New addiction perhaps?

Well, I'm beginning to love embroidery!!! Just another craft that I'm sure I will overindulge in.
Here's my progress so far on the bird pattern found here:

I've been using these two books as references for the stitches: Doodle Stitching, and Sublime Stitching. Both are very well informed and have pretty designs -Sublime Stitching has iron transfer patterns, so when you're ready to thread your needle, all you do is press and you're set to go. Doodle stitching has more intricate, involved patterns, that tell you which stitch to use where - but you do have to photocopy to the suggested size, so it requires a trip to the copy shop.

Also finished Kandra's block for MMSB. The tutorial can be found here.

I still have quite a to-do list with the pillow swap approaching, and other bee blocks, but unfortunately my life to-do list is overpowering my urge to quilt. So off to the mechanic I go, to try and resusitate my poor old Golf - I think the time is approaching to put it to rest - but don't tell it I said that....

Growth

Another attempt at embroidery!

I used to be terrified of embroidery - so initimated by those lovely, intricate designs. Well it's time to put the needle to the cloth and give it a go. I have completed two other projects using embroidery for quilt labels, but nothing too advanced. Lets see how complex I can get with this design...fingers crossed it works out well!

More growing happening on the string block quilt - thanks to all the lovely ladies in my Live Piecefully group for contributing these vibrant blocks!. I'm trialing different patterns...

Large endless diamond....

OR

A multitude of diamonds...

And more growth happening with my aerogarden. Unfortunately my basil never sprouted, but the thyme and oregano are growing like crazy! Almost time for harvesting! YUM!

Mail Goodness!!!

I LOVE MAIL!!!! Like I really do! And what a way to cheer me up, than to received these beautiful pieces!

Daria in BC sent me these lovely potholders for our Potholder Pass swap. How cute eh? (from a Canadian to a Canadian..hehe)

I think spring when I see this one...totally something to look forward to after this long snowy winter. Did I also mention I love birds...how fitting!

And a lovely Dresden plate. I haven't tried one of these yet, but it's on my to do list!

And I also wanted to show off the backing she choose. Love both these prints!

THANK-YOU DARIA from BC!!!

She was also so kind to send me a soft flannel wintry FQ, a soothing mocha candle, and an Olympic Vancouver 2010 lanyard (I'm so stoked for these upcoming Olympics!! They start in a week don't ya know?). I think I'll use it for my name badge at work while the Olympics are on - then use them for my scissors maybe.

Highs and Lows

Potholder Pass swap project: quilted...check! Awesome!

Potholder Pass swap project: Binding and complete....check! Sweet!

Saying goodbye to my Jackson...not so sweet! Our poor little "fatty" wasn't so fat anymore. Losing almost a third of this body weight, and constantly struggling with his digestive system, me and hubby decided to not let him suffer anymore. He joined our little family almost 10 years ago, as our first pet together, in our very first apartment. He was with us through many ups and downs, always as snuggly as ever, even up until the end. We're going to miss him dearly.

Love you Buddy!