At Willow Tree Pond

I was preparing for Christmas Eve dinner and remembered to pull out a special embroidered tablecloth. It was embroidered by DH's great-aunt and after some discussion we dated it to the 1930's or 40's (?). The great aunt lived her entire life in Germany so we are not sure if this is an original design or store-bought printed design. She did initial it in the same green embroidery thread it is worked in.

Any thoughts or info would be appreciated!

I have 4 final finishes for 2014!

Finish #1-Shepherd's Bush

Shepherd's Fold sampler finish-finished in the Lone Elm plum box.

Linen and threads as provided.

Changed words from A Full Heart to My Heart is full but used the distinctive Shepherd's Bush font.

Finish #2-L'Atelier Perdu

Christmas Stocking 2012-The Magic

Designed as a threadkeeper, I nunstitched the edges and decorated a wood box. I also changed the words from Believe in the Magic to Winter Wonderland. I also tent stitched the design instead of cross stitch.

Finish #3- Atkinson Designs Yellow Brick Road

Flannel, twin sized quilt top from fat quarters I bought on our Alaskan cruise fall 2013.

Finish #4-Gail Pan

Summertime Stitching sampler

From August 2014 class at Buggy Barn, Reardon, WA

So happy I took this class as the Buggy Barn closed their doors this fall!

This still needs to be finish-finished into a wallhanging.

I had a total of 63 finishes in 2014. Including several ornaments and biscornus. I also counted quilt blocks that I finished for quilts that aren't finished.

I am especially proud that I finished 4 box tops-Shepherd's Bush Shepherd's Fold, Jeannette Douglas My Stitching Treasures Box, Debbie Stiehler's American Patchwork box, and Barbara Jackson's Tea Time Basket (still struggling to get this one finish-finished)

I attended 5 retreats and 3 classes.

I finished my second year as treasurer for my local EGA chapter.

I have a new grandson born in March.

And my ebay stash-reduction business has kept me very busy!

Thanks to all of you who have trusted me with the items you are ready to part with!

I'll post again next year!

Well, the holidays are over and life is back to normal.

I'm happy to report the Christmas tree and decorations are down and put away for another year.

The super cold weather some of the USA is enduring is not here in the Pacific NW. We are having a typical cloudy and grey winter with daytime temps in the 40's. I won't complain.

I have been busy preparing for a new stitching year !

My stash got inventoried and put on an excel spreadsheet. It is alphabetized by the designers name. It was a lot of work, but it is so nice to be able to check and see if I already have a project. Yes, I have been guilty of buying the same chart more than once. Hopefully, this is the end of that problem.

On the stitching front, I have 3 finishes to report-

Finish #1-Barbara Jackson

Peace on Earth ornament

Shining Needle Society

I love these ornaments! But when it came time to make a queen stitch on 40 ct fabric, I hit a brick wall. Even 1 ply was too bulky. And I noticed from my basting that the ornament was going to be tiny. So I switched my fabric to 32 ct and the ornament is a much better size and the queen stitch issue went away.

Finish #2-Barbara Jackson

Merrily, Merrily ornament

Shining Needle Society

Yes, I have the next ornament on the stretcher bars! Hopefully it won't be long before it is finished.

Finish #3-The Stitching Parlor

Treasures Sewing Box

I stitched the pincushion upside down. I was using a hoop and the excess fabric was flapping against my hand. So I flipped it upside down.

Current project-

The Stitcherhood

Merry Christmas #53

I'll be back soon with another post about my 2015 goals!

Typically when a new year rolls around I make a list of stitching goals. The only way they are organized is large projects and small projects. Then 3 or 4 times during the year I refer back to that list.

As you can imagine the end of the year finish list looks very, very different from the new year goal list.

This year I decided to try something new--make a list of categories of projects and finish one project in each category. Categories can be by designer or type.

