101 Progress

Although I have only finished two things to cross off my 101 list I am working towards a few of the goals:

#4 I am going through a couple of magazines every evening before bed and removing charts that I like. I was managing up to ten a day, but now I am doing 'New Stitches' and there are a lot more designs I like so it is taking me longer to file them. I think when I have finished the 'New Stitches' ones I will have enough room on my bookcase and will cross it off the list although I will be continuing until I have gone through all my magazines.

#5 and 6 I have got the 'Readerware' software all ready to use and have made a start at entering both books and DVD's. I also got the Palm edition so I can import the lists onto my palm. I love the software so far and am looking forward to working on this.

#9 My peel off collection is sorted into sections such as Christmas pictures, Christmas wording, happy birthday (thanks mum!) and I have worked out how I am going to store them. I decided on an A4 presentation binder with clear plastic wallets. The wallets are going to be stapled down the centre which makes them the perfect size for peel off's. I can then keep four designs per wallet (two at the front and two at the back).

#17 I have done housework top to bottom, but would like to do it more thoroughly before I cross it off. At least if I keep up with it when I do a 'spring clean' it will be easier.

#18 I am using a different perfume each day and I am giving away any that I am not keen on or just don't suit me. I used to belong to a perfume club so have lots of mini bottles to get through.

#22 I have a couple of frames and mounts ordered and should have them in a week or so. My dad is helping me to do the framing. We are going to do a couple at a time until they are all done.

#24 and 25 I have A6 clear plastic boxes ready to sort the cards into. I haven't decided how to keep cards larger than A6 yet.

#26 I managed get my inbox clear near the start of begining this list and now I need to keep it that way until 19th June.

#48 I have done a facial in April, so only five more months to go.

#52 I have been searching for a mobile beauty therapist in this area but so far haven't managed to find one.

#56 I am watching an episode of Star Trek Enterprise with Richard every evening. We are onto the final series so this will be crossed off the list soon.

#61 I am listening to the Janet Evanovich 'Stephanie Plum' series (unabridged version) every evening as I stitch. I am currently in the middle of book five 'High Five'.

#62 I have stitched one 'Spring' coaster and chosen a chart for a 'Summer' one.

#64 I am currently stitching the Pinn Japanese lady.

#69 I have started stitching the 'birthday' design for my quilt.

#70 I have got the fabric ready for the quilt.

#80 I have done a couple 'random acts of kindness'.

#81 I have done a basic search to find a suitable charity job.

#80 I am reading a bit of the bible each evening. I am following a breakdown that I found online which takes exactly a year to complete the bible.

#100 I have asked to borrow a kite, which needs to be fixed before I can complete this one.

I am pleased with my progress so far especially as I have been busy work-wise. I am enjoying working through things. I am glad I started this and do recommend it!

A Favourite Quote:
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
Albert Einstein

Birthday Flip-it

I charted a 'birthday' square to go with the Lizzie*Kate monthly and holiday Flip-its for the quilt I am making.

I used the Lizzie*Kate 'birthday' wording and 'cake' picture from the Snippet chart S26 'Birthday Blessings'. I removed one of the layers of cake and made the candle smaller so it would fit the space of a Flip-it. I am pleased with how it looks on the chart - hopefully it will stitch up OK! I am going to start it sometime this week and will post a picture when completed.

I was going to design a 'New Year' square instead but all the other Flip-its were just a single word such as 'Easter' so it wouldn't have matched. It was also easier as I already had the 'Birthday Blessings' chart.

This completes #68 on my 101 Tasks in 1001 Days list.

A Favourite Quote:
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless."
Mother Teresa

Progress

I managed to finish page two of HAED - Tomboy at the weekend:

I also managed to finish the Lizzie*Kate 'Hello Spring' freebie for myself and turned it into a coaster (part of #62 on my 101 in 1001 list):

I stitched it onto some hand-dyed aida and changed the colour of the petals to make it a daisy (my favourite flower). It was charted as orange which would have clashed with my fabric. I am really pleased with how it turned out.

I have got to book five 'High Five' of the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series and are still enjoying them.

I spent ages this evening trying to get a countdown timer to work on my 101 Tasks in 1001 Days post but have given up and put it in my sidebar. It is Javascript and I think they don't work on the main blog page, as it works fine in the sidebar.

