Thursday, July 2, 2015

Heartfelt thanks and patriotic finishes

Happy July, my stitching friends!  Can you believe 2015 is half over? Before I show you my stitching finishes, I just want to send each of you a huge "Thank You" for your many comforting emails and thoughtful comments on my last post. They meant so much to me--and to my husband. When he first broke his neck on May 21st, he didn't want me to post about it on my blog. But, I explained to him that I need support from my friends as we go through this recovery period, just as much as he needs support. And I couldn't ask for better friends than all of you who read my blog, could I? Even though I've never met 98% of you, I feel so very close to you--we've been through a lot together since I began my blog in early 2009. We've celebrated each other's success--not only in our stitching, but in our lives. And we've been saddened by losses of each other's family members and worrying health challenges. But, through all the ups and downs of life, your kind and thoughtful words have continued to mean so much to me. Thank you, my friends...

Since this is still mainly a cross stitching blog, I want to begin with two new finishes just in time for the 4th of July. Many of you know how much I love Chessie and Me designs because of the fun specialty stitches the designer includes in each chart. The grass is satin stitched, the border is done with Smyrna stitches, and the doors are done in Rhodes stitches. There is even some "over one" stitching in the ship and the date! This came in the form of a kit which was so very handy--I loved being able to just sit down and get started right away and not wait for the correct fibers or fabric to arrive if I had had to order them online.


This finish is called "1776 Harbor" and is stitched all in Gloriana silks--just wonderful and soft to work with! Don't you love the giant American flag waving across the harbor--so whimsical... I finished this piece quite simply as a little pillow with some star-strewn burgundy fabric, handmade gold cording, and an attached star button. It will be a perfect addition to my bowl of patriotic pillows, don't you think?

Chessie and Me "1776 Harbor" finish

Along with Prairie Schooler pieces, I consider Little House Needleworks designs to be my favorite form of "comfort stitching." Easy to read charts, no backstitching, not too many colors--just what I need as I go through the worries with my husband's health this summer... I bought this LHN "Old Glory" design last summer, but am just getting around to stitching it now. It is done on 40 ct. raw Newcastle with a variety of overdyed threads. I didn't have each one that was suggested, so I substituted a few and am very pleased with the result.


For this little pillow, I used a blue star-filled fabric along with some burgundy fabric, white ric rak, a red and white striped ribbon, and a stack of buttons. It is backed with the solid blue fabric shown behind it. This photo isn't the best due to our complete lack of sunshine lately, but it really looks quite cute!

LHN "Old Glory" finish

Since I try to stitch at least two new patriotic pieces each year, I now have quite a collection--in fact it has outgrown my original bowl. Here it is when I took the photo last year--see, already "bursting at the seams" so to speak!


So, I've had to spread out my little creations and luckily, my new kitchen corner cupboard is the perfect place to display some of them.  Here it is all ready for the 4th of July in all of its red, white, and blue glory...

Patriotic corner cupboard in kitchen

On the top shelf, I have my two little Lizzie High characters proudly waving their pinwheels. In their opposite hands they are holding tiny hotdogs--so cute! Next to the little boy, I've place a tiny crock of blueberries (thanks, Mom!).


The middle shelf contains several pieces of my stitching: Chessie and Me's "Love Liberty," a Prairie Schooler design from Book No. 13, "A Prairie Year," and an old freebie from Prairie Grove Peddler which you can still find right here.


And the on the bottom, you'll find this cute Williraye figurine holding an American eagle and nest in his right hand and waving the flag in his left hand. Next to him is another freebie from The Stitcherhood that I stitched last year. This freebie is still available right here. As always, I'd like to thank the designers for sharing their talents with us through their generous free designs! And way over on the right sitting in the little blue bowl is an old patriotic design from Homespun Elegance.


Here's one last look at the whole display. It's really brightened up the corner of my kitchen and I plan to leave the patriotic shelves up through late August when I'll switch things up for a more autumn look. 

Hooray for the red, white, and blue!

Gifts from a new friend... I've made a special new blogging friend named Shirley who just happens to reside way across the ocean in Cape Town, South Africa! Shirley just began a new blog called The Artfull Place and I hope you'll go say "hello" and welcome her to our blogging community. She is so multi-talented and she sent me this darling Christmas ornament and hand-painted tag. I told her the tag will be a part of my annual spring display on my corner cupboard--it is just so sweet. 