2015 Project Goals List

Needlepoint-Terry Dryden's Tropical Jazz (class WIP)

Gay Ann Rogers-Hollyhock House (WIP)

Crabapple Hill-Mason Jar Wallhanging (WIP)

Guila Punti Antichi-Windmill Box (new start)

Pincushion Doll & Trunk-Elizabeth by GPA (new start)

Renaissance Designs-#10 in Christmas series (new start)

Barbara Jackson-Sweetheart of Mine (class-new start)

Quilt-Wooly Good Year (BOM-WIP)

SAL-15 sided biscornu with local EGA chapter (new start)

WIP Catherine Theron's No Place Like Home needlebook (class-WIP)

BAP-Plum Street Samplers The Flood (new start)

Wool-Heart to Hand Sewing Room (new start)

Embroidery-CAH Gardener's Alphabet quilt (BOM-WIP)

Class project-Patricks Woods Button Brag Book (class-WIP)

Sampler-Rosewood Manor Cornwall Sampler (WIP)

Smalls-Jeannette Douglas My Stitching Treasures (new start)

Primitive Quilts Magazine-Farmers Tote (wool & flannel) (new start)

Etui & Smalls-Carolina Designs Miss Hannah's House (WIP)

Painted canvas-Floating Bird (new start)

Misc as time allows-Strawberries by Historic Needlework Guild (Barbara Jackson) (new starts)

This is 20+ projects. Definitely doable.

Unfortunately so far in 2015 I have not touched any of these designs. So keeping my mind on this list is a challenge in and of itself :)

Have a Great Weekend!

January is shaping up to be all about smalls. Here are the latest finishes-

Gay Ann Rogers Samples

Barbara Jackson's latest Christmas Ornament thru Shining Needle Society

Olde Colonial Designs Pins and Needles Pincushion Top

The Stitcherhood Merry Christmas Ornament

Plum Street Samplers

Jack's Birthday tart pincushion

I just got back from a weekend in Phoenix. Oh, the weather was delightful. In the 70's everyday, no rain, no humidity. The perfect place to visit in the winter.

The weekend started with a wonderful German dinner in Glendale at Haus Murphy's.

We saw this restaurant on the Food Network with Guy Fieri. It was live music night with accordion and tuba!

We were able to eat outside in the Bier Garden.

Check out these Christmas lighted palm trees!

We revisited the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The last time we were there was 1984! You can imagine that it used to be in the middle of nowhere and now it is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, strip malls, etc.

And I got to visit the "new" Attic Needlework shop. Oh, it is amazing!

And I did a little stash enchancement :)

Sunday afternoon brought the Seahawks football game-a real nail biter! And some shopping for Merry Cox goodies!

Monday was the Merry Cox Young Ladies Workbox class-

It was a lovely time and I even got a sneak peek at Merry's class scheduled for 2016-

Whew! It's good to be home!

I only have 1 finish to report since my last post two weeks ago. It is another block on my Crabapple Hill Gardener's Alphabet quilt.

And I have a new start-it is Cricket Collection Mother & Child. The model on the front of the chart was in needlepoint. So I decided to do mine in needlepoint also. I'm using 18 ct silver-flecked mono canvas and plan to add some beads into the night sky. I love it so far!

I also had another new start for the Superbowl.

Bad news-after 1 1/2 days working on it I realized that I had orientated it the wrong direction on the linen. :( I had to completely frog it all. Good news is that I had been debating whether I even liked the design. So I scratched it completely and brought out 4 more new things to start !! (More about them on my next post)

Here is DD#1's newest finish-

Lizzie Kate's Christmas Flip It's

I gave this to her for Christmas 2013 and she hung it up this year in her house. Well done!

She also finished it herself. She doesn't sew but it looks great.

Granddaughter #1 had her 3rd birthday. It was a Paw Patrol theme. Here is the cute cupcake tower my DD#3 made.

The little dog biscuits on the cupcakes are edible Scooby snacks from a local candy store. (Don't tell GD#1:)

Here is the birthday girl and Mom with one of her presents.

Here is Granddaughter #2 after eating a cupcake! She is 16 months old. Looks like Mom.

Well, I got something wonderful in the mail a few days ago. Doesn't it look like Christmas?

It was a box of finishes from Faye, the Carolina Stitcher! Just look what I got-

Blackbird Designs Sarah's Needleroll from Thank You, Sarah Tobias

Blackbird Designs Pumpkin Blossom Box

I sent the box, but Faye stained it for me.

Blackbird Designs Pumpkin Blossom Pincushion

Blackbird Designs Pumpkin Blossoms Needlebook

This was a freebie and I told Faye to surprise me. She actually hand-dyed the linen for me! Love the little X's on the seam lines!

Blackbird Designs Land of the Free-this was another one that Faye surprised me with. Love the bag!

