Gifts and a Giveaway

Good morning, my stitching friends! And how is everyone doing in this brand new year? 2015... doesn't it seem like just yesterday that we were celebrating the year 2000 and ringing in a new century?  I'll have to admit, January is not my favorite month... I always feel a bit of a letdown after the busy holiday season and this cold, bitter month seems to stretch on forever. Does anyone else feel like that? I think this year it hit me harder than normal because I was going non-stop from the day Dad died on October 31st until the Christmas decorations were finally tucked back into the attic on January 3rd. And all of a sudden everything is quiet again--which is both good and bad. Good because I have more time to read and stitch and putter around the house (I love puttering!). Bad because I have more time to think about and miss my father and worry about certain other friends and family members. I know that once short February rolls around I'll be relieved--after all, by then, the winter's end is in sight!

But, enough of that--I know you're here to see what stitching I have to share with you today. I was so impressed with the goals so many of you made for your stitching year... I'm just not that organized and I'm the type of stitcher who likes to stitch whatever calls to me at the time. My only goal for 2015 is to, once again, create a dozen new ornaments for my poor, overloaded Christmas tree. I try to do one a month and January's is stitched, but not finished, so I'll wait and show you that next time. Today, the only things I can show you are the ornaments I've given away as gifts at Christmas time and for a friend's special birthday. 

I stitched and sent 11 ornaments as gifts this year and today I'd like to share those I created for my international friends. Next time, I'll show you the ones that went to friends right here in the United States.

To my friend June, in England, went this piece stitched on 32 ct. black Belfast linen. If you think it looks familiar, you're right! I stitched another for my own tree back in 2012. I don't mind stitching the same design twice if there are a few years in between stitchings, do you? This is called "Candy Canes" and is designed by Sue Hillis. I found the cute candy cane charm in the lower right corner on Etsy.

"Candy Canes" by Sue Hillis

This Prairie Schooler Santa, from the "Father Christmas" booklet (No. 43) is now residing with my friend, Lois,  in Northern Ireland. For the finish, I used the suggested DMC colors on 40ct. raw natural Newcastle linen. I tied a couple of rusty bells on the hanger and added handmade cording to complete this one.

Prairie Schooler's "Father Christmas" gold Santa

To Lynda (no blog), in England, went another Prairie Schooler Santa from the "Father Christmas" booklet (No. 43). Once again, I used the suggested DMC colors on 40ct. raw natural Newcastle linen. I'll definitely be stitching both of the PS Santas that I sent to Lois and Lynda for myself. I just love how relaxing they are to stitch!

Prairie Schooler's "Father Christmas" blue Santa

For Nathalie (no blog), in France, I stitched an ornament which I've stitched at least four times! This gingerbread boy is designed by Plum Pudding NeedleArt and  is stitched "over one" on 28 ct. Jobelan using the suggested DMC threads. The chart can be found in the "Candy Cane Wishes" booklet which features two other equally adorable designs. I'm sure that won't be the last time I stitch him--he always makes me smile!

Plum Pudding NeedleArt "Candy Cane Wishes"

And finally, for Gabi (no blog), in Germany, went another favorite Prairie Schooler  design that I've stitched multiple times. The chart for this one was featured in the 1999 Just Cross Stitch ornament magazine. I used 18 ct. sage green aida and backed it with the cute polka dot fabric which coordinated perfectly with the DMC colors in the finish.

Prairie Schooler "Let It Snow" snowman

If you'd like to see the gifts that June, Lois, Lynda, Nathalie, and Gabi sent my way, just take a peek at my previous post.  I've so enjoyed my friendships with all of you--thank you again for thinking of me at Christmas time!

And there was also a special birthday gift for my friend, Cindy, who turned 50 on January 1st. I chose yet another Prairie Schooler design (are you tired of all these PS designs, yet?!)...  This one is from the chart "From the Heart" and is stitched on 40ct. raw natural Newcastle linen. I used the suggested DMC colors, but changed the border to all white and added six little beads to the basket. I thought Cindy could use it for Valentine's Day in a small basket of finishes or just place it on a bookshelf in her home. I previously stitched this for my bowl of February finishes back in 2012, but used a different color scheme in the border, which you can see right here. I actually think I like this all-white border even better!