Gifts from Shirley, in South Africa

Here is a close-up of the little tag so you can see the marvelous detail. Shirley has just started her own Etsy shop and you can read all the details on her blog. Thank you again, my new friend--I will treasure your gifts!

Gift tag painted by Shirley

Medical update... Well, I had hoped to have better news for you regarding my husband's broken neck. He had an appointment yesterday and the hoped-for switch from the hard neck-brace to the soft collar didn't happen. The surgeon wants to keep him in the hard brace for at least another month to make sure the vertebrae that aren't quite aligned have not shifted. As I mentioned in my last post, there is no way to tell if this misalignment is something my husband was born with or if it happened after his fall down the stairs in May. So, unfortunately, surgery has not been totally ruled out as we previously thought...

Our spirits were flagging yesterday after the doctor's visit, but there is nothing we can do except try to be patient, wait, hope and pray. I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately as I just keep ruminating about that night six weeks ago when my husband fell down the stairs. I sure hope this passes soon as insomnia can really take a toll on your health over time... Anyway, keep praying and thinking positive thoughts, please; we're not out of the woods yet!

I'd like to leave on a cheerier note so I'm share this very addicting recipe for granola that I've gotten "hooked" on. They sell a treat called "Kimberley's Bakeshoppe Granola" at Sam's Club and I made the mistake of buying it one day. Oh, my!! Amazingly delicious and just filled with everything I love--lots of nuts, grains, and dried fruits. I stumbled upon a recipe online for a copycat recipe from Yammie's Noshery which you can find right here. It is fabulous--but addicting (don't say I didn't warn you!!). Hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it along with your other picnic foods this 4th of July weekend...

I dare you to eat just one bite of this tasty granola!

Wishing all of my U.S. friends a fabulous Independence Day! Thanks again for your kind comments and supportive emails--they mean so much to me. Bye for now...

HAPPY 4th of JULY TO ALL!

79 comments:

Vickie said...

Adorable, adorable work once again Carol. Your kitchen cupboard saves the day! It looks fantastic!
I am so sorry there has not been great improvement with Tim's vertebrae. We will just keep praying. Things could still be so very much worse. He can do this!!
Happy 4th my friend!

Mii Stitch said...

More gorgeousness & pretty finishes!! Love them all ;)
I have started Red White Bloom but couldn't finish it on time so it on the back burner again :)

María Dolores Jiménez Acevedo said...

All is lovely, I miss you a very happy 4th.

Christina said...

Hi Carol, I am so sorry to hear about your husband's fall. I hope he is well and truly on the road to recovery now. I have a 'thing' about stairs. When I was 18, I was an au pair for a family in Chicago. The family that I was working for had gone off on holiday and were travelling by ferry. Their eldest son fell down a whole flight of metal stairs on the ferry. He broke his jaw and was in a terrible way for months. I am so pleased to hear that you are getting a lot of support from your family.
Your stitching is lovely, as always. I hope you have a fantasitc, but uneventful, July 4th! 😊

natalysneedle said...

Carol, Iove all of your beautiful finishes. I am sure stitching is quite therapeutic during this time. Your husband is in my thoughts and prayers. I wish him well.

natalysneedle said...

Carol, Iove all of your beautiful finishes. I am sure stitching is quite therapeutic during this time. Your husband is in my thoughts and prayers. I wish him well.

StitchinByTheLake said...

I'm so sorry you didn't get the news you expected - that's always a disappointment. I love, love, love your patriotic collection! I only have a few patriotic patterns but I've made a couple now and they quickly became favorites. I hope to add a few as time and money allow! blessings, marlene

Peggy Lee said...

Hi Carol. I've been out of the blogging scene for about a year now but thought I'd cruise through my old list of favorites this morning. I am so sorry to read of your husbands fall. The outcome could have been so much worse and I'm so glad he is on the mend. Your son was a Godsend just when you needed him. Praying that the second half of this year is better for you!
~~Sending hugs~~

Robin in Virginia said...

