A Christmas finish on Mother's Day

Fabric: black linen from stash (28ct.)

Threads: overdyed Cherry Wine, Pine and Whitewash

Design: from Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Collection (hardback)

Today was the most beautiful day of the year. The breeze was gentle and cool, the air was clean and fresh, the sun shone brightly and the clouds were more for decoration than precipitation. It was, dare I say, a perfect day. However, without children or a mother, it was a bit lonely. I did enjoy church with hubby and MIL. She is a blessing and a joy to be around.

After lunch, I stitched up my Christmas biscornu while watching the end of "Fred Claus". What a terrific cast of silly/funny/yummy characters! The biscornu has been a lot of fun to stitch and finishing it while watching a funny Christmas movie was fitting. I rarely stitch anything twice, but I did stitch this design twice for front and back of biscornu. I'm actually thinking about doing it again for an ornament! Call me crazy.

I'll be packing soon for Spring Stitching Retreat!!! I've decided on this rotation:

Thistle Thursday

Frank Lloyd Wright Friday

Peacock Saturday

Something New Sunday

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

A finish!

What vacation can be deemed a success without a finish to show for it? I admit to adding the bells and whistles after returning home, but I'm happy to have this little darling in the bag, Christmas gift bag that is, for my best motorcycle riding tattoo sporting Aunt* (BMRTSA). Yeah, she's the fun Aunt (think Weekend Road Warrior, not Hell's Angels) and this little design was just perfect for her because the design actual matches her tattoo!

I know, what are the odds???!!!!

As sentimental stories and tattoos seem to go together like motorcyles and well, tattoos, hers is in my opinion very special. She was born with three brothers, one of which died when he was only 20, on her birthday. She and her brothers are the four leaves of the shamrock. Her first grandson, in the summer between high school and college was killed in a auto accident, at age 18, and buried on her birthday. The five spots on her ladybug represent her five grandchildren and her ladybug sits atop a shamrock, combining two of the "luckiest" symbols we recognize. I added the red tassel to heap one more measure of luck (Chinese) on our little ornament. I know she'll love it and give it a prize place amoung her other good luck charms.

All Barbara Ana Designs are just too cute for their shoes. Be sure to check her out for the cutest biscornu patterns you've ever seen.