Short Update

Hey, Friends!

Sitting with a cuppa is so easy and brings so much pleasure using the Keurig coffee maker DS gave me.  I was planning to go out today to take for exchange a couple of things and a bit of business, but stitching is so much more fun!

I couldn’t resist stitching the BBD ‘Joy’ RAC I received before Christmas  with those gorgeous Belle Soile silks – wonderful, almost fluffy.  See the plans for finishing?  Thank you again – whoever you are.  It was a Joy, indeed!
Edited to add, Victorian Motto (chenille pictured) is having a giving away on New Year's Day!  Link on sidebar --> 

I have also been stitching away on the last couple of pieces for 2011 – had to get over that 30 mark.  Winter Row – just a bit short so I improvised and snuggled the snowman into the last few of the alphabet.  

Did I tell you about the silk fibers I got from Amy Mitten,Fibers to Dye For? They are called Smooth Operator, and simply luscious!  I used them on the Merry Christmas ornie that’s stitched but not finished.

I’m trying to make a list – not a challenge – of some of the things I want to stitch for 2012.  We’ll see how this works out!

Thanks for stopping by!  I appreciate y’all and look forward to watching all your projects’ progress in 2012.

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching  
Charlene♥SC

Final 2011 TuSAL

Hey, Friends!

Dropping in to say it was a very nice Christmas – thanks to all of you for your Merry Wishes, and to my dear mom and son who made it bearable. They both seemed pleased with their gifts, and I most certainly was.  DS got me a Keurig coffee maker that is totally nice!

  Mom asked for some hints, so I asked for the cubby as seen on Diane’s LHN blog from Pottery Barn. DS used the tools I got him to hang it for me, and it’s just about full.  She also gave me a wonderful surprise.  I’ve always loved and admired a sweet square, glass candy dish she’s had as long as I remember. It was inside a round, red box that had been under her tree for a long time.  She ‘was going to’ give it to me as a birthday gift, but decided to save it for Christmas. I’m so glad she did, and I love it dearly!

It’s time for the final New Moon of 2011:   R eminder:   TuSAL is in the side bar this year à  If you would like to join in 2012, just go to Daffy Cat's site here and leave a comment.

Are you all signed up for 2012 Challenges?  I watched as so many of you made fantastic progress in 2011, but I just can’t put that pressure on.  Unlike my typical self, I’ve got several projects started now, and they’ve got to be caught up!  I did join in the Blackbird Designs group challenge, but won’t commit to twelve.

As a summary of 2011, you can take a peek at this page, that says 29.  There just HAS to be something I’ve left out; right?  As hard as I try to keep the list up to date, I’ll go for months without updating it, then I’ve forgotten…  Oh, well – not so many details in 2012, so maybe it will be easier to keep up.

I appreciate y’all and look forward to watching all your projects’ progress in 2012.

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Merry Christmas

Hey, Friends!

Whew – I’ve been out running around in the drizzling rain – taking Mom to get her hair done and the last of her grocery shopping.  I picked up the mail, and what to my wondering eyes should appear… a wonderful  RAK that came from Needlecraft Corner.  It’s the kit for Blackbird Designs “Joy” ornament  in the 2011 Just Cross Stitch ornament magazine.  Of course I have that page tabbed to stitch!  I’ve searched the package over, and can find no signature! There’s a sweet card with Santa and a Snowman, no signature!  So I’ll say a Great BIG Thank You and send bunches of hugs to the kind and generous person who sent it – you made my day!

I just ate a sandwich and thought I’d sit for a minute couple of hours to show you the finishes of ornies I’ve been stitching this month for my dough bowl.  It’s not completely filled, but getting there slowly.

I’ve enjoyed the 2011 Just Cross Stitch ornament magazine a lot this year.  This is the Joy ornament by Little by Little Design Co.  This brown silk was a close match, and rambling through the old lace bag found this coffee stained bit that looked sweet to me. 

The Season of Giving (I changed to Love) by Lila’s Studio turned out bigger than I expected.  The aqua color from a jelly roll worked out along with the red ric-rac border and hanger.

