Stitchin' Sweet Sue

Bathing, Stitching, Punching and Cooking On A Birthday...

2012-01-24T20:37:00.000-05:00

Hi there Sweet Friends! How's everybody doing? Staying warm? Stitchin? Thanks for stopping by, I've quite a few sweet things to share with you. This is a longish post, so if you've no time now, you're welcome to stop back when you can.

STITCHY BATH... There's this older EMS SAL flower chart that's been nagging me, but I hesitated on kitting it up because the colors were really quite bright, not really to my prim liking. Rather than do a conversion, I used the DMC colors as charted and bathed them in a very strong tea bath and rinsed, several times actually. Well... truth be known, OCD rinsing happened ~ it's ok, go ahead, laugh:) There might be a naysayer or two who'll say I've broken some rule and advise against this, but it's just DMC floss, and I'm accustomed to breaking rules. The end result was quite acceptable, drabber and muted, a simple and fun experiment. Heck, I might even trickle some drops of ~ Distress It ~ on these to stain them even more.

One cup hot water w/six or seven tea bags...

before ~ yes, these colors are true, yikes...

after ~ there now, that's better...

STITCHY TIP... This WIP has been in my basket prob 4 or 5 years, I've just now picked it up again and am making good progress. But, I decided I needed a few extra inches on each edge to fit more comfortably in my hoop. I like to hoop, it fits my comfort level. If you don't use a hoop, this tip's probably not for you. So... I machine stitched a 4 inch wide strip of muslin along each edge to add some hoop comfort! Of course any scrap fabric on hand will do. This is also a very thrifty way to stitch a wee motif on those smaller linen/aida scraps that you think are a bit too small to use for anything.

See the seam?

Just sew a scrap piece along one edge or all four!

OH NOOOO ~ NOT AGAIN... Like many of you, try as I might, I just can't seem to avoid those really annoying and pesky birthdays, you know... the ones ~ shhhhhh ~ after 50. Mine is due to arrive unwelcome and uninvited a.g.a.i.n. on the 26th, yep me and Paul Newman. I really and truly DO NOT KNOW how and when and why all these birthdays happened! Not that I mind them that much, just wish they'd not come so often, every other year would be divine.

As a little present to myself, I signed up for a punch needle class this coming weekend at Liberty Cottage in Canandaigua, one of my most favorite shops. I guess there's only myself and one other student. I'm really looking forward to learning punch needle as an alternative to stitching, as I'm told it's much quicker from start to finish! Wish you could join me!

Liberty Cottage, Canandaigua, NY

Sweet Patti (no blog) sent along this birthday gift that she knows I'll put to good use. Patti's birthday is the 27th, which makes us birthday buddies, so we exchange a 'lil something and enjoy wallowing together, what are friends for anyway!

Thanks Patti, you're very thoughtful:)

COOKING... Here's a ~Sweet Potato Pie Casserole~ I've been wanting to try, this was pantry-friendly and easy peasy to prepare. The result was a sweet-salty-creamy-crunchy bite of heavenly yum! Recipe courtesy of sweet Marly over at Santas and Samplers ~RECIPE. This recipe now holds its' place of honor in my special recipe box.

Thanks ever so much Marly,

this dish is simply too good to serve only on holidays!

MY BLOG... Spent some time Spring cleaning, tidying up and rearranging things here, threw some tabs up top to store stuff. I'm not yet done, and still haven't figured out how to make my top tabs look nicer. Does anyone know if this is an easy fix?

Before you go, please have yourself a peek at my ~ Sweet Giveaways ~ tab!

Thanks for sharing a few moments of your day, see you again:)

Tootles, Sue

Shizam!

2012-01-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hi Sweet Friends and New Followers!

If you haven't heard, there's a newly released Blogger feature allowing authors to reply ~ within ~ the comment section.

It'll save time not having to reply through email and all readers can view the author's reply ~ Sweet!

Check out how to verify/adjust your settings at Blogger Buzz at IT'S ABOUT TIME.

Maybe one of you could leave a comment here, so I can give it a try?

Tootles, Sue

Stabilizer ~ Schmazilizer...

2012-01-05T12:51:00.000-05:00

Hi Sweet Friends!

Have you maybe been scratching your noggin about the recent chatter of using a *stabilizer* on ornie finishes? I was, so I've been experimenting with stabilizers and wanted to share:)

Before assembling an ornie, iron-on stabilizer (aka fusible) can be applied to the wrong side of the fabby. Using this product stiffens the fabby producing a more flat than round ornie. I prefer the flat look and have been experimenting with a stabilizer/brand name *Pellon*. It comes in different weights from lightweight to heavyweight, found mine at JoAnn Fabrics ($2.50/yard minus coupon = cheap). It's in a special *stabilizer* section and comes on a bolt like any other fabric. Other brand names are available, but *Pellon* was easy to find so that's what I used.

I've used the lightweight and found very little *stiffening* on my fabby. Yesterday I bought Pellon 808 (commonly used to assemble purses/tote bags) and will try that also. Like many times before when experimenting, I've no idea what the success or failure results might be!

In the past, I've cut my stabilizer 1/4 inch shorter than my fabby (assuming a 1/4 inch seam) so the sewing machine needle doesn't have to go through the stabilizer.

Wanna see how stabilizer is used? *Make It Love It* HERE has a post about stabilizers, scroll down a bit.

Hmmm... does anyone know if a stabilizer produces good stiffening results on over-dyed wools?

I'm not suggesting Pellon is the best or only stabilizer out there, so if you've got anything to share on this topic about products, ease of use or in general ~ please let's hear from you!

Thanks ever so much for stopping by:)

Tootles, Sue

Fare Thee Well 2011...

2011-12-29T14:40:00.001-05:00

Hi there sweet friends and a mighty sweet welcome to a couple new followers too! Hope everyone is easing out of their Christmas Feast *stretchy pants* and now resting comfortably, as I am ~ LOL!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Yesterday I started pondering over linens, floss, trims and projects for 2012. My brain became positively numb with stitchy overload, anyone else get like that? The best thing for me was to stop over-thinking every miniscule aspect of my 2012 projects. I paused and decided 'twas better to get organized to help me make informed decisions about supplies.

These stragglers needed to be corraled...

Lo and behold, I've stashed more linen than thought! I know this isn't a lot of linen for some of you, but for me it's certainly a delightful and plentiful discovery! Most pieces had been folded, but I was growing concerned about the color on the hand dyed pieces starting to fade on the fold lines. Sadly it can happen but I think I'm good with that so far. So I measured/labeled each and secured with twine. At first glance you may think this a bit fussy-mussy, but we spend dear dollars on hand dyed linens. My goal is to keep them well stored without suffering any damage. Rolling them will prevent that.

Getting there...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Anyone maybe remember this pic from November?

Wasn't sure where these colors were gonna take me...

In the end it all came together as a sweet RAOK for our very own Ma Teakettle and her clan! It's been received, and I joked with Ma that if this wasn't a good fit for her tree, she could always use it as a door stop ~ LOL!

Tree Ornie

Motif ~ designer unknown

Zweigart 32 ct ~ Dirty

Floss ~ DMC 822 ~ 2 over 2

Stitch Count ~ 37 x 50

Bottom Band ~ kinda looked like folky snowflakes

Fill ~ Bamboo fiber

Started 11/21/11 ~ Finished 12/15/11

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As for 2012, may you enjoy many blissful stitches. My sincere and sweet gratitude to all who read along here in 2011. If you happened to comment along the way, your kinship is truly heartfelt and I thank you:)

Tootles, Sue

Do You Know What Your STATUS Is?

2011-12-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

Hi there sweet friends, thank you kindly for your joyous Christmas wishes and good cheer, the warmth of fellow stitchers is some of the best found on the planet!

A friend suggested I make a postie about ~ No Reply ~ status, my friend is very wise and realizes we're all at different skill levels on these here dern computer contraptions:)

This postie is only for those interested, if you're not... please move along! I mean really, why would one want ~ No Reply ~ status? Isn't the best part of blogging the communicating and learning? When one takes time to leave a comment asking this or that, and ~ No Reply ~ is discovered, how can we get back to the commenter?

Remember last week when PeggyLee/Kentucky Sampler tipped me off that my very own setting defaulted to ~ No Reply ~ status? It wasn't always like that, something went wonky with Blogger to change the default. Like I giggled to my wise friend... I've n.e.v.e.r. been a ~ No Reply ~ kind of gal, even as a wee toddler. Just ask my looooong suffering parents, my very tolerant brothers, or my thoroughly exhausted Mr. Sweet, they'll testify and in a NY minute:)

Here's how you can fix or verify your ~ No Reply ~ status:

*** Go to your dashboard, dashboard, DASHBOARD, stay there, DO NOT select your blog!

*** Look to the far left where it says *EDIT PROFILE*, click once.

*** In the *PRIVACY* setting, place a check mark next to *Show my email address*.

*** Look again to verify you have a check mark there:)

*** Scroll to bottom of page and click *Save Profile*.

*** You're done and have set your default to ~ Reply ~.

*** Now pat yourself on the back, or throw one back from the Hersheys Syrup bottle, we won't tell!

If you found this postie helpful, feel free to leave a comment... if you dare;)

Enjoy your night, sleep tight, don't crawl into bed with your needle stuck in your jammies!

Tootles, Sue

For You...

2011-12-24T16:10:00.000-05:00

Any U.S. Downton Abbey Fans?

2011-12-20T17:22:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day Special ~ Masterpiece Theater's British drama set in 1912, continuing Season 1, check your local PBS for air time. I do believe it'll be an evening broadcast.

A tease from the DailyMail/UK HERE.

Huh? What in the heck is that whacky Sweet Sue talkin about this time?

Get familiar HERE.

Don't thank me... you did all the work again this Christmas didn't you?

Steep your tea, feet up, stitch, enjoy!

Then add the DVD series to your Amazon wish list. Why? Because, well... will anyone really leave you alone long enough to stitch and enjoy the broadcast? You'll be lucky to get a few sips in before your tea gets cold.

Who says an American born prim stitcher in NY can't enjoy really good Brit drama:)

Gentle Reminder: Season 2 starts January 8, 2012, see you there!

Tootles, Sue

Blogger Settings...

2011-12-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

I've been leaving comments here and there, if you've tried to respond to me and gotten ~No Reply~, my apologies.

Seems Blogger has been playing with my settings cause PeggyLee told me all of a sudden she couldn't reply.

Thx for letting me know PeggyLee! Issue is now fixed.

Have a great day during this holiday week sweet friends!

Back to cleaning the oven, grrrrrrrrr ~ yes, it's self clean, but still ~ grrrrrrrr.

Shouldn't there be a hard and fast rule that a sip or two of Cream Sherry is mandatory when cleaning the oven?!!!

Visions of Snowflakes...

2011-12-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hi there Sweet Friends!

Thanks for stopping by during the hustle and bustle of the wonderful holidays. Whether you're laid back, freakin' out like the lady in the Target commercial, or somewhere in between ~ I do hope you enjoy this special time in your own special way!

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Looking forward to 2012 I've decided the new BBD Christmas design will be in my lineup.
I'm not a *challenge* stitcher, but I do so enjoy following all your beautiful accomplishments.
My sincere congrats to each of you who are pleased with their 2011 challenge results!

How about you, what sweet projects are in your 2012? Do tell!

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So my mind wandered off to remembering yummy Moravian Christmas cookies, how they're different shapes, then snowflakes came to mind.

I know ~ my brain, stitching, pastries ~ they all work in unison ~ it's ok, I'm fine with it:)

For this project, my vision was a subtle prim Christmas design, one that didn't scream Christmas, with maybe a touch of elegance.

Now... if I can only get my assembly down to a quick 20 minutes ~ yeah right ~ like that's ever gonna happen LOL!

Snowflake ornie

freebie motif

Zweigart Cashel 28 ct ~ Antique Almond

Floss ~ DMC Ecru ~ 2 over 2

Stitch Count 33 x 33

Bottom band/backing ~ show towel cotton

Fill ~ bamboo fiber

Started 12/14/11 ~ Finished 12/16/11

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This project provided me with some *Firsts*...

... stitching on Cashel ~ quite nice.

... adding trim (very narrow piece of white jute at seam) ~ YES YES YES to more trims. Warm thanks to sweet Carol over at Stitching Dreams for her *glue* encouragement.

... railroaded every stitch, in effort to cajole my floss to lay more flat.

... adding a fabric band to a finish ~ nice 'lil extra special touch.

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That's it for now sweet friends, I've a couple more ornies to assemble.
Please enjoy your weekend:)

Tootles, Sue

Thanksgiving Week ...

2011-11-21T14:30:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends!

Another cold day here in the Finger Lakes, but the glorious sun is visiting and the crows are plentiful and cawing their little hearts out...

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COTTONS ~ fondled these this morn, wish I had learned how to quilt ~ sigh...

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NEW START... anyone else been itchin to start on some late-ish seasonal stitchin?

Not traditional Christmas colors for sure, the background cotton reminds me of Scandinavian motifs, the Zweigart 32 ct. Dirty is a nice compliment.

Seems like maybe it needs some red, or not ~ I'll see where this takes me today...

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OUR WEEKEND... wanted to share a couple pics of a typical Fall weekend around our house ~ plz meet Mr. Sweet!

He's never been an *office* kind of guy ~ he's most happy at times like this, which makes me happy for him...

My all time fave pic taken 2 years ago, look at that sweet little smirk...

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A warm and heartfelt welcome to a couple new followers, glad to have you here!

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving and a lovely holiday week.

Hope we all find a few moments for a some sweet family love, a tasty turkey sammy or two, an extra slice of pie and a few blissful stitches!

Tootles, Sue

We Kissed...

2011-11-20T10:02:00.000-05:00

... we made up, all is well and once again I'm his favorite girl!

Computer repair was an easy one, but now he knows there's *another man* in my life,

the spare computer/exact twin in the basement which offered the needed replacement part.

T'was the motherboard, you know how it is ~ men and their mothers ~ doesn't it just figure lol!

Thanks for sharing this little giggle with me, it's sweet to be back amongst dear friends:)

Wishing you a lovely day...

Tootles, Sue

Sweet Escape...

