Stickin' with Stitchin'

I've decided that during this busy season in my life, there is no time to practice and to develop skills that I do not already posses (i.e. drawing, painting, etc.)—at least not in my very limited leisure hours! Therefore, during my free moments in the car or on the sofa while watching a Friday evening movie, I'm going to focus on what I know best, the needle arts. I am pretty confident in my crochet, knitting, and embroidery skills, and I can easily pick up and put down those projects as my schedule permits.

I started a new embroidery project recently. I am stitching a pair of dishtowels for my MIL for her birthday. I found a great set of chicken transfers at a craft store during a recent trip to Washington state (for work!), which are in keeping with the theme of her country kitchen.

I also scored a good deal last week on Ebay on size 12 Valdani perle cotton. I'm stitiching the rooster in size 8 DMC perle cotton, which is comparable to the size 12 Valdani, and I really like it, so I decided to invest in some more threads. I love the subtle colors of the "Muddy Monet" collection.

Little Glimpses...

... of creativity.

And lots of thinking about my hobbies and interests and how to fit them into my new schedule.

(Granny square throw Raveled here.)

A Stitch Here and There

Well, I did have an FO very soon after my last post some weeks ago, I just didn't post it! (I did upload photos to Flickr, however.) And even worse, I have yet to deliver the baby afghan to its recipient!

I'm still attempting to adjust to this new phase in my life. It's not easy for me. Women who work from 8 to 5 everyday, do the laundry, keep the house in some semblance of order, and have time for their families and their hobbies...you are cut from different cloth than I am! I'm trudging along, keeping my head above water. I haven't given up my creative interests, I just haven't been very successful at working them into my new schedule. Hope springs eternal!

Still Here...And Crocheting

Regardless of appearances to the contrary, I haven't dropped off of the face of the earth. I am behind on commenting and responding and all manner of online activity. Please forgive me if I haven't gotten back to you. I've worked about thirty hours a week for the past two weeks, and while it is going very well, it is going to take some time for me to adjust to my new schedule. I fall into bed every night exhausted and able to read only a few pages before falling asleep.

I haven't been doing much crafting, but I did finish up last night teaching another session of crochet classes, and I am slowly but surely weaving in the ends on the baby afghan I have been working on for months. My big goal for the weekend is to get that project checked off my list.

I realized a while back that I had never shared with you one of my favorite things, my Lexi Barnes crochet hook case. I bought it using a MasterCard gift card I got for my birthday a couple of years ago, and I have never regretted the purchase. It holds all of my hooks, even the largest ones, as well as a pair of small scissors, darning needles, stitch markers, etc. If you are a serious crocheter and like to be well-organized, it is worth it!

With many hopes of having an FO to post here next week...

New Year, New Venture

Sorry it's taken so long for the big reveal. Things didn't quite go according to plan, but that has worked out for the best. So what's the big news, the life change, the announcement?

After more than nine years as a stay-at-home mom (with some part-time work thrown in here and there), I am going back to work full time! I have been hired as the executive director of a brand new ministry to women in crisis. Our building is currently being renovated, and we are preparing to open in the Spring. In the meantime, I have much to learn and much to do. I've set up a temporary office in my dining room until the building is finished. I have to write procedures, create a database, raise funds, attend conferences and training... The list goes on.

I wasn't looking to go back to work. I had settled in at home content to keep house (Well, I do the laundry regularly and cook sometimes!), to pursue my creative interests, and to volunteer at church and school. However, over the course of the several months that it took for this development to come to fruition, it has become very clear that I didn't choose the job; it was chosen for me, and that is a great comfort as I contemplate the coming changes around here. I can be confident that I will be equipped to handle what is come.

I don't know how my hobbies will be affected. I certainly won't have as much "free time." But like most people I've talked to about it, the more free time I have, the less likely I am to use it well. My husband thinks I will enjoy my creative pursuits even more because they will be something I do for fun and relaxation rather than with professional ambitions in mind. I hope he is right.

New Inspiration Board

My mom gave me a new inspiration board for Christmas. We hung it over my work table, and I love it! (You can click on the image for a larger view.)

UPDATED: For those of you who are interested, I FINALLY found an online source for the bird cage memo board, Nell Hill's in Kansas City. And the price is better too!

Merry Christmas!

Seasons greetings from my home to yours!

Now may the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you will abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Sea Island Girl

I have been reminding myself lately that it is the "most wonderful time of the year." The busyness of the Christmas season is not my favorite part, and, thankfully, the busy part is almost over!

In between Christmas parties, online shopping, and running here and there, I have been helping my fabulous Aunt Chris set up her new blog, Sea Island Girl. Chris is one of the most talented and interesting people I know, so I encourage you to stop by her blog and to leave her a few words of encouragement as she embarks upon this new venture. Here's a peek at her blog banner, designed by moi. (Just letting you know that all creative endeavors have not ceased completely over here!)

My First Award

My friend Deborah, awarded me with my first ever blog award! Thank you, Deborah!

The way it works is that I answer the following questions in one word, and then pass the award on to five other bloggers.

Here are the questions:

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Your hair? brown

3. Your mother? loving

4. Your father? forgetful

5. Your favorite food? Thai

6. Your dream last night? prophetic

7. Your favorite drink? tea

8. Your dream/goal? contentment

9. What room are you in? greatroom

10. Your hobby? crochet

11. Your fear? pain

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? present

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren’t? quiet

15. Muffins? daily

16. Wish list item? books

17. Where did you grow up? Georgia

18. Last thing you did? Flickr

19. What are you wearing? pajamas

20. Your TV? off

21. Your Pets? dog

22. Friends? wise

23. Your life? blessed

24. Your mood? contented

25. Missing Someone? Brenda

26. Vehicle? Camry

27. Something you're not wearing? bra

28. Your favorite store? Barnes and Noble (Not one word, I know.)

29. Your favorite colour? Mauve

30. When was the last time you laughed? morning

31. Last time you cried? forgot

32. Your best friend? Brent

33. One place that I go to over and over? church

34. Facebook? no

35. Favorite place to eat? Moe's

And paying it forward...
Debbie
Tracey
Elizabeth
Gretchen
Beth

Times Flies

Even I of erratic posting habits am amazed that more than two weeks have passed since my last post. Good things are happening around here, and I plan to share more about that with you later this week.

Good things that are not art and crafts, I'm afraid. But I do have a couple of projects to show you...

First, I went on a brief granny star making binge. I purchased Sarah London's patterns before I knew I could get free instructions here. I had visions of making a garland for Christmas, but I lost steam and got distracted with other interests. (Imagine that!) I've decided that I'm definitely more of a small project girl, and the timing of this realization is especially important. (I'm trying to build suspense... I AM NOT pregnant!)

I also finally got around to doing a little piece of artwork for my friend, Tracey. When she saw this journal page, she indicated she would like a version for herself. In true Kathryn Estelle fashion, I had all kinds of grandiose plans for a mixed media masterpiece, but I never got father than painting a honeycomb background. In a moment of inspiration, I decided that I would make it postcard size (4x6), and all of my design quandaries were over! The cute little bee stamp came from Michael's. I hope you like it, Tracey!

By the way, I want to mention that I haven't been doing the "Follow" thing because I wasn't exactly sure how it worked, and I never got around to taking the time to find out. I subscribe to tbe blogs I read in Bloglines. However, I am gradually "following" as I visit my friends, favorites, and others who are following me.