First, your new patriotic finishes are gorgeous. You truly have a knack for picking elements to add to your finishing. Your corner cupboard all decked out in its red, white and blue is wonderful. Continuing to keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers.

Enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend, Carol!

Hugs, Robin in Virginia

PS Thank you for including the links within your post.

Vicki said...

I always enjoy seeing your bowls of stitching. I keep thinking that one of these days I'll stitch up my smalls and display them in a similar way; hasn't happened yet! I'm continuing to pray with you for your husband's complete recovery. Praying for you too,Carol. Happy 4th!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Lovely post as always Carol. Your patriotic display is very pretty - so much red, white and blue:-)
I think the only advice I can offer regarding how you are feeling is to try to take things a day at a time and not jump ahead. Looking back is often detrimental to your state of mind, I know from experience with my husband's issues - it's so easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. Try to focus on the positive, I know it's easy to say this but not so easy to do it - I'll be thinking of you and I'll pray for a good outcome.

Rita said...

Beautiful stitching projects! I love stitching patriotic pieces too.

twinpeakprimitives said...

Dear Carol,

I am so sorry to hear DH' s problem! You'll both be in my praying!
I also wish that he'll be recovered in soon!

As per your stitching - just perfect! I love everything you made ♥♥♥

Happy 4th of July!

Nurdan

Irene said...

che belli tutti insieme

Joanie said...

I will continue to pray for your husband's recovery and for you too!
Love your Patriotic display. You are an inspiration.
Joanie
(formerly from Western PA, always a Steeler fan!)

Jacqueline said...

Great post. Loved seeing al the eye candy. Prayers and good wishes for your husbands full recovery.

Melissa said...

Hello, Carol! Oh, how I love all that you've stitched. So wonderful! A great way to celebrate your Fourth!

I love what your new friend Shirley has made for you. She is a very talented artist too. Will check out her blog.

At least the doctor didn't have bad news. I think it's just a matter of taking time to heal and being patient AND relaxed about it. Will continue prayers for both of you. Hugs.

Lynda Harrison said...

Hello Carol - you know how much I love to see you amazing stitching and beautiful photos - everything is a joy to behold, and I know you inspire me and a great many others to pick up that needle! You have all been in my thoughts very much - and I will email very soon.
I hope you all have a great 4th July!!
Take care - my love to you all,
Lynda.

Ele said...

Lovely finishes
Hope your husband improves soon
Sending you both lots of love

Shelly said...

I just love your patriotic stitching and decorating; hard to pick a favorite of your newest finishing! Great gift from a new friend. I hope things go better for you and your husband. I can't imagine how hard it must be to wear this hard neck collar. Hearing your husband falling down the stairs must have been horrifying so it's no wonder you're hearing that as you try to sleepl! As others have said, time is needed. What works for me when things have gone stressful is to write down what is bothering me. It gets the thoughts out of your head and onto to somewhere else! Take care!

Daniela Bencúrová said...

Wow, Carol, your patriotic decor is great !!!
I wish my husband health!
Enjoy July 4th!

Unknown said...

I'm a July birthday and have always favored patriotic things. Your latest stitchings are absolutely beautiful!

Elizabeth said...

Sorry to read your husband's still has to wear the hard brace - will keep you both in our prayers. Glad to see you resumed your stitching - beautiful job. Try to get some sleep I know it is difficult but you won't be any good to him if you get sick.

Elizabeth B


Will a stitch said...

Hi Carol,

Love your new finishes. Just today I did the finishing on the Chessie & Me 1776 kit. One of my very favorite designs. And I loved the silk thread and specialty stitches also. I have Old Glory in the ever growing stash! Your corner cupboard is decorated perfect for the 4th. I sure hope your husband will not need surgery...so continued prayers for recovery. (for him and you!) The granola looks yummy..I think I will check out the recipe. Thanks for sharing it. Hope you have a great 4th. The weather here is fantastic! It should be heading your way.

Judy Heartland stitcher

Maggee said...

Great stitching and finishes Carol! I have many of the same freebies either done or in my stash to be done! Great minds! OF course, your husband shall be in my prayers... a month will fly by---he will see! Gonna check out that granola recipe... I am having a hard time finding the favorite breakfast bars I've been enjoying for the past year or so... need a good substitute!! Enjoy the Holiday--hope you get a bit of relaxation in... Big Hugs!

