Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  And welcome to the last day of the month of October.  I had sat down several times to write a post, but something always dragged me away...and now it's the last day of the month....so this is the last post you'll be able to post on.  I'm going to give anyone who wants a last chance to comment on this blog post to win the giveaway so I won't draw the name until the 15th of November and I'll announce it on my Gifted Gorgeousness post.  Here is a picture of what you'll be in the drawing for...A little tart with "Be Well and Just Keep Stitching" by Sue Hillis stitched in it.  A small heart shaped button with a pink ribbon in the middle.  Needle Roll and Needle Case pattern by JBW Designs.  Springtime Blossoms by Hob-Nob Designs Inc, with the button included.  Here is a picture of what is included.  

We had a visit from our favorite trick-0r-treater today...who had a costume change before the day was over.  No candy this year, but watch out next year!  LOL  

I hope you all are having a safe and fun Halloween!  Happy Stitching!

Second and Third stitches and more

Yesterday was a productive day!  I've been enjoying learning these background needlepoint stitches.  While we are learning technique, she is also teaching us what we can use these stitches for, what types of fibers we can use to project the effect we want (for example, using very velvet by rainbow gallery for a Santa's coat) and the size of the stitch for the area we are working with.  I've learned so much and I've only had less than 3 hours of instructions!  So without further ado, I'll show you the last two stitches I've learned.

I've learned the Nobuko stitch on Tuesday....and decided to try different fibers to see how they would cover and lay...

Then I learned the Hungarian Stitch yesterday.  I like this one a lot!  The problem with this stitch is that the stitches lie vertically and it's harder to get the coverage I like.  Still, it's a fun stitch!

Yesterday I caught up on the Peppermint Purple SAL with week 41.  It's hard to believe there are only 11 more weeks in the year.  This year has just flown by!!  Here is where I'm at right now.

I was able to stitch another ornament yesterday.  I really need to get some of these finished soon!  I love how this one turned out.  I think I used 28 count Summer Khaki over two.  I used Gloriana Silk, Dutch Red to stitch this.  There is nothing like silk to stitch with...I love it!  

I have a finish of the giveaway, just to tease you a bit....I think there may be time to add another something to the giveaway.  Here is Be Well by Sue Hillis, finished in a small tart pan.  Stay tuned to see what else I can find!  

That's all I have for today, back to crocheting because I have some things I need to finish soon!  I hope you all have made plans for your exams this month...sorry to keep harping but it's soooo  important!  Take good care of yourselves, and remember, the more you comment on posts this month, the better chance you have of winning the giveaway!  Good luck, and Happy Stitching!

First Serendipity Needlework Class complete...

Hi Everybody!  

I had my first class with Serendipity Needleworks yesterday, and I've learned so much already!  We learned the Reverse Mosaic yesterday.  I'm working with 18 count canvas, and used Rainbow Gallery Encore RG95.  I'm not positive it was the right thread for this particular stitch, and I might have used too many strands, but I do like the way it came out.  Ellen Johnson is a good teacher, though I did have to go back and rewatch the video today.  I wasn't used to her teaching style and realize now I should just watch and not try to stitch while she is demonstrating.  LOL  Her class is held at 4:00 Eastern time (3:00 Central time) and is about 30 minutes long.  This is called Fall 2021 Needlepoint Stitch Challenge and is free.  I think you can still sign up using this link...(click here)  She also has a facebook page if you are interested in following her, she may have other stitch challenges...  (click here)

This challenge will run for 5 days...yesterday was the first.  I hope more of you will join me if you can!  She will email you the link, and the following day she will email you the link to watch the videos again but they will be removed on the 28th I believe.  

For those interested in the giveaway, I have finally stitched the piece, and have determined how I will finish it.  This is Be Well by Sue Hillis, a free design I found on the web.  I stitched it on 32 count antique white over one so it's quite small.  haha  I used a pink thread to remind you to get those exams!!  And hopefully you will all stay well!  And don't forget, for every comment left on any post this month, you get a chance to win this little token!  Please remember to get your exams and perform those monthly checks!

I also finished this freebie I found on instagram under dianexstitch.  I used colors similar to the chart she gave, and stitched it on 36 count summer Khaki over one.  Hopefully in the next few days I'll have fully finished this and the Be Well.  I have so many crazy ideas....haha.  

I'm on a roll!  I was able to finish this piece, A Snowy Little Gift by Knotted Tree Needleart from the 2020 JCS Ornament Issue.  It's stitched on Crystal Serene Opalescent...it truly looks better in person...haha I know the snowman looks a little lost in there, but c'est la vie.  I think he will look fine under the lights on a Christmas tree!

