For the Love of Embroidery

I have always admired the sweetness of hand embroidery.  I count it as treasure when I come across dainty dresser scarves, pillowcases or handkerchieves at an estate sale.  So many times they sell for under one dollar.  I think to myself the hours of work to sell for .50---I can't help but to scoop them up and take them with me.  Lately I have been inspired--once again by Pinterest---with the beautiful embroidered pieces posted. 

http://artsymama.blogspot.com/)

(leanneshouse.typepad.com)

http://www.turkeyfeathers.typepad.com/)

Yesterday when my son presented me with a gift card from Joann Fabric for my birthday, I knew exactly what I was going to spend it on.  I have been looking at a book called Doodle Stitching by Aimee Ray for some time now. 

Not only does this book have over 400 easy designs,

it also has wonderful directions and photos of how to accomplish each stitch.

Believe me if I can learn form these instructions --they are very well written :) I could hardly wait to get started.  I chose a few patterns, traced them onto my tracing paper with a special embroidery transfer pencil and began to embroider. 

The instructions said to use between 3-6 strands of floss--I chose 6----bad decision because my first attempt did not go so well.

Too many strands of floss--the outline is way to thick.  Oh well try again.......This time using 3 strands of floss.  

Much better

I still have lots of practicing to do but not bad for my first attempt.  I think I am going to like this embroidery thing.  Oh no, more supplies that I will need to collect :)  I may have to build on another room on our house just to store everything. 



Superbuzzy

.....a post about bees or honey perhaps---No---a play on words describing my day--No---This post is to share with you a new on-line shop that I just discovered. Now some of you that are avid sewers or fabric collectors may have already discovered this shop but for those who have not, here is the link SUPERBUZZY They have the sweetest fabric ever!!!! Look what the mailman brought to my door today....

See I told you :)

Now I am going to be really corny and use the "play on words".  I will be participating in another craft show the first weekend in March.  Because my blog posts have been few and far between as of late I wanted to share with you what has been keeping me "SUPER BUZZY".  (it's bad I know)

soft polka dot Easter lambs

Funny little bunnies made from socks---their floppy ears are the "fingers" from Winter gloves.

A silly post I know...but a fun one too.  I hope you enjoy looking around Superbuzzy ......... happy shopping :)

Dogs VS Dinosaur

A few days ago I asked Drew's mommy if she could bring a few of Drew's toys from home for him to play with while he is with me.  When I first started babysitting him, I had purchased a bunch of toys for us to play with but he has become such a big boy I was afraid that he was becoming bored with those "baby" toys.  She brought us all kinds of fun toys---the Fisher Price farm, trucks, airplanes, and a very cool ride on dinosaur.  Not only does this dinosaur ZOOM across my hardwood floors,  but it also plays music while blinking lights dance to the music in strobe light fashion.  The dogs are terrified of it.  When he parked it outside of my bedroom door today before leaving for the night, he had no idea the dogs were inside sleeping on their bed.  When I heard sad crys for help coming from the room I went to investigate.  This is what I found.....

Instead of coming to their rescue right away like a good "doggie Mommy", I grabbed my camera and recorded their efforts to escape this ferocious beast.

After laughing to the point of tears, I finally decided to come to their aid and release the hounds.  They are resting comfortably now recovering  from their traumatic experience.

Whoever said that Golden Retrievers and Beagles are two of the smartest dogs never had the pleasure of meeting my three  silly dogs :)    I do however love them with my whole heart :)

My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses

whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with string

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudel

Doorbells

and sleigh bells

Schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into......

Spring

These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad.