The night before , the night before

   The year is coming to an end and for many of us we look forward to a new year ....a new start. I have been busy at my sewing table...

The are two Prosperity Hen strings hanging in my house, one at the front door and the other at my bedroom slider. They were fun to make.

Although we do not get snow  here in The Valley (Arizona), I do like the look of snow and love snowflakes. These are made with wax paper!

Since I can not run away with the circus, I will bring it to me. Ann Wood is designing a few circus animals and I plan on making them all....this is the first, the elephant and soon to come will be a monkey and a cat.

This is my new Journal that I made to record thoughts and ideas and whatever happens. I will begin on January. I love making Latkans and so bedsides dangling beads there is one that will be a book mark. This will hopefully eliminate my writing notes on scrap paper.

A rocking horse ornament.

Two reindeer made from flannel with skinny twine legs and beads for feet. Thank you Debbie for designing the pattern.

Alejandro just moved in. I just love him....had to have him.

My d-i-l  Andrea and my grandchildren, Devin, Julian and Rosie and their new puppy Millie. They visited the Lobster Pot Christmas Tree in Stonington Ct.

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Murphy ....

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Another month ...

 It seems that time is getting misplaced around here. My intentions to do this and that get lost. Since our last visit, I have been having physical therapy for my right knee. I had a fall and landed right smack dab on the knee. I am almost finished with PT and it has helped, but, with the arthritis it is not going to get much better. The goal for 2025 is not falls. This last one was because I tripped over the vacuum cord. My carelessness. anyway, if you really know me, I keep busy. One of my favorite designers is Ann Wood. I buy her patterns and enjoy the free ones. Recently she began a "circus" set and now finally for sale. You know I had to make the elephant...

Love, love it. She will release the others; a monkey a lion and a cat periodically. Oh sign me up! I added a pipe cleaner to the trunk so I could bend it up. Maybe another Elephant will appear.

My felt Christmas tree is "redecorated" for the holiday. It is a tree that is always in my room and holds many handmade items.  I made the tree some years ago from a pattern by Donna Bayless. Another wonderful designer.

This year, I added decorations on top of my curio. I will add pictures of our tree and mantel and kitchen tree soon.   Our shopping is really complete and I have just 3 packages to mail this week.

I know you are all busy with holiday preparations, but remember to take moments for yourself. So glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Pigs do fly!!!

 Here we are in November. There are 53 days until Christmas and I find myself almost ready. My packages for  mailing  should go out by the first week in December. 

My last post I mentioned how little things pop up to distract  me. Well, truth be told, they are not so little. I am sure in this house there are Pixies living here. Yes, I do believe in all those things. Why do I know this, well here is a list of things that are missing....a kitchen paring knife--one of Lisa's white flip flops--my black feathered crow--Alan's I watch--my resin sculpture of a horse and rider (The End of the Trail)--and now my small book of my passwords. Oh we have look high and low and near and far. These items are someplace in the house....but where? there are other things that go on that disrupt living here; but that is for another post.

Look at my flying pig! Isn't she cute. I think the pink/white check suits her perfectly. Maybe a friend will join her....never know.  I enjoy creating this and that for my room. My room is my special place.

Recently made The Green Man using felt and twigs. I wanted to make one for a long time. When I saw this pattern it was perfect for how I wanted to stitch it. What my eyes see keeps my hands busy for sure. I am lucky to have the time to spend on these projects. 

Our weather here in Arizona is finally changing. the triple digit temperatures have gone away. The bedroom slider is open most days and Murphy loves going in and out. Sometimes he just lays by the slider sniffing the air. For no this is what is happening around here. There is more to share....

Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

I am still here~~~

 Hello friends.

Thank you Catherine  for reaching out and letting me know that you miss my posts.

I know, it has been a very long time since my last posting. I just seemed to fall away into my own self. To be honest, little issues pop up and then they seem to become more than little and by the time they disappear, well, I think many of you can relate. I keep myself very busy......there are days that I do absolutely nothing but relax. I enjoy YouTube and have learned a lot. I have not done any beading or cross stitch in a very long time. After the last hand surgery it was difficult to do very fine detail work. Much better now. 

