Another One Bites the Dust!

Whew!  What a day yesterday was!  I have been trying to finish up big projects I had started in 2021.  I'm super pleased to say I finished all the stitch a-longs I had started this year!  Here is a picture of the most recent finish....the last one of this year I'm afraid...  This is Peppermint Purple Blackwork SAL stitched on 40 count antique white over two with one strand of DMC 3809.  I wish I had a better picture, as I love the color of the thread, but it's a dull day here in Maryland...so beggars can't be choosers.

I even finished up most of the things I started with the exception of 6 Fat Snowmen.  I can't tell you when I've done that in last few years.  I guess I'm a serial starter...and not so much a finisher...haha.  I must say though, that I did a fairly good job at stitching quite a few things.  Mainly small things but there were a few large pieces I did finish stitching this year.  I managed to complete 149 items....and fully finish 84.  Not too shabby!!

My goal next year is to finish whatever I start AND finish up some of the older WIPs I have floating around here.  I also want to fully finish some of the things I have stored in a box.  Mainly ornaments I've stitched but haven't finished but I also need to finish the mobile I have stitched up for Aubs.  Ugh...I hate New Year's resolutions as I tend to break them fairly early in the year....but I have hope this  year.  I really feel motivated.

I have decided on my New Year's start.  For my birthday this year, my husband ordered an exclusive from Hobby House Needleworks,   Rose Ada Featherstone 1895.  I will be stitching on 46 count over two with silk threads.  I honestly can't wait to get started!!  I have created a list of things I want to stitch this year on my 2022 goals page.  Fingers crossed I can accomplish some of it along with participating in the 2022 Ornament challenge.  We'll see what the new year brings!

I want to thank all of you for still checking in with me.  I read all your comments, but gmail is still not working correctly and I can't reply to your emails there.  If I have emailed in the past, I will try to find your address and reply that way, but the comments don't show up there and with being a new grandmother...I have to perform Gigi duties from time to time so I'm limited with computer time.  Also, my new laptop had gone kaput and I haven't had time to go to the Geek Squad.  I'm working on my older s-l-o-w-e-r laptop...ugh...  I know that it's easier to listen and watch floss tube than to search out and read blogs, but being the shy person that I am, you won't catch me posting any videos on there.  I prefer the old fashioned way!

Ok, off to get some sorting and cleaning done in the sewing room.  I hope you all have a safe and fun New Year's Eve however you plan to celebrate.  I'm hoping we will have a game night with the kids, but we'll have to see how Little Lady A is doing.  She is still being fussy...poor little one.  Stay well, and safe...until next year, Happy Stitching!

The Fruit of Plenty Finish

I'm sorry for being late in wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.  It's been a beehive of activity here for the past few days.  Christmas day we spent with the kids and our granddaughter.  It was a busy time, and full of fun.  Poor little Auby was having a rough day, but she did play with a few of the toys we gave her.  I suspect teething, but her parents are adamant that it's not that...oh well, what do I know? I must say, my family spoiled me rotten this Christmas.  I was given two exclusive kits, a series of 6 patterns that will be made into a cube, Ghinger scissors, some specialty stitching books, a pattern I have been drooling over, another pattern kitted, a storage unit with drawers and compartments to hold lots of stitching tools etc, and a class that will be held in September of next year in NY.  My family feeds my obsession...haha...and now you know why I'm trying so hard to finish up some of the bigger projects I have hanging around.

 

I was beginning to think it wasn't possible....but surprise!  I finally finished The Fruit of Plenty, the Modern Folk Embroidery SAL for 2021.  I would like to say I enjoyed every stitch...LOL...but in all honesty, toward the end I was getting a little frustrated.  I love the "Assisi" look to it, but all that stitching was a little too much for me.  This was stitched on 28 count ivory over one using DMC 823 and 3755.  Now that it's done I will really enjoy it.  

I have one more SAL from 2021 that I really hope to finish.  I've  been working on the Peppermint Purple SAL and have been keeping up until two weeks ago.  The last portion will be released tomorrow so my fingers will be busy stitching that until the ball drops in NYC on New Years eve.  Fingers crossed I will have one more finish to report before the year is over.

I'll leave you with a picture of a card my cousin sent to me.  Her Mom and my Mom were sisters...and they both shared a love of stitching.  My Mom sent this card to my Aunt...and while going through some stuff, she found this card.  Knowing my love of stitching she sent it to me just in time for Christmas.  Grief is a funny thing....I can remember things about her that make me smile...others make me miss her like crazy.  This was such a shock, but I'm so touched that my cousin would think to send it to me...bitter sweet that it came just before Christmas...it made me miss her more than anything.  I really wish she could have met her great grandchild...I know she would have loved her.

