Just got back from the framers...

I was hoping I would get these back in time to take them to the retreat next weekend.  I'm so excited!!  I did call Side Street Framers in Severna Park, Maryland today and asked, they were kind of "cagey" at first as if they couldn't find them...but they called back and said they would be working on them today and I could pick them up tomorrow.  I had already had them stretched, they only had to pop them in the frames...but oh well.  They called back an hour later and said they were ready.  YAY!!  So...here they are....  

Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio with some personalization and adaptations.  I can't wait to hang this one in my living room!!  Stitched on 35 count Classic Homespun over two.  Started on the 4th of July 2025 with the hope of having it finished in time for the 250th Celebration this year.  

American Flag by Aysegul Tastepe stitched on 36 count black over one.  This was a challenge but I really love how this one turned out...and that frame with the stars...perfect!!  

Hummingbird's Garden by Samplers Not Forgotten stitched on 40 count Moonstone over two.  I loved all the specialty stitches in this one!  

I'm still working on Milady's Posies and have finished the first page of the pattern.  Two more to go!  This is stitched on 46 Latte over two.  Another challenge for these old eyes, but now that the letters are finished, I'm truly enjoying this one.  I'm trying to decide if I should take this to the retreat or not...it's hard to work on something so complicated when chatting with other stitchers...but I'm anxious to get it finished.  Decisions, Decisions... 

The next few days will be busy packing up, watching Miss Q and sorting out some things for my tablemates.  I hope to take some pictures this time so I'll have an update about the retreat when I get back.  Happy Stitching!

The attack continues...

Sort of...lol  In the past I've contributed to Clare's Church Tree that she stitches each year.  It's been a while since she has done one, so I thought I'd volunteer, and then I saw that she has her hand in a cast...oh dear.  I wish I could contribute more, but I do have two finished for her.  The theme this year is 12 Days of Christmas.  If you've been following me for very long, you'll know I've stitched several sets, but one I haven't stitched yet was Sue Hillis' set.  These are so cute!  So...I stitched two for Clare's tree.  8 Maids-a-Milking...

and 9 Ladies Dancing.  

These are stitched on 32 count white over two.  I hope she likes them!  

It's been a little wild here lately (when is it not?  haha) and I have been stitching but not as much as I usually do.  I've had some appointments this week, I had Miss Q here for a couple of days, and I've been extremely tired so I've had a few naps here and there.  I have more stitching done on Milady's Posies, but no pictures to show.  Now that I've rested my wrist I may get back to working on that one.  I've also kitted up a couple of charts that I recently had sent in the mail that will fit in my clock...so now I have decisions to make...haha.  I'll be back with an update soon.  I hope all are safe from the mid-west storms.  Happy Stitching! 

I've had an attack of startitis

Good Heavens, I had promised myself I would try to finish up some of the UFOs I had floating around here, but I was sorting through some stuff and found some things I had kitted up.  The first one was Santa Claus is Coming to Town...which was a free SAL offered last year.  I attended a retreat last November and was encouraged by my tablemates to kit this one up.  It's been sitting there starting at me since November...haha.  The pattern is in 4 parts, and when I finished the first part I decided I needed a change of scenery....here is where I left off from Santa...  

This is another pattern I had picked up after Market last year.  This is called Milady's Posies by Jan Hicks Creates.  This one just spoke to me and while I had the pattern, the fabric, I I didn't have the floss suggested.  It had DMC but I really wanted to use silks.  Oh well, I decided to kit it from stuff in my stash, so DMC it is!  I started in the middle then worked my way over to the alphabet.  (In case you didn't know, I detest letters...I don't know why but I do...LOL)  It's stitched on 40 count Latte by Fiber on a Whim.  This one is soooo hard to put down, but I'm beginning to think the stitch count was off (I'll have to check).  I think it might be 46 count.  It's a challenge when there is a lot of stitching in a small area.  But I'll continue on after the lettering is done....that middle part is so pretty!!  

