Tuesday, January 14, 2020

A brand new year begins...

Happy 2020, everyone! I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start... I have a feeling this year is going to be a good one (even if I am turning into an official "senior citizen" when I turn 65 on my birthday on Thursday)!  As usual, my husband and I turned in early on New Year's Eve--we have rarely made it 'til midnight in recent years. But, for some reason, I couldn't get to sleep that night and was still lying awake at midnight when the fireworks began exploding outside and cheers from revelers burst into the previously quiet night. Suddenly, somewhere in our neighborhood, a tuba began playing the familiar refrain of "Auld Lang Syne." Yes--a tuba! It wasn't played well or loudly, but it brought me comfort and I truly felt like my dad was there wishing me a "Happy New Year." You see, that was his instrument--he played it not only in the high school band, but also in the army band in Fort Lewis, Washington in 1946-47. I smiled contentedly as I finally drifted off to sleep in the wee hours of January 1, 2020... it is going to be a good year!

Dad playing his tuba (sousaphone) in the army band at Fort Lewis, Washington circa 1946 or 1947.

Before I share the stitching gifts I sent to friends around the world, I want to thank you for your wonderful comments and emails you sent in reply to my last post. I truly felt the love and feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful online stitching community (a fact that I've stated many times over!). I was so touched by your "thank yous" and your kind words... If you get a chance, read through the comments from this last post--I think you'll feel uplifted, too!

So, let's get things started--I sent a lot of gifts for Christmas 2019 (and, as always, wish I could have sent even more!) and they were all well received.  I'll share the photographs and the designer and any other pertinent information in a little parade of finishes...

This Prairie Schooler Santa is now living in Virginia at Stasi's house! He is from Book No. 62, "Kris Kringle" and is stitched on 32 ct. sage Jobelan with the suggested DMC colors. I love the snowmen on his robe, don't you?


This smiling snowman has now made his home across the pond in jolly old England with June. This is a freebie available on the "Stitching, Tea, and Me" blog post from July 15, 2016 (or I have a link to it in the "Favorite Freebies" list in my sidebar under "Snowman's Quaker Christmas"). This cutie was stitched on 32 ct. flax Belfast linen with Gentle Arts thread in the color "Crystal Lake."

One of my favorites, as evidenced by the fact that I've stitched this multiple times, is making his home in Texas with a new friend, Susan. Susan was a godsend to some family members earlier this year and I wanted to send her a small thank you! This is from Prairie Schooler's Book No. 51, "Christmas Past" and is stitched 'over one' on 28 ct. black Monaco with DMC threads.

You saw this last year when I stitched three of these Homespun Excellence ornaments called "Jingle, Jingle!" One stayed with me, one went to Robin, in Virginia, and another went to Cindy, in Virginia. This was stitched on 40 ct. vintage country mocha Newcastle linen with DMC threads which were changed to a Prairie Schooler color palette.

I stitched this little partridge from one of the Prairie Schooler mini-cards three times! This ornament went to Instagram friend, Tricia, in Indiana, and it is stitched on a new favorite linen: 40 ct. woodland Newcastle with the suggested DMC threads.
And the other two partridges were made into greeting cards and sent to Instagram friend, Claire in Canada, and stitching friend, Gabi, in Germany. I added a little bow to the front of the each card and thought it finished them off perfectly. Due to the high cost of international shipping, I sent cards rather than packages to most of my international friends.

Two more cards were made from the Hands On Design "Cranberry Christmas" chart. These were also stitched on 40 ct. woodland Newcastle using DMC threads and are now living with two German blogging friends: Manuela and Martina.

This 2018 Prairie Schooler annual Santa is now making his home with Meg in the lovely state of Idaho. I changed a few things on the chart--leaving off the words "Let It Snow" and adding more snowflakes instead. Isn't that little bunny adorable?
  
Last, but not least, this unique ornament is now residing with my oldest son and daughter-in-law in, where else, but San Diego! This is one of the city charts by Tiny Modernist and certainly reflects the bright, sunny, fun feeling of southern California!
 It is stitched on 40 ct. white Newcastle with the suggested DMC colors.

