More beautiful ornaments

My happy month as the receiver in the Christmas Ornament Swap continues! Heck, February has been just awful for me.... sooooo much of it related to this horrible economy and my being a provider for state insurance... well, so stressful, to say the least... my stitching pals have been the bright light in my dark month!

I will cherish these forever!

...This one is from BeckySC....

...This one is from Staci....

...And this one is from Edgar...

Aren't I just amazingly lucky??!!! Wow!!

KarenV - got your emails :-) I will reply, just so swamped with the other issue right now - not sure why my ISP is blocking you, but I doublechecked and you are on my safe sender list... sigh.... always great to hear from you!

Stitched on this week: Finally finished a gift for a friend, and started Hannah's Halloween RR (plan to finish tonight) **Mailed said gift today

Stunning Ornament from Jill

I received this stunning ornament from Jill yesterday for the Christmas Ornament Swap. I just adore it. I believe she wrote that the designer is gazette94 and she did not know what fabric this one. Looks like mulberry to me, which is one of my favorites. I just love this delicate ornament, which is, of course, absolutely perfectly stitched and finished by Jill. I surely will treasure this forever, thank you Jill!

I also heard today that KarenV has received the wee birthday gift I put together for her. I was rather disappointed in how this one turned out. My eyes have been so tired and blurry, and I wish I had pressed the fabric better at finishing time :-( I hope Karen will do so with a low setting. Should work out better... I am sorry Karen! I totally missed that with my tired eyes!

Quaker Tree Floss Ring Tag
The Workbasket
Lakeside Linens 36 ct Pearled Barley Linen, Valdani Floss - Spring Leaves

Stitched on past couple of days: Started a gift


*Thanks for the concern from several about my eyes! I have an appts coming up in about a week. I think I just need a stronger prescription. My last was about two years ago

Some Exchanges to Share

Over the past few days, I received an exchange and one of mine was received... both involving, as serendipity would have it, myself and Karen K.... The first is the one I received from Karen and is for the HoE Valentine's Day Exchange.

She stitched me this really lovely pinkeep using a Lizzie Kate chart...

... and she utterly spoiled me with all of these goodies! Karen is such a great friend. Thank you so much!

The exchange that I ended up sending to her was for the SBEBB Frosty Friends Exchange (which was fun, because she does not get a whole lot of snow in Australia - though she is in the mountains and does, at least, get a little in June/July!) - I made her a very early Christmas ornament...

Snow Ornament
The Drawn Thread
Wichelt 32 ct Silvery Moon Linen, DMC Floss

...And the rest of the goodies I sent to her!

Stitched on this week: Finally finished a gift **Mailed said gift today

More Ornaments :-)

I was such a lucky girl this week! I received two more ornaments from the Christmas Ornament Swap - and I love them, of course! I feel so detached and maybe even estranged from the stitching blogger community, but have decided to get more focused again. Unfortunately, focusing is exactly the issue. My right eye is way off and I realized while trying to read last night that it is why I am so exhausted and cannot accomplish my stitching! I covered my left eye, and not one letter was clear on the page with my right. OK, gonna make that eye appointment today! I am overdue for an exam anyhow!

So, about those pretty ornaments...

I received this sweetie from Cathy - it is a Val's Stuff design, and I think she said it was in one of the recent JCS ornament preview issues. So perfectly stitched and finished - and will look awesome on my tree! Also, Joan stitched up this Glory Bee ornament for me - one of my favorites! I have this same one from dear Veronica too, so now my tree can say Merry Christmas on two sides ;-) Joan finished it with an entirely beaded hanger, which is stunning! I think you can see just a touch of it in the photo, but I could not get it to stand up for the camera.

Thank you both soooo much! I will surely always cherish these!

Hoping everyone is well!

Stitched on this week: Stitching on a bday gift that will be quite late for someone... hope to work on it more today!

Christmas Ornament from Julianne

I am participating in a private Christmas Ornament Swap with several other US stitchers, and this month is my month to receive. I received my first ornament a couple of days ago from the lovely Julianne - she stitched me this wonderful Prairie Schooler Santa. I just love it, thank you so much Julianne!!

Stitched on this week: Houses of Hawk Run Hollow, and started a gift today

Blackbird Designs Exchange for Brigitte

Brigitte has received the SBEBB Blackbird Designs exchange that I sent to her. I could not resist this design - I was hoping she would not mind a very early Christmas ornament for the exchange. She assured me it was absolutely fine with her. Whew! I have wanted to stitch this forever now, so I was glad to have the perfect opportunity to do so.
Christmas Ornament 2004
Blackbird Designs
2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue
Lakeside Linens 36 ct Meadow Rue Linen, GAST Floss

... And the rest of the goodies I chose for her. I haven't had a chance to reply to your email yet, Brigitte, but I did get it when I arrived at work this morning. You are very welcome, and I am so glad you enjoyed the exchange.

