What's That White Stuff?

My first winter back in Texas and I am welcomed with a wonderful snowfall....

December 2009 Snowfall

This is very unusual for the Houston area and I am not too sure when I will see it again. For me it was a mere "dusting" but for the natives it was reason to close schools early, close shops early, dump 2 bags of sand at the entrance to the bank, and for some a reason to drive down I-10 with the hazard lights on. Like so many others, I left my house with camera in hand to capture the moment. When I am wishing for the whitecap mountains at Okemo in Vermont, I will grab this picture and glance at the "whitecaps" on my house. Yes, we had snow one day and 71 degree temperatures the next!

With all of that snow, I am ready for Christmas. I spent much of the day turning the tree from this:

To this:

Just in time to hang this gorgeous ornament from Pilar:

2009 Year Long PS Exchange ~ round #4
Stitched by: Pilar

The ornament is stitched on very tiny count; it looks like 40ct over two (?) ~ truly perfect stitching and finishing. Pilar inserted dried lavender inside so the ornament smells wonderful, such a nice touch!

Thank you so much Pilar for the beautiful ornament, I shall treasure it.

Here is a sampling of some of the cross stitch ornaments hanging on the tree this year:

Thanks to the old and new visitors that take time to stop by ~ I enjoy and appreciate all of your comments!

Until next time...

Two New Exchanges

The mail carrier was good to me yesterday; he left two wonderful packages in the mail. The first was from Patti who stitched for me in the Year Long Prairie Schooler exchange. She stitched this pretty design on 40 ct and used a great decorative trim on the edge, very nice choice!

Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange

Stitched by: Patti

Patti included a gorgeous beaded fob that she made ~ the beads are beautiful. Thanks you so much Patti I love what you sent.

This is what I stitched and sent to Lillie:

Next, I received an amazing exchange from Ronel who stitched for me in the FTT Needlework exchange. I am not certain that the pictures will do this justice…

Ronel is a master at Stumpwork and I am truly honored to own a piece of her work. The detail on this is amazing; can you see the owl’s eyes? They are tiny! The flowers are a combination of red seed beads and French knots (?) and the dragonfly is made from beads with wings stitched in gold thread. The stitching is perfect in every way.

Oh, did I mention that it is a needlebook? This too is perfectly constructed. Given the range of Ronel’s talent, I imagine that she made the lovely pins as well. Ronel also stitched a beautiful little scissor fob, personalizing it on the back with my initials.

In addition Ronel included some Madeira Silk threads (in my favorite color), needles, a pink tape measure, charms, and a fragrant sachet. Thanks you so much Ronel for a wonderful exchange!

FTT Needlework Exchange

Stitched by: Ronel

Finish: Stumpwork Neeldebook and Fob

Here is what I stitched for Gabriele:

FTT Needlework Exchange

Designer: Little House Needlework

Stitched For: Lillie

Finish: Needlecase

I took a trip to San Antonio this past weekend and stopped in at Cross Stitch Plus where I managed to find a few "must have" patterns and a bit of fabric:

Texas Tree

Blackbird Design

Glorious June

I also managed to find two floral frogs and a dish for one of the frogs. I saw this on a blog (sorry can't remember who posted this fabulous idea) and loved it.

What a great scissor holder!!!

Thanks for stopping by and I do hope that you find time to stop by again~

Until next time...