A Few Smallish Starts............

 Between the cold weather and my mouth, I've been getting a lot of stitching done. The mouth is doing well; it's just a challenge to eat with all the sutures and surgical areas. But, no pain, so that is good!

We've had quite the weather scenario this past week. Up until Tuesday we woke up to lows in the 20's and highs in the 40's. Now, it's in the 60's!!! Crazy.!!!

On to stitching.....I signed up for the virtual Winter Soiree at Sassy Jacks this past Saturday. I have done her September Soiree weekend in the past, but this was basically Friday night and Saturday. We received a kit of a red Bristol sampler and a chart from Beth at Summer House Stitche Workes, along with some goodies. There were tutorials on pulled hem stitch and mattress finishing as well as a talk on Bristol samplers and a visit from Beth herself. Sadly, I could not manage to get on Zoom....I have done dozens of these zoom meetings but could not figure out my issue and was not able to get any help since the programs had started. So, I just started my projects and stitched away by myself. Kim made it good for me and I'm hoping to talk to her and figure out the problem so I can attend her others that are coming up. 

First up is Soiree Bristol by Sassafras-Samplers...this is the first in a series of eight smalls. It's stitched on 40 ct. Vintage Country Mocha with NPI Chinese Red silk. I did change out the fabric.

Next is Carolina Coverlet.....I'm doing this on 40 ct. Vintage Country Mocha, also, with Vikki Clayton silks. 

I also started a Christmas ornament, Heaven and Nature Sing, by Petal Pusher. I'm doing it on a 30 ct. mystery linen with called for GAST.

Sorry so dark but a dreary day here.

I also made myself a pillow out of a tees shirt as a remembrance of my special times at the Lankford Hotel.

I also wanted to share, which I forgot to do last post, that Sally had stitched my name on the back of my Shepherds Bush project bag. She said that since so many ladies have these and take to retreats/classes, that I would know which was mine. Great idea don't ya think!!!

I think that's it for today....hope you have  a great upcoming weekend and can get a little...or more than a little....stitching in! Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

And January is More Than Half Gone.........

 It's been a busy past week.....lots to share, so buckle up buttercup!

I left last Thursday and drove to OCMD to help out at Salty Yarns. MLK weekend is when the EGA's Camp Wannasticth ladies descend on Ocean City and I help by cutting fabric so the regular employees can help with everything else. I heard there were over 190 ladies this year....amazing! I love getting to see what everyone is working on and help them pick out the fabric for their special projects.

While in OCMD, I received some birthday/Christmas presents....we wait for this weekend so we can do it in person. I received the following from Sally; these were beautifully stitched and will be treasured.  

Shepherd's Bush project bag

Needle and corner gauge holder

Sara gifted me a box of goodies, all nestled in a lovely "bee" box.

There was tea, tea towel and small bag from the Fitzwilliam museum, needle nanny, hand soap, notebook and sweet treat

I am so spoiled!!! On the other hand, I did a little gifting too! I didn't want to share until all gifts were received. I gave each lady a tea towel or apron from Hands Across the Sea, a waxer fob from Teresa Janjanin on FB and a "tacky" Christmas sewing box. Here are photos of the boxes:

I had so much fun making these after seeing some shown on IG and FB by Robin Shappell and Sherri at Colorado Stitcher. I found items at Hobby Lobby and the Dollar store and the cute Christmas scissors at Liberty Hill Needlework in Williamsburg. Here's one up close:

Sadly, it was back to reality...and a little snow on my drive home Monday. Wednesday I was scheduled for some gum surgery, so Tuesday was spent doing laundry and grocery shopping for soft foods. Both sides of my mouth were involved this time so I have sutures upper and lower on both sides. I am doing great and can't complain about eating lots of pudding and ice cream!!! This has also allowed me lots of down time with my needle. I continued doing some work on Live on Little by Plum Street Samplings......

.......completed a project I had started in OCMD....Cardinal's Winter by Robin Pickens......

.....and started and finished by badge for Winter Cross Stitch Camp 2024 with The Colorado Stitcher.....

....I just need to add to my Camp project bag.

Well, I think that's it for today. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Thanks for sticking with me and your "twisted threads" of friendship.

Stasi

First Finish of 2024.....

 I am happy to say I have completed my Blessing Sampler, with barely enough thread. I had to do the last letter in a different color than called for because I had totally run out of that one. I also had enough o frog the "U" and move it down where it belonged. I have gotten much better in my old age in letting errors pass by, but this one was driving me nuts. I've been debating whether to overdye the finished piece to make it look "old",  but am going to "live" with it awhile. I'm kind of liking it as it is...bright and quirky!!!

Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

I Was So Hoping........744

 

.....for a little dusting, at least, of snow......but alas....only rain!!! However, that makes for a nice quiet stitchy day in my book! I want to finish up my Blessing sampler for two reasons. First, I'm afraid I'm going to run out of fiber! I think I will make it with a little change up in color, but it's going to be very close!!! Next, I miscounted and the "U' is too high and not lined up with other letters in the row. If I have enough thread left over, I may be able to redo it, but if I don't , it will have to stay that way. I don't think I'd be able to reuse the thread after frogging. Fingers crossed and wish me luck!!!

I forgot to share a finish from the end of 2023. This is a little turtle, for a friend,  from a Zip and Stitch needlepoint kit......easy to stitch and even easier to finish...you literally just zip it when complete!

I hope your 2024 is off to a good start...mine has been pretty chill but will pick up next week. I'm excited about the birthday gift from my daughter, Kristin. She gave me a year of scones!!! A lady will be delivering my first four next Tuesday for January. Then I get four a month for the rest of the year...some sweet, some savory. I can't wait as I love scones!!! I will pair with a cup of hot tea and feel so pampered!

Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

A Blessing Sampler Started........

 I started my blessing sampler on 1/1/24 and it is moving along nicely...I already have 8 letters stitched. It is Rachell Hallowell and I'm doing it on a 32 ct mystery linen I had in my stash. The colors are showing up brighter than anticipated (I am using what Amy Mitten supplied) but I'm going with them as I'm thinking this is a reproduction and Amy picked out colors to match. However, I think I am leaning toward a dye bath at the end to tone things down a bit....we shall see! It's pretty, but I wanted it to look old.

It's interesting that she mixed the letters all up; I'd love to know why!!!

Hope your New Year is off to a good start and projects are being considered.

Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi