A NOTFORGOTTEN START

Happy Tuesday!!! I decided my next project will be "Hoe, Hoe, Hoe" by Notforgotten Farm. It looks simple and primitive and fast to stitch!! Right up my alley right now. I gathered the threads for this and I was shocked that Santa's coat was stitched in two shades of "orange". I've never seen Santa in orange....have you? I thought (for a brief moment) that maybe orange would be ok if I tea dyed and distressed it, but I quickly changed my mind and opted for a couple of red shades. I don't have much to show right now. I started it last night and all I completed was the key in the center.

Just wanted to share a glimpse of what's on the horizon, so I'll close for now so I can get some stitching time in.

HO HO HO!!!! DID I HEAR "WINNERS"?

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Utah. The hum of lawn mowers running in the neighborhood picking up the last of the fallen leaves. Kids are riding their bikes and skateboarding, everyone seems to be enjoying one of the last days of beautiful fall weather. Some people find it strange that I love to mow the lawn. Many a time during the winter, I will wake up on a Saturday morning wishing I could "mow" the lawn! My husband thinks that's crazy.......whatever, but I really will miss doing that chore once the snow starts to fly.

Here are a few photos of the new Prairie Schooler, Christmas Eve I have been working on. I really enjoy PS designs, especially the Christmas ones. I have been working on a private exchange for Sharlotte that is nearing completion, I think it is turning out nice. I will share photos of it after she has received it, don't want to spoil the surprise.




I have enjoyed each and every heartfelt post you have shared with me about your favorite gift you have either given or received for the Grand Finale Giveaway. So many wonderful memories, some happy, some sad, but nethertheless memorable. I would say the best gift I received and maybe the best gift given came when I was born. It was Decemer 23, 1969. I was given two wonderful loving parents who loved me and I was one of the best gifts given to my brother and sister. I came home from the hospital on Christmas day in a big wicker basket and I was wrapped in a snow white blanket with a big red bow. My brother thought that I was the neatest thing and he carried me around all the time. (Mother told me that story many times while she was alive.) Memories, what would we do without them?



Thanks for visiting my blog and as always I love to read your comments. I have to say there are so many wonderful and friendly bloggers that share my love of needle and thread and the various forms of art we can create with them. I have had so much fun with my blog this past October and I hope in some small way I have helped make this month fun for you also.

Christmas Eve

by Prairie Schooler

using DMC threads

no color conversion



My dear hubby got the honors of randomly drawing this last round of giveaways and the following are this weeks winners:

Robin

Carol

Pumpkin

Kellie

Congrats to you all. Please email me with your addresses and I will send you out one of the lovely and awesome gifts, you just never know which one you'll receive.

P.S. Sorry I didn't get the winners posted on Thursday, I just had too much on my plate. Thanks for understanding.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

OCTOBER GRAND FINALE GIVEAWAY #5

Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow

by Carriage House Samplings

The Golden Gift

The story goes that some time ago a man punished his five-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became even more upset when the child then used the gold paper to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."

The father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty. He spoke to her in a harsh manner, "Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?"

The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was full."

The father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his little girl, and he begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger.


* * * * *


Only a short time later, an accident took the life of that same little girl.

It is told that the father kept that gold-wrapped box by his bed for all the years of his life. And whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open this special box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

In a very real sense, each of us as human beings have been given a golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our family, our children, our friends and God.

There is no more precious possession that anyone could hold.

Poinsettia House

by Little House Needleworks

I received this heart warming story via email a couple years back. Gifts of the heart are not always seen, but felt. Some of lifes greatest gifts are not tangible, but are more valuable as you cannot put a price on love, friendship or a helping hand. This is what I chose to post about today as we near the Holiday season.

Can you believe how fast this year has gone? I can't believe it will soon be time to turn our clocks back for day light savings time. I guess one way to look at it is that I can stay in bed for an extra hour longer in the morning....yeah!!!! But I dread the icy roads, fog, and the freezing temperatures that come with it. But on the other hand, it brings with it that wonderful time of year where we can spend time with family and friends, sharing joy and laughter and giving and sharing.

Remember the classic story by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”? When Ebenezer Scrooge learned, in a rather terrifying series of events, the true spirit of Christmas, which is giving. It's an occasion to remember the people who are special to you and give back the love and care they unselfishly bestowed on you the whole year. It matters neither the grandeur nor the price tag of what you give for it’s the thought that counts, that matters.

