Friday, December 18, 2015

2015 Parade of Ornaments!

Are there really only seven days left until Christmas?! As the big day approaches, I'm feeling better about things than I was when I last posted. I've definitely cut back on the decorating this year and, you know what... I'm okay with that. The house still looks festive, just in a more scaled back fashion. I still don't have the tree entirely decorated--my ornaments are sitting in their underbed storage box waiting patiently for their moment to shine. Hopefully, I can get them hung later today as I have to work tomorrow. I also need to sit down and catch up with all of your blogs--have to admit, I've barely had time to glance at them since we returned from Argentina. I will make a special point of visiting as many of you as I can today...

I know many of you are new to my blog, but each year I devote one post to the monthly ornaments I've created over the past twelve months. If you are interested in seeing previous "Parade of Ornament" posts, you can find them by clicking on the highlighted year:  2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Once again, even though this December has been much warmer than normal (with NO SNOW at all!), we have had a serious lack of sunshine, so my photos are not the best. 

2015 Monthly Ornament Finishes

Yikes! That photo is worse than I thought!! How about some close-ups? You can click on them, too, for a better look...

January ~ March 2015 ornament finishes

April ~ June 2015 ornament finishes

July ~ September 2015 ornament finishes

October ~ December 2015 ornament finishes


I always enjoy hearing which is your personal favorite. I'll give you a closer look so you can make your decision...

JANUARY
Prairie Schooler Santa from "Christmas Past"

FEBRUARY
Prairie Schooler "Winter Wind" motif

MARCH
Country Cottage Needleworks "Snow Birds"

APRIL
"Joyeux Noel" French freebie


MAY
Little House Needleworks: "Joy To the World"

JUNE
Little House Needleworks:  "Deer Valley Inn"

JULY
Prairie Schooler's "Button Up" finish

AUGUST
Grandma Kringles: "Winter's Night"

SEPTEMBER
All Through the Night: "Merry Christmas" finish

OCTOBER
"Let It Snow" snowman finish

NOVEMBER
Prairie Schooler: "Prairie Birds" finish

DECEMBER
Homespun Elegance "Cinnamon Stick Christmas V" finish

Oh, I'm so pleased with this year's ornaments (I know I say that every year, but, I feel so happy when I see them all posted together). I love that they are all very unique and I can't wait to move them from my stair garland to my Christmas tree!  So, which one wins your vote? I hate picking favorites, but, if I have to, I choose February. It just invokes such a feeling of peace in me and, of course, the red cardinals remind me of my dad.  

Here is a final look of my garland at night...

All is calm, all is bright...

Amidst all of the decorating, gift buying, card sending, etc. that December brings, I had to make a treat for work. Our tradition is to bring a treat in during your birthday month. So, why, you ask, am I taking a birthday treat in during December when my birthday isn't until January? Well, we had several people who had birthdays during the same months so there was some shuffling done and I ended up with December. So, for three nights this week, I baked and baked and ended up with this large cookie tray to share with my wonderful co-workers. They were so appreciative and I froze the cookies that I didn't take in to have for Christmas. This year, I made Christmas Butter Cookies, Reese's Cup Cookies, Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, Raspberry Almond Shortbreads, White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies, and Bombshell Brownies! Can you smell the butter and sugar? As usual, the Reese's Cup Cookies were gobbled up first. Which would you choose?

How many calories are on this plate? Oh, that's right--
calories don't count at Christmas, do they?!

I have received some lovely Christmas gifts from around the world, but am waiting to open them until I've sent out my own gifts. I am so, so sorry mine will be late this year, but I just couldn't meet the mailing deadlines having been away last month. I hope you'll be patient with me and I promise, I'll try to do better next year...

Well, I'm signing off now so I can go visit your blogs, head to the post office, finish decorating the tree, wrap a few presents, and address the last of the Christmas cards. Sure sounds like a busy day, just like I imagine each of you is having. Thanks so much for dropping in to visit me today--I know it's not easy at this time of year. Try to relax and enjoy this last week before Christmas... I know I'm going to!  Bye for now...

103 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year. I love reading your blog and look forward to your adventures in 2016. Your ornaments are beautiful (as usual) and if I had to pick a favourite it would be Feb.

Enjoy

Vickie said...

Oh Carol, well done! I love July the most. Me and the dogs. ;) Just love a happy puppy.
I would pick the Bombshell Brownies. I loooove brownies.
You have a terrific day getting so much done. I know the feeling. ;)
Merry Christmas!