The frame I'm using is kind of heavy so it's bothering my wrist.  I may have to put it aside and work on something smaller.  So...watch this space, I feel another attack of Startitis coming on.  Happy Stitching! 

One more thing...

I guess I should have waited one more day to post, but I was so excited yesterday...haha.  

Ok stitching friends, I bought this old clock from Goodwill and took the clockworks out.  Yesterday I painted it...not the best job but I'm ok with it.  I stretched this piece (Believe by Erin Elizabeth Designs) to fit in the circular part of the clock and attached magnets to the back.  Now I can stitch different things to put in that space for different seasons.  How fun is this??  My only question is ... do I need trim around the stitched piece?  

Thanks for your input!  I'm off to find some circular patterns that might fit!  Have a great Sunday!

Yikes....I'm not sure what got into me....BUT

I woke up this morning, after finishing up a couple of ornaments the past couple of days and decided I wasn't really ready to get stitching.  WHAT, you say?  I KNOW!!   Hm...no fever...though I do have a sore throat.  Maybe the respiratory thing I had going on has reached my brain...or the lack of oxygen, oh who knows?  Let's just go with the flow...ok?  

So I pulled out my finishing stuff, made a template, cut out some matboard, and sharpened up my scissors and needles...and voila!  I decided to make a stand up of the gingerbread house and I think it turned out pretty cute!  Here is Peppermint Candy by Blackberry Lane Designs stitched on 32 count Gingerbread by Picture This Plus.  Front and back...

Not a fan of this particular piece of fabric.  It stretches like crazy so the size of the "cut out" pattern didn't match the size of my stitching...so with a little frogging with the printer to enlarge it, I finally got it to the size I wanted.  I substituted pom poms for the rick rack they had in the picture and left off the hanger they gave with the pattern.  I used a wire place card holder and made it into a stand up.  I LOVE IT!!  

Next I got out my paints and my 2" cubes and painted them up.  While they were drying I laced these onto matboard.  Then I attached them and gave him a lovely scarf.  Now Cubey Snowman is ready to make his debut.  He is from the 2025 JCS Ornament Issue and was designed by Tranquilitree Designs and was stitched on 28 count white Cashel fabric over two.  Isn't he darling?  I just love how he turned out too!  

I have another "thing" I'm painting and I'm struggling to make it look right.  UGH!!  I'm going to add another coat before I decide if I'm going to go for it or not.  If it all works out I might have another finish in the near future so watch this space!  Goodness at this rate I may actually fully finish more of my UFO's I have flying around.  EEK, have I created a monster?  I've been drinking smart water (literally...bottled Smart Water) and now I'm questioning what is actually in this stuff?  Could it actually be making me smarter?  Stay tuned....  

Oh one last thing.  I pulled out a freebie SAL that was offered last year.  I have contemplated the fabric for MONTHS....and I finally decided to use Natural Linen...40 count over two.  I started this right after I finished stitching Cubey and I literally had a hard time putting it down last night.  This has been an absolutely fantastic stitch for me.  It's an involved one, but so cute...let's see if you can tell what it is.  Any guesses?  

And on that note I'll let you get back to whatever you were doing.  Happy Stitching!  

Gingerbread House

I'm happy to say I finished stitching Peppermint Candy by Blackberry Lane designs.  I'm not a fan of this fabric, it's so hard to keep stitches straight on this stretchy fabric, but I finally managed to "get-er-done".  Now to get it fully finished.  I stitched this on 32 count Gingerbread fabric over two using the recommended DMC floss.  I finally found the button pack and was able to use some beads in my stash.  Now to get up the courage to fully finish it...haha.  This is the front of the house...   

and this is the back of the house...  

I just love that little elf peeking over the roof of the house!!  The next problem is finding my next project!  I hope you all had a lovely Easter and are enjoying the changing of the seasons.  As soon as the weather stays above freezing I'll be a happy camper!  Happy Stitching! 

Have a Blessed Easter

He is our risen savior!  I pray you know the love of Jesus on this Resurrection Day! 

 

Finishing, just in time!!

