Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Four sweethearts and a snowman!

Greetings from an unusually warm western Pennsylvania! 84° in mid-October? Unbelievable, but that's what they're forecasting for later today and I'm loving it. I know it won't last forever, but the winter will surely feel shorter due to this amazingly sunny, warm fall we've had so far. 

Today, I have a couple of finishes that are long overdue. You see, way back in this post from August 2011 (yep, more than 5 years ago!), I wrote that I would be stitching the most famous crow couple Ida Mae and her honey, Ira Ray "next." Ha! I wonder what happened? They have been kitted up all these years just patiently waiting for me to pay them some attention. And you know what? I'm sorry I put off stitching them so long because they were both so delightful to stitch!

I had originally picked the suggested 35 ct. WDW straw linen for the crow couple (designed by The Good Huswife), but after just a few stitches, I knew it wasn't for me. It was so flopsy--it about drove me crazy! So, I switched to what lately seems to be my "new best friend"--40 ct. country mocha  Newcastle. Here is Ida Mae in all her glory stitched with the suggested NPI silks. Isn't she adorable? I just love her polka dots!

Miss Ida Mae Crow

Seriously, who could resist her? Well, certainly not Mr. Ira Ray Crow in his bright green vest and chocolate striped pants. I did make some changes to the flowers surrounding Ira Ray--I omitted the bright orange and used the same colors that were found in Ida Mae's palette. I changed the color of his buttons, too, from ivory to gold because they showed up better.

Mr. Ira Ray Crow

Um, let's talk about those pants of Ira Ray's--don't they totally remind you (well, those of you old enough to remember the fashionable 60s, that is!) of the slacks sported by many of the boy bands of the decade? Why, I know I dated a few guys who wore them (and, I "might" even admit to having owned a similar pair, myself--but don't tell anyone!!). I found this great old photo of a 60s band online (sorry, but I don't know the name of the group) and just look at the striped pants on the second guy--notice the resemblance? Too funny!!


So, what do you think? Are Ira Ray and Ida Mae in the courting phase or are they married? I think it's the former... They both have a sort of hesitant, shy look about them. Ah, young love in bloom! I plan on framing them  in black, rustic looking frames and hanging the pair in my family room.

Two sweethearts in love...

And I have another snowman ornament finish--my ninth of the year. Oh, wait, this is the 10th month of the year, isn't it? Yes, I'm behind--still need to stitch my snowman for October. I needed something quick and easy so I chose this little guy  by The Little Stitcher called "Blue Snowman." He can be found in the 2016 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue. Once again, I used 40 ct. country mocha Newcastle--just love it!

"Blue Snowman"

I changed the color of blue to DMC 930 (from the turquoise hue that was suggested) because I wanted to coordinate it with the Woolies Flannel that I chose for my finish. I'm so pleased with the final look. The blue wool flannel reminds me of a snuggly  blanket and the ivory braided trim resembles a warm winter sweater giving this ornament a nice cozy feel. I surrounded it with some handmade cording and added a couple of rusty bells hanging from strands of DMC 930 to finish off the ornament. Only three ornaments left to stitch for the year--hooray!

A ninth snowman ornament for my tree

So, that is my stitching news for this post...

But, don't leave yet! I've got some other news... Big news!! Look at the title of my post--it reads: "Four sweethearts and a snowman," doesn't it? Who are the other two sweethearts??? Well, remember my oldest son who moved to California last month? What I didn't tell you is that he left with a ring in his pocket... a beautiful diamond ring. And, on a lovely San Diego evening, while drifting down the canals near Coronado, he asked his very own sweetheart to marry him as they watched the sun set from a gondola. They are planning a fall 2017 wedding and we couldn't be happier for them... 

An engagement at sunset

So, there is lots of happiness in my household in spite of a very tumultuous time in United States history. Thank goodness I have my stitching and Netflix watching so I can avoid the political commercials and stressful moments that this election is causing--at least, to some degree. Is anyone else stressed out? Yikes!! Pure craziness...

I plan to be back with a couple of Halloween finishes before the end of the month, but until then--"Happy Stitching" everyone! And thank you all for your sweet comments and emails. The fact that you take a few moments out of your day to leave a comment really means a lot to me! Bye for now...

87 comments:

Arlene G said...

