Wednesday, January 9, 2013

2012: The Year of the Bowl

Hello, my friends! And how is the New Year treating you so far? We've already had a few ups and downs in our family this year, but, hopefully, when 2013 ends, it will be with more of the positive than the negative. I'm not one for making resolutions, are you? I've found that I rarely keep them more than a couple of weeks, so I just try to live my life with kindness and treat others the way I would like to be treated. And you know what... it works quite well!

I thought you might enjoy a photo of all of my "bowl" finishes... Yes--here they are...all 68 (if I counted correctly!) of them. Of these, all but 11 were stitched this year, and all were finished this year. I made many more little creations, too, in the form of monthly ornaments and birthday and Christmas gifts for friends, so I think the total for 2012 is somewhere close to 100 smalls. I know 2013 will not be nearly as productive a year in terms of stitching, but I do hope you'll continue to visit my blog...

2012 Monthly Bowl Finishes

Since some of you just started following Stitching Dreams mid-year, you mentioned you hadn't seen the early months so I thought you might like a little refresher... Here is the 2012 parade of bowls!

January's Snowmen


February's Hearts


March's St. Patrick's Day


April's Bunnies


May's Blooms


June's Strawberries


July's Patriotics


August's Sunflowers


September's Squirrels


October's Black Cats


November's Thanksgiving


December's Prairie Schooler Santas

Who has a favorite? I would have to vote for August or July, myself. When I see everything all grouped together in that first photo, I'm amazed that I did all of that stitching and finishing in 2012... I've had a lot of people asking if I'll be continuing the bowl theme this year, and the answer is..."no." You may see a new bowl full of smalls now and then in 2013, but definitely not on a monthly basis.  I hope to stitch a few mid-sized projects and, of course, keep stitching my monthly ornaments, but other than that, I have no concrete plans for my stitching this year--just plan to stitch whatever "calls the loudest" to me!

Final thoughts on the "Year of the Bowl..." This was a surprisingly inexpensive stitching year for me! To select the charts for each month, I looked through my stash and files of freebies and tried to choose things I already owned.  In fact, just glancing through the photos above, I believe I only bought four or five new charts! It really was a wonderful way to finally stitch things that have been waiting for attention for so long.  Many of you have said you'd like to make a few of your own bowls and I heartily encourage you to do so. It is going to be such fun to pull out a grouping of different smalls each month to decorate with for years to come. And I will always remember 2012 and my journey to stitch a bowlful of smalls each month. I am truly thankful for all of you who encouraged and supported me along the way! Thank you so much for your kind words throughout the year...

Do you remember last week when I asked you about storing the monthly stitchings? I told you I had them in shoeboxes underneath a bed... Well, that storage system quickly changed when I went to pull them out and the January box held an uninvited guest trying to cozy up with those sweet little snowmen... Yes, this horrid stink bug had found my little pillows and was trying to keep warm!
 
Horrid creature alert!!

Eek--double eek!! I had to hurry and find a new storage spot for my little pillows--immediately!! So, for now, I've found a temporary home for them in two drawers in a dresser in my guest room. Hopefully, the little critters haven't figured out a way to get into closed wooden drawers yet! Do any of you have stink bug problems? Well, if you live in the U.S., you probably will at some point if you don't already. They made their way into this country in the late '90s and have been spreading north, south, and west from the mid-Atlantic states ever since. Our population of them has lessened from two years ago, but you still find the slow-moving creatures every now and then--and they seem to love cardboard boxes for some reason. They don't hurt or bite or sting--they just release a terrible odor if they're squished. Thus, the name stink bug. So, here is my temporary new storage system:

 An old dresser now houses my monthly pillows.

January through June pillows

July through December pillows

Very little new stitching has been going on this month... Between work, trying to put away Christmas stuff, and cleaning up after my sons finally departed after the holidays, I've had little free time. And today I'm driving up to New York to spend some time with my parents... I'm excited for the five-hour drive, though, because that means I can spend an extended visit with my current favorite literary character: Flavia de Luce. The narrator of the series audiobooks, Jayne Entwistle, does the most amazing job of capturing the voice of the 11-year-old heroine. For those of you who haven't discovered Flavia yet, she is just delightful--a precocious amateur sleuth with a passion for chemistry (poisons, in particular!) who resides in a rambling English country estate with her quirky family members and an always intriguing crime to solve. I've listened to the first three books and will begin "I Am Half-Sick of Shadows" on my trip today...

