crossed (off the list)

Just under the wire, I got done with this sampler, which is the main project for mailorder #5. I feel so relieved to have this behind me. I have really grown into counted needlework. It took me awhile to get into the rhythm, but by the time I started this, I had figured out how to make it work for me, so was I actually able to start and finish this mostly during down time with the kids over the last 6 weeks, as unlikely as that seems. It's the type of activity they let me do uninterrupted while they play. (Unlike anything related to the computer, phone, or in the art room.)

So, this chart (the finished size is about 8 1/2" x 6" on 28 count linen) along with some other goodies will go out in early January, and there will be single issues available then too. I plan to design and sell some charts for smaller counted needlework projects as well, I am really excited about this, so you can try this look without a big time commitment.

Okay, I think (I think) I will be able to get done with robes for the girls to go with the Christmas nightgowns I finished last night in a crazy/manicy burst of sewing energy. (Since it had been almost a month since I had sewn anything because of the flippin' cross-stitch.)

I am bringing dessert to Grammie's for our family Christmas Eve shindig and I want to make a good old fashioned cheesecake. No frills, just plain-jane and super yummy. I know I saw Ina make one years ago on her show, but I can't seem to find that recipe in the 3 books I have of hers. But I swear it's there. If I really can't find it, The New Best Recipes has one that I think will be perfect.(She said with much confidence. This could be a disaster.)

Comments

[Kelly]

Cute cute cute! The cheesecake will be perfect.

[stephanie s]

great cross stitch project. i CAN say with much confidence that the new best recipes' cheesecake is spectacular. merry christmas.

[melissa f.]

so i'm pretty much mowing through these cookies. you do realize you're some kind of sports coach with these projects, right? believing in your subscriber's ability and expecting more than we expect of ourselves... i see a motivational book in your future.

[Siew]

I have a yummy, dead easy, no bake Mincemeat cheesecake recipe if you'd like. I'm a lame baker but get so many compliments on it whereever I take it.

[bekka]

lovely cross-stitch. the colors, especially. but your designs always rock.

[Old Round]

I guess Cheesecake makes me jump. I've always had great results with the "Three Cities of Spain" recipe from Gourmet. They even included it in The Gourment Cookbook. It's classic with a wee twist. It's on Epicurious. Merry Christmas!

[hannah]

that is so good. really good. and i like the fact that the needle and thread seem to go undetected by the children, unlike the mouse and laptop. nice. hey i saw ina make this plain cheese cake this week, she topped it with raspberries, but who needs em?

the recipe

[Lora]

Here's the link to the Ina Garten cheesecake...it should be in the Family Style cookbook she did in 2002. I watched a recent episode of her show and this was a featured recipe.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_25282,00.html

[Chris Howard]

Honey, I have seen many many samplers in my day and I can say without a doubt yours is the cutest! I can't wait to stitch it and I look forward to your new career as a cross stitch designer.

Have a very merry christmas!

[erin]

oh - yeah for mailorder! that sampler is so cute. it'll be nice to have a new project after the holidays. i can't wait!

[Julie]

Love it! I'm a huge fan of cross-stitch and have been doing it since I was in 5th grade. I've also been wanting to get into designing cross-stitch for ages, but haven't done a thing about it (other than search the web for all things cross-stitch related). Really looking forward to this mail order and to the other designs you come up with!

[kelly]

love it... super cute!

[Nancy]

i'm really excited about the pattern. mail to look forward to. i would love to see the nightgowns- i bet they are cute

[Carla]

I have made the new best recipe one many times and it is very good.

[Jennifer]

I agree with you about the stitching being something you can do around the girls without protest. I find the same thing is true with hand piecing patchwork. I get more done hand piecing these days than I do when I try to use my sewing machine.

[Annette]

Hi!

I'm a lurker who frequently checks out this blog, but I just had to post a comment when I saw your bit about the cheesecake. I'm sure Ina's is great, but I made the following cheesecake for a work party this week and people APPLAUDED. I think it's pretty good!

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/100948

Anyway, I thought I'd share! :)
Annette

[Jenny]

Very cute cross-stich piece! But hey, where have the "j" gone? ;)

[cara]

wanted to tell you i made the fudge witht the pretzels and am now the favorite person of many.
thank you

[Lee]

my fav cheesecakeremains the original Moosewood version, dreamy and smooth plus a topping layer of sour cream and brown sugar that is like the top layer of cream on stonyfield whole yogurt, completely delish

[amisha]

the sampler is so sweet... can't wait for the january mailorder!
also, yesterday in the mail i got the beautiful kingpod cards. they made me so so happy... they will be post-holiday and hello cards and i am just tickled every time i look at them. thanks!

[June]

The sampler is adorable and I look forward to the next mailorder. I am still horribly sad that I missed the first one--I wanted that one so badly. Ah well, I've had a grand time with the other ones--every mailorder package is so special and creative.

[Sarah]

I feel like such a dope for not having signed up sooner, too. I hope I'm able to get in on this one...

[Anne]

Those are cute!
I used to do a one that calle"wedding". Not sure if you have heard about it... Took me two month.

BTW... Happy Holiday!
Anne