Feeling MERRY

So... I've been a bit busy the past few days.  After finishing the Gather Winter series I took a look around at what I wanted to stitch next.  After I had finished Christmastide Sampler I never really got back to finish up the ornament that went with it.  So...I pulled that out and stitched it up.  I can't wait to fully finish the two of these now.  While I was hoping to finish them before the end of January...my plans went a little cattywampus but I'll get into that later.  Here is the ornament stitched on 32 count Chalkboard Black over two.  I love how this turned out.  

Once that was finished I knew I only had a little time each day so picked up something small that would be easy to pick up and put down as needed.  I took a look at some of the things half finished and found Merry Christmas by Owl Forest Designs.  One of my goals this year is to finish the rest of the letters.  So...I finished the second R and the Y to make the full word MERRY.  This is a relatively easy project to carry around with me.  There are only 3 floss colors needed and 1 metallic thread.  I love the petite treasure braid as it covers well, only uses one strand, and is so easy to work with.  I have all the little hoops to fully finish each letter so when I'm finished stitching, I pop them in the hoop and voila'.  Easy peasy lemon squeezy!  These are stitched on 32 count Summer Khaki over two.   I love how each letter (even the duplicate letters) have their own different motifs surrounding them.  So cute!

   

I'm not sure what I'll pick up today, things are about to get busy here at DJ's Digs.  While our DIL still has some time left for her maternity leave, the business she works for is in desperate need of trained workers.  Several are out for various reasons and there is work that needs to be done by experienced hands...so...she has decided to go back a few days a week.   I was able to watch Miss Q on Monday (boy was I shattered by the end of the day) and will watch her again on Friday.  DH is having a procedure tomorrow which requires anesthesia and will need a driver so I'll be busy taking care of him.  Hopefully he will be sleeping the rest of the day afterward so I might be able to get a few stitches in then.  Wish me luck!  (Sometimes a sick DH is more work than a 2 month old...hahaha).  I have had people tell me I should be working, but when things like this happen, I'm happy to be available to help in other ways.  I've tried working since I finished chemo and it's just too overwhelming to me, and life is too short  to put up with the nonsense and body aches and pains.  It truly is a blessing to me to be able to help my family in other ways.  

And on that note, I'll get off this machine and go figure out what I'm going to do for the rest of the day.  I hope you all are safe and warm wherever you are.  I hear they are getting more snow in the North Country today, so I'll be praying for safety for my friends and family back in NY state.  My prayer list is getting very long as I'll be praying for the hurricane victims, and the Californians dealing with the fires, along with some friends who have asked for specific prayers for family and friends.  And as always, I'll be praying for our country.  Stay safe!  Happy Stitching!  

Gather Pinecones

I really wasn't expecting to finish this last night.  I guess because the letters were all the same color it went by much quicker than I expected.  Well, I love how it turned out.  Now to figure out what to do with those paddles.  I don't want to use them as they are, they do need some type of finishing on them.  I'll have to search around and see what I have.  I would really love to fully finish them before the month is over (a new goal I set for myself, but one I don't anticipate really doing).  Here is Gather Pinecones, the last of the Gather Round - Winter series.  I really do love these.  

As I was finishing this one up last night I was contemplating what I would begin stitching today.  I still have the ornament from the Christmastide Sampler kit that I received from the Hands On Design exclusive last year.  I want to finish stitching that before I fully finish the sampler and do them both together.  I guess that's next on the agenda then.  

I was talking with a friend of mine and we were discussing afghans.  I had started crocheting one a few years ago and put it aside to do something else for a bit, and never got back to it.  I dug it out the other day and thought ... crocheting a blanket in the wintertime is a good thing to do!  So...that may be another project in the very near future.  I'll show pictures the next time I post.  

