The Stitcher in the Green Bikini

Nail polish much?

2011-02-25T03:16:00.000-08:00

Last night I was browsing online and one blog leaded me to another and I ended up here: Konad Addict

I like to take good care of my nails, so I have the habit of having weekly mani and pedicure. It's not super expensive here in Brazil (when I got to know how much an average American girl pays just to have her nails done, my heart missed a beat!) Recently this nails polishes and nail arts blogs kinda boomed here in my country (or it was just me who eventually found them, lol) and I got curious. I bought a small kit and started doing my nails.

I thought I'd have some serious problems because of my lack of coordenation, specially when trying to work with my left hand, since I'm right handed, but for my own surprise I not only got better and better, I now really enjoy doing it myself.

If you are an enthusiast just like I am, and want to take the chance to win three lovely colors (your choice!!!) of this Aussie brand nail polish, run! Good luck for you and me!

Another giveaway!!! =)

2011-02-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hey! Another giveaway, this time from Bulgaria! Isn't it great? Topcho is holding this one and I just ♥♥♥♥ all the Bulgarian traditional motifs she worked with on the biscornu, scissor fob and box set. Plus I specially like the candle! It's simply lovely!

So, if you feel like being lucky, drop her a few lines! The sidebar link will lead you to the rules. Good luck for you and me! I'm already signed up! What are you waiting for?!Hihihi...

Wishing you all a great Sunday!

Give-a-way at Feather In The Nest

2011-02-19T16:43:00.000-08:00

So, Jennifer, from Feathers In The Nest is offering a really generous give-a-way!

Just take some time and pay her a visit! You will be amazed with her talent with fabric, needle and floss. I already signed up!

All rules are well explained and it's really easy to grab a chance for this. Hopefully I will win this, because those scissors are REALLY gorgeous!

Wish me luck! Lol

Hugs to all and a lovely weekend, peeps!

ps: thanks for the lovely comments on my purple matrioska! Just a few stitches from the finishing! *Ü*

Playing with colors

2011-02-14T02:43:00.000-08:00

Hi, ppl...

After around 8 years with no finishing for myself ( family and friends always come first...Lol), I finally made something for myself. Yaaay! However, it's not quite finished yet...

This is Tralala Poupées Russes. I completely perverted the color chart and made mine on shades of purple. Tho purple is not my top top top fave color, I think it turned out quite nice. In fact I'm becoming very fond of the color, after this work.

My question for you, guys is: should I add yellow right in the middle of the flowers? Should I fill the polka dots at the bottom of the matrioshka? I like he assisi effect, but at the same time something seems to be missing and the work looks incomplete... what do you think? What would you do?
Oh! And to all of you, a very Happy Valentine's Day!

02.01.2011

2011-01-02T04:48:00.000-08:00

Yaaay! Another brand new year. Don't you just love the renovation feeling? I surely do. Proof of that is my New Year Resolutions' list. Even more important than saving money and travelling more, losing weight is my top priority this year. Forty pounds would be my goal, but I understand I maybe end up looking not so good if I get that thin... Lets see... One pound and a half per month sounds doable for me. That way I would have even some room for a couple bad months on the way to my goal. Like my sister, I just don't have the patience to wait for the results. I want the results, and I want them now. In a be perfect world I would diet and work out as much as I could and be 10 pounds thinner after 1 week... *sighs* When it doesnt happen, I feel frustrated and give up on everything. Hopefully this year'll be diff and I'll stick with it for the next 52 weeks.

Yesterday I already started my program ( in fact I started it last November, by coming back to the gym. I wanted to start 2011 already on track) with a long fast ( as much fast as I could. Lol). There're those hills nearby my home and I send around 1 hour going up and down. I even managed to run a bit! Yaay me! I'll be happy if I can do something like this at leats 5 days/week. Fingers crossed!
What about you? What's on your list for this year?

See you in 2011

2010-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

OMG! Last posting of the year! Did this year pass fast or what? Anyways, wishing all you guys out there the very best for the upcoming year. For me, it's looking like it's going to be a terrifc one. Hopefully I'll have some great news to share! Yaaay! *Ü*

Now... one of my new year's resolution is to get back on track on my readings. Right now I'm close to finish "The Passage", by Justin Cronin, and l.o.v.i.n.g it!!! Totally recomend! Next on my list is "The Men Who Didn't Love Women", by Stieg Larsson. I ask you: what's in your list? Wich book did you read this year that you completely loved? What are you reading right now?

For the little feet

2010-11-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I came across this talented girl: Erika Tricroche I'm trying to learn how to crochet and her blog is a lovely source of inspiration (she just posted a tutorial on how to make the slipers!!!!!!! Yaaaay!). I saw this unbelievebly cute pair or home shoes at her Flickr's place. Got in touch w/ her and asked her to make this for my niece, Ana.
Now you tell me: arent they just the cuttest ones?! My sister texted me and let me know she already got it at the mail, and that she was super pleased. Gee... I wonder why... Lol. Erika sent it dearly wrapped, with an adorable note and with some fragrance that hooked my sister's heart. *Ü*

I just hope I can manage to crochet that perfect. I'm trying hard. Really hard. I learned a lot from YouTube, and the funny thing is that I know the stitches names in English, but get lost when I want to try it in Port. Lol. Plus, my stitches are way too tight. Need to work on that. Hopefully I will be good for next year's Xmas. I don't know if I can make such neat things like Erika, but... fingers crossed! =)
To all of you, a big kiss and a great Saturday night!

=^.^=

2010-11-18T17:08:00.000-08:00

And here, finally, my last finishing!!!!!! Yaaaaay! I was missing actually finishing something, and this was such an easy and quick to complete project! I stitched it in around 1 week, I'm proud to say. Hee hee... Those kitties are going to be used to cover the lid of a box for my sister, as a Xmas gift. She is crazy about cats!
This design is from a Korean company named "Shiny Room": SR-P58.

Edited note: So a few girls commented on the similarity between this design and a Margaret Sherry's one. It was a surprise for me, because I didn't know about the MS one. Now that I did my research I am impressed on how much they look like! OMG. Here you can see the design I used, and here you can see the MS one.

Thanks Simone, Ana, Sue, Isabella and Nia for pointing me out! =)

Pedophile's Guide - are you for real?!

2010-11-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Ok... I know I've not been posting any cross stitching related entries ( I have quite a few finishings, but with a broken cam I am reduced to a cell's cam and ... anyways...), and this one is not different, but I'm so shocked I can't wait to read any comment about this topic. I mean... did I just hear him saying "respectful relationship between an adult and a child"? Really?!

Is that really possible? Please share your impressions, ladies. Me? I think that guy should be put in jail, like right now... Or some mental institution. Whatever. Free speech or not, this is simply wrong.

Gotta love Maxine

2010-10-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

Vid of the week

2010-10-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

A fairy for Sávilla

2010-10-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

Contes de Fées - DMC Mango Pratique
Édition Spéciale

This is the most recent square I've stitched for the Love Quilts-Brazil project I'm in. It's going for a 5yo girl, named Sávilla. Long time since I've last stitched for the project. I was missing it... I just love being part of that kind of projects.

The pic isn't the best, because I used my cell phone and it was already getting dark around here. Anyways, I just wanted to share this last finish with you guys.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Trip to Uruguay and something else

2010-10-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

First of all, I wanted to thank all girls who sent me good wishes on my tooth. You ladies are the best! It's really way better now, and thankfully pain-free. Big hug to each one of you who left a sweet comment for me!

Now the news... Friday night I got in a bus, with a bunch of friends, and headed to the Brazil/Uruguay border. Rivera was the destination.

We have Santana do Livramento at the Brazilian side and Rivera at the Uruguayian side.

It's a really nice trip and the city, tho small, is cute. That was the second time I went to Uruguay - 1st time I went to Chuí, the last city down south Brazil - and again, I felt funny with all the Portuguse/Spanish mix. We speak Port here, but most ppl at the US and Europe think we speak Spanish. We are South America's largest country, and still... Anyways...

Rivera is a sweet little town, very calm and with some old really beautiful buildings.I just love all the little white and baby blue flags all around. That's something I miss at my own country... We don't really see many Braz flags around here.I dunno why... I think our green and yellow are just so pretty. Yes, I'm a proud Brazzie, but you may already had noticed it. Lol.

The weather was nice, very sunny, yet cool, with a refreshing breeze, inviting for walks and pictures, and that was what I did.

Here you guys can see a bit more of the city.

I was impressed that square was really clean and neat. One thing I really like are the trees. Since Brazil is such a large place we have many kinda diff trees and plants, according to where you are. It's really like having several countries in a big one. The more you go to the south the more European looking plants you see, because of the cooler weather.

Tho there are times I miss the NE side of Brazil, where I lived for the past 5 years, I surely am really happy I'm back to the south.

Uruguay doesn't tax imported products like Brazil does, so we can go there and buy all sort of things, for a waaaay cheaper price. This trip was all about it. My friends were all excited about the chance. As a Brazilian, we can buy anything we want, if we don't go over 300USD. Anything above it, will be charged. Girls with me went nuts about all the perfumes. Guys were all about eletronics. It's funny cuz when you go buy something, they always provide you with 3 diff currencies: "pesos, reais or US dollars?" On this pic here you can see one of the main streets, completely covered on duty free stores.Being a (really) small city, sellings play a huge roll on the economy there. It's interesting to see.

I felt weird... I honestly don't get that fuss around famous brands of perfumes and all. D&G, Givenchy, Calvin Klein...Yes, they are nice, but Brazilian brands appeal more to my heart. I don't like the stronger smells European and US perfums have. Maybe cuz Brazil is a hotter place, I prefer the lighter smells. I think they suit better to our weather. I go by O Boticário and Natura, thanks. Plus, I don't buy things just cuz of their names... I got the chance to try that Ricci Ricci, by Nina Ricci, and honestly, I hated it. It's just TOO sweet. I looove sweet perfums, so, if I say it was TOO sweet, believe me: it is. The bottle is awesome. Someone did a great work on the design. The color and the ad is really eye catching, but the smell,... omg. Just not for me.

Instead I got myself this really refreshing and light Gabriela Sabatini's, Ocean Sun. That's exactly the kinda thing I like. Simple, sweet, yest not TOO sweet, kinda floral one. You can use it by day or night. Kinda remember me the beach, some summer night dinner at a balcony, white dress, sun tanned skin, wind drying hair...You got the idea, right? Lol.
Girls on the bus were shocked I got only one bottle of perfume.Many got several. I got to think to myself "they use really a lot of perfume, other than that they will end up with lots of bottles of stinky old perfumes", I mean, come on! I rather use something till the end and then buy something else. I got to the conclusion I'm a man. Lmao. I like to think I'm just not that consumist. What about you? On a scale from zero to ten, being 10 = Carie Bradshaw ( Sex& The City... remember?), what are you?

