It's like Africa Hot!

I really shouldn't complain about the heat, but for the past few days it's been crazy hot...lol.  I remember that line from a movie, "It's like Africa hot".  I can see (and hear) Matthew Broderick saying that line but for the life of me, I can't remember the name of the movie.  Anyway, I don't think I'll ever get used to Maryland weather.  The seasons come and go like overnight.  We had unseasonably low temperatures, then it was like a switch was flipped and we are having close to record highs.  Today the heat index is supposed to reach 107!!  I miss the more moderate seasonal changes of Northern New York.... and when I say Northern, I mean so close to the Canadian Border I could throw a stone and it would land in Canada.  Anyway, other than the one night we lost power, we have a great air conditioner that is working it's butt off, so I really shouldn't complain.  Ok, enough about the weather.  

Last week at this time I was packing up the car for a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania.  We met the kids and our DIL's family on Saturday and everyone (but me) headed to the park.  My knee has been giving me issues, and I just knew with the heat and the knee pain I was going to have a tough time at the park...so I sat and stitched while they had fun.  Here is a picture of Little Miss Sassy Pants and her Pappy at the Hershey Kiss fountain.  

I'm not sure what is going on with my  mojo lately.  It seems to come and go, and I can't really settle on any one project.  I need to sit down and really have a conversation with my stitchy personality (yes, I do talk to myself at times...lol) and get my priorities straight.  So where am I with my stitching?  Well...I keep hearing about the 250th anniversary of the United States next year.  People are talking about stitch-a-longs and patriotic stitching etc and I knew I had bought a few Patriotic pieces last year and this year during the Market Day madness.  When I knew I was going to Hershey, I wanted some quick pieces to stitch up and remembered I have the Stars and Stripes Stacker.  

I stitched one part (there are 18 pieces in this project) before I left and decided I should be able to get it done quickly...hopefully by the 4th of July.  

Good grief did I underestimate my ability and the craziness that enters my life from time to time.   I thought I would have plenty of time.  Well I set my needles on fire for the first 6 pieces which make up the first round of the stacker....and I though Yay, this will be a breeze...hahaha.  

Then I started stitching on the vest.  Uh oh...I realized halfway through I was using the wrong color of blue, but decided I liked it and carried on.  That silly vest took 5 days, because my world got a bit turned upside down.  

I ended up watching Miss Sassy Pants on Monday so her Daddy could take Miss Q to a Dr. appointment.  Tuesday I had errands.  Wednesday a former co-worker wanted to get together so we went to see How To Train Your Dragon (which was really good if you like that sort of movie) and yesterday I finally got to get some good stitching in.  I did stitch every day so was able to finish 5 of the second round of pieces....there are now 7 left to stitch.  

The next 7 have a lot of stitching so we'll see how far I get in the next few days.  

I don't know if any of you follow Homespun Needlework (Cross Stitch and Samplers) group on Facebook, but from time to time they offer exclusives.  The last one they offered struck a chord with me and I just had to have it.  It arrived on Wednesday.  When I bought it I thought I would start it right away...it's a beautiful pattern.  It's called A Grateful Heart by The Scarlett House.  

But then...squirrel...haha.  A lady on Facebook suggested a SAL starting on the 4th of July with something I had already kitted up years ago...Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio.  I have always wanted to stitching this, so now is the perfect time to get it done!  

My husband keeps asking me when I'm going to start A Grateful Heart...maybe for the New Year?  We'll see.  

We have a ball game to go to on Saturday in honor of Ben's birthday.  I'm hoping it will cool off and that my knee cooperates.  They are giving Hawaiian Shirts away so hopefully we will get there in time.  It's not always easy with the kids but fingers crossed.  Hopefully next week will be a little less hectic.  I really thought things would slow down after day care closed for the summer (I watch the kids so it lowers their cost for day care) but I don't know.  I will miss seeing the girls, but it will be nice to have a little more time to myself.  It doesn't sound like a lot, but this old body of mine just can't keep up...lol.  

So I guess you're all caught up.  I hope you are safe wherever you are with the excessive heat, the crazy storms, and just the world in general.  Just seems like everything is in upheaval right now...but for now, I'm turning off the news, and unplugging so I can get some stitching done and rest up for tomorrow.  Happy Stitching!

Bless Our Land

Hi Fellow Stitchers!  It's a special day today as our son turns 30 today...the big three-oh!  (Wow am I feeling old!).  He has been the light of our lives since the moment we found out we were having him.  So we are wishing him a wonderful day!  

