Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that today is the last day of 2013 and we are just a few hours away from 2014.

A quick update on some things I've been working on lately.  Although most are still Christmas gifts that have not yet been opened by recipients so you will have to have a bit more patience with me.

I made this table runner for my brother and sister-in-law.  I'm using the picture she sent me of it after she put it under their t.v. set.  I can't believe I did not get a picture of it before it got out of my house.  She has requested another one using the same fabrics for her birthday (which means I have some time to get it done).  I did go to the quilt shop on Monday and picked up the fabrics and is a good thing I did too as they were almost out of a couple of them.

These were the last two scarves that I had to get knitted before Christmas.  I finished them Sunday and delivered them to the intended gift givers on the Monday before Christmas.   Whew!

These two items are gifts I've stitched and as they've not yet been opened by their intended recipients, I cannot share the entire photo with you at this time.  I can't wait to share them as I'm delighted with how they have turned out.

I've been the recipient of a couple more lovely little gifts.  My friend, Mindi, gave me these delightful ice skate ornaments to add to my collections (#34 and #35).  The little pair with the rusted blade on the bottom are my new favorite skating ornament.  They are just precious!

On Christmas I was so touched by the gift I received from my husband's, Aunt Nanc.  She made this beautiful box using fabrics from a stash of Bill's moms fabrics and lace.   We lost Bill's mom 22 years ago so this was an especially meaningful gift as it was made by Nanc with stash from Sharon.  I will admit to it bringing tears to my eyes when I opened it.  I remember Sharon having a basket lined with this fabric.  Tucked inside was a pair of scissors, a needle threader and a kit for sachets.  You can see I have already put my necessary stitching items in it by my stitching chair to use.  Just needs a tiny pincushion for my needle that will fit in there.  I think I know where the perfect one is to buy that will fit in the space left in the box.

You may remember I signed up a long time ago to do the swap through Primitive Hare using her Primitive Atmosphere book of designs.  I received a wonderful package from Fabrizia (http://ricamandoe.blogspot.com) and couldn't have been more delighted with the design she chose to stitch for me.  It is the one I was hoping to find time to stitch one day and am thrilled she chose it.  Of course, most of you know my favorite color is blue so love that the inside and back fabric both have lots of blue in them.  Notice the scissor fob she made as well.  I've a fondness for crocheted doilies, ornaments, etc. so this was a lovely surprise.    Thank you again, Fabrizia!

I finally found some time over the past couple of days after my workouts to do a little "after Christmas shopping".  It is wonderful to go back into the stores and not have the crowds.  For my efforts I came home with these flour sack towels.

I also purchased these adorable mugs.  I'm still blaming this on Belinda (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com) for posting hers on her blog.  I've resisted them since the day we were shopping and she bought her first one but could no longer fight the temptation.  This is the frog (for Keith) and dragonfly (for me).  When you turn them over, the parts become the feet.  For instance the frog's eyes become feet.  I was lucky and they were on clearance so I bought the other two (another dragonfly and a hedgehog).  I think they will make fun gifts.

Lastly, I snagged the only packet of these adorable Sticky Notes at the same shop.  They seemed like a perfect fit for the stitcher/quilter/sewer/crafter that I am.

Every  six months I have my blog entries printed into a bound book and pulled out my book with the start date of January 1, 2013 to see what was going on in our lives at that time.  

I was pleased to see that I had actually accomplished the goals I had set out for myself for the year.  If you remember I set my goals to be more progress oriented rather than total completion of the goal.  Here are a few updates to my goals.

1.  More photos taken of myself.

Glad to report that thanks to family and friends I have had many more pictures of myself taken throughout the year - even a couple of them are good.  Sadly this is the year we did not get around to making a family photo Christmas card.  Best keep this goal on my list for 2014.

2.  Live a more healthy lifestyle.

I also had positive results with this one.  I joined the local "Y" and am pleased to report I've been using it pretty much Monday through Friday since joining.  I mostly use the treadmill and stepper machines in the gym and take a weight class called Body Pump which is based on repetitions rather than amount of weight.  I'm pleased with the results I've seen so far.  This goal will continue into 2014 as I would like to add another class or two to my workouts.

I will also add eating more "clean" in the coming year.  Try to get away from eating processed foods and eating more fresh foods.

3.  Stitch from my stash rather than adding to my stash.

I have to say I've done a pretty good job with this goal.  When I made the goal, I did allow myself to purchase those things that really "called" to me.  All in all I feel I did pretty well in this area.  I have managed to complete several of my WIP and used up fabrics and threads in my stash.  This is a goal I plan to continue in 2014.

4.  Another goal was to actually stitch some ornaments for my own Christmas tree in 2013.

I am pleased to report that I did manage to stitch 3 ornaments for myself.  However, did not have the time to finish them for display this year.  This goal too will continue in 2014.

This post as taken me all afternoon and evening to write as I've had many little interruptions.  I will close with wishing you all Health and Happiness in 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!