I am now going to do a bit of stitching before watching an episode of Star Trek Enterprise with Richard. My current stitching project is a 'Pinn' kit of a Japanese lady reading a book.

A Favourite Quote:
"Never think that you're not good enough yourself.
A man should never think that.
People will take you very much at your own reckoning."
Anthony Trollope

101 Tasks in 1001 Days

Click here to see my Up-To-Date List

As seen on triplux.com

Start Date: 15th April 2006
Deadline: 09th January 2009
Tasks completed: 4
Tasks Left: 97

Organising/Home

1. Get filing up to date
2. Clear out old files
3. Put Anchor threads into inventory (like DMC)
4. Remove charts I like from stitching magazines - enough to be able to keep them neatly on the bookcase
5. Catalogue DVD's
6. Catalogue Books
7. Sort A5 card
8. Sort card blanks
9. Sort out peel off's
10. Back up PC
11. Organise my wardrobe
12. Get cards made for year ahead
13. Find homes for all my hobby bits
14. Find 12 new recipes
15. Organise my recipe file
16. Sort out plan so can get and keep up-to-date with things
17. Thoroughly clean house
18. Sort through perfumes and give away ones not keen on now
19. Defrost freezer
20. Do inventory of food in freezer
21. Get bath fixed
22. Frame all completed cross stitch
23. Put wedding photos into memory album - Get advice
24. Organise handmade cards given to me
25. Organise handmade cards made by me until time to give out
26. Keep inbox clear for 2 straight months
27. Sort out organised 'home' for manicure things
28. Put my videos onto DVD's
29. Get accounts up to date
30. Do candle inventory with comments about fragrance
31. Do new up-to-date address book
32. Organise my rubber stamps
33. Sort out storage for seasonal bits
34. Do inventory of my collections
35. Do inventory of my jewellery
36. Use or loose cleaning supplies
37. Use or loose toiletries
38. Get pictures hung on wall
39. Design new look to lounge
40. Plan garden
    Business
    
41. Get all stock entered up-to-date
42. Write book
43. Write my CV
    Personal Care
    
44. Loose weight - 1 stone
45. Do Tae Bo once a week for 2 straight months
46. Learn all the 'Total Fitness' exercises
47. Do the 'Total Fitness' exercises 3 times a week for 2 straight months
48. Do a facial once a month for 6 straight months
49. Do a manicure once a week for 2 straight months
50. Sort out airbrush nails kit and try out
51. Have professional photo taken
52. Find mobile beauty therapist
53. Have a beauty treatment with above
54. Have a week off
55. Get pair of smart comfortable shoes
    Hobbies
    
56. Watch every episode of Star Trek Enterprise
57. Watch every episode of Star Trek Voyager
58. Watch every episode of Alias
59. Watch every episode of Quantum Leap
60. Listen to complete Diana Gabaldon 'Outlander' series (unabridged version)
61. Listen to complete Janet Evanovich 'Stephanie Plum' series (unabridged version)
62. Stitch 4 coasters for each season
63. Finish stitching baby lion
64. Finish stitching Japanese lady
65. Finish stitching Celtic Autumn
66. Finish stitching giraffe
67. Finish stitching Winter boxer
68. Design 'Birthday' chart for quilt
69. Stitch 'Birthday' chart
70. Make quilt of Lizzie*Kate Flip-it's
71. Make some 'summer' bits for wooden tree
72. Stitch/decorate 8 tops
73. Make some candles - seasonal colour theme
74. Dye some Aida
75. Take some decent photos
76. Get up-to-date photos of every family member
77. Put above in album
78. Make paper
79. Get a healthy Aloe Vera plant and keep alive for duration of this exercise
    Charity
    
80. Do 10 random acts of kindness
81. Get volunteer charity job
82. Buy a meal for a homeless person
    Improving Mind
    
83. Learn basics for all main religions
84. Learn how to make Blinkies
85. Study fashion through the ages
86. Read 4 self-improvement books and try out ideas
87. Read bible right through
88. Learn how to meditate
89. Work through home marketing course
    Other
    
90. Try some food I've never eaten before
91. Release a message in a bottle (or balloon)
92. Go to garden centre
93. Do something different than normal
94. List cross stitch kits not going to stitch on personal website
95. Make buttons for blog and set up with links
96. Set up Blinkie web page
97. Get a hot tub
98. Dance in the rain
99. Have a carpet picnic
100. Fly a kite
101. Swing on a swing

I am going to put a countdown timer in my side bar, I tried adding it to this post but it didn't show up. I will cross items off this list when I have completed something. I am also going to post my progress as I work through items.

