Monday, March 14, 2022

♣♣♣ Seeing green ♣♣♣

Hello, my friends! Everywhere I look, green is popping up and I love it! I honestly think St. Patrick's Day with its accompanying green theme comes around at the perfect time of year. The days are longer (hooray!),  thoughts of Easter and renewal are on our minds, and gardeners are beginning to see tiny green sprouts popping up from the brown dirt. (Well, I won't dwell on the fact that we were hit with over 7 inches of snow on Saturday! The good thing is that it will melt quickly as our temperatures are going to be in the 60's this week). Green is everywhere and guess what you're getting in this post? Lots of green--hope you like that color!

I talked about falling in love with the sweet Perrette Samouiloff designs in this post from 2019. Those little children just capture my heart and when I saw this St. Patrick's Day design I couldn't stitch it fast enough. I mean--how cute are those little Irishmen? I have to say that is the first time I ever stitched a mug of beer! Or a fiddle!

My latest St. Patrick's Day finish

 

This one was stitched on 40 ct. Woodland Newcastle (have you noticed how often I use that fabric?) with DMC colors. I used most of the suggested threads, but moved them around a bit and added a few more ferns and plants to fill out the bottom. I had the frame in my stash ($3.00 from Goodwill) and I originally was going to chalk paint it white. However, I ended up leaving it just as it was and I'm so glad I did. I love the little gold band around the inner edge. I added the ecru colored ric rak to just the top and bottom of the finish to even out the margins of green gingham a bit--love how it turned out! 

 

I love the endearing designs of Perrette Samouiloff!

Here is a better photo of the piece before I mounted and framed it... Isn't is charming?

Looks like they're in for a fabulous St. Patrick's Day celebration!
 

Unfortunately, I believe the chart is only available in the book, Un Air de Fête by Perrette Samouiloff, which I purchased on Amazon a few years ago and no longer see listed... Those of you living in Europe may have a better chance of finding a copy of the book, though. It is a darling book with charts for celebrations throughout the year. 


 

Even more green stitching appeared in the form of this sweet chart by Carol Hodge in England. The chart is available in her Etsy shop called "Samplers and Stitches" which you can find right here. Isn't it sweet? She has designed a chart for each season so I plan on purchasing the others soon! I used the suggested overdyed colors for some of it, but substituted DMC threads for the word Spring, the vine, and the yellow flowers. Can you spy the tiny chick popping out of his egg in the bottom middle? Just...too...cute!

My latest Spring finish from "Samplers and Stitches" Etsy shop

I stitched this one on 40 ct. white Newcastle linen and added mini pompoms to the bunny tails. Doesn't it look sweet in my kitchen corner cupboard? I've been gradually decorating for Easter and this was the first shelf I finished.  Bunnies and chicks and lots of bright green and yellow really brighten my kitchen!

Those pretty pastels are such a treat after a long winter

 

In other stitching news... I'm almost done stitching the special Christmas piece that I've been teasing you with! Hope to share it with you in my next post. I've also been working on my Christmas ornament for April and another special project using Aurifloss threads by Aurifil which I'll tell you more about next month. I will give you a hint though--shades of blue. 

Giveaway winner... I had quite a few entries for the cute Lizzie Kate Sampling Easter chart. Unfortunately, many, many of you forgot to include your email address. I need your email as I have no way of contacting the winner if you don't already have a blog. Anyway, the name pulled from the hat as the winner of Spring Sampling is...

CATHY H. (from Arkansas)!

Congratulations to Cathy H! Please contact me with your mailing address, Cathy, and I'll get this cutie to you as soon as possible!

 
Imagine my surprise when a reader (and now a new friend!), Janet from Texas, emailed offering to send me some charts that I could use in my giveaways. Not just some--but a giant box of over 60! I was gobsmacked (I love that delightful British expression!) to say the least. She said she just couldn't bear to give them to Goodwill and she had no local friends to share them with. Just look at what came my way...there are so many cute designs--something for everyone's taste, I'd say. Thank you so very much, Janet--that was incredibly generous and kind of you! I know my stitching friends will be so appreciative to have a chance to win these over the coming months and I'm sure they will keep the kindness going by passing them along to other stitchers.

An abundance of charts from my new friend, Janet! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!

So, why not start spreading the kindness right now? This sweet "Spring House Trio" chart by Waxing Moon Designs was one I received from Janet. Who would like to win it? To enter the giveaway please: 

1) Specifically mention that you would like to win the chart in your comment 

2) Be a follower in my blog's sidebar (to the right)

3) Make sure to leave your email address in your comment if I don't already have it--(this is very important as I have no way of getting in touch with the winner if you don't)

4) Answer the "Getting to Know You" question below.

To enter the giveaway for this sweet spring chart, please follow the four guidelines listed above.

Getting To Know You... Today's question is: Are you a saver or do you like to clear things out? Have you saved anything from your childhood or your children's? My answer: The only things I own from my childhood are my (slightly) creepy looking Santa doll, a little prayer book from the early 1960s, my beads earned from my time as a Camp Fire Girl, and a lovely handmade ceramic heart made by one of my maternal grandmother's dearest friends on the occasion of my birth. I do have the baby book where my mom recorded a few of my milestones and some old photos, of course. 

 

A few remaining treasures from my childhood

 

As for the second part of the question--yes! I've saved many toys and books from when my sons were little and I'm so happy I did! Mister B loves playing with the toys and reading the books when he visits--in fact he'll be here for a visit later this week and I can't wait. My sons actually love seeing the old toys and books come out of the attic, too, and reminiscing. If you have the room, I highly recommend storing at least a few special books and toys for possible grandchildren. Being a retired librarian, I kept three very large cardboard boxes full of books from my sons' childhoods, of course :) 

Mister B (enjoying the snowfall in Maryland on Saturday) is coming for a visit this weekend! These cars and books (and more!) will be waiting for him. He hasn't played with the cars yet, but when we showed him this basket filled to the brim with vehicles of all kinds on FaceTime, his eyes grew wide and he exclaimed, "Wowwww!" 

Baking... I'll leave you with one of my very favorite recipes which I've been making for years: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. 

One of my favorite cookies ever!


The plate I have them on is so cute and I thought it was perfect for St. Patrick's Day. I got it from the "free" table at the library when I worked there many years ago. 

Look at the festive dancers surrounding this plate--so darling--(along with the lady milking her cow and the man plowing his fields). I absolutely love this plate.

Here is the recipe if anyone cares to bake some! Don't skip that first step--I truly think that's the key to the wonderful taste of these cookies...

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I've gone on far too long, as usual! I hope you enjoyed this "green" post and if any of you are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, I hope you have a wonderful day. I have a tiny bit of Irish in me according to my middle sister who has dug up some genealogy that we were unaware of, but other than wearing green, I won't be doing anything special on that day. 

A gentle reminder... I receive so many comments with questions that don't include your email address. Unless you have a blog, I can't reply to you. Please, please, please make sure to include your email if you would like a reply!

I had hopes that peace talks would be achieving some success in Ukraine, but things are still so tragic and terrifying. My husband and I have made donations to humanitarian causes including World Central Kitchen, Unicef, and United Way that I hope bring at least some comfort to the refugees and those trapped inside a country at war. I wish I could do more... those images shown on television of the innocent children bring me to tears every time. Hoping and praying for a peaceful resolution--and soon. Bye for now... 

♣♣♣  Enjoy Your Day! ♣♣♣

"May you always have... walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire." ~ Irish Blessing





51 comments:

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

Such a sweet post , Carol. Mr. B is as cute as can be and I bet he had a ball in the snow. I love your latest addition to your St. Patrick's Day decor and such a pretty spring display. Have a very lovely week and a Happy St. Patrick's Day, my friend. Hugs.

Sandra said...

A beautiful St. Patrick's Day stitching. So joyful and beautifully framed! The spring sampler is charming.
That's so lovely that you kept some books and toys from your own children for your grandson to enjoy I did the same!

If only the people from Ukraine could have everything mentioned in the Irish blessing. The daily news is devastating. Fleeing Ukrainians have been welcomed into Switzerland and many many families with enough space are taking them into their homes.

Gabi said...

What a lovely post and beautiful stitching. The St. Patrick stitchings is really cute and yesss, spring is coming. The last two weeks we had lovely weather and I could sit in the sun on my terrase.
Mr. B is a cutie!
I still have"ALL" the toys and books from my kids on the attic.
Have a happy week, till then big hugs

MartinaM said...

Your new St. Patrick's motif looks great. And the frame fits perfectly, good thing you didn't paint it white. And the spring theme is cute, with the little bunnies and chicks.
there isn't much from my childhood, but there is a teddy bear that my grandfather gave me. It sits on the bedside table next to my bed and used to often accompany me on trips. He is now 50 years old and I look after him like a treasure.
I have kept some of my children.
Enjoy the time with your grandson.
Take good care of yourself.
Martina

Kay said...

What a lovely post, I do like your spring design and am always happy when spring arrives with the lighter and warmer days. Like you, I have very little from my own childhood but boxes full from my children. X

Marilyn said...

That's a very cute St. Pat's finish.
Mister B is too cute playing in the snow, & getting so big!
I have saved a toy sewing machine from my childhood, & my favorite stuffed animal, a cat.
I used to carry it around all of the time by the neck, so, it has had many neck surgeries. :)
Have fun when Mister B visits, he is going to love those things you saved.
Marilyn

Stasi said...

Carol, thanks for another sweet post...... love the St. Patricks's Day and spring finishes! Master B is getting so big; I am sure he will go "ga-ga" over all those cars. I kept a number of my girls Fisher Price toys and my grands enjoyed playing with them whenever they visited.....a little secret....I still like to play with those toys!!! LOL
Have a great visit and enjoy the week!

SJB said...

Would love to win the chart by Waxing Moon Designs, I love their designs. I'm somewhere in the middle of saving and cleaning out. I have some things from my childhood (my daughter wore one of my dresses as a toddler and I have a beautiful picture of her in it but none of me unfortunately) and I have kept too many things from their childhood.

Happy Stitching!
Sarah Boyce
boyces@nc.rr.com

Kgirl said...

I always enjoy your posts! I have saved things from my childhood and my children's. Many of my things are in my cubbies (inspired by your Pottery Barn cubbies). My excuse for saving the toys is that I teach preschool so I take the toys to school when they fit the curriculum. I need to really clean things out, but I'd rather be stitching. I already have the sweet chart so I will not enter....and I need to pull mine out and start stitching on it. Enjoy your time with Mr. B.

Robin in Virginia said...

Both of your finishes are darling, Carol. I love the frame you used for the pair of leprechauns and glad you didn't chalk paint it. What a wonderful box of charts you received from Janet to give away. I have a few things from my childhood, but not many as my Mom got rid of most of it. I remember that "creepy" Santa doll of yours. I had something similar that is probably in a landfill somewhere. Enjoy the upcoming visit with Mr. B!

Rtrittel said...

I love your St. Patrick's Day stitch. I live in Savannah, GA, where St. Patrick's day is A BIG DEAL! Yet, I haven't ever stitched any items for this holiday - I'd better get busy and rectify that! I would love to win the Waxing Moon's Spring Trio chart - it is lovely. I am not a keeper - I clean things out regularly. My husband is the opposite - so you can imagine some of our conversations - ha! I have no children, so I don't have any toys, though I do have a rather nifty collection of Mickey Mouse figures (I go to WDW regularly - yes, childless and in my 50s!). rtrittel at yahoo dot com

Carolyn said...

Hi Carol,
Love your green welcome to spring stitching. Have you filled your Pottery Barn cubby with sprimng stitching. I always love seeing that display as well of all your other stitching groups. I would like to win the Waxing Moon chart. As far as to what I saved from my childhood . I still have my Tiny Tears doll I received when I was 6 and also my first communion rosary. All of my childrens’ toys that were saved have been passed on to their children. Hopefully it will warm up in PA soon .

Carolyn.koffenberger@gmail.com

Cathy H. said...

How exciting that I won the latest give-a-way! Thank you so much! I/ve emailed you my mailing address.
Although I have a wee bit of Irish in me, too, I don't do anything extra on St. Patrick's Day. Of course, when my children were home, I always wore a little bit of green, so I didn't get pinched!
I love your little celebrating Irish people! So cute and so happy! Also love your shelf and the new Spring finish!
I'm a sentimental keeper and so was my mom, so I have many things from my childhood and have kept things of my children's. My five grandsons loved the Little People Houses I kept and the matchbox cars. It was such special watching the next generation play with those toys!
Enjoy your visit with Mr. B! He'll love the cars!

Sandy said...

