Cross-Stitched Frogs

My grandma collects frogs and my goal is to make this cross-stitch for her for Christmas. I should have lots of time to craft until Christmas now. Work is slowing down and my vacation starts this Thursday. I will not go back to work until January 5th. Woohoo!

Beginners Quilting Class Comes to an End

I sewed all of the binding on my first quilt in class last night. It was the last night of the beginners quilt class I've been taking. The only thing left to do is to hand stitch the binding on the back. The instructor told me to take my time doing that and to enjoy the process. After all of the work I've put into this thing, I sure will!

Today I put about ten more stitches in that Strength cross-stitch pattern I've been working on--that one with the itsy bitsy teensy weensy stitches?! The one I wrote about and started back in September 07?! I could only do about ten stitches because I got nauseous from straining to see where to put the needle. Seriously.

If you do a lot of reading, I recommend checking out Paperback Swap.com. I just learned about it today from Sister Diane. I haven't used it yet myself but I think I will be giving it a try.

Lots of crafty things going on this week (and running too)

Last Sunday, Lydia and I participated in the 1 mile kids run/walk for the American Cancer Society. We purchased this flag in memory of my mom who passed away from cancer a couple years ago.

My craft pal and I have been doing many different kinds of crafting this past week. Lydia had some fun with her perler beads and made a snowflake.

I had to special order the fabric I need to do the Strength cross-stitch from MonsterBubbles.com and while I was waiting for it, I practiced up on my cross-stitch with the help of these free Sanrio patterns. Lydia asked me to create the Chococat pattern first so that is what I did. I am thinking of making a little pillow out of him for Lydia's baby doll.


I have started the Strength cross-stitch but the stitches are so dang small! Oh my goodness! I had to buy a magnifying glass. Seriously, I need it. It may take me forever to complete this project. I am thinking about asking the designer from MonsterBubbles how she works so small and if it's ok to miss a stitch here and there. How does one do something like this without going insane after 9 stitches (not even complete x's, just 9 diagonals!?). Her patterns are so cool but dang, the stitches are small!

I taught myself how to crochet a couple years ago. I am by no means good at it but I can make scarves. I have been wanting to try knitting but have had no luck in teaching myself. Well, I bought a children's book on how to knit and finally, last night I was able to cast on and do some garter stitches! You can see below that I am catching on. I'm not doing something right with the last stitch in the row. I was hoping to see my friend Dawn at church today so I could ask her what I am doing wrong. My grandma can help me too. She has a lifetime of experience and has made me and our family so many beautiful sweaters.


I am eager for our local quilt shop to start up some new beginner's quilting classes this fall. I want to learn how to quilt. Also, I am currently planning for a monthly craft club I want to hold at my house. Today I am going to work on a project for a good friend (I will post a picture of the finished project) and I must get started on my cards for the next card swap due this coming Thursday. The theme is "stitches".