Tuesday, March 9, 2010

To Thee a Very Merry





We've finally had a string of gorgeous sunny days here in western Pennsylvania and I decided it was about time to brighten up my blog, too. No, the flowers shown in my new header aren't blooming yet--in fact, believe it or not, we still have quite a few inches of snow on the ground here! This photo was taken a couple of years ago right outside of my kitchen window, though, and hopefully these Johnny Jump Ups have re-seeded and will grow and bloom again very soon. Luckily, my husband and I are escaping the last days of winter--we're headed south where it is warm and sunny, and lush with palm-trees and flowering shrubs, and perky sandpipers and comical pelicans, and gentle waves and glorious sunsets, and pretty shells on sparkling sand, and...oh, you get the idea! Hopefully, by the time we return, all the remaining snow will have melted and spring will truly be here...

This week, I finished what is probably the tiniest Christmas stocking I'll ever stitch! The design, from the 2008 Just Cross Stitch ornament issue, is by Brightneedle and is called "To Thee a Very Merry." I stitched it "over one" using WDW threads and 32 ct. Country French latte linen and it measures only about 2 3/4 inches by 1 1/2 inches. The design also includes six white eyelet stitches which remind me of snowflakes. I think they add a lot to the finished piece...And don't you just love that tiny black lamb? This was my first attempt at doing anything other than a rectangular or square ornament finish and I'll have to say I'm quite happy with the way it turned out. I backed it with the fabric shown underneath and trimmed it with sage green cording and a little white bow. Try clicking on the photo for a better look...

I also want to share my new stash that I got with the gift certificates from my two generous mystery gift givers back in January. From ehandcrafts, I ordered the Blackbird Designs "Merry December" stocking chart and some Piecemaker needles. And from Stitchin' Bits and Bobs, I couldn't resist ordering Ida Mae Crow and her hubby Ira Ray. I fell in love with them when I first saw them posted on Ranae's blog last July. They are just so sweet, I couldn't resist! I also picked up the Blackbird Designs "Love is In the Air" February stockings chart. So, to both of you secret gift certificate giving friends--thank you, thank you! I still am in shock that you two would be so kind and if I knew who you were, I would give you the biggest hugs...

Your comments on my second block of Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow meant so much to me last week. And I especially loved hearing about the simple things in life that bring you smiles. I so look forward to reading your comments each morning--thank you again for taking the time to say hello...

33 comments:

Sweet Sue said...

Lookin good Carol:)

Margaret said...

Oh, I love that ornament! Beautiful colors and stitching, and finishing! Nice stash too!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful ornament you have created with needle and thread! Awesome finishing as well!

Robin in Virginia

Shari said...

another beautiful finish!!! You do such beautiful work Carol!!!
Love the new picture on your blog....so springy!!!!
Very nice charts you got with your gifts!!!! I also got the crows, as I couldn't resist them. I waited quite a while after they came out, but finally caved!!
enjoy your time away! Bring that sunshine back north with you!

Myra said...

Good grief Carol, after reading this post I am just about to fly out and hide in one of your suitcases. It sounds like you are going someplace wonderful!

Love the little stocking finish, you did a fabulous job with it. Nice stash you got with your GC too. :o)

Tricia T said...

I love your little stocking! I saw that in the JCS issue and the little black lamb drew me in. Now I know I have to stitch it!!

And what fun stash!! What a sweet, sweet gift!

Edit said...

Carol, you little stocking finish is absolutely lovely! I also love the new picture in the header, maybe winter will realize it is time to leave and give spring a chance :)

I hope you will have a great time and a lot of sunshine!

Best wishes,
Edit

Catherine said...

Oh I do hope you have fun on your trip! Our snow is almost all gone now, save for those ugly piles that hang on snow where the sun doesn't shine as much.

Your stocking is beautiful! And that new stash is great!

Vinniey said...

Love the new look of your blog. Very pretty! Love that little stocking too! It looks so cute with the big ribbon. :) Have a nice day, Carol!

Julie said...

