Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Changes of the season

Happy September! How has your first week of this new month been, my friends? I usually love September--the cooler nights, the changes in the way the sunlight filters through my windows, the fun of fall decorating and baking. But, this year, I've been dreading this month... I'll tell you why after I share my stitching news with you...

I am so pleased with how my latest fall finish turned out! I actually did the stitching of "Crow On a Pumpkin" last November (you can read about it right here). This is a design by Samplers Not Forgotten that can be found in the 2015 Just Cross Stitch Halloween issue. I have fallen in love with the Woolies Flannel to use in finishing off my little pillows--it is wonderful to work with and comes in such rich, warm fall and winter colors. I wish you could feel the gold wool flannel strip on the left of the pillow--so soft to the touch! The back of the pillow is the black and tan checked homespun that I also used to make the yo-yo flower on the front. This has to be one of my favorite fall finishes ever.

Final finish of "Crow On a Pumpkin"

So, I have another little pillow to add to my ever-growing crow display here in my kitchen... I don't want to give you the impression that I am in love with crows or anything! The ones that visit our back yard are big... and noisy... and tend to bully the other birds. But, there is just something about the crow/sunflower/pumpkin combination that I love to see in fall stitching...

Lots of "caws" have been heard coming from my kitchen!

I also pulled out an older project, With Thy Needle and Thread's "Birds Of a Feather Mystery Sampler," that I began a couple of years ago. I know exactly why I stopped working on this one--because the lack of the "J" in the alphabet bothered me. I know that is how the designer charted it (and you can read her explanation of why right here), but I wish it was included. Anyway, I debated whether or not to add it myself, but after going back and forth many, many times, I decided to just leave it as it was charted and plunge ahead. I soon discovered that you need more than one skein of WDW Kudzu for the many leaves so that is why I've stopped for now--some is winging its way to me as I write this!

Birds Of a Feather Mystery Sampler progress

I'm almost half done, but there is a lot of border and a big old hill and house of solid stitching waiting for me on the bottom half which will take quite some time. I do love the colors in this so much--wish they had photographed a bit truer in my picture!

My monthly snowman ornament stitching is falling behind--I do have the one for August stitched, but not finished. I was playing around with fabrics and trims for the finish and may be using these. But, maybe not; it's always a last-minute decision. You'll recognize this pleasingly plump fellow as a Prairie Schooler design from the "Holly Day" (Book No. 157) chart. I changed his nose color from red to black because I wanted it to look like a piece of coal--otherwise, he is stitched using the suggested colors on 32 ct. flax Jobelan. Now, to pick a snowman for September!

Prairie Schooler "Holly Days" snowman

With all of the snowman stitching I have going on this year, I treated myself to "just a few" fat quarters of finishing fabric. I found a wonderful deal on eBay on a complete fat quarter bundle of Moda's "Snowman Gatherings II" that I couldn't pass up. Now, how will I ever use all of this? I suppose I could learn to quilt when I retire? Or get up my nerve and try to make some pretty project bags? I just loved the colors and many of them will be useful for patriotic or primitive finishes as well...


So, that was the happy part of my post... September 17th brings a day I have been selfishly dreading for a while: my oldest son is moving almost 2500 miles across the country to join his girlfriend who moved to San Diego in July. I am so happy for him--he has found a lovely, intelligent, kind, and giving young woman to share his life with. But, oh, how different life will be here in Pennsylvania with him way out in California.


You see, because our oldest works from his home, he was the one we always counted on to be there when things went wrong.  He had the flexibility and freedom in his work schedule to be able to drive over and help out with this or that whenever needed. He actually moved right in with us when my husband broke his neck in last year's fall down the stairs. He fixed our computer problems, challenged our thinking on various subjects, and made us laugh with that dry sense of humor that we so love.

There will be a big void in our lives with him so far away, but at least San Diego is (I've heard!) a lovely, lovely place to visit. It won't be the easiest feat to get there, as there are no direct flights from here, but we will definitely fly out a couple times a year. And, thankfully, technology has made keeping in touch so much easier. We are blessed to have the middle of our three sons still nearby in Pittsburgh. I hate to think that everything will get dumped on him, but he is so very loving and capable, too, that I know we're in good hands. No matter what they say, parents do need more help from their kids as they age...

Anyway, I wish my oldest and his girlfriend all the best in their new life out in the Golden State...  

You will be missed more than words can express...


