Monday, September 15, 2014

Honoring a friend, a finish and a giveaway!

Hello friends! Temps have been in the 100's crazy...too hot and I'm so ready for Fall's cooler weather. Just isn't happening yet here in Northern Calif!
Hard to believe it's already the middle of September. Only one day it was cool and I actually got a little bit of Autumn decor done.

But first there's no way that I cannot comment or reflect with a heavy heart, about a precious sweet friend of our blogging community who is greatly missed - Debbie Bryant of Debbie's Cross Stitch blog.
I know that you have already learned of her passing. Honestly I think I put off this post just because her passing is so darn unreal to me. Debbie had encouraged & inspired me with my stitching and that you can never have enough wips. I joined her Bothy Threads Cut Thru SAL Monday. I only knew Debbie thru our blogging/commenting. Back in spring of this year she had asked me if I would make a zipper pouch as a bridal gift for one of her daughters friends. That led to lots of texting back and forth between us. I even sent her photos of fabrics while I was at our quilt shop downtown. Oh that was a fun day. It was like she was shopping with me but thru texting. All had worked out and she was so pleased with the pouches. She is already being greatly missed!
My heart and prayers are for Debbie, her family and her friends which includes all of you too.

Linda (Stitchin with my Furbabies blog) had a Saturday SAL since 2012 with Debbie. And Linda asked if we would like to join her. As soon as I had read about that - I decided to join Linda and stitch on a project every Saturday in Debbie's memory. For my project I decided on this beautiful chart Linda had gifted me last year....

 Good Morning by Joan A. Elliot - Imaginating, Inc.
16ct Adia Fiddler lite, Threads - DMC 
Started project - Saturday August 30th, & stitched on Saturday Sept 6th 2014

 Progress from this weekend - Sept 13th
I just love stitching with all these fall colors for this project. And it warms my heart to be honoring Debbie's memory in Saturday's SAL with Linda.
Thank you to Linda for this lovely SAL.  You can join in on this SAL too. The information can be found on Linda's blog HERE. I too will join with Linda for January's Crazy Starts 2015 in Debbie's memory also,

 Gingerbread Tree Etui by Victoria Sampler Designs
Tree #2  progress

 Keep Me Sampler by Moira Blackburn

Vickie had sent me this beautiful chart which my name had been drawn in honor of her reaching 300 followers. I LOVE the charting for this design. The charting is very large and makes it so easy to read. I love the beautiful willow tree, the pretty border and the darling house. I am so looking forward to stitching this.
Thank you sweet Vickie!!!

 And the week before I received  Uncle Sam by Bent Creek from Vickie.
Yes my name had been drawn for each drawing she had!!! I started stitching Uncle Sam on Sept 11th and finished/completed Sept 12th. I stitched him on 32ct flax linen, 2 over 2 and All DMC threads were used except WDW Pea Coat for the dark navy. For the background I used DMC variegated #4145. I made the cord with DMC #221 & 3865.
I love how this turned out. I forgot to stitch a red star like Vickie had. The tag finishing idea I was inspired by Vonna's Santa's ornaments. The mini flag fabric is a civil war reproduction (I think) and the backing a red mini stars fabric.
 
Now that I have stitched this I would like to give it to you! If you are interested please just leave a comment telling me you would like this chart! I will draw a name if more than one person is interested on Sept 19th.

One day last week it was cool. I actually got a little bit of Autumn decor done. 
The large elf doll is "Jack Frost"!

 Last Friday night I needed to pick up another DMC #221 to make the cording for Uncle Sam. So I hurried off to Joann's before they closed. I grabbed my 3 DMC threads and I was leaving the thread aisle when a lady who walked by me stopped and said "OH you do embroidery?" She had seen the threads in my hand.  I said "I do but I mostly do cross stitching". She then told me " Oh you need to go over right there against to the wall they have lots of stitching stuff on clearance"! OH OH!!!   Here's what came home with me.....

A lap stand for $1.97 and 2 sets of  scrolls .97 cents each!!!!

 Pink 14ct Adia for .50 cents, 16ct adia cream for .50 cents, 2 Punch needle sets .97 cents each,
8" hoop for .50 cents, and a package of 2 lace sachets for .50 cents. Okay I go to counter to pay and the sales lady asks me if I would like to sign up for text messages from Joann's and I would get another 20% off my entire purchase only for this evening - I SAID "YES". I needed to purchase a bag for .10 cents so My total was $7.95. Wasn't that great? I've been wanting a lap stand and I couldn't pass up one for a total of under $4.00. I haven't put it together yet but I will let you know how it works out!

2014 JCS Christmas Ornament Magazine finally arrived in the mail. I selected my top 3 ornaments:

 Little House Needleworks - Snowy Days!  This is one of Vonna's model's stitching & finishing's - how cool is that? LOVE IT VONNA! I actually saw your finish in this magazine after I completed my Uncle Sam.

 Shepherd's Bush Printworks - Hark

The Victoria Sampler - One More Stitch!

There are lots of really cute & beautiful ornaments I like in this issue. Just to inform you too my Nannie (101 yrs old) is not doing well. Too much to share but one of the most crazy things is that at 101 yrs old she has been diagnosed with cancer (only 3 weeks ago, or just a two days before I learned of Debbie's passing). I mean really??? Who gets cancer at 101yrs old???? Anyways she is one tough, strong lady and such a great role model of strength of mind. 
With my love and Appreciation - Annette

18 comments:

Brigitte said...

