Saturday, November 30, 2024

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!  I'm sorry I'm late...it's been an interesting few days at DJ's digs.  Thanksgiving Day didn't go as planned (when does it around here?  LOL!!) as poor little Miss Sassy Pants was feeling poorly.  The plan was to have it with our son and DIL, but Ms H is still recovering from her surgery, so we went with plan B which was to have it at her mother's house.  The morning of Little Miss Sassy Pants woke with a fever, so they stayed home, keeping GD1 far away from GD2 as we didn't want the little one to get sick too.  Later that day I started feeling poorly so we scrapped the whole day, and I stayed home and stitched.  I was able to finish GD2's First Christmas Ornament.  And here it is...an adaptation of Happy Holidays by Sue Hillis Design.  Stitched on 40 count Vintage Country Mocha over two with a few of the existing toys swapped out for more feminine ones and adding her name.  



The day after wasn't much better as GD2 was feeling worse...and I was no better... so I decided to challenge myself to work on Christmas House by Patricia Andrle from the 1994 Cross Stitch and Country Craft magazine.  I sure miss that magazine!!  I must have been delirious because I kept making counting mistakes...LOL!!  Still there is a lot of counting and relearning different stitches to be done.  I'm excited to finally get it started.  I have had this in my stash along with all the materials necessary for months.  Wish me luck!  Here is where I am so far.  






Even stitching on this fabric is a challenge for me.  The top layer of this project is 25 count.  They call for two strands of floss...It's a challenge to get the strands to lay evenly next to each other so they cover the space.  Who would have thought a smaller count would have been a bigger problem for me?  haha  I'll do better on the bottom layer as that is 36 count.  

Oops almost forgot about finishing the last ornament for the JCS Ornament Facebook group challenge.  This is Gentle Glow by Gentle Pursuits from the 2023 JCS Ornament Issue.  It's stitched on 46 count Bergen Flax over two.  Now I just need to figure out how to fully finish it.  I thought this was such a pretty design.  I wish you could see the sparkle in this piece!  



Ok, I better get off this machine and go set up our Christmas tree.  The Mr. is here chomping at the bit to get started.  He is even blasting Christmas music (poor neighbors!!  It's 9 AM for pity's sake!!)  Thankfully I feel much better today, the headache is gone and my energy is back.  Whew!!  I can't believe the First of December is tomorrow.  I'll be starting to unwrap my Advent Box tomorrow!!  I'm so excited...stay tuned!!  Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Getting some finishing done

Can you believe Thanksgiving is only a few days away?  I thought I was ready, I am NOT!  LOL  I will say, I remembered to start thawing the turkey yesterday so I'm in good shape there!  Just when I think I have the day to myself, something happens to mess up my time.  I'm not complaining, I'm just explaining...I could really use some down time right now!  It's been a wild ride since (in Miss Sassy Pant's words) "Baby Sister Quinn" arrived.  Between  my DIL having health issues, Baby Q not gaining weight, having Miss Sassy Pants here for over a week and then some, I've been flat out busy!  I did manage to take a few hours to get some finishing done, but not the stuff I need to finish to get in the mail to my British friend...so I'm feeling a little discombobulated.  I really should be upstairs trying to figure things out, but here I am, procrastinating (not usually my style).  I'm truly stumped how to finish off the things I want to send....so I guess this is my therapy...lol.  Wish me luck, won't you?  Here are the things I fully finished a few days ago.  

First up is the JCS Ornament for November.  I'm participating in the challenge on Facebook for the JCS Ornaments.  This was the substitute for November.  It's called Comfort & Joy by My Big Toe from the 2023 JCS Ornament issue.  Stitched on 40 count Vintage Pecan Butter over two and finished in a little frame.  



Next up was Give Thanks by Primrose Cottage finished in a little pumpkin frame.  This was stitched on 36 count Summer Khaki over two.  I adore this and it's sitting on my mantle as we speak...finished just in time for Thanksgiving!  



Next are the George and Martha Gobbleton by Aury TM.  I decided to stitch them separately and attach them to this charcuterie board I found.  I thought it was fun with the pumpkin etched in the board.  A Facebook friend of mine saw it and sent a picture of it to the designer who asked if she could display it on her Facebook page.  LOL  I was surprised how much she loved it.  These were stitched on (I think) 28 count hand dyed (using coffee) fabric over one.  It was something I purchased over Facebook and I honestly have no idea what count it is, but it's lovely to work with!  



And last is a gift for my DIL.  She loves the beach, and when I saw this free pattern by Romy's Creations, I thought it fit her to a T.  It is stitched on 28 count white over one.  I like to wander around stores to find inspiration for finishing, and asked my husband to find something "beachy".  He found this chair and it was exactly the right size and color.  What a serendipitous surprise!  It will be a Christmas present for her and I can't wait to see her expression when she opens it!  



