Garden of Stitches

Cardinals for a Cure Ornament

2012-01-28T10:44:00.004-05:00

I stitched up another ornament a week or so ago, and finally got a chance to take a photo of it this morning. I really love how this one came out...

Cardinals for a Cure Ornament
Blue Ribbon Designs
Chart available HERE
40 ct Unknown Silkweaver Fabric, WDW and CC Floss

Christmas Pinkeep Ornament

2012-01-16T13:13:00.003-05:00

I think I have my stitching mojo back again. My neuromuscular dental appt is not until Wednesday, but I have had some BowenWork done and my muscles are relaxing a bit now from having the fascia lifted from damaged areas. At the very least, I guess I am just coping better... So, I have been busy stitching ornaments. Why ornaments? They are something I can actually use and are still small... this year, I think I will be back to samplers too! Anyhow, here is one I finished off yesterday - I generally take photos outdoors for better color, but there is a little snow on my porch and, therefore, no place to put this to take the picture... I managed to get at least this shot...

Christmas Pinkeep Ornament
Praiseworthy Stitches
2005 JCS Christmas Ornament Issue
R&R Reproductions 30 ct Americana Blend Linen, GAST Floss

I am saddened to say that I am so disappointed in some former blogger friends. Safe enough to write here, they do not read my blog any longer. Some folks just don't have what it takes to be open and honest with other people.... and do not mind hurting feelings in the process. Very glad I am a better person than that.

Happy New Year.... and a little reflection...

2012-01-02T15:41:00.007-05:00

I am a little late in posting this as it has been "holiday hectic" here, but I received this gorgeous ornament from dear Katrina just after Christmas - it managed to be able to hang on my tree for a day or two before I took it down, and it looked great!

Thank you so much Katrina - I love this ornament, and it will be yet another treasure from you to hang every year! I have quite a few from you now. You're the best! I will email you, as I have one from you about my health which does deserve a reply. Will try to do that today ;-)

I also managed to stitched up a couple of ornaments during the last part of December... did not get a chance to take photos until today (it is very warm and sunny hear, very strange for January 2... you can see how sunny it is just by looking at the photos!)

Merry Xmas Ornament
The Little Stitcher - chart found here
30 ct Medium Exampler Speckled 739 Jache Linen
Crescent Colours Floss in Apple Fritter and Bamboo

Noel Stamp Ornament 2011
Jeannette Douglas Designs
Just Cross Stitch 2011 Christmas Ornament Issue
R&R Reproductions 28 ct Flax Fields Linen, DMC Floss, GAST Floss, Petite Mill Hill Beads

And... I also stitched one yesterday while watching the Patriots game...

Jolly Ornament
Miss Crescent's Crowne
Just Cross Stitch 2011 Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Dirty Belfast Linen, Crescent Colours Floss

Soooooo.... usually at this time of the year, I do a little photo show of all that I stitched this year. Well, I sure did not have enough to bother to do that this year. It is easy enough to scroll only a little to see what little I managed to stitch due to my migraines, tinnitus, vertigo and neck pain.... So anyhow, I have reflected on some other things I did accomplish this year...
1) I learned about all one can learn about tinnitus, and although it took me 9 months and many thousands of dollars to get to this conclusion, I have learned that a neuromuscular dentist is in order.... my appt is for January 18.... I pray for no snow and tons of relief... and I will be writing a CE course on Tinnitus for the American College of Wellness this year, hope to have that published and ready to go before long...
2) I read 271 books.... paperbacks and ebooks, maybe one or two were hardcover.... all were romance novels... hey, I know what I like, and somehow reading has been easier than stitching... less having to look at tiny holes and threads, and books/iPad/Kindle Fire all easier to hold on some days than stitching has been...
3) Professionally, I made huge strides, despite the pain... or perhaps because of my refusal to give in to the pain... I have been licensed as a mental health counselor in Massachusetts for eons, and this year, I managed to obtain a very hard to get New Hampshire license, as well as become nationally certified. I sublet office space in Londonderry, NH and 2-3 days a week, I now work considerably closer to home... and sincerely hope that in 2012 I will be working in my NH space a whole lot more as I was signed onto several NH insurance panels already. I also took coursework and became a Certified Obesity Management Specialist. I also took a huge amount of continuing education in 2011 in - Anxiety Disorders/Boundaries in Mental Health Treatment/Treating Co-Occurring Disorders/Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research/Children's Behavioral Health Initiative Distance Learning Outpatient Activity/Grief Counseling: The Best Clinical, Practical and Integrative Skills & Interventions/Stop Anxiety and Panic in 5 Session Without Medication/Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act/Mental Health Treatment for Persons with HIV/NBCC Code of Ethics/Orthorexia Nervosa: When Healthy Living Goes Awry/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for RDs/APSARD ADHD and Comorbidity Newsletter/Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment/What is HIV?/Bullying: Techniques for Dealing with Taunting, Teasing, & Tormenting/An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation/Intro to Goals, Clinical Concerns, and Opportunities in Behavioral Health Managed Care/Blending DBT and the 12 Steps to Treat Eating Disorders and Addiction/Medical Issues with Eating Disorders....

So, while I have been away from this wonderful world of stitching and blogging, I did want to take stock and review that it was not at all a lost year for me... a loud and dizzy year, but not a lost year...

Happy New Year to you all!!! Miss you so very much.

Lovely Christmas Ornaments From Dear Friends

2011-12-22T15:28:00.008-05:00

Over the past two days, I have received some real blessings from two very dear friends... Yesterday I received this lovely surprise from Marie, and I just adore it - the sparkly trim is stunning and really stands out on my tree... Marie has become such a sweet and caring friend during this very difficult year for me (news on that will be at the bottom of this post)- I really want to thank Marie for her kindness, love and support... and for this gorgeous ornament!

Caroline
Miss Crescent's Crowne
2009 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue

Today I received a box that was an utter embarassment of riches from my dear, dear friend Margaret. She sent me so many treats - and even a treat for Mike (I put it in his stocking but he knows it is from you!)... I was so overwhelmed I only took a photo of this gorgeous ornament that now adorns my tree...

I believe Margaret wrote that this one is called Poinsettia Wishes by Stitches by Cheri. So beautifully stitched and finished.... the chenille trim is a great idea (she even sent me some for a future ornament or two).... and so much more.... yet another friend who stood by me during this year of weird health problems and utter exhaustion - I love you both so much!

And finally, I realized I never posted this little ornament I stitched for our tree a week or two ago..

White Christmas Ornament
The Stitcherhood
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, November 2011
32 ct White Belfast Linen, Atalie Fil a Broder in Passion
Stitched one-over-one

OK - my health update. Many of my former friends/readers are gone since I have been in too much pain to blog or stitch consistently. I miss them terribly, but am grateful to those of you who visit at times and bring me cheer - thank you! Here is the scoop - I have tinnitus. Really awful, severe, debilitating tinnitus in my left ear. I have been to every kind of doctor I could think of or was referred to since this started in March... No relief. Over time, other symptoms became equally awful, painful and debilitating. Severe migraine headaches with aura, poor vision, unbelievable neck and shoulder pain with very limited range of motion when turning my head... tingling in my fingers and toes.... and often, my femoral nerve on my left side shoots awful, sharp pains into my groin. Oh, and vertigo! Awful vertigo.

OK, my focus has been to 1) stay focused and keep working - our livelihoods depended on me to do this despite often feeling I could not do it - resulting in extreme fatigue (but not missing any work, and I am really proud of myself for getting through that), and 2) to find out just what is going on with me and get it fixed. I cannot tell you how many times I thought I had an aneurysm building - though my CT scan was clear - my dad died of a cardiac aneurysm, so of course, that is the first thing to jump into my mimd!

I figured out relatively recently that this is somehow related to my mouth/jaw... TMJ type stuff. I put myself on a "pablum diet" (soft foods, as little chewing as possible), wear my nightguard as much as I can (like, right after dinner until I get up in the AM), and sleep flat on my back, no turning of my head in either direction. These things help a lot - but... some nights I guess I am restless and wake up with a screaming ear. If it is screaming when I wake up, there is no relief AT ALL until the next morning - quieter days now follow the really loud days, but there are no guarantees.

I do believe I am now on the right path. Last Wednesday, I had a consult with a neuromuscular dentist. How may of you knew there was such a thing?? I had to google for a long time and make sure to combine all of my symptoms to finally get to this specialist. It turns out, I have a misaligned bite. I failed the muscle reaction tests he gave me. He told me my situation is chronic, but he can help. On January 18, 2012 I hope to begin my path towards health. He will relax my facial and neck muscles (somehow this involves a tens unit), find my correct bite for me and build me orthotics to wear until my bite is corrected. At that point, I can expect alleviation or cessation of my tinnitus and neck pain. Every time I chew, talk, breathe, my misaligned bite is throwing my atlas and axis (C-1 and C-2) vertebrae out of whack. I have been seeing a chiropractor who does his best to realign them, but those adjustments do not stay put.... I chew, talk or breathe again and pop - out they go. Can you even imagine this?? I have a leaning forward posture as a result. My neuromuscular system is all beat up. But... I am going to get this fixed. I truly am..... I cannot begin to tell you what the financial cost of this 9 month journey has been for me.... I just hope that at the one year anniversary in March, I will be close to whole, healthy and relatively sane again.

If that does happen, I hope to be back here with a vengeance - LOL

Merry Christmas dear friends.... and Prosperous New Year!!

Santa's Helper Ornament

2011-12-18T14:16:00.005-05:00

Stitched a little something for my own tree in the past couple of days...

Santa's Helper Ornament
Dragon Dreams
Chart available for purchase at Patterns Online
32 ct Amsterdam Blue Belfast Linen, DMC Floss, RG Fuzzy Stuff, Assorted beads and Star Charm

Stitcher's Choice Ornament for Nancy

2011-12-15T18:52:00.003-05:00

I have learned that Nancy has received the ornament I sent to her for the Hoe Stitcher's Choice Christmas Ornament round... I had great fun with this one, and my DH really wanted to keep it... maybe I will have to stitch another?
Christmas Rose Ornament
Nancy Pederson
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, November 2011
32 ct Opalescent White Belfast Linen, Victorian Motto Sampler Thread, RG Petite Treasure Braid

Hope you enjoy it, Nancy.

Quaker Snowman Ornament

2011-12-12T17:09:00.003-05:00

Stitched up another ornament this weekend... too cold outside to enjoy doing much else..

