Joy To The World!

Merry Christmas!
Our family attended a beautiful midnight mass at our church last night.
I probably didn't get to sleep until 2am. I had started a small freebie by Lizzie Kate and was very determined to get it finished today, and I did. :)
I thought it was so cute with the little sheep on it.
I am not sure if the freebie is still available or not..this freebie was given to me a long time ago from a dear friend.
**Edited to add...I just checked their website..I don't seem to see this freebie chart, but I see lots of other cute freebies there! If you click on this link, it should take you to their adorable freebies :)
Lizzie Kate Freebies

I hope everyone is having an enjoyable evening. We had a wonderful turkey dinner and really enjoyed being together for this very special day.

Raggedystitches,

Baking

My daughter asked me to bake another one of her favorite cookies this morning.
(I still have to roll out more Christmas cookies yet!)
These are called Mexican Wedding Cakes..and are sooo delicious too :)
I have posted the recipe on my recipe blog in case you are interested in making them too.

Now back to baking Christmas cookies!

Raggedystitches,

Christmas Cookies

I have spent most of my day baking my annual Christmas cookies today.
These cookies are called Powdered-Sugar Cutouts, but our family calls them
"Orange Peel Cookies" :)
Every Christmas time my daughter starts asking for orange peel cookies. She loves to help me cut out the cookies, and to put the sprinkles on. They really are so much fun to make!
A little bit of work, but well worth it.
You do have to refrigerate the dough to let it set up before you can roll it out to start using the cookie cutters.

I have made two double batches of dough (yes, you can double the recipe). I have used up one double batch already and the cookies came out fantastic! They are so delicious!
I packed up a nice big tray of the cookies and after church tonight, I went over to our priests home and surprised them with my cookies . They were delighted! :)
It made me feel so happy that I could do this small gesture of kindness to them, they give so much to us and our wonderful congregation at our church.

I will post the recipe on my recipe blog in case you would like to make these wonderful cookies too. They are a family tradition at our house and I make them every single year. My kids could not imagine a Christmas without them.
They also freeze well in Ziploc freezer bags in case you make too many. :)

You can find the recipe here:
2 Stitchin sisters recipe blog

I have become very interested in cookie molds lately too...
I found that I did have some that I had forgotten that I had! I have two Raggedy Ann molds, and one Angel mold.
I tried the dough in the Raggedy Ann mold and it came out quite cute! :) I brushed food coloring on her to give her a splash of color. :)


May all of your baking days be fun ones,
RaggedyStitches,

The Angels Sang!

I stayed up till 2am last night stitching. I was so determined to finish the project I was working on. This is a piece designed by Little House Needleworks titled "The Angels Sang". I fell in love with it the moment I saw it!
I stitched this on 28 count evenweave "khaki" and used DMC threads.
I can't wait to frame this one..perhaps a white frame with a "washed" look.

Now onto my next project :)
Raggedystitches,

SNOW!

We had some snow fall here in NC. It doesn't happen too often in our area, but when it does, it is such a delight!
My husband is too funny...he told me to go to the front door..there was a visitor!
Then, The crafty guy that he is made a "snow bird" too.
Our daughter went out just for a little bit that night, but it was so cold out there!
We have been keeping Peter Rabbit inside now for days.


I have been staying inside too keeping warm and stitching up my own storm :)
Raggedystitches,

Fudge

I spent the morning making the most delicious fudge! (It only takes minutes to make!)
I really didn't expect it to come out this wonderful, but it did :)
It was very simple to make, just mixed the ingredients together and popped it in the
microwave. Then, let it set in the refrigerator for hours.
It is soooo delicious!
You can find the recipe on our recipe blog:

2 Stitchin Sisters Recipe Blog

Raggedystitches,

The "Wishbone"

Our family has little traditions that we do over the years.
I believe this tradition was passed down from my dear Grandmother.
Anytime I cook a chicken or turkey, I make sure I save the wishbone.
I clean them off and let them dry on our windowsill in the kitchen.

