SAL: Current Christmas

At my last posting for this SAL I had shared my finish of ‘Happy Camper’, framed it and planned to give it as a gift to our friends who bought a similar looking vintage trailer. Well, that has not happened yet. In these past 3 weeks my husband became ill and wound up hospitalized and I came down with covid. These last 3 weeks to say the least has been nothing short of exhausting for us both. He is home and I am 5 days negative and were both thankful this bump in the road is over. I am looking forward to getting together with our friends soon.

As I began to think about a new project through my covid haze I decided on Christmas themed and found (2 ) on eBay of vintage Current Critters set of 4 Christmas Cross-stitch cards. I have done this type of Christmas card before (more modern) and they make the perfect gift within a card when you just need that little extra holiday cheer for someone. The first set that came in was this (below) copyright 1982 – 1987. I am starting with the raccoon – isn’t he adorable with that sweet bird on the candy cane? I have not started yet but prepped the floss and anxious to get started.

This is the 2nd set that arrived, copyright 1982. I usually like to go with a more traditional and religious theme with holiday cards but I think these are all going to be sweet and fun and we all need a bit of whimsy!

Now I am off and excited to visit the pages of the others in this SAL.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, 

Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, 

AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Cindy, MaryMargaret

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL.

SAL: Happy Camper Update

Checking in for the SAL that I am participate in with an update on my Happy Camper cross-stitch. This is my 4th posting progress for this project. Last time this cutie looked like this

She’s really beginning to look like a camper and I am happy with my progress. I’d love to have a finish within the next 2/3 postings. Although, she may need to be parked for a while when I make a trip east to N.C. from WA for the birth of a great grand baby expected April 8th. Until then I will keep working on her. Here she is below with her window awnings and door almost finished along with her bonnet – would you call the top a bonnet?

Also in this posting I wanted to share with you a finally finished project. You might remember my Snowman and Reindeer project I finished back in December. I had showed you some border fabric I was thinking of using and after that put everything to the side. Well I finally did finish. The picture is positioned slightly off center because of the glass glare. I think it came out just the way I wanted it, fun and whimsical. I think the bright framing fabric is the perfect compliment to the muted softness of the picture.

And one last share ~ this 1929 NeedleCraft magazine – and only 10c I actually found two, 1931 issue and bought them both. I just love the cover photo on this one!

Now I am off to check in with the others in this SAL. If you would like to join me please click on the links below. There are some amazing beautiful projects in the works

Avis, Claire, Gun, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, 

Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, 

AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, MaryMargaret

SAL: Snowman & Reindeer wrap up

Happy New Year to all. I couldn’t think of a better way to start the new year then to wish you the very best, a healthy and happy coming year filled with lots of crafty excitement and finishes.

I am entering 2023 with a wrap up on my Snowman & Reindeer cross stitch. (It only took me the entire 2022 year)

At our last posting I had pretty much thought I had a close finish and was ready to set aside and start something else. But with a bit of encouragement from all of you I soldiered on and did most of the little finishing touches I was going to put off. Here is where I was.

I had not done any of the backstitching around the birds and had not filled in the snowman. In the directions the white unstitched sections were left unstitched. I had originally wanted to fill them in. Looking at this now I can still see where improvement can be made. The bird on the hat, the bridal…I’m feeling ok with it for now. I love the fabric I photographed him on and am thinking I may use it as a type of frame/matting for this.

Something fun like the photo below, then framed with a red lacquered type frame – shiny and bright.

I am putting this aside now and will be starting on a new project. (showed you last posting) It’s time for a break and new start for this year.

Please join me in checking out the others in this SAL by clicking on the links below

Avis, Claire, Gun, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, 

Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, 

AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, MaryMargaret

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL.

SAL: Snowman and Reindeer Update

I was so excited to post that I had a finish with my Snowman and Reindeer cross stitch. I have been working on this since January and I was ready to frame and dance a jig. Then I realized I had not done the outlining stitching. I am still dancing though, this is a finish to a very long project.

