Life With Jules, and other stuff

Here is what I have done so far: It's on 28-ct. evenweave. I have found the larger count fabric challenging. I am used to working with up to 18-ct Aida fabrics, so this is a neat change.

I just found a site that has really easy to download embroidery patterns for free. It's http://cross-stitchers-club.com/?code_avantage=swpwbe . Plus, if you click on this link, you'll automatically receive a gift when you subscribe. I use this site all the time; there are hundreds of all different types of patterns, and there are new patterns added everyday. It's really worth a look.

I have added a couple of "Lists" gadgets to showcase the books and magazines I have purchased or subscribe to. Many of the books on my list I have purchased from www.crafterschoice.com . While they don't have many books on cross-stitching, I have found that Crafter's Choice is a great way to purchase books on just about any hobby - including cooking, sewing, paper crafts, etc. One caution on Crafter's Choice is that it is a book club, so it's easy to spend, spend, spend! Lol... Anyway, check out my new Lists!

Well, it has taken a few years, but I have finally finished "Nautical Sampler". Whew! There is a lot of detail in this crossstitch and the back stitching alone took about 20 hours. Here is the finished product: ****************** Now on to a new project. I am still in the mode of making gifts for Christmas this year (even if it is only March). The next one I am stitching is a '68 Charger that I am making for an uncle. I purchased the pattern from http://www.patternsonline.com/ . They have a bunch of interesting patterns to choose from. Here is a picture of the pattern:

I have made some progress on the "Nautical" project.

Sweet rose the smell of sweet roses always remind me of you they bring back those fond memories of walks through the park and talks by the bay with the stars in the sky by the moon and the sun in the sky by the earth what more could a person ask for besides the love from you memories of a time not long ago when we first met on that odd and wonderful day august 16, 1990

I am a nut about photography and take my camera just about everywhere with me. In addition to my blogging, I submit my photos to a forum on http://photography.about.com/ . The current cycle is on the color "green", so I decided to combine two of my hobbies. Here is my latest quick project (and once I get a pillow, it will be complete). This is a pillow wrap by Pine Mountain Designs that I picked up at The Black Sheep Shop in Orlando. Now for the something old. This is a pattern I began working on around 2005 while on vacation. It is called "Nautical Sampler" by Plaid Bucilla. The artist is Linda Gillum. I set it aside because it was a bit tedious and a lot of detail work. This is what I have so far.

I like it when a crossstitch project only takes a couple of days. Then again, the Apples proved to be a little frustrating because there are sooooo many colors used in such a small design. Anyway, it is complete and here to show... I did add a little signature at the bottom of this one and intend to use it from now on. This way the person who receives it will know who made it for them and what year.

thoughts of you the life inside of me is growing wilder with every breathing minute the love I feel for you is the root of it all I cherish the times we spend together because we never know how long we have... as the days pass while you are away I reflect on the times we have spent together those memories are never far from my mind they are very dear to me so i’ll keep them alive until the day you return... ...for you will be mine my love for you is growing stronger with each passing second. I can see an image of you whenever we're apart reaching for the sky I pray you'll be alright and return safely home tonight I think of you often for the wild life in me and my strong love for you make the days seem shorter and shorter until they are one and your return will be soon august 6, 1990

There are times when I come across a pattern on www.PatternsOnline.com that I really want to do. Well, Apples by Leisure Arts was one of those. I have been working on different patterns over the past few months, either finishing those started or new ones altogether, in the process of making Christmas gifts for a few family members. I decided it would be the best way to spend my free time (at least until I land a job) and get ready for the holidays a little earlier than usual. Here is what I have completed so far on Apples:

Finally finished the Polska Sampler. It was starting to get on my nerves, lol. I think because of all the red. ;) When (and if) I tackle this one again, I am thinking of white against a dark green or dark blue fabric.