Stacy Nash Freedom Needlebook kit from Country Sampler club

This was Chessie and Me Glory (?) It was another surprise finish from Faye. Love the chenille trim and the walnut shell filling!

Last, but certainly not least, Barbara Ana Let it Snow wallhanging. Love it!

Thanks again so very much, Faye! I couldn't be happier!

Yes, it's true. No snow or cold temperatures here in the Pacific NW. I can't even imagine 5 ft of snow! I will stick with our early spring, 50-60 temps and sunshine today.

But, even without the winter weather, winter colds are making their way around the population and I have been suffering thru my share. As usual the GD's were happy to share their colds with me.

I have been stitching and caught up on the Shepherd's Bush Fold series. Here is my pincushion finish.

Here is the scissor fob finish-front and back.

As I mentioned in my last post, I had to completely frog a new sampler start due to not paying attention to the orientation of the fabric. I started a rectangular sampler the wrong direction on the fabric! Luckily I had been questioning whether I even liked it and decided to start some other things instead of restarting the same sampler.

Here are my new starts. Click on the pics for a better view-

Start #1-A 15 sided biscornu SAL with my local EGA chapter-

Notice the Seahawk colors :)

Start #2-Shepherd's Bush Fold needlebook-

Start #3-Sara Guermani Christmas Snowfalls (Italian Designer)

Start #4-Rosewood Manor Cornwall Sampler-

ok-not technically a new start but there was basically only one line of cross stitches

Here is what it will look similar to eventually (I hope)-

I am getting close to another blogoversary and will be having a giveaway soon! Those of you battling cold weather and snow-keep warm!

Life has been busy and I've got so much consignment from fellow stitchers that I opened an ebay store! I call it Kiddlady's Needlework Consignments.

Of course, I have a few other things besides needlework, but needlework is the major portion of my ebay sales and MY personal favorite! :)

If you would like a quick peek, you can follow this link-

Kiddlady's Needlework Consignments

I put off posting because I was hoping to be able to share a large finish. But friends, it just isn't happening today. But I will show the good progress I have made on Rosewood Manor's Cornwall Sampler. It is the only project I've been working on.

Before

Today

When I kitted this up last summer, I substituted Gloriana silks for the called-for Weeks Dye Works threads. Ann Frazier of Gloriana is a member of my sampler guild and we are so lucky to have her. She brings her seconds and sells them at our retreat.

So I've been a bit nervous that I might run out of thread (in any color) if I made a boo-boo in my calculations. And it would be unlikely to color match additional thread.

So the plan is to finish the outer border then reassess what thread I have left to finish the bouquet in the basket. So far, it looks good.

Happy 5th Blogoversary to me! It actually happened in February. Even though I'm late, I want to have a giveaway in appreciation of all my wonderful followers. I love this stitching community and your comments inspire and enable me :)

This will be a very easy giveaway. The only thing you need to do is-

1. Be a follower.

2. Leave a comment on this post

That's it! No posting on your blogs about this giveaway as I want it to be for the ones who actually stop by and take some valuable time to read :) That's why I didn't put the giveaway in the title of this post.

And yes, I will mail internationally for the winner. Hopefully, no mail strikes :)

I will draw a winner on March 20th.

Don't forget to check out Nancy's giveaway at the Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe!

Two More Back from the Finisher!

Margaret Bendig's All American Frameweight and Scissor Fob

Hornbook Needlebook by Her Own Work

The big finish of the week is Rosewood Manor's Cornwall Sampler!!

My Prairie Schooler Alphabet is finally framed. I found a custom frame at JoAnn's that was rejected by the person who ordered it. It is a solid black and measures 18 x 33" For only $20!

My DH framed it for me and I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. Now I just need to decided where it will be hung. This was one big frame!

Lastly, congratulations to CalamityJr for winning my blogoversary giveaway! I have already emailed her. Thanks so much to all of the readers who took time to enter :)

I put off posting thinking I would have more finishes to share, but it didn't happen. So I decided to go ahead and share what I have.

After last months big finish of Rosewood Manor's Cornwall Sampler, I wanted to switch gears and work on smalls for a while.

Finish #1-Cricket Collection Mother and Child

On 18ct gold-flecked mono canvas instead of linen. I used beads for the stars in the sky. And metallic thread for the halos.

Finish #2 Shepherd's Bush Shepherd's Fold needlebook.