I have decided not to fill in Mr. Snowman which I have toyed with doing. From a distance he looks just fine and frankly, I have run out of steam on this project.

While my fur baby was enjoying a spa day I popped into our Goodwill to look around. I had a few things I was looking specifically for, one of which was Scotty Christmas ornament for a neighbor…. the GW didn’t let me down and I found exactly what I was looking for. Bonus – I spotted this X stitch kit. I picked it up for my next project and just might start this and leave the backstitching on Mr. Snowman for later. I can use the wording as is or personalize it differently for gifting if I wanted. Either way it’s cute and will be less fussy to stitch.

I must admit I had never heard of Zweigart before so I did a quick google search on this brand and learned this company is Germany based and was established in 1877.

With our next posting on January 1st, I look forward to starting 2023 visiting with you all. I am wishing you love and laughter as we finish out this year.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, 

Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, 

AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, MaryMargaret

Our next updates will be posted on the 1st January 2023.

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL.

HQAL: Jane’s Quilt Update

Three weeks and here we are again, and I am ready to post with an update on Jane’s Quilt. There is never really much to show in the way of progress, that is nothing changes with the pattern and it looks quite the same each time. The photo below is from last time. I started working on the dark blocks. Finished them and have moved the hoop 2 times now.

As you may remember this was a gifted quilt top pieced by Jane Rogers and given to me by her granddaughter Raeleen, Jane was the mother of one of my dearest and closest friends, Jeanine. Both Jane and Jeanine have passed on now but through this gift, my relationship with Realeen, I feel like they are both still with me. Going through some of her mother’s things recently, Raeleen came across something of Janes and sent it off to me. I thought it would be fun to highlight it in this posting. It is a mailing from a quilt guild that Jane belonged to.

The mailing is from 1984. This was a guild she had belonged too prior to moving to her/our home town to be near her daughter. We are like a guild, a group of hand quilters keeping this art alive and if there had been no internet invented, we just might be mailing out a monthly flyer to our members with news and updates and cute pattern ideas to fit the season.

As we honor and uphold this craft of old, let us remember and honor those who have come and gone, who taught us and inspired and sparked our flame to hand quilt. Jane Rogers was one of those woman. I have shared this photo before but here she is again. Perfect timing with the Christmas season upon us. I remember exactly where we were and why. It was a luncheon in honor of Jane. Jane is opening a Christmas birthday card. She had a Dec. 27th birthday.

There are some beautiful projects in works and I am off to check in with the others.

You can join me by clicking on the links below 🙂

This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another. If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below. Enjoy visiting the other members of our group!

Kathy, Margaret, Deb, Nanette, Sharon, Karrin, Daisy, and Cathie

SAL: Snowman and Reindeer Update

It really does feel like winter here in the northwest corner of the United States. Spending more time inside than out certainly helps with steady progress on projects. At our last posting I was here with my cross- stitch

My favorite stitching time is an hour in the morning with repeats of Perry Mason on the TV. I’ve made considerable progress and I’am still hoping for a Christmas finish. Here is where I am now

You can see the progress with the background. I still have a bit of the side to complete and then all the backstitching. You might miss the green reins for the reindeer. I actually had and didn’t realize I hadn’t finished them. I still feel like Mr. Snowman needs some help – some fill in. But if I don’t get to that and decide to leave him, I think he will be fine.

Now I’am off to check in with the others in this SAL. You can join me by clicking on the links below.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, 

Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, 

AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, MaryMargaret

HQAL: Jane’s Quilt Update

The rain has been consistent and happily has kept me indoors crafting. It’s been another three weeks and time to update you on the hand quilting project I have been working on. I haven’t made as much progress as I would have liked but I am happy as I continue to get closer to a finish.

Just one picture of my progress this time. I completed the dark color cabin logs of this corner, which completes a bottom section all along the bottom or top, either way you look at it. You might notice the bottom and side log are not stitched and that is because I am not stitching all along the borders as there will be a binding that will cover them. I have moved the hoop to the next dark section and once that is done a complete half of the quilt will be finished. Actually I will be about 3/4 completed 🙂

I have been alternating with a baby quilt I am also hand quilting. Just a quick reminder of what it looks like.