Quaker Snowman Ornament
Designer Unknown
32 ct Amsterdam Blue Belfast Linen, DMC Color Vartiations 4150

Stitcher's Choice Ornament from Roberta

2011-12-09T16:34:00.002-05:00

I just received this really cute ornament from Roberta for the HoE Stitcher's Choice Christmas Ornament Exchange - it is such a cutie. I have always liked this design - now I can scratch it off of my "to stitch" list - such a treasure, thank you Roberta! And a pic of at least one side of our massive tree this year... don't see your ornament on it? If you stitched one for me at any time, it sure is there! I always love putting up my tree and ogling all the beautiful work my friends have done for me!!!

Noel Squared Ornament

2011-12-03T12:44:00.003-05:00

Finished up an ornament early, early this morning.... couldn't sleep, loud ear... so here it is - oh, and why is it so darn hard for me to take photo of an ornament when it is on my tree?? Geesh.... probably time to upgrade my digital camera.

Noel Squared Ornament
Lizzie Kate
28 ct Gingham Linen, WDW Floss

Christmas Greetings

2011-11-27T13:21:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I managed to do the finishing on this gift for a friend... I really love the Victorian color scheme I selected for this one...

Christmas Greetings Ornament
iStitch Designs
R&R Reproductions 28 ct French Vanilla Linen
Crescent Colours Floss - Erin Go Emerald, Wild Berries
Stitched one-over-one

Kinda don't want to send this one off - looked cute on my tree this morning, but here goes, packing it up - LOL!

A couple of very small ornaments...

2011-11-26T17:08:00.005-05:00

In the past couple of weeks, I have managed to stitch some tiny ornaments... the first two that are totally finished are ready to share are... (I love to make really tiny ornaments sometimes, as I have so many and still want to keep adding to my tree... so I make little guys that can get tucked in anywhere, like these two can)...

Joy Ambigram Ornament
The Flower Thread Company
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, November 2011
32 ct Opalescent White Belfast Linen, Victorian Motto Sampler Thread, DMC Floss
I also stitched this one up a bit ago.... I put the very last stitch in the finishing just as our power went out during the late October freak snowstorm that hit the East Coast of the US.... it was over four days before we got power back, and longer than that before I remembered to go peek and see how it came it! Here it is...

Joy to the World Ornament
Helga Mandl in Carolling Cards
32 ct R&R Reproductions Creek Bed Brown linen, Crescent Colours Floss
Stitched one over one

Have missed so many of my blogging/stitching friends. Last night I shocked my tinnitus (it is only in my left ear) using ear buds and some sound program apps on my iPad... having a very quiet day today, so I am hoping I am on to something... will do more of that shock therapy tonight - no worries, I don't blast it, I am just trying to habituate my brain to the chronic hissing that is now part of my life...)

Oh, we just got our tree and Mike is stringing the lights. Maybe I will decorate it tomorrow and will have a photo to share soon.... anyone else getting ready to decorate a post a photo of their tree???

Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments - ornament for HoE Exchange

Words of Christmas Ornament from Carla

2011-11-05T14:38:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I received this really stunning ornament from Carla for the HOE Words of Christmas Christmas Ornament Exchange. She stitched Peace Ornament by Keepsake Stitches in the 2011 JCS Christmas Ornament Issue - it is so stunning. I love the hand dyed fabric she chose and her finishing is just so lovely. What a treat, and I will treasure it always. Carla is such a dear friend, and I look forward to hanging this little dove on my tree in just a few weeks now :-)

Started my Christmas Ornament stitching...

2011-10-23T14:13:00.004-04:00

OK, it is autumn in the western hemisphere, so I have started my non-exchange Christmas Ornament stitching... starting with two from the JCS Christmas Ornament Preview Issue, of course..

The First Day Ornament
Plum Street Samplers
JCS Christmas Ornament Preview Issue, July/August 2011
Lakeside Linens 40 ct Basketweave Linen
CC Belle Soie Cranberry Silk and Valdani Floss in Muddy Monet

Baa Baa Birdie
Miss Crescent's Crowne Designs
JCS Christmas Ornament Preview Issue, July/August 2011
Sugar Maple Fabrics 28 ct Howling at the Moon lugana (stitched one over one)
Crescent Colours Floss

Sooo... OK.... whoever put the pin in the left side of the head of some voodoo doll of me, please, I beg you.... please remove it! It had to have been inserted around March 15, 2011. Since then, the left side of my head has been screaming and hissing. Yep, there are days with hints of relief... the chiropractor provides most of that. But honestly, I think he is just trying to work around that pin that the voodoo witch put in the doll :-( If I must make amends with someone to have it removed, please let me know - before I start to lose hearing in my left ear, pleaaaase....

Currently Stitching: Really don't know - other than Christmas Ornaments...

HoE Words of Christmas Ornament Exchange for Erin

2011-10-06T18:29:00.005-04:00

I heard today from Erin that she has received the HoE Words of Christmas Ornament that I stitched for her. I have always wanted to stitch this particular design, and was thrilled to get a chance to use it for this exchange.
Joy*Love*Peace Ornament
From Merry's Heart (Merry Cox)
Just Cross Stitch 10th Anniversary Christmas Ornament Collection
30 ct Medium Exampler Speckled 739 Jache Linen
TG SNC Silk, Carol Waterlilies and Weeks Dye Works Floss

... and the psychotherapist in me just LOVES this Angry Birds cartoon... :-)

Quiet ear! Yes, almost completely quiet! Last night my chiropractor adjusted by Axis (C2) vertebrae instead of my Atlas (C1 vertebrae) after I told him my ear screams the day after C1 ajdustment.... every.single.time. We opted to go one vertebrae lower this time, and we either got lucky for now, or we found the track we need to be on! Unfortunately, caught a nasty head cold from my clients this week, though.

And... tomorrow is my first day with my first client in my new New Hampshire sublet office - wonder if the couple will show??

Currently Stitching: Christmas ornaments

A non-stitching update...

2011-09-23T17:59:00.002-04:00

...Well, there will be a stitching update soon enough as I am soon to finish my ornament for the HoE Words of Christmas Exchange, but.... there is other news to share :-)

First of all, thank you to those who offered kind words of support during this year of poor health for me. It took six months to finally get a diagnosis. I have a misalgined atlas, also known as the C1 verterbrae. This is a tiny two ounce bone that sits atop my spine and connects to my brain stem. How did it get misaligned? I have not been in any accident. My chiropractor is as stumped as I am. I may have been born this way and now, at age 48, pathology is showing. However, my chiropractor is wonderful. I have been having two adjustments a week since 9/2/11. My tinnitus is quieter, although not gone. There is still hope in me that it will pass. My migraines are virtually gone, and I cannot recall my last episode of vertigo. I do still get radiating pain in my jaw and into my sinuses. This will all take time...

Second bit of news - as some of you know, I am a psychotherapist in private practice. I received my master's degree in 1989, 22 years ago. I have only been licensed in Massachusetts, although have lived in New Hampshire for 20 years now. I live near the state border, about a 45 minute commute to work. Anyhow, I finally set a New Year's Resolution to get my NH counseling license this year. It took forever (8 months) to gather documents I needed - my old exam score from the National Board of Certified Counselors for oh way back when.... documentation of my many supervised clinical hours for oh way back when... college transcripts... graduate school transcripts.... documentation of my MA license in good standing from the MA Board of Allied Mental Health... three references from colleagues.... oh, and I had to answer a voluminous pile of essay questions, document my previous continuing education courses.... sigh.... it was worth it! I was approved for my license this week! What am I going to do with it? No truly formed idea quite yet. I love my practice in MA, but am going to talk to a local therapist here this week to see if I can sublet space in her office one day a week once I get some insurance contracts (ie., Blue Cross, Medicaid, etc)....

And... I was bored with my life in general recently - being ill can make being bored VERY easy - so I signed up to become a Certified Obesity Management Specialist. I am almost done with my exam. Maybe I will finish it this weekend. Yay!!

Hope you are all well... I know I have dropped off of the blog rolls of almost all of my old stitching buddies. I think mostly only newbies will read this. It is sad that falling ill can make one become so detached, but I do welcome those of you who do visit often and offer kind words - thank you!!!

Hugs to all, Carol

PS- hope to be "back" soon!

Lizzie Kate Ornament Received

2011-09-05T11:56:00.004-04:00

I got the good word this morning from Anne that the HoE Lizzie Kate ornament I stitched for the exchange has arrived safe and sound in Australia. What a relief. The postal service in the US is going through major changes and trying to survive. Seems their international post has slowed down terribly... but alas, they got the moose there safe and sound!

Merry Moosemas
Lizzie Kate - in Tiny Tidings
32 ct Antique Ivory Belfast Linen, DMC Floss, Kreinik #4 braid and blending filament, little brass stars (likely ByJupiter! or Homespun Elegance - had them lying about in my stash)...

Hope you enjoy Anne, it was great fun to stitch for you this time around!

Currently Stitching: Despite physical problems, working on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow, Family Ruenion and Christmas Ornaments as my health allows...

Tinnitus/Blinding Headaches/Jaw Pain/Decreased Neck Mobility

2011-09-02T15:44:00.003-04:00

Subluxated C5 and C1 vertebrae... Twice a week chiro adjustments ordered and have begun. Never buy a too hard mattress!

HoE Lizzie Kate Christmas Ornament Received

2011-08-17T18:44:00.003-04:00

I just received my Lizzie Kate Christmas Ornament for the HoE Exchange. Jen (sorry, cannot find her blog link!) stitched this cute design for me - thanks Jen!!

Mine is on its way but has quite a long travel ahead of it... hope to be able to post it here soon :-)

Currently Stitching: Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

Hello stitching friends.....

2011-07-23T19:12:00.002-04:00

Long time, no hello! Today is one of the first days in many months where my constant tinnitus in my left ear is held relatively at bay.... No migraine and my thoughts are my own. I know why I have been ill, but recovering has been a long road. Tomorrow may be awful again, but for today....HI! I miss you all!

Hugs, Carol

Snowman Ornament from Ellen

2011-06-22T10:10:00.003-04:00

I have received my HoE Snowman Round ornament from Ellen L in Singapore... and isn't it a beauty? It is one of SamSarah's designs from a recent JCS Christmas Ornament Issue - one I had hope to stitch one day, and now I do not have to :-) It is happily sitting in one of my Christmas ornament baskets in my curio and I can admire it even before Christmas comes. Yet another gorgeous treasure for my tree - Christmas ornament exchange swaps are my favorite!!

Thank you again, so very much, Ellen. I truly do love it!

Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments (still struggling with severe migraines and tinnitus, which affect my vision, so my going is slow)

HoE Snowman Round for Elisa

2011-06-09T15:21:00.004-04:00

I awoke to good news in my emailbox this morning from Elisa - she let me know that the Snowman Ornament I stitched for her for the HoE Snowman Round of the Perpetual Christmas Ornament Exchange arrived safe and sound at her home in the UK this morning. Whew! I was starting to get a little concerned :-) Glad she likes it, I think I am going to stitch this one for me someday too...

