Taking Shape + Winners!

It's been almost two months since I started Roses Of Provence. How time flies when you're having fun ;o) LOL! I know I gave you a little taste of her beginning but I've got a lot more stitched and thought you might like to see -

She's got color! I really wanted to get the beading done on and around her head but so far I haven't had any childless opportunities ;o) Maybe soon. I'm anxious to see some of that bling.

Her dress is gorgeous! There's no real pattern to it so after the white has been stitched in, it takes me awhile to stitch in the other colors. It's surprising how many colors Nora used; I think it's around ten.

I may not get a lot of time with her but I'm quite amazed at how much I've gotten done so far.

I have to apologize because awhile back I offered a pattern to whoever was interested and said I would draw a name if more than one person wanted it. Well, there were four interested parties so I drew a name and the winner was MOUSE! Congrats :o) I have your address and will be getting that out to you soon.

I also had another contest but it was a secret one. Just another way to show my thanks :o) I took all the names of those who commented on my January 28 post and got Random.org to pick a stalker. The winner was ANNE! Congrats to you too :o) Anne, you have won a complete kit and I'll be getting that in the mail soon as well.

Congratulations To...

The winner of the $100 gift certificate from Anita's Little Stitches goes to -

CATH of The Stitchin' Chicken!!!!

I hope you enjoy shopping Cath and have fun going through all that new stash. Don't forget to share a picture or two of what you bought ;o)

I want to thank everyone who left their name for the giveaway. Again, I wish I could send something out to each of you. Keep your eyes out for more fun in the future :o)

Welcome Winter With A Little Something Special

For awhile now I've been thinking what I could do to give back to my Blogging friends for being there for me over this past year. You know it's been a year of major ups and downs for me and all your comments kept a much needed smile on my face :o) Just knowing I had such a vast support system helped tremendously.

Oh how I wish I could send each and every one of you a little something but that is not possible at the moment so I've had to resort to Plan B. Unfortunately there can only be one winner BUT I hope I can put back a smile on every face that gave one to me :oD

So...how does a $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE sound???? And what if that gift certificate was for Anita's Little Stitches???? Huh? I bet you're smiling now! LOL!

I love Anita's! If you've never been there, check out her website. It always amazes me each time I go because she carries some fun and unique items not found elsewhere. What about a one pound bag of Christmas buttons? Or 55 count linen? Or maybe check out Anita's own designs. Her strawberry emery patterns are adorable and she has 15 sided Biscornus.

There are just a few teeny weenie rules so PLEASE read carefully :o)

1) In order to cash in on the gift certificate, your order must be $150 or more. Technically you're only paying $50 but you know there's things you've wanted to buy for awhile now ;o) Have you been wanting to buy those scissors you've been drooling over but just couldn't justify it? Now you can! Don't think you can buy enough for yourself? Hey, buy some for a friend too! Anita has been so generous to donate this gift certificate so please follow through.

2) You must be a Pumpkin Stalker and a regular commenter. You know who you are and I do too so don't question whether you qualify or not ;o)

3) There must be a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. Either leave your email with you comment or make sure you have it in your Profile. Chances are I probably already have it.

The giveaway will be open until late December 31, 2012. I will be away from the computer from December 21-27 so if your comment does not appear right away, don't fret! When I'm back online I will push comments through. You might want to double check just to make sure though.

I'm sad to say that we did not send out Christmas cards this year (only the second time since DH and I have been married) but I want to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! May your holidays be filled with the company of loved ones and may your tummy be filled with turkey ;o) Hugs to all from the Pumpkin Patch!

Thanks A Bunch!

WOW! I am truly touched with all the comments that were left on my last post :o) So much support and so many well wishes. Thank you! I am still sifting through comments and meeting new Stalkers so please bear with me. I'm almost caught up with my emails but my Blog reading is behind...again. I know, I know, what else is new?

Tomorrow DH and I are off to the IWK for another appointment. This one should just be routine. It's kind of wearing thin driving to Halifax every two weeks but at least I know I'm getting good care. I thank my doctor for that because I was a complete basket case when she first met me but she got me back on track.

