Playing with Something Different in Yarn

Knitting a little different for practice. I saw a tutorial and don't even know what this is called but you drop a stitch every 5 rows and it makes this pattern from the typical garter stitch.

I had one ball of this Mossy Green left and so I'm putting it to use probably as a table mat because I don't have 2 skeins for a scarf. I will probably put some wooden buttons on the end of it.

I made mistakes here and there but by the last row it was getting better.

And so is life, the more we practice, the better we get at it.

And this one has only gotten a few stitches. Amazing to me on Oyster white linen that Milady's Teal looks a grayish light blue!

 AND! to be loaded in my Needlework 4 system to get some speed on it. 

Stay warm and cozy! The ice here has gone. It's a Saturday morning/ evening now and back to working in my office with Mr. Darcy. I do love him so.

For his office I plan to make some simple patriotic curtains. When finished, I will post one day.

I am getting quite used to the new washer. I love it. It's quiet, plays a tune when finished and the dryer is stacked on top.

I hope to get all the rooms together by Spring time. Ready to open the window a bit for warm sunshiney breezes and guests to visit.

till later,

Jennifer

The Annual Design For Aaron: Aaron's Flowers 2012 sampler

Aaron's Flowers

designed by Feathers in the Nest

copyright 2012

Every July, when the hottest of the year yields it's heat, I know that Aaron's (my first born son) birthday is soon around the corner. For the past few years, I have designed a sampler in memory of him. This year, I was inspired by the flowers that grace his memory. Blue and yellow were his colors in many ways. He was born and died in 1985 and I can't believe this August 16 he would have been 27 years old.

This sampler, as most all samplers has some symbolic meaning interplaying in it's design.

There are 27 blooms in honor of his years we have been apart. Some small and large hearts in both colors are representative of his sweetness and the love and have and will always have for him. The one blue and yellow heart represents the overshadowing of his death on my life throughout the years.The small cross represents his innocence as a baby and that he lives in Heaven but his spirit is with me all the time. His initials for his name Aaron Franklin and the year of his physical prescence as he was nurtured to full term but left way too early. The yellow centered heart flower, the large one, standing alone represents his yellow outfit he was buried in and the surrounding lighter blue of which covered him with a blue and white blanket that said "Thank Heaven for Little Boys". The overshadowing top Morning Glory color border reminds me of the rain that followed the day after he was buried. I can clearly remember this as if it was yesterday.

This memory for me is bittersweet even after all these years. I often wonder what he would have been like if he had lived until today. Butterflies outside frequently remind me that his prescence is always near me and will be for the rest of my life. I think of him as my little angel and God needed Him at that time.

Posting this does bring a tear to my eye but it's not for pity or sadness. It's just in remembering how his birth and death shadowed my heart. For all who have had the loss of a child, I'm sure you can relate to what I'm saying. I look forward to the day I will be reunited with him in Heaven and because of his innocence and sweetness, I'm sure he will meet me there with open, not closed, arms.

His footprints.

Fibers of choice on this piece but I really like Gentle Art:

Morning Glory

Presidential Blue (darker blue)

Butternut Squash

Gold Leaf

Apple Cidar ----the base of the flowers

Strawbonnet for the word "in"

Baby Spinach--green

linen of choice and this would be gorgeous in 1 over 1 on linen, but also good for 2 over 2. I would make this a pillow keep and use the gold fabbie I got this week at the quilt shop in the making.

One of the things I need to do as a goal this year is to stitch more of my own designs! I keep saying that but there are so many I want to do!!!!

This one will be in my basket soon though. 24 hours in a day is just not enough!!! :)

Hope you are having a bright, sunny day just as we are in the mountains today.

Lots of good plans for the weekend. I slept really good last night and right now I have Abbie staring at me in the face awaiting some playtime with her toys. ;)

Till later,

Jennifer

Colors of Today

I know this blog is a stitching blog and whatever my spontaneous heart is doing that is positive in my life but I've been slack on writing lately. I can't believe a week has gone by. I'm admiring my friend's flowers sent to me this week. Tulips!  LOVE them.

I wish I could show you all in person but a pic will have to show you.

I got them several days ago so they are fully bloomed now and with the sun shining in today, I'm reminded that God loves us and will be with us always. Look at the beautiful nature outside. Who else could provide such comfort in the mountains and flowers in the Spring?

