Just under the wire....

Well I wasn't expecting to get these finished this year, but wonders never cease!  

I wasn't feeling too well yesterday at physical therapy, couldn't balance, and 'just felt spacey.  Last night I took my temperature, it was 100.4, UGH.  I was supposed to watch Miss Q today, but the kids decided it would be better to keep her away from me until I'm feeling better.  So I decided to work a bit on American Flag last night and here is where I finished.  I probably could have stitched more but I called it a night early and slept all night for the first time in a long time.  

I woke up feeling a little more clear headed and thought, this may be the last time I'll get a chance to work on ornaments.  So I pulled out my finishing stuff and started working.  Now I probably could have finished a lot sooner but I'm still a little off my game.  I also tried a new kind of finish for me.  When I was at the retreat at Salty Yarns I discovered someone had used table number holders when they made a stand up.  I though that was genius!  So I ordered some from Amazon, and gave it a whirl today.  This is Christmas Morning from the 2024 JCS ornament issue stitched on 32 count coffee dyed fabric finished as a stand up.  

Next I finished Snow Friends by Shannon Christine stitched on 32 count raw opalescent over two.  No this isn't Deja Vu...haha it is the third one I've made this year, but this one is for ME!  haha

Then I finished Cardinal Couple by My Lovely Embroidery stitched on 32 count light blue over one both finished in small white tart pans I found at Hobby Lobby.  Yes, this was the second one I stitched, and again, this one is for ME!  haha

I was about to put everything away when I remembered my whole point in doing some finishing today was to finish Miss Q's ornament...hahaha.  I mentioned last post that I wanted one to commemorate the theme of her first birthday party which was Wild One.  I found Girl With A Watering Can In A Garden by My Lovely Embroidery online, finished stitching it the day before yesterday and really wanted to finish it before the first of next year.  This was stitched on 46 count antique white over two.  I truly love how it came out.  So  I pulled out some fabric, cut more acid free cardboard and got her finished.  Whew!  

I never dreamed I would finally get things finished off.  Thankfully my fever is down to a dull roar, my mind is a little clearer, and I'll be back to physical therapy again tomorrow.  Hopefully then I'll be able to keep my balance.  That was kinda crazy yesterday...haha.  

Well I'm not sure what tomorrow will hold (other than going to physical therapy) but we hope to spend time with the kids.  I hope however you choose to celebrate the beginning of a New Year, that you are safe, healthy and all things go well for you in 2026.  Happy New Year and Happy Stitching!  (I still haven't chosen my Blessings Sampler...have you?)

She's finished!

I'm so excited, that I actually finished stitching Girl with a watering can in the garden by My Lovely Embroidery last night.  I was determined to get her done, despite the constant interruptions by my lovely husband....haha.  I stayed up way past my bedtime and will probably be struggling during physical therapy today, but I managed to put the last stitch in before the clock struck midnight.  Now to get her fully finished before the end of the year.  Do you think it's possible?  We shall see!  So here she is, stitched on 46 count antique white over two.   

 And that's all the news I have for today.  Hopefully I'll get back to post some goals for next year, but with everything that has been happening, I don't know if I'll make it...haha.  Happy Stitching!! 

New Christmas Start!

Hi Fellow Stitchers!  Does anyone else do this or is it just me?  I like to start a new project on Christmas Day....and also on New Year's Day.  I know most start one on January 1st, but I was wondering if anyone else starts one on Christmas Day?  I have been gathering things to stitch for the 250th anniversary of the United States for a while now.  I had seen this particular pattern that had been entered in the Maryland State Fair a year or more ago and then had seen others stitching it too, so I started the hunt and finally found a digital copy of it on the internet.  I have had it kitted for ages, and it kept getting set aside for more pressing matters.   When the dust settled on Christmas Day, all the gifts had been unwrapped, dinner had been served and cleaned up, and our guests had gone home I started sifting through some of the stuff I had kitted up.  My eyes rested on this...American Flag...by Aysegul Tastepe.  

I had seen it stitched on black and thought it looked amazing!  So...I pulled it out and stitched a wee bit.  This is stitched on 28 count black over one.  Yes, I know, I'm mad...crazy...a lunatic...but as long as my eyes can see, I'm going to be stitching over one!  Haha!  This is how far I got Christmas Day.  

I don't know if you recall the ornament I made for Miss Sassy Pants for her second Christmas.  When she turned one her parents had a party for her and the theme was "one"der woman (wonder woman) so I made this ornament for her for the Christmas after she turned one.  

