Stitching Along...

It feels so good to have a little more time for stitching this week!  I had a busy weekend, but managed to finish up Candlelit Colonial by Hands on Design.  With all three of these there are some notions to add to them before I fully finish them, so I need to start digging around in my stash to find the necessary trim to get them done, but the stitching is done so that's a good thing!  These are stitched on 32 count Chestnut two over two.  I'm looking forward to finding time for finishing, there are quite a few waiting in the wings.  These are way too cute!  I'm anxious to see what she will design for next month!  

I'm plodding along with the SAL I'm doing with Ms. Mouse.  We are working on Simple Gifts by Jeannette Douglas.  I'm stitching this on 36 count Dirty Tea Cup one over two.  I'm thrilled I'm keeping up with our agreed upon schedule of one motif with the border on top and bottom a week.  It's been a joy to stitch!

I have so many different things in the wings kitted up that it's a little overwhelming when I finish up with a project.  I'm thinking ahead to Thanksgiving when I picked up this next piece.  This is Autumn Turkey by Erin Elizabeth.  The colors just spoke to me when I saw this last spring at The Salty Yarns.  I was a little panicked when I saw that it needed 32 count Vintage Blue Whisper but digging in my stash I found a piece just the right size!  How exciting!!  I'm using the recommended DMC floss two over two.  I already have an idea how I'm going to fully finish this...I hope it works up quickly!  

It's been seven years since my Mom passed, and I finally decided I need to go through the boxes that I brought home from her house.  She must have kept every card and letter she ever received.  I found letters from her Mom who passed in 1978.  I found my high school commencement announcement, my wedding invitation, and my favorite, an anniversary card I sent to them with a poem I wrote for their 43rd wedding anniversary (I will celebrate my 43rd anniversary in less than a year!)  It was like a little time capsule of her and my Dad's life.  I went from giggling to tears and back again while looking through all of the things in that box.  It was a challenging task, and there are more boxes to go through, but it's a start.  Hopefully I'll be working through more when I have time.  I just thought I'd post a picture of the poem I sent them.  

I also found a Mother's Day card I sent her that I stitched something on the front.  I'm trying to decide if I want to frame it or not.

I did learn something through my Grandmother's letters.  In her later years she lived in a nursing home about 450 miles away from where Mom lived.  Mom was her "baby" and lived at home with her the longest so I think she really missed her when she married my Dad and moved so far away.  Her other daughters lived closer and would visit from time to time.  In her letters to my Mom she would write about the weather, and the meals she would eat.  She always put a positive spin on things but you could tell she really didn't have much to write about.  But when she had visitors her letters came alive.  She would share the memories they talked about and who had become a grandmother or who of their friends had passed.  It made me sad that we lived so far away.  Everyone who knew my Grandmother loved her and I feel like I missed out on knowing her.  It also made an impression that people who were shut in need more interaction with others so it makes me want to get in touch with other family members who need letters or phone calls.  Something to think about.  

We did have reason to celebrate this week.  My husband has worked for the Federal Government in one capacity or another for 45 years.  On Friday they gave him a 45 year pin commemorating his service.  Can you tell I'm proud of him?  He deserved more than a pin in my opinion...haha...but it was nice to have him recognized for his service.

Anyway, I guess that's all the news that's fit to print.  I hope cooler weather (or warmer weather depending on where you live) is making the change of seasons more comfortable for you.  Fall has always been my favorite time of year.  Stay healthy...and Happy Stitching!

Another week, another motif...

My goodness time is flying!  Since the last time I posted I've had either one or both of the girls 3 times!  While I love having them here, and they truly do my heart good, it's exhausting!  We had both here on Saturday, then Miss Q on Monday and Miss Sassy Pants on Tuesday.  DH stayed home and helped on Monday as I barely got an hour of sleep Sunday night.  Thank goodness he stayed home!  He took her to the park while I got a couple more hours, then we played, ate, and tired her out so she took a good 2 hour nap!  Tuesday was full of crafts, games, playing darts (velcro darts), reading, giggling and just plain fun!  I think we were both a little sad to say goodbye.  

