Fair winds and a flowing sea

My Dad was in the Navy, and I heard this quote a lot.  I had to look up the meaning...haha.  It means safe travel and good fortune.  I guess it kind of fits my experience with the State Fair this year.  I entered 4 things this year, won 3 Blue Ribbons (first prize) and 1 Red Ribbon (second prize).  My Christmas All Through The House won an extra Special Ribbon.  I'm not entirely sure what that means, other than it caught someone's eye and they thought it deserved a special ribbon.  According to the lady sitting at the table, that piece was given a lot of attention by people who have gone to see the exhibit.  I really enjoyed stitching that one, though I have to say it challenged me a lot!  I'm excited to stitch another like it, but have to finish a few others before I get to it!  So...here they are...  

Romantic Stitcher by Passione Ricamo got a Red Ribbon  

Santa's Helper by XFreeStitch from the 2024 JCS Christmas Issue got a Blue Ribbon  

Noel Banner by Stone Creek got a Blue Ribbon

and finally Christmas All Through the House by by Patricial Andrle from the Sept/Oct 1994 Cross Stitch and Country Crafts Magazine got a Blue Ribbon and a Special Award.  

I've finished a Christmas ornament too.  This is Mrs. Santa Roly Poly from Christmas Cross Stitch Treasures.  It was stitched on 36 count antique ivory two over two.  

She came out so cute I decided to continue on in the series and started Santa Roly Poly.  I'll show pictures when he's farther along.  I hope you are enjoying this lovely weather!  It was so comfortable at the fair last night, I think we stayed way past the girls bedtime.  It was a fun night with family though.  I hope you are enjoying the beginning of fall.  Happy Stitching!