My interests now switched back to sewing and embroidery and crochet/knitting. Here are pictures of some of my doings....

 

reverse blanket stitch embroidery on a straw "box"

 

Christmas ornament ready for wrapping

a fabric bowl

 

a simple plastic bag dispenser

 

 

an appliqued tissue dispenser

So as you can see, these are a few of what has kept me busy....and yes there are a few more I will share.    Dear friend/sister Debbie in Canada and I keep sharing ideas and at times we work on the same project. We definitely keep one another busy.

How about a look at Murphy...he is now 5 years old. That is about it for now. I promise to be more regular with my blogging. I really do enjoy sharing and seeing what others are up to.I have noticed many bloggers are not posting as often or anymore.  I really need to catch up on everyone's blog!

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Another year to mark

We had 47 years together; some were difficult but the wonderful times far out number those. Those last days were difficult for me....but  those days were more difficult for you. You told me that you wanted me to "live a happy life". I try each day to find something to be happy about but some days it is near impossible. You were my happy life.

 Today is 7 years without you. Time does not make it easier. Some might say it is time to move on...where? how? My world feels  shattered just as it did our last 33 days together. Each day hurt so much. I still can hear the nighttime phone call to say you were finally at peace. For me it meant a lifetime of missing you. I miss your smile.... your touch.... holding hands. I miss your humor and witty comments. Sometimes I look over my shoulder when I am sewing/crafting to not find you there. You always encouraged me to try something new. You thought I could make anything.

 Some days, many actually, I look to the garden and remember how much you loved being out there with a watering can in hand. You did not want the automatic sprinkler system on. It drove me crazy but you enjoyed caring for each plant.  It is sad sometimes for me to sit outside without you.                

So my love, I will continue to remember all the wonderful loving times.  Our love will always be in my heart......

My mind…

Still talks to you

And my heart still looks for you

But my soul

Knows you are in

Peace.

La Vita e Bella

December 16, 1945~~~June 21, 2017

The heat has started

 Temperatures are on the rise! It has been 100+ days and today is no exception, it is 102 heading to 106. I just am happy to stay indoors and keep busy. Here is what I have been up to:

Reindeer pals made from flannel

 

went fishing...

 

a pixie bag...maybe now they will not be misplacing my things!

 

look who moved in with me....with a story to tell!  I saw THE pattern on Facebook. The frog advertised was like but different. The frog pattern I thought I was buying had a hat on his head where you could lift and keep a thimble, his mouth opened and there you put scissors. The pattern arrived (Chinese) and what you see is what the pattern was and one of the template pieces was missing, #C, the belly. Of course I contacted the customer service email  twice.... no response. I reached out to PayPal to see if they could help. Very little help, actually none at all. PayPal and I are not on good terms right now for another issue. Well as you can see, I made the frog and made my own belly pattern. All in all, I am really happy with him . He sits at 3 1/5 inches and nose to butt is 4 inches. The hind legs spread out. 

That was how May ended....June has some new things already. That will be another day. Thank you for the lovely comments and emails regarding my grandchildren, The Horton Kids. I m glad to have you stop by today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

They call me Nana~~~~

 Hello friends....

Try as I may, it seems I am on a monthly posting. Anyway, as long as I show up....and I do keep busy. I  made a fabric basket (of sorts) and two moose ( did you know there is no plural for more than one moose). I have been working on the Brick Quilt and almost finished with anther small quilt. I have fish that are certainly not like the fish my dad caught! This is a different post today.... not about my creations.

This was the first Mother's Day that I heard the words "Happy Mother's Day Nana".

These are my grandchildren. Starting at the red hood is Devin/13, then Julian/10 and finally Rosie/6 (Roselyn). The live in Rhode Island. If you are wondering why this was the first time...with no further explanation,  my DIL Andrea and I  had been out of touch.  She is raising 3 happy children.
They sent a video and is was a joy to see smiling faces and hear a cheerful message. Thank you Andrea!The bronze dog statue is quite famous in RI. It is in Roger Williams Park and has over the years been located in different places. I have a photo (1946) of my mom and dad sitting on it!

