Monday, January 30, 2012

January Blues

I wonder why the color blue is always associated with the month of January? I was thinking about that the other day and just couldn't come up with a good answer. I suppose snow does take on a blueish cast in certain lights, but other than that, I can't think of anything "blue" about the month. On the other hand, maybe it is more about the mental state--the "blue mood"-- that some people find themselves in after the holidays. I remember as the mother of three young, rambunctious boys, how very long and endless the month of January seemed. I would occasionally feel a bit "blue" myself after being inside so much on those cold, gray days that seem to settle upon our part of Pennsylvania at this time of year. Those days seem to be behind me now, but when I do have an occasional "blue" day, I have several things that seem to help brighten my mood. Of course, stitching is one of those things, but also exercising, and believe it or not... cleaning! I'm sure some of you are groaning right now, but cleaning the house is such a mood lifter for me; there is nothing like that feeling when you're finished and everything is all polished and spiffy-looking. How about you--what works to chase away your January "blues?"






So, in the spirit of "January Blues," I have some blue finishes to share with you all. My first finish (finally!) of 2012, is "Snow White" by Little House Needleworks. As I mentioned in my last post, I didn't enjoy stitching on this Heatherfield fabric, but I do love the result...the tiny blue flecks in the fabric add so much. I used DMC 3865 rather than the suggested Belle Soie silk and really like the look of it on the blue. Now, I just need to find a creamy white frame and I'll have a nice new piece to showcase during the winter months.

I just couldn't resist stitching this adorable, bald snowman shivering in the January winds. I'm sure you all recognize this as a Lizzie Kate piece. It's called "A Bit of January" and is stitched on 32 ct. sage Jobelan--always a favorite fabric of mine whenever I'm stitching winter scenes because the snow stands out so well. It was stitched with whatever overdyeds I had in my collection. I then made it into a little pillow using fabric from an old flannel shirt (one long abandoned by one of my sons--probably from the '90s!). I added a bit of white ric rak peaking out from the flannel and kept the finish quite simple. Here is the final result:

Now, this little guy looked pretty forlorn all by himself, so I went to my drawer of "unfinished finishes" (you all have those, right?) and decided it was high time I released more snowmen into the light of day. I spent most of Friday finishing all five pieces. Three of these were stitched years ago--you know how I can tell? Because they're done on aida which I probably haven't used in seven or eight years. I think the designs have held up quite well, though, and here is the remainder of my "January Blues" collection:

Sue Hillis's "The Weather Outside"
freebie available here.


Lizzie Kate January Stamp Flip-It


Sue Hillis's "Yankee Doodle Dandy"


Whispered By the Wind Snow freebie
which you can find here. I tufted
it in the middle and attached
a navy
blue button on the back.

So, what did I do with all of these little pillows? Well, I found this lovely long wooden bowl on sale at Kohl's before Christmas. After deducting my $10.00 Kohl's cash from a previous purchase, I paid a grand total of $3.23 for this wonderful piece. I bought it expressly for displaying my seasonal small finishes and here is my first winter group... (click on it for a larger picture). What do you think?


THANK YOU TO...
I was so surprised to receive a wonderful birthday gift from Michelle at "Heart in Stitches" blog all the way from South Africa! Now, who in the world would ever have thought I would have a sweet young friend half-way across the world--the miracles of blogging! I'm so touched that Michelle sent me this beautiful pale blue pinkeep along with assorted ribbons, threads, beads, fabrics, chocolate (!), and a lovely beaded scissor fob. Isn't the pinkeep lovely? So nicely stitched and finished and in one of my favorite shades of blue. Your kind and generous gifts are wonderful, Michelle--thank you so very, very much. I love each and every item!


