IHSW Report, Old Finishes, UFOs, & New Stuff

Good Monday morning!!!  I am having a bit of trouble this morning because I feel like it's Sunday.  I don't know why.  The last few days have actually been sort of "confused" in a way with me thinking it's a different day than it actually is.  Don't know what's up with that   : )

I will start off with my IHSW report.  Last night I finished stitching the project I was working on but I can't show it to you because it's an exchange gift.  Tonight I will start something new & it is probably going to be one of these Prairie Schooler Santas from their Santa & Friends chart ...

... or one of these designs from their Starry Night chart.

Decisions, decisions   : )

I am now going to share a few things with you that are from my past stitching lives.  Initially I thought I had sold or thrown away or given away anything cross stitch related in the bout of insanity ending my Stitching Life #2.  However, I was greatly pleased to find that I did hold on to a few things.  Now ... this first one I knew I held on to because I had it professionally framed & it has been hanging on my walls since the mid 2000s although I finished stitching it back in 1987.  I have no idea what the name of the chart is because back then I'd stitch something & then figure I'd never stitch it again so why keep the chart.  I apologize for the reflections in the glass.  I have no idea how to avoid them.  Also I do wonder why when I take a photo of something hanging on a wall it oftentimes looks rather curved.  Any ideas?

This is also an old finish that I kept ... a personalized chatelaine   : )   I've never used it but I thought it was wonderful when I saw the chart featured in a magazine.  This is from Stitching Life #1.

And here are some old UFOs.  The first two are from Stitching Life #2.  This first one is, I think, from a Shepherd's Bush chart which is long gone.  There were 4 different charts (all separate), each with a button decoration, each stitched on burlap using pearl cotton.  This project will probably remain unfinished unless I can find the button that goes with it.

I have no idea who the designer is for this next design but it is an ornament which just needs to be made into one   : )

This next UFO is my oldest one (from Stitching Life #1) & as you can see I didn't get too far on it!  I am guessing that I started stitching it in early 1982 which would've been when I was pregnant with our son.  I apparently ran into some trouble early on because I can see where I frogged a couple lines of stitches.  What happened next is anyone's guess.  I know I was thrilled when I saw this kit because my pet name for my husband has always been Bear so our son naturally became Little Bear. 

It's a really cute design with a cute poem.  Since I ended up not going any further with it I remember packing it away thinking I would stitch it for our future grandson when Matt got married.  Strangely enough Matt said when he was a little boy that he was never going to get married.  He's going to be 30 years old next month & still sticks to that decision.  I keep holding on to the kit though ... just in case   : )    

And finally here is the new stuff.  I have seen way too many people posting their stitching of The Shores of Hawk Run Hollow recently.  It's a breathtaking piece.  I resisted as long as I could but the influence became too great & I had to purchase the chart.  It will be quite an undertaking but quite a masterpiece in the end.

While searching for Shores I came across another Carriage House Samplings chart which I had not seen before & I determined it to be a must have ... Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow.  A nice little town this Hawk Run Hollow.  There are lots of charts available depicting various aspects of the town at various times of the year.  This again will be quite an undertaking but quite impressive when finished.

And lastly here is a Carriage House Samplings design that I've had my eye on for quite some time ... Sarah Talbot 1787.  Something about it just calls to me   : )

And th-th-th-that's all folks!  I hope you have enjoyed your visit to a bit of my past, present, & future stitching   : )   Now I should go do something house sale related or at least clean or dust something but I have no idea what I'm going to do.  Today is supposed to be the first day of my 28-day anti-inflammation course prescribed by my doctor which involves a very restricted diet along with these shake-like things to drink but gosh-golly-gee, there are still goodies here!  Ah well, maybe tomorrow   : )