Or...
The Long and Winding Road out of the Dark Forest...
It has been a long, long while my friends... Yet Again... and I do not have any grand excuses for my overlong absence other than my total and complete loss of blogging mojo... and unfortunately every other mojo I may have possessed fell into step right along behind it... and off they crept into the dark, and shadowed woodland... and me, being the curious sort I am, of course could do naught else save follow heedlessly and pell-mell into the darkness! And oh, my but what a dark and dreary place I found myself... the shadows stretched deep and long and no sunlight graced the darkened paths and I found myself quite alone most of the time... Thank Heavens, I did have the foresight to holdfast to my stitching bag 'ere I stepped into the unknown ~ thus finding solace here and there with my needle and thread in the faint traces of light filtering down through the shadows...
Thus I do not have a lot of grand stitching finishes to show for my long absence from Bloggiton... just a few wee finishes... nothing of any outstanding significance ~ no amazingly wonderful and artful finishes galore or beautiful Samplers as those glorious beauties that grace the blogs of stitchers extraordinaire such as ~ Siobhan ~ Margaret ~ Kathy Ellen ~ Catherine ~ Sally ~ Babs ~ Glenna ~ Tanya ~ Laurie ~ Carol ~ Lois ~ Lynn ~ Barbara and Jan ~ just to mention but a wee, wee handful of all the awe-inspiring needlewomen of renowned magnificence with whom I have had the ultimate pleasure in visiting your blogs... and those of you I have come to know as friends... sharing in your beautiful and inspiring needlework and your lives... your amazing stories... Your joys and laughter... your tears and sorrows... your perseverance in times of distress... your words of encouragement... Thank you all... And most of all I thank my dearest love, my Chief Inspector and my precious family... You all have been Angels unaware... And you remain rays of light through the shadows... Blessings in times of darkness.... if not for you all ~ and if not for the continued love and support of my Dearest and Precious Beloved, Chief Inspector and my Dear and oh, so precious family, and you, my dear friends, and of course my faithful stitching, I fear I would remain forever lost in the Dark Forest...
Well... enough of the darkness and on towards the light... Thus without further ado... a few stitchy finishes over time and a few finishes I had framed that I never got around to posting in the last long while...
Petites Lettres Rouges...
Stitched with Red Fox and Tulip Belle Soie Silks...
on Belfast R & R French Vanilla Linen...
finished in August of 2009
Loves Me... Loves Me Not
by Stone and Thread...
Stitched with GAST and WDW Threads
on Cashel R & R Dark Cappuccino Linen...
finished November 2009...
finished November 2009...
And I also had this one framed last year. It is one of my favourite mouldings... Oh, I do Love this frame... I have several more finishes tucked away in a drawer that I want to have framed... and hopefully not too far away in the distant future... A stitcher can dream!
Loves Me... Loves Me Not...
by Stone and Thread...
Stitched with GAST and WDW Threads
on Cashel R & R Dark Cappuccino Linen...
finished in November 2009...
finished in November 2009...
And I also had this one framed a couple of years ago... and since my blogging has been nearly non-existent in the last two years, I have yet to post it.
Ladybugs and Bumblebees...
Stitched with GAST, Crescent Colours and DMC
32 count Country French Cafe Mocha Linen
Finished 21 June 2006
Ladybugs and Bumblebees...
Stitched with GAST, Crescent Colours and DMC
on 32 count Country French Cafe Mocha Linen
framed in 2009
Stitched with Crescent Colours and DMC threads...
on Cashel R & R Iced Cappuccino Linen
Finished April 2009
Hen Party by Little House Needleworks...
Stitched with Crescent Colours and DMC Threads
on Cashel R & R Iced Cappuccino Linen
Finished in April 2009
Hinzeit Design ~ Fireman...
Modified to Fire Chief by Lizzy
Stitched with Thread Gather SilknColours In the Reds
on Cashel R & R FogLifter Blend Linen
Finished 11 June 2010...
Hinzeit Design ~ Fireman
Modified to Fire Chief by Lizzy
Stitched with ThreadGather SilknColours In the Reds
on Cashel R & R FogLifter Blend Linen
Finished 11 June 2010...
