Monday, December 30, 2019

December 2019 end of year wrap up

Hi everyone,
It's time to share what I've been up to this month.


Stitching:
I wanted to finish this for Christmas - but just couldn't. I came down with a cold just after Thanksgiving.. Spent about 2 weeks sneezing and coughing. All these strange temperature changes didn't help.

So, here is my progress on this..



Dear Santa It Was the Dog © Cross Stitch Wonders
Created from original art by Black Cats Media
Fabric: 28ct white evenweave
Threads: DMC, and I changed the dog to sulky 1070 as the DMC color was too light
Stitch Count: 120 x 120, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch

 Only a little more until this is finished.








We had a quiet White Christmas - even with the warmer temps, we still had snow on the ground. I cooked dinner for us and my parents. Lots of last minutes substitutions for gifts as we had quite a mess this year with weather related delivery issues.  Luckily everyone was happy.


Macey had the most presents.. toys and treats.. and a new bed. She naps on it during the day and then then still likes the human bed at night. LOL!













Here she is much happier to have her antlers taken off.




Sorry about the blurry photo - She wouldn't stay put when the new toys showed up.

 This is a flat squeaker from my brother.







Sadly we got news that another of my great-uncles has passed just before my birthday mid-month.

So now I'm a year older.. and officially retired. That means a lot of:



Stash: (Birthday, Christmas and Retirement)
 

My Witchy Stitchy needle minder came in and since they offered free shipping, I added  a few more things.


 (Some Stony Creek charts, and a pair of scissors)

 Halloween and Snowmen...

 






Then I received some stitching happiness on my birthday -  A lovely kit (Remind you of someone?)



Erica Michaels Mooseberry (Linen and Silk),
Chessie and Me Stellas's Sleigh Ride,
White Willow Yule (bookmark),

So more winter..






and yes..more Halloween ...



LaD Da the Raven.. I plan to do on  that lovely purple PTP (16cy Whimsey)

and  a snippet uninvited guest by charting creations.









Christmas brought some more fun.



Again.. fall



 Waxing Moon turkey trio







 and...



you guess it.. more winter!

Blackbird Designs Frosty's Night Out
Victoria Sampler Jingle Bell XMAS Tree Farm
Hands on Design Ready set snow
Heart in Hand Winter Bird
Foxwood Crossings Freezing Season
and the Stitchin' Stuff Special December Box


Then I spent some of my first retirement check (which should be here any day now) and picked up a few pieces of fabric

Some PTP Aida and some linens/evenweaves


 
 




Birthday cards and  flosses have been arriving throughout the month - just a few more are due in. I did join the birthday floss club again for next year. Since Christmas, I've been trying my sewing machine talents to make something for next year's group of ladies.. not sure how it will turn out.. but I've been trying my hand at vinyl project peek a boo bags.. I also picked out a fabric to make a new pillow sham as the one on our couch has finally worn out. Hopefully I'll have a picture next update.


We've been having nasty weather since yesterday evening. Freezing rain started around 5pm.

I fell around 5:30 this morning while taking Macey out for a walk. Nothing broken.. just some bruising. My arm (elbow) is sore as that is the worst of it so far.
Around noon today, it finally switched over to sleet and snow.. So happy!
Trees are snapping. ..we lost power this morning but it came back fairly quickly..just hope it stays on tonight.



It does look pretty though.
Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

November 2019

Hi everyone,
It's time to share what I've been up to this month.
The month started out with a bang.
Lots of rain on Halloween (~2.00inches). Got windy overnight. Snow flurries mixed in early Friday am. Power cut out 9am. Phone lines also out. Local roads closed due to flooding.

And then this happened.
50' tall tree fell on top of another tree (about 40' high) and our driveway was blocked. Waited till the next day for the wind to let up before cleaning up the mess.

Power was restored late  Sunday afternoon. Phone and internet restored  a few hours later Sunday evening. House dropped to 54 ° F.  Just as well because Sunday night was another dusting of snow.









