Tuesday, May 9, 2023

May moments

Hello there! Hope May is off to a wonderful start for everyone... Things are definitely improving (weather-wise) here and we are finally getting some sunny, warm days again. Oh, how I love them! As I've gotten older, I've begun to realize just how much my mood is affected when we have no sun--and sadly, I live in one of the least sunny parts of the U.S. Yes, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area is one of the worst for lack of sunshine according to this article in USA Today. Is your city on the list? I think we've had only three sunny days over the past two weeks! Am I ready to move? Let's just say I'm definitely keeping my options open!

I'm finishing up the larger summer piece that I hinted about in an earlier post so I really don't have any new stitching to share with you today. But, I do have a finally framed finish! After 12 years, I can proudly hang this Hillside Samplings piece, "Seasonal Samplings," on my wall! There is no excuse... I've even had the frame for at least a decade. Yes, really!

"Seasonal Samplings" stitched in 2011

Isn't it pretty? I have no excuse for not framing this one earlier except sheer laziness on my part. Well, that and the fear of trying to frame something with such a straight border. But, I'm very pleased with the final outcome--and you know what? It probably didn't take me longer than an hour to get it done! As always, I use this tutorial by "With Thy Needle and Thread's" Brenda Gervais to do my framing.

Finally framed 12 years later!

This sampler was stitched on 28 ct. natural brown linen and I remember loving the specialty stitches and "over one" stitching in each little block. If you'd like to read a more detailed post about this particular finish, you can find it right here. I thought you might enjoy seeing some close-ups of each season. Notice the alphabet, year, and my initials are all stitched "over one" as are the bunny and birds.

Spring--aren't those flowers interesting?

Summer--such a sweet baby bunny.

Fall--some cute Rhodes stitched apples.

Winter--love the lone red cardinal perched at the top of the pine tree.

Such a pretty timeless piece! I'm still auditioning spots in my home to hang it--the long thin frame presents a bit of a challenge in finding just the right place. Right now, I have it propped up on a bookshelf (where it just may stay permanently!). Who else is with me in procrastinating on your framing? I'm pretty good with finishing the smalls as I stitch them, but... I'm embarrassed to think about the number of larger pieces in my "to be framed" drawer. Some day, I'll show you the contents of the that drawer! But, I know that many of you follow the same philosophy that I do: "The joy is in the stitching."


In other stitching related news--I got my newest bound blog book back from the printer! It's a biggie--383 pages! I always combine two years worth of my posts into one book to save money. It is still expensive, but every now and then Blog to Print (where I order the books) has a very nice 50% off coupon. I would suggest signing up for their emails as that is how they deliver the best coupons. 

For the front of my latest book, I chose--what else--my Christmas tree! After all, that is how I first began blogging way back in January of 2009--by stitching an ornament each week. 

My 2021-2022 blog book

I dedicated this newest book to my dear grandmother. Past books have been dedicated to my husband, my sons, my mother, my grandson, and even to you--my sweet stitching and blogging friends!


It makes me so proud and happy to leaf through the pages and see all of my finishes in print form! My only complaint about these books is that the captions don't end up appearing right under the photos. But, otherwise, I can highly recommend this company. Here are some sample pages to give you an idea of how they print out. (Please note that the pages are white even though they appear blue in some of my photos).




So many memories from 2021 and 2022... the good, the bad, and the ugly!

The good: Mother's Day 2022

The bad: the flooding of our family home in Naples, Florida in September 2022

The ugly: the horrid powder post beetle found in one of my professionally framed finishes!

And let's not forget my favorite images of all--my sweet grandson, "Mister B."

Love having my grandson included in my blog book!


For the back cover, I chose one of my favorite finishes of 2022


And here is the whole stack of books from 2009-2022--eight inches tall! 

Hard to believe I've been blogging for 14 years now!


Giveaway time... I found a cute chart that is so appropriate for this time of year with Mother's Day falling on Sunday for those of us in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and parts of Europe. This chart was sent to me from the very generous Janet B. in Texas to use as a giveaway and I appreciate it so much! Who would like to win this Sue Hillis chart, complete with tiny charm? The charm is a little door with a wee key to be stitched onto the house where the front door should be--adorable! You could also change the word "mom" to something else, too (dad, dog, cat, etc.), if you desired. If you'd like to win this, please follow the guidelines below. I'll announce the winner on my next blog post--good luck to all!