Yes, I was just a 'tad' overwhelmed when we found out I was pregnant. I can't tell you how many times I looked at that pee stick, then back at the instructions. Looked at the pee stick again, then back at the instructions. Hoping somewhere along the line, I read the instructions wrong ;o) I even asked DH to double check that I was reading things right. Of course my family doctor's office must think I'm right out to lunch because I called them up first thing and wanted to know how accurate a pregnancy test was. Needless to say, there was just laughter on the other end of the phone.

I always knew there was a lot to being pregnant but it's definitely not the fairy tale that my mother and my friend K make it out to be! No one told me about the consistent peeing, being oh SO tired all the time, the pulling and stretching of your sides as things grow and best of all, the bowel distension and constipation! Oh what fun! LOL! In the end, at least I'm going to have someone to blame for the 2 am and 4 am wake up snack calls ;o)

In the past little while, I've been lucky enough to win a couple of giveaways :o) The first was one from Lizzie Kate! I won one of the lime green calculators but she also included a free chart in the package -

I thought that was so sweet. Thank you so much :o)

Not too long ago, I was a winner on Andie's Blog and this is what arrived last week -

I know! That red, sparkly fabric is just yummy but I'm having fun with it all ;o) Thank you Andie!

I still have some stitching to show you so stay tuned for more...

Drum Roll Please!

First of all, I want to thank everyone who commented on my posts. I truly enjoy reading your words and it made my day :o) Thanks to my Blogging, I've made some wonderful friends and I wouldn't trade that for anything! You guys are the BEST! I've learned a lot from you over the years and you've enabled me many times. LOL! But most of all, you've been a wonderful support system.

There were 35 people who qualified for the giveaway and thanks to Random.org, the winner is...

TINA!

Congratulations Tina! Hopefully this will get your stitching mojo going again ;o) You'll be receiving an email shortly.

Again, thank you everyone. I hope you'll stick around because there will be some stitchy posts coming up soon :o)

PAR-TY!

Yup, it's that time of year again! FIVE years! Can you believe that? I've been Blogging for 1-2-3-4... FIVE years :o) Who would have thunk!

These have been the best five years too. I've enjoyed meeting others and sharing the love of stitching with you all. Not only have friendships been made but there is a lot of inspiration out there if you're willing to look :o)

So to celebrate this momentous occasion, I'm giving away a gift certificate to Anita's Little Stitches :o) And thanks (a HUGE thanks) to Anita, it will be a $100 value!!!! Are you doing a little stash dance? LOL! Anita is such a pleasure to deal with and she has a wonderful variety of items in her store. She has 'the most' adorable collection of scissors, not to mention she sells her own designs! Please check her out.

This giveaway will have to strict rules so PLEASE read them carefully!

You MUST be a Pumpkin Stalker, old or new.

You MUST leave me a means of contacting you (somewhere in your post or Profile page) if you are the winner.

You DO NOT need to have a personal Blog to enter.

You MUST have commented on every one of my posts since AND including September 9.

This giveaway is open worldwide but just remember that you will be responsible for your own shipping costs.

If you fail to meet all of the rules, then your name will not be entered. Sorry!

The winner will be drawn on October 4. Good luck everyone. This IS meant to be fun :o)

Eleventh Finish For 2011

Oh yeah baby! Surprise, surprise! Pumpkin's finally got a finish to show :o)

With fall just around the corner and having the JCS Halloween ornament magazine and book arrive on my doorstep, it was inevitable that I was going to jump on the bandwagon. LOL! When I saw this little cutie, I just couldn't resist -

This is Fall Owl by Casey Buonaugurio. I used the recommended floss and fabric. I had to add the full stitch of 712 for the corner of his eye though because there was an error on the chart. He was so much fun to stitch and quick too :o) I imagine I'll finish him into a pinkeep when the time comes.

I have my ninth block finished on Christmas Rules so stay tuned for pictures of that :o)

Remember to read the important note on my previous post! And I want to thank everyone for their wonderful comments that were left. I've truly enjoyed reading each one :o)

My Cup Runneth Over

It still amazes me after all these years of Blogging and being on the computer the kinds of relationships you can develop. Here you are connecting with someone you have never met face to face or even talked to on the phone and an instant friendship blossoms :o) I've met a lot of wonderful people over these years and in this post, I want to thank two very special ones.