Whew! That's it--well, almost. I did stitch an ornament for my middle son, but didn't quite get it finished in time for Christmas. Oops! Well, I'll share that with you (and him!) when I finally get it done... I truly enjoy making ornaments for gifts and I'm sure you'll be seeing more in the future!

I received a lovely gift of my own from my blogging friend, Jennifer at Quilting Mom's blog. Just look at this beautiful Christmas project bag she made for me! She wanted to thank me for the inspiration I've given her and made me a little bag for my monthly ornament stitching. As you can see, Jennifer, I'm going to fill it with future Prairie Schooler projects shown on the right. That was so sweet of you--thank you so very much! If you aren't familiar with Jennifer's blog, please go visit her--she does just about everything in terms of beautiful needlework and I find her work to be very inspiring, too!

Thanks so very much, Jennifer! Your beautiful project bag will come in so handy for helping me to organize my ornament stitching!

I've been doing a bit of winter decorating for the months of January and February. I love the soft simple blues and grays and whites of winter, don't you? After the hustle-bustle of the holidays, I relish the tranquil, sparse decor that I use in January. It seems to clear my head and be just the thing I need to start the new year with a clean slate...

I made this vignette in a galvanized tray to place in the center of my kitchen island--a bit of greenery, some miniature silver ball ornaments, a pair of glittery buildings, and a black metal snowflake lantern. It looks so pretty at night when the fairy lights are lit.



This corner of my kitchen cupboard always make me smile with the With Thy Needle and Thread January Wordplay finish and sweet Marjolein Bastin sled.

My son and his girlfriend invited us over for an early birthday dinner on Sunday and I got to visit with my "grandcat," Spike. Can you see why he is named Spike? He has a large "spike" of white fur running up in between his eyes. I do miss having a cat around the house, but with our travels at this stage in our lives, it is easier to not have a pet. But, at least I can see him now and then!


My grandcat--Spike! Such a love...

 
Speaking of cats, we finished the 1000 piece "Holiday Cats" puzzle that we began on Christmas Day. It was such fun and I think an annual Christmas puzzle is in our future.


And what could be better than a sweet baby photo! My youngest sister sent me this picture of my great-nephew, Oliver, reaching for the ornament that I stitched for his first Christmas... How adorable is he?!

Little Oliver looks like he wants to take a bite out of that gingerbread man!

Do you like biscotti? I've always wanted to try making my own, so I found a recipe for Double Chocolate Biscotti on the "Once Upon a Chef" site that had great reviews. Oh, my--it was very easy and tasted amazing--so crunchy and chocolatey. Just perfect with a cup of tea or coffee (only I don't drink either so I just eat mine with cocoa or water :)  For the recipe, just click here: Double Chocolate Biscotti. I think I may add some almonds next time and experiment with different flavors this year.

Double Chocolate Biscotti satisfies any chocolate craving!

Giveaway... I thought it would be fun to start off the new year with a small giveaway... Since we are getting NO snow here in western Pennsylvania this year, perhaps a snow chart giveaway will bring some our way (be careful what you wish for, Carol!). Honestly--I don't ever remember a winter like this--it was 70° here on Saturday. Unbelievable... Anyway, if you would like to win this cute chart (just two pages pulled from a magazine--not the whole magazine), please: 1) specifically say so in your comments, 2) make sure to include your email address if I don't already have it and 3) tell me what you are most looking forward to stitching this year. For me, I'm looking forward to adding to my little ornaments stitched on black in the LHN "Hometown Holiday" series. I plan on starting one this week and hope to add a couple more this year. The drawing will be open until January 29, 2020 and I'll announce the winner on my next post.

If you would like to be included in the drawing for this chart:  1) specifically say so, 2) make sure to include your email address in your comments if I don't already have it, and 3) tell me what you are most looking forward to stitching this year.

And, that's a wrap--my first post of 2020 done and dusted! I thank you for stopping in today, for  your kind comments, your inspiration, and your friendship. Let's make this a wonderful stitching year, my friends! Bye for now...