And yet it is another finish I have had framed ~
a Gift for my beloved Chief Inspector...
Fire Chief and Lieutenant Detective extraordinaire...
Sweet Friendship
By Silver Creek Samplers...
Stitched with Overdyed Threads
on Cashel R & R Daily Grind Linen
Finished 4 July 2010 for dear friend, Jan...
Glory Bee by Glory Bee Designs...
Stitched with overdyed Threads
on Cashel Vintage Country Mocha
I added the wee flower ~
Finished in July 2011
I stitched two of these cute wee "My Dad" pillows by Pine Mountain Designs for my sons for Father's Day... I substituted the Aida for a Belfast Cream linen...
My Dad by Pine Mountain Designs
Stitched with DMC Threads
On Belfast Cream Linen
for my son, Elisha
Father's Day June 2011
My Dad by Pine Mountain Designs
Stitched with DMC Threads
on Belfast Cream Linen
for my son, Jamie
Father's Day June 2011
And a few wee Christmas ornaments I stitched in the Winter of 2010 and early 2011 ~ Silly me did not write them down in my stitching journal, thus I have not a clue as to exactly when I stitched them...
You Are My Gift
By Dragon Dreams...
Stitched with DMC and Kreinik Threads
on Cashel Vintage Country Mocha...
Finished in February 2011
Christmas Eve
Stitched with DMC threads
on Cashel Vintage Country Mocha Linen
Stitched in Winter 2010 ~ 2011
Glory to God
Stitched with Belle Soie Silks
on Belfast Autumn Fields
I changed the colour palette
Stitched in Winter 2010 ~ 2011
Fa La La ...
Stitched with DMC threads
on Cashel Vintage Country Mocha
Stitched in Winter 2010 ~ 2011
Fa La La ...
Stitched with DMC Threads
on Cashel Vintage Country Mocha
Stitched in Winter 2010 ~ 2011
And as always Mr Darcy is ever my faithful assistant with the photos... he so loves attention... And Roses...
Hmmm.... if I bide my time and stretch out here ever so nonchalantly... she will remember that she forgot something... she's always forgetting something... and she will leave the room and then they are mine... all mine...
Ah ha.... just a wee bit longer...
Ah, yes! She's remembering...
she's turning to walk away....
Ah, my precious, you are almost mine ~
transforming into stealth mode now...
Ah, my precious... Almost mine at last...
Almost... not quite!
My Everything
Stitched with Tulip Belle Soie Silks
on Cashel Vintage Country Mocha
Finished in February 2011
Stitched for my beloved Chief Inspector...
And just because I love this one so much... another photo of this lovely design by the wonderfully, talented ladies, Barb and Alma... I dearly love, love, love everything by Blackbird Designs...
Heart in Bloom...
From A Stitcher's Journey
Stitched on Cashel R & R Espresso Linen
I changed the colour palette...
Finished May 2011
Heart in Bloom
By Blackbird Designs...
with Mr Darcy
Stitched for my beloved Chief Inspector...
Plumpkin...
by Lizzie*Kate
Stitched with Overdyed, Kreinik and DMC Threads
On Cashel Vintage Country Mocha
Finished October 2011
I think I may have a couple of other finishes tucked away in a drawer... but they will keep until another time... And shhh... I dare not even mention the WIPs and UFOs... I do declare, there are far, far too many and I really must get busy with my needle... and since I got my new Spectacles a few weeks ago ~ many thanks to my darling, Chief Inspector ~ I can finally see what I am stitching, I seem to get a lot more accomplished! I can not believe Christmas is nigh upon us and I have so many ornaments I need to stitch...
And I just have to show a photo of my most current WIP and it is what I am stitching now ~ I first saw this darling design over on Siobhan's blog and you know I just had to start stitching it... It is so me, and reminds me of my sojourn in the Dark Forest... And yes, I do dance with squirrels whene're it strikes my Fancey... I was hoping to finish by Halloween... alas, me thinks not... Oh, well... Not to worry, for I am sure this one will hang in my home all the year 'round... It makes me smile...