Carol and I have been reading each other's Blogs for a few years now and I've always admired her work and talent :o) Imagine my surprise when I went to the mailbox one day and discovered this waiting for me -

Yes, that lovely little bunny made its way to my house! I am SO honored to have a piece of Carol's stitching and her over one work is phenomenal! I had asked her about borrowing The Prairie Schooler chart she had but she went well beyond her friendship duty and bought me my own copy :o) Thank you so much Carol!

The second person made an appearance on my Blog awhile back. Somehow I think it was fate that brought us together :o) When we put Duncan to sleep, I immediately knew what I wanted to get DH for his birthday; a watercolor portrait to go on the wall with the one she did of Brie. Jobi did not disappoint and went above and beyond my expectations -

Not only was there the portrait of Duncan but one of Brie and Duncan together :o) DH and I were SO touched! Unfortunately I'm one frame short but expect to fix that next week when we go back to the Big City. We plan on putting them up behind the couch and that way we can all watch television together.

I highly recommend Jobi's work! She is a very talented artist and has done a fantastic job of bringing our critter kids back to life. Thank you again Jobi :o)

IMPORTANT NOTE: For those of you who follow my Blog, you'll know that my Blogaversary is coming up towards the end of the month :o) Five years! Wow! And as you know, I always give away a nice GC from an ONS... Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed with the turnout from my last giveaway. It seems that some people just come out of the shadows for the gifts and then retreat again :o(

Now don't get me wrong! I know that life is hectic and there is not always time to read everyone's Blogs. I'm guilty of that and as we speak, I'm behind myself. BUT...I do eventually read those Blogs and I do leave comments.

So...I've come up with a new rule. In order to be included in this year's giveaway, you must have commented on every post from now until I upload the post for my Blogaversary. Honestly, not that hard ;o) I hope you will understand and continue to enjoy the craziness that is The Pumpkin Patch.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Who came up with that saying anyway? LOL!

Sorry I haven't posted this earlier but I was hoping to hear back from the first place winner before making the announcement. Since that hasn't happened...I only have names to share with you.

So without further ado, the winners are -

Juco, can you please contact me so that we can determine your prize :o)

Congratulations everyone. I wish I could have given out more prizes, I really do. And I want to welcome some new Stalkers! I hope you have enjoyed it here and will continue to stalk my Blog ;o)

Well It's About Time - A Giveaway!

I know, I know! I promised a giveaway awhile ago and I've finally gotten off my arse, gotten things organized and have now set it up ;o) I have a really good excuse for being late, I really do...

I have over 300 Stalkers and I'm so thankful for each and every one of you! You guys make my day when I read your wonderful comments :o) So, to celebrate this, I'm going to have a giveaway but not just any giveaway because there won't be just one winner...there will be THREE! How does that sound? I think your odds of winning just went up. LOL!

Seeing as I'm being lazy, unfortunately there won't be any pictures and I apologize but you'll definitely know what the prizes will be! As I already stated, there will be three prizes and they will be:

1) the September 2011 issue of Cross-Stitch & Needlework

2) one 4 x 6 print from my Etsy store

3) two Blackbird Designs patterns - The Simple Things & Flowers Of The Field

Of course, each prize 'might' have a few 'extra' things thrown in with it...

When you enter your name, you are entering it for all three prizes. The first winner will have the first choice of whichever prize they wish and so on and so forth. Does that make sense?

How do you get your name in the magic hat? PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING RULES CAREFULLY...You MUST be a Pumpkin Stalker (whether new or old). PLEASE check to make sure that you are because if you aren't, your name will not be included. You MUST leave a comment on THIS post only. A comment on any other post will not count. Sorry, I can't run after everyone :o(

See, the rules weren't that bad ;o) Good luck everyone and have fun!

Oops! Forgot to add, the winners will be drawn on August 30...

And The Winner Is...

Sorry I'm late in posting this! Random.org did its job and the winner of the Green Gables Sampler is -

Congratulations Denise :o)

Jackpot!