62 comments:

Tricia B said...

Beautiful gifts, Carol! You are so generous! i like biscotti, especially chocolate biscotti! Wonderful photo of your tuba playing dad. 2020 is going to be a good one, I’m sure. Happy early Birthday! xo, Tricia in Illinois

Purple Pixie Dust said...

I would love to be entered in your giveaway. I have some unfinished stitching I want to finish. I want to do more stitching because I haven't done alot last year so this year I am going to try and do more. I love all your stitching, Spike the cat is sweet and your nephew Oliver is adoreable. I have lots of snow if you want some.
Email is Jasmine_Ms.Buttom@hotmail.com
Have a great week Lynda Ruth

Vickie said...

Well that is a first! I have never heard of a tuba being played in the neighborhood to bring in the New Year!! I am glad it was played for YOU! :)
What wonderful gift exchanges Carol!
I have to say that I have often wondered why you don't just give in and get a cat?! Couldn't your son look in on it when you travel? Just wondering. You would be with it sooo many more days than not, and you know you want one!! ;)
Oliver is SO precious! Those cheeks!!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

A lovely mixed post Carol with so many things to enjoy and be inspired by. I always look forward to reading your posts and do appreciate the effort you put into each one.

Robin Wylde said...

How kind of you to gift so many things, Carol! I'm sure the recipients were thrilled :) I enjoyed the picture of your dad playing the tuba- I never realize how big those things are until I see them wrapped around a person! Very cool.

I love your house decor as always, and I agree that the cool, clean palette is very soothing for the mind. As for your grandcat Spike: adorable!! :D

As for being a "senior", you might find it funny to know that in Spanish we call it the "second youth" :) it's a way of saying that people enjoy the time off to spend with their families and friends and to sunbathe in the parks (a very Spanish thing to do, here in the sunny Mediterranean). I always thought it was a sweet point of view and wanted to share :)

I hope you're having a wonderful week :D

Vicki said...

Beautiful finishes, Carol! I really like your winter vignette. I'm optimistic about 2020 also. Enjoy this new year!

Robin in Virginia said...

I forgot to mention in your last post, but wanted to say I love your new blog header. Love your winter vignettes, Carol! Like you, I love the blues, grays, and whites of winter. Each one of the ornaments you gifted are lovely! And I am blessed to have another Carol ornament! Thank you! I enjoyed reading your memory of your Dad and know that he is looking down with a smile on you. Wishing you a wonderful day of celebrating you on Thursday! Happy Birthday, Carol!

Kate said...

These are beautiful gifts, Carol. I like the colours you used for your Quaker Snowman - mine is stitched in monotone but I prefer yours. :)

Claire said...

It'such a great start to the day reading your blog, Carol! Your generosity is overwhelming and I will treasure my sweet card forever:) Thank you so much! I hope the tradition of cards comes back as it is so special to see the written words of a friend or relative. I'm going to try to send a few more handwritten messages next year. As always, thanks for the inspiration and have a very happy birthday!
xoClaire

diamondc said...

Happy Birthday Early Carol: I hope your birthday day is filled with lots of lovely presents and fun.
We go to bed early ourselves and celebrate on the 1st of the year with as special meal.
Your gifts are beautiful, and finished is such a lovely way.
Spike is adorable, what a pretty kitty.
A tuba on New Years Eve that is so cool, I would love to have heard that one, we had no fireworks in our area, I wish we would have.
2020 is going to be a good year.

Happy New Year
Catherine

Heritage Hall said...

Would receive that charming winter scene - heritagehalltn@gmail.com
and 2020 would include making a number of them as ornament/gifts for
next Christmas. Many thanks for the generous offer. I really enjoyed
today's entry to your blog...you are a busy and accomplishing bee and
cannot wait to try your chocolate biscotti...Again, many thanks.

Barb said...

