Spring is finally beginning to make an appearance... smiling jonquils scattered hither and yon dancing joyfully in green scented breezes... bright, sunny bursts of yellow beckoning, oh so sweetly for long dormant friends to join in the celebration of renewed life... and at long last dashes of sky blue, snow white, rose and lavender blossoms peek out of their winter homes turning lovely faces towards the sun... reaching, swaying... all lost in the rhythm of glorious, melodic birdsong...
Thus without further ado... my lovely, new Spring beginnings... accompanied occasionally by my beloved Mr Darcy, Shelley and Gandalf the Grey...
This is the Day by Hands to Work
January ~ February Issue of Just Cross Stitch
Stitched on Vintage Sand Dune Cashel Linen
by Lakeside Linens
with Gentle Arts, Crescent Colours
and WDW threads
and Belle Soie Red Fox...
I fell in love with This is the Day by Hands to Work when I saw it on Siobhan's blog back in January and it fair screamed my name... I do declare but it was all I could hear for days and days... So, naturally what could I do but ring up my LNS and order all the stash and the magazine... And at long last the moment is finally nigh... perhaps the voices in my head will settle a wee bit now... ;) And in visiting your blogs of late it seems there are a lot of stitchers who feel as I do about this gorgeous Sampler... :)
As you may or may not know, I love Bunnies and this designer is one of my favourites as well... I've had Easter Parade by Blackbird Designs kitted up since I saw it on Vonna's blog a long, long time ago...
Easter Parade by Blackbird Designs...
Stitched on R & R Apple Brown Bindy
Cashel Linen with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads
in Brandy, Butternut Squash,
Dried Thyme and Chamomile
Weeks Dye Works in Pecan
Belle Soie in Red Fox and Cinnamon Stick
and Gloriana Fall Foliage...
I did change almost all the colours...
And I just love Tanya aka The Sampler Girl's designs and Sense & Sensibility has long been a favourite of mine... the film, the book and the stitchery... I'm hoping to stitch Pride & Prejudice once I finish this one... Or who knows, I may just order the chart and stash and start it sometime soon as well... Aye! The more the merrier... ;)
Sense & Sensibility
by The Sampler Girl...
Stitched on Vintage Examplar Cashel Linen
by Lakeside Linens
with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads and
The Thread Gather Silk 'n Colours
Medieval Mulberry...
Oh, and this next darling lovely is another one I fell head over heals in love with back in early February and honestly, I did try to turn a blind eye and deaf ear... I do declare, but it was calling my name so loudly alas, I simply could resist no longer and I feared I'd go mad if I did not give Theresa of Shakespeare's Peddler's fame a ring and have her send it to me posthaste! It arrived last week and needless to say... I'm starting it! ;)
The Weary World Rejoices
Stitched on Vintage Buttercream Cashel Linen
by Lakeside Linens
with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads
Winter Limited Edition 2009 colours
And of course this next wonderful lovely is by Carriage House Samplings... another of my favourite designers... I don't think Kathy has a design I don't love and hopefully, one day I'll have them all in my stash... ;) {insert slightly mad cackle here} And... Oh, happy day! I'm finally putting needle and silk to fabric on this one... I have no idea when on Earth I'll finish all of these new beauties... sooner rather than later I would hope... However, it is in the journey wherein we find joy, happiness and beauty... Thus I'm going to enjoy every stitch of the journey...
The Shores of Hawk Run Hollow
by Carriage House Samplings...
Stitched on Vintage Autumn Gold Cashel Linen
by Lakeside Linen
with NPI Silks...
I started Hen Party by Little House Needleworks a wee while ago and was stitching along with dear Sally... of course Sally finished a couple of weeks ago and I'm still plodding along... I'm hoping to have the last stitch in this one this week...
Hen Party by Little House Needleworks...
Stitched on R & R Iced Cappuccino Cashel Linen
with DMC and Crescent Colour Threads...
And my Christmas ornament for March... another delightful design by Carriage House Samplings... I've got to get busy, busy, busy as there are only a couple of days left in March... Yikes!
Merry Christmas
Stitched on Vintage Maple Sugar Cashel Linen
By Lakeside Linens
with Belle Soie Old Crow
and DMC 221 and GAST Blue Spruce
My dear daughter, Brandy celebrated her 26th Birthday on the 16 of March... We had yummy *cake and opened pressies at her house... I can't believe she's 26 already... I can still see her as a beautiful wee blonde angel... long braids flying in the breeze as she scrambled after her brothers... or playing contentedly with games and dolls... lovely tea parties with her dollies... I so miss the beautiful little girl but dearly love and cherish the wonderful woman and dearest friend she has become... If I searched the world over, I could not find a more wonderful and loving daughter and I love and cherish her dearly and I thank God I was blessed with such an Angel every day...
My dear daughter, Brandy...
Happy Birthday Brandy Rose...
She has been wanting a new Bible with her new married name engraved on the cover... I had gotten her a white Bride's Bible to carry with her in her wedding... and she wanted her new every day Bible to be from me as well... So, I found this lovely chestnut brown and burgundy edition of the NKJV Women's Study Bible... She loves it!