I know I've been MIA again... Once my parents left, I tried to catch up with my Blog reading and emails but I just couldn't Blog myself. It's been wet and cold here so very depressing and hard to get excited about too much :o(

I did hit the jackpot last week though! My friend K and I went out and had a girl's day out :o) Much needed, let me tell you. Anyway, she wanted to go to this craft place because she'd never been there before. I knew the place well because I had scored some cross stitch magazines there last year so I was all for it.

Just look at what I brought home -

- one hardcover Leisure Arts Christmas book
- one foreign cross stitch magazine (looks like it's from France?)
- six Just Cross Stitch magazines
- one For The Love Of Cross Stitch magazine
- two Better Homes & Gardens cross stitch magazines
- one Crazy For Cross Stitch Magazine
- one The Cross Stitcher magazine

- seven Cross Country Stitching magazines
- four Cross Stitch & Country Crafts magazines
- two Stitcher's World magazines

- Stoney Creek pattern book
- Letter Snow! Letter Snow! Letter Snow! by Hillside Samplings
- Gift Of Peace by Lavender & Lace
- six patterns by Homespun Collectibles

And only for $8! Needless to say, I was one Happy Stitcher :o)

I also picked up a pattern called Green Gables Sampler by Charland Designs -

I thought it was a TIAG pattern when I picked it up. So my loss is your gain ;o) If you would like a chance at winning this chart, please leave a comment on THIS post only along with a means of getting a hold of you if you do win. That's it! Easy peasy :o)

Since I've been away for so long, I have lots to share so stay tuned for more...

Friday The 13th

Okay, Blogger has been down since yesterday and is now back up. I'm trying not to see that as a sigh of an unlucky day ;o) LOL!

Yesterday I entered all the names into Random.org and the lucky winner was -

Congratulations Lisa! Your magazine is all ready to go and will be on its way to you today :o)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Just Because :o)

I seem to be MIA lately and I apologize. Things have been busy around the Pumpkin Patch! DH and I are trying to take advantage of ANY moment where it's not down pouring with rain. Sigh! Rain, rain, go away!!!! LOL!

I'm going to be away even longer because I'm expecting some visitors at any moment :o) Mom and Dad are coming today and will be here until Thursday. It looks like the weather is not going to cooperate so hopefully we can find some things to do.

That means that during this time I'll be away from the computer and therefore not answering many emails or reading Blogs. I'll have to catch up after they're gone. But never fear, I will be back to reading! I hate missing any of the action ;o) LOL!

For those of you wondering, Colleen (no Blog) was the recipient of my Springtime pillow that I did :o) I wanted to thank her for all the charts and floss that she sent me and it turned out that was the perfect gift. I'm still waiting for bunny to arrive at his/her destination. I sure he/she didn't get lost :o(

Since it's so blah out, I feel like doing a small giveaway! I have an extra copy of the January/February 2011 issue of Just Cross Stitch -

I didn't want to send this out to anyone just in case they already had a copy of it. So...if you would like the chance to win this, all you have to do is be a Pumpkin Stalker AND leave a message on this post only, along with a way for me to reach you if you are the winner :o) It's that simple! When Mom and Dad are gone on Thursday, I'll pick a name and announce the winner. Good luck everyone and have a great week!

Christmas Rules SAL Block Two

Oh vey! Since the first of the month, my stitching has been all over the place. I have been very bad ;o) First it was Sabrina and then I started a new small project (pictures to come later on). I was 'supposed' to start my SAL with Jenn but couldn't resist catching up with Nia on our Christmas Rules SAL. LOL!

Here is Block Two -

And here is the whole piece to date -

Sorry about the terrible pictures but it's been pouring rain this morning and now I see that it's turned to snow :oS Oh goody! I'm still not capturing the colour of the fabric. Maybe next month...

I also want to share with you a new friend of mine who arrived by mail yesterday :o) This is Pumpernickel -

Isn't she adorable???? This was the bunny that Julie made for me after I won her Blogaversary giveaway :o) Pumpernickel took a liking to my ivy so you can't see the lovely dark green petticoat that's underneath her orange dress. I just LOVE her! Thank you SO much Julie! I'm sure that Pumpernickel and I will have many adventures together ;o)

Btw, my mailing address (not physical address) has changed. I sent out an email to all of you who I thought had my address already. If you did not get that email, plmk and I'll send you my new address :o)

Month Long Celebration Winner!!!!

