Monday, September 27, 2010

Stitching For a Cause

Good morning, everyone! I'm so happy to share my finish for a very special cause. This little "Christmas Chick" will be winging its way to sunny Arizona for inclusion in the 12th annual silent auction to benefit breast cancer research sponsored by Attic Needlework. I signed up to stitch an ornament to be auctioned off through Pumpkin Patch and Co. Breast Cancer Fund and if any of you are interested, there is still time to participate. You can email Pumpkin with any questions. This impressive auction netted over $20,000 last year simply by auctioning off stitched creations sent in from around the world... Simply amazing!

If this Valerie Pfeiffer designed chick looks familiar, it's because I also stitched him for myself last year. This time, I used 32 ct. white Jobelan, DMC threads (over 25 colors were used on this tiny piece!), and backed it with the red and white fabric shown in the photo. I hope that by adding the red, twisted cording and little bows he looks even more irresistible and that someone will bid on him!

Last week I also stitched this Trilogy Halloween Spooky Tree ornament for dear Myra for her birthday. I know how much she loves Halloween designs, so when I saw this one it almost commanded me to stitch it and send it to her... What a fun piece to do! I chose a dark gray 32 ct. Barnwood linen and DMC and various overdyed threads along with three yellow buttons for accents. I forgot to photograph the back before I sent it on its way, but I personalized it with a little ghost, the date, and our initials. Myra took a photo of it, so you can check it out on her September 22nd post. I'm so glad you liked it Myra--I loved each moment spent stitching it for you...

I was thrilled to learn that I had won a giveaway from one of my favorite designers: Sandra Sullivan of Homespun Elegance. What a lovely lot of goodies arrived in my mailbox--click on the photo and you can see a truly unique scissor fob, a lovely Christmas card with a needle inside meant to send to a stitching friend, a pretty sampler notepad, and Sandra's "Sweet Little Sewing Basket" which included the basket and a design to stitch a pincushion to display in the basket. I have just started collecting more and more Homespun Elegance designs this year--I'm particularly fond of the "Delivering" series and the yearly ornaments. So, thank you so very, very much, Sandra--I treasure your gifts!

We spent the weekend in a very hot and humid (high 90s!!) Richmond, Virginia visiting my son for Parents Weekend. Our last one ever... I still can't believe that he is a senior and that the past 11 years that we spent as "parents of college students" for our three sons are winding down. It was a bittersweet evening Friday as we watched him play his trombone in what may well be the last time we see him perform live. As he played with the university jazz band during that final song, tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered how far he has come since he first picked up that "bigger than he was" trombone for the first time in 3rd grade. All those memories: those first awkward sounds that didn't resemble music at all, the years of paying for lessons, reminding him to practice, driving him to marching band, watching him conduct the band as drum major in his senior year in high school, hearing about the trips that took him all over the U.S. and abroad--they all came flooding back. It's been an amazing experience and I love how his love of music, from the time he was a tiny baby, has had such a positive impact on not only him, but on our whole family. I truly hope he will continue to play with community groups and jazz bands throughout his life. So thank you, my youngest son, for so many musical memories--you've made us very proud!

I'm woefully behind on my September Block 9 of Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow, but hope to finish it up soon. Thank you all so much for your comments on my Block 8 carolers (the revised "Carol" edition!)--I do think the whole piece is coming together quite nicely now and I can't wait to show you the finish in December... And remember--I'll be posting my giveaway next week to celebrate reaching 200+ followers, so don't forget to look for it!

Thank you all for visiting, and a special thank you to my friends whose comments and emails brighten my days--you mean so much to me! Hope your week is special...

54 comments:

  1. Good Morning Carol.

    Your ornament for the auction is very sweet.
    It looks like you have been very busy. Too bad Richmond was so hot.

    Have a good week

    Chris

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  2. I love both ornaments, the one for the auction and the present. Lovely! Nice prize from Sandra too -- you lucky! I love her designs as well. Your last parents' weekend. That is definitely a landmark. And the possibly last performance too. I don't blame you for being moved. It's wonderful to have musical children and enjoy their accomplishments!