I'm giving away this sweet chart and charm... Please follow the guidelines below to enter!

To be included in the drawing for this chart, please...

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

2) Be a follower of Stitching Dreams (in my blog's sidebar on the right)

3) Make sure to leave your email address in your comment

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


Getting to know you... Since the chart is a mom themed one, here is my question for today: I am wondering if you have one piece of advice that your mom gave you that you really value or learned from? My mom drummed into me just how important it is to look a person in his or her eye and say "thank you" after receiving a compliment. I was a very shy child (which honestly hasn't changed even as an adult), and I had a very hard time accepting compliments. I would always brush them off and look down at the ground. But, over time, I learned to look directly at the person, thank them, and simply accept their kind words. I still have a difficult time with praise, but I try my best to be gracious and simply accept it! How about you? Do you have any wise advice from your mom that has stuck with you over time?

Life update... Sadly, the pain from my husband's "tennis elbow" hasn't lessened at all. It has now been 5 weeks and nothing has helped. It's so hard for him, especially since his left arm (where the shoulder was replaced) is healing so well. He went from being unable to use one arm to being unable to use the other. But, the good news is we will be seeing our grandson for Mother's Day weekend which will surely bring a smile to our faces. To be honest, this will be a difficult Mother's Day for me because May 14th will also mark, what would have been, my dear mother's 96th birthday. And then my mother-in-law would have turned 95 the following day. So, yes... we very much need the diversion a toddler can offer to help with the inevitable sad moments. We're counting the days as you can imagine--it's been almost three months since we last saw the little fellow!

I want to thank all of you who looked for the burgundy checked ribbon I mentioned needing in my previous post. Unfortunately, I've been unable to find it. A couple of you said they might have it, but didn't leave email addresses so I have no way of getting in touch with you. That's okay... there are certainly more pressing problems in this world, right? Thank you for visiting today--I'm so happy you're here and I hope you know how much I appreciate your kind words and emails. I wish all of you who are celebrating Mother's Day a beautiful weekend. It's a time of mixed emotions for those of us who have lost our moms, but I'm going to try to remember the happy times we once shared. I hope you can, too. Bye for now...

♥ This post was written in memory of my dear mother who would have celebrated her 96th birthday on May 14th, 2023. This photo of her  was taken with 4-month-old baby Carol on her 28th birthday in 1955.

31 comments:

Jani said...

Hi Carol,

This ribbon looks pretty close ... I don't shop from Amazon very often, but sometimes they have just the thing! Wishing you mostly happy memories this Mother's Day.

https://www.amazon.com/Micomon-Gingham-Ribbon-Polyester-Redwhite/dp/B08KVPCVJ7/ref=asc_df_B08KVPCVJ7/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475819410703&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13060311840999961633&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031212&hvtargid=pla-1028181814923&th=1

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

Your Seasonal sampling is so beautiful, Carol .Glad to hear that you have it finished so you can enjoy it. I love that you have your blog published into a book. I remember the "bug post" . I had never seen such. Lol. Such a beautiful photo of your dear mom, Carol. I know your heart aches for her especially this time of the year. Sending you a warm hug, my friend.

LCP said...

I do have a couple of spools of the ribbon

akcaliente@gmail.com

I took a picture & will email you the picture. I am in Alaska so easy to stick some in an envelope.

Lisa

Gabi said...

Hi Carol, what a lovely post. Your sampler looks GREAT. And what an idea to have your blog in books. So nothing gets lost. Eeek, the bug, I would get hysteric as I do when a spider is in the room. Would like to join your give away, but I am too far from you. It's a pretty chart.
Wonderful picture of your dear Mum.
Have a great week,
Hugs, Gabi

butterfly said...

Beautiful season stitch and well done on your framing .
So happy you got some sunshine at last .
My mother showed me how to knit , which I was so grateful for.
Enjoy your week , hugs June.

Irene said...

Credo che ogni ricamatrice abbia un cassetto dove ripone tutti i lavori in attesa della cornice! Anch'io ce l'ho! Mia mamma diceva sempre: o una cosa la fai bene, oppure non farla! E tantissimi altri consigli che applico ogni giorno :)

Marilyn said...