Well, I guess that's all the news for now.  My thoughts are with the people in California as another fire is raging there.  They are also with the people who were affected by the hurricane last fall.  It just seems that the natural disasters keep getting more and more violent, or is it just my imagination?  I also learned that our Great Nephew, who is two years old I believe, is in the hospital with a combination of the flu and Covid.  Please pray for him, I've seen pictures that they have sent, he's so tiny...it's heartbreaking.  Thank you for praying with me.  Stay safe wherever you are today.    

Quilted Pinecones

Good Morning fellow stitchers!  I have been working on the "Gather" series by Hands On Designs.  She has done a series of them for the different seasons.  The first one "Gather Winter" is the set I have been working on.  There were three in the set, Pinecone Cabin, Quilted Pinecones, and the last is Gathering Pinecones.  I have finished the first two and started Gathering Pinecones last night.  I'm looking forward to getting them finished so I can display them...aren't they fun?  I'm hoping to get all 4 sets of them done this year...wish me luck!!  Just a little recap, here are the first two.  

Pinecone Cabin...   

Quilted Pinecones (finished last night)...   

and the start of Gathering Pinecones that I started last night.  Yes those letters are stitched over one...AYE!!  With a little luck I'll have finished them by the time the weekend is over...but you never know...  

So what are you all working on?  Are any of you experiencing the crazy winter down south right now?  We have had snow on the ground for more than a week now which hasn't happened in quite some time around here.  With the freezing temperatures we have had (also unusual to have for this long) I haven't ventured out of the house much since it started.  The way our house faces, there is a layer of ice where the sun doesn't hit that doesn't melt right where we park our cars...so I hesitate to go anywhere right now...though I did go to the dentist yesterday.  The roads were fine, but getting to the car was an adventure!  LOL!!  

I learned the other night that I will have Miss Q a few times next week as her mom has decided to go back to work part time while so many of her coworkers are out sick.  We got a pack and play last night so she will have a place to sleep while she's here.  I'm looking forward to her visit...but I know she will be keeping me very busy!  I love babies so it's all good.  After her mom goes back to work full time she will spend some time in daycare and I will have her one day a week.  Miss A will be here on a different day each week.  I love spending time with the grandkids...bonding is so important!  And I know that when they start school I won't have as much time with them...so...bring it on!!  

That's all the news I have for today.  I hope you all are well and warm wherever you are.  Happy Stitching! 

Belated Christmas Gift

It was a busy day at the Powers house today.  We watched the inauguration until the kids showed up with a birthday dinner for Mike.  His birthday is tomorrow but since the guys were off today we decided to celebrate early.  It's always a good day when the family is together.  Our littlest princess is growing by leaps and bounds.  The kids left the girls with us as they did a little shopping, so we got to spend quality time with them.  And I found out today that I'll be spending one day a week with each of the girls...so two days a week I'll have one at a time.  I can hardly wait!!!  Mike was in charge of taking pictures...lol...so I didn't get a picture of Miss Sassy Pants, but here is one of Miss Q.  

She is becoming more animated and checking out her surroundings.  She sure has a temper, but when she's sweet, she's a sweetheart.  

I didn't take pictures of the gift I received last week from the Lovely Ms. Mouse until today.  She sent some lovely gifts and I loved them all.  Because of the cost of postage we have decided we will only be sending flat packages so this one will be cherished.  As always I was very spoiled.  I loved it all, and especially this bag she sent.  I can see so many uses for it, I'm excited to use it!  She is a talented seamstress and stitcher.  Thank you so much, Mouse!   

I started working on Quilted Pinecones last night.  I haven't had time to stitch today, so I'll show you how far I got last night.  I'm looking forward to getting this one finished!  

Next I think I'll work on Christmastide Christmas Ornament.  Getting these things finished is making me feel so accomplished!  And on that note, I'll bid you goodnight.  I'm exhausted taking care of two little ones...I think I'll sleep really well tonight!  Happy Stitching!!   

