Friday, January 31, 2020

Another January winds down

And, just like that, the first month of the new decade is over! How was your January? I've had a busy month between visiting my mom for five days and getting caught up on lots of doctor's appointments. It's always such a relief to have those out of the way, isn't it--those routine exams for this, that, and the other thing? Luckily, I checked out just fine (other than having to have a worrisome growth removed at my annual dermatology appointment) and I feel good to go for another year! I hate going to the doctor (even though my dad was one!), but I forced myself to get caught up with my various doctors this month and it is such a good feeling.

How is your stitching coming along? I've been working on a "behind the scenes" larger project which I hope to have finished to show you in February. When I'm doing a large project like that, I need to stitch a smaller project at the same time and my finish this month was another of the Little House Needleworks Hometown Holidays designs. May I present... the Firehouse, my ornament for January! This one, like the others in the series, is stitched "over one" on 28 ct. black Monaco. I used a mixture of the suggested threads and some of my own choices--when you stitch on black you have to make a few color changes to get the stitches to show up.

Little House Needleworks "Firehouse" finish

The Firehouse joins the other four in the series that I've completed so far:  Tree Lot, Main Street Station, Needlework Shop, and Grandma's House. (You can click on each building name to get more detailed information on these previous finishes). I had been using the Woolies Flannel checked fabrics to finish the others, but there was no coordinating shade of the rust color so I used a different Woolies Flannel pattern and think it blends in nicely. Do you have a favorite so far? I am a blue girl, so Grandma's House is mine. I still have 14 more in the series to stitch and all I know is, I need to do more than one a year if I'm ever going to finish them by the time I can no longer see well enough to stitch on black. So, you will be seeing at least one more finished this year (hopefully!).

My village is growing!
Five down--fourteen to go!

I also have a long ago finish that I finally framed! Yes, "Winter Circle" by The Cricket Collection was something I began in 2007 and finished stitching and beading in 2010. So, where has it been all these years? Stuck away in some dark, airless drawer (with way too many other "unfinished finishes!").  You can read about my 2010 finish right here. I'm embarrassed to say, I even bought the frame back then so it was just pure procrastination on my part that "explains" why I never got around to framing it. But, in a way, I'm glad I waited--I have learned so much about framing since then and I'm sure I did a much better job on it in 2020 than I would have done in 2010. As always, I used the framing tutorial that you can find right here on the With Thy Needle and Thread site.

Finally framed after ten long years!

I debated about whether or not to chalk-paint the gold frame, but in the end, decided to leave it as is--the snow people are so elegant with their top hats, turbans, and pretty feathered hats. I think they deserve a fancy frame, don't you? My finish is stitched on 28 ct. summer khaki Lugana with the suggested threads (because ten years ago, I would never have been brave enough to change even a single color!).  Just look at these cuties--do you have a favorite? Mine is the little chap in the yellow, maroon, and gray argyle sweater, but I do love Little Miss Red Riding Hood, too.

Isn't this the best-dressed group of snow people ever?


Here are some individual photos of each one so you can see them better. I think they would make very cute ornaments, too...

The attention to detail in this design is amazing!

Do you have a favorite?

When I was visiting my mom last week (who, at 92, is doing very well--thank you to all who ask about her!), I enjoyed seeing the older cross-stitched gifts that I have given her through the years. This is one of my very favorites... "Outside My Window" by Lynn's Prints which was featured in the 2005 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Magazine (stitched on 28 ct. glass blue Monaco with the suggested threads). I gave this to my mom and dad for Christmas way back in 2008 because I said it reminded me of the snowy winters in the tiny New York State village where I grew up. After my dad passed away in 2014, cardinals took on a new meaning for me so this piece is especially dear to my heart.

"Outside My Window" stitched and given to my parents in 2008.

Blog Anniversary! Interestingly, I stitched the cardinal piece shown above once more time and featured it in my very first blog post on January 24, 2009. So, yes, Stitching Dreams just celebrated its 11th anniversary a week ago. Who would have thought? I never dreamed of the ways writing a blog would open up my world: new friends and new experiences have walked through my door and my horizons have certainly expanded. There are very few readers still here from when I began blogging in 2009, but a few of you have been with me the entire way. So, I want to give a special thank you to all my readers--both old and new. Your wonderful, heartfelt comments and kind emails have encouraged me to keep stitching and to keep blogging. 