Another Snowman Ornament
Val's Stuff
32 ct Vintage Country Mocha Belfast Linen, Crescent Colours and DMC Floss

**This freebie can be found at here, just click on current newsletter and scroll to the end...

Currently Stitching: two Christmas ornaments

Celebration of Needlework 2011

2011-04-30T09:36:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I attended Celebration of Needlework 2011 in Nashua, NH. I always love this annual trek 30 minutes (or less) from my home, (how blessed am I??), to meet up with stitching friends, take fun classes and shop... and eat... :-) The economy surely seems to affected Celebration this year. It was a much smaller crowd. There were only 4 students in the class I took, and I was told there was only 1 student in a class the day before :-( None of the designers I usually take classes from were there this year - no Betsy Stinner, no Catherine Strickler, no Jeannette Douglas, no Cynthia Zittel (aka Covol)... sigh... but, I still had great fun. There were still plenty of vendors there, and great friends too!

I thoroughly enjoyed taking this small class with Theresa Venette of Shakepeare's Peddler. The project is a small, basic spring pattern with the emphasis on learning a fun, easy and inexpensive way to convert this to a pincushion on a square pedestal... you will have to wait until I finish mine to see what I mean ;-) Theresa is lovely - a very open, candid and humorous lady. Totally fun!

I hit the shopping area with some gusto.... with my health issues this year, stitching has not been in the forefront for me. I loved being re-exposed to my favorite hobby while I was there. I picked up some Blackbird Designs charts, a La D Da chart and Shakespeare's Peddler's Jennie Bean... however, my biggest splurge of the event was this full kit for Quaker Diamonds. Karen Kluba was there (as a vendor, not as a teacher, unfortunately), and her booth was amazing. I could have furnished all of my house, my mother's house and your house with her many stunning models! This was the last of the full kits she had, so I feel like I won the lottery. I am so addicted to this piece already - so unusual for me to stitch on 28 ct using three strands of floss. Those who know me, know I am very much a one strand on 40 ct please, thank you so much... This is a treat and no strain on my eyes, thus no triggering of migraines. Whew! The colors are stunning, and I already know this is going in my dining area. The colors complement by newly installed Brazilian Cherry wood floors just perfectly. I am in stitching heaven again!

Plus, as well as spending time with dear, beloved Margaret as I do every year, I got to meet up with any dear stitching friend, Marie, for the first time ever! She is in transition, moving from Texas to Connecticut/New York/Vermont - some crazy combination of all three, actually :-) She is living in a hotel in Connecticut at the moment - what a treat for her to come and visit at Celebration... we had a fun dinner along with Margaret, and I got to give her my HoE Quaker Christmas Ornament in person!! Here is what I stitched for her...

Quaker Christmas Smalls
Milady's Needle
40 ct Flax Linen, Crescent Colours Floss - English Ivy, Auntie Dee, Sassy Brass, Bandana

On the health front, I am thoroughly enjoying "needle naps" (aka acupuncture) now... along with the magnesium supplement advice from Joanne, and Theresa Venette's recommendation for me to try Progesterone Cream, I think I may actually start to feel better soon - imagine that! My tinnitus volume is much lower as long as I keep this up, and I have only had a glimmer of a migraine since I first started acupuncture on Wednesday afternoon! Thank you to all for your help and support!!

Currently Stitching: Joy Christmas Ornament (thank you Margaret for giving me your used chart - I love this one!), and Quaker Diamonds

I am so lucky....

2011-04-25T18:44:00.003-04:00

I feel so lucky... I have received two absolutely gorgeous Quaker Christmas Ornaments for the HoE Quaker Christmas Exchange!

This stunning stocking is from Anne. She wrote me that she had a tough time parting with it... I think we can all see why! Wow! I sure am going to treasure this lovely from a dear friend!
And, I had two partners! Marie signed up for the exchange just a tiny bit late, right after I had drawn names for partners. But we agreed to swap with each other, as I surely wanted her to participate. And look at the gorgeous Quaker strawberry she made for me! Another amazing treasure from another dear friend. I do feel blessed! I have not mailed mine to Marie yet though... she is moving at the moment and just does not have a postal address. I might get lucky, though this weekend. She might be at Celebration of Needlework in Nashua, so I will have hers with me just in case!!

Thank you, dear friends, for these amazing treasures!

Also, thanks to those with the tinnitus advice. I start acupuncture for tinnitus and migraines on Wednesday afternoon... hoping for the best, and ever thankful for the advice and support from the stitching world... hugs to you all!

Currently stitching: Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

Quaker Christmas Ornament for Janet

2011-04-21T09:24:00.002-04:00

I just heard this morning that janet has received the ornament I sent to her for the HoE Quaker Christmas Ornament Exchange.

Quaker Holly Ornament
The Workbasket
36 ct Ivory Edinburgh Linen, GAST and Victorian Motto Floss

Currently Stitching: Earth Sampler

Christmas Hearts Ornament

2011-02-28T16:48:00.002-05:00

Well, OK, I am still stitching Christmas ornaments on a pretty regular basis here. I figure it is because it still very much looks like Christmas here. While my pals and family down south are happily reporting to me (all the time) that spring has arrived for them, it is still ultra snowy, very cold and oh so icy here in NH. I am home today due to severe ice this morning. I heard there were 12 rollover accidents between here and the Massachusetts border this morning, at the height of the morning commute. Glad I did stay home! I would have rolled or been stuck behind a rollover for most of the morning anyhow... hurry up Spring, this is getting to be pretty cruel and unusual punishment for us New Englanders now...

So, here is what I stitched this weekend, and just now did the finishing... a gentle reminder to myself of just how much I hate working with Kreinik blending filament!

Christmas Hearts Ornament
Just Nan - chart available HERE
32 ct Flax Belfast Linen, DMC Floss, Kreinik Blending Filament, SJ Designs Beads

Several of you have asked for details on the 1999 JCS Ornament Issue I have available... it is not officially sold yet. I offered to the first stitcher who asked, and now she has not gotten back to me. I will offer to the next in line tonight if she does not reply to my email...thanks for the strong interest in the magazine, and I hope to get it off to its new owner soooo soon!

Currently Stitching: a Christmas ornament, Houses of Hawk Run Hollow, and Winter at Beacon House

JCS 1999 Christmas Ornament Issue for Sale

2011-02-27T11:37:00.004-05:00

I find myself with two copies of the hard to find, out of print JCS 1999 Christmas Ornament Issue. I wish to sell my extra copy. Please email me (click to view my profile in sidebar... Email is there), and I will tell you what I paid for it... Will sell for that price. Thanks!

SOLD- thanks for the interest!

Red Exchange for Lucy

2011-02-24T14:47:00.003-05:00

Lucy let me know today that she received the HoE Stitch Red for your Heart Exchange that I sent off to her... I had such a devil of a time finding a chart for this exchange. I thought it would be easy, but somehow got all mired up in things... finally I was cruising Oakhaven Designs blog and figured I would try this freebie as a needlebook.... Lucy wrote kind words, so I am glad she likes it!

Happy New Year 2011 Needlebook
Oakhaven Designs
32 ct Dirty Belfast Linen, DMC Floss

Currently Stitching: a Christmas ornament, Winter at Beacon House

A Cookie for Santa

2011-02-20T10:11:00.004-05:00

It's far too cold and windy here in New Hampshire to do much more than the essential errands, so yesterday I sat down and made this little whimsy for my Christmas tree...

A Cookie for Santa Ornament
Hillside Samplings
Just Cross Stitch 1999 Christmas Ornament Issue
36 ct Sand Edinburgh Linen, NN and DMC Floss

Currently Stitching: Winter at Beacon House, a Christmas Ornament

Stitch Red Exchange from Faye

2011-02-13T15:57:00.002-05:00

I received this really pretty pincushion from Faye earlier this week for the HoE Stitch Red Exchange. I had a chance to finally take a photo this afternoon. She stitched La-D-Da's design from the latest Christmas Ornament Issue, and then added her own really pretty homemade pins, plus a skein of overdyed floss. What a treat, and it already looks great in my curio cabinet. Thank you so much Faye!

Currently Stitching: HoE Stitch Red Exchange (down to doing the finishing now), Winter at Beacon House, a Christmas ornament

Rudy Ornament for Ina

2011-02-11T11:02:00.003-05:00

I received word this morning that Ina has received the ornament I made for her for the HoE Reindeer Round Exchange... I stole the finishing technique from Lynn's blog (she had a tutorial, so I doubt she minds - LOL)... and here it is:

Rudy Ornament
Glory Bee
Just Cross Stitch 2007 Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Natural Light Linen, DMC Floss, Mill Hill Bead

Happy Friday to all!

Currently Stitching: HoE Stitch Red Exchange, Winter at Beacon House

Poinsettia Ornament

2011-02-06T12:03:00.003-05:00

Another tiny ornament finish... I love the tiny ones, there is always some place to fit them in on my tree. I stitched this little one up during one of the snow days we had last week, and then did the finishing while watching TV with Mike last night...

Poinsettia Ornament
Earth Threads
Just Cross Stitch 2003 Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Antique Ivory Belfast Linen, RG Petite Treasure Braid, DMC Floss, Mill Hill Petite Seed Beads

Currently Stitching: Winter at Beacon House, a Christmas Ornament, HoE Stitch Red Exchange

Believe

2011-02-01T13:27:00.003-05:00

I stitched up this little, tiny ornament on Sunday. It's an old freebie from The Sampler Girl, which I figure must be retired as I cannot find it anywhere in her blog any longer... I had stitched this a couple of years ago for a friend, and this time around I made it really, really small to tuck into my own tree... kind of a "note to self" ornament as I have struggles with family and holidays... I need the reminder at the holiday season to just "believe" and not stress out too much... so here it is!

Believe Ornament
The Sampler Girl
Retired Freebie
28 ct Taupe Cashel Linen, DMC 115
Stitched one over one

Currently Stitching: HoE Stitch Red Exchange, a Christmas ornament and Winter at Beacon House

Winter Sampler Ornament

2011-01-30T10:09:00.004-05:00

I've been keeping myself busy with my personal goal to stitch as many Christmas ornaments as I can this year. Last night I did the finishing on this ornament that I had actually stitched earlier this month... I backed it with Silkweaver 40 ct Morning Dew linen, but did not manage to get any of that in the photo... it turned out to be really delicate, I just love this one...

