Last Dance of the Year!

Here I go happy dancing again, but I'm pretty sure this is the last dance for the year.  I've been working on this since mid February.  This was a SAL from Climbing Goats Designs.  When I saw the first image I fell in love.  I've always had a soft spot for all things above!  LOL  I'll be honest and say there was more to this pattern, but I decided to end it here.  I didn't like the writing, I think it was distracting, and I may make a plaque for the piece before I get it framed.  This is Wonders of the Hubble Space Telescope with actual pictures the telescope has taken.  Each nebula that was given had information about it with the pattern.  I'll be making a pocket on the back of the frame with all the information about the photos inside.  I started this February 11th of this year.  It's stitched on 40 count Gothic over two.  Over the  next few days I'll begin planning projects for next year.  Hopefully I'll have a recap of the year soon.  I hope you all have had some relaxing days, have celebrated whatever holidays you chose, and have a safe, healthy and Happy New Year!  Happy Stitching! 

Merry Christmas

Wishing all my friends and family, and friends who have become family, a very Merry Christmas.  My prayer this day is for health, healing, and peace whether physical or emotional, for individuals or nations.  May your day be filled with love and laughter.  Oh...and stitching!  Merry Christmas!

 

Happy Dancing!!

I'm happy dancing tonight!  I received the pattern for Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler for Christmas last year from my husband.  He even got the floss (DMC 356) and fabric.  28 count Vellum.  Yes, I'm spoiled and I really try not to take advantage of that.  

I decided to stitch it with one strand of floss over one linen thread.  I started this at the beginning of September for Sampler September.  To be honest, I'm rather surprised I was able to finish before the end of the year, but I'm super happy it's done.  I decided to personalize it with our initials and the year of our wedding since our 40th anniversary is  next year!  

I was hoping to finish everything I started this year, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen.  I'll be working on Hubble next though...so maybe I'll have another finish before the year is out!  Wish me luck!!  Happy Stitching! 

December Gifted Gorgeousness

Hi Fellow Stitchers, and welcome to the last Gifted Gorgeousness of the year!  On the 15th of each month we showcase our stitching that has anything to do with the word "gift".  This challenge is organized by Jo over on her blog, Serendipitous Stitching.  This could be a gift to someone or from someone, it can even be something stitched with materials gifted to us.  I think you get the idea.  You can hop over to Jo's blog (click here) to see what everyone is working on, or click on the tab at the top that talks about Gifted Gorgeousness to sign up and play along with us!  

December is always a busy month for this challenge.  I've been a little slow this year getting things organized.  I had some last minute "orders" that had to be stitched immediately.  

First off is Christmas Flamingo by Stoney Creek.  I made the first one for my Granddaughter and have already given that to her.  This second one (and I like this finish much better than the other one) is for a coworker of my DIL.  Long story associated with this but I had to stitch it quick and get it finished for her to give to her coworker.  

Another last minute "order" was this.  It is my husband's workplace logo.  Don't be alarmed at the spelling of get'am.  It is actually an acronym.  Believe me, it bugs this A type personality...lol, but you do what you must for the spouse, right?   He swears whoever gets it is going to love it...they sure have peculiar tastes  is all I can say...LOL!!  

The next two you have seen before in the FFO post.  But since they are gifts I'm including them here...along with one that I restitched for myself.  I loved Christmas Cardinal by Stoney Creek so much I had to restitch it for myself.  I said I wasn't going to give the other one away, but I caved...LOL!!  I'm just lucky that I had another piece of the same fabric left.  I really do love this design!  And since I stitched and finished the other one, I found some Mill Hill Treasures to use on it too!  

And of course you remember Baking Spirits Bright from the 2022 JCS Ornament issue.  The recipient loved it!  

Next up is Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler.  This was a gift from my husband last Christmas.  I finally was able to start it September 1st so I would say I've got quite a bit done in such a short time!  I was hoping to finish before the end of the year, but stuff keeps getting in the way...oh well...hopefully I'll still have it finished for the fair next year! 

I was late sending out a gift, so I told her not to peek...and I'm going to post it here today.  Hopefully she will get it soon.  All of these are for the lovely Ms. Mouse over in Jolly Ol' England.  I know that she likes sheep, so this ornament was stitched for her.  This is Spring Sheep by Durene Jones, and I know you've seen it before...lol.  I hope she likes it.  

I also stitched these two ornaments Love and Joy by From the Heart and Christmas Snowflake by Gulia Punti (the snowflake is for her husband).  

The framed picture is Looking For Spring by Blackbird Designs.  Not my best finishing, but I was running out of time.  Sorry Friend!!  

I also sent this new pattern from Brenda Gervais.  I understand they can't get these outside of this country, so I guess I'm her new "supplier".  LOL!!  I had to wait for it to go on sale, then had to wait for it to arrive, so this is the culprit that made me late sending the package out.  Believe me I was sweating bullets...LOL!!  

