Wednesday, July 18, 2012


BLOG TAG & A GIVE-AWAY!!!
Shelley tagged me recently. 
Here are Shelley’s questions (and my answers) -
  1. If you were stranded on an island with one other person, who would you choose...Oprah Winfrey or Ellen DeGeneres?

    Ellen DeGeneres

  2. Which fabric do you prefer to stitch on...Aida or Evenweave?

    Evenweave

  3. What is your favorite genre of movie and why?

    It depends on my mood, but I usually go for a comedy, drama or romance.

  4. Who is your favorite cross stitch designer?

    All of them!  Seriously, too many to name.

  5. What kind of flooring do you like in your home...shag carpet, hard wood or stone?

    Hardwood

  6. What kind of illumination do you use when stitching?

    When I can stitch near a window with a lot of natural light, that’s what I like the best, but when I stitch at night or when I can’t be near a window, I use an Ott Light knock-off.

  7. What is the farthest you have traveled from home?

    Not sure which is the furthest in miles, but Canada, New York, Florida, Caribbean and California.

  8. What is your favorite brand of specialty thread?

    Another one of those questions that’s difficult to answer.  I like WDW, GAST and many others.  The more variegated the colors, the better I like them.

  9. How many languages do you speak? (Note: Klingon is a language!)

    Two - English & “Sister”.  My younger sister and I have our own language and way of communicating with each other.

  10. Do you stitch in hand or with the aide of a hoop, qsnap, stand, etc?

    I stitch in hand 99.9% of the time.  Occasionally I will use a hoop, q-snap or scroll frame, but only because a client has insisted that I use one for a particular project.

  11. Do you believe in ghosts?

    My husband asked me this question when we first met.  Yes, I do believe in ghosts;  I also believe in angels and through my Christian faith, I believe in the Holy Ghost.

 
My Eleven Questions (with my answers):

What was your first cross stitch project and how old were you?
My first embroidery project was stitching the outlines of fruits and vegetables on my grandma’s flower sack towels.  From there I stitched outlines of doves, peace sign, LOVE and flowers on the only two pairs of blue jeans that I owned. 

My first true counted cross stitch project was a wishing well with spring flowers.  You can read about it here..

What is your favorite thread/fabric color?
My favorite color is PINK.  A soft pink fabric and any variation of pink threads.

What is your favorite stitching tool or accessory?  Why?
My favorite stitching accessories are the stitched needlebooks I have received in exchanges.  I carry them with the project(s) I’m working on and they remind me that I’m not alone in my love of stitching and that I have some wonderful stitching friends.

Do you have furbabies that “help” you stitch?
I have two dogs, Snickers and Dottie.  Whenever they see me get my stitching station set up, they situate themselves so they are on each side of me. 

Where is your favorite place to stitch?
In the summer time, my favorite place to stitch is on the screened in porch - provided it’s not too hot and humid.  In the winter time, my favorite place to stitch is near the woodstove where I can be toasty warm.

What was your most difficult stitch project?
My most difficult stitch project was a wildlife scene with over 200 different thread colors that were used both individually and blended.  It took me eleven months to stitch and the finished piece was 18 x 22 inches.

What would cause you to throw away an unfinished project?
Nothing would make me throw away an unfinished piece now, but in my earlier years, I didn’t think twice about tossing a piece of aida if I had a major mess up. 

What is your STASH weakness?
Variegated anything - threads, fabric, ribbons, cording, etc.

Do you have a LNS near you?
The nearest LNS was about 2 hours away, but they are closing, making the nearest LNS over 3 hours away.

How old is your oldest WIP?
My oldest WIP is just over a year old.  I haven’t pulled it out to work on it since last fall.

How many projects do you actively work on and do you have a rotation schedule for them?
I generally only work on one or two at a time.  I’m considering joining a few SAL’s that will be BAP’s with a new portion of the design published each month.  I’ve never had a rotation for my projects. 

Rather than tag eleven blogging friends, I thought I would invite you to comment on my blog and answer the eleven questions.  Lets make it a give-away too!  A winner will be picked randomly from all the comments to this post.

Give-Away Rules:
  1. You must be a follower of my blog.
  2. You must comment to this post and answer at least 3 out of 11 of my questions.
  3. Make sure to include your name and valid email address.
  4. Post a link on your blog and let me know (include your blog address) and you'll get a second entry. 
Random Drawing will be August 1st so you have plenty of time to enter!