Hi Carol - I looked at your blog earlier today and this posting from you wasn’t up yet, but I came back just now to look for something and found today’s posting! What a very happy Tuesday surprise! I always consider it a special day when I find a new posting on your blog - they are always so beautiful and so fun to read. I love this picture of your Dad playing the tuba in the service and reading that you heard a tuba playing on New Year’s Eve - what a great coincidence! I think it may have been your Dad playing just for you and sending a Happy New Year message of love to you!
All of your stitched gifts to your blogging friends are so gorgeous and so special - I just know that they will be treasured forever. Thank you for sharing all of these for us to see - beautiful!!!
Your great nephew is just the cutest boy, and Spike is pretty adorable, too! Thanks for sharing those pictures, too.

Happy New Year to you and your family! It’s going to be a wonderful year!

Barb R.

Alhana said...

Did you know the last time we had snow in my town was nearly 40 years ago, when I was a toddler? I enjoy seeing snow landscapes and stitching snowflakes, but I'm not sure I'd be able to endure such a cold weather. :-)
I love your last piece, it's a very sweet decoration for January, subtle and beautiful. I'm sure your friends were delighted to receive your presents this year. Oliver did for sure! And those cards you made are lovely.
I hope to make an ornament for me this year since the only two I've managed to stitch so far were gifts. It may be odd to stitch Santas under our 100F July weather but that's my plan for the summer.
Wishing you a lot of snow and a happy early birthday!

Arlene G said...

You are a stitching machine Carol...so many lovely gifts, hand crafted and finished so beautifully. I do make biscotti but mostly in the winter when we are drinking a lot of hot drinks. This winter has been mild so far so no biscotti. Oh that picture of Oliver is just so cute....can you tell I am missing my grands? I too turn 65 this year. I just got some info from SS about signing up for medicare. I do look forward to getting Silver Sneakers. I can go to the gym for free!! And I fully intend to take advantage of all the senior freebies I can!!:) I will pass on the chart as I have 7 WIPs right now so I am busy. HOping to finish up Rebecca Nurse today.

Julie said...

This post is filled with so many lovely things Carol.
Your grandcat Spike is adorable.
What a wonderful way to start the new year haring the tuba being played, that must have warmed the heart somewhat.
xx

Christine said...

Ooohh...I dream of the day when i can stitch again. My life used to be just cross stitch, and Prairie Schooler patterns were my fave.
I'm making an ornament (of differing media) each year for my daughter&fam, but I missed grandbaby's first Christmas ornament, because I couldn't cross stitch it. I'm getting ready to try again. What is the pattern name for the gingerbread one you did for grandnephew?
I continue to relish in your photos, finishing styles and stories.❤

Marilyn said...

I love all of the blues on your header, so pretty.
That had to be your Dad wishing you a Happy new Year!!
All of your sent out ornaments are so pretty, I"m sure the recipients love them.
What a thoughtful gift from Jennifer.
Spike is handsome!
Oliver is so cute, seem like he knows that ornament is his.
Oh, I LOVE Biscotti, thanks for the recipe.
Yes, almonds would be delicious.

Narilyn

Marilyn said...

Can't even spell my name!
Marilyn

Leslie O said...

Your ornaments are all beautiful! I would love to win your chart giveaway although my finishing won't compare to yours!! I'm looking forward to stitching some Christmas ornaments as well as some small bowl filler type pillows this year. Happy New Year! obryan128@gmail.com

Christel said...

Une belle et douce année pour vous et votre famille et amis.
L'hiver des doux cette année dans notre région (120 kms au sud de Paris), pas de neige ni de verglas pour le moment. Tant mieux car je n'aime pas ça du tout. La neige c'est très joli en montagne, dans les jardins mais pas sur les routes ! Je l'aime beaucoup dans les broderies par contre :-)
Vous avez gâté beaucoup de personnes avec tous les ornements. Je pense qu'ils ont été appréciés à leur juste valeur, ils sont si beaux.
Votre amie Jennifer a joué le Père Noël. Ces cadeaux sont magnifiques.
Vous être née en janvier comme moi ( enfin si j'ai tout bien compris car mon anglais est fort mauvais) ! Alors je vous souhaite un bel anniversaire. Je prendrai 55 ans le 30.
Amitiés de France,
Christel
http://toilesetfils.blogspot.com

Sandy said...