Even though my days have been busy, I'm thankful for a few hours in the evening to get some stitching done.  I stitched quite a bit on Sunday and stitched ahead on the Simple Gifts by Jeannette Douglas SAL I'm doing with my British pal.  We agreed to stitch one motif a week (on Monday) along with the border near the motif.  I finished the next motif along with the border above and below the motif.  I'm so pleased with how it's turning out.  It is stitched on 36 count Dirty Teacup one strand over two threads.  From pictures I've seen, Ms. M and I are are keeping on track!  Here is where I've left off...  

As I was clearing off my mantle to decorate for fall, I realized I hadn't stitched anything for the circular clock.  So far I have something for Christmas and something for the 4th of July.  A while ago someone suggested I stitch Bittersweet Bird.  I wish I could remember who suggested this, I would like to thank you!!  I had everything I needed to stitch it all kitted up but other things kept getting in the way.  So last week when I had a free day, I got it started.  I finished it last night!  Yay!  I will have to have a finishing day soon and get it ready for display.  This is by Teresa Kogut and is stitched on 28 count Heartland two over two using the recommended threads.  I really love how this turned out.  

I have a few days to myself now, so I'm going to see about getting some finishing done, get some smaller things I've been wanting to stitch started, and get a little organizing done.  So much to do....so little time...but I better get going or nothing will get done today.  Thank you to those who have been commenting, I do appreciate your input and encouragement!  Thanks for stopping in!  I hope all is well in your neck of the woods!  Happy Stitching!  

Update:  Ooops I almost forgot to mention another finish I had last week.  I've been trying to keep up with the Hands On Designs Ornament Collection she is offering on her Patreon page.  The last of the Gingerbread Houses is still on my list, but I did finish the second one called Cape Cod Crosshatch.  These are being stitched on 32 count Chestnut two over two.  I decided not to use the wool she suggested and just stitched the topiaries on either side of the door.  I'm pleased with the result.  Now to get the other one stitched...wish me luck!  

Once again, thank you for stopping in...and Happy Stitching!

Coming up for air

Whew...to say I'm tired is a gross understatement.  This past week has been unbelievable.  To be totally honest, I can't remember everything I've been up to...haha.  I know one day was Miss Sassy Pants Birthday, and we celebrated having dinner and cake at her house, then the following Saturday we all met up and played Monster Mini Golf and had dinner afterward at her favorite restaurant.  There were a bunch of us there and as always Miss Q kept me quite busy.  I'm not sure how she always lands on me, but Q and I do have a good time together.  Monday was Grandparent's Day at Miss Sassy Pants preschool so we were off to spend some time with her in her classroom.  Too cute, those little bodies stay quite busy!  Haha.  

Then we were off to pick up my entries at the fair.  It's always fun to see the little notes they write on the tags, things like Beautiful Stitching, keep it up!  Beautiful detail Both sides nicely done! and Exceptional Work! were my most favorite comments.  For years I guess my Mom tried to keep me humble and would rarely say anything nice about things I had stitched so encouraging words mean a lot to me.  

Then we drove back "home" to stop at the bank and take care of some things, then off to the storage unit to pick up my fall decorations and do a little organizing.  I decorated my mantle a bit, here's what I have so far...

Now to find places to hang my pieces from the fair.  I think I need a bigger house!  LOL

Thankfully I have a few days off before the next round of busyness rolls around.  I've been working on a few different projects.  First up is Simple Gifts by Jeannette Douglas.  Ms. Mouse and I are having our own SAL on this piece trying to stitch one Motif and the surrounding border a week.  We usually stitch on Mondays, but they've been a little crazy lately, so I've been trying to catch up on Sunday.  Here is where I am so far.  

I've also been working on Pansy Sampler by Samplers Not Forgotten.  I'm not too happy with one of the colors I tried to substitute.  I'm thinking I may have to change plans a wee bit and perhaps do some frogging.  *sigh*  I may work on other motifs that don't use that particular color until I decide what to do.  In the meanwhile, here is where I am so far.  

Let me know what you think about the one solid band I did with the lighter colors and if you think I need a different green please.  It just doesn't pop like I want it to.  