When I look at the flowers, I think of Crescent Colors. LOL

I know that is funny and strange as heck, but the lightest pink, the purples are great ones to stitch. Even the green color is reminding me.

What would you call these colors in CC? in CC silks? In WDW? in any overdyed threads?

Today is full of routine chores to do, but it's a Saturday and then comes Sunday, the day of rest, finally.

Bring the beauty of nature inside in some small way today and I can assure you hearts will be lifted!

I have my computer designing software fixed now and so I will be busy putting out a freebie or a couple soon as I do so love to dabble with putting thoughts to graph and then to needle and fabric.

My other love of music is strong as well and I actually played some this week, but my piano is so out of tune. Need to put that on my list of things to fix. My piano is prescious to me. Always will be.

On this morning, I hope for you:

beautiful colors for today

being happy and content

thanking God for friends and our crafts/ hobbies

and remembering that there is always sunshine after the rain.

In the mornings I have my quiet time, and would like to share with you a Psalm (book of songs) for encouragement. You have been so good to me and I love each and every one of you. I consider the followers and readers here my positives and the connection with others who I'm very thankful for.

I have always loved Psalms and have many highlighted in my Bible since youth. Psalms is the book of songs and from a lover of music, I so love to read them.

Psalm 62

My soul finds rest in God alone:

my salvation comes from Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

How lon will you assault a man?

Would all of you throw him down--

this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

They fully intend to topple him

from his lofty place;

they take delight in lies

With their mouths they bless,

but in their hearts they curse.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation an my honor depend on God;

he is my might rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times O people;

pour out your hearts to HIm,

for God is our refuge.

Lowborn men ar but a breath,

the highborn are but a lie;

if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;

together they are only a breath.

Do not trust in extorsion

or take pride in stolen goods;

though your riches increase,

do not set your heart on them.

One thing God has spoken,

two things have I heard;

that you, O God, are strong.

and that you, O Lord, are loving.

Surely you will reward each person

according to what he has done.

Placing all hope in God. Knowing that God is in control allows us to wait patiently for Him to rescue us. True relief does not come when the problem is resolved because more problems are on the way!

True relief comes from an enduring hope in God's ultimate salvation. Only then will all trials be resolved.

Counting my blessings today and hoping that you find some comfort and strength in even the most smallest of things.

Till later,

Jennifer

Lovely Gifts Near and Far and Stitchy Plans

I've been so busy, I feel like I've neglected writing!  I had 2 weeks of sheer on-the-go bliss, of which I haven't had in years and years. I received these beautiful pink roses, 18 of them with a very sweet, soft pink bear. Pink is my favorite color of course and I loved them and such a pleasant surprise this week.

In the stitching homefront, I've not picked up my needle and thread. I may get a chance to today though as I head out to a friend's house with long talks. Next weekend a special stitching friend is visiting the homestead on "Walton's mountain"  and I can't wait!

Life is good!  not perfect, but good.  Getting my feet back on the ground though has been alot but without God and you gracious friends all over the world, it wouldn't have been as easy. I do know God answers prayers in His own time. And in His ways, He shows us who really are a part of our lives and who are not. I thank Him for that.

I, again, thank all the readers and stitchers who stayed with me through the past year. I know many turned their heads who I thought were real friends but I do believe that is their issue and uncomfortableness and not mine. I would strive to hang on to friends who are going through bumpy times in life, but I gather that many I trusted preferred not. I thank God for the situation that showed me who wanted conditional friendships. I'm enjoying those who are new and old journeying with me and I with them.

With Spring, there is a promise of new beginnings and that is encouragement to me! I love home and creating a welcoming atmosphere for friends to visit. I have enjoyed that for sure.

Stitching is a big part of my life. Reading is also and I have read some great books in the past few months. It's time though to put the Kindle down or turn it to enable speech mode so I can get busy with the needle again.

I have a bag full of stash upstairs that must be organized and threads, threads, threads to organize especially since I came back from In Stitches in March! Problem with organizing my stash is seeing too many things I want to stitch at one time.

I want to finish The Coverlets sampler and put it on my guestroom sampler wall.

I then may go to finish a WIP I started way back from The Sampler Girl about There's no place like home because that is such a true statement!!!!

I'm halfway on that one.

