Thursday, September 15, 2011

Smokin' Snowman and Sugary Sweets

Brrr... and a chilly good morning to you, my blogging buddies. It's a rainy, 55 degrees here in western Pennsylvania with the temperature expected to plummet into the low 40s tonight. Doesn't that sound more like late November weather rather than mid-September? Whatever happened to the warm and sunny days of early autumn? I think it's a perfect day to sit inside and stitch. After working at the library Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, then catching up on laundry and cleaning yesterday, I think I deserve a day to relax, don't you?

Because I've worked more than usual lately, I don't have much to show you, but I do have a couple of Christmasy pieces that I hope you'll enjoy. I've finally caught up on my monthly ornament stitching--and, believe it or not, each one is finish/finished as well! This Prairie Schooler snowman (from the 1999 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue) made his appearance just in time to become my ornament finish for August. I've actually stitched him two other times, but the others were given away. And this is the first one on black fabric (32 ct. Belfast linen) as well. Don't you love how he just pops off the dark fabric? I backed this one with the cheery black, green, and red fabric shown behind it, and attached a green and red plaid ribbon with two green buttons to hang it from the Christmas tree.


When my sons come over for dinner on Sunday, I always bore them with treat them to a little "show and tell" session of the stitching I've worked on since the previous Sunday. That's the price they have to pay for getting a lovely home-cooked meal! As I showed my middle son this snowman, I said, "I bet you'll really like this one." He replied that he liked the other ornament (shown below) better. The reason why? He said, with a completely straight face, that he didn't approve of the "drug use" in this one! Oh, he loves to tease me and he does it so well. Yes, the snowman is indeed smoking a corncob pipe, but, hopefully, he's "not inhaling"!


My September ornament is stitched with white DMC on 25 ct. Victorian green lugana. To make it ornament sized, I stitched it over one, so the tree is barely 3 inches high. This design is by JBW Designs and is from the Christmas Motif Sampler II leaflet. I think this may just be the first time I stitched a JBW design, but it won't be the last! It was very relaxing stitching with just one color and not boring at all due to the little motifs scattered throughout the tree.

I did change the part under the tree a bit by moving the bunny over toward the tree trunk and adding another bunny facing him. (You know me and my love of bunnies--and of symmetry!). To finish it off, I backed it with the fabric shown and then used a ruched satin ribbon and some pearl-topped pins and a tiny ribbon on the edges and the hanger. (This is the video that I used to learn how to do the ruching). Not hard at all--just a bit time consuming... I think it adds such a nice, elegant touch to the edges of ornaments.

Remember this little Prairie Schooler bunny that I showed you a few weeks ago? Remember I said he was headed far, far away to a new home? Well, he safely reached his destination all the way up in Nova Scotia, Canada--and I'm happy to report that Cathey (aka Pumpkin) welcomed him with open arms. I love surprising my friends and regular commenters with RAKs so look for more of them in the future. This is just my way of saying thank you to those of you who make the extra effort to say "hello" whenever you read my blog...

Now, I have a question for all of you who stitch a lot of small ornaments and pin pillows, like I do...How do you store them? I've been placing mine in this acid-free box and storing it under a bed, but I'm running out of room. The ornaments are starting to pile up on top of each other--some of the flat ones are stacked four or five high! I can't crowd them much more or the ribbons and bows will get all wrinkled and misshapen. Do any of you have any other suggestions on storing them. I have limited under-the-bed space so I don't want to get another box. Any ideas at all? I love opening the box up every now and then and seeing all my little pieces staring back at me--they just make me happy for some strange reason!

True confessions...
So, do any of you have an addiction (besides stitching and blogging, that is!). Well, my name is Carol, and I am a "sugar addict"! Oh, you'd never know it by looking at me--I'm very petite and slim. I exercise regularly and, in general, try to eat well (except for yukky green vegetables as all of my long-time blog readers know!). But, I do love sugar and I've come to realize I consume way too much of it. So, I've been making a serious attempt to cut down on the amount I eat.


My sugar of choice? Why, it's these little innocent looking chocolate-covered raisins that come in this giant 3 pound container at Sam's Club. In studying the nutritional information label, it says there are 37 servings (each with 25 grams of sugar!) in one container. So, if I had one serving a day, that should last me 5+ weeks, right? Wrong!! I could gobble up an entire jar in less than two weeks. You see, I just got into the habit of thoughtlessly reaching into the container and grabbing a handful each and every time I walked by it. I ate the last of them last week and decided it was finally time for a change. I need to replace them with healthier foods so I've been eating popcorn, nuts, and sunflower seeds instead. Do I miss them--yes, indeed! Am I trying to cut out all sugar--no way!! (I thoroughly enjoyed the small piece of chocolate cake I had at work the other day). I'm just cutting down on the amount of sugar... I think "everything in moderation" is my new philosophy. How does that sound? Hopefully, by posting this here, I'll really try to stick to it... And if any of you want to confess to being a sugar addict and join me in my quest--you're more than welcome!

