Monday, January 3, 2011

Last of 2010, new and old starts, and some jazz

Stitchy news first.  I promised to show you my progress on Jane Tindall, so here she is. 


She's a pretty one!  I'm using the recommended WDW 40ct Confederate Gray, AVAS and Gloriana Filomel fibers.

And then on a total whim thanks to Katrina and Laurie, I started Frances Eden for a New Year's start.


I'm using 40ct Vintage Examplar and DMC threads.  The colors are so fun -- I'm loving it!  Here's a pic of what Frances Eden looks like.


The piece is by Handwork Samplers.  And yes, it's another Adam and Eve sampler.  Of course!

I've also won a couple more prizes recently.  From Melanie at Moonraker Lampwerks, I won a couple of ornaments.


Aren't they cute?  I did have them on my Christmas tree, but stupidly didn't take a pic of them there before the tree came down.  Thank you so much, Melanie!  I love them!  (Melanie makes the cutest blown glass beads too.  I have a set and I love it!)

 And from Carmen Sutton of Cardan Antiques and Needlework, I won this adorable Santa clip.  Carmen also included some walnut dye so I could dye things myself, and some wonderful smelling lovelies to make things smell so good!  Thanks so much, Carmen!  I love my prize!



I decided to join the Totally Useless SAL this year, better known as the TUSAL.  I always collect my orts anyway, and save the year's orts in a box somewhere every year.  Here's my ort jar, all ready for 2011.  It already has a few orts in it as you can see.


Please note -- I'm one of those stitchers who use the thread down to the last possible millimeter.  So don't expect long pieces of thread in my ort jar.  lol!

Finally, yes, the father type made it home on Thursday.  It's so nice to have him home!  The FIL is doing nicely and we're all very happy about that! 

The girl child had to head back to college yesterday evening.  Here she is just about ready to head out to the train.


(I know I will get asked, so.....   The quilt hanging on the wall is the baby quilt my quilt group buddies from years back made for me when I was pregnant with the girl child.  The quilt hanging on the foot of the girl child's bed is a quilt I won from a raffle from the Attic's annual breast cancer auction and fund raiser.  I don't remember which year it was I won, but I was amazed when I won!)

Finally, one of the events that the father type missed while he was helping FIL cope with everything was the boy child's school concert.  Normally this isn't a big miss.  But this year's concert was the boy child's first time playing bass for the school's jazz ensemble.  I had to tape at least a part of the concert just so the father type could hear his son.  Unfortunately the memory chip was full so I only got little bits of the concert.  Now I know some of you have asked to hear the boy child play.  Soooooo, here's a little clip of the high school jazz ensemble.  (It's hard to tell how good they are from the video.  They're really good!  It's always so enjoyable to hear them, even if your son isn't a member.)


The song is "In the Stone" by Earth, Wind and Fire.  Sorry it's only a little bit of the piece.  I wish I could have gotten the whole thing.  I hope you like it!

We first saw the high school jazz ensemble (an extra curricular, audition-to-get-in group) way back when the girl child was a freshman.  I guess the boy child must have been in 5th grade?  From the first time the boy child saw them play, he wanted to be in the ensemble.  And now he's met his goal.  :D  We're so proud of him!

Back to the ole routine this week.  The boy child went back to school this morning and has orchestra tonight as usual.  The father type is working as I type -- albeit from home, which is nice.  The girl child was probably up all night finishing an assignment that was due today from what I hear.  She has class during the prep time for exams, then  finals coming up too.  (Which is why she's back at college already.)  Poor kid.

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi!  Sorry for such a long post this time.  I guess 2010 didn't want to say goodbye.  lol!  I always enjoy visiting with you all!  Have a great week!

49 comments:

Annie Beez said...

Wow! Your Francis Eden is gorgeous!! Love Jane too! So glad hubby is back safe and sound!

Bertie said...

JT looks fabulous Margaret, hope you get lots done this year, Happy New Stitch Year.
Happy for you that your FT is home and FIL is fine, cannot have a better start to the new year.

Your son is very talented and I do remember the music, I am getting on LOL.
Do they really need a conductor, I am sure they are to busy looking at the music LOL.

Hazel said...

Absolutely beautiful sampler wips. I love the fabric. I am hoping this year will be my conversion yr to 40 ct. x

Glenna said...

It's seriously difficult for me to look at those two projects--I have both charts and I hear whispering: "just go to the LNS and kit them uuuuuuup." So pretty! Girl child is so cute in her hat--funny that the kids down here are wearing those hats too, even though it's about 55 degrees.

Love to Stitch said...

I love your Jane!! She is fabulous. How do you like the WDW linen?! Frances is going to be wonderful, I have that one too--- duh, amazing how us stitchers have the same great taste!!!!!!!!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Jane looks fabulous and you've gotten a lot stitched on her already. Great start on Frances. I'm looking forward to joining you this coming weekend.
Nice giveaway wins!
Your new header looks fantastic.

