Happy New Year!

Hope you all have had a great 2010....

and wishing you an even better 2011 full of happiness, love, prosperity and lots of stitchin"!

As a special thank you, I am offering just one more $1.00 design...

Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/merry-year-p-62.html

 

Wishing you all the very best! 

 : )

~Maria

Merry Christmas!

Hello my friends!

One day to go!!!

Today, Christmas Eve, 

I thought I'd offer TWO $1.00 designs.

 and

 Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/ho-ho-ho-51-p-57.html

and here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/believe-55-p-61.html

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Maria

New $1.00 Design

We're almost there!

Christmas is almost here!

And the $1.00 sale is almost over!

Here's a new one. Enjoy!

Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/silent-night-p-58.html

New $1.00 Design

Here's a new one...

 : )  ~ M

Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/christmas-gifts-p-25.html

Snowed In!!

 We are snowed in!

After a crazy week...

Monday was a snow day,

Tuesday was a 2 hour delay for school due to single digit temps. & negative wind chills...

Wednesday was a 2 hour delay for school due to single digit temps. & negative wind chills...

Today was yet another snow day! 

(with a level 2 snow emergency to boot)

Here is what the table on my deck looks like with 6 inches on snow on it!

Crraaazzzy.

: )

~ M

10 Days!

Yep, just 10 days till Christmas!

I think I might be more excited than my girls!

Here is the new $1.00 design for today. 

Enjoy and stay cozy & warm!

Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/woodland-christmas-p-24.html

Last 2 Releases of 2010!

Hello My Friends!

Here in my part of the world... we got 3 inches of snow

(Snow Day!)

and tonight it's windy with a high of 10 degrees!

Ick. 

It is, in fact, so cold, that my girls already have a 2 hour delay for school tomorrow!
wind chills are supposed to reach minus 12!!!

Gonna snuggle up with my girls, 

drink lots of hot chocolate and  watch

"Emmit Otter's Jug Band Christmas" 

a childhood favorite of mine and a

tradition of ours since they were tiny little girls (now 17 & 11)! 

Anyhoo...

Here are the last 2 releases of 2010!

and

Available here:

My Website - 

http://www.thestitcherhood.com/patterns/

My Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitcherhood

My eBay:

http://stores.ebay.com/stitcherhood-cross-stitch-designs?_rdc=1

Hope you are warm & cozy where you are!

: ) ~ M

New Design For December Sale!

Hello everyone!

It was 30 degrees here today 

and it felt like heat wave after the temperatures 

in the teens that we had last week!

Hope it is nice where you are.

Here is the next design. 

Lois suggested that I add the Witch Stockings 

to go with the last design, Santa Stockings.... 

so here you go! Enjoy!

~M

Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/witches-stockings-p-19.html

New Design for December 9th SALE!

Hi all!

Here is the next design in the December sale.

Enjoy!  : )

~M

Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/santas-stockings-p-21.html

December 7th Design!

Heeellloooo!

Hope you all are staying warm. 

We hit 17 last night!
Brrrrr.

Today's $1.00 December Sale Design is:

Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/hocus-pocus-p-44.html

Submitted with Smiles & Shivers....

~ M

December 5th Design!

 Hi!

More snow here.

So cozy and pretty... have my tree lights on.

Will have to do some stitchin'!

Today's $1.00 design will be #60 "Love Always"

Available Here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/love-always-p-67.html

 

Enjoy.... and stay warm, my friends!

~ M

New Design for December sale!

Hello!

Hope you are all enjoying the week-end!

The next design in my $1.00 December sale is....

#57 "Cookie Couple"

Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/cookie-couple-p-63.html

Enjoy! ~ M

December Gratitude Sale!

Hi again!

I just saw a friend/designer doing this on her blog...
and I thought....

"Brilliant!!!"

I am soooo grateful to you all!  

I so want to give back, especially at this time of year.

So...

I am going to be offering $1.00 PDF designs...

...a new one every few days - or maybe every day if time allows...

through my website - www.thestitcherhood.com .

Keep checking back to see changes.

We all spend so much time during the holidays taking care of others.

This is my way of saying "Take care of yourself too!"

Except for a few of you lucky folks,

we have a loooong winter to come. 

And if we are blessed, we will have time for stitching!

So, today... I will be offering:

My design # 47 "Be Thankful" for just $1.00.

Enjoy, my friends!

~ Maria

PS - Available here:

http://thestitcherhood.com/patterns/be-thankful-47-p-48.html

First Snow!

Hello My Friends!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I had 12 people in my house (ranging in ages from 2 to 83) for three days! 

Wheew!

I used EVERY dish in the house, not just once, not twice, but 3 separate times!

BUT - we had such fantastic fun!

Two days later - I was reluctantly thrust back into reality 

when I went in for minor dental surgery. 

Eeeew. Ick.

You may remember a post way back about my teeth not obeying. 

Actually they are being out-right disrespectful!

