Friday, December 9, 2016

December days and a giveaway!

Does it seem to you that time speeds up in December? That each day is more like an hour, each hour more like a second? I just never have enough time to do all that I want for Christmas, no matter how early I start... I'm sure many of you are feeling this way right about now. But, somehow, it all comes together and Christmas morning arrives and the important things--your family members--are all that you really need at that moment. As you can tell, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed today--no cards are sent, few presents are bought, and even fewer are wrapped. But, it will all work out (or so I keep telling myself!).

I visited my mom in New York last week (thankfully, before all the snow hit the Erie, PA area right on the roads I would have been traveling) and managed to put the finishing stitches in this Little House Needleworks piece. Isn't it sweet? My dear friend, Pam, passed the chart on to me at our retreat in October, and I thoroughly loved each stitch. I used 40 ct. raw natural Newcastle with the suggested overdyeds. The snow didn't show up quite as much as I wished, but, in the end, I like the more subtle look of it just fine.

I did make a couple of changes to this "Be Merry" design... I stitched the word "Christmas" instead of the girl's name "Belle Pepper" and I changed the date to 1895. That was a special date--the birth year of both of my grandmothers so you could say this piece is done in honor of them. My paternal grandmother was actually born on Christmas Day in 1895. I'll never forget Christmas Eve at her house where she sat in a regal looking chair in her living room surrounded by piles and piles of both Christmas and birthday gifts from her four children and 20+ grandchildren! What a sight! And she proudly displayed each little knickknack and tchotchke that she was given until the day she died  in 1994 at the ripe old age of 98.

"Be Merry" finish by Little House Needleworks

GIVEAWAY:  If anyone would like this chart, I'm passing it along, with the request that once you are done with it, you pass it along, too... If more than one person wants the chart, I'll draw a name. Let's set the deadline as December 20th at midnight. You probably won't get it before Christmas, but you'll have lots of time to stitch it for next Christmas. Please make sure to let me know in your comments that you would like a chance to stitch this next--and make sure to include your email address. There are so many "no-reply" comments these days that it is very hard to track someone down when there is no email given.

"Be Merry" chart is seeking a new home

And--one more finish, but it is a big one! My final snowman is done for the year--12 in all and I can hardly wait to show each one to you again in my annual "Parade Of Ornaments" in my next post. This one is stitched, but not finished (as you can plainly see!), but I hope to work on remedying that this afternoon.  Isn't he fun?! This All Through the Night design is called "Stockingful" and is stitched on 28 ct. dusty green Jobelan with the suggested overdyed threads. The stocking he is sitting in is cut from a piece of Woolies flannel. The chart suggested a red and white polka dot stocking, but I thought this plaid was adorable, too.

"Stockingful" all stitched up

We had a new visitor to our bird feeder today and I was so excited! I had seen these beautiful birds on Beth's blog and always thought them so handsome and today I got to see my first Northern Flicker in person! Boy, did he eat--he just hung there chowed down on the suet that we had in this particular feeder. Such a striking bird with his fat spotted belly, beautifully marked wings, and the bright red markings on his head.

My first spotting of a Northern Flicker!

It wasn't until I looked at my photos on my computer that I noticed there were actually two on the feeder at once in this shot. Can you spot the head of the second one just peaking out from behind? The plastic dome above the suet feeder is to keep our pesky squirrels away and it works quite well.

Not one flicker, but two!

My husband brought this pretty bouquet home to me earlier this week and I was so surprised to see tulips--in December! But, they work so well and the lovely red and green arrangement has fit right in with all the red and green decorations that seem to be popping up around my home these days. He's a keeper--wouldn't you agree?!

A Christmas surprise from my husband

Well, that's it for today--I'll be back soon with my 2016 "Parade of Ornaments" post! There will be lots of those chubby white snowmen for you to smile at.  Don't forget, if you would like a chance to win the "Be Merry" chart, please leave a note in your comment and include your email address.  Until then, enjoy these last two weeks before Christmas! Bye for now...

Getting ready!

95 comments:

Linda said...

Congrats on the beautiful finishes Carol. I would love to be entered in your giveaway.

Linda

marly said...

