MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!!! & TUSAL Final Update

First off I just want to wish everyone

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

SEASONS GREETINGS !

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Next up is my final offering for the TUSAL (totally useless stitch-a-long) for 2014.

 Again I put them beside the jar. There are bits of sewing thread and fabric snips as well as all of my stitchin' orts and evenweave threads that unraveled.

And here is the grand mountain of snips & orts.

Didn't want to fluff them out too much or they might have started to fall off the DMC floss cabinet. 

Well that's all for this post. So until next time ........

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

A Date to Remember

A Day That Will Live In Infamy ----- December 7th, 1941

The flag is flying proudly at our home today.

May We Never Forget.

2014 Smalls SAL

OK, with screwing up my back shoveling snow on Wednesday and lots of quality time with my heating pad then Thanksgiving and more quality time with my heating pad, I totally spaced on the 2014 Smalls SAL on the 26th. 

"Merry Christmas 2014"

Designed By: Me 

Stitched on 28 count Grey Blue evenweave using DMC threads, #4 Kreinik to outline the snow, Mill Hill Petite beads in red, white and blue and three gold stars for the tree tops.

Didn't know which picture to use, neither one seems to show the Kreinik or the beads and stars very well. Maybe after I finish it as a wall hanging or framed they'll show up better.

Well that's all for today everyone, I hope all that celebrated had a great Thanksgiving, ours was quite with only the big guy and I. Our dogs each got a Thanksgiving bowl with ham, smashed potatoes and gravy, deviled eggs, stuffing and veggie. they were very happy boys. 

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

TUSAL for November

I'm a little late again for my TUSAL update, but I always say better late than never, so here it is.

Once again the threads are put next to the jar since the jar is so full.

That's it for now everyone, so until next time......

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Hugs, Sandy

Another Christmas Gift

Thought I would share one more Christmas chart for you to stitch.

"Silent Night"

Designed by: yep you guessed it, Me.

I'm trying to come up with a Hardanger design to share, but don't have the ability to show how-to's for the different stitches, so it would be for those experienced with Hardanger. 

So many designs swirling around in my head, I almost don't know where to start. 

On a more irritating note we got this, when the Weather Channel said "Only 1 inch"

 That ended up being 5 inches more than their 1 inch. Yeah right, when it was all over and done with we ended up with 10 inches total of that fluffy white crap beautiful snow. Monster loved it and wanted to go outside every half hour just so he could eat some and lay around in it, crazy German Shepard.

Here he is, in the house pouting cause Mom said he had to warm back up, he is at least 16 years old and on glucosomine and baby aspirin for his joints, but does he care, heck no, all he wanted was to spend the day out in it or on the back porch with the outside door open so he could watch it snow. He just loves gettin' his chilly on.

Well that's all for now everyone. So until next time, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your thoughts behind.

Take Care and Happy Stitchin' All

Hugs, Sandy

Just Showin' Em Off

Some of my fellow stitcher's have stitched up my free designs and have kindly shared their amazing results with me, so I thought I would share them with all of you.

"Blessed Christmas"

Was stitched by Julie Mudd

"Noel"

Was stitched by Mare

"Nose Art"

Was stitched by Robin Brown

"Spooky Nights"

Was stitched by Kate at By the Babbling Brook

"Fourth of July Heart"

Was stitched by Denise at Country Stitcher

If you have stitched one of my designs just let me know or send me a pic and I'll do another post in the near future to showcase your stitching. So until next time......

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

2014 Smalls SAL

It's a day past time for my 2014 Smalls SAL, so here it is ......

"Silent Night"

Designed by me, stitched on 28count hand-dyed Evenweave using DMC threads.

This will be made into an ornament for the tree or wreath. Which ever get's put up this Christmas.

I've been in a very "Primitive Backwoods Cabin" kind of mood as of late so most of the pieces I'm designing and stitching are in that mode. I have been enjoying coming up with all of the Pine Trees, Pine Boughs and Cones and Cabin's though and it does help that our home is a Log Cabin.

Well that's it for today friends. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and until next time ......

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

Show Your Stash: Patterns

 Anna over at Stitch Bitch is having another Show Your Stash questionnaire, which I am very late in posting for.

When you shop for patterns, do you buy on impulse or do you buy only what you need?
I only buy a pattern  if I truly love it and know I will stitch it. Otherwise it's just a waste of money.