I had a couple of nice giveaway wins lately... First of all, back in December, I won Terri's "Christmas Basket of Cheer" giveaway. Just look at this stunning pillow that Terri made especially for me. She asked me what colors I liked (blue and buttery yellow) and what motifs (I told her birds or rabbits) and from that information she proceeded to select and adapt a design just for me. The antique lace she added is so special as is the backing fabric. You can read more about the details, colors, and chart on Terri's Dixiesamplar blog . I feel so honored, Terri, that you gave up your free time to stitch this for me. It looks like it was made to order for my family room and I couldn't have stitched anything I like more myself! In addition to the little pillow, she made me a monogrammed scissor fob, and attached it to a lovely pair of gold Ginghers. Inside she included a penny for good luck--I'll have to remember that sweet touch! Fabrics, charts, ribbon, needles, and chocolate (!) rounded out this treasure trove. Thank you so, so much, Terri--I'm just thrilled with all of your goodies! It was fun getting to know you in the "design process," too. I feel that I've made a wonderful new friend all the way down in Alabama!

And, after many, many years of being the lone female in my house (even our cat was male), I'm pleased to announce I finally have a sweet little girl--a knitted girl bunny courtesy of Julie from Julie's Stitchyknitter Journal. I won Julie's 5th blogoversary giveaway and she made me this adorable little cutie! When she arrived, Miss Bunny was a bit hungry so I found this basket of carrots for her. And she's still adjusting to my odd American accent, but I think she's beginning to feel right at home. Julie's knitting is amazing and she wrote on her blog that over 50 of her precious bunnies are now living all over the world. I've seen them on other stitchers' blogs and I'm so proud to have my very own "Julie made" creation. But, what to name her?? Any ideas? Having only named boys, I'm at a bit of a loss... I do have one idea, but I'd love to hear your suggestions! Thank you so very, very much, Julie--I know she will make a most delightful stitching companion...

Well, that wraps up another lengthy post. I do appreciate each one of you who has stuck it out till the very end! I always have the best intentions of writing shorter posts, but somehow they always end up too long... Thank you to each and every one who visits, leaves a comment, or sends an email. I know blogging takes time and I truly appreciate you sharing some of yours with me. Enjoy your week my friends! Bye for now...

107 comments:

Nancy said...

So many gorgeous things Carol! I love your Snow White, and all of your snowmen are so beautiful! I think the arrangement in your wooden bowl is just right. I always had the thought that blue represented the coolness of the Month of January. I enjoyed your lovely blog post!

Barbara said...

Carol, such beautiful finishes! I love the little bunny you won...too cute. Hugs, Barbara

cucki said...

hello dear carol, i love all the january blue stitching so much..all of them are so sweet..and looking so happy together in the basket :)
lovely gifts from the deary friend..everything is so beautiful..
lovely giveaway gift from terri too..
the pillow is really very lovely..
aww i love the bunny girl tooo..give her my kiss..
keep well dear.
hugs cucki xx

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Wow Carol! Not only have you stitched up some REAL beauties in January, but look at all those gorgeous finishes you've pulled from your drawer! Wish I had a drawer like that :)
And your lucky wins....well each one are stunning and wonderful!
YAY!

Margaret said...

Wow! I so love all your January snowmen grouped together in the bowl! Great first finish too! Lovely gifts as well! January blues -- well, knock on wood, they're not as bad this year. I'm happy with the warmer overall temps and the lack of snow. I hope it stays this way all winter! As for cleaning -- bleagh! lol!

Deborah said...

What a great post! I love all the January finishes. They look great in the wooden bowl. Wonderful wins. How cute is that bunny?

CATHI said...

Wonderful finishes! Great! :o)

Cathi

Vickie said...

Hi Carol. Adorable little finishes! I like those finishes with the flannel, especially your son's shirt. :) What a lucky gal you have been.

natalysneedle said...

Carol, Great finishes! I have also wondered why January was associated with blue and my first thought is cold. So cold that you turn blue. I also think of winter blues. Your finishes are beautiful. I love all of the little pillows and the wooden bowl is the perfect spot to display them. Enjoy your new gifties. Happy Stitching!

CalamityJr said...

There's nothing "blah" about your winter blue finishes! Maybe, since you and I like blue so much, it's seen so much in January to make a gloomy month brighter, not more dismal. What generous giveaways you won, and your wooden bowl is perfect for your smalls.

Glenna said...

