88 Fnishes for the year 2011!!

I did it!! I finished block #4 this evening.  I do believe I will set the afghan aside for a bit and try something new for a little bit.

Here is block #3 and #4 together so you can get a better picture of the two together.  I did not stitch number 3.  I love this design.  

Here is the back of the afghan.  My block is on the left in this picture.  The lady that did the previous stitching on this did not use the 'over one' method of stitching.  So her back shows only the simple vertical stitches on the back.  This makes it next to impossible to bury the end of a thread.  So she tied little knots at the end of the thread.  There are tails everywhere.  Using the over one method causes a bulky back that is easy to bury threads in. 

I hope to have even more finishes next year.  2010 was not over 100 when my husband retired and I had major surgery.  2011 saw a major cross country move.  I am hoping that things will be calm in 2012 and I get even more stitching done. 

Meet Mr. Hummingbird

I did add the bird.  He will look much better once I do the back stitching.  I have moved back to the trellis work.  I am still hoping to get this block done this year.  My last afghan took five years.  I only worked on it during the winter and was happy to get several blocks done in one year.  I am not sure what my next project will be.....

While I contemplate my next project - - I want to do a Give Away!!  I picked this finished ornament from my finished stash.  I will send this ornament to one of my blog buddies.  Just leave a comment in the next week and I will have my darling husband pick a number to figure out who wins the ornament.  I love hearing from my followers.  Your comments are the highlight of my day.  Just leave a comment and your name will be in the race.  Good Luck.

A new bird feeder and a bird's nest

At Christmas my son made me a bird feeder.  I just love it.  He cut each and every shingle on the roof!!!  Today my darling husband put it up and filled it.  So far no birds or squirrels have found it.  I wonder how long that will be the norm.....

I have started working on the nest and hummingbird in this block.  I hope tomorrow to have more so show.  Some color maybe???

Today we celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary.  Where does the time go?  We had lunch in a place that we went to as teenagers, back when we met.  It was fun. 

Flowers & Rudolph

 I did some work on the afghan today.  Roses and daisies were added.  The weather is turning cold, cold, cold and working on the afghan is not a problem at all.  LOL. 

My son made this little wooden Rudolph.  It all comes a part so you can store it away easily.  I just love all the things that he makes. 

A Stitchy Gift and more stitching -

Today I received a fantastic gift from a dear, dear friend.  Jeanne loves stitching over one and she made this for me.  It is a tiny necklace and it is perfect.  I am not sure of the designer.  Perhaps it is Prairie Schooler?  I know several people are going to be very jealous when they see this one.

I did get some stitching done.  To answer a few questions.  Yes, this design was carried in the Stoney Creek magazine in 2004/2005.  There are 30 blocks.  I am working on sixth block to be completed and it is block Number 4. 

Hummingbird Block #30 is done!!!

 Well, the back stitching is complete.  This block was partially completed by the lady that I purchased this afghan from.  I did the flowers and fussy parts.  After i finished this block I laid the blanket out on the floor to get a better idea of the overall project.  Already completed is block #1, #2, #3 and #11.

I am moving on to block number 4.  Perhaps I will finish the first row across the top before I go do something else.  Oh, I just noticed.  MIL Shirley has her new slippers on.  How funny!! Waving Hi to my mother in law.

Merry Christmas 2011

 Christmas is here!!!  Merry Christmas to all that read this and even to those that don't.  It is all good. 

I have now completed the base stitching on my block.  The back stitching is next and then this block can go down in history. 

Petal by petal - -

I keep working on it.  I do like the purple flowers.  I am across the top of the flower pot and coming down the left side.  Little by little.  Petal by petal.  Each day I believe I will finish this block and each day I am disappointed.,  The house is full of sugar and various forms.  It is all ready for the family to arrive.  Presents are wrapped and under the tree.  I have a few things that I have yet to share with you as they are presents.  I feel like a a giddy child waiting for Santa.  I am excited.  (Can you tell?)  Tomorrow is a full day of food preparations.  We like to do a big deal on Christmas Eve.  Shrimp, appetizers, small sandwiches and all the sugar stuff.  Then we have a dinner planned for Christmas day.  I hope to get most of the work done early so I can enjoy the holidays.  I also hope to take a lot of pictures.  Don't worry - - I will share it all with you.  After the holiday, I hope to have a few give aways.  Stay tuned......

