COUNTing down to 2012

Hope this New Year's Eve finds everyone well! It has been a busy and exciting year for me. I started this blog this year and I have thoroughly enjoy reading other's blogs; gaining info and inspiration. As I look towards 2012 I can't help but get giddy about my stitch-a-thon, if you will, with my girlfriend Karri! Ready, set, STITCH! Tomorrow we both begin a Hawk Run Hollow project; I am working on the Christmas pattern and she, of course, will be working on Autumn.

Also on my 2012 list of things to do is finish up any existing WIPs! Oh yeah I said it, now can I do it? I will have you know, I have two monstrous projects looming over me, one you've seen in recent postings, my St.Nick and wait for it...Teresa Wentzler's Fruit Bell Pull. I am proud to say I have two blocks completed. From eight years ago. I will post pics soon. Then I have a few modest projects in the wings. I am also aspiring to work some Christmas ornaments in the in between for next holidays gift giving. I am setting a goal that my gifts will be hand or homemade in some way next year, minimizing the retail expenditures.

My ultimate goal will be to put a list of future projects together and stick to a bit of a schedule, with the occasional unexpected projects such as wedding and baby gifts. Oh and the traditional resolution of getting back into shape for a healthier me!

Thank you to my followers, this has been an exciting new experience! I appreciate the encouragement and advise as I stitch my way through the blog world. Look forward to what you all have to share in the new year.

Many happy returns in the new year! Keep on stitching.

P.J.

MErRy CHrIsTmAS

May your day be merry and bright as you celebrate with friends and family.

DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS

HOLLY AND SOME MISTLETOE

Some handwork by my MIL.

She made this when my husband was a little boy,

when they lived in Germany. Each sequins is hand stitched on.

We truly enjoy this part of our day when we get to see what new ornament is awaiting us.

A WHITE CHRISTMAS AFTER ALL!

Here is a progress phote of my great Saint Nick....

You can see the progress on the cloud and I got a few more poinsettia added.

Now off we go, over the river, and through the woods to our friends house for a wonderful holiday feast of ham, lasagne, green bean casserole, corn caserrole, potatoes and pistachio cake for dessert.

And to all good night!

Eight Maids A Milking

Growing by leaps and bounds! Since my post on Tuesday with nine followers, eight new folks have joined my blog since Friday! I know it may seem silly, but this has been the coolest gift, seeing this blog blossom!

Holy cow, just going back to view the list to get your names someone else has join! I should change the name of this post to Ten Lords A Leaping.

Welcome to Porcupine Needle; Joy, Terri, Mindi, Dona, Faye and Kalicokat! Look forward to Your comments and sharing with you.

Keep on stitching! Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la!

Lucky Number 13

Thank you to latest four followers who have Joined my blog. I had checked yesterday and was excited to see I had finally reached double digits, with a 10th follower. This morning I was thrilled to see 11 and then 12 followers listed. I just came on to check on any new posts before I started stitching for the night as we settled in to watch Polar Express. I am just ecstatic that there are now 13 followers on my blog. Thank you to those who have shared encouragement as I continue this new adventure in blogging.

Today I spent a little time getting things organized for my new year start on my HRH Christmas. Twelve blocks, twelve months; I should be able to have this done by Christmas 2012. My stitching New Years resolution will include a schedule of getting several of my finishes to the frame shop. And putting a list together of the unfinished projects; the goal being to finish all the existing WIPs.

Again welcome to Dixiesampler, Peggy Lee, Nancy and Jules! I look forward to your comments and sharing my stitches and musings! Happy Holidays to all, may your days be merry and bright.

Keep on stitching.

P.J.

Elfing around

Just a quick post as I am trying to squeeze in holiday primping and prepping. This year has caught me with my long johns down! I still need to get my cards sent and doing the shopping for our parents.

I have been so stretched and worn out from work lately that I had not been stitching too much. But I am happy to say that I finally finished the border, part I of the BoaF mystery stitch. I started on the tree trunk on part II. When I get some more stitched I will post some progress pics. I also put some decent progress on my big Santa project. Hope to get more done on that too. Stressing over gift projects for several babies are due to join this world after the first of the year. Need to decide what I am going to do and get cracking on those.

Getting anxious about getting my first Hawk Run Hollow project started the first of the year. This shall be an interesting adventure with my girl friend. She will be working on the Autumn pattern and I am working on the Christmas.

Need to get some online shopping done and start those cards.

Keep on stitching. P.J.

P.s. I need to work on attracting more followers. Following several blogs and leaving posts. Guess I need to mention my blog in my comments more often. Any suggestions?

And the stocking was hung with care

A little something for the season. It may not be a lot of stitching, but a lot of love went into it. A co-worker had asked me last year to stitch names on stockings for her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. This year she brought in another stocking for little Ava to be stitched. As busy as I have been I am just pleased I was able to get it done before Christmas. She gave me the stocking in September.



The little house at the top of the posting was a secret exchange gift I stitched up for work in 2006. Hope you are enjoying this holiday season with great cheer with friends and family.

Keep on stitching!  P.J.