Monday, November 19, 2018

A time for thanks

Why, hello there!  Happy Thanksgiving week to all of my readers here in the U.S. Are you ready for your feast? We are going to be in Ohio for our family's get together this year so I only have to provide a couple of pies, an appetizer, and a tray of cookies--all things I love to make! What does your holiday entail this year? Are you hosting? Going all out with a traditional turkey dinner? Or maybe keeping things simpler this year? I do enjoy the feeling of family that Thanksgiving brings. Compared to Christmas time, there is not as much decorating, no gifts to buy, no hustle and bustle--it's just so nice to simply sit down together to share a fine meal and give thanks. 

In keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving I have a couple of seasonal stitching finishes to share with you today. This first finish, called "The Lord's Blessing" by Imaginating, was a long time coming. Here's a little story for you that goes way back to the late 1990s. While shopping at a local TJ Maxx, I happened upon a little plaque with the following quotation: "Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."  I didn't buy the plaque that day, but I did take time to write down the saying as I thought it would be perfect to use on a piece of cross stitch some day. And, you know what? I carried that little scrap of paper in my wallet for many, many years as a reminder to always be hopeful and grateful--that blessings will be coming my way when I least expect them. 

Flash forward to 2018. It's one of those days when you just don't know what to stitch next... I began leafing through my notebooks of charts (I file them by designer) and came upon "The Lord's Blessing" and immediately knew I had found the perfect piece to incorporate that quotation that had been haunting me for the past two decades. And here is the result!

A Thanksgiving finish

I stitched this on 40 ct. burch Newcastle (yes, that is how "burch" is spelled on the 123 Stitch website!). The only DMC colors I changed were the ones on the pumpkin and the larger diamonds on the border: I used DMC 975 and 3826. The original chart had the words GIVE THANKS in large letters with "For Family, Friends, and the Lord's Blessings" underneath so it was easy to chart it out. Not so easy to get it centered--hence the little heart stitched to the far right! ♥

I changed the wording of the sentiment

From doing a bit of research (once a librarian, always a librarian!), it appears that this is a traditional Native American saying. How appropriate for this time of year given the history of what is often referred to as the "first Thanksgiving" celebrated in New England in the early 17th century. I love the hopefulness of this saying--it prompts me to remember that no one knows what lies ahead, but that there will surely be blessings, both large and small, coming into your life.  I will probably be framing this one, but it would also make a nice larger pillow--we'll see!

Love the acorns in this piece!

My second Thanksgiving finish is one I stitched way back in 2015--you can read about my finish in this post. The Cricket Collection's "Be Ye Thankful" is still readily available for purchase even though it was designed way back in 1997! I guess that shows  you what staying power this design has. Anyway, I'm trying to use up the frames in my stash and didn't have one that fit just right. So I decided to sew a piece of gingham (from a dishtowel) to the linen and add a piece of gold handmade cording to the seam for a better fit. I really love the final finish--it is very simple and doesn't overwhelm the pretty stitching. I look forward to having "Be Ye Thankful" on display at Thanksgiving celebrations for years to come.

"Be Ye Thankful" framed and ready for Thanksgiving

Missing my monthly ornaments? If you've been wondering about my monthly Christmas ornament status--yes, I'm behind! I have October, November, and December all stitched, but not finished. I hope to get at least two of them done this coming week so check back soon! And then, there will be my annual "Parade of Ornaments" in a December post--I can hardly believe that time of year has arrived again, can you?

A surprise gift! After returning from my third trip to New York  (in five weeks!) to help out my mom (who is doing much better--thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts!), I found a surprise package from one of my readers who wants to remain anonymous. She said she was "destashing" (something I need to do, myself!) and came across two charts that were just "so me" so she wanted to pass them along. Isn't that sweet? Thank you so much, my friend--I really look forward to stitching the sweet beaded bee and the charming red house!

Gifts from one of my readers

Chart giveaway... In my final bit of stitching-related news, I'm having another giveaway! This one is for a beautiful patriotic Santa stocking chart (from Cross Stitch & Needlework magazine: July-August 2000). Isn't he handsome? But, I know I'll never stitch the stocking so I'm hoping to pass it along to someone who will. If you are interested in giving this chart a new home, just let me know in your comments and please be a follower of my blog. Also, to make it more fun, please tell me the name of your favorite food at Thanksgiving. This giveaway is for three pages torn from an old magazine--not the whole magazine. If more than one person wants it, I will do a drawing.  PLEASE, PLEASE make sure to include your email in with your comment--I won't be trying to track anyone down if they haven't included their email address... Also, please be aware that I will be folding up the pages and mailing them in a legal sized envelope to save on postage.  I'll announce the winner the next time I post...