A Favourite Quote:
"Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."
Malcolm S. Forbes

Visit My Current Entry!

Another SBQ

My answer to the SBQ:

Do you do obligation or deadline-based stitching? Why or why not? If you do, do you tend to get in over your head and why?

I sometimes stitch quilt squares for special projects which have deadlines. I prefer not to sign up for things with deadlines though as I don't like the pressure. I do sometimes set myself goals but if anything crops up and I don't make the deadline I am not letting anyone down. Cross stitch is stress relief for me. After a hectic day I love just switching off and stitching, if it were deadline-based stitching it wouldn't be as relaxing for me.

A Favourite Quote:
"How come there’s always so much month left at the end of the money?"

Lion Finished

I had a great Easter weekend! I didn't realise how much I needed the break; I feel so much better because of it.

I managed to finish the Kustom Krafts baby lion!

I didn't manage to finish page two of HAED Tomboy, but all being well should be able to this week.

I am currently up to the middle of book three 'Three to Get Deadly' of the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series. I am going to continue through the rest of the series. I didn't think I would enjoy them as much this time but I am.

A Favourite Quote:
"I wish I were a teddy bear - the older they get,
the more they’re worth…"

Long Weekend

I am planning to have a stitching marathon from tonight until Monday evening. I have set some goals although I don't know how realistic they are; I will have to wait and see. They are to finish the Kustom Krafts baby lion and page two of HAED Tomboy; a lot of stitching. I am also going to have a Janet Evanovich 'Stephanie Plum' unabridged audio book marathon starting at book one 'One For The Money' while I am stitching. I wonder which book I will get to by Monday bedtime?

I will post progress photos of my stitching after the weekend.

My very short answer to the SBQ:

For those of you that stitch while riding in the car or on the train, how do you cope with the bumps and the motion? Do you have any tips for others?

I have never stitched outside of the house so don't have any tips. Really interesting answer - not!

A Favourite Quote:
"The only true gift is a portion of thyself…"
Emerson

Bit of History

As I was sorting through my stitching magazines I came across an article about DMC and thought it was interesting.

History of The DMC Coporation
DMC was founded in Mulhouse, France, in 1746 by Jean Dollfus. When his son, Daniel, married Anne-Marie Mieg and added her name to his, the company adopted the name Dollfus-Mieg et Compagnie to recognize Daniel's contributions. DMC began producing sewing and needlework threads in the mid-1800s and first manufactured embroidery floss in 1897. The first manufacturer ever to mercerize thread, DMC still double mercerizes its threads, which accounts for their strength, colorfastness and brilliance.

The article was in the USA magazine 'Just Cross Stitch'.

It is just a shame the threads cost so much in the UK - something I have never understood. It seems crazy that the trade price in the UK is dearer than the retail price in the USA.

A Favourite Quote:
"Chocolate: Proof that God loves me, and wants me to be happy!"

Another Cross Stitch Update and Meme

As promised yesterday here is a picture of last week's progress on HAED "Tomboy":

I am now half-way through page 2. I hope to be able to finish page 2 next week. It would be good to be able to stitch a page in two weeks rather than the three weeks it took for page 1. I don't think I can keep this up though, but I should be able to save a week here and there bringing the completion date closer.

Here is what it should look like when finished:

To give an idea of size the sky is six pages of cross stitch chart and I have done the width of two pages. It should keep me out of trouble for a while!

Today's stitching meme:

1. Do you stitch every day?

I usually manage to stitch every day, only the odd day I can't.

2. How many hours can you get in on a weekday? A weekend day?

Normally I stitch for between one and two hours on an evening and maybe an extra hour on a weekend day.

3. What do you do while stitching?

I listen to my iRiver (similar to an iPod) - usually unabridged audio books but sometimes music.

4. Do you ever stay up late stitching?

I used to, but recently I have changed my routine so don't.

5. What is the latest you have ever stayed up to stitch?

I think the latest I have stayed up stitching was 6am. I was tired the next day!