Last but not least is an Arts and Crafts fair find.  This had my friend's name written all over it!  She loves purple, and she loves sewing...so I thought she would love this sewing box.  Isn't it clever how it folds up into a box, but lays open so you can easily see and use anything inside?  I loved it so much I bought something similar for myself, though it doesn't open all the way like this one does.  Still I think they are fun and useful too!  There were a couple of other things I threw in, but didn't get pictures of.    

I guess that's all the news I have for this post.  Still busy with all the holiday stuff, but I'm hoping things slow down soon, I'm getting tired, and still need to get some shopping done before the big day!  I hope everyone is healthy, happy, and enjoying the season!  Happy Stitching!

2023 Advent Calendar Blog Hop

Hi there!  Welcome to the Annual Advent Calendar Blog Hop!  This is organized by Jo over at Serendipitous Stitching each year to celebrate the countdown to Christmas.   This year I was given the 11th of December.  I have a number of things I stitched this year that pertain to Christmas and the winter season, but I guess I would have to share my favorite piece that I fully finished.  This is Xmas Mandala by Passione Ricamo.  I love this particular designer, she does some elaborate patterns.  I love this one because it shows the true meaning of Christmas for me.  It's hard to see in the picture but the words Love, Peace and Joy are stitched there in the piece.  I love nativities and collect them so this is something I truly treasure.  

We have been asked to share our Santa Stories.  I have always loved Christmas from a very young age.  It always held such magic for me.  My parents wouldn't put up the tree until we were sound asleep on Christmas eve.  We would wake up in the morning with the sheer excitement that Santa had decorated our house and left us presents.  My parents belonged to a fraternal organization in our town that helped people in need, gave scholarships to kids going to college, and other charitable acts.  Each year they would have a Christmas party, one we dressed up for in fancy dresses.  I didn't know it until I was much older, that my Dad was Santa.  He had a gorgeous velvet suit, and would bring presents to all the kids gathered there.  He would visit friends of his who had small children on Christmas Eve and give them the surprise of their lives!  One year, my Mom woke us up excitedly and said she caught Santa in the living room!  I jumped out of bed and and ran to give him a hug and say thank you for all the gifts he had given us each year, still not realizing he was my Dad...I never even wondered where my Dad was at that moment...lol!!  My sister was too scared that a stranger was in the house and stayed in her bed under the covers.  We still laugh about that to this day!  

When my son was growing up, with my husband in the military, he wasn't always home for Christmas.  So our traditions changed a wee bit.  We never lived in a place that had a chimney so we had a Magic Key that we hung on the doorknob so Santa could let himself in.  We would put Santa's name on one gift tag, the present that our son wanted the most (he was allowed to ask Santa for one gift).  One year he asked for a Wii at the very last minute.  They were sold out everywhere and I would check the stores daily.  On Christmas eve that year I found a store that had ONE left and they sold it to me.  I had to sneak it in the house when he wasn't looking.  That Christmas eve we set the game console up in the basement, not under the tree.  Christmas morning he calmly checked out his presents, opening the biggest ones first until he realized the Wii wasn't under the tree.  When all the gifts had been opened, he asked to go downstairs to play while we worked on Christmas dinner.  When he reached the bottom of the stairs and found the console he started jumping up and down shouting He Came, He Came!  LOL  To see his excitement gave us such joy...he's always been such a good kid, it was fun to surprise him like that.  We do have a tradition of hanging stockings, so this little decoration I stitched up this year has a special meaning to me!  

I'm looking forward to seeing our Granddaughter's reaction to the holiday.  She has already had her picture taken with Santa and she did great sitting on his lap.  I'm not sure what traditions they will start with her, but I'm excited to find out!  I can't wait for Christmas this year!!  

To you and your family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming New Year!  Happy 11th Day of December!

Happy Stitching!  

December Fully Finished Gallery

Whew...it's been a wild ride since I last posted for Fully Finished Gallery!  I'm loving the season but my family does seem to get pretty busy!  I'm still working on some Christmas gifts, I really should plan earlier next year shouldn't I?  LOL  Anyway, here we are...another challenge I've been working on.  This one is organized by Rachel on her blog Ten Hour Stitcher.  I found out about her from Jo over at Serendipitous Stitching and have found a lot of inspiration from those two and others who post for this challenge!  It has given me incentive to dig out that box of unfinished things and get busy finishing!  If you click on the names of the blogs above you can visit their sites and see what I'm talking about!  Happy drooling scrolling!  LOL!!  Here is what I've finished since the last time I posted.  