I love your blue theme, and yes, cleaning the house--especially to my favorite music blasted loud--makes me feel cheerful and accomplished.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Dropping by your friendly blog may be one way of shedding the blues! Or getting into them, as the case may be:-) All your finishes are adorable. What a great find for your display bowl, and all your fab wins and gifts. So well deserved! Have a great week, too.

Shirlee said...

What an enjoyable post ... both the reading of it & the eye candy : ) I love all those snowmen & wow, what wonderful gifts & wins you have received lately! Thanks for sharing : ) Blessings, Shirlee

Gabriele said...

Hi Carol, what an enjoyable post. Your finishes are all wonderful.
Hugs from Germany, Gabi

Cindy's Stitching said...

You did so many pieces. so proud you finished your old pieces. They are adorable. Winter "Blues", I need my sun. When there is no sun it saps my energy. I do like the feeling of a cleaned house after it is done. Music lifts the mood for me. Well done on the new bowl. It was a great deal. Coupons are great.

Giovanna said...

What a great group of snowmen - well done!

Anonymous said...

So, blue? Blue is my favourite colour, and January maybe be a blue month because of its lenght and the aftermath of all the festivities.
And since we are in a "blue" nore, why not call the lovely bunny "Miss Blue"? It even goes with the colours she has on. Snowmen are a favourite of our for Christmas; he must be really a big friend of Santa.
Still about blue, if you ever seen "Girl with a Pearl Earring" with the amazing Colin Firth playing the painter Vermeer, he explains the different colours that there are in the sky. Snow flakes can have a blueish note for sure:
Hugs

Unknown said...

your blog is very fine...
ciao Pat

AnaCristina said...

wow!!! your blog is wonderful!can i embroider your models?

Elizabeth Ann said...

Your little wood bowl is adorable! I don't have one of those drawers, I am so happy to finish something I have to sew it up or frame it! Congratulations on your wins, they are awesome! Little bunny looks like a Julianne to me (my favorite name). I didn't see your January Christmas ornament........

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! What fabulous finishes! Congratulations on finishing Snow White! I love your spirit of "January Blues"!

Robin in Virginia

Lesleyanne said...

As a fellow lover of blue and gingham I LOVE all of your finishes. Your blue basket is gorgeous as are your wins. I can't say housework lifts the blue but I do like the finished result. Stitching is my blue lifter without a doubt and a hug from either one of my boys.

barbara said...

I love your little girl! :D I bet you don't get ANY backtalk from her, either, LOL!

What an amazing array of blue finishes for January! WOW. Love your little snowman collection and that display tray from Kohl's just rocks!

Congratulations on the lovely winnings/give-aways as well. Always a treat to see someone extra-special win such beautiful crafty goodness. :)

Unknown said...

The only problem with this blog post is that there is so many things to admire!! First off, I agree with you about working away the blues. For me, it is not cleaning so much, but organizing or deep cleaning out the junk.

I absolutely love all of your January finishes - being a snowman lover plus my favorite color being blue, it was pretty easy. However your wooden bowl is way cool. I was trying to see how you got the little pillows to sit up - I haven't quite mastered that in my attempts. Oh, and thank you for the links to those freebies! They are printed out and added to my stack!

Great gifties and prizes - you must really love your postman! I'm no good at naming things - had a hard enough time with my three kids - LOL!

Bertie said...

Love your blue sampler, and the buttons! Gorgeous ornaments too:) Congratulations on your wins, ooh chocolate and fabulous ornament!! Terri's prize is fabulous as well, beautiful little pillow and goodies:) The bunny is adorable. Lovely post!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Love your January Blues themed finishes. They all look great displayed in your long bowl. Wonderful giveaways too... enjoy!

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Carol, I just love the way you displayed your snowmen!!! If that doesn't make you smile, nothing will!!! Now I have to get ot Kohls and find myself one!!
Linda

Elia said...

Hello Carol,
ohh so sweet this bunny-girl, congratulations!!!
I love all your blue january finishes, wow...
have a great week

besos
eljardindemiduende ^^

MoonBeam said...

Wow, you have been in a "blue" mood! What cute finishes, making a really cute winter display. Great work.

Cute gifts, too.

Bobbi

Sally said...