Adorable. I like the stocking fabric you chose much better than a dot pattern. Please do not include me in your giveaway, it's such a sweet design but I will never get to it. Those flickers are handsome, but they pecked a football sized hole in my siding!!

Vickie said...

I love the finish you have honoring your Grandmas.
Stockingful is precious! I have never seen one like this before. Clever!

Carin said...

I just love your snowman in the stocking !!
Great how change the pattern of Belle Pepper, would love to be entered in the give away.
Happy holidays.

Jill said...

Be Merry is an adorable pattern and you did a lovely job with stitching it, too! I would love a chance to stitch it up for next Christmas. Perhaps my sister will stitch it also. We both love stitching! Merry Christmas :) Jill Jones jilljones1@frontiernet.net

Karen said...

I would love the chance to stitch Be Merry for next Christmas. Your final snowman ornament is so cute. Looking forward to the Parade of Ornaments!

Glenna said...

I can't wait for the yearly parade of ornaments. It wouldn't be Christmas without them! Love the "Stockingful" ornament, but I have so much; I want someone else to win it!

Faye said...

I see you already have 6 requests for Be Merry and I too would love to be entered into a drawing for it.
I feed the flickers too. My husband just built a flicker house but hasn't mounted it yet. I also saw a downy woodpecker at my suet this week. I love to watch them come eat.
Faye Morris afayemorris@gmail.com

Will a stitch said...

Hi Carol,
I totally agree about time flying by. From Thanksgiving to Christmas seems like 30 seconds! Very cute snowman and I like the fabric you chose for the stocking. Looking forward to seeing the final finish. Don't include me in the drawing for the chart. I already have it. Have a Merry Christmas.

Judy Heartland stitcher

Clare said...

I would love to stitch `Be Merry` and pass the pattern on. Looks like others do to so would like to be in the draw. Your stitching is beautiful. Happy Stitching.

Kate said...

Love your snowman, Carol. Great pix of the flickers.

Unknown said...

Beautiful stitching Carol (as always). I am really looking forward to seeing your parade or ornaments. I have to sauy I have never heard of Flickers but they look stunning, not a bird we get in the UK. xx

Annie said...

Very nice stitching as always. Your final snowman is so cute as a candy cane topper and the flannel stocking really makes a nice change from all x-stitch.

Beautiful flowers! Your DH is really a keeper, but you know that.

Stay warm and have a good weekend.

Lynda Harrison said...

Hello Carol - lovely to read your latest post. I do like the way you have stitched ''Be Merry' but then I say that about everything you stitch and finish! You have such lovely birds in the US, and I always enjoy seeing your photographs of the latest visitors to your garden.
Hope you are keeping well and warm!
Have a lovely weekend,
Lynda.

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

I love your twelfth snowman Carol,a great design. Lovely flowers from your husband.
Beautiful birds too,I have not heard if Flickers before.Hope you have a good weekend.

Anonymous said...

Love both of your pieces! It's so nice to have that special date on the Christmas House one in memory of your grandmothers...and one born on Christmas no less! Lovely. I adore that snowman in the stocking and like that you used wool for it. Creative touch. Really looking forward to seeing your parade of snowmen! Don't put me in the drawing for the chart...as much as I love it...I don't have much stitching time these days and am working on several other projects. Thanks! Have a blessed Christmas holiday!

Marsha said...

Such a darling finish! I would love to be given the chance to win this chart.

Marsha

Arlene G said...

It looks like every one loved the chart. I do too!Please put my name in the hat. I just finished a Valentine piece yesterday and I plan to stitch Smoky Mountain Christmas in 2017.

Marie said...

It looks lovely. It's true how pieces can be identified in your mind with loved ones. I have a lovely stained glass iris piece that is associated in my mind with my late father. I would like a chance to get the Be Merry chart please. marie.linton@y7mail.com

Cindy said...

Be Merry is a cute project and I would love to have a chance to stitch it up! What a nice memory about your grandmother. It made me think of mine and how much I miss her.
Your snowman is so cute and I love the wool for the stocking. Can't wait to this one finished. have a great weekend, Carol! Hopefully you will get caught up on your Christmas preparations so you can relax and do more stitching!

Denise said...