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  3. Beautiful ornaments! Finished and stitched so beautifully.

    Time seems to fly by so fast with our kids, doesn't it? I'm looking forward to having grandkids - once my kids are ready for them!

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  4. Both of those ornies are adorable!

    I never got an e-mail from Attic letting me know they received mine. I hope that was just an oversight.

    Lucky you to win that giveaway! Homespun Elegance designs are always so cute, cuter than elegant actually.

    Your trip to Richmond sounds like a really rewarding weekend. You must be a good Mom to raise such a successful son!

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  5. Hi Carol
    your little bird is just divine and your shading is lovely - not surprised to hear how many colours you used on it. He will not last long at the auction, I am sure. The colours in your Halloween piece are lovely.
    I do hope your Son continues on with his music it would be so sad to see him give it up now.
    Mary

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  6. Congratulations on your 200+ followers milestone, Carol. I enjoyed reading all your posts since the day I discovered your blog. Your Christmas chick is super cute and I love love the finishing, the red and white color combination is just perfect.

    Love the fabric you chose for the Halloween piece. Very whimsical and pretty! I love Homespun Elegance's charts too. Lucky you to win the giveaway!

    Every parents are pleased with their investment and proud of their child's achievement. You're such a wonderful mom, Carol. :)

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  7. Lovely ornaments Carol, they both turned out very cute!

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  8. Carol, Love both of the ornaments. Your finishing is lovely. Your win is a great addition to your stash. Congrats.

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  9. what a wonderful blog post.....they are always so good Carol....you have a way with words!!!
    Love the little birdie ornament....so cute & how wonderful it is for such a great cause..
    the ornament you did for your friend is cute as well.
    oh my on the win.....I think you are the luckiest person alive! You are always winning someone's giveaway!!!
    Your story of your son brings back memories to me too...our daughter was in the band in middle school & high school......but, unfortunately, she hasn't touched it since. I asked her last night & she said she wasn't even sure where her flute is...how sad.......

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  10. lucky you, winning that give-away !
    I love your christmas chick, I do so love Vallerie Pfeiffers´desings.
    I´ve stitched a few chickies myself, and they are very detailed in color, a lot of work to stich for such a little piece, but os o beautiful !

    my son tuns 8 next week, I know they grow up fast, but I´ve decided to stay in deneil this week !

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  11. What a lovely ornament you have chosen to stitch for the Attic auction. That Pfeiffer bird is just the sweetest.
    Watching our children grow up and away is always difficult isn't it. But each new stage brings new joys!

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  12. Both of your finishes are beautiful and your finishing is the best. I get such great finishing ideas from all of you.

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  13. Oh Carol! What a great post with wonderful goodies. Your ornament is so sweet, I'm sure it will be snatched up in a heartbeat. What a great cause!

    I saw your gift to Myra on her blog. It is a great Halloween piece, made even better by your finish. I know Myra loves it!

    Congratulations on your win! Great goodies! Enjoy them - you deserve them!

    I became teary-eyed when reading about your son. I can only hope that my boys turn out as well as yours! I really hope their interest in music continues - my oldest is on his 2nd year of Volin and my middle guy just started Cello this year. All three have started tinkering with the piano too now that we finally have one!

    Have a great week!

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  14. Both of your finishes are absolutely gorgeous. I am sure your chick will get bidded on very quickly. Congratulations on your win.

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  15. Oooh I love your christmas chick! x

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  16. Wow what a beautifull piece you stitched for the cause. I love the pattern, and how you finished it up, so lovely backing.

    That Halloween peice is so beautifull, love the buttons ond the orange bow.

    Great price you won!!

    Children they are getting so big so fast!!!

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  17. Great finishes Carol! Love the little chick!