We then went for lunch. A very cozy place named "Chic Parisien" (or at least I think that was the name). Homemade style food, really yummy and nice. The zuccini (kind of) pie and the broccoli salad was delicious. That meaty thingy at the left side of the dish is something I only ate at Uruguay, tho I know there are ppl here in Brazil who cook/eat it: tongue. Yes... A cow's tongue, with sort of a salsa over it. Weird enough but also delicious. Deserves a try, definatly.I'm slowly reducing meat on my diet and aim the day when I will be completely meat free. So far so good. Sodas are already out of my life for the past 2 years. Yaaay me!
A bit more of shopping (candies, shirts, socks, black pepper, wines, chocolates) later and off to the bus, waiting for the time to come back home.

We had a Secret Santa on the way back home. I really like that game...The budget was R$10, but many over did it. I got an older guy's name, and offered him a bottle of wine. If I correctly recall it was a Chilean one and I'm pretty sure he liked it.Good! I got this precious Revlon 670 - Love That Red nail polish. I was actually debating with myself if I should or shouldn't buy it (after all, we do have Revlon products here, but their prices are just awesome) and ended up getting distracted with some girl screaming "omg!!!!! I need to buy this Channel!!!!!!!". Lol. Women are really funny creatures, and I just love to be one of them. Hee hee... The girl who got my name wasn't very close to me, but correctly guessed what I would like to get. That's the 1st time I'm gonna try this brand. Let's see...
Arrived home around midnight, tired, but happy. It was a nice experience.

Today was elections day here and I did it 1st thing in the morning. Off to Porto Alegre, and spent the morning at the antiques fair. But before it, on the road, I was the guardian angel of a little soul: a white and brown Shitzu girl was lost and wandering, calmly on the side walk. Twice she almost got hit by a car and a bus. My heart was in my mouth by then... I approached her, sweet talked her and grabbed the little one. She managed to escape home, while her mommy was busy putting up a kid's party. The look on her eyes when she got her baby - Shakira! Lol, what a funny name! - was priceless. I have 2 of my own, but couldn't keep myself from thinking about keeping her. Just the sweetest, lovable, cuddling little one.

I just felt happy and proud of myself today. =)

What about you? How was your weekend?

Toothache

2010-09-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Holy Mother of Jesus, I thought I was gonna die...
Last night, around 1030pm, I felt like the whole left side of my mouth was gonna fall from my head. Terrible toothache, in fact, worst ever in my life. Off to Porto Alegre - thank God by that time of the night roads were pretty empty, so we made it really really fast - I ended up at a really huge hospital that didn't have an emergency dentist on call... WHAT?!
I could barely open my eyes 'cuz of the aweful pain and off we go to the general clinic. Yes, they've a dentist on call! It was already 11pm then. It took him 40 minutes to arrive, and during this time I was in fetal position, trying to stay as still as I could, so the pain didn't come back. It was coming in waves, killing me at some points and vanishing at others.
The dentist arrives. He asks me which one is hurting. I pointed. He sees nothing wrong. Takes an x-ray. He is sure it's not the one I pointed, but the next one that is the trouble maker. The pain is just so much, I can't even point the right one?! Ok.. Just make it stop!!!!
Three shots of anesthesia (one of them right in my nerve, made me scream so loud I couldn't believe it was really happening), numb to my ear (yes, I think that was the same drug they use on horses, 'cuz even my nose was numb! Thank you, Lord, for this...), lots of pain and a temporary fix later, he tells me I need a root canal. Yaaay! True fun.... NOT!
Got home by 130am, to crash on bed. It has been ages since I had that much of good time on a Monday night. Ouch...

Seems like another life...

2010-09-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Oh my Godness... Can you just believe it? Over 5 months and absolutely zero postings! Yes, I know. Not that I didn't want to... I was just living a moment in my life where everthing seemed to be in a hold. You know, when you have lots of plans and one thing after another just dont come out the way you expect? Well, it still is on the hold, and I just HATE it, but I think I'm better on managing it now.I was never good coping w/ frustrations and I dont think I will get much better doing it any sooner. Anyways, I was really missing you guys and it was about time for the needles to get busy again, right? Hee hee..

Recently I got the itch to stitch again and, oh boy, thanks for that. I've lots of works to show! Yaay! Let's see...Where to start? Oh, yes!

Shiny Room Designs - SR - P30

This is the 3rd block I stitched for the Krafts Korner Charity Quilts, owned by Mary. I opted to stitch this design for the "Hearts, Bows & lots of Pink" themed quilt because I'm just as girly ! LOL. I really love all those Korean super cute mega "kawaii" style designs.

Right after the one above, I jumped on this lovely project here. I just love the final result! Dont you? Isn't it plain cuuuuute?

SODA SS-478

Since I was on the mood, I started a new project right away. Another SODA design. It was my 1st time stitching one of those, and I got addicted in a heart beat. Well... I guess you guys can tell, uh? LOL.

SODA SO 442

All blocks are washed and ironed, just waiting if I will have the time for another one, so Mary can get them all at once from the mailman. I will probably need a little truck to take all the pendant mail I have to post right now... Hee hee.

Now, changing topics... It's almost that time of the year again, and I was starting to sort out ideas for a few very special gifts. I decided to xxx a Xmas stocking for my mom this year. Untill last night I was sure I was gonna work with this one with the little angels, and though I have thought it was a bit too childish looking for a 62 years old lady, it's really lovely! I found this other one, very colorful and festive, and I think it's beautiful too! The greatest thing about this one is that it would give me the chance to use all those half skeins I have on my box. Now the cruel decision... Which one to stitch?!

I decided I could get some help from you guys and I'm counting on you for that task. Witch one of the above stockings do you think I should stitch for my mom? Please, tell me your suggestion on the comments section! I would love to hear from you!

Frog quilt

2010-04-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Aaaand the frog quilt is done!

You girls remember when I posted here about the KKCQ group I'm in? Its a Mary's project and I'm just so proud and honoured I'm part of this project! Take a look on the piece she put together so far:

Is that cute or what?! My frog has some really neat buddies, uh?! Love them all! Her hubby is hanging the piece, so, as you can see, its quite a big work.

If you feel like stitching for this project, be sure your work will put a large smile on a very sick child. For any info, you can get in touch with me or Mary or any other girl in the group. Your XXX are very welcome!

And...

2010-04-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

2010-03-26T10:49:00.001-07:00

I just watched the preview at YouTube and, OMG, so totally love it.

It is really terrifying how this same problem is quickly getting to Brazil too. For some reason ppl here tend to think everything from America is just great and they try to copy even the bad habits from there. Ok, they have really cool stuff and ideas many ppl could be inspired of, but, just like any other place in the world, they also have some problems that need to be solved... Come on... Pizza for breakfast and donnuts for lunch AND dinner? At a school? Plus all the food that's wasted by the end of the day?

No doubts Im gonna be a loyal watcher of this show (too bad they still didnt upload the 5/5 part of this). Both thumbs up for Jamie.

Blog Award

2010-03-23T04:40:00.000-07:00

Blu, from Therapy by Thread passed me this award! Sooo happy! Thanks, sweetie! Big hug for you!

The rules of Beautiful Blogger Award are simple:

1. Accept the award
2. Thank the person who gave you the award
3. Add a link to the person who gave you the award
4. Put the award on your blog
5. Write 10 things about yourself others might not know about you
6. Pass the award on to 10 others

Ten things that may be of interest that I probably have not mentioned before:
Im slowly reducing the amount of meat I eat. Hopefully gonna be a vegetarian by next year .

Once I was told I have a nice voice, when I was distractive, singing to myself. I dont think so, but it was a lovely compliment.

This must be known by many ppl who know me, but... here: I care more about animals than ppl.

I believe in reencarnation.

I have a thing for gray haired men...

Im exactly like a squirl: I tend to save money on places I forget about and, then, ages later, I find it.Eventually... LOL.

Im the queerest girliest girly girl I know.Can you tell?!!!

I wear glasses since 4yo (miopic parents, miopic child) and contact lenses since 15yo.

I believe in UFO's.

I cant stand with noisy ppl or places. Srsly, I cant. It disturbs me in a way I cant even explain.

Passing on to (in no particular order):
Nia
Isa
Marlene
Sue
Stephanie
Viv
Sharon
Lisa V.
René Louise
Jennifer

Also, if you are a follower or a frequent visitor, you may have noticed the layout changes on my blog. I want to publicly thank to Nia, the "computers ninja" as she is known from now on. Im such a computers challenged person! LMAO. Thanks for just being there, sweetie!

Wishing you a great Fall! Well... at least this side of the planet! Temps are getting down and I couldnt be more thankful to Mother Nature!

In red

2010-03-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

Recueil 100 Minis Coeurs - Le Grenier de Zoé
Stitched on 18ct white Aida

May 15th is Ana Flávia's bday and I cant believe Im thinking THAT ahead.

Wasnt sure on what to make for her and eventually decided on a new dress.My sister was sooo impressed on the blue one I made, I am positive she is gonna enjoy a new one. =)

The cross stitched part is gonna go on the chest part of the dress, but I need to think a bit more about it... Maybe a pocket? Just love that shade of red and the micro polka dots took my heart.

Hope to have it done soon...

Back on track and talking about Rio

2010-03-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hi, everybody!
I think I was sad for enough time: bragged a bit, whined a lot, cried (I do that when extremely pissed on something) and wanted to smash somebody's face. Almost gave up on something very special and important to me... But eventually, I moved on. There're not much options apart from that, uh? =/ Must believe things are gonna get better one way or another. Faith... In the end, its all about faith.
Anyways... I went to Rio, for a few days: I'm now the newest very proud Godmother of baby Flávia, my niece. =)
Here are the pics I want to share with you girls!

She was sooo pretty on her dress! Godmother's gift! =)

She wasnt very happy when the Father drop all that water over her head... Cried and kicked as much as she could, lol. Must be scary... She finally went to mommy's arms (my sister) and fell asleep.

"Bug off" face... lmao

I also enjoyed my time back at my home town to go to the downtown area o the city. Its plenty of history and beautiful architecture. It couldn't be diff, since Rio was for a long time the capital city of Brazil.(Its Brasília from the 60's on).

Lots of comercial buildings.

Pictures dont make any justice to this cathedral.

When at Rio I could never miss the chance to visit the CCBB (Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil). Its a culture place filled with exhibitions, teather, cinema, etc...

After your 1st step into the place, theres no way your chin doesnt hit the floor: the architecture is amazing!!!! At the right side you have a books shop and over it a cozy, super fancy cafe.

Time for a "ooooh" and a "aaahhh".

CCBB was placed in a 1906's building, that was initially used as a headquarter of the bank from the 20's on.

The back side of the 1st floor.

Looking from above you can have a better idea on how beautiful this place is.

