2015

A few more hours and we'll be ringing in the New Year - although the fireworks have started around my house already.  I'm listening to the wind howl outside, cozy and warm in my fleecy jammies, and grateful to be able to stay indoors.  Not sure what the temp is but baby it's COLD outside.

There's a Cary Grant marathon on one of my movie channels tonight, can't think of anything better - An Affair To Remember just started.  *sob*  Bliss.

Have you thought about any goals or resolutions for your new year?  I have, just a bit, I'm keeping it simple -

This BOM from Jenny is a must.  Block 1 is ready, go visit to download - just click here - The Vintage Kitchen.  And of course Jenny's Stitchery Club, and anything else that girl churns out!  I have the perfect fabric for this and can't wait to use it.

Other than those fun things, I also want 2015 to include lots of drawing, pattern-making, and hopefully a new job - health and happiness for my loved ones, and all my bloggy friends - a year of rejoicing.  Blessings to all of you, my friends, and best wishes for this coming year!

Thank Goodness

Christmas is over for another year.  I need to plan better.  Did you all have a great Christmas?  I finally made it around blog-land, my blog reader was so backed up!  But now I'm done with stitching, sewing room is cleaned and ready, and I have no idea what to do.

I only finished one table runner, for my aunt.



I love Jenny's Holly Birds!



Unfortunately, one of the red fabrics bled, even with a color catcher - my aunt loved it anyway.

I also found this in a drawer from last year, I just added a border and pillow-case stitched it closed.



Mum loved it.  And speaking of mum, THIS is what a Detroit pistol-packin' grandma looks like -



Isn't that a hoot?  My cousin makes those out of wood, he's sanded the barrel so smooth it looks like metal!  He's amazingly talented.

From mum and me, a very Happy New Year to you all - I'm going to take a bit of a break to focus on what 2015 will bring, I'm making plans for a great year!  I hope you are too!


Mrs. Christmas herself!!

Merry Christmas

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Luke 2:1-14

Wishing you all the Merriest of Christmases, and every blessing of the season.

I've closed comments so you don't feel obliged to comment - we all have enough hustle and bustle right now!  See you soon!

How Many Makes A Flock?

Cuz there is a flock here - of Jenny's gorgeous Holly Birds!



I love this design.  LOVE LOVE LOVE these birdies.



Can you tell?



I'm making 5 table runners, and each runner will have 2 birds - I have yet to stitch down the applique, then embroider the details, which are beyond sweet!  Think I'll be able to finish in time?  I still have no clue what I'm going to use for the ornament, either a fussy cut fabric or a special Christmas button....both of which I have yet to purchase.  And oh yeah, binding - what to use for binding!!  I'm sure I'll figure it out.  If you'd like your own flock, Jenny's pattern is available in her shop, just click HERE!

Do you watch much tv while you sew?  The only show I watch on a regular basis is The Voice - don't ask me how I got hooked on it, but I watched the blind auditions and just fell in love with all the talent.  Tonight, instead of stitching [final performances, I was nervous, didn't want to stab myself] I did this...



My gorgeous friend Cathy doesn't have time to crochet herself some dish cloths, so I offered.  I love to crochet, and I don't have to look at it - so I can watch The Voice!  Can't wait to find out tomorrow who wins!

My lovely friend O'Faigh sent me the darlingest Christmas gift....



and after I begged pleaded asked, I opened it, and isn't this too cute!!!



A little reindeer stocking with gorgeous floss colors!  And get this, I did NOT have these colors, and they go perfectly with Jenny's birds that I'm doing!  How did she know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Two of the skeins are missing in that pic because they're already in use - and now two more have been put into service!  Thank you darling O'Faigh, you saved me a trip and the trials of matching colors under fluorescent lights!  Not to mention MADE MY DAY!

Ok back to the coal mines, folks, I'll be head down needle up until these are done....so see ya later, alligator - in awhile, crocodile - gotta go, buffalo - take care polar bear - toodleloo, kangaroo [for my Aussie friends] - out the door, dinosaur - well, you get the picture.  Wait, nothing rhymes with picture.....STITCHER!!!!  That's me, a picture stitcher!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

A Christmas Gift For You...

Because it is the season for giving.  So I give you Christmas Light.

Terry from Terry's Treasures blog mentioned, when I showed you my Sailing Into Christmas designs [click HERE for those], that the sail boats really needed a lighthouse.  I was immediately inspired to make one, and have been feverishly working to get it stitched.  I decided it would be free, in honor of Terry, and you can get it in my craftsy shop - just click HERE to get it! I really do love it....and would love to live in it!  Thank you Terry!!



Simple back-stitch and single-wrap French knots, that's it.



And now that it's done, I need to get my behind in gear - I'm making some of Jenny's Holly Birds [available HERE] for Christmas gifts!!!  Aren't they gorgeous?

So that's why I've been so quiet, and not visiting - but honestly, now the pressure is off, I know I can get these Holly Birds done so I'll have time to visit you.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what you've all been up to!!!