Hello again! I have been absent from blogging for awhile but I have returned. Playing catch up after taking time off during the holidays has been rough. Then took a long week end to celebrate my 29th wedding anniversary which was January 19th. We had a great get away to a cabin in the woods in Northern Arkansas. Beautiful country and a very relaxing and refreshing time. No TV for three days-yes, we did have electricity and running water. A great chance to do a little stitching. This project is almost complete. Just a few finishing touches. As always, I just began and the project just evolved along the way. So many ideas-if I had more time I would probably do a second block with ideas that came to me along the way with this one. Wanted to include a dutch motif and did find some windmill buttons on ebay. On the way home from Arkansas browsed a flea market and found a container with some great buttons so had to include some in my block.

My smaller pendant project became a total disaster. Very disappointing. I had my stitching completed and glued it to the bead only to have the fabric soak up the glue and ruin the ribbon embroidery and even some of the stitching. Live and learn-right? I do plan to give it a second try and find a better choice of adhesive.

Stitchin In the New Year

Two projects currently in the works. Am I the only CQ'er who seems to have more than one thing going at a time? I move from one to the other as inspiration comes to me.

The small project (the piece measures 2"x3") will cover a bead and become a necklace when completed. For more information and instruction see Pat Winter's article in CQ magazine Vol. 7, Issue 4. Thanks Pat for the inspiration and great idea.

The larger block is being made to go into a memory quilt for our friend Dee who lost her battle with cancer this last summer. Thanks to all who answered my plea for sites with Dutch motif. Dee is from the Netherlands and traveled to the States to attend the Crazy Quilt retreats in Omaha.

Stitching daily has been great but it is back to work tomorrow after 12 days off which may slow my progress. I so look forward to more leisurely days when I can stitch to my heart's content.

Christmas 2008 has come and gone

Just one more Christmas post before decorations come down and the holiday season is behind us. So much to do and somehow it all gets done before December 25th. Now just fond memories to look back on with some photos in case the memory fails us!

Merry Christmas to all

What a nice Christmas we have had and after company went home I found myself feeling restless. I was looking for something to do to relax and stay out of the refrigerator. I've eaten enough for one day! I have been wanting to try the button ribbon spools after seeing them on Pat Winter's blog Gatherings. I think the originator is actually Terisa Brooks Huddleston. After assembling ribbon, trims, and buttons I began mixing and matching with these results. What a great way to organize stash and aren't they just plain cute?

Remember macrame?

Our Christmas tree is trimmed with quite a collection of a mixed ornament collection. Each year as I unwrap and hang each ornament so many memories come to mind. Ornaments range from those that my nieces made and sent to us; those made by our own children during their preschool days; ornaments collected during our travels; gifts from friends and coworkers; and ornaments handmade from various mediums. This reindeer ornament continues to be one of my favorites and I remember making it like it was yesterday when we gathered at mom's house and had a fun afternoon of creativity. If I was to guess I'd say it is close to 20 years old by now and continues to be a favorite that I look forward to hanging on the tree each Christmas season.

I love surprises!

I had a wonderful package of surprises waiting on my front porch for me today. From my wonderful SIL in Iowa. I stumbled upon crazy quilting quite by accident and Bonnie has helped me grow and nurture my love of quilting, embellishing and fiber arts. There is no one busier than Bonnie but she continues to create and complete so many great projects!

We all hold a special place in our hearts for Scotland and our now extended family in Aberdeen. We are on the countdown.... six more days until daughter and son in law arrive to spend Christmas with us in the States. This Mum is smiling big and very excited that Christmas is almost here!

Tis the season....

Tis the season and oh how I love this time of year. The decorating and the candy making; singing familiar carols; so many fond memories from Christmases past-what will this season bring? The house smells so good with the fresh cut tree covered in a hodge podge of ornaments. This year will be extra festive as we will have the whole family together. We are on the every other year plan. Once children marry they then must be shared with in-laws. It is such a busy time but I love every part of this season.

Happy Holidays to all!