I'm giving away this patriotic Santa stocking chart!

Ch-ch-ch-changes! For those of you who don't live in a climate with distinct seasons, I thought you might enjoy these photos taken just two weeks apart. This beautiful buck appears to be looking right across my front porch and into my dining room window, doesn't he? I just love this photo with the bright orange foliage and fallen leaves. If you notice, the antler on the left is missing some points compared to the fuller one on the right--not sure what might have happened!


Oh, "deer!" It appears he lost some of his one antler!


And just two weeks later, this is what we woke up to here in western Pennsylvania! A beautiful icy winter wonderland. This is my backyard as viewed from my upstairs bathroom window. There really wasn't much snow--but because of the ice it clung to every tree branch and remaining leaf making it look like a fairyland. It's all gone now as it warmed up over the weekend, but it honestly was a breathtaking sight while it lasted!


Our backyard simply glistened in the ice and snow last week


I truly want to thank each of you who reached out to me through your comments and by email after my last post. I had so many requests to keep my blog going and some wonderful compliments about my stitching, finishing, and writing style.  Believe me--if I decide to stop blogging--you will know about it. I am not going to be one of those bloggers who just disappears... I honestly consider you my friends and, when the time comes (and it will some day!), I will bow out with a fond farewell. So thank you all for taking the time to read and comment!

I'll leave you with a little throwback to the past--a vintage Thanksgiving photo from 55 years ago. How do I know it was from 1963? Well, my youngest sister was off-camera in a baby bassinet and she just turned 55 this fall! So, that makes me 8 years old in this photo--I'm the one with the headband (remember those?!) holding up a feathered Tom Turkey. My dear mother always ensured that we had quite the feast each year and I'm so thankful for the traditions that she began and I have continued with my own family. Because, after all, that's what Thanksgiving is all about, isn't it: family, friends, and food--and giving thanks for our blessings (both already received and those yet to come)!  Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! Bye for now...

Thanksgiving: 1963 style!

55 comments:

Barb said...

What a fun family photo! I am so happy to hear that your Mom is doing better. I'm sure that is a load off your mind. It is difficult when you do live away from loved ones. I love both of the Thanksgiving designs! I love the way you solved the problem of fitting into the frame. I am trying to think more out of the box when it comes to finishing my stitching. I just might have to order that Be Thankful piece. Our Thanksgiving will be small but Laurie will be here and we will have a fun time I'm sure. I hope yours is wonderful!

Linda said...

What a great family photo Carol. Congrats on the gorgeous finishes. You can't ever quit blogging!!! What an awesome picture of your backyard. It looks amazing but cold.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Linda

Phoenix Bear Maker said...

Quit blogging - oh no! Love your posts. I have both these designs kitted forever. This motivates me to stitch them. Most of my thanksgiving pieces are framed or stand ups. I spread them around the tablescape and the buffet so everyone can enjoy them each year. Enjoy those stitchy gifts. Can’t wait to see them finished.

Heritage Hall said...

Please don't leave for a long time to come, Carol; you are such an
inspiration and idea sharer.(thank you for the snowflake ornament
exchange idea, right down to sharing what to get and where to get it)
I am right on it. Giving Thanks is also on my to do list. Your generosity of spirit epitomizes the reason for the season. May you
and yours have a most blessed Thanksgiving.

Arlene G said...

Happy Thanksgiving Carol...I love that picture from 1963!! We are vintage aren't we??? I love the Be Ye Thankful stitch as well as the new stitch with the wonderful sentiment added. You are so clever. I am going to Savannah to have A GRIMM Thanksgiving. I am taking appetizers, cookies and a pecan pie. We are Twinsies. I got the easy to transport dishes.

Shelly said...

Carol, I will fling myself to the floor and have a big ol fit if you decided to quit blogging! I'm sure you'll hear about it because I'll be on the news as the 54 year old woman throwing a fit! Seeing my age typed out is just...yikes! Anyway, your finishes are beautiful as always. We are having a small get together for Thanksgiving with a turkey breast, and most of the trimming. We don't like cranberry sauce! It is unbelievable that this year has gone by this fast. I plan to decorate for Christmas starting this week because it seems Christmas is here and then it's gone! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! Hope your boys will be able to spend it with you all.

marly said...