Myra said...

Carol, all your creations are just delightful. You really have a knack for using that cupboard to showcase them. I am sorry to hear your husband has to keep the hard cast. I will be praying and sending good thoughts. Have a wonderful 4th!

marly said...

Great displays! I have a Queen of the Samplers and now I proclaim you to be Queen of the Smalls. I'm serious! Keep us posted on husband's progress. It won't be long before he is out of the brace because summer (if you can call it that) is moving quite quickly. And quite wet. And chilly.

Annie said...

Such cute new little pieces to add to your patriotic collection. Your displays are so fabulous. You should consider dumping the librarian thing and becoming a decor stylist! I love the little people with the hot dogs!

So sorry you and Tim have to stay in suspense a while longer. Better to keep that brace on though than remove it too soon.

Rest up for the 4th and I hope you get some sleep!

Pam in IL said...

Lovely finishes and just in time to add to your bowl for July! Sorry that you didn't get the news you were hoping for. I'm keeping you, your hubby and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Ellen said...

Beautiful finishes,love them! Love your corner cupboard too!

Sending you hugs and lots of positive thoughts!

Take care,

Cindy's Stitching said...

2 wonderful additions to your 4th of July display. What a nice collection you have now. Both displays are so pretty and I am sure you smile when you see them. I hope you start to sleep well. We all go through insomnia at different times of our life. I hope is passes soon. I am sure you husband will be fine. Prayers being sent out. What a sweet gift all the way from over seas. The painted bird is so pretty. Happy 4th of July Carol.

shirley flavell said...

Love your patriotic stitching and corner cabinet decorated for your special celebration. Your friend sent such lovely gift. Have a great week end and best wishes for your DH journey of repair. Shirley N.Z.

Lillie said...

Fabulous display of your Patriotic theme cabinet and basket collection. Love your new finishes too, as always so lovely. You really had an eye for details, everything match perfectly.

Lessen your worries Carol, it will help you sleep better. I know it's not easy after what you've been through, but keep those positive vibes up, sending you my prayers and thoughts.

Happy 4th of July! Enjoy!

Linda said...

Beautiful finishes as always Carol. Your display is gorgeous. So happy to hear that DH is a little better.

Linda

Preeti said...

Congrats on both the lovely finishes, Carol!!:) Your kitchen corner is looking bright and beautiful !!
It's nice that your husband is feeling better. Although you expected you might not need surgery, but as you know we always thank God that the worst didn't happen. Take care and sleep well. You got lovely gift from your friend, love the painted tag:)
Happy Independence Day to you and your family!! You know what advantage I got? The company that my husband works with gave long weekend off in the US office, so he doesn't have conference calls in the night for two days. So yesterday (Thursday evening), he took me and my daughter for the 3D movie 'Inside Out' !! Very cute movie, I loved it:)

Barb said...

All your patriotic things are wonderful and you do an excellent job of displaying all of them. Your new additions are as cute as the rest with beautiful finishes! I will keep you and your DH in my prayers and keep hoping for the very best! I am so glad it has been a mild summer for you. He doesn't need the kind of heat we have been having out here. Thank you so much for the granola recipe!

butterfly said...


Love your new stitching Carol, and your displays look wonderful , happy 4th of July .
Love all the blue red and white .
Sorry DH is still not fully recovered yet , you are all still in my prayers hugs.

Unknown said...

A beautiful post Carol! I just love all your red blue and white and how patriotic you are! Please send love and hugs to your husband and know you are always in my thoughts as he continues to recover! Happy 4 July! Have a wonderful weekend xx

TL said...

Hallo Carol,
I wish you and your husband a nice day the 4 of july and hope his health wil improve soon.
I love your stitching!

Marilyn said...

All of your Patriotic finishes are so pretty.
Love the corner cupboard!
I hope and pray for better news about your hubby by the next visit.
Have a great 4th of July.
Marilyn

The Queen Bee said...

Happy 4th of July.

I also like to decorate with patriotic pieces for the summer. Seems like they're appropriate from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Sorry your hubby didn't get a better report. Hope the time passes quickly.

