Monday, December 15, 2014

So close, yet so far

Here is His Eye.



I'm so close, yet so far from being finished.  So many more motifs to go.  See?


Yup, lots more motifs to repeat!  Including another big bird.  Ugh.

Here are my fussy cut star halves, both mystery fabrics.  (Only two more Fridays to go!)


I thought the numbers were fun, and everyone needs at least one polka dot star, right?

I never do exchanges, as you may have noticed.  But Paula of Kelmscott Designs persuaded me earlier this year that we should do an ornament exchange that is sampler based.  So we did.  This is what I sent to Paula.  It's a design from the 2014 JCS ornament issue by Cherished Stitches.  The fabric it's on is the backing.  (I think it's a Minick and Simpson fabric from the Wiscassett collection.)


And look at what Paula sent me!


Paula said the design was a French freebie.  I just love her finishing and the hornbook too!  Thanks again Paula!  It was so much fun to do this with you!  I hadn't finished finished anything in so long -- I'm so glad I could find my cording tool!  lol!

The father type and I went out to our local charity Christmas tree lot yesterday to get a tree.  I'm not sure Mia was quite happy about it.


But she grudgingly watched the activities.


We are going to wait to decorate the tree until the boy child is home.  Hopefully the girl child will come and help too.

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I hope everyone has a great week.  Less than two weeks till Christmas!!!


40 comments:

Tea said...

Such a pretty cat and Christmas tree, enjoyed coming by. Merry Christmas.

Rita said...

I love your "Sparrow" sampler. I'm thinking of stitching this in 2015.

Vickie said...

That was a great exchange you two did. :)
Have an excellent time decorating the tree.

Mugwump Woolies said...

Great stitching gifts...both pieces are lovely. Love seeing the progress on His Eye...it won't be long now.
We will be decorating our tree today ...somehow we came home with a Charlie Brown tree this year!
Have a great week,
Robyn

Ann said...

You're sooo fast with this sampler. It won't be finished for long ;-).
Happy Christmas (and decorating the tree).

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Margaret what a darling, ornament you stitched for Paula and what a special treat she sent back to you! WOW!
The Eye of the Sparrow...oh heaven's to mercy...so beautiful! I'm green with jealousy :) But in a really good way!
Father type is like my DH here...the light putter on-er. :) HAHA!
Hugs and love to you!

Melody said...

Hi Margaret! Look how far you have come with the Sparrow sampler. It may look like you have a lot left to finish, but look at what you have done! It is a beauty! Your tree looks pretty.

Cari said...

Oh your Sparrow is so beautiful. I love this piece !!

Mia is so funny. Will she bat the ornaments around that hand low? I usually put up a couple of low hanging ones just for my cats !! They have so much fun.

Merry Christmas !!

Sweet Sue said...

joy after joy watching your sparrow progress. your kindness is appreciated with every stitch you share margaret:)

Ellen said...

Hi Margaret--

You are really coming along with Sparrow--I'm guessing another week, and you'll be finished.

We just got our tree up the other day too. Looking forward to seeing yours all decorated. Do you have any trouble keeping Mia off the tree? Several friends with climbing cats have put tin foil around the base to deter their cats from bringing down their trees.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

The sparrow sampler is looking great--I am thinking a finish before the new year.

Mia does look concerned. Callie Mae who rolls with things had her nose out of joint for a few hours with all the Christmas changes.

Hope your children make it home for the decorating

Annie said...

What a nice exchange. Looks like you two were well-matched partners

Just love that perseverance as you keep your eyes on the prize with those 2 big projects.

Nice tall tree. Have fun decorating.

Melissa said...

You're almost there with finishing Sparrow! Woo-hoo!

I love what you stitched for Paula! Wow. You should do more smalls. It is gorgeous. I also love what she stitched for you - lucky girl!

Mia looks very comfy on that very pretty quilt!

krayolakris said...

This is the first time I've seen a "full length" Mia...did not realize her tail was black! What a pretty kitty. Your ornaments are fab too!

Vera said...

Close, close, close Margaret!! You are a speedy stitcher, so I bet His Eye is done in no time...well, just in time for a new project for the new year! Your half stars are so cute. Great exchanges!

LaNelle said...

Wow what a fabulous Sampler! It's just gorgeous....and so were the ornaments you exchanged. Enjoy decorating the tree specially with kitty supervisor....