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  18. Oh, how beautiful! I have always loved those little chicks!! I may have to go bid on it. :-)

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  19. Oh Carol, your little chick turned out just perfectly for such a wonderful cause. Who wouldn't love to have him?
    Lucky you, winning the Homespun giveaway. I have been a longtime fan of Sandra's designs too.
    I agree with you about our "bittersweet moments" with our kids. How proud they make us. As long as they're happy, that's all that matters and all we can ask and be thankful for!
    Congratulations on your 'over 200' followers...your blog is a beauty and a joy to read...WAY TO GO FRIEND :) (*HUGS*)

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  20. Both ornaments are just so lovely Carol :)

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  21. Wow!! I love both your finishes!!!!!Gorgeous!!!!!

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  22. Congrats on the finishes - they looks great! It's bittersweet when they grow up, isn't it?

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  23. Lovely ornaments!!
    Thanks for the link to the auction site - I'm off to go scope it out. :)

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  24. Our weather went from mid-90's to the 60's in just two days. The rain and cooler weather is a nice treat as I didn't think our VA summer would ever end. How bittersweet to realize this is the last parents weekend - time seems to just fly by.

    Your ornaments are just lovely and I am sure that Myra was so delighted to receive something handmade by you!

    Congratulations on winning!

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  25. Oh if I were at that auction I would be bidding on this little fellow. He is adorable! Such a wonderful cause too.

    I do love my ornament you made me and it will always have a place of honor in my Halloween decor. :o)

    Your visit with your son sounds wonderful Carol. They grow up sooooo quickly, don't they?

    Congratulations on your win, such wonderful gifts for a wonderful person.

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  26. Your finishes are just beautiful. That chick is one of my favorites! Sounds like you've been busy lately.

    Congratulations on the giveaway. Wonderful prize.

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  27. Your ornaments are wonderful! That chicky is so sweet, and I love the Halloween tree!
    You always do such lovely ornaments. :)

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  28. I love your ornaments, especially the chick, so cute. Love your blog, hope you check mine out. Have a great day!

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  29. Your finishes are beautiful!!!! And congrats on winning the giveaway!!

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  30. You chick is so cute, and as a someone battling breast cancer, I do appreciate your efforts!!

    The Halloween ornament is also very cute.

    My three kids are all grown up now, and I am enjoying their kids. But, there were some bittersweet moments in our lives gettting here. None of my kids could carry a tune in a bucket, but my little DGD sings a gazillion songs already at 3. There is hope!

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  31. Your bird ornament is so adorable! And it has 25 colors, I am impress. Your Halloween ornament looks great!

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  32. Hi Carol,
    I am new to your blog and just wanted to say hello and how much I love your stitching, especially the little chick you've stitched for the breast cancer fund. It is such a lovely ornament for a fantastic cause.
    I look forward to seeing more of your stitching! How did you learn all the great finishing techniques?

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  33. Your Christmas Chick is so lovely Carol! I am sure a lot of people will try to get it :)

    and the Halloween piece is also great. I do not used to stitch Halloween designs, but this one is simply lovely :)

    Congratulations on your win and looking forward to see your September block :)

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  34. I love yours ornaments especially the little Christmas chick stitched for the auction !!! It is so cute and so beautiful !!!
    Oh ! yes ! I think that our chidren grow up so quicky !!!....
    Have a great day, my dear Carol !
    Hugs.

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  35. What a great couple of ornaments! You did such a great job. I'm sure your ornament will net some nice $$ for a good cause--the finishing is fantastic! Congrats on the win. :)

    I wanted to cry reading about watching your son play the trombone. It's so bittersweet to see them grow up and spread their wings. I can't believe how quickly time flies! ((((Carol)))

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  36. Your little bird ornament is so sweet. I know I'd bid on it!
    The ornament for Myra is very cool. I love Halloween and I'm sure she was thrilled with this one.
    It's bittersweet when our kids start heading out on their own. We want them to succeed but there's that sense of loss as well. I hope things go well for them.
    Congrats on winning Sandra's prize. Isn't it a lovely giveaway?