Linda's ideas on stitching in Debbie's memories are really great. And I will also join the crazy January challenge and start 31 projects and will be thinking of Debbie when stitching them. You chose a great piece for the Saturday SAL with Linda. Debbie also had so many Imaginating pieces in her stash.

Your Uncle Sam came out great. I love this way of finishing and will try it myself one day. Vonna's tutorials are such a great source.

I think I would have brought lots of stash home with me if I had seen such a great sale. Enjoy your new accessories and threads.

Annie said...

I didn't know Debbie, but she seems to have been a very active member of the stitching community. Your Sal is such a wonderful idea.

Lucky you and your winnings! Guess that embroiderer really knew how to enable you!

Giovanna said...

I was so sad about Debbie - I only learnt about a week ago. Your stitching is lovely, as always. Love the Christmas tree. Sorry to read about your gran - I hope all goes as well as possible, all the best at this difficult time.

Vickie said...

Oh your stitching is so very pretty Annette. I love the way Uncle Sam turned out.
I scored on DMC variegated floss big time at JoAnn this weekend. I need to find out about that lap stand as I have those scroll rods already! tee hee! Now YOU are enabling me!
I am praying for your Nannie.♥

Margaret said...

I didn't know Debbie but I can see she touched many lives and will be missed. Lovely stitching! Fantastic bargains you got at Joanns. Wow!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Wow, what a packed post! I didn't know Debbie but I'm sorry for your loss. I'm also sending positive thoughts for Nannie.

I love the little Uncle Sam chart and your finish is so cute.

I picked up the ornaments issue last week and have started one of them already. It's just full of good things!

Hugs to you, dear friend!

Shelly said...

What a great post! Debbie is certainly missed. I'm doing the 31 new starts starting January 1st in honor of Debbie and looking forward to that. Nice winnings you've received. I just may have to check out my local Joanne's too to see if the same sale is over here, great prices on the stand and scrolls. I need to see if I can find the newest JCS Ornie mag around here too!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Thinking of your sweet Nannie and your family as she navigates through treatment.

I didn't know Debbie and hadn't come across her blog. I read some posts (and will go back and read more) and she looks like a sweetie and a talented stitcher.

Andrea said...

Sorry to hear about Debbie's passing, I didn't know of her and your Nanna's illness.

A great haul you had, bargains!

Frances said...

I didn't know Debbie, either, but I have read wonderful tributes to her. She must have been a very special friend.
I love your Uncle Sam and would love to be able to stitch him myself. Your finish is so cute!
All of your stitching is lovely, as well as your autumn decorating!
I hope your special Nannie is feeling better and perking up soon. So sorry to hear that she is sick. Years ago I had an older relative that we called Nannie, and we loved her dearly. I love hearing that name!!

Carol said...

I was so very sad to read about Debbie on Linda's blog, Annette. I didn't know her either, but it sounds like her death was very sudden and she wasn't very old. It must be so hard for her family and friends... I can tell how much you really miss her. And I'm so sad to read that your Nannie is sick, too... It's been a very difficult month for you and I want you to know I'm thinking of you!

Beautiful stitching--that little tag finish is adorable. I need to try that myself. And that new ornament issue has just been added to my shopping cart--looks like some darling designs this year!

Take care now, Annette...

Anne said...

It was heartbreaking to hear about Debbie's passing. I too only knew her through blogging/commenting and she was a stellar lady who will be greatly missed in the bloggin community and I am praying for her family and friends. I didn't start a lot of projects, but I did start Bitter Flower Sampler in honor of her. I see you are making good progress on Good Morning! I have that one too from Evalina but am only stitching the rooster for a friend since she loves barnyard animals. Lovely new stash and wow, those are great bargains! Oooh I'm so sorry to hear about Nannie but I think she will get through this with her strength. Sending you hugs and prayers.

stitchersanon said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your Nan: I really hate cancer. I'm sure she will kick it into touch. Debbie is so missed. She touched so many stitchy hearts and I am so pleased her stitching enthusiasm is being carried on. Sending hugs.

Beth said...

You scored at Joanne's! I've never used a lap stand. Will be interested to see what you think. Oh but you are too too hot! Hoping for cooler weather.

Karen K said...

Hi Annette

Wonderful words about Debbie, she is very much missed, I still go over to her blog and find it very sad that the bride is still on her own... I wonder if someone could finish it for her and get it posted up on her blog?

Some wonderful things in your post Annette but so very sorry to hear about your Nannie - my thoughts and prayers. I always thought my nan would go on to be 100 but sadly cancer took her at 91. Wishing your Nan strength and courage to fight.

Love k x

blue star stitcher said...

Great choice for the SAL, so many bloggers were saddened to hear of Debbie's passing (myself included) she touched so many in our little community of stitchers.

Lulu said...

I think its lovely how you are honoring Debbie's memory! I still can't believe she's gone...I keep thinking I'll see her post progress on her many beautiful WIPS. Boy you hit the stash jackpot on clearance at JoAnns! Lucky you:)

Linda said...

Hi Annette. I still miss Debbie terribly and think about her often every day.

Thank you for joining me on Saturday. I'm so happy to have someone do a (Debbie) SAL with me. You have made a great start on Good Morning. Sadly I haven't worked on my SAL pieces in a few weeks. And I'm almost done with Fall Welcome.
Your other projects look great. Congrats on the cute finish.
Love all your new stash and what a bargain. I am so darned excited. My little town is getting a JoAnn's. It will open on Oct. 3. Sure hope mine has lots of bargains.

Linda