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful stitching, love this sampler
Happy stitching Judith. (Had to change my account xstitchJudith).

Evelyne said...

Great progress on His Eye Sampler it a beauty!
Lovely half stars! Why ?
Beautiful ornaments too.
Lovely tree!

Have a nice week.
Evelyne

Linda said...

Lovely ornaments Margaret. Beautiful tree even without ornaments. The sampler is gorgeous. The way you stitch you should have it done soon.

Linda

Mouse said...

ohhh wow it looks fantastic and one stitch done today is one less tomorrow ... love how mia looks at the tree not ... heheheh bless she probably thinks hmmmm and how am supposed to get up that ..lol
gorgeous exchange pieces :) love mouse xxxxx

woolwoman said...

Both your and Paula's exchanges are beautiful. I didn't realize you were such a wonderful finisher Ms Margaret ! Sparrow is moving right along. Some girls at my EGA Christmas luncheon were giddy about ordering and getting started on this in the new year. So far I am still standing strong. Hope you have a great week and that your DS and DD will be home soon to decorate the tree. Cheers Mel

Mary said...

I'm loving every stitch of your big bad project sampler Margaret!Santa is bringing the supplies for mine...let's hope he brings the linen too.

And your ornament for the exchange is my favorite one in this year's ornament edition - what fun to see it worked so beautifully. I think we do have similar tastes!

Wishing you and your family all the best for the holidays.

marly said...

You stitch so quickly that it will be done in no time. And gorgeous!

Deb said...

You really are amazing Margaret

Beth said...

You stitch like nobody's business! I can't believe you are so close to finishing His Eye. What a pretty tree too. I'll bet Mia hides under it before long.

Jackie's Stitches said...

Love, love, love the ornament you sent Paula. It's finished beautifully!

Great pic of His Eye. Really does show how much you have left and how beautiful that fabric is behind your gorgeous stitching.

In my opinion, you can never have too many lights!

Chris said...

Wow! That sampler is amazing. You are very close to a finish.
Gorgeous exchange! I love the Cherished Stitches ornament this year.
The tree looks wonderful.
Hugs to you and Mia!

Dawn said...

Mia makes a great model on the quilt!
Love the sampler, I bet each motif is fun!
The ornament exchange is beautiful, the finishing exquisite on each.

Mary Ann said...

I am loving watching your progress on His Eye, and the ornaments from your exchange with Paula are beautiful!!

Mia does not look one bit impressed with that Christmas tree! : )

valerie said...

What a great sampler exchange with Paula! Both finishes look great! And The Eye is coming along. You are soooo close compared to how much you've completed! Love your tree...I bet it smells wonderful in your house. :)

Ranae said...

I see eye of the sparrow sampler being finished in the very near future. Keep up the great timing
Awesome exchange pieces
Beautiful tree too

Joy said...

Oh Margaret, I want to be just like you when I grow up...beautiful stitching, quilting and tree! Mia is such a help, I just know it! Love the little ornament you stitched. Now, aren't you glad you did the exchange. Merry Christmas!

Hazel said...

Oh wow His Eye is looking amazing! I bet you'll have it finished before the end of the year. Awww Mia is such a sweetie. X

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Mia is a very good supervisor! Love your fussy star and all your cross stitch. Sometimes being close to a finish feels like miles and miles away!

Sally said...

Your sampler is looking stunning Margaret.

Lovely exchange ornaments. So pretty.

Mia doesn't look to impressed by the tree!

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Carol said...

My jaw just drops every time I see the size of this beauty, Margaret--really, it is amazing!!! And what a great exchange--so nice to see a small from you :) You did a great job!!

Have fun decorating the tree--hope you get more help than I did... My husband did the lights, but then it was up to me.

Anna van Schurman said...

Your sampler is fantastic. I so admire your sticktoitiveness.

Angela said...

Lovely progress :) Love the ornaments too!

Krista said...

Wow! Margaret, your Sparrow is almost done! What a gorgeous ornament exchange. Love the sampler design you chose. Mia looks apprehensive about that tree LOL does she every try to climb up in it? I have not had a traditional tree up since having Gigi, I can't imagine how she will be when I do! Merry Christmas!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Each time you post that sampler I am totally in awe. One of the most beautiful samplers I have ever seen.
Fun ornament exchange.
Merry, Merry Christmas.
Hugs :)
Lauren