I hope wherever you are that you are keeping safe and happily stitching.  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  I like to give gifts of stitching to others, you never know what long reaching effect it will have on others.  I'll cherish the card my Mom made...and I'm sure others will cherish your stitching too.  Happy Stitching, everyone! 

Winter Quaker is finished!

It's been a day!!  I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish this before the end of the year, but then a few days opened up when I could stitch to my hearts content.  After 3 days of steady stitching, I was able to finish the last two months.  Yippee!  Finally...a fairly big WIP that was finished in ONE year!  This was stitched on 28 count navy over one using the recommended colors.  I'm so happy with how it turned out.  Hopefully I can get it framed for the fair next year, fingers crossed!

I'm working on trying to finish the Modern Folk Embroidery SAL...I'm three months behind in that one, and there is a lot more stitching, but watch this space, I'm closing in on finishing the October portion!!  I have a lot of things to do next week, but fingers crossed I'll find some time to work on it.  Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Stitching!! 

December Gifted Gorgeousness

Whew!  I don't know what happened, I was feeling accomplished and had a lot of the Christmas "stuff" done (shopping, wrapping, decorating) and then the kids invited us to spend the weekend in Hershey with them and WHAM...chaos ensued.  Anyway, I finally remembered today was the 15th, and therefore Gifted Gorgeousness day!  If you don't know what that is, you can take a peek at Jo's blog page here (click here) and that will explain more.  I think she will be continuing this challenge into the new year.  We showcase our "gifts" on the 15th of the month.  Basically anything that can be associated with a needlework gift...either to us or from us.  If you would like to see what others are showcasing for their gifted gorgeousness, you can see Jo's blog by clicking (here).

Ok, where to start?  Tis the season for gift giving!  LOL  I have tried to keep ahead of things this year with my pen pals.  It's been a challenge for sure!  For my Texas pal, I made a few things and she has (hopefully) received them by now.  Here are some pictures of what I sent her...

I have had ideas for my pen pal in England for quite some time, I didn't finish everything I had hoped to but hopefully she will understand...I try to send Christmas and birthday together because they are less than a month a part...AND...postage has gotten out of hand to other countries.  I'm still waiting to send Elfie's package to her in Australia.  They say the rates will drop once the country opens up...I hope it's soon.  Anyway...here are some pictures of the things I sent Mouse.

I've also received some packages myself!  Here is what I received from my Texas pal for November's exchange...

And here is what I received from my British pal for Christmas...

As for gifts I've stitched...I made a few ornaments for friends and family.  For our new Granddaughter...

For my cousin and her new grandson...

For our DIL's family

For our kids (since this is their first Christmas as parents)...

I finished our DIL's Advent calendar!!  That was a relief...truly!

I finished the 12 Dragonlet's of 2012, a freebie from Dragon Dreams

I made these two ornaments for my bestie from high school and her son who is living at home now battling cancer...

I made this for an acquaintance who attended our church a while ago.  There was an ornament exchange a couple of years ago, and she mentioned then she hoped she would pick my ornament.  She didn't...but she was so complimentary that I had it in the back of my mind that I would make her one some day.  She mentioned she couldn't attend the exchange this year (neither could I...) but she sounded so disappointed, I decided I would make her one and send it to her...here is what I made her...

I've already stitched what I'm giving my Texas pal next month...but haven't decided how to finish it yet...here is Snow Day by Squareology from the 2016 JCS Ornament issue.

I was caught up on the Peppermint Purple SAL until the new pattern came out today...haha.  Since it is a free SAL I consider it gifted...only three more patterns left until the end of the year!  Here is the last picture I've taken...

I guess that's all I have to show.  It's been a busy month!!  LOL  I'm still working on Winter Quaker and Modern Folk Embroidery SAL and hope to have them finished this month, if not, first thing in January, so watch this space!  I have a lot of plans for next year, let's hope I can get everything accomplished I want to.  I'm hoping to post one more time before the end of the year, but in case I don't....I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy many blessings in the coming New Year!  Let's all hope 2022 will be an amazing, healthy and wonderful year!  Happy Stitching!

Annual Advent Calendar Blog Hop Day 12

Hi Fellow Stitchers!  I've been assigned the 12th Day of the Advent Calendar Blog Hop over at Serendipitous Stitching hosted by Jo who can't think of a clever nickname.  I've participated in this several years now and love seeing all the Christmas stitching.  When you are finished here, please go back to Serendipitous Stitching and see what other people are posting from their blogs!  Click here.  It's my favorite time of year.  It took me a while to decide which photo I should showcase but I finally settled on Winter's Majesty a kit from Maia.  I like to focus on Nativities, but it's been a while since I stitched one....I guess I better make that a priority next year!  I entered this one in the state fair this year and won a Blue Ribbon and a Special Award that was given for the best in that category.  I do enjoy winter, and have this hanging year round in my living room.  

