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!

Tiny Town Nativity

Whew...I was hoping to get this finished sooner, I have so many things I need to get done!!  But at least I can say this one is in the books.  Now to find time to fully finish...but that will have to wait a bit I'm afraid.  This coming week is chock fully of "stuff to do".  Anyway, here is Tiny Town Nativity by Heart in Hand stitched.  

I used 40 count Legacy over two with DMC floss.  I love how it turned out, now to get it finished into a drum.  I have a couple of drums I would love to fully finish.  I need to start dragging out my box of finished items waiting to be fully finished.   A friend of mine asked me to stitch up some ornaments to put in her booth when she does her Arts and Crafts shows.  I do have tons that have been stitched but not fully finished.  What do you think?  I'm not sure what the rules are on that kind of thing?  And...do you think my work is good enough to sell?  So much to do, so little time.  

I'm barely dashing this down as my youngest granddaughter is napping.  According to her Dad she was up at 4 AM this morning.  I know I couldn't handle being a Mom to a little one right now.  Goodness, I'd be a walking zombie.  When she arrived at 7:30 she was already half asleep.  A quick bottle, diaper change and snuggle and she was in dreamland.  If only I could count on her sleeping for a couple of hours.  LOL  We'll see what else I can get done while she naps.  Here's hoping we all have a productive day!  Happy Stitching! 

Giveaway Reveal!

Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for!  First I want to thank all who participated in the giveaway.  I hope you were inspired to get your exams!  Congratulations to Robin in Virginia for winning the giveaway!  I'll be sending it out to you soon!  I'll let you know when I drop it in the mail.  Thanks again to all who participated!  

We had a visit from the grand kids on Halloween, I thought maybe you'd like to see their costumes.  Little Miss Sassy Pants was a unicorn, and her dress lit up the night!  

Little Miss Q was a Narwhal.  Someone mentioned she looked like she'd seen a ghost...hahaha.  How true is that?  

Miss Sassy was excited to go trick or treating and came back with a bag full of goodies!  Miss Q was content to sit in the stroller and watch in amazement as costumes of all makes and models went parading by.  I think my favorite was a little 3 yr old who was dressed as a dinosaur rider.  He was so proud to show off his tail...what a cutie!!  

Since my last post I've finished stitching a few more ornaments, and I really need to have another finishing day.  I did finish the second Snow Friends by Shannon Christine stitched on 32 count natural opalescent over two.  I really love her designs!  

I also stitch The First Noel by A New Creation Studio stitched on 32 count black over two.  I love how this one turned out...I just need to find time to fully finish it.  

I've been working on Tiny Town Nativity by Heart in Hand.  This one is finally for ME!  Haha.  I have loved all the others, and maybe one day will stitch them for myself, but I'm really looking forward to placing this on my mantle when it's fully finished!  

Ok, I guess that's all the news for now.  I'm off to get something done.  I'm resting my foot as we went to a craft fair yesterday and my ankle/heel is screaming today.  It's been a busy weekend and I think I deserve a rest.  Happy Stitching...and a special thank you to all who have commented!