Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Hello there!  Who can believe it is almost July?  I have no idea where the year has gone but it sure is hot here.  Christmas will be here before we know it.  I guess these comments are a sure sign I'm getting old!  Ha!

I have a ornament finish that I've never shown.  One of the BBD Christmas stockings.  They stitch up pretty quickly and finish fairly easily.   They do look so pretty on the tree too!

I don't know what has gotten into me but I've started several projects over the past couple of months. This is the third one and it's a big one - And They Sinned by Examplar Dames.  The chart is OOP but you may find a copy here and there.  I'm stitching with the called for threads on 36 count Picture This Plus Legacy.  I'm really enjoying this and can't wait to get further down into the stitching.  There is a really pretty tree with Adam and Even in the next section below where I am now.  I didn't mind stitching the big cloud (even though my two thread colors were probably too close).  I did not want stripes so I stitched in a circular fashion.   It used more thread but I do like the results.

I've also managed to block my Pradera Wrap (free pattern).  I used the call for yarn and it was wonderful  to knit with.  The yarn was soft and squishy before blocking and is still that way after blocking.  I can't wait to wear it this winter!  Here is Florida, I don't ever wear a jacket.  A hand knit around my neck is usually just enough to keep me warm from car to building. 

Pradera Wrap

Yarn:  Manos del Uruguay

Colorways:  Miel, Azafran, Hortensia, and Granada

Needle:  US Size 10 

Here is a photo of Murphy in my sewing room trying to Jedi Mind trick (by sitting) me into giving him a treat!  Of course, that worked but I made him lay down first.  Don't kind yourself, he is fully in charge!  Ha!

I hope your week has started out well and that all the stitches you take are happy ones!

Summer is Here!

Happy June!  Where has the year gone?!  The past couple of months, I've been busy but still have had time to do some of the things I love.

I pull out Ann Dale from deep hibernation and have stitched this bottom row on it.  I've also done a lot of border work (and re-work) which isn't shown here.  Ann is a lovely sampler - a BIG girl but so worth the time!

I also immediately ordered Elizabeth Atkinson from Sassy Jacks Stitchery as they had kits at a very affordable price with silks.  I chose the 46 count linen (SilkWeaver Golden Oats) option with the 100/3 you see on the spools below.  LOVE the colors in this one!

I started it too!  At first the 46 count was slow going but it has gotten much better!  I'm using a 28 needle and it feels a little big so I might need to go to something else(any suggestions?).  The colors in Elizabeth are fantastic.  The 100/3 is used as it comes off the spool and I'm enjoying not having to strand or put the remaining strands back away.  The little things!  I think this one is going to go fast because I'm so in love with it!  

I've also felt the desire to sew a little bit.  All of my WIPs are on the more complicated/fiddly side so in an effort to flame that desire, I'm sewing charm squares together.  So far, it's been soothing and mindless and all the things you need when you haven't sewn in ages.

In personal news, my youngest son moved to Tallahassee 2 years ago and he moved back to Jacksonville Memorial Day weekend.  He's so happy to be back and we're happy that he's back in town too!  He lives about 15 minutes away and that makes this momma's heart happy!

I'm already ready for summer to be over.  Here in NE Florida we've already had record setting heat, 100 degree days, and one large fire that closed I-95 both ways.  The humidity is off the chart and I'm in full on hibernation mode!   

I'll be back soon with more to share.  In the meantime, I hope all your stitches are happy ones!