Thank you all for visiting me today--and a special thank you to those of you who take the time to leave a little comment. Blogging seems to be on the wane and so, for those of us who do still take the time to post now and then, your comments mean ever so much... I'm heading up to New York this morning to visit my mom for five days so I'll be a bit out of touch. But, I'll catch up with everyones blogs when I return! Bye for now...

82 comments:

Vickie said...

Crow On a Pumpkin is splendid Carol.
My heart is heavy with you Carol. Oh I understand completely and do so hope one of our three does not travel so very far to live. It will be okay. It will. I am so glad you are happy for him and his girlfriend. What great future visits you and Tim will have. Life is quite the adventure, isn't it.
Have a safe trip visiting your mom now.♥

Robin in Virginia said...

Your Crow on a Pumpkin is a cutie, Carol. What a sweet crow/pumpkin/fall design in your kitchen! Your snowman makes me smile. Wishing your son and his girlfriend best wishes on their California journey. Have a safe trip to see your Mom and a wonderful visit! Thinking of you!

Tricia T said...

It must be fall if all your lovely crow stitcheries are out!! I feel for you with your son moving cross country. It is hard for us moms, but so wonderful to see them flourish! Have a nice trip to your mom's!

Melinda Forbes said...

The reading of this Khalil Gibran piece has helped me get through some difficult times. It was a perfect way to end this post.

I really enjoyed reading this post, and I am a little worried as more and more people switch to the Video Blogs we will have fewer blogs to read, and that does make me sad.

Enjoy your mom. I will be sure to think of you often during this month and send strength your way

Lynda Harrison said...

Hello Carol - I am so sad with you that your son will be so far away, but happy too, that he and his girlfriend are happy. It's no consolation though, I know, and I know how much you will miss him. But visits will be so special, and something to look forward to.
Autumn stitching! I love the autumn, and in love your Crow on Pumpkin! Such a beautiful finish too! The fabrics are such pretty colours......
I hope your Mum is well, and that you have a lovely visit.
Take care on those roads!
Have a lovely rest-of -week and coming weekend!
Thinking of you all with love,
Lynda.

Hilda said...

Hi, my dear friend!
I am so sorry, that your oldest son is going to move so far away from your - and I really do feel with you. But you found the best words that express what our childs are.
The most important thing is, that he is going to be happy with his girlfriend and that you will hear and read from each other regularly. Yet a big hug for you from me ...

"Crow on a Pumpkin" is first on my list for Autumns stitchings this year. And I hope, I will be able to finish mine half as beautiful, as you did yours. It looks amazing.
I totally know what you mean about crows. I also love motifs with them for my fall stitchings, but I do not like them in nature ...

Enjoy the days with your mother and take care of you, my dear friend!
Hugs
Hilda

Irene said...

wow, i tuoi ricami di settembre sono bellissimi tutti insieme, anch'io ho lo schema del corvo e lo vorrei ricamare presto

Cindy said...

I really like the way you finished your newest crow project. That flannel looks perfect for it! And all those cute crows and pumpkins - I must get to work and catch up:)

I am so sorry about your son moving away. I can understand how much you will miss him. But you will have a wonderful place to go to visit him. We went to San Diego a couple of years ago for a vacation. I wanted to see where my husband spent a few years after high school. OMG, it is beautiful! You'll love it!

Take care and I will be thinking of you! Hugs, Cindy

Gabi said...

Hi Carol, so sorry to read about your son's moving. But you have a place to go to and I am sure you will have contact regularly.
Your stitching is wonderful. I like the colors.
Take care and have a good time with your mom.
Hugs, Gabi

Shelly said...

I like September also but completely understand why you don't right now. I like the word 'flourish' from one of the commenters above because it is what children do when they leave. I'm sure your son is probably torn but knows his brother is nearby. I would feel the same as you if my daughter decided to move to North Carolina! And hey, you're not too far away from Arizona! Haha. Nice to see you working on a big piece. Birds of A Feather is looking great. Your latest snowman is very cute; I would've changed his nose color too! I'm drooling over your fabric purchase! Try your hand at a project bag, Carol, and then try to quit making a ton of them! It's addictive! Have a safe trip to Mom's!

priscilla said...

Such pretty finishes Carol ! Love all your crows.. I am right there with you on the San Diego thing.. It is hard to have your kids live so far away.. San Diego is beautiful so at least you will have a great place to visit.. I am headed back there on Saturday for another game :) Hope your son and his girlfriend have an easy move .. They need to come to a game !

