Becky Bee's Stitching Hive

Sampler Roundy

2012-01-24T23:43:00.002-05:00

Let me just say that yesterday was a nightmare...our visitor was suppose to arrive in time for supper...BUT planes were grounded in our area due to dense fog (our travel to the airport was so nerve-racking to me-it was so foggy-i was a nervous wreck by the time we got home). SO, our visitor arrived after 10:30 PM. MAN, it threw my schedule way off as we did not eat supper until we got home from the airport. My body is not particularly fond of eating at that time of night-so needless to say I didn't sleep much last night....but today is another day and we are all settled in for a month long visit. I will go ahead and apologize now if I am VERY remiss in visiting your blogs for the next month as I can stitch and visit with our guest but being on the computer excessively while a guest is here I feel is rude. PLUS entertaining someone for a month takes some planning :) :) :) I will also be long in replying to email for the next month :) I am WAY behind on those already :(

So, here is Sampler Roundy all finished up and ready to go live abroad :) I do so hope the person I send this to will like it. I wanted to keep the "character" of the cheese box, so I forewent staining or painting it and left it natural. The label is still on the bottom as well. I think I will stitch this one again for another regular visitor to my blog and finish it in the same manner.

Sampler Roundy
Designer: Shakespear's Peddler
Design Size: 4.3 x 4.3
Fabric: 40ct. Park City Blend
Fibers: GAST
Date Started:1-22-2012
Date Finished:1-22-2012

I stitched just a bit on AaHRH today and after a bit more stitching on it I plan to stitch another RAK. I am loving Block 8 thus far.

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011
Thanks so much for stopping by :) I SO enjoy your visits :) Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

This is Truly a Fly by post

2012-01-23T14:50:00.001-05:00

AS we have a visitor arriving around supper time this evening and will be with us for a month. So I have been busy with last minute preps :)(which has also left me woefully behind in blog reading/commenting) BUT I wanted to take a minute and thank Nicola for her SWEET, and THOUGHTFUL gift. She emailed and mentioned she wanted to send me a little something. She's just the sweetest and I have enjoyed getting to know her :) AND to have a new friend :) Thank you so much, Nicola :) I LOVE everything you sent and believe me it will all be put to good use :)

Gotta run...Thank you so much for visiting :) I SO enjoy hearing from you all :)
Please come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Sampler Roundy

2012-01-22T20:49:00.003-05:00

This is going to be the box I am offering to one of my INTERNATIONAL regulars ( I have your names in the original posts). I chose Sampler Roundy for the design and plan to finish it on a small round cheese box. We enjoy a Brie cheese with hot pepper jelly around here so I saved a few of my Brie cheese boxes and this is the perfect opportunity to use one in finishing.
This is the third time I have stitched this design...but will not be the last I am sure as I LOVE it and enjoy stitching it. I hope to do the finishing in a few days. I hope the recipient will be happy with my choice.

Sampler Roundy
Designer: Shakespear's Peddler
Design Size: 4.3 x 4.3
Fabric: 40ct. Park City Blend
Fibers: GAST
Date Started:1-22-2012
Date Finished:1-22-2012

Thank you dear friends and readers for your continued interest in my blog :) I appreciate your visits so much. Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Bluebird Serenade on a REALLY dreary Saturday...

2012-01-21T19:16:00.006-05:00

Man has it been a RAINY/WET/COOL day. I stayed in most of the day except for a few errands I had to take care of. HAPPY to be home warm and dry :)
I did the finishing on bluebird Serenade today. I took some colors from the design to use in my finishing. I decided on a finish you could use to hang wherever you choose...ornament, peg, doorknob...you get the idea. This one was fun from start to finish :) It's so adorable. I hope whoever it goes to live with will love it as much as I do :)

I adapted how I do my hangers on a lot of my ornaments and such a few years back-this way the recipient can adjust the height at which they hang. I did this after receiving some ornaments that had really long hangers and they hung way too low and with no way to adjust them without cutting the ribbon and knotting it, which I did not want to do. So I use this method quite often :) You can get a bit more length if you need it or you can take it up with ease if it hangs too low.

Bluebirds Serenade
Designer: With Thy Needle and Thread
Fabric: 32ct. Natural
Fibers: DMC
Date Started: 1-18-2012
Date Finished: 1-19-2012

You know I am RAKing some of my regulars throughout this year. I have been putting together items to send out and so far I have these items in the RAK basket :) Home Sweet Home Pin pillow, A floss tag, Bluebird tin with magnetic needle holder and scissors inside, Bluebird magnetic needle minder, and Bluebirds Pins and Needles pin pillow and of course the latest Bluebird Serenade...hmmmm...lot's of bluebirds here :) :) :)

Thank you so VERY much for stopping by :) I appreciate your kindness so much!
Please come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Gifts...

2012-01-20T14:26:00.006-05:00

I received a wonderful package from Elena in Russia today (PLEASE email me Elena, as I cannot locate your email address and want to thank you) she sent a beautiful Cross stitch bag for gifts, and a GORGEOUS Handkerchief (as she described it in her note)...it's just so beautiful and a cross stitch kit-my DD will love it as it has butterflies. Dear Elena, thank you so much for thinking of me :) You made my day :)

AND, I wanted to share the MOST lovely ornaments that Julianne sent for Christmas :) The mitten is mine and Julianne being the sweet soul that she is stitched the other for my mom. Aren't they both just wonderful :) Julianne is a VERY, VERY dear friend to me and her gifts mean the world to me and that she included my mom speaks of what a sweet soul she truly is :)

Thank you for letting me share my good fortunes with you all :) Friends are just the best...and bloggy/stitchy friends are SO very special :)
As always thank you for visiting :) I appreciate it more than you know :)
Have a most wonderful weekend my friends :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Bluebird Serenade

2012-01-19T14:01:00.002-05:00

This one is just lovely. I am so happy with it-it's just so pretty! I love it when a design just makes you smile :) I stitched it over two (the model is stitched over 1 and inserted in necklace)as I did not want that small a finished item. I am saving this one for the weekend to do the finishing on..but will be sure to share the finish with you :)

Designer: With Thy Needle and Thread
Fabric: 32ct. Natural
Fibers: DMC
Date Started: 1-18-2012
Date Finished: 1-19-2012
This is another offering to one of my regular visitors. Please make sure I have your mailing info if you are a regular and you would like to be considered for a RAK. I have a folder full of addresses where I asked for addresses a couple of years ago to send out RAK's...but many of those people I have never heard of and never seen visit my blog nor ever heard from again-so those names and addresses were removed...if you are a regular and think I may not have your mailing info-please do drop me an email with your information in case you are chosen to receive a RAK. I asked NOTHING in return EXCEPT that you have the courtesy to let me know my gift for you arrived.

Thank you so much friends and readers for stopping by for a visit. For your sweet comments and emails :) They are very much appreciated :) Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

Home Sweet Home

2012-01-18T17:36:00.000-05:00

This adorable little design called Home Sweet Home was a SWEET stitch :) I finished it into a pin pillow. I changed all the colors called for. I used a green houndstooth fabric for finishing...added some lace and used some of the houndstooth to add a "faux" bow to the lace. It will be going to live with one of my regular visitors :) The only issue I am having picking a name from my regulars is deciding WHO will like what....

Designer: Stone and Thread
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC
Start Date: 1-18-2012
Finish Date: 1-18-2012

Thank you dear friends and readers for visiting with me. Thank you for your sweet comments and your sweet emails. I do so love hearing from you all :) Please do stop by again :)
hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

What an enjoyable stitch...

2012-01-17T14:42:00.002-05:00

This one turned out just gorgeous. I am so happy Carolyn chose it as I really enjoyed stitching it and will probably stitch it again at a later date.
Charlene I did substitute a few colors :) The colorway is gorgeous in person and though the model is beautiful-the real thing is so much prettier.

Color Changes: GA Carmel Corn (subbed CC Olive Branch)
GA Heirloom Gold (subbed GA Tarnished Gold)
GA Old Purple Paint (subbed WDW Taffeta)
Prairie House Sewing Case
Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 36 count cream
Fibers: GAST and WDW & CC
Date Started: 1-15-2012
Date Finished: 1-17-2012

Thank you all so much for visiting with me. I tried to catch up on some blog reading and commenting last night and today. I don't know how you all do it-keep up with all the posts out there-I feel I would never stitch or do anything else for that matter if I commented on every blog in my reader :) I REALLY need to go through my blog list and remove blogs I no longer visit or that have been dormant for a long time.
I appreciate each and every visit and comment and personal email :) Thanks bunches :) Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

A start...and I am loving it !

2012-01-16T17:53:00.000-05:00

After discussing it with Carolyn, she decided on Prairie House Sewing Case by Blackbird Designs for the stitching box. I started it last night and it's coming along nicely. I was so excited to work on the entire project and she chose a most lovely design for her box. It's beautiful so far and that's just the border. It's much prettier than the cover model. VERY nice choice, Carolyn :)
I hope to finish the design tomorrow and work on putting it all together this weekend.

Prairie House Sewing Case
Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 36 count cream
Fibers: GAST

Thank you dear friends and readers for stopping by today to visit with me :) Thank you so much for your ever so sweet comments and emails. I appreciate them more than you can know. Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Block 7 under my belt..

2012-01-14T22:54:00.002-05:00

I finished up Block 7 on AaHRH. 5 more blocks to go-but for now this one will be put aside so I can work on the stitcher's box for Carolyn and maybe 1 or 2 other RAK's :)

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

Thanks so much for visiting :)I appreciate it very much! Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

WOOHOO!! A stitching update...

2012-01-13T17:15:00.000-05:00

There has not been much stitching at all going on here since my mom had surgery. When I have found a minute or two to stitch it has been on AaHRH. I have not started anything new or even stitched a SMALL for 2012 yet (oh, no worries...that will SOON change) This is my progress as of today on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow-block 7 is coming along :)

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

I have chosen Carolyn M to be gifted with the stitching box. Carolyn, I will be in contact with you later today :)
I wish I could have given all my regulars the box. I will be doing quite a few RAKS throughout 2012 for my regular readers. You do not have to sign up as I will select a regular visitor when I have a RAK to go out :) EASY PEASY :)

I haven't been much into blogging...I think I am just worn out to be honest. Things are beginning to get back to normal. Mom had her staples removed this morning and he assures her he was able to remove all the cancer and wants her to have a CAT Scan in 4 months-if she goes a year with CLEAR scans he says the cancer will most likely not come back. We are VERY HOPEFUL that will be the case.

Just a "Shout Out" to all you BAP (Big A$$ Project) Challengers-you are doing amazing! KEEP on stitching :)

Thank you so much for stopping by :) Please do come again!
hugs and love from COLD SC :) Brrrrrr
BeckySC

Update and BAP Challenge information....

2012-01-09T19:12:00.004-05:00

Hello friends :)
Mom is finally home-we had a set back with air bubbles in her epidural. It was a LONG 4 days. She is in a great deal of pain-her incision is fairly large-she has 18 staples. She has also developed thrush and her mouth is a mess-but the mouthwash the doctor called in for her this morning has helped some. I am so thankful to you all for keeping her in your prayers and thoughts-we have really needed them the past 2 days. I was growing very concerned-but SO HAPPY she was released and is now resting at home. The doctor told her she can expect 6 weeks for a full recovery of her strength. We will know more about the cancer in a couple of weeks.