Oh Carol you have been busy! Yopur Snow White looks gorgeous and I love all your little snowman finishes.

What a gorgeous long bowl! Your smalls look perfect in it.

You received some lovely wins and birthday gifts. I think Bluebell would be a nice name for your bunny from Julie, seen as she's dressed in blue! I was lucky to receive one of Julie's bunnies for my birthday a few years ago:)

butterfly said...

Hello sweetie, always love your blog its always looks so beautiful. And all those lovely ornaments there are all stunning what talent you have Carol.
Beautiful gifts and giveaways.
What about Miss floppy for your lady rabbit.

I think you are right about a blue mood after Christmas or a blue nose in the cold.

I like the winter months you can get more stitching done what could be better.

JillMN said...

All of your finishes are blue-tiful! And that long bowl is perfect! Love seeing your creations.

passionfruitprincess said...

Everything is so pretty Carol!
I love the bowl with your "blues"...a perfect display!
I have an apple shaped bowl that I should use for something like that...I need to stitch more to fill the bowl.
I like a little bit of blue for January because after all the red on December is good to have something a little different. But I love red. Wow! I wish I had a drawer like you have...very cute stuff! All your gifts are lovely!
And the bunny girl is very cute! A name? How about Bluebell? Goes with the post :)
Hugs to you.

dixiesamplar said...

Loving your "blue" finishes Carol, especially "A Bit of January" and "Yankee Doodle Candy"...and what and adorable bunny girl, can't wait to see what you decide to name her :o)

See, I am not the only one who thinks you are a special lady...lovely gifts from Michelle! Love the pinkeep she made for you...I really need to try one of those; I hear Vonna has a great tutorial for one :o)

BrendaS said...

Oh my Carol. You have been a busy woman! I think your bowl of January finishes look fantastic. Such a nice collection and they go so well together.

Very nice gift received and great giveaways that you won too:)) Your bunny will be all set for Easter.

Have a good week.

HUGS to you.

Beth said...

The perfect basket! What a wonderful collection of winter-themed smalls - all finished off with great creativity too! Inspiring as always!

Mouse said...

cooooo I made it to the end ..lol and where to start now ???
love the goodies you've made and the bowl you got is just perfect ... well done on your wins, your cushion and pink keep are fab and the goodies look yum :)
miss Bunny mmmm the only bunny name I really know are flopsy mopsy and cottontail ...lol
hope that helps ?? love mouse xxxx

Bekca said...

Maybe it's "blue" because that's the colour your hands go if the weather gets really chilly? That's when it's time to stay inside and stitch.
I love your collection of snowman finishes and what a beautiful way to display them. I hope to have a basket of all autumnal finishes one day, when I get round to stitching them!
Congrats on all your lovely giveaway wins lately. I hope you enjoy all of your new goodies.
Best wishes.

Siobhán said...

That bunny is adorable! I think, with that dapper cardigan, that she's definitely an Iris. ;) Or Daisy Blue or something fun like that.

LOVE all the pillows! How fun! I need to get cracking on more seasonal stuff--I am always so impressed with your beautiful seasonal displays. That bowl is such a wonderful find! Love the gifts that you received, too.

Hilda said...

The January Blues is a feeling that I also know very well. But you brought it into wonderful expressions: All your new little ornaments are cuties!

And the presentation in this wooden bowl is really gorgeous!

Have a nice week!
Hugs
Hilda

Annette said...

January is for me the month of snow snow snow!!!
Yesterday the temperature droped!! and in part of teh country we already have snow... but not here :( :( :(.
I love white.. snow is white... great month for me!!

Your LHN looks beautifull..
Ow and I love that LK stamp.. I have a other one of that.. also with a snow... (January-snow...hihi)

Simple??? Love it.. and that ricrac.. I'm such a big fan of ricrac's

Yes that's the piece I have stitched.. that January stamp.. made it intoo a flat-fold.. But love your pillow !!!

All your Sue Hillis's [pieces are great.. you finished them all so beautifull!

Ow I love it your woodenbowl.... That's what I;m trying to do each months... I think in a year of 5 I have that how it looks on your plate...lol...
Love all teh pieces on it... such a beautifull job did you do!!!

beautifull gifts you got.. where does the time goes too make and use it all....

have fun stitching... what on the program for February... Hearts???

