12-12-12=20

 

December 12, 2012...

 

our 20th wedding anniversary....

 

 

We decided to take a trip to Texas and explore the

Hill Country.  It wouldn't be a "vacation" for us if

there wasn't a park, forest or desert involved. 

Here we are at the Enchanted Canyon right

outside of Fredericksburg.   The stars at

night are said to be beautiful but it was a tad

too cold for us to find out.   We did have a good

time and enjoyed our time together!

 

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Anytime we travel, I always start a new Lizzie

Kate project since they are so easy to stitch.  

I recently acquired the Snow Belles

(thanks to a visit to the Spring Robin earlier this fall)

and decided to start the first one.  

Lizzie Kate "All Dressed Up"

Stitched on 28ct khaki evenweave

w/ DMC

That snowman was so much fun to stitch I

decided to stitch him twice!   I had my fabric

oriented incorrectly so it soon became obvious

that I was running out of fabric.  Not a good idea

to start something new at 6:00 in the morning!  

Luckily...it doesn't take as long to rip it out as

it does to stitch it.  I plan to make these into

small pillows to keep my fat men company. 

One down....five to go!

 

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

 

We had some free time in San Antonio so I was

 able to visit Stitches from the Heart.   They had a

lot of great stitched models to drool over.  The

best part was the "Texas" section with a variety

of  designs about Texas from Texas.

 

I picked up these two ornaments from Redbird

Designs.  If memory serves me correct, you can

only find her stuff in Texas.   I know I purchased

another Texas ornament years ago at another

shop in San Antonio.   I thought these were

just too cute to pass up and hope to stitch

for next year as a reminder of our trip.

 

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

 

Well...Christmas is almost here and I hope

you are ready!  We start our celebrations

tomorrow so I am ready for some good food

and fellowship with our families.   I wish you

a very Merry Christmas and hope you

find time for a little stitching too!



On the 1st day of Christmas....

....I was busy!

Penelope from Beehive Needleworks posted a sweet Christmas freebie on Friday.  I had linen and thread at hand so I stitched it up.

 Beehive Needleworks "Christmas Wishes" freebie

stitched on 32ct linen w/ Victorian Motto

I just couldn't put this one away so I gathered my finishing supplies and came up with this.  (Faye...your blog offers the most wonderful inspiration for finishing!)  I just love the red ticking fabric!   I think I can see more "red" stitching in my future.

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Since my sewing machine makes limited appearances, I tackled  some earlier finishes that have been anxiously waiting some dressing.

With Thy Needle "Friendship Samplers"

With Thy Needle "Autumn Splendor"

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Tanya from Scarlett House offered this memento at the Pals Fall Fling and I just had to stitch it after seeing Faye's, Michele's and Charlene's finishes.

Stitched on 25ct Mocha Vintage

over one w/DMC

This little design seemed to take forever....that sand and water were a killer.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

And lastly, I have stitched two ornaments from the new JCS Ornaments issue and they are now ready to hang on my tree.

Glory Bee "Joy to You 2012"

stitched on 32ct. coffee-dyed linen w/DMC

Stitcherhood "Christmas Morning"

stitched on 32ct coffee-dyed linen

w/Victorian Motto

If you made it this far, thanks for visiting.   I do have two more finishes that require finishing with a special touch so I hope to tackle those today.   Fingers crossed I don't ruin them.

I hope you have are having a great weekend...

happy stitching!

Throwback Thursday....

My older brother celebrated a 

special birthday this week.

He turned the big 50!

I have always loved this picture of us 

three since it was such a happy day.

Who isn't excited to see Santa in July?????

Anyone else been to Santaland in North Carolina?

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

At the PALS retreat, a few mentioned how 

much they enjoyed these blog posts.   

(at least I hope they do...)

It has been awhile and little did I realize my 

brother's house would provide some new material.

  

While helping my SIL clean up 

after the party, I spotted this hanging on 

the wall and the picture fest began.

For The Love Cross Stitch

Stitched on 14ct white aida w/ DMC

I had completely forgotten about stitching this 

but I am sure it had to be for a birthday 

or Christmas.Although I don't know the 

name I am certain it was in a 90's issue 

of For The Love of Cross Stitch.

I think it just so cute...love that little puppy.

While I was snapping pics, my SIL obliged 

and collected some more stitched gifts 

from years gone by.

Stitched on good old 14ct aida w/ DMC

This one I did sign and date, which was unusual 

for me to do.  I do remember I gave it to 

them soon after they got married and moved 

in their new house. Can't get much more 

country than this but I still like it.

Ever forgot you stitched something?

Frankie Buckley "Collection of Things Country"

Stitched on 14ct aida w/ DMC

 I do know I stitched them but can't remember 

for the life of me when.  It had to be in the 90's 

due to lovely rust/blue mats, when country was 

still the rage.  Who hadn't stitched these or 

something similar???

