Aftermath of the Olympics

Latest, and last issue of Stitching Olympics Gazette.

And I've noticed that I got something more than few finished projects... Stress injuries

1. in my left hand, in joints to be exact - from holding my frame too tightly
2. in right shoulder blade which causes pain on the front because my muscles don't know which of them are hurting and which not
But hey, I brought fame and fortune for myself and People's Republic of Noncencia (Nationstates anyone?) and injuries are part of the fun in sports.

nectarfizz has pampered cross_stitch's Olympic stitchers with these nice images (more pictures for my user info!)



Nothing beats self-praise.

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I seem to have good gadget phase as now I'm officially proud owner of Palm (got my mom's as she doesn't need it and I do (I don't need it, but I've use for it)).

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.

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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?

Silver! \o/

Certain crazy stitcher stayed awake at almost 6 AM just to finish Topiary Sampler (which means that I've slept about 5 hours). May I introduce you, Spring

And all together it looks approximately like this (I don't even try to get picture of whole set with my camera):

         

Then some information:

• Freebie from Passione Ricamo
• Designed by Laura Gabutti Lattuada
• Stitched on natural 28 count linen (as recommended)
• Stitched with DMC's stranded cotton
• Specialty fibers from Rainbow Gallery (Used only in 'Winter'.).

And now.... I need coffee!

Cross posted to cross_stitch.

496

So, Spring Needleroll Exchange has officially begun. I got my partner's info last night and it seems to me that pattern I was planning to use is suitable for her.
It's not needleroll design but just the right size for one. Now I just need suitable piece of fabric for it, but there's always Silkweaver... (In fact I surprised myself: I ordered only one Stash-Pak. *Taps herself on the back* Those are great things, I've to admit as size of those fabrics is great for needleroll) I'd have one suitable fabric but I've already plans for it, so I prefer not to touch it.

What's the thing with numbers?

New countdown, it's soon time to celebrate my 500th entry!
Which means that I've written 100 entries in less than two months. Previous hundred broke in 3rd of January.
So, do I blabber or do I blabber? (Btw, this is cross stitch related entry number 201)

About a meme

I can't help it but latest topic ('Collecting Authors') of BTT reminds me of The Man Who Collected Barker, a twisted short story I love. Basic idea of it is this

"An Australian film maker has hired Sally Rhodes to find Clive Barker.  The writer owes a number of scripts.  The likeliest source of information is the fanatical horror-story collector Wringhim.  She allows him to pick her up in the Dealer's room of a convention and show her his collection. In viewing his specially-bound edition of Books of Blood, she finds out just where Clive Barker (or some of him) is.---"

In case I don't remember completely wrong he has very rare printing of Books of Blood... written with blood of CB, bounded in covers covered with his skin... and it has authors signature (which is, of course, written with author's own blood).
Sounds good, doesn't it?

And now... I'm off to stitching! I've to finish Spring for silver, and sew my needlebook to get gold! (Have had other things to do lately. )

Thank yous and WIP

First of all I'd like to say thanks of those bronze medal congratulations (Senile old me can't remember everything). And after it about topiary related feedback.
It's always nice to tempt innocent victims to projects like this.

Those topiaries look awesome, but in case you don't love constant colour changes (like I do) be forewarned. Winter has almost 40 colours in it (two of them metallics)- but then it looks great.

Exchanges

New exchange in sight. I signed in to biscornu exchange at SBEBB.
Once again my reason was "I've never done one". And then it's small which means that it doesn't take that long to stitch not finish, and it's relatively cheap to send out.

Summer

And last, but not least... topiary update.

Summer is here. One more to go!

Stitch-A-Thon results

First of all, latest issue of Stiching Olympics Gazette for your entertaiment.

I'm surprised. If Dan wouldn't have visited in Saturday I'd have been able to finish Summer during Sunday. This is how far I was 00:03 (12:03 PM) in Monday morning:

And Winter was finished in Friday (Ok, it actually was already Saturday (as I finished stitching in the middle of the night)):

This means that I will achieve silver as Spring is also relatively small topiary (compared to Autumn and Winter) and therefore fast to stitch.

Thingies

1. I wont finish Summer in time (But thank you chanda_m and Jenna for good luck wishes! I try to do my best in Sunday!). Dan popped by for a surprise visit (which is interesting as he lives about ~180 kms from here (he is visiting his mother, so he didn't travelled 180 kms. Only 6 or so)) and I spent this day by drinking excess amounts of coffee, drooling after apartments in New York and saving the world (in sauna - Finnish style).
2. That person I was talking about in Friday has lead to me being extremely annoyed and laughing my a** off after it. He claims that I called him paranoid even I've never done such a thing... Life, anyone?

Sometimes I remember why I

1. dislike Cancerian males (there's something in wrong with those guys, really. At least if you ask from me (and know my experiences about them).)
2. am misanhtrope.

Fortunately I've had good human related experiences lately, so I take that person as little bumb in my path (though I'm still annoyed because he claims me doing something I don't do - well, not my personal problem).

