Thursday, September 29, 2011

Stitching For a Cause: 2011

Good morning everyone! Hope you're all enjoying some lovely fall weather--isn't it hard to believe that October begins in two days? I can't say this has been ideal fall weather here in western Pennsylvania, but we've had a few crisp, sunny days to get me through the unusually cool and rainy month that we've had. So, enough about the weather...you're here to see what I've been stitching, right?

This is the second year that I've participated in stitching for the Pumpkin Patch & Co Breast Fund. (My entry last year was this little Christmas Chick). For the past two years, Cathey (our fearless leader also known as Pumpkin) organized a group of stitchers to stitch an ornament (or something else) to contribute to the yearly Attic Needlework Silent Auction For Breast Cancer Research. Each year stitchers from all over the world donate items and raise thousands and thousands of dollars to help fight the war on breast cancer and I'm honored to participate. Last year, Pumpkin's little group raised almost $900 for the cause! If you want to consider contributing a piece of your stitching, it's not too late. Just check out the Pumpkin Patch & Co Breast Fund for details or email Cathey...

I created two pieces to donate to the auction this year. First, I stitched this lovely French freebie from L'R de rien. I thought stitching it on pink would be perfect for the breast cancer auction so I used white DMC on a 28 ct. dusty pink evenweave. A simple beaded border and white hanger and bow accent it. I'm very pleased with how it turned out and I hope someone at the auction likes it, too...




My other donation is from Little House Needleworks and is called "Faith". I really loved the quote on this one: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for." Don't you think it offers a wonderful sentiment for someone battling breast cancer or any difficult life situation? This is stitched on 32 ct. putty jobelan with Crescent Colour threads. I substituted some of the suggested colors so they would show up better on the fabric, though. I really love the soft, muted shades in this finish! There was supposed to be a little lady bug crawling up the flower's stem, but I left him off. I think I wanted this to be a more "serious" piece.

To finish it off, I ended up ruching some white satin ribbon, adding some white pearly pins, topping it with a bow, and making a pinkeep. I just about squealed when I found the backing fabric at Joann Fabrics last week! I had originally pictured some sort of floral backing in my head, but when I spotted the fabric pictured behind the pinkeep, it had the perfect colors to accent the stitching itself. So, these two finishes will be going on a long trip all the way to Arizona and the breast cancer auction where I hope someone loves them as much as I do...





Last weekend, we headed down to Washington, D.C. to visit our youngest son; I hadn't seen him in over two months so I was more than ready. It was so nice to visit his new apartment and, wow, just look at the view from his balcony. Being on the 10th floor enables him to look out at the Washington Monument, the Pentagon, and the Potomac River. I told him it certainly looks nothing like our first apartment which was pretty run-down and, at times, had water trickling down the inside walls of our bedroom during the winter (which then froze creating a sort of arctic headboard at the top of our bed)!! But, it is those memories which make you realize how far you've come...

Here are a few shots I took of the memorials and monuments. Although I've seen them many times, I still feel quite patriotic each time I glimpse them again. All photos are clickable for a better look and you can also click the links underneath for more information...



The Washington Monument
The monument has been closed ever since the
August 2011 earthquake that hit the D.C. area. The
5.8 magnitude earthquake caused a large crack at its top.


I think my favorite moment of our trip was when my son told me he's come to realize just how far treating others with kindness and respect would take a person in life. And then he said what good role models his mom and dad had been in that respect... Aww...it does a mom's heart a world of good to realize some of those life lessons that I tried to instill in my sons as they were growing up, actually sunk in. Kindness truly does go a long, long way...

Well, that wraps up another way-too-long post from me. Thanks ever so much for all those great comments on my last post. It seems many of you share my sugar addiction...I wish I could tell you I'm conquering it, but it's a struggle! And I so appreciate all of your suggestions for storing my ornaments--there were several good ones which I plan to implement in the future. Look for my 500+ follower giveaway next time--I hope you'll like it. Until then, enjoy your weekends and happy stitching. Bye for now...

77 comments:

butterfly said...

Dear Friend, Congratulations on reaching 500 plus on your followers.

Oh Carol once again your stitching is so beautiful ,you choose the right charts i love them , and your finish is also just wonderful.

Love your photos , and yes you are right kindness goes a long way to never ending friendships . We need far more in this world.

