She's here!!!

Well, we've had all sorts of happenings in the South lately!

First, our weather has been so crazy!  We have actually had sleet and a very few flakes of snow!!!  It was about 18 degrees at one point!  What a shock!  But, it has since melted and we are going to be back in the 70s this week!!!  So strange!!  Ignore the leaves and trash, but this is the sleet on my patio and it stayed there for about 3 or 4 days.  It's almost all melted now, as temperatures are headed toward the 70s!

Also, I won a kit on Facebook!!!  It's from Heart in Hand!  I was looking around on Facebook and just happened upon their page.  They were having a giveaway and I signed in on it.  Well, to my surprise, I got a little post saying I was a winner!  Isn't this cute?  You know I'll make an ornament!  It came complete with thread and linen.  I was so lucky!!  I spy some big fuzzy feet checking out my loot!!

And I saved the best for last!  My new grandbaby was born last week and is so beautiful and perfect!

Zoe and her Nannie!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you'll visit again soon!

Frances

Autumn is here and I'm a winner!

Hello Blogging Friends!  I'm excited that it finally feels a little bit like Autumn here!  And of course, it's time to show my Thanksgiving tree!  I have a few new little wooden pumpkins with words on them.  You can see the black one with "fall" on it at the top of the tree. There's a white one in the center of the tree with "harvest" on it.  Too, too cute!

This tree is always one of my favorites!  I love the fall colors and the leaves and turkeys! Such fun!  And then it's nonstop busy until after the first of the year!!!!  I will be hosting my family for Thanksgiving.  I've done it for a decade or so.  I always enjoy it.  We put up the Christmas trees right after Thanksgiving!  Things will be chaotic for a few days, and then it's time to sit back and enjoy!  I love this time of year!  I know you all are in the same boat, and I hope you will be enjoying these next few days!

Look at this cute car that was parked next to mine the other day!  I've never seen car eyelashes before, but it's clever, isn't it!!

We enjoyed a wonderful concert on Sunday afternoon!  Mannheim Steamroller is in the middle of their Christmas Tour and we were so lucky that they came to Jackson, MS!  I saw them once before and they are just fabulous.  I have all their Christmas CDs and am ready to get them out and listen!

My cat Omar has been so great and is so loving, sweet and devoted.  One of his favorite things to do is to jump on my clothes when I change.  He is particularly fond of my bra.....I guess it might be strange to post this--oh well, it's so funny!

You may remember that I am having some work done at our house.  I've had upholstery and they are painting now.  All is turning out well.  I ran in the paint store the other day, and I had forgotten that they put discontinued samples out on their porch for people to take if they want them.  They had several wallpaper books and some wood floor samples, which I passed by.  However, I was very weak and picked up 3 Kravet fabric books.  They are just gorgeous.  Some are embroidered taffetas and there are a number of polished cottons, too.  They are PERFECT for ornaments!  Just enough fabric and tons of choices! And yes, there were only 3 fabric books and I took all of them!!    oink, oink

And finally, I am a winner!!!!!  Nancy of Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe had a giveaway and I won three gorgeous hand-dyed pieces of Aida.  Aren't these colors lovely?  I am so thrilled.  These just scream Autumn!!!  The photo doesn't do them justice.

I have been stitching and I finished the little Prairie Schooler Halloween ornament I was stitching.  I started another little Christmas mini card, and I intend to actually start a Prairie Schooler Santa!  I also need to use some of this gorgeous new fabric!

Thank you for visiting and come back again soon!

Frances

Oh yes--I forgot to say that I had yet another kidney stone lithotripsy!  It's become so common that I don't even think about it--sorta like rotating tires!!!!  But, we're getting them all cleaned out!  Oh my

A Winner and a Project!!