For those who asked, I had such a nice birthday.  The kids came over and brought Little Miss A.  Gosh she grew so much in just a week!  My sweet boy brought me these.  My Dad would always buy my Mom Russel Stover chocolates for her birthday, anniversary, and Valentine's day.  Mike would too...and now my son brings them to me too.  Such a sweet gift, and so full of memories now that both Mom and Dad are gone.  

I also got my annual Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting.  Um...a little added surprise....alphabet soup!  LOL  I truly love my family!

And that, as they say, is all that's fit to print!  Hope you all are enjoying the change of seasons, and are happily stitching!  Take care, won't you?

October Gifted Gorgeousness and more

I apologize in advance, this is going to be a long one.  And I'm a bit late for Gifted Gorgeousness, seems I've entered a rat race lately and I'm doing my best to keep my head above water!

Where to start?  Hm...Well if you've ever been to my blog before you know the rules for Gifted Gorgeousness (AKA GG).  Jo over at Serendipitous Stitching has been wrangling hosting our little group for a few years now.  I'm ever so grateful because without this challenge, I'm sure I would have given up blogging long ago.  I don't get many comments as I used to, I guess floss tube has become the new "thing to do", but I am grateful for the ones who comment regularly, you know who you are and I truly appreciate you!  If you haven't been here before, WELCOME!!  You can find the rules and sign up to join us here.  And if you want to see what everyone else is doing...you can find the monthly sign up here.  Please visit Jo's blog, she has some phenomenal stitching, I always enjoy a good snoop....she's so good at enabling!  

Basically GG is all about stitching gifts....items such as fabric, floss, patterns, or kits, even things fully finished and sent to us or things we have sent to others.

Many of you already know that October is my birth month....and actually today is my Birthday!  I have been receiving gifts from my pen pals, from Texas and from the UK.  They even BOTH sent gifts to little Miss A.   She's going to be the best dressed baby in town!!  I'm a spoiled stitcher!  AND, my husband took me to a new store last week and I loaded up on goodies as part of my present then too.  Here is what I've been gifted...

From my UK Pen Pal...I received these...a scissor fob and floss keep.  I've been doing a lot of patriotic stitching lately, and bless her, she keeps track of what I've been working on.  I am so behind in sending her the monthly stitching I promised but here is what I've stitched to be sent sometime soon!  Here is what I stitched for her last month (but haven't sent yet)  This is a Little House Needleworks monthly chart for September.  I have October kitted, just haven't found the time to stitch yet...

From my Texas Pal...I received a huge box of goodies.  I have had so much fun stitching for her and our boxes to one another have been a joy to prepare and recieve.  Here is what I stitched for her this past month....I need to get stitching for her for this month, I'm so far behind!  This is what I sent to her last month.

From my husband...here are the goodies I found at Stitches Unlimited.  I can't wait to get started on some of these!

As for gifted stitching...let's see.  I promised I would stitch something for the giveaway this month.  If you haven't heard, I'm having a giveaway at the end of this month to anyone who has commented on any of the posts this month.  The more you comment, the better chance you have!  I've chosen a freebie to stitch by Sue Hillis and I'm stitching it in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness using pink thread.  Here's the beginning....I'm not sure how I'll fully finish it yet, but here's a sneak peek!  Get those exams in ladies, both your own monthly and those periodically suggested by your health care team!

Ok, I consider the Just Cross Stitch charts I stitch to be gifted, because my DH has always gifted me with subscriptions.  I finished these two in September.  This is Snow Day by from the 2016 ornament issue and Santa and Helper from the 2021 ornament issue.

I've been working steadily on the Winter Quaker SAL that was gifted to me last Christmas from DH.  I'm keeping up...miraculously!  

I've been trying to keep up with the Modern Folk Embroidery SAL, but goodness me there is a lot of stitching!  I'm working on the October section, but it's coming along slowly!  This was also a Christmas gift from DH.

I also managed to catch up with Peppermint Purple SAL.  I consider this part of GG because the patterns are free.  If you like blackwork, you can still get in on the SAL as it's going on all year.  Patterns are released once a week and usually only take a few hours to complete.

I've been crocheting a lot lately, and while checking out some crochet sites on the internet, I found this lovely CAL (Crochet a long).  I have seen similar patterns before and dreamed of making one.  Well this one is so well organized, there are pictorial guides, video guides, and written instructions galore!  How could I pass this up?  So as part of my birthday gift, DH drove me to Hobby Lobby and I picked out the yarn I would need.  After a few disastrous starts, I finally got to this point which is only halfway through part one!  Five have been released, there are still 3 more to go.  Hopefully I'll catch up soon...I'm too easily distracted...did someone say Squirrel? 

I'm getting ready for a free Needlepoint Class today via Zoom....here's some of the things I have set aside to start.  More pictures next month!  Wasn't it sweet they started the class on my birthday?  