I love seeing your post pop up and I had to wait all day to read it. It didn't disappoint. What treasures you mailed out! I also love the little vignette on your island. Cute as can be and yes, I need the cleaner less colorful for the new year. I also enjoyed the story of your dad being a tuba player. I have a wonderful story about cardinals showing up on a bike ride along the Chattahoochee River a few years ago. It is the one memory of my dad (fishing with him there) that there is no picture so I know firmly it is my memory. I will have to write a post about it someday.
Have a great rest of January.

Barb said...

I so enjoyed your story about New Years and the tuba. I would like to win that chart. I have very little winter and that would be a good one. What a cute photo of the baby reaching for your ornament! Your tray look so pretty. I have left some of the lights around. I think the part I hate most about Christmas being over is how dark the world feels. Plus we are unusually cold and very snowy right now. Just looking our the window feels cold! A few white lights help!

Janice Boucher said...

Such beautiful stitched gifts! Your finishing is always so sweet and creative Carol. Loved the pic of your Dad playing the tuba. My Dad was in the Army Band also (early 1940"s) He was the trumpet soloist. He would be the one who was called upon to play when any dignitaries would come into the Army base. We are still waiting for Winter to arrive here in Southeastern Massachusetts... our high temp broke all the records..70 degrees! My stitching plan for 2020 is to stitch LHN Early Americans series all on one piece of fabric. This will be quite an undertaking for sure. Happy New Year to you and your family!

MartinaM said...

Oh, you made a lot of great gifts and I am happy to be one of the recipients. I will honor the card.
And what a lovely guy Oliver is - he likes your ornaments.
I have never tried Biscotti, but it looks very tasty, that would definitely be something for my children.
I am happy to hop in your lottery pot - what am I most looking forward to? My husband and I will go to Rome this summer, for 8 days I will enjoy the old city. I am looking forward to.
Have a good time, Hugs, Martina

Gabi said...

How exciting the new year starts for you. I am sure the tuba was played for you.
Always nice to read your posts and the stitching is so beautiful. I am happy to have received this wonderful card.
Little Oliver.... a cutie!
January here at my region is very warm. I think it will be cold then when we don't want it anymore.
Have a great time.
Hugs, Gabi

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
you made so many beautiful gifts for your blogging friends. I love my card very much.
Oliver is very cute.
Here in Germany it is very warm too.
Have a nice birthday.
Big Hugs Manuela

PNLima said...

Recently found your blog and thanks for the freebies you listed. I'm always trying to find new ideas for cards or ornaments for friends and that list is precious. What I'm looking forward to start is "Japan" from Thea Governeur, perhaps in March on my birthday. If sooner, better, but I'm a one project stitcher.
So, all the way from Portugal
Thanks and a Happy New Year to you!
Paula Lima

Susan of River Ridge said...

Good morning,

I am enjoying your beautiful ornaments and blog. I am new to cross stitch and currently enjoy needlepoint . I am beginning one of the ornaments on your site next week. Just waiting for the material to arrive. The Double Chocolate Biscotti sound delicious. I will have one with my cup of Greek coffee this afternoon. Thank you for the inspiration!

Mini said...

Carol, you sent such beautiful gifts filled with love to your friends.
God bless you .

Anonymous said...

Hi . . I have recently found you and love your work. I'd love the opportunity to win the pattern you are offering. I have recently returned to cross stitch and have yet to make some Christmas ornaments. This would be a great one to start with. I also want to do a few series, cottages, etc.
Thank You so Much ! ! marikeenen@gmail.com

Karen said...

Lucky recipients to receive your beautiful stitching. It was very warm this weekend in Virginia as well. Very weird weather.

Kay said...

I always think your finishing is beautiful, no wonder your gifts were so well received. x

Christine said...

All of your ornaments are beautiful.
We don't often get snow here, and if we do it is usually in February not at Christmas

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Hearing a tuba is definitely a different way to see the New Year in. In our old house we used to hear all the ships down on the docks sounding their horns followed by all the seagulls they had woken up, squawking and complaining!
Not so many ships now sadly. The shipyards are all closed.

