I have finished October.......

For some reason the colors are just not true in this picture. The red is very dark, it is only outlined in black, not mixed with black and the orange is much darker.

I had posted a picture of November earlier, and promised myself I wouldn't start December until I finished October. I kept my promise, this is a design from Kenneth D King's book Designer Bead Embroidery.  It was one of my fave patterns in the book.

Although Christmas has been turned into a totally commercial endeavor, I can still remember the anticipation that took over may life as a child. We didn't have a lot of money, but we managed to have one gift under the tree that was on the letter to Santa list. Some years it was the smallest thing like a new shirt and some year it was a big thing like the newest doll on the market.  Christmas was always a big time for new clothes, mostly socks, shoes and underwear...... not the kind of thing you can take to show and tell. Isn't it amazing how we can survive those things as children, but never completely forget them.

January is always a busy time for me with work, it is usually a cold, snowy and sunless month in Ohio so here is my version....

A little snow, a little sun, a few stars and dark blue nights....

That's it.....I have started February so I should be back on track.

I did a small commission project for a friend as a Christmas/Birthday gift for her daughter's new house....

It was made for the kitchen and included all of her favorite things, barns, cows and dogs and Welcome. The blocks are from several books and the welcome is a reverse appliqué technique with the lettering template generated by computer.

Here are close ups of the dog and cow........

The dog, dog house and star are appliqué

The cow and other blocks including the flag and tree were rotary cut and strip pieced. The right border looks wavy here, but  it didn't look that way in real life.

I have not picked up my new Bernina yet, the plan is for next Friday or Saturday so check back.

Having just caught up myself, I know how great it feels! We both have halos now! These three pieces are really wonderful, especially your depiction of January nights... Ooooooooh it seems so chilly, and yet so pretty. My favorite is still your November piece, which I think is sooooo special. Bravo!

All of your projects are wonderful, Sue! As a native Ohioan, I can remember those winters very well -- makes me real glad I live in southern New Mexico now.

Kathy V in NM

I think they all turned out nice but I like the starry nights the best as it looks just like a crisp, cold, dark but starry night!

Also, some of us are having a heck of a time getting that button on our blog. How did you do it?

Great pages, Sue.

My goodness you have been busy! I love your January page...so much movement! I hope to try the edging stitch you have used on one of the projects I plan to finish up soon.

Sue, what a wonderful blog you have.
Thank you for your sweet comments about my bag.
Congrats on catching up. I hope I can get caught up. I have a very long way to go..BUT... I do have a plan.
Sunni

I think they all turned out nice but I like the starry nights the best as it looks just like a crisp, cold, dark but starry night!

All of your projects are wonderful, Sue! As a native Ohioan, I can remember those winters very well -- makes me real glad I live in southern New Mexico now.