Well... over the last few years... my teeth & I have had a "falling out" (no pun intended! : ) 

so - this is my way of apologizing for being MIA lately.

But, I am back up and running...

(actually, I avoid running whenever possible as I usually have scissors in my hand) 

and I am working on some new designs!

I did want to share a picture of my front yard yesterday. 

We had our First Snow on December First! 

Very fitting. 

Our first snow is usually melting within hours - but this one is still here today! 

Hope you all are warm, cozy & happy!

Maria

House on Snow Hill

Hello my friends!

I've had Christmas and Winter on my mind. 

Easy to do when it is getting so chilly here, I expect snow any day!

With thoughts of ...

Christmas lights 

Santa

delighted children

stockings

candle light 

pine boughs

friends

family

wood smoke

sugar cookies

Christmas carols

snow

hot chocolate...

here is the bigger & better version of "House on Snow Hill!

Available Here...

Etsy -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitcherhood

eBay - 

http://stores.ebay.com/stitcherhood-cross-stitch-designs?_rdc=1

Winter Freebie!

Hello!

The fourth and final installment of my seasonal freebies series is ready!

Here is "Winter".

Available Here (along with "Autumn", "Summer", and "Spring"):

http://www.thestitcherhood.com/freebies.php

Enjoy!

M

PS - The random number generator chose # 2 

so the official name is...drum roll please....

"House on Snow Hill"

I am creating a bigger and better version 

of the same piece that will be available soon. 

I believe it was

Witch of Stitches

who came up with the name. Thank You!

And Here Is The Second....

Punch Needle Design...
"Stockings Were Hung"

: )  ~ M

Available Here:
Etsy - 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitcherhood

eBay -

http://cgi.ebay.com/Christmas-Punchneedle-Punch-Needle-Punch-Pattern-PN2-/370456246955?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5640e9baab

First Ever Punch Needle Design for Sale! Woot!

Okay, my friends!

You witness an historic moment here.

I am offering my first ever punch needle design for sale. 

"Christmas Angel"

So excited!

My first love is, and will always be, cross stitch... but... 

it's really nice to try new things so that I don't burn out!

This was so fun to create and PUNCH! 

What do ya'll think?

Smiles!! : ) ~M

Available Here:

Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitcherhood

eBay - http://stores.ebay.com/stitcherhood-cross-stitch-designs?_rdc=1

PS - I am still accepting names for the winter house punch needle

and will have a choice (random) by the end of the week-end, 

so if you have any more... please let me know!

Decision...

Okay, here are the options thus far....

1. Snowy Night
2. The House on Snow Hill
3. Red House on Winter Hill

4. Red House in Winter 

I'll give it until the end of the week-end 

and then have a random generator decide because I love them all!

If you come up with more ideas... let us know!

~ M

Winter Punchneedle!

Well folks.... cold weather is here in Ohio!

In the 30's this morning.... Brrr.

I was inspired to make my first winter punchneedle design.

 Shows a small red house at night on a snow covered hill with pine trees,

a red cardinal, and smoke billowing from the chimney with one bright star.

I can't think of a good name for it??? 

Any ideas?

: )  ~ M

There here!

Finally... 

they are here and available through my website:

http://www.thestitcherhood.com

or my Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitcherhood

on eBay soon as well:

http://stores.ebay.com/stitcherhood-cross-stitch-designs

: ) ~ M 

 

Happy! Happy! Happy!

Keepin' Busy

Hi Ya'll!

Trying to keep busy while waiting for new designs to get ready.

Working on a new CS design called "Imagine Peace"

and finished 2 new "Haunted House" & "graveyard" punchneedle designs.

Photos stinks... batteries bad. 

BUT...

here in Athens, Ohio, home of Ohio University...

this week-end is the annual Halloween "Block Party".

This is where several thousand people visit our little town to party.

They close off our main street, 

and the visiting people drink...

and drink and drink....

from noon to 2am (or later) on Saturday/Sunday.

They start arriving today.

I'm not about to go into town (except to pick up my kid)!
I'm stocked up on cross stitch, movies, (junk) food & a good book.
I'm stayin' put until Sunday.

: ) ~ M

Woops...

Hi Folks!

Looks like the Christmas designs 

are being delayed at the printers...

I'm hoping they will be ready by Monday.

So sorry!

Until then....

: )

M

My girl...

I know, I know... just have to gush! 

Check out my beautiful senior!

They grow up so darn fast!

Hooked!

I'm hooked on punchneedle! 

My newest design...

3 Christmas cross stitch designs almost ready... 

:  )  ~ M

Colors!

The amazing colors in my yard!

WooHoo!

Ta Da!

All done!

Couldn't get great pictures...

too cloudy today.

Don't know what the white flecks are in the black.

They aren't there in real life. Hmmm.

Now what...

That was just so fun!

Tempted to start designing punchneedle designs 

as well as cross stitch...

What do you all think?