How do you sort your patterns—by designer? theme? Season?
Some by designer and some by Season.

How do you store your patterns?
Just a 3-ring binder. I only have one at the moment. But I have a whole shelf of Cross Stitch magazines.

Which designer do you own the most patterns by?
Lavender & Lace by the late Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum. I just adore her Angels and Christmas designs.

"Santa of the Forest"

By Lavender & Lace

Which designer have you stitched the most patterns by?
Me ;}  I have Pattern Maker Pro, so I design most of my own Cross Stitch and Hardanger charts.

"Nichole"

By Sandra Longan Designs (that's me)

What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash?
Only buy what you know you will stitch in a certain amount of time or that you truly love. Other wise your tastes will change and you'll end up with the "What Was I Thinking" pile.

When do you say enough is enough?
I don't have a lot of patterns, so when I don't find any that I love that'll be enough.

How do you whittle your stash down when it's gotten too large?
Give it away to friends or second hand store.

Do you have a current favorite in your stash? Let’s see it!
No current favorite.

TUSAL for October

It's that time of the month again, time for my TUSAL (Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long) update for October. So without further ado, here it is.......

My jar is getting so full I decided to take a picture of this months offering before I put it into the jar.

This is Hamilton "Hammy" my craft room companion. And just so everyone knows, no part of the Snake plant/Mother-In-Laws Tongue gets into his cage.

Well, that's all for today, thanks so much for stopping by. So until next time........

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

Just So Everyone Knows About It

We got a phone call the other day from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, the person had an Indian accent according to the big guy. This person told him that our computer was downloading files and other stuff to Microsoft.

The Big Guy questions: So let me get this straight, my computer is downloading files to you at Microsoft.

Guy on the phone: Yes and he'll need information from him to fix the problem.

Big Guy: OK, well which one of my computers is it?

Guy on the phone: "You have more than one computer"

Big Guy: Yeah, I have two.

Guy on the phone hangs up.

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up about this scam. 

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

A Christmas Gift

I've been trying to come up with a stitchy gift for Christmas and I finally think I got it.

What says Christmas to a small child more than leaving out milk and cookies for Santa.

"Sweet Christmas Wishes"

A little ornament for hanging on your tree, wreath or package.

As always feel free to change up the colors to match your Christmas vision.

That's it for this evening everyone, thank you for stopping by and leaving your thoughts behind. Until next time......

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

2014 Smalls Update & 2014 TUSAL Update

I'm a day late with these, but at least I remembered.

I'm calling this one "All Is Calm Cabin"

I designed this one and stitched it up in three days using DMC floss and a piece of 28ct. linen I hand dyed.

 

Here is my TUSAL for September, more threads and fabric scraps.

That's all for today, thanks for stopping by and until next time.....

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

Never Forget

It's been 13 years, and we should never forget those who lost their lives.

Take Care Everyone

Hugs, Sandy 

Show Your Stash: Threads

Anna over at Stitch Bitch has started a thread ; ) called Show Your Stash: Threads

Thought I would join in and maybe others will as well, stop by her blog for details.

What thread do you usually stitch with? I mostly use DMC threads, I occasionally use Caron Wildflower threads and rarely use silk threads.

 When you shop for threads, do you buy on impulse or do you buy only what you need?  It depends on the threads, if it's DMC and it's on sale I will buy colors that I need duplicates of and always extra white, black and ecru.

How do you sort it?  I always sort by numerical order. I use a swatch card with actual floss samples for color blending or matching.

How do you store your thread?  in use DMC on bobbins in my Plano tackle box. Extras in wood DMC boxes I got when our Ben Franklin closed I also store my in use Perle Cotton balls, extra #5 perle cotton, & Caron threads.  I store in use Caron, Weeks, GAST, #5 Perle Cotton and misc. threads in plastic bags on rings. I store Kreinik spools in plastic 12 gauge shotgun shell boxes.

What tips do you have for building a stash?  Shop sales and buy threads you love. 

How much is too much?  There's such a thing as to much thread? That's CRAZY talk!!!

How do you whittle your stash down when it's gotten too large?  I will sell off or give away threads I don't like, otherwise I just stitch from what I have.

 Do you have a current favorite in your stash? Let’s see it!  I love DMC Variegated #115, this has been a favorite of mine for years.