Prairie Schooler "From the Heart" finish

Blogging slowdown? It was so interesting to read your comments and emails on my last post's reflections on the change in the blogging world over the past year. I'm thrilled that so many of you plan on keeping up your blog and a few of you even said you missed the personal contacts that blogging brings and plan to return to it. Yay!! A couple of you emailed and said you were discouraged with blogging because of the lack of comments on your blogs. Well, my answer to that is: "Do you comment on other blogs?" I comment--a lot. I know how a few kind words about a finish or a post can make me feel and I try to bring that same feeling to others. I rarely comment any more on blogs whose authors don't comment on mine. Does that sound childish? Perhaps, but there are only so many hours in the day and I'd rather take the time to comment on those blogger's blogs who reciprocate... A comment can be as simple as "nice work" or "lovely post." It really doesn't take much time out of your busy day. Anyway, it was an interesting conversation and the general consensus seemed to be that blogging offers more of a chance to build real relationships than some other forms of social media.

A little giveaway... I know you're all familiar with that lovely Santa postman in Marly's  header on her blog--isn't he the most handsome Santa? I love how Marly finished him, too, and will definitely be adding him to my "must stitch" list one of these years. While doing some organizing last week, I discovered that I had an extra copy of the book that contains that chart as well as over 20 other lovely projects. Who would like to win a copy?

Here is a collage of just some of the charts you can find in this beautiful book including the postman Santa shown in the far right photo. If you would like to win a copy of this Leisure Arts book, please let me know in your comments and I will pick a winner on my birthday on January 16th. I will leave the drawing open until midnight on January 15th. 

Giveaway for "Christmas Portraits" book

I'll leave you with this photo that doesn't look like much when you first glance at it. But, as I studied it more closely, it took my breath away when I noticed the brilliant reddish orange cardinal perched on the very top of a snow-covered pine tree in my back yard. Can you spot him?

Here is a blurry close-up--such a cheery bird in the middle of winter...

Enjoy your week, my friends... the next time I post, I'll officially be the big 6-0!! Thanks so much for each and every comment; I truly appreciate them!  Bye for now...

As the year winds down...

I want to thank each of you for your kind words throughout 2014; all the comments, emails, gifts, and support have helped make a somewhat difficult year, much easier. There has been a change in the blogging world over the past year and I'm sure all of you have noticed it, too. So many long-time bloggers have left this format to share their works through Facebook and Instagram and it has definitely made a difference in our little community. There seem to be fewer visits to our blogs, fewer comments, and a general feeling like people are slowly drifting away from blogging. For me, that's sad... The truth is, blogging does take a lot of time, but I love the feeling of permanency that I feel is lacking in the other venues. I love being able to scroll down through my blog and see all of my finishes and read about the exact fabric and fibers that I used ever since I wrote my first post almost seven years ago. I love, most of all, the personal connections that have come my way through blogging. I'm not sure they would have occurred in other forms of social media--I seriously doubt it. So, thank you for being here and still reading my way too long posts and leaving those wonderful comments. I truly appreciate you hanging in there with me even though I have only posted 23 times this year...

Christmas goodies...  The biggest present I received for Christmas came in the form of two beautiful Amish-made corner cupboards for my kitchen. I've wanted these for the longest time, but it took a while to find some that would fit the dimensions of our kitchen and blend well with our existing table and chairs. I was thrilled to find two pretty pine corner cupboards online and they were delivered shortly before Christmas.  Right now, we only have one in the kitchen because my snowman tree occupies the other corner. I've temporarily located the other in our bedroom and really like it there so who knows if it will be making its way down to the kitchen at all! What fun I'm going to have decorating them with each season...

A corner cupboard for Christmas!

Here is a closer look--I can just imagine lots of my cross-stitched pillows scattered across the shelves, can't you?

Gifts in the mail... My mailman was kept very busy this month delivering some wonderful gifts from around the world which I'd like to share with you...

From Lois, in Northern Ireland, came a darling ornament, some pretty Christmas ribbons and napkins, and a lovely BBD chart. I know I'll be stitching it very soon... Thanks so much, Lois--I love your gifts and our friendship so very much!

