Sunday, December 30, 2012

The Stitching room


January will make one year since the Navy Girl left the home port. I wanted to wait to make over her room until after her first visit back home since joining. She came home in October for a short but fun and love filled visit. I asked for paint and this gorgeous rug from Pier 1 Imports for Christmas for the make over.




I originally wanted khaki for the wall color; I've had black drapes in mind for over two years(yeah I've been planning for a while). We bought the drapes and sheers on clearance this past summer. I asked my husband for his thoughts on the wall color. He did not care for the khaki/ tan idea and neither did the Navy Girl. When you see the before color you will understand...she likes color.
 
Before...
Carolina Parakeet
 










Several years ago hubby and I picked up a certain creamer as an inspiration to the color we wanted in our dining room (yet to be remodeled); well he brought it in from the hutch and said you should paint it this color. I immediately loved the idea.



We took it to the store to match it, I choose something with a bit more blue than green in it and he picked the trim color to match. So with a gallon each of Georgetown Blue Ivy and Cream Ware we set to painting last night and finished this morning.




 
 
 

I am in love with this room!!
I already took a bit of time to stitch in there tonight. Just need to hang things on the walls and wait for the rug to arrive next week.
 
Finale pictures will be posted along with a peak in the cupboard.
 
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year; cheers to 2013!

Keep on Stitching!

P.J.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

*#* Nor'easter on it's way *#*

We are in for a wallop of a storm today. I am hunkered down to work from home today. They are predicting 10-18 inches in our region. Looks like I should get a fire started in the fireplace with the possibility of power outages. Safe travels to those whonare traveling today.


Finished my PS snowman on Christmas day; just in time for the snow!

 


I found this fabulous fabric at the Goodwill; a yard and a half of this for ONLY $1.99. At the time I was not sure what I would use it for but knew I was not passing up that bargain. It will make a great backing for my PS Snowman balsam pillow. The dark brown matches his hat perfectly!



Now I need to eat my breakfast and head upstairs to work. Have a terrific Thursday.

I will be posting soon on something fun we are going to try at A Stone's Throw....you may have seen it out on the net.

Keep on stitching! P.J.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Peace on Earth....Goodwill to Men

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I want to share something with you that really warmed my heart. I had read an article in the local paper of a theft that occurred at a veteran's home up north in the state. My workplace had organized a Christmas card signing by all the employees for thousands of cards to be sent to deployed soldiers, employees' family members stationed away from home and to the veteran's homes around the state. I sent the article to one of the senior managers on the committee who coordinated this event, wishing we could help with a donation. Well the team effort that went into action to make this happen was a gift in itself...


The group of employees who delivered the cards and a holiday flower arrangement now also had a decent size donation as an additional surprise. I wish I could have been there to experience the joy first hand, but the weather was a bit dicey for the 3 hour drive, but the folks who went shared pictures and stories with me. The veterans were so thrilled and tickled to receive this visit and the cards. The employees were moved by the pride these veterans showed in having served their country and enjoyed hearing the stories they shared. Hearing the stories moved me to tears, something so simple could bring such joy. The donation was for the residents fund to be used for personal necessities or fun for the veterans; from simple things like a hair cut to having a holiday party. I learned that a group of those veterans were going on a trip to the mall this past Friday so they could pick up a few gifts. This experience was a gift for all of us; those who helped make this happen, those who delivered and received the cards and holiday cheer. Goes to show how much value is in a smile and a handshake. May we all find a bit of joy this holiday, simple joy.

Wishing you all a very joyful holiday with your friends and family.

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Here is a finish of a freebie I picked up over at Plum Street Samplers. I filled this with balsm to send to the Navy Girl. She said she has it tucked under her pillow. Although Maine is not her favorite place she does love the smell of the Balsms when we are in the woods. Made with love.





A progress report on a PS Snowman with Birds from Book No 157 - Holly Days
A little bit of stitching is better than nothing.


Plan to finish this one into a balsm pillow as well. Mmmmmm.

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Peace, Love, Joy

Keep on stitching, P.J.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

While the merry bells keep ringing...

I am a sentimental gal. I love the classic Christmas songs sung by; Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ertha Kitt, Judy Garland, Andy Williams...to name a few. You can keep the corny stuff, with only a FEW exceptions.

So, Happy Holidaaaays....HAPPYYY HOLIdays....While the merry bells keep ringing...May your every wish come TRUUUUE!

Not much going on with the stitching business, extremely busy at work, weekends loaded with holiday happenings, etc, etc, etc. We did find time to get our first real tree in over 20 years. I wanted to add a little something special to our Christmas this year, being it is our first without our daughter at home. She will be heading up to my Aunt's in Maryland for a weekend before Christmas to enjoy some family festivities. Doing one of our favorite things; driving all over kingdom come looking at Christmas lights. She will have soooo much fun. My Aunt already has the BIG ONE checked out.

Here are some pictures of our tree-venture and a decorations around our humble abode.

 
On the hunt

for a tree

 

O' Tannenbaum
 
Entry Table



 
 


 
 
Holiday glow
 
Psst... Santa's coming to town!