Is anyone else feeling the crunch to get some Christmas gifts completed ? I can hardly believe we’re in November. I finished another hand quilted quilt that I haven’t shown as it is a Christmas gift. I have it wrapped and ready for mailing out for December 1st. I don’t want to ruin the surprise so I will show it in another update once it has arrived.

Also occupying my time and these rainy days are a few more junk journal pocket Christmas cards.

This card is so much fun ~ pic 1 has a vintage pin with monogrammed dangle attached onto the bottom ruffle. This has 2 pockets with journaling cards in them. Pic 2 the sweet framed golden song birds is the top tuck spot that holds the church card. There is gold glitter on the frame. Pic 3 is the back and these cards are attached with tiny clips. All of the printables are from RubyandPearlxo who you can find on youtube and she also has an Etsy shop.

This one is a favorite. Madonna themed and simple, the rose pocket holds 2 journaling cards and a vintage postcard. The rose pocket wraps around to the back framing in the rest of the printable. I should add the papers, also from RubyandPearlxo, are glued to a piece of sturdy card stock.

Now I am off to check in with the others and then get in some quality quilting time. Be well and see you all at the next check in.

This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another. If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below. Enjoy visiting the other members of our group! 

Kathy, Margaret, Deb, Nanette, Sharon, Karrin, Daisy, and Cathie

Christmas Eye Candy

It never fails, before you know it, Christmas is just around the corner with thoughts of sugar plum fairies dancing in our heads, Through out this year I have been working not only on my hand quilting and cross stitch projects but on holiday junk journals for gift giving. I thought it would be fun to give you a sneak peak at some of the projects in the works and/or completed.

These first 2 are Charles Dickens themed. The covers are made from recycled cereal boxes and bound with 1″ rings. This one below measures 4.5″x 7″. She has 10 pages filled with tags and ephemeral for journaling on.

This one below is also Dickens themed and is slightly larger measuring 6″ X 8″. Most of the digital prints are from The Graphic’s Fairy and some from The Digital Collage Club. Music pages from old piano sheet music books from the Goodwill. I also use magazine photos I find, like the horse & sleigh above. Ribbons ties are from my fabric stash. Shhhh – and you might have noticed the December 20th, not 25th, this is for a daughter (her birthday).

This next one is an envelope style with journal pocket card placed in front of the envelope. Both was made using a file folder. Angel themed, it measures 8.5 “x 5” I am not entirely done with this one. I am planning on adding some glitter edging to some of the cards. It is filled with all kinds of angel ephemera. All of the gifts have an original vintage Christmas postcard inside.

Simply made using a legal size red envelope this one has a tuck spot for journal cards in the front. This gift is bird themed with most of the ephemera inside and out having some sort of winter, bird, or Santa picture. Red sari ribbon and taffeta lace embellishments. The inside is filled with Christmas eye candy.

All of my journals have been made with a person in mind. This one is for a childhood friend who I share a special bond with. Measuring 5.5″ X 7.25″ this envelope is packed with 12 journaling cards, one for each month of the coming year. I love the red and gold sari remnant. I have not added a closure but I am thinking some white dotted swiss tule for a wintery effect. I will of course add a personal note to each journal before sending them off.

This hold in your hand cutie measures 3.5″ X 4″ and is Angel and Madonna/motherhood themed. Lots of lace and wispy threads are poking out and it is jam packed with goodies. The cover was made out of a jello box and there are 5 signatures with 10 making 20 pages in each signature.

The last photo I’m sharing is of envelope style journal pockets. These were made with cereal box or file folders for covers and I have 8 of them ready to go. I mostly used pages from Little Golden books that were Christmas themed, as well as other collected photos and ephemera. These are mostly for grandkids and their young families. I will tuck in a gift check and a restaurant gift card.

I am making it a bit easier on myself this year with no big gifts to ship with expensive post office fees. I hope you enjoyed this sneak peak.

What crafty holiday projects have you been working on?