It's Fair Time Again!

I was so excited to enter Anne Thomas in the state fair this year.  I love how she turned out! And she didn't disappoint...she won First Place in the Sampler Category!  

I also entered Wonders of the Hubble Space Telescope which won First Place in the small size category...  

2024 Snowman which won First Place in the Christmas Ornament section... 

Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler which won Third Place in the over one category... 

and Carina Nebula won 5th place in the N category.  

Not a bad haul!  I entered my first fair because someone who I thought was a close friend, suggested my stitching wasn't good enough to win anything.  Another person told me my finishing was awful.  Turns out they were both wrong...and have been wrong for a number of years now.  Lesson learned...never value your self worth on those you think are your friends.  Never be afraid to put yourself out there...if you "fail" don't give up!  You can always improve on the parts of you that need work...and be open to work on yourself.  Now go out there and be the best YOU you can be!  Happy Stitching! 

Finally...I got to stitch on Sarah Sanderson today!

And it's about time!  I was able to really make some progress on Sarah today.  

That's all I have to show today...thought you might like to see how I'm doing.  Happy Stitching! 

International Hermit and Stitch Weekend August

Well, it was a busy weekend, but I still found a little time to stitch.  I had other plans, but again, squirrel...lol.  I started the weekend by finishing Chill Out (a Dimensions kit) ...  and completely fully finished it!  Score!  LOL  

Next I picked up Starry Stable SAL by Tempting Tangles.  I had completed the third part during the Olympics...but in the meanwhile, part 4 had been released.  So...Saturday I stitched on part 4...and got caught up!  

I had hoped to pick up Sarah Sanderson, but for some reason, I picked up next month's JCS SAL project, Snowflake Sheep from the 2023 JCS Ornament Issue.  I found this pretty 28 count fabric (Smoke) but quickly realized the size of the fabric wasn't big enough to stitch over two...so over one it is!  I made a pretty good start of it today!  Fingers crossed I can get it finished soon as my fingers are itching to work on Sarah.  We will see what tomorrow brings!  

I got quite a bit more done than I expected, as today was the day I dropped off my entries to the Maryland State Fair.  We had to race around the Baltimore Beltway (always an adventure and usually takes a few years off my life with the hair-raising way people drive...and that includes my husband...love him dearly but the man is a menace on the road!!!)  The weather man said it was supposed to be wicked weather, but thankfully we beat the rain...made it home in record time and even had time to FINALLY have our Anniversary Dinner at Outback.  It was yummy!  

And that's all folks!  Now back to your regular programming (and I'm off to dreamland, it's been an exhausting weekend!  Happy Stitching!  

August Gifted Gorgeousness

Hi fellow stitchers and welcome to my Gifted Gorgeousness post.  If you aren't sure what Gifted Gorgeousness (GG) is, please head over to Jo's blog, Serendipitous Stitching (click here) and read about the challenge "rules".  Basically it can be anything with the word "gift" associated with it.  I have a few things to show, first up is Winter Woodland by Patricia Anne Designs from the 2023 JCS Ornament Issue.  I showed this unfinished last month, but have since fully finished it.  I actually did some finishing today, and while gathering supplies, I happened to find this little frame that was the perfect size.  I think it came from Marshalls, but probably quite some time ago.  

Next is a little freebie I stitched during the "Stitch the Olympics Challenge" I just participated in.  The freebie was Paris Souvenir by Blackbird Designs and it's stitched on 40 count Latte by Fiber on a Whim.  I found the rings on Pinterest, and changed the date to reflect this year.  It's finished on an unfinished wood piece I found at Hobby Lobby I think.   

Next is a gift from my husband for Christmas one year.   This is Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler from The Stitchy Box.  DH gave me the pattern, fabric and floss (I'm pretty sure he had help from someone at The Silver Needle where he bought the supplies.)  I recently had it framed...so it's ready for the State Fair!  

Next is a gift from Christine from Friendly Stitchers group I belong to.  We recently had an exchange where we stitched something and sent it unfinshed.  We were to finish it ourselves.  She sent me this little elf...isn't he cute?  And I found this perfect frame in my stash that came from Hobby Lobby.   I'm pretty sure I showcased the ornaments I sent her a few months back.  

I've been working on a little ornament for my DIL.  She loves sloths so I thought I would stitch this for her for Christmas.  It's stitched on 28 count white over two.  Not quite finished but gettting there.  This came in a kit.  

Next was a gift I received in a summer exchange a few years ago.  It got lost in the shuffle but I just love the colors in it.  This was an exclusive kit from The Silver Needle and is called Autumn Garden by The Scarlett House.  When I showed this in a group I belong to they suggested I make a pin drum.  What a great idea!  Now to figure out how I should go about that!  

Last, but not least, is the gift my husband gave me for our 40th anniversary earlier this month.  This is Sarah Sanderson and was an exclusive kit from Homespun Needlework FB page.  I'm stitching it on 46 count over two with NPI silks.  I can only work short periods of time as it's really a challenge for my eyes, but I love it so far.  Working with silks is amazing!!

I guess that's all I have to show for GG for now.  