You did send some gorgeous ornaments and cards out for Christmas. The cost of postage has made me consider how much I send and renew my subscription to my e-card service!

Of course, the cutest photo in this post has to be little Oliver.

Katie said...

Please don't included me in the drawing. I sure hope we make up for all this heat and have a few beautiful snow storms before Spring. We'll see. How neat you heard a tuba. We believe in signs and I bet it was a sign for sure. Hope 2020 is special all year for you. Lovely gifts you sent out. What a special person you are to share all that beauty with others. Payback is definitely that gorgeous bag you received. Beautiful. Love your winter decorations.

Faith... said...

Happy 2020 to you as well! You have gifted many beautiful pieces to your friends they are all stitched beautifully. The first time I tasted biscotti was last year when my grandson made it and it was pretty good; your looks yummy.

Cathy H. said...

Happy Birthday! Your gifts were lovely. I know the recipients were well pleased! I love the photo of little Oliver! How precious. Hope the new years brings you much happiness!

Donna Sue said...

Happy Birthday and Happy New Year! I would love to win your prize...love snowmen. You make such beautiful work! Where did you get the pattern for the snowman oval shape that is on your blog photo at the top? Thanks so much.

RJ said...

Happy Birthday Carol. I hope your day is blessed with wonderful memories. I love all of the gifts you made for others. Each and every one is so beautiful and I know will be cherished.

I love the sound of the tuba playing on New Year's Eve...great way to bring in the New Year.

Biscotti is one of my favorites so I will be checking out your recipe. My husband made anisette toast this Christmas and it was delicious too.

Little Oliver is precious. I love his cute little face and how he reached out to your ornament.

I look forward to your stitching in 2020'. It is always a treat to see your beautiful finishes. RJ@stitchingfriendsforever

Cindy's cross stitch said...

Such pretty gifts Carol. The weather is so warm. I am not complaining. We still have February and march to get through. Happy birthday🌻

butterfly said...

Another wonderful post of gifts and love.
Your stitching is always so beautiful.
Love your decorations .
Happy Birthday sweet friend .
Have a wonderful day .
Lots of hugs and kisses .

moosecraft said...

Beautiful stitched gifts you sent out! I am sure they will be treasured for many years! Once again, my favorite is the Snowman! lol! And thank you for posting the chart in your Favorite Freebies!

Barb said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROL!!!

My wish for you is that you have a fun and happy day to celebrate your birthday and a truly wonderful and very special year ahead!

April said...

Happy Birthday Carol :) I hope you have a very special day today, and a wonderful year ahead!

Like so many, I love to see that you posted. It's always a treat to see your lovely needlework gifts, and I know that they will be loved by all.

The picture of your Dad playing the tuba is so cool-I love things like that. The history of our families via pictures. It kind of transports you back to a different time-their time.

Little Oliver is adorable, and Spike is too cute!

I'm planning on doing a monster project. It is a French pattern called ABC Audrey. It is a sewing themed abc. However, it is not lined up the way it should be. :( I found on Pinterest a lady who did it-I'm just hoping mine looks close to hers-as she flipped some patterns and changed colors on some. I want to put it in my sewing room. It may take a looong time-as I am not a fast stitcher.

Blessings to you in this New Year my friend!
Hugs,
April

Ms. Wright said...

Well, I know I’m biased, but Ollie is just the cutest! He loves his ornament! Thank you for creating this lovely piece for him! 💕

Jennifer said...

Happy birthday Carol! Hope you’ve had a fabulous day and hope that this year will bring you lots of joy! What a neat story about the tuba on New Years Eve - must have been a sign from your dad! What lovely ornaments you stitched for friends - and to think you finished all these and your own dozen as well - wonderful! Thank you for the nice words on my blog and I really hope you love your stitching bag. Hope you have the cooler weather we got overnight - we are supposed to have snow in the day tomorrow, turning to rain by nighttime, but I will take it! Have a great birthday weekend!

Mary said...

We finally got snow overnight in Oil City, PA. Welcome to winter finally. I like seeing your decorating with your small projects; it's good inspiration. You home must be such a nice place to go home to. Again, I so appreciate seeing your projects and a new post on the blog.