PLEASE READ if you are taking part in the BAP Challenge. After signing in and reading all the email from the past 4 days (PLEASE do not worry if I do not reply to each BAP update) I would like to ask that you ONLY send picture updates to my email if you DO NOT have a blog. If you have a blog-just drop me an email and let me know you have updated with a picture of your BAP challenge piece. There is NO special blog for this challenge as we have over 100 people participating. If you do not have a blog-you are more than welcome to email me with your updates :) To be considered for the 100.00 drawing for the challenge, you must...
1. Meet the requirements of design size.
2. Your project must not have been started prior to January 1, 2012.
3. You must complete your challenge piece by December 31 2012.
4. Update Pictures must be shared with me throughout the year. (PLEASE REMEMBER to only send picture directly to my email if you do not have a blog-if you do-just drop me a note that you have an update of your BAP Challenge on your blog)
I want everyone to enjoy stitching their BAP's...I am offering the 100.00 for incentive-and in doing so there has to be the few guidelines above as 100.00 is quite a Gift Certificate :) If you are signing up for the challenge PLEASE use the original post to do so :)

Thank you for your anniversary wishes...due to circumstances we decided to celebrate it a bit later :)
I will be away for a while longer-if you have sent an email that requires a reply-please be patient-I will answer them when I return :)

Thank you again for-well-for everything-some of you have been so amazing to me-I feel so blessed to call so many of you friends. You know who you are :) And to all my new readers-welcome, I truly appreciate your visits and comments and personal email (which I promise to answer when I get back to a regular online routine). I so enjoy hearing from you all.

hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

Just a really quick note

2012-01-05T20:35:00.002-05:00

to let you know I will be away for a few day to help with mom :) -it could end up being a week-maybe more maybe less :) PLUS, we celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary on Monday (the 9th) and we are trying to plan something around everything else :) :) :)
If you email me about the BAP-no worries, you are welcome to join (even if I am away and cannot reply to you)-just remember to let me know what you will be stitching and when you make a start and share your updates along your journey.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the LOVE you have shown my family. Words cannot express how blessed and thankful I feel :)

See you all soon :)
hugs and much love,
BeckySC

Recovering

2012-01-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

She thinks all you guys are so sweet...as do I.
Thank you.
Hugs and much love from a very relieved BeckySC

Mom is in recovery...

2012-01-05T09:16:00.001-05:00

Her doctor just talked to us and said she did really well. They think they were able to remove all the cancer.. They were able to save her kidney with minimal bleeding as well. All very good news. We'll know more in a few days. Her doctor even said she may only have to stay 3 days in the hospital instead of the 4 or 5 they thought before surgery.
I am anxiously waiting to see her.

Thank you all for each and every prayer, thought and care you have showered our family with.

hugs and love,
BeckySC

This is my fourth attempt at posting this from my phone...it keeps failing to post.

Well L@@KIE there...

2012-01-03T21:42:00.001-05:00

Block 6 is complete :) I felt more "settled" today and less "nerves all over the place"-so I was able to sit and stitch and finish up Block 6. I was going to take this one along to the hospital and finish up Block 6...but NOW I can take a SMALL instead :) WOOT!!!!

And how it looks so far....LOVELY isn't it??

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

Thank you so much for visiting with me today :)Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

A couple of things..

2012-01-02T23:10:00.001-05:00

First my progress on AAHRH. It's not much as I just have too much nervous energy about my moms upcoming surgery and I can't sit still long enough to make good progress. But nonetheless...progress is progress, especially on large projects :) MAN, I'm telling you that bottom owl is one psychedelic creature!!! :)

Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

I am craving some finishing work...so I can "sense" some SMALLS REALLY soon :)

AND-remember this post? I have given it a great deal of thought (instead of stitching it and offering it on my b-day) ... AFTER my mom has surgery and has recovered I will be contacting the name of the person I decide to send this to so I can get some information from you :) I am anxious to get started on it :)

Thanks for visiting today-you guys have been SO wonderful to me! PLEASE do stop by again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Christmas Stash from hubby

2012-01-02T14:12:00.002-05:00

My hubby spoiled me with WONDERFUL stash for Christmas :) My family knows the way to my heart!! They know not to get me anything I will put in a drawer or closet never to be seen again :)

AND, I was so excited about this adorable stitch from BBD's that I have already purchased the wood finial with anticipation of finishing 2 of these. One for myself and one for one of my blog readers :)

Thank you all so much for your interest in the BAP Challenge. It is certainly still open for anyone that would like to join us :) There is NO pressure-the 100.00 gift certificate is just an incentive to keep you motivated. Just think of all the lovely new stash you can purchase if you are the winner :) :) :) If you want to join us-please let me know in the "original post" or via email :)

I have had so many well wishes for my mom and her surgery on Thursday. I have mentioned to several friends that I am running on nervous energy right now. Thank you so much. I promise to update when I know something. I will take my phone with me-but I cannot make any promises as I tried my best to comment on blogs this morning using my phone and it just would not let me. If I can get a post in though on Thursday I will let you all know how things are progressing. THANK YOU my friends! It means the world to me that you care.

Thanks for stopping by :) Please come again!
hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

I just had to share the WONDERFUL

2012-01-01T20:59:00.007-05:00

finishing fabrics I received from hubby for Christmas. OOOOOH-aren't these SO ME???
I can't wait to use these! Hopefully on a RAK for one of my readers :)

I am going to go park my backside in my stitching chair for the remainder of the evening with AAHRH :)

Thanks for visiting :) Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

Congratulations

2012-01-01T19:26:00.001-05:00

to Dani and Mindi for winning the GC's for The Ornament Challenge. It was great fun to see all the lovely ornaments shared.

NEW WINTER Challenge has been posted..please check it out and join the FUN!

Hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

AAHRH update and Challenge reminder

2012-01-01T12:16:00.007-05:00

This is my previous progress on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow. I was pretty much stitching a block a month before putting it away to stitch Christmas gifts.

I pulled it back out on December 31st and this is my progress as of today. I hope to finish block 6 this week.

Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

We have a great group for the 2012 BAP Challenge. If you are interested just let me know in the challenge post below or send me an email :) PLEASE remember if you are taking part-to drop me an email when you have a START and ANY updates to share as I need to follow your progress through 2012 :)

I don't generally set any deadlines or goals for my stitching. This year the only design I REALLY want to get stitched before the end of the year is My BAP Challenge piece of Christmas Garden. I actually hope to have it finished in time to display when I start decorating my home in November. ALL other stitching and I DO hope there will be plenty of it is whatever speaks to me :) NOW, that's how I like to do things :)

Take care and thanks for stopping by :) Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC!
BeckySC

My 2012 BAP Challenge will be...

2011-12-31T15:42:00.008-05:00

I am DROOLING over this one! Hubby gave it to me for Christmas, along with bunches of other new stash-that I am also drooling over!!! It is 15 x 18 (stitch count is 225 x 272) and I can't wait to get started...HOWEVER, I have to order fibers first :) LOL!
I will NOT start it prior to my mom's surgery. I am currently working on AAHRH and it will be my take along to the hospital stitch :)

Thanks for stopping by :)
hugs and love,
BeckySC

2012 BAP Challenge...will YOU join the fun???

2011-12-31T14:57:00.010-05:00

As you all know I enjoy hosting challenges that gets you all stitching. Please read the challenge info below and leave a comment ONLY if you wish to participate in the challenge.

The challenge:
Start and FINISH at least 1 large sampler (it doesn't have to be a sampler but MUST meet specifics required for challenge)in 2012.

The Design size must be at least 10 x 12 (that will roughly be in the neighborhood of 175 x 200 stitch count. The design can be larger but must meet the minimum requirement of 10 x 12. (if size differs due to stitching it over 1 but still meets the stitch count requirement that is acceptable)

You must sign up for the challenge ON THIS POST ONLY and you must give me the details of the design you are going to stitch for the challenge. Name, designer, stitch count (design size).

The design MUST NOT be started prior to January 1, 2012 and MUST be completed by December 31 2012. You MUST share your stitching progress with me. You can direct me to your blog when you have updated with a progress report on your BAP...or you can email me a picture-but I must receive updates on your project.

Those that complete the challenge will have their name added to a drawing for a $100.00 gift certificate from the ONS of my choice. Think of all the lovely new stash you can purchase at the end of the year :)

You will receive one entry per finish. If you are feeling ambitious and wish to stitch more than one design that meets the requirements of the challenge you will have an extra entry for each finish.

SOOOO, who's up for the BAP challenge? Remember to leave your comment here and give me the details of your project once you have made a decision.
I need at least 5 people to sign up for the challenge for me to host it!

Bee safe and have a wonderful New Years Eve for those celebrating it and wishes that 2012 holds many blessings for you my dear friends and readers.

hugs and love,
BeckySC

Believe

2011-12-29T15:16:00.001-05:00

Designer: The Sampler Girl
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: Gloriana
Date Started:12-26-2011
Date Finished: 12-26-2011

We had a MOST wonderful Christmas! We feel so blessed!
Wishing you all a Healthy and Happy New Year :)
Thanks for stopping by!
I hope to be back some time in January, maybe later (after my mom has recovered from her surgery on the 5th)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Ps..thank you dear Andrea (deep fried cupcakes) for your wonderful Christmas gifts :) You are such a sweetheart and I loves ya!

Bluebirds Needles and Pins

2011-12-19T19:49:00.001-05:00

This sweet pin pillow will be going out to one of my readers. My only concern it choosing someone that may already have it.....
It is finished off with coffee stained rickrack and a HT fabric for backing.

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: WDW & GAST
Date Started:12-19-2011
Date Finished:12-19-2011

I have mad energy these days...along with visiting...I baked 24 mini loaves of Apple Walnut bread to give to all my cousins and their familes tomorrow night as well as enough for hubby to give to his coworkers and I stitched and finished this pin pillow today! HOPE this energy sticks around!!!

Ok-I am off to watch A Christmas Carol, with George C Scott:) MY VERY favorite!!
Thank you so very much for visiting :) Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

Merry Primitive Christmas

2011-12-18T18:42:00.002-05:00

I snuck in one more today....not sure if I will have any other finishes before Christmas (but I do plan to stitch if I find a minute or two) as we have a really FULL week this week-When you have two really large families there are many parties and GTG's and we try not to miss any of them. Of course hubby has to miss some as he will be working, but he will get to attend several this week with a few days off. I am anxiously looking forward to this wonderful event filled week :) :) We have been secretly filling my MIL's stocking with goodies for her to find on Christmas morning. We all sneak in when she is not at home and add something to her stocking :) I remember when she was a school teacher and would save the gifts her students gave her and open them one a day starting on Christmas day. I think she will be so surprised when she finds all the goodies from us all in her stocking this year :) We have all been trying to spend extra time with her this holiday season :)

This was a very quick and fun stitch this afternoon as I watched Christmas movies :)
Thank you The Primitive Hare for offering this lovely freebie!
Very simple with gingham, twine, old lace from my Aunt's mother and a rusty safety pin :)

Designer: The Primitive Hare
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC

Dear Myra...thank you so much for your cute little portable ort bag :)Your sewing is just lovely and I can't thank you enough for thinking of me :) (((hugs)))
AND, dear BeckyK...thank you from the bottom of my heart-what a sweet surprise!!!!