Remembering...
This past Sunday, which marked 10 years since the horrors of September 11th, brought back memories of so many tragic images to us all. It seemed that I actually cried more this year when I saw the news coverage than I did back in 2001. I think that may be because I now know the whole story, from beginning to end, and know how terribly it all turned out. I live only two hours from the field in Shanksville, PA where the passengers of Flight 93 so bravely tried to overcome the hijackers and ended up perishing. So, of course, that particular memorial service received a lot of press in this area... Out of all the photos and images I've witnessed lately, this one video really brings me hope--hope for the future through the innocence of our children. I can't get this video out of my head--you've probably seen it already, but I wanted to post it yet again here on my blog to remember the past and hope for the future...



Thanks for your wonderful comments on my little crow collection in my last post. I haven't been able to start stitching Ira Ray and Ida Mae crow yet because my fabric hasn't arrived, but hopefully they'll be joining my crow family very soon. If you look over in my sidebar, you'll notice a milestone: 500+ followers!! I can't thank you guys enough--I'm so honored that you take your precious time to visit me each time I post. And to thank you, I'll be having a giveaway when I have enough time to get something together--look for it very soon! Until then...enjoy your weekend and thank you as always for your wonderful comments and your special friendships. Bye for now...

92 comments:

Barbara said...

Oh Carol I love all of your finishes! So many pretties! Also I can identify so much with you on the sugar addict portion of your post. Mine is just getting out of hand. I'm gonna have to post a picture about what i've done with some of my smalls. I went to Michaels and they have those beautiful covered boxes that are decorated with such pretty paper. Well I bought one that looks like an old truck and I have it on my cedar chest with the lid propped open and alot of my smalls inside peeping out. Beautiful!!!
Have a great day, Barbara

Shari said...

well, it is warm where you are....we have dropped to 39 since I have been up...it was warmer when I got up!!!
Love your finishes.....the snowman pops on the black fabric...
and the JBW...I love her designs...I have done several & have several more to do....
all of my ornaments are in a plastic box...real creative...and it is PACKED full!!!

Siobhán said...

Oh my gosh, Carol!! You have totally inspired me with that picture of all of your ornaments. I love your finishes, too, especially the Let It Snow guy. I was thinking I might stitch him & the Ho Ho Ho Santa guy (that looks like a matching pair--and I think that's what he says--I forget even though I've already stitched him once...) for my nieces this year. I love how he pops on the black fabric. I laughed at you 'making' the kids look at your stitching when they come for dinner. I make my kids sing a few bars from the Halleluia chorus when I get new stash. Sure, they might need therapy when they're adults but, as you said, it's a small price to pay. LOL

As for how I store my ornaments, I put them and my other seasonal stitched pieces in a plastic shoe box storage type thing & stack them in the closet. I know, not acid free, but it works. I also have some in Longaberger baskets that I have out on shelves for display--they look pretty on the outside and stuffed inside are my ornaments!

Congratulations on 500+ followers! You deserve it. :)

Margaret said...

I love all your ornie finishes! So funny what your middle son said about the snowman1 lol! That box of ornaments -- wow! Love it! Just wonderful! It's hard to eat healthy, isn't it? My weakness is chocolate of course. That and nuts. I love nuts!

Denise said...

Love your two new additions to the ornie family! And that box of ornies - omg - AMAZING!!!

A way to store them - have you considered an ornament box with partitions - some hold up to 40 bulbs. That might work but it would not fit under the bed.

Annie said...

Your finishes are so gorgeous as always. Don't know how you can stand to stitch on dark fabrics! Way too hard for my eyes to deal with that. But I love how the colors pop!

What a fun box of ornies! I store winter clothes under the bed so no room for stitching. I've completely run out of room so the bath tub is the only place left!

Nobody eats perfectly. Sounds like you do pretty well. Just have to always be conscious of what you put in your mouth.

JillMN said...

Your work is beautiful! I love that JBW ornament. The white on green is stunning! Chocolate covered raisins...Yummy! I buy Chocolate yogurt covered raisins...there are pretty good.

butterfly said...