First up is Baking Spirits Bright by Barefoot Needleart from the 2022 JCS Ornament Issue.  This may look familiar to you, I had stitched this for a friend who gives us fudge each year.  I thought it was appropriate for her!  My cousin saw it and fell in love...and since she is a baker too, I thought I would send it to her.  So this is my second attempt!  I've already given it to our friend the fudge maker and she loved it!   

Next is Just a Little Flakey from another JCS Ornament issue.  I lost the information about it (it's been THAT long since I finished it) so it really was time to get it in a frame.  I was looking for something else and found this frame...perfect!  So there it is...finally found a home and is sitting on my mantle now as I type!  

Next is Christmas Cardinal by Stoney Creek.  I had stitched this for a friend of my DIL but once it was finished, I just can't part with it...lol.  I'll have to find something else for her.  I know it sounds selfish, but I honestly give away a lot of things I wish I had kept...and this one truly is my favorite from this year!  

Next is Christmas Flamingo by Stoney Creek.  This may look familiar to you too, as I stitched this one for my granddaughter.  A coworker of my DIL has just lost her husband who loved flamingos.  So my DIL asked me to make this for her without the charms.  I truly love how this turned out...even better than the one I made my GD.  She gave it to her coworker last week and she loved it.  It's always a blessing to have given something that blesses someone else.  

Last is Looking for Spring by Blackbird designs that came from the Nashville Market cookbook from 2023.  I fell in love with this one!  I couldn't find material to make a stand up that looked right...I couldn't find a frame the right size...so I had to improvise.  Still not quite happy with it, but it is what it is.  It's certainly a different finish!  

I guess that's all there is to show today.  I hope you all are healthy and happy and getting ready for the holidays!  Happy Stitching!

I love the holidays...

But they can be exhausting!  I have to admit, though, it's been so cool to see the holidays through a 2 year old's eyes.  Our Daughter-in-law is all about making memories.  I'm honored that she likes to include us!  Little Miss A had eye surgery today, so her Mom was determined to have pictures with Santa, and a few of the memory making events done beforehand.  Needless to say...we've been busy!  

First out of the gate, Thanksgiving!  We celebrated with our DIL's Sister's family.  It's a long drive out there...and of course we got stuck in a traffic jam...lol.  But Miss A sang the ABC's to keep us entertained...and then took a little nap before we got there.  

The next day was Black Friday shopping, then a trip to see Santa.  Isn't she the cutest? 

Saturday was busy with a trip to Valley View Farms, the Amish Market, and Festival of Trees.  Here she is in front of her Fa-la-la-mingo tree.

Whew...and as if that wasn't enough... Sunday was a trip to the National Harbor to see ICE!  The theme this year was Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  I always enjoy these displays, even if it was 6 degrees F (-14C) in there.  I had a sweater, winter coat and the big blue parkas they give you at the event.  I was toasty, but it felt like my face froze....lol...and poor Miss A still has a red nose and cheeks.  

She had her surgery today and she was such a brave little girl.  When they put her in the gown before surgery, she said she was a princess because she had a gown!  She is already bouncing back, and acting like herself.  I'm so relieved she did so well.  

Stitching has always been my go to place when I'm stressed.  I've been working on an ornament for my DIL's coworker.  This is Christmas Flamingo by Stoney Creek stitched on 32 count ice blue over two. 

And I'm also putting some stitches in Beatrix Potter.  I'm down to the last 4 pages!!  

I guess that's all there is to share at the moment.  I hope you all are enjoying the season, staying warm and dry, and keeping in good health!  I'm looking forward to some relaxing days, and reflecting on the reason for the season.  Happy Stitching!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!  This is one of my favorite holidays.  It's not about the food, or that most of our country has the day off.  It's partially about gathering with family and friends, but the best part of this day, for me, is the reminder that we should be thankful in everything.  I've had a wonderful life, honestly.  I've made some incredible friends along the way, I have a wonderful family that enjoys spending time together.  I have everything I need and practically everything I want...what more could I ask for?  While I've had some troubles in my life (who hasn't) they have always brought more good than bad, meaning that out of the trials of life, some blessings have come from them.  I think I have my Heavenly Father to thank for all of these things.  And so today (and everyday) I should count my blessings and be truly thankful.  Even if you don't have "Faith" in a higher being, I think every one of us can find things to be truly thankful for in our lives.  So today, I hope you can dig deep and dwell upon the things you are thankful for, and that you can remember that throughout the year.  May your day be full of blessings, love and laughter.  Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

IHSW International Hermit and Stitch Weekend November

I really lucked out this weekend!  I think it's the last weekend I have that I can just stay home and stitch!  We love our Daughter-in-law...she is a blessing to our family!  She is always thinking of ways we can spend together making memories!  It's hard, sometimes, though as I tire easily lately.  Fortunately for me, I was able to get some stitching done that I was hoping to finish, and continue working on Beatrix Potter.  I can't believe how much I've been able to get done on that sampler!  After having only worked on it for 2 1/2 months, I'm already halfway through!  In case you were wondering what the International Hermit and Stitch Weekend was about, we were to chose projects to work on at the beginning of the weekend, then show our progress on Facebook at the end of the weekend.  Here is what I chose and what I was able to finish...  