Love that Hillside Sampling piece.
I think 1884 Stitchery is reprinting some of her designs.
I too have several pieces to frame.
Oh, those blog books are awesome.
I guess saying Thank You was also my Mom's advice.
I am also shy.
So sorry about your husband's elbow.
Cute pic of you & your Mom.
Happy 96th Birthday to your Mom in Heaven.
I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!
Marilyn

Vickie said...

I am with you on procrastinating on framing Carol. My Elisa's Pink Birds has been waiting for weeks. Emerson made the custom frame for me, and I have not done it. I use the exact same tutorial as you. :)
I am so sorry your husband now suffers daily with pain. I can relate as you know. It is no picnic.
The picture you shared of you and your Mom is wonderful.

Robin in Virginia said...

Your Seasons Sampler is a beauty, Carol. Well done on getting it framed! Your blog book looks fabulous and I remember the entries you featured including the bug and the frame it came from. What a beautiful picture of your beloved mother. Thinking of Tim and praying for relief from the pain. Enjoy your time with Mr. B (and of course, his parents.

Kyle said...

Yeah for getting your Seasonal Sampler framed and ready to enjoy. I'm going to check out the blog books. It would be great to have a record of all that we've written. My mom's advice was not to procrastinate, but get things done asap, homework, projects and the laundry!

Isabel para ALROMASAR said...

I love your finished and framed work, Carol.
It has been really beautiful.
I really like the books on your blog and the embroidery you draw. I'd like to participate. My mom always told me "never say I'm not going to drink this water" which is a refrain that means you should never reject something or close a door because things can change at any time.
I loved the beautiful photo of baby Carol with her beautiful mom .🥰
Hugs

Maggie said...

Congratulations on the framing, you did a fabulous job!
I've never thought of making a blog book, you have quite a collection of memories there over the years.
Sorry you hubby is still suffering, tennis elbow can take a while to heal, mine still plays up if i do anything particularly strenuous.
Hope you enjoy the rest of May!

MartinaM said...

A beautiful sampler, good that it can finally show itself in its glory. And you can see the small details well, I like the little rabbit.
Sunday is Mother's Day for us too, I'll spend it with my children because my husband plays chess in the club.
It's less advice than her way of dealing with people, so more of a role model for me. She was patient when she was baking with my children, they were allowed to nibble on the dough, and everything took a little longer. And that's what I did, and loved the fun and joy of my kids.
A beautiful picture of your mother, what a great memory.
I wish you a really nice meeting with your grandson Mister B and all the best for your husband.
Hugs, Martina

Jill said...

Perhaps there was an unconscious reason for not framing because you didn’t have a special spot to hang the sampler and that’s okay. A bookcase sounds good and now it is neatly framed and we all enjoyed seeing it finished. Thanks for adding cloudy link although I surmised I live in a less sunny part of the country as well - within an hour’s drive from Flint. I saw similar ribbon at a big box store, however, it was too red which I purchased anyway as it’ll be perfect for Christmas projects. It is hard to choose one bit of advice from my mom as there are so many. Actually, they pop into my head when needed which is a good thing. Enjoy your family this Mother’s Day weekend!

ndavis said...

I am embarrassed to say I have at least 20 unfinished projects...one from 2005 and one from 2009. I always enjoy reading your blog. Your stitching and finishes are so beautiful. I literally gaze at them with an open mouth. The Home Is Where Your Mom Is caught my attention. I would love to win it. My own Mother passed 21 years ago this June, so that anniversary is coming up soon. She taught me to always search for the good in people...even if it was hard to find, it is there. She also taught me to crochet. Another hobby I love. I sure hope your husband finds relief soon from his "tennis elbow". I know how painful that can be. Happy Mother's Day to you, enjoy the weekend with your grandson.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I will forever remember my mom saying to me (because we lived in a two-story home) "don't go upstairs empty handed". Isn't that hilarious?! But I know that she prayed over her family as did her mom and her gramma. So I have a rich heritage there and am making that my legacy to my children and their children. So many great memories of my mom, but these two are my favorite. Happy Mother's Day to you.