The first three Flavia de Luce mysteries

Well, that's about it for now!  Next time, I'll show you the Christmas ornaments that I made for friends around the world (now that they've finally all been delivered).  I want to welcome each of  my new followers and hope you'll visit often this year. I'm so glad you've found my blog and I look forward to visiting each of yours, as well. Your comments and emails are so very much appreciated--as I've said many times before: stitching friends are the best!  Bye for now...

122 comments:

Libby said...

Oh my gosh! I get to be the first comment. Usually I don't see the post until the next day and I'm at the end of a long list of admirers.

I think I like January the best but had a hard time when looking at the fall bowls. The blues and the snowy theme of January still wins, though.

I'm currently listening to the 2nd Flavia de Luce audiobook in my sewing room. She's certainly an enjoyable character...and I'm with you on the narrator. She's wonderful to listen to.

Happy travels. The weather is great for driving.

Jodi S said...

I just love your smalls! I would love to attempt creating a bowl for each month but I don't think this is the year to do it as I already have several monthly obligations on the stitching front. I already have an antique wooden bowl that was my Grandmothers that would be perfect for it. I also need to get better at finishing before I would attempt it as well. I wish there was a finishing course you could take... I am sure you will have fun this year and years to come pulling them out for display each month.

Rhona said...

Wow!!! What an amazing collection! I think my favourites are January, February and June although each month looks absolutely fantastic and it seems a shame not to mention each month as they are all wonderful! I'd love to try a project like this but I don't think I'd be able to get as many done as you did!

Jennifer said...

Amazing , amazing , amazing !!! These are wonderful all in one blog post Carol! I can see how it would be an inexpensive year . I think that should be my inspiration to get stitching and also to post something on my blog as I have been stitching . I think those books would be great on audio so will look into that as I have read the first one. Can't wait to see what you have next . Have a great trip and time with your parents.

Kathy A. said...

I am so impressed. That is one impressive collection of ornaments. January is my favorite and the flag snowman the best of all.

Shari said...

as per usual....everything looks fantastic Carol.....thank you so much for the great year in review!
Have a wonderful time visiting your parents. So thankful the weather is mild for your trip!

Sherri said...

What an amazing accomplishment! I would call those a bowl full of treasures. June and August would be my favorites which was a tough decision as they are ALL great. As for the stink bugs, we've got em on the east coast to say the least. My daughter names them; the last one being "Jeffrey." They're kind of prehistoric looking. Looking forward to seeing all of your ornaments.

Valma said...

Ho my ! what a wonderful collection of smalls =D
Each bowl is so different but contains so many cute and beautiful things
If I had to do a Top 3 it will be February, June and March =D
But all are really beautiful
Very great job you did
Did you kill the infiltrated agent from the Men in Black ??!! =D
Eek indeed
In the North of France we don't much of them, in the South maybe more often...
Have a safe trip to NY
read you soon
big hugs
xxx


Vickie said...

Wow Carol! It really is sooooo impressive, the quantity and QUALITY of your work. Good for you!! My favorite is February.♥
I am still praying for your son's jaw.

Wendy said...

oh my, what an amazing lot ( and I mean LOT ) of stitching you did in 2012 !
you haven´t stitched a bowl full each month, more like an entire mountain, wow !

time seemed to fly so fast in 2012 for me, I feel you´ve had the lucky end, your year seemed to have passed at a slower pase.
however, perhaps this year we can swap ?
I´ve been stitching, and stitching, and perhaps might produce a little mountain myself this month..........
I´ll keep you posted !

Kate said...

Carol, I absolutely love your blog post and I shall try to keep my comment short and sweet. I adore all of your smalls ... not only do you stitch delightful designs but your finishing is perfect for each one - how do you do it!?!?! If I really had to choose a favourite I'd pick June! We had stink bugs when we lived in BC but they're not here on the Canandian Prairies - likely too cold for them to survive the winter. I'm looking forward to seeing the gifts that you stitched and the projects that you come up with for 2013!

Margaret said...

I'm so glad you did this post! It's so great to see all the bowl pillows, and to see each month again. I love seeing all the months one by one! Not sure which month is my favorite, although I have to say I will always love Santas. The stinkbug -- so that's what that creature is! I'm pretty sure I've seen them around. Glad I never squished one. lolol! Ew! Glad you found a new storage solution for your pillows -- looks great! You are like the third or forth person who has mentioned Flavia de Luce. I might have to try this series even though I'm not into mysteries. Safe travels!!

Melissa said...

