The Cottage Stitch-A-Long part deux...

Hello stitching friends and blogging buddies...
There has been a tremendous response to stitching The Country Cottage Needleworks Monthly Cottages .

I have opened a second blog for those that didn't get in the first one and would still like to stitch-a-long with us. You can access the second blog HERE .

 If you are interested in joining: the only rules are that you purchase the patterns (No copyright infringements allowed!) at your favorite needlework shop and stitch them at your leisure, showing us your projects along the way! Simple! No Hassles!

 If you'd like to join: please send me an e-mail at thetwistedstitcher@comcast.net with your e-mail address that you would like to use to join the blog. I will add you just as soon as I can.

A huge thank you goes out to all of you who have sent me such lovely notes, messages and words of encouragement. Today marks the first day of Lent, a time of renewal, a time of growth, sweeping out the old and sweeping in the new of life spiritually....I am looking forward to studying my chosen subject matter this Lenten Season and my own personal spiritual renewal and growth. I know as long as I stand firm, I'll come out a better me in 40 days. Join me.

Until next time...
I'll be keeping my hands at work and my heart to God, just like always.
Love and hugs in stitches,
Vonna

My Tutorials...

Have you seen Tanya's  newest releases? I was lucky enough to see a sneak peek a few weeks ago because I finished the box top pincushion for her. I also made a tutorial on how I finished it. The tutorial can be viewed: HERE  This is really a darling project and I urge you to give Tanya's sweet design a go! She also just released a gorgeous sampler that will be coming to live with me in short order. Take a gander at Miss Mary Roe  she's a beauty!

Now for a word on my tutorials...

I've been fielding lots of questions about my tutorials so I wanted to clear up any misconceptions. I first published to my original tutorial blog over 5 years ago. Since that time, I have updated, revised and come up with better ways to finish items. So I decided last year, that as time allowed, I would update my tutorials and put them onto a brand new organized by theme tutorial blog. I have done so slowly over the course of a year. Today I introduce my new and improved tutorials located at Learn to Finish with The Twisted Stitcher . You are all invited to use my tutorials freely, I share them with anyone who wants to know how I "do" something and wishes to learn. I, by all means am not the end-all, know-all of anything, and there are many other ways of finishing, these collected in my tutorial blog are my way of finishing and I share them with anyone that wants to view them. There are two things I ask: do not use them as your own work and if you use my tutorials to finish an object, you give me credit. That's it.

Recently...

and a handful of other days I have been the object of scorn here on my blog. People concealing themselves "Anonymously" have left me negative comments. How big they are to leave them without attaching their name and profile to their comment! Let me explain what this was over. A person left me a comment wishing me to point her in the direction of a certain tutorial of my authorship. Her name was not associated with a google account, nor was it associated with an e-mail. I specifically ask in my "comment form message" that if you have a specific question that you would like answered to "leave your e-mail" so that I can address it with them personally. Why? Simple, because I do not want this blog to become a bulletin board of questions and answers. This is my personal stitching blog, where I showcase my stitching, not a Dear Heloise column. Don't want to leave your e-mail? No problem! Contact me via e-mail - my e-mail address is at the top of every blog I am currently authoring. E-mail me, I get lots of e-mails, I'm happy to help any person that needs it, if it is done in a respectful way. Recently,  "Ms. Anonymous" left me a comment that I was rude by directing the lady to leave a comment with her e-mail connected or contact me by e-mail as I would not discuss it here. The tutorial she was referring to (as there is more to the story Ms. Anonymous!), I deleted. I was going to explain to the lady wanting to know where the tutorial was, that it was deleted and I was actually going to write a tutorial in an e-mail and send it to her explaining the steps clearly. As I said before, I didn't want to discuss it here, as I didn't want it clogging up my comments with a very lengthy e-mail. So Ms. Anonymous, I hope this explanation suits your sensitive sensibilities. And to the lady that left the comment wanting to know where the certain tutorial was...e-mail me, I'll be happy to help you.