Thank you for your sweet email regarding my posts. You are all so sweet. Please forgive me if I don't respond right away as I have not been reading blogs (I haven't read a blog in at least 2 weeks) or emailing much the past few weeks as we prepare for the holidays :)I can read email on my phone...but believe me when I say I DO NOT enjoy typing on my smart phone :) So I don't do much replying unless it is on the computer :) I'll catch up with you all soon :)

Thanks for stopping by! I love you dearly :)
hugs from SC,
BeckySC

A couple more ornaments :)

2011-12-17T20:24:00.002-05:00

Among all the holiday happenings I have found time to stitch a couple more ornaments. I enjoyed both of these so much-Good Tidings To You was more than a joy to stitch and I adore how it turned out :)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric: 32ct. Lambswool
Fibers: DMC
Start Date: 12-16-2011
Finish Date: 12-16-2011

Good Tidings To You
Designer: The Sampler Girl
Fabric: 32ct. Natural
Fibers: DMC & VMS
Start Date: 12-17-2011
Finish Date: 12-17-2011

Wishing you Peace, Love and Joy this Christmas Season. (we are definitely finding it in many unexpected places and from many people-it is SO amazing! We are SO blessed)

Thank you so much for stopping by :) Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

This is a VERY special finish...

2011-12-14T21:53:00.001-05:00

I wanted to get this one stitched as it marks my 500th finish of a SMALL. WOW!! I am certainly happy I have shared some of them with friends and family or my home would be bursting at the seams with smalls (I DO plan to continue stitching smalls though for myself and some of YOU :)) :) :) :) 500...that is a LOT of stitching and all my SMALLS have been stitched since right around 2000. I used to stitch mostly large pieces and really only got into stitching SMALLS when I started hosting exchanges in early 2000 and I also wanted to send gifts to friends :)
So, here is my 500th Small. I was able to stitch him today. He goes with the Merry Skater I stitched recently and I finished him just as I did her! TOO cute :)

Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed
Fibers: DMC

Thank you ever so much my friends for your sweet visits :) If I don't get back before Christmas...I will be Thinking of you all :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Offering a Round box to my INTERNATIONAL regulars...

2011-12-14T16:08:00.005-05:00

Yes, the size of the box in previous post is rather large and postage would be huge out of the USA...so to my INTERNATONAL regulars I will offer a round box Similar to this one...as a giveaway. I do not know what design I will use yet for the box-but will mail it on my birthday as well. If you are an INTERNATIONAL regular and would like a chance please leave a comment on THIS POST ONLY :) This post will CLOSE soon :)

hugs and love,
BeckySC

Final Blog Giveaway....

2011-12-14T13:42:00.008-05:00

This is going to be the last giveaway I offer on my blog. After this giveaway, there will not be any further giveaways that you have to sign up for... I will be sending RAK's out to my regular readers. I will pull names from the comments and randomly send out surprises to my regulars-I hope to be able to do this at least once a month.

What is this giveaway? It is a gorgeous box that will be finished off and sent to one of my regulars. I have not decided on the design I will be stitching yet for the box, or how I want to finish the inside....it may be finished off with just a stain on the inside and packed with other cross stitching goodies, or I may line the inside. The outside TOP of the box WILL have a stitched piece :)
Ok-here we go-my birthday is February 18th. I will draw a name on my birthday (this allows me plenty of time to make some finishing decisions AND allows for me to be with my mom after her surgery to remove the cancer on the 5th of January). I will have this box stitched, finished and packed and ready to send to the name drawn. If you are a regular and would like to have a chance to win the stitchers box-leave a comment on THIS POST ONLY. I will select the name on my birthday. This post will close soon!!

No stitching pics to share as we have been spending much time with our families these past few days. I did pull an ornament to work-hopefully soon :) BUT, I wouldn't change a thing about spending time with those we love :) We are pretty busy for the next week with our families and friends and I couldn't think of a better way to spend time :)

Thank you dear Edgar for the goodies....YUMMY! My family says so too...yes, I shared :)

Just in case I don't get back with a post before Christmas.... Merry Christmas dear friends. I hope it will be a Blessed Christmas for you all.
I can't thank you all enough for the love you have shown to me and my family this year. It has been a year that will not be forgotten and I sincerely hope not repeated. Life has made us much stronger this year and even closer as a family (which I didn't think was possible as we were VERY close prior to the events of 2011) Some of you have gone above and beyond being an online friend and I can't thank you enough for that. We have a strong church family which has been such a blessing to us-but I NEVER forget the blessings that abound from some of you. My heartfelt thanks goes out to you.

hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

Festive Redbird

2011-12-10T18:30:00.000-05:00

I love this! I finished it off with some chenille trim and a piece of twine for the hanger. It turned out just lovely!

Festive Redbird
Designer: Homespun Elegance
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: GAST, CC, WDW & DMC

Thank you ever so much for your sweet, sweet visits. Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

Gathering Basket

2011-12-09T21:06:00.004-05:00

If you recall a few weeks back I offered to stitch and finish Gathering Basket for one of my readers and Miss Jackie's name was chosen. It's ready to send off to you Jackie. I hope you will enjoy it. I certainly enjoyed stitching it for you :)

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Design Size: 5.5 x 3.5
Fabric: 32ct. Cream
Fibers: CC and 1 Thread by Nina(Old Berry)

I mailed off the scissor frogs to the winners today and Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet to Darlene along with some of my Chrismtas gifts. Please do let me know when they arrive. Thank you so much!

Thanks for stopping by :) Please come again!
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

Tulip House Stitching Companion

2011-12-06T18:13:00.000-05:00

I finally did the finishing on Tulip House Stitching Companion. I kept forgetting to pick up the paint I needed for this one. It's finished and ready to send off to the sweetest recipient for Christmas :) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE stitching and finishing this design. I love this one even more than the one I stitched for myself, as I love the finishing fabric I used for the inside.

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: GAST
Remember I am stitching it at least once more for a reader. Haven't chosen a name-will do so after I stitch it. It WILL be some time after the holidays!

Thanks for visiting with me and a sincere thank you for your ever so sweet comments. Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

A Christmas Song

2011-12-05T13:15:00.000-05:00

This has always been one of my favorite designs from the JCS Ornament issues. I stitched this one before for an exchange back in 2009 and have always wanted to stitch it again. I adore everything about it and it turned out so lovely. You just can't go wrong with redbirds-especially when they have on toboggans and scarves!!! :)(cardinals are plentiful in my yard visiting my feeders daily) TOO, TOO Adorable! The finishing fabric I chose has most all the colors of the design in it.

Designer: Full Circle Designs
Design Size: 3.5 x 3.5
Fabric: 32ct. Meadow Rue
Fibers: GAST & WDW

Thank you so much for visiting with me today :) I appreciate all your kind visits! Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Scandanavian Mitten Ornament

2011-12-04T16:32:00.001-05:00

This one turned out too adorable. It's so VERY tiny measuring just 2 x 1.5 inches. I used a blue snowflake print for the back and a blue ribbon and a white ribbon bow. I added a snowflake button on top of the bows. This is my second time stitching this one. I stitched it many years ago for my aunt for Christmas, but finished it as a square ornie. I LOVE this one so much more!

Design:From an Old Christmas Book
Fabric: 32ct. Ant. White
Fibers: DMC

Thank you for visiting with me today! I appreciate it so much. Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

More Finishing from last week's stitches :)

2011-12-03T17:36:00.002-05:00

Spent some more time in the old stitching room today doing some finishing :) I just adore how Frosty Flakes turned out. Isn't he great?? I used some wool felt and some of the fabric from my aunts mother (tacked to felt) along with some green/white gingham ribbon to finish him off.

Frosty Flakes
Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: CC & DMC
Date Started: 11-28-2011
Date Finished: 11-28-2011

And Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet finished up for Darlene who's name was chosen in the giveaway. I hope you will enjoy it, Darlene! It will be mailed one day next week :)

Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet
Designer: Shakespeare's Peddler
Design Size: 3 x 3
Fabric: 40ct. Light Exampler
Fibers: GAST
Date Started:11-25-2011
Date Finished:11-25-2011

Thank you SO very much for your visits :) I appreciate them and PLEASE know I will pass your condolences on to DD's BF. You're so sweet!

hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Skating in Central Park

2011-12-03T13:43:00.001-05:00

This one is for my DD's BF. He has been asking her since last Christmas when I stitched him this design if I was going to stitch him an ornament this year.(he also asked if he married her if I would stitch one every year....) He had never known anyone that cross stitched before he visited us the first time in 2009. He was fascinated by my stitching. Not sure yet if he is flying in this Chrismtas (he lost his grandfather yesterday)-or if I will have to mail it to him.
My DD thought this one was very appropriate for many reasons...(she's in love). It turned out super cute :)

Designer: Primrose Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Summer Khaki
Fibers: DMC & GAST

Thanks friends for stopping by :) I appreciate your visits so very much! Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

PS...I have Christmas gifts going out next week (Friday at the latest) as well as the scissor frogs to the winners :) Please do let me know when packages arrive :) Thank you so much :)

A couple of finishes on pieces I stitched last week :)

2011-12-01T19:27:00.001-05:00

I spent some time in my stitching room this afternoon/evening and did the finishing on 2 pieces I stitched last week. I still have several to do the finshing on-but must shop for some supplies first :)
Oh, I am in love........I ADORE how I finished this piece. It is just adorable. I just LOVE everything about it! Gosh, did I say how much I love it??? :) :) :)

Cardinal Winter
Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC & CC
Date Started:11-27-2011
Date Finished: 11-27-2011

This one is really adorable too :)

Christmas Eve Deer
Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric: 32ct. unknown scrap
Fibers: DMC
Date Started:11-26-2011
Date Finished: 11-26-2011

Thanks so much for visiting. I TRULY appreciate each visit :) Thank you so much for all the sweet email you have sent as well :)
Please come again :)
Have a most lovely weekend!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Winter Sheep

2011-12-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

I love how this little guy turned out. He's just too adorable :)

Desinger: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC

Thanks for visiting :) please do come again!
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

The Merry Skater

2011-11-30T14:28:00.002-05:00

Ooooooh...I LOVE how this one turned out!!!!! This is SO much cuter than the cover model and it was a fun stitch!

Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC

Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate your sweet visits! Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Makes me smile...

2011-11-29T23:38:00.008-05:00

I did the finishing on Joy to the World tonight. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way it turned out. I used a green/white gingham for finishing and twine for bow and hanger. It's just too adorable.

Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC

Thank you so much for visiting and for your sweetness! Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

Joy to the World (and winner of Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet)

2011-11-29T17:51:00.006-05:00

Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC

I chose Darlene to receive the Jenny Bean Pin Tuffet. Darlene, please email me with your mailing information. I *hope* to do the finishing on it this weekend-as you see from my previous post I have it stitched already. I wish I could give most all of you something-maybe that's something to aspire to :) There will be other stitched pieces for giveaways (I have a couple of La D Da's I want to stitch and give away as well as a few other designs that I enjoyed stitching and want to stitch again-I'll post about them another day!)-I haven't selected a name yet for the Tulip House Stitching Companion as I had to order fibers for it and for Gathering Basket(Jackie's win)--waiting for them to arrive.