Her sister, Little Wild Woman, turned one in November.  Her theme was Wild One, and they had a wildflower theme.  I have been searching high and low for something that would fit the bill for this Christmas for her.  I finally found this pattern called Girl With A Watering Can Can In The Garden by My Lovely Embroidery and decided this was the one!  I've only had snippets of time here and there, so it wasn't finished for Christmas but it will be soon.  Here is where I am right now.

It's stitched on 46 count antique white over two and there is still a bit more to do, but hopefully before the New Year she can hang it on her tree.  

The day after Christmas we spent taking our van in for maintenance, exchanging the shoes we bought for our son, having lunch out and going to see a movie.  We saw Song Sung Blue.  Definitely not what we expected, and full of twists and turns, some provocative scenes, but it was one we walked away from thinking...what a good movie!  I would love to read more about the true story it was based on, but I have to say, if even some of the stuff is true...what an incredible life this couple led!  

Ok, I've been promised a leisurely day to stitch, so I'm off to get some stitching done.  With a little luck I might just finish this little girl in the garden!  I can't wait to get back to the American Flag....and I'll be thinking about my New Year's start.  Let me know what you'll be stitching on!  Happy Stitching!

Wise Men Still Seek Him

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and living in a manger."  Luke 2:9-12 NIV  

He came to fulfill a promise "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah.9:2  

Today we celebrate the birth of that child, that Son of God, our Savior.  May you see and find the true meaning of Christmas.  Have a Blessed Christmas.

Unexpected Joy-filled Day!

It's been a wild weekend!  Our son unexpectedly asked if we could watch the girls for a couple of hours on Saturday.  It turned into an all day event!!  We've been striving to get stuff done well in advance of the holiday so we could relax as the days get closer, and a good thing we were too!  Having them over yesterday was good for the heart!  It was loud, it was busy, it was messy, but it was so much fun!  And because we weren't under any pressure, it was an amazing day!  

I finally got to make some ornaments that Robin in Virginia suggested I make with Little Miss Sassy Pants.  

I'll admit, I'm a perfectionist and have a wee bit of OCD, but I decided it's no fun being a Gigi if you can't let loose with a 4 yr old and just be spontaneous.  Now I wish we had dough ready to make cookies too.  Poor little Miss thought these were going to be cookies...haha. 

But she forgave me when I brought out some Oreos we had stashed in the pantry.  (Good thing Pappy has a sweet tooth!!).  

Miss Q was a happy camper, and the two of them played so well together.  Miss Q napped the entire time we were making the ornaments so that went well.  It doesn't show in the picture, but we set up a race car track for Miss Sassy Pants and she played with that for a good long while.  The kids brought pizza and salads for dinner and stayed to chat for a while.  I think we'll all sleep well tonight!  

It was an exhausting day, but it wasn't complete until I put a few stitches in something.  I make it a point to stitch at least 30 minutes a day.  It turns off my brain and relaxes me before bed...and with only less than 300 stitches to go, I was able to finish Cardinal Couple by My Lovely Embroidery.  This is stitched on 32 count light blue over one.  I have stitched this pattern before but on 30 count over one.  I love how tiny this turned out.  

Hopefully I will have a finishing day today and get a few more things fully finished.  Sadly our printer, which has been having connecting issues and other things, went belly up yesterday and stopped printing in the middle of a print job. Guess we'll have to shop for something in the new year.  We'll see.  Well I'm off to the craft room to decide on my next stitching project, maybe line up some goals for next year, and do a wee bit of finishing.  I'll have to see what sparks my interest.  If all goes well I'll have another "finishing" post to share next time.  In the meanwhile, make space in your life for the little unexpected joys in your life.  While it was exhausting, it was a day full of memory making and fun!  Happy Stitching!

Running in Circles

Hi Fellow Stitchers!  Tis the season to be running in circles, am I right?  I can't seem to get my act together.  

I'm sitting here watching the weather is it continues to get darker with rain clouds rolling in.  The temperatures are dropping...it's getting colder in the house.  The winds are picking up, I really should go rescue the garbage cans before they begin a tour of the neighborhood.  Instead I'm sitting here in my pjs sipping chamomile tea...haha.  This weather is making what is already sore ache more.  Life...eh?  

Well I had a great day yesterday as I picked up my friend and started the last minute stocking stuffer shopping.  I hope I'm done.  While my friend and I were pretty jovial (Ms M always makes me laugh...we have the same sense of humor) most other folks were not having a good day.  I really do feel for the sales reps out there...it's a busy time of year and I'm sure they are tired.  