And...

in fact another blogger also wrote very eloquently on this very topic of e-mail/google account association and you may view it: HERE   - you know just so Ms. Anonymous knows I'm not the only person out there that gets frustrated by not being able to get into contact with people that leave questions, when the solution to the problem is so simple.

This blog...

and my blogging has altered my life in a very positive way. I enjoy helping others, sharing with others and simply be-ing with people of like minds. What irritates me with some of the people that have access to my blog and to my psyche is that by a few short strokes of a keyboard they can cut my heart like a knife. This incident is probably worrying me more than it would at any other time of the year because to be frank I'm dealing with some personal issues that is upsetting, and they keep coming - you know the old adage - "when it rains it pours". On top of personal issues, my brother was killed three years ago February 12. His life should be and is celebrated, but no matter how positive you are, subconsciously the anniversary is there in the back of your mind and you cannot help but to flash back to that time of horrible, all-consuming grief. So was I short with the lady that wanted to know where my tutorial was - maybe I could have worded it better, yes. But also maybe, just maybe,  Ms. Anonymous needs to attend to her own matters, you know those who cast the first stone... but the fact remains the same, I am not Dear Heloise if you have a question, by all means ask it with an e-mail I can contact you with or e-mail me personally.

Thank you for your visits...

Country Cottage Needleworks...

In November...

Nikki over at Country Cottage Needleworks asked me to stitch and finish a design that she was going to release in early 2012. She showed me a picture of the design and I couldn't pass stitching and finishing this *cutie* up! How sweetly designed it is ~ sweet, soft, simple.

So...

I received the supplies in short order and got to stitching and finishing for Nikki. Today she released the pictures over on her blog. This design will be to distributors early next month, so pencil this in to share your love of SWEETS with your needle and thread as your palette ~ no calories here! (although it will make you crave a big slice of cake!)

May I present...

Party Cakes designed by Nikki Leeman of Country Cottage Needleworks:


Notice...

I used a layer effect on the side of the cube to mimic the icings on the cakes, the green polka-dot material, with a wide pink satin ribbon, then to mimic some swirly icing a wide white rick-rack. On the top of the cake I used wide, satin, wire-rimmed ribbon to mimic the bows on the top of the cakes in the stitching (see the green ribbons on the two cakes in the middle). Cute!

A little trade secret to share...

Do you know how to make your cube stand perfect without leaning to the front (or back)? Simply add those little clear, plastic bumpers that framers use on the back of framed pictures ~ make sure to put one on each corner of the bottom of your cube to make it stand tall, straight and proud! This is just something that I tried one time and it works PERFECTLY! It gives just enough height to your cube to make the design shine. You'll have to give it a try sometime when you make yourself a cube....maybe this project is the perfect design to give this method a try. I purchased all of the trims, material and ribbons at Hobby Lobby.

Until next time...

I'll be stitching and creating doing the things that bring me joy - keeping my hands to work and my heart to God ~ join me!

Hugs and Love,

Vonna

The last ornaments of January...

Success...

I kept my promise to myself to stitch 4 ornaments for next year's Christmas tree this January! Yesterday I stitched my 4th ornament and today I finished both #3 and #4. Without further ado, may I present to you:

 

"Noel"

designed by: Bent Creek

copyright 2003

design found in the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Magazine "Special Ornament Issue"

Stitched on: 28 ct. Mocha linen 

using Gentle Art Sampler Threads and Weeks Dye Works Threads

Finished as a mounted flat ornament



 The ornament I stitched yesterday is this cutie:

"Home for Christmas"

designed by: Heart in Hand

Copyright 2003

design found in the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Magazine "Special Ornament Issue"

stitched on: 32 ct. R&R Candlelight Linen

stitched with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads and Weeks Dye Works

Finished as flat ornament

And may I show you...

my basket of ornaments that I have stitched since December! If I keep this up I'll have a loaded basket, right?! Exciting stuff!