I also would like to be entered for the giveaway. It's a very cute pattern!

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
what a wonderful finish. It is a lovely pattern. Please, count me in.
your Snowman looks so beautiful I love it. Who is the designer of this pattern?
Have a nice weekend, Manuela

Il punto croce said...

Your embroidery is really delicious! and you've got a nice idea to give to stitchers this pattern. just a nice gift to share later with other passionate of this designer. I would love to participate to your giveaway
I wish you nice day, Dona

*-* said...


Your stitching, as always, is delightful. I loe the bouquet & the lovely end picture.
Kay.

WOODY said...

It's always a joy passing by 😍 I love everything! Have a nice wk 💕

Mavi. said...

Una preciosidad ambos bordados Carol, con tu habitual delicadeza y lleno de sentimientos para tus abuelas.
Deseo que los dias y las horas se estiren para que hagas todo lo que tienes que hacer.
Un beso bien grande.

anna234 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
anna234 said...

I really love your upgrade in 'Be Merry'. Please include me in your giveaway, I would love a chance to stitch it up for next Christmas :)
anpej234@gmail.com

Marilyn said...

I like your version of Belle Pepper.
What a great tribute to your Grandmothers.
The Snowman stocking is too cute also.
Oh, we have Flickers here too, they are big!
They like the suet.
Your flowers are so festive and pretty also.
Can't wait to see your Parade of Ornaments!
I look forward to that each year. :)
Marilyn

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

Merry Christmas! Always love seeing what you are working on. Would like a chance to win the chart. My goal is to set up a tree with only stitched ornaments next year.

LaNelle said...

Stitching is fabulous love that you are remembering your Grandma's❤️ Also enjoyed the changes you made...I have many Flickers they are a lovely bird glad you were able to see them in your yard! Thanks for a chance at the chart as it is wonderful but I will pass as I have much stitching in my stash..... Blessings.....

Shelly said...

Both finishes are nice and I like the personal touches you put to Be Merry. I get that feeling too that the days go by so quickly in December. Maybe because we are so busy buying, making, and planning, with the ultimate goal being the 24th and 25th, the month is practically over! I'm looking forward to the Parade of Christmas as that has become a tradition here in stitchy Blogland! Have a great weekend!

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

Lovely finishes, Carol and a beautiful bunch of flowers from your husband. Looking forward to your 2016 'Parade of Ornaments'.

kcenya1950 said...

Hi, Carol

Lovely finish, as always, and I would love to win that chart. Love the stocking for the snowman. I have to say that once I saw your use of the woolie flannel in finishes I had to go buy some. It's just perfect for so many stitcheries.

Melissa said...

Love that last snowman - so cute! I like how you changed the LHN design to remember your grandmother by. And that's a beautiful gift from Tim - yes, a keeper!

As much as Christmas is rushing in, I am sure you are enjoying the bustle and will make everything sparkly as usual!

butterfly said...

Congrats on your lovely stitching once again.
Like you I am way behind , but today I did get some cards wrote out and some gifts wrapped .
Yes I do think time is going faster or is it me getting slower !
Lovely flowers from your hubby , have a good week hugs.

Robin in Virginia said...

Your December snowman is adorable, Carol. I like the red plaid you used for the stocking. I look forward to seeing your Parade of Snowmen in your next post. What a lovely bouquet of flowers you received. Enjoy your weekend!

Lili said...

"Be Merry" is really pretty, I love the changes that you made!
Your snowman is adorable!
Hum! Parade of ornaments!? Can't wait to see that!!! ;)
Lovely gift!! :)
Happy weekend!

Andrea said...

I can't believe it's only a couple weeks to go until Christmas. I had a days leave last Thursday and set off to town to get the rest of my presents. So I'm done now, all bought and wrapped along with the cards. Do I now feel relaxed ... no ... not yet ... no until I finish work on the 23rd. :)
A lovely finish on Be Merry. My work colleagues grandfather was born on Christmas Day, they celebrates his birthday in the morning with presents and then the afternoon they all opened the Christmas presents.
The snowman piece is just so cute, very creative use of the flannel. Can't wait to see your finish along side the other 11.

Cindy's Stitching said...