Used fabric and threads in kit.

BTW, I found an old Shepherd's Bush chart that says Shepard's Bush. What happened with that? Is it a misprint or did they change the spelling of their name to the current one? Anyone know??

Finish #3 Margaret Bendig's Patriotic Heart ornament

I bought this one off of ebay with the threads. It was already started with only a small amount of stitching still needed to complete it. I love it!

Finish #4 15 sided biscornu EGA SAL for 2015

I am the coordinator for this project. This is the counted cross stitch version. There is also a pulled thread version that another member has graciously agreed to stitch. All 15 blocks are stitched, but no beads have been added yet. I'm using an evenweave fabric with Seahawks color inspired threads :)

And I joined my local EGA Round Robin. This is the project I chose-Barbara Jackson's Pineapple Bell Pull from Fine Lines Magazine.

I have it completely basted on the linen and I stitched several small rows to help MY counting. Then I completed the large pineapple row.

I'm thinking about doing another row before I send it on its way on Saturday. There are only 7 people in this round robin and there are 27 rows in this bell pull! I don't expect it to be completed when it returns but all help is greatly appreciated.

Here it is so far. There are a lot of specialty stitches in this project including some pulled thread.

I have been very busy selling on ebay. I just got my largest consignment ever-inventory from a shop that decided to concentrate on knitting and not other needlework. I'm working on an inventory spreadsheet and I'm over 2,000 items so far.

It's been 3 weeks since I posted and so much has happened that I will take two posts to tell you all!

Lately I have been stitching smalls. Here are the results-

Finish #1-Blackbird Designs Noel

Fabric and threads from kit from Dyeing to Stitch club

Finish #2-I pulled this one from my stash, stitched it and sold it at my retreat last weekend (more to come about that later). Canvas and threads from my stash.

Meanwhile I have completely forgotten the name of the designer! The stars above will be stitched on the white band.

Finish #3-La D Da Angel Scissor Block Kit

Fabric and thread from the kit

The letter and star will be finished into a heart-shaped scissor fob.

Finish #4-The Primitive Jewel Gem Keep II

Misc linen and GAST Hyacinth thread to match the scissors

Finish #5-Jeannette Douglas Tag Trio

Pins and Needles

Fabric from kit. I switched the GAST Soot wool & cotton floss for GAST Old Red Paint in wool and cotton. It was the first time I've ever stitched with the new wool thread and I really liked the texture it gives to the project.

Finish #6-Blackbird Designs In Full Glory

Misc linen and called for threads

Finish #7-Marnie Ritter Our Heart

This kit can be bought on Marnie's website. She contributes $2 for every kit to Susan Komen Breast cancer research. The side panels are bells and her directions call for French knots. I thought they looked like trees, so I used a brown/bronze bead so they could go either way.

I have a drawerful of small projects like the above. It is wonderful to see how fast so many will work up and the drawer now has extra room. (Not for long I'm sure :)

It was another fabulous year of stitching, food and friends! The weather was mild and sunny. No rain. Temps in the 60's

We had a charity auction and raised $1225 for Pediatric Interim Care Center (local charity that cares for drug-addicted newborns while they detox)

We had several sales tables (no vendors, just the stitchers destashing).

And the most wonderful show and tell-so sit back and enjoy the show (not so much tell :)

This picture is called Paradise Meadow by Teresa Frank. It just won 1st place in a competition at NAN.

Here is what I stitched-Margaret Bendig's 6 sparklers from her online class.

And look what I was gifted by a very talented stitcher. The tray and ort bag match my weekend project, scissors and scissor fob! It says Stitch On inside the tray. Thanks, Lori!

I can't believe it is June already! I have been keeping up on reading your blogs and think we are all feeling the same way---time is moving way too fast! Here's a little of what I've been up to.

A dear friend passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. He was only 62 and suffering from dementia.

We found out grandchild #5 is on the way. Should arrive in early December.

Another proof that time is moving too fast--my middle daughter turned 30 in May! Now, wait..... I'm going to have to move to 49 instead of 39 :)

Here are my 3 beautiful daughters and me at Emma's birthday party in a Victorian house that has been turned into a tea shop. Emma is 2nd from left. I actually thought my hair looked ok that day. Hmmmm.... a photo tells the truth!

Here is our delicious tea luncheon! Plus all the tea you can drink-Dozens of flavors to choose from.