Christmas gifts from Lois ~ 2014

From Cindy, in Tennessee, came another box of goodies. She sent a pretty Lizzie Kate "Love" pillow for my bowl of February pillows, a cheery pair of Christmas socks, some sunflower stickers, and an adorable bunny plate (she knows I'm a bunny lover!).  Thanks so much, Cindy, you are always so sweet to remember me at Christmas time with such lovely gifts!

Christmas gifts from Cindy ~ 2014

From Myra, in North Carolina, came the tiniest little bird pincushion--so adorable. Myra knows how much I love small things and she even included a miniature bird house in which the petite bird was perched when it arrived. She also spoiled me with a Moda Merriment charm pack, which will definitely come in handy for my finishing, as well as some tasty glazed pecans and hot apple cider spice blend. Thank you so much, Myra--I just love my goodies from you!

Christmas gifts from Myra ~ 2014

From a new friend, Nathalie (no blog) in France, came an assortment of French chocolates (which my husband and sons just about devoured!) and two cute ornaments to add to my tree. Thanks so much, Nathalie, it's been fun getting to know you this year!

Christmas gifts from Nathalie ~ 2014

From Gabi (no blog) in Germany, came two sweet ornaments for my tree. Isn't that little mouse with the Santa hat just adorable? Love the little bell on it, too... Thanks so very much for your lovely gifts, Gabi, and for your kind comments you leave on my blog throughout the year!

Christmas gifts from Gabi ~ 2014

From Anne, in Canada, came a beautifully crocheted snowflake. I just love the burgundy color of it and really do need to teach myself how to make these some day soon! Thanks so much for thinking of me at Christmas, Anne!

Christmas gift from Anne ~ 2014

From Robin (no blog) in Virginia, came a sweet "C" monogrammed ornament for my tree and a wonderful array of finishing trims. I love receiving fabrics and trims to use in my own finishing so this was a real treat, Robin--thank you so much!

Christmas gifts from Robin ~ 2014

From June, in England, came a beautiful package of ornaments and trims and buttons to use in my finishing. I had admired the smiling gingerbread boy on June's blog and was so tickled to receive one of my own! And the little scissor fob (along with my first pair of blue scissors) is so beautifully stitched and finished. Thank you so much, June--you always manage to make me feel special when you spoil me each Christmas!

Christmas gifts from June ~ 2014

From Shirlee, in Kentucky, came another beautifully stitched and finished blue and white ornament. I hadn't seen this design before and I love the way it spells out "Glory to God" amidst the alphabet... Thank you so much, Shirlee--I love it!

Christmas gift from Shirlee ~ 2014

From another relatively new friend, Lynda (no blog) in England came this pretty heart shaped ornament along with a lovely stitched card. I'm not sure who the designer of the ornament is, but I love it--such a cheerful looking gift. Thank you very much for your lovely gifts, Lynda--I've so enjoyed our emails this year!

Christmas gifts from Lynda ~ 2014

And finally, from Tricia, in Wisconsin, came a wonderful RAK--a package of her beautifully crafted handmade greeting cards. Tricia had offered to let me borrow one of her charts and surprised me by including her lovely cards as a little gift. I have always been in awe of Tricia's adorable and perfectly crafted little paper creations... You can check out more of her darling designs on her card-making blog right here. Thank you so very much, Tricia--I will save them to send to some very special people!

RAK from Tricia--December 2014

I sent out some Christmas ornaments, too, but will save them for my next post...

The $10.00 Challenge... Many of you asked what my sons ended up giving each other in their second annual "$10.00 Challenge," so I thought I would share a photo of their gifts. (Unfortunately, one gift never arrived from the vendor so there are only five pictured). Clockwise, from the top left, we have the game "Appleletters" (a relative of Bananagrams), a cacti dish garden, a book (which my youngest son cheated on and spent a bit more than $10 so he jokingly told us he had to rip out the last two chapters to make it fair!), a 19-in-1 keychain full of little tools, and a can of kinetic sand. Never heard of kinetic sand? I hadn't either, but here is a short video about it. We all really enjoyed seeing what the guys came up with for each other--I hope they do it again next year.