Hi Carol, you do stitch some fantastic ornaments, love them all, You asked about storing them, What about making your bedroom into a craft room.! then you could hang some up to, thats what i do.
i must say i give almost 1/2 of mine to my friends but i do keep a few.
I am also a sugar freak, i even got a job at Cadburys where they make Chocolates when i was 15.
I have to eat a sweet treat after my tea every night so does my DH . And on TV today they said dark chocolate is good for you. Some times i am very bad and eat it all, but only now and again.

Charity C. said...

Your ornaments are so very beautiful!! I can't decide which I like best because they are both so nice to look at! Once again, I love having a nice giggle when I hear about those boys of yours! Oh and I just love all those smalls you have!! I think you like to look at them, because they are all so beautiful and you know that you were their talented creator! Have you turned your son's old bedroom into a craft room yet!! I think that would be the best place to keep all your smalls. And I am sure your son wouldn't mind at all. You all seem to get along so well. Nice video by the way! Well I must be going, but I really enjoyed reading your blog today!

CATHI said...

These are wonderful finishes! Love the TPS snowman and the JBW design! I stitch a lot of ornaments, too, and I have 2 huge boxes on the top of my wardrobe. In one box I have all my Easter / All Year / Summer / Valentine ornaments and in the other all my Christmas and Halloween ornaments. With every season change I pull out the appropriate ornaments and decorate the house. The ornaments of the season passed I put into the box... My boxes are really full already (the lid of one I can hardly close)... I think I have to think about a third box... ;o) (sigh...) So, you see, I cannot give you a good advice, but can assure you that you are not alone with this problem! ;o)

Cathi

CATHI said...

It is me again, here is a link to my Christmas ornaments I had last Christmas: http://cathisstitchingblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/weihnachtsbaum-ornamente-christmas-tree.html

Will surely show soon a photo of my two boxes on my blog! And I understand your wish to see your ornaments from time to time - it is the same with me "for some strange reason"! ;o)

Cathi

Veronica said...

Wow! That sure is quite a number of ornaments and pin pillows and they all look real pretty sitting in that box. Sorry but I can't offer any advice on storing them as I don't have much.

Love your new snowman ornament. He's so cute! And the ribbon echoes the colours on his scarf perfectly. Your Christmas tree ornament looks great too. I really like the ruffled ribbon with it.

Daniela said...

Beautiful Christmas ornaments!

Berit said...

Brrr!

Love your new ornaments, esp the PS! As for keeping them in a bin under the bed, I do the same. My bin is smaller and less full, however!

I started using this for storing projects in-progress:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00193386#/10185588/

Buy 2 packs of these and slide them in as drawers:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70185590

They are made to fit perfectly. :D I am not sure about the acid issue, but you could wrap the pcs in acid-free paper or loosely line the boxes. As the drawers fill up you can place them vertically so that they are "filed" (I also do this with my clothes in my drawers so that they hold more and are more navigable.)

HTH! :D

Giovanna said...

What a lovely collection of ornaments! Can't help you on storage ideas, I'm afraid: I use boxes too and I'm also running out of space :-(

Nancy said...

Carol, your ornaments are gorgeous! I love the snowman on the black fabric, and the ruched ribbon trim on the other is so elegant looking. Congratulations for finishing one a month. I tried this year, but it just didn't happen. So I'm looking at it as a headstart for next year!

Oh I love sweets too, but the last couple of months I have really changed my eating habits. I feel so much better for doing it too!

Lynn said...

Oh Carol, I always look forward to seeing what finishes you have each post. Your finishing skills are superb and they inspire me in my own finishes. These ornaments are adorable! I love the ruched ribbon trim, it's so pretty!
I laughed when I saw your mention of having your sons sit through show and tell. I do the same with mine when they visit. They groan, but only in jest (I hope!).
As for storage, right now my small finishes are residing in the drawer of a spare dresser. However space is limited and I've been trying to decide what to do with mine too.

Joy said...

Love the ornaments. Your finishes are great as always. Hoping to finish stitching more of my Christmyth set but I"ve been having some wrist pains so that's kept me from stitching. And I'm going to take a page out of your book and glue on the cording around the pillow once I find some cording that I like.

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous box of ornaments! Great new additions of the PS Snowman and the JBW Tree!

I use plastic storage boxes for my seasonal items.

Robin in Virginia
rlbrowninva(@)gmail(dot)com

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Oh Carol, what a box o'joy you've got going there! I dont' have any suggestions but I enjoyed seeing the picture. Hugs!

Myra said...

Carol, your posts are always delightful. Your son's humor sounds just like my son - he never fails to surprise me and keep me laughing. As always, your ornament finishes are gorgeous. I love that the snowman has a little corncob pipe - such detail.

I will be interested to see how others store their smalls as I am using the same method you are right now.

