2020 Stitching Goals

As usual, this year’s goal is to stitch from stash, with minimal outlay for new designs and DMC that needs to be replenished, with the exception of Just Nan releases and any Mirabilia/Nora Corbett designs that may be discontinued that I don’t already have. Otherwise, I want to avoid buying fabric, specialty fibers and embellishments, where possible.

———————

Water Wonderland by Joan Elliott — Complete stitching and present to recipient.
Success! Completed, framed and presented to my mom for her 70th birthday.

Bonsai and Buddha by Dimensions — Make significant progress on stitching.
** Failure. Didn’t touch it.

Fairy Moon by Mirabilia — Make some progress on stitching. (Another long-standing WIP.)
** Failure. Didn’t touch it.

Arezzo by Nora Corbett — Make some progress on stitching.
** Partial success? Touched it once.

Complete stitching on at least 6 Just Nan designs in my stash. This should help me to work through my extensive Just Nan stash.
** Partial Success – Four designs completed **
– Gingerbread Angel Mouse
– Gingerbread Jingle Mouse
– Gingerbread Mrs. Santa Mouse
– Gingerbread Santa Mouse

Knock out some other WIPs, if possible, like:
– Daydreams Petite in Glass – Crystal Creation
– Hermanson Hardanger – Russian Inspired Ornament #2
** Failure. Didn’t touch either or any other WIPs

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2019 Stitching Finishes

I did pretty well last year, all things considered. No big finishes, but that’s fairly standard at this point.

  1. Yellow Penguin by Casey Buonaugurio Designs – Finished January 13, 2019
  2. Evergreen (2015 Ornament) by Tor Rhuann Designs – Finished January 21, 2019
  3. Meow Blocks by Lizzie*Kate – Finished February 16, 2019
  4. Star Reindeer by Sharon Bennett of Daffy Cat Designs – Finished February 23, 2019
  5. Snowflake Reindeer by Sharon Bennett of Daffy Cat Designs – Finished March 23, 2019
  6. Lights Reindeer by Sharon Bennett of Daffy Cat Designs – Finished August 18, 2019
  7. Minerva Mouse by Just Nan – Finished August 19, 2019
  8. Romeo the Groom Mouse by Just Nan – Finished August 31, 2019
  9. Witchy’s Sister Mouse by Just Nan – Finished September 8, 2019
  10. Hazel Fun Witch Mouse by Just Nan – Finished September 8, 2019
  11. Black Dagger Brotherhood Hardanger Bookmark (Wrath) by Jenna Magee – Finished October 29, 2019
  12. Truly Endless Knot II by Ink Circles – Finished December 1, 2019
  13. Silver & Gold (Silver Front) by Blackwork Journey – Finished December 7, 2019
  14. Silver & Gold (Silver Back) by Blackwork Journey – Finished December 7, 2019
  15. Silver & Gold (Gold Front) by Blackwork Journey – Finished December 7, 2019
  16. Silver & Gold (Gold Back) by Blackwork Journey – Finished December 9, 2019
  17. BB-8 Snowman by RainbowStitchCross – Finished December 22, 2019
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The Body Keeper by Anne Frasier

The Body Keeper (Detective Jude Fontaine Mysteries #3)The Body Keeper by Anne Frasier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jude Fontaine continues her remarkable career as a homicide detective, this time braving one of the brutal winters for which Minneapolis is so well known. But even the harshest of winters won’t keep the bodies away.

As I’ve come to expect from Anne Frasier, this book is one that begs to be devoured, not letting you go until you’ve finished. The plot is filled with intricate twists and turns with one doozy of a surprise at the end. I enjoyed every moment of intrigue and character development and, as always, I can’t wait to see what comes next from the mind of this talented author!

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The Final Trade by Joe Hart

The Final Trade (The Dominion Trilogy, #2)The Final Trade by Joe Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am able to strongly empathize with the main character, Zooey. She has been through so much and has had to make some very difficult decisions that are terrible to live with. She is an amazingly strong but flawed woman in whom it becomes easy to invest. This plot is full of “two steps forward, one step back” for the group, a balance between bad and good. It’s excruciating mentally, especially as you become further and further invested in the characters, but it sinks the hook in deep and drives you to keep reading until the wee hours of the morning. Just like the first book in the series, I found this one hard to put down. Be aware that there are violent and gory scenes, so if you have a vivid imagination and are able to envision the scenes playing out, you should be mentally prepared. But if you read the first book in the trilogy, you will know what to expect.

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Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Orphan TrainOrphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The author is new to me and I wasn’t entirely sure how well crafted the story would be. The timelines are beautifully intertwined as the characters, Molly and Vivian, interact in real time and also traverse through Vivian’s complex and dramatic history. Vivian’s story is all the more incredible having been based loosely on real events during that time period. To realize that actual people had these experiences in their lives is stunning and poignant. It’s also lovely how the two women build a meaningful relationship that is mutually beneficial. All of the information at the end of the book regarding the history of orphan trains and interview with the author was interesting, but slightly excessive. Just be aware that when you have finished the actual story, your Kindle will still register a good percentage left to read.