Think I need to rethink those mats.

And lastly, for my niece....

I found this prayer and charted it for my niece's 

birth. I loved the sentiment of the prayer and 

hope I have lived up to my end of the bargain.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Thanks for going on this trip down memory lane.

Looking at these make me smile that I was able to 

share my favorite craft with my brother and his

family and that they do appreciate them.

I do send up prayers for those that endured the 

storm and are now dealing with the aftermath.   

I hope the recovery will be quick.

Hope you can enjoy your weekend 

and happy stitching.....

Stitching with Friends....

Nothing better than stitching with friends 

at the beach. The PALS Stitching at the Beach 

retreat was last week.  Unfortunately, my camera 

decided to take the weekend off so no pics, but 

the good thing is a lot of stitching was done.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

I was treated to goodies including this little 

cutie from Charlene which is the perfect 

memento for the retreat.

Love the little beads for bubbles!

What a cutie!   The bright, vibrant colors 

pretty much sum up the time we 

had stitching & laughing!

So many designers joined us this year including 

Tanya from The Scarlett House.  She designed the 

cutest little freebie for "Stitching at the Beach" 

and many of the Pals didn't wait to get it started.  

 I am sure you will see some finishes 

soon because it is precious.

What was in my stitching bag?  Well, I did get 

one ornament stitched and then turned my 

attention to one of my Crazy Challenge pieces.  

I made great progress and was able to 

finish it up this week!

Goode Huswife "Flowers of Lebanon"

stitched on 32ct black evenweave w/ DMC

I still can't figure out why this design took so long 

to finish!   I guess it has to be stitching on the 

black.  I feel like it took me a good month but 

now that I look at the completed design, I 

am amazed how small it really is.

Love the funky colors!

I definitely made this one my own by changing 

colors and the design (mostly by accident).   I do 

like it for its vibrant colors and it just pops on 

the black fabric.   Now it will go live in 

the bin of unfinished finishes.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Cooler weather is finally moving south and I am 

so happy for it!  Hope my friends to the 

north stay safe from Hurricane Sandy.

Happy stitching....

Little bit of stitching....

How time has flown....I can't believe it 

has been a month since my last post!  I 

guess I have been enjoying the last 

few lazy days of summer!

I still make my rounds to see all the 
beautiful stitching on your blogs but 
have been lazy about commenting. 
If you have recently posted a finish, I know 
I have seen it and want to say nice finish!

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Football and work have really taken a bite 

out of my stitching time but I do have 

some small finishes to share.

I picked up a couple of With Thy Needle 

designs this summer and just love them.

I fell in love with "Friendship Samplers"
as soon as I saw it.   Such a nice and easy stitch.

With Thy Needle "Have Ye Any Wool?"
Stitched on coffee dyed 32ct.
w/ recommended DMC

With Thy Needle "Bluebird Serenade"
Stitched on coffee dyed 32ct linen
w/recommended DMC

I have my linen ready to stitch the 

rest of these sweet designs.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

With the beginning of fall, I couldn't resist 

stitching this cute little autumn design from 

"Autumn Splendor". I used some 

of my Victorian Motto autumn sampler 

threads offering a wonderful finish.

With Thy Needle "ABC Crow"

Stitched on coffee dyed 32ct linen

w/Victorian Motto threads

Now...if only fall will decide to make 

an appearance in the sunny South.

I am so ready for cool crisp mornings 

and the turn of the leaves.

As always...thanks for visiting!

Are you ready for some football???

 

Fall has to be my favorite time of the year

for several reasons....

 

~~  Experiencing the first day of school  ~~

with 4000 new college freshmen

(and their parents)

 

 ~~  Preparing for the Pals Fall Fling  ~~

 

  ~~  Clemson Tiger football  ~~

 

Faye (Carolina Stitcher) knows (and understands)

my love of college football and sent me

this little goodie in the mail....

 

 

Such a nice surprise from such a sweetie pie.

 

Faye is so talented and this little pouch

is perfectly made down to the smallest detail.

 Isn't it just the cutest????  

 

The tiger head pull adds just the right touch.

 

I will be putting it to good use as we make

our first road trip to Atlanta this weekend

to watch my Tigers play the Tigers!

 

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

 

If you are in the states, I hope you have

a great holiday weekend!  And for all of

you college football fans....

happy stitching!

66.67% finished.....

...that's how much of the Crazy Challenge is done!
Here is finish number 10 ....

Plum Street Samplers "Olga"

stitched on 40ct Purely Primitive

w/ DMC

  This design looked so simple and I just

knew I would breeze through it.  Not so...it

took a good week to get this little lady done.

I had been doing a lot of Olympic

viewing so that probably did impede my

progress somewhat.  Now what will I watch ...