With this in mind, for the "grand finale" of the October Party Giveaway, I would love for you to tell of either the best gift you have been given or the best gift you have received. I know that the greatest gifts I have received cannot be bought on credit or with cash, and the beauty of a Christmas gift shouldn't be seen at all. The loveliness of giving is a feeling, grand and tall. It's the genuine offer of love, the yearning to make a connection, a show of honest gratitude, a display of sincere affection.

I have chosen a few "material" gifts for the occasion for which I know you will appreciate from the heart. Once again, there will be four prizes for this final round, they can be seen throughout this post. Each winner will randomly be sent a package so they will be surprised when they receive it. Some of the patterns will come with threads and others won't, everything will be a surprise this round. Ok, ok, ok, I will tell you that Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow does come with all the threads needed for this pattern. You may post your "best gift" comments now through Noveber 4th, midnight. I will post the winning names on the 5th of November.

I hope that you have all enjoyed participating in a full month's worth of giveaways. I wish I had prizes for you all, that would be so great! But you know me, there is always more to follow in the months ahead. May the love of family and friends be yours this holiday season and warm blessings abound!


Now for the list of winners for round #3. My sweetheart of a son drew the following four names:


Nina

Staci

Nicole

Loraine



Surprise! Surprise! Congrats to all four of you. Please email me at dipdiddly143@gmail.com and let me know where you would like me to send you your winnings. Please let me know when you receive your packages so I know they made it to you safely.

Joyeux Noel

by Blackbird Designs




Parting thoughts:


T'was The Night Before Christmas

T'was the night before Christmas
and all through the town
Not a sign of Baby Jesus
was anywhere to be found.
The people were all busy
with Christmas time chores
Like decorating, and baking,
and shopping in stores.
No one sang "Away in a manger,
no crib for a bed".
Instead, they sang of Santa
dressed-up in bright red.
Mama watched Martha Stewart,
Papa drank beer from a tap.
As hour upon hour
the presents they'd wrap
When what from the TV
did they suddenly hear?
'Cept an ad.. which told
of a big sale at Sears.
So away to the mall
they all flew like a flash
Buying things on credit
and others with cash!
And, as they made their way home
From their trip to the mall,
Did they think about Jesus?
Oh, no... not at all.
Their lives were so busy
with their Christmas time things
No time to remember
Christ Jesus, the King.
There were presents to wrap
and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember
who died for their sake?
To pray to the Savior
they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time
to "Shop til they dropped!
"On Wal-mart! On K-mart!
On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales!
A quick lunch at Denny's
From the big stores downtown
to the stores at the mall
They would dash away,
dash away,and visit them all!
And up on the roof,
there arose such a clatter
As grandpa hung icicle lights
up on his brand new step ladder.
He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...
Light of the World.
Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit... how merry!
Christ's love... how enormous!
All our burdens... He'll carry!
So instead of being busy,
overworked, and uptight
Let's put Christ back in
Christmas and enjoy
some good nights!
Merry Christmas, my friends!

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR - GIVEAWAY #4

Littlehouse Needleworks
Mayflower Landing


Good evening friends, before I announce the winner of "Give Thanks", I want to take a moment and express my appreciation to all of you who take the time to visit my blog and comment. I have met so many wonderful stitchers through blogging and I have really enjoyed reading your blogs as well, you are all so inspiring on so many different levels.

With Thanksgiving drawing near, I find myself looking forward to sharing time with loved ones and reminiscing about memories I hold dear from earlier years. My family is shrinking, when it should be growing. I have lost all my grandparents and parents, but I do have a wonderful mother-in-law who is 82 though. This year our family gathering will be small, but we'll make it memorable.

I am thankful, so thankful, for so many things and thought that it would be nice to hear what you are thankful for, so what I have planned for this weeks giveaway is simple. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post stating three things you are thankful for. Sounds easy, right? This week there will be four (4) winners. I have posted pictures of all 4 prizes within this post and as always, they will include the threads, you will only need to supply the fabric. The mystery twist to this round is that each of the four winners won't know which one they have won until they receive their prize package. If you would like a second chance, post about this giveaway on your blog and let me know when you have done so. You may enter until midnight Wednesday, October 28th and I will announce the winner on Thursday, October 29th. Good luck to you all!

Midnight Stitching
Quaker Row

I found a very touching poem that really makes you think about some things we may not think of being grateful for and I wanted to enlighten you:

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

La-D-Da
Gobble

Blackbird Designs

Give Thanks

Also, as promised, the "Grand Finale" Round Four Giveaway starts next Thursday. I KNOW you will want to mark your calendars for that one!!!!!