When the time comes that I think we might need a wish or two...
We have the children break a wishbone with us. :)
It is something that is fun and we always like to see who will be the "winner" and who will have their wish maybe come true!

We have been doing this tradition for many many years now, since the children were little. I know they may think it silly that they are now older, but I know they would miss it if I stopped doing it!

I found some interesting information about this little tradition of the "wishbone breaking" and thought I would share it with you!


The Wishbone is to bring good luck to the person who comes away with the largest piece of bone in a little tug of war for two. For anyone unfamiliar with this tradition, each person takes hold of one end of the turkey's double-pronged clavicle. They pull until it breaks. The winner gets a wish.

There are several tricks that might help you win the contest.

*

Place your thumb higher up on your half of the wishbone and give a quick snap. Sometimes this works. Sometimes it doesn't.
*

Try using just your first finger alone, or your the first finger and thumb to exert a little extra pressure.

All this competition began at least 2,400 years ago with the Etruscans who lived on the Italian peninsula. The Etruscans believed fowl were fortune tellers because the hen announced she would be laying an egg with a squawk and the rooster told of the coming of a new day with his early morning crowing. A circle was drawn in the dirt and divided into twenty wedges that represented the twenty letters in the Etruscan alphabet. A piece of grain would be placed in each wedge. A hen would then be allowed to peck at the grain. As she ate, a scribe would list the letters in order and those letters would be interpreted by the high priests to answer questions.

When one of these chickens was killed, its collarbone was considered sacred and left under the hot sun to dry. Anyone was permitted to stroke an unbroken bone and make a wish, thus, the name wishbone. The Romans took many of the Etruscan customs as their own and since everyone wanted good fortune, they fought over the bones, breaking them.

It is said that the phrases "I need a lucky break" or "I never get a break" come from being the loser in this tug of chicken bone contest.

The English heard of this superstition from the Romans and called their wishbones merry thoughts after the merry or happy wishes that most people desired. When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock in the New World, they brought along the custom of breaking the wishbone. When they discovered the northeastern woods of North America were filled with turkeys, they changed their custom from the chicken bone to the turkey bone.

Every time you have the privilege of breaking the wishbone or witnessing someone else doing it, just remember that's how they did it way back when.

Raggedystitches,

WIP ~ "The Angels Sang"~

My present WIP is a design by LHN. It is called "The Angels Sang"
I am stitching this with DMC threads on 28 count evenweave, color "Khaki".
I fell in love with this design the moment I saw it. I am really hoping I can get it done in time for Christmas!
I am using my Q-snaps and my trusty little gadget The "Help-N-Hand" chart holder.
I have had this gadget for years now and cannot stitch without it! It holds my chart onto my Q-snap and makes stitching so much easier.
I know that Nordic Needle sells this item, and you can see it here:

Help-N-Hand

I also like to use the Help-N-Hand while I am on long road trips (when I am not driving of course!) ;) Makes stitching in the car easier too!


I have decided that I am going to spend this wonderful day stitching.
Raggedystitches,

Christmas Music

I have been listening to some really beautiful Christmas music.
One of my favorite songs is "Christmas Canon Rock" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
If you haven't heard it yet, you really need to listen to this wonderful Orchestra, they are truly amazing!

I was out at the mall last night with my son.
I was doing a little bit of Christmas shopping and decided to go into the book store.
Of course my feet took me over to the craft/stitching magazines!
I browsed through some of them, but didn't really see anything that caught my eye.
There was one magazine with a plastic covering on it, so I couldn't see what was inside. I wished that I could have..might have been some designs I may have wanted.

I started speaking to a woman next to me, I wish that I had remembered her name.
She was so sweet and kind. We chatted a little bit about crochet and cross stitch.
It is so much fun to meet new people. I had given her my blog address..hope she visits, **waving hello!***

It won't be long and it will be time to make my Christmas cookies!
I cannot wait :) I am sure I will be making some gingerbread men too.
I love this festive time of year!