What great memories of your grandmother's. Such pretty finishes. December always goes so quick. I think that is why I put my tree up earlier, it gives more time to enjoy it. I have a bird feeder outside my sunroom. I watch the birds all the time. Glad you got to see your mom. Merry Christmas. Looking forward to seeing all of the ornaments in your next post.

Simple Pleasure said...

Carol, you always do a lovely job of stitching! Wonderful, wonderful memories... I would love to stitch the pattern!
Busy Hands...Happy Heart
Patricia

Sherri said...

I love your Be Merry ornament! I think adding the date of your grandmother makes it so special. I always get the best ideas here. Thanks for sharing that. I'm so looking forward to your parade of ornaments; it's one of my favorite post you have along with your tree. I have just sat down in front of the fire watching the Army/Navy game with the tree lit. I do love this time of year. All I need to do is put the finishing touches on my future SIL's stocking. Sounds like a good night for that. Enjoy your decorating. Can't wait to see it.

Blogger Shari said...

Please consider me for your drawing of "Be Merry". I love it!
My email is smittaly@aol.com

Margaret said...

Love that snowman finish - it's soooo cute! Love seeing your flickrs. I'm the same way -- always enjoy seeing the birds on Beth's blog. I know so much more about which birds are which because of Beth! I'm feeling overwhelmed and behind on my Christmas prep too. It's awful! Looking forward to seeing your Christmas ornies on the tree and bannister!

BettyC. said...

Hello Carol,
I would love to be considered in your generous giveaway.
If I were lucky enough to win, I think I would change the wording also, as you did. Your blog is so pretty!
Thank you,
Betty (belcle@yahoo.com)

Bonnie said...

Please enter me in your giveaway. Wish I had a flicker at my bird feeder beautiful bird. Love the snowman in the stocking so cute. Bonnie. bcoles729@gmail.com

M.Grazia said...

Please enter me in your giveaway, be merry is beautiful MGrazia , Grazia.mo@hotmail.it

Pull the other thread said...

I'm sure everything will come together on the day. As you say having your family gathered around you is the most important part. Love your stitching finishes. Also the bird pics are really sweet. I would love to have feeders out but we have too many cats in the area. Don't want to attract birds to a place they could be caught.

Sandy's Stitching said...

Love your stitching. Would love to be added to the giveaway. Thank you

Beachannie57 said...

I would love to stitch" Be Merry!" I hope I win!! I love everything you stitch! I'm feeling behind too, every year Christmas "surprises me."
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Ann
Amneal57@gmail.com

Pam in IL said...

Beautiful finishes! How wonderful for your hubby to surprise you with flowers. I'd love a chance to stitch "Be Merry". Looking forward to your Parade of Ornaments too!

Julie said...

How lovely to honour your grandmothers with the date on the ornament.
I always look forward to your parade at the end of each year and see your collection all together.
Super gift from hubby, is that a Susan Branch book i see in the picture, a dear friend sent me her book about her travels in the UK, such a delight, i had not heard of her before.
I'm sure you'll be all organised in time for the man in red to come down your chimney.
Well done capturing the birds on your feeder.
xxxxx

shirley flavell said...

I look forward to your ornament parade. It is amazing the amount of time,work and thought that you have for each stitchery. I come to you for inspiration. Love your last snowman and the stocking, cheery and bright. Also love those gorgeous Christmas colours flowers your DH gave you. Way to go hubby:) I would love to be entered into your draw for that chart, it's lovely. Merry Christmas Carol, it's been wonderful reading your journey this year.Shirley N.Z.email brandy.1@xtra.co.nz

Paula said...

I love your changes to Be Merry - that's a chart I hadn't seen before. Please do enter me! I'm at (blog) sewscrapmuse.wordpress.com or email paulak AT briscoes DOT co DOT nz
Looking forward to the ornament parade!

Penny said...

Yes, somehow all of the important things do seem to get done. : ) Be Merry is so pretty - love your changes and that sweet little cardinal! And of course, I love your snowman finish - snowmen are my favorites! I have some lined up to stitch after Christmas - we'll see how that goes. : ) What a beautiful bouquet from your husband! I'll be looking forward to your Parade of Ornaments post.

