January 2026

A little after the fact but Happy New Year!  Don’t you just love the new year when you get the new planner or calendar and it is all pristine.   All clean and hopeful with the year spread out before you and promises to keep your planner/calendar neat.  Short lived promises if you saw what mine used to look like.   Scribbles, scratch-outs, doodles and arrows this way annd that, post-it notes.   Using my new electronic calendar has some drawbacks.   No way to doodle on the pages.  

I thought long and hard for my word for the year.   I settled on diligent.  The internal perfectionist in me needs this word.  I am alright on my work, it is my duties suffer.  I am a procrastinator on tasks I do not like by distracting myself with ones I do like.  I need to be more focused on my “have to’s”  and let the “want to’s” fall in place behind them.    I need to stop is the mindless scrolling on Instagram or the countless games of Sudoko…..like when stitching, I hear the voice say - just one more game….. and I admit I can be such a squirrel when it comes to projects catching my eye or chasing a new high score.   Oy!

I did decide to do WIPGO again this year.   I had always been successful until last year.   I needed to change my approach for the amount to be done on each project.   Rather than list each project and pledge to be finished in the month it was called, I have the luxury of putting lower requirements since I have fewer WIP’s.   And WIPGO did that for me.   Last year, I got to June and just caved.   I wasn’t getting anything finished and it just seemed too overwhelming with all the projects on the list and none coming off the list.   I dialed it back for 2026.   One project may show up three times on the 2026 WIPGO board with an assignment of  5 hours of work that month.   Very doable.  Forward progress will be seen.  Some will even be completed.  It is another win/win.    I will be diligent to stay the course.  

For January, my WIPGO’s were Liberty Inn by Chessie and Me.    I logged my 5 hours and made great progress.   It appears on my board two mores times.  A definite finish in 2026.   I could have kept going but I stitched to the assignment.

The second WIPGO was Quaker Friends, a Round Robin from a couple of years back.   I also logged 5 hours on it.   It was mostly fill-in on the little scattered do-dads in the background.   It too appears on my board two more times in 2026 so I am not worried about finishing it.   If I am diligent, I will get there.   I can tell WIPGO might work better for me this year as I am anxiously awaiting the announcement of the February numbers.

 

Those background motifs meant lots of color changes.   

I chose Chantelle 141/Teresa Kogut Blessings Drum  as my Blessings Sampler.   It was an EZ PZ stitch to complete. I wanted to get it out of the way so started it January 1st. 

Even though I live in NJ, I am only 5 miles from the bridge to Delaware.  Two friends from  my EGA and my DVHSG guild are heading up the Delaware tapestry for the America’s Sampler.   I hosted  a day at my house to give south Jersey stitchers an opportunity to stitch on the tapestry.   For more information check this link.   The concept/goal of the project is explained with details for each state’s tapestry.   It is a good thing both Becky and Amy are retired because this project has taken on a life of its own for them.    This is the artist’s concept for the Delaware design.

American Sampler from Crocette a gogo is a sampler I started with two friends.  I got a slow start as I was having such a hard time physically focusing on the linen.

 4.0’s and a great light were not helping.  It is  over one on 28 count.   I am trying a little bit each morning.  Some days the eyes cooperate and other days they don’t.    I have had a bit of frogging.  Seems counting to 1 is just as hard as counting to 2.  There are 6 stitch-heavy pages in the chart and prior to starting, I knew no matter how diligent I would not be able to get this one done by July and accepted that.    No need to add pressure.   

Mid-month I attended Camp WannaStitch in Ocean City, MD.   This is the annual EGA event I go to.   Probably been going something like 15 years.   Knowing I needed to have an easy to stitch on piece, I took my French Alphabet Sampler and made good progress.   Still a long way to go but I will get there one stitch at a time.    

She’s a big girl.   411x 411.  Below is what I accomplished over the stitching weekend.   The “N” and part of the “Q”, as well as the border from below the “P” to the corner and across the bottom; and, 16 of the letters in the bottom corner alphabet.    Friends who have already stitched this piece disliked stitching this border but it does not bother me……all I worry about is that it meets!  I am doing this as a FB Leap Year Challenge and I’ve got about 25 months left to finish it up.   I really hope I am done before that.  

Look at our view as we entered the area where we stitched at the Ashore Hotel for Camp WannaStitch.