Unfortunately no cams were allowed on the exhibitions areas... Shame... There were plenty! Absolutely awesome works and interesting stuff. Well... this skylight is quite a piece of art too, so, I can't complain. =)

On a stitching note, I started and finished this towels set while at Rio.I was planning on keeping it for myself, but... After mom saying "oh, God... I know you keep almost none of your works for yourself... But... This one is coming along sooooo nice!!!" there was no way I could back home with this set with me, uh? LMAO

What do you girls think? It was really nice to stitch, tho unbelievebly thread and time consuming. I like the final effect too... Plz forgive me all the wrinkles!! I took the pic right after taking the towels out from the dryer! Lol. I finished it hrs before my flight and left the set with my sis to surprise mom after I left. =)

Thank you all, dear friends, for all kind mesages left here. Really touched my heart! Super duper kiss on each one of you!

Friends

2010-03-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to thank you all, girls, who left such sweet messages. I love you all! =)

Things are better around here. I already can see a bit of Sun despite all the clouds.Thanks for baring with me, girls! Soon I'll be back on posting.

Sad

2010-03-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Yes...

Something really frustrating has happenned.

Im not in the mood for blogging what so ever.

It will take some time till I come back here.

Sorry, but...

D is for Dogs

2010-02-24T17:18:00.000-08:00

D is for dogs - Margaret Sherry freebie stitched on White 14ct Aida

Finished this square 2 days ago and was itching to show you girls. This one here is going to be part of another quilt at KKCQ project. We are stitching this complete ABC and I cant wait to see it done. Gonna be stunning!

You can get the freebies here.

Sunday on the road...

2010-02-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

This last Sunday I went to Caxias do Sul, a nearby small (maybe not that small) town on the hills, around 1,5 hrs from here. My dear friend Bárbara lives there and we set a meeting so we both could enjoy the Grape Fest that is happenning there. It was awesome and I want to share some pics with you! =)

I do enjoy getting the road, no matter where, but when it looks like this... OMG, totally love it!

Much needed pitstop for a quick breakfast at Morro Reuters. That side of the country is famous by the high mumber of German and Italian families and they make really good food.

The architecture of the buildings is quite German too, and I absolutely love it. Here is a cafe, right at the next of the gas station.It was kinda complex with stores and a small restaurant too.

All town was decorated for the fest. Bordeux was the color everywhere. At Dante's park, right in the middle of the town, they built this house. Kids just love it!Those lil dolls you see on it are representing the rural ppl who provide us with those delicious grapes and wines.Oh, yes! That's me! =P

Its was such a nice morning! 26C.Gotta love it! Such a relief after the past few weeks, when temps went crazy high... This fellow here welcomes everybody who visits the town.

Still at the Dante's park, a wine fountain. Wooow... But it's not really wine. Lol. Just tinted to get everybody in the mood.

Got my girl friend and off to the fest arena. Now, isnt she just a cutie?! =)

Southern men typicaly dress like that and this one was right at the entrance of the arena. He was playing the accordeon, a very typical instrument here too.See all the grape looking balloons? They were everywhere.

The Queen and the Princesses of the fest. Southern women are considerated the prettiest ones in the country.Do you agree?

Shopping time for Bárbara! Lol.Bread they made right at the spot. Yummy!

There was a few exhibitions of ancient things, used at the beginning of the last century, at the country side.

Isnt it just beautiful?! I love it!

Overview of the town... Not that small, uh? It was such a beautiful day...

From the arena we took a drive around the town. Such a pretty place...

A hug under the trees! (gee, Im fat! Huuuuge cheecks! lol)

Headed the Monkey's Park after that. Its named like that cuz in the past it used to have plenty of them on the trees. I didnt see any, so I think they moved from noisy human presence. =/

Very nice area to walk, cycle, skate, or just hang out with pets and kids.

Day was ending and it was time to come back home. Just sneaked a final pic of the hills after stopping by a tent on the side of the road to buy a few super yummy kilos of grapes. It was such a lovely Sunday! Thanks, Barbarela!!!!

Ribb-it

2010-02-20T09:09:00.000-08:00

Barbara Ana's design (section) "Wanted" on White Aida 14 ct

This is the first square I have made for Mary's project: Krafter Korner Charity Quilts .
This quilt will be going to a young boy with cancer. The theme he picked up was frogs 'cuz him and his family believe F.R.O.G. stands for Fully Rely On God. Quite nice, uh? =)
I totally messed with the design: changed colors, removed sections of it... But it was fun to stitch.

Be mine... Ü

2010-02-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

YIFYB

Woof!

2010-02-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

My Very BesTesT Friend, by 4 My Boys

Hang 'Em Up - #01 (14ct Aida)

Another finish!!! Gee, Im on fire! Lol. Naaaah... This one is a very very small finish, super fast kinda thing.
That's my 1st square of the year for the Stitching For Pleasure, Stitching For Charity project.Take a look here if wanna join. Auntie Jane can sure use a few extra hands of good willing stitchers.

I completely changed the colors key on this one here. Well... I do that a lot! Lol. Love to play with colors, so I just go for it and honestly I am pleased with the final result, even it looks so diff from the original.

That's not the 1st time I stitch for the SFPSFC project, but was away from it for over a year. Was missing it... This feeling of doing something so small, together with so many other ladies around the world, and make something bigger and meaningful. Warms my heart when I think on the smiles my and the other stitchers works bring to the kids and their families.
I dont know who is gonna get this lil piece of my work here, and its not really that important, but I hope she or he can smile while looking at it. I know I already am.

One post, two finishes

2010-02-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hai! Not everyday I can show off on two finishes at the same time! Guess I got my mojo back! Was missing it... =)

My mother is always asking me to stitch gifts for her to offer to ppl she really likes. Maria is her cleaning lady and here is the small treat she is gonna get in a few days! =)

From Heritage Stitchcraft - CFCL802 (From Charlie With love)
Stitched on White Aida 14ct - Brazilian brand

By Margaret Sherry

This is the square I made for a surprise quilt. The only reason Im posting it here is that Im 150% sure the recipient of the about to be surprise quilt doesnt read my blog at all. Hehehehe... (evil laugh).

Im just happy I could count on Nia's help with this projetc. On the instructions, I was told to work with 2 plies on the backstitch of those hearts. I thought it would be just too much. Didnt know what to do, and Nia (obrigada, pekena!) was sweet enough to point me what would give me the more delicate look. I am quite pleased with the final result. What about you?

Mondays...

2010-02-01T04:36:00.000-08:00

To all girls who answered me the question on my previous post:

One simple question

2010-01-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

Do you believe its possible to happens a genuine, honest friendship between a man and a woman? No sex, no drama, no nothing, but plain good hearted friendship.
Im really curious on what you girls think...

Something Every Day

2010-01-06T03:52:00.000-08:00

I was introduced to this tune back in Nov. 9th 2009 (yes, I remember the exact moment of it). Awesome memories... Yesterday someone reminded me about this song and since then thats pretty much all I've been listenning to. Lol. Just can't have enough of Corinne and those super sweet memories...

Another 2009 finishing

2010-01-04T02:15:00.000-08:00

Good morning guys!

This was the last swap I was in last year. Its from a Flickr group I'm in and I was lucky enough to be paired again with one of my favourite girls in there (they are all great crafters and absolutely adorable girls, I must say!)

Cross stitched evenwave band sewed on tea towel

(picture by Isabella Morais)

Isa is "just" the photo ninja in the group so I asked her to let me post those 2 here at my blog. I dunno how she does it, but all her pics are so clear and neat and she always makes such pretty productions on them... I admit: I am jealous! Lol. =)

Goodies sent along

(picture by Isabella Morais

This swap was to celebrate the group's annyversary and I tried to send her all goodies I thought she would like. She is also the "sewing machine ninja"! Lol. Cant wait to see what beautiful things she is gonna make with the tiny flowers fabric I sent her! Oh, that lil square thingy, where you can see "Aracaju/SE" is a ceramic magnet, painted by a local artist. =)

Hope you all are having a great day! Its raining here, such a relief after those last really hot days.

Hugs to all!

First finishing of the year!!!

2010-01-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

From Cross Stitcher - Britain's No.1 Issue 210 (March 2009)

Ok, so it's really a way tiny lil finishing to start the year, but come on... Lol. It IS a finishing, right? And a waaay late one, may I say!

This is the Mini Mystery RR I signed in last year. Kate, from Nebraska/USA (dunno if she has a blog or some other space online) is the owner of this piece, and according to her, its gonna be turned into a gift for her British cab driver fiancée! Isnt it just sweet?! =)

Well, it took me forever to find the perfect design for this RR... Geee... Eventually my dearest friend Vickie helped me out with it and for it Im gonna worship the ground she steps! Love you, V!!!

TTFN...

Last posting in 2009 and a question

2009-12-31T03:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, lets start with the question...
Must be something quite simple, but I just cant figure it out: how can I check out my follower's blog?
Mmmm... I tried and tried and ended up following myself! Lol. Anyone out there, plz, teach me! Everytime I click on the follower icon, it gets me to nowhere. I wanted to see the blogs of everybody who think I'm interesting enough to follow...
Now, wishing you all the best for 2010! Thank you all, girls, who taught me so much. Thanks for the laughs and friendships. Hope I can be more active here then I was by 2009.
Sending big hugs to everybody! *Ü*

Last giveaway of 2009!

2009-12-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

Everybody loooooves a giveaway! Well... at least I do! Lol.
So The Teakettle Corner is offering a neat bunch of precious stash. All you need to do is follow the link, leave your entry on the post, become a follower and post a link to her blog on your blog.
Ready? What are you waiting for, girls?! *Ü*
Hugs!!!

Last finish of the year

2009-12-29T01:11:00.000-08:00

And on a crafty note, here's my last finish of the year. =)

Those towels really were a hit this year!!! I made... mmm... 4 sets with this monogram?! Maybe 5... I cant recall it! Guess it tells I have really worked on a LOT of sets, huh? Lol. This one was made for a VERY VERY VERY special friend at CA, USA.

I made it secretly and my friend had it earlier, back at November, and was kind and good enough to hold it untouched till Xmas. Oh boy... I really love the way this monogram looks. *Ü*

Hiting the road again

2009-12-28T02:04:00.000-08:00

Hi, guys!

Almost 20 days away from blogging and so many things happened... Let me update you.

A few weeks ago Adilson got a transfer from his work and we needed to move again. Destination: Sapucaia do Sul/RS (Brazil). As usual, we went to visit our families on the way, so we took the car, and the babies and hit the road. Take a look at the map...

Exactly! Crazy, huh?! 3300km (2050.524 mi). =O

Now, I have good and bad news... The good one is that I took lots of pics to show you, guys.=) The bad news is that I only recalled to start taking pics when I had crossed the entire state of Bahia! Grrr...Anyways, let me show you a bit of my country! (very very proud Braz girl over here!)