Daniela Bencúrová said...

Dear Carol, it seems that you are already ready to fall! I like the color combination, good choice!
With children we have it equally, all 4 are far from us and come home only a few times a year. We hope that in your old age by themselves :-)
I wish you and Mom nice days!

Tricia B said...

Watched a PBS Nature episode on crows a few years ago. I have loved them ever since. They are extremely intelligent. So I love your crow and pumpkin finish! Your mystery sampler missing letter link was so informative - thank you! You have a great attitude about your son moving. Thank you for sharing!

Linda said...

Congrats on another great finish Carol. Your display looks great. Love your little snowman. Your son will do great and you have a new place to go visit.

Linda

Justine said...

Beautiful stitching as always Carol. I love your crow and pumpkin display! I am anxiously waiting for some cooler autumnal weather - it has been too hot and humid here in the UK recently.
I can't imagine what it feels like to have you son moving so far away, as you know my boys are young and will be with us for a good while yet. The Khalil Gibran words are so true. Be proud that you have raised such an independent and confident young man who is going on a great adventure - but however far he travels there is no place like home.
I will keep you all in my prayers this month.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I too love crows and sunflowers. Then I think that what I really love is the combination of the black and gold. It just looks so good together!

San Diego is a nice place from what I understand too. Cooler than here in the summer. I think you'll enjoy visiting. It is so hard to have your children so far away.

Amy said...

I love all of your crow stitches, but I agree, this finish is my fave of the batch too! Your other stitching is lovely, and I'm looking forward to seeing your snowman finish!

*hugs* to you for your son moving far away. I know the time is coming when my (one and only) child moves out and away, and I'm not looking forward to it. That is, I look forward to him growing up and out, and becoming his own person, but I can't even imagine what it will be like to not have him in my life as much as he is now. *hugs* again.

butterfly said...


Another wonderful post of wonderful stitching and fab finish . I have a baby crow that comes here every day he is so cute and funny , he wakes me up most mornings but I don't mind I love birds and spend much of my time watching them as my time stitching .

It is always sad to when your children fly the nest , I often think about my parents when I flew away down south. But the get togethers are always wonderful , and my parents after many years flew down here too.

Carol is it really September ! where did this last week go , I am still living in August ha.
Have a lovely day .

Karen said...

Love your Crow on Pumpkin! That yo yo is the perfect finishing touch.

twinpeakprimitives said...

Carol, it would be pretty hard for you;but this is agreat development at the same time! I am so happy for him!!! I wish him every possible happinesses!!!

As per your Autumn stitchery and display; "just adorable"!!! PS snowman looks so very cool too!!!

Patti said...

I can relate to your news about your son moving. I have 3 sons also, I live in Calif. and my youngest lives in Massachusetts :( he just became engaged to a very sweet girl and I am very happy for them, but so sad that it is official now that his life will be 3,000 miles away from me. The thought of future grandchildren living so far away makes me sad. We want our kids to leave the nest and be happy, but it would sure be nice if they all stayed closer than a long airplane flight away wouldn't it? My two other sons, DIL's & grandchildren live close to me and for that I am very thankful. Sending (((hugs))) to you, it will be so hard to say goodbye. Oh, and I love all your beautiful stitching!!

La Pie said...

Bonsoir,
Je trouve que vos corneilles sont magnifiques, j'adore ces couleurs d'automne et la flanelle est superbe.
Mes enfants sont grands et ils sont partis de la maison. Cela fait un grand vide mais ils ont une famille maintenant.
D'ailleurs j'ai tellement d'ouvrages à faire que je ne m'ennuie pas.
Bonne continuation, Jocelyne

Jackie said...

Dear Carol,
What a beautiful post! I love your new crow finish along with your crow collection and I do have the Birds of A Feather pattern, nicely tucked away somewhere, awaiting its' turn to be stitched. There is something about crows in a quilt and crosshatch. I think it add a bit of primitive(ness) to your piece. I really do like them. I like your clever idea for coal on the snowman and I will have to now find a snowman and add the "Carol touch of coal" to him. LOL.
You have a beautiful line of fat quarters. I believe there's a yard or two or so in my stash. It was a very popular line and cannot go wrong with those cabbies.
I rejoice for your son moving to San Diego. No worries Carol, he is close in heart and they never forget where home is. So glad you have your other son to help out...surely he is glad to help.