Winter Sampler Ornament
Little House Needleworks
Just Cross Stitch 2009 Christmas Ornament Issue
Lakeside Linens 40 ct Basketweave Linen, Crescent Colours Floss
Backed with Silkweaver 40 ct Morning Dew Linen

Currently Stitching: Winter at Beacon House, HoE Stitch Red Exchange, christmas ornament

Noel 2008 Ornament

2011-01-28T16:29:00.005-05:00

After seeing the gorgeous ornament that Tracy D. stitched for Sonda over on HoE, I just knew I had to make this one for myself! I had fun choosing my colors, as the ornament is charted in pastels and I wanted holiday bold colors... here is my end result...

Noel 2008 Christmas Ornament
Macha Creations
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, November 2008
32 ct Antique Ivory Belfast Linen, Crescent Colours Floss in Cupid, Balsam Fir, St. Bernard, Eve's Leaves, Bejeweled and Finley Gold

Currently stitching: Winter at Beacon House, HoE Stitch Red Exchange

HoE Reindeer Ornament from Gabi

2011-01-27T11:31:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I received a little packet from Australia.... in it was this gorgeous Blue Ribbon Designs ornament from Gabi. I love it! I have stitched BRD ornaments as gifts, but now I finally have one for my own tree...

She even personalized the back reflecting the year and the exchange group.... how sweet is this?? Thank you so much Gabi. I sure will treasure this always...

Ack... another very snowy morning yet again... the 3rd snowiest January on record in Boston... OK, I am 45 minutes north of Boston, but it counts! Praying for a drier February so I can get back to working full time again!

Enjoy your day -

Currently Stitching: a Christmas ornament, Winter at Beacon House, and starting my HoE Stitch Red exchange today

HoE Reindeer Round from Cindy

2011-01-22T14:26:00.002-05:00

Today I received my Reindeer Round ornament from Cindy for the HoE Perpetual Christmas Ornament Exchange. It appears she used at least some portion of one of Daffycat's free reindeer charts... not sure which one, will have to look and compare. Very cute, thanks Cindy!

I somehow messed up while setting up the partners for this round. I either overlooked Cindy's request email or never got it.... she caught the oversight after partners were exchanged, and we decided to swap with each other... while I also have an original partner for the group... so I am doing two rounds... will keep you posted re: what I sent and what I receive to/from my other partner(s)... confused? You are not alone :-)

FREE SHIPPING FOR EHQN IS BACK!!!! SAVE BIG!!!

Currently Stitching: Winter at Beacon House

Mistletoe Reindeer Ornament... and a new start!

2011-01-21T17:40:00.004-05:00

I mentioned in my last post that I had stitched the companion ornament to the one that I sent off in the HoE Reindeer Round Exchange... and here it is... this one I am keeping for my tree. I love Daffycat's delicate reindeer freebies! One left to stitch (Jingle Bell Reindeer)...

Mistletoe Reindeer Ornament
Daffycat Designs - chart available here
36 ct Flax Linen, DMC Floss

I also started a new project late last night... Since we had yet another snow storm this morning, I was free to stay home and work on it for a bit. This Praiseworthy Stitches sampler in the new Just Cross Stitch Magazine (Jan/Feb 2011) called to me as soon as my issue arrived... as New England native who is suffering through a brutally snowy January, this fits, and so I had to start it...

I am stitching this on Silkweaver 32 ct Sudden Storm Belfast Linen. The fabric of the model is bluer, but since I live where it snows a lot, I know that when it snows, the sky is grey like this, not often is is very blue.... nor is the sun smiling or really even out at that time, but we have to give PS artistic license for that one ;-)

If you are planning to stitch this sampler, please note some chart errors that I found - first of all, your fabric needs to be at least 15" x 24" - I am using a FQ - the chart calls for much smaller fabric. Also.... the symbols for the algerian eyelets (for the trees) in Cucumber and Endive Sampler Threads are reversed.... the symbols for the flag on the lighthouse and the little red bands atop the chimneys on the house are all coded for Cinnamon Sampler Thread, while the model clearly shows they are all stitched in Cherry Wine Sampler Thread.... makes me wonder how many other errors there will be, so keep an eye out as you stitch!

Reindeer Ornament for Cindy

2011-01-20T19:48:00.003-05:00

I heard today that Cindy has received the little ornament I made for her for the HoE Reindeer Round for the perpetual Christmas Ornament Exchange in HoE. I loved how this came out, and then made one using its companion chart for myself. Once I get a photo of that, I will share it... for now, here is the one I sent to Cindy...

Holly Reindeer
Daffycat Designs - design available HERE
36 ct Flax Linen, DMC Floss

Currently Stitching: Starting a new sampler tonight ;-)

Holly Berries Mini Biscornu Ornament

2011-01-17T19:39:00.004-05:00

Another little finish over the weekend...

Holly Berries Mini Biscornu Ornament
Cherished Stitches
Just Cross Stitch 2008 Christmas Ornament Issue
Silkweaver 36 ct Heritage Linen, Thread Gatherer Silk, Mill Hill Beads

Blackwork Star Ornament

2011-01-16T14:43:00.004-05:00

I finished up a couple of ornaments yesterday. One is for an exchange, so I certainly cannot share a photo yet, but I can share this one now...

Blackwork Star Ornament
Serendipity Designs
Just Cross Stitch 1998 Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Antique Ivory Belfast Linen, DMC 115

First Finish of the Year

2011-01-08T15:59:00.007-05:00

I have my first finish of the year... now that the holiday break has passed, I am back to work and well, slower on the stitching again. I suppose I am not the only one in that boat :-) Anyhow... my first finish is another Christmas ornament...

Christmas Comes Ornament
Vivian Bales
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, December 2007
28 ct Antique Ivory Cashel Linen, DMC Floss

eharlequin free shipping ends very soon... don't miss out!

Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments, Royalty ABC

Happy New Year, Friends!

2010-12-31T18:12:00.005-05:00

As 2010 winds down so rapidly now, I do have one last finish to share...

Love and Joy Ornament
Plum Street Samplers
Just Cross Stitch 2010 Christmas Ornaments Issue
R&R Reproductions 28 ct Flax Fields Linen, DMC Floss
Stitched one over one

Readers amongst us, don't miss out! - here is a chance to WIN BOOKS!

Here is to a happy, healthy and wealthy New Year to you all!!!

Currently Stitching: Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

A little more Christmas....

2010-12-29T16:31:00.003-05:00

It's still Christmas week, and I am on vacation from work this week, so add that up and... more little ornaments to share :-)

This first one is one that has been on my list for two years... now seemed like a good time to make it real. However, it was awful to photograph... this photo below is the best of the lot, despite the little bulb reflections in the wording below the teacup..

Not A Creature Was Stirring... Ornament
Casey Buonaugurio
Just Cross Stitch Magazine, December 2008
32 ct Olive Green Belfast Linen, DMC Floss, Mill Hill Beads

And this little guy was too hard to resist when I saw the link for the crochet directions in Hazel's blog... The designer used cotton yarn, I chose to go smaller with cotton thread and a size 8 hook... might have to make a few more of these in bright colors... the freebie patterns are in this AWESOME BLOG!

Mike still has plenty of Gingher 4" Ella scissors... go two entries down for info, the shop link and your special coupon code ;-)

Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments

Gingher Ella 4" Scissors Available... plus ornaments galore!

2010-12-27T16:21:00.009-05:00

For all who missed out on getting the JoAnn's Exclusive Gingher Ella 4" scissors when they first came out early in the autumn, no worries! Mike has been able to get a sizeable supply from his wholesaler - we had an over $300 postage charge at the post office today, primarily from shipping these out to you.... BUT.... we have more! Scroll down to my last entry to see how pretty they are, and to find the link and coupon code to get you your pair! Thanks :-)

Now onto my own stitching news... so much to share today... over the past couple of weeks, I have been blessed to receive some stunning ornaments from dear friends... and here they are:

This adorable green fluffy heart came to me from dear Staci - it is the cuddliest ornament I have ever had on my tree, and I adore it. I wish I had a better photo, but I was pretty much squatting in front of my tree to get this shot... thank you Staci :-)
And this stunner is from my dear, dear Celebrations friend Margaret. Margaret sends me the prettiest, most delicate ornaments every year... and she was not to be outdone again this year! She stitched for me Frosted Berlingot by Nancy Pederson in the December 2010 issue of The Gift of Stitching Magazine... see, another delicate beauty! I sooooo look forward to her ornament gifts every year! Thank you Margaret!
And, last but far, far from least, today I received my HoE Christmas Ornament Exchange from Hazel. Poor Hazel mailed this out to me ages and ages ago, and the postal service deigned to finally deliver it to my home today. No worries - the tree is still up, and it is still the holiday season here :-) Oh, it was so worth the wait! I had to take a kind of sideways photo of it, as it is facing my stairwell, and I had to slip the camera between the railings of the stairway to get a shot... so it looks wonky, but the ornament is NOT wonky - LOL. What a beauty - a CHS ornament on 40 ct linen, stitched by a dear friend.... another heirloom for me! Thank you so much Hazel!

And, this brings me to a little pile of ornaments I have been busily stitching for my own tree... there are more to come this week, but for now, I can share:

Snowman's Quaker Christmas
Midnight Stitching
R&R Reproductions 32 ct Creek Bed Brown Linen, GAST and DMC Floss

2010 Stamp Ornament
Jeannette Douglas Designs
Just Cross Stitch Magazine 2010 Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Platinum Belfast Linen, DMC Floss, Mill Hill Beads

2010 Stocking Ornament
Jeannette Douglas Designs
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, November 2010
32 ct Natural Light Linen, Crescent Colours Floss, Mill Hill Beads
I changed every fiber and bead in this one to match the red and green beads I had in my stash ;-)

\
Christmas & Reindeer 2010 Ornament
Rosewood Manor
Chart Available HERE
40 ct Natural Brown Linen, DMC Floss

And, so that is pretty lengthy update for now, right?? Got our first significant snow overnight... less than forecasted, and DH got right out there this morning and cleared the way for us.... but it is sooo cold and windy out there, I am going to grab one of my books, curl up and read... maybe stitch later while we watch a movie or the hockey game :-)

Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments

Gingher Ella 4" Scissors Now Available

2010-12-25T21:14:00.003-05:00

Mike has a good sized stock available now... only $23.99 a pair, and for my blog readers only, use coupon code FRIEND for an extra 5% off!

Buy them now HERE - several other wonderful Gingher Designer Series styles still available as well.

Merry Christmas!

More Ornaments....

2010-12-18T11:44:00.006-05:00

I have been on a roll the past couple of days, and now I have a few more ornaments to share...