I have been stitching as time allows.

Pat Mazu Star in the Meadow Petite Stocking

I am in 2 round robin band sampler groups now. One thru my local EGA group and one thru the Northwest Sampler Guild. We are over halfway finished with the NSG round robin. But, this is the first sampler I have stitched on for the EGA group. I did the top band-it is a section from Blackbird Designs Joyeux Noel booklet.

Gay Ann Rogers Christmas Mittens Heart-I didn't have mittens for the center space. So I substituted a Christmas pudding/cake button.

A retreat is coming up soon and there will be an exchange of smalls. Here is what I stitched for the exchange. It's an old freebie and sorry, I can't remember who the designer is.

This is Aury's Patriotic Heart 2013

This is Aury's Patriotic Heart 2012.

I still have a large stack of smalls I'm trying to get thru.

I joined L'Atelier Perdu's Stitching Club 2015 and am waiting on the first part to arrive.

I joined Chrysanthemums in Autumn project at the Binding Stitch and it just arrived today.

And I joined in Judy O'Dell's Royal Book of Needles Cross-Over Design group. This has coloring with crayons included in this project-sounds like fun!

Definitely plenty more stitching to do for the rest of the year!

I have been away from my blog experiencing the circle of life in our family.

I mentioned previously that we are expecting grandchild #5 in December. When the little one arrives, we will have 4 grandchildren 3 years old and under. (The oldest is 10)

It was past time to get one of these-

We just got finished assembling it yesterday. I'll bet you can guess how we spent July 4th this year!

And as the circle of life works, we lost my mother-in-law last month. She was 89 years young. She died on the 66th anniversary of her immigration to the USA from Germany in 1949.

Here she is with my GS#2 in April. The good news is that we know where she is and are confident we will see her again.

I shared this photo because this is NOT how things are done in Washington state. Here caskets are not seen by mourners. We have memorial services where photos of the deceased are displayed. Absolutely no graveside services except for immediate family!

This type of service is very Midwestern (specifically in Indiana) and sometimes the casket is open during the service. After the service, we walked out of the chapel and had a short graveside eulogy. It was very touching.

While I was in Indiana, I wanted to check out the local Civil War cemetery. There was a prisoner of war camp located in Lafayette during the Civil war and any soldiers that didn't survive were buried here. Just a few photos-

The gate was open along the left of the left brick column for foot travelers only. It says "Greenbush Cemetery. Here rest our old settlers"

I actually found these 3 markers for local Revolutionary War soldiers.

Many of the markers were too worn from age to read. But I got this Civil War veteran from Indiana's 51st infantry.

Don't think my celebrations of the 4th passed without some stitching!

I have a patriotic finish or two to share-

Threadwork Primitives Beggar's 4th

Birds of a Feather Land That I Love

My final AuryTM Heart (I think, it might be 2011 or 2012?) I have a total of 5 different ones now.

And a patriotic start. Who can guess what this it? I think it is too easy already :)

I had a couple of emails regarding the Aury hearts. I found her blog and I guess the charts are no longer free. She has expanded her business and is selling them.

More finishes and lots of new stash in the next post. I promise it will be soon. Have a great week!

My consignment business is keeping me hopping with the inventory of a closed needlework shop.

But I want to keep you updated with my latest finishes. Feel free to click on the photos for a closeup.

This Samplers and Such Tin Toppers kit came to me in a consignment. The stitching was almost completed. So I sat down one night and finished it. The seller told me I could keep it. She is so nice :) It is stitched with a Needle Necessities overdye thread.

This is a little better close-up.

This little pin holder was a favor at the 2012 Northwest Sampler Guild tea. Only took me 3 years :)

It is inspired by Sajou souvenir postcards and stitched with perforated paper and Vikki Clayton BeSmurfed silk floss.

This design is Crabapple Hill's Farm Stand Bouquet. I got it at a class with Meg last summer. The fabrics on the top are to make a wallhanging with this.

My EGA secret pal gave me this little Drawn Thread pattern, fabric and Gloriana silks to stitch it with. Wow! I think I'll keep her. She is a great secret pal! This will also fit the lid of an Altoids tin.

I am almost embarrassed to show you all the stash I have gotten lately. Well, not too awfully embarrassed because here it is-

I have another great patriotic pattern that I want to stitch and it will fit perfectly into the box above.