Brandy, my dear son, Elisha and their brother, Joshua...
Wee Jamie and Danielle could not come down for Brandy's birthday, but popped in a couple of days later to visit and of course I had to take a photo of the sweet father and mother-to-be...
Wee Jamie and my future DIL, Danielle...
Oh, and lest I forget... as much as I'd like to... Today... 29 March is my birthday... I think I've been rather Scarlet-minded when it comes to my birthday of late... meaning I'm not going to think about it today... I'll think about it tomorrow! ;)
Brandy baked me a delicious chocolate raspberry birthday cake...
and cooked a wonderfully, yummy birthday dinner for me tonight!
Elisha was there as well and we had a lovely time
and I was truly spoilt with lovely gifties...
Sadly, wee Jamie and Danielle could not
be there as they are nurses and work those long hour weekends...
However, they are all coming for dinner at my house tomorrow night...
Woo Hoo... I get to play Scarlet for one more day... ;)
My deepest heartfelt thanks to you all my dear friends for your continued visits, emails and kind, fond thoughts... akin to lovely, blossoming flowers on a warm, spring day your love and friendship fills my heart and soul with joy...
Blessings and Love always in stitches...
Lizzy
I am thankful for precious moments... new beginnings, dear daughters, peaceful stitching hours and dear friends...
Happy, happy Birthday, Lizzy!!
ReplyDeleteO my, you have some amazing new starts... wow!! For some reason I LOVE A Weary World Rejoices, no idea why, as normally it's not really my style... It'll be fun watching your progress!!
Happy stitching!!
Happy Birthday! Your cake looks lovely and I am also loving all your new starts, such wonderful designs, fabrics and colours. I look forward to seeing more of them. x
ReplyDeleteYour description of spring is so evocative, and all your new starts look very exciting. I hope you had a great birthday
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday Lizzy!! I hope you have a wonderful year. :)
ReplyDeleteI love all your new projects and your WIPs! They are all very drool worthy, just soooo pretty. :) And your header pic, too! I totally flaked on stitching my Sampler Girl piece because I couldn't find the linen that I bought specifically for the sampler I wanted to stitch. I am, though, plugging along on CHS Shores! I also plan on stitching Tanya's Miss Clara's Skating Party eventually... and I am sure that the moment I put the first stitch in, my fabric for the sampler will appear in plain sight! LOL
Enjoy Spring, happy bday again to you & happy bday to Brandy, too!
Happiest of birthdays dear Lizzie :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I must say all your kitted projects are just lovely and desirable to myself in most every way! :)
Your family is handsome and I wish both you and your dear daughter many smiles and rainbows for the upcoming year!
Birthday Wishes to both you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteSome lovey WIP's and new stash, you will certainly be very busy.
What a lovely and fun post!!!! Your projects are all just the best! Can't wait to follow your progress. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Lizzy!!! I do wish I'd known it was your birthday, my dear friend, but it'll be marked on my calendar for next year:)
ReplyDeleteYour post is truly wonderful. It's so good to see a post from you and see all your wonderful pieces that you're going to stitch.
You will soon have LHN Hen Party finished as there's not much more to stitch:) I loved stitching this and will think of you everytime I look at it:) I have to make it up yet to display but I need some supplies:) I would love to SAL with you again sometime.
Happy Belated Birthday to Brandy:)
Take care my dear friend! {{{{hugs}}}}
Happy Birthday! And Wow! All I can say is that you have some beautiful starts. That Siobhan and her pieces can be so enabling. I saw her This is the Day and have to do it too! I can't wait to see your progress on all of them!
ReplyDeleteSince you said you'd "think about it tomorrow" Then it's HAPPY BIRTHDAY today. :)
ReplyDeleteI love those new projects you have all picked out. Gorgeous colors, fabrics and patterns all.
Happy Belated B-Day to you and your daughter. My Birthday was also on the 16Th. I love hen party you are off to a grea start. Won't be to long and you will be finished with CHS. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteJust lovely projects you have kitted and wanting to start, Lizzy!
ReplyDeleteWanted to stop by and wish you a happy, happy birthday! You have a lovely way with words!
Lizzy, I have no idea how your birthday slipped by me - I'm so happy it was such a delightful day, so filled with love. :D You deserve it!! And here's to a new year, filled with wonder and joy.
ReplyDeleteYour new starts are all mouth-wateringly wonderful. The SP design also callled out to me - it's a lovely verse, isn't it? Happy, happy stitching!!
Oh, my! Where do I start? Your pics of your new projects are FABULOUS!! You have incredible taste, in my opinion. I would gladly stitch any of those projects!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your stitching time. And happy belated birthday to you!!
Dear sweet Lizzy...I hope you had the best birthday :) ((((hugs my friend))))))!!
ReplyDeleteWOW, what great projects -I'm drooling :)
Have a most lovely week dear one :)
It's about time some-one updated their blog...lol!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Lizzy and many happy returns!
Lovely new projects you've shared! Those will keep you busy for a while. I adore how Mr. Darcy is measuring your fabric for Hawk Run Hollow! Too cute!
