Stitches In Heaven

Good afternoon everyone!  Some of my customers may be a bit confused as to why they are landing on a blog instead of my shop's webstore.  Well, due to costs, I shut down the webstore, and am taking orders through my Facebook Group, Stitches In Heaven, and through email at stitchesinheaven @ gmail . com (no spaces).  You have reached Stitches In Heaven at this blog, I will try to keep my blog updated as best I can with new releases, but also with my same old stitching progress as before as "Come Stitch With Me".  Thank you all for hanging in there with me!!  Sorry for all the confusion during this transfer.

Test Post

Test Post!

February in Review

I've been doing a lot of stitching this past month.  On one project for the most part, lol.  I did start a new project, so out goes "The Year of WIPs" for 2018.  And another 2 new starts are planned.  Only 2 full months into the year and my plan has failed already, lol.  Oh well!

So, for February, I worked on Chatelaine's Medieval Town Mandala for the entire month.  I made a lot of progress on it during it's rotation time.  (Monthly rotation on my 3 Chatelaines).  I went from this....

To this....

I also started a new project in February, Little House Needleworks Farmhouse Christmas.  I am stitching all nine of the charts on one piece of fabric using the free border from the Little House Needleworks website.

That's it for February.  Now onto March.  I've brought out Chatelaine's Celtic Maze Garden to work on, as well as continuing to work on Farmhouse Christmas.

Here is where I am starting out on Celtic Maze Garden...

Thanks for stopping by!

~Rachel~

Another long Blog Break, A New Store, and Some WIPs

I haven't blogged in several months.  Again.  I'm not often on my computer, and blogging from my phone is not easy.  I also never seem to have much to blog about anymore.

So, it's been a rough year.  I had a stroke in August, and have had so many tests to find out why because I am only 38 years old.  That was an experience I hope never to repeat again.  I have had to go through physical therapy and am in the process of applying for disability.  I have right sided weakness, which is a pain, I was using a cane for a long time, but physical therapy has helped, and I don't use it near as much anymore.  What bothers me most now is my right arm when stitching.  I'm left handed, but my right arm is my dominant hand while stitching and it gets weak and tired and sore really quick, making for hard times when I am in the groove and just want to stitch for hours and can't.  I hope it will get better over time.  My memory and concentration have also suffered from this.  I am also tired all the time, which the doctor assured me is normal, and could last for a very long time.

So, onto happier news!  I have decided to have a go at a new business!!  I have opened up my own online (hopefully in the next few years to be a brick and mortar) needlework shop!  It's slow going, and I have such little space in my house for storage I can't keep much inventory, but I am trying very hard.  I've had several orders, and they are so fun fulfilling.  I hope my customers have been happy with my service.  Check out my new shop at www.stitchesinheaven.com, and my shop blog at http://stitchesinheaven.stitchesinheaven.com/.

As stated in the title of the blog, I also have some WIPs to share.  I have been doing a year of the WIPs this year.  So since January 1 (technically December 31, 2017), I've been stitching on WIPs only.  No new starts, though that might change, I want to start something new so bad, lol.  Anyway, I started with my old WIP of Chatelaine's Deep Blue Sea Mandala.  I stitched on it until January 26th, then I needed to switch it up, and stitch on something else.  My eyes were getting tired of the black fabric.  BUT, I did finish part 5, started and finished part 6, and started part 8.

Part 5

Part 6

Part of Part 8

The WIP I chose to stitch on next is my oldest Chatelaine I have, Medieval Town Mandala.  I put it away after I stitched one set of over one butterflies, I guess that was enough for me at the time, lol.  I've stitched on this from January 26th until today, February 5th (and am still going).  I've finished all the over one butterflies and am slowly working my way out.  I am noticing my arm getting really tired on this one.

All the little over one butterflies finished!

Progress as of last night

And, believe it of not, I actually have some finishes to share!

From the top, Electra by Nora Corbett, under her is The Willow Queen by Nora Corbett, and on the right side is Bella Vita by Nora Corbett.  I stitched these three all after my stroke, so from September through December.

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope my readers have saved my blog on their lists!

Rachel 💖💖💖

Back from a Very Long Blog Vacation

Time sure does fly, doesn't it?  I didn't realize it's been a little over two years since I last posted on my poor neglected blog.  I really haven't had too much happening.  I took a year long stitching hiatus, which I hated.  But my stitching bug went away.  I just didn't have the desire to stitch, I thought I lost it completely, but I started stitching again this year.  I have two new projects and one WIP on the go right now.