I received a plethora of emails asking if I am OK since I have not been blogging daily. Thanks for the concern, and I am truly OK. Just very busy and not so very hot to blog every night, that is all. Work is busy and I am struggling to get creative there in order to face cutbacks due to the poor economy... I have been reading a lot more and stitching a bit less... and well, just a little tired ;-) But all is fine, thanks!! Guess my style in 2009 is going to be a bit different, at least for now...

Stitched on this week: Houses of Hawk Run Hollow and stitched a gift **Mailed SBEBB Frosty Friends Exchange on Monday, and mailed a gift today

Just Goals

Not a lot to share today - busily worked all weekend on the last SBEBB Exchange... sure going to miss that board now... however, it is goal review time...

January Goals:
1. Continue to stitch on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow - yes
2. Stitch some Christmas ornaments - yes, I stitched one
3. Stitch some gifts - yes, I stitched two gifts this month
4. Finish Nicole's NRR and send it home to her - yes, and it is back home with Nicole now
5. Stitch Vonna's Halloween RR and send it to Edgar - yes, and Edgar has received it
6. Stitch and send Christmas ornament to Cathy B. for Christmas Ornament Swap - yes, and Cathy has received it
7. Stitch and send SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange by 1/16 - yes, and am just waiting to hear that it has been received
8. Stitch and send HoE Lizzie Kate Exchange by 1/19 - yes, and Sadie has received it
9. Stitch and send HoE Valentine's Day Exchange by 1/24 - yes, and Karen D. has received it
10. Stitch and send SBEBB Frosty Friends Exchange by 1/31 - not quite - I actually just finished it tonight and will mail it tomorrow

February Goals:
1. Continue to stitch on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow
2. Start a unique project that I haved planned
3. Stitch and send Hannah's Halloween RR to Edgar
4. Stitch some Christmas ornaments
5. Stitch some gifts
6. Start working on Autumn Exchange for Cathy K.

Stitched on this weekend: Stitched SBEBB Frosty Friends Exchange

My Other Neighborhood Came Home!

My Hello Neighbor Group One Round Robin came home today :-) I think it is so sweet! I really want to thank Marie, Deb, Leslie, Wendy, Karen, Bine, Glenna and Nicole so much for their lovely work on my sampler. I do love it! My instruction letter disappeared somewhere along the way, but those who did not have it were somehow able to still figure out what I like. I cannot recall the fabric color, though, without that letter. I kind of think it was Silkweaver 40 ct Sandcastle Newcastle linen. I just love these RR's on 40ct- they come out so delicate! I think I will just frame it as is with maybe a double mat... hmm... cannot afford framing right now with the big cut to my income now (Medicaid is cutting mental health services in the state where I work), but someday I hope to get it all framed up and will show it to you ;-)

I figured I would also show the little bits of work I have put in on HOHRH in the last couple of days. I am interested in stitching, yet find myself to be so tired lately when I start, so I don't get too far and then just end up reading for a while instead. That simply must get better soon!

Oh! Before I forget! A while back I started putting together a blog of stitching blogs - I never advertised it or anything and have been a bit too busy to work on it. Somehow I am now getting 10-12 requests a day to be added to it! Oh gosh - where are people finding this? LOL! I shall try to find a gap of time soon to add the requests, as I am sure some are wondering why I have not done so yet... sorry!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

Valentine's Day Exchange for Karen

I saw today that Karen has received the HoE Valentine's Day Exchange that I stitched up for her...
Love Birds Floss Ring Tag
The Sampler Girl
36 ct Light Sand Edinburgh Linen, Crescent Colours Floss (my choice of colors)

... and the rest of the goodies I sent to her... she seemed happy with my choices, yay! Have a great Valentine's Day, Karen!

Stitched on yesterday and today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

Starting House 11

It's not much yet, but tonight I decided to start House 11 on HOHRH. All of the lovely comments and encouragement you gave me in yesterday's post for finishing House 9 motivated me ;-)

I remain so distant from blogging - well, reading and commenting in other blogs, that is. A huge work project I have been working on for... well, forever.... was to have happened tomorrow. But... a sizeable snow storm is moving in during the morning commute tomorrow (our first in a while, what great timing...), so it was cancelled and delayed until probably March. I should feel relieved, but I just hate delays and feel more stressed. However, since I have more time now to stress and worry, I figure I shall try to channel some of it away and catch up on blogs again soon... grrr...wish my big meeting were just over tomorrow instead. Gotta just love winter in New England!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow

I Did It!