We are also stitching for charity at my club, maybe next year i will get the girls to join in this one.
Have a great day.

natalysneedle said...

Love both of your Charity contributions. They are sure to bring joy to the person that wins the bid.

barbara said...

I hope to someday hear my kids say something like what your son said. :) What a wonderful moment that must've been.

Your charity pieces are GORGEOUS and thank you for the reminder! :)

Mavi. said...

I love the decorations, especially the "faith" cause for serving is generous and altruistic.
Congratulations on the values ​​instilled in your children, it is good to see that recognized.
Beautiful photos.
It is normal to follow, your blog is very interesting and always learn.
Besos.

Barbi said...

Oh Carol your finishes are beautiful!!! And the backing for your second piece is perfect...it must have seen you coming!
The photos are gorgeous as always.
And PS...no we don't just come to read about what you've stitched...the weather is a good topic too. It just so happens to be sunny here today. LOL

Lesleyanne said...

Your stitching is gorgeous. I love the backing fabric - it is just perfect as is your finishing. Love your photos.

Margaret said...

Oh that must have felt good when your son said that to you! How great that you got to go visit him too! Did he live through that earthquake? I have to say it's been so long since I've been to DC that I didn't even know there was an FDR memorial. That's really neat!

Love your finishes -- they are so beautifully finished too! What a great cause to make them for too. Gorgeous work!

Deborah said...

Congrats on your 500 followers! I love both pieces you did but the first one is just gorgeous.

Giovanna said...

Beautiful stitching, and thanks for sharing your lovely photographs.

Hazel said...

Love your stitching and your Faith pinkeep is adorable. I love it. x

Kathy A. said...

Lovely stitches Carol and for such a good cause.
How nice to see your photos of DC. It brings back memories.

Anonymous said...

Your charity pieces are beautiful Carol. I love pink! You take lovely photos. Thanks for sharing about your sons. My oldest is a junior in high school and I feel I can never let these three kids go! But I know they must some day. It just goes so quickly.

Hilda said...

Dear Carol,
your posts are never too long for me! When I see, that somethin new is online on your blog - I take the time, sit down and enjoy reading whatever you write! Although - of course - I do not understand every word, I love your stories. Today I most love of course the saying of your son!!! That will awarm every mothers heart, I think! Congratulation!

And of course I love your wonderful dotations to the breast cancer auction. They are sooooo lovely. I like them both!

With love from Austria
Hilda

BrendaS said...

Carol --
Your ornament and pinkeep are stunning! What a wonderful contribution you are making to this great Cause:))

So glad you had a nice trip with your son. It's so nice to see all your hard work parenting has paid off!

Have a good weekend my friend. It's finally supposed to stop raining and be sunny here:))

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Love the finishes. I've had "Faith" on my to stitch list for a while now. Hmmm...might have to get that one out now that I've seen yours.

Tatkis said...

Your creations for the auction are so very nice! Great work!

Hugs,
Tatyana

Tricia T said...

What beautiful finishes you shared! I love the colors you chose for the "Faith" piece. Thanks for the pictures of the monuments, too. I had to click in to see FDR's dog up close. : )

Mary said...

I love your stitched pieces for the charity auction Carol.
As always...a beautiful job! The colors you chose are so restful and feminine. Isn't it the best feeling when the matching fabric is "right there" waiting just for you?

I'm so glad to hear that your son is happy and doing well. You can be so proud of all 3 and the great job that you and your husband have done raising them.

Kindness and Faith are gifts to live by for sure.

Congratulations on 500+ followers...FANTASTIC....You go girl! :) Your blog is always a pleasure to read.

*HUGS*

Elia said...

Dear Carol,

You always do a fantastic job, I really like!
it is particularly elegant.
How do you do with the little white balls, put them one by one?
Congratulations!

The photos I used to travel even mentally, I love it!

un abrazo amiga

eljardindemiduende

Unknown said...

I love your faith piece. The colors are beautiful, the backing fabric is perfect, and you did a wonderful job on the finish. Someone's going to be a very lucky winner!

The FDR memorial is one of my favorties. It's particularly beautiful (and quiet) at night. I'm glad you found it, as it's one that many people miss.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

What a lovely post...not only is there gorgeous wonderful things that you have created for the good cause of helping someone (many someones) but also lovely pictures of our nation's capital and then rounding it out is the beauty of a job well done in raising your child. How wonderful Carol, you are my inspiration, I hope my children reflect on how I am trying to raise them in a less than kind (sometimes) society when they are raised. Good job you! Thank you for sharing this with us :)
Hugs and love!