Thank you much for visiting. Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC
PS...I "heard" all you dear people (and my mom-who definitely knows BEST) and will continue to do what I do! Thanks bunches!
I have not answered email...but will try to do so soon!

Busy Bee :)

2011-11-28T20:32:00.005-05:00

I have been busily stitching since Thanksgiving night. The house is decorated and ready for the holidays. I have been enjoying quite a bit of stitching time.

Christmas Eve Deer
Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric: 32ct. unknown scrap
Fibers: DMC
Date Started:11-26-2011
Date Finished: 11-26-2011

Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet
Designer: Shakespeare's Peddler
Design Size: 3 x 3
Fabric: 40ct. Light Exampler
Fibers: GAST
Date Started:11-25-2011
Date Finished:11-25-2011

Cardinal Winter
Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC & CC
Date Started:11-27-2011
Date Finished: 11-27-2011

I omitted the pine needles on the snowman's arms as around here-we don't use evergreens when we build snowmen-we use sticks without foliage :) I also left off the leaf in the left hand border on the bottom. :) TOO cute!

Frosty Flakes
Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: CC & DMC
Date Started: 11-28-2011
Date Finished: 11-28-2011

I received a gift from my friend Linda O today :) Thank you so much dear Linda :) The little gingerbread tray has found a home among my holiday gingerbread kitchen. So sweet of you and the buttons and ribbons will come in handy for finishing.

Thanks for stopping by :) Please come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

The Winner of Gathering Bakset is....

2011-11-24T16:29:00.003-05:00

Jackie Please email me with your mailing information Jackie.
Again I thank you for visiting with me-I so enjoy your visits and most all of you know I so enjoy giving. That's what makes me happiest :) :)

Thank you to EACH and EVERY one of you that touched my life this year. This has certainly been one of the most difficult years of my life and it looks like it's gonna be for a while longer with my dear mother-BUT, I am so thankful and feel so blessed to have so much to be thankful for in my life. Sometimes the bad overshadows the good and we question life and we think this or that isn't fair or why is this happening to me.... but in the end I am so blessed and RICH with friends and family, that My Cup Runneth Over-it honestly does. Thank you for all the prayers you sent up for our family so many times this year and I do ask that you keep sending them up-we are a family that definitely believes in the power of prayer and I just know my mom is going to come through this all and be happy and healthy once again. Thank you for each and every email and card you sent during our losses and continue to send for my mom. It's overwhelming. Thank you for understanding that amongst it all I sometimes needed time to myself-thank you for understanding why I had to be away for 6 months while my FIL battled cancer. Thank you for never being selfish. Though I may not always get to answer each email or comment individually or stay in constant contact I do hope you realize how much I appreciate all of you. Thank you for holding us close-thank you for your friendships!!

NOW, I have 2 more pieces I want to stitch again for someone. If you are a regular reader of my blog and would like a chance to have either of these pieces stitched and ready to display please leave a comment on THIS POST ONLY-let me know if you are interested in one or both designs. I will choose a name soon. I may not get them ready before Christmas as I still have some gifts I want to stitch for friends and family-but I will be working on them as I can.
What are they??
The first one is Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet. Here is a pic of the one I stitched for myself.
And the other is the Tulip House Stitching Companion. I have stitched this one twice now and enjoy it so much I want to stitch it again. Here is a pic of the one I stitched for myself.

Happy Thanksgiving my friends-it certainly has been for my family (my MIL and SIL's called today as they are spending this first Thanksgiving without FIL out of state with my BIL's family and they all sounded really good-that makes my heart happy)

Hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Christmas comes early....

2011-11-23T15:27:00.001-05:00

This truly STUNNING punchneedle gift arrived in the mail today from my dear friend Brenda. I just don't know what to say. What a wonderfully gorgeous and generous gift. I LOVE it my friend and it will have a place of honor each year in my home at Christmas time (probably year round as I may not can put it away it's so gorgeous!!!)-I just finished decorating my home yesterday for the holidays and can't wait to find the perfect place for this beautiful gift! I hope you know I love you my friend! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Thank you for your visits :) Please do come again!
Happy Thanksgiving friends. Oh, I can't wait! I love Thanksgiving and getting together with our family. It truly is a special day for us and one that I so look forward to all year long!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

I Heart Simple

2011-11-21T17:59:00.004-05:00

I stitched just a tiny part Merry Winter Bellpull to finish as an ornament. I wanted a really simple finish for this one. Some homespun fabric and some twine. This is so tiny and too adorable.

Design taken from Merry Winter Bellpull
Designer; Homespun Elegance
Fabris: 32ct Natural
Fibers: DMC, WDW & GAST
Date Started: 11-21-2011
Date Finished: 11-21-2011

Thank you all so much for stopping by for a visit. Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

PS Behind on email and blogs...hope to catch up SOON :)

Snowbird

2011-11-19T18:23:00.000-05:00

I started this one yesterday and was able to finish it up today. I stitched it before but gave it to a blog reader that really liked it. I wanted one for myself so I stitched it again. I am not sure just yet how I want to finish it. It's TOO cute and makes me smile. How about you?

Designer: Ewe & Eye & Friends
Fabric: 32ct. Stoney Point
Fibers: DMC

Thank you all for your sweet visits and lovely comments. I appreciate it so much! :) Please do come again!
Hope you are enjoying a lovely weekend!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Cheer

2011-11-17T11:48:00.001-05:00

Isn't this the cutest? I stitched it last night while watching TV with my DH :) Not sure why the snowmen are in that tree-maybe they have had TOO much "Cheer"...... lol :) I finished it off as an ornament with a blue homespun fabric and some black gingham ribbon to match the black in the word "Cheer".

Designer: The Trilogy
Fabric: 32ct. Natural
Fibers: GAST & WDW
Buttons provided with design

Many of you have asked about my dear mother. Thank you for that! She will have surgery on January 5th. We will not know anything more until they know if they were able to remove all the cancer. Until then we are keeping very positive thoughts and plan to enjoy the holidays :)

Thank you so very much for your visits. I enjoy hearing from each of you. Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Gathering Basket for you???

2011-11-16T21:00:00.005-05:00

I REALLY want to stitch this one again as I enjoyed it so much and have pulled it out of my basket to stitch again. BUT, I don't need 2 of these so if any of my REGULAR commenters (as a way to say thank you for visiting and commenting-you don't have to comment on each post to be considered a regular, but I must recognize your name from "seeing" you around on my blog. Let's face it some people only come around for giveaways and this is a thank you to my regulars as I appreciate each of you that takes a minute to leave a comment) have not stitched it yet and would like a chance to receive it finished and ready to display please leave a comment on THIS POST ONLY and let me know and I will draw a name on Thanksgiving. PLEASE let me know if you prefer a button or your first initial where I have sewn a button on mine-if you prefer your initial please let me know what it is in your comment. I will do my best to get it stitched and sent to you by Christmas :)

I have another BBD design that I want to stitch again as well and will offer this again after I send out Gathering Basket.

THANK you for your sweet visits :) Please do come again.
Hugs and love to you all,
BeckySC

PS..I have been informed that my email has been "eating" emails again before I receive them-if you have emailed me and require a reply and have not heard back from me-please resend as I have not received your email.

Snowy Eve

2011-11-16T13:28:00.003-05:00

I mentioned I was going to finish this one slightly different than the previous stocking. I wanted to add a cuff to this and I added a button to secure the hanger to the stocking. I love the way it came out. It's too cute :)

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct. Natural
Fibers: DMC

Thank you, thank you dear friends and readers for your ever so sweet vistis and emails. I truly appreciate them. Please know that if I do not email you a thank you for a comment-that I STILL so appreciate each one :)
Thanks for stopping by. Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

2011 Prairie Schooler Santa

2011-11-15T12:16:00.001-05:00

I did the finishing on him today and I must say he turned out gorgeous! I had to wait for hubby to cut some forms out for me over the weekend as I was out of this particular one. I painted it a green with a soft black wash over it and sanded it to give it a little wear :) I just love it.

2011 Prairie Schooler Santa
Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric: 32ct. Natural
Fibers: DMC
Date Started:11-1-2011
Date Finished: 11-2-2011

This is what I am enjoying stitching today. I started another BBD stocking this morning. I just love stitching these. I hope to finish the stitching this afternoon. Just have the snow left :) I think I will finish this one slightly different. It will still be a stocking finish but slightly different than the previous stocking finish.

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct. Natural
Fibers: DMC
Start Date: 11-15-2011

Thank you so much for stopping by. I appreciate each person that takes a minute to visit :) I have received some of the nicest email lately-thank you so much for that! Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

Little Green Tree

2011-11-14T12:03:00.000-05:00

This one is SO very tiny (1.8 x 1.8). The linen and the stars came with the design. I finished it off as a very tiny hornbook. It's just too cute. It will more than likely go into the Christmas gift pile :)

Designer: Bent Creek
Fabric 32ct. Summer Khaki
Fibers: DMC

Thank you for your visits, they are much appreciated. Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Merry Christmas

2011-11-13T17:57:00.001-05:00

I love this one. It's just so pretty. I omitted the bottom band as I just didn't like it. This is suppose to be finished as a bag like the one I made here.
But I think I may go with a different finish (I may finish it as a bag)-still undecided. Until I decide it will be put aside with 2011 PS Santa and the Tulip House Stitching Companion that I still need to do the finishing on.

Design: My Favorite Primitive Stitching Bags
Designer: Hands To Work
Fabric: 32ct. Mocha
Fibers: DMC

Thank you for stopping by for a visit. I appreciate it so much. Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Wee Santa

2011-11-12T19:12:00.002-05:00

TOO cute!!

Design: Wee Santa 2009
Designer: Heart in Hand
Fabric: 32ct. Hand-dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC

Thank you for visiting with me today. I appreciate your visits so much. Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Stocking from a Merry December

2011-11-11T22:25:00.002-05:00

Design: Deer in the Meadow
Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct hand-dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC

Thank you so much for stopping by. I do appreciate your visits. Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Give

2011-11-10T18:58:00.000-05:00

I changed the colors in this design to suit my needs. I wanted a very simple finish. I used a homespun fabric for finishing and some twine for a hanger and the bow. It's just darling and will be going to live with a friend for Christmas :)

Designer: Knotted Tree Needleart
Fabric: 32ct, Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: WDW and GAST & DMC

The next few months are going to be very challenging for our family as we once again face cancer. If I am quieter than normal please understand. I promise to keep stitching and sharing when I can as it really does help me cope-but sometimes I also get very quiet when I am stressed, worried or sad. Prayers for my dear mother would be much appreciated. I have had comments about when our parents age their health issues are common-well, my mom is only 65 and to her and to me that is still young!

Thank you so much for your sweet visits. I appreciate them much more than words can say!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

PLEASE NOTE: scissor frogs will NOT be going out for a couple more weeks yet-sorry for the delay-thank you for your patience. I thought I would get them mailed this week-but that is not going to happen!