Even with all the hustle and bustle, I really believe I'm a bit ahead of the game, or at least I hope so.  Today I spent the morning wrapping DH's gifts and fully finishing a couple of things.  I still have one more I really want to finish, but I'm still contemplating how I'm going to go about that.  I have a Christmas ornament I really want to finish today but I really needed a little lunch and some chamomile tea.  I'll see what happens after lunch.  

So let me show you what I've finished in the past few days.  First up is the letter T from the Owl Forest Embroidery Merry Christmas letters.  I still have 3 more to finish, but they will have to wait until next year I guess.  That's ok, they will be fresh for the new year!  Stitched on 32 Summer Khaki over two.  I love these letters!  

Next is Nordic Yuletide by Quaternion Creations from the 2024 JCS Ornament issue, stitched on 36 count Twilight over two.  I didn't stitch the whole pattern, I really didn't care for the rest, plus it fit perfectly in this little frame I found at Hobby Lobby...win, win!  

Next is Cozy Into Winter stitched on 32 count Mad Hatter's Tea Party over two.  I love Jeannette Douglas designs and I've had this sitting in my to do pile for a while.  I love that it's framed and ready for display for this Christmas!  

Last is Christmas Manor by Shannon Christine Designs.  It's stitched on 30 count Vintage Country Mocha over one.  I'll be honest and say I wish it were on a little darker fabric but it's not too bad.  The last two frames were found at Hobby Lobby...they have a lot of lovely frames out there this year.  

Ok so that's all that I have for my show and tell.  I hope all of you out there have a wonderful Christmas and many blessings in the coming New Year!  I'm not sure if I'll have another post before the holidays, but if I get a chance I will.  I'll have the grandkids here tomorrow....I need to get some meatballs made for the Christmas Eve party and I need to seriously think about what I'll serve for Christmas dinner.  I'm not sure what's happening on that day, but hopefully the kids will stop in.  It will be pure chaos I'm sure.  Take care, and Happy Stitching!

Moving slowly...

Goodness it's been a little crazy around here lately!  Between Physical Therapy twice a week, watching Miss Q once a week, snow days with hubby home, and trying to get gifts sorted and ordered, there isn't much time left for stitching.  I did finally get another page finish of Let Freedom Ring.  Only the top row and the 5 pages that includes to go!  Unless the time space continuum opens up and gives me more time, I'm setting it aside until 2026.  Goodness, it's getting close.  I usually say things will slow down then, but I know better haha.  Here is an updated picture.  

When I decided to put it aside for a bit, I picked up the final ornament for the challenge I participate in.  I still need to fully finish the ornament from last month, but until my head clears I'm just going to stitch the next suggestion.  This one is Nordic Yuletide by Quaternion Creations from the 2024 JCS Ornament Issue.  I'm stitching this one on 36 count Twilight two over two and love how it looks so far.  I've decided I'm not going to stitch the whole thing, and will stop after I stitch the red bow.  Not too much farther!  Then I think I'll finish it as an oval.  I will work those details out later.  Hopefully by the next update I'll have fully finished this one and the one from November.  Fingers crossed I get the time.  

I have to say I had a frustrated long weekend.  Hubby decided to stay home from work and we would go Christmas shopping.  Well we got some significant snow for Maryland, so instead we set up our tree, decorated the mantel, wrote our Christmas newsletter, printed it out, addressed the Christmas cards  AND THEN I was allowed to stitch...lol.  Saturday led to more decorating and the start of the new ornament.  Sunday was ordering pictures for a Christmas gift and then arranging and assembling the gift.  That literally took most of the day and two trips to Walgreens to pick up the prints....haha.  Today I'm off to the Physical Therapist.  We will see how much stitching I get done today.  Tomorrow hubby is home again so hopefully we can get our shopping done then...Wednesday I get my hair done, and Thursday is Physical Therapy, and Miss Q is here Friday.  No rest for the wicked, they say....I must have been really bad somewhere along the way!  LOL  

Ok I'm off to get my ankle twisted into knots then massaged.  Sounds heavenly doesn't it?  haha  NOT!  I will say I'm getting pretty good a toe yoga!  But picking up marbles with my toes isn't going too well.  I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Happy Stitching!

December has arrived!

I won't deny that December is my second favorite month.  (October is my favorite but only because I love fall...not because I was born in October).  What's not to like?  Ok, it does get cold, the days are short and not as bright....but all the excitment that leads up to Christmas and the promise of a New Year are exciting right?  I love hanging my advent ornaments each year!  I love looking at them!  So here they are for today.  