Catherine said...

Love your stitches! Great goodies you've won too.

Listening to your son's group took me back - we played that song in marching band - waaaayyyyyy back!

Glad to hear that your hubby made it home and that his father is doing fine.

Jan said...

Awww loved the video, Margaret! They are awesome! I know you must be so proud, not only is talented, but he met his goal!

I love your FE start, she is going to be gorgeous, but my favorite is Jane...oh my, I am going to have to stitch her sometime, she is looking so gorgeous!!!

Good to get back to normal a bit, isn't it? Glad the father type got back home and the girl child got back to college, all safe where they need to be for today!

Have a blessed New Year!

Melissa said...

Oh, Jane is so pretty! I have to get the silks and linen yet! And Frances Eden - wow. It's good to have company while you stitch that one though.

Now, back to the usual routine, eh? The jazz concert made me nostalgic. It's very nice.

Michelle said...

Wow, Jane is coming along fast! She is beautiful too. And yay for starting Frances. I may be starting her too - a little birdy is helping me out with fabric and thread. Woohoo! Glad to hear the DH is back home and FIL is doing well. Congrats on the boy's jazz concert too - how cool!

KarenV said...

Ooh, those are some pretty colours in Jane! I like the russet red colour especially.

Great new start too! I'm glad your DH got home safely :) But...no Mia photo?! Awww..;)

Deb said...

You know that you always have to see something being stitch before it slaps you in the face, and Jane Tinsdall does that. She looks absolutely wonderful. And you just have to love Frances Eden. You're going to be done with yours long before I'm done with mine with your quickness with stitching!

Congrats on the win and how wonderful that you got part of your son's concert. Those are always fun to have and look back on!!

Jackie's Stitches said...

JT looks fabulous! I also enjoyed hearing your sons band play. They are quite good and it was enjoyable.

I'm looking forward to hearing your experiences of dying with the walnut. Looks like fun!

Giovanna said...

Both samplers are gorgeous, but I have a soft spot for Frances Eden. Glad your DH made it home safely.

Sylvia said...

Margaret, you always blow me away with your stitching progress, amazing!! Jane looks beautiful, and Frances, well, she is so much fun. She has been on my to stitch list for a long time, and since I am so sloooowwww, I think she will need to say there a bit longer. Sigh. I will just enjoy yours.

Glad you DH is back, and I too wish you had gotten a bit more of your boy child's music, that little bit sounds pretty good.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Oh wow....what glorious stitching *as always* :)
AND your son's Jazz Band Ensemble is wonderful! Katie has her audition for Jazz Band at her school next week - fingers crossed :) We've been practicing over break (see she plays Mama's old clarinet). Its so fun to watch the conductors....don't you think? your son's conductor is getting down! They sound wonderful!

Mary said...

Jane is looking lovely Margaret and you are so good at all those words. I liked the words too. Thanks for sharing the boy child's music with us.
Congratulations on your wins.
I love that you've used your collage as a new header.
Mary

Cathy B said...

Hello Margaret! You are starting out 2011 in grand style - Frances looks great. Jane is quite spectacular too I might add.

Glad your DH is home and the kids are back in school. It's kind of nice to settle back into the normal routine, isn't it?

Happy New Year!

marylin said...

Oh quel magnifique sampler une vraie merveille ! j'adore les couleurs vives utilisées ! cet ouvrage est du pur bonheur !
J'espère que mon paquet arrivera car je commence à me faire du soucis !
je t'embrasse et te dit à très vite
marylin France

woolwoman said...

Hi Margaret - glad to hear the father type is back at home - I know you had a very happy new year with all your family in the house. Love your new starts - Frances has always been a fave - of course I have the chart stashed but just never started it. LA LA LA - nope not starting it - NOT - LA LA LA - love how it is so filled with stuff - do I hear some cracking under the pressure! I could hear your son thumping out those bass lines - Jody plays bass so I am attuned to listening for the bass chords - they sound great ! happy stitching in 2011 - Mel

Liz said...

What a lovely newsy post Margaret, great stitching as always (envious again), love the quilts and the music. I also love the new header but there's someone missing...?? LOL!
Lizzie
xxx

Katrina said...

Love Jane and Frances!!! And your son is super talented, thanks for sharing :-).

barbara said...

Oh, I do love your 2010 finishes! And I really enjoyed the 'wrap up' post previous to this one. My gosh, but Mia (not to mention your kids) is getting big! Our kitties haven't noticed the snow as we keep them as far from the doors as possible, and they don't seem to have figured out that windows are ... well, windows. ;)

Susan said...

Love the new starts, Margaret! Frances is so colorful!

valerie said...

Both samplers are so pretty...Jane and Frances. Holy Cow! They are big! lol I'm glad that the FT came back safe and sound and the FIL is doing better.