Today I am sewing a Frog Sewing Caddy...there is a story behind it! Always is something, right? I am happy that I could introduce you to the children. thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Japanese Rice Bag

 

Japanese rice bags, also known as komebukuro, are traditional drawstring bags used to store rice. These bags are typically made from cotton or silk and are often beautifully decorated.

Recently I have become interested in the  art of Japanese crafting. I enjoy hand sewing actually more than machine at times. This is one side....The patches are stitched in the Boro style.

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  This is the other decorative side. The bag is 4 sides and bottom of equal size. The end of the drawstring are origami tulip style. Rice bags are important for the Japanese New Year to hold offerings. back into the swinThe bags are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household. I chose to keep my stitching simple.

I know.... you are surprised at a post so soon. I am trying to get back into the swing of things. Glad you stopped by today. thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Sometimes.....

 Sometimes we just need a kick in the behind. Sometimes it just takes a caring note. Sometimes just someone asking if you are okay. That just happened just a few minutes ago. I checked my email and there it was. A note asking if I am okay..."checking on you because I care"...... why? I have not been blogging.  It actually brought me to tears to feel so loved by a  friend whom I have never met. Except through the blogging world. We are a caring group of people though. Vickie, thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I stopped doing cross stitch, I got lax with my blog. Do not know why..... I keep very busy making and creating daily. My interests have moved to hand stitching and quilting. No reason why I should not share that with the blogging world. 

Of course I still get in trouble. Just last the other day I burned my right index finger on my Clover iron...which was heated to 520 degrees!

Oh the pain!!!! The Brother Alan , the doctor, pierced it and let it drain and it felt better. Now the very dry area is starting to peal. I have tucked that iron back into the craft closet...way back in the closet!!!

I will post the projects that I have been working on in a few days...no, no..... not all at once, a few at a time.  I have been interested in Japanese needlework/ sewing, quilting and hand stitching in general. Right now I am working on an EPP patchwork Dog...actually 2 of them.

Thank you for stopping by today, thank you for your friendship.

Keeping busy but not out of trouble!

 The one thing that is a daily must for me is being at my sewing/craft table. I am very fortunate that I can. Time is mine for the doing.So, let me start with pictures and brief note....

Felt Tea pot with Teddy bear and Mouse

Sam and Sue Frog with their friend dressed in pink

Learning Sashiko stitching

Clamshell applique... no idea what it will be when finished!

Origami Triangle Box

So, that is some of what I am doing....learning.....trying. Dear friend Debbie (in Canada) do not let distance (1315.5 miles) interfere with our needles. We constantly share what we find and want to make. We usually make them at the same time...great moral support. What ? Guess I should explain.

                                                 

I was chopping aunt Aunt Cassy's Date Balls.....YUM... anyway, instead of using the knife that I always use, I decided to use the vegetable cleaver. Did I mention that it is very very sharp? Well all of a sudden there was blood bubbling out of my finger. Rushed to the bathroom to clean and wrap it. Back to the kitchen only to find more blood on my hand. Inspection showed the other cut finger.  Back to the bathroom!Actually I sliced off a piece of skin from each cut. Of course, I had to clean the cutting board and toss out the dates on it.I was prepared for Alan when he arrived home to lecture me. He just informed me that I should not be using that knife. I am almost healed. That is what has been happening here. Happy to visit with you as always. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

77 Sunset Strip

 Hello my friends... who remembers is old enough to remember  77 Sunset Strip TV series...okay, I do and I just celebrated my 77th birthday. My celebration started on the day...the 3rd with breakfast out with Dianna, lunch out with Lisa on the 4th and ended last night with dinner out with The Brother Alan and Lisa.  Guess I will stop humming the theme song now. Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Cousin Maria send a videocard of Donny Osmand signing to me! Lovely gifts received and cards..... totally feel special. 