Finishing Day at the Zoo

It's amazing the stuff you can get done when the weather is bad and you're forced to stay home.  LOL!!  It was raining/snowing/sleeting/freezing rain today.  The roads are a mess...I'm so thankful for my warm house, money to pay the electric bill, and all the finishing supplies anyone could ask for!  I helped someone destash their home a few years ago, and got all these frames.  I've been using them up little by little, but I still have quite a stash downstairs.  It's amazing to me that I am able to find some that fit so well!  Anyway...here's a rundown on what I finished up today.  

First up is Mary and Jesus Stained Glass Ornament by Snoflake Stitchery from the 2019 JCS Ornament Issue.  I stitched one and finished it in 2020 I think.  But this is one I made for a friend of mine.  It is stitched on 28 count black over one.  I struggled to finish this one...I won't go into details, but let's just say, that was one tough finish!!  I sure hope she likes it!  

The second finish is this little purple flower teacup pincushion finish I made with Pansy Wreath by Janlynn.  This was stitched on 40 count antique white over two.  Sometimes I can make these look good, sometimes not so good.  I did love that little cup.  

Next up is Snowplace Like Home by Primrose Cottage stitched on 36 count Vintage Country Mocha over two.  This was a fun stitch!  

Next is Fiona Rutherford 1866 by The Wishing Thorn.  I love this little sampler.  It was stitched on 28 count mystery hand dyed coffee fabric.  

And last but not least is Singing Sparrow by Sweet Wing Studio stitched on 32 count light blue fabric over two.  I finished stitching this in March of last year, then waffled in how I wanted to fully finish it.  While looking for frames for the other two today, I found this one and thought...I wonder.  I can't believe it fit!!  I'm looking forward to setting this on my mantle in the spring.  

And that's all I have for now.  I picked up the second piece of the Gather Pinecones trio today to start stitching.  This one is called Quilting Pinecones...and while I don't have a picture of it right now...I'll show you progress on the next update.  So...not bad fully finishing 4 of the 6 things I've finished so far this year!  I hope to fully finish Christmastide Sampler soon.  I have all the materials needed...but I'm going to wait until I finish the ornament that goes with the kit and finish them both together.  That's my plan and I'm sticking to it...haha.  

I hope you are safe and warm wherever you are tonight...Happy Stitching!      

Pansy Wreath

Well I finally settled on something to stitch for my friend...I guess I should say some things.  First up was Pansy Wreath by Janlynn.  This was a freebie I found online and had a printed copy in my stash.  She loves purple...and I think I have a unique plan of how to finish it...so watch this space!  

I stitched an Angel ornament for her some time ago and she keeps it hanging year round...so I thought she might like another ornament to hang with it.  Here is the start of Mary and Jesus Stained Glass ornament from the 2019 JCS Ornament Issue.  I stitched this for myself several years ago...and a lot of folks liked it...knowing her I think she will like it as well.  As soon as this one is finished I plan to have a finishing day at the zoo.  Wish me luck!  Sometimes the things in my head don't translate into finished projects like I think they will...hahaha.  

I got a text from her today that she dropped Mike's hat in the mail...I better get busy!  We are expecting snow and freezing rain over the next couple of days so I have no excuse!  Off I go...Happy Stitching!

Pinecone Cabin

Hello Fellow Stitchers!  The last time I was in Ocean City, I found this series of patterns by Hands On Design.  They will be easy for me to fully finish, and there are a set for each season.  I bought the fabric I would need for all of them...32 count Vintage Smokey White.  Once I finished with Fiona, I started with the Winter series and stitched Pinecone Cabin.  What fun pieces these will be!  Here is a picture of the set...   

and a picture of Pinecone Cabin finished.  

The last few days I've been feeling "unsettled".  I made a promise to stitch something for a long time friend (a former college floormate).  I have such a hard time deciding what to stitch...lol...but she knitted a hat for my husband so I guess I better get my act together and decide...  this is always the hardest part for me, I truly agonize over what I think they will love...wish me luck!  

I have a few things lined up to fully finish...hopefully by the next update I'll have them ready to show.  Off I go...  I hope you are all healthy, warm and happily stitching!   

Fiona is finished...and more...