That St. Patrick’s Day stitch is just so stinking cute that book is like the Christmas one I have. I love everything in it. Just need more hours. I am ready for spring. We didn’t get snow but we got cold that kind of bit the azaleas that had already started blooming. I don’t think we will get a banner year of them in our little area. I am enjoying the longer days although I am still trying to adjust to the mornings. I am way too sentimental for my own good and I am trying to let things go. I have two stuffed animals I had before age 3, a desk I got for my 3rd Christmas, my Only Easter basket, and a good many books. I can’t part with any of those items. The things I saved from my kids are getting good use right now. That makes me happy.
Enjoy that sweet boy.

Just Joan said...

Lovely stitching as usual! I might have to pop over to that Etsy shop!

I generally like to clear things out since we live in a small townhouse, but I have saved many small, sentimental things: my baby book (with all my report cards tucked inside), tin play dishes from my paternal grandmother, my maternal grandmother’s wooden darning egg, a rosary from my piano teacher, and some precious items from my daughters’ childhood, some of which I’ve passed on to my grandchildren.

marie said...

When I was younger I didn't want those "old things", but now I wish I had save some of them. Now I keep some things that mean something to me. I love your green plate, that was a good find, I would of taken it also. Your gran is getting so big. Happy St. Patrick's day to you.

Heritage Hall said...

As ever, your blog is a delightful read...Just love the Spring shelf...perked me up pronto. My daughter's western skirt/vest was tucked away..she loved it so... so you can appreciate her joy when I surprised her with it for her daughter, who wore it to school on Halloween and got rave reviews. I think being sentimental is a Heavenly gift, but oh
the need for storage space...

Amara said...

I love your St.Patricks Day Stitch, Carol. It's so so beautiful.
Thank you for the Recipe, the cookies on the beautiful Plate are looking delicious.
I kept a few Childhood Books and a tiny romper with a ladybug from my Childhood.
Mister B is too cute and i love that you got this big Package with all the amazing Charts. In times like these, our Hobby is so very comforting.
I really hope and pray that the peace talks will bring this horrible war to an end. Across the street from my flat is now a Refugee Center, where the people can get help with their first steps and everytime i look out of my window, i see little buses coming there during the day, with so much women, Kids and their pets on their arms and it breaks my heart. I can't wrap my head around how one Human can bring so much suffering over innocent people, who just want to live their life. But to see all the solidarity and the donatings gives me a little hope and like you, i wish i could do more.
Take care and have a good day.
Amara

Jackie's Stitches said...

What a sweet and generous gift from Janet! The Waxing Moon trios are so cute!

Mr. B is so so cute!

I'm not much of a saver though I have saved many handmade type things from my boys. I wish I had saved an outfit from their baby days and a couple of toys though. I tend to go through closets and things fairly regularly and that means lots of donations. I do have some games from my youngest sons mid-youth years.

This is a tough time and I am so concerned. :(

Glenda said...

I, too, would love to be entered in the drawing. My birthday is on St. Patrick's Day, so, of course, it is a favorite holiday of mine! Probably the "oldest" thinks saved from my childhood is my baptismal dress (almost 67 years old!) Thanks for sharing your beautiful cross stich with us. I'm a big fan! My e-mail is gnations@oliverlaw.com


Beth said...

A wonderful seasonal stitch!

Mary Kay said...

Your blog always my first read of new post, after the newspaper. A happy place.
Thank you Carol and Janet for the pattern, Spring House Trio by Waxing Moon. I would love to win the pattern, have been thinking of stitching these seasons for awhile now. How appropriate, I am trying to clean out the basement, I guess part of spring fever!I have saved a "few" things. Very dear is a child's pottery food bowl, with Campbell's Soup Kids on it from Buffalo Pottery, early 1900's which was my father's. Also 2 pieces of Bavarian china with identical patterns, a bowl and plate, one from a paternal grandmother in Southern Illinois, one from maternal aunt in Montana, how that happened I do not know!
Thanks again,
Mary Kay

Isabel para ALROMASAR said...

Your work is always fabulous and the St. Patrick's Day embroidery is absolutely lovely.

A hug

diamondc said...

Carol: So many lovely things to enjoy in this beautiful post.
The Iris dancers are so sweet, a bright and cherry design for sure.
Spring is a beautiful finish, love the colors and coordinating fabric.
Wow what a haul she is a very generous lady.
I am a saver but limited, I still have my recipe box from eight grade Home Ec, so many fun memories do like your Santa, I remember one I had with a rubbery face, I loved him.
Mister B is adorable.
We had four inches' yesterday now in the fifties and melting.
I am part Irish and love the greens and St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Catherine

Vickie said...