Carol in Texas said...

I am always happy to see one of your blog entries. Weren’t you smart to have your posts bound so you have a beautiful record of your stitching and your life! My mother did not enjoy housework…..cleaning, dusting, etc. She loved to sew and to read and she was a good cook. But one day she gave me a piece of advice I’ve always remembered. She said, “Carol, if you will just make your bed in the morning, your bedroom will always look done.” Years later a famous military office wrote a book, “Just Make Your Bed!” I have not read it, but I think he was giving advice for the day’s start. So making my bed is always one of the first things I do, once we’re both up. It satisfies my little ‘neatness gene’. At least I’ve done that for the day!!!!!

Sandy said...

The stitch is lovely. I could actually use some odd sized pieces such as that on my sampler wall at the Auburn house. I was thinking the other day that it needed some smaller pieces in and around all the big ones. You got me hooked on the blog books long ago. I like seeing all the family memories and stitches in print. Maybe one day the kids will appreciate that I kept the blog.
I don't know if I could just pick one thing Mama has taught me. Many years ago, I wrote her a letter to her about all the things she had taught me and gave it to her on Mother's Day. She framed it and I know it meant a lot to her. It included being a good girl, valuing education, taking me to church, and more. While, she is a tough cookie now, I only have to think of our past to realize she is an amazing mother.
Happy Mother's Day.

Anonymous said...

Your stitched piece “Seasonal Samplings” is just wonderful and your framing is perfect! Thanks for sharing it with all of us. I’d love see your “to be framed drawer” - I’m pretty sure mine would give yours some competition - framing can get pretty pricey can’t it?
I do hope you have a very “Happy Mother’s Day”. How wonderful you get to share it with Mr. B, especially since it sounds like it’s been a pretty long time since you’ve seen him - have lots of fun.
Hope your husband is getting better from his “tennis elbow” - and it’s great to read that his shoulder surgery is progressing well.
Your Blog Books are really a great treasure for you to keep everything and all your memories of your stitching and lots of other memories of great events in your life.
As so many have said, thank you for sharing your wonderful blog with all of us. It is so special and your stitching work is so beautiful - I know we all look forward to seeing your beautiful stitched work and learning how you and your family are doing.
Happy Mother’s Day,

Anonymous said...

Oh, I forgot to leave my name in the above Comment.

Barb R, 🌸💕

Jutta said...

Dear Carol,
It's nice that you're finally getting warmer.
I really like your framed embroidery. We have a saying here in Germany: "Good things take a long time!"
It's a great idea to have books printed, I should try that too. Your mom was very pretty and you loved her very much.
I wish you a nice weekend, hugs, Jutta

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
your Sampler looks great in the frame. So many little details. I like the little bunny.
Meine Mutter riet mir, immer nett und freundlich zu sein, dann wird man auch zu dir nett und freundlich sein. Und es stimmt. Ich habe auch versucht es meinen Kindern zu vermitteln. Gern möchte ich dein kleines Giveaway gewinnen.
Hab einen schönen Muttertag mit deinem Enkelkind. Er wird sich ebenso freuen euch wiederzusehen.
Meine Kinder kommen zum Muttertag nicht nach Hause. Das ist okay. Die letzten 2 Tage war mein Sohn da und dass war sehr schön.
Have a nice Weekend and a big Hugs, Manuela

Cathy H. said...

I love your new framed piece! My drawer of stitched pieces is what prompted me to try and complete a piece each month. So far, it's been small stuff, but at least they're out of the dark drawer!

Wishing you a Happy Mother's day! I know you will enjoy time with your family and that fantastic grandson!

Shelly said...

You look like your mother, Carol! I've been told I look like mine. My mom died 33 years ago and I honestly can't remember if she passed on any advice. She was a hard worker, worked full time but still made dinner with the help of my sister and I. Your finishes and framing are always beautiful! Have a great time with Mr B!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mylene said...

Your "Seasonal Sampler" is beautifully framed! Love it!
Wow! That's a great collections of your blog on to books..a lovely treasure!
Sorry to hear about your hubby's tennis elbow...Hope you are having fun times with your grandson's visit.

