small project

this year is meant for the smalls and all the pieces i have started and not finished
i know we all have a ton of those
and since my health is not where it should be i am going to listen to my body and let it heal.
when the needle and thread calls me i will work on all those projects push aside, months and years ago.
i would be so happy to know i at least finished a few during these exhausting times.
i still have Mary Wigham to finish
The Truth Sampler from many many years ago
Judy O'dell's online class the Lady's Chest
and the Toy Chest, both are stitched just need to be assembled.

this year as every year Northwest Sampler Guild has a challenge that has to be completed by the annual tea in February. This year the theme is TEA! which means you can stitch anything, any size with a Tea related theme.

i picked something extremely simple a bookmarker. I knew i wouldn't have the energy to complete a whole sampler or a big project but also because Tea is not something i would normally design something around. but i am happy it is done it was quick and fun.

here is the front of the bookmarker
i weaved a ribbon thru the bottom and stitched a handful of different stitches on top.
who doesn't love a good book and a cup of tea.

and the back is just the word tea and a little cup.
the ribbon i stitched on was folded in half and stitched together.
so easy and i know i will find it holding that place in a great book.

i hope you have time for a good book, a cup of tea plus a simple project to keep your hands active.

How do you thank someone?

it has been a difficult past few months.
we all know what it is like when you health becomes a major issue and the energy you used to have is no longer standing by.
i have not been stitching as much as i would like and haven't seem some of my dear friends for many months.
the thing that keeps me going beside family and knowing i have another 6 months of treatment if all goes as planned is my sweet dear friends.
i received a huge package the other day and couldn't remember what i had order or why.
i opened it to find...

a fun mixture of goodies that cheered me up instantly.
don't you love the big eyed lady bug, pink nail polish, peppermint lip gloss, chocolate face mask, a cute napkin with a Valentine card, eye pillow that smells like lavender! plus so many cute little cards with such heart felt love. the red bird cage had chocolate hearts inside (yip i ate those, first) and the beautiful homemade bird with a button jar to perch on. plus an assortment of beautiful sampler cards from the National Trust.

here is a close up of the beautiful bird and cage, the wings can hold needles and the red buttons have a great little home for now.
  remember never to give in to the pain or the exhaustion.
when you least expect it a smile can arrive in a box.
thank you to my incredible stitching/traveling friends...
Beth, Becky and Julie. your friendship makes each day a little easier, knowing you are on my side.
see you all soon.

threads thru time and color

misc. stitched items, photos from my trip back east October 2011
 we visited so many wonderful places as you can see in some of my previous post.
 Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Winterthur traveling with  3 of my favorite woman made it even more amazing.









back of of a pocket book, love this stitch and oh the color

don't you just love the teeny tiny sewing kits

 Chester County Needle Roll beautifully stitched and vivid colors 

another great stitched purse

so many great memories

A New Year

love the colorful stitched birds

we always ask where has the year gone and what did i accomplish this past year.
i think this year i will not look back with what didn't happen or look forward with things to complete.
this year i am going to concentrate on my health and what creates calm and happiness in my life.
it sounds selfish but  i know i have to give myself the space and time to concentrate on my health in order to be there in the best health for those i love in the future.

as some of you may remember i  had to put stitching on the back burner the past year due to wrist problems and i am happy to say i have picked up my needle and it feels good.  i have projects that i love and i look forward to working on them.
 i have a ton of books i can't wait to sink my brain into.
i am cooking  foods that heal and nourish and it is amazing how many great cook books there are out there for just that.
one i highly recommend for just plain good health is called "The Cancer Fighting Cookbook" by Rebecca Katz, before you panic and think i have cancer i am very happy to say i do not. The treatment i am under for my liver is very toxic and my acupuncturist recommended this book to help fight the lack of energy, lack of appetite and over all sadness that this treatment sometimes throws at you. Rebecca Katz has such great ideas on how to bring the maxium nutrition and pleasure to a meal.  this year is about eating and eating as healthy as i can.
She has incredible information about how to help yourself and others heal from almost any toxic treatment. She gives such great tips and simple ideas.
a must read if you are going thru any kind of treatment or have a loved one who is.

 a beautiful red head stitched bird i saw on our trip back east in Philly in October 2011. i have so many pictures i want to share and i hope you will forgive me but i did not take the best notes so i have no idea where some of the stitched pieces live. i hope you just enjoy them as much as i do.
Welcome to a New Year and i hope you can fill it with people and places that make you smile.