Prize will be a selection of STASH (fabric, floss, stitching accessories, etc.)!

Good Luck!!



9 comments:

  1. Hi Pam!
    Now that is a great idea! Thank you for hosting this giveaway :)
    I am a follower and I made a post on my blog: http://pointscroises.blogspot.ie/2012/07/11-things-giveaway.html
    My email address is maudleal@gmail.com, below are my answers:

    What was your first cross stitch project and how old were you?
    It was a stamped cross stitch that my grandmother gave me, I was about 7 or 8. I don't remember what it was exactly but I remember it had lots of very vivid colors!


    What is your favorite thread/fabric color?
    BLUE! I am so obsessed with blue, my eye is drawn to it all the time, whether it is fabric, threads, clothes, home decor, etc...

    What is your favorite stitching tool or accessory? Why?
    My ORT jar :) I took a simple jar and modified it so it also holds needles, thimble, tweezers and scissors, so now I can just stick the jar in my bag when I take my stitching somewhere and I have every thing I need :)

    Do you have furbabies that “help” you stitch?
    I have a cat, named Le Chat. Whenever I stitch she lays on top of the sofa right behind me, curls herself around my neck and purrs like an engine.

    Where is your favorite place to stitch?
    My sofa for now. Hopefully someday I'll be able to have a proper stitchy chair, one that is actually comfortable...

    What was your most difficult stitch project?
    A small bookmark by Dracolair. Every single color was a blend and it had a million fractionals. Then I made it even harder on myself by doing the backstitching with Kreinik BF...

    What would cause you to throw away an unfinished project?
    Nothing, no way! I only have one UFO right now, but I couldn't imagine ever throwing away a project.

    What is your STASH weakness?
    Variegated threads (especially silks!) and hand dyed fabrics.

    Do you have a LNS near you?
    Nope, I live in Ireland which is a crafting no-mans-land... I have to order everything online either from the UK or the US, which of course takes forever to get here (our post office is oh so efficient) and costs me an arm and a leg in shipping.

    How old is your oldest WIP?
    8 months. I started a Winnie the Pooh growth chart just before Christmas, I am almost done with it, but I am just so bored with it as I have since discovered the joys of ''grown-up'' stitching (HAED, Mirabilia, Chatelaine)

    How many projects do you actively work on and do you have a rotation schedule for them?
    Nothing too strict or set in stone, if something strikes my fancy and I either have the stash or can afford to order it, I'll start it. Right now I have 4 WIPs: 2 full size HAEDs, the growth chart UFO, and a baby sampler for a friend

    ReplyDelete
  2. What is your favorite thread/fabric color?
    I don't really have a favorite. I choose my fabric color based on the chart I'm stitching. I do like the feel of Gloriana threads, though.

    What is your favorite stitching tool or accessory? Why?
    My daylight lamp and mag eyes. They both help me see better to stitch. I also like the little pair of green and pink scissors with a little green teacup fob. Each one was received from fellow bloggers.

    Do you have furbabies that “help” you stitch?
    Celeste is my furbaby, but she doesn't help me stitch. Usually, she goes off on her own and takes a nap, lol.

    Where is your favorite place to stitch?
    I usually stitch on the sofa, but since I just acquired a rocker/recliner I'm hoping it will be comfy enough to stitch in.

    What was your most difficult stitch project?
    I would say JG because it has so many different specialty stitches.

    What would cause you to throw away an unfinished project?
    I wouldn't throw away an unfinished project. I finish them all even if my tastes have changed by the time I finish, LOL.

    What is your STASH weakness?
    Everything! Charts, fabric, floss, ribbons, trim, gadgets.

    Do you have a LNS near you? No. The one you mentioned that's closing was the closest one.

    How old is your oldest WIP?
    JG is the oldest one. I started it in 2006 (I think).

    How many projects do you actively work on and do you have a rotation schedule for them?
    I've found that 4-5 is about good for me. I rotate them weekly, or every two weeks depending on how well the progress is going.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Pam,
    I am a follower of your blog. My email
    address is: pamkifer@yahoo.com I don't
    really have a blog, just my multiply site
    where I can post pictures. Answers to your
    questions below.

    What is your first cross stitch project & how old were you? My first cross stitch project
    was a stamped quilt in the Williamsburg pattern & I was in my early 20's.

    What is your favorite fabric/thread color? I
    love blue 14ct aida, especially hand dyed fabrics. I also love blue threads in all shades, teals & turquoise & greens.