First up is the piece that got me back into stitching, Venus by Cross Stitching Art.

Next is a piece by Heaven and Earth Designs, Faces of Faery 74.

My WIP that I restarted working on, but I don't recall if I ever posted in my blog before, is Chatelaine's Celtic Maze Mandala.

On other news, my kids are growing like weeds, and getting older by the minutes.  Gabby is now 17,  has her driver's license and now drives my truck all over the place.  Hunter just celebrated his 12th birthday last month.  And little baby Joseph is now three!!  They are making me feel so old!  We started homeschooling Hunter this year, along with Gabby.  This is Gabby's second year of homeschooling, she graduates next year.  Hunter thinks he wants to go back to public school next year though.  Gabby prefers homeschooling.  I do to, her grades went from D's to A's.  Hunter's grades have remained consistent to what they were in school, B's and A's.  I have noticed though, and I need to let the school know, that he is having a very difficult time with reading comprehension.  I guess when you spend the entire day working with your school aged child, rather than have teachers work with them, you learn a lot about their individual educational needs.  I'm surprised the teachers haven't picked up on his reading comprehension before.  He needs to read aloud, or have me read to him, or he has a very hard time taking in what he reads when he's doing his homework or taking a test.  When reading a book for his literature class, he can only read a page or two at a time before he forgets everything he just read.

Siren's Song

I've been mermaid stitching.  I chose to stitch Nora Corbets Siren's Song on Shimmering Seas fabric by Stephs Fabbys.

And here is a picture of my Joseph, trying peas for the first time.  He loved them by the way. :)

Tiger Lily

First finish of 2015! I've been slowly working on Tgier Lily for a couple months, stitching here and there as time and the baby will allow.  I put the last of the beads on this morning!  So, here she is.  I stitched her on 28ct Cashel, Frozen Margarita by Under the Sea Fabrics.  The picture shows the fabric so little bluer than it actually is.  It a very bright vibrant green.

I'm not sure what to work on next.  I will either work on one of my neglected WIPs, or start something new.  I did join a Outlander themed Chatelaine themed SAL that starts this month, but I haven't yet chosen a project to stitch for that though.  Maybe I will just catch up on some reading during Joseph's naps for a little while.  

Thanks for stopping by!

A Finish, Finally

This year has been one heck of a year.  Sorry for the super long absence.  All is well. :)

Since we moved, I haven't stitched much.  I decided I needed a happy dance, so I picked up one of my old WIPs that was the closest to being finished.  And, it's now finished!!

Earth Goddess, by Joan Elliott.  Stitched on Fallen Leaves by Polstitches.  Started in August of 2011, finished October 24, 2014.

And, because I haven't shared on my blog yet, my little Joseph, who is 7 months old today.

Quiet

Sorry it's been so very long since my last update.  I've kind of drifted away from my blog and even reading blogs.  I blame Google reader, lol.  Surprisingly I just haven't got in the groove of other readers and I haven't had a lot of time lately to search things.

Anyway, this is just a quick drive by post to let my readers know that I am still around and stitching, and growing a baby, lol.

I am now 33 weeks along with my little guy.  We will have a baby here in the next 5-6 weeks since I have to have a scheduled c-section before I hit 39 weeks so I don't go into labor.  My baby shower was this past weekend, and my house is full of baby wonderfulness. :)  My weeks are full of doctor's appointments and stitching.

I have been stitching like crazy too, an exchange (I will post the photo when my partner in Australia receives it), and a couple of round robins.  Just so this post isn't all boring writting, here are some photos of the round robins I have stitched on.

Julie's Joan Elliott Round Robin

Kaye's Joan Elliott Round Robin

I also joined a Band Sampler RR that will run throughout this year.

Here is what my own sampler looked like before I mailed it off...

And here is my contribution on Karen's Band Sampler RR.

That's all I have for now, I will have more at another time.  Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for sticking with me even though I disappeared for awhile!

Stitching Away

I have been doing some stitching since my last update.  I started and finished some ornaments, and a Christmas present.  I decided that my very good friend needed something that I saw in one of my Stoney Creek magazines.  I was able to actually start and finish this piece in about a week.  I was surprised at how fast it stitched up. :)  I was also able to buy the frame from Stoney Creek as well, and it's all framed and ready for Christmas. :)  I will post a photo of it after Christmas, so I know she won't see it until then. :)

I finished part 6 of the PR SAL, and started part 8.  I went to part 8 instead of 7 because part 8 is right next to part 6.  I have put it aside for now, while working on ornaments and some other things.  Here she is though...