I did have a productive day today getting some little things fully finished.  I've finished a few of these lately that were part of the Olympic Challenge I just finished up.  I have a few more that are close to being finished...so you'll probably see them in the future.  Anyway...here are the others I fully finished today.  Summer Posey and Winter Posey by Jeannette Douglas, both stitched on 40 count natural over two.  Both are finished on Charcuterie boards from Hobby Lobby.  

Next is Heart of Spring by Just Nan framed in this cute little frame I found at Home Goods.  You can find a lot of interesting frames there and at Marshalls.  

Next is 2023 Snowman by Primrose Cottage stitched on 36 light khaki over one that fit perfectly into this tiny little frame I found at Hobby Lobby.  This frame is 2" x 2"...so tiny.  

Last is a little kit by Shepherd's Bush called Let Freedom Bloom.  It's stitched on 32 count natural over two.  I finished it on this little star ornament I found in the clearance bin at Hobby Lobby.  I think there were 6 in the box of them.  I've been holding onto them for so long...hoping to find the right size star pattern for them, but thought this fit the bill perfectly!  

I framed the images from the Hubble Space Telescope that was a SAL last year.  I had this framed at Hobby Lobby and it's also ready to head to the fair!  

I framed this one myself it's the Carina Nebula both of these  are by Climbing Goat Designs.  I've always had a fascination with space, and found these to be so pretty!  

Ok, I guess that's all I have to show.  I'm off to get some more stitching done.  I'm hoping all is well in your neck of the woods!  Happy Stitching! 

Stitch The Summer Olympics: Day 17

Day 17...Closing Ceremony - today we were to stitch something we planned to finish in 2024.  I started and finished Heart of Spring by Just Nan.  This is stitched on 32 count Blush over two.  I just love all the little bling that Just Nan adds to her patterns.  

It was fun stitching along with the Olympics, so I'd like to thank the Naptime Stitcher for creating the challenge and I'm so pleased I was able to keep up.   I think I'll miss this, but I have several things that I have to fully finish now...so I'll be busy the next couple of days!  I'll be back in a few days with an update so stay tuned.  For those who have been off to retreats this weekend, safe travels on your way home!  I look forward to hearing all about your adventures.  Happy Stitching! 

Stitch The Summer Olympics: Day 16

Day 16 and the theme was Modern Pentathlon.  We were to stitch something that was part of a series.  I changed my mind again, and started stitching N from the Noel series by Stoney Creek.  I love this series, and collected all the free patterns when they were offered once a month from their website.  This is stitched on 18 count white Anne Cloth over one with 2 strands of DMC.  I substituted some of the specialty threads, so we will see how it turns out.

Busy day today so only put in about 428 stitches.  It's going to work up fast I hope.  The kids were over today getting things from our storage unit.  We had been storing some of the baby stuff that Miss Sassy Pants grew out of.  They are getting her room ready, as she will be moving out of the nursery.  She will be 3 a month from today...but she learns so fast.  Today, while they were sorting and moving I played hot/cold with her.  I would hide something in another room, then she would try to find it by my saying...hot...hotter...oh cold...ice cold...and she caught on pretty quick.  I know I'm partial, but she always surprises me how quickly she learns things.  

I'm not sure how much stitching I will get done tomorrow...we had plans to see a movie, but you know what they say....we make plans, and God laughs.  I'll let you know how the day goes.  Till then...Happy Stitching!  

Stitch The Summer Olympics: Day 15

Day 15 and the theme today was Soccer and we were to stitch toward our GOOOOAL on any piece.  I decided to stitch on Flower Tray Set by Jeannette Douglas as I was nearing a finish.  And I WAS able to finish the tray!  I'm so excited...now I need to fully finish it, but that may take a little time.  Now I only have the pin drum and the needlebook to stitch!  

I picked up two finished items today.  First is Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler by The Stitchy Box.  Not too keen on the frame, but love that it's finished and ready to hang on the wall!

Next is Wonders of the Hubble Space Telescope by Climbing Goat Designs.  This was a SAL last year that I was able to keep up with...and now it's framed.  I really love how this one turned out!  

Well Tropical Storm Debby has left the area.  Looks like we lost power for a short time last night but it was back on by the time we woke up this morning.  There were lots of rain downpours throughout the day but the danger is past.  

Two more days to go before the Olympics are over.  I'm not sure what will happen this weekend, but hopefully I'll get the challenges worked up.  I hope all is well with everyone.  Happy Stitching!

Stitch The Summer Olympics: Day 14

It's Day 14 and the theme was Weightlifting.  Today we were to stitch something we couldn't "weight" to stitch on.  I chose to stitch on Flower Tray Set by Jeannette Douglas.  I kept changing my mind, but my mind kept thinking about this Flower Tray Set.  I love the different stitches, so decided I would go back and stitch on this.  I can't wait to finish it!!  