Mini said...

Be Merry and Stockingful look beautiful.
I'm looking fwd to see your Christmas ornament decoration post.

Irene said...

Oh Carol, i tuoi ricami sono sempre bellissimi

Preeti said...

Hi Carol, both your finishes are looking great!! :) Love the cute snowman. It is so nice to see some new birds at the feeder. I used to have feeders but the birds whoever visited preferred eating only when the seeds were spread on the floor or from a pot without plant. So I stopped using bird feeders.

LoriU said...

Hi Carol!
Such a pretty finish! I would love to be in your giveaway!
Can't wait to see all the snowmen since they are my favorite!
Our son was due on Christmas Eve in 1982. That holiday season my husband was Joseph in the live nativity at church. Everyone kept kidding that they would have a real baby for the live nativity! But son decided he liked it in there and didn't come until January 12th! LOLOL

vwquilter said...

Such a beautiful story and the changes made it so special. I would love the opportunity to stitch this as my Grandmother was born on Christmas Eve in the year 1900. She was placed under the tree where all the cousins fought over who's baby sister she was. She fell short of her 93rd birthday but enjoyed her family until the end. She had a special tablecloth with Happy Birthday on one side and Merry Christmas on the other! Merry Christmas to you! vwquilter@gmail.com

Solstitches said...

I don't think it is only December that is flying past but the entire year has gone faster than I would have wished.
Lovely sentiment in the changes you made to this beautiful LHN finish.
I would love to be entered into the drawing for a chance to win the chart please :)
Margaret

Unknown said...

I would love to stitch "Be Merry" and enjoy passing on designs I've stitched to a couple of my s-i-ls and friends who stitch. Chinaknitz at gmail dot com.

Unknown said...

I'd love to be entered. I've been following you on Instagram, but had no clue you had a blog! It's lovely! thechoatefamily@gmail.com @stitchymom on Instagram

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Carol, I always enjoy my visits with you! I see one of my favorite books in your post. Can't wait to see the parade. I look forward to it every year. Much love and hugs to you, dearest friend.

Katie said...

What beautiful finishes. I just love the stocking added to the snowman piece. What a neat idea. I already have a million WIPs so please don't include me in the drawing. But I wish everyone who wants it Good luck! We get Northern Flickers here too. They are beautiful. So glad you finally spotted one. Yes I agree with you about Dec days but that's okay. Christmas will be here soon and I won't have to wait any longer haha. I get overwhelmed with what has to be done but just keep telling myself it will get done. Hang in there.

Mii Stitch said...

Sweet finishes Carol.
Both designs are lovely.
Please do not include me in your giveaway, I have already so much to keep me busy for years :)

tangerinedream73 said...

Lovely finishes, Carol. Would love to be entered in the drawing. Happy Christmas!

Marla's Crafts said...

I would love to be in the draw. Always love your little projects.

Unknown said...

A beautiful piece I would love to have the chance to stitch and share.

Beth said...

Flickers! Glad you have them at your feeder. Now that they've found you, you'll probably see them regularly. Yours should have pretty yellow shafted wing feathers. Your tribute to your grandmother reminds me so much of my maternal grandmother. She too 'reigned' over her family at all the major holidays and family celebrations. As always, such amazing stitching!

Unknown said...

What a darling pattern. Thank you Carol for giving us a look into your beautiful world. I would love to stitch this next! Hope you have a great stitching day!

Unknown said...

Hi, I would love the chance to stitch this lovely chart. Merry Christmas from Sydney, Australia ��

Weronika said...

Beautiful stitching and finishes Carol.

Brenda said...

All of your stitching looks sooo beautiful! I love the change you made and included the word Christmas. Please include me in your drawing.

Unknown said...

What beautiful flowers and gorgeous finishes. I would love to stitch up the Be Merry design..i'd do it super quick and pass it on before next christmas for sure. Love reading your posts.

Shari said...

Thank you for your beautiful blog which I enjoy all year. Merry Christmas and please enter me in. With love, momoshari@yahoo.com

Irmeli said...

Both finishes are wonderful and I like changes you have made.
I look forward to seeing all your snowmen together.

priscilla said...