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

These are really lovely ornaments and so beautifully finished.The auction is a great idea.
I like your photos and reading the information about them.
I have had a "son moment" similar to yours. It is very gratifying and humbling to hear their thoughts and shows their growing maturity.No wonder you are proud parents :)

CalamityJr said...

What an encouraging post. Knowing your son was actually listening for all those years is a wonderful feeling, a trip to Washington DC is always inspirational, and your two charity finishes are absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing everything!

Jennifer said...

Wow over 500 followers! Congratulations Carol! Your stitching for this week is as usual beautiful. What a great little trip you had to see your son . I can only imagine what you were feeling missing him as my son will graduate from high school this year and he may leave home for university so I am treasuring every day .
Washington sure is a great place to visit and I am sure you will have many more jaunts there seeing different things everytime. Love what your son said about kindness and his parents . It is really true.

Teresa S. said...

Beautiful stitching, Carol. And a lovely little getaway in DC. You must be so proud of your son!

Beth said...

Appreciate your taking creative time to stitch and finish such lovely items for a most worthy cause!

passionfruitprincess said...

Lovely finishes and a great cause Carol! I love all the pink and the beautiful designs.
How wonderful you go visit your boy and listen to him. It is like on Proverbs 22:6. I am very happy for you. Thanks for sharing such a sweet experience.
Love, Ana Paula.

Theresa said...

Love your finishes!!!! They are both so gorgeous!!!!! I'm sure who ever gets them would be really happy~~

Kathy Ellen said...

Carol, you have created two absolutely lovely pieces for the Breast Cancer auction. I especially love the sweet sentiment about "faith" on the pinkeep and the beautiful finishing is so special too.

Wonderful pictures of your visit to Washington, DC to visit your son. As a mother of three sons, and a daughter, I can imagine just how your heart must have melted when you heard your son say those words about "kindness to others.." It does make a mother's heart feel so proud when you realize that all of your life lessons to children have not gone unheard or instilled their hearts.

Blessings!

Christine said...

Lovely stitching and finishing, I love the L R de Rien design

Ranae said...

Two beautiful finished pieces.
I sure hope we exceed 900.00 this year
I think next year I will do something pink.

Unknown said...

I loved both items you stitched for the auction, and as a cancer survivor, I really appreciate the effort.

Your son looks to be in a grand spot, and how nice he already recognizes your efforts - fantastic!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Your stitching is lovely and your finishing is exquisite!

Jennifer said...

Awwww - what a wonderful thing for your son to say!

marly said...

Both of your pieces will be loved by everyone, they are so beautiful and well done. Sounds like you have a very thoughtful and caring son.

Vinniey said...

Beautiful photos from Washington! Glad to hear you have a happy moment with your son. Nice view from his balcony. You're a very proud mother, Carol! I'm happy for you!

Your finishes are beautiful as always. Both pieces for the charity auction are so gorgeous. L 'R de rien is lovely and feminine in white and pink color combination. "Faith" is looking great without the ladybug. Love the ruching ribbons finished.

Happy Autumn and have a nice weekend.

Edit said...

Your stitches and the way you finish them are so beautiful Carol! I have also stitched the first piece, but in red.

Your photos of Washington are great, and I am glad to hear you had a very nice time together with your son. And what a view he has! :)

Have a lovely weekend, Edit

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol!
I love the pink ornament, it's just perfect for the cause! I also love the JBW tree ornament. Their designs are just so dainty.
Looks like you had a good time in D.C. Have you seen the engineers inspecting it? Crazy people! Gives me the willies just thinking about how high up they are!
Donna in WV
catsandbeetles@hughes.net

Shari said...

as always, another wonderful blog update....I don't know how you do it...really!!
Both of your charity pieces are gorgeous.....you do such beautiful stitching & finishing.
So happy you had a great time visiting with your son & wow, what a young man you have!!! It feels so good when our kids say things like that, doesn't it??? Makes all of our efforts worth it...

The Queen Bee said...

Carol,

Your stitching pieces are so awesome! Such beautiful stitching and finishing. What a wonderful way to give to a very worthy cause.