Congrats on the engagement of your son!! Weddings are always happy times. I love all those finishes and I agree about the pants reminding me of the stylish 60s and 70s! I am contemplating a start...Smoky Mountain Christmas! I have seen so many stitchers doing it, including Vonna, the twisted stitcher. It is so beautiful. Maybe if I start it in January it will be done by Christmas 2017. Yes, stitching is keeping me sane amongst all the political clamor here. Hey, stitching keeps me sane all the time.:)

Jacqueline said...

great post full of beautiful things. Congrat's to the engaged couple.

Mavi. said...

Enhorabuena Carol, por el compromiso de tu hijo, les deseo toda la felicidad del mundo y que puedan compartirla con todos vosotros.
Preciosa esa pareja de enamorados pájaros que adornarán tu salón.
Muy lindo el muñeco de nieve y la forma de montarlo.
Que vista más buena, el count 40 es pequeñito pero luce tanto una vez bordado.
Un gran beso.

Mavi. said...

Congratulations Carol, by the commitment of your son, I wish you all the happiness in the world and can share with you all.
Beautiful pair of birds that love to decorate your living room.
Very cute snowman and how to ride it.
That view more good, count 40 is tiny but looks much once embroidery.
A big kiss.

Heather said...

Yay! Congratulations! I love being a mother in law!

Your stitching is gorgeous as always! I love the changes you made to the snowman! I have that one earmarked to stitch. I should probably pick out the finishing fabric first since blues can be so tricky! It was 82 here in southern Delaware yesterday! Crazy!

Vickie said...

Congratulations on the engagement of your son! This is wonderful news. Yes, much better than the election news on TV. I agree stressful!
Ira Ray and Ida Mae are delightful! :D
Your snowman ornament finish is excellent Carol!

Lynda Harrison said...

Hello Carol - Well done to your son!! I knew he could do it! I hope they will be very happy!! And what about. You - a mother-in-law for the first time!!
Looking at your stitching and finishing - as ever, totally gorgeous - I just love all that you stitch! The birds are lovely, and so unusual, and the snowman, brilliant - I can't wait to see all your snowman finishes together at the end of the year.
We have a sunny day here today, but with a strong, cold wind - I hope you are enjoying these Autumn months.
Take care of yourself, and have a lovely October'!
Thinking of you,
Lynda.

Robin in Virginia said...

First, congratulations to your eldest son and his bride to be! What a lovely background to given and receive a proposal. Your Crow couple is adorable, Carol. I like them on the fabric you used. I love your snowman stitch and finish. Way to go!

Maggee said...

Hello! Congratulations to your son! How exciting for you and the family! That was a beautiful place to pop the question! I went there once! Love Ida Mae and Ira Ray--and I look forward to seeing them in frames! Your snowman is adorable, as always... Since it has birds in it, gotta check it out!! I love DMC 930--it is a fave of mine, so I just may do the same coloring! Thanks for sharing! Hugs!

Jenny said...

Oh Carol those crows are just adorable! What a fun way to start my morning! Your Little Blue Snowman is just precious as well! I knew as soon as I saw him I would be stitching him and after seeing your finish he has been bumped up to the top of my list! Oh may my needle be quick...lol!

Congratulations on your sons engagement! What a beautiful sunset to propose under! How exciting for your family! I am really happy for you :)

I too am so thankful for stitching! It keeps me sane and grounded and Netflix is a great thing too. I love reminding my kids that when I was little we had black and white television, no cable channels, no VCR, DVD or DVR and definitely no Netflix. My goodness how did we ever live...because the only phone was just that...a telephone hooked up to a landline! Nice! Grins...

I hope you are having a good week with lots of stitching time!

Mary said...

Congratulations and warm hugs to you Carol, your son and your family! You have a wonderful year ahead to look forward to.

Your stitching is beautiful, as always. The "crow couple" looks great.
I love the latest snowman. He will be a fun addition to your collection this year.
I often work backwards with colors especially if I have a favorite fabric in mind.

Our stitching is a gift of relaxation and comfort, isn't it?
I look forward to my nightly stitching hours

HUGS to you and many best wishes
Mary

Christina said...

We have your cool weather. Great job on your little crow couple. Love your snowman. YAY!!! Congrats on your son's engagement. I've been wondering since you mentioned it to me in your email. I agree stressful times in our country right now. Looking forward to your spooky stitching.