I love your bowl full of smalls!!! Such beautiful stitching and finishes!!! Looking forward to seeing your projects this year.
We have stink bugs here too. HATE them!!!!

AnaCristina said...

oh my god, oh my god!!! what wonderful!!! I want to stitch all this for 2013!

staci said...

I am absolutely positively drooling at the picture of all your smalls together! Your stitching and finishing is always so creative and beautiful...and you are so incredibly productive! Thanks for all the wonderful stitchy inspiration!!!

AnaCristina said...

Oh Carol! New York!!! I would like to go to NY!

Teresa said...

Your finishes are an inspiration and very motivating to get me to finish up my smalls. Wonderful displays.

BrendaS said...

Carol -- WOW -- what a treat to come to your blog today. You are such an inspiration with your beautiful stitching and finishing. I so enjoyed seeing each month recapped -- it reminds me that I need to stitch a few too:))

Have a great time visiting with you parents.

Thanks for the book recommendations too. I'm always looking for new authors.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I always, always look forward to your posts and the beauty you spread with word, deed and stitching pretties!
A gorgeous year your had in 2012, I'm certain no matter what 2013 will be equally as wonderful!
Safe travels ;)

Glenna said...

How glorious are your bowl projects. I am so going to copy that idea, although I doubt I'll be as prolific as you were! Love each and every one of your designs. And awwwww, poor unloved stink bug! I challenge you to a bowl full of bug designs next (no particular month, just that we should declare it the year of the stink bug). And yes, we have them too in VA--one recently fell into the fish tank--it totally creeped me out to fish him out of the tank. Ewwwww. Oh, and my favorite are all the bunnies, of course.

cucki said...

Hello dear wowwww...I am so impressed. That is one impressive collection of ornaments. ...I love them all so much
Big hugs x

Christina said...

Wow, your stitching and finishing is amazing. I think your bowl is a wonderful idea, and I'm glad it worked for you.

Looking forward to seeing your beautiful stitching in the new year.

Vicki said...

I can't pick just one favorite - they're all so cute! But my favorites are January, March, October, November, December. I really like your idea of a bowl of smalls for each month. Maybe I'll try that for 2014. 2013 holds the goal of finishing some WIPs, 3 Christmas Stockings, my 15 CJC projects, and a few I just want to stitch for myself. We'll see how it goes... Thanks for sharing your "bowls" again!

Michelle said...

Such a great recap of your 2012 stitching year! It certainly is amazing to see your entire year's work together in one photo! I must say - June's Strawberries is probably my favourite :) Safe travels and enjoy your time with your parents!

Lesleyanne said...

Wow such a gorgeous selection of smalls. I have LOVED everyone of your monthly bowls I couldn't possibly pick a favourite. Can't wait to see your stitching in 2013. Have a great trip.

Melody said...

Hi Carol!
What a pretty header on your blog! I picked up this chart while on a trip several months ago. Haven't stitched it yet.

Your bowl finishes are superb. You had a wonderful idea for doing smalls last year, and did such a great job with it. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite month. I do love those Prairie Schooler village houses you did.

I haven't read the books. I think we do have them in our library. I will have to take a look. Hope you have a nice trip to visit your parents.

Guida Machado said...

My God, Carol, I am amazed...
How I wish I has done so many things. I love your small pillows.
Congrats! Well done!
All the best for 2013,
Guida

Tracey said...

WOW!!!... that's some big bowl you'll need to house all of those smalls ;-)

Your stitching is just beautiful, and as usual; your finishing is impeccable and always so creative. It's too hard for me to pick a favourite!

You should be proud of what you've accomplished in 2012... can't wait to see what this year brings!!

Laura said...

What beautiful inspiration abounds in this post! Just gorgeous!!!! So exciting! Thanks for sharing your amazing work!!!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Carol,
Love your 2012 bowl summary - that grouping is SO impressive! If I were choosing favorites, June and February would be tops on my list. Although I don't think there was any month that didn't send me searching stash to see if one or the other was there -- or making strawberries!! You are such an inspiration, and just a delightful encouragement.

Enjoy a safe reading trip, and a nice, peaceful visit with your family! Hope all is well.

Rita said...

I love your "bowl" projects! What a great activity for the year! They look fantastic!

Mavi. said...

Dear Carol:
these embroidered yours are a treasure and I think knowing where the guards will have to keep them in a safe place, because they are totally appealing. They are like the books, it's a pleasure to see them, read them a treat, a luxury to have them.
Kisses.

Cole said...

Wow, you were productive! I hope those stink bugs stay away from your beautiful work now!

