This and that...

After my last post I managed to stitch a bit more that night on Butterfly Lace and thought I would share a pic. 

I completed the hardanger flower in the corner, and I must say it was a bit tricky.  The metellic thread is now around the diamond eyelets in the other three corners and I have started the lattice work, which is just a fancy backstitch that makes it appear more white because of the way the thread is weaved in the back.  It kinda pops out at you. The leaves were added as well by using a simple daisy stitch.  Next, I have to finish the lattice work, add the ribbon daisies and stem stitch the stems and then I'll be making that butterfly.  There's really not that much left at all, although I expect the butterfly will take awhile.

Next up, is a pic of some stash I received from the clearance section of Stitching Bits and Bobs.

 

Two of these patterns were ones I've wanted for awhile, but couldn't justify the prices.  I saw Hinzeit Charmed Merry Christmas at my LNS and loved it, but couldn't afford to pay $20 for it.   and Heirloom Embroideries Embroiderer's Sampler is one that I liked since I first saw it, but couldn't justify the $30 price tag that came with it.  The others were more impromptu.  I love Walled Garden Etui by Wendy KC Designs.  I've always wanted to try to make one of these and this one fit the bill... I liked the design and the price was right.  I ordered all of this around Easter which was when I realized that I have never really stitched too much for that season.  I thought the blackwork Egg Sampler Stitchin'spiration was cute, bright, and colourful, so it jumped into the cart.  And the last two I just thought were cute, Hearts by San-man Originals and Flakey Friends "Be Mine" by Carolyn Manning Designs. 

Life has been so busy for me lately. I have had no time to stitch, very little time to read all of your blogs, and I haven't been able to comment very often due to fatigue. Last night, after work, I sat down with my laptop and tried to read a few of your blogs, but I didn't get too far. I can barely get my thoughts together well enough to write a comment and I'm really hoping this post makes sense and isn't just a rambling mess of words.

As I mentioned before, I've been working a lot of overtime and all of my overtime shifts have been 12.5 hour shifts. Most of these shifts have been very busy days and well, 12.5 hrs of going straight out is exhausting. I'm used to working long shifts like this because I work a condensed work week similar to a nursing schedule of 1 or 2 days followed by 2 overnights, 3 or 4 days on followed by 4 or 5 days off, but they're normally a bit slower. Anyways, I start my night shifts tonight, once I finish this rotation I'll be off for 6 days because I'm taking my next 2 day shifts off and I can't wait!