Jennifer M. said...

I just love your winter finishes. They all turned out fantastic. Congrats on your wins and goodies. They all look wonderful. Your new bunny is adorable. Very very sweet. Enjoy

Jen

Jeanne said...

Oh my! Now I really NEED a bowl of January smalls - I love them all!! I have so many of those little Lizzie-Kate small monthly pieces and since I am short on wallspace for more hanging things I love the idea of making them into smalls. Can you tell me the name and designer of the piece in your blog header? (My email is in my profile). It looks a lot like a Prairie Schoole but I don't recognize it for sure. Thanks for an outstanding post on ideas for those "January blues" (although it's in the 70's and beautiful here in the southwest desert)

Pumpkin said...

Good question Carol! Any snow we've had has gone so we've been looking at green grass ;o)

Uuuuuuuu! I LOVE this finish! Congrats on your first 2012 finish :o)

Omigosh...your second finish is just adorable! And how perfect did that flannel match? You're lucky you live so far away because I know he'd be missing if I ever came to visit. LOL!

Oh, you're killing me with all these wonderful finishes! Do you want to dive into my tote????

Congrats on your wins! I saw Terri's creation on her Blog and just KNEW you'd love it ;o) I'm happy to hear that you have one of Julie's fabulous bunnies. I love how she makes them with such personal touches. My head is wrapped around boy's names at the moment so I'm no help ;o)

Nancy M said...

So many great smalls, both from your hands and gifts from friends! I probably have the perfect spot for a basket full of seasonals....but do you think I've bought one yet? Or get anything made to put in it?? LOL

Kay said...

Congrats on the wins and beautiful finishes! I love the way you have displayed your finishes!

Julie said...

I love your flannel finishing. Very cute!

Ranae said...

Carol! I adore all your finishes and the display wooden bowl is awesome.
The bunny from Julie is so cute with her little basket of carrots. I am lucky too to have one of her bunnies

Christina said...

What a lovely Winter display Carol - wow $3? Bargain!
Your bunny is so cute. As for name suggestions - I think Flora. My daughter has a book called 'Flora's Blanket', a lovely story about an adorable bunny called Flora. I know you love Children's literature!

Deb said...

So many wonderful pieces! I'm in awe. I think I love the first piece with the white on blue. But all your pieces are wonderful and your display in the wooden bowl is just charming!

Solstitches said...

What a wonderful post Carol.
I love your winter basket and all the gorgeous little pillows you have stitched and displayed.
You've received some wonderful gifts.
Beautiful pillow from Terri and oh, the little bunny is so sweet.
Margaret

Rita said...

I loved looking at all your wonderful treasures.

Theresa said...

Wow~~ So many great finishes!!! I love each and every one of them!!!! And those packages you received are just wonderful~~~ The bunny is tooooo cute!!!!

♥ Nia said...

Now you made me think about that.. blue and january.. hummmm..
I made a wreath for my front door with white and two shades of blue :) Coincidence or not? heheh
Oh well, I love the color blue all year long =) We do, both! hahahaha :D

I love Snow White =) beautiful!!!
So many finishes! All look wonderful :D Congrats sweetie!
I have to learn how to make pretty pillows like yours, all amazing! Love love love LK January Stamp Flip-It :)

Oh yeah! That bunny is the cutest!! adoooorable =) Lovely gifts!! :D

Have a wonderful week my sweet friend, hugs&smiles to you

Shari said...

wow Carol...
another wonderful blog post...
the finishes are all wonderful & I still love staring at your header picture...inspires me to keep on stitching...
I love the 'old' pieces you pulled out too....that first snowman makes me smile everytime I see him....
Lovely wins & I see your name on another blog tonight...congrats!!!!!!

Myra said...

Carol, as always your posts are such a delight. Congratulations on your wins. That little bunny is just adorable.
I love the bowl you chose for your January display and what wonderful finishes you have. So very pretty!

Annie said...

Well, this post could certainly chase away any winter blues. All of your stitching is so lovely and bright. And just a great bunch of gifts. Give that bunny a hug for me!

valerie said...

