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.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Gray Days

Well last time I posted I mentioned the drought and I have to say that's over.  Completely over.  We've had rain and more rain and there's more rain coming.  They days have all been gray and cloudy and damp and perfect for staying in and stitching.

We've had siding installers here for weeks - the 4 day installation of siding on our house has taken a month and they're not finished.  We have a brick house so there's not a lot of wood area to cover but it's been a comedy of errors.  Materials didn't come in or they came in damaged.  Where I asked for it to be put on horizontally they put it vertically.  The list goes on but I have high hopes that all mistakes will be corrected by tomorrow and the job will be finished.

Meanwhile I've done a little stitching and had my high school friends here for the weekend and started yoga again.

I did this quick embroidery but then couldn't decide how to finish it....


I love big stitch embroidery - it's very easy, suits my primitive style and is oh so fast.


Olde Witche Mary - has to be one of my favorites despite the many mistakes I made doing it.  I ran out of thread very early on and had to substitute.  This was a kit from Not Forgotten Farms and the thread was hand dyed.  There was plenty for the top half but not the flowers so I found a Presencia thread that was very, very close.  Somehow I miscounted and ended up altering a couple of the flowers to make them fit but if I don't tell you which ones I don't think you'll be able to tell.  :)


And I'm working on the Plum Street Samplers "Sunday Sampler" series - and yes, I'm way behind.  This is the First Day of Christmas...I've begun the Second Day but I think there are about six of them out now.  I have no idea how I'm going to finish the first two pieces but these will be ornaments when I get all the stitching done and get them finished.

I made a trip to Goodwill the other day to drop some stuff off so I shopped a little.  I'm always on the lookout for ways to use my cross stitch pieces.  I ran across a wonderful round green box for $2 that is going to be perfect for something....have no idea what, but something!  :)

I've got a hot cup of tea beside me, bread dough rising in the kitchen, and stitching in my lap.  Life doesn't get any better than this!

25 comments:

Robin in Virginia said...

Hope the siding job is finished without any more issues for you! What lovely projects you have finished!

Robin in Virginia

Vroomans' Quilts said...

The stitcheries are lovely - luck wih the construction.

Cricket-bug Corner said...

Olde witch is fabulous!! Sounds like you're having a good week. Good luck on the siding.

Needled Mom said...

Your cross stitching is fabulous.

Why is it that every house project has to be a fiasco?

Julie Fukuda said...

Remember rule #1,, if it works, it is the right way!

Sparky said...

lovely stitchings I like the antique one very much...as far as grey days, we must be taking your sunshine...because we have had very warm unseasonably weather for us xx

Irene said...

che bello, ricamiamo insieme, non sei in ritardo, vedrai che ce la farai

Unknown said...

Oh dear because you have so much rain , with us are days of sunshine which is almost eerie in November but of course very nice . Your embroidery like me again all very good.
Wish you a good time and send sometimes just a few rays of sunshine over the sea ...
Greetings Sandra

Manuela said...

Beautiful stitching.
Greetings Manuela

Lesley said...

Love seeing your projects, especially the stitcheries!

KaHolly said...

Oh, my, your stitcheries are fantabulous! You sure accomplish a lot!

Vickie said...

Love homemade bread. I also truly enjoy finding treasures at Goodwill.Hope the siding is over and done!

krislovesfabric said...

Looking good :) I like the Twelve Days project especially!

ChitterChatterDesigns said...

Looks like you have been busy Marlene. Your pieces look very pretty, and I am sure they will make lovely additions to your projects. I don't think life could be better than tea, bread, a rainy day, and stitching in hand.... sounds perfect! Maybe adding a warm sleepy kitty...lol.

em's scrapbag said...

Glad your drought has ended. Rainy weather is perfect for stitching and your doing beautiful things. Love the Olde Witche Mary!

Curtains in My Tree said...


I love Samplers and have 3 I think, one my youngest daughter made when she was about 13 I recently had it framed in a different border color trim.

That bread dough raising sure sounds good also.

I am semi retired and just don't have time to play with all my projects that I want to, it was so nice to happen upon your blog

Janice

BarbCarol said...

When our vinyl siding was installed it was done well and in 4 days, but I was really worried about it. The workers all looked exactly alike and looked like they were straight out of the Lil' Abner comic strip.
I found a new-to-me way to finish stitched ornaments. I absolutely love these at samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com.

Carol Swift said...

Beautiful stitching! We've had lots of rain and even some hail last night. Such a blessing to get some moisture!

Catherine said...

Rising dough and hot tea, the best! Your needlework is lovely. Our drought is over too. The cactus and Joshua trees are green again.

tink's mom said...

You have painted such a cozy picture. Love your stitching. Also love the picture of Abby from your previous post. She does look so sad at being closed out.

Karen said...

I like the old witch piece. The little rhyme is what I like.

Adrienne said...

We're having some gray days here, too, and we're not complaining. The drought has taken its toll and we're so ready for rain. As it falls no one seems to mind - the only thing I hear is how much we need it and they are glad to see it. Your stitching is wonderful, as always. When you make changes it only gives more of you to the piece. I love seeing what you've been doing - keep it coming.
~Adrienne~

Carol said...

So glad you were able to come up with a thread that worked so well in finishing the witch piece, Marlene--it is darling! And I like your start on the PSS SAL--I will probably do that some day, just not right now...

We have had the opposite of you--sunny and warm November weather! Unheard of for this time of year in Pennsylvania... It is colder now, but it sure was a great start to the month!

Tracy P. said...

I love a good excuse to stay inside and make warm food and do inside things. Not for too many days though. Glad your drought has ended.

FlourishingPalms said...

I've just returned from being in the Midwest (Kansas City), and though initially it was gorgeous (November 5-10) with clear blue, cloudless skies, and just a hint of cool air, by the time we left the weather turned gloomy, cold, and produced spitting rain... just the weather I detest in the late autumn. Maybe by now you've had snow? Well, you know how to make good use of indoor time - stitching, yoga, entertaining. Have a blessed time with family over Thanksgiving.