Here is a photo of the three ornaments that I stitched this year.  One is for an exchange, the other two will be Christmas gifts.  They are sewn to the backing fabric, just not completed, I can't see to find my stuffing so I can fill the ornaments.  I just hope I can either find it or get to town to buy some before the mailing deadline.  But, feeling as sick as I've been, I can't see myself going to town anytime soon.  Anyway, here are my ornaments.  You may recognize them, I am madly in love with stitching this design in different colors. :)  I could probably only stitch this one design for the rest of my life and be happy, lol.

I also received my Mira RR back home!!!  It's so pretty.  I still have to finish my own square, so it's not 100% complete, but it's still so pretty.  The ladies who stitched on this for me did an amazing job. :)

Today, I have pulled out my Rainy Day Stroll by Cross Stitching Art to work on.  This is SAL week on the Cross Stitching Art Facebook group, and since I was finishing up the ornaments,  I thought I would join in on the SAL. :)

And I will leave you will a couple of photos of my little baby.  We found out last week that we are having another little boy!!!!! :)

And, a photo of my silly kitty, Mittens. :)

I'm Growing A Mermaid Tail!

Ok, so not physically on me, but there is one growing here!

Passione Ricamo Mystery SAL

Part 5 is done!  I will go onto part 6 after I finish some holiday ornaments I need to get done.

Thanks for stopping by!

Two Round Robins

Two round robins are finished! :)  I just put the last beads on the last one and wanted to share.

Here is Karen's Joan Elliott Round Robin all blinged out, and the whole piece as I will be mailing it out.

And here is Jackie's Mirabilia Round Robin.  LOTS of beads on this beauty!

Thanks for stopping by! :D

A Quick Fly By

Just a short update this morning, as I don't have too much to update.

Karen's Joan Elliott round robin is done but for one color bead and one color of kreinik, which I am waiting for ever so impatiently.

I finally got ink for my printer, so printed off parts 5-8 of the PR mystery SAL.  I just started part 5 a few minutes ago, so hopefully will have an update of that soon.

Today, I am 15 weeks pregnant.  I have an OB appt tomorrow, and will probably be making my appt for the anatomy/gender ultrasound while I am there.  That will be in about 4 weeks. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Stitching

I know, my titles aren't very creative, but I that's me, lol.

Just a couple updates for you all. :)

Jackie's Mira RR - "Red"

 Waiting on beads and Waterlilies to finish her up, I should have them in the mail any day now.  :)

Karen's Joan Elliott RR - "Lily"

Holy hair!!!  That hair took me a whole day to stitch, lol.  It was a counting nightmare, but at least I didn't have to rip any stitches out!! :)  I love her.  Skin is all that's left.  Waiting for a package of beads and a spool of kreinik to finish her off.  I expect they will be here in a week or so, they were backordered. :)

A quick little finish, hubby got me this little kit for my b-day. :)

The cross is supposed to be backstitched, but I prefer it without. :)  It will be finished off as a little ornament.

That's it on the stitching front lately. :)  I did notice however, that I have been removed from the HAED blog, which makes me really sad.  I am assuming it was because I don't post a lot of updates, which is because I don't stitch on my HAEDs regularly, but did always post when I did.  A little notice would have been nice, I've been on that blog for quite a few years now, since it first started up.  Oh well.  I can't even find it in my blog list now.  I always checked in from my list of blogs that I belong to.

So, that is it for today.  I am off to stitch some skin on Lily fairy. :)

I Have Been Stitching!

I promise, I really have been stitching.  Just not as much as I would like.  I got a really nasty sinus and ear infection, so that had me laying on the couch sleeping most of the time.  But, I got some antibiotics, and am feeling much better, so I've done a bit of stitching.  No finishes to share, but I do have some progress pictures to share.

First up, I have made some more progress on Rainy Day Stroll.  I really do enjoy stitching this.  I have been watching the TV show Supernatural on Netflix while I stitch this.  So, there are still quite a few seasons left for me to watch, so that is how stitching on this will continue.  I am missing both the show and the stitching right now, but I am on to more round robin stitching. :)  Anyway, here she is....
 