WOW! There were 80 entrants in total although one of you had your name in there three times...Alberta! I guess I wasn't watching too closely ;o) Just kidding!

I put all of your names in at Random.org and the big green bag full of stash goes to...Stitchinowl!

Sorry I have the list divided into three parts but I couldn't figure out how to get the whole thing onto one and have the date and time show at the bottom.

Again, I want to thank everyone for participating and I only wish that I could give out prizes to everyone. You've really made Blogging enjoyable for me. You're all winners in my book ;o)

Month Long Celebration Week 5

Wow! It's hard to believe it's the end of January already! And it's the final day of my month long celebration :o( I've been having so much fun (and I hope you have been too) that I'm sorry to see it come to a close. But don't worry, there will be other giveaways in the future ;o)

Here is the last batch of items to be placed in the big green bag -


January 25 - a retractable tape measure. Perfect size for carrying around with you :o)

January 26 - a 3.5 x 5 inch wood frame. You know you can always find something to stitch that will fit in there! LOL!

January 27 - a complete kit by Pine Mountain Designs called August Is Cookin'. Gotta love these pre-finished projects ;o)

January 28 - two new patterns. Love Blooms by Mosey N Me and Christmas Ornaments 2 by Prairie Grove Peddler.

January 29 - a white theme...a piece of 20 x 24 inch of white Monaco and a card of white 3/8" Pull Bow Ribbon (6 yards). If you have trouble making bows, this will do the trick!

January 30 - five ceramic Mill Hill buttons. Four trees (two different styles) and one teddy bear :o)

January 31 - and finally...two pieces of hand-dyed fabric! One 9 x 13 inch 28 count Opalescent Lugana (Mystique Cafe Mocha) by Enchanted Fabrics and one 17 x 14 inch 28 count Linen (mystery color but I think it might be called Pepper) by R&R Reproductions.

You may have noticed a Just Cross Stitch magazine in the picture as well. That's because I'm going to swap the January 11 item. I did have the November/December 2010 up but I'm going to replace that with the January/February 2011 issue. I hope you don't mind. My rules anyway ;o) LOL!

I'm also going to include a little something from my province; a Nova Scotia lanyard. I find these perfect for attaching my scissors to while I'm in the car. That way you always know where they are!

There's still a bit of time left to enter so remember to comment on the first post in order to get your name thrown in the hat. PLEASE read all the rules beforehand! Tomorrow I will use Random.org to choose the winner and then post that name here. Good luck everyone :o)

Month Long Celebration Week 4

Today it's sunny out, with no snow, but the wind is wild and C-O-L-D! This is the first real cold snap that we've had here. I really shouldn't complain ;o) I figure it's a good time to get some work done and post another round of goodies for you!

January 18 - a serious stitcher has to have more DMC ;o) Here's another eight new skeins of floss (Ecru, 815, 3024, 3362, 3363, 3364, 3371 and 3866).

January 19 - a stitcher has to have beads as well! I'm including one package of Mill Hill Petite Glass Beads (42027) and one package of Mill Hill Glass Seed Beads (02019).

January 20 - I can't forget that blending filament that we love so much ;o) Included are two spools of Kreinik (001 and 100).

January 21 - this poor pattern looks well used but I found it in a second hand shop and thought it might appeal to those sampler lovers out there. It's called Sampler Stocking III by Mary Beale. It's copyright 1985 so I don't know if it's OOP or not.

January 22 - buttons! Buttons are always good to have in our stash :o) This is a package of Dress It Up buttons in squares and circles. Perfect for LK, BC, HIH or snowmen patterns!

January 23 - I figure you'll need more finishing stash as well so here are two fat quarters. I love the paw prints :o)

January 24 - how can you finish something without ribbon? So here are two spools; one a brown satin and the other a blue grosgrain.

Only one more week to go! Are you getting excited? I know I am :o)

There's still time to enter so remember to comment on the first post in order to get your name thrown in the hat. PLEASE read all the rules beforehand!

