Fairy Violets Boxtop

Quite possibly the last “finish” finish of this year, I have just mounted Fairy Violets into a box top and wrapped it up as a Christmas gift for my mother. I’ve been putting this one off for WAY too long, mostly because I just could not seem to get it mounted straight. It still looks a little wonky to me, but I think it might be an optical illusion due to the octagonal shape of the box. This box is one of my many purchases from the Sudberry House garage sale this past August. It looks like they’ve now discontinued this box, which is a real shame because it’s gorgeous! 🙁



Fairy Violets Boxtop


Fairy Violets Boxtop (Closeup)

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I’m Tired!

It was a lost weekend for us. Friday at work ended early with me and my fellow activity committee members going to the hotel early to setup for our work Christmas party. We had a really good time! Terry thought I looked really nice in my new black pinstripe pantsuit with a hot pink camisole. And I danced, which I haven’t done in a while (over two years?), at least not in public. Apparently, I drew some attention. I don’t get dressed up very often. And no one realizes that this white woman can dance. I was really feeling in my element – my inner, hidden extrovert came out. Of course, as always happens when I have an extroverted episode, I dropped dead from exhaustion the next day. I slept for hours during the day on Saturday. And I won’t talk about what things did for my head…

But anyway, I’m trying not to think about what all needs to be done before company arrives on Friday night. The tree is up and decorated and looks so nice in the front room, which is a first for us this year. It was SO nice to come home and see that lovely lit tree sparkling in the window as we drove up. I bought new blankets for the spare beds today and an airbed for the craft room that we inflated this weekend. So, I need to wash the blankets, finish washing the china, wash the crystal stemware, wash the silverware, wrap the gifts, finish decorating the house, continue cleaning up, etc. Yeah, okay, there’s still a lot to do. We have Friday off and I think I’m going to take off Thursday, as well, to start my baking early.

So, I’ll stop writing now and get some sleep!

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And the Winners Are…

Drumroll, please! I am sending out many packages today, some of which are surprises and some of which contain the ornaments that I put up for grabs. To keep you guessing, I will list the names of the (non-surprise) recipients, but I won’t reveal which ornament has been sent. 😈

The following people should be on the lookout for packages, as appropriate for your location and distance from Pennsylvania: Anne S., Lelia, Dawn, Carol S., Heather R., Jo and Barbara. Anne and Barbara, I am sending your packages airmail, so if I’m really lucky, they might make their way to you before Christmas. 🙂 Enjoy!

For those who weren’t picked, I greatly apologize and feel really guilty! I will try to make more little things to give away next Christmas because I hate not being able to send something to everyone!!

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Last Ornament, If You Could Call It That

This photo is for Karen V. My first attempt at a potted Christmas tree finish, as inspired by her photos. It’s a bit rough and I have a long way to go to figuring this whole thing out, but hey, it’s a start! 😉



Victorian Christmas Tree

Sorry, the colors of the stitched piece, especially the beads, are washed out by the flash, but it’s after 12:30 AM here and this needs to be packed up to ship out tomorrow to my Dad in Florida, so this is as good as it gets.

Time to pack this baby up and get to bed!

Oh, and a P.S. to Christine V., if you’re reading, I picked up the knitting needles and another skein of yarn tonight. I’m ready to start knitting myself a scarf in the new year! 😀

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SBQ – December 14, 2005

Today’s SBQ isn’t about stitching: It is about blogging and was suggested by AngelSan.

Take a minute to reflect on your blog reading habits and preferences. What do you prefer to read in stitching blogs? (Progress, tips, family life, experiences, etc.) How much do you think you are influenced by other stitching bloggers?

I guess I prefer stitching blogs that are mainly about stitching, but I don’t mind personal stuff thrown in. I enjoy getting to know the person, not just their stitching. I’d be a hypocrite if I only wanted to read about stitching all of the time, since my own blog is normally quite a mix of stitching, personal, quiz or meme and humorous posts. I try to keep it light and amusing, though, whenever possible. I want my readers to be entertained. Not sure if I achieve that or not, but it’s my goal! 😉

As far as how much I am influenced by other stitching bloggers, I would say a good bit. Fortunately, my tastes tend to be different, so I don’t have the constant temptation to buy new designs; however, I try to absorb finishing concepts like a sponge. I’m also motivated by other people’s progress and happy dances. It continually renews my passion around stitching and makes me itch to stitch, even if I don’t have the time to. I think it keeps the interest and spark alive in me, which is very important.

And other than that, I have met and made some very wonderful friends in the stitching blogosphere and that’s worth more than anything! Hugs to all of my stitching buddies!

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Last Ones… Almost

Honest, these are the last ornaments finishes for the year… almost. I have one left, but I need to get to the craft store for a “trunk” and a pot for my potted tree, the idea for which was lifted from Karen V. Thanks Karen!

The first two you will recognize as the Baby’s 1st Christmas Ornaments that I stitched up for coworkers, designed by Victoria Sampler. Unfortunately, the assembly process went awry on Evelyn’s ornament so that the front and back are not perfectly aligned, as evidenced by the tassel looking askew on the backside. 🙁 Oh well, they can’t all be perfect! 😆


Evelyn's Ornament

Sydney's Ornament

Next, we have Santa’s Trimming for my dad in Florida, designed by Mosey ‘n Me, from the 2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue:



Santa's Trimmings Ornament

And finally, one I’m actually keeping for ME! This one is the Merry Christmas Bellpull ornament, designed by the Sweetheart Tree, also from the 2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue:



Merry Christmas Bellpull

You can’t see from the picture because it’s a bit dark, but the cording is made out of the remnants of the Weeks Dye Works colors used in the design – Bordeaux and Cypress. I even splurged for the brass bellpull hardware, though it was only $7 from Yarn Tree.