So glad to hear your mom is doing better.

The pillow tuck in the header photo is so perfectly stuffed and smooth, just beautiful. As are the two other post features and what a great add to fit the frame. Really nice!

Your backyard is such a nice space, just beautiful.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sandra said...

Beautiful stitching on that Thanksgiving picture. I always like to look up the history and meaning of things also! We learn so much when we do our research!
A great older photo from 1963 of you and your family! Wonderful memories!
A big change in weather for you as there is for us here too! We had snow flurries for the first time yesterday!

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
two wonderful Thanksgiving stitching. I like them.
Nice old photo from you and your family.
I wish you and your family a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Hugs, Manuela

Mini said...

Thank you for sharing lovely story about the quote which you aptly saved for years.
Both your finishes are beautiful. I love how you made the frame a perfect fit by adding the gingham fabric.

I may not have commented on your last post but please know I will be very sad if you stop blogging.

Infact yesterday, I was thinking about the bloggers who stopped posting all of a sudden. Do they think about how it impacts their followers? I started blogging when it had peaked out so I have very few blog friends. It hurts when they stop blogging due to various reasons , specially when you see they have moved on to different social media platforms.

Anyways , I love how you share your life thru pictures of backyard, yearly ornament tree and childhood pics.
Have a beautiful holiday my friend. happy Thanksgiving.

Marilyn said...

Very pretty Fall finishes.
Love the idea of adding the fabric,it sets it off nicely.
Poor Mr. Buck must've gotten into a fight!
What a great family memory pic.
Can't wait to see your tree!!! :)
Marilyn

Vickie said...

Happy Thanksgiving Carol! We go by either of our parents' homes each year. Quite local.This year it is my in-law's home. I just have to bring the sweet potatoes. I love your Give Thanks with your addition. It is wonderful. And Be Ye Thankful looks fantastic with your trimming in that frame! What a special picture you caught there of that buck! Your backyard is gorgeous in ALL the seasons Carol!! I enjoyed the family photo so much!I am right with you on the blogging Carol.

Sandy said...

The photo is priceless. I love old pictures...so much to notice. You were so cute and the table is so pretty.
I am in love with that first stitch. I love it when something old like that sticks around and you know just what to do with it. That is how I felt about that half window ornament. I have a collection of old books that I hung onto throughout my stitching break. I will have many to keep me busy for a long time to come.
You got the Thanksgiving part right. I love it because it really is just family time around the table...not as much rush. I do have to cook a bit more these days, but I enjoy it mostly. I am like you in the baking part. It is way more fun than cooking.
Have a wonderful time with family.
I have pondered doing stockings for grandkids. Pondering...not committed yet:)

Sandy said...

I love the yard pictures too. I don't see anything like that here, so I love seasonal pictures.

Merilde said...

Hello Carol! I have lurked on your site for a while and also follow you on IG (I am house1795) You provide so much inspiration with your stitching and finishing. Love the stories of your travels. Please keep blogging! Wishing you and your family a lovely Thanksgiving. Lori

Merilde said...

Oops, meant to add, I love the photo! Looks like my family pictures - I also wore headbands! Lori

Katie said...

So great to hear your mom is doing better. Also great to hear you will stick around blogging. I personally love reading your blog. Love your 2 new finishes. The added quote with the story is wonderful. The dishtowel added to the thankful piece makes it just look perfect if you ask me. I love how it changed the look of it and made it complete. Good luck finding time to finish your ornaments. We all look forward to seeing them. I know they will be finished perfect of course. The goodies you received are very cute. How kind. No thank you on the giveaway. Our Thanksgiving here will be just us now. We enjoy a nice lazy day though. We cheat and have boneless ham and turkey so we don't have to clean it all up haha. I love the veggies and dip and I make deviled eggs. I always eat way too much and feel miserable the rest of the day haha. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Robin in Virginia said...

Both of your Thanksgiving stitches are gorgeous, Carol! I have always loved Be Ye Thankful and should get it stitched during 2019. Love your vintage photo! Oh my goodness, look at your handsome buck and the snow picture. Wow! Wishing you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving!

Stasi said...

First, I love the vintage photo.....oh for simpler times!!!
Your finishes are fabulous; I really like what you did with the Be Ye Thankful to fit the frame and the verse you changed out is perfect for that piece.
I'm glad to hear your mother is doing better and hopefully, you don't have to worry as much...easier said than done!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and please keep blessing us with your lovely blog.

Claire said...