Awesome finishes Carol! Love all the snowmen. You received a wonderful package from Carol and I just love the bunny Julie knitted for you. Her bunnies are so precious! I wonder what you'll name her? For some reason Abigail popped into mind and it seems like such a grown up name. Something whimsical would be nice.

Ellen said...

Snow White looks great on that blue fabric! Love all your snowmen ornies, they are gorgeous!

Wonderful gifts, that bunny is adorable!

Hugs,

Coco Cross Stitcher said...

Wow you have some wonderful pics there of yopur blue finishes. everything looks so gorgeous. I agree that January seems to go on forever . Hope you have a nice week and soon be February!!!
x catherine

Maggee said...

What a great post! so much to see and read! Love all your finishes...noted a few for future purchases! Hugs!

Nicola said...

Awesome post. I know what you mean about cleaning, it does lift you. You would think that blue would be associated with summer months when the sky is deep blue so maybe it does represent a blue mood.

I too can date my very early pieces because of the Aida they are stitched out. LOL.

Beautiful generous gifts/giveaways.

boysmum2 said...

Even though using evenweave is lovely, sometimes you can't beat a nice little piece of aida. The blus piece with the snowman looks so cute.
You have inspired me to get more stitching done and to try and have 12 ornaments made to go on my garland up the banister this christmas.

Claudine said...

Des merveilles toujours ! Très bonne semaine

Christine said...

Great finish on snow white, and your winter display of snowmen is just beautiful!
You've recieved some wonderful gifts and prizes too. I've got one of Julie's bunnies as well, they are quite gorgeous. Yours looks like a Bluebell or Harebell to me.

Mavi. said...

Beautiful snow your embroidery. Very cute the last of this year, with the plaid fabric and ric.rac, I like Lizzie designs.
I like the bunny girl is very pretty in the window.
It is a pleasure to visit.
Besos.
P.D:name for the bunny: Blue...

Jackie's Stitches said...

I really enjoy your newsy posts! Your basket of snowmen is wonderful and I love the wooden bowl you are displaying them in - very clever!

The Queen Bee said...

Oh, all of your finishes are so beautiful. I'd love to happen upon such a perfect display bowl....maybe I should go shopping more often. I rarely browse...I go for what I need and that's that.

Pam

Julie said...

Your winter bowl of stitched loveliness if really pretty. Such a great array of snowmen,

Lovely gifts and giveaway wins.

I'm so pleased you like 'Miss bunny' i'm sure you'll think of a great name for her. I love the carrots you photographed her with, she looks right at home keeping them company.

Rachel S-H said...

I think the blue is just a reaction to all the December Christmas colors, and then the pinks of February. Or else it's the quality of the light in January, harsh and cold and blue. But your beautiful finishes offset the chill!

Michelle said...

Your ornament finishes are absolutely stunning, Carol! I also love, love, love the way you are displaying them - too stunning!

It was an absolute pleasure to send you a gift - I'm glad you like it!

What a wonderful gift from Terri - that pillow is so lovely.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Hugs,
Michelle

Loraine said...

Love your little pillows in your bowl. What a fabulous find. I never thought of looking at Kohl's for one! :)
I hear you on the cleaning and exercising. I have had major spring cleaning fever, and it feels awesome.
Great stuff you have won lately!

Catherine said...

Your posts are always so great to read, Carol! Your finishes are so cute and they look fabulous in your display! Great goodies too - that pillow from Terri is beautiful. What a sweet bunny - she looks adorable with her basket of carrots!

Nicola said...

Lovely stitching, finishing, gifts and giveaway wins. Really like "Snow White", it looks great on that fabric.

Heather said...

Carol,

What a lovely post! I love your snowman display, I will have to look out for a tray like that.

What lovely gifts!!! I LOVE your bunny. I would name her Tabitha or Beatrix. She is absolutely adorable!!

Blessings on your day!
Heather

LoriU said...

Oh your tray with the snow/snowman ornaments is so cute! Very nice and seasonal!

Your little girl bunny is adorable. Hmm,,,I think you should name her Violet!