Merry Little Christmas Ornament
The Drawn Thread
36 ct Dirty Linen, Thread Gatherer - Frosted Auburn, Gloriana - Elizabethan Green Silk

Christmas Eve Flight Ornament
The Sampler Girl
Unknown R&R Reproductions 40 ct Linen, GAST - Buckeye Scarlet, Blueberry, WDW - Cocoa

Peace Joy Love Ornament
Lizzie Kate
28 ct Natural Quaker, GAST - Buckeye Scarlet, Pine, Peach Ice Cream

Received the sweetest stuffed heart ornament from a dear friend... forgot to grab a photo!! Will do for next post, as I have more stitching to do.....

Winner of my blog drawing for Redwork Christmas Ornament is: Paula D! Sent the chart off to you yesterday, Paula - enjoy!

Currently Stitching: HoHRH, Christmas Ornaments

All Kinds of Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-13T18:12:00.010-05:00

I have a little gathering of Christmas Ornaments to share today. I have been feeling a bit better the past couple of weeks, and have been on a little mission to stitch ornaments... including a few that have been on my "to do" list for quite a while now..

First though, I wanted to share this lovely ornament that arrived in the mail today from Katrina.

I am not at all familiar with this design, but I do love it. And as always, I just adore Katrina's finishing techniques! Thank you so much Katrina - you are such a dear friend! I will cherish this one always.

Next... a few I recently finished. I apologize straight out for some of the photos. It is a warm but overcast/rainy late afternoon here, and my tree pics are not so great...

Christmas 2010 Ornament
Glory Bee
Just Cross Stitch 2010 Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Antique Ivory Belfast Linen, GAST Floss

Noel Ornament
Log Cabin Needleworks
36 Summer Khaki Edinburgh Linen, GAST Floss

Joy Ornament
Lizzie Kate
Just Cross Stitch 2007 Christmas Ornament Issue
40 ct R&R Reproductions Antique Cotton Linen, WDW Floss

Peace Ornament
Country Cottage Needleworks
Just Cross Stitch 2007 Christmas Ornament Issue
28 ct Confederate Grey Cashel Linen, DMC Floss

And... some snaps of our tree - from two different angles. I cannot get a photo of the back of the tree, nor one of the side facing the stairwell... but you get the idea! Please pardon Beau's favorite bed in the corner - I likes to sleep "under the tree" :-)

Currently Stitching: HoHRH, Christmas Ornaments

Another Ornament Finish/Pattern Giveaway

2010-12-11T09:42:00.006-05:00

I've been keeping busy with stitching Christmas ornaments this week... here is my latest finish to share...

"Christmas Redwork Christmas Ornament
Historic Stitches
Lakeside Linens 32 ct Vintage Autumn Gold Linen, DMC 115

This pattern is now available to go to a good home.... in great condition, someone (cannot remember who!) gifted it to me last year... time to pass it along now too ... leave a comment here and I will draw a name on 12/15/10!

Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments!

RAK and another ornament

2010-12-06T16:19:00.001-05:00

I came home from work this afternoon to two things - our first snow flurries of the year (OK, at least the first I have seen, plus they were also around a little during my morning commute as well...) and this adorable RAK from dear Andrea!

I love this ornament! Soooo cute, and of course, so expertly and perfectly stitched and finished. What a total surprise, and I am over the moon! I know my health issues have made me so very scarce this year, and to receive a stitching RAK from an old stitching pal brightened my day and brings me such hope for 2011! Thank you soooo much for such a thoughtful gift, Andrea. I will cherish this forever, and actually hope to decorate the tree tonight - just waiting for the branches to relax and open (we bought our live tree yesterday) so that DH can string the lights and then I can have at it with the ornaments! (PS - I had planned to stitch this ornament at some point in the next few weeks - now I do not have to, unless I choose to stitch it for someone else!!)

Also, I finished another little ornament this weekend... so here it is...

Joy Ornament
Amy Bruecken Designs
Just Cross Stitch 2009 Christmas Ornament Issue
Weeks Dye Works 30 ct Guacamole Linen, Crescent Colours Floss

Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments!!

Ornaments... and a Fall Exchange...

2010-12-04T10:10:00.007-05:00

I have been a little busy lately (finally) stitching again... I managed to get a small little group of Christmas ornaments done...

Woodland Christmas Reindeer Ornament
Heart in Hand
28 ct Light Mocha Cashel Linen, GAST Floss

French Country Star Ornament
JBW Designs
Just Cross Stitch 2010 Christmas Ornament Issue
28 ct Potato Annabelle, DMC Floss, stitched one over one

Peppermint Paul Ornament
Helga Mandl Designs
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, November 2008
32 ct Olive Green Belfast Linen, DMC Floss

Also... I am a bit late in posting this.... I received this reall pretty bourse from Marie W. for the HoE Fall Exchange. She says it is her first... hard to believe, it is so perfect! Thanks again, Marie...

For Janet B., I stitched...

Small Seasons Autumn Fob
The Drawn Thread
Cannot recall fabric and fibers....

OK... off to stitch more ornaments!

Halloween Treats

2010-10-23T14:05:00.004-04:00

I received this adorable exchange from Lisette for the HoE Halloween Exchange - she stitched up a goodie bag for me using a design by Helga Mandl. I love it! I am working on a good way to display it now. She also sent me an October breast cancer awareness bracelet, as well as a bag of Halloween licorice treats - those are half eaten now, and just did not make it into the photo ;-) Thanks Lisette, great exchange!
And, today I received a Halloween surprise from my dear friend Margaret - she stitched up the sweetest little Halloween biscornu - the back has spiders on it :-) She wrote in her card that is an unknown online freebie - I wonder if I have this one stored somewhere, as it is just too cute! She also sent fantastic fabrics, MH beads, and God love her - M&M's! What a treat! Oh, and look at the homemade card too! And... that great ribbon she wrapped it all in for me.... what a dear friend I have, thank you so much!! {{{HUGS}}}

Currently Stitching: Family Reunion Sampler, a gift, starting HoE Fall Exchange

Another Christmas Ornament

2010-09-26T12:55:00.002-04:00

I have been focusing on my efforts to get at least a small basket of ornaments ready to give as gifts this year to those who have stuck by me during a tough year... here is another that I finished just last night....

Merry! Ornament
Heart in Hand
Just Cross Stitch 1997 Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Dirty Belfast Linen, GAST Floss

Currently Stitching: a gift, and Family Reunion Sampler

Candy Cane Snowflake Ornament

2010-09-11T13:36:00.002-04:00

I managed to get another Christmas ornament finished this week...

Candy Cane Snowflake Ornament
Just Nan
32 ct Confederate Gray Belfast Linen, DMC Floss, Various Beads and Angel Charm

Currently Stitching: Family Reunion Sampler

Lots of Gingher Sonias (and others) ready to go!

2010-09-10T10:24:00.006-04:00

75% sold already! Hurry!

Here they are - the new Gingher Sonia Scissors, 4" and 5".... also got in more 5" Elenas, 4" Mias and 4" Freedoms.... grab them up at Mike and Carol's Internet Store - if you already ordered, huge shipment going out to the PO this afternoon - they will be in your hands soon - my pair is stunning :-)

**Please Note: Coupon below is for books, and is NOT related to the Gingher sale

Get your Gingher Sonia Scissors Now!

2010-09-08T23:30:00.002-04:00

We have them in stock NOW!

Both 4" and 5" available at: Mike & Carol's Internet Store

Thanks!

Three French Hens Ornament

2010-09-06T00:02:00.003-04:00

At long last, I found the energy to stitch another Christmas Ornament for my basket. This time I chose an old freebie from my freebie drawer - from a packet that has designs for each of the "Twelve Days of Christmas," I chose Three French Hens.... dressed in french maid uniforms. I thought it was cute. I went with the designer's color key, but in hindsight, I would have switched to a darker green for the 3...

Three French Hens Ornament
Sisters and Best Friends
32 ct Natural Belfast Linen, GAST Floss

Currently Stitching: Family Reunion Sampler (should post an update soon, have done quiet a bit more), and another Christmas Ornament

For the Birds Exchange for Joke

2010-08-06T21:29:00.002-04:00

I got word from Joke today that she has received the HoE For the Birds Exchange that I sent off to her.

Bluebird Needlebook
Blackbird Designs
R&R Reproductions 40 ct Mockingbird Linen, HDF Old Maid of the Sea silk floss

Wonderful Mail!

2010-07-30T14:34:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, the mailmain delivered a birthday gift from my dear stitching friend, Marie! What a surprise - I used to stitch a lot of bday gifts for stitching friends, but life circumstances changed dramatically and now I rarely ever have a chance to do that anymore. I absolutely never expect to receive gifts, and yet... look at this stunning surprise from Marie. I adore it - the colors are amazing and the stitching and finishing are perfect! Thank you, Marie, for the treat! I will email you today - I got in so late last night from a dinner with my mom, her husband and his family that I was not at all focused until this morning :-)
And then, the mailman brought another treat today! I received this adorable HoE For the Birds Exchange from Erin today. Isn't this sooooo cheerful! I love this little SamSarah design and the finish so much that it now sits in my hutch in my dining area and is so perky! I am so lucky! She also could not resist making me one of those fun fobs she has been making with her husband's grandmother's beads - she said Happy BDay in my card, so must be for that! I was admiring the one she had in her blog recently, and now I own one! See, I am soooo lucky! Thank you Erin.... gulp, now I better kick it into high gear to get my exchange out in time.... :-)

Currently Stitching: HoE For the Birds Exchange, and Family Reunion Sampler

Belated Birthday for Katrina

2010-07-10T17:43:00.003-04:00

I heard from Katrina a few days ago that she has received my belated birthday package... it is actually my second package to her, but package number one, sent to NZ in early April, is yet to arrive... so I made a second gift and added new goodies.... and those have, at least, arrived!

Dear Friend Needlebook
Elizabeth's Designs
28 ct Putty Cashel Linen, DMC Floss

Currently Stitching: Family Reunion Sampler

More Family Reunion Progress

2010-07-04T17:39:00.003-04:00

I have a little more progress on Family Reunion that I can share... not a lot of new motifs, but did start to personalize a few more motifs in the past week or two. I posted this over on Facebook too - this way the family can peek and see if they can find their initials yet - it has become a bit of a game for them ;-)

Happy Fourth of July to my American pals!!

Happy Belated Birthday to Karen

2010-07-02T15:31:00.005-04:00

I got the official word today from Karen that my belated birthday package for her has arrived safe and sound in Australia... I am almost exactly two months late in getting this to her - thankfully, she is a great sport! I sent her a bunch of goodies, and stitch her this piece... her initials are on there, but cannot be seen in any of the shots I took...

