Overwhelming UFO's

 UFO's upset me.  Do they bother you?  I have several; some are knitting, some cross stitch, others embroidery and some are quilted.  I like to keep life interesting so I change it up a bit.  This year, the cross-stitch group I belong to thought it would be a good idea to get some of us to move on some projects that have been put aside for one reason or another.  They all needed to be cross-stitch (it is a cross-stitch group afterall) except for one and there could only be five.  Easy enough!  So I chose this embroidery/quilting project that is so near done I can taste it.  That's my one non-cross-stitch project for this game.  I think I can get this one checked off my list at some point.

 Now this project is a different story.  It is a learning hardanger project.  I'm not much of a hardanger girl but I do love the look of hardanger, just never ventured into those waters.  As you can see from the picture below I'm nearly done except to fill in the spaces.  I have one HUGE mistake that is holding me up.  I cut threads that shouldn't have been cut.  With all the work that's
been put into this piece, I hope one of the more experienced stitchers in my group can save it and me!  I could just cry... this one I've chosen to set aside for now until I can get help for it.

 It is a pretty one though, isn't it?

 This project will be a Christmas exhange ornament for my group.  I have to keep it secret though, because I don't want anyone peekin' til it's exchange time.

 This one all packaged up and ready to stitch is a free hardanger ornament.  I think I can handle it; it's not too big or complicated.  Glad I got my feet wet on the  other disaster listed above...  My friend, Rose, stitched this one already and it's a pretty one, and free, too!  It's called Holly Quilt Block by The Victoria Sampler.

I have a fair start on this one.  It's called Fall Snapperland by Bent Creek.  Embarrassingly enough I started it last year and didn't get too far.  I hoped to finish it up this fall but I'm not so sure about that.  I feel pressure to get some Christmas projects out of the way before I do stitching for myself.  I still have five more washcloths to knit for someone and a Christmas stocking to make for my grandson.
I do have some lovely Christmas stockings that I just completed yesterday, though.  I'll be back with a post and some pictures on those next time!    

I'm Back!

After a long blogging break, I'm back!  It wasn't intentional, mind you, it just sort of happened.  Life got very busy and it seemed one day moved into another and I always felt like I was running.  It's been a full year.  My mom passed away in August and caring for her the past year had been bitter sweet.  It took a lot out of me and my family, but she knows she was cared for and greatly loved. I sure have no regrets there.  I'm sure she's happy in heaven with my dad and she had a wonderful life. 

 

Now on to happy things!  I'm a grandma!  Well, actually a Gi-gi!  I always thought when I became a grandmother I wanted to be called Gi-gi, 'cause my mom was grandma and my mother-in-law was Nana.  His name is Kayden (as if we didn't have enough C and K's already!) and he's as cute as a button!  I feel extra blessed because he lives right downstairs with his mama and dada!  I get to see him every day!  He gets lots of smooches, too!        

My hands have been pretty busy over the past year.  I finished this one up last year.  The finishing idea was not mine.  Vonna over at The Twisted Stitcher came up with this finishing idea and I copied hers, as I liked it so much.  The pattern is a freebie but darned if I can find where I got it from.  I'll bet Vonna has it on her blog, though.  I know that's where I got it from to begin with.   

I finished did this piece quite a few years ago, but it's still one of my favorite Christmas pieces.  My mom and dad had it on their mantle for several years as I made it for a little gift for them one Christmas.  My mom didn't decorate last year so I "borrowed" it back.  I can't remember the designer of this one but I know it was a freebie, too.   

I'm pretty sure this one is a Little House Needleworks freebie.  I think.  I'm not quite as confident as I was two seconds ago.  Anyway, Vonna is the one that came up with this finish, too.  Hey, why mess with finishing talent like hers.  She has imagination and fun finishes up her sleeve!  I gave this one away for our ornament exchange with my cross-stitch group.  I like it so much I think I will stitch one up for myself this year.  I still have all the finshing materials and I sure would like to display it for myself!  

Oh, goodness gracious, don't you just love this one?  I was gifted with this baby from my very good friend, Rose.  During our exchange, someone picked hers and I kept oooing and ahhing over it.  Just my taste, but of course, the package is all wrapped so you can't pick what you would like.  She knew I loved it and sure enough, the next time I saw her she gave it to me!  Yup, stitched it twice just so I couldl have one!  As you might guess, she's very sweet and a very good friend!  The pattern can be found in the Just Cross Stitch 2012 Christmas Ornament issue.  It's designed by Mosey 'n Me.

Well, I guess that's about it for now.  I have lots more to say and need to take some pictures of  more projects.  I won't stay away so long, promise!