Hulless Carmel Corn and some stitching

I finally found the corn puffs for the caramel corn,  People have been looking at me like I am crazy as I scout around town looking for naked puff corn.   Today we made a batch.  The family won't know what hit them. 

I put the shadow under the trowel.  I continued on the flowers.  It is confetti stitching but I am getting through it.  I haven't had a lot of time to stitch with the holiday preparations.  Is everyone else busy?  Are you all wrapping, baking, planning and having fun?  I am also starting to watch the Christmas movies.  The weather man is hinting of a bit of snow for the big day.  Well, it will fall soon and perhaps last long enough to make it to Christmas.  I don't want snow that will prevent travel but a bit of white will blend right in. 

Daisies, violets and more!

I continue to work on the flowers.  I have to say that even I check yesterday's post to see where, if any, there is progress.  I haven't been able to put too many minutes together to stitch of late.  Last minute shopping, groceries and other activities are keeping me busy.  I hope to get a lot of stuff done tomorrow.  Then I hope to sit and stitch and wait for Santa. 

I am so very happy to be here in New York this year.  I am dreaming of a white Christmas, which we might not have.  On the other hand, I will be HOME for Christmas.  It means  a lot to me.  Home, family and happiness are what I am excited about.  I know it will be hectic and crazy and making plans is difficult.  I plan to enjoy as the 'cast of characters' that we call family come by for a visit, share a toast and perhaps exchange a gift.  January will be here soon enough with all it's headaches and other stuff.  It is time to make an effort to enjoy family we do have.  I don't mean to lecture but I do know some people that just don't appreciate the family they do have.  Be nice.  Be Happy.  Be Merry. 

Afghan Progress

 First, I believe I missed this photo yesterday.  The afghan started with 5 blocks complete and one already started. 

I added purple flowers, daisies and such to the flower pots today.  Well, overnight and today.   I had trouble sleeping so I was up int he night.  I did get some stitching done.  Just as I was about to fall asleep, the fire alarms went off.  We still don't know why.  It stopped.  We checked out the house and then went back to bed.  ARGHHHHHH!!!!!

Meanwhile, I like the purple flowers.  Big surprise there!!

Hummingbird Trellis - The beginning

 There are three blocks already finished across the top of the afghan.  It is a great start!!

 The colors are wonderful.  Bright colors on a tan background.

Randomly there is a side block also completed.  I am showing three finished blocks at this point.  Now a bit of back ground on this project.  I loved doing the Nature's Home afghan years ago.  I have missed working on it.  Stoney Creek then did this Hummingbird afghan and I was oh so tempted.  I didn't start it.  I found a lady on line.  (I am so sorry that I don't remember who it was.)  She has started this afghan and had 4.5 blocks done.  She had put together the floss and gotten a great start on the afghan.  Sadly she didn't think she would ever do it and wanted to get rid of it.  So she sold it to me for a very (I mean very) reasonable price.  I have had this for probably a year now.,  She has so much done already that I am not willing to remove her stitches.  I will just add mine.   So today I started working on a block that she had about half done.  I am also working to reorganize the floss into the a floss tote.  Tomorrow I hope to share yet another completed block and the one that I am working on.  It seems great to be working on an afghan once again. 

Busy day with just a little bit of stitching....

Here is Mr. Snowman's close up.  He will now be on post to greet our guests.  He also hides the plug in lights.

When you get in the house, this little guy is waiting for you.  He is guarding the Christmas tree.  No presents are to be tampered with.....One more week!!!