Hope you have a safe trip and will see you around dear...Gotta go meet a little girl at the bus stop in a few minutes :".

Jackie:_

Sherri said...

Hi Carol. As always, I love your stitched pieces and look forward to seeing your finishes. I can truly empathize with you in regards to your son moving away. It is hard to say the least, but it does get better with time. San Diego is such a nice place to visit and the weather is wonderful, so you guys will have a nice visit. I recommend Olde Town which is just outside of San Diego with the best Mexican food and was such a nice place to visit...well it has been quiet a few years since we've been there, but was great.

Margaret said...

Oh Carol, I know how you've been dreading your oldest's move to CA. All the best to him and his girlfriend in their new ventures -- I know you will miss him sorely. Hope you have a good visit with your mom. Love your stitching as always too!

marly said...

I've heard that San Diego is gorgeous. And you're right, technology keeps you connected, even offers face to face time. But it's not like having someone there when you need them. It will be an adjustment I'm sure. Your newest ornament is great and I like how your display uses the black/white check. Very nice!

Von said...

I like crows on linen only too, Carol! :)
Ugh, your son leaving for San Diego will bring lots of changes for you which I can understand you dread making. It is a wonderful city to visit tho, especially when the weather is cold!

kcenya1950 said...

Love the crow finish. That yo yo seals the deal. And San Diego is a great place to visit. And you never know what will happen. Things could change again.

KrissKross said...

I adore your blog and thank you for sharing your lovely gifts with us! ♡

Clare said...

You have inspired me to stitch my `Bird`s of a feather` stitching again. :) Love the Snowman Gatherings 1 1 fabrics. A lovely quilt waiting to found out of these. Our children fly the nest but are soon back again.:) Happy Stitching

Lillie said...

Fantabulous 'caws' I mean crows. You have finished the Crow On Pumpkin beautifully and it look perfect with your other displays. Love your positive thoughts; mother's hold their child's hand for a moment and their heart for a lifetime. I believed everything will work out just fine for you give it a little time and we are so lucky to be living in this current time where a click of a button you are connected.
Wishing you a fabulous September and happy stitching.

Preeti said...

Hi Carol, Good progress on your projects and your latest finish looks wonderful !! Your kitchen corner decor is lovely:) Looking forward to see what you make from the new fabric stash.
I hope you will get used to your son living a bit far away. It's very common here to have parents move in with children when they find it difficult to stay alone. In some cases, they shift nearby their children's home as even parents these days want to live separately. Even when the parents are not old, joint family is very common in India. Sometimes it is good , sometimes not.

Mavi. said...

Le deseo todo lo mejor a tu hijo mayor con su nueva vida en compañía de la mujer elegida.
Muy bonitos todos los acericos que has bordado, aunque a mi los pajaritos negros se me resisten un poco.
Septiembre es mi mes, para todo, aunque este año las temperaturas aquí son extremas de calor, se hace insoportable.
Espero que disfrutes de esos días con tu madre.
Un abrazo.

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
all your stitching is so wonderful. I love your decoration.

Ich kann dir gut nachempfinden wie du dich fühlst. Es ist schon eine große Entfernung nach San Diego.
Mein erstes Kind wird in wenigen Tagen auch zum Studieren fortziehen.

Best wishes, Manuela

Pull the other thread said...

Adore your crow on the pumpkin finish, I must dig around and see if I have that chart as seeing your one I think I would like to stitch it in the future.
Birds of a feather is so pretty, I'm glad you decided to continue on with it and look forward to seeing it progress. Your snowman finish is also super cute.
Sorry to hear that your son has to move away, I hope that you don't find adjusting too terrible, as you say though with technology ppl are so much closer now even when they are far away. Wish him and his girlfriend the best of luck.

Marilyn said...

What a great Crow finish, they all look great together.
That's a pretty bundle of fat 1/4's!
I hope everything works out great for your son, even though you will miss him.
Happy Fall!
Marilyn

Chrissie said...

Hi Carol,

Once again a lovely post and beautiful stitching. You always give me such inspiration for stitching and you also have a way of encouraging me to spend $$ to buy patterns...LOL!!

God Bless your son on his new adventure and many blessing to you and yours.....

Chris

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

You have an impressive collection of crow stitching.
I can sympathise with you about your son's move but from the child's perspective. I live away from my family and it falls to my siblings to help my parents. It can be hard not being there when things get difficult for them.

