Update on giveaway

Hi Folks!  I've been thinking more about the giveaway and about the prize.  I've come to the realization that not everyone likes stitching these bags...so I considered stitching it and giving it away fully finished.  I've also been organizing things and came across something that I have two of.  I quite possibly have more as I'm not fully finished searching through my stash.  So!  I will finish the bag, and  show pictures of patterns I have more than one of.  When you make your comments, let me know which ones you are interested in and depending on your answers and how many things I find, I may split things up and give to more than one person.  I hope that makes sense.  You saw the bag in a previous post...and this is the pattern I will also be giving away.  Let the fun begin!  

Many of you were following me as I stitched on the Pansy Sampler by Not Forgotten Samplers.  When I was kitting this up, I couldn't find some of the silks suggested.  I tried to find substitutes but I didn't have success with one of them.  I had stitched with Herb Garden instead of Granny Smith and in all honesty it was a disaster.  I don't know why I didn't stop, but I kept on filling in one area.  When I was done I tossed the whole thing in the time out corner.  Not only did I NOT want to frog the mess, but I was discouraged because I had searched several places and was not satisfied with what I found.  I have found Sara to be so helpful at Salty Yarns and I'm always picking her brain about things.  She very kindly spent time with me picking out some silk that I have found to work well!  So over the past couple of days I have frogged and restitched with the color I like.  I'm showing them together here so you can see what I'm talking about.  I'm happy to stitch on this again...no more time out corner for her...at least until something else bugs me...haha.  

I've been working on the next collection by Hands on Design that she is offering on her Patreon page.  This is called Snow in the Globe and the suggested fabric is 32 count antique white.  I thought it might look pretty on white opalescent so gave it a whirl.  I know you can't see the sparkles in the picture but I thought it came out lovely.  I still have three more to stitch...I'll have to get busy as the next group will come out soon!  

Oh I almost forgot!  I finished stitching the Spooky Treats by Victoria Sampler.  I think I've decided to frame it and have a frame already in my stash for it.  When I get it fully finished I'll pop a picture up so you can see.  It was a fun stitch.  

I guess that's all I have for now.  I hope everyone is enjoying the fall season!  Thanks for stopping by and Happy Stitching!   

Breast Cancer Awareness and More!

Well folks!  Did you think I left the country?  Seems like I've been gone for ages, but I guess 10 days can seem like forever when you're busy.  Well I won't hold you in suspense....haha.  My sweet husband took me to the beach for my birthday, we were gone 4 days.  I was able to visit the Salty Yarns while I was gone and found something I think you'll all like.  This is the Jingle Mini Bag by Shepherd's Bush.  It comes with the pattern, bag, pearle cotton and I have ordered the buttons for it as well.  They didn't have them in the store at the time, but I'll be going back in early November so I'll pick them up then.  I will have it ready to mail when I go to the retreat and will drop it in the mail then so you'll have time to stitch it before Christmas!  Here's a picture...  

So I've been working on a SAL with my English pal, Ms. Mouse.  We both finished yesterday!  This is Simple Gifts by Jeanette Douglas stitched on 36 count Dirty Tea Cup one over two.  Now to figure out how to fully finish this on the spool as the pattern suggests.  

It's still pretty busy here at DJ's Digs so as soon as the dust settles, I'll get my thinking cap on!  I've been working on Spooky Treats Pincushion by Victoria Sampler as well.  I guess you'd say I'm about halfway done.  There are some words and some buttons and spider webs still to stitch, then the top.  Although while stitching this I thought it might look good in a frame...so while I continue stitching, I'll be deciding how to fully finish this.  

I mentioned my husband took me away for the weekend to our favorite place.  While I didn't catch any dramatic sunrises, I did catch some pretty shots of our trip.  We visited Assateague while we were there.  I love going out to see the wild ponies.  We found some close by.... 

and we found some out in the tall marsh grass where they like to graze.  

They are such beautiful animals!  We played several rounds of mini golf, walked along the boardwalk, did some shopping at a quilt store and a needlework store, and found some new restaurants to try.  It was so relaxing.  I love the off season at the beach!  