I've been so busy the past few weeks.  I love my family, but there are times it's a little overwhelming...haha.  I've been dealing with schedule changes and emergencies and my life is a little chaotic right now.  We attended the ballgame last Thursday, then we were woken up early Saturday morning with a call that Heather was heading to the Emergency Room with severe abdominal pain, so we quickly scrambled to collect the girls while Ben went to sit with Heather at the hospital.  She was released several hours later and now we wait to see if they can find the cause of her pain.  The girls were here most of the day.  Then because of the spring break schedule, I had Miss Q on Monday and will have her again on Thursday.  Then we will be having an egg hunt and making brunch on Sunday.  Miss Q will be here again on Tuesday.  No rest for the wicked they always say.  Whew...I'm exhausted!

Last Saturday Little Miss Sassy Pants saw some patterns I had printed to make for Easter (but kind of abandoned the hope because we've been so crazy busy) and saw three that she just HAD to have...haha.  I can't resist those beautiful eyes so I've been stitching like crazy.  Yesterday I was able to finish stitching them and got them all fully finished just in the nick of time!  The first three are freebies from Shannon Christine Designs.  

First is Cotton stitched on 32 count Fleur over two and finished into a Hobby Lobby frame.

Next is Flower Bunny stitched on 32 count Fleur over two and finished into a Hobby Lobby frame.

The third is Easter Delivery stitched on 36 count Edinburgh Raw with Mini Dots over two and finished into a frame I found at Target.

I also finshed Tetelestai by Quaint Rose Needlearts stitched on 25 count tea dyed jobelan over one with Cranberry Belle Soie silk.  I framed this with a frame I found in the clearance bin at Hobby Lobby.  I really love how this one turned out.  

I guess that's all the news for today.  I hope you all are enjoying the change of seasons wherever you are.  The trees are blossoming and the flowers are blooming, it's like the world is awakening.  It's a lovely time of year here in the Mid-Atlantic.  Happy Spring and happy stitching!

   

Opening Day

Another family tradition has been celebrated.  Since Ben was a little boy we have been going to Opening Day for the Orioles and it has become a tradition.  Our two granddaughters have been going to Opening Day since they were born.  It's always a fun time and I'm happy to say Little Miss Q was so good and able to stay for the whole game.  Best of all it was a WIN!!  Here are a few pictures from our day...

Tetelestai

I've had this pattern in my stash for a while.  I decided I really wanted to finish it for this Easter.  I'm running out of time AND I have my youngest granddaughter twice next week.  

The name of this pattern by Quaint Rose Needlearts is Tetelestai.  I'm stitching it on 28 count tea dyed lugana over one using Cranberry Belle Soie silk.  I love stitching on this!!  I still have a lot more to do, but hopefully I'll have it finished in time.

I wanted to share something about the Greek word Tetelestai.  You can find this word only twice in the Bible  John 19:28 and John 19:30.  It means "It is finished".  It has three separate  meanings depending on where and how it is used.  

In the court it means you are innocent.

In business it means your debt has been paid.

In war it means total victory.

There are other words Jesus could have used for the first two meanings, but for the total victory in war, this is the only word he could have used.  When I recently heard this explained to me it gave me chills.  Words are important, and these have special meaning for those who believe.  I'm grateful for His sacrifice and the certainty that we can have that we will one day join Him in heaven.  

Did you know you need a savior?  For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.  Romans 2:23  

Do you know what the consequence of sin is?  "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Romans 6:23

Do you know there is a solution to the separation?  "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinncrs, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8

Have you asked Him into your heart?  "That is thou shalt confess with they mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, though shalth be saved."  Romans 10:19

You can know for certain that we are saved from the consequences of our sins.  "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  Romans 10:13  

He can change your life in ways you never could imagine.  Knowing Him gives us purpose, encouragement, and hope.  Easter is a reminder that we have a savior and His name is Jesus. 

  

It's been a while...

Hi Folks!  I know I've been a bit quiet lately.  I've had a lot going on.  I've been watching our granddaughters a lot lately (and the wear me out!!  LOL) but it's great spending time with them.  It doesn't leave a lot of room for cross stitching however.