Sweet Baby James Needle Purse
Indigo Rose
28 ct Antique Ivory Cashel Linen, DMC Floss

ABC Exchange for Janet

2010-06-24T20:20:00.004-04:00

I found out that Janet has received my HoE ABC Exchange. I signed up for this exchange after eyeing a chart she sent me in an earlier exchange and I just knew I wanted to use it for this exchange. As irony would have it, Edgar assigned Janet to me as my partner! So... I stitched for her a needlebook from the chart she had actually sent to me...

From the Heart Needlebook
Bent Creek
In Kris' Stitches From the Heart Leaflet
Lakeside Linens 32 ct Vintage Examplar Linen, Weeks Dye Works Floss

Currently Stitching: CaHORH, Family Reunion, a gift and a Christmas Ornament

ABC Exchange from Suzanne

2010-06-21T18:31:00.004-04:00

Today I received this lovely mattress pincushion from Suzanne for the HoE ABC Exchange. It is one of my favorite freebie charts, and she finished it simply perfectly. I love it so much - and truly admire anyone who makes a mattress pincushion - the counting involved for the finishing is mind boggling... and Suzanne willingly boggled her mind for me! I appreciate that :-) Thank you so much!!

Currently Stitching: CaHORH, Family Reunion, a gift, and starting a Christmas Ornament... mailed off a gift to a far away place today too :-)

Family Reunion Sampler Progress

2010-06-20T12:28:00.003-04:00

I figured it was time to show a new progress picture of Family Reunion. I have a new SD card for my camera now. I started adding a few family members' initials here and there... I still am not sure how I am going to work it out and make them all fit... it's a fun, quick stitch!

Oh... free shipping at eharlequin runs to the end of the month!

Currently Stitching: CaHRH, Family Reunion and two gifts...

Retired Gingher Scissors Available Now!

2010-06-06T15:08:00.009-04:00

Mike has some amazing deals on RETIRED 4" Gingher Designer Scissors!

Currently available: Alyssa, Mia, Freedom

Gingher Elena also still available.... Grab your pair of Freedom Ginghers in time for Fourth of July

He is offering 5% off to blog readers onky - use coupon code FRIEND on his site....Mike & Carol's Internet Store

Early Christmas Exchange from Margie

2010-05-23T13:13:00.003-04:00

I received this awesome HoE Early Christmas Exchange from Margie yesterday - I am absolutely thrilled. I have always wanted this BBD ornament, and now I have this one, so perfectly stitched and finished. Thank you so much Margie!

I have been working away on Family Reunion, but had to put it aside to stitch on a belated gift for a little bit... hope to post an update soon. My memory card on my digital camera failed, so I have to use my iPhone for a bit... not loving the FR photos it has taken so far, so here is to hoping I get a new card soon ;-)

Currently Stitching: CaHoRH, Ramily Reunion and two gifts...

Family Reunion Sampler

2010-05-18T17:08:00.003-04:00

A week or two ago, I started a new project... and it has really gotten me back into stitching again! Whew! I decided to stitch Family Reunion by Rosewood Manor. This is not a good photo - I took it outdoors with my iPhone... not great. I am stitching it on Lakeside Linens 40 ct Maritime White linen with the called for DMC.... now the challenge is how to fit in all of Mike's ginormous family onto the sampler... thankfully, in this instance, my family is very small, so we will fit... I managed to stitch in a few initials as I have been stitching along. I think I am going to need an Excel spreadsheet to figure out where to fit everyone. I am so grateful to Facebook for this. Facebook has put me in touch with many of Mike's relatives and they were all quick to give me the info I needed for the sampler :-)

Currently Stitching: two gifts, Family Reunion and CaHOHR

All about Christmas Ornaments...

2010-05-05T18:28:00.004-04:00

Today's entry has a lot to do with Christmas Ornaments :-) I was recently in two exchanges involving these delightful things... so no time to waste... here is stuff to show!

Today I received this stunning ornament from Marie for Becky's bi-monthly Christmas Ornament Swap - I always admire her work so much, and this one sure does not disappoint. It is a Prairie Schooler design all stitched over one... and she even personalized the back in such a nice way (but I forgot to photograph that part). I am pretty much speechless over this! Thank you so much Marie! I sure will always cherish it!

For the HoE Early Christmas Exchange, I stitched this one for Faye:

Star Topiary Ornament
Hillside Samplings
2000 JCS Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Natural Light Linen, GAST and WDW Floss
I stitched this one for Roberta for Becky's Christmas Ornament Swap. Roberta listed PrimitiveBetty as one of her favorite designers - well, that one was a new one for me, but I found this freebie online, so I gave it a go:

Silent Holy Night Ornament
PrimitiveBetty
32 ct Willow Green Belfast Linen, GAST Shaker Threads and WDW Floss

And... new books deals for May!

Currently Stitching: a gift, CaHORH and Royalty ABC

Celebration of Needlework 2010

2010-05-02T00:32:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I attended Celebration of Needlework in Nashua, NH. I was fortunate enough to be able to take a class with Jeannette Douglas again this year. There were fewer teachers there this year, and fewer vendors - a sign of the economy? The mood remained very upbeat, so I figure all is still pretty much well with the Celebration crew... and I surely enjoyed it yet again this year.

Here is Ms. Jeannette herself, chatting with students in class...

... and here is my progress on the class piece as of late last night - I did three bands in class, and then four more when I got home. It is a long band sampler that she finished as a bellpull to be rolled and tucked away in the box. I could not afford to also take the finishing class that was held today... I actually plan to just frame mine when done. It's called Royalty ABC, and I will try to remember to post more progress pictures as I have them.

I have definitely been more in a stitching mood again - whew! That was a long dry spell, and I hope it stays picked up for me again!

Currently Stitching: Royalty ABC, CaHORH - mailed off my HoE Early Christmas Exchange yesterday

Lazy Days of Summer Fob

2010-04-27T18:37:00.003-04:00

I was digging around in my stash the other day, and again came across this wee chart that was originally part of a kit - I think I got the chart only on ebay... anyhow, felt like a good time to stitch it up!

Lazy Days of Summer Fob
Earth Threads
32 ct White Belfast Linen, DMC Floss

Currently Stitching: CaHOHR and starting Christmas Ornament Exchange - ready to mail Christmas Ornament Swap ;-)

We have Gingher Charlene Scissors Available Now/SOLD OUT

2010-04-13T21:44:00.004-04:00

Looking for a pair of the Joann's Exclusive Gingher Charlene 4" Scissors? We have them now - in limited supply! Grab your pair at: Mike & Carol's Internet Store - no longer accepting PayPal, however credit cards welcome!

***SOLD OUT***

Another Christmas Ornament, and an Easter Exchange Arrived

2010-03-27T20:08:00.005-04:00

I stitched up another ornament for my gift basket a few days ago - finally!

Sugar Plum Tree Ornament
Rosewood Manor
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, December 2007
28 ct Vintage Country Mocha Cashel Linen, DMC Floss, Mill Hill Beads

Today I received my Easter exchange from Gaby. I apologize that my photo is blurry. I didn't realize it until I downloaded it. She stitched a super cute design of a bunny running with an Easter Egg - she wrote that it is from a German magazine. I love the design. She made it into a large hanging pillow with a pair of yo yos stitched on. She also sent a tiny beaded ornament of a chick in an egg... and other treats as seen above. Love the handmade German Easter card - thanks Gaby - hope you are feeling better now.

Currently Stitching: CaHRH

Easter Exchange for Meghan

2010-03-20T19:47:00.006-04:00

I received an email from Meghan today letting me know that she has received the Easter Exchange that I sent to her. She is so cute - loved her email, she is busy picking out a prom dress... remember those days?? She put some good photos up of what I sent to her here. It was fun putting goodies together for her! Glad you like it!

Spring Has Sprung! Box
Brightneedle
32 ct Putty Belfast Linen, DMC Floss, Mill Hill Petite Beads

And speaking of high school and things from so long ago... I have not seen an old high school friend of mine since June of 1981... which was when we graduated from high school... we recently reconnected on Facebook, and her father passed away. He still lived locally, so Lee and her family came up for the funeral. Of course I went... and here I am with her three really lovely daughters (and one sleeping granddaughter) at the funeral home. I rarely have any pictures of me, and my Facebook friends have seen this already... for the rest of you... well, here you are...I am the one furthest back in the photo in the beige sweater...the one who most obviously graduated from high school in 1981 :-)

Currently stitching: Stitching a Christmas ornament, and working on CaHRH

LHN/CCN Exchange for Lillie

2010-03-16T19:41:00.003-04:00

The HoE LHN/CCN exchange I stitched for Lillie has made its long journey to Malaysia, and now I can show it to you... I really loved how this one came out, and parting with it was a little trickier than usual! I had no idea what this would turn out to be... I loved the design, so I chose it. Lillie strikes me as a very sunny person, so I wanted to go summery/sunny for her. Then I suddenly felt a compulsion to stitch it one-over-one... but how to finish it?? A fob? Nah. A needlebook? Oooo, cool idea... but uh-oh - I should have started elsewhere on my linen so I would have a linen backing for the needlebook, so... pass.... then, OK - found good cotton fabric for the back and the sweet satin rose... and voila - a pinkeep! I sent her plenty of goodies - I think those can be seen on her blog or the HoE blog... the photo I took of them is far too blurry to bother to post :-)

Spelling Bee Pinkeep
Little House Needleworks
32 ct Confederate Gray Belfast Linen, Crescent Colours and DMC Floss
Stitched one-over-one

Currently Stitching: CaHRH and preparing to start another Christmas Ornament

I've been spoiled rotten!

2010-03-13T16:48:00.004-05:00

The mailman delivered a very heavy priority mail package this morning. I have been utterly spoiled rotten by Janet for the HoE LHN/CCN Exchange. This was Janet's first exchange, and she went over the top, way above and beyond! I apologize straight up for the poor photo quality. I should have gone out to the porch to take photos, but we are having a bit of a windstorm here this weekend, so I used the kitchen table instead....
Janet stitched me an album! I will describe it more below - along with it some 36 ct linen she hand dyed for me, the latest issue of SANQ (I had just let my subscription expire due to the economy) and a really pretty chart I had not yet seen that is dedicated in the memory of Kris Stott - it is chock full of great charts for smalls - by many of my favorite designers! She also enclosed a pen from her ebay shop ;-)
Inside the album... many pages full of goodies! Here is the inside cover and an example of a page - she included John James needles, a pretty pair of Premax scissors and several skeins of overdyed floss.... and some on later pages that appear to be ones she dyed herself for her shop and they are super nice! In the album are two more patterns for me -which I love!! See.... SPOILED! I cannot thank Janet enough. I cannot wait to use this - in fact, I will tonight! This will be an heirloom!