Happy! Happy! ~ M

PS - I'm calling this one "Shadow".
She was my buddy for several years.
She appeared on my doorstep on a freezing & snowy New Year Eve.
She was tiny.
She came through the door like she owned the place.
And she did.
She grew up with us.
She had kittens on Easter Sunday in my closet.
Then she vanished as suddenly as she appeared.
We still have her son, Fuzz.

Progress!

Still working away on my punchneedle!

Making small bits of progress at a time... 

but it's better than nothing, right?

:  )  ~M

PS - Several of you had asked about the release 
of the new Christmas designs...

They are just about done, 
hopefully one will be ready next week

2 more soon to follow. 
I'll post as soon as they are all done. 
Thanks for asking!

Sneaky Christmas Peeks!

Hello!

Hope you all are enjoying the fall weather!

I am still working away on my punchneedle... 

no pictures yet, but soon, I hope.

Preparing a design that is going to be featured in a special addition 

of "The Gift of Stitching" magazine! So excited about that!

I am also working on some new designs for Christmas.... 

here are 2 sneak peeks.

Hope you are all having a relaxing and fun Sunday!

~ M

"Quaker Christmas"

"Evergreen"

Hee Hee Haa Haa

My brother sent this to me....

no idea who wrote it, who is pictured, or where it originally came from...

but had to share!  

:  )  ~ M

Love this Doctor! 

 

Q: Doctor,  I've heard that  cardiovascular exercise can prolong life.  Is this true?  
A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it...don't waste on exercise.  Everything wear out eventually.  Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer?  Take nap.  

 Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?  
A: You must grasp logistical efficiency.  What does cow eat?   Hay and corn.  And what are these?   Vegetables.  So steak is nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system.  Need grain?  Eat chicken.  Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable).  And pork chop can give you 100% of recommended daily allowance of vegetable product.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?  
A:  No, not at all.  Wine made from fruit.  Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way.  Beer also made of grain.  Bottom up!

Q: How  can I calculate my body/fat ratio?  
A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one.  If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.

Q: What  are some of  the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?  
A: Can't think of single one, sorry.  My philosophy is: No pain...good!

 

Q:  Aren't fried foods bad for you?  
A:  YOU NOT LISTENING!  Food are fried these day in vegetable oil.  In fact, they permeated by it.  How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!?  

Q:  Will  sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?  
A: Definitely not!  When you exercise muscle, it get bigger.  You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach.  

Q:  Is chocolate bad for me?  
A:  Are you crazy?!?  HEL-LO-O!!  Cocoa bean!  Another vegetable!  It best feel-good food around!

Q:  Is swimming good for your figure?  
A:  If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me..

Q:  Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?  
A:  Hey!  'Round' a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And  remember:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up,  totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a  ride!!"

   

AND.....

For  those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health.  It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional  studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
     and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
     and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
     and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
     and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.  

5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of  sausages and fats
     and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.
 
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like.  Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Sooo Busy!

Hi Folks!

Sorry to report that I haven't had much time to work on my punchneedle - 

but my cat sure has fallen hard for this new project!

Have a great day!

~ M

2 Posts in 1 day!

 Hello again!

Thought I'd share a day 2 picture...

This (above) is a picture of todays work (since the last photo). 

Thanks so much for the comments and words of encouragment!

They mean so much to me!

I will keep adding pictures as it's not finished just yet!

I'm adding a picture of the sky that I sat under while I worked on this piece...

as well as a new Christmas cross stitch design... it was such a beautiful day I had to be outside!

Smiles ... Maria

Teaching myself punch needle! : )

Happy 10.10.10 everyone!

I just wanted to share... 

I am teaching myself to punch needle! 

Something I've wanted to do for years, but kept putting off.

I finally tried it over the summer, got frustrated, and put it aside.

I had spoken to Lori (Notforgotten Farm) about taking her beginners class, 
but with kids, dance classes, new designs, laundry, car-pooling, etc...
I just couldn't get to her shop.  
Was so bummed - but hope to get there someday soon!

BUT - yesterday, I drew up a little black cat and dove in... and I am tickled! 

Doesn't look like much yet - but I am trying to stay positive, especially when I goof and have to start over... but it looks okay for a first piece - at least so far....

:  )

I'll share more pictures later...wish me luck!

New Thanksgiving Autumn Design! : )

Hello everyone!

Hope you are all well and happy!

I am excited to offer a brand-spankin' new design for Thanksgiving / Autumn / Fall!

Starting work on Christmas....

Blessings to you!

~ M

 

Available here:

 My Website - http://thestitcherhood.com/

My Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitcherhood

My Auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/stitcherhood-cross-stitch-designs?_rdc=1

New Design!

Hello All!

I've got a new design for Autumn / Fall!

Blessed Be! ~ M

 Available Here:

My Website -http://www.thestitcherhood.com/patterns/

My Etsy -http://www.etsy.com/listing/56873004/new-autumn-fall-primitive-cross-stitch

My eBay -  http://stores.ebay.com/stitcherhood-cross-stitch-designs?_rdc=1