Another birthday has come and gone and I'm officially a senior citizen now. Bring on the discounts--I've earned them, right?! It was a quiet birthday, but I received many wonderful greetings from family and friends. I loved reading your cards, emails, and messages--thank you all!

There is just something so special about receiving a card in the mail!

I received two lovely birthday gifts from stitching friends which I want to share with you, too.

 June, in England sent a pretty garden-themed chart, some floss, and a bee charm for my birthday. Thank you so much, my friend!

 Karen, in Indiana, made this lovely needleroll for me. She says she has a collection of 50-75 of them! This is my first needleroll and I will treasure it--Karen's stitching and finishing is flawless--thank you so much, my friend!


Giveaway Winner... As you'll recall, I had a cute snow chart to give away last time and the name drawn from the hat is...

MARI  K.!!!

Mari K. is the winner!

Congratulations, Mari! Please email me (my email is in the sidebar under "A Bit About Me") with your full name and mailing address and I will get the chart off to you as soon as possible. I hope you enjoy stitching it!

New Giveaway... And, in honor of those cute snowmen I showed you above in "Winter Circle," I have a new giveaway for the Glory Bee chart (shown below) called "Mr. Shivers" (don't you love that name?). This is an actual chart, not one pulled from a magazine. If you would like to win it, 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 your favorite snack food. I have to admit I'm addicted to Hershey Kisses with almonds--to me nothing beats the chocolate / nut combination when snacking! The drawing will be open until February 12, 2020 and I'll announce the winner on my next post.

If you would like to be entered into the drawing for this cute snowman chart: 1) specifically say you want to enter the giveaway in your comment 2) make sure to leave your email address if I don't already know it and 3) tell me your favorite snack food!

Sharing a recipe... I hope some of you had a chance to try the Double Chocolate Biscotti recipe that I posted in my last post. We froze some and it is just as good coming out of the freezer as it is fresh. I'm down to my last piece now--will definitely be making more. I thought you might like to see another (bit healthier!) treat that I make at least twice a month. I've posted other granola recipes in the past, but we keep coming back to this one as it is so easy to make and has fewer ingredients than many.

Bet you can't stop with just one bite!

I found the original recipe here, but changed it up a bit so here is a copy of my version (you can click on the photo to enlarge it). I love it with yogurt, my husband likes a spoonful on his fruit and cottage cheese concoction, and sometimes, I just pop a handful in my mouth for some quick energy during the day.  Hope you enjoy it--let me know if you try it!


I hope February will be a nice, short month for all of us, because you know what follows...  S-P-R-I-N-G! I can't complain as we have had a real non-winter here... haven't even had to shovel snow at all. I have noticed a distinct improvement in my mood compared to previous winters, too. The milder weather has found me smiling more and having more energy. I love it! So, that's it for January 2020... Thank you all so much for stopping in to visit with me today and a big welcome to my new readers and to you first-time commenters. So glad to have you join us! Happy stitching everyone! Bye for now...

53 comments:

  1. Your village is really growing and so adorable! I love love love your snowmen! I have a drawer full of unfinished and WIPs too. I love anything with a cardinal on it. Great stitching. I need to catch up before the year is half over!

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  2. I love your village pieces Carol!

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  3. Carol, I am so glad the mild winter has been good for you. Weirdly, our January has been a cold one for us. I know you probably giggle that I call it cold, but it has been a cold one for north Florida. I am ready for spring as well. January was a good month for getting things done inside but now I am ready to get outside and putter in my flowers. I love your little village. I have many of those in my stash, but haven't decided what I want to do with them. I have seen so many cute ideas and takes on them. Your snowmen is truly so pretty in its gold frame. The needleroll is gorgeous. I am so glad I started blogging because I too have been enriched by it. I am hoping to do a bit of stitching this weekend. It is has been a bit busy around here and I am in need of some relaxation.