$10.00 Challenge gifts ~ 2014

A little gift idea... My youngest son is the only one who doesn't live nearby so he didn't want any big gifts to have to transport back to Washington, DC. One of the requests on his gift list was some plants for his office at the Department of Justice. Rather than just handing him the cash to buy them, I came up with this cute idea--a little forest of money trees made from $20.00 bills. To make the little "trees," I used this video on YouTube and, although they're not perfect, for my first attempt, I thought they turned out quite well. I then added a large gold star, some snowflakes, a fawn and cardinal, and a grinning snowman with a gift message (using the Publisher program on my computer) for a fun and easy gift. My son loved it and I know I'll be doing this for future money gifts...

Origami forest gift

Talk, talk, talk... Do you remember the conversation starter jar that I showed you in this post? Well, I decided to make a Christmas version of it for our Christmas Eve dinner. We had such fun with it and the guys wanted to do it again the next evening so they came up with even more questions. The questions ranged from the serious ("What is your favorite Christmas carol?" to the silly "Who is your favorite reindeer?"). I even included, "What is something you like about the person to your right / left" which one of my sons promptly changed to read "What is something you dislike about the person to your right!" Honestly--those guys!!

But, my favorite question, and one that I like to ask myself as each year comes to an end is, "What is your happiest memory of the past year?" Their responses all made me smile and imagine my sons in those situations: the day the youngest reunited with his girlfriend after a four-month break-up, the afternoon my middle son spent snorkeling in Japan with his girlfriend in July, the mini-reunion weekend my oldest son spent with seven friends from college at a lake in Virginia ... Although I wasn't there for any of those experiences, I could honestly feel their happiness...  My husband said his happiest memory was seeing how well I handled my father's death--he was so worried about me and was very proud of how well I held up at the funeral and afterward. And what was my happiest memory? Well, ironically, it took place on one of the saddest days of the year and that was at Dad's funeral in November.  It was the moment I looked around and found myself surrounded by the four men in my life and I just felt such complete pride and happiness that they were there for me--to support and care for and love me. I felt so very blessed and loved in that moment--and so, so happy!  How about you--I'd love to hear your happiest memory of 2014...

So, that's it for this year! I usually look forward to the quiet and peace that January brings along with my birthday in two weeks, but I have to admit that this is a birthday I'm dreading... I'll be 60 and, to me, that is the real start of getting "old." At least I'll have the many senior citizen discounts to look forward to--I do love a good bargain!  Anyway, as my husband always reminds me, "Getting older is better than the alternative." I want to wish each of you every happiness in 2015! Thank you again for being such true friends! Bye for now...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

O Christmas Tree

Only two more days 'til Christmas--are you ready? I'm feeling quite relaxed--finally. All the presents are wrapped, the baking done, and the cards sent. The tree is up and decorated and by tomorrow evening I'll have all three of my sons home and asleep in their childhood beds. As silly as that may sound, nothing gives me greater pleasure than having my family of five here under one roof for the holidays. Our Christmases are very relaxing--we just stay put and "nest." We light a cozy fire in the fireplace, play board games, watch favorite movies, eat way too many sugary sweets, and simply enjoy each other's company. This year, the guys are competing in a $10.00 challenge; they're each limited to buying a present for each other that costs $10 or less. I can't wait to see what they've come up with! I suggested that one year we should all do a "handmade gift" challenge. Do you think I might win that one? 

My tree of stitched ornaments is the largest of three in my home and, if Pinterest is any indication, it seems to be quite well-known around the world. I'll have to admit, the first time I saw photos of my tree on Pinterest and other websites, I was a bit taken aback, but I've gotten used to it and I'm so glad that many of you have been inspired to stitch ornaments for your very own cross stitch filled tree. To give you further encouragement that some day, you, too, can have a tree filled with your very own stitched ornaments, 90% of these were stitched with the past six years. I think there are close to 100 ornaments that I've stitched on the tree and probably another 25 or so from my stitching friends.

2014 Christmas Tree

I've moved the dozen ornaments that I stitched this year from my stair garland to my tree and I just love seeing them all together with their "older relatives."  Here are a few close-ups for you (you should be able to click on them for a closer look):

My oldest son took this night shot for me when he was over for dinner on Sunday. I can't wait to sit by the tree on Christmas morning (or, most likely, early afternoon, as my adult sons tend to be late sleepers!), opening our presents as I gaze at the tree.  I have to admit, I feel so proud when I look at the dozens of carefully stitched and finished little beauties.