We pretended we were on a cruise ship.🛳  💦   Below is what I saw over my left shoulder.   Don’t let the view fool you.  It was cold and blustery!🌬  Such a rough life for stitchers.

I promised myself some quilt time and I didn’t break the promise.   I thought I would designate Monday’s as Quilting Day but the calendar is not always agreeing. I was able to get 11 blocks cut and  7 of them sewn.    It felt good to be back at it but it came with a caveat…..cleaning and tidying the craft room before AND after.   I have more than half of the blocks completed. I like to say I am on the downhill side but there is the sashing and corner stones and borders……..I am 7 blocks closer than I was at the start of the year so it is a win.  

So pretty happy with my accomplishments in my stitching corner of the world.  It’s early 2026 but I so far so good on the diligent side.  

The first of February, I am heading back to Tennessee to visit a friend and attend a Knoxville EGA event.   I hope to be able to share more great progress on my French Alphabet Sampler.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by everyone.  Keep on stitching. 

January 2024 Update

Can you believe we are writing 2024?  I mean, many of us remember  Y2K….

For this new year I may jump on the band wagon of choosing a word for the year.   I am just not sure what my word will be.  I might choose SIMPLIFY.   Hmm, PRIORITY comes to mind, MODERATION as well, and BALANCE.  I need to simplify my life by managing what I commit myself to. It all sounds good when I say “Sure, I’m in!”    It is not all needlework related which may be surprising.   It may be helping my sister with a project, helping a friend with a quilt, or another friend with her garden, saying yes to a girl’s night out, jumping to help on a fundraiser and yes, agreeing to join in on a project, a retreat or an SAL.     I WANT to do everything;   every stitching weekend, girls weekend or event.  It always sounds so good when I first say yes and then…… I believe that of all the things I have to offer, my time is the most valuable thing I can give which puts me in this quandary.    Definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome…..I guess it makes be insanely creative and giving.   And I guess that is not totally a bad way to be…..  As I type I feel like trying to find balance is a recurring theme this time of year for me….the need to balance stitching, yard, chores, friends and life.  Maybe my word should be REPEAT!  I’ll have to think on this word of the year a bit……at least, in this instance,  I am not jumping in head over heels with looking before I leap!   

For January, most of my stitching time has been dedicated to what I call “obligation” stitching.  It sounded like such a great idea to agree to doing a Blessings Sampler SAL.   I did it with both feet in and needle and thread in hand.    The concept is to stitch a piece, not necessarily a sampler, with a stitch count of at least 100 in one direction.   I choose - or rather agreed to  - to stitch 1889 Alphabets by Needlework Press.   Stitch count if 436 by 40.   I calculated I needed to stitched 15 columns of the pattern each day to finish on time.  Sounds doable right?    Some days, I spend more time sleeping with a hoop in hand than I do stitching!    I had my doubts that I could manage to finish this in January and so I am pleasantly surprised.   Stitched on 28 count over one thread with the called for DMC colors.

I had a plan on how to fully finish it but now that I am at that point, I am not so sure. 

I  completely neglected WIPGO this month until this weekend but I am not beating myself up over it.   One of my assignments was to fully finish the Civil War Huswif from NeedleMade Designs.   I  started this weekend to prep for  hand assembling.  I hope to get the outside prepped leaving me with just the attachment of the twill tape by hand.   Good airport work!   I know I will be able to fit in work the other number called over the next 11 months.  

Back to Camp WannaStitch in OCMD.   It is always a good weekend.   I think this must be the 10th year I have attended this EGA event.   No classes, just seeing old friends and meeting new ones.   This year there was a mix up with tables and four first-timers didn’t have a place to sit together on the second morning.   Robin to the rescue.   We happened to have four empty chairs.   It was nice to meet Barb, Sue, Karen and Barbara.   We found we had mutual friends, mutual interests, and much laughter ensued.   One even has a Floss Tube channel.  They will now be our table mates every year going forward.  

For progress this month, I got a fair bit accomplished on The Sweet Birds Sing from Blackbird Designs.  My goal is to be completed by May 1st and I know I will beat that deadline.    With dedicated stitching time coming this week, I might even be able to finish while in Tennessee.