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2019 Stitching Goals

Once again, this year’s goal is to stitch from stash, with minimal outlay for new designs and DMC that needs to be replenished, with the exception of Just Nan releases and any Mirabilia/Nora Corbett designs that may be discontinued that I don’t already have. Otherwise, I want to avoid buying fabric, specialty fibers and embellishments, where possible.

———————

Water Wonderland by Joan Elliott — Make significant progress on, if not complete, stitching. (This gift is so long overdue that I’m sure the recipient has completely forgotten about it.)

Bonsai and Buddha by Dimensions — Make significant progress on stitching. (I like this piece and would like to rescue it from my long-standing WIP pile.)

Fairy Moon by Mirabilia — Make some progress on stitching. (Another long-standing WIP.)

Arezzo by Nora Corbett — Make significant progress on stitching.

Teresa Wentzler – Sun Dragon (Turquoise) — Send to Jill Rensel, along with his purple brother, for framing in 2019?

Complete stitching on at least 6 Just Nan designs in my stash. This should help me to work through my extensive Just Nan stash.

Knock out some other WIPs, if possible, like:
– Daydreams Petite in Glass – Crystal Creation
– Hermanson Hardanger – Russian Inspired Ornament #2

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Recap of 2018 Stitching Goals

This year’s goal is to stitch from stash, with minimal outlay for new designs and DMC that needs to be replenished, with the exception of Just Nan releases. That’s one vice I can’t give up. And any Mirabilia/Nora Corbett designs that may be discontinued that I don’t already have. Otherwise, I want to avoid buying fabric, specialty fibers and embellishments, where possible.

———————

Mele Kalikimaka by Monsterbubbles — Complete stitching. (This is small, but over one and tedious. I need the incentive to finish.)
** Stitching completed on July 14, 2018 **

Water Wonderland by Joan Elliott — Make significant progress on, if not complete, stitching. (This gift is so long overdue that I’m sure the recipient has completely forgotten about it.)
** Failed. Didn’t touch it **

Leilani the Hula Dancer by Nora Corbett — Complete stitching
** Stitching completed on June 17, 2018 **

Bonsai and Buddha by Dimensions — Make significant progress on stitching. (I like this piece and would like to rescue it from my long-standing WIP pile.)
** Failed. Some stitching completed, but nothing significant **

Fairy Moon by Mirabilia — Make some progress on stitching. (Another long-standing WIP.)
** Failed. Pulled out and re-kitted, but no stitching completed **

Teresa Wentzler – Sun Dragon (Turquoise) — Send to Jill Rensel, along with his purple brother, for framing in 2018?
** Forwarded to 2019 goals **

Complete stitching on at least 8 Just Nan designs in my stash. This should help me to work through my extensive Just Nan stash.
** Nine projects completed **

Knock out some other WIPs, if possible.
** Textile Heritage Collection – Fuchsias Scissor Keep **

– Daydreams Petite in Glass – Crystal Creation
– Hermanson Hardanger – Russian Inspired Ornament #2

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2018 Stitching Goals

This year’s goal is to stitch from stash, with minimal outlay for new designs and DMC that needs to be replenished, with the exception of Just Nan releases. That’s one vice I can’t give up. And any Mirabilia/Nora Corbett designs that may be discontinued that I don’t already have. Otherwise, I want to avoid buying fabric, specialty fibers and embellishments, where possible.

———————

Mele Kalikimaka by Monsterbubbles — Complete stitching. (This is small, but over one and tedious. I need the incentive to finish.)

Water Wonderland by Joan Elliott — Make significant progress on, if not complete, stitching. (This gift is so long overdue that I’m sure the recipient has completely forgotten about it.)

Leilani the Hula Dancer by Nora Corbett — Complete stitching

Bonsai and Buddha by Dimensions — Make significant progress on stitching. (I like this piece and would like to rescue it from my long-standing WIP pile.)

Fairy Moon by Mirabilia — Make some progress on stitching. (Another long-standing WIP.)

Teresa Wentzler – Sun Dragon (Turquoise) — Send to Jill Rensel, along with his purple brother, for framing (provided I can afford it)

Complete stitching on at least 8 Just Nan designs in my stash. This should help me to work through my extensive Just Nan stash.
– Just Nan – Over the Top – Grow Pincushion (Side 1)?
– Just Nan – Over the Top – Grow Pincushion (Side 2)?
** Three projects already completed. **

Knock out some other WIPs, if possible.
– Daydreams Petite in Glass – Crystal Creation?
– Textile Heritage Collection – Fuchsias Scissor Keep?
– Hermanson Hardanger – Russian Inspired Ornament #2?

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Recap: Stitching Goals for 2017

I rediscovered my love of all things hardanger this past year, completing a grand total of 22 hardanger pieces! I can hardly believe that number myself! This really helped to kick my stitching mojo back into high gear. I didn’t manage to finish any large pieces, but I did complete plenty of smalls and finished several long-standing WIP pieces, as well. I foresee this trend of small project stitching and completion continuing through 2018.