2012 ornaments to date

Since...

February is a shortie month and also because I have two Love Quilt Squares to stitch in February, I'm challenging myself to stitch only 3 ornaments in February. Fingers crossed that I can meet my goal!

Until next time...

my dear friends and blogging buddies, I wish you happy stitches and warm smiles while I'll continue on keeping my hands to work and heart to God!

Hugs and love,

Vonna xxxxx

Evan Cheryl...

Hello sweet friends and blogging buddies!

In December my brother added to his family with a sweet baby girl. She was named Evan Cheryl and today I finished up the stitching and finishing of her baby sampler. May I present my new niece's baby sampler stitched for her with love by Aunt Vonnie:

"Baby Line Up"

Designed by: The Trilogy

Copyright 2010

Stitched with: Gentle Arts Sampler Threads and Week's Dye Works as charted

Stitched on: 32 count Vintage Light Examplar

Finished as a Wall Hanging

I just love...

how sweetly it turned out, and I hope that Evan's Mommy and Daddy love it. Congratulations to my brother Jeremy and my sister-in-law Ryan!

I've got...

two more days left in January to stitch one more ornament (I'm shooting for four this month). I've already finished the stitching on #3, I have #4 kitted up and if I get him knocked out by Tuesday, I just have to finish-finish them into final ornament form. So wish me luck!

We've had...

a very mild winter here in good 'ol Bloomington, Indiana. I sort of miss the snow, as we sure haven't had much. This morning on our way to Bible Study, I commented to Keith that it sure looked like Spring. I know we're not out of the woods yet as far as winter weather goes, but it is supposed to be 57 balmy degrees here this week. I guess I'll be able to do my walking with out freezing my hind-end off.

I suppose...

that does it for me for today my friends. May you all stitch in good health and happiness and until next time, I'll be keeping my hands at work while my heart is with God.

Hugs and love,

Vonna

February's Cottage...

Happy Hump Day to all my blogging buddies and stitching pals!

I had a finish over the weekend and thought I'd share with you:

"February Cottage"

Designed by: Country Cottage Needleworks ~ Nikki Leeman

Copyright 2011

Stitched with Crescent Colours and DMC

Here is how...

both of my cottages look on my big piece of 32 ct. Toasted Almond linen:

I'm really pleased...

with how they are turning out so far. I've stitched them over two linen threads, and put two stitches in between the months. But since now I'm looking at my picture....I see that I've made a big faux pas....look at my bottom row, I'm off one stitch - I put it too close to my January cottage, so guess what?! Ribbit...I guess out comes the seam ripper!

Until next time...

whilst I rip and re-stitch, I'll definitely be keeping my hands to work and heart to God!

Hugs and Love from your resident dimwit,

Vonna

2012 Ornaments...

Happy Thursday blog buddies and stitching friends!
I've been busy trying to kick a week old cold, and much to my regret I'm on the losing end of this battle. Alka-seltzer and my rear end growing roots in my stitching chair has been the only comfort I've had these long days. So I've put myself to good work making lemonade with my lemons.

As you know...
I mentioned that I would like to stitch at least one ornament per month in 2012 so that I can bedeck and bedazzle my Christmas Tree next Christmas season. I've made good on my promise to myself with this finish. Please let me introduce the 2011 Prairie Schooler Yearly Santa:

2011 Prairie Schooler Yearly Santa

Designer: Prarie Schooler

Copyright 2011

Stitched on unknown 40 ct. linen

with DMC as charted

finished as an ornament for my future Santa tree 

And since...