Last is another of the Hands on Design ornament collection she has been releasing on her Patreon page.  This is Cape Cod Crosshatch.  I work on this smaller project when my wrist acts up.  All the lifting I did with Miss Q has made it flare up a bit lately.  I'm actually behind in my stitching on this collection so I might stick with this for a bit.  We'll see how it goes.

I guess that's all the news.  I will have the girls on Saturday as it's their parent's anniversary and they have plans...then Monday is a holiday and I'll have Miss Q here for the day.  Tuesday I'll be having Little Miss Sassy Pants and that will be the highlight of my week!  I see a lot more of her sister these days and she is more work than play for me.  Miss Sassy Pants and I share a love of crafts so we have more things in common right now.  I have a new game we can play, a new Diamond Art kit I think she will like, and who knows what else we will get up to.   I can't wait!  So I guess that's all the news for now.  I'm having a relaxing day today and will get some stitching done later.   Happy Stitching!       

Fair Winds and Following Seas...blessings for a successful journey

I'm not going to lie...haha...I'm exhausted!  I've been insanely busy the past week.  A week ago I had a annual physical.  The next day I spent on the phone making appointments and fielding phone calls from different clinics.  Thursday I had another Dr appointment.  Friday I went to the fair with my friend to see how I did with the needlework I entered (more on that later)  We had such a fun day but BOY was it HOT!!  Saturday I went to an Orioles game with the family.  I spent most of my time trying to keep my youngest granddaughter entertained (she is pretty wild for sure!)  It didn't help that the lady sitting behind us was her summer day care worker and kept feeding her mini M&Ms.  Sunday we were up early to go to the fair with the family...again, another exhausting day keeping up with the grandkids and dealing with the heat.  Then yesterday we took the girls for most of the day so their parents could get work done around their house.  I found out that night that they took naps while we were chasing their kids around an indoor playground.  I'll be thinking carefully whether I do that again for a while because today I can barely move...hahaha.  They were super good for us honestly, but at the indoor playground they wanted us to run (and I do mean run) around with them.  I'm beginning to think I'm too old for this...hahahaha.  

So that means I didn't get much stitching done last week.  Since yesterday was Monday, I should have stitched the next motif.  I didn't get far and though I usually make up what I missed the next day, I threw caution to the wind and decided I'll catch up next week.  Here is where I finished up yesterday.  This is Simple Gifts by Jeannette Douglas, a SAL I'm doing with my pal Mouse.  

I haven't done much on this one either.  This is Pansy Sampler by Samplers Not Forgotten.  While I'm enjoying all the specialty stitches, it really slows me down at times.  I think it will be pretty when I get it finished though.  Those stitches are challenging though!  

And that brings me to the news of my entries in the fair.  When I went on Friday, I found that most of my entries had received a ribbon of some sort.  But when I went back on Sunday I found that one of mine had received another ribbon that wasn't there on Friday.  To say I was excited is an understatement....lol.  And while I was excited, I was confused because I don't know what the award is about.  Let's break it down.  

I entered Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio in the special category for Patriotic for the 250th Anniversary of our country.  It won a special Red White and Blue ribbon which means it won first place for that category.  This particular one won another ribbon that I found on Sunday.  It's called the Anne W. Troyer award.  The only thing I've been able to find out about it is that she is someone who volunteered for 40 years and picks ones in the Home Arts department to receive awards.  It doesn't receive any monetary prizes but does give me bragging rights I guess...hahaha.  I was truly excited to receive it!  

I also entered this one called Hummingbird's Garden by Samplers Not Forgotten.  I entered it in the Sampler division because of all the many specialty stitches and it also won a blue ribbon (first place).  

The next entry was my American Flag that I entered in the generic Patriotic division.  This won third  place (white ribbon) but also won The President's Award.  The Fair President visits each section and gives an award for that section that catches their eye.  To be fair, the winner of this division deserved first place.  Her entry was AMAZING and beautifully stitched.  I think mine drew the President's attention because it really is eye catching.  

I entered Peppermint Candy by Blackberry Lane Designs in the special Christmas category.  This won first place!  I debated to enter this one, or the Mill Hill Santa I had stitched (which I did enter in a different category and won nothing so I guess I made the right choice...haha). 