Just finished my Easter Exchange today - in time for the mailing date on Monday ;-)

Currently stitching: CaHRH, and going to start another Christmas Ornament for my gift basket...

Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow Update

2010-03-05T18:04:00.003-05:00

I figured it is time to show an update of CaHRH. As you can see, I am still working the first block I started. It is a very dense block. I have been able to put spurts of time into it, but no consistent schedule. I am enjoying it, though! I have been busy with stitching my LHN/CCN and Easter Exchanges of late. Have been ill with stomach issues - in the hospital recently, recovering well now. Sure hope to post my next CaHRH update soon!

My Witching for Stitching RR came home last week - I hope to get a photo this weekend to share. It is so cute!

Currently Stitching: CaHRH, and LHN/CCN and Easter Exchanges

Christmas Ornament from Meghan

2010-02-21T20:07:00.004-05:00

I received this really pretty Christmas Ornament yesterday from Meghan for the Christmas Ornament Swap. I had no idea Meghan was only 17 - can you believe it?? What a pretty ornament, and so well done - I am so thrilled with it! I will love being able to display it on my tree. Thanks Meghan!

Christmas Ornament for Rosalie

2010-02-14T19:59:00.004-05:00

I just heard from Rosalie tonight (no blog) that she has received the ornament that I stitched for her for this round of the Christmas Ornament Swap. Rosalie wrote on her preferences list for the group that she loves items stitched in red - so I made this for her:

Noel Ornament
Gazette94 - scroll down a bit for the freebie chart
Wichelt 32 ct Chantilly Country French Linen, DMC 115, Jewelry Maker Beads

Glad you like it Rosalie!

I have put a few more hours in on Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow, so I will get a photo this week to post my progress :-)

Currently Stitching: Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow, and starting Easter Exchange

A New Start - and it's a big one!

2010-02-03T23:07:00.003-05:00

Well... here I go! I started something - finally - and it is a big something! Karen gifted me with this chart, and then talked me into starting it with her... Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow... it's been so long since I started something big.... gulp! This is Monday's and tonight's progress so far...

I did do a little more on Gingerbread Garden Sampler - will do a little more, and then show it!

Currently Stitching: Stitching an ornament for the Christmas Ornament Swap, started Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow

Finally Finished Something!

2010-01-26T18:12:00.005-05:00

I finally finished something - it is not a big thing, but it is a finished thing. It took me longer than it should have, but at last, I have a new ornament finished for the basket!

Snow Merry Ornament
Homespun Elegance
JCS 2009 Christmas Ornament Issue
R&R Reproductions 28 ct Flax Fields Linen, Weeks Dye Works and DMC Floss
Snowflake charm ordered from Down Sunshine Lane

Currently Stitching: Gingerbread Garden Sampler, and about to start an ornament for the Christmas Ornament Swap

A second Christmas!

2010-01-17T10:19:00.004-05:00

Christmas came yesterday for the second time around for me. I received the most amazing, HUGE, box of gifts from Karen - they had been jammed up in the post. The box was chock full of treats from The Host by Stephenie Meyer, to Just Nan charts, a Sweetheart Tree Kit, a Cat's Whiskers Designs chart.... to these three amazing stitched items! The sweet SB ornament is in my ornament basket waiting to be hung in December... the needleroll takes pride of place in another basket... and wow, look! I cannot recall its name, but she stitched Just Nan's bee with its own little roll in it... all are sooo perfect! Thank you so much Karen! Karen is such a dear friend. I will cherish all of these forever.
Now I am off to drink this.... a large cup of Van Houtte's Spicy Mayan Chocolate coffee (K cup) - I can't wait!

Oh, I did make a little more progress on Gingerbread Garden Sampler, and have a Christmas ornament close to finished.... so I will share some of my own stitching again soon ;-)

Currently Stitching: Gingerbread Garden Sampler, and a Christmas ornament

A little start for 2010

2010-01-02T10:51:00.003-05:00

I did manage to start a new project for the new year. I am hoping that I will be able to move along steadily with it, and keep focused. I have some busy days ahead, but plan to find pockets of time to devote to this.... Gingerbread Garden Sampler by Victoria Sampler ;-)

Currently Stitching: Gingerbread Garden Sampler

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T18:04:00.002-05:00

As the year comes to a close, I took a bit today to set up my Rock You slideshow of my finishes and discovered/realized two things - the good and the bad.... "The good": I stitched a good bit more than I thought I had this year, and "The Bad": all I stitched were smalls.... not a single large project in the bunch! Oh my. What a year. I will not bother to do a review of my goals - haven't for a while, as I was way off base. I am hopeful but make no promises for 2010 ;-) So... here is 2009 in pictoral review...

I did have a small finish today to finalize the year - this will be my first Christmas ornament to go into my basket for giving away to some unsuspecting friend in 2010....yep, gonna at least try to return to that goal this year!

December Ornament
Mary Garry's Sewing Cabin - in Seasonal Mementos
36 ct Summer Khaki Edinburgh Linen, DMC Floss

Currently Stitching: Gonna to pick a medium sized project from my kitted up pile for my first start of 2010!

Christmas Stuff

2009-12-28T14:05:00.007-05:00

I've got some Christmasy stuff to share today. It was a super quiet holiday here for us. We went to my MIL's house for breakfast, and then to my brother's for dinner. Very low key.

I received an amazing box of reindeer themed treats from Tessa just before Christmas. It was unbelievable. I didn't get a chance to take a photo before it all got distributed throughout the house! But I did just manage this snap of the adorable ornament she sent in that box o'gifts. Isn't this just the cutest?? Thank you so much Tessa - so unexpected, and I love it all!
OK, my niece Erin just put this pic up on my Facebook wall, so I snagged it... this is myself, my 21 year old niece Caitlin and my 16 year old niece Erin enjoying a moment before dinner on Christmas day...
I myself only took two quick photos before my camera disappeared into my purse again for the rest of the day... but fortunately one of the photos is of my third niece, newly turned 18 year old Nicole...
The other is of DH, Mike. Not a flattering pic, but I will share it!
And, here is my Lily - all bundled into a little nest she made out of a snowman blanket on a sofa in our house. She pretty much lives in this nest lately :-)

Hope everyone had a good holiday!

Currently Stitching: Stitching a Christmas ornament to put aside to be a gift later this year

A Christmas Eve finish for me...

2009-12-24T16:57:00.003-05:00

This afternoon, while watching a holiday movie with Mike, I finished up another little ornament... and since my tree is up, I adopted it for myself. I figure that as long as the tree is standing, if its a finished ornament, I am keeping it ;-) Once the tree is down, the temptation will hopefull wane and I can put the ornaments in a basket for gifts!
Be Merry Ornament
Val's Stuff
2009 JCS Christmas Ornament Issue
20 ct Pastel Turquoise Valerie, WDW Floss, DMC Floss

Currently Stitching: Will start an ornament, and pick out a project for a Jan. 1 start

Last group of ornaments were received....

2009-12-23T21:51:00.006-05:00

My goal to stitch a big basketful of Christmas ornaments for my friends this year fell absolutely flat on its face. This year just did not turn out to be what I had hoped it would be - family crises, the need to make major revisions to my mental health practice in order to survive in this economy... so many stressors that led to limited stitching time and, well, the disappearance of many stitching friends in the process.. but I managed to get a couple done and out to friends who very much stood by my side, and they finally arrived in their new homes. I pray that 2010 will bring me time to stitch more ornaments for my dear friends. I hope to do better next year!

So, at long last, Karen has received this little sparkly that I stitched for her tree -

Motif de Noel 1 Ornament
Aurelle - part of her free Christmas SAL
28 ct Cafe Mocha Country French Linen, Atalie fil a broder in Passion, and RG Petite Treasure Braid PB01

And, my old friend Brenda in TX, who stitches but does not blog, received hers too -

Starry Night Ornament
Helga Mandl Designs
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, December 2009
28 ct Potato Annabelle, DMC Floss - I subbed one of the DMC Color Variations for the green DMC - not sure what color though!

OK... stitching gifts all received, now time to just enjoy the holiday! My work vacation has officially begun. I won't be back at work until the first week of January now!

Currently Stitching: Stitching yet another ornament for my own tree

Another ornament for my tree...and a gift received

2009-12-22T19:27:00.004-05:00

Yay, I just heard that Margaret has received my Christmas package for her! Yay - I was running late getting it out, but the USPS did a great job with it! Knowing how much Margaret likes Quaker designs, I went with this one for her -

Poinsettia Star Ornament
Periphaeria Designs
32 ct Antique White Belfast Linen, Threadworx Floss, RG Petite Treasure Braid

I couldn't resist - I stitched up another ornament for my own tree :-)

Christmas '09 Stamp Ornament
Jeannette Douglas Designs
2009 JCS Christmas Ornament Issue
32 ct Platinum Belfast Linen, DMC Floss
Subbed ST Holly Charm for Charland Holly Charm
Subbed red and green beads from my own stash

Beautiful Christmas Ornaments For Me!

2009-12-22T16:44:00.004-05:00

I received some really fabulous mail yesterday and today! As a result, two very pretty new Christmas ornaments now adorn my Christmas tree - and I really love them and want to make sure their makers know that ;-)

Yesterday I received this teeny, tiny, sparkly, gorgeous JBW ornament from Tessa for the HoE Christmas Ornament Exchange. I did not remember to take a photo of the back - she personalized it in the sweetest way! It is stitched all over one, and boy does it sparkle with beads for snowflakes and then beads all around the edge... ending in a beaded tassle (I really need to practice and learn how to make such a great tassle!). Thank you so much Tessa!
And, today I received this pretty ornament from Lynda for the Christmas Ornament Swap. I have always liked this particular design by The Workbasket, and it is great that now I do not need to stitch it for myself. Turns out, if I have my rounds figured out correctly, that Lynda and I had each other for partners this time around in the swap ;-) Thank you so much Lynda!!

Currently Stitching: Stitching an ornament for my tree

Snow Bird Ornament

2009-12-20T17:02:00.004-05:00

I finally stitched an ornament for my own Christmas tree! Well, actually... that is not true. I do have Lizzie Kate's Joy on my tree, which I stitched a couple of years ago... so, OK, I finally stitched my second ornament that I am actually keeping for Mike and I! I have wanted to do this one forever, and I love how it came out. The photo is the best I could get. It is dark out already, and I had all the lights on in the foyer and held as still as I could to get this...