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

Your display of stitching is beautiful Carol,and your latest finish is a wonderful addition.
I wish your son and his girlfriend every happiness. I do know the emotions that come with a grown up child moving away,although our little island is so much smaller than your country.Like you I am very happy our son has found happiness with his fiance and I know there is a possibility they may leave this country to make a life together elsewhere.The love and care with which we have raised them equips them to make their own lives,then we miss their presence when they do find their place.I am sure your visits will be joyous for you and your son.
I hope you have a good visit with your mom,and a safe journey.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I always enjoy it when you post. I get so many finishing ideas; your work is beautiful.

Mii Stitch said...

Beautiful stitching & finishing as always Carol!!
I can relate to how you must feel about your son.
I am French and left the country to live in the UK, so there are a few miles between my parents & I.
It can be hard sometimes but it makes the family reunions feel even more cherished & precious x

EvalinaMaria said...

All you stitching and finishing are fabulous! Thank you for sharing.🌻

Melissa said...

I can understand why you are dreading this month. Partings are difficult but just think that you can plan another trip next year to visit them! It will all work out.

The latest finish is lovely and the display gorgeous. I can't believe my eyes that I am seeing a sampler in progress! lol. It's going to be lovely. I love Brenda's designs.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Hi Carol, Just got caught up on your posts. Your lovely stitching projects are always an inspiration to me. Life is always changing and it is true we never know what tomorrow may bring but take pride in the wonderful and independent human being you've launched into the world.That's all we can do and I love how Gibran words that sentiment.

Berit said...

I'm familiar with that sons and daughters quote, but I first read it with an advice to turn it around and say "your parents are not...", as a perspective changer that brings understanding and facilitates forgiveness.

Cathy H. said...

Lovely stitching! I love the Crow on a Pumpkin; love that the pumpkin is white! I've been stitching on Christmas ornaments. I stitch one for each of my five grandsons and one for my daughter & son. I've never started this early before, so I'm pleased with that! California; that's a long, long way for a child to move, but I know with today's technology you'll be able to keep in touch! Although, I also know you will miss him very much!

sunny said...

Just think what an adventure your son and his girlfriend are embarking on. San Diego is a very lovely city, so make plans to visit soon. I love all your crow pieces especially the one with the crow on the picket fence.

Christina said...

Nice work on your crow. I agree, "real" crows are not so great. Cute snowman. Nice progress on your sampler. I too have issues with letters missing from samplers, but understand the why of it. I know you have been worried about you son moving so far from home. But you never know where life's journey will take him over the year. He just may end up back on the East Coast at some point in his life. Hugs to you. BTW, love the quote at the end of you post.

Anne said...

Very nice finishes! :)

Barb said...

I hate to say it Carol, but you have joined the plane -all-day rides club! Several times I said we could have gone to Europe for the time it took us to go to Alabama! But my family is not in Europe so to Alabama I will continue to go! I know you will miss your son but you do have the right attitude about adult children. I love the collection of crow pillows, just perfect for the Fall. I will be thinking about you. Life can be hard at times as you so well know.

Brigitte said...

I always love to see your collection of little crow pillows. And the new addition is si beautiful as well. You are right, the fabrics and little embellishments you added are really perfect for this design. And somehow the combination of crows and sunflowers in a designs is so very appealing - to me as well. Although the crows aren't my favorite birds either.

Birds Of a Feather is a wonderful design, I really love it. And now that you have settled on the absence of the J you can happily continue stitching on it. And you are doing it right not leaving the border until the center is stitched. I am just stitching the border all around one of my BAPs and let me tell you it is a bit boring - to say the least, lol. That will never happen to me again.

Nice little August snowman. And I'm curious to see how you will finish him. For me the materials with which I finish my little pillows are always a last minute decision, too. So it's always a mystery with what I end up.

I can so easily understand you on how you are feeling about your son leaving the area where you live. My sons do not live that far from my place but my daughter does. But that's the way it is today. And fortunately there are all these devices like Skype that help us to bypass the distance a little bit. I hope the time after him leaving won't be too sad for you.

Irmeli said...

Your latest finish is wonderful, everything is perfect, colors, materials, design and of course your excellent finish. And your autumnal display is so beautiful with all crows, pumpkins and sunflowers, I love it. Your WIP and snowman are lovely too.