Just Nan is starting to GROW on me :)

Yes, I joined the Shining Needle Society class with Barbara Jackson. There is pretty much nothing of Barbara's that I don't like.

See, another Just Nan.

This is an exciting BOM with Braidwood Heritage Crafts on Etsy using Cottage Garden Threads from Australia. Each months design is from a different Australian designer. I'm just joining in at the beginning of the 2nd year. And so far, I am loving the designs and the thread

I've never seen Terry Drydens Stripes Galore. It must be an old design as I don't see it on her website. It is lovely!

This is Scarlett House Margaret Lillie with Dinky Dye threads, fabric and box to mount the finished product on. Let's hope Margaret doesn't languish too long!

And last but not least, another Crabapple Hill beauty. I bought the kit below to make this pillow.

I am enjoying your blogs so much. And even though I normally don't have the time to comment, you inspire me and keep me laughing at the same time. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

July went by like a whirl! But I did get caught up on the Round Robin samplers I had. I finished the final two samplers in my round of the Northwest Sampler Guild. Now I am expecting 3 more samplers from the EGA Round Robin, but one lady is moving and at least 1 sampler (not mine) got packed! So not sure when I'll see that one.

Here is what else has been happening-

New Start-Laura Perin Red White & Blue Panel

I'm stitching it upside down right now :)

Finish #1-With Thy Needle & Thread Stars & Stripes

Finish #2 Just Nan Hop

Finish #3 Jeannette Douglas Bird Box. The finished mini biscornu is in the box-top left. The mini pincushions are at the bottom.

New Stash-Gorgeous sturdy Thread Catcher from Curry Bungalow on Etsy

Back from the Finisher-Gay Ann Rogers Samples

I included a photo of the back so you could see the little stand that my finisher uses.

Framed by DH with a standard 5 x 7 frame in my stash-Birds of a Feather Land That I Love

Now it is time for At Willow Tree Pond's Believe It or Not--

Do you like my Nancy Cucci Amazing Greys? I didn't list it as a finish, because it isn't.

One recent night I was busy listing consignment items on ebay, got distracted and started surfing around. I saw a listing with no picture and the description said "GREY GEOMETRIC BOXES" And Nancy Cucci immediately came to mind and I clicked on the auction. There was a photo on the auction page and yes, it was exactly what I thought--but not the kit. It was the finished project! And it was ---Buy It Now for $42!! My hand was shaking. I am not kidding!

Not only was it a finished Amazing Greys, but when I got it , the stitching is beautifully done. Laid properly, just wonderful! The seller definitely didn't know what she/he had. Do you think the stitcher passed away? I mean, what else would allow such a thing to happen???

Now, who else has a bizarre story about ebay (or anywhere else for that matter)?

This year is flying by like I can't believe! I'm always sad to see another summer end as the fall is when another birthday hits!

Here's the latest stitching finishes-

Laura Perin's Red, White and Blue Panel

The Trilogy Grateful Hearts

Drawn Thread Bee Keeper Scissor Fob-a freebie from 1997

Just Nan Harmony Monogram Tin

I'm also working on the Northwest Sampler Guild challenge project for this year. It is stitching monochromatically. The stitching is almost finished and I even have a great idea for a special finishing.

And I'm gearing up to host Ellen Chester for some classes here in the Seattle area from October 2-4, 2015. This is my first experience as education chairman of the guild. All is well so far. I'll have 3 new projects when she leaves :)

Ellen Chester was here!

Oh, is there anything better than to look at a brand new project all kitted up and ready to stitch on?? Here is my Kindred Spirits kit when I sat down at class. (I pulled out the threads so you could see them) The box looked like a work of art just by itself.

Ellen and her husband were a delight to host. DH took Ellen's DH to a hockey game with GS#1. And they spent an afternoon at the Museum of Flight. The museum has a special WWII exhibit open. I hear a good time was had by all.

Here is one of our classes. Now I have 3 new projects (Kindred Spirits, The Lady's Workbox and The Needleworkers' Huswife) and all of them are such beauties. Thanks, Ellen for such a great weekend!

I showed you my Laura Perin Red White & Blue finish in my last post. Here it is all framed and ready for hanging.