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  37. Boht your finishes are beautiful. Love the one you stitched for the auction. So cute!

    Wow congratulations on your giveaway win!

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  38. Your finishes are beautiful! Congratulations to have 3 kids that have finished college, you did good!

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  39. Your description of your weekend in Richmond was touching. It's wonderful what our kids can bring into our lives.

    Can't wait to see you!

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  40. How could someone not bid on your beautiful little bird? It's beautiful Carol and for such a good cause. I love the Halloween finish you made for Myra too!

    Congratulations on your Homespun Elegance win! I read that you were the winner.

    Sounds like your son has musical talent and that you have many wonderful memories of him growing up!

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  41. What an ADORABLE ornament for the auction. You did such a nice job.

    Congrats on your halloween finish and winning the giveaway :)

    Ack, 90 degree weather? It's in the 60's here. I wouldn't mind if it were a bit warmer, like say 70's.

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  42. What a lovely post to read Carol.

    I hope your youngest son does very well in life after he leaves college. I'm sur ehis musuc will stay with him forever, once the bug grabs you i dont think it ever leaves.

    Little chick is so cute, its sure to make lots of cash for the appeal

    Congrats on your win and on having 200 followers

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  43. How wonderful to read about all the happenings in your life, Carol! I especially enjoyed the part about your son. I also played trombone, and mine was bigger than I was. Unfortunately, I didn't stay with it. Or maybe it was for the best that I gave it up - my musical talent would fit in a thimble with room left over.

    WONDERFUL stitching. I really love the chickie ornament! The Attic puts on such a great fundraiser. I've stitched for it in the past, but I suspect I will have to sit this year out.

    Take care!!

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  44. What a great ornie and what a great cause! I'm participating in Run For the Cure (same as Race for the Cure in the states) and I've raised over $1,200 this year! I figure even though I may raise money for one type of cancer it will eventurally benefit all types.

    That halloween ornie is cute too!

    Congrats on your great win!

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  45. What a sweet ornament for the silent auction. I love what you sent to Myra. So cute.

    What lovely words you posted about your youngest and how music has influenced his life. Yes, when we get to those 'last times' they can be so bittersweet.

    Congrats on the giveaway win. What a lovely package of goodies to receive.

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  46. The ornaments as so pretty. Memories of when the kids were small. Its goes so fast doesn't it. Looking forward to your giveaway carol.

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  47. Oh my, the Christmas ornament is so sweet! Love the Halloween ornament too. Congrats on winning that lovely prize!

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  48. Carol your ornament is just adorable and Myra must have been thrilled with that cute Halloween ornie. Your finishes are always so perfect, can I send you mine please..lol.
    What an awesome pack of goodies you won. I love the H.E. designs and just recently added few more to my stash.
    What a lovely story about your son, you and your DH must be so proud. The years just fly in but our kids are forever pulling on those heart-strings.
    Look forward to your next block finish. Happy Stitching. Hugs.

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  49. As you already know, I think this ornament is just darling and I wouldn't hesitate to want to take him/her home ;o) Thank you so much for your participation and generosity Carol!

    I saw this on Myra's Blog and I got to see the little ghost on the back! Too cute :o) What a neat idea.

    You sound like such a proud momma :o) I'm sure you'll miss the boys but they probably won't be very far away.

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  50. I just love visiting your blog - you have so many beautiful pieces! Looking forward to more great works and ideas!

    Thanks!
    Trina (Stitching Oz)

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  51. I wrote on the project's blog, I love you ornament! It's soooo pretty :D

    Your halloween ornie is so cute too! Great job girl ;)

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  52. Oh Carol, your little chickie ornament is so beautifully stitched and finished! Well done!

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  53. Beautiful stitchies and an even more beautiful memory with DS and music. :)

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Hello! So glad you dropped in and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate each and every one...I'm happy to try to answer any questions you may have, but please make sure to include your email address so I can get back to you...

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Carol