My total for 2017 is 39 finishes! I think this might actually be a record for me.

—————–

Joan Elliott – Water Wonderland — Make significant progress on stitching
** Failed. Didn’t touch it **

Lizzie-Kate – Dog Lessons for People — Make significant progress on stitching
** Failed. Didn’t touch it **

Nordic NeedleFlower Garden — Complete stitching
** Stitching completed on May 1, 2017 **

Teresa Wentzler – Sun Dragon (Turquoise) — Restart and make significant progress on stitching
** Stitching completed on September 5, 2017 **

Teresa Wentzler – Sun Dragon (Turquoise) — Send to Jill Rensel, along with his purple brother, for framing in 2018?
** Forwarded to 2018 goals **

Nora Corbett – Leilani the Hula Dancer — New start in July; complete stitching
** Failed. Made significant progress on stitching, but did not complete **

Complete stitching on at least 2 Just Nan designs in my stash. This includes new starts as needed to work through my Just Nan stash.
** Five Just Nan pieces completed **

As many hardanger pieces as I feel like.
** Twenty-two hardanger pieces completed **

Knock out some other WIPs, if possible.
** Seven additional WIPs completed **

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Stitching Finishes To Date

Surprisingly, my mojo came back with a vengeance this year. Mostly because I rediscovered my adoration of all things hardanger. I’ve stitched so many bookmarks, it’s now a running gag. And any new visitor to my home who reads is encouraged to take one so I don’t keep them all for myself. 🙂

I need to go back and fill in the exact names for some of my more recent finishes, but I am up to 25 for the year and there are still many months left on the calendar. I even started a new large(-ish) sized project – Leilani the Hula Dancer by Nora Corbett. This is due largely in part to the fact that my lovely friend Jenn gifted me with all of the DMC threads and a beautiful piece of fabric for this design. All I had to do was supply the overdyed threads (which I substituted out of my stash) and the Mill Hill beads/treasures. No brainer!

Because I’ve mindlessly stitched so many hardanger bookmarks, I need to look up the details on some of the last ones I’ve done:

  1. Wisteria Tassel from the Stitched and Beaded Tassel Ornament Collection by Mill Hill — Finished January 8, 2017
  2. Willow Dragonfly from the Dragonfly Pin Collection by Mill Hill — Finished January 22, 2017
  3. Not All Those Who Wander by weelittlestitches — Finished January 23, 2017
  4. The Peacock Stitching Chair by The Cat’s Whiskers Design/Janie Hubble Designs — February 20, 2017
  5. Celtic Swirls by Ink Circles (purple) — March 6, 2017
  6. Strawberry Emery by Janie Hubble Designs — March 19, 2017
  7. Hardanger Card Club – August 2010 by Roz Watnemo, Nordic Needle — April 15, 2017
  8. Hardanger Card Club – September 2010 by Roz Watnemo, Nordic Needle — April 15, 2017
  9. Hardanger Card Club – October 2010 by Roz Watnemo, Nordic Needle — April 15, 2017
  10. Hardanger Card Club – April 2010 by Roz Watnemo, Nordic Needle — April 15, 2017
  11. Hardanger Card Club – January 2010 by Roz Watnemo, Nordic Needle — April 15, 2017
  12. Hardanger Beginnings Flower Garden Design by Susan Meier and Roz Watnemo — May 1, 2017
  13. Hardanger Card Club – November 2010 by Roz Watnemo, Nordic Needle — May 6, 2017
  14. Sampler Bookmark #1 from Sampler Bookmarks in Hardanger Embroidery by Nordic Needle — May 11, 2017
  15. Bookmark #4 from Elegant Bookmarks in Hardanger Embroidery by Nordic Needle — May 13, 2017
  16. Sampler Bookmark #4 from Sampler Bookmarks in Hardanger Embroidery by Nordic Needle — May 13, 2017
  17. Bookmark #1 from Elegant Bookmarks in Hardanger Embroidery by Nordic Needle — May 16, 2017
  18. Sampler Bookmark #2 by Nordic Needle — May 17, 2017
  19. Bookmark #5 from Elegant Bookmarks in Hardanger Embroidery by Nordic Needle (blue and black) — June 4, 2017
  20. Bookmark #5 from Elegant Bookmarks in Hardanger Embroidery by Nordic Needle (purple) — June 4, 2017
  21. Sampler Bookmark #3 from Sampler Bookmarks in Hardanger Embroidery by Nordic Needle — June 6, 2017
  22. Lorelei Lamb by Just Nan — June 11, 2017
  23. Bookmark ??? from ??? by Nordic Needle — June 24, 2017
  24. Hardanger Card Club – ???? 2010 by Roz Watnemo, Nordic Needle — June 24, 2017
  25. Bookmark ??? from ??? by Nordic Needle — July 4, 2017
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