Cathy H. said...

Oh, your ornaments are lovely! I've been waiting to see them hanging on the garland! My favorite? Let's see, I'm going to choose two: August, because I love Crescent Santas and October, because he is so cute!! The treats look delicious! I'm sure your coworkers enjoyed every bite! I'll take a raspberry almond shortbread, please! Merry Christmas to you!

Tricia T said...

Merry Christmas, Carol! I think July is my favorite this year, but all of them are lovely! Does it seem possible that it is Christmas already??? Soo much to be thankful for this year!! :)

Melody said...

Hi Carol. Your ornaments are beautiful as always. It's fun to see them all hanging together on your stairway. If I had to choose, I like the January one. I am always impressed by someone stitching on black fabric. But the way you finished it into a round is also so lovely. I haven't attempted a round finish, but you have done a great job with it of course. Your cookie tray is impressive. Cookies are so good, but a lot of time involved. Yes, we are all busy this time of year... Merry Christmas to you.

Lynda Harrison said...

Hello Carol - how lovely to see your latest post, and all your photographs.
Your Christmas ornaments are all so beautiful - how can anyone choose a favourite amongst them when they are all so wonderful! Well done! Don't they look just amazing hanging there all together? I still can't work out how you find time to stitch, let alone do everything else, especially at a time of year when most of us are running around in ever-decreasing circles!!
Your cookies look as delicious as I am sure they must taste - again so well done to you!
I hope that you and your family will have the happiest of Christmasses and look forward to a wonderful New Year.
Take care.
With love,
Lynda.

Annie said...

Well that looks like a wonderful year of ornaments. Definitely up to the high standards you set for yourself.

Those cookies look amazing! That's a ton of work and you are so sweet (like the cookies!) to do it.

Take some time to breathe and enjoy the holidays!

Northern Stitcher said...

Beautiful stitching and finishing! My favorite ornament is February too. I always look forward to your blog posts!

The Queen Bee said...

Since you asked...I'd go straight for the Reese's. In fact, I'll be looking for a recipe. I suspect they're just like the Hershey Kiss cookies but in a mini muffin tin. Good thing my baker is home. She'd love to make those.

I think you've inspired me to do an ornament a month. I look at the collection of patterns and kits and just never pick them up. Part of it is my aversion to finishing. I need to just dig in and make it part of the process.

Happy Holidays.

Pam

Annette-California said...

What a beautiful display on your stair banter! Love all your ornaments. Winter Wind and Button Up are my top 2 Fav. But thats not fair everyone you stitched I love:) Merry Christmas! Best of luck of all you need to do. I am in the same boat as you for a race to get prepared - lol!
Much love Annette

kcenya1950 said...

Just beautiful, as usual, Carol. So hard to pick a favourite but I think I will go with June. Just a bit different

Merry Christmas

pam

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

I would like to try one of each cookie you have baked Carol:)
I love seeing your parade of ornaments.My favourite is September,I love the design and the variegated thread you chose. I am off to take another look.

Pam in Virginia said...

Carol, all 12 are perfectly beautiful. But I'm going to vote for May - I love the cording which matches the house color, and I love that you chose two different red fabrics to set off the red in the stitching...and then there's the artful stacking of the two buttons. My second favorite is the Joyeux Noel with its striking black fabric. I can't wait to see what you will create in 2016 for all of us to enjoy. Warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Carin said...

It is always so much fun when I get an email alert that you have post a new blog post. Because then we all can drooling about your beautiful ornaments. It is always a joy to watch these.
They are so beautiful, I have two favorites. The first is LHN, Deer valley Inn, I just love this series and I'm stitching these now. The second is February, love the red cardinals and the red house !
And your cookies look so yummy.
Enjoy the joy of Christmas and I hope you have a wonderful time with your family.

Kate said...

Carol, you have stitched such a beautiful collection of ornies this year and they're all beautifully finished! Your co-workers are so lucky to have had the chance to try out some of those delicious looking cookies. Merry Christmas!

Pat said...

Your ornaments are beautiful. February is my favorite too. I love cardinals and barns, so that one won hands down. Would love to know the name of the pattern if possible. I have done September's design, only did it on larger count so framed it for a picture. It turned out great. Anyway, thanks for sharing your lovely work.

Pat said...