Anyway, in general this has been a good day. It was great to see Dan again ("Again"... haven't seen him in.... 45 days...). Once again I remembered why I wanted to stay in touch with him after we decided to separate/ divorce: He's really great person - a bit eccentric though (And I'm not eccentric?! ).

Beware of the cross-eyed stitcher

I'm heading for silver now and decided to boost my performance by participating Stitch-A-Thon (The idea of FG's Stitch-A-Thons is to set stitching goal for specified project over third weekend of every month) at Friends Gather and setting humongous goal. I'm quite sure I wont be able to stitch that much (My goal is to finish Winter and Summer), but it keeps me going. And I'll look like this in Sunday evening.
At this moment I'm having a little coffee (and blogging) break, as those metallics in Winter can be quite annoying (but then: it's gorgeous!). In fact I've problems with that white PTB, gold was a pleasure to stitch with. Anyway, it's almost finished! Winter I mean.

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Angela and Rósa, thank you for your support. That entry was really for venting as I really needed to get that annoyance out of my system just to prevent arrhytmias and migraine (How so stress is not good for me?).

As I see it it's not about men having problem with women with power (I'm against stereotypes and therefore I'm against that, even I know it's true in some cases - but it's so also vice versa in some cases so...), it's in general all about that little thing that people have problems with themselves and then they attack you. I know I haven't done anything wrong and that I don't haunt him in any way. If he thinks so, he's free not to visit there - and if it really bothers him that much... maybe he should have a break.
And fact is that you can't please everyone. My goal is to keep majority happy and not dance according to some cranky individual's notes.

I've a medal!

Stitching Olympics Gazette, Issue 4

One medal for me, thank you so very much, inner pages are finally finished:


(Romance in Bloom WIP pictures)

I think I've to modify my goals and say that I achieved my bronze with this. Therefore silver will be Romance in Bloom + finished Topiary Sampler, gold will be RiB + TS + RiB finishing.

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Mad cats and slaves

I think that spring has come to this house. Cats have been running around the house since yesterday and I got sudden cleaning mania which has lead to book piles on my sofa, on the floor... yes, I'm going to rearrange here.
Rearranging is always sign of spring, or good phase in my love life (Love life? Does it bite? Sounds dangerous.). Maybe I've just gone mad.
Maybe it's all because of my migraine yesterday (which is gone now, thank you for support. Found good cure, chatted with a friend)

I got replacement monitor yesterday and... I want new monitor! I can't live with 848x480 resolution! I want 17" flat-screen (= byebye ~220 €)! (In other words: I need a job!)

Btw, Angela, it really depends. I like comments of my stash hauls as I always need some emotional support when I shop 'til I drop. I like comments on my WIPs and finishes, as it's always rewarding to know that you're not only one who likes your work. And it's always rewarding to read comments/ get feedback of my ramblings about my life and (sometimes even a bit odd) thoughts.

MSAL; part I

First part of cross_stitch community's MSAL came today in email and this is how it looks like when stitched (it reminds me of an closed eye):

• 28 count Light Amaretto Jazlyn (I know that it doesn't look like Light Amaretto, but blame on winter/ camera/ my monitor)
• DMC 500

Olympic wise...

Having a migraine (hormone based apparently - and these really seem to be price to pay from regular(ish) cycle). So, in the end it takes day more to finish those few stitches on my needlebook. Nothing to see here though. I'll get pictures when it's completely finished.

*blah*

Romance is blooming - where we get one for me too?

Some lousy pictures for your entertainment:



Finished front page.
I changed colour of that text. It's supposed to be stitched with greens, but mean /me used pinks. I thought that it'll look better with my teal green fabric (How smart you can be? ).



Back and front. Inner pages are in progress - and my goal is to stitch them before I get to bed, because I want to get my needle smoking with topiaries. There's not that much time anymore, and damnit I want to finish them! I want my medals!
So, I could say that I'll look like this soon.

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I think I know what I'll do in March 24 hour challenge. For some reason I happen to love the idea behind the Claddaghs, and AON Celtic Art (my home page's wallpaper is from there, btw) has one for free.
If not... then it's something from Christmyth series.

Parcel

My merinos, and knitting needles made of rosewood, came. Those needles are piece of art! They were a bit pricey, but I can believe that it's a pleasure to knit with them (and then: I've problems with nickel and I can't stand bamboo needles). Just...Wow. I'm just bit afraid to work with those needles as they're kind of short, but then... my hands aren't that big and you divide those loops in four knitting needles so... but anyway, it's knitting time after Olympics end. (Btw, one great thing: that IOU's due date is in the end of March!)

