Saturday, December 23, 2017

Back in the Saddle Again

I must admit, last month I almost gave up on this old blog.  Initially, I thought it was something I had done that was preventing me from posting.  After returning from Amsterdam I had to make a day trip down to Atlanta and on that late night flight home I was tired.  I did something I’ve never done before - I left my iPad on the plane in the seat pocket.  Anticipating that I would never get it back, I changed passwords on everything - iTunes, Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, etc.  I thought this was somehow related to my issues with Blogpress.  After several frustrating attempts to resolve and with help from a couple of other bloggers who also used Blogpress, I realized that theyjust ceased to exist!

So then I had to find another posting service.  I think I used Blogger a long time ago when I first started this blog.  Something happened and I transitioned to Blogsy and then Blogpress.  So now I am back with Blogger.  I had some issues posting photos, but I finally had time to figure that out.  So here we go again - fingers crossed!  By the way, I did eventually get my iPad back.

So what have I been stitching?  Most of November and December were spent stitching ornaments.   I probably stitched close to two dozen of the Hardanger ornament in the photo below.  I made eight sleds.  All have been gifted already.  The little Raggedy Ann ornament was made for my niece, June.




Last night I wanted to work on something different and pulled out a Blackbird piece that I started Thanksgiving weekend.  It’s called Feliz Navidad.  I’m stitching it on 40 count Legacy, but last night I was struggling with the linen.  My eyes have been changing; I have never needed magnification, but I think that a good quality magnifier is in my future!

Anyway, I thought that stitching on 36 count linen might work better and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  I pulled out this Prairie Schooler chart which I have wanted to stitch for years. I had a piece of 35 count Antique Lambswool in my stash that fit the bill.  Hee is my stitching progress from last night and tonight.



It’s been quite cold hee in Minnesota and my hands have been extremely dry.  This is what I use to keep my hands in shape for stitching.  These Burt’s Bees products work wonders overnight.  I also included my new favorite EOS lip balm.  It’s called Holiday Peppermint.

That’s all I’ve got for tonight.  Tomorrow we will have a rather low key Christmas Eve celebration.  We will be preparing for Christmas dinner on Monday.

Thanks for stopping!  Merry Christmas!



17 comments:

marly said...

Welcome back! I need 3.25 mags for 35 and 40 count and never used them before! Glad but surprised that you got your iPad back.

Hopefully your cold temps won't come my way. Merry Christmas!

teresa said...

I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas Cathy!

Halland House Gifts said...

Cathy, I’m so glad you’ve gotten your blog issues resolved. What would we stitchers do without our lip balm and hand cream—especially in the winter?

RJ said...

Cathy you have stitched so many lovely things. There will be so many happy people when they receive their gifts. I love little Raggedy Ann...she is so sweet. I'm so happy Blogger is working for you and we will be able to see more of your stitches for a long time to come.

RJ@stitchingfriendsforever

Brigitte said...

Good that you found the reason for not being able to post to your blog.
Christmas Village is such a great Prairie Schooler design. I stitched it many years ago and it was so much fun.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Sandra said...

Good to have you back Cathy. Your Christmas Village is looking good already, I might have to see if I have that chart in my stash.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Whew! Glad you got your iPad back, changing passwords can be challenging. You have been busy--the Prairie Schooler piece is a beauty

Marilyn said...

Gad you got everything sorted out, and also that you got your IPad back!
The ornaments are too cute, and that's a good start on your new project.
Marilyn

Teresa Parkins said...

Merry Christmas and happy stitching - so glad to find you are back posting!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Christmas Village has long been one of my favourites, I don't know why I never got round to stitching it as it's such an appealing design.

denise said...

Merry Christmas and a Stitchy New Year

denise said...

Merry Christmas and a Stitchy New Year

Stasi said...

Yea!!! Glad you figured out the issue and were able to resolve it. This internet thing is so wonderful when it works and soooo frustrating when it doesn't!!!
Love your ornaments and start on the PS piece--look forward to seeing what's to come!
Merry Christmas Cathy and welcome back!!!

Eva said...

So glad you are back! Missed your posts!

I too, have noticed a change in my eyes recently and I find myself reaching for my 2.5 clip on magnifiers more often.....especially on 36 and 40 count, something I never had to previously.

Getting old is not for the faint of heart. Merry Christmas!

Robin in Virginia said...

Cathy, it is good to see you back in blogland. Your ornaments are lovely and your start on the on the PS Village. I will have to look for that peppermint lip balm. I am happy you got your iPad back! Merry Christmas to you!

deb said...

Great to see you back - glad you were able to solve your posting problems!

Several years ago I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to stitch any more as I couldn't see the linen threads well enough. Bought myself a pair of cheater magnifier glasses at the drug store and popped 'em on over my regular bifocals and, wonder and delight, I can stitch! I now have several pair in different magnifications for different linen counts. I'm sure you'll find a magnifying solution.

Great start on the PS!

Khristine Doiron said...

My my you sure have been busy! So glad you got everything worked out! Your ornaments are lovely! As is your new start. I too love EOS lip balm but my 4 year old likes it a bit too much and he will actually eat it. Yuck! So I am going to wait a couple years before I buy any more :)