Good Morning!  The sun is shining but it's still pretty cold out there.  I hope all of you are safe and warm wherever you may be!  

The weather was not too inviting to be out running around over the weekend.  We got a few inches on Friday night/Saturday morning so that prompted me to hunker down and hibernate.  In other words...bring on the stitching!  I was able to finish Fiona Rutherford by Sunday night.  I'm not really sure what drew me to stitch this particular sampler, other than that little red house.  I love the color!!  Anyway...hopefully...finishing her this early in the month of January will bring blessings on our home.  I'm going to scrounge through some frames I have lying around and try to actually get her fully finished before the month is over!  Wish me luck!!

Fiona makes the third finish this year!!  I really need to engage my brain and get some things fully finished.  Speaking of which...the recipient of some finishes I had last year has finally received her package!  Yay!!  So now I can show you what I've been keeping hidden.  I told you I had finished To My Friend Pinkeep by Stacy Nash which was stitched on 40 count Vintage Country Mocha over two.  I was able to find a frame in my stash that worked perfectly!!  From the sounds of things, she really liked it!

I also finished off a few ornaments for her...one was Christmas Ornament 98 from the JCS Ornament magazine 1998 Issue.  I started it years ago, and while cleaning out my stash closet, I found it half finished.  I stitched it up and fully finished it...though I wish I had done something a little different...I have to say I had a hard time parting with this one, I really love how it turned out!

I also sent her Snowflake Sheep by Counting Puddles from the 2023 JCS Ornament Issue.  I know how much she loves sheep!  Another one that was hard to part with, I just thought it turned out so cute!  Good thing she is well loved by me!  Hahaha

She also received Merry Ewe by Plum Street Samplers stitched on 36 count vintage country mocha over two (the chart said it would fit into a tart pan which I had waiting in the wings...it did not!!).  I hunted and hunted for a way to fully finish this, that is what held me up sending it off before Christmas.  I finally found the cute little plate (on sale at Kohls!!) and then I couldn't figure out how to trim it off.  I just couldn't see it finished in my head.  I found the trim at Home Goods while searching for a frame thinking that would have been the easiest way after the tart pan didn't work...lol.  Anyway, it's safe in her paws as we type.  After all that craziness, I love how it turned out!!  Sometimes waiting for the creative juices to flow is the worst part of stitching!  LOL!!

I want to thank those of you who have offered prayers along with me for the people of California affected by the wild fires.  I was reminded recently by a few different people that there are still people displaced by the terrible floods and tornadoes that were caused by Hurricane Helene.  Thank you for the reminder, and I have added them to the top of my prayer list.  It will take years for those in remote areas to rebuild and get the kind of help that those in more populated areas will receive.  I have donated to Samaritans Purse and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries because those foundations have less overhead than the Red Cross.  More of your money goes to those who actually need it...not to say the Red Cross isn't good at their job...but in all honestly I think Samaritan's Purse was more helpful during the hurricane disaster.  As for watching the news, I only catch it briefly here and there...living with a political science geek has it's disadvantages lol.  Although I have learned a lot about "behind the scenes" activities of those "in charge" from him.  He graduated Magnum Cum Laude so he really is a wealth of information on the constitution and things pertaining to government.  I do like to stay somewhat informed.  

On that note I will get off this machine and go look for a frame, gather my finishing supplies, and get moving.  Little Miss Sassy Pants will be here this afternoon for a bit while her little sister goes to a Dr. appointment.  I guess it's silly to get excited about seeing her, but she truly brightens my day.  I sincerely can't wait!  My mother used to say...So goes Monday, So goes the week.  If my week is starting out with a visit from GD1 than it's going to be a great week!  Take care and try to find something that brings a bright spot to your day!  Happy Stitching!