Thanks for the granola recipe. We also make our own. The seeds are an addition I'd like to try.

Pam

Mary said...

Carol as usual there is so much to see in your post! I've fallen head over heels with that tiny ship and harbor.

Glad everyone is on the mend.

There's nothing more addicting than home made granola and this looks particularly problematic! With a little extra time this weekend, I'll just have to try this one out.

Have a glorious 4th of July!

Karen said...

Love your finishes! Love the corner cabinet....never thought of them but would be great in my craft room. Love the displays too. Happy 4th and stitching.

Beth said...

Wishing you a wonderful 4th and continued progress as your husband recovers from his fall.

Jackie's Stitches said...

Linda designs patriotic so beautifully! Love the patriotic finishes and your collection as well. You're such a talented stitcher and finisher! I hope it's bringing you some respite during your husbands recovery.

I hope you get to the place where you can rest well. Sending you both a hug! xoxo

Tricia T said...

Beautiful stitching, Carol! I haven't stitched much since my husband's surgery. I can't quite settle down to it. I'm so sorry that you are still struggling sleeping. My chiropractor advised me to eat LOTS of red meat, turkey, pork, milk, eggs, butter, oils - anything fat and cholesterol-ish - to help my adrenals combat the stress. I have drunk GALLONS of whole milk and eaten more big, fat greasy hamburgers than I care to admit over the last three weeks, but it has definitely helped me. :) I have also had a few chiropractic treatments over that time, too, though, so I can't promise it was all the foods' doing.

I'll be praying for you both!

Glenna said...

I'm so glad to see that you decorated for the fourth--so uplifting and cheerful. I'm so sorry to hear that there's no resolution quite yet for your husband; I'm thinking of you both.

Glenna

Brigitte said...

Whenever I visit your blog I know that there is some eye candy waiting to be admired. This time there are these wonderful new patriotic pillows that you created with some beautifuls motives and and all that gorgeous fabric and accessories that complement the design and make your smalls so special. This corner cupboard is just great as you can decorate it so beautifully. I rarely ever stitch something patriotic - just when I need a gift - as I'm German but I always love seeing what my American friends have stitched for the 4th and how they decorate.

So sorry to read that your husband still has to wear this stiff neck-brace and that surgery is still in the air for him. It must be so hard to be left to the uncertainty of not knowing what will be the best solution. And I know what you are going through too, from my own experience. I hope that you will have a good night's rest at least every now and then, and send you and your husband my very best thoughts.

priscilla said...

Love your finishes Carol ! They are both fabulous! Love all your patriotic decor also!
Wish you would have received better news from the Doctor. Praying for your family ..

Gabi said...

Hi, your stitching and fnishing is, as always, adorable! Sorry to hear that your husband still has to wear this stiff neck-brace.My best wishes for him and you.
Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July.
Big hugs from Germany

Justine said...

Beautiful finishes, Carol, so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your friend Shirley's gifts to you too. She is as talented as you are!
Sorry to hear you didn't get the news you wanted following your husband's accident. I will continue to pray for you both.

Margaret said...

Carol, I'm sorry the news wasn't better from the doctor. I totally understand where the insomnia is coming from too. Lots of hugs, and a whole lot of prayers are being said for you and DH for sure. Hang in there. I'm thinking of you. Good thoughts are good! Love all your finishes -- your patriotic shelves are wonderful!

Good Womam said...

I popped into your blog after a long absence and read about the awful accident your husband had. I am sure it has been very difficult to deal with but I can't help but think how fortunate that it was not so much worse. Prayers for continued progress in his recovery.

I love all of the patriotic stitches. In my stitching life, I have done a few patriotic pieces but they have all been for gifts so I do not have any in my own home. After seeing all of yours it is so motivating and I believe I have to change that!

Meari said...

Adorable finishes, Carol! I hope my Old Glory finish turns out as well as yours. Thanks for sharing your décor... it's always nice to see how others display their things. Mine are just willy nilly, lol.

Sorry to hear you didn't get the news you hoped for your DH. Maybe another month will do the trick. Let's hope! :) Hang in there, it'll get better. :)

Julie said...

