WIP & Back to School

Hello stitchers!

Loving the weather- not too hot, not too cold. Bilbo is definitely enjoying his favorite thing:sunbathing; I really think this dog is part cat…

I got a lot done on my new project this weekend. More importantly, I got to stitch with my mom- my favorite stitching buddy! She always has awesome patterns she’s working on.

Secondly, to the non-stitchy stuff, which I’m always wary about publishing here because the intent of my blog is a personal journal of my cross stitch and crafty adventures, but here it goes: Pushing yourself is one of the hardest things to do. Personally, fear and anxiety always hold me; and honestly, sometimes I feel like prayers don’t soothe me (which I’m working on), and they definitely aren’t a quick fix yet. However, after going back and forth since late undergrad, I have decided to go back to school so I can do what I think I’m supposed to do with the rest of my life. Last night, I made the trek to Barnes and Noble’s and bought my ginormous GRE study book. Huge step for me- it’s a start of a commitment to this- something I’ve been so scared to do. I even took my first practice test last night; math is definitely going to be my focus. I’m already working on my letter of intent and checking deadlines (I missed Fall, so I’d be starting Spring semester). And I’m nervous.

Yep, I’ve finally decided to close my eyes and take the plunge and go to and get my graduate degree in Library Science! As an undergrad I worked in our library’s Preservation department. It was so crafty and calm to repair books. I loved the people I worked with. I fell in love being apart of a community of librarians who loved reading and books (just to be around them) as much as I did. I’m proud to be so in love with reading, and I have a big desire to help promote literacy (especially among adults- I feel like a lot of education programs only focus on kids, which is awesome, but I would like to find out ways to get more adults in love with books too).

So now I have direction, and for that I am very thankful. I will be busy with prepping for the GRE, STILL applying for jobs, and of course, cross stitching!

Vegas Adventures, Or There and Back Again: A Stitcher’s Tale

Hello! It has been quite a while! Went on an awesome trip to Las Vegas, and now back at home where the job search must continue!

Vegas was awesome. It is a very misunderstood city; there is way more to it than the Strip. Bf and I did the Strip for maybe a day and a half, but te desert is what captured our hearts. Pretty sure I’ll move there one day. We went to Red Rock, Valley of Fire, and the Lost City.

Red Rock

Valley of Fire, Petroglyph Canyon

Of course, like any fevered, fanatic stitcher, I had to look up and see if there were any stitching stores around. Thankfully we found one: Stitcher’s Paradise (kinda sounds like a craft-themed casino!), and as my BF bragged to some of the lovely ladies there, “This is the only place in Vegas that we’ve been to twice.” Such a ham! 😉 Anway, I got A LOT of new stash and was so excited to support my xstitch “problem” and their business.

My new stitching bag with M&M liner- because Vegas!

As much as I loved the desert, I was ready to go home to see my Bilbo. He stayed with my parents and had an awesome time running around. We got to my parents’ house at one AM from the airport that’s about an hour away. It was crazy and exhausting, but all I cared about was seeing my dog again! I’m sure all pet parents can relate. Not embarrassed.

Valley of Fire

lI’ve been working on some new projects. Both purchases from Vegas. First an all beaded cow from Mill Hill, “Elsie.” I feel in love with beading with the beehive kit that I HAD to get another. Second is Little House Needlework’s “Giving Thanks.” This is the first time I am using non-DMC, hand dyed thread.

I hope the weather is lovely and your stitching time’s aplenty!