This is the North of Espírito Santo, small state between Rio and Bahia. I love that place... So fresh and quiet.

And it wasnt just me who was enjoying the ride! Lol. Cant you tell?! =P

Lots of banana trees outside the car window. Not a big fond, but it was pretty to see.

Sunny days all days... Gotta love it =)

The green tunnel!!! Love how fresh it's under the trees.

Lil Capixaba chapel. Capixaba is how ppl who has born at the state of Espírito Santo is named.

Ive a lot more pics to show you guys, but will leave those for later today. We are still settleing everything, so...
Stay tunned for more views of Brazil! Big hug!*Ü*

Happy Bday to me!

2009-12-09T05:31:00.000-08:00

Yes! Its me! 34 yo... Gee... Where is time going?! =(
Heading Rio right now, to spend some time with my fam. See you guys in a few days.
Hugs from sunny Brazil!

Almost finishing...

2009-12-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

Aaaaand it arrived!

Hearther , at Canada, received my PIF gift now that she is back home.=)

I am so glad she enjoyed it! Yaaay!

As Ruth asked me to post the back side of my pieces... here we go. =P

Now, there's just one last, but very very important PIF to be delivered: Nia's, from Portugal. =) Do you think I can make it before the end of the year? Geee... Wish me luck!!! *Ü*
Hugs from sunny Brazil!

Another PIF reached its new home!

2009-12-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

Yaaaay! So, as the (very very very late) PIF gift for Ruth has finally reached her, I can show you girls, what I sent her.

Long time since I last post a finishing! =) Well, could show this one before she got it!

Anyways, theres still one that was sent by the same time, but my friend didnt get it yet.

Anxiously waiting to hear what she thinks of it!

See ya!

Mini Mystery RR is back home!

2009-11-30T07:45:00.000-08:00

Yaaaaay! My Mini Mystery RR is back home! It traveled quite a lot! Started with Kate, at the US, heading up to Canada to spend a few days with Sue, crossing the Atlantic till Toni's house, at the UK and then backing home to the sunny lands of Brazil. Phew! I get tired with the thought! =P

The idea here is, you stitch something on a piece of Aida or linnen or whatever the fabric is. You pass it along to a friend who must figure out what the theme is and stitch something for you. We were a group of 4 and each girl ends up with an unique needlework piece. Here's mine!!!!!!! =)

My theme was girly, pinkish animals. I was thinking on turning it into a pillow for Ana Flávia, my niece and about to be godchild, but as I already gave her one,as you can see here, Im thinking about something else... Any ideas are really very welcome! =)

I have Kate's piece with me now, and already have it all ready to start stitching. I just loooove RR's! Dont you?!

Hugs!

Some good karma is always welcome...

2009-10-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

So I believe in ppl helping ppl.
You may think, living in a world like this, I probably need to check my pink glasses, but... LOL. Just now I found this project here: Karmawish, Help to get helped. Simple as that. and thought about featuring it here. Why dont you go take a quick look? Maybe you can help somebody, and, with luck, have a little hand on something too.
Hugs to you all!

Sarah's give away

2009-10-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

So, I just read that Sarah, from the UK, is offering a give away at her blog. If you fancy trying your luck, go there and enter your name!
I wish you good luck, but I wish I can be luckier than you! LOL.

Love you, Ana Flávia!

2009-10-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Was chating w/ my sister today and got this absolutely adorable pic of the cutest baby ever! Well.. of course Amanda, my older niece, Ana's sister, was THE extreme cute baby ever!!!!!, but Ana is just following her steps! =)
I know... I'm a proud auntie! =P

ps: I know she's looking like a turtle with that hat on, but... come oooon! Its cute the same, right? LMAO

A rose for me?!

2009-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

It was a long time since I got flowers from anybody...
Two days ago it changed, and I'm smiling till now. =)

Very proud Carioca Girl!

2009-10-03T03:43:00.001-07:00

So the 2016 Olympic Games are coming to Rioooo! =)
Yaaay! So proud! Just hope our governants do their homework and can provide a really cool event. Dont want to be embarassed by them... I so love my hometown. Miss it sorely.
You guys are all welcome! See ya by 2016!

=)

2009-09-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

So, as Nia asked me to update this, I thought I should share some finishings. Here they are Nia, although they aren't new for ya. LOL.

Here is the bday gift I sent my sister. I went there by June and left it hidden at my mom's. Her bday was last Thursday (Sept.17th). It's a set of tea towels. Each week day is represented on them. Domingo (Sunday), Sábado (Saturday), Sexta (Friday), Quinta (Thursday), Quarta (Wednesday), Terça(Thuesday) e Segunda (Monday).

I stitched them on linnen bands while still living at the Brazilian/Colombian border and stitching was pretty much what kept my sanity at a place with 250 ppl, 150+ of them indians who barely speak Portuguese nor Spanish, where army airplanes just got there once in a month and we prayed for God not to be sick till then. Phew... Tough years...

I had them saved all this time and earlier this year, sent them to be sewn. I just ADORE the final result!!! My sis had no idea I had this surprise for her! My mom was very proud of herself because at least THIS time she was able to keep a secret long enough! LMAO. I told her I would never trust her again on anything like that, if she had it spoiled! Yes... I am that silly when it turns about making surprises. =P

She has moved to another house, at the same neighborhood and told me she was going to proudly display her gift on her new kitchen. Yaaay! Very happy big sister over here! =D

And here the final piece! I stitched this sleeping baby by March, for Flávia, my niece and about to come godchild, as you can see here.

It took forever for me to get the final piece back. The box with it just got MIA for about 2 months!!!!! I just couldn't believe when the missing box finally arrived! I had cried a river on that! SERIOUSLY! It was such a challenge: Cibele sent me the DMC flossies, because I just CANT get DMC at here (sighs), then I sent the embroidered square to Isa and she sent me the finished piece.

I already mailed it to Rio and Flávia received it. My sis is overjoyed and I am over the moon she is pleased and have a bit of autie's love under her head every night. To Isa and Cibele, muito obrigadaaaaaaa! You rock, girls!

Sorry I'm taking so long to update things here... Things are a bit busier lately. Have my head full of some othe unexpected things and those sewing classes and new projects do steal a lot of time. =)

What have I been busy with...? This!!!!!!

2009-08-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

Yaaaaaay! Finished my second piece! Need to say: it's so addicting! =)

I'm overjoyed with the final result. I got my inspiration from Mama Bliss's blog.

Showed it to my sewing teacher and we made it our own way. I added the buttons, the lace work (guipir) and the extra piece of fabric under it. Thought it gave it an extra sweet look. Flávia, my niece, is 3 moths old by next saturday, and this dress is for a 2 years old child, still I couldn't help myself from doing it! =)

*click on the image to see it enlarged.

**also thank you all girls who took some time to stop by and wish me get well soon. I'm 100% ok now and was missing you, guys! =)

First sewing project =D

2009-08-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

So... A few Blogger girl friends already know: I got a second hand sewing machine ( Singer247 ). Started taking some sewing classes, took a deep breath and ta daaaaaa!

This is my very 1st piece. My teacher's pattern. Of course it must be to my mother! Hahaha...
I hand cross stitched the upper side of the little pocket with her initial (her name is Elza) to add some personal touch.
I took the design from "Tout Une Vie A Border", by Sohpie Delaborde and Sylvie Castellano. I completely changed the colors.
I had already finished it days ago, but took the pic only today.
So... Is it too bad for a 1st project?

Shigh!

2009-07-30T03:08:00.000-07:00

So I got this awful, awful flue... Thank God it's not the piggie one, but still. It sucks and I am sick like a dog! =/

Anyway, I wanted to share with you some great news! Two of my PIF gifts had reached their new homes! Yaaay! =D
Here's what I made for Jinger. Hope there's space for some blue birdies at her kitchen... =)

This pattern I got from Nukkay. Here you can get the design. I thought it was such a pretty design I could't hold myself from stitching it on a tea towel for Jinger.

Here's what I made for Viv, at the UK. Tried to make it as greenish and as Irish as I could! LOL. =D

Also I got Gaby's gift, by the time I was at Rio with my family, meeting Flávia, my baby-niece (ok... I know I have to update you on this too... Shame on me!), but have no pic yet. Sorry for that girl! I'm already using that lovely biscornu! =)

Super fast project

2009-06-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I was working on my PIF's gifts. Have 1 done and enveloped, ready to be mailed. Yaaay me! =)
Then I started another one and when it was just 15% to finish it, I realised I have miscounted the whole thing and it wasn`t well centered! Grrrrr... Going to frog it all out and start again! Would like to kick myself in the head, right now! =/
After that I was so pissed I decided to start something else. This time I picked some REALLY fast project. Finished that in just a few hours.

It's a gift for a very dear Portuguese friend of mine: a small towel. Well, not for her, it's for her baby! =) I'm late on sending it to her, but couldn't manage things to make it sooner. It will be a complete surprise!
Right now I`m counting days to fly to my sis and mom's. =D Going to be there in 1 week!

And she is born!!!!

2009-05-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Miss Ana Flávia Rogério Puga arrived yesterday, 8:13 AM, at Rio de Janeiro and made me a very proud auntie/godmother! =)
Welcome to this crazy world, sweetie!

Swine influenza

2009-04-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

How it all started? Just take a look at the criminal! =P

A gift for Marne

2009-04-19T14:09:00.001-07:00

This week I got a message from Marne that she finally got my Crazy Exchange surprise I sent her.=)
So happy over here! =D I was planning to have it delivered before she was on vacations at the Netherlands, but couldn't manage it. Then I thought it would be nice to send it to Joke and ask her to hand deliver it to Marne, when all girls would meet at Simone´s, but that would be quite risky. The pack could be late and miss the secret receiver.
Following Joke´s suggestion I patiently (well... not that much! Lol) waited for Marne´s to get back home and sent her surprise.

As I got inspired and quite pleased with the final result, I just got ahead and finished my mom´s bday gift. Her name is Elza and I'm overjoyed I am ahead on this for 2009´s.

Hugs to you all!

Thank you, Simone!

2009-03-17T09:18:00.001-07:00

I just won an award!

Thanks, Simone, for nominating me! =)
Here's what to do:
Copy the logo of the Kreativ Blogger Award in to your blog
Make a link to the person's blog who nominated you
Nominate 8 other blogs
Add their links to your blog
Leave a comment on the blogs, that they have been awarded.
These are the 8 blogs I'm nominating for the Award:

- Nia

- Cindy F.

- Joke

- Nela

- Viv

- Linda

- Pascale

- Jennifer

Hugs to all!

Sleeping baby finished! =)

2009-03-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yaaaay me! I finished it! A few minutes ago!

I'm so proud of myself! This was really fast!
Now off to "hunt" a really-good-with-a-sewing-machine lady!
See ya!

.WIP.

