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!! 

Galivanting again...

I'm back, did you miss me?  Haha  The past few weeks have been a whirlwind lately.  

I had to look back to see if I had mentioned our anniversary.  We celebrated our 42nd Anniversary two weeks ago but didn't take our annual trip until last week.  We usually end up going to Lancaster area and take in a few shows.  So we saw Pretty Woman at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater which was so much fun!  They really do put on a nice show, though to be honest, the dinner rarely changes much.  Still it makes for a nice evening.  

The next night we went to see Joshua at the Sight and Sound Theater.  What a lovely performance.  We sat next to some friendly people and truly enjoyed the show.  We learned a few things too, which is always good.  The people of Isreal were hard headed people...and I guess I'm just like them in a way.  Hopefully I won't have to wander in the desert for 40 years to learn my lesson though.  

Stitching has slowed to a crawl with all our traveling.  I started a SAL with my British pal before I left.  We are stitching Simple Gifts by Jeannette Douglas on 32 count Dirty Teacup and it's been quite a fun stitch so far.  We work on it on Monday's and try to finish one motif and the border on top and bottom the length of the motif each week.  Here is where I left off on Monday.  

I've also been working on a challenging piece for my pal in NY.  She is like a sister to me otherwise I wouldn't be stitching this for anyone else!!  I stitched this once on 40 count and still haven't fully finished it into an ornament.  Hopefully I'll be doing that soon!  I'm stitching this one on 25 count hand dyed tea fabric over one.  I'm down to the last 4 colors, but I will say...those wise guys and the little tiny Bethlehem are CRAZY to stitch over one.  LOL  She's lucky I love her like a sister, I tell you what!!  As I'm stitching I'm contemplating how to fully finish this piece.  She would like a stand up...but accomplishing that may take more brain cells than what reside in my head.  Luckily I'm giving myself a month or so to work my magic.  LOL  But first...I have to finish.  Here is where I am with The Three Wise Men by Blackberry Lane Designs.  Oh how I love this pattern!!  

Ok, I guess that's all the news that's fit to print.  Other than travelling and not getting a lot of stitching done...there isn't much going on.  Oh...well I did drop off a few things at the Maryland State Fair.  I'll be honest and say, after seeing some of the amazing things I saw being dropped off, I really don't have much hope of winning anything this year.  Still it'll be fun to go and see what other folks have entered.  Take care and Happy Stitching! 

Are you tired of Christmas Ornaments yet?

 Hold on to your socks!  LOL  I tried my best to get ALL of my Christmas ornaments stitched and finished in July.  Life kept getting in the way.  Today I fully finished all the ornaments I stitched (except two) then stopped to take stock of what I had.  I decided I still need to stitch 4.  I think I'll take a break from ornaments though, and start something I've been hoping to stitch for a while now.  I'll be honest and say, I really never thought I'd get tired of stitching Christmas ornaments ... lol!!  So I'll start where I left off last post...  

First up is Christmas Cardinal a motif from the Christmas Cardinal Sampler by Victoria Sampler.  It's stitched on 28 count Amsterdam Blue one over one.  This is for a friend who loves cardinals.  

Next is Joyful Mice by Stoney Creek from their Autumn 2017 magazine.  Stitched on 32 count Opalescent White two over two.  

A Vintage Rocker by Hands on Design.  This may look familiar.  I have stitched this one twice.  It's stitched on 32 count natural two over two.  This is for a little girl who loves horses.  

Busy Elves Making Gingerbread Houses by Living on a Rainbow stitched on 32 count mystery fabric two over two.  This is for a lady who always makes us fudge for Christmas.  

Busy Elves Making Toys by Living on a Rainbow stitched on 32 count mystery fabric two over two.  This is for the fudge lady's husband...haha.  

Lil Christmas Angel from the 2022 JCS Ornament Issue.  Stitched on 14 count clear perforated plastic two over one.  This is for my youngest granddaughter.  

My Sweet Angel from the 2025 JCS Ornament Issue stitched on 14 count white vinyl two over one.  This is for my oldest granddaughter who got ahold of my magazine and begged for this one...haha.  

Cocoa Snowman by Joan Elliott from Design Works Crafts kit stitched on 32 count white opalescent two over two.  

Hot Cocoa Snowman by Joan Elliott from Design Works Crafts kit stitched on 32 count White Opalescent two over two.  

I've been following Hands on Design for her Christmas ornaments on Patreon.  I finished the first Gingerbread House she had published.  I thought I'd show it here even if it isn't fully finished.  This is Single Family Sawtooth and is stitched on 32 count Chestnut two over two.  

For Christmas I sent a pattern to my pal in England along with the fabric and floss.  We decided we would do a SAL together on Mondays starting in August.  We both forgot, but she remembered and reminded me.  I don't have a picture just yet, but I'm doing a motif a week (got caught up over the weekend) and got caught up.  Next post I'll show a picture. 

So, my friends, that's all I have for this post.  I still have a couple of ornaments to stitch, once I decide what I'm stitching.  Hopefully I'll get them all finished this month.  The Maryland State Fair is coming up soon and I'm getting my items gathered together.  I'm thinking there will be some amazing pieces for the 250th anniversary.  Hopefully I'll get to take pictures while I'm there.  I hope everyone is staying safe from the heat and storms.  Happy Stitching!

Final Christmas in July

Well...as usual, things did not go as planned...It's been a wild and crazy month but such is the story of my life.  And I probably wouldn't want it any other way, variety is the spice of life, right?  