I'm OCD and always want to push myself to do better than I originally plan. I kitted up 3 other ornaments with hopes to finish all of them in January which would be four ornaments  (my math skills are amazing!) for this month. Well, I'm on my way because yesterday I finished stitching this beauty:

"Sleigh Bird"

Designer: Little by Little

Copyright 2003

Pattern found in the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Special Ornament Issue

stitched on 32 ct. R&R Candlelight linen

with GAST as charted

finished as an ornament for my Christmas tree

I have loved...

this little ornament since I first saw it, lo those many years ago, and never stitched it. I don't know why because this little fella is a cutie pa-tootie if ever I saw one. I wanted to remain true to the folksy, primitive feel of the design so twisted some jute to make cording and finished it simply. It turned out just like I had it pictured in my head. I'm please as punch!

Remember my idol...

Carol, she wrote me the most wonderful little note encouraging my quest for stitching one ornament each month, as I have watched her these past few years stitching her own ornaments each month (and of course many,  many other beautiful things) and her finishing....stunning! Well with her encouraging words I haven't floundered yet. See Carol! Let's hope I hold steadfast in my pursuit of that splendidly decorous, bedecked and bedazzled tree for 2012!

I'm on my way...

between these two and the three that I finished at the end of 2011. That's a total of FIVE for 2012 (there goes those math skills, again!).

So...
until we meet again my sweet friends - as I sit witnessing a snow storm outside my window with my rump growing roots in my stitching chair -  I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, just like always. Take good care of yourselves, it is getting to be cold and flu season, let me be the example to a healthier you.

Hugs and love,
Vonna

Anniversary of My Heart...

Good day to all of my blogging buddies!
I hope this finds you well and hearty. Here we are already on the 9th day of the New Year, and I just finished my New Year Start (of course I have lots more blocks to go, but you understand). May I present, Snow Garden, the first in the Anniversaries of the Heart Series by Blackbird Designs:

"Snow Garden"

designed by: Blackbird Designs

copyright 2010

Stitched with GAST/WDW/DMC as charted

Stitched on 32 ct. Toasted Almond Linen

I have...

officially stitched this chart twice, as I stitched it last year on a different piece of linen. Hated the way it looked, got disenchanted with the whole thing and quit working on it for the remainder of the year. Toward the end of 2011, I saw my forlorn Anniversaries of the Heart patterns all thrown in the corner, ignored and decided to take another shot. So January 31, 2011 had me putting my first stitches in. I'm pretty pleased with the way my new start looks and am looking forward to the next chart.

Now about my personalization...

I stitched this block and incorporated my paternal grandparent's names and wedding anniversary year. Here they are standing by their block. May I present my anniversary of my heart, my grandparents, Stanford and Frances Eleanor Epperson. This was on their wedding day - a snowy day and standing in a snow garden -  January 11, 1945.

I always think...

my Grandma had the most chic boots, and my dashing Grandpa was handsome and suave. My Grandfather passed 12 years ago when I was in the hospital having my boys. He got to see a picture of them before he passed away though. And my eldest twin, Ian, looks a lot like him. My Grandma is alive still, and not a strand of grey in her hair. She is a tough old bird and she'd be the first to tell you so! :)

So to my paternal grandparents...

the first block on my trip of my anniversaries of the heart...

I've got more stitching left to do today...

so until next time, I'll be keeping my hands to work and my heart to God, just like always!

Hugs and love,

Vonna

2011 Finale...

Happy New Year...
to all my blogging buddies, stitching sisters and fellows! I hope that 2012 is a year filled with health, wealth, happiness and many contented hours filled with your needle and thread. I always find this time of year poignant...things I want to forget, things I want to celebrate, things I want to improve, things I want to accomplish...but most of all I just get this overwhelming sense of I'm right where I'm supposed to be, doing just what I'm supposed to be doing and feeling very blessed and humble. I'm very thankful for what I have been given in this life and I try very hard to return that to the world by giving back the best way I know how and to open myself to God and his plan for me.