Allycoll said...

Hi,
I am new to your lovely blog...I found you via intragram��
Gorgeous crow finishes and what a lovely snowman ornament. Iove stitching but recently have gone off the large sampler desgins as they take to long to complete and these days I am far to impatent. I live in the UK and when working I worked as a Nurse but retired early a few years ago. I have three grown up children 25, 22 and 19 years of age (the older two have finished their degrees and are now working and the youngest goes next year after 2 gap years) Anyway enough of me great to find your blog.
Take care,
Alison.

Shelly said...

Congrats on your sons' engagement! He certainly knew how to pop the question in a gorgeous setting! Ira and Ida are looking great, looking forward to seeing them framed. Your finishing on the snowman is just excellent. Yes, I am stressed over this election. Sooo tired of the political ads and everyone jumping down each other's throats. Trump made a visit here to my town couple weeks back, a town of 48,000, and set off a day of bickering between strangers via the local newspapers comment section. I don't think a presidential candidate has ever visited outside of Phoenix. They come to Phoenix and then leave. I'm looking forward to someone being elected and then we can move forward. Take care, Carol.

besomom said...

Congratulations to your son! How nice for you to gain a daughter-in-law.

I love your stitching, and your finishes are inspiring (and make me slightly envious that I don't have your finishing skills).

YES, I am completely stressed out about this election. I was just reading an article that said that over 50% of Americans are reporting higher levels of stress right now due to the current political climate. I have unfollowed a bunch of my friends on Facebook (even those who agree with me politically--I'm just tired of reading about it). I love losing myself in Instagram, because by some fortunate chance everyone I follow there has been keeping it completely apolitical. I'm stitching and Netflixing like crazy to keep myself from going crazy!

Hugs from Michigan (where it's also in the 80s)
.

Annie said...

What exciting news! You must be so happy to hear of the engagement. I can see you starting wedding stitching right now!

Your crow couple are totally adorable. That linen is perfect, if difficult to see (for me).

Love you snowman and the color changes. Just the blue for you!

Cricket-bug Corner said...

Those are adorable- love the pants lol

Amy said...

Congrats to your son and his fiance!! That's so exciting!

I love your shy bird couple. The Good Huswife is one of those designer who makes me wish I hadn't fallen completely away from stitching for so many years - I missed out on some fantastic patterns!!!

The little snowman is just adorable; I love your finish. Where do you find your finishing materials? Have you just collected bits and bobs over time, or do you have some go-to shops that offer such neat things?

Needles Everywhere said...

Your finishes are so adorable! Beautiful stitching. I really enjoy your blog. Thank you for sharing.

Justine said...

Congratulations to your son and his fiancee! I hope that wedding planning will take your mind off the upcoming election. We have lots of coverage here too in the UK. I am still stressed about the Brexit vote here in June!
I love your little blue snowman, he is gorgeous and beautifully finished as always! I love your idea of matching floss to finishing fabric.

Lumiruusu said...

Hello Carol -Wonderfull news,concgratulations to you and your son.The Crows look very nice and I know you will frame the bestpossible way. The little Blue Snowman is very handsome and you finished him beautifully as you always do!Thank You for visiting my blog!

Unknown said...

Your finishes are just beautiful...and what great news! Congratulations to your son and your family! my Daughter just got engaged also and we are planning a 2017 Fall wedding in September as well! I will be stithcing with you and trying to avoid the politics..you are not alone..I think many of us are stressed out. Happy Stitching!

Karleen said...


Congratulations on your good news about your son. I love reading your blog. I have started back cross stitching because of you. Thanks.

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Love your stitching, especially the snowman 😀 And huge congrats to the happy couple!!
Jillxo

Elizabeth said...

The crows are so cute. Congratulations on your son's engagement .

Cole said...

You're unseasonably warm and we're unseasonably cold! We're hovering around freezing and have had the white stuff for almost two weeks already, yikes!!

Beautiful stitching, I love your snowman finish. And congratulations on the new extension to your family, exciting times indeed!! :D

Daniela Bencúrová said...

Wow, Carol, I really like the Miss Ida and Mr. Ira!
I also have a plan to both :-)
I send greetings!

butterfly said...

