Counting Bits of Joy

As I continue to fill part of the days stitching, I'm finding all sorts of "necessities" required to be considered a true needle artisan. I don't normally use a hoop, however find it useful when stitching one over one. An old needle case found at an estate sale is a fond reminder of a day spent with a friend. This wool piece was made to keep on hand an extra pair of scissors...or two. How many scissors does one person need?! An old bamboo chop stick, difficult to find today, is useful when stuffing any small project. And one cannot have too many pin cushions! Notice the "ring" on the linen? Remember to remove hoops when not stitching . Can there be too many "necessities"?

As the love of stitching returns, the "tools" are being used again. Who would think that such pleasure could be obtained from these lovely instruments? Occasionally, one should pick up these tools...along with needle and thread...to appreciate the beauty they behold. What "tools" give you joy?

Yes, I actually started and finished a small sampler this year! While browsing through blogs one day, I found this lovely design by Beth Twist of Heartstring Primitives. Not only did she provide the design with suggested colors, she gave it to us. Yes, free..no charge. Have you noticed how many designers are doing that these days? I know, many have done so in the past, but with these busy times, it's nice they still do so. I actually started "A Brave New Year" on New Year's day with a dear friend...thanks "soul sister". Great tradition don't you think? And I counted the last stitch yesterday, the 10th. I chose 32ct R&R Golden Walnut linen and used DMC 644, 939, 3011, 3045, 3371 and 3857. While rummaging through my stash of frames, I found this frame purchased at a tag sale for 25 cents! Can you believe it? Although not a perfect fit, I'm pleased with the way the color on the frame looks with DMC 939. I chose the words "trust" and ...

Before the age of digital cameras, we always said, "No matter how many pictures on a roll, there's always just one that you want to keep". Now having only digital cameras, the same may be true. Do I have an expensive, fancy camera? No. Do I have photography experience or know the ins and outs? No. Yet there is always "just one". This one touches my heart. A few more earlier Christmas stitching... "Blackbird's Winter Delivery" , Loose Feathers, by BBD "Merry Christmas Sampler" by Chessie & Me "Christmas Sampler" from Book One The Spirit of Christmas This sampler was from a magazine no longer in print. We have had snow here since Christmas Eve...with more snow yesterday along with wind and bitter cold temperatures. I'm thankful to be in a warm home with granddaughters...one of whom wants to stitch samplers...and my sweetie. I'm going to stitch for awhile and count my blessings. What warms your heart today?

Stitching has been on my mind a lot lately...something to keep from reclining on the sofa. I didn't realize I had so many Christmas pieces, some of which remain out all year. Looking for the patterns to identify each photo, at least six wonderful Scarlett Letter Samplers, already kitted, were found. Not to mention the numerous other patterns that are favorites! With the inspiration of various blogs and encouragement from my stitching friends, I hope to spend more time counting stitches in this New Year. Prairie Schooler and Needl' Love Santas along with a few friends. Why did I think I could not stitch on linen? " P A Christmas Sampler" by Goode Huswife. A very old Heinzet Christmas pattern along with Scarlett Letter's "Antique Alphabet Sampler". Small piece from BBD "Peppermint & Holly". This was a joint effort...my jewel of a friend had 2 of these small frames in her stash and I had the fabric. So we stitched this piece for each other....