Almost March!

I cannot believe that Spring is almost here. I look forward to it arriving! I am thinking about Saint Patricks day, and baking Irish Soda Bread. I have been keeping busy as always, and needlework and sewing are always at the top of my list. I have a few needlework pieces that will be ongoing, as they are so very large in size. I will post pictures of things I am presently working on, or have finished, including stitched pieces, and crochet. If you are still visiting me here and reading my updates, thank you so much! I know many of you who stop in are following me on other social media...as it seems blogging has fallen to the wayside. Now onto pictures of my works! They are in no particular order, its just easier to post as I find the pictures on my little laptop :) This is Friendship Sampler by Birds of a Feather..I just started this one!

My New Needlework Chair

Pillowcases made with my Juki. This sewing machine is incredible, and I am in love with it!

This is Peaches and Cream Sampler by Lorri Birmingham. I started this piece back in the 90's, and have decided to pick it up again.

A small sweet finish, designer Heart in Hand.

A V-Stitch crochet Valentine blanket I made for Valentines Day :)

Topper Curtains I sewed using Pioneer Woman fabric. I just love her fabric line!

Quilt squares I have been sewing using Pioneer Woman fabric

Blueberry Pie baking :)

Consider the Lilies by Heartstring Samplery..ongoing piece

Forever in Stitches by Summer House Stitche Workes

Our sweet cattle dog Ginger!

I started teaching myself gingham crochet...but didn't like it too much..too fussy to do.

Our Family is a Circle of Love by Lizzie Kate Designs

Have Ye Any Wool by Brenda Gervais of With They Needle and Thread Designs

Warm Winter Woolens by Little House Needleworks

Zippered pouches I have been sewing. Some have Blackbird Design fabric on them.

A new machine to add to my collection, a gift from my husband! Janome new home in the pretty aqua (crystal) color :)

Vintage baskets, a Raggedy Ann Needle Card, a beautiful cross stitched piece, and some vintage linens from a day trip out with friends visiting antique shops. We had so much fun!

My ongoing Attic 24 Yuletide Blanket, I hope to finish one day! Pretty White crochet scarves with added pom poms I made for friends. A baby blanket I also crocheted for a sweet friends baby girl.

I have added more pictures in my post, but did not put descriptions. After the picture of the scarves I had made, and the baby blanket, here is the Christmas Bells and O Come Emanuel cross stitch. Stay Home and StitchT by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle and Thread, Heart and Hand by Brenda Gervais,Flea Market Flowers by Lori Holt, Father Son and Holy Spirit (sorry I don't remember who this one is by), Pumpkin Farm by Blackbird Designs, Gourds and marigolds by The Scarlett House, another picture of my quaker 2 sampler by bygone stitches with my wip yuletide blanket, Boo to You! Brenda Gervais, Waiting for the Harvest by Blackbird Designs...found in the Winds of Autumn Booklet, Glory to God My Big Toe Designs, another Quaker 2 picture of my ongoing piece, Two sweet airplanes stitched for my Grandsons. The first one was stitched when our Son was little,,,I passed it on to our Grandson, and stitched another for our other Grandson! This airplane design was found in an old magazine, more pillowcases Ive sewn, and the last picture is Dream House by DMC...I finally finished this after starting it when our children were little...many years later, it is finally finished! This is a pretty full post for now, and I must be moving along to get some things done today. Perhaps I will try to post again one day soon. Its been a long time since my last post, and I have made so many things! I hope you are all getting along well and staying healthy Louise xx

Small Patriotic Finish

Grand Olde Flag by Heart In Hand

The First Gift (and more stuff)....

First I want to say "thank you"..Some of you commented on my last post and it truly warmed my heart. I know that I am not the only one in this world that has grown up with hardships..I know somehow we all do learn to get past them and move on with our lives. I am thankful that at the age of 18 I met my wonderful dear sweet husband. He is the greatest blessing to me! I am so glad he is now back home again from being away on a business trip. I have missed him so much!
Now..onto what the title of this post is about...I came across something that my husband gave to me when we first began dating. You see, I loved turtles back then...well, actually, I still do..I had quite a collection going in my teen years! Soooo..yes, a turtle lover was I! :)
My husband was in the Navy and I was head over heels in love with him from the moment I first laid my eyes on him. I would see him for a weekend...and then he would leave for the Navy again. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder..well, yes it does! In the beginning of our courtship, he was home on a weekend for leave...at the end of the weekend, he handed me a small box...he told me to open it after he was gone. It was a surprise! I couldn't wait to open that box!
Look what was inside....

It is a tiny little pewter turtle! I was so excited that he picked this out on his own just for ME! :)
I have kept it in safe keeping all these years...I just took it out and held it closed up in my hands and asked him if he remembered the first gift he ever gave me...and he looked at me and said "of course I do, it's a little turtle right?"! I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!! :)
Now..onto other things...
I had a nice day out today with stitching friends. We celebrated my friend Avona's birthday with lunch, then joined in a stitching get together . I worked on an old UFO..got a little more done on my Harriet Wool Whimsy Bunny! Too cute!

 I have started another stitchery called "The Valentine Sampler" by the Goode Huswife. It is coming along nicely! Just in time for Valentines Day:

I have had much trouble seeing while I stitch lately. I had gone for an eye checkup..and I do wear contact lenses..but the eyes are starting to get old I guess..I do have bifocal contacts..but I still would like to stitch on very small count linens and even weave fabrics... I took the advice of my stitching friends and stopped off at the local Dollar Tree for a pair of magnifying eyeglasses (just for stitching) and a necklace to put them on..not bad for two bucks! I do hope it will help me to see the tiny little x's I want to stitch!
Between the contacts and the magnifying glasses..I should now be set (I hope!)...

I look forward to a night relaxing with my family (so thrilled my hubby is now back home with us)..and I will spend the night stitching away!! WOOHOOO!!

Ps....I am down 30 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessings to you!