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol, Thank you for the video, I had not seen this. I always check in with you, this blog is so wonderful. I found it ironic that you talked about sweets while I was munching down Ghiradelli 60% dark chocolate! OOPS! Well, I absolutely love chocolate. I confess that since I noticed I began adding a few pounds once I hit my late thirties, I began walking. If I keep walking, so far I am able to have my chocolate daily and not put on weight. This has been working for me for years now. Sorry, I'd rather walk it off then give it up, I am weak!

trillium said...

OMG! A huge jar of chocolate-covered raisins? I've never seen such a thing. I need to find a friend here w/ a Sam's membership. I adore chocolate-covered raisins.

I find stitching on dark fabric to be difficult. Congrats to you for your finishes on black & dk. green evenweave.

Tricia T said...

My name is Tricia and I'm a sugar addict, too! And also working on cutting back. : ) I have been allowing myself a cup of coffee or maybe two - with a scant tsp of sugar in each - and if I'm pushing it I can have ice cream at the end of the day. The only thing I've found that helps keep me away from it is to stay BUSY and promise myself that I'll drink a one-liter bottle of water during the day. I'm trying to drink water for my snack rather than eat. : ) I'm trying to do a walking video more regularly, too. Otherwise the sugar is "bottoming" out. ; ) LOL!

Love your finishes! A friend is sending me a PS leaflet in the mail and I'm exciting to stitch something of theirs!

sunny said...

Look at all those lovely little ornies! JBW has always been one of my favorite designers. I like the changes you made to the design.

Mouse said...

oohhh I don't know which I love the most the smalls or that jar of chocolate raisins hahahah .... now am hungry ... I have my smalls on display in a cake stand but haven't got as many as you yet ... working on it ..lol :) and mmmm I think it is my names mouse and I'm a mintoholic stitching mouse ..lol .. love mouse xxxx

LoriU said...

Hi Carol! Your ornaments are beautiful! I am SO impressed with your stitching on black fabric too!

My in-laws live in Johnstown and I just didn't realize until one of our last visits when I saw the signs for the memorial that they were SO close to where the plane crashed. We plan to go to the memorial on our next visit.

Congrats on the finishes!

~*Sharee*~ said...

I know just what you mean hun; I am very additcted to Starlight Mints; I can eat a bag a day and this isn't good for my teeth or for my sugar level; I have to go to the dr tonight to get test results because I have high sugar and I think it's from this...Love your pillows and ornaments..

Hugs, Shar

Jennifer said...

I just LOVE that tree on the dark fabric with the white edging. It's beautiful and I may have to adapt that idea for something of mine. I have a snowflake I have yet to finish on dark blue fabric (let's be honest - I haven't started it yet) but I love how the white satin ribbon looks.

And I LOVE LOVE LOVE your box of ornies. LOVE them. That would make me happy too, to see them all. What about a plastic ornament box with dividers? They're deeper than then box you have, but usually have trays, or at least flat pieces and dividers you can layer in the box. You can stand maybe 3-4 flat ones on end and put them in a divided space, and maybe fit 2 of the pillow type ones in a space? Since the box itself is sturdy, you can probably stash it in a closet somewhere.

passionfruitprincess said...

I love both ornaments. The snowman really pops off the fabric, it looks beautiful. I am crazy about JBW designs, and your little tree looks fantastic! Great job on finishes as usual. I just got two scrapbook storage boxes at Michael's to keep my stitched ornaments. I am really just starting, but as the collection grows I will get more boxes. Your ornament collection is gorgeous!
About September eleven. It was the day I was getting my passport to start my paperwork to come to America. I remember all the tvs on at the stores as I passed by...people terrified. It was like one of those crazy action movies... but it was really happening. I cannot understand why people do something like that.
May the Lord bless people everywhere.
Love and hugs for you.
Ana Paula.

CalamityJr said...

What great new finishes, and such a funny son! Thanks for the glimpse of all your pretties, but sorry I don't have any storing suggestions. It should help us all to see what ideas do get posted here.

SilverCuteDwarf said...

I like your new ornaments with snow man and Christmas tree. It is so cute and very beautiful finish. And I was so shocked to see all your small pillows and ornaments. I have small set (like7 or 8) Christmas ornaments ant several other small things and was so proud of my job. But now, after I see all your wealth, I understand that I have nothing. I like how it look them in one box, I dreaming to pick up them one by one, hold a little bit, take pleasure in beauty and put it back. So, good job! (BTW I store all my small things in … the box, he-he)

Angela said...

I always enjoy visiting your blog Carol :) LOVE both of the ornament finishes and as for storage, I only have a couple of dozen and keep them wrapped in tissue paper and in small boxes so not to many are together. The rabbit pillow you sent to Cathey is adorable!