Enjoy your visit with your parents :)

Anonymous said...

Love the review of monthly bowl pictures, Carol! I can't pick a favorite because I really like each month for different reasons.

Ewww on the stinkbug! We have them here; in fact, we had one flying around an area by my stitching chair last night! Really Ewwww!

Have a safe trip to your parents!

Robin in Virginia

Laurie in Iowa said...

Wow... I've been following your blog and enjoying your monthly bowl postings... but to see an entire year of bowl ornaments just blows me away. A fabulous way to remember 2012.
Ewww... on the stink bug. Glad you caught it in time to prevent any damage.

Annie said...

That is one fabulous of array of little cuties! Really amazing. Just made for a spread in the Better Homes & Stitching magazine.

Those nasty little critters just seem to show up everywhere. Glad you rescued the collection. But you really never know where those guys will pop up.

Gotta look into your reading recommendations. Librarians know best!

Heather said...

I loved your year of smalls! I really like January and February the best! ;o) I hope you have a great visit with your parents!

Giovanna said...

Love the bowl idea. What a gorgeous, massive production you've had! We have stinkbugs too in the summer - they make a really horrible droning sound when they fly about.

Southpaw Stitcher said...

I loved the overview of your small bowl finishes. They are spectacular! Haven't seen any stink bugs here in my immediate area yet (Chicago suburb), but I'm sure they'll arrive here eventually. Can't wait to see what you'll be working on in 2013!

Ellen said...

Love your wonderful bowls of smalls! They look great all together, santas are my favorite. Looking forward to your stitching this year!

Have a safe trip to NY!

Hugs,

Ellen said...

Love your wonderful bowls of smalls! They look great all together, santas are my favorite. Looking forward to your stitching this year!

Have a safe trip to NY!

Hugs,

LoriU said...

Ewwww...stinkbugs! A few years ago DH had to work in PA for several weeks. His co-worker seemed to attract the stinkbugs. We don't know if they liked her perfume or what, but they would see one on her pant leg, on her car, in her car...it got to be funny. When DH got back though we found at least 3 stinkbugs in his car just hanging out over the next few months. Yukky creature!

Your smalls are just beautiful. Looking forward to seeing your 2013 stitching no matter what size it is!

Jenny said...

I love all of your smalls. You have done such a wonderful job from picking the pattern, stitching, and then finishing. I am glad you found a safer spot to store them in...stink bugs...AGGGGGH....Here in my small corner of Ca. I deal a lot with pincher bugs...they are nasty too...LOL...Have a safe drive, and enjoy your audio book...I will have to check out this author.

Unknown said...

Carol - Your stitching is absolutely beautiful! And you are an inspiration - thanks so much for sharing. I can't tell from your photos, but I'm hoping that you have lined those wooden drawers holding your smalls with acid-free paper of some kind so that the acids from the wood don't damage your projects. Hope you and your family have a wonderful 2013.

Becca said...

You're stitching is inspiring! I've read all the Flavia books and I am so hoping that there is another one in the works!

Hilda said...

Dear Carol,

I cannot decide what I adore more: The quantity of your wonderful smalls that you stitched last year for your monthly bowl, or the creative and cute finish of each of them. You have done a real great job - congratulation!

You are so inspiring - one year the weekly christmas ornament, the other the monthly bowl of small ..... I am so thankful, that I know you and your wonderful blog!

Hugs
Hilda

Friendship Crossing said...

Wowza Carol! I think your stitching endeavors should be listed in some sort of 'World Book of Records' or something! That is quite an accomplishment!! I love that they are all finishd differently. YOU did an amazing job!! I can't pick out a favorite, too many to choose from, LOL.
Have a great trip and I hope your son's jaw is doing much better!!

Hugs,
Tanya

Beth said...

2012 certainly was a remarkable stitching (and finishing) year for you Carol. I so enjoyed looking at your bowl each month. I don't know how you did it - so creative with each finish being unique and standing on its own. I could not possibily chose a favorite.

Dawn said...

wow, what an accomplishment! They are all so wonderful and pretty. I've tracked down some of those charts when you posted, of course I haven't done them but I had to have them :)
I've seen those bugs around here but didn't know they had a stinky to them. I get the willies when I think of squishing a bug so I just shoe them outside or make my son take care of them!

Dani - tkdchick said...

Carol I have followed and adored your bowls all of 2012! I'm a little saddened there's no waiting for what's next month's theme! But I know I'm going to look forward to and enjoy whatever you stitch this year!

Have a great trip north!

butterfly said...