A most special ornament... My other two trees are a medium sized 5-foot tall snowman tree in the kitchen (which you can see in this post) and a small 3-foot tree in my family room that sits above our TV cabinet. Since we don't plan on purchasing another tree (my husband insists that we should be getting rid of "stuff," not adding to the things stored in our two attics and basement!) and this big tree is almost filled up, I limit the new ornaments that I put on my tree to ones that are stitched. I haven't bought a new ornament for myself in years, but this year I made an exception... One of my husband's coworkers passed along this poem that she thought might ease the pain after the loss of my father--especially at Christmas time. It was written back in 1989 by John Wm. Mooney, Jr. and, although it made me cry (a lot!), it gave me hope that my dad is carrying on and would want his family to, as well...

Merry Christmas From Heaven poem

If you've lost a loved one, I'm sure you have a few tears in your eyes after reading this, too, don't you? Well, last week, I was shopping in a local Hallmark card shop and, lo and behold, I came upon the exact same poem along with a special ornament that came with it in a little gift box! I stood there in the aisle of the store, just doing my best to stop the tears welling up in my eyes and immediately decided to purchase it for my tree. I put a copy of the photo of my dad holding me as a baby in it for now, but may try to find a clearer photo at some point. It is now hanging on my tree in a place of honor right up front.

Miss  you, Dad...

I've received so many lovely gifts from stitching friends all over the world, but I haven't had time to photograph them yet, so I'll share them with you in my next post. As always I want to thank you for your great comments--they really make me proud to be a part of such a supportive group of stitchers! I am behind on answering some of the comments you left and questions you asked on my "Parade of Ornaments" post, and some can't be answered because you haven't included your email address and you are a no-reply blogger. Please, if you have a question that I haven't replied to, ask it again, but make sure to include your email so I can reply... 

Enjoy the rest of this very special holiday season, my friends! Bye for now...

❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅

From my home, to yours... 

 

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!

❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅

2014 Parade of Ornaments!

Good morning, my friends! How is everyone doing during these final two weeks before Christmas? Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed with things or is it just me? I'm way behind in everything now except for my decorating and baking. Not one card has been written or a single gift sent. I feel like I lost a couple of weeks in there with Thanksgiving preparations and, of course, saying goodbye to my dear father. Things have been a bit up and down for me, emotionally, since Thanksgiving ended and everyone went home. I think keeping busy during that time was good for me and then when the quiet returned, I had more time to think (and cry), but I'm getting there--one step at a time, right?

This week, I did manage to finish my decorating and put up my garland of ornaments for 2014. I have to say I'm very proud of this year's finishes. They're an eclectic bunch as I really love all sorts of patterns--I think that is one thing that keeps me interested in stitching ornaments. I never get bored--there is so much to choose from!

For those of you who are new to my blog, I began posting my yearly ornament finishes on the Christmas garland going up my stairs way back in 2010, in my second year of blogging. If you would like to see previous years, just click on the year:  2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. There has been a serious lack of sunshine around this part of Pennsylvania so the photos are not the best, but I hope you'll enjoy my 2014 collection...

2014 Monthly Ornament Finishes

2014 Ornaments: The First Six Months

2014 Ornaments:  The Last Six Months

January ~ March 2014 ornament finishes

April ~ June 2014 ornament finishes

July ~ September 2014 ornament finishes

October ~ December 2014 ornament finishes

Which is your favorite? I'll give you a closer look of each of them to help you choose... (You can click on the name of the ornament to get more information on the colors and fabrics I used, etc.):

JANUARY

Noel Snowman freebie

FEBRUARY

Prairie Schooler "Snow Day"

MARCH

Chessie & Me "Noel"

APRIL

"Nutmeg Santa" (from Just Cross Stitch 1997 Ornament issue)

MAY

Little House Needleworks "Seven Pines" freebie

JUNE

"Joy" freebie by Erynne Chard

JULY

"It Snowed Last Night" freebie by Erynne Chard

AUGUST

Prairie Schooler 2014 Santa

SEPTEMBER

Prairie Schooler "Ho Ho Santa" mini card

OCTOBER

Prairie Schooler "A Christmas Visit"

NOVEMBER

"A Winter's Night" from Nov/Dec. 2011 JCS magazine

DECEMBER

New York Dreamer "Frosty Night"

So, which one do you like the best? I think my favorite is either December or April, but it's so hard to choose! Looking back on my year, I'd call this "the year of the handmade cording"... I really became addicted to making that stuff--it just adds such a great finishing touch to any ornament, don't you think? Will I stitch another ornament each month during 2015? Stay tuned...

