Thursday, January 26, 2012

A couple small finishes.........

Well so far I got 2 of  my January goals done.   Where is the month going so fast?  I still need to finish up Lizzie-Kate's "Dog Lessons" before the end of the month.  Maybe I should go back to pulling "all-nighters" like I was famous for back in college LOL.

This is my Quaker Hornbook which I purchased about 4 years ago with a group on the Legacy bulletin board.  This pattern is only available when you have a group order of 10 or more so that's why we did it that way and we purchased the wooden hornbooks as well.   I have no excuse for why it sat in my stash this long but finally here it is!   I'm going to get some of my smalls done this year no matter what, somehow, someway.

"Quaker Hornbook" by With My Needle Designs
stitched 1-over-1 on 32-ct linen with silk threads


 
I also finished my first ornament of the year this week as part of my goal to stitch one per month at least.  There are so many ornaments I want to stitch!  I did a few Prairie Schoolers and some from magazines back in the late 80's/early 90's but then I wasn't too interested in them for a long time.  Over the past couple years I've fallen in love with so many of your wonderful ornaments posted on your blogs that I now have a long list to do!  I joined the LHN ornament blog and will try to slip in one of those maybe every other ornament. 


This is "Winter Joy" from Little by Little Designs. It was in the 2006 JCS ornament issue.   I'm going back through my issues and pulling favorites out.


Not too much else going on here in Willowtree Land.....I signed up for a quilting retreat the end of February and am already looking forward to it. I plan to spend half of my time quilting and the other half stitching.   We can work on whatever we want at the retreats  - there are no classes or planned projects - so it will be a good mix.     Yesterday hubby and I  booked a trip to Hawaii in April  - it's been a long time since we took a 'big' vacation - it sure will be wonderful to get away and see the ocean (you get a little water-crazed here in the desert).   Does anyone else get frustrated trying to read through those reviews on TripAdvisor??  You don't know what to think  - one person writes a glowing review then the next person trashes the place.   I'm having information overload!

Thanks to all the kind readers for their comments on my projects and especially the American Sampler.  I am going to give it my undivided attention for a bit the beginning of February and see I can make some more progress.   I am continually amazed at how some of you crank out huge projects so quickly!  Do you have the Keebler Elves helping you while you're sleeping?

24 comments:

  1. Beautiful finishes!!! And lucky you and your DH for getting to go to Hawaii! And a retreat too. Lucky lucky!

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  2. Two beautiful finishes!!

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  3. Love the hornbook! The thread choice is so pretty against the brown. Oh Hawaii....I'm so jealous. Would love to laze on the beach a few days.

    happy stitching....

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  4. Oh my, enjoy Hawaii!!!!! And sweet finishes too, I love the little hornbook.

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  5. Your little hornbook is very nice - you did I great job with the finishing.

    Have a wonderful time in Hawaii.

    Bobbi

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  6. Wonderful finishes! Hawaii=fabulous.

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  7. Love the hornbook and the ornament is brilliant. Wow what a lovely holiday you have planned.
    x catherine

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  8. Your projects are gorgeous, but I especially love the hornbook! Great work!!

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  9. I love your finishes! Especially the hornbook. I did that one a couple years ago and it's one of my very favorites! Thanks for sharing with us today.

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  10. Two wonderful finishes!

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  11. Great finishes! Like them a lot. I just ordered the first 3 ornaments from LHN on 123 stitch. They are on there way. woohoo.. Maybe I should join the blog too. Never knew there was a ornament blog.
    I had the ornaments in my wish list for a long time, first the 2010, and later on I kept on adding the 2011 editions. Argh.. To many fun projects to little time LOL

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  12. WOW - loved your hornbook finish - saw it on the "smalls" blog. Two big things coming up to look forward to - I've always wanted to see Hawaii but I'm afraid I'll have to stick close to the TV when Hawaii 5 O is on LOL ! Your retreat next month sounds fun. Enjoy the weekend Melody

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  13. Just love your hornbook and your ornament finish is beautiful too!

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  14. Oh my gosh, Jeanne!! I am reading your blog and you make me want to run like a crazed mad woman and stitch stitch stitch. I love your finishes! They really give me a kick because I have wanted to stitch that Little by Little ornament for years and yeah, the QHornbook--I think I was in the group that bought the kit at the same time as you. GULP. I brought down a stack of smalls and kit smalls about two years ago, put them in a drawer near where I stitch, and that's about as far as it got. Lovely work!

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  15. Oh, I just love the Quaker Hornbook all stitched in blues, Jeanne--fabulous thread choice :)

    Have fun planning for Hawaii--I've never been so I hope you'll post pictures of your trip when you return!

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  16. Terrific finishes! Love that hornbook. Congrats!

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  17. So much fun to see your hornbook. Hope you'll send me a photo and details for my bog.

    Your American sampler is looking great. Keep up the good work

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  18. Jeanne, your hornbook is just gorgeous!!! What a great little piece. Little by Little always designs pieces that make me smile. I've desided to do the same with my back issues. Funny how many great projects you miss the first go 'round. Hawaii in April will be fabulous! Wish I was joining you!
    Linda

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  19. Lovely finishes Jeanne.

    How wonderful that you're going to Hawaii. It's a place I'd love to visit.

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  20. Your horn book is wonderful! I know what you mean about finishing small things this year. I have the same desire. I also want to make a Gail Wilson doll this year. Are you still interested in making one together? We don't have to do it anytime soon, but maybe in the Summer or Fall.
    Have fun at your retreat, and in Hawaii! I'm so jealous. That is my favorite place to vacation. Have you heard of the travel books by Andrew Doughty and Harriet Friedman. They are amazing! I trust their reviews over anyone else. They live on the islands, and will help you discover places you would never know about. Plus they review all of the hotels and restaurants, and their info is very accurate. Here is a link to what the books look like. http://www.mapconnection.com/wizard.html
    I think you can find the actual books cheaper on Amazon or overstock.com.
    Good luck I hope you have so much fun!
    I'm working on ornies this year too. I'm sure you've seen the same blogs with the mantels and railings dripping with cute ornaments. It inspired me too. :)

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  21. I found your blog, Jeanne!! I love it...I do believe I was a follower back when I was under dixiesamplardesigns; but, I am back now and just love what you have done with the place :o)

    Your finishes are gorgeous...that hornbook, WOWZERS!!! Beautiful!! And the joy ornie is adorable. I will definitely be stopping by to see what you have been up to...and thank you for becoming a follower too :o)

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  22. Hi Jeanne! Don't you find setting monthly goals helps? Good for you. I set a new goal of finishing UFOs this month now and have one almost done. I find it really works to place a time on getting one done.

    Love your Quaker hornbook thread keeper. I remember when they had these group patterns online. I have one from the same thread keeper maker as you that has been sitting for years too. I did not have a miniature sampler book at the time but do now and need to make it. I love your thread choice. What did you use?

    Your ornament is summed up in one word...A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E!

    Hugs from Holland ~
    Heidi

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  23. Your hornbook and ornament are beautiful. Can't wait to see more!

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