This weeks winner is "Deep Fried Cupcake" of which Andrea is the lucky winner of Glendon Place's, "Give Thanks". Andrea, please email me as to where I should send you your prize. And for those of you that don't know Andrea, take a minute to stop by and visit her blog, you'll be glad you did. She has a wonderful blog.

The "Mystery Prize" winner is Blyn of My Busy Needle blog. Congrats to Miss Busy Needle, please email me so I can obtain your address for your "Mystery Prize".

I appreciate all your warm and heartfelt comments and remember:

Without you as my friend,
Life would be a bore;
Having your friendship in my life
Is what I’m thankful for.

P.S. Don't forget to enter "Missy's 13 Days of Halloween Giveaway", you can click the link to her site on the top of my sidebar.

13 Days of Halloween Giveaway Starts Today!!!

Hello Friends,

Just a quick reminder that today starts the first day of Missy's 13 Days of Halloween Giveaway. This sounds like so much fun, don't miss out. Click here to enter.

WITCHES & PUMPKINS & A WINNER -- OH MY!!!! GIVEAWAY ROUND#3

A-crow-bat

Oogily-boogily biffily-bats—
Here come the witches with broomsticks and hats
Each clasping an old dead rat!
In tattered old clothes and pointy toed shoes
Which witch will you choose?
Which costume will be crowned
the best this world has seen?
The decision is yours for the
"The Queen of Halloween".

Witchy #1

From left to right, Witchy #2 and Witchy #3

Witchy #4

Witchy #5

From left to right, Witchy #6 and Witchy #7

Witchy #8

Witchy #9

Witchy #10

Witchy #11

Witchy #12

Witchy #13

Witchy #14

Witchy #15

Witchy #16

As you may know, I had horrible luck with my post last night and so I totally changed this post, pictures, language, everything. Call me superstitious, but I don't need any more bad luck posting. As you can see this weeks contest is about witches....what you will need to do to enter is leave a comment on this post only stating which witch you would like to vote for "The Queen of Halloween". If you would like a second entry leave another comment telling me what your name would be if you were a witch. For example, "Hilda the Hag". The contest is open for comments until midnight October 21st. The winning "witch" will be announced on Thursday the 22nd. Below you will see Round 3's prize for the pattern "Give Thanks" by Glendon Place along with the necessary specialty threads, beads and treasures. You will need to supply your choice of fabric for stitching. There will also be a "Mystery Prize" for a second gift, but no hints as to what it is, my lips are sealed. Cast your votes now so you don't miss out!

Round #3 Giveaway Prize
"Give Thanks"
by Glendon Place



Now, for the 2nd prize winner of Round #2, please give a wicked cackle for the lucky witch
Marjorie

Congrats Marjorie, you have won this awesomely wicked pattern "Toil & Trouble" by La-D-Da with threads. Please email me so I know where I can send you your gift.


And now for our Grand Prize Winner, "A-crow-bat" has drawn the name for the luckiest of witches

Margaret

The cast and crew of the "Crypt Keepers Club" would like to congratulate Madame Margaret on winning this delightfully frightful pattern and supplies for the Blue Ribbon Designs giveaway!!! Please notify me of your mailing address so I can get your "Treat" to you.


Below is a sneek peek of a project that is nearing finish. Love it!!!
I bet you can guess what it is.

Harvest Blooms
by Hands To Work

Pumpkin, Pumkin, who loves pumpkin???? Treats you say, well I had quite a few emails requesting the recipe for my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, so I decided to share it with all of you. When the weather turns cooler and the leaves start to fall, these cookies are an absolute fall favorite at my house. You may just want to make a double batch as they have a way of "disappearing". They are very moist and cake like. Oh , I should mention that I make mine with milk chocolate chips and be sure you buy the canned pumpkin, not the pie filling, they are very different. Enjoy!!

And the finished product:

In closing, The Count would like to announce

I think my dad is Dracula.
I know that sounds insane,
but listen for a moment and
allow me to explain.
We don't live in a castle,
and we never sleep in caves.
But, still, there's something weird
about the way my dad behaves.
I never see him go out
in the daytime when it's light.
He sleeps all day till evening,
then he leaves the house at night.
He comes home in the morning
saying, "Man, I'm really dead!"
He kisses us goodnight, and then
by sunrise he's in bed.
My mom heard my suspicion
and she said, "You're not too swift.
Your father's not a vampire.
He just works the graveyard shift."
--Kenn Nesbitt