Christmas Gift #10

2011-11-08T18:00:00.002-05:00

This turned out beautifully. I adapted a design from an old LA book that was meant to be stitched on a sweater. I dyed my linen and it turned out gorgeous. I used some of the fabric and lace from my Aunt's mother (some of you will remember from last year) for finishing and a green/white gingham bow. I just love how this one came out-I hope the recipient will love it too.

Design is adapted from a design in an old LA Christmas Book
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC

Things didn't turn out today as I had hoped for my mother :( Not really in the mood to talk about it. Thanks for understanding.

I love you guys! Thanks for visiting!
BeckySC

Cupcakes Anyone?? :)

2011-11-06T16:42:00.000-05:00

These are FAT-FREE :) :)
2 more Christmas gifts completed. I love making cupcake pincushions and these turned out adorable. I used motifs from a couple of Little House Needlework charts. Aren't they just too cute???

Designer: LHN
Fabric: Scrap
Fibers: DMC

Designer: LHN
Fabric: Scrap
Fibers: DMC

Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit :) Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Sunday Stitches :)

2011-11-06T13:20:00.007-05:00

Oh MY! I am LOVING this one. I stitched a band from the Winter Band Sampler by LHN and turned it into this wonderful needle/pin box. This is another Christmas gift. Oh I hope the recipient loves it as much as I do. I made a pincushion from some fabric that has the colors of the design for the inside of the box to hold needles and pins-it's stuffed with crushed walnut shells. I stained the box a rich color and mounted my design. I used home-made chenille trim around the design. There WILL be more of these in my stitching future :)

Motifs taken from Winter Band Sample
Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 32ct. scrap
Fibers: DMC

Thank you so much for your sweet comments about my postings and sharing. I try not to let anything negative bother me-but sometimes it just does. Please forgive me for not replying to each comment individually as there were a lot.

I have 2 more small pieces for today that I will share afterwhile if I get the finishing done on them :)

Thanks for stopping by today :) Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Happy Saturday dear friends :)

2011-11-05T11:28:00.001-04:00

This is another Christmas gift. I love how it turned out :) I hope the recipient will love it too :) I had the perfect fabric for finishing. It matches the colors in the design so well. I dyed some lace (you can't really tell in the pics under the artificial lighting but the lace and the linen are darker than they appear in the photos-the lace looks white but it is a beige color and the linen I dyed has some really nice tones)

Designer: Blackbird Designs (motifs taken from the Morning of Life Sampler in the Sarah Tobias book)
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: GAST & WDW

I'm sorry if y'all are sick of my postings, please don't hate on me(I promise I am not showing off or anything-I just love sharing my stitching with friends-it's just my nature-and I would still share even if I turned the comments off-I would share with 1 friend or 1000-it's really not about numbers with me. I ADORE and appreciate your sweet comments and emails and I welcome them-but that's not why I blog-I have a passion for stitching and sharing with others) I KNOW you all say I am a fast stitcher-but mainly I manage time really well and have a routine that works well for me that allows me to do all I need to do as a homemaker (Shelleen can attest to the fact I keep a clean house) and have time to stitch :) It has worked for many years now and I don't plan to change it anytime soon :) I feel very blessed that we are in a position I can stay home and enjoy taking care of our home and family-Oh yes, I have worked outside the home-I worked all my teenage years as a cashier and a server and I worked in the school system for 18 years and I can honestly say I DO NOT miss it. I have had other odd jobs as well but none have been as meaningful to me as taking care of home and family.
We have 2 birthdays this weekend that will be FUN, and I plan to continue with my
Christmas gift stitching-ALWAYS fun :).
Thank you so much for stopping by. Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Pedestal Pinkeep

2011-11-04T15:22:00.003-04:00

I stitched Rosemary Pinkeep today and finished it into a pedestal pinkeep. This is a Christmas gift for a stitchy friend :) I do hope they will like it. I enjoyed stitching this and deciding on a finish was my favorite part. I used an unfinished wooden candlestick (available at any hobby store)and a round base (also available at any hobby store which I sanded any rough places and painted black. I secured my stitching to the round base, glued the candlestick to the bottom of the round base for the pedestal and added my trim to the pinkeep.:) FUN, FUN, FUN !!!! :) :) :)

Designer: Nicky Farrauto (from the My Heart is True booklet with Blackbird Designs)
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: DMC
Thank you so much dear friends and readers for your visits and for your ever so sweet comments on yesterday's project:)
hugs and love and wishes for a great weekend from SC :)
BeckySC

Everything but the Initial....

2011-11-03T22:34:00.001-04:00

I finished the stitching for the box and stitched the pincushion that goes with it. AS you will see it is still missing the initial...this is going to be a Christmas gift for someone. I look forward to preparing the box for finishing as well as dyeing some rickrack and choosing the perfect button for the pincushion. HOPEFULLY the main piece will have an initial soon :) :) This is just a gorgeous stitch. I'll probably stitch it a third time :)

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: GAST
Thank you so much for your sweet visits :) I appreciate them so very much :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Happy Thursday

2011-11-03T14:40:00.001-04:00

dear friends and readers :)
I bet you thought I would start another Chrismtas piece huh?? WELL...I decided to go with Blackbird Designs Tulip House Stitching Companion. I dyed my linen early this morning for the piece and got started. If you recall I stitched this one earlier this year for myself and I just LOVE it. This one is going to be a gift for one of my stitching friends (just haven't decided who yet-but I need to before I have to stitch the initial..LOL) :) I I hope to finish the stitching up tonight and get the box ready and do the finishing tomorrow or Saturday :)

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: GAST
Thank you ever so much for stopping by for a visit. Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

2011 PS'er Santa

2011-11-02T12:23:00.004-04:00

Isn't he great?? I enjoyed every single stitch. I omitted the back stitched border as I am still unsure how I want to finish him but I don't think I want the back stitched border. PLEASE note the buttons and ribbon are for staging my photo only (I had many email that people did not receive buttons with their charts-I only used the buttons as part of the staging for the picture-they DO NOT go with the design)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric 32 ct. Natural
Fibers: DMC
Start Date: 11-1-2011
Finish Date: 11-2-2011

Tex..have sent and resent invite for challenge group.

Thanks for letting me share :)
Thank you all for stopping by. I truly appreciate your visits.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

I heart Prairie Schooler :)

2011-11-01T17:54:00.000-04:00

This morning I started the 2011 Prairie Schooler Santa as part of the ornament challenge. I have someone in mind for this design as a Christmas gift so it may not actually be finished as an ornament-I will have to think about it some more. This is where I am at with the stitching right now. I love how it is looking so far :)

Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric 32 ct. Natural
Fibers: DMC

Thank you so much for visiting with me. Please do come again :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Block 5 update

2011-10-31T16:00:00.003-04:00

This will be my last update on AaHRH for a bit as the Christmas Ornament Challenge starts tomorrow and I hope to stitch quite a few ornaments. I am STILL loving this one and I am finding it a joy to stitch! Next time I pull it out I hope to finish up block 5 :)

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011
A new reader asked me to share where I stitch...I have several places in my home that are set up for stitching. But this is my favorite as it is in the den where hubby and I watch TV.

The same reader asked me what method I use for stitching and if I use 2 hands. I use the stick and stab method and I do not use 2 hands for the actual stitching-both my hands are on top :). I hold my stitching (or my q-snap if I am using one) with my left hand and I stitch with my right hand :)

Thank you dear friends and readers for your special visits :) They are much appreciated!
hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

Happy Halloween Eve

2011-10-30T18:47:00.000-04:00

Berit had requested that I share pics of my Halloween displays this year. I emailed her that I hadn't taken any pics and didn't want to bore anyone as it was basically the same as last year with the exception of my new pieces added into the mix. WELL, I had several other people ask me to please share them as well and they assured me I wouldn't bore anyone:) So before it's too late as I will be putting Halloween away on Tuesday morning... here you go !! Thanks for your interest :) Among my own creations-many of you will recognize gifts/exchanges I have received for you :) I display them PROUDLY each year!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween and don't eat too much candy!
hugs and love from SC :)
BeckySC

We'll see ya soon, Matt

2011-10-30T16:17:00.001-04:00

You'll be missed while you are away protecting our freedom! We pray that God will watch over and protect you and bring you back to us safely.
This is Matt and his precious family (I took the pic today). Aren't they just adorable :) We love them to pieces :)

Today was so bittersweet. It's the first "real" get together we have had since my FIL's passing. He was most definitely missed today and will surely be missed for the upcoming holidays. I plan to do all I can to bring joy and good memories to our wonderful family as we draw closer to the holidays. We are so fortunate that we are such a loving family. I hear horror stories all the time about how families don't get along and that has just never been the case with this family. From the day I married into this family I have been loved and made to feel just like a sister and a daughter. And for this reason I have 3 wonderful families my husband and children, my mom and dad and my in-laws! I am truly blessed.

Wishes for a happy and healthy week to all my readers.
Thank you for visiting :)
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

Celebrations

2011-10-29T13:30:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow we are having Thanksgiving and Christmas combined into one for one of our family that is being deployed on Tuesday to Afghanistan. Since he will miss the holidays (he has 2 small children ages 3 and 4) we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with him before he left. My SIL even put her Christmas tree up for the occasion. It is a celebration, though we are so sad to see him go-we are so proud because he is. I would appreciate your good thoughts and prayers for him while he is away.
I spent all morning in the kitchen (where I DO SO enjoy being) putting together some yummy goodness for the celebration :)
Pumpkin Trifle

Peanut Crunch Cake (the corners of this cake are so yummy as they brown a bit more than the middle)

Buttermilk Pie (which if I don't bring there are some upset people...LOL)

Candy that the children love so much :)

I am really looking forward to our celebration-perhaps that is why I am in the holiday spirit :) Of course I am always in the holiday spirit at this time of year and those that have read my blog all the years I have been blogging know how much I REALLY get into Christmas :)

NO stitching yet today...BUT still stitching on Block 5 of AaHRH until Nov 1, when the ornament challenge starts. I couldn't miss stitching with everyone on the starting day of the challenge.

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

OOOOH, I have lot's of interest in the Secret Santa...be mindful though-I never said it would involve anything I have stitched :) That's why I am calling it Secret Santa as you do not know what you may receive-but you will not be disappointed in the contents of the gift.

Thanks so much for visiting with me :) I so appreciate each person that leaves a comment. Please do come again!
hugs and love,
BeckySC

Secret Santa...(closing 10-31-2011)

2011-10-28T12:14:00.004-04:00

I had a date with my mom this morning. We enjoyed some shopping and browsing and just each others company. She is in very good spirits.
I needed a new Christmas Tree for the family room and it REALLY put me in the holiday spirit picking out a tree...SOOOOOOOOO, I decided I want to offer a Secret Santa Giveaway to my readers. What does this mean?? It means that whoever wins will receive a Christmas goodie package from me. To sign up there are NO hoops to jump through, no need to become a follower or spread the word...you just need to visit my blog and comment on THIS POST ONLY that you would like a chance to have your name drawn for my Secret Santa package. Please include a way to contact you if I do not have your email address. I promise to make the package extra special for the winner :) All my readers are welcome :)

As always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting with me and your sweet comments and MOST of all your friendships :)
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Christmas Ornament Challenge 2011

2011-10-27T21:11:00.008-04:00

Invites have been sent out to the Blog. If you signed up for the challenge and did not receive your email invitation please let me know (check your SPAM folders). If you did not provide an email address I could not send you an invitation.
Remember the challenge does not start until November 1 2011. NO Ornament entries accepted before that date. All ornaments need to be stitched Nov 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011 to quailfy for drawing.
Hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

That's Some Pig....hehehe

2011-10-27T17:32:00.001-04:00

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

Many thanks for visiting :) Please do come again!
Have a super weekend.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

A gift for me :)

2011-10-26T14:10:00.002-04:00

From my dear sweet friend Brenda :) Isn't it just too adorable? I just love it. Brenda you did a beautiful job of stitching and finishing :) Thank you again my friend-it just made my heart smile today :)

Today's stitching has been all about the word "apple"....