Such nice photos from your DC trip. Looks like everyone had a good visit.

Pam

Annette said...

You stitched two beautifull pieces, and finish them off so beautifull to..
Love the designs.

Your son has a beautifull view.. I'm jealous!!
Beautifull bilding too.

hihi nothing is more wonderfull then a son who say's that to his mother...


Have a nice day!!

Sally said...

The pieces you stitched for the auction are beautiful Carol. You finished them so prettily.

Lovely photos from your trip. What a wonderful thing your son said. He is a credit to you:)

Bekca said...

What a brilliant cause to stitch for Carol, your pieces are beautiful. It must have been so lovely to see your son, I haven't been back to see my parents yet, but I'm sure I will soon. It's only when you're out on your own that the lessons your parents taught you really matter, that's what I think anyway. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, best wishes.

Lynn said...

Such beautiful stitches Carol! I'm sure the auction will truly appreciate your donations. I love that ruched ribbon trim. I really must give that one a try!

Love the view from your son's apartment! Funny how you mention their maturity and life lessons. My son recently told me that he'd had an epiphany. When I inquired as to what that was he informed me that he realized that I had always been right! They do grow up!!

Anne said...

Those two pieces you made for the breast cancer research auction are beautiful and perfectly fitting. While my mom had breast cancer, she lost her faith a little bit, but it came back and is stronger than ever. So that Faith piece is a perfect reminder to all those who have suffered through cancer and their families.

Truly inspirational.

Also, your son's comment made me smile. You and your husband are amazing role models for him, just like my parents are to me. Too bad not everyone thinks like him!

Proud moment for mama!

Nancy M said...

Your 2 finishes for charity are just perfect! I'm sure they will have some high bidding! I really need to take a trip to DC. I've never been and it seems like it would be overwhelming to go see it all! What a nice thing for your son to say.

Rowyn said...

Hi Carol

Both of the pieces are just beautiful! They are stitched and finished perfectly, as always. Like Cathey, my Mum is a bc survivor (diagnosed in Feb 2008). It is definitely a very worthy cause you are supporting.

Wow, your son has an amazing view from his apartment. And it was very nice what he said.

Congrats on over 500 followers! It is little wonder though, your blog is always a treasure trove of stitchy pics and interesting stories (stitching and non-stitching related).

Claudine said...

De très beaux ouvrages pour une belle action ! Merci pour toutes ces photos des mémorials. Bisous et bonne journée

Siobhán said...

What beautiful finishes!! Great job, Carol! I love your pictures of DC, too. I hadn't seen the MLK monument--that is so nice. I loved what your son said to you, too--it's so nice to realize that the things you've said all these years have soaked in and they've become good people. :) What a fantastic view from his apartment!! Wow.

Brigitte said...

Your charity pieces are so beautiful. And I enjoyed looking at all the pictures of Washington you show here.
Congratulations on so many followers.

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

oh very beautiful
j'aime beaucoup la broderie de Noel
amitiés de france

Melanie said...

Gorgeous finishes!! A very worthy cause and I'm sure they will find a very happy home with someone.

You are making me sad we missed out on going to DC a few weeks ago. Man, I love that town. (We're museum geeks.) That view is just...........amazing. What a great thing to wake up to every morning!

Charity C. said...

Oh, I don't ever think that your posts are too long! I love reading about what you are up to! Your finished pieces are just stunning to look at! I bet they will do very well at the auction! It is so nice to hear that your son has witnessed for himself the words of wisdom you have spoke to him all throughout his life. You must be very proud. Give yourself a pat on the back, because parents who truly care are worth more to their children than most ever comprehend. I've heard and I believe it is true that parents have the most influence on their children and that is saying a lot esp. with the way society and media are these days. I pray that God blesses you and your family and much much more!!

Lois said...

You've stitched two beautiful ornaments for the auction Carol. What a good cause to stitch for. Glad you'd such a lovely visit with your son and yes, what a beautiful view from his apartment. I can only imagine how stunning it is going to look when the trees start to change into the oranges and golds of autumn. What a wonderful thing your son said, as parents we try to do the best we can and when one of them turns round and says something like that, well, it just does your heart good.

Catherine said...

Carol,
You have obviously done an outstanding job with your boys!
I can only hope that I can do the same with my boys!
What a beautiful view your son has - he's very lucky.

