Monday, January 10, 2011

back to routine

Well things have gotten back to normal around here.  Just the addition of having to worry about snow every few days.  Grumble grumble.

Frances Eden got a lot of attention this past week.  Here she is.

 

Her colors are so funky and fun.  I'm really loving her.  And that weird bunny with the huge feet -- pretty far out!



By Saturday, I was feeling sorry for Jane Tindall, so I worked on her over the weekend.  This is what I got done on her.


She's a pretty one for sure!



I received a lovely present in the mail from a blogging friend, Marilyn.   We were worried for a while because the package took a long time to come all the way from France.  But it finally arrived and what a treat was inside!


Such a sweet ornament!  And a little Santa too!  Thank you so much, Marilyn!  Thank you for your friendship as well!

Last post, I neglected to post any pictures of Mia.  So for her fans out there, here she is playing with some packaging that came the other day.  She's getting big!



Here she is in a typical pose with the boy child.


Another typical pose.


Oh, and in case you're wondering why the boy child has a Kansas State sweatshirt, it's because my father is a professor there.  Purple pride!  :D

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi!  Here's hoping no one has really bad weather to deal with.  I have a feeling that isn't happening.  Ah well!  Be careful out there, everyone!  Have a great week!
at

50 comments:

  1. GlennaJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:15:00 AM PST

    Oh, look at Jane and Frances! What great progress you're making! I love the pictures of Mia and DS.

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  2. Laurie in IowaJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:35:00 AM PST

    Your Frances and Jane look fabulous Margaret. I love the funky colors in Frances too. That rooster sure is cute on Jane.
    What a lovely gift you received from your friend.
    The snaps of Mia and your DC are wonderful.

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  3. KarenVJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:36:00 AM PST

    There she is! She's really growing up :)

    Lovely progress on Jane and Frances - the colours on Frances are definitely wild! Lovely gift from Marylin too :)

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  4. DebJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:36:00 AM PST

    Oh my goodness Margaret - what wonderful progress you've made on Jane and Frances. You've blown past me for sure, but that's not hard for anyone to do! Now I'm going to have to pull Frances out again!

    Love the pictures of your son and Mia. She's such a sweetie. I wish I could get cute pictures of Bailey but he's camera shy! LOL

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  5. Annie BeezJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:51:00 AM PST

    Both Francis and Jane are looking wonderful! Love them both!

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  6. LeneslinesJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:53:00 AM PST

    As always, love your needlework! And Mia, of course. I feel a little cheated when you do not post pictures of her:) Just wondering - where can a non-US citizen find explanations on what kind of embroidery fabric to use? 40 ct means... ?

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  7. The French BearJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:59:00 AM PST

    Hello Mia, pretty kitty!!!! She is growing all the time, what a beautiful cat!
    You stitching is coming along great, so gorgeous, love the bunny with the big feet!!!!
    How nice to receive some stitching from France, I love to exchange goodies and get parcels from far away!!!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  8. CariJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:01:00 AM PST

    Oh Margaret you make my Monday's so happy !!! I love Frances Eden...and all the wonky animals. How fun is that? And Jane Tindall....I'm still sitting on my hands trying NOT to order her. Your work is STUNNING. And last but not least...Mia and the boy child...how wonderful. It's amazing to me how these sweet animals fill our lives with love. Have a great week Margaret. Hugs !!

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  9. BrendaSJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:08:00 AM PST

    Nice progress on Frances and Jane. Great colors on both samplers.

    Cute pictures of Mia and your son too:)))

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  10. woolwomanJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:16:00 AM PST

    We have liquid snow this morning Margaret - Snow is dipping pretty far south but just not this far - thankfully! Love your progress photos - both samplers are looking great with all the funky animals - the colors are wild are Frances. Little Mia is darling - such a ham it looks like. hope you have a good week with no weather challenges. Mel

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  11. CarolJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:31:00 AM PST

    Wonderful progress on both samplers, Margaret. I love the angels in the attic on the Frances Eden--nice idea to think that they are watching over the household :)

    Mia is precious--she sure knows how to pose for the camera, doesn't she?

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  12. Love to StitchJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:32:00 AM PST

    Margaret, your progress is amazing on both Frances and Jane!!! I have Frances-- someday I will get to her too :)

    Mia is soo cute!

