Another finishing day at the zoo

 Whew....yesterday didn't turn out like I thought it would at all!  I woke up thinking I had done all my usual weekend stuff on Saturday and would have the whole day to get some finishing (that I REALLY needed to do) done.  But a 5 minute phone call ended that real quick...haha.  When the kids call asking if we could watch the kids so they could get something done, well, who can resist those cute little faces?  

It's like a circus when they arrive, both demanding attention.  I can handle one at a time, but when they both descend, it's a little crazy.  Thank goodness Mike was here to help!  Oh how I love those babies!  So...we fed them, put the little one down for a nap, and entertained the older one until their Dad came to pick them up.  It was short, sweet and over too soon.  

BUT THEN...out came the fabric, the trim, the needle and thread and it was like a creative bomb went off.  LOL  I wish sometimes that all my finishing was that easy.  I guess when you do a good deed you are rewarded with quick and easy creative juices...haha.  I've been working like crazy trying to get ornaments stitched and finished before Thanksgiving.  I still have a few more to stitch, but getting them finished was weighing on my mind.  There is a lot going on between now and Thanksgiving so I needed to get things rolling.  I decided to get as many finished this weekend as I could so I could take stock and see what else I needed to get done.  Here is what I accomplished this weekend.  

First up is Gingerbread Ballet by Les Petites Croix de Lucie from the 2025 JCS Ornament Issue.  Stitched on 36 count Antique White linen over two.  When my granddaughter saw this one she asked if she could have it....um sure...haha.  It was supposed to be for her cousin, and I can't find the Kreinik I need for a second one...but how can I resist those cute brown eyes?  I'll think of something else.  

The next one I finished was Sweet Success by Jessie Schofield from the 2024 JCS Ornament Issue stitched on 32 count teal over two.  This is for a lady who makes us fudge every Christmas.  

Next is Prehistoric Helper by Flossy Fox Shop from the 2025 JCS Ornament Issue.  Stitched on 28 count Navy over one.  This one is for a little boy who loves dinosaurs.  

Next is Letter To Santa Mitten by Living On The Rainbow stitched on 28 count White two over two.  This may go to the little cousin who isn't getting Gingerbread Ballet...hahah.  

The next two are for our Daughter-in-laws sister and her husband.  Santa Mitten by Living on the Rainbow stitched on 28 count white over two. 

Mrs. Claus Mitten by Living on the Rainbow stitched on 28 count white over two.  

Now this last one I may be stitching multiple times as I have a couple of friends who like snowmen.  I only have enough opalescent fabric to make two though...unless I can find more soon.  AND I need to have this one hanging on my tree this year too...it's too darn cute!!  Snow Friends by Shannon Christine Designs stitched on 32 count natural opaescent over two.  

I've since started on a couple more and my list is not yet complete, but having finished these takes a load off my mind.  I'll be going to a retreat soon so I'm now kitting up a few more that I will stitch there, and maybe take Let Freedom Ring to stitch on as November will be here before you know it and I'll need to get two more pages stitched...haha.  I know I say this every year, but I'm going to start stitching Christmas ornaments earlier next year, this last minute rush is killing me!  LOL!!  

Remember this is another post you can comment on to be entered in the giveaway.  Make sure you make plans for those exams!  Happy Stitching!   

Stitching and Giveaway Update

Well Folks, I was really hoping I would have an update with some fully finished items but you know what they say....we make plans and God laughs.  It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride here lately.  

While I did get some stitching done the past couple of days, I still haven't done any finishing.  So here's where I'm at so far...  One of our granddaughters little cousins loves dinosaurs...so when I saw this cutie in the new 2025 JCS Ornament Issue I couldn't resist stitching it for him.  This is called Prehistoric Helper and is stitched on 28 count navy over one.  It's tiny, but it's so cute and will suit him to a T.  

Then I went back to Living On The Rainbow's freebies and stitched these two.  The first is Santa Mitten 

and the next is Mrs. Claus Mitten.  

Both were stitched on 28 count white over two.  

Next is Snow Friends by Shannon Christine Designs and is stitched on 32 count natural opalescence.  

I have two friends who love snowmen so I think I'll be stitching at least two of these (and probably one later on for me!).  I looked high and low for this pattern and finally found it at a local needlework store...one I haven't visited in years.  I haven't been in there since I started losing weight (I've lost 50 pounds so far and need to lose at least 50 more...but I'm working on it!)  She asked if I'd been sick...hahaha.  Anyway I went in there to look for something more to add to the giveaway.  I found a couple more items, so here is a picture of what the giveaway will include.  A skein of Gloriana silk, a skein of DMC variegated pink floss, a pair of very sharp pink scissors, and this adorable pink ribbon zippered pouch.  I may have to go back and get one for me...hahaha.  