Beautiful things you have been able to create whilst dealing with the recent upsets and stresses. Your corner cabinet looks wonderfully decorated, a lovely collection of stitched beauties on display.
I'm sorry the news was not better from the Dr, but hopefully next month will be better.
The granola looks lovely, better not try that or no one else would get any here and my waistline would not benefit either!!
love and best wishes
xxx

besomom said...

I didn't comment on your post about your husband's accident, but I was so sorry to hear the news and I'm glad it wasn't worse.

Your patriotic stitches are wonderful, and as always, your finishes add the perfect touch. I have cross stitch and quilted flags all over my house this time of year, too. I have some of the same designs you've made, and you inspired me to order a couple of new patterns.

I don't update my blog regularly any more, but in 2008 I posted about two flags I made. http://houseofhodgepodge.blogspot.com/2008/06/flag-day.html You might like the cross stitch one, and I provide pattern info in the post. I know you're a librarian (I am a former librarian), so you should be able to track down the book it's in, but if you can't and you want the pattern, let me know and I'll share my pattern with you. My contact info is on my blog, or leave a comment there.

Here's to healthy days ahead for you and your husband.

Melody said...

Hi Carol. Your stitching is beautiful as always. I love doing patriotic pieces also. I have several framed ones that I leave out all year. Maybe it's because I have a July birthday... I am glad you shared the update on your husband with us. I hope you will have good news on your next checkup. Insomnia is not fun either. I have had it on and off. Try to relax when you can. Take care!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Love seeing all your patriotic pieces! Your corner cupboard is just the best for displaying all that goodness. I'll continue to send positive thoughts your way. Have a good month! Hugs!

Mavi. said...

Preciosos bordados y feliz 4 de Julio.
Bss.

Dani - tkdchick said...

Carol those are beautiful patriotic finishes, I love the specialty stitches in the first one! So much fun there!

I continue to keep you and your husband in my thoughts!

Anonymous said...

OH MY...Love your patriotic displays...all the smalls and your lovely corner cabinet...SO LOVELY. Glad to hear your husband is recuperating slowly...I have been praying for him. I SO look forward to your blog and your stitching. Thanks for always sharing. And thanks for the kind words on my blog! Hugs.

Wanda said...

Dear Carol,
I have been thinking about you so much! I am so sorry there is more waiting and worrying to hear if there are next steps to be taken. I continue to send all good thoughts and prayers your way that your husband will continue to improve and for your continued health.

As always, your stitching is stunning! I am so happy that you are able to stitch as only a stitcher would understand how very therapeutic and necessary it is to our well-being.

Sending extra hugs,
Wanda

Annette-California said...

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE all your patriotic finishes. I still have that I need to complete. Love your corner cupboard and how you displayed all your pretty pieces.
Keeping you and your husband in my prayers Carol! I also hope you can get some much needed rest. love Annette

valerie said...

Oh my goodness! How did I miss all this news?! I am sure it was such a fright to deal with T's fall and the raccoon and tick situation. It's so hard when everything happens all at once. I am so glad that everyone is doing well and hopeful no surgery is necessary.

Lovely finishes as always, Carol! I haven't been reading blogs in months, since the new job. I am so behind and not really stitching. Remember to take time to rest and relax. Stress really does take it's toll and we need you healthy and happy! Hugs to you, sweet Carol.

Sheryl said...

Lovely stitching and gorgeous corner cupboard display. I especially like the little harbor design.
Sending good thoughts and wishes you way for your husband´s full recovery and your sleepless nights.

Chris said...

Dear Carol,
I am so sorry to hear that the switch didn't happen to the soft brace for your DH. It is so important that he heals correctly. I hope that you are sleeping better.it is so much easier to deal with things and to be patient when you have enough sleep.
All of your patriotic stitching is wonderful. I love the 2 most recent finishes. I love kits, just being able to pick up a piece and start. There is also something to be said for pulling all the supplies for a project, the floss...
Love stitching!
Have a wonderful week.

Hilda said...

My dear,
I do not know how this could happen, but somehow I missed this post ....!
First of all: I am thinking of you and Tim every day and sending you prayers and good wishes for Tim's recovery. Although it must have been a check for you both (especially for poor Tim), that the hard neck-brace wasn't changed, in such a case of injury it is much better to be more careful than less. Just be patient - everything will be okay!