I have been working on a few things I can't show online just yet, but I did manage to finish the stitching portion of Peppermint Candy by Blackberry Lane Designs.  This is the front half of an ornament.  I don't have the beads or the button pack yet, but I thought I'd show you what I have done so far.  It's stitched on 32 count Gingerbread fabric over two.  That's all I'm able to show at the moment.  

I'm looking for what to stitch next while I wait for the buttons to arrive.  So many choices...haha.  Before I leave, I'm going to ask for an unspoken prayer.  Nothing to worry about really, but not something I want to put out there in cyberspace.  Thank you in advance, I know the Lord has already created a plan.  I'm just losing patience...haha.  Happy Stitching everyone! 

American Flag is finished!

Good Morning!  It's been a whirl wind around here lately.  Mother Nature has been throwing curves all over the place!  We went from a record high of 86 degrees yesterday with the windows wide open to tornado, severe thunderstorms and wind warnings last night to a projected low of 26 degrees and a 100 percent chance of rain/snow today.  What is it they say about Maryland weather?  If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes...haha.  The past 24 hours has proved that true.  

In other news...I have another finish.  This is American Flag by Aysegul Tastepe stitched on 36 count black over one.  I started this on Christmas Day 2025.  It has 7,600 stitches and though challenging it was a fun stitch.  

I had Ms. Q here yesterday.  My goodness that girl keeps me hopping.  She is walking now, so I'm constantly keeping her away from things she shouldn't be near...stairs in particular.  She can really move!  Haha!!  Thankfully she still takes naps so I get a little respite during the day.  

One more thing...I follow Victoria Samplers on Facebook and started hearing buzz about a book that Thea Dueck had written.  She is a designer and owner of Victoria Samplers (I just love her designs).  Well I just love a good mystery book so I thought why not?  

You can get a copy of the book on Amazon or even download a Kindle version of it.  I've been making it last by reading a chapter before bed each night.  It's hard to put it down after one chapter...haha.  I'm really enjoying it!  Of course there is embroidery involved, and an LNS, and takes place in the town that Thea lives in.  Now I want to visit!!  Just thought I'd throw that out there.  

Ok, I'm off to pick up something to stitch today.  I hope you all are safe wherever you are.  Happy Stitching!

Floss Boss Fight Club

I know, weird title right?  LOL!!  Well I was invited to join a Facebook group called The Stitching Shack (The Stitching Social Club) by a long time Facebook friend a while ago.  Just recently they organized a Floss Boss Fight Club.  I was lumped in a group called Granny Stitchface (Too old to care, too fast to stop).  I'm not sure how much I liked being called a Granny (even though I am a granny...I prefer Gigi...lol)  Anyway, we were to post beginning pictures, the stitch count and ending pictures over the past weekend.  I accomplished 1890 stitches total for the weekend stitching on American Flag.  Whew!  Here are before and after pictures.  

I'm pleased with my progress.  Once the flags on either side are done, there is an eagle on the top and that is all that is left of this piece to stitch.  I can't wait to get it all done.  While I'm enjoying the process, it's difficult to stitch on black...not to mention it's over one.  haha  

I'll be working on some gifts soon, so I won't have as much to post.  Or maybe I'll throw a few "smalls" in there so I'll have something I can show until I send these gifts out.  If you don't hear too much from me, don't worry...I'll just have my head down stitching.  Take care, and Happy Stitching! 

Remember these pieces?

I had to look way back to 2024 to find out when I started these.  Do you remember when I started these letters that spelled out Merry Christmas?  Yeah, it's been a while!  LOL  I started stitching these on August 25, 2024 during the Summer Olympic challenge.  I had hoped to finish them up in 2025 but as usual I got a little sidetracked...haha.  I decided this was the year, and stitched one of the letters during the Winter Olympic challenge.  Once I finished Let Freedom Ring, I decided I would try to finish them this week.  And I did!  I had to stay up until midnight a couple of nights...haha but they aer finished now.  I love how they made every letter different, unique, and so sparkly with the gold entwined in the letters.  Whew!  Maybe this will be the year I get a lot of my UFO's and WIPs finished!  The designer is Owl Forest Embroidery.  These were stitched on 36 count Summer Khaki over two.  There are all together 20,362 stitches in these letters.  I'm so happy to have them finally finished!  

