I've just discovered Barbara Ana's designs!!

I like to browse the "what's new" area of INS's. That's how, a week ago, I came across a slew of designs by Barbara Ana at Always in Stitches (www.alwaysinstitches.com). I bought all but 3 and I'll get those in my next order!!! LOL

I've been working on one with a frog and a wanted poster. You'll love it when I post it. I should be done on New Year's Day when I'll have time to stitch while watching the Rose Bowl Parade.

She has a bunch of free patterns on www.cyberstitchers.com. This is a wonderful site with lots of free patterns by many creative designers and lots of tips and tools (like graph paper, and how-to hints).

Lizzie Kate finish

I like the look of this piece and am very glad it's finished. I did NOT like the fabric as it was hard to see the holes and it's only 32 count. I should be able to see that. I have a simple frame so I may give framing it myself a try. I've framed before and I do a good job. I just detest the pinning and lacing. Ick!!! LOL

Another SB finish

I was checking my Y2K box, that I use for holding early-bought Christmas presents, and found in addition to a present I didn't give out last year (!!!!) this little Shepherd's Bush Heartfelt Flower kit. I finished the stitching, but haven't made it into a pin yet. Such a quick finish!!

Another Finish!!

I finished the last of this SB series: Spring is Blooming.



These were so quick and easy. I need to order the last frame (for winter). I bought them all at Salty Yarns in Ocean City, MD during Springfest in May this year. I suppose other places would have the frame, but I have it in my head to get them all from the same source. Funny how people think, isn't it? :)

Shepherd's Bush finishes

I'm tearing through this series of small SB kits. I have the frames for all but Winter.







I'll be starting on Spring in a few minutes. It's on a lovely pale yellow fabric.

Back home

On November 28 I went to the doctor's office to see about getting medication to get rid of my congestion left over from my cold. However, he said my lungs were clear and to go to the Emergency Room. A few tests later and I was admitted with blood clots in the lungs! I learned that blood clots are like bruises and will be absorbed by the body in approximately 2 weeks. I've been home since late Tuesday afternoon. I'm feeling stronger and breathing better every day. Thank goodness!!!

I finished this needleroll by Shepherd's Bush in a modified fashion while recuperating in the hospital. It said what I was feeling about catching this in time and being alive:



The weekend after Thanksgiving I finished these lions from Simply Old Fashioned:



And last night I finished Blooming Alphabet by La D Da:



Now I'm stitching on a small Lizzie Kate, but it's going slow and I'm getting bored with it. I have some small Shepherd's Bush seasons so I may just finish these.

The cat and the kitten

I have seven cats. I've had nine, but that was when I volunteered at the animal shelter. Anyway, Mr. Peeps is a red or ginger Maine Coon bred by a friend at work. He is about 6 years old and is very friendly to new cats. Here's his picture:



Sabrina, a domestic short hair calico, came into my house in October 2006 when she was 4 months old. She immediately fell in love with Mr. Peeps and he with her. She could be all sassy and kitteny and he wouldn't mind at all. She must be about 8 months old in this picture of her sleeping peacefully on her body pillow...Mr. Peeps!



Like lots of youngsters, she moves around a lot while she sleeps. Here is one of my favorite pictures of her and Mr. Peeps while they were sleeping together one afternoon:



He is not a happy cat-purr (camper) with her foot on his throat!! However, they shifted positions slightly and he fell back asleep. She half woke up at one point and tried to bite his ears! Everyone thinks I need to protect the kittens from the male adult cats. It's been my experience that the alpha males need protection from the girly kittens! LOL

He'll mess around with the other cats and try to establish his alpha-ness over them. But now that she's an adult cat, Sabrina will chase him around the house!!