I entered Tetelestai by Quaint Rose Needlearts in the 65+ category because it is all stitched over one and won third place (white ribbon).  

I also at the last minute entered my Snowy Owl by Blackberry Lane designs and won and Participation Award for that one.  It had beads and some over one stitching so thought it might win something.  I have to say, the Participation Award is quite pretty...lol.  

Since I had spent so much time on Let Freedom Ring, American Flag and Hummingbird's Garden, I really didn't have many WOW pieces to enter this year.  I'm very excited with my wins this year.  Having been told by folks I had thought were friends that my pieces weren't worthy of entering in competitions, it's encouraging and validating to receive ribbons.  At the last retreat I went to many ladies there encouraged me to enter some of my things in Woodlawn.  I'm considering it...but I'm intimidated by that competition.  I'll keep an open mind.  I'm also looking forward to the fall retreat so I can thank those ladies for their encouragement.  Ok, thanks for following along with my rambling...Happy Stitching!  

A little update...

I cannot believe it's the first of September already.  And I always forget that it's Sampler September until someone mentions it on Facebook...lol.  Oh well, so I started my sampler early...ho hum.  I'm going to keep rolling on the Pansy Sampler for a while and see how it goes.  I had some October stitching I was hoping to get to, but as usual...squirrel...haha.  Anyway I thought I'd update on a few things.  

First off, Mouse and I have been working on a piece called Simple Gifts by Jeannette Douglas.  

I sent her the chart, fabric and floss as part of our annual Christmas/Birthday gift.  I have the same pattern and fabric so we decided to have a little SAL.  Feel free to join us if you feel inclined and have the materials.  We started back in August and decided to stitch a motif once a week along with the border that surrounds whatever motif we are working on.  We are both using Dirty Teacup 36 count fabric one strand of floss over two linen threads.  We stitch on Mondays and so far have 5 motifs stitched.  Here is my progress so far.  

I told you last time I had started the Pansy Sampler by Samplers Not Forgotten.  

Last year I stitched the Hummingbird Sampler and this is a companion piece to that one.  It's stitched on 36 count Heirloom one strand of silk floss over two linen thread (except for the lettering which is stitched over one).  I love the colors in this one and truly the pictures do not do this justice.  Already there have been several specialty stitches and I'm enjoying the stitching so much, it's truly hard to put down!  Check out that border, isn't it pretty?  here is where I left off last night.

I had a Dr. appointment this morning, and let's be honest here...I'm definitely glad it was a morning appointment.  It's heating up out there and the humidity was off the charts.  I can't imagine what it will be like in the afternoon.  

Now this was just an annual physical...so how was it I left with 4 referrals, an MRI scheduled, a pneumonia vaccine (thank God I already had my Shingles shots) and lab work?  LOL!!  I didn't feel sick when I went in there, but kinda felt a wee bit nauseous when I left!  LOL  You turn 65 and suddenly everyone wants to see you inside and out, not to mention taking blood and injecting you with God knows what.  They had a list of 4 vaccinations they wanted to give me, I'm lucky I made it out of there with only one.  Knowing the system of the medical group I belong to, I'll be spending the rest of the day on hold waiting on the phones to get appointments.  *sigh*  Or maybe I'll just wait until tomorrow.  I've been poked enough for one day...lol.  Ah well, such is life.  I do like my Dr. even if she likes to share my presence with her friends...hahaha.  Ok, I'm off to make some phone calls, then spend the rest of the day stitching (unless the shot makes me sleepy...then maybe a nap is in order).  I hope your day is going swell!  Happy Stitching!  

And Sew It Begins...

Well, my thoughts have been blowing in the wind lately.  I have so many things kitted up that I truly want to stitch that I'm having troubles deciding.  If you have followed me for any time at all you know that I truly have troubles making up my mind....and often change it at the drop of a hat.  My list of WIPs keeps growing to an astronomical amount, and so does my kitted projects.  Anyway...my most recent kitted project won the toss of the coin this week.  I finished kitting Pansy Sampler by Samplers Not Forgotten.  If you remember I finished the Hummingbird Sampler last year (and entered it in the fair this year) and this is a companion piece to that.  I started it the same day I finished the Three Wise Men two days ago!  It's stitched on 36 count Heirloom linen one silk floss strand over two linen threads.  I have most of the called for silk floss (I substituted a few that I had in my stash) and couldn't wait to get started.  I LOVE how it's turning out so far even though I haven't put too many stitches in.  It's jam packed with specialty stitches, just the challenge I needed right now.  It's on a pretty big frame right now and is bothering my wrist so I'm not sure how long I'll be stitching on it, or if I can find a way of propping up the frame I'll keep going.  I hope to take it with me to a retreat in November.  We will see how that goes.  In the meanwhile, you can see what I've been up to so far.  