I did finish stitching the Christmas tree design.  The tree and tree skirt are ready for the finishing part.  I am not sure when that might happen.  Sadly - I am not inspired to do it just now.  What to stitch next?  I am considering an afghan project.  Or maybe something small to just get through the holiday.  Cookies and chocolates are now done.  Super yummy here.  Other than a few Santa duties, I do believe I am ready for the big day.

Welcome Says Mr. Snowman

Mr. Snowman has been added to the front porch.  I just love him.  There is also a Mr. Santa there too.  Both come from Sister In Law - - (you know who you are....). 

JN Christmas Tree Hat

I did a bit of stitching.  It is so hard to find the time to sit and stitch.  Cookies need baking.  Presents need wrapping.  Shopping to do.  Meals to plan.  Families to coordinate.  I am guessing that there will not be a lot of stitching accomplished in the next few days.  My big brother is coming and we will be busy decorating cookies and doing so many other projects.  Ahhh family at Christmas.  I know many who do not appreciate family at the holidays.  I have heard my share of horror stories.  I plan to enjoy this Christmas with my family.  No Matter What!

Just Nan's Christmas Tree Hat

 The tree skirt is almost done.  As I look at it, I realize that I still need to do a bit of back stitching.  This looks large but it is quite small.  I am having fun doing this little project.

Then I moved on to the tree.  Birds, snowflakes and presents are located on the this tree.

Raccoons & Christmas Trees

I will start a new project.  Just Nan's Emma & Eliza's Christmas Hat.  I was growing weary of doing ornaments so this is just a little more involved than an ornament.

I also finished the little raccoon.  I now have all four little Woodland Babies stitched and ready to be finished.  I am done with the yearly magazine purge and organizing project.  It feels good to have that finished.  I was reminded that even working on the purge is working on stitching.  I suppose but I prefer the act of putting a needle through the fabric.  LOL.

Woodland Babies - Raccoon

I did get a few stitches in place last night.  I have yet to touch it for today.  I was reminded that I am 'doing my stitching' as I have spent hours working on my library of charts and freebies.  My goal is to put away 2004, 2005 and all the freebies I have collected.  I am adding binders, updating the Excel spreadsheet and trying to make a dent.  It does help when it comes to finding things but the work at this point does take time.  I hope to get it done tomorrow.

Busy time of year -

I am not ignoring you, my blog followers, or my stitching.  I crave spending time with both.  Meanwhile I am busy with so many things.  I bailed out and took a photo of my mantle.  I haven't stitched in three days.  I hope to fix that this evening.  I have been helping a family member and then I started to purge two years of XS magazines.  I cut out what I want to keep, file in binders with a cross reference to an Excel spreadsheet,  It appears I skipped the process last year with the move pending.  So while I have not been stitching myself, I have been drooling and dreaming about all the stitching I could be doing. 

Decorations and some finishes!!

 This is from the living room.  My craft room is full of afternoon light.  I do love it in there.  I put the tree in the entrance to the dining room.  I love the tree there.  You can see it from everywhere.

 This photo was taken from the dining room which is serving as Santa's other work shop.  I have been wrapping presents and get things done in that room also.

 This afternoon I spent some time putting together the Desert Santa.  I made it into a easel type stand up.  I put some velcro on the tab at the bottom so you can easily put it away after Christmas. 

This is Landon's blanket.  I have been working on it for quite some time.  It is sooooo soft!!  I think of it as the 'softest teddy bear made into a blanket".  I hope he loves it as much as his Gigi loves him.

Bunny & Chipmunk

I am continuing with Victoria Sampler's Woodland Babies.  We now have bunny and chipmunk.  One more to go.  Then that chart is done.  finishing should not be too difficult. 