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  13. La ComtesseJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:55:00 AM PST

    Graceful embroidery and beautiful cat!
    Loredana

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  14. SherryJanuary 10, 2011 at 8:05:00 AM PST

    I love both of your WIPs. I love the rooster! Mia is obviously queen of the house!

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  15. TommyeJanuary 10, 2011 at 8:35:00 AM PST

    Both pieces are looking wonderful! I know you're enjoying them.

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  16. SiobhánJanuary 10, 2011 at 9:49:00 AM PST

    You've made such wonderful progress on both your samplers, Margaret! Jane sure is pretty! I love the funky colors in Frances. Your friend's gift is beautiful--glad it didn't get sucked into the USPS vortex! Great pics of Mia and your son, too.

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  17. BertieJanuary 10, 2011 at 10:03:00 AM PST

    Mia seems to love the packaging and your boy:))
    Samplers are great, oh poor Jane, but am sure it will all be done by Easter LOL.

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  18. marylinJanuary 10, 2011 at 10:09:00 AM PST

    Hello I am so glad that you enjoy this little embroidery and how much is arriving!
    Glad to have you pleased!
    your embroidery is more wonderful! the colors are gorgeous!
    I finished the cat that I just love!
    friendships for you

    marylin

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  19. LoraineJanuary 10, 2011 at 10:29:00 AM PST

    Oh that Rooster! Love it, love it!
    Your samplers are always fabulous. Thanks for posting. Yes it's back to boring old routine, but I think I like life better that way. LOL
    Thanks for you sweet comments always. I consider you a special blogging friend. :)

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  20. AnnemarieJanuary 10, 2011 at 11:19:00 AM PST

    Oh my, Frances is stunning! I love the colours!

    Mia is a sweetie. She's a great favourite of your son's, isn't she? Cute!

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  21. Vonna PfeifferJanuary 10, 2011 at 11:38:00 AM PST

    Oh your samplers....golly Margaret, they are just so pretty :)

    And that darling Mia...her eyes are just gorgeous!

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  22. Jackie's StitchesJanuary 10, 2011 at 11:41:00 AM PST

    Mia looks like she's getting quite used to having her picture taken. She is posed perfectly for her close up!

    Nothing but rain here today. Not the first ray of sunshine. Ugh.

    Frances and Jane are progressing quite nicely. I love the colors in Jane.

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  23. KimJanuary 10, 2011 at 11:43:00 AM PST

    OMG Mia up in your header...too precious!!! Margaret you've made tons of progress on Frances! I love her colorful nature. And I REALLY LOVE that rooster in Jane!! Love! Have a great week!

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  24. MichelleJanuary 10, 2011 at 12:51:00 PM PST

    Loving that rooster on Jane! And wow - you've sure gotten a lot done on Frances too. I'm dying to start her, but I have so many things I need to get finished before I can do it in good conscience.

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  25. KarenJanuary 10, 2011 at 1:08:00 PM PST

    Looking good! Love the kitty... she's a cutie!

    Stay warm.... and happy stitching.

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  26. sampler loverJanuary 10, 2011 at 1:34:00 PM PST

    Hi Margaret,
    Wonderful progress on both of these samplers. Love them both. I don't think it will be long before Jane is finished.
    Cute photos of Mia and the boy child. - Sandra.

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  27. LizJanuary 10, 2011 at 1:57:00 PM PST

    Great progress on your stitching Margaret, Mia is certainly growing like a weed..! It's amazing how quickly they get 'big' isn't it..?
    Lizzie
    xxx

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  28. RobertaJanuary 10, 2011 at 2:17:00 PM PST

    Hi Margaret, still in catch up mode, Mia is certainly growning. I am so glad that FIL is doing well and thank you for the music and video of the jazz ensemble. You certainly have accomplished lots this past year and have a great start for this year. I also joined the TUSAL.

    Happy New Year.

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  29. MaryJanuary 10, 2011 at 2:35:00 PM PST

    The animals sure are funky Margaret, but it is a good contrast to the lovely Jane. Mia is just the sweetest little cat and she seems to know the boy child is her best friend. I love your photos - they are so clear.

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  30. JuelsJanuary 10, 2011 at 4:23:00 PM PST

    Margaret, I love looking at your work. Or better, your art! And Mia is precious. Happy 2011!

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  31. NataliaJanuary 10, 2011 at 4:40:00 PM PST

    Margaret I love Frances !!! My friend Katrina showed me a bit of hers this weekend :-)
    Cute pictures of Mia, especially the second one !! Such a pretty face..