A Favourite Quote:
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Show Your Backs

Todays stitching meme:

1. Are your backs neat or messy?

I used to keep my backs really neat, taking ages to get them right, then I came to the conclusion that it was taking time on something that is never shown (until now). With so much to stitch and so little stitching time it wasn't worth it. I still make sure there are no knots and ends are finished off properly. Also I use the loop start which helps with neatness. Now though I do take the thread from one stitch to another when it is a block away instead of finishing off and restarting, unless it is going behind an area that is going to be left unstitched.

2. Post a picture or two of your projects backsides.

How embarrasing! Do I really want to do this - oh well, this is a picture of the back of my current project HAED Tomboy:

I will be posting a picture of the front tomorrow - the excitement, can you wait?

A Favourite Quote:
"When life gives you crumbs… make cookies"

Fruitful Day

I managed to finish some jobs today so feel happier than yesterday. I also think I will be able to finish earlier so will hopefully get a bit more stitching done than I have been able to do so far this week. I am on an easy bit of Tomboy so should see good results tonight.

Todays stitching meme:

1. How many WIP's do you have?

I have started five projects, although I am focussing on two for now, HAED "Tomboy" (color) and Kustom Krafts "Baby Lion". I am also about to start a small project - Lizzie*Kate "Hello Spring" as I would like a spring coaster and think this will be ideal.

2. How many UFO's?

None - I made a point of finishing them all last year before starting anything new.

3. Do you prefer small, medium or large projects?

I like to do a mixture of sizes from napkin rings through to the Heaven and Earth Designs. I find doing smaller designs helps to keep me motivated for the large (and in the case of HAED extra large) projects.

4. Do you consider yourself a rotator or a OOAT'er?

I am a rotator, but at the moment I am concentrating on the two mentioned above (still rotating them every week). I used to stitch on one project at a time but find I need the change to keep motivated.

5. If all your projects were completed (magically) right now, what project(s) would you start next?

I would probably start another L&L (I am trying to stitch all the celtic ladies) and another HAED - not sure which one.

A Favourite Quote:
"The quality of life you experience will be directly related to the quality of the questions you ask."
... Dorothy Leeds

SBQ and Ramblings

First Today's SBQ:

Do you stitch "on the go?" (On the commute to and from work, during your lunch break, waiting for the kids, etc.) If so, do you have a specific "travel" project or do you just grab whatever you happen to be working on and take it with you?

I work from home so don't commute. I don't have a specific "travel" project as I rarely leave the house, but I usually have a small project set up to stitch so if I did need a project to take out I would grab that one. At the moment I have got Lizzie*Kate "Hello Spring" ready to stitch. My other WIP's would be too large to take out. Having my own business means I don't have regular hours, so my lunch break is just long enough to get something and eat it then back to work, no time for stitching.

Today has been a frustrating day. Everytime I went to do something I didn't have the one thing I needed to complete the task! Parcels didn't arrive that were supposed to, I was expecting some emails that never materialised etc. I have so many part-completed projects but nothing finished, at least when I do receive everything I should get a lot of things finished much quicker. There has also been a problem with WorldPay (who provide the payment option for the business), not having statements ready for customer payments.

I am going to get our evening meal (tea, dinner or whatever you call it) and then stitch and boy am I looking forward to it! Tomorrow is another day and hopefully everything will sort it self out then.

A Favourite Quote:
"Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records"
William A. Ward

100 Things About Me

Here is my attempt:
(in no particular order)