Here is my latest WIP--the birth announcement for GD#3 coming in December from DD#3. I'm planning to use buttons for all the polka dots and wheels on the carriage. And beads for the little polka dots. Hopefully it will be glitzy enough to please both mother and new little daughter! They have picked out her name and it will be Courtney Grace--isn't it beautiful?

Back from the finisher-Marnie Ritter's Our Heart (hanging on my little white feather tree on top of the piano)

And Jeannette Douglass' Trio Pins and Needles (also on my white feather tree) The kit came with the pins and wooden tag.

And I also got back Shepherd's Bush Fold pincushion. I left off the black/white checkered bottom border because it seemed to be getting so big. Glad I did now-it still looks beautiful without the border.

New stash-

I took the design from the cover and "rearranged" a few motifs for my Northwest Sampler Guild tea challenge. This year's challenge is stitching monochromatically. This will go on a box I already have. All the stitching is done. I just need to add some buttons. "Boutons" is French for "buttons"

Now, about the Circle of Life for me this year.

In August we got the news that DD#2 is expecting again and is due in April. Yes, that will be grandchild #6 for us. We are delighted as always and will welcome as many grandchildren as God sends.

Then on Sept 9th my father passed away. It had been coming all summer so it was no surprise. But on the very same day, my sister was checked into a hospital's cardiac care unit due to side effects from the cancer treatment she is undergoing. Now imagine me trying to book a flight out of Seattle and trying to avoid flying on Sept 11!!

So September was a very stressful month and Dad's death was the third one this year for our family.

This is the beautiful bouquet my daughters sent to their grandmother.

I decide not to post any pictures of this funeral (unlike my MIL's funeral casket in June). Remember I told you that funerals in the Midwest are NOT like the funeral's here on the West coast?? Well, Mom decided on an open casket for the funeral viewing and that took me awhile to adjust to. The well-wishers all took it matter-of-factly. In this part of the country we have memorial services with photos, flowers, singing and sharing of memories, but NO caskets are in view. Graveside services are Family-Only!

One more thing to share today. While I was taking photos, I realized that I forgot to share with you an exchange piece I received at the sampler guild retreat in June. It was an exchange of smalls and this is what I got-

Envelope back above

Envelope front above-the inside is lined.

Matching scissor fob above

Aren't they lovely? I was thrilled.

I am keeping up with reading your blogs and you keep on inspiring me. I'll try to post more often.

We went to Hawaii! Maui, specifically. It was my first trip ever to the islands. We had a wonderful time.

This is the view from the balcony of our rented condo. At the bottom of the photo is the private beach that we shared with the condo complex next door. There was also a pool that 10 yr old GS#1 spent a lot of time in.

We went to a luau=great fun!

We went snorkeling. Yes, I actually snorkeled for the first time ever! This is DD#1 and GS#1.

Here is GS#1 on a zip line--there were 5 zip lines at this location. One of them was so long they couldn't see the end of it when they started out! Uh, I did skip this :)

I started a new stitching project while in Maui-

Hands On Design Love My Stitching

I chose it because it was on 28 ct evenweave and I could see to stitch on it without my magnifier.

Now, equal time for GS#2. He is 18 months old already. Time really flies.

I store some of my finished stitching projects on my ironing board. I spent last weekend trying to clear some space on it.

Good news-I finish-finished 15 items!! Bad news-There is more than 15 still waiting to be finished.

I made a separate pile of projects that need the sewing machine and never touched that pile. Honestly I picked up the smallest, easiest finishes first and worked my way up to harder projects.

Here is what I accomplished-

La D Da Garden Angel scissor fob--There is just one initial on one side and I put a star on the other side. I handstitched the heart and put little crosses along the seam on the outside. Simple, huh? Wonder why it sat so long on the ironing board??

Bumblebee scissor fob-can't remember the designer (sorry). I actually used my Kreinik corder for the first time and made my own cording. It is not the best (too short and not tight enough), but I'm pushing myself to learn something new and hope I'll get better as time passes.

Mill Hill beaded wreath and angel ornaments

Olde Colonial Designs Pins and Needles pincushion in a basket

Bent Creek Bluebird of Happiness pillow kit-yes, I was too lazy to trim the fabric, put it in the pillow and sew on the buttons!

Samplers and Such Tin Toppers Quaker Flowers-the inside has a magnet in the lid and a padded bottom with a scissor strap on it.

Old Shepherd's Bush Monthly Pillow kit-oldie but a goodie. The pillow is a little sad-not very plump. I changed things around a little.