I am so sorry that your son will move far away. I know how much you will miss him but fortunately you can still keep in touch via the internet.I hope to you all the best.

Lumiruusu said...

Hello Carol and thank you for your post. I as usual loved everything -the Mystery Samplera nd all the seasonal decorations you had displeayd so beautifully.We here in Finland have alreaady Autumn and nights have been cold.

Nancy M said...

I haven't blogged in forever. But I do still follow several and yours is one. I love that I can see your finishes on IG, but I do enjoy the stories you tell here. I love your new finish and thought I had that magazine, but I don't! Also love the 2 crow ones with the fences in them. I'll have to look at past posts to see where those came from. I know how sad you must be about your son moving. It is a very long way, but it will be a great getaway from PA winters! Cost of living is so much higher there, maybe they will return! Hope your mom is well.

Diana Stitching said...

Here in England September has arrived bringing with it some very warm weather. Thankfully it seems to be cooling down now.
I love all your crow stitching - they are such fun birds when charicatured.
My thoughts will be with you when your son moves away.
best wishes
Diana x

Ele said...

Lovely stitching
As a daughter who moved away several times, I can assure you that children miss their parents too at times!! But technology is a great help these days!!
all the best

Sheryl said...

The Crow on a Pumpkin design is lovely and made really gorgeous with the lovely finish you have given it, love the gold wool flannel and the little yo-yo. Great new fat quarters too.

diamondc said...

Carol: I am sad for you that your Son is moving but how exciting for him, he will love San Diego, it is beautiful.
I love the Crow pillow how sweet and the button flower is so sweet.
Your display is beautiful.

Blessings
Catherine

Christine said...

I love the finishing on the crow on a pumpkin! Actually I love the whole crow display.
The colours in the fat quarter bundle are gorgeous, I look forward to seeing how you use them

Jennifer said...

What a great bundle of fabric you found on ebay! I bet you'd love to have a custom project bag or two - I am sure they aren't too hard to make - I've seen the ones Vonna at The Twisted Stitcher makes and they seem fairly easy and so handy. I bet it is almost as hard for your son to move as it is for you to watch him go - I wish him the very best on his move and wish for you that his move won't be so bad. The trips to San Diego will be lovely for sure, and they are a whole lot closer than Argentina, at least! Hope you are having a nice visit with your mom. Oh and one more thing - I'd never notice that J was missing if you hadn't pointed it out!

Jenny said...

Hi Carol,
I just wanted to let you know that I will be thinking of you this month and keeping you and your family in my prayers. How wonderful that your son has found such a special young lady to share his life with and how hard it is for you to let him go. I totally understand that one because I know for a fact my husband and I would not have gotten through my journey without my son. He has been there every step of the way for me and I am so very thankful. Life certainly is an adventure filled with all sorts of challenges isn't it? I can honestly tell you that after living in California for most of my life San Diego is one of my very favorite places to visit. I have had family live there for years and I have always loved it. Great dating memories for my husband and myself as well :)

Your stitching is lovely as usual. I love Fall stitching and your Crow on a Pumpkin is just precious! The Mystery Sampler is coming along nicely as well! I am so thankful for the gift of stitching...

Sending hugs your way!

Lisa said...

Lovely stitching :-)

Unknown said...

I love LOVE LOVE your crow finish. Would love to know how you made the little yo yo thing. And your My Needle and Thread project is beautiful. Can't wait to see progress on that.

Cricket-bug Corner said...

You are truly lucky to have nice kids. Your finish is adorable.

Michele B. said...

Hope you had a lovely visit with your mom. I so feel for your sense of loss about your son's move - of course you are glad he is so happy but how hard it is to know you won't be able to see him as much or as easily. I always enjoy reading your stories about your relationships with your sons. What special young men you have raised! Love your crow on the white pumpkin - I had to check last year's Halloween issue for it as I had forgotten about it, only to find I'd actually marked the page! I so share your aversion to the missing "J's" in patterns. I know there is historical reason for this, but their absence always bothers me. But it's a lovely design and I can see why you want to finish it. And we should always try new things, shouldn't we?

Kaisievic said...