Fiona Rutherford 1866

I know I've been talking about this pattern by The Wishing Thorn for a while now.  It kept popping up in my newsfeed on Facebook so often that I finally decided I would gift it to myself as a Christmas present as it was on sale.  I started this on the 6th of January as my Blessings Sampler.  I would say I'm about a third of the way through.  I just love that little red house with the blue trim and wonder if that is what her house looked like.  It was suggested that it be stitched over one on 32 count...but I had some mystery coffee dyed fabric that I thought I would stitch it on.  Turns out it's 28 count, but that's ok, I still like how it looks.  So here she is in 1/3 of her glory...lol.  I'm hoping things will go faster now that that little house is finished.  Wish me luck!  I need all the blessings I can get!  

My heart is breaking over the wildfire stories coming from California.  What a horrendous tragedy those people are living through.  I'm been praying for them and I hope you will join me that they find peace, that there will be minimal loss of life, and that rather than pointing fingers, they come together and work together to piece their lives back together.  Yesterday was a day of mourning for President Jimmy Carter.  I watched the funeral and the eulogies that were given for him.  What an extraordinary life that man led.  While he wasn't the best president we have ever had, his life left much more of an impact than any other former president has had.  He was such a decent person, so rare to be found in Washington, DC these days.  My prayers continue for the family as they navigate their lives without their beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Sorry for the downer, but my blog is not just about my stitching, it's a journal for me, one that marks important moments in my life that I choose to remember.  

Anyway, I'll be back working on Fiona today, and hoping to make some good progress.  There are other things I hope to stitch this month.  I hope you are enjoying some sunshine today as we are...even though it is still bitter cold here.  I received my 2025 stitching journal yesterday so I hope to catch up with stitch counts and other goals I hope to achieve this year in that as well.  Happy Stitching!   

Snow!!

Happy Monday!  It's a snow day here in the state of Maryland.  

Seems the whole state has shut down!  We aren't going to get as much as we did back in 2010 (click here) but winters here do seem to be a bit milder.  Still we are talking about the mid-Atlantic where just a small amount of snow shuts the state down, they just don't have the equipment to handle it.  The guys will be home today as they called a code red.  Ben gets a day to go sledding with Little Miss Sassy Pants, and Mike gets a day to finish reading a book he borrowed from the library.  Me...I'll be starting a new project.  

I've chosen Fiona Rutherford by Wishing Thorn to be my blessings sampler this year.  I hadn't heard of blessings samplers until just the other day, and while Snowplace Like Home would have sufficed (I think), I decided I would do a real sampler, and one I've been itching to start since I found it months ago.  I just bought it for myself for Christmas this year!  I'll show pictures later on.  

I did manage to finish Snowplace Like Home by Primrose Cottage last night before the snow started to fall.  My second finish of the New Year!  Kind of appropriate considering the amount we are supposed to get today!  Here it is, stitched on 36 count Vintage Country Mocha over two with DMC floss.  I do love it!!  

As the light begins to dawn here, I see that it's still snowing/sleeting and we've probably accumulated around 5 inches already!  Maybe if the mood strikes I'll get some finishing done too.  I'll have to look around and see what I can find.  So...no matter where you are (and it seems there are a lot of places getting the white stuff today according to internet friends in the mid west, north east and even England) stay safe!  May your needles have wings, your thread be knot-free, your lights bright, and eyes clear as you enjoy stitching while it snows!  Happy Stitching!!

Christmastide Sampler Day 12 - Finished!!

Well, here it is, Gang!  My first finish of the year!  This is Christmastide Sampler by Hands on Designs stitched on 32 count Calkboard Black fabric over two.  Started Christmas Day and finished just before Epiphany...I loved EVERY stitch!    So to catch you up on the days I missed posting, Day 10 was the Forest of Pine Trees...not just for strength &  protection in the winter months, pine trees symbolize virtue and long life.  

Day 11 were the Poinsettias...the popular Christmas flower symbolizes goodwill, community & good cheer.  

Day 12 (today!!) I filled in the snow, pine bough at the bottom and other small details.  Today we were to reflect on the joy of the season.  I loved every stitch of this and it was the perfect project for my first finish of the year! 

