Saturday, November 28, 2009

Catching Up

Why does it get so crazy at this time of year? I can't really blame the holidays too much for my absence from this blog; my reasons are mostly work related. Some days are so busy that I just don't feel like being on the computer when I get home. But enough of that ... even though I've been absent from my blog, my needle and thread have still been busy!

I have quite a few people that I like to give gifts to, including my team at work (all 17 of them!) It would be quite expensive to buy gifts for all of these people; but I find that a handmade ornament is always well received!

As you can see, I've stitched quite a few of this design from Lilybet Designs called "Joy." I think I have this finishing method down pat now...lol. These were all stitched on miscellaneous fabric from my stash using DMC and Sampler Thread (Grape Leaf).


This second batch of ornaments is one of my favorite Mary Garry designs; you can find it in the 1998 JCS Ornament Magazine. I stitched these on miscellaneous fabric from my stash (mostly 32 ct lambswool) using DMC fibers (221, 420, 500.)


A great package was delivered yesterday - earlier this year I signed up for PIF from Karol on Rosebud's Stitching blog. She gifted me with more than just her stitching - a beautiful beaded fob, a beaded ornament (which I think Karol made), and two cross-stitch kits. But the pièce de résistance was this beautiful needleroll. The design is from Hands to Work and it can be found in the 2008 JCS Ornament magazine. Karol did a beautiful job stitching and finishing it. Thanks Karol!


Well, I have more to share, but I think I will save the rest for another post tomorrow. I hope my U.S. friends enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Wish you all a great weekend!

14 comments:

Cindy's Stitching said...

They all look so pretty in the basket. Who wouldn't love those. You did a great job.

Margaret said...

Nice ornament finishes! And I like the Pif you received as well! Very nice! It really is hard this time of year, isn't it? But the holidays can be lots of fun as well. :D Enjoy yours!

Kathy A. said...

Wow between working and stitching - no wonder you have no time girl! Your ornaments are beautiful - just beautiful.
What a lovely PIF.

Anonymous said...

Whoa! You have been busy! Love the new blog-look! Your ornaments are all fantastic!

Becky K in OK said...

I love the little Joy ornament. I stitched it as my ornie one year. Your finishing is fantastic. Love the MG pillows too. Great stitching!

Anonymous said...

Wow, the stitching elf has been busy at your house! Great finishing and I'm sure all of your friends and co-workers will love them!

valerie said...

Beautiful ornaments...amazing you could make so many of the same one! They look so great displayed in your baskets. I'm sure your co-workers will love them.

Great PIF you received!!

~Judy~ said...

WOW! You have been VERY busy. They all look great!! Where can we get the Joy pattern from?? I would love to stitch it.

mainely stitching said...

You put me right to shame with all your wonderful homemade gifts, Cathy!

And another cause for shame - the time has gotten away from me and I didn't get a birthday card sent out to you - I am so sorry!! I think of you often, but apparently I don't line those thoughts up very well with cards and stamps. LOL. BIG hugs on your special day.

JOLENE said...

Wow!!!! Sooo many ornaments, how kind of you to make and share your handiwork with all of your friends....soooo many!!!! They are all perfect. Love your Joy needleroll, very pretty, lucky you!!

Faye said...

OMG....these all look beautiful..especially put in the baskets like that! You have been busy and now you can sit back and let out a sigh of relief!~ Nice work! Faye

Lelia said...

Awesome ornaments!!! And wonderful gifts : ) Love the picture of the MG orns at the top of your blog. Very festive : )

Teri said...

Oh my gosh. What wonderful ornaments! How generous of you to share such wonderful handmade gifts with your coworkers and friends!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

My HEAVENS Cathy, you put me to shame...look at all those lovely, lovely, beautiful ornaments. I should think your fine group of coworkers and friends will be dazzled and tickled PINK to get such a beautiful gift!