This week...
has been a super-fantabulous week of family. Ellie has been very ill (we were in the ER on Christmas morning) but she's rebounded, however not before infecting her siblings - we've had at least one fall prey and another that has symptoms (but no progression yet)...so since we've been a herd of sickos this week, its been pleasant just to be here at home with each other. Mr. Pfeiffer took the week as well so it was fun having Daddy here with us to play each day! We love Daddy! And Daddy being here gives Momma some time to do what she does best.

Here's the finale...
of my 2011 stitching. Please let me introduce:

"Poinsettia House"

by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

copyright: 2009

Stitched with DMC and Crescent Colours as charted

on 25 ct. lugana Country Vintage Mocha one over one

Here's some...

detail on the stitching and finishing. Notice I changed "Poinsettia House" to "Christmas 2011" while stitching. Then while finishing, I rusched some satin ribbon and found the most perfect olive colored beads to use for the pin heads to accent the ornament.

As I was stitching...
this beauty (and let me tell you stitching it over 1 made it the most gorgeous finish) I kept thinking about that urn of poinsettias next to the house. What about those? They'd make a cute ornament, right?! So off I went to my scrap drawer and come up with these:

"Sister Ornaments"

motifs taken from Poinsettia House by Little House Needleworks

copyright 2009

stitched on 28 ct. unknown linen with Cresent Colours and DMC as charted

Before I...

even stitched these I had them envisioned as an oval ornaments. So I executed them as my vision detailed and finished them as the house ornament:

Last night...
I had a very productive finishing evening! These turned out fabulous and put the exclamation mark (!) on the end of our holiday time together and also of my 2011 stitching as the finale to a great year! It was a fabulous week and this set of ornaments will always remind me of this time together during our Christmas 2011. Plus a little side on this design: it was the first assignment over at 2012 Year of Smalls  and I think I'm going to ask to join in the fun over there.



This Advent...
I had a very wonderful thing happen for me in my religious life. A little "back history" is that none of my pregnancies were normal and everyone was delivered in an "emergency" situation. There were periods of time with the boys pregnancy and Ellie's pregnancy that I was on complete bed rest. During these times, I could not attend church. But I had this wonderful lady that came and gave me communion. It meant so much to me when she came and visited, prayed with me and brought me Jesus. I still can remember her rubbing the pyx on my belly (when the boys were still inside) and praying with me for a delay in their arrival (as I was in labor at 28 weeks gestation). This past November, our church put in the Sunday bulletin that they needed extraordinary Eucharistic ministers to the sick. I knew immediately that I had to help others as I was once helped. On December 14, 2011 I was commissioned by my parish priest and given my tools to take the Eucharist to those sick of our parish. I'm very humbled by this and hope that I will just be a flicker of light to those in need. Just like the lady that came and gave the Eucharist to me when I was in need.

So that...
wraps up our December and holiday season! Now for the 2011 in review...

I have had...
only 37 finishes this year, down from previous years. But this year I've had some fabulous firsts that I'd like to remember.

I created...
the embroidery hoop box. I don't own it as I donated it, but I sure did like it whilst it was here. I will definitely be stitching another of these for me someday.

Blackbird Designs "Summer House Pincushion"

mounted onto my embroidery hoop box



I taught...
myself counted thread needlepoint. This first project turned out successfully. It was framed this fall and given to my Mom for Christmas. She loved it. I'll be doing some more of this in future.

"Amish Trip Around the World"

by Nancy's Needle

I went...
to my first Stitching Retreat! WHOO HOO! That was a super-great, good time and I'm going again in 2012. I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new!

"Beauty and Grace"

retreat design by Tree of Life Samplings ~ Jan Alexander

My Mom...
retired in February and I was trying to think of something to interest her. I read Brenda Gervais' blog and found out about the Iowa Eagles and found the link. Gave it to Mom and she watched those birds constantly. She even would call me and we'd tune into the nest cam together on our computers and talk on the phone about them with each other for an hour or more each day. It was a non-thinker when Brenda advertised her "Soar Sampler". I got it and stitched it for my Mom. I'll be stitching it again for me, too.