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  4. All of your LH finishes are so striking on black.
    My favorite is also Grandma's House because I love blue.
    Winter Circle is a classic by CEC.
    It looks great in the gold frame.
    My favorite is the Snowlady in the Teal cape, so cute.
    I'm sure your Mom loves the Cardinals.
    My Mom's favorite bird was also the Cardinal, & yes, I do think when you see one, it's them checking on us.
    It brightens your day to get a card in the mail, doesn't it?
    What cute gifts you've received.
    Thank for the Granola recipe, it looks delicious!
    Marilyn

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  5. Glad you've got all the medical things out of the way Carol, I too loathe seeing doctors for any reason and do my utmost to avoid it. I love your CEC finish and how it looks - when I was stitching, my heart lay with bigger pieces and I never could get into stitching smalls. I love seeing larger pieces finished, especially the ones with a bit of life and colour like your CEC piece.

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  6. Love the village! And your finish from 2010 looks awesome. Thanks for sharing the link of the framing tutorial. It was interesting and I may give it a try.

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  7. Your LHN village is just beautiful Carol. Your snowpeople are precious. I am so glad you framed them up! Outside My Window is just perfect! You know I told you I thought of your Dad first thing. Happy Belated Birthday my friend! You received lovely gifts and cards. I am thinking the year can only get better for me.

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  8. Congratulations on your blog anniversary! It sounded like you had a pleasant birthday; what lovely cards and gifts you received. Your LHN ornaments are looking good and well done on the Firehouse to your group. I like the blue one, but also like the Firehouse. I am glad you got the snow people stitch framed and on display. It has been a mild winter around here as well. Enjoy your weekend, Carol!

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  9. Congratulations of doing you blog for so many years, i always enjoy riding the posts and seeing your finishes. x

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  10. Hi Carol - what a wonderful posting you’ve shared with us today! Your LHN stitching and finishes are so beautiful! They really are so special!
    I think I mentioned to you before that I have all of those charts, but I need to stitch them! I guess I should get started on at least one of them.

    Thanks, too, for sharing your now framed “Winter Circle” - just a happy, special piece. Your framing work made it perfect - thanks for the link to the great framing tutorial - I’m going to have to give those instructions a try. Thank you, too, for the biscotti recipe and now for the granola recipe - yum!!! Delicious!!

    It’s good to read that your Mom is doing well. I’m sure she really enjoys and appreciates your visits. I hope all is going well for you and your family.

    All the best to you!

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  11. hi carol ~ congrats on 11 yrs! your village is coming along nicely, really cute:)

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  12. Oh I love your village. One of my close friends is a fire fighter. I'm sure he would love that one too. I just love the wool touch to the bottom of your ornaments. I want to try that type of thing sometime....maybe this year. The framed piece is gorgeous. I agree with you the frame is perfect. I can't pick a favorite. Each snowman is just adorable. I love your older cardinal piece too. Congrats on your blog anniversary. I love blogging. The community is amazing. Glad to hear you had a wonderful birthday. Congrats to Mari and Good luck to everyone on your new giveaway. Please don't enter me. I'm buried in things I want to stitch right now. Have a great February!

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  13. Carol, your posts are always filled with such wonderful things! Had to smile when I saw your recipe, though - that's almost exactly the way I make granola, too, and it's SO good! The only differences are that I use whatever combination of nuts, seeds and dried fruits look good to me, to total the same amount as the oats (always including my favorite pepitas, pecans, and cranberries!), and I leave out the brown sugar. We like to use a little honey to sweeten our plain Greek yogurt, so I found we don't need the additional sweetness. :) Thanks so much for sharing, and happy baking (and stitching, too) in the month ahead!

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  14. Love your work and the winter circle is so cute! I can't decide which one is my favorite snowperson as I love them all! Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Que de jolies choses encore tu nous fais voir en ce mois de janvier. Mois de ton anniversaire tout comme moi qui vient de le fรชter hier le 30... Je te souhaite donc un bel anniversaire mรชme si j'ai du retard. Mieux vaut tard que jamais comme on dit chez nous.
    Le tableau offert ร  tes parents est superbe. Nous n'avons pas de cardinaux en France, je trouve ces oiseaux splendides. Ton petit village qui s'agrandit est tout mignon. J'aime toutes les maisons mais comme j'aime le bleu ma prรฉfรฉrence va ร  la maison de grand-mรจre.. :-)
    Le modรจle de Cricket Collection est ravissant. Cette ronde de bonhommes de neige est trรจs originale. Je ne peux en choisir un car ils sont tous trรจs beaux et trรจs รฉlรฉgants dans leurs jolis habits.
    Bravo ร  Mary qui recevra avec grand plaisir ton petit cadeau. Mr Shivers est adorable et c'est trรจs gรฉnรฉreux de ta part de le proposer en jeu.
    J'espรจre aussi que fรฉvrier passera vite pour laisser le printemps venir...
    Amitiรฉs de France,
    Christel
    http:/toilesetfils.blogspot.com