Veterans Day we saw about another 8" of snow and temps remained cool for the rest of the month. The few days above freezing didn't completely melt all the snow. we have some bare spots, but not for long. The latest weather reports show us getting anywhere from 6" to 24" snow tomorrow afternoon through Tuesday. (Some forecasts only have us in the 3-6" range).. so we'll have to see.

Stitching:
I finished last month's challenge piece.


Moonrise Ornament 1 (3rd from the left on the cover)©  2017 by Whispered by the Wind
Fabric: 28ct PTP Mirage Lugana
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 47 x 56, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, 2 fractional stitches, backstitch







Then I moved on to this freebie

Angela K. blog My Happy Memories (Make Stuff Be Happy)
Pumpkin Guarding Scissor Fob Freebie (here)
Fabric: 28ct Mystery evenweave
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 20x31, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch


 







While picking out projects for last month's challenge, I came across a few that just needed a little time to finish up...  This one I just had to finish the border


Monthly Mania - October ©2000  Heart in Hand Needleart
Fabric: 32ct Khaki
Threads: GAST, WDW

Stitch Count: 43 x 43, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Rhodes, back stitch







and this one I had a bit left of the colorful tail feathers


Thankful Kiss © 2009 the Cricket Collection freebie
Fabric: 28ct Cashel Linen Antique white
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 39 x 40, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, back stitch, fractional stitches, french knots








Next I returned to this lovely...
Handblessings Winter Memories Silhouette Snowman Makes A Friend ©2019 by Eileen Gurak
Fabric: 40ct white Newcastle (instead of 14ct white)
Threads: DMC ** Substituted some shades of gray for the dog's shadow(413), snowman's shadow (3799 and 413)and the close pine tree(3799) as I couldn't use 2 strands on the 40ct fabric.
Stitch Count: 88 x 87, 1 over 1.
Left off the snowflake charm as it will be too big for this size fabric.
Cross Stitch, 1/2 cross stitch


Finally, this is where I'm at...  I started this lovely that I bought from ETSY.


Dear Santa It Was the Dog © Cross Stitch Wonders
Created from original art by Black Cats Media
Fabric: 28ct white evenweave
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 120 x 120, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch

 




Lots of finishing work to be done this winter for all these lovely smalls.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Final Day - Day 13

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...

Day 13: Continuing with Moonrise... Left off here yesterday















Now after 1.5 hour
Moonrise Ornament 1 (3rd from the left on the cover)©  2017 by Whispered by the Wind
Fabric: 28ct PTP Mirage Lugana
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 47 x 56, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, 2 fractional stitches


Only a little bit more to go. Hope to finish this one soon.



Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 12

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...

Day 12: Continuing with Moonrise... Left off here yesterday











 



Now after 1.0 hour



Moonrise Ornament 1 (3rd from the left on the cover)©  2017 by Whispered by the Wind
Fabric: 28ct PTP Mirage Lugana
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 47 x 56, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, 2 fractional stitches






 


Dad had Dr. Appointment this afternoon so Macey was missing her Mommy. This is what I saw when I came home - a dozen of  her toys - Everywhere! She got lots of love and extra playtime before I started my 1 hour of stitching.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 11

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...

Day 11: Continuing with Moonrise... Left off here yesterday
















Now after 1.0 hour

Moonrise Ornament 1 (3rd from the left on the cover)©  2017 by Whispered by the Wind
Fabric: 28ct PTP Mirage Lugana
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 47 x 56, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, 2 fractional stitches

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 10

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...

Day 10: Continuing with Moonrise... Left off here yesterday















Now after 1.0 hour
Moonrise Ornament 1 (3rd from the left on the cover)©  2017 by Whispered by the Wind
Fabric: 28ct PTP Mirage Lugana
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 47 x 56, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, 2 fractional stitches

Macey was terrific today as she got a lengthy car ride earlier as DH had Dr. Visit.

