September Smashes

I have to say, sometimes I drive myself crazy...haha.  I like to make goals for myself, but having an A-type personality, I stress myself out sometimes, trying to meet those goals.  Stitching is supposed to be fun and relaxing, right?   I really do enjoy stitching....finishing, not so much.  I have cut down on the goals I try to meet each month.  I have a list on my goals page of ornaments I try to stitch each month.  My goal this year was to stitch AND finish the ornament of the month from the JCS Christmas Issue that is a challenge on a Facebook page.  While I stitched the ornament early on, getting it finished was met with some challenges.  I need to be home when I finish these.  All my backing fabrics, trims and embellishments are in different places in my house...and I have way too many to take anywhere with me so I have to be home to do any finishing.  So....when I realized I would be away from home for half the month of September, and I knew I would have days with the grandkids, birthday parties, doctors appointments, I wondered if I would meet my goal this month.  THANKFULLY I bit the bullet and finished up September's last night, just in the nick of time!  I finished up Polar Bear Wishes by Century Farm Stitching from the 2024 JCS Christmas Issue.  I changed up the fabric that was suggested to 36 count Petite Point over two.  I thought he turned out pretty cute...and will be a gift for an in-law this year.  

Another goal that I set for myself was to finish two pages a month of Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio.  I started this on the 4th of July with the goal of finishing it and having it framed by the next 4th of July for the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country.  I was really struggling to finish a second page this month, but thankfully I had two days in a row that I could devote entirely to stitching a second page this month!  Whew...just barely made it!  Here is where I left off last night.  So far I have finished pages 10-15.  Onwards and Upwards!  

I finished stitching 5 other ornaments this month, none of them are from the challenge...but they will be gifts this year, so I need to get them fully finished AND stitch a few more.  Hopefully October will be a more productive month.  I did start finishing 4 of the ornaments last night.  With a little luck I'll get them fully finished today, and get another ornament started.  I've decided to give Let Freedom Ring rest for a little bit while I stitch up other ornaments.  And I've also decided, I need to cut myself some slack this month...last month was pretty insane so I really need a break.  I do have renewed hope since I finished both these goals just in the nick of time.  I still have 9 ornaments to stitch and finish...but October looks like it might be a slow month...let's hope so anyway...haha.  

I hope everyone is safe from the hurricanes that are just off shore.  We have had some cloudy and intermittent rain so far.  I haven't had time to follow the weather so I hope we are dodging that bullet.  Just know I am praying for anyone who has been or might be affected by the weather.  I have to say I've been staying away from the TV and only on Facebook briefly lately.  I'm all about protecting my peace of mind.  Starting a new month, and concentrating on renewing my mind, I'm ready for October!  Happy Stitching!!