OK, I must confess I am a sugar addict too! Now unfortunately for me you can tell because I have packed on too much weight in my midsection! I too am trying to cut back on the stuff, I even switched to putting honey in my tea which is technically still a sugar but it doesn't seem as bad :) Don't even get me started on the chocolate......it's my downfall!

Mindi said...

Beautiful job on the ornament stitching and finishing, and what a cute RAK you sent up to Canada! I can't help you out with storage ideas for the ornaments, since I just realized I have never kept any for myself, they've always been given away.

BrendaS said...

Carol --
I just LOVE visiting your blog. Your stitching is always so beautiful as well as your finishing.

The Prairie Schooler ornament looks fantastic on the black fabric and your little Christmas tree on the green fabric is just wonderful.

What a treat to open your box of ornaments and look at all the beauties you've made! Unfortunately I don't have any ideas on how to store them.

Have a great weekend!

Beth said...

All those finishes! Wow! Everytime I read your blog I realize what a novice I am at this cross stitch stuff - your finishes are so well done and what a wonderful collection of ornaments you have. A little Show & Tell is a small price to pay for a great home cooked meal. Congrats on 500+ Followers - wow!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

very beautiful !

Lesleyanne said...

OMG your box of ornaments in stunning. I love your sons comment about the snowman, which is my favourite, but think they are both gorgeous as is the Bunny Pillow I'm sure pumpkin was thrilled.

Teresa S. said...

As usual, your stitching is beautiful. I love the dark fabric and the way it makes the snowman POP. The little pillow finish with the plaid ribbon is perfect.

I can relate to the sugar addiction. I'm struggling with the new Oreos Fudge Creme peanut butter cookies. Oh, my!

Claudine said...

Vraiment de très beaux ouvrages. J'aime beaucoup le bonhomme de neige. Et merci pour la vidéo que je n'avais pas vu en France. Passez une très bonne soirée.

Gillie said...

Oh well, that's definite - next trip to the 'burgh I am coming to see you and see all those ornaments in real life! Gorgeous finishing and a small price to pay for a home cooked meal, I think! Are they all Christmas ones, because if not have them on display seasonally.

Theresa said...

I just LOVE your ornament finishes!!!!! They are sooooo beautiful!!!!! And the comment your son had about the snowman is just so funny~~

That is one big collection of ornaments you have going on there!!! I don't have that much YET so all my ornaments are sitting nicely in a basket right now. I'll have to remember your way of storing when it overflows.

I also have a sweet tooth, couldn't resist them at all!! That's way I tend to not keep any sweets at home, cause I will finish them in a flash if I have them around!!!!!

Jennifer said...

Hi Carol, I love reading your blog!! loved the video too. Your collection of smalls is amazing . I would love to have a collection and you are very inspiring. I have seen them displayed in wire baskets and glass containers so you can see a lot of them at once. They are too pretty to hide away . We are going to NYcity for Canadian Thanksgiving and my daughter and I are going to see Wicked! Can't wait. We also had Sept 11th in our minds as we do every year and throughout the year. Keep on stitching!

Blu said...

What lovely ornies! You always have the loveliest finishes too!

I've recently managed to cut all Coke (as in the drink, not the drug) out of my life and added an apple and a yogurt to both my breakfast and my lunch. I'm still a ton of other junk but I'm quite pleased with that change!

Katrina said...

Hi Carol, your latest ornaments are just beautiful, I always admire your finishing work. Thanks so much for sharing the video for the ruching tutorial too. Best wishes, Katrina in New Zealand

valerie said...

Wow! You have so many followers! Congrats! Love your ornies...they are so cute and your boys' comments make me laugh. At least they "humor" you. Ha...I made a joke. lol

I'm not so much a sugar addict as a baked goods addict. Cake, cookies, pie, cupcakes. I can't resist. I wonder if I can do the same thing with baked goods/sugar. Maybe my pants won't fit as tight. lol

Anne said...

ROFL!! Your son's comment about the snowman is hilarious! It made me laugh so much. Whew..you have a MASSIVE amount of smalls!!! I have, hmm, let me count....so easy to do...5, two of them Christmas ornies. I guess I have loads to catch up on. That bunny pillow is adorable and I popped over to pumpkins blog and I can see she loves it!
Too bad about summer going straight into winter. It seems like the weather is messing with us here too. Went from 25 degrees out (that's Celsius here in Canada) to overcast and raining. Blech!

Addictions: COFFEEEEEEEEE and French Fries. Can't get enough of either of them.

I also love how your snowman pops on that black fabby. You are such a fast stitcher and finisher Carol. If only I could sew fast...it took me two hours to stitch my pumpkin pillow!!!