Just a quick little post to let you know that the cute little Bent Creek Zippie Snowman is going to Beth of Garden Grumbles and Cross Stitch Fumbles!  If you haven't been to her wonderful blog, please click on her name and visit!  She has such fun stitching and some of the most beautiful bird and gardening photos ever!  When I get her address, I'll send her little chart right out to her!  Thank you to everyone who entered, and check back because I'll be doing some more small giveaways through the Summer!

From my mother's house, I brought back these three shells I had stitched probably back in the 80s--you can certainly tell that by the framing!  haha

My mother loved peach so that's why those peach mats are there.  I remember when I stitched them, thinking that the shell colors were so pretty on the brown fabric.  Then when the peach mats went on, the whole contrast changed and I didn't like them as much. But she did, and that was fine!!!
However, I will be taking them apart and making some Summer shell ornaments!!  I'm really excited about fixing these and I can envision them completed just like I want them! Stay tuned for that little project!

Thank you for visiting and come again soon!!
Frances

A finish & a tiny giveaway!

Hello dear blogging friends!  It's been a while since I've been able to read your blogs or post on my own!  But I am trying to catch up and see what you've been doing!

I actually have a finish I want to show.  It's really small, but oh so cute!  While I was stitching this, I thought it looked rather small!  When I was about half finished, I looked at the chart again, and saw that I was using 18 count fabric, as recommended, but the chart said "over two"!!!!  Oh well, it's really cute as a "MINI" since mine is over one!!!

I had this darling snowman fabric in my stash, so I will use it for finishing.  I think my dear friend Janie gave me this fabric!!  I changed the floss colors to coordinate with the fabric.  You can also see that the button wheels aren't sewn on yet, either!  But they will be!

This is the cute little chart--Snowman "Zippie" by Bent Creek.  I received this chart from Chris at Tot Hill Farm Stitches.  She was giving it away, and now I want to pass it to someone else.  So, if you are interested in stitching this cute little chart, please leave a comment and I'll draw a name on Wednesday of this week.

I've been busy with handling my mother's affairs, but it's all falling into place and I hope things will be a little easier/quieter soon.  It's been very tiring and very busy, but starting to slow down now.

Thank you for stopping by, and please come back soon!  Don't forget to leave a comment if you'd like to have the Snowman Chart!
Frances

Giveaway Winners!!

Well--Happy Blogoversary to ME!!!  Today, March 22nd is my One Year Blogoversary!

It's been a great day!  Well, not really--our lights were off for 12 HOURS!!  I work as a church organist and since today is Sunday, I had to go to the choir room an hour early and dry my hair and put on my makeup!!!  Oh well, it all worked out now, and all is back to normal!!  A tree fell on some lines, or something like that!

It's time to announce to winners of my Blogoversary Giveaway!

Giveaway No. 1--Halloween:   Marlene of Stitching By the Lake

Giveaway No. 2--Christmas:  Ariadne of Ariadne from Greece

Giveaway  No. 3--Prairie Schooler:  Shelly of An Arizona Stitcher

Congratulations to all of the winners!  I wish I had something to give to everyone who entered!  I was thrilled that so many lovely people entered, and said they have enjoyed my blog!  It's been fun!

Winners, be looking for an email from me!

I've been stitching a little bit--nothing to really show.  I think I'm going to Memphis again with my husband toward the end of this week!  He's been going there to meetings for years, and I never went with him until recently.  Now I want to go every time, and visit Stitchers, Inc!!  

Thank you again for your kindness through this past year!  I look forward to my second blogging year, and to many fun experiences with all of you--you are the best!

Love,

Frances

Giveaway time!!!

Greetings!  It's been almost a year that I've had my blog--March 22nd is my blogoversary!

In honor of that accomplishment, I'm going to have a giveaway!!  I hope everyone will enjoy it!  In thinking about what to give, I decided to focus on things that I like! HAHAHA!   You all know that I love to stitch ornaments, and I love Prairie Schooler, so those are what I'm centering my giveaway around.  It will have 3 parts--and you can just comment on which ones you would like to be entered for!  Pretty Easy!!!