I was contemplating a Jeannette Douglas sampler I have kitted as well...maybe I'll throw that in a hoop soon and alternate the two.  Ugh, I need to set my priorities...haha.  

It's been an exhausting week emotionally for me.  There are few entertainers I truly respect and Dolly Parton was one of them.  I had a sinking feeling she was very sick when we didn't see her much after the passing of her husband, so wasn't terribly shocked at her passing, but it's still heartbreaking.  I'll miss her positive nature, her humility, her sense of humor but more importantly her love for her fellow man.  There are so few entertainers who live their faith like she did.  

Add to that the devastation in Tibet and Nepal.  The videos of the horrible devastating force of nature that occurred there just breaks my heart.  Watching the first video I saw almost threw me into a panic.  I have had reoccurring nightmares in my life, one is a tornado, the other is a flash flood.  I can only imagine the terror those people felt as they fled for their lives.  One charity that we regularly donate to is Samaritan's Purse, and I've seen where they are already on the ground there lending a hand.  I've known others who have gone to render aid after disasters like this, and it leaves a toll on them emotionally and mentally.  Please keep those who are there to give aid in prayer.  Ok, sorry for the downer there at the end.  It's just been weighing on my mind and thought I'd share my thoughts.  

It will soon be September.  I can't believe how fast this year has passed.  I've given some thought (early this year...that's a first haha) about my giveaway for October.  I'll be searching for some things as a giveaway and will announce more toward the end of September.  Any thoughts on what you would like to see?  I know not everyone stitches for Breast Cancer Month so I'm trying to think of other things that would entice you to get your breast exams done.  If you have any thoughts, just make a comment.  Each comment you make in the month of October will get you a ticket to the "raffle" BUT each suggestion you give before the month of October will also give you a ticket.  So put those thinking caps on and help me gather ideas for some goodies to give away.  

On that note I'll bid you a fond farewell, until the next post.  Happy Stitching everybody!  

It's finished!!

Well, I thought I'd post this because I'm so happy I finally put the last stitch in this piece.  Don't get me wrong, I adore this pattern!  I just want to let you know it's a challenge to stitch!  The first time I stitched it, I stitched it over one on 40 count.  To be honest, I still haven't fully finished the first one.  Oh the stitching is done, I just haven't made it into an ornament yet.  I'm a little intimidated because I didn't want to mess it up...so much work, effort and maybe a bad word or two went into that one...lol.  I know, crazy right?  Well my best friend from grade school and high school saw a picture of it and said she would like one.  Ugh...I debated whether to stitch this one again, but because she's like a sister to me, and because I love her dearly, I decided to put my big girl pants on and stitch it for her.  I put it off as long as possible though because I dreaded even getting started...haha.  This pattern has *drum roll* 55 colors.  Yes, I said 55!!  It is complete coverage in that small area and I stitched it over one on 25 count tea dyed fabric!!  But you know what, Marie King Driskill, the designer for Blackberry Lane Designs has a wonderful eye for color and knows exactly how to blend them and make things look 3D.  I have many of her patterns and have stitched most of them.  They are a challenge but so worth the effort!!  55 colors though....Good Heavens!!  This is called The Three Wise Men and I just love the perspective of seeking for the baby born to be King through the eyes of the Wise Men who were following the promised star.  

And you know what?  I'm saving all those 55 colors because I think I'll stitch it on linen over two!  Wouldn't it be pretty sitting on my mantle next Christmas...or the one after that...I may need a few years to get up the courage to stitch it again...haha.  Besides, I have some pieces kitted and ready to go!  Happy Stitching!!