Fantastic , well done Carol I don't know how you stitched so many , and I love everyone of them , I love January the best and June the colours are so bright.
I have never seen a stink bug and don't think I want to.
Looking forward to seeing your stitching delights this year , hugs.

Mary said...

Carol, they are all so pretty! I couldn't possibly pick a favorite! I enjoyed seeing them every month in the bowl, but to see them all together is truly amazing! That's a lot of stitching and finishing and you did a fabulous job. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to stitch this year.
Have a nice trip and be safe.

Linda said...

Wow Carol. I love seeing your bowls all in one post. Awesome, beautiful, gorgeous, pretty, great. I love them all. 100 finishes for the year (I had 100 starts). I am so jealous. Maybe someday I will learn to do finishes. Maybe then, I'll finish stitching something instead of just starting them. Great job.

Linda

Ali said...

Wow!!! They are all gorgeous - I think June and October are my favourites - but they are all lovely xx

priscilla said...

Wow , Carol! Amazing ! I would be opening those dresser drawers daily just to look at all my work :) No stink bugs here , it sure is ugly !Hope your trip to your parents is a good one !

Anne said...

Stunning collections of Smalls,Carol! So wonderful to see them all in collage! I especially love your finishes and hope to practice getting better over the year on mine, as you inspire me. I hadn't heard of Flavia de Luce mysteries, but they sound intriguing so going to look at the library! Hope you have a great trip to New York. Love a driving trip!! :)

Michelle said...

Oh my my my what beautiful photos apart from the bug one of course! I love the monthly ornaments how wonderful xx

passionfruitprincess said...

Wow! That's a lot of smalls! And the other projects that you worked on too. That's amazing! I love all!
They look lovely in the dresser.
Hope all goes well on your trip!
Love,
Ana Paula.

Mylene said...

oh such a lovely post, love love all your collections of smalls. You sure very productive last year..all gorgeous!!!

Solstitches said...

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting your year of the bowl Carol.
Impossible to choose a favourite month as they are all fabulous.
I look forward to seeing the projects you will be stitching in 2013.
Yuk to the stink bug. I've never even heard of them and never wish to see one close up and personal!
Hugs,
Margaret

Caroline said...

Bravo pour cette année de broderie et merci pour le partage !

Kay said...

I love them all. This is something I did a little of last year but really hope to get more done in 2013. I managed a spring bowl and a christmas bowl. My favourites of yours are january because I love snowmen, and also all of your strawberries as they are so pretty and cheerful. Thanks for the inspiration.

Fiona said...

I discovered your bowls in either april or may last year and I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many delightful stitches and finishes throughout the year (i've also bought many of the charts to recreate some of my favourite finishes!) have a wonderful time in new york and happy new year!

PegC said...

Who could not comment. what beautiful, beautiful work and so inspiring. Love the finishing too. Would love to take classes for that, but I think the best ones come out of everyones own unique imagination But this gives me some focus for 2013..a year when I don't want to buy anything more, but rather use and appreciate all that I already have. So thanks for the wonderful inspiration, lovely pics.

Annette said...

Carol??????
You stitched so many beautifull pieces 68.. WOW..and finished them off so beautifull
You have a second house too store al your fabrics?
And you think about 100 small???
Ow My.. Your really such a great crafter!!
I always love visiting your.
Mine favorite is January.. the two wonderfull pieces of LK, and the ond at Fabruary too.. I really like them...
but snowmans are always so cute!!!

The crochet doilies, you mad ethem yourself??

awfull picute of that bug.. I have never seen them here... we also have tooo much bugs...

I think you pillows are lying so beautifull the old dresser.
I think you often will go and take a look at them!!
I;m so proud off you..
But I think The January are in the bowl at the moment???

I hope you will have a great time at your parents.. have fun.
And enjoy your books!!!

I wish you a wonderfull week!1
Happy stitching.
And indeed stitcher friends are the best!!!

Barbi said...

First of all, drive safe, and enjoy your visit with your parents. Second, I love January and August! I think those are my favorite stitched bowls. I always look forward to your posts regardless what the subject. So you know that I will be here :) EEK with the stink bug! I have NEVER seen one!!!! It must be too cold for them to live here in Calgary! LOL
Ok babes! We`ll see you when you get back!

Mary Ann said...

Thank you for the wonderful review of The Year of the Bowl--I could not pick a favorite month--they are all my favorite!

Enjoy your visit with your parents.

Nicola said...

You have been amazingly productive. Well done, you have my admiration.

