Sorry November…

…I missed you! Not that I didn’t have anything to blog about – let’s get real, I could post everyday if there were actually more than 24 hours available in a 24 hour time period.

If you follow me on Facebook – you know it’s been a little crazy!

– Finally got the last of the finishing for customers to the posty! I already have quite a line-up to start in 2015! Travels & the design side of Hands On keep me hopping. I still plan on doing finishing work, so if you are patient, I am willing!

– My folks came in for Thanksgiving – a first for them to travel west for that holiday. A good time was had by all! Grandpa helped decorate the outside of the house & Grandma helped us get a head start on holiday baking!

– Design Deadlines!!!!! A magazine here, a calendar there, new series, class pieces, and collaborations. That is not a complaint, because the alternative sure would be!

– Finally got some decorations all around! I have got GOBS of decorations – I could probably use 6 full size trees and still need more! I change it up every year and for 2014, I decided to pull out some of the older decorations that I hadn’t used in awhile. Such memories are attached to them all.

A special place for Christmas cards in the front hallway. Why yes, that is the box I designed for Just Cross Stitch – perfect for holding our incoming cards! I stitched the little “crackers” many years ago and that is the one & only Dutch Treat design I ever completed!

I made this nativity with my kids YEARS ago when I attended MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). There is usually a star on the stable, but the cats keep knocking it down behind the shelf. Apparently it is too bright for them, 🙂

The boys get a new Santa ornament each year. I made the main tree all stitched ornaments, so the hall tree has the Santas. We only put out the lightweight & non-breakable Santa’s. As predicted, this tree has fallen over several times already. (cue the cats again)

I love my mantle. The one thing that doesn’t change is the little white lights in the garland. It’s so pretty in the evening. I went with red sparkly ornaments tucked in between Santa & his sleigh.

I stitched stockings for the boys when I was pregnant with each one of them. I look back at my finishing every year & shudder. I’ve learned a few things over the years!

This year I am participating in iStitches Advent SAL. It has been so much fun. Every morning I wake up to an email with the day’s block. I’m further along than this picture, but I’m still a few days behind. You really should check it out!

And here is my biggest news! Taa Daa! A Year in Chalk! I was inspired by the chalkboard type of art that is everywhere these days. I have always loved the look. The actual chalkboard in the picture hangs in my laundry room. We write notes on it. (I had to erase some that were 2 years old from the last High School graduation to get it into the picture!)

12 separate charts to celebrate each month. I stitched on 30ct WDW Gunmetal. (Picture the Plus, Shadow & Hand Dyed Fabrics by Stephanie, Silver Mist (request it dark) are good aida substitutes.)

I feel like a proud Mom to bring this series to you. Each month is different but all use GAST Chalk and one other hand-dyed. (GAST Tropical Ocean for January) I am offering the boards for finishing as well. Many shops are starting automatic programs for this one. I will be getting that list onto my website next week!

Shipping starts in January.

I hope you enjoy stitching the whole series. It was so much fun to design for you!

A very Merry Christmas to you and all of the Blessings of the Season for your family!

Cathy