Snow Bird Ornament
La-D-Da
2004 JCS Christmas Ornament Issue
Lakeside Linens 36 ct Meadow Rue Linen, Crescent Colours and GAST Floss

Currently stitching: Starting another Christmas ornament

Beautiful Ornament from Margaret

2009-12-19T10:08:00.007-05:00

My dear friend Margaret sent me this beautiful, gorgeous little ornament this week for Christmas - and I am in awe! It is stitched on 36 ct and is so tiny and delicate, so perfectly finished... and she made a little beaded hanger for it.... Margaret is soooo talented, and I am so honored to have this lovely for my tree! I cannot stop looking at it! Thank you Margaret! As you know, I will cherish it forever! I am blessed to have four of Margaret's beauties now on my tree - woo hoo!! Margaret is such a true and dear friend, she really stuck by my during this difficult year. I look forward to going to Celebration of Needlework with her again in May and "catching up"!

Currently stitching: I am stitching an ornament for my husband

It's that time of year again...

2009-12-12T14:08:00.007-05:00

Ah, it is that special day of the year today - the day I look forward to and savor for as long as I can! Today I shall finish my Christmas cards, and then... off to hang all these special cross stitched ornaments on my tree! I will see if I can get a decent photo of the tree this year, but that is always a trick for me. We display our tree in the upstairs landing/open foyer of our two story Colonial house... tricky, tricky lighting issues for me. This is my basket of treasures, and they mean more to me than I can ever, ever begin to say! A peek into the background shows there is snow on our back porch already!

I also want to share a photo today of the pretty Christmas Exchange I received from Carolyn. She stitched me this stunning redwork snowflake and made it into an absolutely perfect circular pinkeep with a pretty beaded edging. I adore it!! She then went nutty and sent me so many goodies - FQs of red and green holiday fabrics, holiday socks, a bead box, a JBW chart, and a Whitman's tin (I do have the chart this calls for!!) that is filled with Threadworx flosses, JJ needles, a needle threader, a pretty fob made from holiday fabric (that matches the back of the pinkeep), red beads... and a tool that I cannot identify but want to use - LOL - it is a green plastic box with what looks like a dry sponge in it.... someone tell me, how do I use it??

**Edited to add: OK, I went and took photos of the tree - remember, I warned you that I cannot take photos of my tree with any kind of talent... if you sent me an ornament and do not see it, don't fret - it is there! I just couldn't get a picture of it!

My tree holds only ornaments made by my friends, except for only one that I made myself, or are store bought ornaments given to me by stitching friends... the sole exception is 4 silver and 4 gold bells that I have had forever and will always be on my tree...

I had to go downstairs to the front door to get a photo of the back of the tree... there is lots of space here for more ornaments too ;-)

And... I also wanted to add that today's mail brought a lovely Christmas package from my dear friend Katrina - she stitched a JBW ornament for me, and sent me another of her fabric ornaments too! I love those!! Plus other treats - thank you so much, dear friend!

Currently Stitching On: Stitching on a Christmas ornament

Christmas Ornament for Lynda

2009-12-10T19:09:00.003-05:00

I received a lovely email from Lynda today, letting me know that my ornament for the Christmas Ornament Swap arrived safe and sound! Yay - took longer than I thought it would... of course, it is that time of the year!

Christmas Eve Deer Ornament
Prairie Schooler
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, November 2009
32 ct Dirty Belfast Linen, DMC Floss

**Attn Readers! This week's Freebie Friday book is Debbie Macomber's Home for the Holidays! Don't miss out - how fantastic is that?? Convenient link for you here...

Stitching on: Stitching on a Christmas Ornament

Christmas Gifts for Rosalie

2009-12-06T18:35:00.007-05:00

I received an email earlier today letting me know that Rosalie (no blog) has received a little package of Christmas gifts that I sent to her for a small Christmas Exchange Group. I was getting a little worried - she lives quite nearby in Maine, but it seemed to take a bit longer than I had expected for my gifts to arrive... but now they have, so I can share:

Red Desert Scissor Pocket
The Cat's Whiskers Design Studio
28 ct Clay Cashel Linen, HDF Silk in Crushed Berry, and Dinky Dyes Silk in Bush Christmas

And... the rest of the goodies I sent to her... sadly, my ability to take photos this week has been awful. The weather here has been predominantly dark, gloomy - even flew in from my FIL's funeral in Buffalo, NY last night to our first snowfall... brr... So, here I present yet another super blurry photo. I really should work on getting better photos!!

If you like to read... please don't forget to check Harlequin's daily specials - a discount or free gift every day for about another week... they call it the 12 Days of Christmas... have gotten some great deals so far!

Stitching on: Stitching on a gift

Friends Ornament

2009-12-03T22:13:00.003-05:00

I have another ornament that I stitched for a friend to share tonight. The photo is a little dark - most of the mornings this week have been dark and rainy here. The morning I took this photo (Monday), was one such morning...

Friends Ornament
Lizzie Kate
28 ct Clay Cashel Linen, GAST and WDW Floss, Charm from Flip It Chart

Stitching on: Stitching on gifts - mailed Christmas Ornament for Christmas Ornament Swap, and mailed Christmas Exchange this week

Christmas Stitching Ornament

2009-12-01T18:19:00.004-05:00

I heard from a dear friend of mine that my little Christmas gift for her has arrived safe and sound! It had a long, long distance to travel, so I am thrilled to learn all is well with it, and it was well received!

Christmas Stitching Ornament
My Mark
2009 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Issue
Wichelt 32 ct Bonnie Blue Linen, DMC Floss

More Christmas Ornaments!

2009-11-26T17:15:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my US friends!

I have some more Christmas ornaments to share today!

I received this sparkly beauty from Ronel for the FTT Christmas Ornament Exchange earlier this week - was waiting for a sunny afternoon to take a good photo, but we have had cloudy weather with sprinkles most of the week... at least it is still mild here, so I won't complain. I had to give in and take a photo of it on my kitchen counter this morning, as I have been dying to show it off. It is so pretty - thank you, Ronel!

And, my final PIF for the year has now arrived at its destination! Edda emailed me yesterday to let me know that the Christmas Ornament I stitched for her has now arrived safe and sound in Iceland. I was a little worried about how long it would take, as I noticed well after I left the post office the day that I mailed it that the receipt said Ireland on it... did not know if the clerk had the right bar code on the postage tape, and whether or not this ornament would end up south east of Iceland for a little while... probably did not, though, as it did arrive in decent time!

Holiday Wreath Ornament
JBW Designs
R&R Reproductions 28 ct French Vanilla Linen, GAST Floss, Mill Hill Beads

I hope my US friends had a nice Thanksgiving - Mike and I enjoyed a nice time at my mother's house with her new husband, my siblings and my nieces today... plenty to give thanks for yet again!

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Stitching on: Stitching on a Xmas gift and on my Christmas Exchange

Gift for Sandra

2009-11-21T19:58:00.003-05:00

I heard from Sandra this evening that she has received the little gift I stitched for her in reward for having been the original 1000th poster to the Freebie Gallery (after broken links were removed). Keeping with getting that old Christmas spirit charging up, I chose to stitch her a Christmas ornament. Since this was a Freebie Gallery gift, I felt I just had to stitch her a freebie!

Joy Ornament
Lilybet Designs
32 ct Willow Green Belfast Linen, GAST and DMC Floss, Dress It Up! Star Button

Currently Stitching: Stitching on Christmas Swap

Christmas Ornament for Hazel... and one for Becky... and one for Andrea too!

2009-11-18T09:17:00.003-05:00

**Edited to add - OK, two more ornaments I recently stitched and mailed have arrived at new homes today too - so here they all are... (I know - so much from me all at once!)...

I just heard from Hazel that she has just received the Christmas Ornament I sent to her for the Friends Through Threads Christmas Ornament Exchange. I was so pleased that the ornament arrived in the UK in just a little over a week's time - much improvement in the UK postal service now! Yay! Here is what I chose to stitch for Hazel...

Prairie Schooler Santa Ornament
Prairie Schooler
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, November 2008
32 ct Dirty Belfast Linen, DMC Floss

Hazel wrote that she was really pleased with the ornament, and I must say that I was thrilled to receive her name for this exchange. Glad you like it Hazel - Merry Christmas to you!!

I heard from Becky that she received the ornament I sent to her for the HoE Christmas Ornament Exchange. I stalked her blog a little to decide what to stitch for her, and I noticed she recently had a birthday giveaway of a reindeer kit... and mentioned she loved reindeer... so I stitched her a reindeer (of course!!):

The Stag Ornament
Helga Mandl Designs
R&R Reproductions 28 ct French Vanilla Linen, DMC Floss, Bead-It Beads

And... then I also heard from Andrea that she received the PIF that I sent off to her as well... yet another Christmas ornament, as I really have been wanting to work up that Christmas spirit lately...

Holiday Heart Ornament
JBW Designs
R&R Reproductions 28 ct French Vanilla Linen, GAST Floss, Mill Hill Beads and Dress It Up! Star Button

Glad everyone said they were pleased with their tree gifties... now one last PIF out there waiting to be received.... but it has to travel a bit to Iceland... so stay tuned!

Stitching on: Stitching on Christmas Exchange for private group

beCause It's Pink Exchange for Kim

2009-11-11T13:40:00.004-05:00

I was so relieved to receive an email from Kim this afternoon letting me know that at long last, my HoE beCause It's Pink Exchange for her finally arrived in the UK. I think it got itself all tied up in the backlog of the UK's postal strike, but it appears that arrived safe and sound anyhow!

Pearls & Rosebuds Fob
The Drawn Thread
28 ct Cameo Rose Cashel Linen, DMC Floss

... And the rest of the goodies for Kim - DMC marblized scissors, pink floss, two pink fabrics, assorted gold tone charms, a pack of Bonne Bell Lip Smackers and a pink flowered bookmark... hope you enjoy, Kim!

Currently Stitching: Stitching a PIF

Christmas Ornament for Edgar

2009-11-09T19:19:00.004-05:00

I was thrilled to get an email this evening from Edgar letting me know that the ornament I sent to him for the Christmas Ornament Swap somehow finally found its way to San Francisco today! The mail from me to Edgar is rarely more than two days - but this little guy took at least two weeks to arrive... but alas, after some panicking and a decision today to start stitching a new ornament for him (which will become a PIF really soon now for someone on my list!!), it did arrive! And as always, Edgar was so kind in his words to me about it :-)

Peace Angel Ornament
Prairie Schooler
32 ct White Belfast Linen, DMC Floss and RG Petite Treasure Braid

Whew, that is a relief! Now if the HoE beCause It's Pink Exchange I sent... um, three weeks ago??... to the UK would just arrive... all would be right in my swapping world again!!

Glad you like it Edgar - this design screamed out to me to stitch for you!

Stitching on: Finished my FTT Christmas Ornament Exchange today, now stitching on a PIF