Obstacles, take II

Apparently my monitor likes Candlemass as after my monitor got dark I listened CM while doing dishes... and when I came back: there was nothing wrong with this.
Which leads to conclusion that there really is something wrong, so it's good to get other monitor, even one with tiny screen. (Note to self: Change resolution)

Fortunately needlebook's pattern is more or less repetitive so I managed to do some stitching just by following back, and glancing actual pattern time to time.
Btw, I've decided to change this pattern a bit. There'll be text needles in front page stitched with greens, but I'll change them to pinks. I just think that it may work better with my fabric (in fact I've been thinking of changing font, but have to see).
Selina, I used 3852 as advised, but I've to admit that it does look a bit like metallic floss in that picture. (In fact I had this idea that it's center would look nice as ornament, just with changed colours: gold, deeper reds...)
And when it comes to my fabric choice, Rósa I've to confess that I'm positively surprised about it. But this gives me more confidence to use coloured fabrics instead of whites. (which is good as I dislike white - though ivory linen is always good choice ) You never lose anything (except few minutes) if you take your project's flosses and match them on few fabrics.

And in case you like the design, but weren't member of Dragonfly Stitches Yahoo Group during it's availability I've some good news: Romance in Bloom chart pack will be on sale in Down Sunshine Lane in(/from) the end of this week. You can find Kristine's designs under this link. (Most of them are in my wish list. )

Obstacles

My beloved monitor has decided to break-up with me. Therefore I've some serious bumps on my SO road: as I don't have a printer I follow patterns from my screen while stitching.
My current view is very, very dark (dark enough to cause migraine symptoms) and I can't get replacement monitor before Wednesday evening. And in Wednesday it'll be downgrade from 20" to 14".

Lovely...

Smoking needles; Romance in Bloom

(Created with Acme Labelmaker)

For starters Stitching Olympics Gazette; Issue II . (Note: we already have some medals!)

When it comes to my performance today... regardless of lurking migraine attack (which was taken care of without doping (even we don't have urine tests, I hope) with help of some rice cakes and litres of coffee) I've been stitching like mad for my medals. It has been good day for needlebook stitching and even I had TDFA (The Dreaded Frog Attack) yesterday it was only for some tens of stitches and we're strongly back in business and Romance in Bloom is coming out nicely (In fact I've certain plans considering this design). Here's first part (back page) of it:

This needlebook

• is limited time only freebie by Kristine Herber (It'll come on sale later as part of a chart pack)
• stitched on 28 count Deep Teal Green Jazlyn (by Zweigart)
• two over two, with two strands (of DMC)

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Edit 23:06:

I just heard that my Adopt-A-Stitcher adoptée Sabine received her Valentine's parcel.
Ah, I just love giving gifts. I think that in some sense it feels better to send surprise parcels than receive them (even I love receiving too).

Stash and Stitching Olympics

Ah, I just got my Silkweaver parcel from mail box, and now I have a problem:

Which first? Needlebook or topiaries?

And then there's 24 hour challenge to fit in (I'll stitch Satyr from Dragon Dreams' Christmyth series), even it's very small design (Though I think that I'll stitch it Friday-Saturday and take it as final warming session). And I also should grid MSAL, as that Zweigart's 28 count Light Amaretto Jazlyn looks good enough with those flosses used to it.

Needlebook will be worked in Zweigart's 28 count Deep Teal Green Jazlyn. In fact I'm surprised how good those colours (flosses+fabric) look together as I don't like teal (I don't like muted shades that much) but thought that it'd work... sometimes it's good to have textile artisan's degree. (I'm used to "pimp" colours)

Silkweaver discount coupon...

They temp me, they'll ruin me. I got discount coupon for FOTM (15% off first three months), and even I try to prevent myself I think I've to join... I think you all have heard this:

"It's so cheap!"

Have to see about it anyway.

'Valentine Exchange' received!

As we were allowed to open our parcels before 14th I opened mine when it arrived. And look what I got from Annette!

Gorgeous little pillow with hardanger and beads and everything so wow! (For reference: The Victoria Sampler's Love Blooms; modified)
Backing fabric is absolutely gorgeous also, burgundy and black. I know I should remember name of that fabric type, but I can't. And I can't get clear picture of it. Unfortunately.

Then to goodies:

   

V. Clayton silks (hand-dyed) Black Poppy and Garnet. (I've never used silks so guess how thrilled I am? Good way to get new stash-related addiction.)
Then she sent me musical heart (little heart made of jingle bells), which is now hanging in my front door window. And decorative hearts - in fact my living room floor is filled with little hearts because I had minor heart attack.
She also sent me sweethearts, but... unfortunately there's corn in them so I've to give them to someone else. But she didn't knew, and now she spreads joy to other people too!

I learned my lesson: Always inform your exchange partners about your allergies.

Stitching Olympics

Even chanda_m's idea of Stitching Olympics was just self-motivational, it was warmly welcomed in Livejournal's cross_stitch community and now we have our own Olympic team - and own newsletter:

Stiching Olympics Gazette, Issue 1

Who said that stitchers are crazy? We're just social - and love our hobby.

Still no sign of Angela's parcel, nor Silkweaver order. Which is interesting as my Valentine Exchange came from States and was sent on 30th of January.
I just have to hope that postal services haven't lost that pattern parcel. It'd be dreadful lost to society.

Soon I begin to doubt that there's some cross stitching postal service worker somewhere....