Giveaway Number One:   HALLOWEEN
I have a selection of buttons, DMC threads, little gold scissors, and 3 Halloween magazines.  The magazines are from my own stash--but are in really good condition!
I'm including Just Cross Stitch Annual Halloween Issues from 2009 and 2011, and Cross-Stitch & Needlework September 2010.

Giveaway Number Two:   CHRISTMAS
This also has buttons, DMC threads, and little gold scissors, plus four Just Cross Stitch Ornament Preview magazines (from my stash!)  2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Giveaway Number Three:   PRAIRIE SCHOOLER

I'm including All You Can Eat # 97 (this chart was used when I bought it, but is fine to stitch with!), Who's There Halloween card, Mini-Card Collection "C", and assorted buttons and gold scissors

Here is a closeup of the cards in set "C"

I hope that you will enjoy these treats, and will want to win them!  Let's have the drawing on my blogoversary, Sunday, March 22nd!  

I have really enjoyed the blogging world, and all the wonderful people that I have "met" through it!  Thank you for stopping by this last year, and I look forward to more visits in this second year!

Frances

St. Paddy's & Giveaways!

I cannot believe we are already into the month of March!!!  This year is flying by!  I guess you know that means it's time for my St. Patrick's Tree!!!

I have several cross stitched ornaments, as well as an assortment of bought cuties!  I even have green beads from Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade, that is held annually in Jackson, MS.  I have a few Irish trinkets from that parade, as well.  One interesting tid-bit about the parade: some of you are readers--and if you like hilarious books, you will be familiar with the Sweet Potato Queens!  Jill Conner Brown is the originator of The Sweet Potato Queens, and they originally marched in the Mal's Parade.  (They've had a parting of ways and now march in another parade....but still in Jackson!)

Anyway, sorry for that little tangent!!!!

This sweet little freebie was from Sylvia.  I changed it just a little bit but I think it's so cute!

This is a cute freebie from Plum Street Samplers.  I really love the colors!

This is a sweet Prairie Schooler from Prairie Year Rounds.  (No, I didn't make it round!!!)

I got this precious freebie from Feathers in the Nest.  I can't find it on her blog at the moment. Jennifer suggested pinks and greens, so that's what I used.  It's really a fun one!

This was a tiny little free design that I just kept adding stuff to--ribbon, buttons, etc.  I don't know where I found this, but you could do something similar with any shamrock pattern.

I made this little pillow to display a very old family piece...this little pin belonged to my great aunt--we were very close to her.  We called her "Nannie" and my cousin recently gave me this little pin, to fashion into an ornament.  It has 3 little wire "leaves" and there was fine green thread woven on those leaves.  Only a small portion of the green thread is left.  I thought it was really sweet, so I decided this would be a way to preserve it. The little "bisque" pipe is sewed on and is labeled "Japan".  I liked the plaid blue and green ribbon and the green buttons to finish it.

You may remember that I participated in the Grow Your Blog event this year, and had so much fun visiting other blogs and seeing all the lovelies that people are creating!  I found the cutest blog, The Lady of the House Speaking.  Pamela is an Anglophile and she had the funniest post about Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances!!  I love that show! Anyway, Pamela's husband is in the Navy and they live in Washington state now.  She put together a lovely box of local treats and I was lucky enough to be the winner!!!  She included Seattle chocolate, Marionberry Jam, wonderfully scented handmade soap, and a precious heart ornament! (That heart will have a place of honor on one (or more) of my trees!!  She also included a sweet note on a postcard of her city, which looks like a wonderful place to live.  I just love everything!  Thank you so much!!  I linked her blog above--please check it out!  She is very creative and interesting!!!  I have really enjoyed following her blog!