Such pretty stitched pieces! Can't wait to see your parade of ornaments!

Jennifer said...

Woo hoo - congrats on finishing your 12th ornament! Love this one and her stocking is perfect! I agree that December goes by too quickly, hoping mine will slow just a bit after tomorrow, my last day of work for the year. I'd love to have you throw my name in for the chart - it's a cute one, and I like your idea to change the date to something personal. Hope you're staying warm!

Lillie said...

PS is always so mesmerizing Carol.
Oh! I love a chance to win the "Be Merry" chart, please have my name in the hat. Stockingful is very charming, haven't seen that design before.
I always enjoy the photos from around your home, especially when the animals come visiting. It's a very rare scene for me. Thanks for sharing so people like me from a far away land could see.
Wishing you and family a Very Blessed Merry Christmas Carol.

Maggee said...

Another great post Carol! I like the changes you made to the LHN piece, making it more personal and relevant to YOUR family. Love the All Through the Night design... really cute snowman, but then the stocking--over the top cuteness there! Yours is the only one I have seen done, but I am sure by now... more are being stitched, as you are quite the inspiration to us! Congrats on the Flickers! Your bouquet from hubby is beautiful...(yes, he is a keeper!) and I can't help but notice the Christmas Joy book by Susan Branch... oh how I LOVE looking at her books, etc... The designs are beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us again! Hugs!

Sally said...

Hi Carol, I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing all your lovely cross stitch ornaments. I would love to enter your giveaway! Little House Needleworks patterns are so hard to find in Australia.

Northern Stitcher said...

I always look forward to your blog posts and Instagram photos! Please enter me in your LHN giveaway as well. Thank you! Jennifer Steitz (we follow each other on IG!)

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Your stitching is beautiful, as always. :) I adore that sweet snowman! Please throw my name into the hat for a chance to win the lovely chart, too.

Merry Christmas. :)

Unknown said...

Too dear for words. Thank you for sharing the little bit about your grandmother. They are all such special people and most of them have learned towards the end of their lives that love and family are all that matters. Blessings.

Unknown said...

Thank you for your generosity in offering this! I would love to win this!
Blessings, Donna
phenpharms@hotmail.com

Maggie said...

What a nice story about your Grandmother, she sounds like a very special person.

Lovely stitching again, and that last snowman of the year is just so cute!

I can't wait to see your 'parade of ornaments post' :-)

Meari said...

That bouquet is GORGEOUS!!

Love your latest stitches, Carol. You seem to whip them up so fast!

Please throw my name in the hat for stitching the chart. It's adorable.

Cheryl said...

Hello Carol, I have enjoyed all of your lovely work on Instagram and just now checked your blog. Wonderful work on your last finishes.
I think the snowman is grand. Please put my name in the hat for the giveaway.
Cheryl- cznewport@yahoo.com craftycz on Instagram.

Anna said...

your stitching is so amazing! I am so encouraged by all that you accomplish and would love to be the next stitcher for this chart! Thank you!

Sally said...

What a wonderful finish your LHN piece is. I loved stitching it when I did mine. Seems so long ago now!

Your snowman finish is so cute!

Love the flowers your DH bought for you. They are so pretty.

I thought I was getting behind preparing for Christmas but I suddenly realised I am actually doing OK!

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Justine said...

How did I miss this post?! I hope you're feeling ready for Christmas now. I was a bit last minute this year but almost there now. Your latest stitch is beautiful, what a sweet tribute to your grandmothers.
Gorgeous flowers from your husband, he's definitely a keeper!
Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas.

Brigitte said...

Somehow I missed this post but thankfully my reader keeps them for a month or so.
These are two very lovely new finishes - well, not new but made at the beginning of December. Talk about the time rushing away from us ... Your last little snowman is such a funny little guy and of course I had seem him in your post where the new ornaments hang from your staircase rail :)
Have a Happy New Year, Carol!

Rosa said...

Beautiful finishes! If it's not too late may U b included in your giveaway?! Thanks! Rosa emmi5ca at yahoo dot com

Giovinetta said...

Bravo pour tous ces ornements, chacun avec son style et sa finition
Quelle belle collection, particulièrement autour de la rampe d'escalier