I still haven't decided what to work on today.  Do I start something new?  Do I work on a UFO?  Decisions, decisions...and if you've been following me for a while you'll know I'm terrible at making decisions.  Haha  

Ok, I've putttered long enough.  Time to get productive.  What's in your hoop today?  Happy Stitching!

Let Freedom Ring is finished!

I'm sitting here watching the snow fall.  My husband told me it would only be rain today...somebody somewhere lied....hahaha.  I doubt it will stick, so I'm not worried, but I do feel a little betrayed...I thought winter was over...haha.  However, I also have reason to celebrate today.  

As you must know by now, having been married to a former soldier (he's retired now, but gave 25 years of his life serving in the military, and is still serving the country in his current job), I've learned to appreciate the freedom we share living in this country.  I've been stitching patriotic pieces for years now.  I've lived in foreign countries, traveled a bit of the world, and after having those experiences, I understand and truly appreciate the lives we live here in the United States.  With this piece that I've finally completed, I've been able to show in stitches, how I feel about our country.  I made some changes to the wording to celebrate our 250th year.  I've added a few eagles, and paid respect to our flag by eliminating the words on the flag depicted in this piece.  Just a little bit about this piece called Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio...it is stitched on 35 count Classic Homespun one strand of floss over two fabric threads.  I really love the color!  I used all the recommended flosses to include Calico Kitten (I kitted this pattern when it was released, whew!  I know it's hard to find now!).  It has 46,378 stitches.  It took 71 days of stitching (not consecutive) and 8 months to complete.  I started it on July 4th, 2025, and finished it on March 2, 2026.  I enjoyed stitching this and now can't wait to get it framed and hung on my wall.  I'll post pictures when that happens.  As I was stitching I was wondering what this piece will look like in many years down the road?  Will it be a cherished heirloom?  Will it end up in goodwill?  Or heaven forbid, the trash heap one day.  I have some things my Mom stitched, a quilt my grandmother made, and they are keepsakes of mine.  I hope that this will be too!  Let's hope my son and his family appreciate the work these hands have done, and take care of it when I'm gone.  

  

One last thing before I go.  This is my blog, mainly a journal of my stitching, but also of things I feel are important.  I honestly wasn't prepared to wake up this weekend with the news that Iran had been attacked.  I shouldn't have been, the signs were there that something was about to happen.  It had to be done, the talks that have been going on for well over a year were not working.  Sometimes you need to take action.  I'm heartbroken for the families who lost loved ones, and those who have loved ones in harm's way.  I've been in that position before, praying they stay safe and dreading opening the door when there is an unexpected knock.  I hope you'll join me in praying for our service men and women, for the innocent Iranian people, for those people in neighboring countries who are unfairly being attacked, for the people of Isreal and for the rest of the world's safety as none of us are safe until this regime has been dealt with.  And most of all, pray for our leaders who are making difficult decisions, especially President Trump.  I truly believe this was not the way he wanted to go to make peace in the Middle East.  My heart is heavy.  One of the great freedoms we have is that we have the freedom of speech and while sometimes I feel it is misplaced and abused, I respect that it is your right to say what you want.  Please be kind with your comments.       

Almost there...

After the crazy start to the New Year, I never dreamed I would get this far this quickly with Let Freedom Ring.  I'm really hoping for a finish next month.  There is just a little more left on page 2 and then page 1 to finish.  I made a few changes to the pattern, adding America's Semiquincentennial 2026, and the eagle over the flag.  I also took the word America off the flag.  I was brought up to not disrespect the flag by altering it in any way.  For some reason that just looked wrong to me.  So here is where I finished last night.  