Now, will all of those done, I can start focusing on the little things… like decorating my house, writing up Christmas cards, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, planning the holiday meal and getting ready for company! 😉

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2005 Christmas Ornaments – Free To a Good Home!

Okay folks, since all of the extra ornaments that I have this year are officially finished as of tonight, it’s time for you to cast your votes for any that you might want!

I have created a new, temporary album in my photo gallery, under Miscellaneous, called 2005 Ornaments To Give Away. If you would be interested in having one of these ornaments for yourself, simply add a comment to the ornament(s) in which you are interested. Put at least your name in the comment, obviously :), and then send an email with your full mailing address to me at jenna ‘at’ magees ‘dot’ net.

You can vote from now through Wednesday (the 14th). I know that this isn’t a lot of time, but I would like most of these to stand some sort of chance of reaching their destinations before Christmas, if at all possible. I may try to send a blanket email to those who comment on my blog, as well, to let you know that voting is open, just in case you don’t keep current.

Once the voting has closed, I will gather the names for each ornament, put them into a proverbial hat and randomly choose a recipient for each ornament. To be fair, I will try to limit each person to one ornament, if possible. I will post the list of recipients to my blog once chosen. With any luck, I’ll have my act together enough to have everything already packed up and ready to mail so that I can run to the post office on Thursday.

Let me know if you run into any problems, particularly with the “voting.” If you find that you cannot leave a comment for some reason on the ornament(s) of your choice, then send me an email with your mailing address and the names of the ornaments that you liked.

I hope that I’ve given enough time to be reasonable and fair at the same time. Good luck everyone!

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And Four More…

I know, you’re probably getting sick of these, but I’m nearing the end now. I have three more flat shapes being pressed under the books right now, with the cording made up and ready to go. Then I have one stuffed tree that needs a “trunk” and a container before I can stitch it closed. And finally, I have my Sweetheart Tree bellpull ready to finish, as the brass bellpull hardware arrived yesterday.

Finished this weekend, though were Love… Was Born at Christmas by Forget-Me-Nots in Stitches and Pansy Ornament by Amaryllis Artworks, both from the 2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue:


Love Was Born at Christmas Ornament

Pansy Ornament

and Cardinal Snowflake by Victoria Sampler and Love Heart Ornament by Charland Designs, also both from the 2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue:


Cardinal Snowflake Ornament

Love Heart Ornament

I even managed to be headache-free long enough this weekend to do some model stitching. Yes, I’m still having them daily, but they seem to be a bit less painful. I also had some crying jags, so I think I’m finally starting to let out all of the stress that I’ve been under. I’ve knocked out all but one gift on my Christmas shopping list, we’re starting to decorate and once I get the remainder of the ornaments finished up this week, I’ll be able to put everything away and see the floor of my craft room again! I’ve even started planning my Christmas cookies, so things are getting back on track. 😀

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More Ornament Finishes – Four This Time

I took a snow day today. Unfortunately, I didn’t actually get to watch any of the storm because I went to the doctor yesterday about the headaches and got some new medications to try. The one I’m starting to take at night knocked me out for 12 hours straight. I have no memory of anything last night except getting up a couple of times to go to the bathroom. I didn’t wake up until 11 AM! And I woke up with a headache, so I’m not very happy with the results so far! 😆

Anyway, I finished up some ornaments today that I’ve been working on throughout the week. The first two are flat finishes. The first is the ornament from the Victoria Sampler Christmas Hearts limited edition kit. The second is from the 2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue and was designed by Patricia Ann Designs.


Christmas Hearts Ornament

Sapphire Star Ornament

The other two are pillow finishes. The first is from the 2002 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue and was designed by Elizabeth’s Designs. The second is from the 2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue and was designed by Shepherd’s Bush.


Christmas Rose Ornament

In a Stable Ornament

I have eight ornaments left in my WTF. One is waiting on bellpull hardware that might be here tomorrow or Monday. Four are flat finishes, with all but one being a bit of a challenge in shape. One is curing overnight under the stack of books as I write this. The other ones I have to figure out the right shape and then cut the mat board. The last three are to be hand-sewn in one form or another, so shouldn’t be too tough. I can just work on them while I’m watching TV.

I haven’t been able to stitch all week, so I’ve been taking it easy. I might start a little project that will be part of my SBEBB Valentine’s Exchange gift. If I feel well enough, I will need to get working on my model. I’m only going to take half of the new nightly medication tonight, so hopefully I’ll feel a bit better this weekend!

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SBQ – December 7, 2005

Today’s “Stitching Blogger’s Question” was suggested by Zohrah and is:

Have you done any charity stitching, been in one, or would like to organize one?

I have done charity stitching for SOLAK (Stitches of Love and Kindness). SOLAK creates lap quilts for terminally and seriously ill children and adults. It’s a no pressure group that allows you to stitch at your own pace. I haven’t had time to stitch for them recently, but look forward to being able to contribute again when my schedule settles down a bit.

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