A little elf - -

A little elf visited me today.  He was quite taken with the lights on the house and tree.  He was busy finding all the hidden Christmas toys around the house.  I have not been stitching.  Once again I was off shopping.  This little elf is just about done with the shopping.  Maybe one more day and I will be done.  I even have half of it already wrapped.  I need a day off and I need to spend some time finishing a few Christmas gifts.  I am currently making a blanket for 'a certain little elf'.  It is soft brown fur.  I think of it as the softest teddy bear now made into a blanket.  I hope to get that done soon.  It even has his name on it.  Oh I am having so much fun with Christmas this year.  I wish I could package up his joy and save it forever. 

Woodland Babies - Bunny

Yesterday I didn't have needle and thread even meet.  It was a crazy day.  I did make several accomplishments with the embroidery machine but those are Christmas presents and I don't want to talk about them or show them yet.  Today I did a bit of stitching.  I am working on the bunny and perhaps I will have him done later tonight.  I am deep into Christmas shopping and wrapping now so stitching is taking a back seat.  I notice that my yahoo lists are very quiet also.  I imagine it is because everyone is busy with the upcoming holiday.  It will be my first Christmas at home in over a very long time.  The lights are up, the tree is ready, cookies are planned, presents are getting done, wrapping is progressing.  We have been having really warm weather and we know that won't last forever.  I keep hoping I can be done with running around before the bad weather finds us.  Wish me luck.  LOL. 

Two Ornaments done today

This will be 'dated' ornament that I will save for the tree.  I have a dated ornament for every year that Jack and I have been together.  

Then I started and completed Victoria Sampler's Winter Squirrel.  I have the tart tin that it is to go in and a chart with three more little animals.  Very quick stitch projects!!!!!

Treasures!!!

 I am so, so sorry to be absent, my friends.  I have been busy with Christmas decorations and family business.  Yesterday my sister brought me these two Christmas decorations that I sent to my aunt many years ago.  I recognize the one as Little House Needleworks.  I made the pillow a bit too small but it is a good finish.  The cube was one of my first and the project and ribbons are held in place with pins.  A No Sew Cube finish is what it is.  I would do it so different today.  It is fun to see these again.  It is sad to think that I gave them away and they are now returning because a family member has died. 

I also found this quilt.  Purple!!!  Oh excuse me.....  focus, focus.....  This was made by a great grand mother on my mother's father's side?  I have to research this better.  The quilt top is all silk!!!!!  The back is flannel type fabric.  There is a card with an explanation of it's origin on the back.  Like I said, I have to do some reserach.  SILK!!!!  It is in wonderful shape.  I am not sure I could even use it for fear of damaging it.  I want to see what type of stitches were used, who made it, all the details I can discover. 

Machine Work and the start of another

I spent some time playing with my embroidery machine.  My sewing machine does some interesting things but I haven't done any of this type of work in quite some time.  I have a few Christmas presents that I want to work on so I had to 're-learn' how to make it work.  I started with a small Christmas stocking motif.  I suppose I could make it into an ornament.

This is 2010 Stamp Ornament by Jeannette Douglas Designs.  The word Joy is stitched over one.  The rest will be over two and there is some embroidery stitches.  Once I get the word Joy done, it should go quickly.

Deck the halls

 Today we made a big dent in decorating.  The front of the house is almost done.  I want a good sized wreath for the front door instead of the bow.  We will also put light on the bushes in the fore ground.

 We even put lights on the back porch.  I have colored Christmas light and what I call a disco ball.  It is a big ball of lights.  It twinkles.  I love, love this.  (Sorry Mom - - she didn't care for Christmas lights.)

I also finished the Peppermint Twist ornament by Little House Needleworks.  I am thinking that a bit of lace needs to surround this one. 

Let me tell you a story.  I put the ornaments on the tree today.  Nothing broke in transit and that is a good thing.  I had the ornaments on the tree and sat here wondering why the tree looked so empty, so sad,so missing something.  Ah Ahh - there was not a single stitched ornament on the tree.  I have tons of ornaments from friends and others over the years.  Last year, while planning a move, I put the stitched ornaments in other locations.,  I am not sure I have found all the hiding places just yet but the tree does look a lot better.  Photos to follow.