First up is Looking For Spring by Blackbird Designs.  This was published in the 2023 Nashville Market Cookbook.  There are a few fun patterns in there I hope to stitch up.  I don't know what it was about this pattern, but it spoke to me!  It was stitched on 40 count fabric over two using substituted fibers, as the ones suggested in the book really  didn't look nice on this fabric.  Now to figure out a way to fully finish it...any ideas?  Here are before and after pictures...  

The other project I worked on this weekend was Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler by The Stitchy Box.  This was a gift from my husband for Christmas last year.  I started it in September for Sampler September, so I think I've made some really good progress in such a short time.  It is stitched on 28 count Vellum over one.  I really do love how it's turning out!  I guess that's all I have to show for this post.  

I'll be working on some finishing today.  With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday of this week, I need to get the rest of those ornaments finished so I can give them out at the feast!  If I'm not able to post before Thanksgiving, I hope all of you celebrating will be safe and find many blessings to be thankful for this year and always.  Happy Stitching!     

November Gifted Gorgeousness

 

Hi and welcome to the Gifted Gorgeousness post for November.  If you don't know what GG is all about, please visit Jo's blog Serendipitous Stitching (click here) and see what everyone is creating for this post.  Basically we are talking about stitch related things associated with the word "gift".  It can be a gift to us or from us, it can be a pattern, fabric, floss etc.  It's a great way to thank those who have gifted us with something as well.  Thank you to Jo, who hosts this challenge!  

We are nearing Christmas so I do have a few things I am gifting to others that haven't been posted in previous GG posts.  To start, this one I am particularly proud of.  This is Summer Sea Ornament by Durene Jones and can be found in her Etsy shop.  She was having a sale, and I couldn't resist this for my Daughter-in-law who loves anything associated with the beach!  I have only done hardanger a few times, so even these stitches were new to me.  This was stitched on 28 count natural over two with a few substituted threads I had in my stash.  I attached the anchor charm to the tassel at the bottom when I finished it.  I sure hope she likes it!  

This next one is another gift to a friend.  This was also a learning challenge for me.  This was stitched on 28 count waterlily over two with substituted floss I had in my stash.  I used wool behind the openings when I fully finished it as I did with the Summer Sea Ornament.  This one is called Spring Sheep Ornament and is also by Durene Jones.  

Next is Christmas Cardinal by Stoney Creek.  This was stitched on 28 count mystic over two.  I have stitched this for a friend of my DIL who loves cardinals.  She has spent Thanksgiving with us the past few years so I thought I would stitch this for her to give on Thanksgiving.  She has become a pretty good friend.  

I consider this next one a gift as it was a freebie given by Ellen Maurer-stroh.  It's called Secret Visitor.  I have had this in my stash for ages and have always wanted to stitch it.  It is stitched on 28 count white over two.  I need to have a finishing day soon as Thanksgiving is fast approaching and I want to have them finished before then!!  

I have been trying to keep up with this next project.  It is called Wonders of the Hubble Space Telescope by Climbing Goat designs.  It is stitched on 40 count Gothic over two.  The final piece was just released on the 10th and I haven't had enough time to get to it...so many things to do this time of year!  Hopefully by next GG post I'll have it finished.  

The next one I'm going to show you is called Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler by The Stitchy Box.  This was a Christmas gift from my husband last year including the floss.  I started it in September and have tried to stitch a little bit each day.  It's stitched on 28 count Vellum over one.  I love how it's turning out!  

Next is a birthday gift from my birthday twin (we were born on the same day 20 years apart!)  She sent this cute little Stitch patch (he is my spirit animal...lol)  I found this bag and attched him to the front, so I have another lovely little project keeper!  Those little bags sure come in handy!  

The last, but certainly not least, are gifts sent from Ms. Mouse over in Merry Olde England.  She spoils me each year with a Birthday/Christmas package.  This year she even included a Christmas gift for my husband!  First up are matching Christmas stockings along with a lovely little ornament!  Aren't they wonderful??  

Next are two patterns, Blue Diamonds (hardanger) and Sew Blessed along with a wooden ornament to decorate and assemble.  

Last is a Project Keeper that she sewed herself!  It's hard to tell in the picture but there are pockets and areas for needles and floss, along with those fabulous vinyl covers so you can see what's in the pockets!  I'm sure I will get tons of use from this, she is such a fine seamstress!!  As I said before, she truly spoils me!  

I guess that's all I have to show for this GG post!  I hope you'll wander over to Serendipitous Stitching and see what everyone else is doing for their GG projects!  Thanks for stopping in...Happy Stitching!