Year-End Wrap Up

Thanks to everyone who stopped by recently and left a comment. I'm embarrassed, because my visits to your blogs lately are just "drive bys." Allow me to answer some questions that some of you asked in your comments to recent posts.

Staci asked - "really, you don't have to pay as close attention with those???" (the Hardanger) Well, I guess I do have to sort of pay attention to what I'm doing, even with hardanger, but it's easier because I'm not changing thread colors very often (if at all) and particularly with these ornaments, I think I have the pattern memorized! LOL! Also, I have read the Monica Ferris books - love 'em!

Holly asked - "did you do something to stiffen them for hanging on the tree?" I stitched them on 22 count Hardanger fabric which is already kind of stiff. When I'm done stitching and cutting, I put them stitching side down on a thick towel, then I spray them with sizing, cover with a white kitchen cotton towel, and press with a hot iron. It's important to have the right side of the stitching face the fluffy towel so that your stitches are not "flattened."

Thanks again for all of your wonderful comments!

2008 Stitching in Review

This was the first time that I really kept close track of how many pieces I stitched. It helped me to keep a monthly list in the sidebar of my blog. I have since removed the lists to make room for 2009 finishes, but here's a summary (mostly for my own future reference!)

54 total pieces stitched (wowzers!)

• 36 for exchanges (including Fair & Square)
• 11 squares on Neighborhood RRs
• 4 gifts
• 3 pieces for ME

Like many other stitching bloggers have said, I'm going to be a little bit selfish in 2009 and stitch more for myself, family, friends and participate in fewer exchanges. Don't get me wrong, I love exchanging and it has been such a joy getting to meet so many new friends from all over the world. I have tons of stuff in my stash and I'd really like to complete some of the stitching projects I have purchased over the past few years. So we'll see how it goes, as you can see from my sidebar, I do still have a few exchange commitments for 2009!

Before I go settle in my stitching chair for the rest of the evening, let me wish you a

Happy New Year! Happy Stitching in 2009!