Such a wonderful picture of your family Thanksgiving! I bet your mom enjoys seeing that, too. So happy she is feeling better! What a fabulous piece the Lord's Blessing is and how special to have that wonderful quote included. Have a very happy Thanksgiving with your family and safe travels.
xoClaire

BrendaS said...

Please don't even think of discontinuing your blog! I'm very late in finding you and you are such an inspiration. I've yet to find anyone who does finishes like you do and look so forward to seeing them

Irene said...

che belli Carol, buona festa del Ringraziamento con la tua bella famiglia!

Unknown said...

Hello, I've not been a long time follower, in fact, thanks to Instagram I only recently found you. You have quickly become a favorite- I love looking at your little squares, you do beautiful work! I love the Americana Santa, he would be right at home in my home as I have decorated in mostly Americana. It would be a great piece to stitch for my son since he is in the military & has served 2 overseas tours.
Thanks for the giveaway chance!
I hope you have a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving, Elizabeth
busylizzybliss@yahoo.com

Leonore Winterer said...

I love your new finish and the sentiments - it is full of such optimism and faith in what it to come. The design itself is also lovely, so it is just perfect for the season! I hope you will have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones.

butterfly said...

Well where do I start , you were such a cute little girl .

Such a lovely family photo .

Love your header and your new stitch is so beautiful.


Lovely garden seasons photos .

Looks like you can't give up your blogging so many people would be upset .

You have many lovely followers .

Cheryl said...

I LOVE the 1963 family Thanksgiving picture! Like my mom, yours set a lovely table even if it was just for the family! I have been reading your blog for quite a while, and have never commented before, just lurking in the background.
You have inspired me to start cross stitching again, after a break of many years. I got strong readers and only can do it in the daylight-but I am doing it! Thanks for your wonderful blog (I look at your Instagram pages also)-don't stop. Happy Thanksgiving!

Barb said...

Hi Carol - oh, where to start!?!? First of all, like all of your blog readers, I absolutely love reading your blog and seeing all of your wonderful, beautiful, exquisite stitched pieces. Your really do amazing work and you are such an inspiration. I truly hope you keep blogging and sharing so much - it truly is a treasure to all of us!

I love the picture of the deer in your yard in such beautiful fall weather and then the snow picture to follow. We must be in much the same weather system. We have had very little fall weather but a fair amount of much cooler weather and rainy-snowy weather. Truly, I think we kind of just skipped the fall season and went directly to winter this year. Quite strange.

I’m so happy to read that your mom is doing better now. I loved the early Thanksgiving picture you shared of your family - beautiful! I do hope you have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving holiday and a safe trip to Ohio.

Oh, and like all of your followers, I’m looking forward to your Christmas stitching and your most amazing Christmas tree and displays. We all love it!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Barb R.

Wendy Howard said...

I love the patriotic Santa stocking. My favorite food at Thanksgiving I’d the dressing. My email is sewwendy@aol.com

Ms. Wright said...

I love these pieces, Care. Much for which to be thankful! Mom went above and beyond that Thanksgiving of 1963....so many changes that year. Love the picture...find memories of Maple Ave celebrations! And...you are not permitted to quit blogging...just letting you know. 😉

Barbara said...

Your Thanksgiving cross stitch projects are beautiful. I want to make some for my home in the coming year.

Your 1963 Thanksgiving photo is wonderful. Have a blessed holiday!

Julie said...

Have a wonderful time with your family Carol, I hope your day is filled with lots of fun and happy memories that you can all share. Your picture is lovely, what a sweet family around the table.
A great finish, the gingham adds just the right touch, I will have to remember that for when I have a finish that is just that bit too wrong for the frame I had in mind - always so inspirational and sharing with us.
The little saying is delightful, it fits perfectly on the bottom of your design and the heart looks like it was meant to be added and not just an afterthought.
Winter wonderland ...not sure I am ready for that quite yet.. but it does look pretty. I do like the way your friend is looking at you in the autumnal pic.
Take care x

Jutta said...

Hello Carol,
Your Thanksgiving embroidery is wonderful, the acorns are really very pretty.
You got a great surprise!
A deer in the garden, we had a fox eating the walnuts yesterday.
Thanks also for the beautiful nostalgic photo, I am born 55, we only had black and white photos at that time.
Hugs, Jutta

Lili said...

Beautiful stitching, Carol! The first piece is adorable, the bird is to cute also the acorns and that big pumpkin are beautiful!
Love the framed piece with the gingham fabric!