Sorry I took a second look and that's a house not a barn for my favorite Feb. Still my favorite. My email is lcjplj@aol.com if you find time to let me know the name of the pattern. No hurry, next year is fine.

Linda said...

All gorgeous ornaments Carol. It is hard to pick just one but I would say July. Oh my but those cookies look yummy. Love them all.

Happy Holidays
Linda

sunny said...

Who could pick a favorite ornament? My choice(s) are March, August, and December. And I can smell those cookies from here. What a pretty selection. Merry Christmas to you!

Melissa said...

Carol, it is always a treat to see your Christmas ornaments each year. As always everything looks wonderful.

And that tray of cookies - lucky co-workers!

I know you are busy getting ready so I will make it brief and just wish you a very Merry Christmas. Talk to you later!

CalamityJr said...

You always choose beautiful designs, and displaying them on the staircase shows them perfectly! Now to answer your questions - my favorite ornament is from March, and my mouth is watering for a while chocolate cranberry cookie. Well, to be perfectly honest, a cookie? No, just one would be impossible! I'm sure your baking is as wonderful as your stitching/finishing!

Tricia B said...

I love them all but am going to go search for September's pattern right now. Simple and gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!

laceystitcher said...

It is hard to pick just one of your ornaments as a favorite; I love them all, but I guess it would be February for me. I love the scene and I am a big fan of PS. Do you remember which # pattern this one is? I don't remember seeing it before. Love them all, and I appreciate you sharing them with all of us as I know you are very busy. Happy stitching, and have a Merry Christmas!

Barb said...

First, the food question, the kiss cookies are my favorite but all of them look delicious. Your ornaments are just wonderful, as usual! If I have to pick a favorite(and it is difficult to do that) I would pick July. I love the little child with the sled and I'm so impressed with the finishing on that ornament. It so brings out the design. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

marly said...

Another great year Carol, thanks for continuing to share your talent with us. My favorite would probably be January, but there's an eight way tie on the cookies. I know you only named seven but I count eight on that sheet! Merry Christmas!

Jackie said...

Your ornaments are gorgeous! Have a Merry Christmas!!

Lisa V said...

I love seeing your garland every year. My fave this year is July and August. Merry Christmas dear friend.
Hugs

Robin in Virginia said...

What are bombshell brownies? It would be a toss up -- the Reeses cookies or the bombshell brownies. I enjoyed your parade of ornaments for 2015, Carol. It is hard to pick a favorite, but I really like the February one (the cardinals, the overall design, the colors) followed by July's ornament. Enjoy your weekend! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Cricket-bug Corner said...

Love the ornaments!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Cindy said...

Your ornaments are gorgeous, as always, I love seeing them displayed on your stairway. I have to say my favorite is February, I have a special place in my heart for cardinals, perhaps because of the male that has been pecking at my windows since spring! Have a Merry Christmas
Cindy

Wanda said...

Hi Carol! I love your annual parade of ornaments! They are just spectacular and so beautifully stitched and finished. I just cannot pick a favourite.
I was hungry just looking at your plate of goodies. They all look delicious!
Your trip sounds like it was amazing. What a busy fall you have had.
Thanks as always for your beautiful blog.
hugs,
Wanda

Kathy said...

All of your ornaments are just gorgeous!! Love how you have made each and everyone so pretty and unique. And, if I had to pick just one it would be Jan., with Feb. a close second.
And, all of your cookies look to good to eat. Better try and save one or two for Santa though, lol.
Merry Christmas to you and thanks for sharing your beautiful work.
Kathy

Sherri said...

My absolute favorite post is your annual ornament roll out! I was sitting in the hair salon getting color and read your post on my phone! I couldn't see without my glasses, so I my hair dresser gave me tinfoil to wrap my glasses as to not get color on them. Ha! She wanted to know what I was reading so I showed her and she loved it. Bet that is a first for you. For years, I have been cross stitching while getting color and it's usually an ornament I'm working on, so she could really appreciate it on a whole new level. I think my favorite this year is your Homespun Elegance as it is my favorite quote from my favorite Christmas movie. I hope I can still get that book. I also like your PS ornaments as well. Your cookie platter is impressive to say the least and I'm sure those were a huge hit. Merry Christmas to you and your family. As always, thank you for your inspiration!

Christine said...

I absolutely love your annual Christmas ornament showso thank you so much for sharing the pics with us each year!

Cindy said...

