Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Holiday Stitching

At my house the 4th of July is the time we come together as a family to celebrate our great country and to celebrate each other.  One of my precious grandchildren was born on the 4th of July so it seems fitting.  We go for boat rides, cook shrimp gumbo (a family tradition), roast marshmallows for S'Mores and watch the annual fireworks.  My house becomes a repository for damp beach towels, a cool haven when we've endured the heat as long as we possibly can, and the perfect place for long story telling sessions about past family adventures.

I'm adding a couple of cross stitch pieces to my collection this week - and wishing I'd gotten around to a couple more.  :)

This sweet little 4th of July pillow -


is tucked here in the middle of my purple shamrock for a bit of luck (this shamrock was a gift from my sweet mother-in-law many, many years ago....


but will ultimately rest in this antique tool kit where I'm collecting a variety of holiday and primitive pillows that I display all year.



My second 4th of July piece...


is a simple flat piece that I added a hanging cord to...


and a sweet little patriotic sheep pin seems to look out over the whole thing....


It's hanging on my back door to greet family and friends as they enter next week.


I'll be putting the rest of my decorations out early next week, after we get the deck scrubbed, blown off, and otherwise set to rights.  We've had a lot of windy days lately and I'm still getting dead leaves and twigs left over from the hail storm all over the deck.   I did manage to finally find and purchase a new table and chairs to replace the ones the hail destroyed.  I've made one new throw pillow - some of my older ones are sure getting faded from the sun - and am working on some place mats for that table.  I hope to show those in a couple of days.  Are you decorating for the 4th?

22 comments:

Irene said...

che bello, ti invidio, qui in Italia non siamo così patriottici, forse non amiamo così tanto il nostro Paese come voi

Vickie said...

What sweet stitching. I have not done 4th stitching this year. So many things on my plate right now. I need to catch up with finishing. And quick!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Cute little pieces - love the idea of an old box to hold the small pillows for display.

Robin in Virginia said...

Both of your 4th pieces look great, Marlene. Looking forward to seeing your decorations along with your new table and chairs!

Enjoy your weekend!

Robin in Virginia

PS I have a wrought iron tree that is currently decorated with red, white, and blue stitched ornaments.

Mary said...

Love your 4th of July needlework. You do such pretty work.

Carol said...

Love your patriotic pieces, Marlene! I'm just finishing up a couple myself--I really love stitching anything patriotic this time of year.
Unfortunately, with all that was going on with my husband, I still haven't decorated for the 4th yet... hope to do so this weekend :)

Manuela said...

Very cute little stitching and lovely finish.
Have a nice weekend, Manuela

Needled Mom said...

It all looks so patriotic and pretty. Have a great time.

em's scrapbag said...

Sounds like fun times at your house this 4th. Your pieces are wonderful!

Rosa said...

Gorgeous stitching!

4th, is my nephew and two nieces birthdays and all are cousins.

marly said...

What a wonderful 4th you will have!

Annie said...

What cute little pieces! I love the bowl of year round events in x-stitch!

Faye said...

I see many sweet finishes here!!!! Enjoy your holiday with your family~

Barb said...

Great patriotic stitching. Have a wonderful day with your family! It sound like a wonderful way to spend the 4th.

Preeti said...

Lovely finishes!! Enjoy your grand family holiday!!:)

Gabri millecrocette said...

I see all is ready for your national holiday...your cross stitch works decore so well your home with all family around!!Have happy week end!!

butterfly said...


Beautiful stitching , enjoy your 4th July.

Anna said...

So Cute! I love decorating for the 4th of July!!! my favorite holiday!

Vickie said...

I bet your house is fun every holiday ! Have a Happy 4th of July with your family !

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Cute stitching. I love that purple shamrock plant too.
Obviously I won't be celebrating the 4th but it is my wedding anniversary on the 7th. We got married on the 07/07/07.

Gabriella Pirola said...

Bellissimi lavori!!! stupendi i tuoi cuscini!!! un bacio Gabry

Carrie P. said...

love them all.