    What is your favorite stitching tool & why?
    I have a frogging needle that is blue & clear
    beads with a hummingbird charm on it that Lisa
    Nicholson made for me before she went to Cambodia. When I have to frog stitches I love
    to use the frogging needle as it is so pretty
    that it makes it easier to frog the stitches.

    Do you have furbabies that help you stitch?
    Yes I have 3 adult cats & 4 2 1/2 month old kittens & a Puggle (Pug & Beagle mixbreed dog
    named Bella) I also have 2 granddaughters
    Kayla 8 & Lily 3, who help/hinder my stitching.

    What is your favorite place to stitch? I have
    a blue recliner that sits in front of my fire
    place in winter or near the air conditioner in
    the summer. The tv sits on top of the fire place mantel.

    What is your most difficult stitch project?
    An Assisi heart pattern for a challenge.

    What would cause you to throw away a UFO project? Nothing, I would rip it out & start
    over again.

    Do you have a LNS near you? Yes, the closest
    one is 1/2 hour away, but it is small & does not carry very much in cross stitch supplies.
    The next closest one is about an hour away.
    There is a Pat Catan's & a JoAnn Fabrics.

    What is your stash weakness? I love cross stitch books & magazines.

    How old is your oldest WIP? I had made three
    cross stitch pictures for my Daughter's blue
    bathroom. I finished the fourth in March 2012. The last one was five years old before
    I finished it. The oldest one now is 2 or 3
    months old.

    How many projects do you actively work on & do
    you have a rotation. Right now I 4 projects & I have no particular rotation.

    Thanks for the opportunity to participate in your give away. It is nice to be able to do so as I don't really have a blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Pam! I'm a new follower and would like to be entered in your great giveaway, I have posted it on my blog's sidebar: http://wagapapacreations.blogspot.com.es/
    Here are my answers:

    What was your first cross stitch project and how old were you?
    Can't remember my age, think I was 12 and I started with Petit Point, then I changed to cross stitch.

    What is your favorite thread/fabric color?
    My favorite color is PINK as well but I like all bright colours for threads.

    What is your favorite stitching tool or accessory? Why?
    A scissors fob and a needle fob I won in a giveaway, and a purse a good friend made for keeping my stitching.

    Do you have furbabies that “help” you stitch?
    No, I don't, we live in a flat and animals are not allowed.

    Where is your favorite place to stitch?
    In the living room, on my sofa near the lamp.

    What was your most difficult stitch project?
    The Mighty Samurai, a huge project I enjoyed a lot.

    What would cause you to throw away an unfinished project?
    Nothing, I would not throw away any project I choose them because I like them and I want to stitch them.

    What is your STASH weakness?
    Charts, threads, fabric... love them all!

    Do you have a LNS near you?
    Wish I had one but cross stitch here is not as popular as in other countries so I use to buy through Internet.

    How old is your oldest WIP?
    I have recently started 2 works, so I think 2 weeks.

    How many projects do you actively work on and do you have a rotation schedule for them?
    I usuallly stitch one project at a time but I have recently bought and started one and have left the one I was working on... Don't have a rotation, I stitch one a time.

    Thanks for the chance! have a nice day. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a fun way to do a giveaway than the usual thing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello

    I'm a new blogger and a new follower of your lovely blog.

    What was your first cross stitch project and how old were you?

    I was about 28 and it was a kit of Pinocchio.

    What is your favourite thread/fabric colour?

    Fave fabric colour is white and favourite thread colour is pink.

    What is your favourite stitching tool and accessory and why?
    My Q-Snaps frames because they hold the fabric tightly and are easy to hold.
    Do you have fur-babies to help you stitch?

    Yes I have two girl kitties who are very partial to thread.
    Where is your favourite place to stitch?
    In my squashy armchair in the living-room.
    What is your most difficult project?
    A hardanger sampler.
    What would cause you to throw away an unfinished project?
    I have just thrown a half finished project away because I really couldn't get on with the awful linen it was stitched on.
    What is your STASH weakness?

    Variegated thread, I am addicted to it.
    How old is your oldest UFO?
    I don't have any UFOs, I tend to do one project at a time.
    How many projects do you actively work on and do you have a rotation schedule for them@
    No, I'm a one project at a time girl.