Hi Carol, I just have to tell you how excited I was to see that you posted today! (Doesn't that make you feel special?) I loved seeing all of your ornaments at once. And I can see which ones I want to make too. If I had to choose a favorite it would be August. My husband has carved a Santa like that so it's special to me.
I love baking too, but you've outdone me. I've got to get to work to catch up! Thanks for sharing your talents with us! And have a great weekend!

Michelle said...

Beautiful - Merry Christmas to you sweet friend xx

Preeti said...

Nice to see all your ornaments lined up to march upto the Christmas tree:) All of them are lovely but if you ask then I have October and March as two favourites. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!:) Enjoy the yummy cookies, don't count calories for others, just count for yourself;) I have the same situation in Diwali festival with sweets and deep fried snacks. This year, I kept little at home that I like more and shared with neighbours and my husband's office team.

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
what a wonderful post. All your 12 Ornaments are so beautiful. My favourite is the october. I love this little snowman.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Manuela

Andrea said...

Oh your garland is beautiful. I have 12 favourites! The tray of goodies looks wonderful. I have to bake some cakes for our office buffet next week ... they will not be as spectacular.
Take care.

Gabi said...

A very merry Christmas for you and your family. Your ornaments are so beautiful and the tray of goodies looks yummie!
I guess my letter to you, which I sent end of november got lost. What a shame.
Happy holidays, Gabi

cucki said...

So beautiful they all my dear..
Wishing you Merry Christmas and a very Happy New year..
Big hugs and love
Cucki X

butterfly said...

Yes you did it again , amazing ornaments I love them all, but I do love February , July and October the most , but they are all beautiful Carol.
Love your header too.
And all those cookies look so yummy .
Where did you find the time ?
Looking forward to seeing your tree next .
Keep on sewing Carol you inspire so many of us and thank you for sharing .
Blowing over some Christmas hugs and kisses , have a wonderful Christmas time and take some time for your self to relax . XXX

Mii Stitch said...

Ooh it has to be October for me this year!! But rest assured they all look great, as always :)
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Vicki said...

I can't pick just one favorite, they're all pretty! I love the variety of designs. Your cookie tray looks yummy! Merry Christmas!

Mary Ann said...

I always love your Parade of Ornaments!! The are all lovely, but if I had to choose one as a favorite, it would be August--love that Santa!

And, as for choosing a cookie--I would choose one of each! : ) But, I would probably pick up a Brown Sugar Pecan cookie, first.

I hope you and your family have a Very Merry Christmas!!

Brigitte said...

Oh great - here it is, the long awaited ornament post. It's always great to see your banister decorated with the yearly 12 ornaments. And as always the question concerning our favorites is so difficult to answer. But if I had to choose one it would be February with the little cardinals. And it would be immediately followed by July, another Prairie Schooler motif. Well, it seems that I can't do anything against my love of Prairie Schooler, lol. But all the other ornaments are all so so beautiful too because they all have something special in the designs. I think I will come back to look at this post more often to get some inspiration and motivation for the finishing process. Thank you, Carol.

Cindy's Stitching said...

Merry Christmas Carol. the cookies look amazing. all the pieces so pretty. January is my favorite. Christmas seemed to Come quick this year.

Deb said...

Think October is my favorite. He makes me smile!
Cookies look luscious. Would need to taste to pick a favorite, lol.
Absolutelu LOVE your Prarie Shooler Santa's header picture. Beautiful ornaments all around. Very much enjoyed looking through them.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Sally said...

Your 2015 ornaments are amazing Carol. I think February is my favourite but it's so hard to choose! I look forward to seeing what you stitch in 2016.

Oh wow your birthday treat try looks delicious.

Happy Christmas Carol.

deb said...

Your ornaments are absolutely gorgeous!! Are they *all* from the JCS ornaments annual magazines? I recognize several but others, no - did they just not catch my eye when flipping magazine pages?

And your cookies - wow! Raspberry almond? Mmmmm, those sound delicious!

Karen said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family! Your ornaments are fabulous as usual. My favorites are July and November.

Kay said...

Such beautiful ornaments, my favourite ones are from March and August. x

Sheryl said...

Beautiful photos of your Christmas display as always. Such pretty stitching and different finishes. What patience you have to make so many cookies. I make cookies for our cafe, some 200 at a time but they are all the same and not different flavours. Merry Christmas.

Daniela Bencúrová said...