2011-11-17T19:11:00.000-05:00

My long time committed relationship is causing me much dismay, in fact... we've separated

I can't hide it any longer

I'm finally brave enough to share it with my friends

He left me high and dry

He implied I didn't love him enough or take good enough care of him

a/k/a my computer has walked out on me

GOT CHA!

which makes me see this alone time as a *Sweet Escape* from tech overload

which reminds me of Gwen ~ I know ~ shake your sweet stitchy fingers at me ~ such nonsense at my age

aaawwwwww, go on ~ click ~ you know you want to

These lyrics could really and truly be meant for my computer

Oh how I'd love to be his favorite girl again

Will be off line til we've kissed and made up, hopefully not too very long

Wishing you all a wonderful pre-holiday weekend:)

Tootles, Sue

Feast Your Eyes...

2011-11-09T21:04:00.000-05:00

... on a quilt finish over at Ivory Blush Roses ~ hand embroidery, lace, tatting, buttons, beads, antique appliques, specialty stitches, medallions ~ each block is breathtaking. What a huge privilege to have watched this treasure come together, you can see Lisa's finish HERE .

Tootles, Sue

.

Linens, Hoops and Hogs

2011-11-06T15:39:00.000-05:00

Hi all, thanks for your sweet comments, such a lovely way to greet and create a new day, and I so appreciate your taking the time both on and off blog:)

HMMMMM, NOW WHAT WAS THAT LINEN... I like things simple, not lazy as such, just like to be organized. Here's how this stitcher keeps track of linen swatches, a simple handy tool, not rocket science but it works for me:) After collecting linens for a couple years, I've many more swatches to add, but I do so only after a new piece has been cut. How does everyone else keep track of their fabbys?

each card has specs for easy reference and reordering

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STITCHING FRAMES... we all have our preferred faves don't we! Mine is Q-Snaps, when I find them cumbersome or just not right, hoops work well for me. As much as I treasure my vintage wooden hoops for their patina, I do find the newer plastic models are more effective as they do a much better job gripping the fabric.

FABRICS... they all crease, some more, some less. We're funny creatures us stitchers, for prim finishes we like hand dyed, tea dyed, coffee dyed, Kool-Aid dyed, mottled, stained, grunged, basted/baked, flea-bitten and moth eaten fabbys ~ but... we do not like creases ~ can I get an Amen to that!

WRAPPIN A HOOP... I thought it'd be cool to share this quick tip on how to bind or wrap your wooden or plastic hoop giving it a cushion and hopefully minimizing hoop marks and preventing any possible fabric damage or creases caused by tugging, just in case this method is new to anyone.

MATERIALS... You can use twill tape, bias tape, seam binding, hem tape or soft ribbon, best to avoid any that are iron-on as they have adhesive. For 5" and 6" hoops a single package (3 yards) is plenty, with a few inches left over.

Pretty simple, I dug into my stash and found twill tape. It's soft, sturdy and the inside label says it's from 1971 (thrift purchase) so it's finally getting put to use, love that!

Take your hoop starting at the top with your wrap of choice leaving a 1 inch tail. With the tail flat, wrap tightly around the tail several times to secure the tail and proceed wrapping tightly, overlapping with each wrap, a clothespin works well to keep your wrapping taught as you work your way around. At the other end I make a couple extra wraps and secure with a few hand stitches.

daylight was fading so I took this pic then put a few hand stitches in the top left to keep wrap snug and secure

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HOGS... Living next to a pasture can be very entertaining, furry and feathered friends come and go as Mother Nature leads the way. This new guy came to the barn a couple of months ago as a piglet, he was the size of a football ~ not anymore! Won't you please meet Wilbur! Yesterday Wilbur experienced non-legislative *farm integration* (my own phrase) and was moved into the pasture to meet his new partners in *farm crime* (my own phrase again)! Gentle Warning ~ any Vegans are welcome to Bid Farewell to the rest of this post. Wilbur's such a very friendly chap and as I like to say *a well fed hog makes a nice fat ham*. Think I'm gonna have to chart that:) Yes, animals come and go, some are ridden, some milked, some cheesed, some egged, some butchered, some sheared for wool, some put to work like the gentle donkeys who protect their friends by keeping the coyotes and fox away from their pasture. Some are simply here one day and gone the next, we're now used to it. We're happy Wilbur's here for as long as he can stay, it's a nice peaceful moment to share kitchen scraps with a new friend now and then:)

Thanks so much for stopping by today and sharing a little bit of what's been goin on around here, wishing you all a sweet week to come!

Tootles, Sue

Round 'Em Up!

2011-11-02T20:33:00.000-04:00

For your viewing pleasure, a little volume if you please. Don't worry, I wouldn't ~steer~ you wrong:)

You're welcome:)

The house around the corner...

2011-10-31T08:18:00.000-04:00

... and down the hill. And no, this hasn't been Photshoped!

Happy Halloween to those who observe the spooky Oct. 31st tradition!

Tootles, Sue

Paris Embroidery House ~ Lesage

2011-10-29T09:33:00.000-04:00

Sharon over at ~My French Country Home~, treats us today with a lovely post about the Paris embroidery house Lesage, which is also a school.

Take a peek HERE.

Amusez-vous bien!

Snickerdoodle Snippet ~ NOT ...

2011-10-28T20:50:00.000-04:00

Hi again ~ didn't expect a double-post today, but this day was filled with a very sweet surprise and I couldn't wait to thank Ma Teakettle!

Ma recently shared Sassy's newish color Snickerdoodle on her blog . It looked nice and prim but monitors can be deceiving, so I asked her how it compared to Sassy's Golden Promise. Ma was so helpful and patient, she even offered to mail me a scrap ~ YAY! You know, a snippet from being trimmed, just so I could get a first hand look at the color before ordering from Sassy's. What stitcher would have turned down Ma's sweet offer? Not I!

So this afternoon my plan was to slather on the butt glue and hit the stitchy chair, but then I got called out unexpectedly.

When I arrived home tonight, I found this at the door...

What the heck? A box? Who sent me a box? It was Ma. For a snippet? I'm a shaker, so natch ~ I shook it, something rattled, then I got that *confused in the brain* sensation and that blasted crater wrinkle between the baby blues. You know, the one that grows deeper with age, at least mine does:)

Opened it and found this...

Can you believe it? Not a snippet, but a beautiful piece of Sassy's Monoco 28 ct evenweave in Snickerdoodle (superb prim mottling), delicate counting pins (pretty pretty), a perfectly prim pincushion (my fave drab colors), happy Jack-O-Peeps (hiding them), and a note from sweet Ma!

I've seen Monoco online but never handled it. Snickerdoodle is a nice prim shade, I now know why Ma favors it, will definitely be ordering this ~ love it. Of course, I already have something in mind for this fabby, can not wait to get started!

Ma, your teakettle runneth over, you're too kind and too sweet and I thank you from my surprised stitchy heart, you really got me good! Oh, the Peeps... half gone now, well a little more than half gone, guess I'll hide the rest... or not:)

Tootles, Sue

Swoon Worthy...

2011-10-28T12:25:00.000-04:00

Oh my... check out this nifty needful for needleworkers, quilters, sewers and crafters everywhere! Skip on over to Karen's Etsy store *KimsSister* HERE.

Enjoy your weekend!

published with Karen's permission

Tootles, Sue

Isn't she lovely...

2011-10-27T13:29:00.000-04:00

... isn't she wonderful, remember that song?

Hi Sweet Friends, popping in to share a thrill with you! A small parcel was in the mailbox yesterday, all the way from warm and sunny Orlando. Yeppers, some have seen this already, and I knew what it was, but I wasn't prepared for the stunner that awaited me ~ this keepsake pincushion ~ beautifully crocheted with a sweet pearlized button and supremely finished by none other than Barbara over at To Stitch Or Not To Stitch.

Thank you Barbara, your generosity is gratefully appreciated and happily received:)

So... if everyone will now please excuse me, I've got some swoonin' to do:) And, uhmmm ~ hope you don't get that song stuck in your head, or start singing to your pincushion ~ l.i.k.e. I. d.i.d. And I don't care who knows it:)

Tootles, Sue

Weekend Start...

2011-10-24T10:09:00.000-04:00

A zigzag border

simple things suit me fine...

Sassy's Golden Promise 32 ct ~ WDW Kohl

Tootles, Sue

October Sweets and Snake Hash...

2011-10-16T17:35:00.052-04:00

Hi there stitchy and prim luvin friends! It's been a drizzly and grey weekend here, yet it's my fave time of year, I love Fall! The foliage is not yet at peak in our area, hoping the glorious turning of colors doesn't pass us by this year. My sweet thanks for your good wishes on my last post, my burn is healing nicely with no problems at all. How's everybody doing? Here's a bit of this and that from our part of NYS...

STITCHIN... I keep eying a kitted project on the table but sorry, nothing new to report, so skip on by if you like:)

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CRITTERS... Hubs left the mudroom door open, this little guy snuck in and was makin a squirmy beeline for me in the kitchen. Luckily my hero came to the rescue, here's where it landed, under the truck tire. He's ok, not hurt, wiggled away, and DON'T COME BACK, YOU'RE NOT WELCOME IN MY KITCHEN YOU REPTILE INTRUDER ~ NEXT TIME I'LL MAKE SNAKE HASH OUT OF YOU AND FEED YOU TO THE SNAKE EATING VARMINTS!

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ROOTIN IN THE BARN... We rescued this advertising sign from the barn, a monster at 4 feet wide and very heavy, no room inside so we hung it in the garage. Condition isn't good, dates from 50's-60's when this variety of poultry was being developed. She's a keeper, grunge and all.

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COLLECTIN AND THRIFTIN... I confess, I'm a plopper! Found this sturdy older pine bench with square nails and nice patina for $10., score! The Lion Brand cream cheese vintage box was a buck, I plopped in a pothos cutting and a few fall things for the kitchen window, probably too much, but I'm not enough of a fusser to re-do it. The newer miniature fraktur print was also a buck, I always keep a watchful eye out for anything frakturish. The chenille ear of corn is huge and was only 2 bucks, it got plopped too. Lots of us have seen the twine storage in a sugar jar, very handy and works great. I finally added a homespun bow and Sweet Annie to my hand turned tigermaple clothespin to dress it up a bit, it'll get plopped somewhere too.

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BAKIN... We all have those projects, we say ~I'll get to it, one of these days~. Well, yay for me ~ I got one accomplished! Please won't you meet my very plain apron, she's all of 30 yrs old, bleached a bazillion times and worked as hard as a mule. Mind you, I was a young lady when I started wearing it, and of course, the years grew on me... as they always do. Can you guess where this is going? Yep, the apron strings became difficult to reach from behind. I snipped off her old strings and sewed on a long length of grosgrain to each side~VOILA! I haven't decided whether to retire the old girl, maybe she's good for another 30 years, I just kinda feel good knowing she's still workin for me:)

There's something about almond paste that promises an impressive and elegant delight on the tongue, yet some think it's really too fussy to bother with, I can testify that it's not. Almond Paste {not marzipan} comes in a small can, has the consistency of sugary Play Dough and is very easy to work with. There was a bakery in Buffalo, NY called the Ken-Paul Bakery {closed years ago}, they made the most divine Almond Rings. A girl can only crave one for so long 'til she decides to do something about replicating it, the easy way if possible! This is what I tried, it was f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s. The recipe is HERE . I followed the directions exactly and would not change a thing. These bars are on par with a better quality bakery, and I dare say they'd be at least $3.00 each anywhere, if you were lucky enough to find them. Our leftovers were wrapped well and sent to the freezer, I'm a bit curious to see whether they freeze well. Please let me know if you try these, and what you think?

I wish each of you have a few sweet moments of peace this coming week, needle or apron in hand, if the mood suits you:) Thanks for stopping by...

Tootles, Sue

How A Stitcher's Mind Works...

2011-09-27T12:43:00.000-04:00

~~Burn~~ brand yourself with your iron, cause you're looking one way and reaching the other way...

Naturally, you reward yourself with this...

Grape Pie, very sweet and very tart and oh so ooey gooey all in one bite, my absolute fave, there I've said it.

Fall harvest in the Finger Lakes is simply the most wonderful time of the year, even if that Christmas song says otherwise.

I know there's one or two of you out there who'd react the same as me. Have a good day all and my thanks to a couple new followers for taggin along, nice to have you here~hope you enjoy your visits:)

Tootles, Sue

Cows Gone Wild...

2011-09-23T17:54:00.000-04:00

Friday night in the pasture,

Come on now, no shoving please!

A little volume if you please:)

Ding, Ding, Ding Went The Bell...

2011-09-12T23:46:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! A sweet welcome to a couple new followers that were kind enough to join along, and a shout out to a sweet local blogger I met online {Hey Pam!} thanks to another blogger who put us in touch. The days in NY are growing shorter with milder temps, nights are blissfully cool, no colors turning yet ~ like so many others say ~ this is my favorite time of year.

Thanks to all for your input on my poll about posting, seems the majority of us are eternal optimists and look forward to weekly posts. I'm pretty easy going, whenever suits me fine, but after many many months of another blogger not updating I really do feel like I've lost a stitchy comrade. There's one blogger in particular in Canada who I sorely miss and wonder if she's ok, and hope she is well.

Thanks also to the 3 {seriously?} who entered my Yankee Candle coupon giveaway. Am I in the minority of those who love to pinch every last single penny and BOGO the good stuff as often as practical, especially with the holidays coming? Barbara, your BOGO coupon was mailed 9/12, you only have a few short weeks to use it before expiration, enjoy:)

As much as I'd enjoy posting weekly, I don't always have stitchy updates to share, especially over the summer as I found myself quite cavalier with my stitching routine. So maybe you might be interested in reading some everyday stuff here? Let's try and give it a go!

Collectin...

Ding, ding, ding went the bell... yes, a shameless nod to Judy Garland {for our friend Edgar who delights us with his snippets of life and his Who Hounds, thx Edgar!}. The bells just appeared, all of a sudden, after years of collecting, or are they making baby bells whilst I slumber? Some of these dingers are huge, and heavy, and get your attention in a real big hurry! Some older than others, all authentic, dingers in tact, sometimes I wonder about the school masters and houses they toiled in. It could also be a timely pic for moms with kiddies or kiddos gone back to school. Wait, listen... just a minute ~ are those moms I hear cheering from the kitchen ~~{their mighty blenders full of ice and Margarita mix grinding away on the counter~~} encouraging their little ones to go forth and learn ~ LOL!