OK...speaking of Giveaways...my blogoversary is March 22nd!  I cannot believe that I have had my blog for a year!!!  In ways this year has flown by!  There have been ups and downs, BUT, all is great and I have really enjoyed my blogging!  Thank you to those who read my blog.  I guess I was nervous that no one would really want to hear what goes on here in MS, but it's been such a lovely experience.  I feel like I know so many of you and I really enjoy hearing from you and seeing what you're doing!  

All of this is leading to a Blogoversary Giveaway!  I've got my thinking cap on and will announce the Giveaway on my next post!  So check back and take advantage of it, whatever it may be!! HAHA

**I also need to mention that Nancy of Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe is having a wonderful giveaway, too!  Be sure to check it out!  Look at her gorgeous floss colors!!

Thank you for stopping by and come back soon!

Frances

Giveaway Winner!

Hello everyone!

I really enjoyed participating in the Grow Your Blog party, organized by Vicki!  What a fun time it was!  There are some really great blogs out there, and it has been fun to investigate and see what everyone else is doing!

I do have a winner for my cross stitch giveaway!  It's Felicia from Finding Simple Treasures!! Congratulations Felicia, and I'll get your cross stitch package off quickly!  I've emailed you for your information!  After I send it, I'll post a photo of the goodies!

I have a self-imposed deadline to get something finished, so check back quickly, because I will have a photo!  Also, St. Patrick's Day isn't too far off, and I feel another tree coming on!! HAHAHA

Thank you for stopping by and please come back soon!
Frances

Year in Review!

Dear Stitching Friends,

2014 has been such a lovely year with many new and exciting things!

First, I started my blog this year and it has brought me much pleasure!  I have met many wonderful people through it, and I hope to meet even more in the coming year!  I had wanted a blog for quite a while, and just never made up my mind to do it!  I finally took the plunge this year, and I am so glad I did!

I have won some giveaways!  I have participated in exchanges!  I have received RAKs!
I even had my own giveaways!

 Beautiful giveaway from Annette!

My 1st giveaway win from Jacquie! 

 

Exchange I sent....                                                      Beautiful RAK from Andrea!

THERE ARE OTHERS!  I hate to post just these few photos, because I don't want to leave anything or anyone out!!!!  I have absolutely LOVED everything that I have been privileged to do!  And also the people---such wonderful, wonderful new friends!!!  I'm just not organized with my photos and I'm finding what I can!!!  (I need to work on that!)

Time has been limited at some points, but I manage to keep it going!  I am about to begin my LAST semester on my Masters in Music and I will graduate in May!  I cannot wait to have this behind me!  I was probably CRAZY for attempting this past the age of 50, but the end is in sight and I am thrilled!  I will definitely post photos of me in my cap and gown, marching with a bunch of 20-somethings!!!  I'm so excited!

My music has always been so important to me!
I work as the Parish Music Director/Organist at my church and each year the adult choir presents an Advent Concert on the First Sunday of Advent.  It is a wonderful event and we have done this for 8 years.  Below is a photo--yes, that's me at the piano.  Our robes are about the most unflattering garment made....so ignore how "round" we look!!  (even though I like these and think they look great together!!)

On Christmas Eve, we have 2 Masses and the first has the youth instrumental ensemble that plays, and they always do such a great job!  It's so nice to see young people participate!

I have a beautiful kitty, Dolce, that I got after I lost my precious Violetta.  I also have a lovely family: husband and son & daughter-in-law!

Life is good!

What do I want to do for 2015???    Am I making silly resolutions??

 

Well, I'll probably get out the standard list of resolutions that I make every year, and never keep!! LOL!!
They are the usual:  lose weight, be more kind to everyone, get organized......

However, I really want to do MORE stitching and get all of my stitching supplies, etc, organized! My blog has made me more aware of how "together" other people are!!!  I want to be, also!
I also want to be better about commenting on other blogs!  I faithfully read many of your blogs, but I'm usually racing through and don't take the time to comment!  I know that I should.  I know how much I enjoy comments, and I certainly need to make to effort to share that enjoyment!  That's a new and sincere resolution!
I also want to get my computer in good shape...I couldn't find photos today....I need to delete useless stuff--just that type of thing!  I've let it go and now it is imperative that I jump in and fix it all!

