it in many practical ways.

With family: I like stability and security and enjoy traditions and frequent celebrations. I like to spend holidays with family members, and I plan ahead for such gatherings.

And with different, but as suitable, answers...

What Color is Your Brain?

BLUE:

At work or in school: I like to be with people, sharing with them, inspiring them, and helping them.
I work and learn best when I can take into consideration people and the human element.
I flourish in an atmosphere of cooperation.

With friends: I always look for perfect love. I am very romantic, and I enjoy doing thoughtful things for others.
I am affectionate, supportive and a good listener.

With family: I like to be happy and loving. I am very sensitive to rejection from my family and to family conflicts.
I really like to be well thought of and need frequent reassurance.
I love intimate talks and warm feelings.

Take this quiz!

(Cross posted to ...testing, testing...)

Hold on, I'm coming...

Snatched from Angela:

You Belong in Winter



Quiet, calm, and totally at peace...

You're happy to be at home, wrapped in a blanket, completely snowed in.
Whether you're lighting a fire or having a snowball fight, you always feel best in the winter.

What Season Are You?

Now, why am I not surprised?

(Cross posted to ...testing, testing...)

I am art.

You Are Surrealism

Dreamy and idealistic, you've created a world that is all your own.

It's very likely that you've either dabbled in drugs or are naturally trippy. You are always trying to push beyond the boundaries of your culture and society. You believe that art, love, and freedom can change the world.

What Art Movement Are You?

Naturally trippy, thanks for asking, but otherwise I'd say there are people who'd agree with this... (Cross posted to ...Testing, testing...)

How's My Inner Child? With Monday Madness

Snatched from Jenna:

Your Inner Child Is Sad



You're a very sensitive soul.

You haven't grown that thick skin that most adults have.
Easily hurt, you tend to retreat to your comfort zone.

You don't let many people in - unless you've trusted them for a long time.

How Is Your Inner Child?

Cross posted to Testing, testing...

Monday Madness

This week's questions come from Tricia

1. How many cop shows can you name?
   Depends on the definition: Hill Street Blues (When I was young...), C.S.I., Cops... Old ones as I don't watch TV nowadays.

2. Do you send text messages?
   Yes, I do. During last three months I've sent loads of them, all to one person.
   I like SMSs. They let you think what you're saying, they let receiver the peace not to answer right away, and they're cheap.

3. If you could be on a gameshow (current or old), which one would you be on and why?
   I'll skip this one.

4. What are some of your favorite websites?
   Hmm... few forums, Bloglines, RedHotPawn, Wikipedia - just to name few.

5. What are your favorite things about the internet?
   Possibility to communicate with people near and far - no matter where I locate.
   If you've skill of filtering the bs it's wonderful source of knowledge.

6. What about least favorite?
   Visa hunters, grammatically challenged, intellectually challenged (lack of knowledge is not bad thing, it's repairable, but ignorace makes me annoyed), stereotype worshippers...

7. What are some good ways to deal with a pet loss?
   I've to admit that this one is surprising added with previous questions... Time heals. Crying is good thing.

Which Classic Female Literature Character Am I?

Snatched from Bea.

(...from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.)

Click.

Yup, that's me.

In other news I think I know what causes loss of appetite in my case: stress.
Economy crisis in other words. I've been quite a mess couple of days, and forgetting to eat hasn't improved my general feeling at all (yesterday would have been really bad day without certain news I heard from Wolfie, or without him in general).
Haven't been that cranky actually, but very tired and withdrawn.

I hate it when bureaucrats have control over my life, and I've no money. Had to borrow money from my father to pay my rent...
And no light in the end of the tunnel before next week. Keep your thumbs up that instance A processes my 'application' fast - though person who's job it is wont be at work before Tuesday...

And in addition to that I think I had one of my premonitions last night. It wasn't bad dream in that sense, or foreseeing destruction or anything like that (like they have used to be), but it was annoying.
I'll tell more about it in case one person contacts me in near future. Just to say 'did I say something about this?'.

If I were a coffee...

Shamelessly snatched from Christine...

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: Low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable. At your worst, you are: Cheap and angsty. You drink coffee when: You can get your hands on it. Your caffeine addiction level: High. What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Good night my faithful readers

Let me introduce you...

Inspirational (available for active members, like chatty /me) freebie from Linabear BB. Quite cute. ^^

In fact it reminds me of these two

Ronja and Neko have somewhat perfect relationship, and it's going strong as ever after four years of sheer bliss. ^^ (In their case it's really 'til death do us apart situation)

To be honest I tried to sleep, but something (or someone to be honest... and not actually person in question, but my mind kept me awake... you know....) kept me awake so I decided to use my time in productive way and finished those kitties.
Maybe I should try again... sleeping, I mean.

(Partially cross posted to lb_bb_gallery.)

500; Gold! aka. 'Citius, Altius, Fortius'

Stiching Olympics Gazette, Issue 7

First I'd like to thank chanda_m for organizing this huge sporting stitching event. Then I'd like to thank my blogging friends for encouraging comments during my fight for medals. I'd also like to thank my coffee-maker for making me those litres of coffee I've consumed during SO. And last, big thank you for my dear Winamp for providing entertainment.
This is an emotional moment and I'm humbled to be allowed to represent my country in this international event of peace and understanding.

Thank you all. *waves to mom*

And then picture



It's otherwise great but lack of thinking caused certain problems in final metres of finishing and therefore bottom seam is wonky. But it's good enough for me, and I learned something.

It's gold for me, and in fact I also made new World record! I think you all remember him still



Stitched during Olympics and as he wasn't in my original medal goals he justifices World record.

Jenna: Yes, I'm going to frame Topiary Sampler, some day (yes, myself. I'm cheap. ).

Cross posted to cross_stitch.

---

Laptop!

I got email from Dan in this morning. He has got new laptop and therefore he'll sell his old one (about year old) for me. And best is yet to come... I get 18 months time to collect that sum and I pay him then. (This just means that I've to really consider changing my internet connection to ADSL instead of HomePNA.)

500

Suitable entry for 500th entry in my blog, don't you say?