Happy Halloween!

I have finally posted another update photo of The Sparrow. I picked it up again the other night and finished up the house, the woman, some more grass and the verse. Now I have the rest of the grass, the tree and the left vine left to finish off! Sorry it isn't a better photo.

Our weather has taken a turn for the very chilly side on the thermometer. The nights and mornings are downright cold! I love Winter as long as I can enjoy it through a window while in the warmth of my cozy stitching chair!

I have my list of 2010 stitches I want to complete before the end of the year and there are only several left after I finish The Sparrow but I am going to have to get my stitching fingers busy in order to meet my deadline! I never finish off as many pieces as my fellow stitchers but as Doris Day would say - Que Sera Sera! Here is my 2010 list as it stands right now. Some have been framed while others are still waiting for their touch of glory. As you can tell, I stitched pretty regular during the cold first months of the year then slacked off when the weather warmed up for summer. Of course, AMIAF was really big and took more time to wind up than the others. If my list isn't completely finished up by the end of the year, I will roll the remaining designs over to 2011.

My Home is Built in Glory - Finished in Jan. & framed
Early Candle Pocket - finished in Jan.
Margaret Pence - finished in Feb & framed
Thankful Wheeler - finished in March & framed
A Mind Independent & Free - finished in July
The Sparrow - in progress
Tall Pines - waiting to be done

I have started my 2011 list but nothing is ever written stone because as we all know, you either see something in your stash you forgot about, decide to finish up a UFO or something else entirely catches your eye (whether it be a new design or something from your stash). I will say that I would like to concentrate on doing more A&E designs along with more Winter themed designs. Of course I still hope to get several everyday samplers turned out as well during the year. Hopefully I won't get hit by the blahs as often next year so my stitching can roll right along at a productive pace! *fingers crossed*

While gathering up my 2011 patterns to be done & making my list of designs to order, I decided to just go through the whole lot and do some cleaning out of ones I have either finished off or just don't think I will ever get around to doing them. Sad as that is, I know someone else will be happy to give them a nice home so be looking for more giveaways in the near future.

On an excited note, I was one of the lucky winners in Jan's recent contest! I am so looking forward to the release of her Emma Rose Christmas design. I haven't even seen any of it yet but I I just know it will be a must have for my stash!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Your visits and comments always brighten my day. Until next time, may you have simple days and an uncluttered heart.

Pumpkin Time

Our little colds turned into monsters! DH even stayed home from work one day because of it and I woke up feeling like a truck had hit me. I promised him that from now on when he comes home feeling bad, I will put a zip up tent around him to protect myself from the sickie germs. Then a whopping Fall allergy attack was just waiting in the wings for both DH and I. How fun is that! We still have the tail end of the yuckies but hopefully in a couple of days we will both feel as good as new.

On my current grocery list I have Halloween candy! It's that time again. We don't get as many ghouls and goblins as we used to since many parents take their kids to special gatherings but we still get a few so I like to be prepared.

Our weather is finally showing signs of Autumn. It warms up during the day but the mornings and nights are definitely sweater worthy. We finally got some much needed rain. A nice drink for the ground and hopefully it will wash any allergy grubbies out of the air. The Farmer's Almanac said we would have another early winter (beginning in late October) with lots of biting cold weather (but not as much snow). On the other hand, the National Weather Service has said that our winter will have up normal temps for the season and will also be dry winter. Hmmm, I like winter but after last year, I can live with warmer days and especially no ice! I think I will take prediction #2 and hope for the best!

I have spent more time on The Sparrow lately and I am happy to say that the progress is rolling right along - slowly. All I have left to complete on Section 4 is the lower right half then I will go back up to the alphabet block to finish off the personalization for my Dad but I have been bitten by the blah bug and haven't felt the urge to pick up my stitching every evening like usual. I have had to make a few adjustments here and there. Not because I planned to but I saw the mistakes too late and correcting them would have involved a lot of frogging (and I do hate that). All in all, I think it will look just fine when finished even with the changes.

Other than regular errands and daily chores things have been pretty normal around here. Thanks so much for stopping by again! Your visits and comments always brighten my day. Until next time, may you have simple days and an uncluttered heart.

Catching Up and Winding Down

First of all I want to say how sorry I am about not blogging much lately. I needed a break while I recovered from life's hard knocks. I cross my heart promise to try and do better about blogging in the future!

Yes, I am still working on The Sparrow but I had a hold up. Unfortunately, my soda bottle got knocked off the side table while I was working on it and landed smack dab all over the piece. Talk about being upset! All that work and I was on the final stretch then that happens! I ran it to the sink and rinsed it out very gently then rolled it up in a towel to dry for several days. I am still upset about the accident but I think the majority of the spill did come out. Also, I have been taking more breaks from my stitching so as not to overwork my hands and suffer the consequences.
I had hoped to have three pieces ready to take to have framed by the end of the year but it may be just a while longer now. I still frame alot of my finished pieces but certain ones that have a special place in my heart go to the framers. Sorry this isn't the best picture of my progress on The Sparrow but it's what I have for now.

Our weather went from deep summer 90s to the autumn days of low 70s and even mid 60s in a flash! Now we are back up into the warmer days but the nights still have the flannel pajama chill to them! Could it be we are in store for another early winter?
With all the up and down temps, it is definitely cold season and we have had our share of sneezing and coughing around here. As long as it doesn't get any worse than that, all should be ok.

Now I need to ask for some suggestions and opions. I am looking at needlework floor stands to give my hands a little more freedom and less strain. I have looked over many different types and found a few I am very impressed with but I am looking for something that will hold both hoops and Q Snap frames. I definitely want something sturdy that will not be a waste of money in a short time but doesn't cost an arm and a leg either. So, if you use a floor stand how about sharing your opinions with me.

Until next time, may you simple day and an uncluttered heart! Thanks so much for stopping by. I always enjoy your visits and comments!