Last week Lesley from the UK sent me a beautiful, absolutely gorgeous gift that brought me to tears. A heavy, glass plaque with an uplifting thought and such a nice compliment as I love nests!!!!

I received it very quickly checking mail before I was gone again on another trip with a friend.

I wanted to take some good pics of it.

I will treasure it forever. The words are so meaningful to me and I have an angel collection in my bedroom that will definitely house this beauty.

I'm really taken back by the love and hearts of so many people who have connected around the world.

I apologize Lesley for misspelling your name the first time but most of all want to thank you again for such a heart-filled gift which will be treasured forever.

I shared it with Mr. Darcy and he also loved it and thought it was beautiful!

Here's some pics.

I picked one of my newest angels from the US.

 She is sending peaceful thoughts back to you Lesley!

So sweet in heavy glass and will be a treasure in my home forever!

Abbie is showing her total devotion at waiting patiently with one of her favorite toys. Bear.

The area is much greener now and filling in nicely. Roses are reaching for the sun.

I must get going to finish this sampler.

Soon, I will start on this sampler. Summer will be here before you know it. I have the linen and threads for it. I remember my very first kitchen ever in an apartment was full of strawberry decor. ;)

Maybe life will settle down a bit during the Summer.

I hope you have a great Saturday and savor the love that surrounds you however far and however outside your radius of comfort.

For it's when we reach out the farthest, we do indeed test our strength and realize that the world is small afterall.

Thank you again for all your comments. They mean alot to me and I love each and every one of you.

Jennifer

Progress on Mr. Darcy and other sundries

Saturday was a relaxing day. I almost finished Mr. Darcy sampler by the Sampler Girl.

I've picked out a simple black wood frame 5 x 7 for it when finished.

I think it's a great contrast and will be a good addition to my Valentine's collection.

Of course, Valentine's can be and should be every day.

Love.

I also joined an online Bible study with this book which is very comforting and is one that will change your life. It certainly is good for women and confirms that they are special and loved just the way they are, by one man who will always love and protect.

Of course, I was behind in enrolling but catching up. I've gone through chapter 3.

But it 's one that each chapter provokes much reflection and such a relief that no matter what the world thinks, all that matters is what God thinks of our choices. He loved us first. He is the only one that can love us unconditionally.

http://reneeswope.com/aconfidentheart/

This is the site, take a look-see.

My dollar store visit find was this rack which is rustic and oh so prim.

I love it.

I spent some time deep cleaning the kitchen and getting more organized.

All dishes are clean and put away for easy access. For 5 bucks it was well worth it.

My goal is after church to spend time finishing this and framing it.

I've got next to move on to the Coverlet Birds and I can't wait. Beeeeautiful colors.

A cozy home, stitching, a good friend, a good book, and rain on the metal roof to lull me to sleep.

What could I ask for any better than that for today. My pace is slower. My mind is calm. I have someone who is always there with open arms. It's a nice change, a miracle.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Wishing blessings at your home and peace. Peace no matter what life brings you.

You are special.

Till later,

Jennifer

Sappy Saturdays

So how was your week?

Mine went well, very well, taking a day at the time and the more days, the more I know I'm at peace.

Went to one of my fave places for a burger today and also received a dozen, beautiful red roses delivered to my house today, so love is definitely in the air here, with sweetness, and just making every day a Valentine's Day right now!! Even Flossie Mae has unexpectedly attracted all male cats for the past 2 days and she will probably be delivering kittens. I was late getting her fixed and was assured that cats don't go into heat until Spring. hummmm.......not here. LOL

So inspired, I decided to set up a few of my favorite Valentine's decor on top of my piano around my new roses and take a look-see:

A cup of tea anyone?

Times like these when I dust and can see the furniture. ;p

I love tea. I have some new Youthberry tea with orange from Teavana and have carefully enjoyed the full antioxidant benefits of it since I got it last week. Full of savory healing, wholesome and delicate goodness.

and there is one certainty, time moves right along.

And that is a good thing as I ponder many circumstances, some given to me unexpectedly in this life, but all have a purpose to fit somewhere. In time.

I have confidence in that much.

I got out some of my favorite pillow keeps

This one is from designer, The Sampler Girl, stitched by me. One of her freebies.

The top one, a freebie by Primitive Betty's stitched by me and another one which I love so dear.