Your finishes are so lovely - again! As I am a lover of LHN-desings too, I absolutely love the "old Gory" pillow. But not only because of the designer - it is your very amazing way of finishing too. The fabric, the ricrac, the striped ribbon and the bottoms - the perfect combination!!! I love it!

I am thinking of you, my dear friend!

Hugs
Hilda

Jenn M said...

Lovely finishes! Sometimes I get tired of only working with red and white for my own patriotic finishes: three colours are so much better:)
Have a wonderful summer and best wishes to your husband for a complete recovery. I think you two need to go on a nice cruise or something next year-you both certainly deserve it!
Jenn

diamondc said...

Carol: I am so sad your Husband has to be in the hard brace for a little while longer, I hope time fly's by fast for you both.
Its so much better to be sure instead of chancing further injury.
1776 is so sweet, the pillow turned out so sweet.
Old Glory is beautiful, love it.
Your Patriotic display is lovely.
What a sweet gift. Thank-you for the link for the granola.

Blessings
Catherine

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

I love your patriotic stitching ,Carol. I am rather lste reading your blog post so I hope your husband is making good progress and is nearer to removing the hard brace.
I agree,LHN designs are lovely to stitch and not at all complicated.I hope you are enjoying stitching a few more relaxing designs.
Your displays are very attractive. Your stitching display is wonderful.

Annette said...

Blogger friends are the best, and you have so many, so many people sending you love and hugs.. That the most awesome thing!
We all are very happy you hubby is getting better, and the rest of your family too.
And you stitching skills are so awesome!!
Beauty you 4th of july pieces. Both are really awesome and your bowl looks really awesome!!
Your Kitchen cupboard looks like a joy to watch.
Really awesome!!
Your new friend really makes awesome pieces!! your spoiled with gifts...

Ow no thats to not great new for hubby. With much rest hugss, and waiting, hopefully next time better news
Sending lots and lots of positives thought to you.
Have a wonderfull sundaty, enjoy life. enjoy eachother! ♥

Jackie said...

Oh my dearest Carol! I had no earthly idea your husband had an accident. I hope he is recovering well. Please give my regards to him. Take care of yourself in the meantime. Your displays and finishes are wonderful as always.

Be well my dearest,
Jackie:>

Marie said...

Wow, I have been out of the blogging loop due to my DS wedding …I do hope that your DH is doing better. What a nightmare and how truly frightening that must have been.

Your Patriotic pillows are beautiful (as always). I do love that large, waving flag!

Shirley's pillow and hand painted tag is beautiful. I will check out her blog.

Hope you get some much needed rest,

Sally said...

Oh Carol I am always in awe of your beautiful stitching and finishing. Your displays are such a pleasure to see.

What beautiful gifts you received from Shirley.

Keeping you and your DH is my thoughts. I hope the news is better for him next month. Sending hugs.

Lumiruusu said...

What a beautiful and proudly patriotic post.I really admire Your way to show love to your country ! Oh how I wish i would visit USA someday.We have planned that maybe when my DH has his 50th birthday we might travel USA. But it is a dream...

Anne said...

My dear Carol I sincerely hope that your husband will recover and everything will be okay for you both. I also hope you get some sleep. I know how no sleep makes a person feel...worn out and unable to cope with things. As for stitching, you've outdone yourself again with your adorable patriotic finishes. Hugs to you and thinking of you often.

Anne said...

My dear Carol I sincerely hope that your husband will recover and everything will be okay for you both. I also hope you get some sleep. I know how no sleep makes a person feel...worn out and unable to cope with things. As for stitching, you've outdone yourself again with your adorable patriotic finishes. Hugs to you and thinking of you often.

Anne said...

My dear Carol I sincerely hope that your husband will recover and everything will be okay for you both. I also hope you get some sleep. I know how no sleep makes a person feel...worn out and unable to cope with things. As for stitching, you've outdone yourself again with your adorable patriotic finishes. Hugs to you and thinking of you often.

Weronika said...

Carol everything will be all right! You will see! We are all praying for you two! Your stitching is gorgeous! Hugs for you and your husband!