I'm hoping to find a frame for Starry Stable...I'm looking through my frame stash later today to see what I have.  I hope I can find something there.  Wish me luck!  

I received the exclusive by Hands On Designs yesterday.  It was wrapped so nicely and all the items inside were so lovely.  I can't wait to get started on it!!  I'm not sure when that will be but hopefully I can start it soon.  Soooo much to do....soooo little time!  LOL  

I also received the Advent Box from Shakespeare's Peddler.  I'm anxiously awaiting December 1st so I can open the first package.  It's right around the corner now!  I'll be posting as often as I can to show what was inside...so stay tuned!  

And for those who have been waiting for their giveaways, I have found envelopes and have addresses ready!  I just have to get to the post office.  I'll let you know when I drop them in the mail.  I'm so sorry it's taking so long, life keeps getting in the way!  On that note, I'll get off this computer and try to wrangle my ducks into a row.  To those who have time....Happy Stitching!  And to all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 22, 2024

Getting some stitching done!

Well it's been a wild few weeks!!  We had our granddaughter here for a week...she's a lively little girl and keeps us on our toes!  I'm sorry to say I haven't been able to get out to get mailing envelopes but hopefully soon!  Once Little Miss went home, I've been feeling a bit under the weather so I've been resting and stitching when I'm awake.  I was able to finish up a gift (I'll post pictures after it's been received), and two items I've been stitching on for a while.  

First up is Give Thanks by Primrose Cottage.  This little piece was one of her Friday Freebies.  On the first Friday of the month she publishes a little freebie.  You can order a kit for the pattern on the week before (if I'm not mistaken).  I had everything I needed here so didn't order the kit.  You will have to sign up for her newsletter to receive the Friday Freebie.  Visit her website (click here) to sign up at the bottom of the home page.  I'm looking forward to her December one!  This was stitchedon 36 count Summer Khaki over two with DMC floss.  I have a frame all ready and hope to get it fully finished soon.



Next up is Starry Stable - Nativity by Tempting Tangles.  This was such a joy to stitch.  I was keeping up with it and then everything went haywire.  I couldn't wait to finish stitching up those gifts before I settled down to finish this one up.  I enjoyed every stitch!!  I'm going to see if I can find a ready made frame for this one, and hope to have it finished soon after Thanksgiving.  



Little Sister to Miss Sassy Pants is finally home.  They were held up because she had jaundice, then Mom had troubles with her blood pressure.  That's why we had Little Miss for so long.  They are both home now, and Little Sister finally has a name.  Quinn Violet (a nod to her Great Great Grandmother who would be honored), and let's hope she is like her namesake...she was a beloved lady by all who knew her.  




I guess that's all the news I have for now.  I ordered the Advent Box from Kitten Stitcher which arrived today and had a peek inside.  I will be patient for the 1st of December when I can open the first package...it will be exciting!  I may post pictures every few days during the month of December if you are interested in seeing what is inside.  

Friday, November 15, 2024

November Gifted Gorgeousness



Welcome to my November Gifted Gorgeousness post.  The lovely Jo over at Serendipitous Stitching hosts this challenge, that we stitch on or with things that have been gifted to us or that we are gifting to others.  You can find out all the information on her blog (click here).   I've not had a lot of time lately to stitch, lots have been happening here at DJ's Digs.  I was able to finish up Moana, a gift for my oldest Granddaughter (did I say oldest?  Why YES, I did!)  While her parents were waiting the arrival of their second child, they moved Little Miss Sassy Pants out of the nursery, into her own room.  She has a new bed...and a new dresser!  So I stitched this over one to make it small enough to sit on her dresser, eye level so she can see it up close.  This was by Neni Designs.  She loved it so much, she ran upstairs to her room to put it on her dresser, then sat on her bed to stare at it for a while.  I got lots of hugs and thank yous!  She's such a sweetie!!  



I have been working on gifts for a few people this past 30 days or so.  I will be sending these out soon!  First is Merry Ewe by Plum Street Samplers.  It was too big for how I had intended it to be finished so I'm exploring new ideas...hopefully by next GG I'll have it fully finished and on it's way.  



Next is To My Friend Pinkeep Stack by Stacy Nash, only I don't think I'll do the whole stack right now...lol.  I just thought this was lovely and hope my friend likes it.  This is another I'm not sure how I'll finish...I'll have to put my thinking cap on soon!  



Next up are Mr. and Mrs. Gobbleton.  This pattern was a gift quite some time ago.  I had hoped to fully finish them in time for Thanksgiving...I still have hope...lol.  I thought I would stitch them separately, then put them in tart pans.  They are too small for the pans I intended, and too big for the white ones...so I had another idea, but time wouldn't permit me to get them fully finished for today.  Soon!!  I hope to get them done before Thanksgiving!!    




Next was Tie One On by Just Nan, the full kit was a gift from a friend as well.  It was stitched and fully finished in a day!  I love how it turned out!  