Kathy Ellen said...

Your needles have really been busily stitching so many beautiful pieces! Blue is one of my favorite colours too. Lovely LHN 'Snow White', and the 'January' snowman pillow finish is perfect.

The beautiful wooden bowl, complete with all of your very special little pillows looks wonderful too. I have loved every minute, reading this wonderful post with all of your beautiful finishes!

Melissa said...

It's the last day of January, Carol! So, what will your blog look like tomorrow? I see a monthly theme happening here!

Love all the stitching especially the LHN piece - so pretty!

Aren't you the lucky gal to win all those goodies? I will mentally do a rub on your blog and maybe some of that luck will rub off on me! lol!

That's a great bowl to hold all your treasures!

marly said...

Wonderful post! With projects and photos and gifts like these, the post is never too long! For some reason, I think there are cold temps and snow outside!! Even though it's in the 50's. I guess your work really made an impression!

Patty C. said...

I love the little January snowman - SOOOOOOO cute !!!!Blue is working well for you ;)

Dani - tkdchick said...

Wow Carol you have been wonderfully spoit! What magnificent, beautiful handmade gifts you've received!!!

Great winter finishes I love the wooden bowl!

Dona said...

Carol, your January pieces look great in your new wooden bowl. What a bargain that was! The snowman is espeically cute and cheerful.

What nice gifts, too! So special.

Meari said...

Your finishes are so adorable! They look great in the new basket you bought. I printed out the Snow chart so I can stitch it up for my February ornament.

What nice gifties you received... lucky girl!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Your finishes look awesome and I love how you displayed them too. You received some really nice gifts too. Love it all!

Anne said...

January blues hey? Well, I tend to get a bit of the Elvis Blues....you know, the Blueueeuueue Christmas kind. Since we celebrate Christmas on the 7th, my bday on the 3rd, I feel a bit like I need to hermit away for the month. Save for work, I have not done much in the socializing department. It's nice to get things organized and cleaned up!!

As for all those ornies! Wow! They are pretty!! The Snow White by LHN is my favourite I think. Fabulous gifts you received there Carol! I love the pillow and fabbie Terrie sent to you and Michelle's pretty ornie too!

Veronica said...

A lot of cute snowmen you've got there. All of them finished so beautifully too.Oh, that's the cutest knitted bunny I've ever seen.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Ariane20 said...

Hi Carol! Wonderful little pillows! Love it all.
Thank you so much for your comments.

Vinniey said...

I'm back, Carol! I was so glad to have time to visit your blog today. Life was extremely busy here. I feel so bad that I don't have the time to update my blog since october last year and no blog reading for a very long time. Happy belated birthday, Carol! I know your birthday is on 16 January but I don't have the time to stop by your blog on that day or send you an email.

"Snow White" is so beautiful! I can imagine how gorgeous it is with the creamy white frame! Very nice colors you've chose for "A bit of January" and fantastic finishing, Coral! I always love your finishing! It's really hard to make my decision If you ask me to choose the most beautiful piece among all your finished projects; because all of your projects are so so beautiful and perfect! :) I love them ALL!

Lovely gifts from Terri and Julie. The pillow is gorgeous and the bunny is so cute and sweet!

Jackie said...

Awesome finishes Carol.
To take the blues away, I usually purchase a pattern or something I'd been longing for and stitch or quilt. Those chemistry usually wash all the blues away. LOL.
All your gifts are very pretty too.
Thanks for always sharing your work with us.

Sherry said...

What a wonderful nice long post that was! I never can think of anything to say. Maybe it's just because I'm new to the whole blogging thing? I love all your snowmen. I really love your Khol's bowl. I just might be stealing this idea. I hope you don't mind. Thank you for sharing I really had a VERY lovely visit with you today.

Wendy said...

congratulations on your little bunny girl !
I´m so happy for you, now you can finally have all the girl-talk you want ! lol !

your finfishes are lovely, and as for that drawer, no, don´t think I have one, where can I buy it ?

Wanda said...

Dear Carol:
Your work is so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. Your finishing is so gorgeous! Wanda

Lynn said...

