To Thee a Very Merry

We've finally had a string of gorgeous sunny days here in western Pennsylvania and I decided it was about time to brighten up my blog, too. No, the flowers shown in my new header aren't blooming yet--in fact, believe it or not, we still have quite a few inches of snow on the ground here! This photo was taken a couple of years ago right outside of my kitchen window, though, and hopefully these Johnny Jump Ups have re-seeded and will grow and bloom again very soon. Luckily, my husband and I are escaping the last days of winter--we're headed south where it is warm and sunny, and lush with palm-trees and flowering shrubs, and perky sandpipers and comical pelicans, and gentle waves and glorious sunsets, and pretty shells on sparkling sand, and...oh, you get the idea! Hopefully, by the time we return, all the remaining snow will have melted and spring will truly be here...

This week, I finished what is probably the tiniest Christmas stocking I'll ever stitch! The design, from the 2008 Just Cross Stitch ornament issue, is by Brightneedle and is called "To Thee a Very Merry." I stitched it "over one" using WDW threads and 32 ct. Country French latte linen and it measures only about 2 3/4 inches by 1 1/2 inches. The design also includes six white eyelet stitches which remind me of snowflakes. I think they add a lot to the finished piece...And don't you just love that tiny black lamb? This was my first attempt at doing anything other than a rectangular or square ornament finish and I'll have to say I'm quite happy with the way it turned out. I backed it with the fabric shown underneath and trimmed it with sage green cording and a little white bow. Try clicking on the photo for a better look...

I also want to share my new stash that I got with the gift certificates from my two generous mystery gift givers back in January. From ehandcrafts, I ordered the Blackbird Designs "Merry December" stocking chart and some Piecemaker needles. And from Stitchin' Bits and Bobs, I couldn't resist ordering Ida Mae Crow and her hubby Ira Ray. I fell in love with them when I first saw them posted on Ranae's blog last July. They are just so sweet, I couldn't resist! I also picked up the Blackbird Designs "Love is In the Air" February stockings chart. So, to both of you secret gift certificate giving friends--thank you, thank you! I still am in shock that you two would be so kind and if I knew who you were, I would give you the biggest hugs...

Your comments on my second block of Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow meant so much to me last week. And I especially loved hearing about the simple things in life that bring you smiles. I so look forward to reading your comments each morning--thank you again for taking the time to say hello...