Carol I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this St. Patrick's design! I looked this book up on Amazon, and it is there, FOR $111!! No thanks! ;)
I have a small collection of things saved from my childhood. We have a small collection of things saved for each of our three children also. When we had to move, we just could not save so many things for each of the kids anymore.

Karen said...

Yesterday, we celebrated Pi Day, DD birthday and today, well, beware the Ides of March! I am somewhat of a saver but then I also clear things out every once in a while. I do have things from my childhood such as a locket I received from a little boy in my Sunday School class 60 years ago for my birthday. I also have a mystery mug that is printed 'What's at the bottom?" When filled with milk, you won't know until you drink it down to see the little ceramic kitty sitting there. It was my favorite mug. There is the baby dress my mother made entirely by hand that my sister (10 years my senior) wore when she was a baby. And, I've saved my own children's things that were special or were passed down especially to them. The chart for the Spring House Trio would be most welcomed here! And, Happy St Paddy's Day🍀

butterfly said...

What a wonderful post . love your two new stitches and finishing .
Everything looks so beautiful.
Love your display .
Yes I am a collector of many things , but need to start getting in down .
But that's not going to happen ha.

Manuela said...

Hallo Carol,
your St. Patrick Finish looks great. I like your finish very much. You have always great ideas for your finishes.
It is a nice giveaway.
Ich habe immer noch meinen ersten Teddybär, den mir mein Bruder einfach ins Körbchen gelegt hatte, als ich geweint habe. Er war so stolz, dass er mich damit beruhigen konnte. Der Teddybär ist mittlerweile über 50 Jahre alt. Außerdem besitze ich ein altes Kinderbuch von meiner Mama, über die niedlichen Geschichten einer kleinen schwarzen Katze.
Einige Spielzeuge und Bücher haben wir von unseren Kindern aufgehoben, wie die kleine Holzeisenbahn.
I wish you a wonderful weekend with your grandchild.
Big Hugs, Manuela

Unknown said...

I am definitely a saver!! I have several dolls I have kept,and several toys also. However my favorite saves are memories! I LOVE the Spring House Trio,they are so happy looking! Thank you for having these for a giveaway!
- mcpeak4here@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

The St. Patrick’s Day stitching and your finishing are just so perfect, Carol! It seems to truly suggest that being Irish ☘️ is just too much fun and we should all celebrate!
Thanks, too, for sharing that wonderful picture of Mister B playing in the snow. What a cutie pie he is!! I can imagine that you are quite happy that he is coming for a visit this weekend and you will get to share all the books and all those toy vehicles - quite the amazing collection.
The huge collection of stitching charts sent to you to use in your give always is so generous of Janet from Texas. I can imagine it was way to much fun just to look through it all. Did you find anything that you thought “I need to stitch that!”? It will be fun to include those in your give always.
Thanks, too, for sharing the cookie recipe and showing us the plate they are on. What a very special plate! and I’m getting ready to stir up that recipe! YUM!
Have a happy, fun, wonderful visit with your grandson and his mom & dad!

Barb R. ☘️☘️☘️

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

I would love to be entered into the giveaway! My email address is jill@jill-davidson.com
I am definitely a keeper/hoarder/saver, have tried not too hoard too much from when my kids were little, but I do have their baby blankets and the outfits they came home from hospital in!
All your stitching is fab, but being Irish myself I have to say I love the St Patrick's Day stitchery most of all!
Jillxo

Christel said...