Carol, your decor is perfect!
A great annual work!
You're right, over Christmas in calories Let's not look :-)))
Have a nice day before Christmas!

Magiczny Świat Krzyżyków said...

Your ornaments are beautiful! Merry Christmas.

Marie said...

You collection of ornaments are all so beautiful!
More of your cookie baking…Yum!

Merry Christmas, Carol!

Jenn M said...

Oh I do love to see them all together! Wonderful job as usual. You inspired me a few years ago to hang my stitched ornaments on a railing garland; now I get to see them every time I go upstairs. There really isn't any room on my tree so it was a good solution!
I would have to say my favourite ornaments are January and July, though of course they are all lovely.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Jenn

Margaret said...

This is always my favorite post! Beautiful as always! You are amazing -- how many ornaments do you have now? What a stunning tree you must have! I have to say my favorite of the bunch has to be December, just because of the quote -- Dickens is my favorite author! :D Lovely baking -- so amazing, what a treat for everyone! Hope you are enjoying the Holidays. I can't believe it's almost Christmas!

Ellen said...

Gorgeous ornaments, I love January best!

Love those yummy cookies too, I love Reese cup cookies!

Happy Holidays!

Hugs,

Unknown said...

Oh Carol, what a difficult choice to pick out a favourite from your beautifully stitched and finished ornaments. I think if I am pushed I would have to go for July, I just love Prairie Schooler designs and the 'button up' chart is one of my favourites. I really admire your finishing techniques and wish I mine look as professional as yours. I have so enjoyed commenting on your blog since joining the blogging world at the beginning of 2015 and would like to say a big thank you for your friendship. Have a wonderful Christmas. xx

Mini said...

What a beauriful display of ornaments. My favourites are March and October. Merry Christmas to you and family.

Anonymous said...

Love your parade of ornaments...Thanks for sharing all the beautiful photos! I admire your "ornament of the month". I never seem to have time for that! :(( Those cookies look scrumptious! And if I haven't told you already, that trip was an amazing trip of a lifetime! What fun. Love ALL the ornaments you do and your finishes continue to be inspiring for me! Wishing you a bless Christmas and a peace-filled New Year. Hugs!

Jennifer said...

Oh, wow, what a lovely parade of ornaments! I really can't pick a favorite -- I'd narrow it down to March, April, September, or October! As you stitch new ones for 2016, will these go onto your tree or do you have another place where you display the past years? The cookies look delicious - I have yet to start my baking, but plan to make good progress this week, as I am off work until January now (hooray!). I think I'd pull a brown sugar pecan from your plate - and if you're willing to share the recipe, I'd love to try my hand at them! Hope you have a lovely holiday with your family!

Chris said...

I look forward to this post every year Carol. What a lovely group of ornaments you have stitched this year. The garland, tree and cookies look so lovely.
Wishing you a magical holiday surrounded by family!

Jennifer said...

Carol - I just took a few minutes to go back and look through all your ornament posts, because I've only been reading your blog about a year - what a lovely set of ornaments you have made - you really know how to make a tree sparkle! You are my inspiration to get some more done for my tree - I'd hoped to do more this year, but in the end only have 1 that is stitched...maybe I will go down and finish it today! And then start planning for next year!!

Grandma Andi said...

Carol.......I gained 5 pounds just adoring your cookies. My favorite ornament is February for the complimentary fabric. Do you choose fabric then threads to match? Your finishing is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Mary said...

My goodness Carol, this is fabulous! It must be so much fun to display the ornaments you've worked on all year for the holiday. Can't wait to see what you'll start on for next year! Hope your Christmas is a merry one.

Nancy M said...

Such a wonderful post and I think these posts are what made you "famous" in blogland! They all look awesome and I could never pick a favorite. I get such wonderful finishing ideas from you and my dream would be to spend a day in your craft room soaking up all your tips. It's the little things, like how you end the cording so you don't see it and adding all the little touches, the pretty ribbons etc. your tray of cookies is so pretty I'd have a hard time eating them. Oh who am I kidding? I'd dive right into it if someone brought that into work! Im trying to get all the last minute things to do before Santa arrives for a certain 6 year old. It certainly makes Christmas fun again, just a bit harder to shop for stocking stuffers when she isn't with me! Have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas.

Dawn said...

Beautiful Carol!

priscilla said...