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

I can't thank you all enough for your visits and your sweet comments and emails. They mean so much to me. THANK YOU!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Just a drive by post today...

2011-10-25T15:29:00.007-04:00

First and most important...THANK YOU to those that have left comments and offered good thoughts and prayers and shoulders and ears. And to those that have sent personal email PLEASE know I appreciate it more than you can know. I have had so many questions I just can't keep up with the email...
We will not know anything more until Nov. 8 when we meet with the surgeon. Mom is doing ok-good spirits actually (a lot better than me) she is having discomfort in her back and side but she is such a trooper and just keeps on going. This started out about 6 months ago (maybe a bit longer-things run together with all we have had going on, especially with my FIL-as I felt so consumed by it all) as something they were not concerned about and wanted to watch for 6 months if you remember I said we were dealing with a lot.. mom was my second family member I asked for prayers for while FIL was diagnosed as well. Now mom's has turned into something more serious and they want her to see a surgeon-we'll go from there. I have prayed and cried and prayed and cried and prayed some more and I am feeling a lot calmer today. Thank you for the reminders of who is in charge. I just felt as if my worst fears had come true. BUT I promise to stay positive and upbeat for my mom.

I have closed off the Christmas ornament challenge. MY we have a HUGE group and I will send out invitations to the blog over the weekend. I will leave a post here to let you know when I have sent the email invites. Thank you all so much for your interest and enthusiasm for this challenge. I just know it will be great fun!!

I pulled AaHRH back out today...nothing to show though as I am still stitching the next two borders for the next two blocks. I hope to have those finished up tonight so I can start stitching on Block 5. Someone asked how many blocks there are...there are 12 in all. I still have a ways to go :)

Thank you again-I can't tell you how much love I feel and how much that in itself comforts me.

Love and many hugs from SC,
BeckySC

Here I am again....

2011-10-24T16:00:00.002-04:00

this time my heart is hurting more than any words I can put down here and I come once again asking for prayer as we are a family that trusts in prayer. MY mom received word today that she has a tumor. I am not one to question life or things that are out of my hands.... but WHY?? Friends and ANYONE out there that visits here that prays, please do say a prayer for my mom. I feel like my heart has been cut out.
I went to the funeral of my best friends dad today and was already heavy hearted and just sad...then my phone rang......I don't know what else to say.

Sunday stitching :)

2011-10-23T20:30:00.000-04:00

I decided to continue with the Autumn theme and stitched this cutie from the Measure of a Year leaflet today. I finished it as an ornament. It's so tiny and too cute! If it has gorgeous colors, a crow, pumpkins...what's not to love right?

Designer: The Prairie Schooler (from Measure of a Year leaflet)
Fabric: 32ct. Lambswool
Fibers: DMC
Start Date: 10-23-2011
Finish Date: 10-23-2011

Thank you so much for stopping by :) Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Block 4

2011-10-22T20:52:00.000-04:00

I finished Block 4 this evening. YAY! This will be put away until next month.

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

Many thanks for your visits, comments and personal email :) I appreciate them so much!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Delivering Posies to a friend! (Challenge participants please read)

2011-10-21T10:25:00.002-04:00

I stitched this one for my dear friend Julianne while I was away and it was delivered to her this week. I changed out the ribbon to a green/white gingham before I sent it but failed to take a pic. I used denim from a jacket I used to wear to do the finishing. I think that makes it more special...kinda like grandmother's quilts when she used pieces of our clothing :)

Designer: Homespun Elegance
Fabric: 28ct.
Fibers: GAST & WDW
Date Started:6-12-2011
Date Finished: 6-15-2011
Gift for my dear friend Julianne :)

And here is where I got before going to bed last night-that tree took forever :) My stitching time this weekend will be devoted to this piece!

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

IMPORTANT...if you signed up for the Christmas Ornament Challenge but did not provide your Email address I will NOT be able to send an invite to the blog when it is ready. Please make sure you send me your email address. (my email is in the sidebar)

Thank you all for visiting. I appreciate it so much! Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

AaHRH progress (and trying to contact 3 fellow bloggers)

2011-10-20T12:16:00.000-04:00

I decided to work on block 4 for a few days. I really would love to complete this block before the end of the month as I have tried to stitch a block a month.

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

WOW!! thanks to everyone that has signed up for the Christmas Ornament Challenge! I am thrilled to see so much interest and I look forward to seeing all your lovely ornaments. I have collected your info and will send invites to the blog once I have it up and running (no later than Oct. 31):)

Heather (Firefly Dreams), Maureen (Maureen's Mountain of Stitching), and Poussy Stitches , I have tried to leave comments on your blogs and for whatever reason blogger will not allow me. PLEASE email me so I can have your email addresses :)

Many thanks for stopping by :) Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Christmas Ornament Challenge (Closed and getting everything ready)

2011-10-19T13:39:00.012-04:00

We had such a good time with the Pumpkin Challenge last year I decided to host a Christmas Ornament Challenge. The challenge will run from November 1, 2011 thru December 31, 2011. There will be a Gift Certificate sent to the winner of the challenge. The goal is to stitch Christmas ornaments in November and December and share them on a Blog dedicated to the challenge (I will create the blog and have it ready to go before Nov. 1) To join the challenge please read the info below :)

Just a few VERY SIMPLE guidelines.
1. To sign up for the challenge please leave a comment on THIS POST ONLY that you wish to join the challenge and make SURE I have a way to contact you.

2. No ornaments allowed that have been stitched PRIOR to the November 1 starting date.

3. Your name will be added to a drawing for a Gift Certificate from my choice of Online Needlework Shop for EACH ornament you upload and share on the blog. You will receive 1 entry per ornament unfinished and another entry if you have a FINISHED (as in ready to hang and enjoy) ornament. You can post the finished ornament (without having to make 2 posts for an ornament)and receive your 2 entries. The unfinished entry is so that anyone that wants to take part and does not do finishing work will have the opportunity to join us too :)

4. I (or someone in my family) will draw the winning name on January 1, 2012 and you will receive your gift certificate to purchase new stashy goodness :)

Don't be shy, come on and enjoy the challenge and you will have some ornaments to show for it and one person will have some New Years Stash :)

I'll have the challenge blog ready by Oct. 31 and I will share the link with you.

hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

My good fortune...

2011-10-18T12:40:00.001-04:00

AKA The kindness of stitchers. Phyllis has offered to do the hardanger and the drawn and cutwork on Heirloom Christmas for me. WOW!!!! I can't thank you enough dear Phyllis. I am sending it to her and she'll do those areas and send ot back for me to finish my part of the stitching. How SWEET is that? Pretty darn sweet I would say! I am beyond excited !!
And YOU dear readers, thank YOU for your sweet encouragement! You're the BESTEST!!
SOOO, it's back to the stitching room to choose something else to stitch on :) Another WIP?? Christmas gifts?? Aww..the life of a stitcher!
Wishes for a great day dear friends and readers!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

With renewed enthusiasm !!!

2011-10-17T23:03:00.002-04:00

I have made a decision that my oldest WIP/UFO will be displayed properly this Christmas. I have 4 WIP's (this one I considered my only real UFO) with this one being my oldest. So what's a stitcher to do when she is haunted by a piece being hidden away (and this one has been as I am NOT familiar with hardanger, pulled and drawn work-so my version will vary some as I plan to leave some of the bands off) for years??? Put on her BIG GIRL panties...and get to stitching!!!! Here's where I am and I plan to work on it until I am happy with the outcome and display it for the upcoming holiday season. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!! Maybe I'll get by with a little encouragement from my friends??? :) :) :)

The tree is AMAZING! It reminds me so much of live Christmas trees.

Heirloom Christmas Sampler (Victorian red and green colorway)
Designer: Thea Dueck-The Victoria Sampler
Design Size: 23.5 x 5.1
Fabby: 28 ct. Platinum Cashel
Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Silks, Perle Cottons, GAST, WDW, Caron Waterlillies, Kreinik Mori, Kreinik Braid

Thank you dear friends and readers for visiting today! Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Sewing Box and Frog Winners

2011-10-15T15:57:00.000-04:00

One day when we were going through so much here the phone rang early one morning and one of my dear friends asked me if she could take me to lunch and we would stop by a few of our favorite antique and consignment shops. Look at this little treasure I found in my favorite consignment shop. It just had to come home to join my sewing box collection. TOO cute right?? It was full of goodies!

Now for the winners of the scissor frogs. I was going to draw names tomorrow-but my sweet niece was here today (she's 5 and just so adorable)and it THRILLED her to be able to draw names. You would have thought it was Christmas :) She drew these 4 names in the order listed.
Patty C
Shirlee
Vicki
Donna TN
Ladies please send me your mailing info if I don't have it already :)
Thank you all for your interest. I wish I could have sent you all a frog :)

Thank you friends for stopping by for a visit!
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

PS...BBQ Fundraiser was a HUGE success! BeckySC's feet HURT!!! :) :) :)

Singing Polly Wolly Doodle All the Day

2011-10-14T14:15:00.001-04:00

Remember when we sang that in grammer school?? At least I did when I was in grammer school.
This is the last of the designs I stitched while I was away. I adore this design. I have stitched it once before as an exchange. Gave the chart away and had to order a new chart from my LNS as I just wanted to stitch it again for myself. I have a small black picture stand I plan to display this on. This design just makes me smile :)

Designer: La D Da
Design Size: 5 1/8 x 4 5/8
Fabric: 36ct. Wheat (1 over 2)
Fibers: GAST
Date Started:5-25-2011
Date Finished: 5-27-2011

Busy weekend as we have our annual Volunteer Fire Department BBQ fundraiser. I will spend most of the day serving BBQ on Saturday-but it's a joy as I see people from the community that I don't get to see often. I DO hope though that I can put in some stitches on Saturday evening.

Thank you all for stopping by. I appreciate your visits, comments, and personal email so very much!
Wishing you a most lovely weekend!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Sweet gifts from SWEET friends :)

2011-10-13T15:28:00.001-04:00

Before I show you some LOVELY gifts I received while away, PLEASE remind me if you sent a gift and I have not thanked you for it. I tried to make sure I emailed as soon as a gift arrived but may have missed someone and PLEASE let me know if your gift is not pictured so that I can share it. It was a long 6 months and I KNOW I am overlooking gifts that arrived-it is TRULY an oversight if I have not thanked you and want you to know just how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness :)

From sweet Maggee I received this lovely wall hanging. Isn't is just great and SO me?? Thank you again, Maggee!