We have been asked to speak about our Christmas Tree.  It's interesting that this topic came up this year.  We have had an artificial tree for many years.  I love the smell of a fresh cut tree, but I'm terrible about remembering to water it...so for our safety, we have had an artificial tree for most of our married life.  We bought a "new tree" when our son was two...it was a difficult tree to assemble every year but it was such a beautiful tree, I discouraged my husband from getting a new one year after year...haha.  Last year our tree was 23 years old...and the only tree my son really remembers.  It was full and we could hang a LOT of ornaments on it.  Because my husband was in the military and we moved every few years, we had ornaments representing the different areas we lived.  There are Hawaiian ornaments, Southwestern ornaments, Northeastern ornaments, and European ornaments.  It's almost like a snapshot of our married life .  It's a walk down memory lane when we put our tree up, and memories always come flooding back of the places we have lived, and the adventures we have taken.  That tree had made  several moves with us, including to Germany and back.  We have put it up in different areas of our house, and it does take up a lot of room in our tiny townhouse...but it's still my favorite tree.  Until few years ago we used a star for the top.  A couple of years ago my husband told me he hated the star...who knew?  We had used it for YEARS!   So we found a lovely angel for the top of the tree....and she makes our tree look elegant. 

This year my husband put his foot down and bought a "new tree".  One this takes literally minutes to assemble.  It's only half the diameter of the old one, has white lights instead of colored lights, and seems a bit bare to me.   I guess it's good for us as we are older now and it is much easier to assemble....but I do miss the old one.  It also only holds a fraction of our ornaments.  But the kids needed a bigger tree since they have a little one now, so we gave them our old tree.  I'm happy it still has some use left in it....and we can still visit it so that's nice.  It's harder to see our angel on the "new tree" but she  is happily sitting there now.

I have a separate tree for my cross stitched ornaments.  There are a few that I have made, but the majority of the ornaments on this tree are gifts I've received from other stitchers.  It resides in my stitching room and I love sitting in there with the lights on no matter the time of day.  Again it's another walk down memory lane to look at all the ornaments I've been given over the years.  I love thinking about the people who have stitched them for me and I treasure each and every one.

I know I'll be posting again in a few days, but I want to wish you all, a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year (just in case you don't visit again before Christmas!  Happy Stitching!!

Too much time on my hands...maybe?

I'm entering into the holiday season feeling a little relaxed.  I'm surprised I have all my gift stitching done!  That hasn't happened in a long while!  (Although I could stitch a few more things I guess....we'll see).  Anyway, I have been digging around in my kitted up stash box and finding things I really wanted to stitch...and I thought...why not?  I finished Be Merry and Bright (see the last post) and thought, I have had In Full Glory for ages!  I love patriotic pieces (I have quite a few more in my stash so watch this space!  LOL)  Anyway, though still running around a bit for last minute items, I found time to finish it!  Here is In Full Glory by Blackbird Designs stitched on 40 count Natural over two with recommended threads.

While running around in Target last night I decided to run by the frame aisle to see what they had.  I have been looking for a square frame for Blessings Be Thine by Blackbird Designs that I finished earlier this year.  It took me this long, but I finally found the right size!  I'm sooooo excited to show you my fully finished framed piece.  This was stitched on 32 count Dirty Linen over one.  I really love how it came out...and it's sitting on my mantle as soon as I was able to pop it in the frame!

I'll be stash diving again soon...but I also want to have a finishing day...it's supposed to be a busy weekend for us here at DJ's Digs so we'll see what next week brings.  Enjoy the season, stay safe and warm, and Happy Stitching! 

Be Merry and Bright!

 I can't remember a time when I have been this organized and ready for Christmas.  The tree is up, and mostly decorated...the outdoor decorations are up, the Christmas cards have been sent, all my presents that have to be sent out have been sent, all the ornaments I hoped to make for others are done and given out, and most of the gifts I hoped to buy have been found  (I'm still waiting on a couple of packages to be delivered)...and it's only the first week of December.  Mostly all I have left to do is wrap packages.  How did that happen???  LOL!!