Oh I love the crow sweethearts I must stitch them one day I have the charts some where .
Love the snowman too , and such a beautiful finish.

Looks like you are going to have lots of happy times to come in the future and I am so happy for you and your family.
It has been warm here the last two days but they say the cold is coming and looking at the berries on the bushes it could be a bad winter we will see. Hugs.

twinpeakprimitives said...

Congrats on the engagement of your eldest son and the bride! I wish them every possible happinesses!

I love blue handsome snowman and your finish as well as both lovely crows Ida and Ira! Wonderful stitching as always ♥

valerie said...

Yyaaaaaayyyyyyyy!!! I'm so happy for Mr. D! How exciting and it sounds like we are getting married close to one another. Oh, you must be so, so happy! And congrats on finishing your lovely crow couple. They are gorgeous and so is the blue snowman. Enjoy that warm weather. Hope to catch up soon!! *hugs*

Terri said...

Who'da thunk we'd be running around in tank tops, shorts, and sandals in the middle of October!! :-)

Congratulations to you and your son!!

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

Congratulations to your son and his fiance,Carol.How lovely to have such a special occasion to look forward to next year:)
I love your snowman and the colour blue you chose.I think Ira Ray and Ida Mae are courting too:)

LoriU said...

Great great finishes!! Loving that blue snowman!!!

Congrats to the happy couple!

Kate said...

Carol, how exciting to have a wedding coming up!!!
Ida Mae and Ira Ray are a gorgeous couple - they look like they'd be fun to stitch. I really like your snowman finish - the blue is perfect.
Enjoy your mild weather. It's much cooler here but we haven't had a killing frost yet and that's a bonus.

Harriet said...

Carol, thank you for sharing your happy news with all of us! Will you stitch a wedding sampler? I let my kids pick theirs from some of the charts I had. We are blessed with a dear daughter-in-law and also a great son-in-law.

Like everyone else I love to see your finishes. The Crows are delightful and really love the snowman. That flannel is perfect, and so smart planning ahead and changing the blue. Seems like every time I look at your blog I add something to my list! Inspiration, it's a good thing.

I too find all the political fervor stressful and dream of a time when everyone can work together to tackle problems. But as they say, my needle and thread, they comfort me. Enjoy this happy time for your family!

diamondc said...

Carol: Congratulations to your Son. I love Ida Mae and Ira Ray, so sweet.
Your Snowman pillow is adorable.
I know that band I just need to get my old thoughts together.

Blessings
Catherine

diamondc said...

Carol: The middle guy is Lou Christie, with the band members, I believe he is still alive and singing.

Blessings
Catherine

Cindy's Stitching said...

So happy you have good news. Congratulations. You will have a daughter in law. The stitches are all so sweet. The striped pants, I do remember them. I think I had a pair also. Can't wait to see them framed. The snowman is really cute. We still have 80s also but they say this weekend will cool off. I am looking forward to the cooler weather. The country is a mess right now and can't even imagine what the elite have in store for us this election. I trust in the Lord and pray for this country.

Linda said...

Congrats on the great finishes Carol. And, congratulations to your son.

Linda

priscilla said...

Congrats to the newly engaged couple! Love all your finishes Carol .. the little snowman turned out just adorable!

Von said...

Congratulations to your son on his engagement! It's going to be a wonderful year getting ready for the big event!!
As for the election, I'm avoiding as much of the nonsense as I can!

deb said...

Those crows are definitely courting – dressing in their snazzy clothes! (oh my, those striped pants – I remember them well!) They are going to look fantastic framed and hanging next to one another.

I like the blue you used in your snowman ornie … and did you change his nose also? I seem to remember there was something about that one that bothered me when I looked at it in the magazine…. (and omg, you actually *finish* your ornies – I have a bag full sitting on my sewing machine)

Congrats to your son! Such happy news!

Stressed out by the election? Oh my … I can’t even stand having the radio on in my car these days – even on my quick commute.

Sherri said...

Cute stuff there Carol! The Little Stitcher Snowman is 2nd in line in my cross stitch pile. I think he is adorable and love the blue you choose with your fabric. Congratulations on the upcoming marriage next fall. My daughter just got engaged and is planning a wedding for next fall as well. My next stitching project is a stocking for the son-n-law to be. It will go up with our stockings. Next year, I'll stitch stockings for them in their new home. Then, I'll get to the snowman ornament. Exciting times!