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Nestin...

Yep, the IT age, there's been nothing like it since the industrial revolution, truly amazing... not so much when the power goes out, and it does here, not for long usually, but often enough. Lamps, chimneys, globes, oil and wicks all serviced, cleaned and accounted for ~ our little soldiers at the ready for another crappity winter to come, uggghhhh!

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Day Dreamin...

Welcome to the spectacular view from our downstairs, well.... privy. I can't help but become mesmerized into an oh~so~peaceful trance while enjoying the silently whispering lace, in the most gentlest of summer breezes, just so very pleasing. Sometimes I peek down the hall to see if there's any lace action going on, silly me, maybe this is why my stitching has faltered over the summer?

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Stitchin...

Finally~YAY! A couple of small fobs, stitched freehand and finished quite plainly, just to keep the fingers nimble. Oh, did you happen to notice the wee brass heart on the Quaker? Look again, see ~ there it is!

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Well, that should do it for a while my Sweets, I've more stuff to share so please stop back next time if you can. Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day ~ come what may...

Tootles, Sue

Never Forget...

2011-09-11T12:55:00.000-04:00

9/11 ~ Today will be a somber day of reflection in our hearts and homes. My deep respect goes out to 9/11 survivors who did not choose horror to invade their lives and to those who lost loved ones, as they've had the courage, strength and will to struggle on. Sadly, bravery has many faces and is not isolated to the battlefield or sea or air...

Coupon Giveaway ~ There were 3 entries for the Yankee Candle coupon, I simply folded the three names and picked from a bowl. The winner is Barbara of To Stitch Or Not To Stitch. Congrats Barbara, if you'll please email me (in my sidebar), I'll get your coupon out so you can start thinking about the scent of Autumn:)

Tootles, Sue

Yankee Candle ~ Coupon Giveaway

2011-09-09T10:26:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! I have c o u p o n for Buy One-Get One large jar or tumbler (expires 10/2/11), so why not share with my sweet stitchy bloggers!

If interested, please leave comment on this post only.

Coupon giveaway limited to my USA followers only, closes Sunday 9/11/11 at Noon NY time. If I don't hear back with winner's snail mail within 24 hours I'll draw another winner on Monday 9/12/11.

Have a great weekend and good luck:)

Tootles, Sue

What's Your Limit?

2011-08-30T18:18:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! I wondered if any of you stop following blogs who don't post regularly? Today I discovered several blogs that haven't updated (posted) in 6 or 7 months.

I started wondering what my fellow bloggers think about this topic, so I created a 3 day poll over in my side bar.

Thanks in advance to anyone who participates!

Comments welcome too.

Wishing one and all a lovely week:)

Tootles, Sue

The Next Town Over...

2011-08-26T22:58:00.000-04:00

Hi Dear Friends,

My good thoughts are with my fellow East Coasters as Irene hurdles her way towards the innocent. A pox on her, may she lose speed and steam and find herself lost at sea forever! May each of us, our families, friends, neighbors and emergency workers escape her wicked wrath unscathed.

Today was *trim the ponytail day* in the next town over, uhhhh ~ sorry ~ that would be my ponytail lol:) I wanted to share with you this *don't blink you'll miss it* town... before her blooms wither, her leaves turn crisp and her streets become laden with slippery slush. The town mothers and fathers do a smashing job of dressing their hometown every summer. I hope you enjoy these small town summer snippets as much as I enjoyed taking them for you!

May I please introduce you to Bloomfield, NY in the Finger Lakes Region ~ they know how to welcome visitors warmly, spread good cheer and make you want to slow your pace. It's the kind of place where you can stop at the coffee counter, get to gabbing with a friendly stranger, leave your good sunglasses next to your cup as you go out the door, whoopsie ~ only to backtrack your steps the next day and learn that a kind local put them behind the counter, go figure.

Post office posies

Grande flower carts poised along both sides of Main St.

Shop doorways whispering ~ pick me, pick me

Even the gas station invites you to pause, just for a moment

Tootles, Sue

The Lucky Three...

2011-08-04T11:54:00.000-04:00

Hi All, thanks for your kind comments on my last post ~ if you made it to the end, you discovered some Follower Fun, celebrating my 200 followers!

I separated your tissue case color choices into 3 piles, put entries into a Yahtzee cup, gave it a good shake, tumbled out the entries, covered my eyes, finger fumbled around, picked a winner and unfolded the winning entry. I've done the random thingy and KitchenAid mixer to jumble up entries before, the Yahtzee cup was fun too.

Looks like this one I rolled a winner and 3 twos!

The three lucky winners are...
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The Grass Is Always Greener ~ Shari, Shari's Sharings
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Red Hot Flowers ~ Gabi, Lady Of The Floss
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Burnt Garden Dots ~ Catherine, Bramblewood Stitches

Will each of you kindly email me your snail mail address before Noon, Fri., Aug. 5th, NY time. If I don't hear back by then, I'll draw a runner up winner(s). My email is over in my sidebar.

My sweet thanks to all who follow, comment, encourage, offer tips and share the love:)

Tootles, Sue

Bakin, Cookin, Sewin...

2011-07-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

Hey there Chickadees ~ how has everybody been! Hope you've been keeping cool, getting enough rain and enjoying the simple down home pleasures of summertime. So here we are ~ the eve before August 1st! It seems the days fly by like lightening, or is it that I'm just getting slower every day! Anyone else feel the same? It's been very dry and hot here ~ not good for the garden, or trees, or grass, or flowers, or much of anything. We need lots of rain in NY, not a strong monstrous storm that comes and goes quickly, but a cool gentle drizzly 3 day kind of rain, the kind that makes you wanna curl up and snooze the day away...

~~~~~

Bloggin ~ Soooo, it's happened ~ my blog has reached 200 followers and then some! I humbly thank each of you! To those of you who've become bosom buds ~ wish the miles didn't separate us. To my new followers ~ hope you enjoy your visits, please feel free to comment now and again. See my new template? I spent some time and learned a few new techie things.

~~~~~

Bakin and Cookin ~ With the weather so darn blistering hot day after day, I've caved into temptation and turned on the A/C. Did some bakin, which I've loved since elementary school. Have a bad day? Go home and bake somethin special is what I do, I find it so relaxing!

So one Sunday mornin the Hubs said let's go down to the barn and do some pickin, came home with these...

... just enough to become a super yummy blackberry cobbler, gotta love livin off the land, even if it's only hit or miss where the wild berries prosper!

I had to try the below coffeecake made with white cake mix that was going around recently, great recipe, it's a keeper. And of course a few loaves of banana bread all prettied up to take along to a picnic. As a guest, it would be a very rare occasion for me to show up empty handed, it's just the polite thing to do. The one certain thing about entertaining is ~ if you put it out, it'll get eaten!

Sadly, so far the quality of fresh fruit here is subpar this summer, so I'd just rather leave it behind. I found a recipe using store bought canned peaches and decided the recipe deserves 2 cans. I'll make this again and again, it's a nice smaller size and pretty tasty for coming from canned fruit.

The recipe called Christmas Dills was posted over at the 123MB last Christmas ~ they're definitely not just for Christmas. They start with a jar of store bought pickles ~ they're really good, they get crispity crunchity, sing in your mouth, get your hand outta my pickles good! Sadly we're now Christmas Dill addicts, happened very soon after the first batch. 'Twas only last summers' pickle season that Peggy Lee of Kentucky Sampler and I, well... we bonded, over... pickles. I'm slowly starting to think I'm gonna be in desperate need of a good loooong rest in Pickle Rehab!