2009-03-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is what´s keeping me busy lately. Well... this and finishing our apt.´s remodeling. =P
I'm stitching this design to be turned out as a pillow for Flávia, my niece. That girl is going to have a large list of cross stitched gifts from this auntie here! =D
So far it looks good to me. Sometimes it´s annoying because of all the colors changing, but it´s coming along so nice!
Off to my needles...

My niece is coming...

2009-02-27T14:30:00.001-08:00

...and she will have a soft baby towel with a fancy hood when she arrives! =)

Flávia is supposed to born by the end of May, and auntie Janaina had stitched her this piece here. Soon I will be mailing it to my sis and hope to make her smile.
Would you?

Tagged!

2009-01-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

Yes! My 1st entry in 2009 is to answer a tag call! =P
Joke has tagged me so I have to show the fourth picture in the fourth folder on my computer.

That´s Petit, my baby boy, fooling at the beach. Its almost imposible to get him quiet enough for a good shot! It was a funny pic tho... =D
Now it's my turn to tag four people. I ask you to show on your blog the fourth picture of the fourth folder on your computer I tag Linda , Iris, Nia and Viv.

Merry (sunny!) Xmas!

2008-12-24T01:29:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best Xmas ever! See you all in 2009! =)

New members of this family

2008-12-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Those are my new kokeshis!

They just arrived at my home from the south part of the country. Fabi Sehnem is the crafter, better saying, artist, who made'em.

Fabi lives at Joinville, capital city of Santa Catarina, one of the 3 states that complete the south area of Brazil. I was so amazed by her work, I just needed to get those little dolls! Believe me they are WAY much prettier here than at the pic!

At the bottom part, there´s a tiny hole, so you can use it as a thread reel and place it over your sewing machine. I do not have a sewing machine, but do like the idea of storing my ribbons on them.

Note that each one of them were made in a very distinticve way. There´s even a tan one, that I personaly asked her to make "Brazilian looking". That´s my fave.

I've a feeling that this little family's soon going to be receiving some new members! =)

Biblical Origins of Dogs and Cats

2008-12-15T00:29:00.000-08:00

A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to “Where do pets come from?”

Adam and Eve said, “Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us.”
And God said, “I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves.”
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal.
And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, “Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal.”
And God said, “I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him Dog.”
And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, “Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well.”
And God said, “I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration.”
And God created Cat to be a companion to Adam and Eve.
And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy.
And Cat didn't give a shit one way or the other
Credits

Isn't it lovely?! A song with my name!!!!!!

2008-10-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

Yes! Finally I can teach my international friends how to say my name! =P
Honestly, I think it´s so nice to ear all the different ways my Dutch, Icelandic, American , British, Canadian, Spanish, Mexican, French, Singaporean (that´s a looong list!) friends say my name... I really enjoy that! But many of them are always curious on "how do I say your name?!" So here it´s!

This kinda song is very very popluar at the Northeast side of the country, and it's named "forró" or "xote". We dance it as couples. It´s romantic and fun at the same time.
Here the lyrics if you want to sing along:

Janaína (Estakazero)

Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana Jana Janaína
Estou com dengo, estou carente
Do teu beijo Janaína
E a saudade no meu peito como dói
Começa cedo essa vontade tão ardente
Seu corpo no meu corpo
Não suporto mais sonhar
Vem cá depressa, vem correndo
Não demora Janaína
Que o tempo não espera meu amor
Há muito que meu pensamento anda longe
Na cidade tão distante que o destino me levou (2x)

Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana Janaína (4x)

Vem cá depressa, vem correndo
Não demora Janaína
Que o tempo não espera meu amor
Há muito que meu pensamento anda longe
Na cidade tão distante que o destino me levou (2x)

Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana, Jana, Janaína (4x)

What would I be without my friends?

2008-10-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

The answer for this question is so simple ... Nothing!
I have been surprised and spoiled for the past couple days.
By Sunday I got an email from darling Carol Ridyard answering the appeal I made in my previous posting. I am overjoyed with the lovely image she got me!!! She said the girl was actually wearing a black bikini but her son Justin doctored her! I am thrilled!!!! That guy is just a computers Jedi or something! Well... maybe that’s something really simple to do, but, for ME it’s something like performing a brain surgery! Only comparable to crocheting or knitting maybe! Lol. I thank you, Carol, from the bottom of my heart!
Now I need to figure out how to work with this image to make a new banner for my blog. This is going to be true fun.
Then yesterday another surprise... A large white envelope from Belgium arrived. Weird... I wasn’t expecting anything from Belgium... Couldn’t point the sender because the words weren’t very clear. Once I got it open the mystery was solved: sweet Chantal sent me those awesome calendars and magazine!
We were chatting at MSN the other day and she told me she used to be a big fan of
Margaret Sherry’s designs, but not anymore. I am a big big big fan of MS and, lucky me, I was at the right place and at the right time: she offered to mail me the issues she had and was giving away! Can you believe that?!!!! I shall start trying my luck with the lotto! I am smiling until now! Thank you Chantal, very very very much! You are an angel!

With the Cross Stitch Crazy I got a free kit. It´s a MS card and I am already stitching it. As husband was having fun with his PS II, I was stitching it. I have never stitched a kit before and thought it would be nice to have a sweet card ready for some nice friend, or maybe my mom or sis. Have been seeing so many girls talking about kits I decided to have a go. It´s a small piece, so, fast to finish, but I must to confess, I’m not liking it. The people who set the kits are not very generous with the flossies. I’m scared the green floss will run out before I finish my work. It’s stressful! Also, the cuts are sooooo short! I should have used my own skeins...

I use the loop method when I stitch, and it’s almost impossible with this short cuts of thread. I’m back to start and finish like I used to do when I was a beginner. Take a look on how it’s looking so far: That makes me wonder: are you a fan of kits? What is the thing you like the most in the kits? What you hate the most?
Well, I think that’s all for today ladies... Oh! Please, remember I still have one empty spot in my PIF list #2. Leave me a comment if you are interested.

See you soon!

Blog make over and a sign up

2008-10-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! I can’t believe I did it all by myself, but I did.! =)
Completely changed my blog layout! I am so in love with it! Specially because I am as smart as a chair when it turns about computers.
I think now many people may think I am a blond girl, but people! Just take a look at the little pic of me at my profile. It just happens that I could not find a brunette pinup with a green bikini!lol. (if you find any, please let me know!)
Anyway ... I thought I should do something to celebrate it and then I signed up for my 2nd PIF at Nela’s blog. I am so thrilled I'm going to receive some little piece of treasure from Nela’s hands!=D Everytime I visit her blog it’s and endless session of “ooohhh’s” and “aaahhh’s” and I admire her work for a long time now.
You know how it works, but just in case, here are the rules:the first three people that show in a comment on THIS post that they are interested in participating will get something hand-made by me, during the next 365 days. In return, you have make the same offer on your blog: Paying it forward.
I do not have any stitching to show today because all my stitchings are for gifts or swaps, and they must stay as a secret for a longer time. BUT I can tell you that I am currently working on:
- an autumn biscornu
- a very very girly mattress pincushion
- a Xmas ornament
Backing to my needles and flossies!

Secret stitches and a few giggles

2008-09-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hi, girls!

Since my last posting I have only been stitching for exchanges, so none of the pieces can be shown at here. There´s a biscornu on the way and this little pretty girl just got her final stitches on. Can you tell who is the designer and what is the name of this design? I will give you a candy if you say it right! Lol. I can not show you more or the owner will know it´s for her.... It has her initials. =P

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

As I have not much to show you I thought at least I could share a few laughings. I just hope this doesn't happen with us. Fingers crossed! =D

LOST IN THE DARNEDEST PLACES

An elderly Floridian called 911 on her cell phone to report that her car has been broken into. She is hysterical as she explains her situation to the dispatcher: "They've stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal and even the accelerator! " she cried.The dispatcher said, "Stay calm. An officer is on the way."A few minutes later, the officer radios in. "Disregard." He says. "She got in the back-seat by mistake."

FAMILY

Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, live in a house together. One night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and pauses. She yells to the other sisters, "Was I getting in or out of the bath?"The 94-year-old yells back, "I don't know. I'll come up and see." She starts up the stairs and pauses "Was I going up the stairs or down?"The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea listening to her sisters She shakes her head and says, "I sure hope I never get that forgetful, knock on wood." She then yells, 'I'll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who's at the door."

I CAN HEAR JUST FINE

Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked to the other, "Windy, isn't it?""No," the second man replied, "It's Thursday."And the third man chimed in, "So am I. Let's quit playin' and have a beer."

LITTLE OLE' LADY

A little old lady was running up and down the halls in a nursing home. As she walked, she would flip up the hem of her nightgown and say "Supersex." She walked up to an elderly man in a wheelchair. Flipping her gown at him, she said, "Supersex."He sat silently for a moment or two and finally answered, "I'll take the soup."

OLD FRIENDS

Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day, they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, "Now don't get mad at me .. I know we've been friends for a long time, but I just can't think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is."Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?"

SENIOR DRIVING

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on Interstate 77. Please be careful !""Heck," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them !"

DRIVING

Two elderly women were out driving in a large car - both could barely see over the dashboard. As they were cruising along, they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red, but they just went on through.The woman in the passenger seat thought to herself "I must be losing it. I could have sworn we just went through a red light."After a few more minutes, they came to another intersection and the light was red again. Again, they went right through. The woman in the passenger seat was almost sure that the light had been red but was really concerned that she was losing it. She was getting nervous.At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was red and they went on through. So, she turned to the other woman and said, "Mildred, did you know that we just ran through three red lights in a row? You could have killed us both !"Mildred turned to her and said, "Oh, crap, am I driving?"

It arrived! =D

2008-09-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

I am so very relieved! Today I hear from Carol S. that she finaly got the return gift I made her. A few months ago Carol sent me a absolutely lovely froggy fob, and then, it was my time to return her kindness. =) I made her this Xmas ornament. I used a Lizzie Kate design I like a lot and designed the shape of the ornie. I think next time I will add some red beads to the hanger so it will not look so simple.Carol isn't into too girly things, so it was a "hard" time to keep me from adding all the girly girl stuff I always like to add in my pieces. =P Making something for such a great stitcher and finisher took me a few nights of good sleep... But I am pleased with the final result and she says she likes the piece. =) I can't wait to see it hangging at her Xmas tree or at some door knob at her home. I am sure she has been a good girl all this year! =D

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Edited: I realise that I never posted a pic of the beautiful Fob I got from Carol S. Oh boy... Shame on me! =( She allowed me to use a "stolen" pic from her blog, because her pics are waaaaaay much better than mine! =P Take a look and tell me: isn't it the most adorable thing ever seen?! =)

I also just heard from Pascale B., at the Netherlands, that she got her gift today too! Oh my! =) Tell me about perfect timing! Lol.

