…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
Cute decorations.
The boys' stockings are too pretty.
The SAL is pretty on that blue fabric.
Love the new Chalkboard series!
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Marilyn
Everything looks so festive, Cathy! Love the card box. Which issue of JCS is it in? Also, are the finishing instructions there as well?
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thanks Meari! The design and finishing instructions were just in the Nov/Dec issue of JCS! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you Marilyn. Thank you for your nice compliments!
Enjoyed your photos! Off to look for that JCS magazine issue! I love the Advent piece on the blue fabric. Which blue fabric are you using?
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a bright 2015.
Robin in Virginia
Cathy, I love your upcoming A Year in Chalk! It will be my first stitchy purchase of 2015! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Carolyn
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