Christmas Greetings (istitch) called to me for a more prim finish.  There was a piece of twine, this ‘faded’ red check, and a tiny safety pin I’d attempted to rust… but will I ever learn to stay further away from the edge?  Doubtful J

Here’s the little Christmas snow lady – with her hands in a muff… which called for a bit of lace to reflect more snow – Merry Christmas.

If I had to choose a favorite finish, it would be Believe.  The white sparkle thread used for the trim on the hat didn’t show off enough, so I added a tiny red bell to the pom. The green with red polka dots was just right, and the red ric-rac made sense, too.  And to top it off (over the top?) was the braid with Special Delivery for the back – and a faux hanger.   

I know you’ve been good all year, so I do hope that you Believe and that Santa fills your stockings with all your favorite stash! 

Wishing y'all a Very Merry Christmas with  hugs and love!

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

Big cyber puppy kisses from Pixie, too!

 

Wrinkles and a Birthday

Hey, Friends!

DS came  up for the weekend to celebrate my birthday, and we went to Mom’s for potato soup and cheese biscuits.  He got me a luscious set of sheets in cranberry (love that red)!  I've been sleeping soundly!  Mom got me a sweater and a ‘little piece’ of money – and she treated us to dinner at Red Lobster last night.  In celebration fashion, I had an appointment to get my hair trimmed, so I also had my brows ‘designed’ and my ears candled.  Have you done this?  I hear different experiences, but for me it was good.  My head feels clear and breathing is even easier. 

Now on to the wrinkles...   You've seen this Greeting in better form, but wanted to show you the needle minder!  Isn't it just the sweetest?  ‘Joy’ from the 2011 JCS magazine is stitched with HDF silks .  I’ve enjoyed stitching these smalls for Christmas, and want to get some finished so they can fill my bowl.  The tiny smalls are on my holiday tree for Christmas.  This tree sits on the shelf over my computer so a glance up brings a smile to my face.   

We’re coming down to final days of holiday preparations.  I hope you’re all finished shopping and baking goodies so you can sit back, relax, pick up a needle if you choose, and enjoy the festivities along the way.

   

Thanks for stopping by!  I appreciate y’all!

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC

December

Hey, Friends!

Here we are approaching Winter Break from work.  I found out I have to work two days longer, but at least it will be on call from home.  It does give me a chance to have a couple of Friday’s off that I wasn’t expecting.  That’s a very nice and unexpected benefit. 

So… what was I stitching last time?  Did I show it to you?  Let’s see… Yes, I added the year to the Season of Giving and updated the photo.  After that, I started Plum Street Samplers, Christmas Tea  - using assorted HDF silks (one over one)on 28ct cashel linen in Mountain Mist.  Next was Christmas Greetings, a freebie from iStitch, again using HDF silks.  It’s so much fun stitching these ornies and smalls, but I’m making plans for something more sometime soon!

I found out that the Miss Sharon Crescent (shown here deep in thought) was visiting my LNS  Stitch and Frame on Saturday, and I did have my birthday discount to use… so I stopped by to meet her and to get new BBD release, Christmas Garden!  Of course you know I couldn’t get the suggested fabric, but did get the fibers.  I’ll be using Lakeside 40ct Lentil.  

I know you’ve heard me mention my LNS so many times, but I don’t think I’ve ever taken a tour with you, so I grabbed my camera and decided to share a few shots with you.  For such a small space, they sure do pack a powerful stitching punch!  When you walk in, you’re greeted with the sweet voice of one of the lovely ladies who work there.  If you want or need assistance, they’re happy to help.  If you want to just browse around to find something that you can’t live without, that’s fine, too.  They have some of the most beautiful models displayed in lots of nooks, on posts, and almost to the high ceiling!  So let’s take a look around… starting with the front entry.  

To the right is the 'Framing Boutique'

Further back is the Fabric room

These show the Bead and Stitching room

I didn't get a good shot of the Fibers room, but there are lots to choose from - and they feel so luscious!

This Sunday afternoon they’re having a drop-in from 1:00 to 4:00, so if you’re close enough or feel like a drive, I have no doubt you’ll be welcomed with a cup of hot cider and open arms.

Thanks for stopping by!  I appreciate y’all!

PeaceëLoveëJoy
and Happy Stitching
Charlene♥SC