I love each and every one of your beautiful ornaments Carol ! Your finishing is always amazing! I need more hours in the day so I can stitch each one of those :)
We have had the same weather grey and cloudy..I think I would rather have snow!
Is that a new tree in your kitchen with the cookies ? It looks so cute..and of course the cookies look amazing!
Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!

Ele said...

They are all so pretty! I ink my favorite would be February probably, but it's difficult to choose...
And your cookies! Yummy!!

Have a wonderful festive season!

Penny said...

First of all, I think it is impossible to take a bad picture of your stitching! It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'm really drawn to September's ornament. What a spectacular sight your tree will be with your new additions! I have to say the Raspberry Almond Shortbreads would probably be eaten first, but I've never found a cookie I didn't like. :) You have some very lucky co-workers. Wishing you a very peaceful and relaxing holiday ~ Merry Christmas to you and your family, Carol!

Maggee said...

February is definitely MY favorite one also! The clean, simple lines, the colors and how they pop on the fabric, a pair of winter cardinals, plus your finishing is exquisite...all these things contribute to making it just a perfect ornament for my birthday month! :) Not that the rest are awful, cause they are NOT! But you said to pick ONE... Wow! That was a lot of different cookies! They all look yummy! I just bought some supplies to start baking this week. Hubby cannot have any, so it will be scaled down but... I have kids and grandkids with the same sweet tooth as myself... we gotta have a little Christmas cheer! Have a very Merry Christmas, with lots of beautiful Blessings! Hugs!

Le crocette di Mariuccia said...

Carol, all your ornaments are very lovely!! Mariuccia

Rachel S-H said...

They are all so lovely

Barb said...

Hi Carol - oh what a wonderful blog,post! It is always so much fun to see your stunning "Parade of Ornaments". It's great fun to look back at the previous years' of those stitched beauties!! I can't pick a favorite - they are all just too special. You really have done a great job with each of them - so clever and so creative. You have every reason to be proud of your work!!

As for those cookies - oh my goodness! I do believe we are all drooling on our computer screens! LOL!

I do hope you have a wonderful holiday - blessing to you and your family!

xo - Barb

Elizabeth Ann said...

My favorite post of the whole year! And you ask which is our favorite - ha, you know I just love all of them, maybe a wee bit partial to June though. I hope you catch up on all your chores and can enjoy this week! Your cookies look so yummy but I went right by them quick and didn't pick a favorite!
Have a great week....

diamondc said...

Merry Christmas Carol: Love your parade of ornaments, so sweet.
I cannot pick a favorite I like them all.
I love homemade cookies.

Merry Christmas
Catherine

Nicola said...

Carol, i really can't choose a favourite ornament, they are all so gorgeous! Your baking looks really delicious too!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Nicola

Lynn B said...

Carol,

I loooove seeing your ornaments every year, they are just superb! I love the finishing on ever single one of them!

Merry Christmas!

pj said...

Carol,
What a wonderful post to end the year! Your ornaments are always the best! You have such a talent for finishing. Many love to stitch but absolutely hate to finish. I must force myself to do it! Love February....it is so sweet and like you, reminds me of my mother who adored cardinals! She would spend hours watching them!

Christmas is not the same here in Iowa without cold and snow. It has been in the 50's and actually is pouring rain right now! I did scale back this year on decorating too. Plus have not baked one cookie! I admired your tray and there is still time for me to get a few made! I wish you a beautiful Christmas and want to thank you for all your sharing throughout the year! Love reading your blog and enjoying your journal of stitching! Blessings to you and your family! Hugs, Pam in Iowa

LoriU said...

Merry Merry Christmas to you and yours Carol!! Love all the finishes...I think October is my favorite! I love snowmen and well, my birthday is in October! Take care and see you in the New Year!

Hilda said...

Dear Carol,
your 2015-Ornaments are all so wonderful I love all of them. But it was also February that took my heart first, when I clicked through the pictures. I love how the stitching and the fabric and the pearls work together so perfectly!

Your cookies look really delicious. Just want to come to you and have some coffee and cookies in your kitchen with you, LOL!

I hope the last days before Christmas will not be too busy for you!

Hugs
Hilda

Justine said...

Carol those ornaments are all so lovely it's hard to choose a favourite! All beautifully stitched and finished. Your garland looks amazing and what a great tradition to have.
Wishing you and yours a very happy Christmas.

Jackie's Stitches said...

This is one of my favorite posts of yours each year Carol! The cookies all look delicious. The ornaments are incredible as always. If I *had* to pick one I'd pick the January ornament - I just love the contrast with the black fabric. All of them are just exquisite.