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  16. HI, Carol! Your newest addition to the Hometown Holiday series is so beautiful. I love how you are finishing them and how they pop on the black. I often wonder how you change colors to make the darker colors show up. I have not stitched much on black because it's so hard to see, and it boggles my mind how you can stitch over one on it and not go crazy! haha... I think my favorites are the needlework shop and the main street station because I love the little curl of steam coming from the locomotive.

    Congrats on finishing the snowman piece. What a great feeling! What else is hiding away in that "dark, airless drawer"?

    I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Mine is today! Not getting around great yet, but we'll see how I feel later. I love the idea of going OUT for once, but like I said, I will wait until later to see how I feel. We may be having a movie night with take out, and that's just fine by me. My husband made me the best birthday present ever. He made me the red velvet cheesecake cake that I had made for my son's December birthday. This was his FIRST ever attempt at baking - I sat on a stool and read the directions to him and he did every single thing himself. It turned out perfectly. He said he was enjoying it because it was a birthday present for me. I think I married the most wonderful man on Earth.

    Thank you for the granola recipe. My mom used to make a big batch of homemade granola for my brother. When I am more mobile I think I may have to go back and look up your recipe so I can make it for my brother and send him a care package.

    Have a great weekend!
    Meg @ livetostitch.blogspot.com

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  17. Oh gosh, well Happy Blogaversary, Carol! Here's to many more! Thank you for the birthday wish you left on my blog last week. It was on Wednesday. My daughter and her boyfriend took me out to dinner and he washed my car! Haha. Great framing on the Cricket Collection piece. My favorite snow person on it is the one with the green cape, she looks matronly, just like me! I would love to give Mr. Shivers a new home. My favorite snack is called Combos, the pizza ones. They are thick short pretzels filled with cheese in the middle that come in various flavors. I can eat a bag in one sitting so I have to stop at some point and put them away. I am hoping February will be a better month for me, it just has to.

    stitchershel@gmail.com

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  18. Yes I would love to be in the drawing for that chart--
    love your little village pieces--how cute! And I, too, love anything with a cardinal on it--
    and your winter circle piece is so fresh and lovely--I have done that piece too--years ago and do enjoy it every January when I bring out the snowpeople--though I think mine is not as bright colored any more--(and don't tell anyone--but I have lots of cross stitch that is all stitched just not framed or finished off in anyway--guess I need to get busy on that---
    luv, di

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  19. So glad that I found you again. Your stitching is absolutely gorgeous. Mr shivers is so very cute would love to stitch him. Favorite snack is nuts especially almonds.
    Happy stitching Patty BC Canada craftypatty2@gmail.com

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  20. I think your stitching is beautiful. Love those houses and the cardinal piece too. Happy birthday and happy blog anniversary. I would like a chance for the snowman chart. Thanks for sharing . You always inspire me to keep on stitching.

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  21. The motifs from the Hometown series are all beautiful. After I finished mine, there were some more nice ones, for example the fire station, it looks great with your finish. On black cloth and then one on one - I admire you for your talent.
    Oh and I love Winter Circle, and the frame also fits perfectly and makes it look very classy. And the picture with the cardinals - a dream.
    Congratulations on your 11th blog birthday. Oh yes- I had the 7th last fall. How time flies and what great friends you get to know. Thanks for that.
    All the best to you too - albeit retrospectively - for your birthday, I sincerely wish you lots of health and lots of fun with everything you do.
    I would very much like to take part in the competition, my favorite snack? Nougat chocolate, with whole nuts.
    I wish you a nice time and look forward to your next post. Wishing you all the best, Martina

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  22. You've had a wonderful birthday. Happy belated wishes!
    All your stitching is beautiful, as it always is. I love the little houses and the beautiful snowmen, so nice in their frame. That picture you made for your mum of the Cardinals is so delicate and charming!
    Wishing you a lovely month of February! Ours has started out sunny and just a little too warm for the season.

