FINALLY....MY FEBRUARY POST

Good Morning Friends,

I hope you are all well and getting ready for spring!   I know I am...we can finally see the grass after almost 30 inches of snow.

I'm back after a very long January.  A lot can and does happen in six weeks! Like many of you, we have had more than our share of snow and ice.  My "stitching challenge" was sidetracked as I had a challenge of a different kind~  I had the worst case of the flu and bronchitis that I can ever remember...so much so that I was almost hospitalized with a 102 fever and dehydration. (Yes, I had a flu shot in October, too.)

After my bout with the flu, I had the misfortune to "meet the sidewalk" when I fell on ice (that I never saw coming), sprained my ankle, wrist and cut my hand. Of course, it was my right hand and I'm right handed.  My stitches have finally absorbed and I'm back to my "old self"and FINALLY  STITCHING AGAIN!  YAY!!!

My "flu and fall" set me back for a few weeks but thankfully, I am feeling much better. I need to catch up following and commenting on your wonderful blogs.  So...if you get a comment on your "past post" from me, thank you for understanding why :)
I send my sincerest thanks to all of my blogging buddies who emailed me during my absence. I truly appreciate your kind thoughts and well wishes.


Please bear with me as I backtrack and revisit the past weeks. I would be remiss not to....... 


This is a chart that my LNS gave their customers for the holidays. These gals are the best and the shop has been a favorite of mine for years.  I stitched it on 28 ct. white opalescent linen with DMC in the charted colors. I added beads to "dot' the i's and some blending filament for the bows.  I thought the metallic finish was fun and set off the filament and the linen.  (It's all finished...for NEXT year!)
The sentiment is timeless and not just for Christmas....don't you agree?

Having said that, I would like to share the gifts that I was so fortunate to receive from my dear blogging friends. They were thanked personally as I received each one. These truly ARE gifts from the heart....



I was thrilled to receive this beautiful candle mat from Myra that I placed under my Christmas vase in the dining room. As most of us know, she is a talented seamstress and a wonderful blogging friend. I have been fortunate to receive a few of her treats. The red, green and gold colors complimented my decor and are so festive.  I love the charm, "Made with Love" Yes, it truly was!

Thank you, dear Myra.  It is a piece I'll treasure always to remember our friendship and my first year of blogging

Carol surprised me with this beautiful Prairie Schooler ornament from A Prairie Year II (#23) Aren't her stitching and finishing just gorgeous? Thank you, Carol for my lovely winter treat. Snowflakes and pine are timeless remembrances of winter days.  This little treasure brightened up many of mine recently as it stayed out on display after Christmas. I treasure it and our friendship.

My blogging friend Shari sent me this adorable denim tote bag stitched from a Lizzie Kate design. I was a winner of a PIF on her blog. Imagine my surprise to receive this happy gift so soon in the new year. What a great idea!  Who doesn't need a stitching bag and the sentiment is sooo true.  Good things DO come to those who stitch and it's in the form of friends, support and kindness.  Thank you Shari. I received this on a day that I needed a pick me up and it already has a special place by my chair with my stitching IN IT :)

My Valentine stitching is in the finishing stages although a little late! I figured that since February is "heart month", I still have time to get it all done.  This will be great therapy for my healing hand and wrist. 

As for my own stitching challenge, I am planning on finishing 2 ornaments a month, continuing with my knotwork and revisiting punchneedle.  Thank you Brenda for sparking my interest in it again with your beautiful punchneedle pieces :)
I also have a few new French charts for spring....and some WIP (don't we all?)
Oh well, it's all fun!  I have lots to share in the coming weeks~

I'm off to finish my "heartwork" and will be back in a few days to show you my finishes.

I hope you all have a good weekend filled with things that make you happy!

*HUGS and STITCHES*
Mary