I had a finish last night.  This is Bless Our Land from the book Patriotic Smalls 2023 by Twin Peaks Primitives.  I forget the actual number of patterns in this book, but I hope to finish a few before the 4th however, time is running short and I have a few other things I need to stitch.  I'm hoping I have enough time...we will see.  This was stitched on 36 count Wisteria two over two.  

I found this little piece of fabric (just the right size!) for Bless Our Land at Salty Yarns.  They have some bins you can rummage through that are remnants of fabric left after the majority of pieces have been cut from.  They are usually not too expensive, and just the right size for smalls and things.  I sure do love that shop!!  

As I was finishing up last night I was already thinking about what I wanted to stitch next.  I received a lovely patriotic pattern from Mouse in that package, and really want to stitch on that BUT I also received the Stars and Striped Stacker pattern by Praiseworthy Stitches which I ordered during the Nashville Market days.  I have almost everything I need to stitch it, so I think that will be my next project.  

We had an exciting day yesterday, as some severe thunderstorms blew through.  Someone's ring camera caught a funnel cloud over our house yesterday!  It was a little scary as the thunder and lightning were non-stop for quite a bit.  Our lights flickered and a tree blew down in a neighbors yard around 50 feet from our house.  Scary stuff!  But it was short-lived, and no damage that we could see so....whew!  I think the Lord protected us!  The National Weather service never sent a warning, but a local meteorologist that I follow on FB sent a warning through Messenger so we were sheltering in the basement when it happened.  I hope I'm never that close to another one as long as I live!!  

On that note, I'll leave you with this thought...cherish your loved ones, always be thankful in every moment, and be grateful for all the circumstances we find ourselves in, big and small.   Be healthy, be safe, and Happy Stitching!

Christmas arrived early!

It's been a weird few days.  I've been stitching, but my brain has been racing.  I have a ton more finishing to do, but I also want to stitch on the series I have going (Christmas letters and the Gather series) and instead my focus has been on patriotic pieces.  I need to get my act together...lol.  Here's what's in my hoop today...  

This is Bless This Land buy Twin Peaks Primitives and is from a booklet called Patriotic Smalls 2023.  There are several I hope to stitch from this booklet but ironically when  asked my husband which ones he liked, he chose two I never would have imagined myself stitching...haha.  Oh well...we will see.  Anyway, I'm stitching this one on Wisteria 36 count two over two. 

I made a mistake, but I had too much invested to frog, so I fudged.  I'm ok with it...I have so many patriotic pieces that if someone chooses to focus on this mistake...well they will just have to get over it...lol!!  

The big news now is that my package arrived from my pal in England.  It took exactly 7 days, not bad if you ask me!  She sent some books...  

I can't wait to dive into those patriotic patterns!!

Lots of notions...  

Can you see all that silk!?!  I've been truly spoiled!!

And four amazing stitched pieces that I'm going to finish as soon as I can think of a unique way to get them done.  

Ms. Mouse mentioned that she might stitch the cups for herself and then we can finish them alike....I like that idea!!

I'm waiting on Grandbaby #2 to arrive any minute so I better get off this machine and wait by the door.  My son always has his hands full...so I try to help when I can.  I hope all are safe, healthy and happily stitching!  TTFN. 

Quilted Butterflies and another Gigi day

I'm really not a superstitious person, but why do the oddest things seem to happen on Friday the 13th?  I did have a lovely day with Miss Sassy Pants as that is her regular day.  We started our day with an arts and crafts project.  I have had this kit sitting around for a few years now.  I had bought a few after Christmas one year with the hopes of spending time with friends putting them together.  Well that didn't happen (thank you Covid), but when I discovered that Miss A likes to string beads together, I thought it would be fun to make one with her.  We got it together and she carried it around all day looking at it...and it did turn out pretty if I do say so myself.  

Then we played the rest of the day until Pappy came home.  We were supposed to go to a baseball game that night, but after lunch I started not feeling so great, so they all went without me.  It turned out to be a stormy night and they got caught in the rain.  I guess that was providential for me.  Still they didn't get to see the end of the game.  But I did get to finish the first part of the next "Gather" series while they were gone.  I started Quilted Butterfly which is part of the "Gather Butterflies" series by Hands on Design.  This is the third series I've worked on and is considered their summer series.  I love the purples in this piece.  I'm looking forward to getting this one fully finished.  

My friend in the UK messaged this morning that she got her package.  I'm been looking forward to her getting this for a while as I've been gathering items for a few months now.  I usually send a few patterns, this was a selection of patterns from the most recent Nashville Market that she expressed interest in.  I also bought three of those for myself!  