"Soar Sampler"

by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle and Thread, "Country Stitches"

I had...
always loved this simple design and its little prayer. So I stitched it up for me this year and it hangs right over my stitching chair. It sums me up pretty good, I do believe

"Stitcher's Prayer" by Little House Needleworks~Diane Williams

But I must say...

that my all time favorite finish for 2011 is:

"The Family Sampler" by Little House Needleworks~Diane Williams

The Family Sampler...
was my second finish of the year. It was the first thing I ever entered into our county fair, which I had wanted to enter things for years - but was afraid that I wasn't a good enough stitcher. But the stars aligned and my sampler won some really great ribbons! But how could you go wrong with a design so pretty and that fabulous frame from Valley House Primitives ?! Winner, winner, chicken dinner! I say...

2012...
I hesitate to even begin to acknowledge what I would like to stitch this year. Every year I make these grand plans (or delusions), and for the first month or so, I execute and then I move on to something else that I hadn't planned...to which the whole great debate I had with myself at the end of the prior year falls apart. Sound familiar? ;)

So...
with held breath I will say that I would like to focus on: The Elizabeth Hancock Adaptation , The Monthly Cottages , The ABC's and some Ornaments . In the grand scheme of things my only true goal is to stitch - which I'll meet because my life isn't complete without stitching. After that I would like to be sure that I stitch at least one ornament per month. Just like my Idol, Mistress Carol over at "Stitching Dreams" blog. I've been following her since shortly after her blogs inception and I just well, salivate every time she posts. I aspire to be just like her! period.

See...
I have no delusions (or allusions) of grand plans. No 500 starts in 500 days or whatever (although I probably would do a bang up job of that too!).  None of that only stitching on what I have or what I've started. (That's like a diet and I suck at those already.) Nope, nope, nope. I'm just doing what Vonna wants to do when she wants to do it. Smile! Live Life! and Be me! Because I like me and I like what I can do when I put my mind to it.

But...
for inquiring minds....here is my grand plan for this evening and tomorrow. MY New Year's Start - let's hope this is not a delusion:

and here it is all ready to slip inside it's envelope in case I need to take it travelling with me:

Happy New Year...

thank you all for visiting with me all year long. I'm ready to see you in 2012 and see your stitching, read about your life, visit with your family,  lend a shoulder to you when you need it,  applaud you on your stitching and take my hat off to your fabulousness!

Until we meet again...

I'll be keeping my hands at work and heart to God, just like always.

Love and hugs,

Vonna

Cross Stitch for the Holidays...

Recently I was sent this lovely magazine:

The magazine is filled with lovely detailed ornaments, stockings, full size pictures, tips, hints, finishing ideas, etc. I would highly recommend your getting one to add to your collection of holiday stitching projects! I will be stitching designs from this magazine in the future for sure! Thank you to the crafting editor for sending me this lovely surprise!
Here is a link to the publisher: Future US
Here is another link to purchase copies: Stonehouse Publications

Give me a "B"...

The Jolly Man...
has almost arrived! And I just slipped the last few stitches into this:

"B"

Designed by: the Prairie Schooler

stitched 1 over 1 on 25 ct. lugana

using DMC as charted

I issued a challege...

over on the Prairie Schooler ABC Stitching Bee to refresh and renew our pledge to stitch the ABC's and finish one block by the end of the year. I thought I was going to embarrass myself and not meet my own challenge. But thank goodness, I met the challenge and I still have a week to go before the end of the year! Hmmm...what is next?!

So here is my...

efforts to date. I am hopeful that by the end of 2012 I'll have a lot more blocks than these two sorry ones I have already.

These pictures...
honestly do not show the loveliness (nor the daintiness) of these piece. It is much more pretty in real life. Honestly its really is!

Until next time...
I hope you all are on the "nice" list...heaven forbid being on that "naughty" list!

Merry Christmas!
~Vonna

Santa Claus is "Comin to Town"....