And lastly I'm going to share a little bit about the trip we took to celebrate my birthday.  If any of you watch Expedition Unknown, or saw Destination Truth, or were entertained by Josh Gates tonight on the Discovery or Travel Channel, you'll know who Josh Gates is.  I've been following his adventures for years now, and we heard he was coming to the Mohecan Sun to give a little talk about his expeditions.  He is so funny and entertaining, we had a really nice time.  I didn't want to pay the extra amount to meet him in person, though that would have been awesome, so no pictures with him, but we did sneak one while he was talking.  I'm not sure I want to join him in any of his travels, but I do enjoy learning about the many different places he goes and things he discovers.  I'm half tempted to pay for the Discovery + streaming just to see back episodes of his travels.

We left there, played a few games of mini golf at a really fabulous course near Lancaster, then took in a performance of Queen Esther at Sight and Sound.  We've been there many times and have never been disappointed.  The costumes and the set designs, the music and those singing it is just phenomenal, and you feel like you're right there in those villages in ancient times.  If you ever have the chance to go....it's an experience you'll never forget.  We already have tickets to see David next year.

Many of you know that we participate in the yearly Baltimore Run Fest in honor of  dear Katie (Ben's first fiance who passed from Cystic Fibrosis).  We were going to be away for the fest this year, but still signed up so the money is donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  We did our 5K virtually and received our medals and t-shirts.   While we adore our Daughter in law, we will always have a special place in our hearts for Katie.  It is the 20th anniversary this year, I'm bummed we weren't able to participate in the excitement of the fest.

Guess that's it for this month.  I hope you all are staying healthy and safe.  Keep on stitching!  And hopefully I'll have a few more posts before the month is over so you'll have a few more chances to win the giveaway.  Happy Stitching!  

Stitches Unlimited

It's been a wild ride lately.  I thought once Ben was out of the house, or once he got married, we would have more free time.  That will teach me to assume anything!  LOL!!  We decided, after the wild ride leading up to our Granddaughter's birth, we needed a little time away...and besides, my birthday is coming up so it was time to have  a little getaway.  I will write a longer post soon about our other adventures, but for now I wanted to share a little about a shop I stopped in on the way home, Stitches Unlimited.  

From the sounds of things, some stitchers I know locally have been there before.  Hm...why haven't I been told about this nugget that is only 1.5 hours away?  Sheesh!!  I would have visited a few others but they are only open certain days of the week and we were on our way home...so...let me share a little about this needlework store...

Stitches Unlimited is in Lancaster, PA.  Just a hop, skip, and jump from where I live here in Maryland.  I was surprised how much they had jam packed into this little space, but I was headed there to find some materials for a stitch challenge I signed up for that starts on October 18th.  Our local LNS is closed currently, with no opening date, so I was desperate to find some things for this  needlepoint class.  When I entered the store there were already a few customers there, one with a delightful and friendly dog named Molly.  I pet her for a wee bit, then she began following me around the store....LOL  I'm beginning to think I have animal magnetism...but I digress.  What I thought was charming is they had treats for Molly there...I found that heart warming!  

The ladies who were working were delightful and so very helpful.  I asked for help with the items I needed and they were very happy to help even giving advice on what types of fibers I should use for the 18 count needlepoint canvas I was buying.  They also helped me find some pink fabric I needed for a Just Nan project I hope to start in a few weeks.  I picked up a pack of different kind of needles that I have not seen before...we will see how they work.  I also found a Blackbird Designs book I've been looking for.  They even showed me a shop exclusive kit they were offering in their shop.  It's adorable, in the shape of a 3D pear, with a small sampler stitched on the front.  Of course I had to order one (they were out of them at the moment) and it will be shipped when they receive it in the store.

I mentioned the shop is very compact, but things are easily seen, and if you needed something you couldn't find, they knew exactly where to look, it was very organized.  I know I'll be back in that area again because it is near a place we visit once a year or so.  I am looking forward to my next visit there!  If you are in the area, it's definitely worth the visit!  They will do mail order as well, so you can call or email.   I told them I was going to write this blog post, and asked their permission to take pictures.  The information is :

Stitches Unlimited

715 Olde Hickory Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

717.560.9416

stitches721@gmail.com

Oh yeah!  I almost forgot!!  Remember I am having a giveaway at the end of this month for those who comment on any post this month in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.  Please remember to have your yearly exams and do your own monthly exams.  There was no cancer in my family when I discovered I had breast cancer, so it's very important to know your body and get checked.  Leave a comment on the posts this month....and you will have a chance for each comment you leave.  The drawing will be at the end of the month.  I am currently working on a cross stitch piece and will have previews soon!  So check back often!  Happy Stitching everyone!

Winter Quaker is caught up!