Raggedystitches,

Advent Wreath

I had a wonderful morning so far...I dropped my daughter off to school, headed over to Goodwill to bring items that I no longer need. I also decided to go inside and look around a bit. Didn't see any good treasures today. I headed over to Dollar Tree and was so pleased to hear Christmas music playing when I walked in.
The most beautiful song was on "Mary did you know". I just love this song!

I could not find our advent wreath in our Christmas boxes. We have moved so many times, I am sure it is in a box somewhere! (Bet I will find it on the 4th of July!) ;) Sooo...I thought perhaps I could make my own advent wreath with items I find on my own.
I thought the dollar store would be the perfect place to find the things I needed to put together my special project.

Sure enough, as I walked into the dollar store (love this place!), they had everything a crafty lady could want, and cheap too!
I had to hold myself back from buying the store out. :) There were so many items I MAY need for the future..stickers, notepads, and CANDY too!
I found all the items that I needed and then headed home.

I fired up the glue gun, wrapped wire around the glass votive holders and attached them to the wreath (used packing tape over the wire to hold the wire securely onto the votive holders) I hot glued flowers around the wreath.
I still have yet to make a base for my wreath, but for now a pretty white dish will do.
I put in three purple candles and one pink.

I have the most WONDERFUL bushes in my yard that supply me with beautiful Red berries come every December! As you can see in the picture, the bush has given me enough berries this year to decorate my whole home. I place them on the tables and in wreath's, such as in the center of the advent wreath. :)


For those of you that may not know the meaning of the advent wreath, here is a little bit of what it is about:


The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four or five candles. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading and prayers. An additional candle is lit during each subsequent week until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, "Christ" candle which can be lit at Christmas. The custom is observed both in family settings and at public church services.

There are several interpretations of the symbolism of the Advent wreath.

The accumulation of light is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Christian faith is seen as the light of the world. The circular wreath represents God's eternity and unity. Evergreens are a symbol of enduring life.

In some traditions the first candle is called the prophet's candle and is meant to signify the hope of Jesus' coming. The second is called the Bethlehem candle in honor of the city of Christ's birth. The third candle is the shepherds' candle. The final candle is the angels' candle, symbolizing the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ's birth.


Raggedystitches,

Christmas Tree

Every Year we put up two Christmas trees...
One is our traditional tree, the other our little Raggedy Ann tree!
Our traditional tree is filled with many ornaments collected from over the years.
Ornaments made with my children, their handprints, salt dough ornaments, treasures made at school too..also Hallmark ornaments.

I was very sad that we will not be able to light up our angel tree topper this year. I don't have the heart yet to replace her.
The lights inside were melting the plastic under the angels dress, and I am too afraid of it burning. We Purchased this angel when we were first married..for our first Christmas together.
For now, I will put her back in her place of honor on top of our traditional tree where she belongs. :)


Our Raggedy Ann tree is such a delight to look at! As you all know, I LOVE Raggedy Ann! This tree is just that..all things Raggedy Ann. :) Lots of little ornaments of my favorite doll..with some of her brother Andy too.
Some ornaments I have found on my own..some were given to me by very dear friends.
With little bows of red tied on branches, it is such a sweet festive addition to our home's holiday decor.

Happy Decorating!
With
Raggedystitches,

Thanksgiving

My husband and I



Our Family

Our thanksgiving day was absolutely wonderful!
We had such a great time. :)
It was so nice to be all together sharing this wonderful day. We have so much to be thankful for.
We went to our friends house for a big feast! There was turkey and all the fixings :)
and many, many desserts. They have the most beautiful home I have ever been in, it is absolutely stunning!
I snapped some fantastic photos yesterday, and some were taken of us..I think we have our Christmas card picture for this year!
The family always puts up such a fuss over taking the picture, but this is one thing that is so very important to me. I am proud of my family. We usually only do a picture of the kids every year for our Christmas card..but the kids are getting older now. I think a family photo is so nice to have..(although they might not agree with me!)
I guess I have taken way too many pictures over the years and have worn them out. ;)

I was thinking of starting a new cross stitch today..a Christmas design.
Perhaps maybe! :)

I know for sure that I am staying far away from any store!