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  32. barbaraJanuary 10, 2011 at 5:11:00 PM PST

    Mia's gotten so big! :D I love your projects - the colors are fabulous and so are the motifs!

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  33. LittlebitJanuary 10, 2011 at 5:49:00 PM PST

    Oh, Margaret! Beautiful work! And Mia is losing her "kitten" look! She's turning into a beautiful CAT! :)

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  34. MelanieJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:10:00 PM PST

    I love the colors in this sampler too! Very pretty and fun. :)

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  35. Sherry :o)January 10, 2011 at 6:17:00 PM PST

    What beautiful progress! Love the photos!

    And the french santa - what a gift.

    Love the photos of mia and your son.

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  36. SueJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:43:00 PM PST

    Oh, I absolutely love your sampler!!

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  37. MelissaJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:50:00 PM PST

    Ahh, as usual, all the stitching looks yummy!

    Mia is all cuteness and looking like a grown up lady!

    Glad your friend's gift arrived safely - it's lovely!

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  38. SylviaJanuary 11, 2011 at 8:02:00 AM PST

    Excellent progress! Love the way both are turning out. Mia, of course, is as cute as can be.

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  39. Cathy LloydJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:49:00 AM PST

    Margaret, you never cease to amaze me! And that picture of Mia with her head cocked to one side...is that just adorable or what??? You need to frame that one! Enjoy your week!

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  40. KathyEllenJanuary 11, 2011 at 9:51:00 AM PST

    My goodness, but you have accomplished a lot of stitching on "Jane and Frances". Interesting little animals in this piece too! Mia is absolutely precious!

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  41. Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich)January 11, 2011 at 12:58:00 PM PST

    OMG, Frances and Jane are so beautiful! I do love the funky colors in Frances! So pretty! Mary is a sweetie, isn't she and she sent you a darling gift.

    Great pics of the boy and girl child and Mia, too!

    The quilt your friends made you is wonderful and how lucky to win one!

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  42. JanJanuary 11, 2011 at 7:11:00 PM PST

    Gosh I love that little face...she is such a pretty kitty!!

    Also your Jane and Frances are looking so gorgeous...and fun, they must really be great stitches. Have a feeling either won't be long, until they are finishes in your hands!

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  43. KatrinaJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:15:00 AM PST

    Love Frances!!!! You have a lot done :-). Jane is gorgeous too and what a pretty present.

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  44. GiovannaJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:49:00 AM PST

    Boy, do I love your Frances! Great going on both pieces, and Mia is really sweet!

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  45. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2011 at 5:20:00 PM PST

    Love the Jane Tindall...especially the rooster! The Frances Eden is nice also....like the soft colors.
    You always manage to accomplish so much!

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  46. BeritJanuary 14, 2011 at 7:28:00 AM PST

    Frances is a good one--personally I'm all about that wacky black-and-white spotted animal. I l *love* deciding what wacky repro sampler animals are--even If I have to cross real ones to do it. (e.g. "Oh, of course that'd be a Duck-Bunny.")

    Often, I wind up deciding they're pokemon. Last time, Deb and I were speculating via her comments section about whether the aforementioned specimen was a

    "Houndour"
    http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:228Houndour.png

    or the evolved "Houndoom"

    http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:229Houndoom.png

    I believe Deb determined it was, in fact, a rare sighting of the "Houndoom". (lol)

    Of course, it MUST be a goat, right? but why is there so much red on its face? Hmn.

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  47. KarolineJanuary 15, 2011 at 3:30:00 AM PST

    Great progress on Frances & Jane, they are both looking gorgeous.

    Love the photos of Mia

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  48. marylinJanuary 16, 2011 at 4:36:00 AM PST

    De gros bisous, et un bon dimanche,
    Marylin

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  49. the striped roseJanuary 17, 2011 at 5:40:00 AM PST

    I love Frances! Those are fun colors!

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  50. BrigitteJanuary 17, 2011 at 7:00:00 AM PST

    I have just read your last posts and came upon your collage of your finishes of 2010. And I must admit that I was litterally drooling over them. I remembered most of your finishes but seeing them all together is just very special. Your work is really gorgeous, Margaret.
    I also love the two samplers that you chose to stitch at the beginning of the year. Both have great colours, and look at that rooster, isn't he beautiful?
    Enjoy your little gift from Marilyn, it's so sweet.
    Looking forward to seeing more of Mia's adventures.

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