Pascale likes the primitive style, so I thought this Isabelle Vautier design would please her. I stitched some sections of "Amitié Croisée" (RV120) on a tea towel. I think the couple looks quite Dutch to me. =) The pic is a bit weird: the piece is not "burnt" like showed here. Dunno what I have done wrong... =(

The other side and some little pleasant surprise

2008-09-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

As Olga has requested me in my previous posting, here is the back side of the ornament I showed you. As you can see, I didn't close it, because I am still debating on which button I shall attach to the middle of it. I think I shall go for the simple 4 holes red button, as I like simple things... I am open to suggestions! =D

Also, I want to share with you all the sweetness I got from Dutch ppl. I once told Ina how much I love the wee tiny little tin she once surprised me with. As if it wasn't enough to surprise me like that, she sent me more tins! Take a look!

She said they were quite popular at her area and aren't they just sweet? I will use them to store my wee buttons. I just looove them all, Ina! Thank you so very much!

2008-09-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hi, ppl!
Yesterday night Adilson and I went to the shopping mall and , after a really yummy dinner (the best part will always be not having to wash the dishes! Lol, but the Rice a La Piamontese, the Noisette Potatoes and the Grilled Chicken were really great!) we went to the cinema and watched to Wanted, with Angelina Jolie. Jeeez... Apart from the absolutely impossible things to do, like turning the bullet around one person when you shot something behind that person (who can do that?! You?) it was quite fun and we had a great time. I love action movies, so does Adilson, thank God!
And here is my last finishing...
I designed the pattern and I am quite happy with the way it came out. I saw the ornament tuto at The Ink Circles Company site and tried to make the same. I could nto figure it out just by looking at it and reading the instructions, so what I did was to cut a square of graph paper and fold it until I got the whole thing. It was kind of an origami session, but ...Lol.
I am not very good at finishig pieces so that's the main reason I am so pleased with myself. =)
Hope you guys are having a great day.

Lucky? Me? You are so darn right!

2008-09-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

I never thought I was, because I have never won any raffle or lotto or anything like that. Well, it's all changed now!
Sharon just ran a drawing at one of the groups we are both in and I won the prize!!!!! Can't you believe it? Here is the proof!

I am looking at the sweetest surprise ever! I just loooove LHN designs and this one is so cute! She sent it all: chart, flossies and beads. I am so overjoyed! Thank you, Sharon from the bottom of my heart! You are the best!

I was so surprised it reached me so fast! Jeeez... She posted it last Friday! Just one week from Florida to Brasil! I am right when I say Mail Service makes no sense at all...

Big thank you one more time, Sharon. You made my weekend a lot sweeter! =D

Well, girls, I still have an empty spot on my PIF list. So far Nia (Portugal) and Viv (UK) are the dear friends who are going to receive a gift from me some time in the next 365 days. Who among you are willing to be the 3rd girl on the list?

Hope you all have a sweet (hehehe) weekend!

See you!

Oh, happy day...

2008-09-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, pals, very happy indeed!
This morning I finally posted both Carol’s and Pascale’s return gifts, from Crazy Exchanges!!! I know I am late, but I was making 2 gifts at the same time, girls. =( Do hope you enjoy your parcels as much as I enjoyed making them! Happy dance moment! =P
My guess is that Pascale’s pack will hit her 1st than Carol's. For some reason packs to Europe tend to arrive sooner than packs to the US. Go figure...

Then , I received a lovely surprise from Pascale, again! She was in vacations with her family around Barcelona/Spain, and was so very kind she sent me this beautiful postcard. It’s from The Church of the Sagrada Família (Holly Family). It’s almost like I was there with she and her folks. Thank you so very much, Pascale, you are a doll!

It's PIF time!

2008-09-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for my very 1st PIF!!! Yaaay! =)

I did it at Gaby's blog and I am so very happy with this... She is a very talented stitcher and now she is designing too! Take a look at her freebies page.

Now it's my turn to make my official annoucement.. So here we go:

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week... LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog (or - in your life - if you happen to be blog-less). So, lady fellows, go ahead and sign up. =D

Boker Tov!

2008-08-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

What? Don't you speak "Engbrew"? Neither do I! LOL.

This is my last finishing.I made this towel as a bday gift for a nice friend of mine's mom. They are both Israelis, and I wanted to make something very unique for her, so I asked Maya - my nice friend - for some lessons about her language. She taught me that "Boker Tov" means "Bom Dia".

What? Don't you know what "Bom Dia" means?! Well, that's easy! It's Portuguese, my language, for "Good Morning! =D I thought that would be a nice touch I think she is going to appreciate. Green and yellow are the Brazilian flag's colors, which are also a combo I do like a lot. It's already on the way to her hands, and as she doens't have a blog I am sure she will not see this posting. =P

It's a small "pervertion" of a Tralala! design I like a lot. I changed every color of the sections I picked for this piece, but I do think it's looking quite cheering and mind lifiting.

What do you think? Is she going to like my gift?

I am recently also working on 2 return gifts for a couple girls I love to bits: Pascale B. and Carol S. One of the gifts is already stitched, finished and packed. The other one is being finished.One is all made in red and white, and the other one has shades of green and red and cream. Both has lots of love on them, and I can't let you know anything else! =D

Bye for now!

Let´s talk about tweeding...

2008-08-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

So, tweeding is when you use one thread of two different colors in the same stitch. It's used to create various effects in stitching.
I recently was taking a closer look to a lovely Dimensions design, from the Golden Collection. It's a stunning piece I was planning to stitch for a very dear friend of mine. Its HUGE, but I think she deserves that. It'd take a long time to get done, but... oh well... it'd be a surprise, so there'd be no rush on that.
The thing is that the design asks for a LOT (really a LOOOOT) of tweeding. I personally I'm not a fond of tweeding AT ALL!!! It always looks funny when I stitch like that and I don't like it. I ask: do you tweed? Do you have any tip for a perfect tweeding? Is there any way you can substitute tweeding? Please, girl friends, talk to me! Any help is welcome!

Edited:
I just included the pic of the piece. It's Equine Trio #35091 Isn't it breathtaking?!

Ha! Dutch ppl keeps surprising me!

2008-08-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

I am part of that adorable Dutch/Belgium/American/Icelandic/French/Brazilian (did I forget any country?) group. The CrazyExchanges.I am helping to run the Matchboxes Exch. and the goal is to decorate a matchbox (the larger ones) and fill it with all sort of wee tiny little things, so you please your partner with the goodies.Its not hard to run the swaps at the group as we are a small group and the ladies play really nice.

Anyhoo... I didn't signed up for this swap, as most of you know I am trying to stay away from the computer as much as possible (and THAT´s a tough task! Lol) and I already have a few projects and swaps going on at the mo.

A few weeks ago, Ina, from the Netherlands posted at the group board that she has " just mailed out two matchboxes, one legal and one illegal. " I kinda freaked out a little (just a little) bit, and started praying "Dear Lord, please don't tell me she is going to mail any kinda drugs or pedophile stuff! Please God!" :P Of course Ina is a very very naughty girl and didn't say a thing after that message.She just giggled and held her secret , and I could just imagine her tricky face, back at the Netherlands.Yesterday night I just solved the mistery: Ina sent me one matchbox too! :D

Oh dear, it wasn't really necessary! But I am NOT going to send it back to you!Lol. It was such a pleasant surprise! Take a look at the pics!She sent me all sort of tiny little things!I love it ALL!How did you know I LOVE ladybugs!? They are so sweet!The small green heart is a tiny notebook. It's absolutely adorable!The small glass with pink beads is a lovely touch and the little girls tin is a treasure itself! I would be over te moon with just that tiny tin!Its so small! I love it!And the buttons in it are just the best! Pure cuteness!Thank you Ina, so very much for the postcard too! Netherlands is surely one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen! Hope you and all the Dutch girls here realise how lucky you are.Dankjewel, dankjewel, dankjewel !!!!!

2 postcards and one great surprise

2008-08-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

It´s been a long time since I last posted something at here. Well, due to some health issues, I am still slow on my stitching. =(
It didn´t stop some really nice friends to surprise me with their kindness tho.
A few days ago, Joke asked me "havent you got anything from me, lately?!" and I was very surprised. No I didnt... Till the day before yesterday.
I got a beautiful postcard from her! She went to spend her vacations at the Czech Rep. and took some time to be that gentle and send me this.It was funny because she posted it with with 2 stamps: one was Czech and the other was Dutch. =)

Then yesteday I was at Skype talking to her (jeeezz... I so love Skype! Its amazing! It was like she was the other side of the phone!!I learnt so much about her place! Groningen is way much more beautiful than I expected! And it was also quite a shock to realise I always said her name the wrong way! hahahahaha... I even learnt a bit of Dutch and, believe it or not!, Chinese!) and then there were somebody at the door. I went to check and tere was another postcard from Joke! =P
This time it was one from her hometown.The cannal is something beyond beautiful!I asked her "do you realise how lucky you are for living in such a beautiful place?!"

Whith this second pc from Joke, I also got a delightful surprise from my Thai friend, Lin.I met Lin at Flickr´s. She had told me she had sent me some "small" surprise a few days ago. I freaked out a bit "ok... have I forgot any swap I was in with you?!!!!"

"No, silly! Its just a little something I think you shall like" , she said. I wonder how would she define "little something" !!!! =D

Lin is a very talended quilter and we were partners on previous swaps at Flickr, so she pretty much knows my taste. I am always impressed with her skills on the sewing machine. At the top pic you can see one of the sides of the tote she sent me.

The lovely note she included says "Janaina,I got this package for you as a surprise or whatever...I found that you are December baby. Me too! So I decided to celebrate it in July.I hope you will enjoy this package". Yes!!!!! I totally LOVE it all! =P Here you can see the other side of the tote. We don't have snow at here (Joke was impressed with the winter standards temps at here. She said our winter is like her summer, and our summer is what they name "heat wave". LOL.) so I have never seen a snowman, "live", but it doesn't stop me from loving them. It has an inside small pocket too, and I am thinking where and when can I go to show off my new tote! Ppl will DYE here!

Lin knows I like anything "that comes in a tin", so she sent me something I have never ever seen at here. Its like a tuna tin, and I held it in my hands for a while when I got it, wondering "what is this?!". Super mega cute note pieces that come in the tin!=D

I was so excited! I had Joke on the phones and I think she should be thinking "that´s the worst nut case girl I have ever met!" =D

I am a very very lucky girl, aye?!

Hugs to all!

Edited:

I just got nominated AGAIN! Wendy just gave me the Kreativ Award! Now I shall think on another 5 awesome blogs to nominate too... Tough task... There are so many! =)

Kreativ Blogger Award

2008-08-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

I was nominated! =)

According to Joke I have good ideas and humour and so she decided I should get the award too.

I am so glad she thought on me! Thank you, J.!

Here are the rules for this award:

• The winner may put the logo on her blog.

• Put a link to the person you got the award from.