My year long SAL is almost a month in.  The Temperature Tree, adding a leaf daily with the floss color based on the high temperature of the day.   Mid-month I also got extra stitching time in while I had four days of  babysitting.  Once the kiddos were in school and pre-school, I had from about 10 to 2:30 to chill until it was time to start the afternoon pick-up run.     I laugh at myself, I thought, I would get stitching time in but then there was snow, violin lessons, virtual learning and you get the picture.    I have to add the leaves from last week and still have the rest of the branches to stitch.  I am debating about packing it  to go to Tennessee as well.  It will depend on how much room is available in my suitcase.

Tomorrow I am taking off for Tennessee.    I am going to Chattanooga to stay with a friend for a week.   During that time we will head to Knoxville for a 4 day EGA retreat.  This will be the second year I have attended.   It is a great time both with Diane, Pat and with the Knoxville EGA.  

As always, thanks for stopping by and keep on stitching.  

Let me try the Reader's Digest Version of January

OMG!  What a year already.

I retired on January 10th and on January 15th there was a big party for me at the Hilton.   Not one to like the limelight I do have to say it was one of my best days ever.   In addition to the nice things said, (a Resolution from the Board of Directors!),  the great food, the open bar and the tear in the eye of my boss who had to turn and walk away with a raised hand - awww - my three kids were there.   Their attendance was a well kept secret and was an ultimate high.   I was so proud as a mom that they came and so proud they got to hear all the nice things said.   Coming was no small feat - one flew in landing at 2 pm with a return flight at 9:15 pm back to Boston.   Another drove four hours, enjoyed the evening and drove four hours home.   So proud I was.

To end the week I went to Camp Wannastitch in OCMD.  Another great time.   Camp Wannastitch is a MidAtlantic Region EGA event.   There were 204 of us at the Clarion.  Much stitching, much fellowship, a few drinks and some great meals.   Win/win/win/win.

At Camp Wannastitch, I started the cover of Betsy Morgan's Pioneer School Girl etui by pulling threads and replacing them with blue silks to create the 'teaching linen'.

I also finished this cross stitched tote bag at Camp Wannastitch.  On day two of January,  I broke my pact to work on WIPs and not start anything new.......this is a pattern from Janis Note of Noteworthy Needle.   The kit was complete with perle cotton, pattern and bag.

I joined the Sassy Jack's SAL of the Jeannette Douglas Learning Stitches Sampler.   Jeannette Douglas is a favorite of mine and I am looking forward to starting this one.  This is designed to stitch as pictured but Sassy Jacks is offering a way to stitch it on banding.  I am not sure which way I will stitch it.

I also want to share information about a pattern from Hands Across the Sea.  The Jane Marshall 1857 Sampler.

It is a sweet sampler that you can stitch from stash.  The sampler is being offered as a PDF download for 10 pounds ($12 US), with the proceeds going to help two fire brigades in Australia.  I am told their original goal was $3,000 and to date they have raised almost $40,000!   The power of stitchers!   Please click on the link above to read more about the fundraiser and consider stitching this sampler.

Ok there is more but.....only ten days into retirement I have no free time!   I am sure it will calm down and I will get into a routine, for now, busy busy busy, long to-do lists but I am making sure I am allowing for  time-outs to stitch.

Thanks for stopping by and keep on stitching!

The plants may not be watered but

I do have finishes to share!  My first couple for the year and two off my WIP list.    First and foremost, a stitching weekend with friends.   We had a very nice time, good food, lovely room, a few drinkings and a happy hour all crammed in and amongst the 4 day stitching excursion.

In no particular order - I finished Tequila Sunrise, a canvas piece by Laura Perin. It was first canvas piece I did and was part of a EGA SAL at my guild. I am not really sure what I will do with it. It is not my colors or taste but it was the technique I went for.

My next finish is a little embroidery piece. This kit I picked up at the Homestead in Dresden OH when I went on a bus trip to Longaberger about 5 years ago. I tossed it aside because the piece was not squared on the muslin and I got all dejected. Then when I came across when sorting out all my WIP's, I figured, what the hey! I can make it into a polllow and all will be well. I even snagged a few fat quarters at a quilt shop that we stopped in on our way home and think I found a good one to use for finishing.

A Basket of Blooms



The Fat Quarters I didn't need but.......

I did get quite a bit completed on my Etui finishing. I am keeping track of my hours and so far I am at about 10 for the finishing. I also worked on the top (and my final section to complete) and have managed to stitched all but a little more that one side of the outer border.

