From the Finisher

 

Here's the Count of Needlemania. He was published in Needlepointers magazine and we stitched him in my ANG chapter. Took me almost ten years to come back and finish him. What a handsome fellow. Designed by Janet Zickler Casey. 

Currently he's visiting the Woodlawn Needlework Show. No ribbon, which is right. He's not my best stitching technically. But I love him. 

Whatever Happened to Winter

Unlike some parts of the country, we have not had winter here in the Mid-Atlantic area. I've even worn my sandals here in February. And now it's March and the cherry blossoms are rushing headlong into bloom. I'm not complaining, but it is a bit abnormal.

So in the spirit of spring, here's some Debbie Mumm canvases available thru Melissa Shirley Designs. 

The bunny was stitched a few years ago. And I finished the background on the painting chick finally. 

 

Moving Fast

 Seems like I have little time to stop and reflect these days. Camp Wannastitch has come and gone. Over 150 attended this year. Found some new restaurants. Did my last shopping at the old Salty Yarns location on the boardwalk. Shared lots of stitching time.

Looking forward to next year already! 

Christmas Ornaments 2022

 Every year I make ornaments for my three granddaughters. Here's the ones from 2022.

The first two are from My Pink Sugar Life. 

Third one is from Laurel Wheeler and matches with ones done for her sisters before she was born. 

I don't understand how I didn't take photos of them in their finished form. But oh well. 

Here We Go - 2023

 No apologies or catching up on 2022.

I counted my finishes for 2022 and I thought I was at 50 until I realized one was counted twice. So 49 for 2022. Pretty good output and I am positive that I didn't start 49 new projects. I'm happy.

Last three finishes. All canvas, all Kathy Shenkel designs. 

Here's to 2023. Fresh starts. New opportunities. 

Candy Tin

I love these German candy tins. They're perfect for tucking a small project in my purse. This one has a piece Vellux blanket glued inside. Great for those small Mill Hill bead kits. 

And I just finished the stitching on my Eyeball Martini! 

 

Sewing Wild Oats

 Last week I went to my guild's retreat for the first time since 2019.

We hold this at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia. Where the views are terrific and the food is incomparable. 

We were a small, but dedicated band of stitchers.

I started and finished a Lindy Stitches design. Worked on a painted canvas. Started a small painted canvas and put in a few stitches on a Mill Hill kit.

It felt so good to be back. The lodge has upgraded the wifi and made improvements to the rooms. But Margie is still in charge of the kitchen, though she's talking about scaling back. 

We'll be going back next year. And I am planning on being there. 

Mill Hill Finish

 

One cute little pin. Teddy bear dressed as a pumpkin. 

Outside Stitching

 Enjoying a late fall afternoon outside stitching. It was EGA meeting day. Then a quick stop at the grocery. Came home and watched one more episode of House of the Dragon. I'm a little bit behind.

But I was sitting there and the sunlight on the leaves outside kept calling me.

So I am creating a few little designs on perforated paper for a guild class. I've gone and done the thing I said I'd never do. I volunteered to head up our anniversary committee. That's fine. But as part of that I volunteered to be the program person for the year. That's what I said I wouldn't do. And here I am.

And look what arrived today. Fine Whitework by Jenny Adin-Christie. Wow. I've had a quick look. Impressive book. 

That Time of Year

 A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to win this fabulous bag created by Merrilyn Hazelwood at an EGA seminar auction. 

Makes me smile every autumn.

https://merrilynheazlewood.com.au/