Hi Carol, first of all I must say lovely, lovely stitching. You have given me some inspiration for finishing my own version of Crow on a pumpkin, thank you. Secondly, as you and I have already discussed - I know exactly how you feel - all three of my children currently live away from us. The eldest and his wife in outback Queensland, my daughter has just moved to London (which I can tell you is a very long way away from Melbourne, Australia!) and my youngest lives in Sydney. However, you do need to give them wings to fly and I am happy to say that there is a very good chance that both of my sons and my daughter-in-law will be back home with us by the end of the year - oh happy days! xxx

KimM said...

Hi, Carol, I completely understand your heavy heart. I cried so hard when my DD and GS moved to Singapore. It truly was a world away. I never thought they would move back to the states.....but a year and a half later - TA-DA! They're in PA.....a nine hour drive away....versus a 30 plus hour multi-flight(s). Take heart, Skype and FaceTime are true blessings.....lovely stitching.....
Hugs
xxx

Unknown said...

Carol, your Crow on a Pumpkin finish is just perfect! Everything coordinates so well and it is such an autumnal scene. It stands out because it doesn’t use a traditional autumn color palette; it looks so fresh, like the beginning of Fall! I am just in love with all your crow pillows overall – crows are such a striking bird, all black in contrast to the bright golds and oranges!

And I am both sad and happy to hear about your son’s move! I understand how hard it is for him to be so so far away, but happy he has this opportunity and a wonderful lady in his life. Have some faith in the larger scheme of life that this was meant to be. Everything happens for a reason, even if it is hard to understand. I'll keep you in my thoughts during this difficult time. All the best from NE, Emily.

Heather said...

I love your crow finish and your other stitching too!

I am so sorry that your son is moving so far away! Our oldest son and daughter in law live over half way across the US from us and that is hard enough!
Big hugs!
Xoxo

Julie said...

I hope you had a lovely visit with your mum Carol, and that she was able to give you some support in how she coped when you moved away.
Your crow collection does looks lovely. I think I need to plan myself a collection for the differing seasons, I love to see yours each time you post them.
love and {hugs} xx

Katie said...

Oh what a beautiful finish. Love your crow display. We get them here in our yard and they are loud but they really are beautiful in their own way. I'm so sorry to hear about your son. I can't imagine it at all. I lived apart from my mom for a few years but we saw each other several times a week. Now we own a house together and I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Cindy's Stitching said...

Hi Carol, such beautiful finishes. It's so hard to believe it is the middle of September. I moved into my new house, it is so exhausting to move. I do not want to move again. Your son moving to CA, such a big move. The sayings about children are so true. I have always said children are a gift from god, and we were blessed to raise them. You will find new adventures when you visit him. We are still having summer weather and looking forward to cooler weather.

Caroline said...

I'm so very glad we've met through IG and I look forward to reading through your posts here on your blog. I love blogging, though you're right as it seems to be "on the wane", I still think of it mostly as a place to store and record my ramblings for my own memories.
xo

Summer said...

Your projects are so pretty☺ Hugs♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

The Eskimo's Wife said...

Oh my, finishes and fat quarters! Love them all! And thanks for sharing the link to the woolies flannel. I've been needing some things like that for some of my own finishes.

Mini said...

Hi Carol, Your stitching is lovely and the display for the season is beautiful.
I'm sorry that you are sad about your son moving away. I remember the first time I moved away from my parent's house for college..I would be home sick all the time and miss them so much.
However, I think it gets better with time. And with technology these days, you can be in constant touch with family wherever they are.

Unknown said...

Your finishes make the whole ornament!!

passionfruitprincess said...

Lovely finish, Carol! I like your crow display. But I also don't like the real ones... very noise.
I am sure your son will love San Diego, it's really a beautiful place!
Have a good week!
Ana Paula.

Unknown said...

Started with 2009 and read through your whole blog while in a cast. The only thing wrong with that are the charts that are no longer available, like the July 2014 chart, "It snowed last night ". I think that may be one of my favorites, but there are so many. So glad I stumbled across your blog and got back to cross stitch! Thanks!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Lovely fabric mix Carol. I taught myself quilting many years ago and although I enjoyed it I never stuck with it. There are so many gorgeous fabrics out there it's hard to know where to begin. I feel for you knowing that your son is moving to another area of the states - it's so very hard to let them go.

Pat said...

Lovely fall collection of smalls. Could you tell me the name and designer on the pattern you used in your header? Love it! Thanks so much.
Pat

Meari said...

It's always difficult when the kiddos move away, and to have yours all the way across the country... I just can't imagine. However, the weather is great there so when it's cold and snowy here, you could visit! Hang in there.