So I decided it was time to stitch something for myself.  I was looking back at all the stuff I stitched last year.  Since I have a stitch pen pal, well two actually, I have tried to send them something once a month.  I fell behind for my British pal, but kept up with my Texas pal.  I stitched an entire advent calendar for my DIL, kept up with the Christmas ornament SAL which included 3 Christmas ornaments a month...one was the 12 Dragonlets of 2012.  I think this year I'll try to stitch a little more of the things I had hoped to do for myself.  My stash is full to overflowing, and still I find myself drooling over other things.  So...I'm going to dig through my stash and hope to stitch those things I really love.  I'm going to start in January stitching on an exclusive I found this year from Hobby House.  I'm looking forward to working with the silks that came with the kit.

I said all that to say, this was the first thing I pulled out of my kitted up stash box.  Be Merry and Bright by The Scarlett House.  I stitched this on 40 count Light Mocha over two.  I'm not sure how I want to finish this, it was finished as a pillow by the designer but I'm horrible at pillow stuffing...haha.  For now I will put it in my finished box and ponder on it for a while.

I am also hoping to finish up a stack of WIPS I have lounging in my closet.  I'm a terrible serial starter!  LOL  I'm making a list and hoping to knock a few things off.  That's another thing I hope to do next year, is do something with all the finishes I have sitting in a box.  I have been experimenting with a few different ways to finish things besides framing...I have tried to  be a little more creative so my pen pal doesn't get bored with the things I send her.  Wish me luck!

I know there will be a couple more posts before the end of the year, so keep watching this space.  I will have a gifted gorgeousness post on the 15th and show what I've sent off to people who live far away.  I hope you all are taking time to enjoy the season and reflect on the important things.  If this year (and last) has taught me anything, life is precious and fleeting...do your best to make it a good one!  Happy Stitching!

And there was great rejoicing in the land!

I know sometimes I joke about my husband, but honestly, I'm truly spoiled by him!  As soon as he got home from work last night we went in search of 1/4" ribbon...and though we still haven't found any red ribbon (why am I not surprised...this close to Christmas?) we did find some white ribbon.  It was all I needed to finish up these last Brooke's Books Advent series.  Just in time to start counting down on the first of December.    We literally searched every square inch of the store...all the places where the ribbon might hide, and found the very last two spools of 1/4" white ribbon in the entire place!  (And of course, in the last and least expected place it could be)  This is a gift for my Daughter-in-law.  I was determined to make them for her this year...Here are the last I had to finish off...

I also finished off the last of the Dragon Dreams 12 Dragonlets of 2012.  I have had these in my stash since she first designed them back in 2012.  I am thankful to Jo over at Serendipitous Stitching who started a group for people who love the 12 Days of Christmas.  LOL!!  This is the third set I have stitched now, and have already decided which set to stitch next year.  The designs are so cheeky...they make me laugh.  I'll have to figure out how I want to display this one, but here are the last 6 I fully finished up yesterday.

I've already decided that this mad dash to fully finish things at the end of the year is just craziness.  I think I'm going to dedicate one day a month to fully finishing projects I have finished stitching during that month.  Now if I can just keep to my promises!  LOL!!  Looking back at my goals page, I have fully finished 82 projects so far this year (4 of them were crocheted items)....26 of them were finished this month alone!  However....I created 139 projects so far this year.  I still have a few more I want to finish before the month is out...though I'm running out of time.  So....watch this space and see if I really accomplish my goals...haha 

Now I'm off to make plans for Thanksgiving dinner...my meatballs have been requested (for those who don't like turkey)  It's about the only thing I make that everyone seems to love...I'm thankful for a Grandmother figure in my childhood who taught me how to make these.  You would never guess the ingredients...but they make really savory meatballs.  I may not make it back before the big day, so in advance, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, and that you find many things to be thankful for this year.  My biggest blessing which I'm most thankful for this year, is the birth of our lovely Granddaughter, and that her parents are giving us quality time to spend with her.  Wishing you blessings....Happy Stitching!

It's All Fun and Games until the Ribbon runs out!

Don't you hate that?  I'm on a roll....I've been fully finishing up things for Christmas and I'm tearing through my finished items....and then the dreaded moment when I run out of ribbon happens.  Production comes to a screeching halt.  I run to JoAnn's in desperation and guess what?  There is no 1/4" white   or red ribbon anywhere in the store.  What dastardly villian has bought all the 1/4"  ribbon?  We had a play date with Aubrey that night so there was no time to go to another store....so this was all I was able to accomplish over the weekend.  All in all I think I got quite a bit done!  I have until Thanksgiving to finish up a few of these so they will reach their recipients in time.   Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Stitching!

Brooke's Books Advent 17-19 Found on the freebie pages of her website.  

Christmas Morning by Sue Hillis with a few alterations.   These all came from the same leaflet.

First Christmas by MandIStitch found on Etsy.

Merry Wishes by Brenda Gervais.

The Winter is Past by Blackbird Designs from the book In Friendship's Way.