I want to thank everyone for their kind, kind words on my last post. It made me feel a bit better knowing that there have been others in similar situations. I'm still expecting to see or hear Popcorn so she is still missed but I do hope that she finds the right home. I have faith that she will.

Month Long Celebration Week 3

I can't believe how time flies! We're now onto week 3. I hope you have enjoyed what you have seen so far :o) It's so fun picking out items to put up each week. Are you ready? Here you go -

January 11 - the November/December 2010 issue of Just Cross Stitch. This is new but I do see a rip on the front cover :o( That may have happened while it was piled under all my rubble...

January 12 - this isn't really stitchy related but I thought a cute puppy calendar would be nice. Hey, you can keep track of you stitching with it! The picture on the front is my favourite ;o)

January 13 - how can one stitch without floss? Included is 8 skeins of DMC (white, 371, 372, 564, 606, 725, 986 and 3756).

January 14 - another new pattern! This is called Fall Baking by Of Generations Past.

January 15 - so far there hasn't been any fabric so this will get you ready for Christmas :o) It's hard to see in the picture but it's a piece of 28 count silver/white Metallic Lugana, 18 x 13.75.

January 16 - another new pattern but this one includes the threads AND a sterling silver charm! This one is called Me And Thee by Charland Designs. Perfect for Valentine's Day :o)

January 17 - and the final item for this week is a heart tin frame by Twisted Threads. I've had this in my stash for years now and have never stitched a pattern for it. I'm passing it on in hopes that it will be used :o)

Before I forget, I want to welcome all the new Pumpkin Stalkers to the Pumpkin Patch. It's been nice to see new faces and to check out your Blogs as well :o) I hope you will enjoy future visits here. The Patch is a pretty laid back place that not only combines my love for cross stitch and photography but it does have a little sense of humour too. LOL!

Sigh...I hate to do this but I feel I must :o( For those of you who want to enter this giveaway, PLEASE read ALL the rules (and there aren't many) on this post before commenting. If you can, let me know what your ID is if it's not easily picked out among the Stalker list. Just because you follow me in your Google Reader does not make you a Follower of my Blog. To have your name entered, you have to comment on that first post as well. If you leave a comment on another post, your name will not be entered and I will not track you down. Sorry but that's not my job ;o) I would hate to see anyone left out so if you have any doubts, please check the comment section of that first post to make sure your name is there. Thank you!

Please stay tuned for my second finish :o) WOOHOO!

Month Long Celebration Week 2

It's that time of week again when I reveal more goodies! Are you prepared? Just think, last time you only got to see three day's worth. This time I have seven days of stuff for you to feast your eyes on and I hope you won't be disappointed ;o)

January 4 - I'm including one of my own handmade tuck pillows :o) These are great for that instant finish gratification. I left a (very) small hole at the bottom so you can stuff it or leave it flat; whichever you desire!

January 5 - since I won the whole Dinky Dye silk collection, I thought I would share some of the silks that I have. I mean hey, am I 'really' going to use all of this silk???? Probably not in this lifetime. LOL! These three skeins came from one of their OOPS packs.

January 6 - another pattern. This time Colors from Crossed Wing Collection and its brand new.

January 7 - how can you stitch something without a cute pair of scissors? I had picked up the regular embroidery version of these breast cancer scissors quite awhile ago and then the other day I found the stork style in the same pattern. And yes, I did buy a pair for myself too ;o)

January 8 - For The Love Of Cross Stitch was one of my favourite magazines so I'm always on the search for issues that I don't have so that I can complete my collection. I came across a stack of these this past summer and ended up buying two that I already had. These are second hand but always a nice addition to anyone's stash! The issues are July and November 1989.

January 9 - plastic floss bobbins are always a great idea! There are 17 and with the hole at the top, I think they would be great for those hand dyed fibers. That way you can keep them gathered together on a huge ring.

January 10 - speaking of rings...how about a brand new package of them for those floss tags that everyone loves to make? There are 8 in the package, 1.5 inches in diameter and come in four different colors (gold, green, red and blue).

Remember, if you would like to get your name in on this giveaway, please read the rules and put a comment on THIS POST only!

We still have three weeks to go :o)