And last, though truly the best gift, was the birth of our youngest (so far) Granddaughter!  She was born YESTERDAY!!  Just in time for the GG post...lol.  We still don't know her name but we are so thankful she is healthy and HERE!!   I have a video of how her big sister came to share the news, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to load it on this blog.  Let me just say, it is the cutest video!  Anyway, here are my two beautiful Granddaughters!  My heart is full!!  






And that is all I have for this GG post.  I promise I will be getting those giveaways out in the mail soon!  I just need to get my act together, sometime after Big Sister goes home.  Her parents and sister are still at the hospital...so I'll be letting the winners know when I drop them in the mail.  Happy Stitching!!    

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Getting a little finishing done!

Just a quick update this morning as I'm off to help the kids get their house ready for the new baby.  Only 5 days to go!!  

I had hoped to get this finished off for Miss Sassy Pants for her new room but I just couldn't get enough stitching time.  I found the frame during our vacation...so here she is...Moana is framed and ready to go!  



I had another little finish last night as well.  I've been slowly working my way through the letters to Merry Christmas by Owl Forest.  I had already finished the M and the E and last night I finished the first letter R.  These are so cute, and this one is one of my favorites...I live the little Santa and the reindeer.  Stitched on 32 count Summer Khaki over two they sure stitch up quick!



I doubt I'll get them all done before Christmas, but with a little luck I'll have them ready for next year.  I hope you all have a productive stitchy weekend!  The skies look a vibrant blue this morning, I hope it's a great day to get a lot of stuff done!  I don't know what I'll be stitching on tonight...but I have a couple of things kitted up and ready to go...so stay tuned!  Happy Stitching! 

Friday, November 8, 2024

The Giveaway Reveal!!

Hi everyone!  I'm so sorry for the late reply to the giveaway.  Things have been a little wild around here.  We went to Ocean City last weekend for the Ocean City Running Festival to watch our guys run the 5K.  It was pretty cold that morning, but the rest of the time there the weather was much warmer.  




That was the 4th 5K for DS this year so he received a special medal for that!  




While we were away, this sassy little miss picked the winners of the giveaway.  So...without further ado...here are the winners and what they have won!  

Just Nan Tie One On  AND Heart of Spring goes to Katie  

Stoney Creek Noel Banner goes to Catherine  

Needle Love Co Stocking Stuffers goes to Shelly  

Blackbird  Designs Sewing Club AND Margaret and Margaret Doxology Sampler go to Robin 

Sampler Company Motifs Source Book go to Mouse 

Would the winners please email me their addresses to tickledpinkone@gmail.com and as soon as I can (we are about to get really crazy here in the next few days) I will get them in the mail to you.  

Ok, now that the business is out of the way...I'll let you know what I've been working on!  While I was away, I was able to finish up Moana by Neni Designs.  



I love how this came out.  I also found a little frame, so hopefully the next time you see this it will be fully finished and displayed in Little Miss Sassy Pants new room.  

Why does she have a new room?  Because we are awaiting the arrival of a new family member.  None of us know if it's a boy or girl but we are anxiously awaiting their appearance.  Unless they decide they are ready sooner, they should arrive by November 14th.  Can you sense the excitement?  So this little trip was the last trip for the 5 of us together.  Next trip will be super busy with a little bundle of joy along for the ride.  

We stayed a few extra days because we just love Ocean City in the off season.  The businesses are less busy, and have time to be more friendly.  We moved to a different hotel after the kids left, and were surprised to find ourselves on the 12th floor (the top floor).  We had a beautiful sunrise one morning...  



Then a foggy sunrise the next morning...  



And the view from the 12th floor lobby was of the bayside on the opposite side of the building.  



We had breakfast a few times at Layton's...their doughnuts are to die for!  The last day there, we were waited on by two guys who were so funny, they left us in stitches!  



We enjoyed Dumser's Ice Cream (made in house and super creamy), 



and a grand burger from this place.  If you've been to OC, you'll recognize this fella.  



We spent a little time on the boardwalk, 




and played some mini golf.  



And of course we found a new to us Ice Cream spot to and from OC.  



Our new favorite halfway stop is now Vanderwendes Farm Creamery with the ABSOLUTE best Ice Cream I've ever had (especially since they had Maple Walnut!!)  Little Miss loved seeing the cows!  






And of course, no stop to OC would be complete without a little stash enhancement at the Salty Yarns.  My goodness, they are chock full of goodies!  I got a little trim....



a little fabric...



and a whole lot of patterns.  



And while I'm working on Merry Christmas letter R right now, 



I think I'll have to stop and work on one of the goodies I picked up...as well as a Birthday gift and a Christmas gift for my pal in Great Britain.  So much to do....so little time!  And that is all the news I have for this post.  I hope you all are doing well and enjoying some stitching now that the days are cooler but shorter.  I'm certainly having troubles adjusting to the time shift...I love the fall, but the early nights throw me off.  Anway...Happy Stitching!