Stitching away on cold, rainy/snowy nights!

We are starting to see more forecasts including the white stuff that I have been hoping we would not see here in Maryland. I guess we have to get some, but with my ankle being in repair I had hoped Mother Nature would manage to overlook this area this winter. Of course, this means I have plenty of time to spend curled up in the comfy chair with a book or needle(s) in hand.

Area worked on this past week to completed unfinished stitch area.

I have been working on filling in some of the areas on the Musician's upper body and upper half of the design so I can complete some more back stitching. It is amazing how much difference it makes when you complete the back stitching, sit back and realize how much better everything looks. I guess the details of back stitching just makes everything look sharper and the shading suddenly seems to pop. Next I'm hoping to work on the treasure box which you will notice in the large picture later in the blog along with finishing up the part of the large green pillow behind her back.

The Musician with some more detail work completed.

Also regarding cross stitching, I'm working on putting together my list of UFOs that I will need to address sometime before they totally overtake my stitching corner. It is a sad, sad state of affairs in regards to UFOs at my house. If there is a Stitcher's Anonymous, I would have to be a lifetime member.

This weekend I'm looking forward to a Knitting Madness Night at my LYS, the Knitting Boutique. Just a huge sit-in of gals knitting, watching movies, chatting, goofing off, hanging out and having fun. Sounds like the perfect Friday night to me. Hopefully I can finish up a good portion of Becky's hat which I'm about 1/2 way through the ribbing. I am also slowly making progress on my scarf, but since that is a little more counting and making sure I'm following the pattern, I usually save that for when I'm sitting in the comfort of my chair at home.

Tonight, I made a new meal for our family and it seemed to be well liked by everyone. I took pork chops and after dredging them in a wash of beaten eggs coated them in a mixture of crumbled French's Onions and Hidden Valley Ranch Dip. Afterwards, I baked them in the oven until done and we had a meal. The onions and ranch dip lent their flavors to the pork and seemed to crisp up well on the outside.

French's Onion and Ranch Crusted Pork Chops served with Stuffing and Glazed Carrots

Until next time, keep your stitching and knitting needles movin', spend time with family and friends and most of all enjoy life!