Lisa V said...

Great post Carol, love your ornie finishes. Can't believe all your ornie's in the box, WOW, that sure is a lot!!
And I absolutely loved the video, made me weep a little at the end.
Hugs
LISA V

Melissa said...

Once again, lovely stitching & finishing, Carol! I love your son's dry sense of humour!

barbara said...

I'm laughing about your son's comment about the drug-using snowman - that's so funny and it sounds like something Nicky would say. LOL! You've done such a lot of wonderful stitching and finishing!! :D

A sugar addict? I wouldn't have guessed it! And no green veggies?! Well, we love you anyway! :D

Catherine said...

Your posts are always so much fun to read! Your ornament finishes are wonderful! I love how you to a show and tell with your boys - and your son's comment, well, I'm still smiling about that one!

The bunny you sent to Cathey is so sweet and I can imagine how thrilled she was to receive it. I look at the piece you sent to me everyday.

Love your ornament collection! I keep mine in those decorative storage boxes from Michaels. Since they are so pretty, I can stack them in my bedroom.

While reading of your addiction, I could have sworn you were writing about me!! Seriously, it is me, how did you know???

Congratulations on all of your followers! It's easy to see why you have so many, your posts are beautiful. I always smile when I see a new post from you!

Kathy A. said...

What a fun post Carol. I love your smoking snowman.
JBW designs are wonderful aren't they. I have stitched a few of them and love them all.
Wow, that is quite the collection of ornaments. Mine are hanging in my sewing room on pegs but I sure don't have that large a collection.
What a wonderful little gift you sent to Pumpkin. Very sweet of you.

Quiltsmiles said...

Enjoyed your post and chuckled about your son's comments on frosty's corn cob pipe.
Nice stitching and it's great they are finished too. Way to go! Where do you like to get your stitching supplies from? I'd be curious to find out since I have no local needlework shop and have dealt with web sites, way too successfully, I might add.

Jane

Sally said...

Oh wow I love your latest two ornaments! That PS one is adorable!

I store my ornaments in shoe boxes at the moment. It's the easiest way for me and then they go up in the loft when the Christmas tree comes down. Of course with them being up there I can't open the box and look at them!

The Queen Bee said...

I love the JBW piece. I can't believe you can work on such tiny count. Yikes. All your pieces and finishes look so nice.

Pam

Charlene ♥ NC said...

I'm not surprised at all by your followers! They know a great thing when they see it! Have a wonderful fall!!

Meadows08 said...

Beatiful finishes Carol!! I only wish I had that big box of ornaments! As for storing them, have you thought of using a Christmas ornament storage box? They have individual compartments so glass doesn't break so it might work for ribbon :)

Patty C. said...

I love your box and everything in it !!!!!!

Nancy M said...

I love the PS on the black. Some things just look totally different just by the fabric! I did my first ruche ribbon ornie a few months ago and I think it took my 2 nights to do it! My ornie was BIG!! I know about the sugar addiction. I have a jar of M&M's on the island. Have you tried the dark chocolate dusted almonds from Sam's club?? They might help you out with giving you that sweet taste, but the goodness of almonds! My boss buys us the jar of chocolate raisins and the M& M's always go first! I don't have enough smalls for a storage issue.

Melanie said...

Oh god, I'm so not ready for these cool temps that have moved in over the last couple of days in CT. :(

Love the look of the black fabric!! I have to admit I avoid black fabric as if it were the Black Plague but it *does* look fabulous. (Just not quite fabulous to STITCH. lol)

I have to admit I don't do anything fancy for my stitched ornaments. I have a couple big zippie bags.........they are a thick, but pliable, mesh plastic? (I'm sure you've seen them around on stitching sites. They aren't too cheap and are really durable/well made.) I put them in there as neat as I can and then lie them flat at the top of my Xmas boxes. That's pretty much it.

Thankfully I don't have much of a sweet tooth unless we are talking about a peanut butter/chocolate/salty combination thing. I *do*, however, have a serious salt tooth. The only way to eat that stuff in moderation, I'm sad to say, is to not even bring it in the house in the first place. I'll buy the single serve bags of chips and I'll do fine at first - one here and there with lunch - but pretty soon I'm having one almost every day with lunch and then I'm wondering why I can't have TWO bags, because one is sooooo puny and...yeah. I just can't buy any combination of Cheez-its/chip/Doritos that I can 'handle' in moderation. Bleh. :(

Lois said...

Oh my goodness Carol, look at all those stitched smalls! How wonderful! I love your ornament finishes, two lovely pieces. I have started on my September ornament but haven't got too far with it as yet. Have a good weekend my friend.