Three more days to go.. Hope  appointments don't keep me from finishing the challenge.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 9

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...

Day 9: Continuing with Moonrise... Left off here yesterday
















Now after 1.5 hours


Moonrise Ornament 1 (3rd from the left on the cover)©  2017 by Whispered by the Wind
Fabric: 28ct PTP Mirage Lugana
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 47 x 56, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 8

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...

Day 8: Continuing with Moonrise... Left off here yesterday















Now after 1.0 hour




Moonrise Ornament 1 (3rd from the left on the cover)©  2017 by Whispered by the Wind
Fabric: 28ct PTP Mirage Lugana
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 47 x 56, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch






 

Macey relaxing after playtime.


Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 7

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...

Day 7:New Start



















Now after 1.25 hours:

Moonrise Ornament 1 (3rd from the left on the cover)©  2017 by Whispered by the Wind
Fabric: 28ct PTP Mirage Lugana
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 47 x 56, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch

I hope to keep working on this one for a bit.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 6

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge.

Day 6:
I had a long day of errands and got home really late. Didn't feel much like looking for threads for a new project so I just resumed yesterday's bookmark.

Before:



















After 1.0 hour


Cross My Heart Inc.CSB-73 © 1992  Between the Pages Designs by Nancy Klipfel
Stained Glass Window
Fabric: 18ct cream aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 28 x 98, 2 over 1
Cross stitch, back stitch, Fractional Stitches


Each stitch seems to take me longer late at night. So not as many blocks of color tonight.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 5

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge.

Day 5
I pulled this oldie out of my WIP/UFO bag. This probably got shoved aside because I hate fractional stitches on Aida. I should have switched out the fabric when I started this.
Before:















Now after 1.25hours - I managed to get 11 blocks of color completed.


Cross My Heart Inc.CSB-73 © 1992  Between the Pages Designs by Nancy Klipfel
Stained Glass Window
Fabric: 18ct cream aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 28 x 98, 2 over 1
Cross stitch, back stitch, Fractional Stitches











Macey was good for part of the hour... but she got a little impatient each time I had to put down my needle to change colors (she thought I was done).She did get her playtime as soon as I was finished for the day.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 4

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...

Day 4
Continued with Cedar Hill Pumpkin Patch...
I left off yesterday here:















Macey had a nice walk before the rain started and was content after her game of fetch...(more like keep away after she fetches). She waited patiently while I stitched and she checked on DH who was on the computer downstairs a few times. 

Now after 1.5 hours it's finished.. well the stitching is finished.

Pumpkin Patch© Cedar Hill
Fabric: 32ct Mystery grab bag
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 35x38, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch,straight stitch, blended threads




I'm still deciding what I'll do tomorrow.
 
Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 3

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge...


Day 3
Continued on with yesterday's Cedar Hill Pumpkin Patch start-




Starting with this...












 And now after a little more than 2 hours-


Pumpkin Patch© Cedar Hill
Fabric: 32ct Mystery grab bag
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 35x38, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch,straight stitch, blended threads

I might actually finish this one tomorrow.


Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Witchy Stitchy Challenge Day 2

Hi everyone,
It's time to share today's challenge.


Day 2: New Start
Chart...Fabric.. Threads...

Picked out fabric...Didn't have the amber/toasted almond.. so picked out a piece of 32ct PTP Belfast ginderbread

Started to stitch one of the pumpkins using the called for blended threads... Ugh.. can't see it...

Had to rip it out.. will use fabric for another project..






Start again
Time to pick out New Fabric...



 This was much better








Now after 1.5 hours



Pumpkin Patch© Cedar Hill
Fabric: 32ct Mystery grab bag
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 35x38, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch,straight stitch, blended threads



 


Macey report:

Played indoor fetch with Macey before beginning...Here she is when I was stitching...surrounded by her toys.

The minute I turned off my light, she was raring to go for another game of fetch, and a nice afternoon walk.


Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.