Yay! I finished House 9 tonight ~ 10 down, and 2 to go now. Well, except I still need to do the personalization in House 1.... but, so glad to finish another one!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Holloww **Mailed HoE Valentine's Day Exchange today

Stitched on this weekend: Finished HoE Valentine's Day Exchange **Mailed Christmas ornament to Cathy for the Christmas Ornament Swap on Saturday

Lizzie Kate Exchange from Laurie

I just received this wonderful HoE Lizzie Kate Exchange from Laurie today. She says it is her first box finish - yet is so perfectly done! And it is lined inside, upper and lower, with the cutest snowman fabric too. Plus wonderful goodies. I just love it! Thank you Laurie!!

Stitched on today: Started HoE Valentine's Day Exchange (yep, I am running late!)

Of course it is back...

Of course HOHRH came back out. With my goal to finish it this year, and not the end of the year, but more like... soon... it had to come back out. But I hesitate to admit just how many hours it took tonight to do just this much!

Stitched on today: Stitched on Houses of Hawk Run Hollow **Mailed Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin home today

Finished Nicole's Neighborhood

Yay, I finished it! Unbelievably, this wraps up my involvement in the Hello Neighbor Group One RR now too! Group Three finished a few months ago. That was fun! I hope Nicole likes her RR... I sure do!

Part of My Country House
Elizabeth's Designs
40 ct Ivory Linen, DMC, GAST and CC Floss

And, in slightly better lighting and definitely needing a press (which I shall leave for Nicole to do), here is her RR in its entirety! She blocked out 10 instead of 9 squares, so I look forward to seeing how she will finish this off! DH will mail it to her tomorrow. She lives about 30-40 minutes from me, so I am sure she will receive it very soon now ;-)

Stitched on today: Finished Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin

Trees

In my fantasies, I had a lot more time to stitch tonight than I actually did have. At least I managed to start the trees on Nicole's neighborhood. The good news is, there is not a ton more to do, so I should be able to mail this home to her by the weekend ;-) Yes, to whoever asked, this is an Elizabeth's Designs design...

Stitched on today: Stitched on Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin **Mailed SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange today

A little more of Nicole's House

I stitched away again tonight on Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin. I know she really wants to get this home soon... so I am giving it my best ;-)

Stitched on today: Stitched on Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin

Started Nicole's Neighborhood RR

I was able to start Nicole's Neighborhood Round Robin today. It was caught in the post from Australia to my house for several long weeks, but since it arrived around New Year's Eve, I have been trying to plot something to stitch. I am working on the upper right corner now. This is my last one to stitch. I cannot believe the lengthy neighborhood RR's are finally ending now. I think Nicole's is lovely and so delicate too. I put a photo of the whole piece, as I don't think Nicole has had a peek at her RR in quite a while now!

We got another dumping of snow today... super fluffy, but looks like about another foot of snow :-(

My prayers go out right now to Willis McGahee (spelling?) of the Baltimore Ravens. I just saw the horrible, neck snapping hit he took in the AFC play off game. Ouch! Good to see him being able to talk and move his limbs, but still, the poor man is in a lot of pain.

Stitched on today: Started Nicole's Neighborhood RR

Blackbird Designs Exchange from Su

I received my Blackbird Designs Exchange from Su today. I was tickled to see her return address on the envelope, as I love Su's work so much. This one did not disappoint, of course! She stitched this sweet little fob for me. It is so fabulous with the wee little buttons and the over one stitching. I just love over one stitching. And all of the goodies are just so sweet! I recognize the little "S" notecard... I sent her those in an exchange last year ;-) Thank you so much Su - I love it all!

And, whew! I even finished my own Blackbird Designs Exchange today too!

Stitched on today: Finished SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange

Lizzie Kate Exchange for Sadie

Tonight I finally have some photos to share again :-)

I heard from Sadie today that she received the HoE Lizzie Kate Exchange that I sent to her...

January Blocks Scissor Fob
Lizzie Kate
28 ct Vintage Country Mocha Cashel Linen, DMC Floss, WDW Floss, GAST Floss

... And the rest of my goodies for her... Glad you like it Sadie. I had no idea you did not have a good pair of embroidery scissors, and am thrilled to have resolved that for you!

Stitched on today: Stitched on SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange (should have been mailed today, but running a little late - thankfully, I have a very sweet partner and I am sure she will not mind)

Gingher News

I cannot show what I stitched on tonight, but DH did ask me to let you all know that if you are interested in Gingher scissors, here is important info - Gingher has already discontinued the Roberta scissors... and, here is a surprise - they discontinued the Cheetah scissors too (says his wholesaler, who is generally right)... he has 4 pair of 4" Cheetahs left and has plenty of the Robertas, as well as some Biancas still at Our Internet Store. Get yours before they are gone!

Stitched on today: Stitched on SBEBB Blackbird Designs Exchange