Andrea said...

Love you finishes. The snowman looks just wonderful on black.

All of my extra items are put into boxes. Is there enough room in your storage box for another layer? Add another sturdy piece of cardboard with the edges turned at 90 degrees so that it sits above your ornaments. Then .... lots more room!

♥ Nia said...

Sorry sweetie.. the warm and sunny days of early autumn are here, on this side of the globe! :)

I love that snowman stitched on black fabric! I need to get some courage and try to stitch on black too :p Your ornament looks beautiful!!

I've seen your bunny pillow on Cathey's blog :)

What a huge collection of ornaments you have there!! :D
I don't have anything to store.. I always stitch and give :p heheheh I need to make some for myself!

Hello, I'm Nia, I'm a chocoholic :p LOL

Here, in Portugal, during the whole Sunday we had tv shows about 9/11 ... so much is said.. will we ever know what truly happened that day?! =/ I was incredulous to hear so many things, it's far from my understanding..!

Kay said...

I love your finishes! So beautiful as always! I live in Ohio so I know what you mean, been cooler here. About 3 days ago the heater turned on in our house and has been turning off and on ever since.

Daisy said...

Your ornaments are so very beautiful!

Rowyn said...

The colours of the snowman design really do pop from the black fabric. Very eye-catching.

I love how you give your sons a show and tell of what you have been stitchng, and your sons cheeky comment. LOL :-)

I like the JBW designs too. I think it is fantastic how there are so many small motifs that make up the larger design. I have stitched a couple of Christmas ones (including the one you have stitched) and a rabbit one.

Those chocolate covered raisins certainly look delicious. I know if I kept something like that in the house I would be nibbling away at them all the time!

It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since 9/11. My younger sister and I were travelling into work this week and were both just about in tears as she recounted a 9/11 survivor story she had seen on TV. I think it will always have the ability to provoke grief and sadness (even after our life time) because it was just so horrific and touched so many lives.

On a happier note, I can't wait to see Ira Ray and Ida Mae crow progress. They are such lovely designs!

Nicky said...

Your Christmas ornaments are gorgeous! And my goodness, how I'd love to have a look through that box of beautiful ornaments. Not sure of any ideas for further storage, maybe you need to have a little tree up year round and rotate the ornaments that are displayed so you can enjoy some of them all the time?

Hope you're having a great stitchy weekend(enjoy the family dinner on Sunday night) :-)
Hugs,
Nicky

Edit said...

I simply love your PS snowman Carol! I did not know this design before, but I fall in love with it :)

The JBW christmas tree is also beautiful, I have also stitched JBW trees and I love how the tree is formed from the different shapes.

And you ornaments, to see them together in that huge box! :) :) I have almost no storage space, so I have to put every Christmas decoration into one single box, and hide it in the top of the wardrobe, so I cannot really get to see those stitches during the year. But sometimes I really feel like taking a look :) Can't wait till Christmas to have them on display :)

Wishing you a lovely week!

Sharon said...

Wow - what a WONDERFUL blog you have!! You're such an amazing stitcher - what beautiful treasures you create!
I got such a chuckle out of your son's comment! :) How you must enjoy those Sunday dinners!
I love the ornaments so much and I must admit, I'm a tad jealous of your finishing talents! Every year, I buy the JCS ornament issues and tell myself that I am going to learn how to finish ornaments/pillows/pinkeeps, etc, and every year, I chicken out.
I love the stitching part - just have no clue how to get started finishing them. (Yes, I read the instructions included in the magazine - but I'm a visual learner.) Any suggestions on tutorials where I can learn to do small finishes?
I so could be your sugar sister!! :) I have a BAD habit of telling myself how good the raisins are for me and tend to ignore the "covered in chocolate" part. I admire your efforts to tame the sugar monster...maybe I should buy a ticket on the "less sugar" express. Save me a seat? :)
Keep blogging and sharing your life and your beauties! I've had a great "visit" with you! :)

Mylene said...

oh such lovely finishes Carol. Sure get envious seeing all your ornaments these year. I haven' t made much at all..
As for storing small finishes i put them in plastic boxes.

I am not much a sweet person but more on salted snacks....hope you are having a good weekend!

stitchinpeanut said...

What a lovely collection of ornaments... I had to enlarge this pic to try to see each one of them! How awesome! I store my ornaments year round in a glass case in my living room so that they are able to be seen all year long. I just can not bear to put them up! I enjoy them so much!

I enjoy reading and gawking please keep posting the pics and news.

Anonymous said...

Some really lovely stitching, well done. Such a lovely collection of ornaments.

Carolyn NC said...