The photo of the deer is lovely!! :)

Hugs!

Sheryl said...

Lovely Thanksgiving embroidery Carol and thoughtful gift received. Love seeing the photos of your family and garden, goodness snow already, we haven´t even put the heating on yet this autumn.

Cathy H. said...

Beautiful Thanksgiving pieces! Very creative in using fabric to make the piece fit the frame!! Your snow is gorgeous! We've already had snow, which is rare for us. It was only a good dusting, but since our trees have not lost their leaves yet, they held the snow and were beautiful. It was like having two seasons at once. I agree that Thanksgiving is so special. We all need time to just enjoy our families! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Can't wait for the annual ornament post!

Kaisievic said...

Fabulous post, as always, Carol. So many lovely things to look at and to read about. Love your family photo - it is so cute! Great finishes on your two Thanksgiving pieces. And how kind of your anonymous reader to send you something special. Please count me in for the giveaway - as you know I am quite obsessed with American stitching, so this would fit into my collection nicely. Now, whilst we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Australia, it just so happens that my DS2 and his girlfriend our down from Sydney at the moment and are going to a Thanksgiving dinner tonight at a friend's home, who is American. So, I have been helping them make Pumpkin Pie all day, today. How is that? So, please count me in the draw. kayedep@gmail.com . hugs, Kaye

RJ said...

So enjoyed reading your post today Carol. I love that photo of you and your family from Thanksgiving past.

Both of your stitches are so lovely and the finishes perfect. I need to add them to my ever growing list of patterns I need to get.

Hope you and your family have a very blessed and lovely Thanksgiving. RJ

MartinaM said...

Hi Carol,
Give Thanks, a great design and so beautiful. And you've done so much the wording. It fits perfectly.
Your second workday looks great, and the Finsih fits perfectly.
The annual parade? It's time again - as time goes by, I'm looking forward to your pictures.
What a beautiful picture in this season - when everything is so white. Since you get right desire for Advent and Christmas to tinker and bake.
Thanksgiving is not celebrated here with us, there is in September / October a harvest Thanksgiving, at this festival will be thanked for the harvest in the fall. And it's not celebrated as much as your party.
Happy Thanksgiving my friend,
Hugs Martina

Jennifer said...

So happy to find this post as we watch the parade on Thanksgiving morning! Our house will soon smell of pie and then we will head up to my parents for the day. Hope you have a good time in Ohio! Love all your thankful stitching - those are both great patterns and love your added phrase that you’ve kept with you so long (maybe a grand baby blessing will be on the way soon?). The finish in the frame is fantastic, I’d have never thought to do that to make a finished piece fit into a standard sized frame. I do love that stocking, so please put my name on the list. It might be a while before I’d stitch it, but it would be neat on the mantel. Hope you have a great turkey day and a lovely weekend Carol!

Meg said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Carol! Loved your family photo - you all look so happy and cute!

The "Be Ye Thankful" finish is absolutely breathtaking. I love the idea of using fabric and trim to "extend" the size to fit a frame - and that fabric/trim combo is spot on. Well done! I also like the stitch itself - nice colors and contrast.

The "Give Thanks" stitch is beautiful - I especially like the blackwork leaves. So pretty. I like the saying you customized it with. I live by the mantra that everything will work out fine, whether I understand why things are the way they are at the moment.

I just love the projects you pick. Whenever I go through my stash trying to decide what to stitch next, I often search for my pick on your blog, and yup, nine times out of ten, you've stitched it. Haha! Isn't that funny? You're my stitching soulmate. :)

A couple of years ago, when my husband got tired of watching my mom and me bumping into each other in my small kitchen (and one year when I cried at dinner because my rolls didn't turn out!), we made the decision to eat Thanksgiving dinner OUT. We go to Chuck-a-Rama - isn't that name TERRIBLE? It sounds like a feeding trough. But it's very good food, very clean, wonderful service, and a homey, warm atmosphere. We meet Shawn's aunt and sister and each of us gets exactly what we want. The best part for me, aside from zero stress, is that I don't have a plate of leftover cranberry sauce tipping over and dripping all over inside my fridge.

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,
Meg

Sweet Sue said...

2 beautiful finishes carol! glad to hear your mom is improving, nice family pic too. happy thanksgiving, enjoy the baking season:)

Mary said...