Your finishes may be blue but they sure as heck did nothing but brighten my day! They're just wonderful Carol! Such a great way to display them too.
After seeing that flannel finish, I'm going to have to check out my hubby's old shirts in the storage closet. I never thought of using them for fabric!

What marvellous gifts you've received too. The lace on Terri's pin pillow is gorgeous!

Now what to call your bunny? I always rather liked Flossy from the Beatrix Potter tales.

Tatkis said...

Beautiful January stitching (I finished my picture as a small bag last year), and I love all your snowmen finishes!

Congrats with the wins!

Hugs,
Tatyana

Nicky said...

Carol, I absolutely love your posts, you have been so busy with finishing(good on you!) and all those goodies are gorgeous! You are an inspiration to me to get things finished, that will be my mission this year, to 'finish' things as I stitch them!
Love Nicky

PS - Love the Valentine header, beautiful :-)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Wonderful finishes and wins, too! Yeah for you! I love all the little snowmen pillows - adorable.

Unknown said...

Fantastic Stitching !!!
Pat

Edit said...

I love your winter ornaments Carol! Some of them I would also like to stitch myself, I only need to find the time... I am also trying to have decoration for each season/holiday, but it is going slowly. For winter I have almost nothing (only for Christmas).

You have received really nice presents and that bunny...! :) I like it very much!

I hope you will have a nice week!
Edit

Barb said...

Hi Carol` I recently 'discovered' your blog (actually I found yours thru another blog, but I don't remember which one!). I just love reading your blog and seeing all of the incredible things you have stitched! I am in AWE! I loved it so much that I went back thru your Archives and read ALL of your previous posts!! (It did take me a while :)!) Your Christmas trees are amazing! Fabulous!!

I have been cross stitching for years - only now do I wish I had a photo of everything I have stitched. So your blog is a very nice way to remember what you have made and whether you kept it or gave it away.

Thank you so much for sharing your stitching with us - I really look forward to reading it!

Melanie said...

Well, I cleaned the house for about 3 hours today but I'm not sure how lifted my mood is.......hmmm. I'm mostly just tired! lolol I'm one of those who is prone to getting 'blue' this time of year, though it's less blue and more........sluggish than anything else. Like everything takes twice as much effort to get started/finish. I expect it to happen though so I don't sweat it anymore. It goes away once spring comes around. :)

Lovely new finishes! That's the second time today I've seen that January snowman while catching up on my blogs and he is a real cutie.
That bowl was a steal for $3! What a perfect vessel for displaying little goodies.

Andrea said...

A gorgeous selection of smalls and so beautifully arranged in your new basket.
Congratulations on all of your winnings and gifts, all of them lovely items.

BARBARA said...

Even though we have not had a lot of snow this winter, I love all your snowmen! I was however wondering what the pattern is for your header...it looks like a wonderful Valentine card.....Barb ..bsturtz@blogspot.com

Jennifer said...

Wow Carol these are lovely . Love your january stitching. I have lots to show just need to take the pics and write about it . Hopefully soon. I love how your ornaments look in the basket with the greenery . Wonderful! You sure got a deal on it at Kohls ! Love that store. Your wins were great too . Looking forward to reading what you do next !!

najma said...

really love finishes!
hope you're having a nice day
best wishes

Mindi said...

I'm just now getting caught up on reading blogs, and you've had some really lovely finishes and won some great giveaways. I really love the pillow Terri sent you. I've been the recipient of one of her giveaways, and know first hand how much Terri spoils you.

Brigitte said...

Oh Carol, how I love your January pillows and how you finished and displayed them. If I did more finishing I'd come to your blog to get creative and pretty finishing idea. But unfortunately it's more than a year that I haven't done any finishing at all. Sad, huh ...
January has always been a very relaxing month for me, after all the stress of the holidays. But you are right, when I need a real lift I clean something or even better declutter a cupboard or some drawers and enjoy the tidy look after finishing. And I must be quick because it never lasts long, lol.
Enjoy all the wonderful goodies you received from various corners of the world.

Nathalie said...

sooooo beautiful ! I love your work !

Have a nice day
Hugs from France

Nathalie