    My blog address is http://sallysdelicatestitches.blogspot.co.uk/
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. My Eleven Questions:

    What was your first cross stitch project and how old were you? I honestly don't remember, but I was in my early 20s.

    What is your favorite thread/fabric color?
    I don't have a favorite color in thread, fabric or life. There are so many wonderful things in the world that various colors work for so many of them.

    What is your favorite stitching tool or accessory? Why?
    My favorite stitching accessories are the stitched needlebooks I have received in exchanges. I carry them with the project(s) I’m working on and they remind me that I’m not alone in my love of stitching and that I have some wonderful stitching friends.

    Do you have furbabies that “help” you stitch?
    Out of my five dogs, three of them enjoy cuddling up when I stitch. Polly & Sydney are long hair Dachshunds and Girtie is a Min. Schnauzer.

    Where is your favorite place to stitch?
    In my comfy recliner situated in front of a large window and next to a bright light. It gives the pups and I lots of room and enough light to see.

    What was your most difficult stitch project?
    I once stitched a butterfly design for my daughter, with several stitch variations. It was a challenge and a lot of fun.

    What would cause you to throw away an unfinished project?
    Ugly!!! If I finish something and it is ugly, out it goes.

    What is your STASH weakness?
    Patterns. I'm always looking at new patterns & just bought 4 today.


    Do you have a LNS near you?


    How old is your oldest WIP?
    I just found a Schnauzer I started several years and plan to work on it in the near future.

    How many projects do you actively work on and do you have a rotation schedule for them?
    I'm currently working on one cross stitch & one knitting project. I'm trying to work on both projects everyday, even if for only a few minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello How are you?

    What was your first cross stitch project and how old were you?
    My first project was a stamped quilt of a huge moon with a bear on it. I was 29.


    What is your favorite thread/fabric color?
    My favorite threads are DMC and specialty! My favorite fabric is Aida and it's white.

    What is your favorite stitching tool or accessory? I love q-snaps, John James 28 petite needles Why? The petite needles are so easy to stitch with. A q-snap is easy to handle while stitch!
    Do you have fur-babies to help you stitch? Yes my kitty Shadow she's only 6 months old.

    What is your STASH weakness? L*K, Halloween too.

    Do you have a LNS near you? A few miles away in East Rochester.

    ReplyDelete
  9. How fun :) I will join in and give you my answers.



    My Eleven Questions (with my answers):


    What was your first cross stitch project and how old were you?
    After seeing a cross stitch piece my Aunt did I decided to give it a try myslef I think I 14 years old. It was a kit with geese very 80's. I never did finish it and did not pick up stitching again till I was in my 20's

    What is your favorite thread/fabric color?
    I love to stitch with silks but am happy with any floss in green, purple or blue. For fabrics I tend to stick with neautrul colors but wish I was brave enough to venture off that path.

    What is your favorite stitching tool or accessory? Why?
    I have a scissor fob and pin cushion my stitching friend gave to me for my Birthday last year. It is so pretty I love using it everytime I stitch.

    Do you have furbabies that “help” you stitch?
    Like you I also have to pups Licorice sits on the couch squeezed right next to me and the other one Samson sits at my feet

    Where is your favorite place to stitch?
    The house we rent right now is very small so there are not many places to stitch beside the couch in the living room. But our old house i South Carolina had a sun porch and I sat out there alost everyday when it was not to hot.. I look forwardt o having a screened in porch again.

    What was your most difficult stitch project?
    I really have not tackled a difficult project yet, I have stitched pieces that I could'nt wait till I was finished LOL

    What would cause you to throw away an unfinished project?
    I have tossed one project in all my stitching years. I frogged it at least three times and each time my counts were off I finally just gave up.


    What is your STASH weakness?
    Floss


    Do you have a LNS near you?
    I have 2 but go to neither. One LNS is on the other side f the Bay and I never get over there the other one is 20 minutes away but they never have a good selection of items.

    How old is your oldest WIP?
    my oldest project With One Accord is over a year old. I hope to have it completed this year!!!

    How many projects do you actively work on and do you have a rotation schedule for them?
    each month.
    So far I think I have 9. about a year ago I had the bright idea to do a rotation and start a new project a day. I rather stitch on one or two project at a time now.... I do not have a rotaion anylonger I just pick up a project when I feel like it.

    This was fun :)Thank you Natasha
    I will share this on my blog as well
    http://astitchersramblings.blogspot.com/
    GBSGURL27@AOL.COM

    ReplyDelete

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