Fancey Blackett ~ The Harvest Dance
Stitched with DMC and Hickory Sticks CC Threads
on Cashel R & R Dark Cappuccino
And I could not blog without posting a photo of my sweet precious Angels... this was taken in August and is one of the most recent I have of them all together... Catalina, poor wee sweetpea had been crying and sweet pumpkin' Caleb was busy eating and sweet "Wee Willie" Benjamin just thought it was all so funny...
Jamie with Sweet "Wee Willie" Benjamin,
Sweetpea Catalina and Pumpkin Caleb with Brandy...
And later, if I don't disappear into the Dark Forest yet again, I hope to share with you some adventures of late... all the grandchildren's birthdays... my wee Jamie's romantic wedding by the seashore... a trip back into the days of yore at the Renaissance Faire... a Safari at the Zoo... just to mention a few... and then, whatever dreams may come along the way...
Hopefully, I will continue along this long and winding road out of the shadows and back into the light... as long as there is love... and family... and friends... wee shafts of sunlight filtering through the Dark Forest... precious rays of golden inspiration leading me ever towards the light and the road back home...
I finally had this one framed a while back...
And indeed, stitching is a sweet comfort to the soul...
I am sorry I have rambled on and on for such a long, long time... Thank you for visiting my dear readers and friends... may your days be Blessed and filled with love, joy and peace...
My soul is fed with needle and thread...
Blessings always in stitches...
Lizzy
xox
I am thankful for precious moments... precious grandchildren and children... dear sweet friendships... sunshine through the shadows... and my precious and everlasting true love, my Chief Inspector...
i LOVE this post!!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Lizzy, great to see you posting. You've so many wonderful finishes, great framing too! Plz don't leave us for so long again:)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing all the lovely photos of your beautiful stitching. Thanks so much for the long, newsey post. I hope you won't have to wait too long for another post.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear from you again, I have loved seeing all of your stitching, all of them are beautiful. I really need to get the pattern "my everything" that is so lovely. Enjoy the weekend :)
ReplyDeleteMy dear sweet friend how wonderful it is to see a lovely blog post from you! All of your finishes are just so gorgeous. I remember us stitching LHN Hen Party together after you gifted me with the chart and threads. It doesn't seem that long ago but my how time flies. I hope you will be back soon my dear friend {{{{hugs}}}}
ReplyDeleteOh, such a sweet pleasure to happen upon the rays of sunlight coming from the darkness of the wood...
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, beautiful stitching, and happy blessings of friendship!
You have the most beautiful way with words, Lizzy. So good to hear from you. Mind-boggling how many framed pieces and finishes you have. They are all just gorgeous. So sorry you've been wandering through dark forests...the light is bright and waiting for you - like rays of sun coming through the clouds. We are all here for you, though we may not know you "in person."
ReplyDeleteTake care and don't be gone so long. :)
Lovely, just lovely, each and every finish and each and every picture you shared! It makes a difference, doesn't it, when we actually 'see' all that we have stitched. I do love the picture of you and two of the kids and of course, all of the grandbabies. They are so precious, each one as different as your children!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you... I know they are just waiting at the top of the hill, try to keep your faith strong and look up, not down at that dark, dark path!!
Love to you! (((Lizzy)))
So good to "see" you back Lizzy!
ReplyDeleteSo good to see a post from you! And, WOW!!! Loved seeing all your stitches and finished pieces. Beautiful!! Thank you, as well, for your kind words. I am honored that you included me in your list of stitchers...I would add your name there as well!!
ReplyDeleteYour stitching is beautiful. I have been a follower for sometime. I would like to know where you got your copy of You Are My Gift. I have been trying to find a copy for a longtime and no luck. I checked the website but they don't even list it. Looking forward to more marvelous work.