The lettuces here aren't lookin good ~ so we improvise, the basil is from my *first time ever* herb plant ~ yay! Who says ya can't serve tomatoes in a pie plate! Now I ask ya ~ ain't she pretty? I almost had to tackle my brother Jeff before dinner to keep him from runnin off with her:)

~~~~~

Sewin ~ Another great way to avoid heat exhaustion is to find an indoor project, with A/C on full arctic blast, thank you. Perusing my thread stash I noticed this spool. It's from my sewing box when I was 12 or so and that my friends, was a good many years ago. If you look closely you'll notice it's almost empty, I'd say it was money well spent. I'm so very relieved as I've been assured by Barbara over at To Stitch or Not to Stitch that no one will hold it against me if go out and purchase another spool of white thread:)

I've seen these tissue covers at craft shows and always wanted to try one. There's an easy tutorial over at Karen's *Sew Much 2 Luv* HERE . Sometimes I like things mind numbingly simple, these were just that, and obviously fun, since I wasn't able to control myself, oh the torture of being a *first born*. The seams are finished with zig zagged love as I'm still stalking CraigsList for a serger, wish me luck?

I picked out three pretty ones below, and am giving them away to my followers to celebrate 200 followers!

It's easy, no fancy stuff ~ if you want to enter and I hope you do, comment on this post only telling me which one of the three you fancy, before Noon, Wed., Aug. 3rd, NY time. I'll make three piles, pick three winners and post them quickly. This is open to all my followers everywhere, no anonymous entries please. If I don't hear back from the winners with their snail mail by Noon, Fri., Aug. 5th, NY time, I'll pick again for a runner up winner. If no one is interested, I'll just go out to the garden and eat dirt, seein as how there's nothin growing there. Why the long pretty feather? Hubs brings them home quite often, he's like that, loves nature, and it was within one reach of the camera.

Your choices...

The Grass Is Always Greener...

Red Hot Flowers...

Burnt Garden Dots...

Thanks for stopping by, Happy August and good luck to all!

Tootles for now...

Sue

Sweetness in Australia

2011-07-22T10:54:00.000-04:00

Hi there:)

Lady Of The Floss is celebrating her blogoversary! Check out my sidebar and skeedattle over to Gabi's to see what all the sweetness is about!

Plz remember during the extreme heat gripping many of us ~ watch over the elderly closely and often, and fill those birdbaths daily for our fine feathery friends.

Anyone a personal friend of The Rainman? Plz send him our way ~ our garden needs a serious visit from The Rainmaker...

Have a great weekend all!

Tootles, Sue

Blogging Protocol

2011-06-23T12:02:00.000-04:00

Hi Sweet Friends ~ warm thanks for your comments on my last post, it's nice to hear from dear friends and new followers too:)

Imagine you're surfing the web and there you see it, one of your finish photos... so you click on it and find yourself at another's blog. Recently I discovered one of my long ago finish photos had been lifted and posted to another's blog, just for reference, no claim or link was made to my finished piece. Sometimes I tend to forget to watermark my photos, guess I'll have to be more mindful in the future.

One time I wanted to link a photo to a tutorial for a project I had completed, but certainly asked the original blogger's permission first, which she graciously granted.

I'm gathering my thoughts as I always do and considering contacting the blogger (outside the U.S.) and nicely asking her why she failed to ask permission. Perhaps this is a commonly accepted practice outside the U.S.? Simply put, I'd appreciate the courtesy of being asked. Am I the only one who feels this way?

You're right... this isn't an earth shattering issue, but a blogging one, and I felt comfortable opening the topic for discussion.

Because I'm no expert on blogging protocol, I'm wondering if anyone has feedback to share?

Tootles, Sue

Stitchers That Go Before Us...

2011-06-17T22:55:00.000-04:00

Hi Sweet Friends, hope everyone has been enjoying some stitchy time and getting some much needed sunshine bling!

This post shares the passing in 2009 of a retired elementary teacher and how her stitching devotion continues to unite her family both old and new, as shared by me, the newest member and her only daughter-in-law.

For stitchers that go before us there is reverence, honor and duty, or at least I believe there should be. In 2008, my soon to be DMIL Katie made an offhanded comment to me that she'd like me to look after her stash down the road. Sadly, we lost her in 2009 at the spunky age of 88, five months after our wedding. Katie was more than my DMIL, more like my DM. While saying our final goodbyes in private, before the lid was closed, we all agreed she would want to be laid to rest with a scrap of fabric, needle and any Prairie Schooler chart, and so it was.

My husband once quipped he liked animals more than he likes most people, a very telling sentiment don't you think? Katie never forgot his Freudian slip and stitched this large sampler for him years ago. Appears to be some light staining, perhaps some Fray Check that bled, I'll give it a gentle scrub and see, wish me luck.

So, last month my DFIL (a strapping 90) asked me if I would go through Katie's overflowing Rubbermaid bin and add her initials to some of her stitching, for the family. I immersed myself in several solitary hours fondling finishes she treasured, reminiscing cherished moments of discussing designers, projects, flosses, fabrics and techniques, and giggling at our many frantic phone calls back and forth across the driveway asking do you have DMC such and such ~ wishing all the while she was beside me. I took note of her progress from her self-taught beginner 7 ct to her it's the best my eyes can handle 18 ct, observing knowingly how her skill and confidence grew bit by bit. Having started stitching after retirement her eyes were not that of a youngster, she stitched feverishly for over 20 years and prevailed admirably.

And as you might have already guessed, of course more than initials were needed, these pieces needed to be finished. I choose ones I thought Katie would have chosen with no particular number in mind. After choosing a handful, I realized I had chosen 6 ~ enough so that DFIL, his 2 daughters and 3 grand-daughters could each choose one for their home.

And so I stitched Katie's initials, added approx. dates, measured, trimmed, added a bit of floss here, tucked a loose thread there, backed each ~ making do, as she would have done, with fabric from her stash and wool from mine ~ a labor of love and respect, of simply honoring Katie.

I'll wrap and give these to DFIL on Fathers Day. It was such a simple thing he asked of me, and I'm so glad he did.

Here's a very small sampling of Katie's work, finished by me. I'm happy to share these with you, pics are clickable. Thanks for your visit today and for letting me share these sweet memories with you:)

Tootles, Sue

Reading, Beans and Beets

2011-05-31T17:28:00.000-04:00

Hi all, hope everyone enjoyed the long Memorial Day weekend, we stayed home all nice and cozy, and puttered, we're ok with it:)

No finishes to share quite yet, but as usual I've been working on smalls and will share pics after a while.

So... the last few weeks I've been having vivid dreams about living in Paris, for absolutely no reason, so I sought out Paris books in the library and found this. Started it 3 days ago, now half way through, it's wonderful and compels me to go to bed early or hide from hubs:)

The past few days have been scorchers here in NY, you know ~ the kind of heat that can make one nauseous and light headed if outside too long ~ very grateful for central A/C. Cooking will consist of major cheating the next few days, my pantry offered up this *in a minute~no cook* side to go with whatever, added some sliced onion and onion powder after this pic. Yeah, Three Bean Salad is sold at deli counters, but why buy when it's already in the pantry! I shop Aldis too, love to save a few pennies now and again, but my heart belongs to Wegmans for the big shopping push. Anyone else out there ever cheated and doctored up a few cans before?

Tootles and stay coooool, Sue

Blue Friday...

2011-05-20T18:15:00.000-04:00

Hey there! If you're a long time follower here, you might suddenly realize (since I'm mentioning it) you never see much blue here ~ no blue stitchy, no blue stuff, no blue anything ~ until now! I like blue very much, but our interior furnishings are mostly old red paint, chests, dough box, tiger maple and such. But... ever since dear friend Peggy of Kentucky Sampler shared Master Chief's Blues, I've been thinking of sharing the Blues!

This small collection is truly the only blue vignette in our home, except for many other Blues wrapped up in storage. Let me explain. They belong to hubs, a/k/a the Ultimate Hoarder, loooong before reality TV. His first job was a *runner* at an auction house at 13, he learned well and started collecting right then and there. Then he taught me. Fast forward a few too many years ~ we're swimming in everything old here.

These are high up in the kitchen, I heaved out the ladder to dust today, it never ends does it ~ ugh...

This is my favorite, very tall, it says *Improved Butter Jar*, can you just imagine! Improved from what exactly? LOL!

There you go, finally a Blue post. Anyone else wanna share their Blues? Wishing you all a wonderful weekend:)

Tootles, Sue

New To Me...

2011-05-18T11:58:00.000-04:00

Hello Sweet Stitchers!

Wanted to share a new to me site called A Stitcher's Pen, great resource for textile blogs. You can add your stitchy blog too. If you spend tooooo much time there, as I have just done, please don't blame the messenger ~ just walk away ~ lol:)

Go to my sidebar for the link.

If you like this kind of database referral please leave a comment and I'll try to be more diligent in sharing similar sites.

My sweet thanks for poppin' in. Please do enjoy your day ~ come what may:)

Tootles, Sue

Olde Dame Penniwig

2011-05-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

Morning my Sweets, thank you kindly for your recent comments ~ and an extra sweet howdy to my new followers, so great of you to stop by! It's yet another cool, dreary and damp day here in the NYS Finger Lakes, and a great time to catch up on reading. My heartfelt good wishes remain with those affected by the devastating storms across our country, may their lives be soon filled with healing, peace and love...

Can I share a musing about blogging? My first blogger contact was from Olde Dame Penniwig aka Holly, who without knowing it, reminded me of the power of reaching out, and how a few gentle, kind or encouraging words can warm the cockles. The warmth of friendship ~ easy, spirited, loving yet unencumbered ~ don't we wish all relationships were that easy? If any of you are contemplating starting a blog, I encourage you to do so ~ you'll love the rewards.

Once again the Olde Dame has generously offered us a freebie of digital/downloadable tags/labels, this freebie is *sewing* themed (YAY!). Printable on manilla folder, card stock or heavy weight paper, whatever you have on hand. I like to keep things simple, punch a hole/add twine and use to adorn prim gifts or enjoy as a bookmark. Here's her blog Penniwigs. If you scroll backwards you'll find many other freebie tags on her blog, she's a peach!

And ~ you won't want to miss Penniwigs Etsy. You'll find two new hang tag offerings, *Sewing* (vintage) and *Potions* (wickedly delightful). Oh, and Holly keeps her Etsy prices very affordable:)

Wishing each of you a sweet day filled with the warmth of friendship...

Tootles, Sue

H~o~p~p~y Easter

2011-04-22T10:13:00.000-04:00

There's something special about Easter traditions, they're really nice aren't they? Yeppers, I confess, I posted this image here last Easter, 'cause it makes me giggle like a five year old, and reminds me to not take myself too seriously. Chances are you might see it here again next Easter:)

My sincere appreciation to each of you who've reached out, read my posts and made time to leave a comment or just say *hey* over the last couple years. The time we spend together is a joy and I'm perpetually grateful for each friend of the heart:)

Wishing one and all a bountiful, joyous and love filled Happy Easter... sprinkled with a giggle, from me to you:)

Tootles, Sue

One Day Only~Fri., April 22

2011-04-22T00:15:00.000-04:00

Hi friends, wanted to share ~ Starbucks is offering free coffee/tea in honor of Earth Day, bring your own mug.

GET THE SCOOP HERE

If my link's not working, skedattle over to Starbucks site if you're interested.

Hooker Giving It Away!

2011-04-07T08:27:00.000-04:00

Please join me in welcoming new blogger Hungry Hook Primitives, Margie's got herself quite a nice blog.

Link to Margie's giveaway is over in my sidebar, see you there prim friends, good luck to all and don't forget to mention 'twas Sweet Sue that sent you!

Tootles, Sue

2011-04-06T21:07:00.000-04:00

Hi there, I've been readin' that some of ya are sick with the creapin' crud, some of ya are selling stash (thank you very much for ena~bling) and some of ya are just layin' low, but it's been great following along no matter what:)

I've been pluggin' along on my Sunflower Bellpull, but sometimes I get a strong itchin' to work on smalls and have to give in. These I stitched a while back for no particular project, was just doodlin'. Finished them yesterday 'cause I've had enough I say ~enough~ of my scissors fallin' to the bottom of my sewing basket. The two smallest are 32 ct natural linen and filled with rice. The long one is stitched on coffee dyed osnaburg and stuffed with a new to me bamboo product from Joann Fabrics, very soft, really quite nice.

These beautiful burnt orange and dark coral velveteens are each well over a yard, were marked 70 cents each at the thrift store and reminded me of carrots, so ya know they had to come with;-)

And can I just share... we've had a bit of an uprising here the last couple of days, well... more of a jail break...

Nice mule, big mule, she's a huge mule, very bright and expert at picking the latch on her stall door when certain people forget to snap on the safety clip. She's supposed to be in her stall, not grazing along our driveway. She's a stubborn one, 20 minutes and a few sweet carrots later she was back home, all nice and mule cozy. Our first summer here I awoke at sunup one Sunday morning to a muffled noise outside the bedroom window. There she was at the porch, dirt sprayed all over, eatin' my potted geraniums. Last time she made a break for it, she trotted quite a few miles into town and sashayed along the sidewalk on Main Street... at midnight. Would've loved to have seen the town drunks' face as she passed the tavern window by lamplight ~giggle~.

These crazy guys are always tryin' to make their getaway under the chicken wire. Last time one got out, he was found miles away at the nearby reservoir park, just strolling around like any other park visitor. The grass is always greener...

And who pray tell told these noisy little guys the Aflac auditions were being held in our yard today ~ lol!

Can anyone guess what this girls' best friend is these days?

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Muck boots

Did I mention we have no animals at present, these furry neighbors belong next door, lol:) Seriously, I can't think of a better bunch to share my kitchen scraps with. Stop in anytime, follow the dirt road, word to the wise... bring your boots and well, you get the picture... watch out for the p**p!

Tootles, Sue

Tea party in the snow...

2011-03-23T20:45:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! And a very special Howdy Do dear new followers, glad you stopped by, don't be a stranger now!

So, everything here is bleeeeeeech, yet another NY snow storm, serious yuck, enough with the snow already. Hope everyone out there is keeping warm and cozy. Wondering ~ does anyone else keep a little heater under their computer? Ahhhhhh, love me some heat blowing up my leggies, nice 'n toasty:)

And, FireFox 4.0 upgrade is not compatible with Colorful Tabs, not yet, oh the agony of having to look at dreary grey tabs, how will I ever survive such archaic cruelty, double yuck, lol!

TEA PARTY... I'm not at all a pink girl, but this delicate design found at the thrift store for two quarters was sooooo pretty, who could resist. Had to fussy mussy with it and age it a bit, guess I'm a bit of a dirty girl ~ lol. Turned out beautifully don't you think?

These obstinate cottons refused to join the Tea Party, before and after, so this was a bust even with many tea bags, oh well... I can always get even and attack them with Distress It, watch your backsides you cotton scoundrels!