Judy said...

Hi Carol,
What a treat to see this post and the review of your bowls. Stunning! It was one thing to see each month as you presented them..but all together..WOW. Not to mention all the other sitching you did.

Ugh! Really hate creepy crawlers. I am sure we have them here, but I don't recall seeing them this time of year.

Enjoy your trip to New York. See you next time.

Thanks, Judy heartland stitcher

Jackie's Stitches said...

Happy New Year! I'm not much for resolutions either so I generally don't make them. I do like to think I'll "do better" in some area of my life though.

My heart just sunk when I read that you found a bug in your stitched items. I have no clue how to avoid them other than sealing them up in a food saver bag (without removing all the air) or something similar. Living in Florida, I've come to think that nothing is 100% bug proof.

You couldn't pay me enough to pick one favorite month. I look and pick one and then then next month really captures my eye. You've had a very productive year and a wonderful accomplishment!

Myra said...

What a gorgeous bunch of smalls Carol! Well done. Yes, we have those awful stink bugs here too. Most are gone now but this summer they invaded. They do smell awful, don't they?

Thank you for the book suggestion. I checked and my library has the 3rd book only. Now, that doesn't make sense to me.

Have a safe, wonderful trip Carol. I hope your parents are doing well.

Melissa said...

That's an AMAZing accomplishment, Carol! Congratulations. We all got to enjoy seeing your monthly bowls!

Never seen a stink bug before. Seems like some character out of a cartoon, frankly, or could be...Glad to know that your treasures survived intact!

Barb said...

Stll no stink bugs at our house but I will be looking out for them! You continue to amaze and inspire me Carol...your work is just so darn sweet! I hope your trip home is not too stressful. My thoughts are with you and your parents. I love Flavia. I still need to try the audio books though.

marly said...

I still can't figure out how you stitched and finished that many each month PLUS the gifts we didn't see. Amazing! As for the stink bugs, we never had them but this year is unbelievable. We're filled with them. In fact, three of them are always sitting by my stitchery and I told Mark to leave them alone. It's been weeks and he finally had enough and removed my "pets". Funny thing, we've never noticed any odor at all when they were "removed".

valerie said...

Happy New Year Carol! I can't believe you finished 100 smalls last year. Holy cow! The bowl smalls are all lovely but I think June is my favorite out of the collection. I don't think I've ever come across a stink bug but I hate bugs of all kinds and that would have scared me. Glad you found a safe place for your smalls! *hugs*

Barb said...

What a wonderful accomplishment Carol!! Even though I saw them each month, I loved the year review!! It would be hard to pick but I so love Halloween that I think I have to pick October of course I love red,white,and blue so maybe July. They are all so cute, I really can't say!

Nima said...

OMG...it is always pleasure to spent time browsing thru your blog with lots of eye candy and lovely writing..Love you Carol for that...and so much a finishes in a year...oh my i don't know if i'm always motivated like you...

I have seen this little creatures in India and i hate it..but can't help. our home is in tropics..i have seen it outside home, especially on plants, not inside. have you thought of putting some lavender pouches or moth balls.. hope it will not come to your wooden chest.

Wishing you a beautiful 2013..

Lillie said...

Each and every piece beautiful and fabulous collection.

Lillie said...

Each and every piece beautiful and fabulous collection.

Gabriele said...

Wow, what a collections! Each piece is so wonderful. You did a great job!
Hugs from Germany

Julie said...

I have enjoyed seeing each months bowl so much and wondered each time what your theme will be. They are all so wonderful and looks fabulous photographed together although i have to say that being inside the drawers they look so inviting.
We used to have some old shops that had drawers when i was a child and if you wanted an item ie: lingerie, it would be inside the drawer and the lady behind the counter would open the drawer for you to browse the items. I always remember being with my grandmother on such occasions, maybe it was something to do with dignity and these items not being on show. How times have changed!

I hope you have a lovely trip and some nice quality timw with your parents.

Much love you Carol, safe journey xx

Silvie said...

What a wonderful article Carol!I cannot believe that you have stitched all these smalls during 2012!
It is a fabulous collection, and my favorites are July and November!
Don't worry, we have a lot of these horrible bugs in France, particulaly in Fall!I love the way you store your little pillows!
Merci pour tes beaux articles, je te souhaite une douce et belle nouvelle année!

bises

silvie to France

Siobhán said...