Well it's been an exciting day here today.  We are expecting Hurricane Debby to arrive.  We have been under a tornado watch since around 6:30 PM until 7:00 AM tomorrow morning.  It's been very quiet except for the rain.  Let's hope it stays that way.  Part of me is afraid to fall asleep...the other half of me is struggling to stay awake (darned Covid has left me drained) so I'll let you know which part of me wins.  For those under the threat of stormy weather...stay safe!  I'll see you tomorrow, Lord willing.  Happy Stitching! 

Stitch The Summer Olympics: Day 13

Moving along!  It's Day 13 and today the theme was Synchronized Swimming...stitch something in a SAL.  I chose Day 4 of the Prairie Schooler's Santas 12 Days of Christmas.  4 Calling Birds...I had a pretty good day today.  This is stitched on 40 count Vintage Country Mocha OVER ONE!  I'm surely a glutton for punishment.  I love how small these are coming out, it's going to look so good when I'm done.  

I finally made it out of the house today and took my pinned pieces to Hobby Lobby.  They called the first day I had covid...and I just didn't have the umph to get there before today.  What a day it turned out to be too...driving through heavy downpours to get there, but I'm looking forward to picking them up!  I'll show pictures of the finished pieces when I get them back.  I also had a mat cut and picked up a frame for the Carina Nebula...that will look good framed too...so stay tuned!  

I hope everyone is safe from Hurricane Debby...still haven't heard from my SIL and her family who live in Florida...I'm keeping everyone in my prayers.  She is due to arrive her soon...I'm slightly concerned after the pouring rain today, the ground is saturated, so any high wind could cause some chaos.  So...everybody stay safe!  Happy Stitching!

Stitch The Summer Olympics: Day 12

 It's Day 12 where the theme was Equestrian and we were to stitch something with an animal.  I picked up this little sloth called Chill Out a Dimensions kit for my DIL.  She loves sloths!  I thought I would make it for her for Christmas.  I didn't get as far as I hoped, but once the Olympics are over I will get it done and finished.  I hope she likes it!  

It's been a good day after the craziness of last week.  Tomorrow the theme is Synchronized Swimming...such an artful event, can't wait to watch some of it tomorrow.  Good night and Happy Stitching!

Stitch The Summer Olympics: Day 11

It's Day 11...I feel like I"m writing a journal about a stand off...lol!!  Today the theme was Gymnastics and we were to stitch something choreographed by our favorite designer.  I chose Flower Tray Set by Jeannette Douglas Designs.  This is stitched on 36 count Legacy over two and I'm using the embellishment packet that was created for it with specialty silk floss and beads.  I love all the specialty stitches, and using the silk is making it lovely and so smooth to stitch.  You'll have to forgive me if I'm not making too much sense.  Little Miss Sassy pants arrived last night unexpectedly and we had her overnight...and most of the day.  While I think I'm over covid...I'm not back up to snuff so to speak.  She's so much fun...but I just don't have all my energy back, so I'm exhausted.  Anyway...here are my progress pictures.  

I love my husband, don't get me wrong, but I'm soooo ready for him to go back to work.  I just need a day with nobody asking for things, or needing my attention.  And with a little luck, Max the cat will let me sleep in.  Wish me luck!  I'm not sure what's on the agenda for tomorrow...and I think I'll just wait  until morning to find out.   I'm just beat...lol.  Have a great day tomorrow...and Happy Stitching! 

Stitch The Summer Olympics: Day 10

It's Day 10...and what a day it's been!  Today the theme was Olympic Village and we were supposed to stitch on something with a house.  I started to stitch on Sarah Sanderson (which was my anniversary gift this year from my husband which I LOVE) but even though the pattern has a house on it, it was no where near where I was stitching, so I abandoned that idea, and chose Autumn Garden instead.  The stitchy fairies were not with me today, I didn't make much progress, but at least you can see the start of the house.  I really like this pattern...I hated to put it down, but you know...life.  Here is my progress...  

So today was my anniversary.  40 years with my trophy husband.  

It's hard to believe it's been 40 years.  It seems to have gone by in a flash but I still feel like the luckiest woman in the world.  From moving our belongings almost the whole circumference of the earth...to finally buying our own home....from being parents to grandparents...from heart throb to heartbreak...in sickness and in health...we weathered it all together.  I thought it was impossible to love you more than I did this day 40 years ago...but I found out not only was it possible, it was beyond measure.  I love you always and all ways.  Happy Anniversary, my Love.  

Ironically we didn't spend it as we thought we would.  We were planning a trip...but found out our kids needed us to babysit tomorrow.  We abandoned those plans (don't worry we will think of something later) and decided a quiet weekend at home would suffice for now.  Instead we got covid...lol and spent the week before lounging around passing germs back and forth.  You know....the "in sickness and in health" part of those wedding vows.  We thought we would order dinner from one of our favorite restaurants and dine in tonight when we ended up having to babysit this evening while her parents made a trip to the ER.  Life is just full of those unexpected turn of events.  So...here's to 40 more years of rolling with the punches.  Next anniversary, let's try to REALLY get out of town and have some fun!  

Meanwhile, back to the blog...tune in tomorrow when I'll barely get any stitching done while Little Miss, Trophy Husband and I have a day full of fun and laughter.  Happy Stitching!