A darling little stocking, i've been looking through past issues to decide what to stitch for this months ornament.

Enjoy your trip to the warm sunshine, we would do with some of that here in the UK.

Ranae said...

I love the little teeny stocking.
Super nice finishing. I still to make one of those BBD stockings that is in my stash, lol
That little black lamb is so sweet
That's some awesome stitchy stash too. We still have a few inches of snow too, that is melting ever so slowly., lol

Cindy's Stitching said...

Your stocking came out so nice. The finishing is so nice. I truly look forward to your blog each week. I know I tell you that all the time, but you have a way with words. congrats on your new purchases. Where are you headed to for the sun? lucky you.

Meari said...

That little stocking is sooooo cute! I'm envious of your trip south -- sounds devine!

Enjoy your new stash :)

Michelle said...

What a cute little stocking - I love the little 'black sheep'!

Lovely stash that you received!

Enjoy your holiday! We have had some rain which broke the heatwave.

BrendaS said...

Your little stocking is just too cute! Love it!

Hope you have a wonderful time on your vacation. Enjoy the warm weather and I'm sure when you return Spring will finally be here!

Kim B said...

What a great little finish! Little indeed! Enjoy your trip to warmer weather! I'll be sitting here admiring your new stash when you get back :)

Sally said...

What a delightful little finish Carol. Lovely new stash too. i'm starting one of the stocking from the Love is in the Air stocking leaflet!

Carol R said...

Beautiful stitch and finish of such a tiny stocking.

Sun, sea and sand - wish I could join you at your holiday destination!

Gillie said...

What a gorgeous blog - glad I found it. Lived for nearly ten years in Sewickley so am damiliary with your part of the world!

Kathy A. said...

That is indeed the tiniest daintiest Christmas stocking ever. Beautiful job.
Nice new stash!
Have a wonderful holiday and look forward to your return.

Siobhán said...

Carol, what a gorgeous ornament! Great job. Love the new stash! Your blog looks great--very appropriate for the season. :) Have a fantastic trip!

Lois said...

What a lovely ornament! Both the stitching and the finishing! Glad to hear the sun is appearing in your part of the world and enjoy a trip to warmer climes. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that when you return that snow is all gone!

You've added some lovely stash, aren't stitchers just the nicest people.

Martine said...

Ohhh ! Carol !
The spring has come on your blog !!! and I love the new header with these beautiful pansies ! I love too your little pictures of Easter...
Thank you for this small spring air !
And this little stocking is very lovely !!!!
Have a nice day !
Hugs !

Unknown said...

Carol, what a sweet little finish, I adore this ornament.

How wonderful to receive mystery gifts and what wonderful new stash!

Btw, I love your new blog look - perfect for spring!

Brigitte said...

Your new purchase looks great, wonderful choice of charts. Could be my purchase, lol.
I love this tiny little stocking, it's amazingly small and looks so fine and dainty. Great finishing.
Enjoy your trip to the south!!!!

Shirley said...

A very cute, dinky little ornie Carol. Hope Spring is finally on the way, everyone seems to have had a long, harsh, winter this year. Happy stitching, Shirley

Mylene said...

Such a very neat and tiny stocking ornament.

Hope you have a wonderful time away!

Hazel said...

I did that ornie as well. I was amazed at how long it took! I gave it to my dd's teacher. Thanks for your nice comments. x

Pumpkin said...

That IS the sweetest little stocking Carol! Beautifully done :o)

I hope you are enjoying your time away from the snow. Luckily most of ours is gone now except a pile here and there. Another nice week ahead :o)

Good to see you were able to spend those GCs but hey, what stitcher couldn't? ;o) LOL!

Rachel S-H said...

Cute ornie. The Christmas house looks great.

Dani - tkdchick said...

Great ornament finish!

I hope you're enjoying your winter escape!

Parsley said...

Always fun to see projects like this. Great job.

Theresa said...

The stocking is adorable!!!!! I am drooling at your stash right now.... :-Q
Please drop by my blog for an award~~~