Some 32 ct. white linens, before and after - all prim, proper, delicately mottled and ready for Spring stitchin'...

NEW START... Drawn Thread Sunflower Bell Pull, good progress, will be nice for an empty space that's been naggin' me for some attention, will be a framed finish. Anyone notice anything different about my modified version?

ALRIGHT ALREADY, I GET YOUR POINT... With all the yackin' going on about Bohin needles, I finally caved. If you haven't yet tried them, plz consider treating yourself, they come in multiple sizes and combo packs and have a very nice size eye for easier threading. Surprisingly they're quite affordable, as long as you don't travel to France for them:) Doubt I'll ever touch another needle, as they say - slides like butta, seriously.

That's it for now dear friends, if anyone is able to send us some warmer weather, we'd be simply overjoyed. Thanks for your visit and sweet comments, always does a heart good to make new friends and special connections:)

Tootles, Sue

Homespun Elegance

2011-03-14T12:50:00.000-04:00

Hi there! Many of you may recall the generous giveaway Sandra of Homespun Elegance held on her blog, her very sweet package arrived Saturday and now is proudly displayed on our harvest table. When asked, she graciously autographed her chart for 'lil old me, somebody plz pinch me:) My heart could never take the stimulation of attending Nashville, if ya know what I mean!

Thank you for the huge fun Sandra! Gorgeous chart, tote bag, notebook and notecard ~ isn't *The Stitching Lady* collection divine!

So... does anyone else become positively giddy and swoon over *meeting* designers, or am I the only one?

And... what about that fabulous tote, I'm kind of afraid to actually use it ~ would you?

Thanks ever so much for stopping by, your visits are always treasured.

Tootles, Sue

PS: I've long been wanting to stitch one of Sandra's colonial designs for a needlebook. I may be posting down the road for referrals to see if any experienced finishers out there would be willing to assemble a needlebook for my stitching basket, if that's ok... You'd make me go stand in the corner out in the cold barn no less, if you saw what I use now for a needlebook, sheesh...

With Heavy Heart...

2011-03-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

As you may have heard, we've lost special friend and primitive designer Lisa Roswell of The Primitive Needle.

Merciful Grace upon you Lisa, may your family and friends be surrounded by huge love and enduring strength...

Norwalk, Ohio news

Lisa's site: The Primitive Needle

Bye-Bye hole...

2011-02-16T14:41:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I get lazy, like dragging out the sewing machine. I've so much to be thankful for, I don't wanna press my luck and whine for a craft room. Well, of course I would love a craft room, but I'm not gonna plan for one, not for a while anyway. My poor chaffed hands and split fingers neeeeeeeeed a dishwasher first!

Ugly hole...

Needs this... drab green, machine wash, matches the rest of the house, and has a nice drape...

Perfectly imperfect, not pressed, but done enough to say it's done ~ yipee.

So... just wondering if maybe any of you ~~have been a little lazy too~~ care to share a project you've been avoiding?

I've certainly filled my blogging quota over the last few days, so I'll mosey on out of here...

Ma Teakettle, thx for the nudge, I needed it ;-)

Tootles, Sue

Valentines Generosity...

2011-02-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hi there, hope everyone enjoyed Valentines Day in their own little way, we stayed in to enjoy the quiet of home and each other...

Has anyone else noticed that DMC black has been kidnapped from the retail market? I've heard of this happening before but never experienced it until yesterday, 3 stores were out of it. I've got a few spare skeins of black, just thought it very weird...

So, my errands were finished yesterday and on my return I found a huge bag from Darlene at My Life In Stitches. She's new to blogging and offered a surprise Valentines giveaway to celebrate her joy, lucky me ~ I won!

If you haven't visited her, you can pop over and welcome Darlene at My Life In Stitches.

Surprise Valentines Giveaway revealed ~ gorgeous charts by BBD and Sekas, kitted Friendship Sweet Bag with silk/finishing accessories by Jeanette Douglas, yummy generous prim linen, dainty Kelmscott angel scissors, lovely hearts scissor fob (my first!), springy DMC flosses, chocolates to share with a loved one and Love sign. Can you believe it? Such a lovely gathering and thoughtful theme, and it arrived on *V* Day, how'd she do that!

Darlene, my warmest and sincere thanks from my tippy toes to my stitchy fingers (squeal)! You're obviously keen to my fondness for prim stitching. I truly adore each gift, look forward to planning a project and cherish your thoughtfulness...

Tootles, Sue

Wishing You...

2011-02-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

... and you and you a very Sweet Valentines Day...

Free Is Sweet...

2011-02-13T21:43:00.000-05:00

One of my very first blogging buddies Holly aka Olde Dame Penniwig has gifted us with free *Olden Day* hang tags, prim and grubby lookin. Holly is a free spirit of the highest order, she likes to pop in and out of blogland, one never really knows where she is, or isn't. Her posts are always a big surprise and a treat. Her comments are disabled for now, she just likes things well... the way she likes 'em! I admire that!

You can see my pic below ~ I've already printed my tags to use for what-nots (manilla folders cut in half/trim to fit for your printer). I've got a couple packages going out soon, I like them to be very special, so I putz with them a bit, to convey sincerity and warmth for each recipient, Holly's tags will be great on top. If you look closely you'll notice the sweet vintage sewing graphic, you can click on photo to enlarge.

(Plz excuse the bunny fingers)

You can grab Holly's freebies HERE. She won't care if you don't leave a thank you comment, but she does like to share her passion for graphics with others and likes followers. So, thx Holly, luv 'em!

If these tags aren't your style, as Ernestine in TV Land used to say ~Nevermind~ :) But you might just find some others you do fancy over at Olde Dame Penniwigs.

Hope you all had a warm February weekend filled with, of course... L o v e.

Tootles, Sue

THIS IS JUST GROSS...............

2011-02-13T12:19:00.001-05:00

... don't ya think? It thinks it's a make-do liquor cabinet, but the dishwasher goes here. I'm chief dishwasher for now (grrrrrrr), and will remedy this eyesore ~~soon~~ today before the sunshine fades, WATCH OUT big fugly hole, I'm comin' after ya!

PRODUCT REVIEW ~ My new LOVE, tried this today...

... see the pretty scrapbook paper? Makin' more floss cards, use on paper, fabric, plastic, and more. If your craft supplies are lacking this great product, get your cutie patootie to Michaels, use your coupon, save, you'll be glad you did, it'll be there when you need it!

STITCHY ~ The little green tease from my last post is stitched, need to finish it, but the hole takes precedence!

FONTS ~ Huge thanks to Aubree/Meadows08 in Vancouver, BC who quickly responded to my plea for help regarding fonts. I like to think of her kind gesture like this: It is the best we can strive for isn't it ~ to help one another? Turns out I couldn't view fonts in Firefox, but when I launched IE everything became crystal clear:)

Natalia ~ you mentioned wanting further info about fonts, but I can't respond to *No-Reply* addresses. Your blog has great fonts, even your pretty signature:) Can you see them, are you using IE browser?

That should wrap it up for today, off to the hole:)

Tootles, Sue

2011-02-09T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

A quick hi and howdy-do welcome to my new followers, it's great to meet you, hope you're comfy here. My sincere thanks to those who sent birthday greetings on my last post, you're oh so kind don't ya know!

Bloggin ~ I've brightened my blog, cleaned up some broken links and in general it looks ok, plain and simple. The one thing that's really got me stumped is fonts, I've been through the template designer/advanced feature, but no luck, and I've spent all the time I care to fumbling around. Any tips on how to change fonts is appreciated, here or by email ( stitchinsweetsue at gmail dot com ), thx!

Stitchin ~ Started this last night, luvin this Zweigart Belfast Country Mocha (32) from Anita's Little Stitches, really nice mottling for prim stitchin, a definite all purpose stash staple at a good price, and appears to still be ON SALE. Anita is great, wonderful customer service, quick shipping, please don't hesitate to share your stash dollars with Anita.

No matter how hard I try, I seem unable to stray from primitive colors and design, what oh what shall I do? Well... I say follow my heart and play with stitchy software to break up the cobwebs of my *I've Had Enough Of Freakin' Winter!* mind. If you're maybe thinkin this is a Christmas design, please watch for the mystery reveal:)

Readin ~ Tanya/The Sampler Girl mentioned this book. I've finished it, and was reminded we are all very lucky we live in the present. I encourage all women to truly understand and appreciate what it meant when the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 (not so very long ago), giving all women a glimmer of hope for a future of their own choosing. As time marches on, generations multiply and we loose our elder women, it's easy to forget the way things were pre-1920. Stepping off my soapbox now lest you think I've got my bloomin' petticoats all in a bunch ~ LOL!

Please stay warm and have yourselves a Sweet Stitchin night:)

Tootles, Sue

~ JUST ANOTHER DAY ~

2011-01-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Thanks to you who shared your favorite pie on my last post, just silly pie fun. To those of you working on BBD Anniversaries, I'm swooning over each and every one of them, gorgeous!

This rarely happens... might even be my first time ~ I've been in a stitchy funky dunk since the holidays, but to keep busy I managed this small, will need to primp it for sure, then decide what to do with it. Another blogger recently mentioned she never tires of flowers in urns, I happily agree with her.

Glory Bee ~ JCS 2010 Ornie

Belgian linen 32 ~ my own colors

Today is kinda my day, another (grrrrrrr) birthday, so I treated myself, enough to enjoy and maybe help with 'da funk!

Sassy's Fabbys ~ Golden Promise 32

Andover silk slub ~ Berry Red

Zweigart ~ Country Mocha 32

Days Gone By 36

PTP ~ Moonglow 32

Lakeside Linens ~ Vintage Autumn Gold 32

Red Osnaburg

Belle Soie ~ Paprika

Gast ~ Flax

If I weren't sooooooo overwhelmed with exactly how I could have possibly reached my ?0's, I'd share my age~lol! Tonight will be a quiet dinner with best friend a/k/a DH Steve:)

Thanks so much for taking the time to pop in, enjoy the rest of your week and Sweet Stitchin to You...

Tootles, Sue

~ TODAY IS... ~

2011-01-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

... National Pie Day, yep - Sunday January 23rd, playoff day, and I almost missed it, shame on me.

Pie is very... well... popular, that's a fact. Don't think so? Log into your local library website, enter keyword *pie* and see what happens.

Honestly, this was the last book I read, just last month, a good story and very sweet:)

This is one of my many pie books, was on my Christmas wish list in 1992, golly, how pitiful that I still remember such a trivial thing! Bet Martha wished she knew then, what she knows now:) Yep, I'm pie helpless:)

If you're like me you bake pies, give pies, buy pies, eat pies, freeze pies, hide pies, offer pies in bribery, curse pie calories, collect pie cookbooks, read pie novels, visit all places pie and ~S W O O N~ LOVE PIE! Seriously, isn't life worth enjoying a pie once in a while?

Here's a couple of mine from previous posts, Tomato and Pineapple...

My forever favorite is my Dad's Grape Pie made with Finger Lakes grapes and loaded with sugar, my next favorite is my Aunt Barbie's Chocolate Cream Pie, it's the real kind-not from pudding mix, bleeeech!

What's your hot diggity dog favorite pie? The one that makes you weak in the knees, your temples pulse,
your glands salivate, the one that makes you drive for miles just for a sliver and gives you the BIG YUM.....

Pie have taken a real beating over the years, health-wise. So come on, don't be shy, you know you wanna profess your pie preference ~ leave your comment, blog about it, share a pie with someone you love, just PROCLAIM YOUR PIE!

Then, we'll have a 'lil quiz about which blogger favors which pie, sound good? LOL!

Tootles, Sue ;=)

~ UNFINISHED STITCHES 2010 ~

2010-12-31T13:03:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

Hoping everyone enjoyed their Christmas holiday, it's been great reading what everybody did and ATE~LOL!

Thank you so much for your comments on my last post about Sleigh Rides, does a heart good to be asked to share an original design and actually be given credit for it:) I've replied to those who've asked for chart, if anyone else is interested, feel free to let me know.

You all likely know sweet Catherine over at Bramblewood Stitches. Right before Christmas she and her elves quickly stitched and holiday finished a few Sleigh Rides ornies, I'm both humbled and tickled-prim that she so enjoyed this design enough to stitch it, let alone more than once! Thanks for sharing your interpretation Catherine, they're very sweet!

Warm welcomes going out to a few sweet new followers, always nice to discover sweet new blogs and meet new followers too! A cobbled together 2010 Sweet Finishes slideshow is over in my tool bar if anyone cares to take a peek...

So, this mornin I took a quick inventory of my 2010 stitchin and found these 'lil gems languishing in my basket. Don't you think I should make at least one resolution and actually get them beautified?

Brightneedle Designs.....

Brightneedle Designs ~ Christmas Basket freebie

Silk Fabric ~ approx 26 ct ~ Desert Sand

Floss ~ DMC colors modified 918/610/3823/830, 3 over 2

Stitch Count 40 x 42

Stitched December 2010

BBD.....

BBD ~ Thank You Sarah Tobias

Motif from Flowers For Sarah Needle Case

MCG Textiles linen 32 ct Oyster ~ heavily tea stained

Floss ~ DMC, 2 over 2

Stitch Count 53 x 53

Stitched ~ June 2010

Sharing a note about the above tea staining:

MCG linen is from Michaels and budget priced when using 40 or 50% coupon, it stains wonderfully.

For this particular heavily distressed result, I used 1/2 cup hot water w/6 tea bags left in the water the entire time, let sit for one hour in a small jar, think very small for mottled effect, (do not rinse), let air dry and iron.

This formula will produce a drastic change in linen color to a soft yellow/tan/gold with beautiful mottling.

I'd forgotten how nice this turned out and plan on using more of this linen and technique.

Hope this is of some help to those who adore prim stitchin as much as I do!

BBD.....

BBD ~ Now I Know My ABC's freebie

MCG Textiles 28 ct evenweave ~ Antique White

Floss ~ DMC 371, 2 over 2

Stitch Count 69 x 53

Stitched ~ June 2010

Well dear friends, this wraps up my stitchin year for 2010, thx for stoppin by. A special thank you to all the designers for your wonderful projects and inspiration over the last year:)

WISHING YOU EACH SWEET STITCHES, A BOUNTIFUL 2011 AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ WAH-HOO!!!

Tootles, Sue

~ FROM OUR SANTAS TO YOURS... ~

2010-12-24T13:32:00.000-05:00

... wishing each dear reader, follower, friend and passerby a very Merry Christmas. Some pics are this year and some from Christmas past, have a peek around our holiday home, leave your boots on, we're not all that fussy:)

Some Santas, probably another fifty or so in storage, no more shelf space to display them all...

Some fancies and a sweet prim gift bag...

This Stacy Nash finished on 18 ct aida last Christmas (before I gleefully met my 2010 goal of learning to stitch on linen)...

Some of our decoy collection complete with bowties, again-sadly no more shelf space to display them all (now approaching the forty range), but you might know~lol~that didn't stop me from picking up a couple fine fellows this year. When I started collecting decoys as a young adult of 20, I just liked them, I had no idea I'd be living in a post/beam home, which is kind of appropriate for this type of collection. Once a collector, well ~ you know the rest...

A bountiful basket, I personally insist on lots of oranges as I really enjoy sending friends and family home with one while sharing with them that it's a German tradition thing...

And of course, the chocolate, neeeeeed we discuss it further~lol:)