DMC Variegated #115

Take Care & Happy Stashin' Everyone

Hugs, Sandy

DMC Variegated & Color Varitions

Kreinik

Various Threads and Perle Cottons

In use DMC Solids

DMC Floss Boxes

A New Light for Stitchin' when Campin'

Went to Jo-Ann's  on Saturday and got a new light so I can take my stitchin' with me when we go campin'. It was $34.99 but was on sale at 50% off so only cost me #17.49.

"Mighty Bright Vusion"

This has a light with two LED bulbs that you can use either together or just one depending on how bright you need it, it also has a small magnifier, both on very flexible arms. It has a base with a powerful magnet that also acts as a weight so you can sit it on a table or attach it to a metal wall/pole. It has a clamp that removes from the base that can be used on hoops, Q-Snaps or my wonderful scroll frames.  

This is going to be great for small 6" to 8" scroll frame projects possibly even 10". I really wouldn't want to take anything larger than that campin' and the 10" would be pushin' it.

Now I just need to go threw my sewing fabrics and make a bag for it and two small draw string bags for the light and magnifier. Will be lining both draw string bags with flannel to keep them from getting scratched.

That's it for today everyone. Thank you so much for stoppin' by, so until next time....

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

Another Small Halloween Gift

I designed another small Halloween gift for all of my wonderful followers.

This one is only 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" so would make a cute little scissor fob or ornament.

"Stitchin' Halloween"

Designed by Me

It would make a cute companion to "Spooky Nights"

The littlest ghost from Spooky makes an appearance in this piece to help scare away all of those frogs that we tend to suffer thru. 

As always, I would love to see your finished versions of my designs, so give me a shout when you have a finish so I can stop by and take a peek or send me a pic if you don't have a blog. You can find my email addy on my profile page.

Until next time

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy 

2014 Smalls SAL Update

Here is my 2014 Smalls SAL update for August. 

I seriously can not believe the year is over half-way over, where dose the time go.

I have two stitchin' finishes for August.

First Up:

"Sunflowers & Daisies"

 Designed by me and shared here on my blog. 

I did make a few changes from the original pattern, which is par for the course for me. I back stitched all the flower heads in dark brown and used an olive gold/green to back stitch the centers of the sunflowers {doesn't show well in the photo). I also added one stitch to the daisy stems and added another row of dirt plus altered the size of the "S's" and the word Daisies. 

Yep, all my charts are a work in progress while I'm stitchin' em'.

Next Up:

"Bee's & Sunflowers"

Designed by me as a companion piece to "Sunflowers & Daisies"

Both pieces are stitched on 14 count Aida hand-dyed by me with a light blue and stitched with DMC threads.

That's it for today, thanks for stopping by and possibly leaving your thoughts behind. Each and every one of them mean so very much to me.

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

TUSAL for August

I'm a day late, I'm afraid. 

We got back from a camping trip Saturday evening and I couldn't find the camera until late last night. Oh well, better late than never.

I have quite a bit more in the jar than the last time. 

I've stitched and sewn this time so there are a few fabric snippets and sewing thread, as well as DMC bits.

That's it for today, I'll post a few snaps from our soggy camping trip later on.

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

I Won A Contest!!

I entered a contest to win three sewing/quilting books at Seams and Scissors

which is the blog for All Free Sewing and I won these three Leisure Arts books. 

All Free Sewing has tons of free sewing patterns, e-books and lots of info on sewing. If you like sewing you might want to stop by and check em' out.

 Beginner Friendly Quilts - The Best Of Quilty

 Basics & Beyond: Simple Embellishments

Sew It All: Quick Projects

Each one has at least one or two interesting things I might like to try.

That's it for today my stitchin' friends, thank you so much for stopping by and for any comments you may wish to leave behind.

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

Actually Using My Sewing Machine

Since the Big Guy is jonesing for a camping trip, seeing as how he got zero camping trips in 2013 and only one in 2012, I know he'll want at least two trips this season. 

Of course with putting a new bumper on the back of the Jeep and then the air conditioning going out on our Jeep (that should get fixed Monday or Tuesday, fingers crossed) his beloved camping season is getting off to a slow start. 

So I thought I would use my beautiful new Singer I got last year and stitch up a caddy for his wallet, cell phone and keys, after all, he's only been asking for one for two years.