I wish I had been able to complete more prep work before I left for the weekend but alas.....the more important step was taken.......the step of bravery to attempt the finish on my own!

So next, a complete diversion - a new craft - hexagons for a hexagon quilt.   These puppies are additive.  The concept is the same as paper piecing but because these templates are Mylar, they make the folding and stitching easier.

Sorry for the sideways pic

Here are the plastic templates you use and re-use



Covering and joining these took about an hour and I can do this while riding in the car.

Here's the back of the above.   Once all sides are stitched to another, you pop out the template and cover and use again. 

Lastly, I worked on my Queen Bee Accessories from the Catherine Theron class I took in the fall.   The stitches are varied and fun.   At least I say that now....I haven't started the bullion roses.   Pat, one of my stitching pals, worked on them this week.  Her work is beautiful but it was not without the rest of us hearing her talk to herself while she did them!

Oops!  I guess we need to stand on our heads to read the words.

Buttonhole flower

The gals in my room all had a productive weekend.  Stacy - the super stitcher - started and finished 3 or 4 smalls.   Carol stitched away on a couple of projects as well as knitted up 2, maybe 3 scarves.  And Pat was satisfied with accomplishing her goal of the outside portion of Catherine Theron's Queen Bee accessories so much so she started a new project!  So now, back at home and reality.   The suitcase is unpacked, two loads of laundry done and I am making a big pot of soup for Mr. W. as well as some homemade rice pudding for him and need to be watering my thirsty plants.

i-Challenge and how I'm doing

I am getting mixed reviews here.   People either love this challenge or think those of us who are doing it are crazy!  I am self-diagnosed as having crafters ADD so it works for me.  I am enjoying looking forward to 'having permission' to work on something different everyday.  All my projects are in the all too familiar mesh bags we all use.  Love them!  If you don't have them, get them.   Just really nice to have.......but again, I am off on a tangent - that ADD thing kicking in. 

So here's my progress - some days you will see there wasn't much time for stitching, but I made the attempt and vowed to put in at least 12 stitches.


i-Challenge X - Really poor showing for LHN Heart of America

i-Challenge Day XI - Eat Drink and Be Scary Waxing Moon Designs

i-Challenge XII - Blessed Beyond Measure - Blue Ribbon Designs



i-Challenge Day XIII - Totally lame start of Just Nan Needle Tweets but vounting the eensy weeny half stitches I did do 12 stitches.

 

i-Challenge XIV - LNH Chocolate Box - Now this is some progress

i-Challenge XV - Jeannette Douglas - My Stitching Treasures - a favorite I saved til last!

 And so it goes, we get back to the very beginning.  For me, I plan to continue my starting order as my working order.  

I'd be further but I think my WDW Kudzu is on the floor of the Hyatt Regency Princeton

Honey, I'mmmmmmmm home!

So good to go away but we all know, so good to get home.   This weekend I participated in my first Camp Wannasew!  Wow!   What a nice weekend.  Sewing and friends and more sewing and new friends and progress to show to boot.  And the price was right since there was no Vendors involved.   We all know how dangerous that can be to the ole wallet. 

Where to start.....first Carol out did herself with our room accommodations.  We had an awesome SUITE!  It was really nice to have a large living room and dining table that seated 8.  When not in the common stitching room with the other stitchers, we had plenty of space to spread out and do our thing in our pj's in our own room.  We were kind of bummed out - those of us who are Internet/email/blogging nuts, that Internet was extra.  And not a one time extra for the room, an extra of $10 for each device from the room to access the Internet.   Boo hiss!  Even Motel 6 gives you free wireless.   Next year I think we are adding a day to weekend; I promised to hit the fitness room at least once; and may consider my bathing suit for the indoor pool.   Hitting the pool will depend on how many times I hit the fitness room at my Y between now and next year. 

Second, one of the Secret Squirrel Stitchers/my Thursday night stitching group, Diane moved to Tennessee after only my first two meetings with the stitching group.  Everyone talks about  Diane this and Diane that and I really never got the chance to know her.  Well that was corrected after this weekend.  She drove up from Tennessee to join us for Camp Wannasew and it was so nice to get to spend some time with her.   And you should see her work!  Totally exceptional.  Drive home safety Diane! 

I really recommend highly a stitching getaway weekend for aynone that can pull it off.  I already marked my calendar for next year.