Well I worked long and hard yesterday and got caught up on Winter Quaker SAL.  I guess my eyes are getting used to stitching on the dark fabric, it seems to get easier with each motif.  I will be glad....and a little sad....when this SAL is over.  Only two more months to go!

I don't know if any of you follow Lesley Teare, but she is beginning a new SAL (new portions go up every Wednesday on her blog) that has Christmas motifs suitable for cards, if anyone is interested.  Here is the link.  (Click here)

In one of the groups I belong to on Facebook, today is WIP Wednesday.  I'll be spending part of the day with my DS, DDIL, and DGD.  After all the work we put in over the weekend, it will be nice to sit and chit chat (and deliver a package that arrived at our house...shhhh....even I don't know what's in it!!).  BUT hopefully I'll be able to put a few stitches in Modern Folk Embroidery SAL...now that we are past all the big solid portions, hopefully I'll be able to stitch it up quick and move on...with Christmas coming, I have a lot of stitching to get done!!  LOL!!!

I did a little searching yesterday and came up with a few cross stitch patterns I may try to stitch up for the giveaway.  I think I'll get away from the pink ribbon things...and do something along the lines of Be Well.  There are a lot of them out there so now I just have to narrow it down.  So remember...each post you comment on during the month of October gives you a chance to win...but also, please remember the most important part...plan to get your breast examinations!  I hear they only offer them every three years in the UK, so make sure you do your monthly exams too.  We are our best defense against the disease!

By the way, for some reason google is not letting email from my blog into my email server...I'm doing the best I can to reply, so if you don't hear from me, I apologize...still trying to work out the kinks.

Off to get my act together, I need to do a little shopping today too.  Stay safe and well, and Happy Stitching!

I found a model for my dress!

Our Granddaughter was so exhausted after helping us move her into her new apartment, that she fell into a deep sleep....so I took the opportunity to put her dress on over her onesie,  just to see if it would fit.  I'm just so in love with this little lady, and cherish each and ever snuggle I get!  It took us 3 days to get the kids moved into their new apartment and clean their old apartment....moving is never fun...

I didn't get a lot of stitching done this weekend, but only have a little bit more on the Winter Quaker October part, so will be back soon to show pictures.  

Remember, every time you comment during the month of October, you will get a chance to enter in the giveaway (which I still haven't decided what it will be).  I'm having trouble replying to comments, so forgive me if you don't get a return email.  I'm doing the best I can (sometimes the internet gives me gray hair!  LOL)  Till then, Happy Stitching!  Stay safe and well, won't you? 

Welcome October! Breast Cancer Awareness

Hello Fellow Stitchers!  It's October and my favorite month for a lot of reasons!  First, it's fall...and my favorite time of year!  The weather begins to cool down, and the days seem to be less hectic.  It's also my birthday month!  Yippee!  For many reasons I love celebrating another "trip around the sun"...this year in particular, was a year of joy for me!  I got to celebrate a year of having a Daughter in law (who loves stitching!), and the year of our first grandchild.  Can it get any better than this?  And last, October is the month I get to nag  encourage you to get your yearly breast exams.  

Many of you know that I am an 11 year survivor  Breast Cancer.  I am one of the few who never had a history of breast cancer in my family.  I don't drink, nor do I smoke, and I really don't have any of the usual precursors to the disease.  I was still in my 40's, healthy otherwise, and was considered "too young" to have had the disease.  Still I had been getting my yearly mammogram since I was 45.  They found it while it was very small, but even then, it had already spread to my lymph nodes.  I'm telling you all this, because it came out of the blue for me, and given that 1 out of every 8 women will contract this disease, you never know who it will affect.  It is always better to be safer rather than sorry.  Please, for those you love and care for, and for yourself, have your yearly check up!  Those who matter to you will thank you!

I usually have a giveaway this month for those who comment and make plans (or have made plans this year) to have a breast exam.  I've had an incredibly busy year and have a lot of things I need to do before December this year, so I will need to get my thinking cap on and decide what I'm going to include in the giveaway.  I've made things in the past, given away patterns, and other things, so I'm not sure what I'll do this year.  (with the birth of our grandbaby last month, October snuck up on me rather quickly)  I'll be nagging reminding you to get your exams all month, so stay tuned, I'll post soon what I plan on giving soon.  Any comment made this month will be included in the giveaway.  Only comment once for each post, but if you comment on more than one post, you will get another chance in the drawing at the end of the month.  Clear as mud right?  Hopefully you understand, and I'll be back soon with what I will be giving away.  Good luck!

To keep you interested, here is something I finished recently...this is September by Little House Needleworks.  I've been stitching these for my British pen pal and I've fallen behind.  I need a little kick in the rear to get motivated so I can catch up again!  LOL  

Happy stitching, everyone!  And don't forget to get those yearly exams!!