As I've finished each part of the SAL each day, I picked up another project I started Christmas Day.  This is Snowplace Like Home by Primrose Cottage stitched on 36 count Vintage Country Mocha over two.  This one makes me smile when I'm working on it.  We are expecting a large snowstorm starting later tonight...what a trip to probably finish this one off while the storm rages outside.  Let's hope we keep our lights on!  

Today our tree came down and our living room was transformed back into the configuration we had before Christmas.  Always a bit sad, but honestly, it feels more roomy in here.  The kids will be over later tonight for dinner.  Yesterday was a bit crazy as we had bought ourselves a new TV along with a soundbar.  I'm having troubles hearing and we thought that might help.  Besides knowing what cables to plug in where, we had to create accounts and sign into all our streaming services and wirelessly connect all the components.  Whew!  Well the guy that sold us the electronics suggested we let people come and deliver and set everything up.  I'm proud to say we did it ourselves, but it probably would have saved a lot of headaches and time if we had let them do it for us...haha.  I'm enjoying the new TV though, I can actually see writing on it when there is some.  That wasn't always the case with our 20 plus year old model.  On that note, I'm off to get some stitching done before the kids descend.  They are coming to pick up Ben's old sled so he can take Miss Sassy Pants sledding tomorrow.  What a good Dad he is!  Stay safe and warm out there!  I'll be inside...Happy Stitching!!    

Happy New Year and Christmastide Sampler parts 8 & 9

Happy New Year!  My wish for you all is for peace, prosperity, and good health (along with good eyesight, a bright light, and all the stitching supplies you require)!   

Seems lately nothing has gone as planned, but I'm learning to roll with the punches.  I hope this isn't a taste of what the year will be...if so...please pray for me!!  LOL!!  Our New Years Eve plans changed when a storm blew through.  The weather was crazy with high winds, thunder and lightening so we stayed put, playing games and such until DH decided he needed a nap and tapped out a few hours before the ball dropped in NYC.  I woke him up in time to ring in the new year...but that gave me time to finish a small piece I had been working on, and to fully finish another that has been plaquing me for weeks.  Sometimes the creative juices just refuse to flow!!  

New Years Day was supposed to be a pajama day, but the kids had other plans...so we hopped in the shower and drove to Best Buy to order their Christmas gift.  We offered to get them a new TV as their old one has lines running through it (possibly because a tiny hand has been batting at the machine...lol).  So we are including having it mounted on the wall as part of the gift.  It should be there early next week.  Then I took an extended nap...I rarely nap and only then when I'm sick.  I don't feel sick,  just extremely tired and lacking brain cells.    I was able to catch up on Christmastide Sampler SAL and had my annual New Years start on Snowplace Like Home by Primrose Cottage yesterday... and today I've already done part 9 of the sampler.  I started Snowplace Like Home as part of a challenge by the Cross Stitchers of Maryland FB page.  We were to pick a Primrose Cottage pattern to start and stitch during the month of January.  I thought this one was so cute!  

Then I learned today about something called a Blessing Sampler.   A blessing sampler is one that is started and finished in the month of January.  Back in the day it was thought that if a young girl completed a sampler during the month of January it would being blessings to the household during the coming year.  I'm all for that!  I had another project in mind to start in January, but I think I'll put that aside and start on another sampler I've been wanting to stitch!  So...watch this space!  Now for the Christmastide Sampler...I finished part 8 on New Years Day.  So I stitched the Mantle, the Ornaments and the Bells which represented Joy and Gathering.  I thought the bells were pretty!  

Today I stitched part 9 which was the deer that represents gentleness, kindness and creativity.  Only 3 more parts to go!!  

Then maybe I'll get a chance to start Though He Seemeth Sleeping by Lucy Beam.  And on that note I better get off this machine and go put some stitches in!  Oh did I mention I started the Cross Stitch Challenge that requires counting stitches?  I'm hoping to reach 300,000 stitches this year.  Wish me luck!!  Happy Stitching!!