And from one of my DEAREST friends, Julianne, I received this gorgeous pin pillow-it's finished just prefect and AGAIN so me :) Thank you dear one!

And today a little giftie from dear Edgar that just brought a smile to my face. Thank you so much dear friend, it's BEEutiful and YES, SO ME!!

I also received a gift certificate from a sweet soul and used it to purchase some charts recently (believe me it was such a sweet and thoughtful gift as I had not shopped or even browsed during my absence)! I hope to stitch some of them soon.

Thank you again dear friends and PLEASE remember to gently remind me if I have not thanked you for a gift sent in the past 6 months and again my apologies if I have overlooked you.

love and hugs from SC,
BeckySC

Ramblings for Thursday

2011-10-13T12:32:00.004-04:00

2 more stitches I had while away (I only have one more to do the finishing on, La D Da's Polly Wolly Doodle) I headed to my stitching room this morning to do the finishing and here's how they turned out. The first will be a Christmas gift for one of my readers. I chose a fabric that had many colors from the design in it to make a background mount for the ornament. The hanger is green gingham ribbon secured with a red button on each side.

Snowman
Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric: 32ct.
Fibers: DMC
Start Date: 7-7-2011
Finish Date: 7-7-2011
This one may very well be sent out as a gift too.

Summer ABC
Designer: Lizzie Kate
Design Size: 2.75 x 4.5
Fabric: 28ct. Flax
Fibers: DMC
Date Started:5-23-2011
Date Finished: 5-23-2011

And since I am feeling better and it doesn't hurt as much to speak of it-I wanted to share the gorgeous wreath that my family (my mom and dad, grandmothers and my aunts and uncles) sent in memory of my FIL. We used this at the front of the church during his services. I need to find a place to hang it-but I couldn't at first-I just couldn't swallow when I looked at it. Isn't is gorgeous though?

And last but not least...I have a few scissors frogs that I want to offer to my readers that may not have one and would like the chance to receive one. These are the frog part only-you will need to find your own base for them-but that's easy :) I have 4 to offer. If you would like a chance to receive one please do leave a comment and a way to contact you and I will draw 4 names on Sunday. No specifications on which frog you would like-I will put 1-4 on them and as I draw names the first name will receive the frog labeled 1 and so on.

Ellen from Singapore, Cath and Lynn (Kearnel) I have not forgotten about you :)

Thank you all so much for visiting and for your continued comments and emails. I have felt so loved this past week and I can't thank you enough. I have made several new friends from readers that have emailed condolences and comments on my stitching. It makes the world seem smaller when people reach out to you from all over. Please know I appreciate EACH and EVERY person (old friend or new, lurker or passerby) that takes time to visit. My spirits have indeed been lifted this week as I was feeling really sad and my heart just hurt. Thank you for sharing the love!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

What to do when it hits you that Christmas is just around the corner???

2011-10-12T18:41:00.005-04:00

I'm one of those people that VERY seldom fall right to sleep....usually I go through what I want to do the next day, what happened during the day, my grocery list, so on and so on and I am ALWAYS thinking about stitching while trying to sleep (my husband always tells people I stitch in my sleep). Well, last night while ~~lying in bed~~ wishing I would just GO TO SLEEP I realized just HOW close were are to Christmas and I decided I best get started on some Christmas gifts. I have been sending stitched Christmas gifts to online friends for about 13 years now. This year I am going to do it a bit differently and stitch several gifts and then just pull some names from my readers to send the gifts to. This morning I got up with renewed energy and excitement about stitching the first gift. I chose a blackbird design. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed stitching and finishing this one. I used a wooden box instead of the paper mache box called for. I painted it with a blue to match the blue in the design and then I washed over it with a grey and distressed it a bit, which shows up in some pics better than others. I used an old Christmas Advertisement(printed off)to line the inside of the box---fittingly appropriate I think. I mounted my stitching to the top of the box and added some chenille trim that I dyed. I just love it and I hope whoever receives it will love it too.

Love Letters
Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 32ct. Hand Dyed By BeckySC
Fibers: GAST
Date Started: 10-12-2011
Date Finished: 10-12-2011
I am eager to pick out the next gift to start.
Thank you dear friends and readers for visiting and continued thanks for all your sweet emails.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Therapy

2011-10-11T17:23:00.000-04:00

It has been such GOOD therapy getting back to my stitching room and doing some finishing on some of the pieces I stitched while I was away. I have 3 more pieces that I stitched during the past 6 months-it was hard not to do the finishing on them all today-but I saved them to keep the "therapy" going a few more days.

One Flag
Designer: Hands To Work
Fabric: 36ct. Cream
Fibers: DMC
Date Started:5-28-2011
Date Finished: 6-12-2011
Finished as a stitching/sewing box. I stained the box, mounted my stitching on top and added some green trim, green/white gingham ribbon and 3 green buttons.

United
Designer: The Trilogy
Fabric: 32ct. Summer Khaki
Fibers: GAST & WDW
Date Started:6-21-2011
Date Finished: 6-22-2011
Finished as a hanging pillow with blue star buttons sewn on to secure the gingham ribbon hanger and a large blue button for closure.

Thank you friends for stopping by.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Pink, white and dainty and something a little different

2011-10-10T10:19:00.001-04:00

I stitched this back in May but just now got around to doing the finishing. As most of you that are regular readers to my blog know, I have the sweetest husband that cuts about any wood shape I want for finishing. I finished this on one of the small cutting board shapes he cut for me. I painted this one white and washed it a bit. I used pink rickrack and pink gingham ribbon along with some pink buttons and a pink glass pin to finish it off. It is so lovely. PLEASE forgive the terrible photos as it is very overcast and windy here today so I had to take them under artificial light. So I am posting several, hoping one of them is decent. The piece is most lovely in real life.

Soft Spring
Designer: Shepherd's Bush
Design Size: 3.5 x 5.25
Fabric: 32ct. Antique White
Fibers: Thread Gatherer silks, Au Ver a Soie Silks, Gloriana silks
Date Started:5-20-2011
Date Finished: 5-22-2011
NOW, for the something different. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I want to offer this as an exchange with one of my readers-you will already know what you are receiving and how it is finished-so you know you are receiving something you like. If you are interested in exchanging for this piece. Please EMAIL me (my email is ion my profile), you can still leave a comment if you like, but to be eligible for the exchange PLEASE do email me and tell me what you will offer in exchange (it doesn't necessarily have to be something cross stitched). If I have more than one person interested I will go through the names and make a decision later this week.

THANK you all for your comments regarding blogging. YES, my spirit is broken right now. It is hard as I am SURE many of you know and understand to watch someone you love die. It breaks my heart for his children, grandchildren, my MIL, his friends and MY husband and yes my heart hurts too-cancer took him away from us slowly for 6 months. I KNOW that one day we will all be able to remember him and smile and it won't hurt so much-but the pain is still so fresh of his suffering. That is what REALLY broke my heart! I know I will probably be my old chatty self again before I know it-but not right now. BUT thank you for your love and comforting words, they honestly help.

I love you all!!! I REALLY do and can't thank you enough!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

10-8-2011

2011-10-08T22:47:00.003-04:00

A few finishes I have had over the past 6 months. I stitched a few other pieces but have yet to do the finishing on them. I was eager to do the finishing on the Autumn/Halloween stitching so I could get them displayed. I was unsure if I would get the opportunity to decorate this year for Autumn/Halloween, but over the past 2 days I was able to get everything out and displayed and that in itself lifted my spirits.

Hallowscornu
Designer: Barbara Ana
Fabric:28ct. Lavender
Fibers: DMC & DMC Variations
Start Date:8-3-2011
Finish Date: 8-6-2011

Trick or Treat Stocking
Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric:30ct. 18th Century Brown
Fibers: CC, WDW & GAST
Start Date: 8-31-2011
Finish Date: 8-31-2011

Witchville
Designer: Homespun Elegance
Fabric: 32ct remnant
Fibers: WDW & GAST
Start Date: 8-24-2011
Finish Date: 8-26-2011

Halloween Markings
Designer: Heart in Hand
Fabric: 32ct. Summer Khaki
Fibers: DMC
Start Date: 9-3-2011
Finish Date: 9-5-2011

All Hallows Eve
Designer: The Goode Huswife
Fabric: 28ct. Black
Fibers: WDW
Date Started:6-15-2011
Date Finished: 6-16-2011
My progress on Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow (AaHRH). I started this on June 22, 2011.

Progress as of 10-8-11

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
Designer: Carriage House Samplings
Fabric: 40ct. Sand Dune
Fibers: DMC & Thread Gatherer Silk n colors
Start Date: 6-22-2011

I have been mulling over whether or not I want to continue blogging. Whether I "~~Yack~~" write or not, I will continue to update this blog with my "stitchy pics"-that may be all I add-just stitchy pics and the details of the piece. I would STILL welcome email/comments from anyone that wishes to be in contact. I know many of you only visit/comment on blogs that return the favor but for a number of reasons I am just not much into "blogging" these days but still enjoy sharing my love of stitching with others. I will leave the comments turned on-but please don't feel obligated to comment. I just want to share my stitching with those interested.

Thank you all so much for your condolences. Thank you to those that sent snail mail cards-I shared EACH one with our family. They mean more than you can know. I'm just not real chatty right now (hope you understand why I have not been in contact with each of you personally) BUT please know I have and DO appreciate the love you showed for me and my family during my FIL's battle with cancer. AND that I love you BUNCHES!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
love and hugs from SC,
BeckySC

Gone Home

2011-09-29T21:21:00.004-04:00

To those friends that asked to be notified....we lost my FIL at 3:30am this morning. We have indeed lost one of the dearest men that ever lived...but heaven has gained an amazing angel. PLEASE remember us in prayer-this year started out with losing our niece in the house fire and then my FIL diagnosed with cancer 6 months ago and he fought the hardest battle up until this morning. We also lost his son-in-law (my sister-in-laws husband-he was diagnosed on September 9 2011 with pancreatic cancer and he died September 23 2011) this week. He was buried Monday. It's been a rough year and this week in particular with 2 deaths in a week has really taken a toll on our family. Please remember us all and please ask a prayer for us or a good thought for us-BUT especially remember my sister-in-law that lost her husband and dad all in a weeks time.
Thank you to all you beautiful people that have been so kind during the last 6 months.

love and hugs,
BeckySC

Paused indefinetely!