Your making time to visit is sincerely appreciated on this Eve of Christmas ~ with my humble and grateful heart I wish you Peace, Goodwill and Sweet Stitchin... whoopsie~don't forget your orange:)

Tootles, Sue

~ SLEIGH RIDES ~

2010-12-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

Hi there Christmas Friends! Thank you kindly for your sweet comments on my last post, had several requests for the Pineapple Pie recipe, anyone try it yet?

Did some doodling around with charting software and came up with this simple design on silk, the bells even jingle:)

Has anyone else maybe admired the ditty bags that seem to be so popular this year? Liked this appliqued wool bag, so I tried my hand at decorating one for hangin by the fire. What do you think?

Our simple tree...

Some turkey-lurkey friends came to pay us an early Christmas visit, scratchin and peckin for seeds to get them through the brutal weather here in New York, they're so quiet and always shock me when I see movement out the kitchen window:)

And lastly, being as thrifty as possible, I scarfed scads of wreaths from Michaels last February for ten cents each and many of them whoops! hung themselves on the very looooooong pasture fence, whew! If I could only train those pesky zip-ties to be self-zipping:)

Your *Followship*, sweet comments, constant encouragement and warm kinship over the least year has been a tremendous honor. I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and all the very best in 2011.

Let's all look forward to seeing what lovelies we come up with next year, shall we?

Tootles, Sue

~SNOW, SMALLS, STASH, STUFF~

2010-12-04T10:34:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my La D Da finish, does a heart good:)

Is everybody in the snowbelt keeping warm and toasty? We got our first snow, here's views from the loft and living room, pretty even if it's bitter cold out there:)

Finishes: Does anyone else find that stitchin a Christmas piece helps get one in the holiday spirit? Here's a few cupboard tucks and ornie finally finished this week (worked them in January). The two on top are quite large, I do like the third one down, kinda Quakerish and tone on tone, very drab, just the way I like 'em:)

Stash Report: 2 balls of lovely Presencia variegated thread for prim blanket stitches, more silk slub for uneven prim stitchin, nice big piece of Sassy's 32 ct Golden Promise~love it, and from Hugs and Stitches (super fast and very sweet service) a nice bunch of Sweet Annie for tucking here and there, along with my first purchase of walnut crystals for distressing, tried it today on the large tuck above, was snow white, painted/spattered/baked, now very prim.

Folky Finds: my brother found this slat from an old crate and saved it for me, I've trained him well ~ yes? Any suggestions on how to tastefully display this greatly appreciated ~ lol! And this old basket found at thrift store for 25 cents, love the wonky handle. We have probably 30 baskets around the house, mostly above the kitchen cupboards, people ask what we do with them all, truthfully we use them and often!

Pretty Stuff: pic from '08, for you Christmas cactus lovers ~ bloomin lovely...

Sweet Stuff: can you guess what flavor this pie is?

Oh so easy Pineapple Pie.

If anyone would like the recipe, I'm happy to share, just ask.
Get yourself a bottom crust and 1 large can of crushed pineapple,
the rest is likely in your pantry.

Well, that's it for sharing, thank you for taking the time to read along, especially during the hectic holidays. I hope this post will keep this stitcher in your good graces til my next post:)

Don't forget to treat yourself to something sweet this holiday season!

Tootles and Sweet Holiday Stitchin...

Sue

~ BOUNTIFUL ~

2010-11-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

Wishing all my dear American stitchy buds a most bountiful Thanksgiving brimming with Peace and Love. Don't forget where you left your s~t~r~e~t~c~h~y pants, off to look for mine :)

Stitcherhood freebie from last year ~ thx Maria!

~ BACK IN BLACK ~

2010-11-18T09:47:00.000-05:00

Hi there! Warm thanks to those of you who've kept my blog on your reader list despite my long absence from posting. I've enjoyed simply sitting in the back and following along the last couple months. Haven't posted any finishes in forever, but happily now have this to share. I adored stitching on this silk and thankful I have more of it, and in other colors too, it's not your conventional stitching linen, but a very fine base nonetheless. DH found this great old leather baby boot rooting around in the barn one day and I found the 2 sweet thread spools on the right and the wee silk bobbins at a thrift store for a song...

La D Da ~ ABCD

Silk fabric ~ approx 26 ct~ Desert Sand

Floss ~ DMC black, three over two

Start ~ 06/14/10

Finish ~ 10/23/10

~ Edgar ~ if per chance you catch this post, here's that Andover Fabrics silk, slubby and prim, easy to stitch on and wonderful in Q-snaps, requires lots of floss for adequate coverage.

On a recent trip to Denny's, DH found this bolt in the bottom of his drink glass, it's from the inside wall of the ice machine. It had come loose, fell into the bin and got scooped up with ice, and of course ended up on our table. I tell ya, if something weird is gonna happen at a restaurant, it ALWAYS happens to DH.

And yes, this stitcher enjoys a little AC-DC now and again, but not while stitching of course:) Well all, thanks for popping in, wishing each of you a day full of sweet stitches and granted wishes:)

Tootles, Sue

~ THE HERO THAT LIVED ON MAPLE AVE ~

2010-11-11T21:02:00.000-05:00

In observance of Veterans Day, please allow me to share a poem I wrote for a friend when she lost her father a couple of years ago. He was a a fine man and a WWII vet.

SWEET MEMORIES OF MR. BRADY

The long, majestic, vibrant row of peonies in his side yard

which nearly sang every year to welcome spring unto Maple Ave…

The abandoned kitten found in a tree near his sidewalk,

which a neighbor rescued and promptly named “Mr. Brady”…

The whispers that he carved a simple decoy long ago

and placed it on the roof of his shed, and wondering was it so,

and if it was, how long he might have left it there…

The corner diner where he met the boys for coffee every morning,

a picture worth a thousand words, with very few said…

The man who raised a little girl

who would become my very dear life-long friend…

The all knowing phrase he quipped when pondering things, “that’s life”…

The many years of his familiar and reassuring gentlemans’ hat

seen from afar and knowing, yes, it would be him,

and that all things were as they should be…

Farewell friend, you set a fine example of how to live a beautiful life,

we’ll miss you…

Maple Ave. won’t be the same without you and your gentlemans’ hat…

~ A GRATEFUL DAY ~

2010-08-28T15:28:00.000-04:00

Hi there dear friends! Belinda over at Blue Ribbon Designs drew my name as a runner up for her recent giveaway ~ swoon! I've been collecting Belinda's designs forever and am ever so grateful to find her sweet package in the mail, a tool pouch made by her own two little hands:) She also included her SYHO chart with a sweet message too! I ask you ~ what more could a girl want! Thank you for your generosity Belinda, I treasure your thoughtfulness and am grateful you share your designs with all of us...

Spent time in the garden this morn, bless my DFIL Mike who at 89 continues to till the soil so we may reap a bountiful harvest from his garden, I love and adore him more and more each day, more than words can say...

There's something very special about our Aunts, isn't there? We don't get to choose them, we just get them, and they love us like their own children, at least mine have. Farewell sweet Aunt Peggy ~ task master, good deeder, secret keeper, valiant in spirit, loving beyond obligation, supporter of womankind, you'll be missed by many. I'm a better person for knowing you and grateful for your gentle leadership all of my 51 years, may you soar with the angels...

Sniff sniff... now where's that tissue box...

Tootles, Sue

~ FREEBIE FRIDAY SURPRISE ~

2010-08-27T18:53:00.000-04:00

Hi there Dear Friends! Has anyone else tried the Reader Play feature to view blog posts, it's not too bad. You can select it by going to View Settings and selecting Reader Play.

I haven't posted much lately, I've gone back to work F/T in auto finance, one of those good offers with all the bells and whistles one can't turn down, especially in our current job market. I'm very grateful to have been chosen out of many applicants, it's a 20 minute drive and the perfect fit for my background in banking, legal and auto claims.

Perhaps THIS freebie will strike your fancy! If not, plz don't fret, I've saved a couple more links for future Fridays:)

Wishing you all a lovely relaxing weekend, gonna be another beauty here in the Finger Lakes:)

Tootles, Sue

~ REMEMBER FREEBIE FRIDAY SURPRISE? ~

2010-08-13T22:08:00.000-04:00

It's Friday and I found this SURPRISE just for us! You can download the pdf charts, and remember check out the tabs up top, they have a blog too, sweet:)

Oh, tried this recently, nummy ~ found at Walmart, and yes ~ a double batch is always better ~ perfect for a hot and steamy summer day, no cook and stupid quick ~ someone will love you for it:)

What's everybody doing this weekend anyway? Wishing a sweet summer weekend to one and all...

Tootles, Sue

~ Lots to Share - LOTS ~

2010-08-04T17:55:00.000-04:00

Hi there dear friends, long post/pic heavy ~ seems like forever since my last post, but I've been following all your blogs and really enjoying the time spent!

Sincere Thanks ~ To Mary Kathryn of The Stitching Room blog for the skein of Belle Soie *Marigold* which I didn't even know I'd won over at her blog.

Sincere Thanks ~ To Edgar of Blacksheep's bit of the Web who gifted me a skein of *Moss* Belle Soie. I've never seen this floss in person, it's sooo soft, I'm very grateful to each of you:) And don't you all agree two is better than one ~ LOL!

Sincere Thanks ~ to Marjorie M. over at 123 who RAK'd me with a small fallish chart from a 1997 magazine that I've been searching for a very looooong time, WOW! Marjorie, if you see this will you please email me so I can locate your blog or can someone plz send me a link if they know her blog?

Sincere Thanks ~ to Cathy at Cath's Pennies Designs for her wonderful wool Festive Snowman candle mat which I won on her blog during her Christmas in July giveaway, yes ~ I'm still shocked. Her finish is truly a work of fiber art. Cath's own design, all wool and quite heavy, each stitch expertly crafted, it's really more beautiful than a camera can capture, have a peek at Cath's lovely stitches! Missy, Stephanie and Carol ~ you girls ROCK xoxo ~ sweet thx for mentioning me over at Cath's blog and allowing me to enter her generous giveaway!

WOOLLY ~ I've been doing a little wool work, more collecting of delicious overdyed/mottled wools, lookie here, this is about a month of stashing, with more to come.

WHAT NOTS ~ As a diversion from my La D Da WIP, I whipped up these sweet woolly pinkeep pillows to experiment with templates, applique technique and well... just because, you know how it is:) They're not perfect, but made by me...

MEXICAN SUNFLOWER ~ This was gonna be a pinkeep, but since it turned out kinda nice (my free hand design), so it's joining some other prim chair pillows.

CDB ~ We saw Charlie Daniels last week, wow ~ at 73 he still puts on a great show! Nasty heavy rain storm, but we really wanted to see Charlie before he couldn't tour anymore, so glad we tuffed it out:)

THRIFTY ~ Now I ask ~ for the grand price of $2.00 ~ who of us would leave behind this great mantle clock at the thrift store? I knew I'd have to find a perfect place for it, even keeps perfect time!

KNOT THIS ~ Look... came off the DMC skein like this! Anyone ever seen this before?

DOOR BUSTER ~ Ott Lites on sale at Jo-Ann's this week, huge savings on this new model floor lamp called Hyde Park, orig. price $149.99, on sale half off $74.99, so you know I had to bust down their door first thing Sunday morning ~ LOL. It's perfect for our post & beam decor and much brighter than my first Ott Lite, happy~happy!

HE-MAN ~ This past weekend my He-Man came in from a long day in the woods taking down trees, and was greeted with these! Nutella ~ good on everything, real good! I'll be making these more often and switching around the fillings and toppings from sweet to savory.

A CRAPPY DAY ~ Today I flushed $75. down the toilet... There I am first thing this morning, huge office building for an appointment, had to tinkle, as I turned around, reached for and leaned on the handle to flush, my key chain slipped from my pants pocket, into the bowl and down the shoot, while the super flush suction thingy is sucking like the vortex of a major twister ~ bye-bye keys and ~sob ~ Jeep fob. No time to even try to reach into the bowl, I mean they were G O N E! Good thing for spare car key in wallet. When the nice mechanic at the dealer replaced the fob this afternoon, he said it was the crappiest thing he'd ever heard ~ LOL!

A H H H H ~ My day was all around pretty sad, so this is where I'm headed right now, my favorite summer sheets, laden with extra wide embroidered trim, all fancy schmancey, hard to find sheets like these ~ just love 'em...

Whew, if you're still reading, you must be exhausted and yawning, I thank you for indulging and nighty-night...

Tootles, Sue

~ SWEET THANKS ~

2010-07-15T09:59:00.000-04:00

Hi there! My warm thanks to each dear reader who mentioned me over on Cath's giveaway:) Hope you enjoyed her blog while visiting there.

Wahoo ~ I won her Snowman candle mat, can't believe it!

Tootles, Sue

~ CAN YOU HELP A GIRL OUT? ~

2010-07-14T12:32:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

Who doesn't love a giveaway!!!

I've entered a Christmas In July giveaway on a great blog (wool & needlework), ends today, Wed., 7/14.

I want to send you there, so you can become a follower too!

If you comment/mention my blog name and you become a follower at Cath's Pennies Designs, you'll be entering me for chance in her oh~so~sweet Blueberry Pinkeep in wool, a perfect way to remember this summer don't you think!

Shameless ~ yes, but I'm ok with it and know one or two friends will have my back on this one:) I'd be grateful to anyone with time to get me entered for Cath's pinkeep drawing...

So, if you have time, plz scoot on over to Cath's giveaway HERE and plz mention my name!

Isn't Cath's Blueberry Pinkeep oh so darling ~ swooning ~ I think it would like a new home in the Finger Lakes:)

Tootles, Sue

~ MOVING RIGHT ALONG... ~

2010-07-12T18:19:00.000-04:00

LOL! And... how was your day?

~ HDF OPEN HOUSE STARTS 7/16 ~

2010-07-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

Want to walk in, meet Vikki, purchase glorious silks, take a tour of where the magic happens? Vikki's ready, weekend of Friday 7/16 in Williamstown, PA!

HDF HERE .

Tootles, Sue

~ GIVEAWAY WINNINGS! ~

2010-07-11T14:59:00.000-04:00

Hi there! Thanks again to all who took the time to enter my 100 Followers Sweet Giveaway, you each made it really fun!

I delighted at picking and choosing Stephanie's autumnal flosses and explained to Stephanie I would post a pic for her ~ so now all of you and Stephanie can view her winnings together. Sooooo... here's what I came home with:)

GAST ~ Autumn Leaves and Heirloom Gold.

WDW ~ Pecan, Oak, Brick, Havana, Amber, Caper.

Gloves In A Bottle samples.

Three pieces of autumnal calico fabrics for finishing smalls.

In keeping with Stephanie's chosen colors, I also hand stitched this primitive 4" penny pinkeep for her, using overdyed wools and roving for fill. This project was so relaxing and a joy to make:)

Stephanie ~ Thank you for your patience while I put this treat together, your gift will be arriving soon. Isn't the expectation of stitchy mail deliriously delightful? I hope you like what you see and that you can find a use for these goodies ~ chosen and made especially for you ~ congrats again!

Thanks for taking the time to visit and until next time... Sweet Stitchin!

Tootles, Sue

~ GIVEAWAY WINNER ~

2010-07-07T10:25:00.000-04:00

Hi there, hope you had some fun during my celebration, a warm welcome to the new followers, and thx to all for taking the time to enter!

Congrats to Stephanie of Joie de Bayou HERE in New Orleans, LA, your comment was #2 and picked by the Random thingy!

Stephanie ~ I'll contact you for your snail mail. I'm off to select your lovely autumnal flosses, since that's what you fancy ~ dreadfully hard work, but I'm ok with it:)

Tootles, Sue

~ CORN ON THE FOURTH ~

2010-07-04T11:16:00.000-04:00

America The Beautiful

Finger Lakes Region, NYS

Despite the mailman bringing us those tiresome bills,