Happy Birthday! I had fun visiting your blog and can't believe your cat stayed in all the pics with your projects.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by to say what a lovely daughter you have. Great present~her married name on the bible! I am thinking of getting my daughter the same gift. Rose
ReplyDeleteLizzy, looks like you have some wonderful projects to look forward to soon! Great photos and Happy Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday again Lizzy! You have some fabulous projects lined up. I too love that Hands to Work sampler. Your family all look healthy and happy and that is always a blessing.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love all your new stash! The threads and linen are to dye for! Yum, yum!! :) Your wips are beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteI knew you were special the first time I read your blog. Funny how things work out - my BD happens to be March 29, too! Glad you enjoyed your sweet daughter's day and had a good day yourself. Your projects are all fabulous and I can't wait to see them progress. You've made good inroads on your current WIP's, too. I love reading your blog; the images your words evoke are beautiful! Happy, happy birthday a little late!
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday wishes for you & DD - looks like you all had a lovely time. :0)
ReplyDeleteFab new projects there - so looking forward to watching them all develop. :0)
Fabulous new stash!!! Everything is just gorgeous and your stitching progress is beautiful!!! Happy late birthday to your DD!!! That is a precious gift that you gave her as well!!! The mother to be looks like she is just glowing!!
ReplyDeleteDearest Lizzy, Happy Birthday!! I wish I could spend a couple of days with you sorting out some of my new stitching starts that match a couple of yours! We'd have some fun and could even talk about some scripture, too! I wish you lived closer, Lizzy. Your children are so goodlooking and what a precious thing to have a daughter who wants a new Bible. That's a real testament to her mom and dad. Let's do a SAL on "This Is the Day." Hugs, Deb
ReplyDeleteA belated, but no less heart felt Birthday Wish for much love and laughter in the year ahead for you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteAnd the same for your dear daughter, as well!
Your cake looks so yummy! I'm sure that it tasted as good as it looks! And with such wonderful children, who obviously adore their Mom, you are already so blessed!
All of your new stitching projects look like they were all chosen from the heart, so will be a delight to work on, and that will show in your finished piece. It will be a joy to see your progress!!
Thank you so much for sharing your special day. It made me smile, so you are continuing to spread happiness far beyond what you ever imagined.
Sending Birthday Hugs!!
Lizzy there are always such wonderful things to see when I visit your blog, where to start. Hen Party is so cute, and you've made great progress on it. I love your new one Easter Parade too. Again we have such similar taste, as I have this in my stash to do as well. All your others This is the Day and such, are gorgeous too, I loved seeing all the beautiful fabrics and lovely flosses. Your furbabies, especially that Mr. Darcy, are just so helpful to show things off.
ReplyDeleteGlad you've been having some good time with your family. Brandy looked like she had a lovely birthday. My DD is having her 26th this June, you're right they grow so fast. I can still picture Amber as a little girl blonde pigtails flying too. Lovely picture of Jamie and Danielle also, they look so happy. The cake looked incredibly yummy as well, I think I need to go find a munchy now. :)
Sue
Oops, all that and I just noticed I forgot to actually wish you a Happy Birthday, I hope this coming year is a great one for you.
ReplyDeleteSue
Happy belated birthday Lizzie, that must make you an Aries like me! I am sorry I missed it but I was away on holiday at the time and I am just catching up on blog visits. The cake looks yummy and so does all the work in progress and lovely stash.
ReplyDeleteHi Lizzy, Happy Belated Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good day, and Brandy looks like she had a nice birthday, your a good Mom.
Love all the new goodies you have all kitted up should be fun stitching ahead for you - I noticed that you have a helper now!!
Happy Spring and Easter - Roberta
all of your new projects look great, I love them all.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your Daughter had a lovely birthday
I enjoyed catching up with you on your blog again
Oh Lizzy, it's taken me a while to check in here! I love your "By The Sea", I just finished it myself recently. :) And I love all your spring stash!!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Lizzy, am sooo very much enjoying your lovely blog and very glad to finally be following you;-)
ReplyDeleteA very warm belated Happy Birthday to you, have a wonderful weekend!
Tootles, Stitchin Sweet Sue
Rochester, NY
Happy very belated birthday Lizzy. Sorry, but I've been voluntarily offline for weeks and missed the day! Your newest projects all look wonderful and I look forward to seeing your progress over time :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lizzy. It's great to see the comments from you on my blog and to know you're online - how are you doing these days?? Thinking of you and sending love from Holland!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lizzy, hope you had a good holiday weekend and were able to spend some fun time with your family. You've been awfully quite, hope everything is going well for you.
ReplyDeleteSue
Lizzy, I just so love reading your blog. Not many posts but high quality ones... It's like amazing fireworks!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have enough to keep your hands busy for a while...
I'm very late to wish you a happy Bday, as well as to your daughter...
You have a beautiful family, Lady!
Many hugs from France,
Lili
Hey, where are you? Hope things are going well, and that you'll surface soon with some lovely updates on your various WIP's. Weather here for the 4th of July is overcast, but not raining. We had rain earlier in the week, so things aren't quite so dry so they'll be able to do fireworks in the different areas. Hope you have a fun 4th with your family.
ReplyDeleteSue