2011-09-02T16:08:00.006-04:00

Thank you friends for thinking of me and emailing to check in. Please accept my sincere apologies for not being able to respond to you individually. We are dealing with a great deal in our families (both sides) at this time and online time is something I do not have the desire to be doing at this time. I appreciate all the kind notes regarding how you miss my blog post and my stitching (not much stitching at all happening for the past 4 months (but that is OK, in time that will change) as I have just been so overwhelmed with emotions regarding our family members that are so sick-until you have been there you can't imagine what heartache you feel-cancer is such an ugly word and disease-I have not had the desire to write anything in my blog-or share any finishes (which have been VERY few) or take part in online activities)-at this time I will not be returning to blogging-that may change at a later date-but for now I will be offline so if you email you will not receive a reply It has been MY great honor and priviledge to know and call many of you friends. I hope you can understand my decisions regarding blogging/corresponding. Maybe someday in the future I can return to the online community but for now it is just not in the cards. I am staying PLENTY busy in other areas of my life-life is changing and I am changing along with it-it's not all bad and there are still a great many blessings in my life that I am so thankful for and happy about. And there have been some wonderful activities with friends and families that I have felt so BLESSED to be a part of and would truly not want to miss out on-don't think I am sitting around feeling sorry for myself or my family-that's not at all what's going on....I just have NO desire to spend PRECIOUS time online-time goes on, and days pass by quickly no matter how much I may want them to slow down so that we can have more time-when they say someone has maybe a year....a year is so short..... and we are now 6 months into that year.
I would like to thank EACH of you that have sent cards and gifts-I have received some really lovely gifts PLEASE know they are MORE appreciated than you can ever begin to understand.
Thank you again for your understanding (for those that don't...oh well-I have nothing whatsoever to say to you)and for the love and care you have shown me and my family!
Take care and keep stitching-believe me I will again pick up needle and thread as it remains my passion!!!
Love and hugs from SC,
BeckySC

New Life... EDITED...all 14 eggs hatched off

2011-05-24T13:02:00.006-04:00

This is what greeted me this morning...what adorable little faces!!
Momma chicken hatched off 14 babies this morning (throughout the day 2 more hatched-so we have a total of 14). Bless her heart..this is her 4th try at babies. I hope this time they survive (or at least some of them-we have not been lucky with her hatching babies-raccoons got the last one and weather has played a part in losing them as well...we were getting nervous-we knew she was due to hatch off today-but the temps here have already been in the mid 90's this week-she had eggs go bad last year due to the high temps) I am a PROUD chicky grandma!!
Enjoy your babies momma!

Take care of YOURSELF and your loved ones!
Hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Industrious Bee Sampler Framed

2011-05-17T21:51:00.001-04:00

I have received many email wondering how I am, how my FIL is and what I am stitching. I cannot thank those of you enough that have been so supportive, understanding and kind to me recently.
Sadly, there has been no stitching. Things are so much more stressful here than I ever imagined they could be. My heart just continues to break for my husband and his family. I have been through a lot in my life. I lost my only sibling to a auto accident when I was 18 and he was 17 (he would have been 46 today. I miss you so much-I hope your birthday is amazing up there), I have lost grandparents and other loved ones and of course the tragic loss we suffered in January of this year....but this cancer that is taking my FIL from his family has really grabbed hold of my heart and won't let go. I am sorry I am not online, not blogging, not visiting your blogs, not sharing...but my heart is just not into it. I have tried to make it be-but it's just not. I am sure that will change at a later date.
I did manage to frame a piece I stitch a couple of years ago. Please excuse the fingerprints-I didn't realize there were so many on the frame where I handled it Had I known I would have cleaned the glass again before photographing. I DID clean the glass before hanging!!
I absolutely love this sampler. It is among my very favorite one I have stitched.

I got my bifocals yesterday-maybe time will allow a few stitches soon.

Ellen S-thank you so much for the bookmark. I love it and you for thinking of me.
Linda O-thank you for the piece of linen-it will be put to good use!

Thanks for checking on me-I can't tell you how much that means and I will not forget how thoughtful you are.
Love and hugs from SC,
BeckySC

A Stitch in Thyme

2011-05-09T18:11:00.000-04:00

Designer: Little House Needleworks (Fresh From The Garden chart)
Fabric: 30ct Straw
Fibers: CC
Date Started:5-7-2011
Date Finished: 5-9-2011
Finished using the Pincushion and Needlebook supplied by Impie, Hattie and Bea

Thanks for stopping by!
hugs and love from SC
BeckySC

An Abundance of frogs...

2011-04-23T23:50:00.007-04:00

Today was such a lovely day. We got up very early and took off to do something I haven't done in such a long time. We visited all my favorite antique and consignment shops. I feel like I hit the jackpot!! Look at all the wonderful flower frogs I found-mind you I already have about 8 with scissors displayed in them...but I could not pass these up-they were ALL (with the exception of the deep pink one and the mint green one-they costs more than I wanted to pay but they came home with me anyway) very reasonable. Later on I will have a giveaway for a couple of them for my regular readers-I just can't do giveaways right now due to what's going on in the family as I cannot always get to the PO. But when I am able I will offer a couple as giveaways! I have an excuse to buy more scissors-not that I need them-but
don't we love our scissors?? Iknow I sure do!

Some of you know I also collect sewing baskets. I was thrilled to find this one to add to my collection.

I also plan to make this into a sewing box.

I LOVE anything with an alphabet on it-this was a great find for me!

LAST but certainly not least...look at this sampler I rescued from one of the consignment shops..WOW!! Is it not amazing? I cannot believe it was in the consignment shop-I just could NOT leave it there.

My best friend celebrated her 50th birthday today and had a huge party. The food was so delicious and the decorations were amazing and the entertainment was wonderful! We just had a great time. She is a 3 time cancer survivor and this birthday meant the world to her and her family! Happy Birthday my friend! You know I LOVES you!

We also had a cookout at my SIL's after leaving the birthday party. We had the best time playing beanbag toss and horseshoes and another game I had never played and can't remember the name of it right off-but we laughed so much and it was really nice to see my SIL's, BIL and hubby have a little fun. Unfortunately my FIL was not up to coming. He is just having a terrible time and he is in really bad shape y'all. It's hard to believe that only a month and 6 days ago we didn't even know anything was wrong with him...his back was hurting is what sent him to the doctor-it spiraled from that day on and he is in such bad shape:( I know many of you know the heartbreak of cancer and it truly is breaking my heart to see this dear man go through this. My BIL and his family leave tomorrow to go back home. I sure hope we have more chances to get together and that my FIL will be able to share in it.

Thank you all for visiting!
Have a Blessed Easter.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Sew A Brown Bunny

2011-04-20T22:35:00.002-04:00

I was gifted this chart by the lovely and very talented designer Carol R. Thank you so much, Carol-you are a sweet friend!!!! I knew as soon as I opened the email that I wanted to stitch it as soon as I had the chance. I LOVE it. It turned out so beautifully.
I asked permission from Carol to omit the 4 small bunnies and add some buttons-thank you for allowing me that liberty Carol. I finished it as a pillow with some wonderful green/white gingham fabric. I added a piece of lace that was in the lace that belonged to my aunts mother. I ran a brown/white gingham ribbon through the lace before I sewed it to the pillow to tie into a bow. This was such a fun design to stitch and you already know I had a wonderful time with the finishing. If you have not seen Carol's designs you should take a second to check them out-she has some wonderful designs to offer.

Design: Sew A Brown Bunny
Designer: Carol R of istitch Designs
Fabric: 32ct. Hand dyed by BeckySC
Fibers: GAST
Date Started: 4-20-2011
Date Finished: 4-20-2011

My FIL started a round of radiation today (for 10 days) to help with his pain. We hope this will at least allow him to return to some of the things he enjoyed. Gosh, I REALLY hope it helps with his pain.
Someone commented and I can't remember who right off...but he is never alone at a doctors visit-my SIL who is a nurse is always there and my hubby is an EMT as well. They make sure he gets what he needs. Thank you so much though for your concerns.

Thank you so much for visiting today! I do hope you come again.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Something Cheery....

2011-04-19T18:41:00.001-04:00

I needed something bright, cheerful, happy, smiley and fun to stitch-so I chose Peep. I picked it up at my LNS yesterday and it is just such a "happy" little design with "happy" colors! TOO fun! I used a colorful Easter Egg print to finish it off as a pillow-which turned out too adorable. I must say it did bring me smiles while stitching and finishing it!!

Designer: Lizzie Kate
Design Size: 1.25 x 7
Fabric: 28ct. Miracle Mint Lugana
Fibers: DMC
Date Started:4-19-2011
Date Finished: 4-19-2011

WOW! Thank you all sweet readers for your sweet, kind and comforting words and emails to me. I have received some of the sweetest email from people that have never commented before or are new readers and I can't tell you how much your words/thoughts and prayers mean NOT only to me, but my family. Thank you seems so little to express my gratitude but it is from my heart! Much gratitude to you all.

Thank you for visitng. Please do come again.
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Family...

2011-04-18T18:16:00.002-04:00

People...LOVE your family and SHOW them they are loved. It only takes a second to say I love you or to hug someone or to pick up the phone or stop by for a visit. As most all of you know my FIL is very sick and will not be getting better. He received the news last week that his cancer is stage 4. Heartbreak continues to fill so many of our hearts-this man is just so loved. My BIL and his LARGE family arrived on Friday (he is military) and we had picture day yesterday as a family. A professional photographer took them free of charge for the family. It just made our hearts swell to be with everyone and have some memories taken to preserve time with each other. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a loving and caring family-I know some people do not get along well with their in-laws-but that has never been the case for me or my hubby-we know how blessed we both are to have such great parents and families that love us both!
Please continue to remember this sweet man in your prayers as he is in MUCH pain-that just breaks my heart a million times each day. He has an appointment on Wednesday to see how the pain may be better managed. We want him to be comfortable and enjoy what time he has left.
Also, my grandmother is back in the hospital for a blood transfusion. I would appreciate your prayers for her as well. Bless her heart!! I love her DEARLY!!!!

I did find time among all the comings and goings to stitch one of the PS'er Folk Art Eggs! I LOVE IT! It just pops on the black fabric! Because I did not have any black fabric in anything other than 28ct. I chose to finish this one on a box as it was a tad large for an ornament finish-I also decided for this finish I did not want to line the inside of the box. I just did a stain. It turned out wonderful and I WILL be stitching others from this leaflet.

Designer: The Prairie Schooler
Fabric: 28ct. Black Lugana
Fibers: DMC
Date Started:4-16-2011
Date Finished:4-17-2011

Today was a rare day and I got to visit my LNS to pick up some automatics and do some shopping...let's just say I haven't shopped since Christmas (I spent my GC's and cash from Christmas the week after Christmas and have not been to my LNS for months) and I came home with the motherload today!! WOW! I can't wait to go play in it after supper and pick a new start!!!!

Thank you Sharon in Florida for your sweet gift. It was VERY sweet!!! I received it in today's mail and I can't thank you enough dear!!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! (especially when I am not able to visit your blogs-I MISS you all) Please do come again!
hugs and love from SC,
BeckySC

Please note that my giveaways and gifts will resume at a later date-right now it's hard for me to get by the PO or anywhere else for that matter. Thanks for understanding!

Peacock Needlebook

2011-04-14T18:52:00.002-04:00

Designer: Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 28ct. Gingham
Fibers: CC, WDW & GAST
Date Started:4-12-11
Date Finished: 4-13-11
What a FUN stitch. I chose not to stitch the herringbone stitch around the perimeter of the needlebook. I had a finishing fabric with all the colors in the design which I used to line the needlebook. It has a button with a chain stitched (crocheted) closure and a brown wool needle page.

Dear Brenda-thank you SO much for your very generous gift I received today! I was very overwhelmed and can't thank you enough. I hope you received my email. Much love and many hugs to you.

Things are still the same here...we are awaiting news from the Sanger Clinic on FIL. He has had 2 very bad days though and that's so hard to know and watch!!!!! :(

Thank you so much for visiting!
hugs and love,
BeckySC