Your finishes for the charity are so pretty!! I am sure they will do well. You always know just what touches to add to your finishes!

Rhona said...

Love your stitched pieces...I'm sure there will be lots of bids on them. The backing fabric is just perfect for the faith colours. Great finishes!

Nancy said...

Hi Carol,
I love the pieces you stitched. You did them beautifully, and they are finished so pretty!
The photos of DC bring back so many memories! The Capital has always been my favorite building.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend. The weather here is just perfect!

Cindy's Stitching said...

The pieces are just beautiful. You trip to visit your son, how nice. He does have a great view. I have never been to our Capital. It is on the to do list. You can never be to kind or giving.

valerie said...

Beautiful charity pieces! I am sure they will be raved over at the auction. How exciting you got to go to DC to visit with your boy. I love the photos! That's a trip I would like to make one day...I've never been. Lots of history!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Love your donation pieces - they are quite special, just as you are!

It does a Mom's heart good to learn that even though we wondered along the way if we were doing things right, some of them must have been or the kids wouldn't have turned out so great.

I think that deserves a cookie! :-)

Nicky said...

Your stitching gifts are wonderful and you're such a generous soul to give them for an excellent cause. I really love your pics of the memorials, one day I am going to get myself to the States, it would be top of the list of places my hubby wants to visit too, so I guess I'd take him along. lol
He has an aunt in California and cousins on the East Coast so maybe one day it will happen ........in the meantime I'll live through your lovely photos!

Kerry said...

Love your blog, the photos are great as are all your stitching projects. I will be dropping by again. Aren't children wonderful just when you think they are not listening they surprise you!!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous ornaments!

Meari said...

Your ornaments are beautiful, Carol!

When I read what your son said, my heart went "awww...". It's wonderful to hear about kids like that. :) I know how proud you are of your boys. And you should be :)

Thanks for sharing pics of your trip to DC. I always enjoy being a vacation voyeur, LOL.

Dani - tkdchick said...

What gorgeous charity pieces you've stitched up your freebie on dusty pink is just lovely and dainty!

You're stitching for a great cause! I participate in Run For the Cure every year (the last 4) and each year I keep surpassing my fundraising total from the previous year. This year's total was $1,600... just me!

I lover your images of Washington D.C I keep saying I've got to get there someday!

Mylene said...

A lovely post, Carol! Always enjoy coming to visit your blog, sorry though i don't leave comment always...too in hurry...
Beautiful designs you've stitched and very neatly finished.

♥ Nia said...

Where have I been?!?!? I'm so late here!! :p

Here in Portugal, Autumn started with a bit lower temperatures, special mornigs and nights but.. right now? It's summer again! Really, we have beach weather in October! It's the weirdest thing! :p

I've seen your contribution on PPCBF blog :) I love that pink fabric and stitched in white only.. it's lovely lovely lovely =)
(last year's Christmas Chick was yours? I loved that one too! )
I hope we will help raise a very good amount $$$ :)

I had no idea that Washington had so much interesting places to visit! Thank you for sharing sweetie :)

Ohhhhh proud Mama!! =))))
Hugs&smiles to you my friend

Shelley said...

The ornies for the auction are beautiful. I wish my finishing looked as professional as yours does. Can you send me more info on this program. I won't have time to take part this year but I can make sure I set aside time for next year.

Awesome that your son gave you and hubby such high praise. It's a great sense of accomplishment to know as a parent you did something right during all those adolescent years, lol!

Roberta said...

Love the ornaments that you stitched for "the cause" auction. Your colors and stitching are lovely.

It is always special when your children recognize you as someone special - it makes up for all the worry and trying times.

Have a good weekend.

Julie said...

Beautiful ornaments for the cause, they are sure to be a bit hit.

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

very beautiful

marylin from France

Carolyn NC said...

Lovely stitching! And great pics of your trip. But I loved the comment from your son the most...what a sweet tribute!

Tracey said...

Beautiful finishes! I love the white on pink- it has given me some ideas for future projects! :) Love the DC pics- my brother-in-law and his family live there but it's been a while since we've been up to see them.

Kay said...

Congrats on the milestone with your loyal followers! I love your finishes as always! Thanks for sharing the pictures, love to see different parts of the world, maybe some day I will get to travel and see it for myself, lol

Alberta said...

FAITH...
That says it all,, doesn't it!
Beautiful

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