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

I am glad that you finally framed that lovely seasonal sampler, I love all the little details in it. Especially the over one stitching.
I also love your Blog Books. I wish I’d known that was an option ten years ago!
I looked twice at the final photo as those glasses look so much like a pair my Mum had when I was the same age as you in the photo!
The lessons I value the most from my Mum are to do with parenting, allowing your children to be themselves and valuing each child for their differences. It was only as an adult that I realised that I rarely make eye contact, many people find it uncomfortable or even painful. But I am gracious with compliments, possibly because my parents did praise us when we were pleased with something we had done. Whether that be schoolwork, art or reading. I do try to give out compliments too. Blogging certainly makes that easy as everyone does such gorgeous work!

Faith... said...

I am not even going to look at the list because I am pretty sure my city is not on it! LOL I am a great procrastinator so you are not alone because I believe that most of us put of the finishing for as long as we can; unfortunately. I am glad you have this one framed as it is gorgeous! It is nice that you printed out your yearly blog posts. Your family will be able to treasure them for many years to come and what a way for Mr. B and any other grands that may come along to get to know you better. I am so sorry to hear about your DH's pain. I am sure that that is a real disappointment. I hope you had a great Mother's Day with that young man of yours!

Sending you lots of hugs and well wishes as you make your way through this month.

Barbara said...

In spite of the sadness that can come with remembering loved ones on Mother's Day weekend, your posts are always a delight to read. Your photos of your needlework are both beautiful and restful to my eyes.

I'm sorry your husband's injuries are not healing as quickly as you hoped but surely, given enough time, he will eventually be so much better. My doctor told me a few years ago that tendonitis can take sometimes as long as 3 months to completely recover. An awfully long time, but he was right and eventually I was better.

Leonore Winterer said...

Hi Carol, I hope you're having a wonderful May, and had a great time with your grandson! I understand this time of year must be difficult for you, btu hopefully, there are some warm, bright and happy days ahead.
My relationship with my mum has been rocky for years, but I think we are in a pretty good place now. So I guess the most valuable lesson she has taught me wasn't in words but in realizing that your pride and 'being right' is usually not worth it to lose people or ruin relationships over! That, and of course the love of books she installed in me from a young age.
Speaking of books, what a grand idea to have your blog printed like this! What a wonderful way to look back at your years of stitching in style.
Your stitching, by the way, is very lovely, as usual, even if it was done years ago, I hadn't seen it yet! Great job framing it. I, too, am very behind on framing some of my older pieces (or, if not framing, figuring out what I want to make with them!)

Jennifer said...

Happy belated Mother’s Day to you Carol - love to see the picture of you with your mom. And big congrats on framing that lovely piece! You know I have lots waiting to be FFOed but I am glad to be making good progress this year. My mom taught me to be good for my word - you can bet if I tell someone I will do something or if I have a deadline or a project, I will do it. Not always on time (mostly, but sometimes life gets in the way). I learned this in a long painful night when I told her I didn’t need to do a 4th grade assignment..she kept me up until I had it done and it was a long and late night. I still try not to procrastinate! Love the lessons we get from our moms and can’t wait to see what my kids say they learned from me ;)

Anonymous said...

Mother's are so precious -- all our lives long, even after they are gone. I cared for my Mom who had Parkinson's disease and passed at 82 years old. It's been a long while and she'd be 103 now, so she's been in Heaven a long time. I think the most precious gift my Mom gave me both as a child and as an adult was always affirming her love and faith in me. My mom had 13 kids, 5 miscarriages, all girls -- my Dad worked in his trucking business, and was away until the weekend, so she raised us almost by herself. I love being a part of a large family, but have never had kids myself as my husband had a rock climbing accident 10 months after we were married and became paraplegic -- so no children as a result. We loved each other dearly and had a good marriage, though we also had a lot of challenges along the way due to his accident. I've learned that it is very important to share your wisdom, and to encourage others who are walking through difficulties. Mom's have that wonderful quality of loving and understanding just how to speak into our lives, which I treasured throughout my life with my Mom. Carol, enjoy your days with your kids and grandkids, and let the wisdom your Mom shared with you fill their lives, they will always remember those special times when you spoke the right word in the moment they needed it most. God bless! Catherine Caldwell - mcc5773@gmail.com