Final Christmas Exchange!

Yesterday was finally the day my dear friend, Harriet and I had our day of gabbing, laughing, stitching and Christmas exchange.  It was such a fun and relaxing day.  She is one of those rare friends that no matter how much time passes between visits as soon as you are together the conversation picks up just like you left off the day before.  The day ended far too quickly.

 This is the piece I stitched and finished for Harriet.  It was a free design I got on http://perelles.canalblog.com  As of today, it is the second post down on the blog.  I know how much Harriet loves designs with houses, trees, birds and this one definitely met the criteria for which I was looking.  I wanted something wintery to remind her of home when she is wintering in the warmer climates.  I knew it should have a house and this house has so much charm.  I liked that it not only had an evergreen tree but another type of tree without the leaves.  Sprinkle in a couple of birds, a snowman and a few flakes and it seemed just perfect to me.  I really enjoyed stitching this one.  I will admit to there being 1 mistake in there but don't think anyone will find it.

I decided to finish it into a cube using Vonna's (TwistedStitcher) tutorial.  Her tutorials really are wonderful as they explain every step in detail and with photos.  This was actually my second cube and I think it turned out pretty good.  It has given me the confidence to try a flat fold next.  

I received such a thoughtful gift from Harriet.  She combined my love of all things ice skating with my love of all things Prairie Schooler and stitched the 2009 Prairie Schooler Santa and finished it on top of this lovely jewelry box.  I'm not sure if I will be using as a jewelry box - I'm thinking it would be a lovely box for holding stitching supplies.    

There were also a few other little goodies tucked in my bag.  I was so pleased that she bought me a piece of pottery in Arizona for my snippets of thread.  I've given several pieces of pottery to friends from a local potter for that same purpose but have yet to buy one for myself.  I was delighted to have one of my very own.  Notice the spool of silk thread from HDF.  It is called Rubbed Quartz and was a color I had admired in her collection back in the Fall.  She tucked that little tidbit of information away and now I have one of my very own.  I have a project in mind for it already.

I'm making fast work (considering how little time I actually find to stitch) on One Soul One Earth by Primitive Hare.  I did have to change the color used for the crown, shoes, snail, etc. as the called for color would not show up on the fabric I chose.  What can I say - it happens!  I already have planned out how I want to do the finish work for this design.  It will be a new challenge for me.  Actually it will be my third challenge project for the year when I get it done.  I have two other's ahead of it to do - you see they all involve sewing.

The men in my house are very happy these days as their football team (the Denver Broncos) are going to the Super Bowl.  February 2 will either be a really good day in our house or a really bad day!

Last night I finally started February's book club selection which is Making Piece by Beth M. Howard.  I'm just barely into to it but it has my interest so am thinking it will be a quick read.  I've set myself a modest goal this year of reading 36 books during 2014.  I'm hoping I surpass this mark by the time July rolls around.  Of course, that could be just wishful thinking!

Lastly I'm thinking about updating/freshening the look of my blog.  I do love the neutral colors but some days it seems a bit dull to me so am thinking of giving it some life.