With Raggedystitches,

Raggedy Ann Ornaments

I have had many friends inquiring about my Raggedy Ann ornaments.
I thought I should put a post about them :)
These were quite simple to make, I didn't have a pattern for them..just my own idea.

A lot of you wanted to know how to make your own..
I will try my best to explain how I made them.

I used muslin fabric that I had tea dyed (for a vintage look), I used thin batting for in between the circles
I cut the front, back, AND batting circles with pinking shear scissors to prevent fraying.
I placed a folded piece of ribbon for hanging in between layers, then top stitched all three layers together with a straight stitch.

I went to the craft store and picked out a chunky deep colored red yarn for the hair...
I cut pieces of the yarn and folded them in half, tying a knot in the end.
I hot glued each "knot" to the front face of the Raggedy Ann ornament.

I then used acrylic black paint for the eyes...dipping the end of a wooden dowel in the paint and "dotting" each eye for her face (makes perfect circles!)
I Then used a thin brush with red paint and with freehand painting, painted her triangle nose, and the tiny heart for the center of her mouth.

After the eyes, nose, and tiny heart for the mouth were dry..I then took an ultra fine Micron pen (great for fabric!).... and drew the details..such as the eyelashes, mouth lines, and eyebrows.

I tore red fabric into strips and tied bows..hot glue that onto the face of Raggedy Ann, just under her mouth!

I used my covergirl powder blush with a stencil brush and "blushed" her cheeks!

I think this covers everything..they really aren't hard to make at all...
I enjoy doing anything Raggedy Ann..I just LOVE this doll to pieces!

Have fun and happy crafting!

Raggedystitches,

Sewing Purses

I have been crocheting and sewing!
I just finished up making a pretty sewing purse..which could be used for keeping sewing or stitching supplies, or just to use as a pretty handbag!
I will be on my way out the door to do food shopping.
There is so much to purchase being as I am the designated "Baker" for Thanksgiving!
I make many desserts and I do enjoy doing this so much.
There will be:
apple pie
pumpkin pie
chocolate mousse pie
jello with fruit
pumpkin bread
chocolate chip cookies
gingerbread
my homemade cake with buttercream icing
brownies

and perhaps a few other goodies in store! I am thinking of perhaps making a new dessert to add to the list for this year.
With Thanksgiving coming up, it is not just at this time I know how blessed I am for the good things in my life, it is all year long.
I am most thankful for my family, my wonderful husband.
My children are the greatest gifts to us.
I am thankful for also my extended families, friends, and our health.
I am thankful to God for giving me hands to work with, that I can create and do for others.


I was searching some blogs for Christmas ornament designs, and found a really great blog with some wonderful freebie ornament links!
Perhaps you might want to check this blog out..LOTS of links with charts you can print for the upcoming Christmas holiday!
Thank you to Pinwheel! :)


Ornament Chart Links

If I don't get back to post before Thanksgiving (although I might post a picture of all my baked goodies!) I wish you all a Blessed Thanksgiving day!

Raggedystitches,

Sewing Box

I have made another small sewing box out of a Whitman's candy tin.
I used a pink tin this time, so pretty!
I stitched up Blackbird Designs "Small Token" on 25 count Lugana..which made the design much bigger in size. It fits the top of the lid nicely.

I used cardboard and cut to size with some batting for the lid and inside of the box.
I hot glued everything. (love that hot glue gun!) :)
I used pretty pink felt for keeping pins and needles..cut into a heart shape. On the bottom I used sticky back pink felt.

I am asking my husband to take me to the Russel Stover outlet again soon..I just LOVE decorating tins! They have so many different ones to choose from there.

My son surprised me and bought me a Juicy Fruit gum tin he found at Rite Aid. Just the perfect size for my crochet needles. :)
I just LOVE tins!

Today is a beautiful day outside.
We are hopefully going to put up our Christmas tree today.
:)

Wishing you all a blessed day today!
Raggedystitches,