Saturday, January 1, 2011

Is it really 2011 already???

A Happy New Year to all my stitching friends! 

I am now able to take some time to catch up on blog reading and commenting.  The past few weeks have been pretty insane since I work retail.  The day after Christmas I was at work at 5am preparing for the hoards of returns.  It is overwhelming at times and very tiring and the merchandise continues to pile up.  The associates in the stockroom have plenty to do sorting, reticketing and rehanging.  I would say that the majority of people are pleasant and understanding but it only takes one bad apple to make you feel threatened, which is how we feel in customer service sometimes.  I actually get scared on occasion! 

Since I've been so busy, I haven't done much stitching but I did manage to finish up an ornament for a dear friend.  I'm still learning how to finish the "smalls" and I feel like I am all thumbs sometimes.  Part of it is just the fear of destroying the stitching.  Seeing this photo reminds me of what a terrible job I did cutting the foam board that I mounted this piece on!  I admit that I was in a hurry but still no excuse.  I'm so sorry Lee!
Noel 
stitched on 32 ct. linen with GA Sampler threads

Thinking I would never win, I entered the December give-away at The Stitcher's Village.  I won this huge prize from the Stitcher's Village sponsors!

I received a large tote bag, an insulated mug, a Kreinik needlepoint ornament, a calendar, a mouse pad, 2 large pieces of Picture This Plus fabric (the colors are gorgeous and I'm sure I will use them), and a slew of charts!  Many of the charts are from Moonflower Designs, by Patty Hurwitz.  Thank you Patty!  And there is a Homespun Elegance chart, 2 penny rug patterns which I love, a chart by Angel Stitchin and a needlepoint design by Needle Delights Originals.  I didn't want to leave anyone out!

What with recent purchases I have made, this prize and 2 gift certificates I got for Christmas, my supplies are well in hand for a busy, busy year of stitching.

The other day I had some elective surgery to remove some bothersome veins on my right leg, so I have been enjoying some peaceful time in bed with my leg propped up.  I am deep into a mystery novel by Elizabeth George which I downloaded to my eReader and I hope to spend some of my free time stitching.  Since I lightened my work schedule for next week to recuperate, I am also hoping to make this pretty eReader cover since I haven't been able to find one to fit mine.  

All for now but I sure hope I am back sooner than later.





16 comments:

Chris said...

Hi Barb,
Glad you made it through another retail xmas..I did that for years and can sympathize.
Your stitching is lovely.
Happy New Year!

Melissa said...

I love that Noel freebie you stitched up!

I hope your leg heals quickly. In the meantime, enjoy your reading and stitching time.

Happy New Year, Barb!

The Queen Bee said...

Wow! What a great win. Lucky you.

Your finish is really nice. I'm sure Lee will love it.

Enjoy your time recovering.

Happy New Year, Pam

valerie said...

Cute ornie finish! Wonderful win too. Well, I hope things slow down some for you now that it's 2011. Happy New Year!

Sherry :o) said...

I have seen the Noel stitched on several blogs - love it and your finishing looks fine...

Recover well and quick! Happy 2011!

Daffycat said...

Best wishes in the New Year, Barb!

Carol said...

Happy New Year, Barb! Wow, that is one amazing win--lucky you :)

And Lee's ornament looks perfect to me--really cute.

I do hope you are enjoying your recuperation time--reading and stitching sound like perfect ways to pass the days :)

Catherine said...

Whoo-hoo! Congrats on the win!

Lovely finish - looks gret to me!

Enjoy your recovery time!

Lynn said...

Happy New Year Barb! I think your finish for Lee is wonderful! I don't see a thing wrong with it.
Congrats on winning that huge giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I love your ornament finish, it's really pretty (and I can't see anything wrong with it, either :) )

Glad you survived the Christmas retail rush, I hate shopping before Christmas because of the crowds, so I sympathize. Happy New Year!

Siobhán said...

Retail at Christmas... yikes! Been there, done that, got the stories. LOL

I love the finish! Great job.

I hope your leg heals quickly. Enjoy the book and the enforced quiet time!

Happy new year to you and yours.

Kathy A. said...

Wow, I had forgotten about retail at Christmas. Worked retail for over 20 years. You have my complete sympathy and a warm hug. You survived another one.
Glad to hear your surgery went well and that you are on the road to recovery.
Could you please tell me where you got the pattern for your ebook reader cover. I got one just before Christmas and would love to make a cover for it.

barbara said...

I used to work retail. I still avoid it (the stores, that is) as much as possible around the holidays. You should get combat pay! Take care of yourself!!

Karoline said...

Glad to hear you survived Christmas retail. Been there, done that & I hope I never have to again.

Your ornament is lovely & I hope your leg is feeling better.

Rebecca said...

Your ornament looks great! Congratulations on your win of stitching goodies. Hope your leg heals quickly, and you enjoy your recovery time.

Jeanne said...

Love your ornament finish and what a great giveaway you won! Hope you have a productive stitching year and time to relax after the holiday craziness.