DonnaSews said...

Your samplers are outstanding. You are very talented. Frances Eden is stunning. Enjoy!!

Karen said...

Your samplers are gorgeous! Ou will have a very good stitchy year it appears.

happy stitching....

Natalia said...

Oh Margaret, I do love your Frances Eden, but Jane Tindall just takes my breath away !!! It is beautiful... I think I'm going to have to start mine this year too !! But what takes you a month to stitch takes me about a year, so I'll show you my progress next year, ha, ha, ha.. What is ORT by the way? I figure it has to do with left over thread from seeing your tiny little pieces in the jar, but I don't know what it stands for. Hey, I use my thread to the last bitty millimeter also !!

Carol said...

I'm always amazed at just how wonderful high school jazz ensembles can be. Your son's sounds wonderful, Margaret. Jazz band was always a huge part of our lives when my youngest was in high school.

Your samplers are so lovely--you're off to a wonderful start in 2011 :)

Siobhán said...

Okay, seriously, how do you manage to keep up with everything AND stitch so fast?? And such great taste in stitching, too! Beautiful!! Enjoy getting back to the routine, Margaret!

Alma Allen said...

Hi Margaret,

You have been one busy gal! Love the pieces you are stitching. Francis Eden is just stunning.

Really enjoyed hearing your son's jazz band. Aren't you glad the school offers the program? Great place for kids to have fun!

Hope your father-in-law continues to do better.
best wishes to you for a very happy new year...filled with lots of stitches!

The French Bear said...

OMG it is so gorgeous!!!! You are so talented! I know, I know, I keep saying that but it's true....what wonderful stitching.....I may have left a little drool, sorry!!!!
Margaret Your work is stunning!
Great news about your FIL, sad to see the kids off but that's how it is.....school is worth it!
Great gifts you won, so lovely!!!
Keep stitching, I love to see each project unfold!!!
Hugs,
Mags
xx

Berit said...

that is just a disgusting amount of progress--but she's beautiful! Happy new Year!

Anonymous said...

JT is going to be exquisite. You sure worked it up quickly thus far. Happy New Year.

Kellie said...

I love your newsy post, Margaret! Jane is BEAUTIFUL! I can't wait to see her in her completed glory. :) Frances is gorgeous too. I have everything I need to stitch Frances except fabric because I couldn't decide what to stitch her on. I think you just helped make the decision for me. It looks fantastic on Exemplar. :) Congrats on your nice wins. Glad your DH is home. Hope your DD has a great semester. And DS's ensemble is really good. I love the jazzy conductor. You can tell he enjoys what he does. :)

Have a great rest of the week!

Sue said...

I'm so glad I found your blog. I LOVE samplers and I love YOUR samplers. The pieces your are working on are just stunning. I'll enjoy coming back.

Sherry :o) said...

stitching looks great - love your daughter's room - her wall looks like the one in my studio - I am a saver!

Glad your fil is doing better and that all made it home safe!

Lois said...

Jane is looking so good! Love your start on Frances Eden - what a nice piece to start off on in 2011! Glad your DH is home safe and sound and that your FIL is doing better.

Cute ornaments and nice wins!

Happy New Year!

Sherry said...

All you stitiching is beautiful, Margaret! I can't wait to see what all you do this year.

So glad your dh got home safely. Your son is so talented! I love the quilts too

BrendaS said...

Your samplers are so beautiful. You always do such an amazing job.

Glad your hubby is home and that your FIL is doing better.

Thanks for sharing.

Dona said...

Margaret, your Jane is stunning. Such pretty colors to work with!

Great job on your collage and a great way to remember all of the beautiful things you stitched in 2010.

Good news about your FIL, and as always I enjoyed pictures the kids and Mia!

Daffycat said...

A great start on the SAL! Thanks for joining!

Parsley said...

Dropped by to see your TUSAL and saw all kinds of beutiful stitching!

Melissa said...

Margaret Jane Tindall looks gorgeous! You are going to have her completed in no time.

Isn't Frances fun? Although you have already stitched twice as much as I have and I started her sometime last year.

Nicole said...

Beautiful progress on Jane!! I'm still waiting on my Florimell (starting to drive me nuts)! :) Great start on Frances too! :)

Loretta a/k/a Mrs. Pom said...

Hey, Margaret, I thought I recognized that quilt! I love seeing them in your photos and I am always searching in the background of your pics for quilt shots. The sampler is so pretty! Glad your FIL is recuperating well. Too bad girl child has exams after Christmas, that's hard to get back into the groove for.

Happy New Year!

Sharon said...

Jane is just simply stunning! Love the new start! Happy New Year to you and yours.

Karoline said...

Jane is looking gorgeous and nice start on Francis

Ziggyeor said...

Hope your FIL is still doing well. Great sampler.

Love the little movie of your son playing. They sound great.