• Nominate 5 blogs.

• Put links to the blogs.

• Leave a message for your nominees.

My nominees are (in no particular order):

- Pascale: for her amazing sweetness, kindness and great craft.

- Frances: for her amazing purses and cheering chats at MSN.

-Leena: for her blog is an endless source of inspiration.

-Christine: for her (scaring) smocking needles

-Ruth: for her piles and piles of wip´s and ufo´s (its like a copy of my life!)

It´s really fun! =)

2008-06-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Simone´s, and thought I should make one too =D
The Concept:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.
The Questions:
1. What is your first name? Janaina.
2. What is your favorite food? Chinese food.
3. What high school did you go to? Colégio Pedro II
4. What is your favorite color? I love all colors...Mmmm... I will go with blue.
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Pierce Brosnan.
6. Favorite drink? Coconut water.
7. Dream vacation? Europe.
8. Favorite dessert? Fruits lolly.
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Pain free.
10. What do you love most in life? Husband and kids.
11. One word to describe you: Curious.
12. Your flickr name: Tuttifruttigirl.

And then you get this! Want to give it a try too?

1.Janaina,2.Chinesefood,3.Colégio Pedro II,4.Blue,5.Pierce Brosnan,6.Coconut water,7.Europe,8.Fruits lolly,9.Pain free,10.Husband and kids,11.Curious,12.Tuttifruttigirl

Long post... Get ready! =)

2008-06-20T05:15:00.001-07:00

Dear friends...
It has been a long time since the last time I posted at here.
The past 4 weeks have been really annoying, to say the least.I just found out that I have the carpal tunnel syndrome. Eeeeeeek!
No, there´s no pain, thank God!I just have this numbness on 2 of my left hand fingers.
The doctor said its because I stitch and type too much, so the hand nerve is stressed and swollen.Going to make a test at Salvador, which is 3 hrs by car from here. There´s nowhere at this tiny city where I can have it . Thank God husband is able to come with me.
I am under medication but its not working, so the doctor said that patients who doesnt respond very good to the medications, sometimes must go for surgery. Its small but still... Larger or smaller its still a surgery, right? And I am scared.
I have an American friend who had it in both arms, up to her shoulders. She couldn´t even sleep. She said when she woke up from surgery, she was feeling no numbness at all! It was like magic.Doc said that test will precise in which point of the nerve the problem is and define the need of the surgery or not.Fingers crossed for the best result.Knowing me, you guys shall realized that I could not stay really 100% off my needles. It´s just too much cruelty! So here and there I managed to stitch a few “x´s” here and there, and after 4 whole weeks (can you believe that?! If my hand was ok, I would have stitched it in no more than ¼ of this time!) I finished this towelHere the back side, as Ruth said its worst when I don’t show it, because she keep imagining what kinda nasty extremely neat back I did this time. Hahahahahaha Cant stop laughing, sweetie! Sorry! =D

The fact that I am not allowed to xxx or type is just driving me crazy. So, after chatting to a few friends, I decided that I need a new addiction: I am going to buy a sewing machine!Yaaay!
When I got married, I did got one, but the darn little thing and I didn’t had a really good relationship... It was a hate and love case. She had a terrible temper, quite moody and never did what I gently asked her to do. After 6 months I gave up and sold her. I decided its time for me to start developing a better relationship with sewing machines.They still seem to hate me to the death, but I am willing to change it.=)
I don´t plan to sew anything complex, just play a bit here and there. Little pouches, tote bags, draw string bags... I think it’s a great way to enhance my xxx pieces, plus it’s a very useful finishing. Ironically, I shall not xxx too much after getting my baby at home.
I have part of the money saved and it seems I am going to get my machine soon. I could get in and pay small amounts of money monthly, but I do prefer to have all of it in my pocket 1st.Here you can see the one I am planning on to get. It´s one of the simpler models, and yet it offers 15 different stitches, overlock including! I doubt I can have use for such a variety of stitches, but...

If you are into the sewing machines world and have ANY tips, hints or so to tell me, plz, do it. Everything will be much appreciated.Do you have any friend with an interesting blog? Plz, leave a coment pointing me the direction! =)
In the meanwhile of stitching the tea towel, I received a few postcards from Postcrossing project.I collect postcard since I was a kid. It was kinda legacy my dad left me.Because of him, I started penpalling by 12.

From Bern/Switzerland.

From Zaragoza/Spain.

From Vancouver/Canada.

And yesterday, from Teuva/Finland! =)

Its such a great feeling to receive a postcard with just a few lines on it.I can never hold a smaile when I get one!
I also get a few other surprises from the mail guy.
Right after 2 days I had the diagnostic and was told to rest my hand the most I could, I got two surprises. They almost got me at the same day.I got this lovely RAK from Christine, from Indiana/USA.

And this other surprise from Xiuyi, from Singapore.

They both made my week! I was impressed with their perfect timing! I was so sad because of my forced time off from my needles, and they were so gentle to send me something to spend my time with. I now have (can you tell?!) lots of new projects on my “to do” list! =D
Thank you all, girls!
A couple days ago, I just got this also lovely surprise... A “get well” card from Christine. Isn´t she just sweet?

Christine always include some confettis to her cards and letters. The 1st time I got it , I wasnt as "smart" and my lap was all covered with them! This time, I was very careful and didnt drop a thingy! Then I showed it to husband and he wasnt knowing about them...You can imagine the mess! Hahahaha =D

One last thing... I want to publicly thank you, Olga, for being such a nice and gentle person. I have learnt so much from you, since the very 1st day I met you.Thank you for your friendship.You are a blessing!
Hugs to all!

Two Fobs for Joan

2008-05-23T18:42:00.001-07:00

So, finally!
Earlier this year, back to January I stitched and sent a FOB pack to Joan S. ,in a swap at the HoE.
The pack never got her... =( What is truely a pitty because it was a darling little pack. Honestly I want to cry just to think all the time spent on making the tiny little piece for her... Wasted. Lost somewhere. I hope the person who got it burn forever in hell with some terrible pain!
Anywho... I re-made her a FOB.She got it a few days ago. I am impressed it got her so fast this time. That person who will BURN FOREVER IN HELL WITH SOME TERRIBLE PAIN must had made it arrives ok this time (you are not forgiven neither forgotten b%$#@ !)
Now I can show both pieces. Here is the parcel I have made for her in 1st place.Chocolates, flossies, ribbon. All in blue, her fave color.Oh God I want to cry... all MIA! That´s not fair!!!!! =(

A closer look.You cant see but I added her initials at the side of it.I designed the button flower and heart flower too, and got the specialty stitches from The Gift of Stitching. Backstitch butterfly and seagull were taken from a very old book I dont recall the name.I wrote the word "kindness" because I think that should be the word driving our lives, all the time.

The back side.A message for her.Ok, now I am really pissed it never got her! >=(

And here the 2nd piece. The one that FINALLY got her. =) Backing fabric, stitching fabric (we name it linen here, but I think it shall be named as evenwave by you guys...Not sure.), flossies, handmade star buttons by a friend of mine. Click on the pic for a larger view.

One more time, so sorry on the delay Joan. Hope you enjoy your gifts!

A sweet postcard

2008-05-21T16:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I got this beautiful postcard from Vicky, NM-USA. She was on vacations at San Diego and was just THAT kind to send me something to make me smile, as she knows I like them. Well... I am smiling till now!

Thank you V.! =D

Two times Ana Carolina!

2008-05-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

International RR

2008-05-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! Another finishing!=D
Remember the Stitch 4 Pleasure, Stitch 4 Charity project I told you guys in my last posting?
So, Jane is running this Around The World RR, where each box is going to be filled by a person in a different country. Here is my share.
She asked us to stitch something related to our country. This could be a landmark, local animal, natiobal costume, etc... As we are famous because of the Soccer, I picked this lovely Archie, The Bear and Spot design, by Margaret Sherry. The name of the design is "Goal".
At the right side of my share you see the group´s logo.It was designed by Lucie Heaton, specially for the project! Isn´t it just lovely?!=)
Now mailing tomorrow up to Canada!Hope it doesnt take too long to arrive.=D

A prize and a finish

2008-05-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

I just love when I have lots of things to tell you guys! So... lets start with the prize!

I am a volunteer stitcher for a few charity groups. Stitch For Pleasure, Stitch For Charity is one of them. It´s an UK based group, leaded by Aunty Jane.We count on some really cool ladies who stitch Aida bands for bibs and squares for confort quilts.It´s really an amazing project.Worths a few miutes of your attention.

So Jane recently created that game, where the 1st girl to stitch, picture and send her a square within the theme she suggests, wins a surprise gift.

Last month´s theme was "doll". Here is my square:

I was pleased I managed to have it finished in just a few hours... Well the design is really simple. It wasnt really hard to make.
For that I won this!!!!!!!

Isnt that just too much?! =D I think its for just a simple square... But... er... I am NOT going to send it back! Lol.

I just love that magazine! Love the small projects on it!Planning to stitch both Archie and the Paddington bear for the project Jane runs.
If you think you could stitch something too, feel free to join us. Any help is welcome! If you have some aida, floss or backing fabric you think you can donate, get in touch. Lots of british sick kids will love it! =)

Ok... now the finishing!
Here is the tea towel I made for Terrie, at CA.Its a bday gift and I am more than happy I am ahead on this! Her special date is by July, and I just need to get a few goodies to include on her pack.Her theme was birdies and bird houses, and her fave colors are blue, pink and green.I guess I managed quite well to have them .=)

It´s a part of a LHN design. Love Diane Williams´s style of designs.Took it from a sampler and completely changed the colors suggested by the designer.I do that a lot! =D

As Ruth said "the pics of your neat backs are sooo annoying!!!" , I will NOT post the pic of it this time... You will have to imagine how it looks. =D Hahahahaah...

New fave song

2008-05-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

Now THAT is a song I do like a lot. It´s Céu (Céu , is Portuguese for Sky).I am probably listening to that right now, so its definetly a new obsession.
Love the jazzy style of her.All the beat ...Its so Brazilian!
That´s the part of my country and my ppl I am proud of. We really know how to make great music.Please leave a coment on what you think about Céu, and if you already know her.
Special thanks for Gertrudis ,the lovely person ho taught me how to upload videos at my Blog. =D

A small progress...

2008-05-13T13:22:00.001-07:00

A few more stitches (unfortunally I couldn´t stitch as much as I was hoping for today...) and some green touches were added to the piece.

I agree with Olga: it´s quite springy, uh? =)
I do love the colors I have choosen (can you tell?Lol) for this project. It´s coming along quite nicely!

Hope to finish all the green parts by tomorrow.

