Come visit with me as I stitch and craft my way from one Christmas to the next - I like to have Christmas projects close by me all year. I have a particular fondness for Santas and Angels. If you have the time, leave a comment so I know you've visited.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

December Smalls SAL Report

Another year is almost gone. Soon we will be trying to remember to use '2019' when writing the date. And if 2019 passes as quickly as 2018 did, we will be waving it goodby way too soon for my liking.

I have made a start already on my 2019 Christmas gift stitching. So far I have stitched 5 designs which will be made into Christmas ornaments for the children in my life. I have stitched four Jeremiah Junction (Nutcracker Factory 3) nutcrackers for the grandchildren of a long-term friend. They  will be flying to opposite ends of the world in November - the boys' nutcrackers to England, and the girls' nutcrackers to New Zealand.






The other design I have stitched will be a Christmas gift for a young neighbour. The designer is Sam Hawkins, and the chart was in a booklet called '50 Santas to cross stitch'.


So, that brings my 2018 stitching story to an end. It was quite a productive year. I stitched 59 Christmas ornaments and  8 framed pieces, all but one given away as Christmas gifts. My crochet hook was also quite active. I made 4 dresses and 2 ponchos for toddlers, a number of beanies, and lots of crochet shopping bags for young girls.  And I beaded 51 largeish angels, very few of which are still in my possession. As you might guess, I had lots of sitting time in 2018, recovering from assorted operations and medical interventions. There were times when my hands were pretty much all I could move! Fortunately I had a  grandmother who gave me excellent advice when I was 17. She told me to keep my hands busy to ward off arthritis. I have always followed her instruction, and while it didn't prevent arthritis (I have severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), it has allowed me to keep my hands flexible. I have always been grateful for her wisdom.

So now there is nothing more to say than Happy New Year!



13 comments:

Babs said...

You really started early ;-) They look nice, congrats

rosey175 said...

I just love that Santa stitch! The last one makes me smile; he's super cute :D

Julie said...

You are organised, they are lovely.

Rachel said...

I was going to say I can't believe you've started on 2019's ornaments already, but actually yes I can! They're all lovely, especially Jack's Santa one. Here's to a productive and healthy 2019. :)

Cathy said...

I love the nutcrackers and the Santa, too! Congratulations on getting a head start on next year's ornaments.

Mary said...

Very pretty ornaments. Congratulations on all of your finishes in 2018.

Astrids dragon said...

I love the nutcrackers, they look great! The santas are adorable. What a great start to 2019!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

You have made a good start! The nutcrackers make great ornaments.

Michele Stravato said...

Congrats on starting 2019 gifts. They look great!

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

Happy New Year to you. The nutcrackers are lovely.

Bethan said...

Wow you are efficient! But looking at your list, I see you need to be! The nutcrackers are lovely. Happy New Year to you x

FlashinScissors said...

Congratulations on all your finishes in 2018.
You have made a great start on your 2019 Christmas stitching, Elfie!
The piece for Jack is very cute!
Happy New Year to you!

thanida said...

Glad that you guys liked the post…Nice post!.
ร่ม
โรงงานร่ม
ร่มพับ
ร่มไม้เท้า
ขายร่มราคาถูก