I also love small quilt heart pillows. And this one just looks good here too.

And as I said this is Sappy Saturday as I miss my kids, now adults and hold them in my heart until they decide one day maybe to reconnect. I'm at peace with it. I know they will do what their heart leads them to do. They've tried many things to put a divide between us but in time they will learn the wisdom that mama's always love their babies and will miss them too.

It feels good to come to acceptance of these and many things that are "on my heart" today.

Because I know that really all things work together for good according to His purpose in his Time.

That's a promise I keep with MY heart.

and the roses, ahhhhhh, yes the beautiful roses. Mr. Darcy really does exist, ladies!

Now that's a sappy story as well with most of it unwritten for safety reasons. But as I've gotten a few emails about "the BodyGuard Situation",

this is where I must tell you the truth as he chose to live another life for the past several years, a life full of lies and deception, dishonesty and hurt, danger and pride, and I was absolutely unaware of many of his deceptions until July of this past year, but there again...... It was my time, my prayer was answered in months and as he strived hard to hurt me as much as he could, he really ended up being destructive to himself.

He is no longer in my life and I have no ill-will for him and he knows that. I am so glad I finally saw the light, the real kind of what kind of light he carried on our journey.

The rest is unwritten and will stay that way for safety reasons, but all in all, I feel safe with the One that loved me first, My Heavenly Father.

He protected me many times in my life and this past year was one of them.

He surrounded me with true friends and those who chose to say curt words and leave my life, I accepted their decisions as well, as they only didn't really understand, thank goodness the hades I went through so there is peace with that and those I've connected with are purposely only positive people right now.

I learned a hard lesson on trust many times in my life as many of you have too in yours. I am no different and am just saying that if you listen to your heart, your prayers will be answered. Just get ready for them to be answered in ways you may not think it will be.

By my bed is framed Be Still and Know I am God, and I see that when I awake and when I go to bed.

I stitched it a couple of years ago, designed by The Sampler Girl and it's given me so much encouragement.

So, last year, yes I went through a horrendous divorce with a man who's goal was only to hurt and hurt bad in every way.

I'm a thankful woman for the blessings I have and for the love of God to protect me even though he used every low avenue he could to deceive and perpetuate his deep seated lies.

I hope none of you go through this kind of betrayal but if you do, remember.... that there is a rainbow after the rain.

As a totally not interested person in relationships at all after all that, I guess another door opened, and this time, I have never felt so much peace inside with the friendship we've attained. It's refreshing, rejuvenating, lifting, and totally awestruck by the miracle God put in my life after Christmas Day.

The story will be unwritten here but all I can say is that ONLY God would be one to put this together and things that have happened are amazingly refreshing.

And for this, and other reasons, stitching, has been much to the side in the past several months.

But there are seasons in life that we all go through and I ONLY choose to respond and be with positive people as the negative, I really can't relate to and it drains me right now. I love to help others but those that are hurtful, I let go. It was time.

You wouldn't believe (maybe you would) some emails I got during this time from some bloggers.

I really felt sorry for them. I don't think they understood at all. But, I hope you know I heart each of you reading this blog, for whatever brought you to it today to read.

sometimes we don't know where the tree stops and the water begins but the reflection I see out my window one evening said it all.

Sometimes what we think we are living is only a shadow.

So, I'm totally in God's hands with what doors open next, but I will always trust Him forever.

I think 2012 and beyond is another chapter of life for me. Even the love of music is coming back for me. And it's nice to have someone to share that with.

So, I'm enjoying each day as best I can and that's the best we all can do.

One day the rest of the story will be written. It may require a book format! LOL

Through all this I learned these lessons:

1) no marriage or relationship can be based on dishonesty, deception, lies, and abuse

2) it takes 2 mature people to make one, just one doesn't work

3) never take a day for granted, it might change your life forever

4) thank all the friends who stuck with you and even those who chose to leave you for it showed you who really cared to start with.

5) slowly open your heart to a real kind of love because it can happen.

6) hug your children every day if you have the chance. If you can't, always hope, never lose hope.

7) if you've never seen your marriage partner open a Bible until his lies are found out, then pretends to do so and uses the word of God in a hateful way, RUN, don't walk. No matter what. God does not come looking for us. He knows where we are, we look for HIM.