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  23. What lovely stitching and perfect finishing. Your stitching always looks so beautiful.
    Congratulation to your 11th blog birthday. It is always a great pleasure to read your posts and see the adorable stitching.
    Winter Circle looks perfect. And the Hometown Ornies..... I admire you...stitching over one and on black.
    The cardinal picture is a true treasure. I believe that it has a special meaning for you. I treasure a paper star my father made in
    WWII when he was in Norway. This star MUST always be on my Christmas tree.
    Wish you all the best, send greetings and wait for the next post.
    Hugs,
    Gabi

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  24. Congratulations on your 11th Birthday year of blogging .
    It's always like a gift to read your posts , I love everyone of them .
    And seeing your stitching always inspires me to do more.
    I just love those snow people in the circle, and your new small .
    Hope you had a lovely Birthday .
    Enjoy your weekend and hoping the sun shines for you .
    Thank you for every thing sweet friend.

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  25. Hello Carol,

    _./'._¸¸.
    *•. .•* *HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY * *
    /.•*•.¸
    ... ×`•.¸.•´×*´¨)
    .................¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
    ................(¸.•´ (¸.•` **

    Your snowmen parade ist so cute! Wow, my respect for the stitching on black fabric.
    My best wishes for your birthday. I still have a lot of nice stitching projects that you can show us!
    I have no special snack food, but i love cheesecake.

    Happy stitiching
    maxi

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  26. Hello Carol.
    Alles Gute nachtrรคglich zu deinem Geburtstag und Glรผckwunsch zum 11. Blog-Jubilรคum. Ich komme so gern hier vorbei und lese deine Post.
    Dein neuestes Finish aus der Hometown Serie ist wie immer, perfekt und serh schรถn.
    Die Schneemรคnner sind sรผรŸ und goldig. Jeder ist ein kleines Unikat.
    Gern nehme ich an der Verlosung teil. Ich liebe Kรคsekuchen nach einem alten Rezept meiner Mama.
    Einen schรถnen Februar wรผnsche ich dir und ganz viele GrรผรŸe, deine Manuela

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  27. Happy belated birthday. I hope you have a great year ahead of you. The granola recipe looks like a keeper; I'm going to make some today.

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  28. My favorite of your Little House Needleworks Hometown Holidays designs would have to be your most recent one, the Firehouse, although I really like all of them.

    The snow people in Winter Circle are sooo cheery! The frame is perfect with the round nail heads mimicking the round bodies of the snow people. As for my favorite of them (I don’t want to hurt the feelings of any of them ….) would be the gal with the red shawl and red hat.

    I remember your story of the cardinals and your dad. This piece you made for your parents is wonderful. I really like the distressed look of the frame, too.

    Like you, I enjoy seeing my projects out in the homes of people — it’s like visiting an old friend sense we spent so much time together during the stitching!

    Happy Birthday! I got to 'senior status' before you (by a number of years). It's a good season of life if you take good care of yourself, and I know you do.

    Yes, I'd like to be entered in the drawing for Mr. Shivers (what a cute name). bjmims@comcast.net And my favorite snack food is fresh cherries (clearly, not something I can enjoy during February...)



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  29. Just found you and love your blog! Thank you for sharing so much information. I live in a stitching deprived area (though I do love Montana)so good photos and descriptions, discussions are wonderful!

    I would love Mr. Shivers by Glory Bee and thank you for offering.

    My favorite snack is Lemoncello Chocolate Almonds, white chocolate with lemon cream, thank goodness in my area we only get them supplied around Easter, can order but I do try to refrain.

    Thanks again,

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  30. I would love to have Mr. Shivers come and visit me in my home! My favorite snack food right now are Entemann’s Powdered donuts packaged in individual packs of 4. So yummy and just the right size! I’ll provide my email just in case: yaya4plus@gmail.com. Thanks for sharing and as always, I enjoy your blog so very much, Carol!❤️

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  31. Glad to hear you enjoyed your birthday, sorry I missed it. I saw a post on FB that said all "senior" girls should be call Queenagers. I like it!

    Thanks for the granola recipe, always looking for something to kill the taste of yogurt.

    Over one is hard enough for a short verse but the entire design? Many of them? On black? And such perfect stitches. So impressive!

