Christmas Bells Are Ringing!

Well, I know it's January, but, for me...it's still all about Christmas! I finished the first block of Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow and am in love with the colors. The whole block looks like it is just exploding with the love and hope and joy and happiness and good will to men (and women!) that Christmas is supposed to represent. I love the peacock and his tiny, gold crown, don't you? I'll have to admit that it is taking me a while to get used to stitching on such a huge piece of linen after a whole year of doing nothing but small projects, but I'm slowly getting accustomed to it. I went back and forth on what to stitch it on, but finally decided on 32 ct. Flax Belfast Linen and I'm happy with my choice. I knew I would have to feel this fabric for a l-o-n-g time so I had to go with a fabric that I enjoyed touching! Anyway, one block down, only 11 more to go...

I've said it before, but I'll say it again, stitchers are such a special group of generous and thoughtful people! I received the most amazing birthday gift yesterday from my blogging friend, Myra. It literally brought tears to my eyes to think that someone I have never even met would make this beautiful and perfectly stitched "project pouch" for me. Try clicking on the photo to enlarge it so you can see all the amazing details close up. The colors are just delightful and as you can see, my latest project is waiting patiently in it for me to start on it! She included the sweetest little quilted birthday postcard, too, and the bag zips up with a small, silver flower charm. I will treasure it always, Myra, and think of you each time I use it. Thank you so very much, my friend...

And... I received an extremely sweet gift certificate from eHandcrafts.com from a secret stitching friend last week! Now which one of you generous friends sent this to me? I was awake half the night going back and forth trying to figure out who could have been so very thoughtful. She described me in the email notice as a "special person." Well, I beg to differ--you, kind friend, are the special person and I wish I could thank you in person. Sending you a huge hug and my genuine thanks for brightening my day...Your kindness means so much to me:)

Don't forget to take a peek at my previous post and enter for a chance to win one of my birthday giveaways... The contest will remain open until 5 PM on January 29th... Good luck to all. And thank you for your kind birthday wishes...this has been a hard one for me and it makes it a bit easier knowing I have so many wonderful friends out there.

Hope your week is a special one...