8) accept nothing less than God being the foundation of a marriage relationship

9) life is too short to waste it trying to explain to former "friends" when they want to run as if it's contagious. If they were really your friend to start with, they would still be with you, if they dropped you for whatever, just nod, bow, and open the door for them.

10) Take safety seriously. If someone, anyone, comes to you in a dangerous situation in fear, don't say "I don't want to get involved" because in essence you really have taken the abuser's side by turning your head.

11) Pray. Pray without ceasing even when nothing but tears are flowing and you're speaking to the mountains and no one else because He DOES hear our specific requests and He already knows what we need if we just ask and be still. Patience. His TIME not ours.

and most important

12) I've found out twice what love is not so I can better recognize what love REALLY is. Even though I went through alot through the years, I'm thankful because I wouldn't know without the contrast.

The more days go by, the bigger the rainbow gets.

I hope you  have a  lovely Saturday evening and thank you for taking time out of your day to read my sappy moments today as I reflect on some very deep things, love, clean and take care of my home.

Home is Where the Heart Is means much more to me now.

Till later,

Jennifer

Simple Saturdays

I am beginning to learn it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall.

~~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Welcome Beautiful Autumn!

 I hope to get some good pictures this week but I think the trees here are not peaked in Autumn color but this week will probably reveal  it's plethora of colors that grace the mountains.

Stitchy-slow still but I know with time I will be back and probably more than ever as I won't have the toxic distractions that have been of late.

Gratitude is my attitude this morning and even in the big bumps in the road, there are things that are blessings I'm counting. In fact, I've learned a lesson that in the difficult times I should be thankful for, as if they didn't present themselves to us, we wouldn't be able to appreciate the truth.

With October comes the remembrance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple shades are the primary colors used and in last year's designing I still have this to work on one day. Probably will not be done for this October but I'm thankful that I am inspired intermittently to put ideas to linen.

I'm thankful for my lovely daughter Meghan, who inspired me more than she knew and whose crayon- talent clued me in to get her an art teacher so she could express and find her true creativity.

I feel blessed to have a daughter with such inspiration.

I am very thankful for our guardian angels and friends both near and far. The amazing strength of prayer transcends all things in this world.

I am greatful for my son and daughter who grew up to become adults that anyone would be proud of and who through many difficult times became adults that this mama is proud of.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his,

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

~~Psalm 100

Have a beautiful Autumn day and enjoy the beauty around you!

Jennifer

My New/Old Armoire finally found it's resting place and free pattern

Because I have certainly tried my best to follow these words and because my vintage armoire found it's place to bloom today, I wanted to show you a few pics and a little freebie I designed by inspiration from it.

My camera will work ONLY if I tape the hinge in place AND hold tightly with my left thumb while I snap a quick picture. I thought the tape would do it by itself but I'm afraid I will be getting a new camera. I can't make this hinge stay in place long unless I want carpel tunnel of the left side. :o

Here is my inspiration after it was planted today in one of the bedrooms. Of course this vintage

armoire is very special to me as my friend, Dot, who moved recently, downsized---  and she left this for me. I will treasure it forevah!

Cleaned up well!

can you tell I"m having a little trouble taking pictures with this bummed camera? 

This quilt is one I got at a great quilt store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and right now I can't remember the name of the store but it has beautiful cotton batted quilts. As I love Dutch decor, I grabbed one quickly and have never tired of seeing it since.

The old bench got re-planted here.

These were stitched by me in 1983.....that kinda rhymed.  ;)

Four of the many Colonial Williamsburge houses.

What's scarey is I found the pattern as I was cleaning out other rooms this week.

Do you save patterns for 30 years??????

So, the special armoire is planted today.

I don't think there is one thing bought brand-new in this room, except the quilt.

I just thought of that.

Very random I know....but it is about 1am right now.

I think we are pretty much planted here too.  We've been planted here for almost 10 years now!

 

Bloom

designed by Feathers in the Nest

@copyright 2011

colors suggested are:

WDW--Ocean

GA--Strawbonnet (lightest color)

WDW---Whiskey

linen of choice and count

I plan to stitch this one up with the above colors and put in a basket in this room as a pillowkeep to remember my friend and how her life I would have missed, if I was not planted here almost 10 years ago.

Thank you, God for putting her in my life at just the right time,

amen.