I'm sad to see them end.

I just love the colors in this one...especially the

white pumpkin.   I think that will make

the cutest little pin pillow. 

Another black kitty in the family...

can you see how thrilled Pork Chop is????

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments

on my trip to the west.   I am so lazy about

replying to comments but please know that I

do read them all and appreciate them all!

Well....I am off to see what other

stitching trouble I can find!

Have a great stitchy weekend!



Seeing the Elephant....

Or

How I spent my summer vacation.

First......the stitching:

Like many on a "road trip", I packed my

stitching bag with a new project that I knew

would be easy to stitch and finish

during our lengthy car rides.

My vacation progress.....

Not much!

Just too much great scenery to see.

LK "Snowman "10"

stitched on 28ct. khaki evenweave

w/DMC

No fear....he was stitched after I got home. 

Next....the sights:

Hubby planned a great trip that followed some

of the trails of Lewis & Clark as well as the

Santa Fe, Mormon, Oregon, & California trails. 

Hence the title of this post....

you can read more about that here. 

I became fascinated with the pioneer history and

specifically the pioneer women.  I thought I

was suffering if I had to go without my A/C

for more than 30 minutes.  I can't even imagine

what they endured as they left their families and

belongings behind for a new life out west.

I'll share a few of my favorites pics as we travelled

across Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado.

St. Louis Arch

Capturing the perfect picture of the Arch

My travel companion

Sunday dinner family style at J. Huston Tavern

Arrow Rock

On the trail of Lewis and Clark

Bend of the Missouri River

Scenic Nebraska

Making our way west

Scott's Bluff

 

South of the Border Pedro's twin in the west

Ogallala, Nebraska

Had a great time in Ft. Collins, Colorado but

this is the only picture I took that day!

Just beautiful on Trail Road

Rocky Mountain National Park

On our way up to the Alpine Visitor's Center

Rocky Mountain National Park

Lastly....Goodies:

Like most pioneer girls, I had to have my

doll to keep me company.

 

My pioneer doll

Although she is a 21st century doll, it was

love at first sight and will be a nice

memory of our trip west!

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

If you made it this far, thanks for

taking the time to visit.

Have a great stitchy week!



BBD "Tis the Season"....

Christmas in July....

After my last finish a few weeks ago, this design

was just screaming in my bag "stitch me"!

BBD "Tis the Season"

Stitched on 40ct Purely Primitive

w/ Victorian Motto threads & DMC

I was very happy to oblige and mostly enjoyed

stitching it.  I changed all of the threads to

my choice of Victorian Motto and especially

love the look of the leaves and vine.

The contrast between the white thread and

the fabric is so slight the light stitching almost

looks tone on tone.   I am happy with it, though,

and now need to figure out if I want to frame it.

This had to be my favorite part since I

stitched it twice!  Counting seemed to be a big

issue and I seemed to rip as much as I stitched.

I also made a change by eliminating the verse and

replacing it with more snowflakes.   I did like it

with the verse but decided I wanted the design to

be a little more discreet with the Christmas feel.

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

I did take a week off from stitching for a little

vacation out west with hubby.  We had a great

time and I will have to share some sights later.

As always...thanks for visiting and I hope

you are staying cool and stitching!

Sweet RAK from Charlene...

I was surprised to see a small package

in the mail today.  My first thought....
OMG I forgot to mail an exchange.

I was relieved to see it was
from a stitching pal. 
Charlene (Needle in Hand) sent me
the sweetest pin cushion with
a strawberry emery...just because.

The color palette is so friendly don't you think?

Her finishing is perfect too with the blue chenille.

Perfect spot for my needles.

The perfect finishing touch...

this little strawberry emery.

I am lucky enough to stitch with Charlene

a few times throughout the year since

she is also a Carolinian. I consider

myself very lucky to be one of

her "sister stitchers"!

~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~

Hope you are having a great stitching week. 

happy stitching....

Peace and Plenty....

I had another good stitchy week and

I in love with this finish.

Homespun Elegance "Land of Peace & Plenty"

stitched on 40 ct Lakeside Linen

w/ DMC

Although this was designed in 1990, it has

certainly stood the test of time. The

color palette is just so soothing...

it was a joy to stitch.

Oh to be a swan floating in a lake....

Having grown accustom to stitching simpler
designs, it was a nice change to have so
much solid stitching. The repetitive
stitching of filling in the hills and house
was so relaxing after the work day.

There is another design featuring a colonial
couple but they will have to patiently
wait a little while longer to be stitched.


~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~   *   ~ 

The title of this piece definitely makes me
think how thankful I should be.   I can't
imagine what the folks in Virginia have gone
through not having power in this heat!   
My heart definitely goes out to them
and reminds me to say thanks each day.

As always...thanks for visiting
and happy stitching!