So I've been incredibly busy the past week or so.  I have started physical therapy for my foot (ouch!!) along with watching Miss Q and all the other stuff that comes with getting ready for the season.  I still have to take my fall decorations down and start sorting through the winter decorations, but that will have to wait for a bit until I can walk a little better.  UGH what a crazy time of year for an injury.  

Miss Q was here yesterday.  She was so much fun yesterday.  I remember Miss Sassy Pants at this age, and how much fun it was to play peek a boo, and with the toys that made music and flashed lights.  She is so inquisitive and fun!  A week seems a long time between visits.  We had Miss Sassy Pants overnight on the weekend.  She is a whirlwind of activity, but also so much fun.  And she has quite a sense of humor.  I can't remember life being so much fun without them in it!    

Because of all the busyness I haven't had much time for stitching/finishing.  I have things lined up that I want to do, I just haven't found the time to get things done.  I did finish stitching the November ornament...and I love it.  My head is spinning with ideas how to fully finish it, but I think I've come up with a plan.  I hope I can get started on that this afternoon...we'll see.  

I did get to fully finish a Mill Hill kit that I stitched for a friend's Nephew.  This is Fishing Penguin stitched on 32 count Cornflower fabric over two instead of the perforated paper included in the kit.  

It has been sent off to my friend in NY along with this one I stitched for her.  I hope she likes them.  

I also had fully finished this ornament that I had finished stitching back in 2022.  It's called O Little Town of Bethlehem by Saving Graces Fine Needlearts from the 2021 JCS Ornament Issue.  It has been given to my DIL's Mother.  

I've fallen behind in plans for Let Freedom Ring.  I was hoping to get two pages stitched a month but was only able to get one page stitched in November.  I think I'll still be able to reach my goal to have it framed by July 4th 2026 in time for the 250th celebration.  I have a feeling it won't see much love this month either, but I'm about halfway finished with one page for this month.  If I can do that I'll be happy.  Here it is so far... 

I guess that's all the news for this post.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you are able to enjoy all the excitement leading up to Christmas and the New Year.  Soon I'll be posting my goals for next year.  I rarely get everything done I hope to do, but I have an idea to change things up this year.  Hopefully I'll get that all down on paper soon...so watch this space!  Happy Stitching! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate!   

I had plans to visit with our son's in-laws as we usually do for Thanksgiving, but I've been a little under the weather.  So I think I'll just stay put for today.  I did have a little finish last night as I've been working on Christmas Morning by Mr. Stitch and Mrs. Needles from the 2024 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue.  I knew I wanted to stitch it from the moment I saw it in the magazine last year!  It's hard to tell from this picture the lovely gold metallic thread running through it.  I'm thinking of a way to fully finish it now, but that may have to wait.  This was stitched on 28 count tea dyed mystery fabric over two.  I really do love how it turned out.  

I had a couple more ornaments I wanted to finish so I could give them out at the dinner today, but it just wasn't meant to be.  Maybe I can get them fully finished today, we'll see.

  Right now I think I'll crawl back in bed...haha.  Mr. Max (our cat) was relentless this morning and wanted to be fed at 6:30.  UGH!  I do love him but he can be so demanding...haha.  Here is where I left off in the finishing process last night.  Let's hope I can fully finish things before the end of the month.  

Here's hoping you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that we all count our blessings as we reflect on the past year and hope for the future.  

ICE!!

Hi Fellow Stitchers!  No, we are not having an ICE storm...haha.  Though it does look cold and blustery out there today.  For years we have been going to see the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord Hotel at the National Harbor in DC.  We have seen Rudolph, Charlie Brown, The Grinch and The Christmas Story to name a few.  This year the theme was The Polar Express.  Little Miss Sassy Pants enjoyed all the "eye candy" and had fun on the ice slide.  Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child brings back all the wonderment and excitement.  We had a lovely day having lunch and dinner as well as taking in all the sights at the Gaylord.  Little Miss Q was another story...haha.  She fell asleep for most of the exhibit.  Here are a few of the things we saw...  

I saved this picture for last...on the left you will see Little Miss Sassy Pants looking at the trumpeter.  I know it's hard to see, but the look on her face was precious.  She was in awe...this was one of my favorite pictures!  I didn't notice her there until after I took the picture...

On the stitching front, I still haven't found time for finishing but hopefully today and tomorrow I'll roll up my sleeves and get to work.  I have been working on another "ornament" from the 2024 JCS Ornament Issue...here is where I am so far with Christmas Morning.  Hopefully I'll get a wee bit more done before Thanksgiving.  