Aussie Carrie said...

Hi Carol, as always your finishes are delightful. It is nice to know you are blessed with a loving family and you are about to gain a daughter. I love having my two delightful DIL after raising 3 sons. Congratulations to you and your son and his future wife.
PS: I don't understand US politics but even in Australia they are very irritating - can't wait till the election is over.

Wanda said...


Dear Carol,

I am so excited for you and your son! This is just the most exciting news! I know it has been difficult having him so far away when you have had the pleasure of him being nearby so I hope this helps in the transition.
Ira Rae and Ida Mae are too adorable for words. You may have spurred me on to get stitching them. They are just too cute. I think they are courting as well.

The little snowman just melts your heart. He is so cute and such a beautiful finish.

October has been beautiful and I hope it continues with this great weather for a while yet.

Happy stitching!
hugs,
Wanda

Ellen said...

Beautiful stitching, just love the crows and the cute snowman! Congrats to the engaged couple!

Looking forward to your Fall stitching! I am stitching very slowly, have to have time for my new hobbies tatting and chinese calligraphy ha ha!

Hugs,

Myra said...

Please pass along my congratulations to your son as well! So exciting. Your stitching is gorgeous as always. I really love the crow couple. So cute.

Angela said...

I absolutely love that Snowman finish, he is just too cute :)

Mary said...

Hi Carol, as usual you have such a lovely lot of finishes to show us. Mr & Mrs Crow are certainly delightful. Congratulations on the good news too - very exciting. Many thanks for your kind comment too.
Mary

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

What a great post, Carol! I love Ida Mae and Ira and think they'll look amazing in black, rustic frames. I can't wait to see them. Your snowman finish is wonderful. It's so sweet and your finishing is perfect!
Congratulations to your son and future DIL. What a lovely evening to get engaged.

Cindy said...

Hi Carol. Those crows are adorable and yes, being 61, I remember those pants! So trendy then, they look hilarious now! I just saw your snowman finish on IG and he's a cutie.
Thanks so much for the kind well wishes. I'm slowly feeling better. Well enough to get on the phone and notebook for a few minutes. I have never felt so sick and hope I've not given it to my whole family. At least they have all gotten their flu shots:)
Also, congrats to your son for his engagement and to you and your husband! Your family is expanding!

Preeti said...

Your stitching finishes are beautiful, Carol!! And Ida and Ira are very cute:)
Congrats to your son! A wedding brings lot of happy talks and things in the family:)
I read about US elections in newspaper everyday, the citizens do not have much choice but to elect between bad and not-so-bad candidates.

Manuela said...

A wonderful post dear Carol.
I love Ira Rae and Ida Mae. They are very sweet.
Your little snowman looks great.
Wonderful news from your son.
Have a wonderful week with a lot of time to stitch.
Best wishes Manuela

Irmeli said...

Always love your blog and your wonderful stitching and finishing, everything is just beautiful. The snowman is cute and perfectly finished and crows are so sweet.

What a delightful news for your family, congratulations. You have so exciting time ahead with all the wonderful arrangements for the great celebration.

Marilyn said...

Ida & Ira are so cute, they will look great in black frames.
Cute Snowman too.
I remember those striped pants!
They were very popular. :)
Congrats to your son and future DIL.
Happy Fall!
Marilyn

Christine said...

Congratulations to your son and his girlfriend!
I love the finishing on your snowman ornament and the crow couple are adorable

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

Carol, congratulations to your son on his engagement.
The crows are lovely. I would not have considered them for stitching but they are so nice. Your snowman finish is delightful.

Sally said...

Congratulations to your son and future daughter in law! What a gorgeous way to propose.

Ida and Ray look delightful! I love the fabric you have stitched them on. I was going to ask if you thought white would show up OK on it then I read down and saw your cute snowman stitched on it too!

pj said...

Carol,
Congrats! You will enjoy being a sweet mother in Law! Your family is starting to grow. Fun days ahead! That is exciting news!

Love your finishes and especially this snowman one! It just pops out with your blue choices! You have such a good eye and your cording always makes it look perfect! I can stitch but struggle with finishing!

Ira and Ida look fantastic! Sweet couple and stitch d in silks! Fancy couple in their finest! Can't wait to see them framed!