Drawn Thread freebie tin topper-inside also has a magnet and padded bottom with scissor strap in it

Plum Street Samplers Jack's Birthday Tart

Just Nan Monogram Tin-another experiment with making my own cord-two-toned this time. It is hard to hide the ends! And it could be a trifle tighter. I have lots of new respect for professional finishers :)

Just Nan Hop Tin

Yay! Jeannette Douglas' Bird Box is finished! Love it!

If you are counting, I finished 3 of the items in this box to make a total of 15 items.

Now I'm busy getting ready for an EGA retreat later this year. I will be taking lots and lots of consignment cross stitch and needlepoint items to sell. But first I have to put a price tag on every single one of them.

I'm starting to feel ready for the Christmas exchanges coming up.

This year is speeding by.

I hope all of you had a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving. I'm so thankful for my healthy, growing family.

We had a lazy day here. We went a little rogue and had tri-tip steaks and baked potatoes for our dinner. The best part to me is the smoked salmon we eat as our traditional appetizer. Love it!

I went to our annual EGA retreat the weekend before Thanksgiving. There was a fierce windstorm in the area on Monday before our retreat started on Thursday. The power went out at the camp and didn't come back on until Friday around noon. Thursday we were notified that the retreat was delayed until Friday and possibly cancelled. But thanks to the hard work of the power crews the retreat went on!

And it was great! For the first time I actually won an opportunity basket!

I forgot to take any pictures, but here is the ornament I stitched up for the smalls exchange-

And here is the darling mini Temari ball that I received in the exchange. I have never done any Temari balls and probably never will. But I love getting one!

Meanwhile more has come back from the finisher-

This is the ornament I bought off of ebay and it was 75% finished when I got it. Love the way it turned out! It's by Margaret Bendig, I think.

This is Richard Seekins Patriotic Teardrop Ornament.

This is The Stitcherhood's Merry Christmas ornament.

This is Blackbird Designs Noel stocking.

And finally, here is Cricket Collection Mother and Child stitched on Congress cloth and made into an ornament. I really love the way this one turned out. I think this chart is overlooked by many stitchers.

Here are my latest finishes-

Crabapple Hill

Stitching Makes Me Happy-

Not sure how I'll finish this.

Needlemade Designs

Home of the Free Sewing Set

This is the box that the flag will fit into.

Above is the pinkeep for the sewing set.

This is the scissor fob for the sewing set.

I have a small project and a larger project that I'd like to finish before the end of the year. But who knows if that will happen?

I'm listing and selling on ebay like a crazy person! Three people at the retreat brought items for me to sell for them. And I received a box from a new client before I left and I'm expecting another box soon.

Tomorrow starts the beginning of five Christmas parties I'll be attending. I'm actually hosting the Northwest Sampler Guild Christmas party. And I have all my exchange stitching ready to go! No last minute rushing to get something finished Yay!

I'll be back before the New Year to give a 2015 rundown of my stitching. But if I don't check in before Christmas, here's wishing all my readers and followers a very blessed Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukah!

GD #3 Courtney Grace made her appearance on Dec 4, 2015.

She arrived at 6 am after only 2 quick hours of labor. Mommy barely made it to the hospital!

Mother and baby are doing well.

Here are the three sisters together. GD#1 will turn 4 next month. And GD#2 is 2.

Here she is at 3 weeks old wearing a favorite sleeper that I saved from her mother's babyhood.

She's a keeper!

Here's an interesting fact-Courtney is the third generation of third daughters. She is the third daughter of my third daughter and I am a third daughter also!

Goodbye to 2014!

Starting the Year Out Right!

2015 Stitching Goals

Some Finishes & A Weekend in Arizona (picture heavy)

Birthday Party & Back from the Finisher!

No Snow OR Cold Temps, But Winter Colds Come Anyway!

A New Ebay Store & Some Stitching

Finished, Framed, Back from the Finisher, and Giveaway Winner!

Delayed Stitchy Update

Stitching Smalls

2015 Pacific Beach Retreat (picture heavy)

Catching Up!

The Circle of Life

More Finishes and New Stash

August Already

September

Ellen Chester and More of the Circle of Life

Maui Vacation and A Weekend of Finish-Finishing

EGA Retreat & More Finishes

Welcome Baby Courtney Grace!