1. I got married 6th June 2000
2. I don't have any children
3. I don't want children
4. I am Godmother to three nephews
5. I love my nephews as if they were my children
6. My youngest nephew died from cancer at age 15
7. I miss him
8. I have one sister
9. My sister is five years older than me
10. My husband and sister are the same age
11. I come from a close family
12. I have a form of agoraphobia
13. I am sensitive
14. I lack confidence
15. I am an Aquarian
16. I have my own way of doing things
17. I speak my own language
18. I am not a morning person
19. I am a night owl
20. I wake up when it's time to go to bed
21. I have trouble sleeping
22. I suffer with depression
23. I am addicted to cross stitch
24. It keeps me (sort of) sane
25. I love laughing
26. I don't take myself too seriously
27. I'm into Garfield (the comic strip)
28. I think Tigger is cool
29. I love unabridged audio books
30. which I listen to while I stitch
31. My favourite flower is a daisy
32. My favourite colours are blue, red and yellow
33. This does change depending on my mood
34. I love Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate
35. I am not keen on other chocolates
36. My favourite films are romantic comedies
37. I have trouble remembering things
38. generally because I have a lot on my mind
39. I love snowflakes
40. I collect anything to do with snowflakes
41. I am a Christian
42. I am loyal
43. I have never betrayed a trust
44. I am very squeamish
45. I hate all rodents
46. I like things with happy endings
47. I was born in the UK
48. I have always lived in the UK
49. I am easy going
50. I love lions
51. and tigers
52. I am trying to lose weight
53. I hate exercise
54. I work hard
55. I try to fit too much into a day
56. I have my own business
57. I used to teach beauty therapy
58. I love Yankee candles
59. I love Christmas
60. I like things to be organised
61. Spring is my favourite season
62. I eat mainly vegetarian food
63. occasionally I eat chicken
64. I like helping others
65. I believe in looking forward not back
66. I am honest
67. I enjoy watching Star Trek,
68. Highlander
69. and Quantum Leap
70. I don't like watching much TV
71. I like Scott Bakula
72. and Adrian Paul
73. I am female
74. I don't like confrontation
75. I love takeaways
76. I do all the cooking
77. I love planning
78. I enjoy reading
79. I prefer books in a series
80. My favourite books are the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich,
81. the Outlander (or Cross Stitch as it is in the UK) series by Diana Gabaldon
82. and the Benni Harper series by Earlene Fowler
83. I love trying new things
84. I am blonde
85. I like to smile
86. Sapphires are my favourite jewel
87. I do like amethysts (my birthstone) as well
88. I love learning new things
89. I am shy
90. I have never smoked
91. I would love to live near a beach
92. I love weekends
93. I have broken my nose once
94. I haven't broken any other bones so far
95. I hate giving up on things I have started
96. I follow through on promises
97. I love receiving presents
98. I love giving presents
99. I have a hormonal imbalance
100. I enjoy learning about history

I was struggling to complete the 100, but made it!

A Favourite Quote:
"I have not failed.
I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Thomas Edison
(The inventor of the light bulb)

Cross Stitch Progress

I managed to finish page eight of the baby lion, only one page to go! This is what it looks like now:

I am now back onto HAED "Tomboy" for this week. I am enjoying stitching this one.

Here is another stitching meme. I thought I would start at the beginning as I missed them and I think they are good ones.

1. How old were you when you started stitching?
I think I was 35 when I started stitching.

2. How many years have you been at it?
Around 6 years.

3. Self-taught or did someone teach you?
I taught myself the basics from a magazine and then gradually learnt more from the internet, books and magazines as well as experience. Also thinking things through and working out solutions.

4. What was your first project?
The first thing I stitched was a matching pair of napkin rings which can be seen here in my gallery

A Favourite Quote:
"Dear Lord, so far today I'm doing OK.
I haven't lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or self-indulgent.
I haven't whined, complained, cursed or eaten any chocolate.
But I'll be getting out of bed in a minute,
I think I'll really need your help then!"

Snowdrops and Memes

I managed to finish the snowdrop coaster for my mum in time for her to collect yesterday. Here is a scan:

She was very pleased and I have been told it has been put to use already. Snowdrops remind mum of her dad and bring back happy memories for her, so when I saw the chart I had to stitch it for her.

It was also my first attempt at "couching". I was anxious when I first realised it needed a different stitch than I have tried as I usually don't enjoy doing any stitching except cross stitch; but it turned out to be really easy and I enjoyed doing it. It was an effective stitch for the stem.

I have just come across Memes and thought I would start to answer some in my blog. Here is a stitching one:

1. Have you ever tried dying your fabrics for stitching?
Not yet.

2. If so, how did it go, if not would you like to someday?
It is something I would love to try, I have loads of white aida all ready waiting. I am currently trying to find the right type of dye as the one that was recommended to me "RIT" doesn't seem available in the UK. If someone has any suggestions please get in touch.

A Favourite Quote:
"I will honour Christmas in My Heart
and keep it there all year long"
by Charles Dickens