'Tis The Season...

As I sit here typing, there are a few snowflakes floating outside my window.  The world seems muted as it's a Sunday, hardly any traffic (especially since there is a winter storm approaching) and folks are settled in their homes awaiting the storm.  It's cozy and warm, and slowly the house is being decorated for Christmas.  My favorite Nativity is displayed all year, and came from Oberammergau, Germany.  Part of it is pictured above.  I love to be reminded throughout the year of our Savior's birth and try to remember this time of year, the reason for the season. 

The past week I haven't had much time for stitching, and for me it's like a drug withdrawal.  Odd how stitching centers my thoughts and emotions and when I don't have time to stitch, I feel "off balance".

I love the holidays, when people come together to socialize and try to bring each other a little joy.  I enjoyed shopping with friends this week, finding a few treasures that I hope will make their recipients smile!  And I love to give and to receive handmade gifts.  I've been stitching as fast as I can and have sent most of those gifts off but I still have a few more underway.  Here is one I am working on...

I was able to finish Violet's Blue this week.  I love this pattern, now if only I could find the time/resources to get it framed.  That will have to wait until after Christmas now.  Thank you again, Mouse, for the lovely pattern!  This has been a joy to stitch!!  Here are a few pictures... 

I finished part 4 of La Pensee Positive, a free SAL that can be found on Les Marottes de Nathalie blog.  I absolutely LOVE this pattern, the saying, the colors, and just working on it in general.  It makes me smile...and think positively!  I can't wait to get this framed and hung on my wall.  The last part comes out in January.  

Gillie kindly offered to sign me up for another SAL that begins in 2014.  I couldn't wait to get the materials...so I pulled the DMC and found this lovely 40 ct fabric, which to the relief of many...I will be stitching over two threads.  I am itching to get started on this one!

I was lucky enough to win this pattern on a Facebook giveaway being offered by Norden.  They have been giving away quite a few patterns...I feel so fortunate to have received this one!  I think after the holidays I'll see about making this one.  Isn't she lovely?

I've been remiss on posting this picture of a gift someone gave me for allowing them to borrow a couple of my patterns a few months ago.  I was surprised she was so kind to give them to me.  I love these counting pins, and she chose purple, my favorite color!!  The packaging is just wonderful!  Thank you Denise!  It certainly wasn't necessary, but I do love them very much!  It was so kind of you!

Here is what I've been stitching on (when I can catch a break).  Here is Renouveau...or just a small corner of it.  LOL  I love the hand dyed fabric I've been working it on, but it's slow going as I am stitching on 32 count over one.  I love how it is small when I finish, but I must admit it's driving my eyes bananas!  

I'm going to leave you with a picture of some visitors to my back yard.  Silly beasts!!  I hope they enjoyed eating the plants in my garden!  But I guess all God's creatures need to eat, I just wish they wouldn't pick my favorite plants!  Keep in mind these guys are less than ten feet from my back door!!  I hope you are enjoying the season and not over stressing.  If you are in the path of the storm, I pray you stay safe and warm.  Till next time...happy stitching!