Le vert qui s'offre à nous avec le printemps nous fait beaucoup de bien.
Les personnages de Perrette Samouïloff sont adorables. Le livre Un air de fête n'est plus édité en France mais il est encore possible de le trouver d'occasion (à un prix beaucoup plus élevé que lorsqu'il était édité).
Le modèle que avez brodé est magnifique, plein de finesse et bien mis en valeur grâce à la finition. Ce cadre était fait pour lui.
Un modèle tout doux que celui de Sampler and stitches. Il est lumineux et quoi de mieux que faire entrer de la lumière dans la maison grâce à de petites décorations... ! Cela fait un peu oublier la triste actualité avec cette effroyable guerre en Ukraine... Nous avons fait des dons également, des produits d'hygiène ainsi que des produits pour les bébés..
C'est un véritable trésor que vous a envoyé Janet ! C'est une très belle attention.
Comme elles sont belles ces trois maisons printanières. Je participe si vous le voulez bien car je suis tout à fait consciente que les frais d'envoi vers la France sont onéreux. Vous ferez donc comme vous le souhaitez.
De mon enfance je n'ai conservé que des livres. Ce sont eux qui m'ont permis de m'évader.. Mon enfance n'a pas été heureuse, mon père biologique était un tyran qui aimait frapper..
De mes enfants j'ai conservé bien sûr de nombreuses photos, mais aussi des cahiers de classe, des médailles gagnées lors de concours sportifs, des cartes qu'ils m'ont écrites, des petits chaussons, certains jouets et d'autres choses encore...
Amitiés de France,
Christel
http://toilesetfils.blogspot.com

Kyle said...

I always enjoy your newsy posts. It is nice to see a hint if green even if it's hidden temporarily under the snow ❄️. I do hold on to a few special things. But not too much so that someday my kids don't say, What was she thinking !

Susan Renfer said...

Hi Vickie, I too love, love, love that st Patrick's day leprechaun pattern and also don't want to pay$100 for the book. It's available in an ebook, I found out! Check Google play. I got it from another site for$6! I had to download an app to download the book and then took a screenshot of the page and printed it up! renfersu@gmail.com

Susan Renfer said...

Carol, I always love your posts and pictures! I'm not trying to be in the giveaway. Just wanted to let you know that I found that french book with the 2 leprechauns in ebook form for $6.00! I love it! renfersu@gmail.com

Val said...

I so look forward to your posts! I am a saver and cherish the things my mother saved from my childhood like my Raggedy Ann, my kitten from when I was a baby, my doll’s crib, that now my granddaughters play with. I saved many of my children’s things and now my three granddaughters are enjoying with them….things like their Legos, a Fisher Price barn and house, and many toy airplanes and cars. It’s wonderful to see all your beautiful stitched pieces.

Devetta said...

Hi Carol, I would love to win the spring house trio. I am a saver and I love to pull out old things and remember the good times. I have my first embroidery from 1975 when my friend tried to teach me embroidery. I have toys trucks from my husbands childhood that my grandkids play with. I love old things. Thanks for sharing your stitching with others.
Devetta
50vetta@gmail.com

Vicki said...

Cute finish! And what a great box of giveaways from Janet. That is so nice of her! I am sentimental and do save some special items. I'm also anti-clutter so I guess you can say I'm in a constant battle with myself! haha
I saved my Barbies and all the clothes my grandma made for them and my oldest daughter has them now. I have my first baby shoes and a photo of me wearing them. Since my kids are all grown I've given them all of the items I saved from their childhood. Now I'm saving some stuff from my Grands!

Jutta said...

Oh yes, and do I love your green post. I read through your beautiful article over a cup of milk coffee, I like it from A to Z, especially the little chick in the egg.
I am always happy when I can visit you here, thank you very much and best wishes, Jutta

Jill said...

The Irishmen are doing a great job dancing their Irish Jig. Yes, the color green is a sight for winter weary eyes. It'll be a few weeks before the lawns green up. In wood frame is more perfect than it it was painted. Your Spring bunny decoration is sweet, gotta love the 3-D bunny tails. Coincidence you have saved your sons toys especially the cars. I'm guessing some are matchbox cars. I have Matchbox carrier filled with vehicles. It comes out every time we have a little visitor. Appreciate the oatmeal raisin cookie recipe as it it a reminder that I need to make some as I have an extra large container of oatmeal that should be used before warm weather. Your recipe is displayed on a lovely blue and white antique quilt. Yes, it is heart wrenching to see Ukrainian suffer. Enjoy Mr. B's visit!

Katie said...

I noticed our grass got a little tint of green today. Yet snow and cold this weekend haha. I just love your St Patrick finish. How adorable!! The spring piece is perfect too. I just LOVE your display. Please don't enter me into your drawing this time. Love the pile you received. I have saved some stuff but not a lot. In all the moves we have made through life. I do have some special stuff of my son's that I plan on keeping. Have a wonderful weekend ahead.

Faith... said...