Finishes are just lovely and I love your ornies!

Pumpkin said...

Ouuuuuu, I love him! And on the black he just pops! LOL! Only a man would come up with a comment like that ;o)

Your JBW finish is stunning! I love everything about it :o) It's funny because I stitched one of these trees and did the same thing with the bunnies. I have mine framed in the living room.

Now that third ornament looks familiar ;o) LOL! Yes, a very warm welcome and it will have a very special spot in my home. Thank you again Carol!

Holy cow! Look at all those lovely ornaments! Of course I don't have THAT many but I keep mine in a plastic tote and layer them with a piece of paper in between each layer.

You KNOW my stand on sugar treats ;o) I've been doing quite well lately but I still have my weaknesses...

Hilda said...

Dear Carol!!
I LOVE YOUR SMALLS! - When I saw your (really impressive) collection of ornaments and little cushions I needed at least thirty minutes to look at this box full of little treasures! Wonderful!
Also the new ones are sooo pretty!
Although I love stitching little things too - I do not have so many, I think. But I do not know it really, because I store my smalls in different boxes (sorted by the season): The christmas ornaments with the other christmas decoration. The spring, summer and autumn-smalls in seperate boxes in different places in the house!

Have a nice week - and keep on stitching such lovely things. The storage place will surely be found ;-)

Hugs & kisses
Hilda

Anonymous said...

Lovely ornament finishes Carol! They both look fabulous on the darker fabrics.

I keep all my ornaments in Really Useful Boxes (don't know if you have them over there?) I use the 3L size: http://www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk/uk/html/onlineshop/rub/b03_0litre.php and find that they're deep enough for me to stand the ornaments up, which helps to keep the bows/hangers nice.

Meari said...

Congrats on two more cute finishes! I like how you store them in a box. My collection still fits in a 2-gallon ziploc bag, LOL. I'll have to get a box because (like you) I'm worried about them getting mis-shapen. Sorry I don't have a suggestion for you.

Mavi. said...

Hello Carol:
Very nice ornament embroidered in black, for my almost unthinkable. Very pretty and charming the green bunny cushion.
I hold the embroidery in a plastic box to see them, I have a small room with shelves. And the most beloved in the window of the room, I decided to remove the glass and stackers.
My biggest addiction is the internet right now, I can hardly leave home and have no connection. And my greatest sin of coffee, I do not get no blood on an empty stomach, I always had coffee before ... that if, with saccharin.
Besos.

Vinniey said...

Both ornaments are beautiful! The Snowman really contrast with the black linen and pops out so beautifully and excellence finished.

Wow!!! Your box of treasures is so amazing! Beautiful collection! Sorry that I don't have any storing new idea and suggestion. I hope you will get some ideas from your commenters soon. :)

Congratulations on the 500+ followers milestone. Always enjoyed following and reading you posts.

Susan @ Real Girl Designs said...

I try to keep as many of my smalls out on display year round. I have a small wall mounted display shelf thingy (it's got 2 shelves), and that's where my smalls are displayed.

My stitched ornaments just go in a box with all my other ornaments.

Dani - tkdchick said...

What beautiful ornaments and thank you so much for sharing that ruching link! I had a rough idea on how to do it, but had no clue the stitches needed to be zig-zaged! Makes complete sense now!

Annette said...

Here in Europe we have beautifull weather... we finally have our summer.. and we are so glad with it... too bad we stole it from you ;(:(

Your working to much... your need to relax more...hihi

Your snowmen is so cute... and it really looks so great on that black fabric. your backind fabric also is great with it.

You have such a great family of what I al read on your blog..;):)

Your second ornaments looks great to.. the two bunnies are so cute.. and love teh way you finished it!!

That Cathey is a very lucky lady ;)

WOWWWWW!!! You have so many ornaments.. it looks great... Do you have a closet door what empty on the inside on teh door... make al hooks on it and hang them on it.. so everytie you open teh door you see al your ornamenst... makes you wanne make more ;)

I'm a sugar assict to... also not to see on me... I can eat everything.. chips. chocolate candy...love it all..
Somee weeks I eat nothing and other weeks I eat it all...

Have a great week

Rachel S-H said...

Love seeing your ornaments and your amazing finishing!

I'm no help with storing them because I store mine in a acid-free box with our other Christmas stuff.

Lynn B said...

Ooooo Carol, your stitched ornaments are amazing, they look so wonderful!

Julie said...

Your box full of ornaments is wonderful, i could sit and look at that all day. Two new lovelies to add to it, the JBW is super with the ruched edge ribbon finish.

I'm Julie and i'm a chocoholic, i have to have just one piece every day!!

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