My main interest in cross stitching has been fixing my seasonal and holiday trees!  I will continue to do that, but hope to add a large piece to work on, too.  I have one big UFO that I might drag out and finish, just to prove that I can actually start and finish something, even after all these years!  It must be 25-30 years old!!! LOL!
BUT, I only have one unfinished thing, so I guess that's positive!  HOWEVER, I have at least 9 million charts that I want to stitch!  So, I'd better get going on those, don't you think????

I hope all of you have a wonderful, healthy, prosperous, and joyous 2015~

Thank you for stopping by and please come back soon!
Frances

More Winners!

Ok, group!  It's time to announce the winners of these books!  I hope I have everyone on the correct book--I think I do!! LOL  I'm trying to not be confused!

Book One:  Jacqui
Book Two:  Andrea
Book Three/Four:  Jackie (jhm) and Kay
Book Five:  Vicky L

Please email your mailing address to me.  If you aren't in the US, please type your address exactly like it goes on the package!!  We write our addresses differently in the US, and I'm not sure what goes on which line outside of our country!!! LOL

I hope you will enjoy your winnings and I'll get them mailed quickly!

Thanks for stopping by and please come again soon!
Frances

Winners and ANOTHER Giveaway!

Hello again!  It's time to announce the new winners!

Winners:

Chart 1:  Aubs Ogrady

Chart 2:  No takers

Chart 3:  No takers

Chart 4:  Renee

Chart 5:  No takers

If Aubs and Renee will please email me their mailing addresses, I'll get these in the mail quickly.  If you are not in the US, please list your address exactly like it needs to be on the package!  Sorry--here in the US we don't address mail like other countries do & I want to get it right!!!  Thanks!

If you didn't win this time, please try again!!!  I have more!

NOW!  I think it's time to give away more!  This time, I have some hardback books I'm going to be sending out!  These have really, really pretty charts in them.  However, most are large and won't stitch up overnight!  But they are truly lovely!  I have had a couple for a while and then I got several at the Salvation Army for under $1 each!!!  

BOOK ONE:

Merry Christmas ABC--Leisure Arts

BOOK TWO:

Christmas Portraits--Leisure Arts

BOOK THREE & FOUR:

Once Upon a Christmastime--Leisure Arts

Ok--can you believe this??  I have two of these, so there are two available!

BOOK FIVE:

A Cross-Stitch Christmas--Better Homes & Gardens

I want to do this quickly, so let's close this Thursday morning!  I still have a few more things to list after this one is done! I'm so happy to get some space on the shelf!  

If you haven't won yet, keep checking back!!!

Thank you for stopping by--please come back soon!

Frances

Giveaway #2

Hello!  (or good night~it's late here!)
I left right after my earlier post this evening and attended a lovely organ recital.  Now I'm back, and ready to post MORE "Clean out" Giveaway items!  Check that post below to see if you won any of the others!!  Here are some more items I'm passing on to anyone who might be interested!

ITEM ONE:
Watermelon Sampler by Merrily A. Beams  So cute, but I know I'll never do it!

ITEM TWO:

Mini Motif Designs for Baby's and Children's Clothes, Volume II

ITEM THREE:
Emblems of the Boy Scouts of America    I did stitch an Eagle emblem for my son!

ITEM FOUR:

Holiday Magnets for Plastic Canvas   I don't know if anyone does plastic canvas, but these are little holiday motifs.

ITEM FIVE:

Tuscan Poppies by Elizabeth's Garden    Cute poppy stitching for a photo frame.

This will be the same drill as before.  Look and see if there's anything you are interested in and leave a comment.  I want to do this quickly, so we will draw on Monday afternoon! Good luck and check back again--I'm enjoying this and hope you are, too!

Thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

Frances