Ele said...

So many beautiful projects! Have a great weekend and happy birthday

LoriU said...

Very cute ornaments Carol! I especially like the round Santa on the black fabric! Your grandkitty is so pretty!

Isn't biscotti interesting to make? I have made a cranberry one for my husband and he said it was very tasty!

Susan Lankford said...

Hi Carol...Happy New Year and Happy Birthday! Loved the beautiful gifts and the winter decor!

Susan

Unknown said...

Would love to be included in the giveaway. I hope to stitch a new baby project for my nephew and his wife who are expecting this summer. Keep blogging! Love seeing your projects

Daffycat said...

Your posts are always awe-inspiring, to say the least. So much gorgeous stitching just jam-packed in. Most definitely, add my name to your giveaway!

Kaisievic said...

Great post, Carol but first Happy 65th birthday! I hope that you had a wonderful day. We can get a Seniors Card at 60 in Australia (not a pension card) which gives us discounts at movies, events, sometimes at shops. Plus half price public transport and free on the weekend! At my local council run gym I even got an over $500 discount on my yearly fee!!!!! I was very happy with that. Carol, your stitching and finishing as always is stunning and so inspirational. Cute pics of Oliver and Spike, too. Please count me in your giveaway - kayedep@gmail.com. Lastly, thank you for being you and sharing your wonderful stitching with us all. Wishing you a wonderful 2020!

P.S. Love the tuba anecdote - our parents are always with us, aren't they?

Kaisievic said...

P.P.S. Thanks also for the link to the free design and the biscotti recipe - can't wait to try both.

Jutta said...

Dear Carol,
ooooh, such beautiful presents you have given your girlfriends, everything made with love, you can see that! But you also got great presents, thanks for the photos. Little Oliver is really cute, and so is the cat. Happy birthday, I too will be as old as you in 2020, but I still feel really young.
Hugs and kisses, Jutta

Unknown said...

Dear Carol,
Happy New Year! Thank you for your lovely blog! I always love pursuing your pictures and words and your tuba story put a big smile on my face! my dad played the trombone when he was a young man and your story hit my heart with happiness. Have a fun winter stitching and looking at your winter animal friends. I always love when you post pictures of the animals that visit your yard. I am currently stitching a rather large snowman which is very appropriate this winter.
Love, Nancy

Leonore Winterer said...

Oh, happy birthday! You're not fooling anyone, lady, you are not a senior yet! I am told the real fun only begins at 66, anyways. I hope you'll be having a great year with lots of stitching and adventures.
I love all the stitching gifts you sent, especially the Cranberry Christmas cards. When do you usually start stitching your gifts, or do you work on them all year?

Irene said...

Adoro come rifinisci i ricami Carol, ti invidio vorrei essere brava come te!

Bethan said...

You have made lots of lovely gifts - I love that you have put the exact details of where they have gone. Spike is lovely; I too wish I had a cat but we don't have the time either; but it is great to spend time with others pets! Those biscotti look very yummy. Thank you for sharing the recipe x

Margaret said...

So many beautiful gifts for friends! How do you do it? Amazing! I love your story about the sousaphone/tuba. The pic of your dad is wonderful! Definitely a special thing to bless your new year! I'm so impressed that you made biscotti! Wow! So cool! Spike is a cutie! I hear you on travel and having a cat. Cats are certainly easier than dogs for travel, but we still have to worry about having someone come feed Mia when we travel. Ah well. Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Hello, this is my first visit to your blog.
Your stitching is beautiful and I look forward to reading your archives.
I love the story of your Dad and his tuba and the tuba player in your neighbourhood. What a lovely way to start 2020.
Such beautiful presents.
Love Spike too!

Kennedy said...

These knitwear products are exquisitely made. As a man, I am amazed when I see them. My mother also likes to make knitwear products, such as wool shoes, sweaters, and even scarves. When I was a child, I hardly needed to buy warm shoes in winter. These needlework products are also excellent as gifts to people around them, which can express their hearts.