That´s all for now. See ya! =)

Rainy days and Mondays

2008-05-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Rainy Monday here and I finally have something new to post.=)

All the things I have been stitching lately are gifts or swaps so I could not show you guys or the surprise factor would be completely ruined. =D

Last week Simone told me she had got the Bday gift I sent her. First time a pack arrived at the Netherlands in such a fast speed!In fact it got her a few days before the special date! =)

As the unwrapping pack pics are just priceless, I asked her if I could post them here too, so...

It´s such a nice feeling to realise she is now holding the gift I made just for her! All the way from Brasil to the Netherlands.How cool is that?

And here a closer look at the blue birds I stitched on a tea towel. I took them from a Bent Creek sampler, named Love. I changed the colors so it matched to the blue border on the towel.

And finally my weekend stitching. It´s a Jeremiah Junction design (JL152 - Patchwork Seasonal Squares) I love JJ style! As I didnt have all the shades the color key was asking, I changed it a bit to suit my stash.Its a bit different than the original, but I do think it is coming along quite nicely. In fact the magazine offers us 3 different palletes to make it,from a darker one, to a lighter one, so I dont feel THAT guilty. Lol.

That magazine has lots of nice designs ! I do recomend all of you to get one issue.I plan to make a biscornu from that piece.Maybe even a set.

I guess that´s all for now.

Hugs to all, from the not so sunny lands of Brasil... (oh boy... I love Autumn!)

Janaina.

My 1st Crazy Exch. came from the Netherlands!

2008-04-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo!
Simone de Jong sent me the most exquisite and unusual piece!It's a magic book! The tricky thing is that it opens both from right to left and from left to right.
The lovely stitching piece would be enough but she is so talented she finished this into this magic book.

It was my 1st time seeing something like this. I will treasure it!

I met Simone at Crazy Exchanges group,and I am very thankful of it. She is just a darling person!

Husband and I were very intrigued with that piece.Isnt it lovely?

At the left you see the flossies she sent me and the lovey card. At the right, you see the hugd she included in the pack. Simone, sweetie, I got them all!:o)

Love you deeply!

Nic got mail!

2008-04-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

I am so very relieved, Nic Wray got her parcel on the Pinkeep Exch. we were at the HOE!:o)

She didnt take a pic yet, but I am free to show I have sent her. Making this swap was a chalenge! I made 2 pinkeeps before that one here! It wasnt coming out the way I was intending to. In fact this 3rd trying either...:o( The stitching part is ok, I know I am a good stitcher (and modest!!!Lol.)but a terrible finisher...I guess I will never make another one... Sniff...

I included some bath soap (the little hite and green bottle) , some linnen, fabric for finishing, floss and tea (orange flavoured).

I am glad she said the parcel got her at the end of a very stressful day. What a pefect timing, uh?:o)

Hugs, to you Nic!

How do you store your flossies?

2008-04-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

I was making a small cleaning at my flossies box and started wondering: how do the other ladies storage their flossies?I keep mine like this: How about you?!

What a great start for this week!!!!

2008-03-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am doing my happy dance again!

Yesterday the mail guy got me back my Fall RR, from Nimble Needles, a Canadian group I am in at MSN!:o) Take a look...

It all started by October15, 2007. Not a very exciting piece at the 1st,right? I made the blue borders and write the ladies names/locations under their boxes.BUT! Ta daaa.... down here you can see the beautiful final piece: The design 's name is "Wee Three Birdhouses", by CDA. Special thanks to Phyllis Szary who was the one who got me that.

Here you can have a better look at the piece.As I did in a previous RR I was in, I included 3 skeins of white floss in the pack, and asked to each ladie to pick one skein and include one flat 2 or 4 holes cute button to it.

Linda Hardy, from Ontario, was very generous and sent me ladybugs (which I ADORE!) and pearl moons. Jen Baxter, sent me 4 hearts that are just lovely!Already have plans for them!

And Shannon Mcaulay sent me the national symbol of Canada: those leaves that I like so much!She had those Anchor skeins at her stash. She got them as a prize at her local needlework shop, but she really uses DMC. She was THAT gentle to send me them!:o)

Then today, mail guy got me ANOTHER surprise! Olga sent me my pincushion exch, from HOE!

Take a look at the pics!

Here you can see the finest piece of art crafty hands could ever made! I am stunned with the beauty and neatness!

She sent me ribbons (we name that "sianinha" here at my country. How do you name it?!)First time I see it in a combo of colors, AND with golden bites. Just lovely!Take also a look at the nice postcard she sent: she is from Louisiania.

Here are the other goodies that came in the pack: the cutest buttons, Irish Wolfhound design, metallic floss... I specially like the piece with Louisiania written on it. Its so colorful and cute! Planning to hang it at the mirror inside the car, or use it as a FOB

Now take a closer look at the buttons! Arent they lovely?!

And finally the note she wrote me at the postcard.I love that kinda thing! An exch. without a note, or just a few words from the sender is not the same thing.

Thank you Olia! You are the best!:o)

Happy Bday Christine!

2008-03-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

I am so very pleased she got her bday gift on time! In fact it had such a freaking scaring perfect timing as she got the pack by Saturday and her bday is today!

Here you can see what I included in her pack, in a pic she took at her home:

Here the place she is going to hang it!

For that I am doing my happy dance!

What a great way to start a week, uh?!

Easter is coming so...

2008-03-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Cute Graphics and Default Layouts

My Xmas RR is back home!!!

2008-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo!
It left home by July 2007 and is back to Brazil ! Arrived this week!
Now you tell me: isnt it beautiful?! It´s a Stoney Creek design that I really enjoyed stitching! I did the Halloween/Fall snowman. Then, Janice, from Hastings/UK did the Easter/Spring one.Above you can see the lovely postcard she sent me!What a great place to live, uh? So beautiful!
After Janice it was Patt's turn to stitch. She is at Spain.The thing is that Patt had a few problems with the fabric and after a few stitches she decided to pass it along. Viv O'Leary, from UK said she would gladly finish her part, and Patt mailed the piece to her direction.
Viv stitched the Xmas/Winter snowfellow.So it was a true 4 hands snowguy.:o)It happens that Viv is suuuuch a darling person she included a postcard too!AND a piece of pink silkevenwave!Now you tell me what is to be cute!
The last one to work on that piece was Carol, in Suffolk/UK. She did the Independent Day/Summer frosty one.

I am so so so pleased with that RR! It was a delight to get it back! I so like the design! Viv liked it so much she bought the chart online at the mo she saw it!

Here at the lft side, you can see the buttons/charm they sent me. I suggested a trade. I included 3 skeins of floss, and asked them to each one to take one skein and include a small super cute button or charm.

The birdhouse is from Janice, the handmade green flower charm is from Patt, and the purple star is from Carol.

Viv was even sweeter and included the scared cat!I love black cats and she knew that!:o)She sent me just because she is a darling!

I was RAKed!!!!!!

2008-03-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

That´s true! I was RAKed by Christine Wilson, from Hanna, Indiana (USA) :D
Click on the pic to see it enlarged.

From left to right, up to down we have:
1:gorgeous scissor, scissor Fob, AND Ghiradelli chocolate!It´s 72 % pure choc! Can you believe it?! It´s the way husband likes, very dark, and intense flavours, so he pretty much "stolen" that part of the box contents...
2:exactly 72 skeins of flossies!:o) Yes... she is Santa Christine!
3:two Alma Lynne books! I was talking to her about me looking for birdhouses designs, for a bday gift exch., and she was THAT evil to not tell me she had read my thoughts and sent the perfect book to me a few weeks ago!I am not a very fond of kitties, because I am a dog lover with all my heart , but that kitties on the book... Gee! They are so cute!:o)
4:Pet designs book from ASN and evenwave! The exactly color I love! Light cream! So very treasured!
5: Cross Stitching Country magazines!!!!!!!:D Now YOU tell me: do I love or dont I love that girl?!Big smile on that part!
6:One Nighters books! There are snowppl, butterflies and angels!!!!! I love that!I am a snowppl lover even there´s no snow here in my country! I so envy Christine and all the ladies who have snow...:o(
7:Xmas designs!:o) Woohoo! I love them all!Mary Engelbreit ones are my favorites!
8:More Xmas designs!!! Love the small one in the One Nighters book! Also I am a HUGE fan of Lizzie Kate! Planning to start stitching that stocking right now!
9:Magnetic lidpads! I can place them at the fridge or at the side of my computer... Stil deciding...:o) Attention to the nicest touch: one of them has a "J" on the top of each sheet!
10: Magnets on my refrigerator!The pic is blur but... It was taken too close... My kitchen is not that large, guys! Sorry for that!I love them! If you look carefully you can see a tiny pink/purple thing. That´s Sarah´s draw hanging at my fridge too! Toni! It´s still there!:o)
11: The front side of the lovely card she sent me.A true cowgirl forever, indeed!:D
12: The nicest message ever!Inside the card she put some of those silly conffettis we all like so much! See? Horses everywhere!:D That´s SO Christine!
I am going to treasure every single thing from that awesome box, Chris!
I LOVE YOU!

Maria´s bday gift! Done!

2008-03-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Ohhh... I am pleased! The most important part:I did it in only one aftrenoon!:o) Maria lives in Portugal and she LOVES to cook and bake.As for a theme she picked flowers and/or hearts, so I thought that design on that tea towel would be just perfect for the occasion. Her bday is by June, so I am quite happy I have it done so early.:o)

One more checked on the list!:D

What happened this week

2008-02-22T12:52:00.000-08:00

Husband went to he country side of the state , because of his job, and took a few pics I thought you girls would enjoy to see.
This village is named Nossa Senhora da Glória (something like Our Holy Lady of Glory) and it´s very far away from Aracaju, the city here we live.Amost all country side villages and cities are quite similar.If you see one, you see all.

Here you see the church and the park.

Here the home made sweets shop. It's a very famous place, despite it's in a very small farm.

Milk, pumpkin, banana, coconut, jaca, you name it and she has the sweet made with that!:o)Many ppl come from other states just to buy them!I am just nuts about the milk and cocnut little balls.

The shop is really small but, oh, boy... full of yumy little pots!

Thee are also cockies!!!!!:o)

So... during the time he was out he made a new friend..

Seems like they get really close...

Oh boy, ...I know that look!:o) Glad he didn't start thinking about taking his new pal with him! My poodles would not be very happy with that!

Jackie´s bday gift is done!:o)

2008-02-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

And I am so proud!:o) It turned out so pleasant!Amazing how tiny it's! I guess it´s the smallest piece I have ever made!

Jacie's bday is by May and I am suer happy I have t done so earlier!

Great way to wait for the weekend!

Now I can show...

2008-02-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

...what I have sent to my partner, Rita , as her Valentine's Day Exch.!:o)I made her a tea towel and have choosen some Jeremiah Junction designs I sorted out from a larger sampler.It was a delight to stitch.

Here the goodies I included.

Hope you had have a great Valentine's Day, Rita, even I am being late on the arriving... Well... Budapest is really distant from Brasil!:o)