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday!

Lillie said...

Gorgeous ornaments stitched and beautiful choice of designs.
That tray of cookies had me salivating all over my keyboard!
Wishing you a blessed Merry Christmas !

Mavi. said...

Que maravilla Carol, que bonitos todos los pinkeeps y los cojines navideños, si uno es bonito el otro lo es más y verlos en la barandilla de la escalera es una preciosidad. Los dulces prefiero no verlos... que aspecto más apetecible.
Felices fiestas para ti y toda tu familia.
Muchos besos.

Unknown said...

I Loved the one called Let it snow. SO PRETTY! Merry Christmas!

Faye said...

I love cruising through your very inspirational blog and looking at all your beautiful stitches in awe..... This blogpost is total eye candy! Keep up the fantastic work, my friend.... Hoping you have the Merriest of Christmas's and many blessings in 2016~

Jeanne said...

Hi Carol and Merry Christmas! I enjoyed as always the parade of ornaments and it makes me want to buy a new house with a second floor so I can have a stairway to decorate LOL! Everything is lovely but I think I like February's ornament the best. I think I see my favorite Christmas cookies too on your tray - I always make those raspberry almond ones ever since I got the recipe off the Land O' Lakes butter box years back. Love them! Have a great holiday with your family Carol and looking forward to another inspirational year of your stitching posts!

Von said...

Merry Christmas, Carol!
I love your garland. It reminds me of a similar one I put up a few years back. For some reason decorating at Christmas has dropped down my priority list and that's one item that dropped clear off, lol! I've decided I just have to get started in November so I can get it done.

Anne said...

Wishing you a very merry Christmas my dear friend. I'm glad you are home and well. I've been so remiss with everything this year! I dearly love Ll of your ornaments but my favorite would have to be the chickadee one!! Hugs to you!! Xoxo

Anne said...

Wishing you a very merry Christmas my dear friend. I'm glad you are home and well. I've been so remiss with everything this year! I dearly love Ll of your ornaments but my favorite would have to be the chickadee one!! Hugs to you!! Xoxo

Joy said...

They are all wonderful...my favorite is January! Merry Christmas!

twinpeakprimitives said...

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a very happy new year Carol ♥

You make me amazed and inspired always! Your fingers and your needle must be fairy ♥

Lynette said...

I love every one of your ornaments! My favourite is February (I love Prairie Schooler!) but I do love October too - such a cute little snowman!

As for the cookies, wow, what a choice! I think I'd have to pick the Reeses ones as my favourite though!

Julie said...

Blessings to you and the family this Christmas Carol, I hope you all have a peaceful and relaxing time enjoying the festivities.
I couldn't possible choose a favourite from your ornaments, they are all so beautifully stitched and finished and I know give so many stitchers ideas for their own creations.
{love and hugs} xx

Christina said...

Another year of beautiful ornaments. My favorites are February and November. I couldn't pick just one. ;) Your cookies look so delicious! I would pick the PB cups too. I baked for 5 evenings after work for gift giving. This kitchen is closed! LOL

♥ Nia said...

Your Christmas decorations are always a delight to my eyes :D Love them all!!!
My 3 favourites...can't pick just one :p March, May and August
Merry Christmas my sweet friend :) A magical night to you and your family!!

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

What a beautiful selection of ornaments, Carol. I like them all so it is very hard to pick one - I'm torn between April and December's ornaments.

Pam in IL said...

I know I'm late in commenting, but I haven't really been online for weeks. I always enjoy your Parade of Ornaments and this year is no different. All of the ornies are beautiful so it's really difficult to pick a favorite. I do really like May's Joy to the World and July's Prairie Schooler, but also March's Winter Wind and October's Let it Snow. Oh, I just really like them all!

Meari said...

Gosh, I always love seeing your ornament recap even though I watch them come to life throughout the year. I *almost* bought garland a few days ago to hand ornaments on like you do... although, I don't have a staircase. I was thinking about wrapping it over a door frame. What do you think?

Beth said...

I am SO behind on reading blogs - just now catching up - I didn't travel to Argentina, but did some seasonal work at a call center - so had very little 'extra' time in December am now just catching up. Love your parade of ornaments - all wonderful designs and unique finishes. Your blog is one that I always look forward to reading Carol - you are so generous in sharing your crafting and designing skills with us.