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  32. Happy Blogaversary! It's always nice when people celebrate many years of blogging. I will have my 9th in April.
    I love the Ornaments on black fabric. The Train Station is my favourite because I used to commute by train.
    The Snowman Circle is great too, each one is quite different and fun. They would make lovely Ornaments.

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  33. Happy, happy Blogaversary, eleven years - how wonderful! I will have been blogging nine years in June this year. As you know, I took last year off from blogging but I am so happy to be back this year and I must confess that your blog is one of my favourites. Your stitching is so beautiful and as I have said before I do so admire your finishing. Great job on your village - I do really like Grandma's House, too but the Needlework Shop is lovely as well. They do look stunning on the black. I really like The Snowman Circle - I am definitely adding this to my wishlist. Please count me in the giveaway and one of my favourite snacks is Twisties (a cheese-flavoured snack) but I rarely eat them as they are so bad for you and once I start, I cannot stop!

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  34. So glad to hear your Mom is doing well! When my step-mom passed away a few years ago I took the designs I had stitched for her. Now when I see them, I think of her. I love those village stitches. Yours look lovely stitched in black. I am exactly like you about Dr. visits. I do them but really feel happy when they are over. Mine are in the Spring so I still have them ahead of me.UG!

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  35. First of all: Congratulations to your Blog-Anniversary, I visit your blog as often as possible and look forward to more years!!!!
    Also for your birthday all the best, nice cards and presents you got.
    Your projects are wonderful, your firehouse is magical, I can imagine that you had to make colour changes. I recently bought my first black fabric, inspired by you!!!! Winter Circle is also great, I like all details, also the frame, I have rarely seen such a nicely dressed winter community.
    All the best for your mother too, how nice that she hangs your work in her room, praise for you.
    I wish you a happy February, Jutta

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  36. The differing flannel fabrics looks so special on your little village finishes, its hard to choose a favourite as they are all so lovely.
    Sweet snowmen, now they are cute!

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  37. Carol, Congratulations on your 2 milestones, an "official senior" and 11 years of blogging!!! YOu are one very youthful senior!!

    I love the hometown holiday series and it is stunning on black. Maybe you should attempt 2 a year!! Love your finish on this series also.

    Jan was a crazy month for me too and just getting back into the swing of things. It has been a mild winter here also and I'm not complaining. I would like to see some snow, just not a snowstorm! I will have to try your granola recipe, it sounds delicious!!

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  38. Happy belated birthday Carol!The granola recipe sounds yummy. Your stitching projects are wonderful, as always. I think the gold frame perfectly accentuates your snowman...good move!I'm still hoping for some snow, but it's seeming less and less likely as winter goes on. Have a great week!

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  39. Congratulations on your blog anniversary! I wouldn’t miss any of your blogs. Love your village on black and the snowman piece is beautiful. Glad your appointments turned out well. We’ve had a mild winter so far this year and I’m glad for that. I agree that a milder winter makes for a happier winter. Have a great February.

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  40. Glad you had a lovely birthday Carol. Congratulations on being an official senior...it will be fun!

    I think you know how much I love the LHN Christmas village. Yours are so striking on black and I love the finish with the wool fabric and the cording plus those little X stitches. Perfection.

    I also love the circle of snowmen...what a charming stitch. So glad you got it framed.

    My challenge next year is snowmen so I would love to be entered in the chart give away. Have a great week Carol.

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  41. Hi, Carol! Your village is growing up beautifully. As my favourite colour is green I'd choose the Needlework House. The circle of snowmen is just darling, all of them are very cute, but the Little Red Riding Hood one looks a tad prettier if you ask me. :-)
    I'm glad you had so many birthday cards and lovely presents, now it's time to enjoy your retirement and discounts! As for the snacks, I'm not a sweets person, instead I love olives and can't have a meal without them.
    Happy February —spring is just around the corner!

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  42. Happy Birthday Carol! I hope it was a fabulous day for you. Winter Circle is stunning! Outside My Window is gorgeous too. I love your building and how they are all finished the same but different!

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  43. Crazy how we are already done with January, it sure flew by! Happy birthday and glad to hear (almost) all of your checkups went well. Good for you for staying on top of things - there are so many who don’t and then have trouble later. Love your stitches - I myself think I am partial to that firehouse - that rust thread and fabric just pop so nicely! I will have to try your recipe for granola - I eat a lot and think about making my own, but haven’t taken the leap. I love to have granola and yogurt for breakfast. Hope you are enjoying a few days of warm weather before winter is back. I am hoping for a little snow late this week - I have enjoyed the warmer weather, but could use just a good week or two of winter!