Carol, I love the sentiment you added to Give Thanks. How interesting that it is a Native American quote. Be Thankful is another great stitch I never saw before and the gingham check from a dishtowel was an innovated addition and it works great!
How I love your photo from 63! The sideboard looks like the same one my parents had!! Mom had hers filled with milk glass.
We celebrated Thansgiving at my sisters. I brought the stuffing, turnips and wine. Hope your home safe and sound from your travels and had a lovely day.

Cindy's Stitching said...

Beautiful stitches Carol. The vintage picture made me smile. I made homemade cranberry sauce and a miracle pie. We went to my sisters. A relaxing and fun day. I am sure you had a great time. Into christmas we go.

Andrea said...

What a lovely family photo. Your Thanksgiving stitched pieced are fabulous.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

Daniela Bencúrová said...

Happy Thanksgiving!
Beautiful memories of childhood!
Paaaa

Karen said...

Beautiful stitching, Carol! There are so many Halloween and Christmas stitching designs, but Thanksgiving seems to get overlooked. That certainly was a weather change in just two week. Both are lovely in their own ways.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ours was wonderful and busy and tiring! We always host and we do ALL the cooking. Thankfully, this year my husband did 99% of the cooking as I had to work the day before as well as Black Friday. I love your Thanksgiving stitches. The black gingham really adds the perfect touch. Very striking.

LOVE your backyard covered in frost and ice. I'm sure that isn't a surprise to you! :)

rosey175 said...

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving~ :D We had a nice one; my husband and I hosted -- my mother! It was pleasant with just the three of us and I don't have to do a gigantic bird! I had a bit of unwanted "stress" when I thought the jello for the pretzel salad wasn't going to set so I panic-used a couple packets of Knox unflavored stuff lol. Turned out great in the end!

Your Thankful Stitching has all turned out so pretty. "Burch" fabric indeed! There really doesn't seem to be a lot of stitching for this holiday. Plenty of fall out there which I suppose most substitute in. I love that you've kept that saying with you for so long.

We just got pummeled by about 7" of snow which is absurd for here so early (or at all really!). It was beautiful clinging softly to everything though, much like your beautiful winter wonderland. It melted quickly though.

Margaret said...

First, I'm so happy to hear your mother is doing better! I will continue to send positive thoughts and prayers for her and for you too! Love your finishes. It's funny to see things twice, once on instagram and once on your blog. But I like having both mediums to enjoy so it's a good thing! I will look forward to seeing your Christmas ornaments. hope you won't feel too much pressure to finish your October, November and December ornies. You've had a lot on your plate! Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one!

Julie said...

Hi Carol!
I just found your blog via Priscilla’s blog! I follow you on Instagram and I’m happy to find your “other” spot on the World Wide Web! ☺️ I live in Western PA as well! Isn’t it a small world? I will enjoy following you here! Your finishes are just beautiful! I also love that quote about being thankful for blessings that are on the way....and I just shared it with my husband a week or so ago. It was featured on a Mary Englebreit calendar I have. May you have many unexpected blessings in the new year to come!

LoriU said...

So glad to hear your mother is doing better. I love the Be Thankful piece. Great idea to finish it with the gingham so it fit the frame. I for one hope you do not decide to stop blogging for a long, long time! Love the vintage photo...with the turkey on a tray table (we called them "snack trays" back in the day!). Was the headband plastic? I used to wear those and my brother would smack me on the top of the head and break them!!

diamondc said...

Carol: Your Thanksgiving Designs are beautiful, I love the Verse.
It is good to hear your Mother is settling in, it took a couple of days for my father in law but then he never wanted to leave to go to lunch he loved it so much.
Please do not include me in your giveaway, I have stash to last three lifetimes.
Here in Minnesota it is snowing on Wednesday the 28th ish is all I can say, the Buck probably lost some antler during a fight for a female during rutting season, they will drop off and a new pair will grow back.
I totally love the headband, they gave me a headache but I still wore it.
I hope you are staying warm.

Catherine

Beth said...

What a wonderful Thanksgiving photo Carol. Love your grinning brother! FOOD! Your Be Thankful stitch is just beautiful as is the sentiment.

Nancy M said...

Your Ye Be Thankful is perfect. You really have an eye for coordination of pattern and finishing materials. Lots of people aren’t framing anymore, and adding this to the stitched piece allows you to use a frame that otherwise you couldn’t. Still have to go back further to find out about your mom!

Bethan said...

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. What a great family photo! The saying on your first finish is excellent, and I too like the saying. How amazing that the buck got that close to you. I must admit I am very jealous of your snow! We get distinct seasons but never much snow x