We have had a beautiful October also with temps in the 80's. We enjoy each day that isn't winter!

Happy stitching and anxious to see your Halloween finishes.

Pam in Iowa

Mii Stitch said...

Congratulations to your son & his fiancée on the romantic engagement :)
Great stitching as always.
The birds really look lovely and the finished snowman is a pure gem!!
We do hear a lot in the UK about the US election!!
I feel for all the Americans...

Hilda said...

Oh so happy news: Congratulations to your son and his girlfriend. Such a wonderful and romantic place to getting engaged.
I am sure you will be a wonderful Mother-In-Law, my dear friend!

I love love love your stitchings. The crow couple is so sweet. I am sure they will look gorgeous in a black frame, hanging side by side and glancing to each other in ths sweet and shy way.
And this snowman. So pretty and so "Carol" - with all this blue and the sweet details on the finishing.

Nice to read that your Autumn weather is so wonderful. I am almost a bit jealous about it, because here in Austria we only have rain and fog and cold temperatures since the beginning of October, brrrrrrr! Enjoy all the warmth, my dear friend. I really hope it will last a little bit - Winter is long enough!

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Hugs
Hilda

Cathy H. said...

Oh, I love your delightful crow couple and your snowman. My favorite Christmas decorations are snowmen. I love them so much I keep the snowmen around until February. Congratulations to your son!

Irene said...

Auguri a tuo figlio, il matrimonio è una cosa bellissima per tutta la famiglia. Bellissimi ituoi ricami, mi piace sempre tanto come li cuci.

Glenna said...

Your blog is such a soothing and creative antidote to all the negative and ugly political stuff out there. Congrats to your son and his fiancée, and your ornaments are, as always--inspiring and so fun. I hope you're planning your Christmas ornament spectacular this year--it's something to look forward to for all of us.

Lili said...

Your ornie is so sweet! Love the beads around!
How cute crow couple!!
Congratulations to your son.

Hugs,
Lili

Melissa said...

Look, Carol, I'm online again! I have a new laptop and though I don't have everything set up yet I have the basics!

First off, congratulations to your son and his new finance! How wonderful all around and you must be all in a tizzy thinking about that wedding (planning)! So exciting!

Love the crow couple. They are darling and I have both these harts but they will stay like that for awhile. Who knows one day I might stitch them? Love that snowman too - blue, of course!

KrissKross said...

Carol,

Thank you for another delightful blog - love your writing style! You are so talented and I always love seeing your stitching and finishing. Yes, I am stressed out about the elections, but I try to remember that the Lord appoints and deposes kings - He is in control even when things look bad. <3 Congratulations on your son's engagement - so nice to have happy thoughts upon which to dwell.

Kristina

marly said...

Congratulations to your son and his fiancée. I think the crows look like a long married couple! They are adorable and will look perfect in black rustic frames. I think the heat wave is over. For good!

Barb said...

Congratulations on the engagement. Now the fun begins. I loved being the mother of the groom, more fun less work and stress. As usual your finishes are wonderful. I love the blue that you chose for the snowman ornament. It goes so well with the fabric. Planning the finish before the color of the floss is chosen is a great idea.

Marsha said...

Your crows are darling! I love the colors you chose to coordinate. Congratulations on gaining a future daughter-in-law. I agree about all the divisiveness in this presidential campaign. I am so stressed and embarrassed by it all. I will be so glad when our country goes back to dignity and respectfulness as the way to treat others--what we are all trying to teach to our children and grandchildren.

Mini said...

Lovely finishes Carol. The bird pair is so cute.
Congratulations on your son's engagement . Will you be making a lot of stitched items for the wedding? I'm sure you will make a wonderful Mother in law.

Meari said...

Oh my goodness.... reading about your son's proposal gave me goosebumps. How romantic! Best wishes to them in their future.

Your projects are so beautiful. I always enjoy reading what you're working on and seeing the finishes.

Julie said...

Firstly many congratulations to your son and his wife-to-be, what a wonderful way to propose.
The crows are adorable aren't they when put together.
Love your latest ornament finish, the little bells are so cute on it.
{hugs} to you Carol xxx

Lillie said...

What a joy to read your post on Ida and Ira. Both are a perfect match.
Big congratulations on the engagement. Oh!I can see you getting busy with the planning and all. The snowman is adorable and you finished it beautifully. Have a good week.