Designed by me, it was simple and easy (after I wrapped my mind around it), it has two 6" wide pockets and two D-rings. It attaches with three Velcro tabs so it can hang from the back support of our Pop-Up trailer or from the shelving unit the Big Guy made for inside.

You can see the Singer I got last year here .

That's all for today everyone.

Take Care & Happy Stitchin' 
or Sewin'
Hugs, Sandy

Obsessed with Sunflower's

NOTE: I just changed out the picture and chart as the word Daisies was missing the first "i".
Thanks go out to Marion Susanne Fuchs for pointing this out for me.
Thank you so much


I have been obsessed with the beautiful Sunflower as of late. 

So much so that I am trying to get the "big guy" to let me make sunflower curtains for our pop-up trailer, it is yellow after all and I reason "if I have to go camping with him to make him happy, I at least need to like where I'm staying" ;)
I want to plant sunflower's in our yard next year, and find some nice artificial ones for decorating around the house. I even changed my blog background, because of the sunflower.

I have also been designing Sunflower themed cross stitch charts, at least a dozen so far.

So because of my obsession with the beautiful Sunflower, I thought I would post a cute little gifty for you all to stitch.

"Sunflower's & Daisies" in full color so you know what it will look like.

"Sunflower's & Daisies"

Hope you all enjoy this little design and again let me know when you stitch it up, so I can have a peek at your creation.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts behind, I truly do appreciate each and ever one of them.

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

A New Toy

Sometimes prayers are answered in a strange way.

For years now I have been asking my DH for a treadmill to replace the very annoying and old stair stepper that I have been using off and on.

It is ancient and was used when we got it over 10 years ago.

I had given up on trying to get the big guy to give in and get me a treadmill, he would usually just say I can get those on Craig's List for $100, but never got around to getting one.

Well last week on Wednesday he comes home from work and tells me that he got something from work that was going to be thrown in the trash and wanted to know if I wanted it.

He opens the back of the Jeep and the entire back is filled with a very large cardboard box, the tag on the box read "Strider". We left in the Jeep over night since we needed to figure out what it was and where we would put it.

Thursday evening he wrangled the box out of the back of the Jeep, it weighed nearly 200 pounds, after we got in the house and put together, this is what I got.

"Freemotion f 5.6 Elliptical Strider"

The "Beast" is 5' 5" tall, that's two inches taller than I am. It's HUGE!!!

It plugs in and has a console that tells you how long and how fast you've been going. You can plug in an iPod or CD player into it, it has a two speed fan and a book/magazine holder. If you grab the side bars it even reads your pulse rate.

The "Beast" retails for a whopping $1295.00. Our price, just the cost of gas to get it home.

It had been sitting at work in the OS&D pile for almost a year.

I started using it the next day on Friday and yeah I was sore on Saturday morning, but got right back on. I love it, it's fun to use, and will find a permanent spot either in the living room or my craft room soon, just need to do some rearranging. Should make my doctor happy, he keeps telling me I need to loose weight because of my "high blood pressure". 

Yes, I thanked GOD for having the big guy bring this home and not letting it get thrown out.

Take Care Everyone and have a Blessed Day

Hugs, Sandy 

A Halloween Gift from Me to You

I don't stitch for Halloween much as we never get any "Trick or Treater's", but I thought I'd post up a little stitchy somethin', somethin' for all of you Halloween stitcher's out there who do.

 "Spooky Night's"

I think this would make a really cute pin pillow or door hanger. 

It should be a fairly quick stitch since it's mostly full cross stitches and back stitch.

I would really love to see your stitched finishes of my design's so I know that I'm not putting them out there in vain. I do love to share my cross stitch design's, but I really hate to think of them being hoarded and never stitched, but enough about one of my pet peeve's. 

That's all for today friend's, thanks for stopping by and leaving your thought's behind. I appreciate each and every one of them. Until next post....

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'

Hugs, Sandy

2014 Smalls SAL for July

Since I had stitched absolutely nothing last month, I guess a finish finish will have to make do for my Small's SAL this time.

 

I stitched this piece back in July of 2011

And I have turned it into the pincushion cover for my Ott Light tray.

I have been playing with designs for the pincushion cover, but went with this for now.

Well that's it for today everyone, thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts behind. I truly appreciate  each and every one of them.

Take Care & Happy Stitchin' 

Hugs, Sandy