Halloween, Thanksgiving, Almost Christmas

With Thanksgiving behind us the mad rush towards Christmas begins!  I already have the stockings hanging from the mantel and expect to get our tree very soon.  Christmas will be here before you know it!

Today however, it felt like Halloween.  I picked up the mail and was excited to see that Amy's Halloween exchange arrived.  It's a beauty....

2013 HOE Halloween Ornament Round #1

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Design: Boo To You
From: JCS Sept/Oct 2012

Stitched by: Amy

This is such a great design with the perfect finish.  I love the ruched ribbon trim and, having recently ruched 10 yards of ribbon, I can appreciate the time spent on this exchange.  

Thanks again Amy, your wonderful ornament look great on my Halloween tree!

Here is a pic of the Ornament that I sent to Lily...

2013 HOE Halloween Ornament round #1

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Design: Trick or Treat

Finish: Small Treat Bag

Stitched For: Lily

I decided to finish the ornament into a tiny Halloween treat bag.  

I recently posted Halloween Ornament Round #2 sign ups on the HOE blog so check it out if you are interested in participating.

Each Thanksgiving my family spends the holiday with my relatives.  I always try to stitch something to share with them.  This year I decided to make these candle mats...

2013 Thanksgiving Gift

Designer: Carriage House Samplings

Design: Autumn At Hawk Run Hollow ~ Block 12

2013 Thanksgiving Gift

Designer: The Primitive Hare

Design: Give Thanks ~ Freebie

When things settle down I would like to spend some time making a few for myself.  Scented candles are often burning in my home so I could use a few candle mats and I really do like the idea of combining cross stitch and quilting.  They do not require very much fabric, they are relatively quick to make, and, unlike a large bed quilt, these are small enough to machine quilt with my Bernina.  

Thanks for stopping by and...

Until Next time ~ remember:

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.

-Marianne Williamson

My Joy