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  44. P.S. My favorite snack is anything with dark chocolate!

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  45. Carol, il villaggio รจ meraviglioso e i pupazzi di neve, li adoro!!

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  46. First month of the decade down, "just" 119 left to go...hah, that thought gives me some perspective!
    Your firehouse is gorgeous, but I think Grandma's House and the Needlework Shop are my favourites.
    Your fancy snowpeople are very handsome, I've never seen this one before.
    Happy Bloggaversary! 11 years is a long time to continually blog, well done. I hope to follow you along for many more years to come :)
    I think I said it before, but happy birthday! What lovely gifts you got. I never made a needleroll, maybe I should give it a try.

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  47. Happy blog anniversary! I haven't been with you since the beginning, but have followed you for several years. I love to visit here! It's always an inspiration. Your tiny village is so sweet. It will be a challenge to get them all stitched. Love the redbirds you stitched for your mother. I've always liked that chart, just haven't stitched it yet! Hoping the short month of February brings you joy! Happy Valentine's Day!

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  48. Those Village pieces are just gorgeous! Love the Snowman sampler too

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  49. What lovely finishes, Carol! I really admire the way you finish all your projects so neatly, they end up looking so special and cozy. You have a real knack for it! That snowman design is stunning, and the frame sets it off so nicely- a real win.

    Also, happy 11th blog anniversary! :D Blogging for 11 years- that takes some diligence, and you can tell that you really care about your blog and readers, I always enjoy visiting.

    I hope you're having a great week so far :) Robin

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  50. Such beautiful stitching and gifts, Carol! I hope your first senior year is the best yet! My favourite chart in the Hometown Holidays series is the schoolhouse, for obvious reasons, and my favourite that you've stitched is the train station. My grandfather was an engineer on the railway so I really must stitch that one. I love your finishes. Happy February and thanks for all of the news!

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  51. Hi Carol! Nice first finishes of the year! Your villages look cute together and the snowmen are perfect in that frame that I would place flat down on a table and just keep looking round and round!

    My favorite snack is anything chocolate and peanut butter and am planning to make peanut butter blossoms later this week.

    Mr. Shivers is a fun stitch I would love a chance for him to come to Kansas-we are due for more snow tomorrow.

    Karen

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  52. Well, how fitting that this is your blog-iversary, because I just finished reading your blog. As in Every Single Word!

    Let me explain... At 55 years old, I just taught myself to cross-stitch this past November. I quickly became hooked! I decided to try and find all I could on-line, especially info and advice about stitching ornaments and smalls. This, of course, led me to Stitching Dreams. After reading a few entries I decided that I needed to read EVERYTHING, so I went to the beginning and read an entry or two every day. And here we are!

    What a pleasure it has been getting to know you and your family in addition to seeing your beautiful projects and finishes! Thank you for sharing all that you have. I have learned a lot from you, and been so inspired! (I need to add that it seems you and your husband have done a wonderful job raising your sons. They seem like young men any parent would be proud of, and I especially appreciate how close they seem to their family and each other.)

    I live in Michigan with my husband. We have two 20-something daughters and a funny little Cockapoo. While I am not a professional librarian, I have worked in a middle school library for many years now,and my first job ever was in a library, too!

    I am still figuring out what I like to stitch but I find I am pretty picky. I love colorful patterns like Satsuma Street, and I have this goofy urge to stitch some of your treasured Prairie Schoolers in fun turquoise and pinks! While I am not very traditional I am still somehow very drawn to designs by With Thy Needle and Thread . I like a lot of European designs I've seen online, including your new fave Perrette Samouiloff!

    Thank you, thank you, for all eleven years worth of sharing and inspiration! Of course I will continue to check in - and comment! - to see your newest works. You do such lovely stitching and finishing!

    I have something I would like to send to you. Please tell me how!

    Nicole

    nicoletouk[at]wideopenwest[dot]com

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Hello! So glad you dropped in and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate each and every one...I'm happy to try to answer any questions you may have, but please make sure to include your email address so I can get back to you...

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Carol