going to our mailbox can be a vision of beauty,

just depends on how we look at it :)

Wishing you a Sweet and Happy 4th!

~ 100 FOLLOWERS SWEET GIVEAWAY ~

2010-07-01T11:26:00.000-04:00

Hi there Dear Friends!

When I started bumbling around in blogland, I stumbled across many sweet stitchers and I've become grateful for of your friendship. I'd like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to just a couple here, for their generosity, kinship and mentorship from the very beginning:

Erynne of BeStitched and her new designer's site Red House Crafts, born into this world with a designer's heart:)

Sharon aka It's Daffycat , whose support for all of us never fails:)

Vonna aka The Twisted Stitcher, a friendly multi-talented git 'er done stitcher who's led many of us down the long, winding and enabling road:)

Stitchin Sweet Sue's Giveaway: In appreciation for your following here, I'm offering a sampling of flosses with a goody or two tucked in for good measure.

... if you'd like to try for some stash enhancement, plz comment this post only and share what colors you fancy (everyday, holiday or seasonal)

... one winner ~ deadline to enter is Tuesday, July 6th @ 11:00 pm Eastern

... will ship anywhere

... kindly be patient, I'll need a few days after the drawing for floss shopping ~ ohhhh the pain:)

... followers only please

... plz do not link or post this giveaway on your blog

Thanks for entering, good luck and have a great, safe and stitchy July 4th weekend!

Tootles, Sue

~ ONE HUNDRED SIXTY STITCHES ~

2010-06-28T12:19:00.001-04:00

Hi there Dear Friends!

Oh no, not me again, I must really get out more~lol! Please won't you meet our old red painted cupboard, sits on the floor in the living room, next to a chair, DH uses it for his filing cabinet. The plants love it, but the bare top was screaming for attention.

So, I added a perfect sized black stool I had around (weird I know but I'm tryin to expand my decorating deficient pea brain) and put back the plants, a few days pass... still screaming at me.

The other morning I woke with a wild hair and simply had to have something on the bare top. I'm not very crafty, can sew well and stitch basic cross stitch, but really enjoy trying new to me needle skills, so I pulled out a piece of wool felt, cut it to size and finished the edge with blanket stitches ~ 160 of them! I've done this stitch before on plant coasters, they were ok. Yeah I know, this mat is very crude, no backing or pretty pennies or colorful applique or fine embroidery, just plain, but it serves its' purpose, for now...

The stitches kind of look like they've been stitched by a serious finisher don't they, even the corners aren't too bad ~ thanks to this handy measuring gauge from Michaels quilting dept., does dual duty, the flip side also has measurements, what a super tool! Anyone else have one of these babies?

Thankfully that wild hair is gone, here's my results ~ the mat, a little grouping, on top of the cupboard, under the stool with plants, whew ~ lol.

I'm itching I tell you, itchin to try a longish narrow penny rug for a window sill that needs some prettying up, something soft, pale and creamy colored...

Can I also please add I've been trying to make contact with *Bluejean Primitives* who hand crafts the most exquisite prim penny rugs and mats, just want to know if she is still selling and where I can see her goodies. Sadly, I can't reach her. Jean if you're out there, can you please give me a holler?

Thx for indulging my teeny tiny wee little triumph, Sweet Stitchin to You!

Tootles, Sue

~ IT FINALLY... HAPPENED ~

2010-06-27T20:48:00.000-04:00

100 Followers TODAY ~ HOT DAMN! Warm thanks to TeresaM of Teresa's Primitive Treasures HERE who stepped up and got the job done to become my 100th Follower! Nice to meet you Teresa:)

From my sweet little heart to yours I humbly thank each of you for hanging in there with me since Feb. 2009, it's been a lovely sojourn. I've truly enjoyed blogging, devouring your inspiring and talented blogs and new designs, learning new stitchy tips and making very sweet and dear friends:) Stitchers are the BESTEST!

Please leave a comment if you think a Giveaway might be a good idea:) I've no idea what to do, but I'll come up with something sweet and post again in a few for the Giveaway!

Tootles, Sue

~ A SMALL FOR FALL ~

2010-06-25T14:25:00.000-04:00

Hi There Dear Friends! My sweet and sincere heartfelt thanks for your kind comments on my recent Quaker framing. What a wonderful week this has been, making new friends and discovering new blogs:)

I stitched this small a while ago and finished it up last night cause Mr. Singer was still languishing on the table.

Heart in Hand ~ Little Pumpkin in the Patch

32 ct antique white linen

DMC floss as charted, one over two

Back finished with overdyed wool, jute hanger

If you've ever visited the Finger Lakes Region, you already know it's simply heaven on earth, and even more exquisite in the summer. Small cities, rural countrysides, many working farms and good shopping too. We're fortunate to have excellent fiber resources around the Finger Lakes, so yesterday I carved out some me time and drove to Canandaigua Lake, always a relaxing, close to home treat! I visited with the always delightful Suzanne at The Liberty Cottage (same place I purchase silk for stitchin), picked up some wool roving and the most sumptuous overdyed wools one could ask for. Then, I went right next door to visit with Lori at Expressions in Needlearts, picked up some GAST *Wood Trail*, a drab green, but I like it fine:) My fingers are itchin to get into this yummy wool and do something a 'lil different!

Thx for poppin in and please have a lovely, long and relaxing summer weekend one and all!

Tootles, Sue

PS: Gentle Reminder ~ always remember to spell check, as I've just discovered (yikes) that I thanked you all for poopin in ~ lol!

~ A SWEET WELCOME TO OUR HOME ... ~

2010-06-21T20:48:00.000-04:00

.... wishing every dear reader and friend a sweet, slooooooow and bountiful Summer ~ enjoy each day, come what may:)

~ LA DA DA FRAMED ~

2010-06-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

Hi there Dear Friends!

Thanks for your kinship and following along here:) I've loved following each and every blog in my reader, all of them! I wonder how many of you are like me and have done away with flipping magazine pages to spend more time following stitchy blogs...

So, none of the custom mouldings I toiled over seemed to give this design the period look I was striving for. My heart sank as I sadly resigned myself to the fact that this piece would remain (heavy sigh)... unframed. As a last ditch effort I started pawing through the frames at Michaels, my heart stopped as I noticed this 8x10 ready made beauty perched on the highest shelf at Michaels. I think I actually gasped quite loud, right there in the store - lol.

Pics are clickable.

Frame stands upright, plain rails and upper shelf moulding...

Sweet little period feet ~ lovely design element don't you think...

La D Da ~ Quaker Alphabet 2007

WDW 35 ct linen ~ Straw

Floss ~ WDW Palomino, 2 over 2, approx 6 skeins

Stitch Count 110 x 138

Initials and year inserted lower right corner of design

After all my obsessing about linen and floss and framing, she became exactly as I envisioned, the perfect combination of design, fiber and finish, couldn't have asked for more. She'll rest on our harvest table, where one can gaze at her and gather inspiration for another project to capture ones' heart...

Ok, I'd better skedaddle before I start weeping ~ and no one laugh at me please, cause I know you've all been there before ~ lol:)

Thanks for popping in today!

Tootles, Sue

~ UNEXPECTED HOUSE GUESTS ~

2010-06-16T18:09:00.002-04:00

Don't ya just love 'em! Last time they showed up uninvited we counted 21. There I was working at the sink, looked up and... well ~ you can image how startled I was. And no, dinner wasn't them, at least not tonight, hee hee...

Remember Green Acres way back when? DH and I, he's Eddie Albert, I'm Eva Gabor, sadly... minus the diamonds. An ordinary day in the country, living amongst the splendor of nature, waiting patiently for the chickens or pheasants or fox or coyote or deer or bunnies or the neighbors' mule or donkeys or cow or goats or sheep or horses to finish crossing the driveway (watch out for the poop!), waking up long long long before dawn compliments of Mr. Cock A Doodle Do!, stuff like that, every day, day after day. Most days it feels like we're living on Noah's Ark, I'd say it's Heaven (except for the Doodle part) ~ but then someone might pinch me...

Oh, and I started a new sweet WIP, it's over in my toolbar, if you want to check it out!

Sweet Stitchin all, or should I say "please pass the gravy"...

Tootles, Sue

~ I REALLY NEED THAT! ~

2010-06-11T09:57:00.000-04:00

Hi there dear friends!

Can I plz share a sweet tech tip?

Did you every notice the standard Windows clock in your taskbar (lower tray) lacks brightness/clarity?

Maybe one or two of you are like me and experiencing weakening reading vision due to growing more beautiful:)

Ever wish you could find the Date/Time ~and~ Day of Week on your puter, all in the same place, in a font size that's easy for you to read?

TCLOCKEX loads in your taskbar (lower tray) on start up, is customizable, very user friendly and FREE! I installed this freeware a long~long~long time ago, love it and thought it might be a useful to others.

Taken directly from TClockEx site: " TClockEx enhances the standard Windows taskbar clock, adding the ability to display the date, time and lots of other information in any format you like. TClockEx is highly customizable, from the format to the font and color, and even the tooltip information. Many people have wondered why this wasn't built into the standard clock to begin with. "

If you want to check it out, go HERE .

Wishing you each a wonderful weekend filled with sunny days and sweet stitches.

Tootles, Sue

MY FIRST QUAKER: LA~D~DA QUAKER ALPHABET

2010-06-08T08:48:00.000-04:00

Hi there dear friends! Thanks for your on and off blog input on the topic of hoops, scroll frames and Q-snaps, I'm enjoying muddling my way through the options.

Since the summer sun is beaming it's picture time. Even as adults we all have *Firsts* in our lives don't we ~ lol! Here's a quick reveal of one of my firsts, still need to add initials/year, will frame it shortly. I feel like a kid saying this, but it's so true:) Was hoping for a faded, easy on the eye, old timey feeling with this color palette, will be a nice addition to our home.

La D Da ~ Quaker Alphabet 2007

WDW 35 ct linen ~ Straw

Floss ~ WDW Palomino, 2 over 2, approx 6 skeins

Stitch Count 110 x 138

Start 5-4-10

Finish 6-6-10

Very warm thanks to Gale in N.C. over at 123 who graciously offered a skein of older floss, stitchers are the most compassionate souls...

Oh, I started a new small, take a gander at my sidebar if you like (there's a new section for WIP).

FYI ~ Did anyone notice HDF has introduced a new line of silk flosses called *Primitive Barn*, luscious red, rust, blue, green and brown, it's only a few colors but they're nice and prim ~ they're on her home page!

On another note, I'm kind of unexpectedly surprised and delighted. I picked up *Thread Heaven* which I've heard about, but always pooh-poohed it cause I didn't want an additive on my floss ~ thinking the old way is always the best way. But... I find it keeps stitches from excessive fuzzing and adds a richer appearance to the floss (at least to me), the stitches just look more pleasing with Thread Heaven. I like it (so far). I've not yet tried it on silk floss, only cotton. Anyone have any thoughts to share about Thread Heaven?

It's been swell of you to stop in, plz do come again when you can stay for cheesecake:)

Tootles, Sue

~ BLUEBERRY... ~

2010-06-05T21:29:00.000-04:00

... cheesecake, a splendid summer day, stitchin and sweet friends, what more could a girl want:)

Wishing you a lovely summer Sunday...

Tootles, Sue

~ THE BLUES AND STASH ~

2010-06-03T18:24:00.002-04:00

Hi there dear friends, thanks for your kind comments about Pamela's Pin Pillow on my last post, it's nice to have reassurance from like minded spirits and make a new friend every so often:) Thanks to those of you who are new followers, it's really nice to meet you!

So... to be completely honest ~ I've had the stitchy blues the last week or so, which is a first for me, ever! I'd become forlorn about my stitches being crushed by my hoop on my La D Da WIP, sniff~sniff:(

With a helping hand from Nicole of Nicole's Needlework HERE , I decided to try a scroll frame for the first time. Nicole's stitches are always so very pristine that it's hard to believe a human hand laid them. I hoped there was a better way for me to tackle this new stitchy hurdle, but felt completely lost on how to proceed. As Nicole suggested, I used a 40% off coupon off at Michaels, brought this scroll frame home and loaded her up. As you can see, this project is near completion, and I now have more confidence to happily anticipate my next few projects. I think I'll even name my new frame *Fanny*, cause the rods and side rails have little slits in them ~ LOL! Plus, I always fancied the name Fanny:) If you're reading this Nicole, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for your kindness!

La D Da Quaker Alphabet

WDW 35 ct. linen ~ Straw

WDW Palomino, 2 over 2

Another dear blogger Barbara in Orlando HERE RAOK little old me with beautiful floss I've never tried. We both have an uncontrollable and unexplainable penchant for red, every red, all the reds, LOVE THE REDS!!! A lovely skein of DMC Floche (new to me), it's very very silky. The Mandarin Bamboo floss I've seen but was afraid to touch/try, it's oh so soft and vewy vewy tempting. It's a miracle we stitchers ever get anything done with so many wonderful fiber choices. Barbara, your gracious generosity exceeds your fine needle and finishing skills, your gift of friendship couldn't have come at a better time to lift me from the stitchy blues ~ THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

So there we have it, two examples of gracious and advanced stitchers who may not even realize that they're mentors to some of the rest of us...

There, I feel better now, think I'll go make a cheesecake, baking always soothes my rattled nerves:)

If you've ever had the stitchy blues, do share ~ why and what brought you out of your funk?

Tootles, Sue

~ PIN PILLOW FOR PAMELA ~

2010-05-22T11:46:00.002-04:00

Hi friends! This was a freebie motif which made for a sweet and prim pin pillow. It all came together so beautifully and easily, I just adore it. Being a lover of all things prim and folky, it was a bit hard, but not that hard, to bid it farewell. Have been wanting to incorporate a wee wool pin patch into a project, so this was a fine candidate. When coffee dying it's a good idea to add some white jute, so if you decide to make a small like this the hanger will resemble the coffee dyed fabby. Another surprise, I actually remembered to do this! Seriously, linen is divine, but I could happily forever stitch on Osnaburg, anyone else out there like it?

This surprise sweetie is on the way to Pamela's home (no blog) who beads and might find a place for it ~ hmmmmmm, maybe hanging in her cherry kitchen or off her oh-so-delish spool chest:)

Pamela's Pin Pillow
Designer ~ Primitive Stitchin/Shelly Auen (freebie)

Osnaburg ~ coffee dyed by me

DMC floss ~ one strand over two

Poly stuffed ~ Coffee dyed jute hanger

Thx for sharing this moment and plz have a great weekend everyone!

Tootles, Sue

~ ACT FAST - 20% SALE AT UNIVERSBRODERIE ~

2010-05-19T08:40:00.000-04:00

For those who enjoy UK designs, don't miss the 20% off sale at Universbroderie in France, ends Thursday U.K. time (6 hours ahead of USA time). Almost all charts are marked down 20%. This sale was posted over on the 123Stitch message board.

To fill your cart with lovelies you've been longing for, go HERE . At the bottom left corner you can click on the UK flag for site in English.

Tootles, Sue

~ RAK - QUEEN'S PIN PILLOW ~

2010-05-18T09:28:00.001-04:00

Edited 5/19/10: My brother is teaching me Photoshop, so here's a new image, pretty nice huh! Thx Jeff:)

Hi there dear friends! Was nice to hear from you about my recent prim floral pin pillow, so thanks:)

As promised, here's another to share, motifs/initials were freebies easily found on the net.

Stitched for dear friend Patti G. (no blog). Despite never having met in person, somehow we connected~in a good way:) Patti's fav color is blue, and this surprise mailing has arrived at her home, hope she finds it useful.

Queen's Pin Pillow (named by me)

Belgian linen, natural - 32 ct

DMC 3768 ~ one strand over two

Stuffed with Poly

Patti's initials and year