I tried looking for some fabric for finishing and I seem to have misplaced my box of Christmas fabric.  I've looked high and low (very literally) and cannot put my hands on them.  I've been a little under the weather since last Tuesday so after all that searching, I decided I'm done for the night.  Tomorrow is another day.  I'm slowly gaining my strength back after being knocked off my feet for 4 days.  Maybe tomorrow the fog will clear and I'll be able to find the things I need.  Wish me luck!  On that note, I'll leave you to check out the giveaway and my stitching.  Remember any post this month that you leave a comment, you'll have that many chances to win the prize.  Happy Stitching and good luck!  

Another page finish!

Whew!  I was beginning to think this day would NEVER come!  LOL  I finally finished a second page this month, so I'll be on to working on some Christmas ornaments soon!  There just never seems to be enough hours in the day lately.  Here is where I left off last night with Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio.   Eight pages are finished...only seven more to go!  Yippee!!  

I worked a little bit on Gingerbread Ballet last night.  I found this pattern in the 2025 JCS Ornament issue but can't remember the designer's name off the top of my head.  When I'm finished I'll post more of the information.  

As many of you know, Saturday was my birthday!  The kids got up early to watch Ben run the 5K at the Baltimore Running Festival.  We have participated in the past but just wasn't up to it this year.  The girls got up to watch him run, along with their mother.  I made the cute little crocheted "Lamb snuggie" that Little Miss Q is wearing!

After they drove here for lunch at our favorite restaurant, then went to play mini-golf.  It was a fun day.  The girls (with a lot of help from their Mom) made this card for me.  I adore it!  I'm going to frame it and hang it in my house somewhere.  

I was able to pick up a few more things for the giveaway.  I'll post them next time.  I hope you all are safe and happily stitching!  Tata for now!

Moving along

Well I finally made a little progress on Let Freedom Ring.  I'm hoping to make a little more progress today.  I'll be glad when this building is finished...haha.  All that backstitching is dragging me down.  Once this long roof is finished, I'll have the cupola to do, then I'll be moving on to another page after I take a little break.  I want to get back to stitching on ornaments.  Here is where I left off last night.  

The weather is finally beginning to feel like fall.  I really would like to stitch some fall decorations, but I'm so far behind in my Christmas stitching.  My days have been mixed with spending on the phone talking to folks, calling for medical appointments and getting medicare sorted out.  Yes, you read that right...haha.  I'm at that age where I've been filling out forms, calling an insurance agency, and getting things squared away with the military (it was so much easier for my husband who is retired Army).   I'll be getting my permanent ID card soon too.  No more posing for pictures (I hope my hair looks ok for the last picture...haha).  No more navigating the military websites searching for a place to get the card made up, no more trying to remember when my card expires.  I guess that's one perk to getting to be a certain age...haha.  

I've had a couple of days with my youngest granddaughter so I thought I would show a few pictures of her.  

She was a fussy baby, but they have finally figured out how to make her feel more comfortable and she is finally becoming a more happy little soul.  I can even get her to smile and laugh now which warms my heart.  I guess that's all the news for now.  I'm off to work on Independence Hall.  I hope you have a wonderful day.  Happy Stitching!      

Organized chaos

I know it's been a while since I posted.  I've been meaning to get my act together but it's been a wild ride here lately.  

I want to discuss the giveaway for a minute.  Please leave a comment on any post this month if you want to be included in the giveaway mentioning that you have or are going to get yourself tested.  I know it's late in the year and it takes forever for an appointment, but as long as you're taking care of you, that's all that matters to me.  Catching breast cancer early changes your chances of surviving dramatically so for the love of those who love you, get out there and get those tests!  Only comment once a post, but for each post you comment on you'll get that many chances for the giveaway.  I have a few items set aside already...  

I plan to add more but I won't have a chance to shop at a needlework store until early November, so the gift will remain a mystery except for the items already shown.  I know that I will be adding a skein of pink silk too.    

Ok, on to my stitching.  I've finished another page of Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio.  

I hope to finish another page, but I'm back to stitching on ornaments.  I have finished Sweet Success by Jesse Schofield from the 2024 JCS Ornament issue.  It's stitched on 32 count Teal over two.  My granddaughter fell in love with it...haha.  It was supposed to be a gift for someone, and in all honesty I really don't want to stitch it twice.  We will see, she has me wrapped around her little finger.  

I also started Gingerbread Ballet by Les Petites Croix de Lucie from the 2025 JCS Ornament Issue.  Stitched on 28 count white over two.  I need to stop showing these to my granddaughter because she loves this one too.  It's not quite complete and I'm running out of the pink Kreinik...What's a grandmother to do?  LOL!!  If I have time I'll make them later.  Here is where I left off.  

So I guess that's all the news that's fit to print.  I'm off decide what to stitch on today.  I'm way behind in my ornament stitching so I guess that's what's calling the loudest today.  

I hope all is well in your world.  We are due for some torrential downpours today, but I have no errands to run, so bring it on!  Happy Stitching! 