Southpaw Stitcher said...

Wonderful news about the engagement! Congrats to you, your son and future daughter-in-law. The crows are absolutely spectacular! And your "quick and easy" snowman was turned into something so special by your finishing. Love it!

Gabi said...

What wonderful news. Congrats to your son an your future daughter in law. The moment must have been very romantic!
The crows are adorable. The little snowman is really sweet and the finishing is as always beautiful.
Have a happy week-end.

Andrea said...

Congratulations on your son's engagement.

Wonderful stitching. The Crow couple are just perfect and so Autumnal. Love the colour change on the snowman. The flannel fabric works so well. I have that one marked as a possible stitch, there are so many post-it notes in this years Ornament issue.

Have a great weekend.

Margaret said...

It's so funny -- I'd forgotten all about those striped pants till you mentioned them! lolol! So funny! Love your finishes -- I've wanted to stitch those two sweethearts but never have. Love the snowman finish too! And congratulations to your eldest and his future wife. So exciting! So I guess you'll be flying out there for the wedding next year? YES!! I'm totally stressed by this election! I can't wait for it to be OVER!!!! lol!

Beth said...

Carol - The crow couple is just charming. I really like the colors that you used to tie the two pieces together. Congrats on the engagement - wedding are such happy and joyous occasions. You've stitch a darling snowman too and, as always, have topped it off with an outstanding finish!

Faye said...

Busy times Carol and I see your creative hands have remained very busy! I simply love everything I see~ The previous picture showcasing all the black crows is especially eye catching! Although I don't get to comment often, I'm out here reading and sending you ((hugs))..
Always, Faye

Aďka said...

Ahoj Carol,
Tvoje výšivky sú krásne, mám rada jesenní výšivky. Aj snehuliak je roztomilý, ja zatiaľ nič vianočné nevyšívam...
Pekný deń,
A.

Sheryl said...

Lovely finishes as always Carol and I like the change of blue threads to match the flannel fabric. Great news about next year´s wedding.

Jennifer said...

What great news for your son and your family! Very cute stitching - I need to pull out some of those "I'll do that next" projects too! I am so impressed with your snowmen all stitched and finished - what a great addition to your tree they will make!

Brigitte said...

Oh my, Carol, it happens to me so often that I prepare a project for stitching and say that it will be my next project (I can't count how often I have said this, lol), and then something else attracts my attention and the first project is put away and I start the other one. So you are not alone with Ida May and Ira Ray :))) But now they are finished. And look at the lovely couple, they are so pretty in their garments. And yes, I also think that they have just fallen in love.

A lovely little blue snowman that you stitched and finished for your collection. That wool flannel is perfect for the little guy.

Congratulations to your son and your future daughter-in-law. And to you as well :))

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations on the impending nuptials! You must be really excited!

Your finishes are wonderful as always. I love the GH Ida Mae and Ira Ray! For some reason that 60's boy band looks awfully familiar. I can't pull a name out of my head though. I was very young then but have always loved rocknroll!

Jackie said...

Dearest Carol, I have FINALLY made it over for my visit...LOL. I like all the changes you've made to Ida and Ira. There are just beautiful. Love, love her dress :)/ and I do see the resemblance in Ira's pants and the 60's band pants. Oh do I dear say, I remember those pants!!! LOL. The finish of the snowman is absolutely adorable. I have eyed that one in the magazine too...love the change you made.
Wow, that is such great news of your DS and his fiancee' and I am so happy for you and them; and please convey Congratulatory sentiments to the couple for me. That is awesome. I look forward to hearing more about their special day. It will be beautiful, I am sure.
Take care and hugs,
Jacke

Kaisievic said...

Wonderful post, Carol, first of all congratulations on your son's engagement - the proposal sounds so romantic and now there is a full year to plan a wonderful wedding. Where do they plan to get married? Your finishes are gorgeous as always, I do love Ida and Ira and must add their designs to my Wishlist, I think. I am doing a lot of thinking about my 2017 stitching and seeing all of your lovely snowmen is making me wonder if maybe I will try to stitch one for each month, next year. Hmmmm! Yes, tumultuous times for you all in the U.S. but, of course, by the time I am writing this comment, the result is known to all - oh boy! hugs, Kaye xxxx