Thanks ever so much for taking a few moments to stop in!

Tootles, Sue

~ YOU NAUGHTY NAUGHTY BOY ~

2010-05-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon, all is calm and sunny, then DH hollers from the garage *Honey~I got you something*! My mind raced ~ Flowers? Chocolates? Silk? Noooo, I turned from my monitor and he offered up this cute 'lil guy! He was so pretty, about the size of a slice of white bread, but what looong claws he has. Looks like he's a bit of a scrapper 'cause there's a chunk missing from his underside. No fear, he's been returned to his pond to rejoin his like-minded slow pokes, let's hope stays out of the road this time and behaves himself:) This rescue behavior is typical of my very sweet and gentle DH, who only once very quietly admitted *I like most animals more... than most people*. Sounds like a man who truly knows himself, don't you think?

Has your DH ever brought something home that was a little different?

Tootles, Sue

~ Prim Pin Pillow ~

2010-05-14T12:54:00.000-04:00

Hi there dear friends! Thanks for your comments the last few days, it's ever so nice to chat with like minded sisters:)

Guess it's no secret that I've finally spent some time with the other man in my life, Mr. Singer:) This was a fun and quick stitch, fabric is equivalent to 32 ct., turned out nice. Will hang it off the key of our red blanket chest. I found chart on the net couple of years ago, tried to find link today, but failed miserably.

Floral Pin Pillow

Osnaburg (coffee dyed & severely distressed by me)

DMC 400 ~ one strand over two

Stuffed with wool roving

Back finished with hand dyed wool ~ color Steak Sauce

I've finished a couple more smalls, but alas ~ will have to wait for another day to share, as they're gifties and not yet mailed...

Thanks for visiting, wishing you a wonderful weekend and Sweet Stitchin...

Sue

~ WHAT KEEPS ME GOIN.... ~

2010-05-13T12:24:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! This post is dedicated to all coffee lovers.

I recently came up with this recipe for Iced Mocha, it's way better and simpler than my old recipe. If you're like me, you love it and need to avoid expensive coffee shops and find a perfectly yummy alternative. No brewing is a bonus, you can not get that rich espresso flavor from a drip coffeemaker, no matter how much coffee you put in. I drink this year round, even in the dead of winter. I offer no pitiful excuses:)

Sweet Sue's Iced Mocha ~

Into a shaker combine:

2 cups cold milk ( 2% for me )
1 heaping tablespoon *instant* espresso powder (not granules)
quick squirt of Hersheys syrup
( you'll notice there's no added sugar ~ bonus )

Shake the dickens out of it, will foam nicely. Pour into a tall glass with scant ice and enjoy! I skip the whipped topping and cinnamon sprinkle but indulge if you must:)

Simply adjust the coffee amount to your liking, I like mine robusto!

In a weeks' time I drink (2) per day = (14) per week. Compare this recipe to $4.00 each at the coffee shop. Instant espresso powder is approx. $3.00 to $4.00 for a small 2 oz. jar and will yield many delicious servings. Heck, even if I go wicky~wacky berserkity bonkers and use a whole jar every week, that's still only a few bucks for many servings. The savings is significant, which means more moohla for stash!

If you can't find espresso powder in your coffee aisle, check in the Italian specialty foods section, it might be hiding there...

This can be shaken and stored in fridge for home or grab/go. Life's busy, a girl has gotta have what she wants, when she wants it, and not have to go broke or spend a lot of time getting it.

Plz let me know if you try this and what you think? Or if you have an Iced Mocha recipe to share, I'd love to try it!

Tootles and Sweet Stitchin, Sue

~ A FIRST AND A MAY START ~

2010-05-06T19:55:00.000-04:00

Hi there friends!

Have any of you felt that feeling? No, no ~ not that ho-hum~pleasurable~fuzzy-wuzzy~I'm stitchin feeling.

You know ~ the one that doesn't always happen... that feeling after your first few rows of stitches... your heart sings with jubilation!

Please allow me to introduce you to my first Quaker! Design, linen and floss ~ it's coming together exactly as I envisioned:) I'm more amazed than anything~LOL!

Think back, when you were little... maybe you knew an older neighbor lady who had *that green* in her home. Her house would have been one of the biggest houses on the street, Victorian of course and bright white. Her verrrry long and elegant front porch would have been lush with billowing Boston ferns that hung and gently swayed in between the thick, ornate columns. She would have had *that green* in her home, maybe her sofa or chair. You couldn't really tell if it was green... or olive... or tan... or gold... or light brown! That's the color floss I've chosen, rich and elegant looking, so much prettier than a camera can capture.

La D Da ~ Quaker Alphabet

WDW 35 ct. linen ~ Straw

WDW floss ~ Palomino

Oh, and I noticed the newest stock of WDW floss tags now say *colorfast*. Good to know!

Thanks so much for reading along and for your oh~so~nice comments on our latest auction finds from last weekend! Hope you're enjoying a good stitch yourself:)

Tootles, Sue

~ WHO NEEDS A FRAME ... ~

2010-05-02T11:49:00.000-04:00

... when you can use this very old wooden tri-fold drying rack from yesterday's estate auction.

This captures memories of departed friends who were collectors.

I'm not sure if Gene and Betty displayed it in their home,

but would like to think they'd approve...

This bare wall and dark stairway landing sorely needed something

and this prim architectural element fits the tall space quite nicely.

So I pinned up some old ditties from my finish pile,

am thinkin a lovely place to hang some ornies too!

Brought home several brass buckets to add to our collection,

will find something to do with them...

My heartfelt thanks to each of you for your kind comments on my Sparrow's Song finish. Kinship and encouragement keeps us stitchers advancing our skills don't ya know!

Hope you're all having a great weekend, thanks ever so much for stopping by!

Tootles, Sue

~ DRIZZLE & SIZZLE ~

2010-04-27T16:48:00.001-04:00

Hi there! Maybe you vaguely recall my last post about HDF 10 for $12.50? Here's my selection of 10 silks, came yesterday on a cold and very wet day. Stitchy mail makes even a drizzly day sunny, don't you think?

A snap of today's newly acquired stash:

Weeks 35 ct. linen *Straw* ~ lovely *go to often* color,

would have very happily taken a whole yard but.... yikes!

GAST ~ Heirloom Gold

Prim Scissors ~ patiently waited for a free ship offer,

now they're mine ~ yay!

And now the sizzle... last stop today was the framers, my first sampler finish on linen:

This closeup is the true color of the linen.

Like the frame?

A pretty good match for that folky look.

Welcome Home GH Sparrow's Song

Wouldn't it be oh so nice if every day was a stash day!!! Well, a girl can dream...

Wishing each of you a sweet stitchy evening! My always grateful thanks for visiting dear friends:)

Tootles, Sue

~ CALLING HDF FANS ~

2010-04-19T11:54:00.003-04:00

Hi there!

If you're maybe like me and have been planning to add more Vikki Clayton's SILK flosses to your stash, check out her site!

Half way down home page on right side see her offer of 10 flosses for $12.50 called * YOU PICK TEN *. Follow the instructions carefully cause you *must* list your colors in the comments when you place your order.

This is an oh~so~nice way for Vikki to offer us a savings, on top of her offering silks for $1.25 and $1.65 per 5 yard skein.

Yep, placed my order today, saved about $4.00 and you just know it wasn't at all difficult to pick 10 colors~lol! Anyone want to join me? I'll be watching for your silk floss pics on your blogs:)

Thanks Vikki!

If you already know about this offer, well.... just never you mind:)

HAND DYED FIBERS

Tootles and Sweet Stitchin, Sue

~ POLL RESULTS ~

2010-04-13T23:47:00.000-04:00

Hi there! We had 46 sweet participants who voted and shared their skill level with the sewing machine. It was lovely to chat with those of you who commented or emailed privately, I'm thrilled and honored to have made a few new friends during this poll, such a delightful bonus! Thank you one and all!

It's good to see that only a scant few of us are lacking any sewing machine skills. Seems the majority of us muddle along, with a few who've acquired advanced skills.

Here's our poll results:

~ The Sewing Machine and You ~

never learned ~ 4%
basic skills ~ 47%
some machine finishing of my pieces ~ 19%
advanced skills ~ 28%

My dear nieces are 9 and 7 and live an hour away. We share *Craft Day* every so often, it's been such a pleasurable and loving experience over the years. They've been nurtured to learn, desire and appreciate arts of all genres and to create from hand for the mere joy of it and also to realize the possibility of *needing skills* in their future. After all, one day they'll have a dorm or their first apartment and might want a simple little valance for their odd sized window:) I believe if we encourage the young ones to at least try different arts, they will be more likely to experiment on their own as they mature, and hopefully find a passion that will last them a lifetime. I'm pretty sure most of you feel the same way too.

Do any of you ever wonder as I do? Did the daughters of soccer Mom's learn to sew on a machine? Is sewing still taught in Home Ec? Is Home Ec even offered anymore? Maybe you're a soccer Mom with daughters and can share?

If you're still reading, thx for hangin in there...

Tootles, Sue

SUBWAY CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY

2010-04-10T07:19:00.003-04:00

Today, one day only, Saturday 4/10. Buy one~get one foot long subs! Not sure if any locations are excluded from this event, you can check it out near you.

What has this to do with stitching you wonder? Well... nothing, but if you've ever had their toasted tuna sub piled high with your fav toppings, you know what I'm talking about:)

Share the love, tell your friends! They'll tell their friends and so on and so on...

Tootles, Sue

PS: Plz don't forget to cast your vote on my poll to the right, only 1 day left, thx!

~ THE SEWING MACHINE ~

2010-04-06T17:17:00.000-04:00

You know, that thing some of us have a love/hate relationship with ~ lol! I recently discovered there are a number of stitchers whose stitching is exemplary, yet they never learned how to use a sewing machine. Silly Dilly me, assuming that if one can stitch, one can sew.

So... I added a 5 day poll to my toolbar, will you please share your feedback with the rest of us? It might be fun to see the results, not for any particular reason, just for the heck of it.

Thx for popping in dear readers:)

Tootles, Sue

~ STITCHY BREAD ON EASTER SUNDAY ~

2010-04-04T08:34:00.001-04:00

Hi there dear friends and a glorious Easter Sunday to you! Can I just share that it's been my profound pleasure to befriend each of you over the last year or so, I am profoundly grateful for your kinship and I thank you...

Easter decorating ~ When possible I try to focus on selecting prim collectibles and antiques we have in home, rather than purchasing new. Here's my WIP ~ likely to change as does the wind. Sorry for the poor lighting. It's a bit barren, lacks a few grubby carrots, but happily I discovered a couple of great tutorials for prim carrots. I'll enjoy the project and get them done for next year:)

Baked a few loaves of Choc Chunk Banana Bread ~ several for hostess gifts and for our freezer.

And of course, a special stitchy friend deserves nothing less than a stitchy loaf ~ lol!

Thanks for taking the time to visit, wishing you a day filled with Easter love, family and sweet stitchin....

Tootles, Sue

~ A HOP HERE - A NIBBLE THERE... ~

2010-03-30T12:55:00.000-04:00

... there's something *Bunny* in the air! Hi there stitchy friends, wanna share your bunny finishes with the rest of us? Would really enjoy seeing some Bunny samplers, they're really the sweetest 'lil loves, don't you think?

Here's my wee finish from a couple years ago...

Bunny Love Mini Sampler ~ stitched free hand on Zweigart linaida 18 ct

This wee baby was my inspiration, his Momma made a cozy little nest in our garage for her hoppy family...

I double-dawg Bunny dare you, but in a nice way!

Tootles, Sue

~ SPARROWS SONG - MY VERSION ~

2010-03-25T11:55:00.002-04:00

Hi there! Loved this design when I discovered it, reminds me of folk art and I LOVE all things folk art. Put in the last few stitches recently and returned the chart to its' rightful owner, but only today lightly pressed it for pics. I did change the tulip color as I just couldn't live with the yellow as charted, the rest of the colors are as called for. This is my first *non-small* piece on linen so I'm kinda partial to it. DH loves the colors as they go very well with our home. And yes, I desperately needed to purchase an Ott light to work this one! Hoping to frame it and hang it!

The yellow in the first tulip was too bright for me.

I couldn't imagine doing another three just like it,

so it had to go, and fast!

The Goode Huswife

Sparrows Song

PTP Relic 36 ct.

DMC floss 2 over 2

Sincere thanks to the generous and gracious Vonna aka The Twisted Stitcher for her private *loan* of this chart. Chart was re-released after I started stitchin this, so it's now available at The Goode Huswife site if anyone is interested in adding it to their stash.

I couldn't have started stitchin on linen without the guidance of a local stitcher Janice H. (no blog), who patiently put my fears to rest so I could meet my 2009 personal goal of linen stitchin. Thank you so much Janice for your skill and here's to many more wonderful years of stitchship and enabling xoxo!

Now, I'm ready for a smaller stitch, hmmmmmm ~ maybe a pin pillow:)

Thx to each of you for popping in, wishing you a lovely stitchy day...

Tootles, Sue

~ SKIP OVER TO A RAK GIVEAWAY ~

2010-03-24T13:07:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

Stitchers Anon blog is having a RAK giveaway, how delightfully sweet! Hope we're not too late to enter....

Skip over HERE fast to join the fun.

Tootles, Sue

~ I'VE BEEN SO DISTRESSED LATELY ~

2010-03-22T13:28:00.004-04:00

Hi there! The label on this spray bottle of *Distress It* by Hooked On Rugs says it's for punch needle projects, but I found it works well on most cotton/linen fabrics, and probably wools as well. Bottle appears to be about one liquid cup, more or less (sorry, no ounces on label).

Cost at LNS was about $7.50 (less 25% off during Superbowl Sunday). I'd been watching it for a while and since it was on sale, it was the perfect time to try it.

Two strengths are offered ~ *regular* and *extremely*. The label states this stain lightens as it dries, so I chose the extremely distressed.

As you may know, Osnaburg is a very wonderful tannish, primitive, sturdy and slubby, inexpensive (bonus) fabric, I love to buy it a yard or two at a time for stitchin. Sometimes you can even find Osnaburg in prim drabby colors, love that too! The weave is compared to 32 ct. and was used in Pioneer days as clothing fabric/shirting material. The color on my monitor makes this natural Osnaburg appear gray (like natural linen), it's not gray, it's tan.

This was a fun project, here's my experiment, you can click on pics to enlarge:

Large piece of natural Osnaburg~before/after a liberal spray; good overall coverage for large pieces, but not enough definition for smalls unless you are intentionally trying to alter the overall color of the Osnaburg, which was also a nice brownish color

Another large piece of Osnaburg that I had very heavily tea dyed,

then sprayed, dabbed and drizzled with paint brush;

better definition for smalls

Scraps of Osnaburg

Top ~ Natural/before

Center ~ Sprayed

Bottom ~ Dabbed with paint brush

This product is indeed a brown stain, please spay with care. I even sprayed, waited a few minutes then rinsed under warm water to see if I could alter the distressing, some of the overall stain did rinse out nicely. You can also wait between sprays for a nice layering effect.

I'd say this product goes a long way, does what's intended, dries rather quickly and is very user friendly ~ I give it a big stitcher's thumbs up! Another fab product made in the USA:)

Kind thanks to those who asked about this. If you try this stain, please consider letting the rest of us know what you think.

If you're still with me at the end of this post, phew ~ thanks for hangin in there!

We wonder, we learn, we share, we create!

Tootles, Sue

Edited: Stitchers minds think alike. A reader wondered if this product is *acid free*. It's been a couple days and I've not been able to confirm one way or the other. If anyone has definitive input on this noteworthy point, will you please let me know? Thx.