New Year's Eve

Yeah. We sure know how to party.

Ginger cookies, peppermint tea, Burt's Bees, lots of lamp-light, and a good puzzle.

A Free Chart for the New Year

As I have been busily overhauling my closets this week, I have found myself thinking of the upcoming year and all that it may hold. I am not one for making resolutions, but I do find that a fresh new year always inspires me to reflect and re-focus.

My heart has been both heavy and light, as I think about the ones I love and the trials and joys that they are experiencing right now. They are spread both far and near to me, family and friends that hold a special place in my heart. I love to reflect on the happy times that we have spent together.

Truly, the classic New Year song is fitting this year more than any other year for me. Have you ever read the words or discovered the roots of the song? Do it!

And so, I give to you, as my gift for the New Year, an "Auld Lang Syne" sampler:

Click on the image to be redirected to a downloadable PDF file.

I utilized some lovely new colors in my chart, but please interpret it however you wish. The row of initials at the bottom are representative of some of my friends... replace them with your own meaningful initials. And when you are finished, will you please share a photo with me? Feel free to stitch it for yourself or to give to another, or even a limited number may be stitched for sale, but as always, please respect my gift and give credit to me as the designer.

Wishing you a year that includes meaningful time spent with those you love, both near and far.

Cleaning Up

This time of year, I almost always do a major clean-out of closets, wardrobes, toy baskets. Wanting to start the New Year with a fresh, clean slate, I suppose.

Yesterday it was the Pantry. Today it will be the Hall Closet and perhaps one of the bedrooms upstairs.

I have no pictures of this cleaning-out project. You don't really want to see, do you?

I do, however, have before and after photos of a certain Someone being Cleaned Up.

I hope to return tomorrow feeling much fresher, saner, and cleaner.

*New* Let It Snow

How about one more design for 2011? I was originally planning to release this in January, but I just can't help myself.

We are all super ready for SNOW to come again, so why wait? Get the word out! Let it Snow!

Inspired by the graphic appeal of woven antique coverlets from the beginning of the 1800’s, with Pinetree and Snowball patterns.

This is my own interpretation, combining elements from coverlets by different makers, and with the addition of those irresistible lyrics from one of my favorite Winter songs.

Let It Snow!, written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne in 1945…

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Stitch Count: 135 x 121

Model stitched on Northern Cross 40ct Cream linen that was tea-stained prior to stitching.

Using thread from The Gentle Art: 7055 Uniform Blue

The lovely frame is an antique.

My Shadow is now available in my etsy shop and will be going out to my distributors soon. If you prefer to bypass etsy and order directly through me, you can send me an email: beth@heartstringsamplery.com

Christmas Redux

Stocking-unloading on Christmas Eve,

the Flashlights being the biggest hit.

The presents have been under the tree for days,

but now, finally... OPEN TIME!

And PLAY TIME!

Followed by Waffles My-Way (Almond Butter and Maple Syrup),

and Waffles Your-Way (Blueberry Compote and Whipped Cream),

and yes, even Your-Way (Sausages, Maple Syrup, Raspberry Jam, and Whipped Cream).

Then... MORE presents.

And... MORE play.

Evacuate for lunch (Cheese, Crackers, Veggies)...

Play some more.

Leaving PJs on all day long.

Cook and eat dinner.

Eat dessert (Peppermint Ice Cream and Brownies) as close to the new toys as possible.

The End.

"Mama, is it going to be Cwistmas again tomowow?"

Smile.