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES...  So, how was your Thanksgiving? Ours was wonderful--it felt so good to gather with relatives on my husband's side and recall old stories and build new memories. Our sunroom, once again, provided the setting for our feast for the 17 of us and it was so nice to be able to sit our entire group at one table. If you look closely out the windows, you can see a sprinkling of snow; it provided such a lovely backdrop for our day.

Thanksgiving table 2014

Here is another look (the tablecloth is white--although it appears to be pale blue for some reason!)... You can catch a glimpse of the flames in the fireplace in the background. It opens up to both the sunroom and the family room and makes holiday dinnertimes so cozy.

I was so very touched to receive this beautiful centerpiece from a local group that my husband volunteers with. They sent it in memory of my dad... Of course, it had the place of honor on our Thanksgiving table.

Centerpiece received in memory of dad

My sons were put in charge of making appetizers this year and they did a great job! Here is a photo of the cheese spread (in the upper left) made by my youngest son (with just a bit of guidance from his old mom!) and the wonderful cheese plate put together by my oldest. He even made little cards describing the cheeses and where they came from. See the cheese resting under the glass dome at the far right? Well, there was a good reason for it--that was the "stinky cheese!" Ugh!! The smell was horrid... Some brave souls dared to taste it, but I was not one of them--not sure anyone actually liked it, but it was certainly a topic of conversation! My middle son and his girlfriend also made some tasty pumpkin hummus, but they hadn't arrived by the time I took this photo. It was such a help to delegate a part of the menu to the guys... Maybe next Thanksgiving, we'll switch and they can do the main meal and I'll do the appetizers? In my dreams!

Thanksgiving appetizers prepared by my sons

I fell in love with this darling turkey bowl when I saw it online and just had to buy one for myself. When they went on sale for 50% off at Sturbridge Yankee Workshop, I jumped at the chance. Do you know what he is made out of? A large gourd--grown and carved right here in Pennsylvania!! Such a great place to hold nuts or other goodies...

Gobble, gobble!!

And finally, here is a shot of the nine types of cookies I made for the annual Thanksgiving cookie tray. Needless to say, most of them were devoured by the end of the evening. Luckily, I have more in the freezer just waiting for Christmas!!

Thanksgiving 2014 cookie tray

GIVEAWAY WINNER:  I was surprised that there weren't more entries to win this pretty chart, but that gave the few of you who entered a better chance... I simply drew a name and whose name came out of the bowl? Well, the lucky Dani! Dani, please email me with your mailing address and I'll get the chart off to you as soon as I can (although, given this busy, busy time of year, that may not be until January!). I do hope Dani will continue the kindness and offer the chart as a giveaway when she is done stitching it...

GIFTS RECEIVED... I've received several packages from stitching friends from around the world lately, but I am saving them to open  on a day when I need cheering up. As I mentioned previously, not a single gift has been sent from my end, so please forgive me and know that, although I had the best of intentions, this year they are definitely going to be late (at least the international ones!)... I'll really try to do better next year.

I had planned on driving up to New York to visit my mom today, but, unfortunately, the snow and winter storm warning up her way curtailed those plans! I don't mind driving in the snow, it's the ice that scares me! Hopefully, I can go tomorrow or Friday. I really want to spend some time with her before Christmas. I know it's going to be a tough Christmas for all of us since dad died so recently...

I want to thank each and every one of you for your supportive and oh-so-kind comments on my previous post. Many of you have already lost one or both parents so you know what I am going through. The holidays are such a hard time when a family has suffered a recent death. I'm getting through my days... it's just that some days I seem to be on the verge of tears most of the time. I found myself looking at the Christmas cards in Target the other day and seeing the ones for "Dad" had me fighting back tears. I know it will get better, though, and that dad would want his family to smile and go on about our lives. Anyway, I hope you all have a great week ahead. I should be back with one more post before Christmas (hmm... can you guess what might be featured in it?!).  Bye for now...