I hope this isn't a repeat comment... I tried to leave a comment yesterday but am still trying to figure out the iPad. Oy. I LOVE all of your smalls together!! What amazing accomplishments for 2012. I am hoping to do more smalls this year so I loved seeing everything, but I think the December smalls were my favorite month. I'm a sucker for PS Santas! YUCK on your uninvited guest! That would freak me out. I bought a plastic under the bed container with lid and am hoping to store my smalls in that.

I am also a Flavia fan! I have done both the audiobooks and read them but think I prefer the audio version, just because the narrator is so good. I get such a kick out of the turn of phrase that the author uses. Describing her sister as the devil's hairball, or the sister describing Flavia as an odious prawn. I love it! I named my Kindle Gladys in a nod to Flavia's trusty bike. ;)

Safe travels!

Chris said...

Woohoo Carol! What a wonderful recap of last years stitching. It was wonderful following along this year. I think that you made some wonderful observations about stash stitching. A stink bug...very horrifying.
I love Flavia. She is something else.
Have a wonderful trip upstate.
Hugs
Chris

Lilian Pilar said...

Felicitaciones!!!!!

Catherine said...

Seeing all of your beauties in one post is almost too much to handle! Fantastic review of all you have finished.
Oh, those stink bugs! We have them here too. Not as bad as a couple of years ago, but still bad enough.
I'll have to check those books out ~ they sound fun!
Have a safe journey ~ I hope all goes well with your mom and dad.

Rachel S-H said...

I am always so impressed by your amazing finishing, Your talent is so impressive!

Terri said...

Oh my goodness, what inspiration! I especially love that you chose from your stash for the majority of your projects.

My favorites are July and November.

May 2013 be more kind to you as the year goes on.

Terri
thisisterri.com

Penny said...

There is absolutely no way I could pick a favorite. :) Anytime I need inspiration I know where to visit! They're all so beautifully stitched and finished! You can send your stinkbug my way if you want - my cats love to follow them all over the house. :) I enjoyed the first Flavia book and can't wait to read the others. Hope you had a good visit with your parents. :)

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Carol, it is so fun to see them all together! I really enjoyed your monthly reveals last year and look forward to seeing what you stitch this year. Be well and safe on your journey. Above all have a good time! Hugs!

msmartello said...

Wow Carol! What a great job you did last year on your smalls. I am in awww! That's what I hope to accomplish this year so I can fill my cubby. I want it full of smalls. I'd have to say although I love them all my favorite if I have to choose would be January mostly because I love snowmen. I usually store most of my stitching in totes. My house is pretty small though so eventually I may run out of room. LOL!
We should really try to get together this year. It would be fun and I would love to meet you. I could come to you and maybe my mom would want to come as well.
Have a safe trip!

Maureen

Melanie said...

Wow what a fabulous collection. I love all of them and it would be hard to pick a favourite, I love the December and January ones as I love Christmas and the holiday ones but I also like the lovely pinks in February. This has got to be my inspiration for this year although I am sure I won't achieve your amazing record. I have now got a new cupboard in my hallway with a Woodturner bowl made by my husband waiting for some new smalls, stitching here I come

Melanie x

Sally said...

Oh wow what a fantastic collectio Carol. I don't think I could decide on favourites but I do love the snowmen! I can't wait to see what beauties you and your needle create this year.

Ewww I don't know what a stinkbug is but it certainly doesn't look nice!

Tatkis said...

They all are simply FANTASTIC!
I enjoyed looking at every one, thank you so much!

Hugs,
Tatyana

Shirley said...

Hi Carol,
I am always amazed at the different ways you finish off your small projects,I think April and May are my favourites, I love bunnies, flowers and houses. I have never seen those bugs before of hardly any others. One advantage to living in a cold, wet country is that nothing like that can survive!
Happy new year,
Shirley

Sharon said...

What an amazing year of stitching you have had! They all look fantastic. I am partial to those Santa's I think!

Melanie said...

It's so amazing and awe-inspiring to see them all together, it really is. Good for you for such an amazing stitchy year! :)
Here's to a great 2013 too!

Maggee said...

Great recap here! I think January and February are my favorites, though it was hard to choose. I have lots of those charts myself...should stitch them too! I am not going to make resolutions but I want to finish 4 or 5 Christmas pieces and do a lot of bird charts and flower charts! Thanks for sharing with us! Hugs!

Ranae said...

You sure had a fantastic year of smalls
They are sooooo beautiful each and every one
You never know how much you inspire me and I'm sure lots and lots of others
Happy 2013!!!!

Anna van Schurman said...

What a great collection! Love them all.

Anne said...

