Friday, January 28, 2011

Noel 2008 Ornament

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

Thursday, January 27, 2011

HoE Reindeer Ornament from Gabi

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

Saturday, January 22, 2011

HoE Reindeer Round from Cindy


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 :-)

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Currently Stitching: Winter at Beacon House

Friday, January 21, 2011

Mistletoe Reindeer Ornament... and a new start!

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!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Reindeer Ornament for Cindy

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 ;-)

Monday, January 17, 2011

Holly Berries Mini Biscornu Ornament

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

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Blackwork Star Ornament

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

Saturday, January 08, 2011

First Finish of the Year

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


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Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments, Royalty ABC

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year, Friends!

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


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

Currently Stitching: Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A little more Christmas....

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

Monday, December 27, 2010

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

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 ;-)

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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 :-)


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Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Gingher Ella 4" Scissors Now Available


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!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

More Ornaments....

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!


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Currently Stitching: HoHRH, Christmas Ornaments

Monday, December 13, 2010

All Kinds of Christmas Ornaments

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" :-)




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Currently Stitching: HoHRH, Christmas Ornaments

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Another Ornament Finish/Pattern Giveaway

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!


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Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments!

Monday, December 06, 2010

RAK and another ornament

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



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Currently Stitching: Christmas Ornaments!!

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Ornaments... and a Fall Exchange...

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!

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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Halloween Treats


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}}}

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