For those who have been praying for Little Miss Q, she had her final check-up for the surgery yesterday... and the doctors discovered the bump on her forehead had disappeared!  I'm calling it a miracle, and I'm thrilled she doesn't have to have surgery at such a young age.  After I had asked for prayers for her, it started to recede, and by the time they did her final check-up it had disappeared.  Thank you, Lord!  The Dr. said that sometimes that happens, but she had never seen it herself.  It truly will be a blessed Thanksgiving this year.  Not only because the wee little girl won't have the trauma of surgery, but it will put less of a strain on the kid's finances.  A double blessing considering all the strain the government shut down put on them.  I'm so very thankful!  

So...that's all the news I have for today!  I hope all is well with all of you...Happy Stitching and may you all who celebrate have a truly Blessed Thanksgiving!        

Furious Flying Fingers

I'm not sure why I do this to myself every year...haha...but I'm always stitching and finishing just before Thanksgiving.  Usually it's ornaments I forgot I needed to stitch.  I still have quite a bit of finishing I have to do, but I've had this pattern in my stash for ages and I knew I just had to stitch it for this Christmas.  This is called Believe by Erin Elizabeth Designs.  It's stitched on 36 count Twilight over two with one strand of DMC B5200.  I love the stark contrast and the color of the fabric!  

Since I like to decorate the day after Thanksgiving, I'm in a last minute rush finishing up things I can decorate with...haha.  Earlier this year I found a clock that was abandoned at a local thrift store.  I loved the shape and knew exactly what I wanted to use it for.  I took out the hands and mechanism and I hope to get it painted in a few days.  I can't wait to show you what I'm going to do with it, and hope it matches what I'm picturing in my head.  LOL  We will see!  

I also finished this Mill Hill kit.  This is called Fishing Penguin.  I used Cornflower blue 32 count fabric to stitch it on.  I'm hoping to finish it in a white tart pan.  I hope it comes out like I'm thinking it will.  

I wish I could stay home and get some crafting done, but I'm off to see ICE! at the National Harbor today with the family.  It had been an annual tradition for us until last year when they repeated a theme.  This year the theme is The Polar Express.  I'm excited to see how Little Miss Sassy Pants reacts to this.  She loved the Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer theme two years ago...but she's older now.  Ok, I'm off to get ready!  Watch this space!  If all goes well tomorrow, I'll have an update on finishes, and perhaps some ICE! pictures.  Have a great weekend!

Christmas Manor

I had a little finish today!  I started this pattern for a retreat two weekends ago.  I haven't had much time for stitching lately, so it took me a while to get it done.  This is Christmas Manor by Shannon Christine Designs.  As I was stitching on it I was trying to think how I would fully finish it.  I'll have to go for a dive in my items I've been saving for finishing.  Decisions, decisions...haha.  It's stitched on 30 count Vintage Country Mocha over one.  While at the retreat I was thoroughly chastised for not initialing my work...so take a look and see if you can see my "mark".  Haha.  

And now for the personal news...we celebrated our youngest granddaughter's first birthday over the weekend.  I really wish I could share videos on my blog, I still haven't figured that one out...lol.  She had fun digging into her "smash" cake, a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, a nod to our family as her middle name was my Grandmother's name and that was a favorite cake in our family.  I had said one time she is a wild child...so that was the theme of her party.  (As a little reminder, her older sister's party them was "One"der Woman.  LOL ) Now I have to think of a special Christmas ornament commemorating her Wild Child theme.  Any ideas?  Here are a few pictures of the event.  

I've finally found out the cause of my aching foot.  I have tendonitis and a bond spur on my heel.  Let me tell you, it's pretty painful.  I'm on a course of anti-inflammatory drugs and will soon start physical therapy.  As if I wasn't busy enough, now I have to fit some therapy into my schedule...no rest for the wicked I suppose...haha.  

My apologies to Robin, as I still haven't sent her giveaway out yet.  Hopefully it will be in the mail soon, I'll let you know when I get to the post office.  I was in Ocean City for nearly a week while we had a little R&R while the madness was going on with the government shutdown.  It was a vacation we had already planned months ago but was the perfect timing for us.  Mike worked most of the shutdown without pay so we don't feel too guilty about taking off for a few days.  We played a few games of mini-golf, walked along the boardwalk, had pictures taken, shopped a couple of LNS, and saw some lovely sunrises and sunsets.  It was just what we needed.  

Ok, I'm off to see about starting another little project and contemplate some finishing I need to do.  I hope wherever you are you are safe, healthy and happily stitching!