Sunday, February 28, 2016

Compass Happy Dance!!!


I was determined to finish this design this week and my stitching an hour every day before work definitely helped towards that goal.

So with my 'Friday' Frolic stitching day yesterday I was quite close to being finished. This morning I stitched the 'n' in north and backstitched the curliques and diamonds....viola! compass finished.

It should be interesting to see how my aunt decides to frame this piece for my cousin's birthday in May. Once it's done, I'll share a photo of it :)

I hope everyone has a great week!!

Until next time >___<

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Compass Points to the East


Good evening everyone! Today was my stitching day for the Frolicking Friday group since I was busy the last two days.

It is looking good so far. I am hoping to finish it up this week so I can devote myself to other projects.

I hope you guys had a lovely weekend!

Until next time >___<

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Sunday Stitching - more of the Compass


After baking this morning, I decided to spend the rest of day stitching on the Compass pattern in between loads of laundry.

So here's my progress so far. There were a few areas I had to frog and restitch as the stitches on the pattern that make up the compass can be tricky to read. I was thinking of highlighting the pattern to help, but since it isn't mine I would feel bad about marking it up.

I probably won't work on this pattern tomorrow, but I'll start back with my hour a day stitching on Tuesday :)

Until next time >___<

Sunday Baking - Ginger and Cardamom Cookies


Since making that flourless chocolate cardamom cake, I have been on the hunt for recipes featuring cardamom since I have quite a lot of the spice bottle to consume.

I ran across a recipe on the SP Cookie Queen's blog for ginger and cardamom cookies. The good news is that I used more cardamom, bad news is that it called for crystallized ginger so I have another bottle in the spice section of our cupboard that I will have to figure out what to do with O~o"

Luckily the recipe called for two ounces of crystallized ginger so I only have an ounce left!! (It's the small things in life, right?!)

While I love the taste of these cookies, the consistency is not my cup of tea. Now the recipe says you'll get soft and chewy cookies.....it's more like soft, chewy, and dry.

Not that it's a bad thing, just different. My sister made a good observation: they are like soft shortbread cookies.

Since my family didn't really care for the cookies, I will be taking them to work tomorrow. At least I know the guys in my department will eat them and I know I'll steal a few during the day :)

Until next time >___<

A Bookish Saturday

I paid a visit to the Book Nook yesterday morning as I was on the hunt for novels in the Robotech series since my friend Bonnie mentioned that she was trying to find them. I had remembered seeing a few of the series the last time I visited the shop.

It has been lovely weather so I took a picture of the campus' chapel that is beside the library where the Book Nook is located.



As you can probably tell by now, I am always on the lookout for:

1) Fairytales
2) Anything related to Japan
3) Classics
4) Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novels
5) Interesting vintage or antique books

In addition to the books I found for Bonnie, I came away with some other treasures.


A copy of the Legends of the Rhine by Wilhelm Ruland, published in 1937. The handwritten notation at the front of the book says it belonged to a Mrs. John S. Pritchett in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1937.


Madame Chrysantheme by Pierre Loti.


And lastly a gorgeous copy of The Burgess Flower Book for Children, published in 1931. I love when I find books that have the original cover art still intact.

I know you aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I think exceptions can be made for books such as these. Don't you agree?

Until next time >___<

Cherry Blossoms



Our Taiwanese cherry tree is still putting on a show despite our oddball weather. It seems to enjoy both cold and warm weather.

Until next time >___<

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Compass Cross Stitch Progress

Pattern: North, East, South, West by Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks
Fabric: 28 ct antique white evenweave by M.C.G. Textiles
Threads: recommended DMC 797 and 809
Start: 2/8/2016

My aunt asked me earlier in January if I would stitch a pattern for my cousin Jeremy's birthday later this year. So here I am stitching on a new design though I'm busy trying to stitch and craft for an upcoming convention later this summer.

With that in mind, I have decided to stitch on this design for an hour every morning before work and on Friday nights for the Frolic group while using the other evenings for amigurumi crocheting.

I am hoping that schedule will keep me on track for the summer and to finish this design for his birthday at the end of May.

Fingers crossed!

Until next time >___<

Sampler 4 Saisons Progress



I was able to finish the last block on my sampler on Sunday. So what does that mean? I'm 75% finished with the design! Happy dance for 75%!!!

Now I just have an enormous tree to stitch!!! But hey, at least I might actually finish this design by the end of the year.

Until next time >___<

Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day Package to CA


Here is my Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day package to my friend Amanda in CA. Since it is the Year of the Monkey, I included the annual Starbucks Chinese New Year gift card, a set of monkey stickers, and a monkey plushie that I made out of fluffy black socks.

For the Valentine's Day gifts, I sent several rolls of washi tape, chocolates, and a pair of panda heart socks.

Out of it all, I think I loved the Valentine's Day card that I found. It actually has an amigurumi bear on the front!!! Who would have thought they made a design like that?! I've been looking for a while and this year I finally found one :)

The idea for the monkey sock plushie came from a youtube video I happened upon. My face on my monkey doesn't resemble the original pattern.....but I think it turned out well considered I was trying to stitch on black socks.

I hope you enjoyed your package!

Until next time >___<