So I was determined to get all of my Christmas ornaments to other folks out of the way, done and dusted, and fully finished before the month was over.  Um...you can stop laughing now.  We all know we make plans, and God laughs.  The problem is, I keep changing my mind.  And now I've stitched quite a few things that will not be given to those I originally intended them for.  Scatterbrained.  That's me in a nutshell.  I think I've narrowed my list down to the final three I need to stitch, but I digress.  Let me show you what I did finish stitching since the last time I posted.  Just to be clear, I've been stitching like a mad woman, but not finishing much.  And I was soooo hoping to have all the ornaments finished by the end of the month...*sigh*  

Anyway...here goes...  

First up is My Sweet Angel by XFree Stitch from the 2025 JCS Ornament Issue.  This was stitched on 14 count vinyl evenweave canvas.  I HATED working on this crazy stuff.  But, I loved the pattern, and so does my oldest granddaughter.  This will be her ornament when finished.  She has already claimed it...haha.  

Next is one of the Cocoa Snowmen from a Design Works Crafts kit.  It's supposed to be stitched on clear perforated plastic, but I chose to stitch it on 32 count white opalescent fabric, two over two.  I thought I would stitch this for my youngest granddaughter, but have since had a change of heart.  I love how it came out though!  

Next is Christmas Cardinal from a design by Victoria Sampler.  It is just a small part of her Christmas Cardinal sampler.  Stitched on 28 count Amsterdam Blue one over one.  It's tiny, but made for a cardinal lover, so I hope she likes it!  

Next is another Cocoa Snowman from the Design Works Crafts kit also stitched on 32 count white opalescent two over two.  I almost hate to give this one away...so cute!  

Next is the one I chose for my youngest granddaughter and again, once stitched, changed my mind so this one is up for grabs...haha.  It's stitched on 32 count mystery hand dyed blue fabric two over two.  I was hoping to make all the folks in that family have beach like Christmas ornaments, but couldn't find one for my oldest granddaughter, so now will have to stitch ANOTHER one for my youngest granddaughter.  Told you...scatterbrained.  LOL!!!  This is Fa La Flamingo from the Autumn 2019 Stoney Creek Magazine.  

Next is Joyful Mice by Stoney Creek from their Autumn 2017 magazine.  Stitched on 32 count white over two.  I've stitched this for a friend before, love it...and now I'll have to stitch it for a third time because this is going to another friend.  LOL   

The next two are from the Busy Elves SAL I followed a few years ago.  These are by Living on the Rainbow and are stitched on 28 count mystery fabric two over two.  First is Busy Elves Making Gingerbread Houses 

and the second is Busy Elves Making Toys.  

I thought they were so cute, but won't be finishing them the way they were intended to be finished.  It looks a bit intimidating to me, and they are going to a couple so I really don't want to mess them up... 

And last is A Vintage Rocker by Hands on Design.  I am stitching this for a second time for someone who loves horses.  Stitched on 36 count Natural two over two.

I really wanted to keep the ones I stitched and finished from this group of ornaments so I'm making this one again.  There are some things I stitch and want for myself.  I don't think it's being selfish one bit.  I very rarely keep things for myself...I've given things in the past saying oh I can make another one, then never do.  So....and I know people really don't appreciate the gifts we stitch for them as much as we do ourselves...so I'm selfishly hanging on to certain ones that I truly love.  I will stitch a second one for them if I have time and choose to do so.  They can fight over my stuff when I'm gone...lol!!  So, at last count, I still have three more to stitch and a whole boatload of stuff to fully finish.  I never thought I'd say this, but I'm TIRED of ornaments.  I'm powering through...but I have a pattern kitted up that my fingers are dying to start stitching.  My husband says give yourself a break, but I know myself too well.  The problem is, I am losing my desire to stitch at all.  Here I go again...decisions, decisions.  

We had the grandkids over this past weekend.  Miss Sassy Pants came on Friday morning for a Gigi day.  We spent a lot of time making Diamond Painting stickers.  These are two that she made.  Mermaid tale and unicorn.  There were two others I didn't get a picture of.  I have to say the age they put on these were 6+ (Miss A is 4) but I showed her how to "wax" the wand and told her what she needed to do and she did all the rest on her own.  She loves crafts, takes her time, and will correct her mistakes all on her own.   She's going to be a wonderful crafter when she gets older.  And she spent several hours working on these paintings!

Then we attempted making a turtle with pipe cleaners and wooden beads.  We made a good start, but it was harder than we intended and set it aside.  Then we went to an indoor playground and ran around for 2 hours straight.  Had lunch, then waited for Pappy to come home.  We had dinner out and made a trip to Target for some girl time shopping.  She slept over and the next morning her sister joined us.  More indoor playground fun was had.  Then lunch out...and their parents came to pick them up.  Not much stitching happened over the weekend, Pappy and I were exhausted.  I love their energy, but I can't quite keep up these days.  Still they are a joy to have around...I have to say it's much harder when the two are together.  Besides going in different directions, they are jealous of any attention the other one gets.  My DIL said we would have to do this more often, I think they enjoyed their time together without the distraction of the girls...they certainly are a handful!!  LOL  

And that's all that I have for now.  Hopefully next time I'll have all the ornaments fully finished, and have started on that project my fingers are itching to start.  Thanks for reading this far!  I hope all is well in your neck of the woods!  Happy stitching!!