It's a beautiful day here today, it's supposed to be warmer than it has been, dare I say it will be in the 60's?  So we have decided to get out and enjoy the sunshine.  I hope you are enjoying the perfect weather wherever you may be!  Happy Stitching!

Finishing Day at the Zoo!

I woke up REALLY early today.  The sun is shining, and after my morning cup of coffee, I had a little burst of creativity...and thought I might as well put it to good use.  I had been looking for some little trinkets to put on an ornament I finished last night (I cut the shanks off these little buttons and then stitched them onto the ornament) and while I was looking for the buttons, I found a couple of frames I had set aside for a couple of things I had finished stitching.  So...I got out my supplies and got to work.  These four only took about 2 hours!  And now they are ready to display when those seasons roll around.  So...here they are!  

Home for the Holidays by the Cozy DH from the 2025 JCS Ornament Issue, stitched on 28 count Touch of Grey over one.  If you are wondering about the little white "pie tin" it is mounted in, it is actually the back of a Christmas Ornament I found at Hobby Lobby two years ago.  

Santa's Express by December Stitches from the 2025 JCS Ornament Issue stitched on 28 count Aqua Blue Light over one.  

Winter Snow Owl by Blackberry Lane Designs stitched on 32 count Pearl Grey over two.  

Pumpkin on Gingham by the Sweetheart Tree stitched on 28 count cream and beige gingham over two.  

I guess that's all I have to show today.  I hope all is well wherever you are!  Happy Stitching!

Stitch The Winter Olympics: Closing Ceremonies

Welcome to day 17...the last day!  Today we were to stitch something we hope to finish in 2026.  You guessed it!  I stitched on Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio.  UGH...I'm sooooo close to another page finish!!  But I think I'm going to set it aside until next month, I have a few things I need to finish this month.  Anyway, here is where I stopped tonight.  #stitchthewinterolympics.

Whew, in all honesty, I loved the challenge, but I have to say, I'm glad I can now pick what I want to stitch instead of letting the challenge decide for me.  Thank you to the Naptime Stitcher for hosting the challenge!    

Today was another round of a bomb cyclone, or a Nor'easter or a Snowicane whatever you want to call it.  I'm just calling it a nuisance.  Haha.  We have more snow on the ground, but hopefully it won't last as long as the last round.  If I ever get my hands on Punxsutawney Phil I'm gonna....well let's just say he's going to get a stern talking to!  LOL!!  I've never been a fan of rodents anyway...haha.  I will say we are not getting the brunt of the storm where I live, but I know there are others further up the coast who are getting slammed.  Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Stay warm and safe, and if you have lights...keep on stitching! 

Stitch the Winter Olympics: Medal Ceremony

Welcome to day 16!  Today we were supposed to stitch on something with flowers or a floral motif.  Again I chose Hummingbird's Garden by Samplers Not Forgotten.  What is so ironic about stitching this today is that I finished it!!  I think I deserve a medal...hahaha.  This was supposed to be my blessings sampler, but I just ran out of time in January....but thankfully it's finished now.  I say it's serendipitous that I finished it today.  I stitched this in honor of my Mom who loved hummingbird's.  I thought about her a lot while I was stitching this, I wish she could see it, I know she would have loved it.  It's stitched on 40 count Moonstone over two.  I have tons of pictures because I wanted to show all the specialty stitches that are in this piece and you can see why it took me so long to finish it.  I can't wait to get it framed.  

I'm not sure what I'll do with the rest of my day, I probably should do something productive.  They are predicting another bomb cyclone to hit sometime tomorrow into Monday.  I've seen predictions anywhere from 1 to 12 inches...who knows how much we will get.  We are pretty well stocked from the last one that hit (the snow from that storm back in January finally melted YESTERDAY)  Oh well, old man winter sure is having a lovely time this year!  LOL  

I'm off to look for a pattern I have been searching for since Christmas.  I stitched it, finished it, then gave it away and now it's time I stitched it for myself!  LOL!!  I hope wherever you are that you are safe, warm, and happily stitching!