I wanted a Fairy setting...for Christmas, The Brother Alan and Lisa gave me the house with the blue arrow and it had a couple of fairies with it,,,for my birthday they gave me the yellow arrow set up that had 14 items,,,I made the back round from collected twigs. I love it. At night it has fairy lights which looks magical.

My sis Lyn sent me this lovely scented candle with Happy Birthday charms that revolve when the candle is lit. A nice soft fragrance.

Dianna brought me these

mushrooms...One glass and the other with a tufted top.... love mushrooms. She also bought a birthday cake and a candle!

Dear Debbie and hubby sent me this beautiful anklet.  The meaning is so lovely. I have not taken it off since it arrived, I have the words posted at my sewing table so I can read them often. All in all, I had a very nice birthday...

The Tiny Dog Adoption went well. One pup is going to Germany, one to Texas, one to Wisconsin. Two are off to Rhode Island and 2 are staying here in Arizona with one going to Lynda Ruth in Canada. These are the last if anyone is interested.

We are expecting a rain storm for the next 3 or 4 days. Happily I can remain indoors and work at my sewing table. It is always nice to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Time for adoptions

 Hello my friends. Did you think I would forget the Tiny Dog Adoption? I was just waiting to get it organized. There are only 10 so it will be first come gets first choice.....by email only. In the order of the emails, I will contact you with a link for you to make a choice.  This is free ... no charge or shipping cost.

Sam the frog now has trousers.... it has been chilly here in Arizona. I enjoy making these different creatures. I think he needs a lady friend. I started my Christmas ornaments...I know...what is going on? 

Every year I say start early and of course other projects catch my eye. It is on my New Year Suggestion List! The snowman is for a special girl and the elf boots, just because. Each boot hold a Hershey kiss. Yes, there are 2 different colors but I will make the matching color for them. I am working on another ornament, but it will be not for Christmas. A teacup, a mouse and a teddy bear!

This bird flew in last week. First time making wire legs/feet. He may fly to my tree.....

just like this woodpecker did!  I think a squirrel would be nice. Don't see any here in The Valley area. They are mostly in the high country....north of here. I saw one once while in the Grand Canyon.....

Okay....remember...if you are interested in a Tiny Dog, please email me. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

No resolutions for me

 Happy New Year my friends....I know, a bit late. Do you make new year resolutions? I prefer a list of suggestions. The definition of resolution: a firm decision to do or not do something. The definition of suggestion: An idea or plan put forward for consideration.  My list is usually 10 suggestions. Are all my suggestions followed...of course not. Anyway, just my thing.

Look at this 5 inch rose! It opened on New Years day.....good omen. Still have some roses blooming but now we are starting a cold spell so maybe time for them to sleep until Spring.I must say that I had a wonderful Christmas. Relaxing and fun. Santa really read my list! An update on me. It seems that my asthma has returned. For the 18 years living here in Arizona, I lost it. Back in Rhode Island I was coping with inhaler and breathing treatments. Now I am back on an inhaler and a med to help...so far all is good. Thank you for your good wishes.

I have not worn a watch I retired....since 2015. Sis Lyn sent me this watch which works with my Samsung phone. Very like an Apple watch. Still getting used to wearing it, but I love it. I love that I can easily change the photo.

As many of you know, I have not been tatting or doing cross stitch for some time. First I needed a change and secondly, hand/finger issues get in the way. But I keep busy with hand sewing and knitting and my miniature dolls rooms. Next I am working on a Fairy village. I will be doing some Sashiko stitching also. My tree has been growing....still a work in progress. Remember my Tiny Dog from this post, well, now there are 10 Tiny Dogs

 They will be available for adoption soon! So, if interested, stay tuned for info. For now their faces are hidden!

This is Sam... a little 5 inch frog who is can sit or stand on his own. Soon he will have coveralls and maybe a sweater....I think maybe a little lady will join him. The directions were not hard to follow..there were a few lines that were not as clearly written and the video to assist the knitting, well it did not match the written directions.  I have been knitting since a young girl and also taught knitting for a local knit shop, so I am able to get through the hiccups. Challenges are always good. Glad you stopped by today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.