Rainy Day Stroll - Cross Stitching Art - Opal Storm fabric (Steph's Fabbys)

 And speaking of round robin stitching, I volunteered to stitch the last sections on Jackie's Mirabilia Round Robin since she had an empty space.  I chose to stitch 'Red'.  I am LOVING this!!  I have to order the beads, I was shocked that all I had in my large bead stash were the size 8s, lol.

Mirabilia's Red

I also got Karen's Joan Elliott round robin in the mail this weekend and have already picked out what I will stitch for her.  I will most likely start her when I finish up the stitching on Red  and will be waiting on the beads.  Karen's theme is "Purple Passion".  So, anything with purple goes. :) The one I picked out definitely has some purple. :)

Karen's Joan Elliott Round Robin

I also made a little bit of progress on my Deep Blue Sea Mystery by Chatelaine.  I put it away awhile ago, but decided I needed to get it out again.  I am having a hard time backstitching the fishies, because they are supposed to be backstitched in black, but it doesn't show up on the black fabric.  So, I've been messing around with colors, and have ripped more than I care to mention, lol.

Deel Blue Sea Mystery - Chatelaine

On non-stitchy related news....as of today, I am 12 weeks pregnant. :)  Everything seems to be going along just fine.  I got to hear the heartbeat in the doctor's office when I was 10w1d. :)  Nice and strong.  And because the love me so much at my OBs office, they sent me over to ultrasound just so I could see baby, a really quick ultrasound, but I got a fuzzy picture out of it!  My bladder wasn't full enough for them to get a clear picture, but I saw the baby moving around, stretching, even looked like the baby was waving at me.  And I even saw the baby's little heart just a beating.  175 bpm, which they said was wonderful! :)  My next OB appt is in 3 weeks, and we will schedule the next ultrasound then.  That will probably be in 6 or 7 weeks. :)  So, here is our little Bean!

Our baby!

Round Robins and More.......

I haven't been too busy stitching lately, sort of getting into a bit of a slump.  I've been very tired, so haven't stitched as much as I would like.  I do have a couple of photos to share though!

First up, Ginny's Joan Elliott Round Robin.  I just put the beads on today (had to wait for the white ones to arrive in the mail).

I stitched Blue Geisha for Ginny, though she doesn't look too blue in this section of the chart.  I just absolutely love her face, I think she is so delicate looking!

Next up, I started a new project (like I need a new one?!).  Sometimes I need to start something new to get my stitching groove back.  It's helped, but I could still use a little more motivation.

Here is Cross Stitching Art's Rainy Day Stroll.  I am stitching her on 28ct Opal Lugana "Storm" by Hand Dyed Fabrics by Stephanie.  I love, love, love this fabric!!!

I still have a long ways to go, but she will get there. :)

I got part 5 of the PR Mystery all printed and ready to go, I just don't feel like stitching on her just yet.  I think I will stitch a little more on Rainy Day Stroll before I move back to the PR Mystery.

On non-stitching news, I recently found out that I am pregnant!  So far everything is going well, and I also have an explanation on why I am so tired, lol.  As of today, I am 9 weeks and 3 days.  I am due 4/14/14.  Lots of fours!

This was taken 3 weeks ago, and shows a teeny tiny baby, the size of a grain of rice.  The baby has a strong heart beat and all my blood work has come back perfect. :)  I go back to the doctor's next week for a heart beat check (for my peace of mind).

Thank you for stopping by today. :)

Mermaids and Fairies

I've been busy stitching as usual. I finished this round of the Joan Elliott Round Robin, had a scare mine may have gotten lost, but it went on a little walkabout I think, and landed fine in Australia after several weeks! I'd like to spend several weeks in Australia!!

Anyway, here is my contribution to Johanna's RR.  I stitched Chrysanthemum Fairy.  I am in love with her red hair. :)  I think she may be one of my favorites so far.  Just another one to add to the never ending to do list, lol.

I have also caught up on the Passione Ricamo Mystery SAL.  Parts 1-4 are pretty much done.  I am leaving some backstitching until later, and decided to add the rest of her skin when I stitch the other parts.

That's all I have for now.  I am planning on stitching a couple baby samplers for friend and family and I want to start CSA's Rainy Day Stroll and work on Mirabilia Cinderella.  I hate when I have to pick something, why can't I just work on all of them at the same time? LOL!

Thanks for stopping by!