I usually send fabric and floss for one of the patterns but I couldn't find all the floss required for one.  They are on order and I'll send them when I get them.  Here are the other goodies I included.  

Now for the stitched pieces.  I have mentioned I had been sewing gifts...and here they are.  First up is Be My Friend by The Scarlett House stitched on 40 count antique white over two.  I picked this one to stitch for her because she seems to like primitive style and I've always pictured us stitching together one day (if we ever get the chance to meet).  

The next is Merry Stitcher by Homespun Elegance stitched on 32 count summer khaki over two.  I picked this one up years ago to stitch for myself, and never got around to it.  After stitching it, now I want to have it for myself even more!  LOL  I'll have to make another one.

The next is Little Mouse by Durene Jones stitched on 28 count Ivory over two.  Don't faint, I really do stitch on the lower count fabric once in a while.  Even so this one turned out so tiny...lol.  I thought she could make a scissor fob or tiny ornament to hang in her stitching room.  

And last but not least is Remember Me by Mary Beale stitched on 28 count Ivory over one.  This pattern came in a collection of "Lessons" that Mary shared with people during Covid.  There are some lovely patterns in the series that I sincerely hope to stitch one day.  I love how it turned out.  

We had decided, to save on postage, we would send unfinished items.  You don't know how difficult that was for me...lol!!  I struggle with finishing but try to find a way to make them unique for who they are for.  I hope she enjoys her package.  I am still waiting for mine but it's on this side of the pond so it should be here soon.  So...dear readers...that is all I have for today (I'd say that was quite a lot actually...lol!!)  I'm off to work on the next part of the "Gather Butterflies series".  I'm staying home today as I fear there will be some uprising here in Maryland today.  Prayers that the rain will discourage them.  Crazy times we are living in...but I do want to wish the Army a very Happy 250th Birthday.  I'm the proud spouse of an  Army Veteran who honorably served and truly love the country we call home.  And to all the fathers out there, I wish you a blessed and restful Father's Day!    

I finished the Wildflower Series!

I had a lovely day with Miss Q last Tuesday.  She is turning out to be a sweet little girl.  Then got a bit of stitching done.  Got a wee bit more done on Wednesday, and was able to finish up all the pieces of the Gather Wildflowers series by Hands on Design.  I received some rick rack in the mail yesterday so as soon as the finishing bug bites I'll be all ready to get them done.  I'm showing all the pieces in the series just as a recap.  First up is Gather Wildflowers  

Next is Quilted Wildflowers 

and last but not least is Cottage Wildflowers.  

As soon as I finished Gather Wildflowers last night, I got started on Quilted Butterflies.  

All of these are being stitched on 32 count Vintage Smokey White over two.  I'm finding them quick and fun to stitch.  I realized last night as I was stitching, that summer really isn't here yet...it doesn't officially start until June 21st, so I had a few days to get that spring set done and keep ahead of my plans.  

So...I decided to bit the bullet and get them done...and here they are fully finished!

Not only that, but I was able to fully finish Santa's Helper by XFreeStitch from the 2024 JCS Christmas issue.  It's hard to see in the picture but the trim has some gold glitter in it that I thought really set it off.  

The next couple of days are going to be super busy...I have Miss Sassy Pants tomorrow, but with the smoke from the Canadian Wildfires, we won't be able to play outside.  I guess I need to find a craft for us to do...I'll have to rummage through my stash.  

It sure has turned hot here the past few days.  We have a ballgame this weekend, I hope we don't melt in the heat!  LOL  I'm a wimp when it comes to hot weather.  Ok, time to get off this machine and go get something productive done.  I hope you all are safe and healthy out there.  Happy Stitching! 

Just another manic Monday...

It's been a wild ride around here lately, but fortunately things slowed down a bit this past weekend so I could get some real stitching done.  After finishing Santa's helper on Friday, I thought I would gather my wits and try to get some finishing done.  Well...after puttering around for a while I decided I wasn't in the mood, so later in the day I started the Gathering Wildflowers Series by Hands on Design.  If' you've been following for a while you might remember I finished the Gather Pinecones series (which is the winter series) in January.  I was hoping to finish the series during those seasons, but you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men?  Yeah...that!  LOL!!  Now that I'm in the summer season, I'm finally getting around to the spring series.  That's me...a day late and a dollar short.  So I finished the first one, Cottage Wildflowers, on Sunday, and started the second one, Quilted Wildflowers, immediately afterward.  These are quick stitches, so with a little luck I might finished the third one soon and get started on the summer series.  So...here is a picture of the first one I finished, Cottage Wildflowers.  I love the colors in this particular series!  