ReplyDeleteLizzy, such gorgeous finishes. I loved your color changes on Glory to God! Inspires me to start it. I hope and pray your shadows will lessen and fade away. Your family is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLizzy, thanks for the lovely comments you left when you dropped by my blog and thanks for the mention in this post. It's so nice to visit with you. What lovely stitching and great framing. I look forward to coming back again.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your post and photos Lizzy! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy to see a post from you Lizzy. You have certainly been busy with all of your finishes and framing. Love the photos of Darcy after the roses, he is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOh wow what gorgeous finishes! I love your stitching and blog and style of writing. Love the framed pieces too. Your Mr Darcy reminds me of our old cat we used to have. Black cats are very affectionate ESP boy ones. Xx
ReplyDeleteOh my, what an array of wonderful stitched pieces - that's a feast to the eyes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful blog! Glad to discover your blog and I will come back again. :) All of your finishes are gorgeous and beautiful photos. Happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteHow pleased I am to find your blog, Lizzy--your work is so pretty and it looks like we have the same taste in designs...
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate your sweet words on both my blog and in this post...I look forward to visiting often :)
Umm Lizzy, c'mon. The real reason you haven't updated your blog is actually because you have SO MANY FANTASTIC finishes!!! ;) Wow wow wow wow!! I am assuming that your fingers were scorched by the fire coming from your needles, and so your beloved Chief Inspector had to come to your aid, and this hampered your ability to update your blog. ;) LOL Seriously though, it is so great to see a post from you and I thorougly enjoyed catching up with you, seeing your beautiful family and your amazing finishes. I want to run and adhere myself to my stitching chair and not get up until I get some of the things stitched that you've done. WOW!! I am kicking myself, though--I have the LHN angel ornament almost finished (it's only been a WIP since it came out... don't judge...) and I so wish I had thought to change the colors out like you did. I need to go find the PS leaflet that the reindeer ornament is in, too--love it! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI can't remember when I have felt so inspired, reading all of your lovely, sweet words, and seeing so many beautiful pieces of needlework! This was truly a wonderful visit with you today!
ReplyDeleteHi Lizzy, wow such a great catch up post with lots of stitchy eye candy! I love them all.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see more of your Fancey Blackett!
Thanks for your comments on my blog :-)
Thankyou for leaving a comment on my blog Lizzie ,just popped by to read yours and wow what a wonderful read and picture show it was. Far too much to comment on individually but one word will do simply FAB-U-LOUS.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you're back dear Lizzy! Don't venture into the dark forest again! Lovely finishes, every single one..♥
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your (long) post and watching those beautiful pictures of your stitching. My favorites are Ladybugs and Bumblebees and the Hen party. Hope we read more often of you because you can tell a story !!!
ReplyDeleteAnd happy Thanksgiving !
BTW. I send you an email regarding the key I used on my ornament.
Wow, wonderful post, what beautiful stitching, my favorite was Ladybug :)
ReplyDeleteWish I had this much stitching to show for my time away from blogland, I think I've been lost in the shadows too and am just now starting to find my way home. So glad to see you posting, hope things keep looking up for you {{hugs}}
Sue
Wow!fabulously beautiful stitching! I wouldn't mind venturing into the dark with you if only I could be that productive with my stitching. Loved the framed pieces too :) LOL
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Blessed Christmas this season!
Dear Lizzy, I have come to wish you a Merry Christmas !
ReplyDeleteYour post arrived and I love that LHN kit. Thank you so much. Will also send an email to let you know.
Hi Lizzy, I just came to say Hi !! Its almost 1 year after your last post, have you stop blogging ?
ReplyDeleteYour finishes are just lovely, and so is your blog! I love all the pics of your family too :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower and I can't wait to look at more of your blog when I have some spare minutes.
Hi Lizzy, haven't heard from you in ages, hope all is well. Have a wonderful Halloween!
ReplyDeleteSue
Hi Lizzy,
ReplyDeleteIt is so lovely to hear from you again. I read your post with interest and with sadness that you have been in the dark forest, I do hope you are feeling better.
I was also very touched that you mentioned my name, it really brightened my day as it was nice to be remembered!
I too have only just returned to blogging after a long break, I have blogged a few times but not as much as I usually do because I have been busy doing other things.
I loved looking at your stitching, all of it looks beautiful.
With love and best wishes, your friend from across the pond! lol
Lynn B