Happy Day Blog Buddies and Stitching Friends!...

It is my sincere hope that all of you are enjoying your days of good cheer! I squeezed a few minutes out today to finish my Prairie Schooler project that I showed you the other day.

Here is what I came up with for a finish:

"Comin' to Town"

Designed by: Prairie Schooler

copyright 2011

Limited Edition Santa Kit 2011

Stitched on: 28 ct. natural raw linen

Stitched with: Crescent Colours

 I finished "Comin' to Town"...
as a plate/wall hanging. What that means is, that I added to the back a ribbon hanger so that I can hang it on the wall if I want, or display it on easel. I have visions of having all of the Limited Edition Santas on my mantle. Now this part is between you and me...I have all of the limited Santa kits...this is the only one I've ever opened and finished. Shhhh.... There is always 2012!

As I was stitching...
"Comin' to Town", I kept thinking that the waving Santa was cute as a button. Then I got to thinking about my "vision" of my Santa mantle, then I got to thinking about how I lust after a Prairie Schooler Santa Tree. I got to thinking really hard after I saw THIS ONE over at Pricilla's, (be still my heart) and you know how it goes when I start thinking. So to bring a vision one teeny, tiny step closer to fruition, I stitched up this:



"Comin' to Town" Santa Ornament

taken from motif found on the Prairie Schooler

Limited Edition Santa Kit

Copyright 2011

Stitched over two using three stands on 25 ct. French Country Mocha Lugana

Turned out...

Just like my vision! now I have a pretty picture to display and a sweet ornament to hang on our tree. And I'm one step closer to my Santa Tree! In fact, in 2012 my goal is to stitch at least one ornament a month so that I can see that Santa Tree standing smack dab in the middle of my house someday!

Here's the pretties...

I stitched and finished this week. It's been a productive one for me :)

"Comin' to Town" Plate/Wallhanging and Ornament

Alrighty folks...

that's all I got for you today. We're travelling this weekend celebrating with our extended families the Christmas Holidays so that we can observe our own family traditions and celebrations here at our home over the actual holiday. We made that decision about 5 years ago - to stop the insanity of travelling all over - and observe in our own home our own traditions with just us. It was the best decision we ever made.

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, just like always!

Hugs and love,

A guilty pleasure...

Howdy Blog Buddies and Stitching Friends!...

What is my guilty pleasure? Why it is "Tuesday Stitch In's" at my Local Needlework Shop Fancy Works . I went for the very first time last Tuesday and believe me I came home and filled in every Tuesday on my calendar as "Stitch Day" :)

It's going to be my guilty pleasure...and you know what?! I deserve a guilty pleasure all to myself. Don't you agree?!

Let me show you some the the goodies that were at the shop today!

Liz framed and returned:

Bert's "Florence Nightingale Pledge"

(how about that mat!)

Marilyn's "Love Keeps Us Warm"

 AND here's what everyone was working on today:

Jessica finished this beautiful Cardinal Stocking

This is a lady that I can't remember her name (its only my 2nd week...sorry!)

She's stitching this bookmark for literacy

Nancy's January Cottage

she's doing it 1 over 1 on 28 ct. it is tiny!

Bert was backstitching her puppy dogs

Katie finished up "Welcome Friends"

Look at Barb's gorgeous blackwork...stunning!

Coleen was working on ABC tapestry and it was pretty as a picture!

And what about me?.....
well I finished up:

 Prairie Schooler's Limited Edition 2011 Santa

"Coming to Town"

stitched on 28 ct. Natural Raw Linen

stitched with Crescent Colours as charted

So...
that was my Tuesday at the stitch in! Isn't that grand fun?! :) We had a booming good time, stitching, chatting, eating....ahhh good times! And the best part is, I really don't feel guilty, I just feel good!
:)

Tune in next time...
to see how I finish up my "Coming to Town" Santa!

Until then...
I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, join in with me!
Hugs and love,