The Irish dancers are very cute! I love your finish and it looks great in that frame. The Spring piece is also very nice and it even looks "springy" especially in the display. What a nice friend you have found in Janet! She sounds like a very kind person and I think we will all be excited to see what she has to share with us. Mr. B looks cute trudging thru the snow. I would be excited too if I saw all those cars to play with and books to read. Does he like looking through the books? My kids (before they could read) used to make up stories for the pictures in the book.

Yum - oatmeal raisin is one of my favorites and I like them kind of chewy rather than crunchy.

Mary said...

YOur St. Patricks's day stitch is so jovial, puts a smile on my face! I think the brown frame looks great too. Lovely Spring stitch, I love your matching cording. I still haven't been able to learn how to make it nice like you! Oh, those cookies look so good!! I have a few things from my childhood, not much but I treasure them. I have too much stuff but it's mostly hobby supplies. I'm working on whittling some out but it's hard to do! It seems when I do so, I shortly find a need for what I gave away! What a generous thing for Janet to do, your readers will appreciate her generosity for sure! Baby B is just adorable and he will have such a great time with his "new" toys!

Sue McIsaac said...

Your stitching is beautiful!
Today your plate caught my eye! I have a large set of these dishes, though they are yellow with brown drawings. They were my grandmothers and I feel blessed to have them.
Thank you.

Karen Motsinger said...

Beautiful St. Patrick's Day stitching, Carol! I'd love to win the Spring House Trio chart. There are a few items I've kept from my childhood including my Chatty Cathy and Skipper dolls. The main reason I've kept those is because my mom made almost all their clothes.

suesinger said...

I would love to win the design.
I am a saver. I just heard about your site from Wendy Welsh from New Zealand

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

I love your French Irishmen! Such a jolly pair. Your Easter corner is looking lovely too. I really don't have enough Spring and Easter themed pieces.
What a generous gift for the giveaways. By coincidence, I bought the Halloween Houses from Waxing Moon this month so I'd love to win the Spring ones. Got to collect them all!
I am definitely a hoarder. I have so much from my childhood and from my sons too. I hate to throw anything out. I love looking through my old sketchbooks and notebooks. I can remember exactly how I was feeling at the time too.

Jennifer said...

What lovely spring pieces Carol - I love the greens and the buds that are popping out this time of year. We’ve had a roller coaster of spring weather too and I am looking forward to a more consistent warmup. As to your question for this post, I am a saver and I probably save too much - of my own and my kids. I will say that I loved having my kids play with some of my toys that my parents and I saved. My mom has a fabulous toy box in her house than many, many kids have played with. Hope you have a great day, we are off to visit another college!

Leonore Winterer said...

So here I am, catching up on that post I missed!
I don't think I ever stitched anything St Patrick's themed, but this one is really cute. Wow, your friend Janet really was generous! I'm looking forward to seeing all these charts featured on your blog, and to answering all your fun questions. I know it's too late for this one, but I'll still answer - I'm trying to clean out, but I still have a lot of things from my childhood I just can't seem to let go. The attic at my grandparents house is full of stuff, like my old doll's house and other toys and books I used to have. Maybe my own children will enjoy some of the things some day! I remember that when I was a child, it was always special to get to play with something my mum (or sometimes even my grandparents) owned as kids.

Robin said...

Carol - Your stitched pieces look great. The Irish one is adorable. I tried to find the book on Amazon and I did…..for a mere $101.99. It will be staying with Amazon! Your cookies look yummy and I love the plate you put them on. Me, I have always been a saver. With parents that lived through the Depression, I just can’t part with something that is useful, if not to me but to someone else. In more recent years, I have been purging and taking things to our local shelter and thrift stores. I have papers and crafts from my kids - I still use the gold sprayed tuna fish can with macaroni glued to it one of them gave me as a catch all for earrings on my dresser and my grandkids play with the very same Fischer-Price toys my kids did.

Sublime Pastimes said...


Hello Carol,

It has been sometime since I have left a comment. I am unable to access my blog, unfortunately, I gave up checking other blogs.
Today I tried once again without any luck, however I did read some of my favourite blogs.

As always I love hearing about your wee GS Mr.B. What a little sweetie he is in the photos. I also love seeing your stitching, always so uplifting and beautiful. The g-mail below also does not work,this one here will work, kay @ kaysan dot com dot au remove spaces etc. HUgs,
Kay.