Announcing Giveaway Winner, Etc!

OK here we are a short time AFTER I have drawn the name of the winner...anyone care for a drumroll?

Congratulations to...........DEBORAH of Cranberry Samplings fame

Thanks so much to all that participated, I am so sorry if you didn't win, wish I could send everyone something! Anyway, I did take a picture of the piece that will be going to Deborah...but the rest of the goodies, will not be divulged, because of two reasons...I still have some things I want to add...and also she should be the first to see, don't you all agree?

This sweet little pillow was stitched by me and finished by dear Faye who does absolutely gorgeous finishing work and she always, always makes every little finish, so unique to herself and whomever she is finishing it for. Anyway, I hope that you enjoy this small pillow, Deborah...I so wanted to include something with a bit of a heart theme, since this is Valentine's month and my birthday all rolled into one! So....there will be more goodies, and the goody package will be on it's way next week, so please email me, Deborah with your mailing info at my email address, please! tree of life 50@frontier.com. Thanks for playing!

Well, I have been trying my best to stitch every day, and have been true to that, for these first six weeks of 2012, with the exception of maybe three days, when I didn't pick up the needle. And not every day, did I put in very many stitches, but I am pleased to say that even with the minimal stitching, progress is made. I said I wouldn't share another picture of Time and Season Sampler by Moira Blackburn, until it was finished, but I just feel that I need to go back on that statement and share my progress. Still lots of stitching left to do, but feeling pretty confident (maybe I shouldn't say that) that T & S will be a finish for 2012!! I can only hope! Here are a couple pics:

Do you see that word TIME? There will be a TIME that I get this sampler done, framed and on the wall, right? That is why the year is not yet stitched in the upper right hand border! lol This is stitched on 32 ct Antique Ivory with DMC threads.

And our dear Margaret suggested I start sharing some pics, of my sweet, sweet companion and darling kitty, Boo...so here is Boo (aka Sugar Smack) my 7 year old calico.

That is it for this week, dear readers! I appreciate you stopping by for a visit and posting a comment. It is a joy to read them!

Love, Jan

Catch-Up and Nostalgic Shares!

I realized this morning, that it has been over a week, since I last posted, and I had promised myself to at least update once a week, if not twice! I also decided that since all I have been sharing is my SLOW progress on This Is The Day, that I would pull a couple of very old wips that really, really do need my attention. At least once of these days!

We have a wrap-around weekend with warmer temps turning to bitter cold, at least this time of year! Today the sun is shining, after a Sunday or monsoon rain and hail. Here is a pic of the backyard deck, that I snapped with the hail covering. I should have waited for it to stop, cause the deck was virtually covered, before it turned to all rain:


As promised here are a couple of WIPS that do need my attention:

Moira Blackburn's Time and Season Sampler
32 Ct Antique Ivory Belfast
DMC as charted
I don't know what it is with this project, that I started years ago, and have made little attempts at working on. I know it is a large one, but not that large. I am thinking of dying the whole thing when I get it done? Am I crazy? Of course, I am, but has anyone ever dyed a finished project? And if so, how did it turn out? I know that I am safe on the fabric and fibers not being hand-dyed, I would appreciate your thoughts, cause I would definitely love it better, if I could make it more primitive!! Considering the time I started it, is why I didn't dare go with anything but what was charted by the designer. But today, I would have definitely used silks or overdyeds on an overdyed linen...may have even changed the color palette. Sorry the red-checkered tablecloth is showing through in this pic!

Here is another one, that I really need to get back to and as soon as This Is The Day is finished, I am going to! I did change the fibers to Belle Soie Silks, instead of the charted DMC.

Mary Garry's Sewing Cabin Mariette Swift
32 Ct Sheep's Straw by R&R
Belle Soie Silk Conversion

And I promise this is the LAST share I will bore you with, for This Is The Day, until it is finished!!

Hands To Work This Is The Day
32 Ct French Vanilla by R&R
My Own Conversion to a Different Palette, all Overdyed Fibers.
I love, love everything about this sampler, and have truly enjoyed each and every stitch so far, BUT that background behind the alphabet is SO daunting, I am not at all good at mindless stitching, takes forever!! I hope to finish this week, wish me luck!

Thank you all that have been praying for my daughter! She is out of the hospital and at home, unable to work. She has a doctor's visit tomorrow, hopefully they can shed some light on things. Appreciate your continued good thoughts and prayers!

Thanks for visiting, you truly all have given me inspiration and encouragement with your lovely and kind comments! Thanks in advance!!

Happy Easter Blessings to You And Yours, if I don't post again until after the weekend!

Jan