My puttering wasn't in vain on Saturday, though.  I finally got a package in the mail for my pal in the UK.  We decided it would be more relaxing and less stressful to mail our Christmas/Birthday packages in the summer.  The mail tends to move a little faster, and it's less likely to get lost in the hustle and bustle.  To be honest, so much is happening at Christmas time that the joy of the package kind of gets lost.  I'm so looking forward to happy mail now when it's not so crazy.  I just got the message that mine is also on the way to me.  Now, as my British pal says, it's time to stalk the postie.  

I also FINALLY got around to paining the rounds that the "Gather Series" will be mounted on.  The owner of the Salty Yarns store told me that some folks are buying the set of three (which I did) then mounting magnets so it's easy to change them out for the different seasons.  What a brilliant idea!!  The pictures show that the rounds were painted black, so I had the paint, the rounds, and the brushes so...on Saturday I got them painted.  If you know me, I put off what I think will be a difficult project for ages until I screw up the courage to "git 'er done".  When I'm done I always say, why did I wait so long?  It is always much easier than I suspect.  I ordered some trim over the weekend, so hopefully this week I'll get up the courage to pull out my magnets and get the winter series fully finished, or with a little luck I'll have the spring series finished too and get them fully finished as well...stay tuned!  

One of the things I pulled out to fully finish were some items I want to finish as stand ups.  I watched a video posted by Vonna Pfeiffer otherwise known as the Twisted Stitcher.  She has several wonderful tutorials listed on this page - (Click Here)  It was very encouraging, and uses specific materials in the finishing.  So....I let my fingers do the walking (especially since JoAnn stores are now closed) and ordered some of the things I will need.  They will be arriving Wednesday hopefully.  Let's hope it isn't raining!  If they arrive early enough (which I doubt because they usually arrive late afternoon/evening) I will get some finishing done on Wednesday, otherwise it will be Thursday.  Fingers, toes and eyes crossed!  LOL!!  Maybe I'll get Little Miss Sassy Pants to lend a hand...hahaha.  Hmmm...maybe not...  

Well I better get off this machine and get some stitching done.  Miss Q will be here tomorrow so I need to get dusting and vacuuming (she doesn't deal with dust too well) and get my day care gizmos set up.  My husband laughs but I set up a makeshift crib, diaper changing station, swing, and play station as well as a way to warm up bottles for the days that she's here.  I've got it down to a science now, and can set up and tear down in about 30 minutes.  Miss Sassy Pants is much easier, I just open the door and the tornado rearranges things to her liking...haha.  I really do love being a Gigi.  

So here I go, with a wing and a prayer, I'll get a lot of stitching done today.  I hope you are safe, healthy, and happily stitching wherever you are!  Take care... 

Santa's Helper

Whew!  This was not an easy or fun stitch, but I just HAD to stitch him, he was just too cute!  This is Santa's Helper by X Free Stitch from the 2024 JCS Ornament Issue.  He's stitched on 36 count antique white over two.  I've had some pretty late nights and early mornings the past week or so and I've been very tired.  He's full of mistakes and there has been a little frogging.  I'm beyond tired at this point...lol.  But I don't think he looks half bad.  Now to figure out how to fully finish the little guy.  Time to put on my thinking cap.  It always amazes me how much outlining makes or breaks a pattern.  Here are before and after pictures.  I just want to pinch his cute little cheeks.  Haha

I actually have a lot of things I need to finish, some stuff I need to iron...and pack up to get ready to send out.  I'm behind in EVERYTHING lately, so if you are waiting for something from me, please be patient.  I plan to get there very soon.  

Little Miss Sassy Pants was here today and we worked on a few beading projects.  I'm finding little seed beads everywhere tonight.  She's a joy and we always have fun....but she does wear me out!  She's become camera shy, so no pics...while I desperately tried to get her singing on video today, she wouldn't cooperate.  I've sung "You are my sunshine" to both girls from the time they were born and she surprised me today by asking me to sing it....and then she sang along.  It's the first time she's done that...and it melted my heart.  My grandmother used to sing it to me...I sang it to my son...and now my grandbaby sings it to me.  The circle of life...  

And now it's time for bed.  I hope I get to sleep past 5:30 tomorrow...this old body can't handle the lack of sleep anymore!  Sweet dreams and Happy Stitching!