More finishes AND October news

Howdy Fellow Stitchers!  I worked really hard yesterday fully finishing some of the most recent ornaments I finished stitching.  I know you are probably tired of seeing these particular ornaments but you haven't seen them fully finished yet...so here they are!  

Mrs. Claus Roly Poly by Christmas Cross Stitch Treasures book stitched on 36 count Antique White over two  

Santa Roly Poly by Christmas Cross Stitch Treasures book stitched on 36 count Antique White over two   

Angel Roly Poly by Christmas Cross Stitch Treasures book stitched on 36 count Antique White over two   

Snowman Roly Poly by Christmas Cross Stitch Treasures book stitched on 36 count Antique White over two.  

I have more in the works, let's hope and pray I get them done before Thanksgiving so I can give them to their new owners to put on their trees by then!  I keep changing my mind about what I'm going to stitch...I need to stop waffling and make a decision!  Hahaha!  

As for October news...

*Stepping up on my soap box*

As everyone knows, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I usually have a give-away for those who have had their breast exams within the past year.   October snuck up on me this year, so I have nothing to share yet for the give-away, but that doesn't mean there won't be one.  I'll have to get my thinking cap on and see about doing a little shopping.  So here's the deal.  As soon as I've made my decision, I'll post it here in my blog.  I may even do something a little different this year and perhaps find some silk floss in pink colors...either way it will be stitching related.  So get those breast exams and be ready to comment on any post during the month of October and I will announce the winner at the end of October.  My cousin went  through treatment last year for Breast Cancer, as did I 15 years ago.  Until I was diagnosed, there was NO history of Breast Cancer in my family on either side.  I was only 49 when I was diagnosed so don't be fooled into thinking it can't happen to you.  Early detection saved my life (the cancer had already spread to 3 lymph nodes in my left arm when I was diagnosed) and since I finished treatment I have remained cancer free.  It's highly treatable in early stages so PLEASE, do it for those who love and care for you!  

*Climbing down from my soap box*  

On that note, I'll bid you a fond adieu and wish you smooth stitching, absent of knots, frogs, and wrinkled fabric.  Happy Fall Y'all! 

September Smashes

I have to say, sometimes I drive myself crazy...haha.  I like to make goals for myself, but having an A-type personality, I stress myself out sometimes, trying to meet those goals.  Stitching is supposed to be fun and relaxing, right?   I really do enjoy stitching....finishing, not so much.  I have cut down on the goals I try to meet each month.  I have a list on my goals page of ornaments I try to stitch each month.  My goal this year was to stitch AND finish the ornament of the month from the JCS Christmas Issue that is a challenge on a Facebook page.  While I stitched the ornament early on, getting it finished was met with some challenges.  I need to be home when I finish these.  All my backing fabrics, trims and embellishments are in different places in my house...and I have way too many to take anywhere with me so I have to be home to do any finishing.  So....when I realized I would be away from home for half the month of September, and I knew I would have days with the grandkids, birthday parties, doctors appointments, I wondered if I would meet my goal this month.  THANKFULLY I bit the bullet and finished up September's last night, just in the nick of time!  I finished up Polar Bear Wishes by Century Farm Stitching from the 2024 JCS Christmas Issue.  I changed up the fabric that was suggested to 36 count Petite Point over two.  I thought he turned out pretty cute...and will be a gift for an in-law this year.  

Another goal that I set for myself was to finish two pages a month of Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio.  I started this on the 4th of July with the goal of finishing it and having it framed by the next 4th of July for the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country.  I was really struggling to finish a second page this month, but thankfully I had two days in a row that I could devote entirely to stitching a second page this month!  Whew...just barely made it!  Here is where I left off last night.  So far I have finished pages 10-15.  Onwards and Upwards!  

I finished stitching 5 other ornaments this month, none of them are from the challenge...but they will be gifts this year, so I need to get them fully finished AND stitch a few more.  Hopefully October will be a more productive month.  I did start finishing 4 of the ornaments last night.  With a little luck I'll get them fully finished today, and get another ornament started.  I've decided to give Let Freedom Ring rest for a little bit while I stitch up other ornaments.  And I've also decided, I need to cut myself some slack this month...last month was pretty insane so I really need a break.  I do have renewed hope since I finished both these goals just in the nick of time.  I still have 9 ornaments to stitch and finish...but October looks like it might be a slow month...let's hope so anyway...haha.  

I hope everyone is safe from the hurricanes that are just off shore.  We have had some cloudy and intermittent rain so far.  I haven't had time to follow the weather so I hope we are dodging that bullet.  Just know I am praying for anyone who has been or might be affected by the weather.  I have to say I've been staying away from the TV and only on Facebook briefly lately.  I'm all about protecting my peace of mind.  Starting a new month, and concentrating on renewing my mind, I'm ready for October!  Happy Stitching!!