I'm super busy this week so I don't know when or if I'll get any stitching done.  I'll try to write a few more posts before the end of the month and remind you to get your yearly exams!  It's so important to catch it early.  Do it for yourself, but also for those who love you and want you around for a good long time!  Happy Stitching!

October shenanigans

Well, here it is October and I haven't mentioned Breast Cancer Awareness Month yet.  I have been thinking about the giveaway for over a month, and I still haven't come up with an idea.  I'll be away for my birthday this year, and near a needlework store, so I'm going to look for something then.  So here are the rules...  Leave a comment on this post or any others that I happen to write after this one during the month of October.  Every comment gets a ticket to the raffle.  I will pick something stitch related not necessarily cancer related and hopefully will be something you all will like.  Please remember to get your breast exams!  I've already had mine done this year.  As soon as I have the giveaway in hand, I'll make a post so you can see what I'll be gifting. 

Ok, so I've been a wee bit busy!  I've had the girls here a few times (in fact they are coming again tomorrow).  Miss Sassy Pants is into diamond painting now so I thought I'd give it a try too...and found these two from Amazon.  I finished them both in one day!  

I'm excited to post that I've won a contest on Facebook!  I rarely win these, but you guess a number between 1 and 200 and I actually guessed the right number!  I'm so excited.  It is coming in the mail, but here is the pattern I won from A Mon Ami Pierre.  Isn't it lovely?

I've decided to work on some smaller items while I'm wearing a brace and trying to get my wrist feeling better.  So I stitched this little ornament up quick.  This is called Santa's gift by Jennifer Redmond from the 2025 JCS ornament issue.  It was stitched on 36 antique white two over two.  

Ooops almost forgot....I've been given some suggestions on how to finish my Autumn Turkey.  Before I even started stitching it, I found a charcuterie board with autumn etching in it so tried to make the stitched piece small enough to fit on the board.  Sometimes I already know how I'm going to finish something before I even start stitching.  I hope it turns out like I think it will.  

Now I need to get my thinking cap on and get several things fully finished.  With a little luck I'll get working on them today.  Maybe there will be another post tomorrow.  We'll see!  Ok, my husband is here wanting to ask a million questions and get a million things done (I don't think he likes to see me sitting around when he's home...haha.)  I better get my backside in gear.  I hope you all are safe and well and happily stitching!  Take care...  

UPDATE:  I did get some finishing done!  Yay!!    First up is Santa's Gift by Jennifer Redmond from the 2026 JCS Ornament Issue stitched on 36 count antique white two over two.  

Next up is Autumn Turkey by Erin Elizabeth stitched on 36 count Vintage Blue Whisper two over two.  It's finished on a charcuterie board from Hobby Lobby.

Next is Bittersweet Bird by Teresa Kogut stitched on 28 count Heartland two over two finished to attach to my converted clock.

And last for today is a gift from my British Pal so I have no name for the pattern.  I'll call it The Lord Is My Shepherd and I finished it in a little "frame" I found at Hobby Lobby.  I hope to find a little sheep to put at the top.  I'll see what I can find.

And that's all for today.  Happy Stitching!     

Moving along...

Well things are moving along here at DJ's Digs.  I'm working through the medical appointments along with keeping up with a SAL I'm doing with Ms. Mouse.  I gave up working on the Pansy Sampler until I decide what thread I'm going to use so started something new.  So let's get started...  

First up is the next motif in Simple Gifts.  Ms. Mouse has left me in the dust and completed the border except for the satin stitch centers.  There are only two more motifs to go but I'm going to keep to the schedule for now.  There are too many things I'm wanting to stitch.  So it's by Jeannette Douglas and stitched on 36 count Dirty Teacup one over two.  Here is where I'm leaving it today.  

Next up is what I'm working on now.  This is called Spooky Treats by The Victoria Sampler.  It's stitched on 28 count antique ivory two over two.  I saw this when it was first published and had to have it, it's too cute!  Here is where I left off last night.  

I threw in something small to give my aching wrist a break and finished this, Autumn Turkey by Erin Elizabeth.  It's stitched on 32 count Vintage Blue Whisper two over two.  I'm still working out how to fully finish it, but hopefully by the next time I post I'll have it fully finished.  

I guess that's all I have for now.  I hope everything is going well wherever you are.  Happy Stitching!

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!