Christmas by the Creek

Hello stitching friends!
It has been much too long since we've chatted, but life can be a whirlwind that sometimes sweeps me off my feet. I have seen so many BEAUTIFUL trees all decked out in lovingly stitched finery, that I thought I'd share my tree with you....

See any stitched ornaments? Me either. Actually, there is ONE on the tree...

This was stitched MANY years ago (please pardon the crude finishing technique) for my soon-to-be in-laws. But I never had the chance to gift it to them, as my husband's father died suddenly and tragically just 10 days before Christmas. So, I tucked this little lamp-post ornament away and it has hung on our tree for 22 years.

Stitching always seems to slow down this time of year, as Christmas preparations take center stage. I have managed to finish a new design that I am planning on releasing sometime after Christmas. Here is a sneak peek of "Skating Lesson"...

I have recently begun stitching a new Christmas sampler, but there's not enough completed for a sneak peek. I'll do my best to keep you updated on the progress.

Colvin is a high-school senior this year. He has just earned the rank of Eagle Scout, although we are going to wait until spring to have the official celebration and ceremony. It was only a few weeks ago that I FINALLY had an opportunity to take his senior pictures.

I simply cannot believe how fast the time has flown. But I am so proud of my gentle giant and love him with my whole heart.

Well dear friends, it has been a pleasure sharing a bit of my part of the world with you. I wish every one of you special folks a very Merry Christmas and a New Year full of wonderful blessings!

Wishing you love and peace,
Diane

The Prodigal Blogger has Returned!

A hearty howdy-do to all my stitching friends!

Yes, it's actually me! With life being extremely full these days, I have sorely neglected keeping you all updated in the happenings here at the creek.

Spring brought several new additions to our chicken flock and the need for a bigger chicken coop. Building commenced in April and we finished it up in June. Construction took place any time I had a few spare moments to power up the tools: in the morning before work, in the evenings after work, and anytime in between. I learned how to install vinyl siding as well as how to hang roof shingles. Here's a looksie at our Pennsylclucky Inn:

My son Colvin is now a high school senior and he is also working on earning his Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts. He secured enough donations to install a new digital sign at our local fire company, of which he is also a member. His plans after graduating include going to college to become an EMT/Paramedic. I'm just a wee bit proud of my boy.

I have been busy designing and stitching. I was supposed to attend a retreat in Myrtle Beach, SC last week, but Hurricane Matthew put a stop to my visit. I was sad that I was unable to attend, but I still got a lot of stitching done without leaving my living room.

November 4-6, I plan on attending a Stitching Weekend at the Strawberry Sampler in Glen Mills, PA. I will be packing up the Nissan Versa with all my models and charts for all attendees to see up close and personal and enabling some serious stash enhancement to take place! Here's a link if you're interested: http://www.strawberrysampler.com/stitching.html

I do believe this fall has been the prettiest ever! I have lived my whole life in Northeast PA and I don't think I've ever seen such colorful brilliance as I have this year!

BIG NEWS......I will be attending the Nashville Market in March 2017 for the VERY FIRST TIME! I am nervous, but ever so excited to meet all the shop owners as well as fellow designers.

Before I end this LONG overdue post, I'd like to share one final photo that was taken at a state park that is just 1/2mile from my house. You can find beauty EVERYWHERE...no matter where you thread your needle!

 Please do come back to the creek for a visit. I'll try to not stay away for so long next time!

Sour note in the Sing-A-Sampler Series!

Hi all!

This is a VERY IMPORTANT post! It has been brought to my attention that the floss lists for Parts 2-4 of my Sing-A-Sampler series are incorrect. Here are the CORRECT floss requirements:

SING-A-SAMPLER PART 2:

SING-A-SAMPLER PART 3:

SING-A-SAMPLER PART 4:

If anyone has any questions, please let me know. Please stay tuned for another post updating you on all that's been happening here by the creek!