My dearest Carol, first of all...Happy New year!! I hope you had a lovely holiday and that your son is on the mend. I could stare at your little finishes for hours...so much to look at and admire. I still haven't found my bowl but I have a wicker basket that I am trying to fill. It's somewhat small but will do for now. Favourite months...hmm..hard to choose when they are all so darling, but perhaps May and June are my favourites since I love flowers and strawberries so much and it's cold right now so I am dreaming of warmer weather!! So glad you found a better storage spot for your smalls and got rid of that stink bug!

Looking forward to seeing what you will stitch next!

Love Anne

Unknown said...

Are all so beautiful...very good !
Pat

Christina said...

I loved following your 'Year of the Bowl' but understand that doing it for a second year would be a HUGE amount of work. My definite favourite is Snowman January.
Urghhh, that stink bug is horrid! Thank goodness we don't have them in the UK...at least I don't think we have them here! Lol.
I look forward to seeing your Christmas ornaments.

Ps - my brother-in-law has just informed me that we DO get stink bugs in the UK...don't think I'll sleep tonight! ;0)

Jennifer M. said...

That is a lot of stitching for one year but they all came out fantastic. I loved the monthly themes you did. I want to try doing more smalls for myself but I always get wrapped up into bigger projects that take my time. I hope the rest of 2013 goes better for you.

I will definitely look up that series of books. My goal is to do more reading this year, but then again I say that every year. :)

Jen

Kellie said...

Your Year of the Bowl is so inspiring! It makes me want to stitch a bunch of smalls and start my own bowl.

Scrap said...

Hello Carol, your small pillows are magnificent, I like all the collection but if it is necessary to volter, I thus vote for February and December, I like very much meadow Schooler. I wish you one happy New Year, even if there are small concerns(marigolds), it is necessary to believe that tomorrow will be better. Kisses of Paris

Keeper of the Crowes said...

I've reallly enjoyed your monthly thematic pillows, Carol. You've inspired me to stitch more of my own!

Sharon said...

LOVE your blog! You're so talented and seeing all your bowl goodies have inspired me and put a smile on my face, Thanks! :)

Carin said...

You did an awesome job on all those ornaments. Your work is so beautiful !!

Lynn said...

Goodness!! Seeing all those smalls together makes me realize just how astounding it is that you stitched so many. They are all wonderful treasures and you are to be commended to sticking with your goal. I know you've certainly inspired me along your journey! As for favourites, I'm drawn to February and June.
I just recently moved all my smalls from my dresser drawer into a large Rubbermaid storage container. My dresser drawers just weren't deep enough to hold them any longer.

Dona said...

2012 was a great bowl year! It is much too difficult to pick a favorite month - they are all great!

Stinkbugs do have a way of turning up where you least expect them!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

oh my god ! mon dieu que de merveilles ! tellement de belles choses bravo !
bisous bisous

Martine said...

Your collection of ornaments makes me dream ! It is a fantastic collection !!!!
I adore detailing them all and as it is attractive these drawers filled with your ornaments !
I prefer the Christmas ornaments !
Thanks for these beautiful photos !
Hugs.

Valentina said...

Thank you so much Carol for the year of the bowl!! All your small so beautifully stitched and finished are truly inspirational!!

Kay said...

Wow, this is simply amazing to see your year summed up like this, you truly were busy with all of your stitching each month, everything is so very beautiful as always! Glad to hear the stink bug did not do any damage to your stitched pillows, that would have been sad. I look forward to seeing many more updates this year from you, happy stitching!

Sherry said...

Wow, what an accomplishment! You are very inspiring to me & ilove each and every one! I will come back to visit!

Sherry said...

Wow, what an accomplishment! You are very inspiring to me & ilove each and every one! I will come back to visit!

Nancy M said...

What an awesome achievement! I like July, but I'm also partial to the snowmen of January. They are all so cute, and coordinated....hard to choose a favorite. You are an inspiration and as many times as I say I want to be like you....I will never get there! LOL

Bekca said...

My goodness! Seeing all the bowl ornaments all together is so impressive! Congratulations Carol on such an achievement, you're such a stitchy inspiration. I can't wait to see what stitching projects you undertake this year.
Best wishes.

MoonBeam said...

Very cool. Very ambitious. Very organized.

I am green with envy on all counts!

Congrats.

Bobbi

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

Hello! This post popped up on my Pinterest and I just love all of these smalls! But I’m especially interested in the round with the two bunnies facing each other stirched on black with a pink bow as an embellishment. Any chance you remember the name of the chart? Thanks!