A Content Heart

First of all, I want to thank everyone who has stopped by for a visit during the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour...and even though I haven't had the time to respond to each and every comment, please know I have been reading and enjoying all of them - you are a talented and busy bunch! There are still a couple hours left to enter my giveaway (it ends tonight at midnight...and winners will be announced tomorrow) - please see the previous post for my stop on the Quiltmaker's Blog Tour and all the details...then stop back on Friday to see the giveaway recipients...

Now, let's move on to today's samplings...

Sometimes it takes a big letdown and some major hurt feelings to put things into perspective...and that is exactly what happened to me this week. It has been a tough week of eye-opening moments, hurt feelings, and realizations...but as usual, I decided to remain focused, take it for what it is, and work on some pieces that allow me to be creative and make me happy (I'm doing my best to live by the following rule: I can't let my own happiness be dictated by people who don't appreciate/support me or my original works) - it's all good - more life lessons learned. So, I brushed off the tears and got to work on a few "cheerful" projects that will be loved and appreciated. Today, I thought I would share my finish of "Stitch Until You're Content", a long OOP chart by Doop Design. This Cross Stitch piece uses several specialty threads, Mill Hill Magnifica Beads, and came with a charm pack (silver scissors charm and silver double heart charm)...it is one of those pieces I started years ago and just got around to finishing. I thought it would be perfect for an inset on a large project bag...so, I went though my fabric stash and found an older Jo Morton fabric that worked well with the colors and headed to my sewing machine. I also decided to  make a smaller coordinating zippered pouch for needlework tools, just for fun!

This project was enjoyable from beginning to end and gave me the attitude adjustment I was craving. Now, I'm cleaning house this week - literally and figuratively - sometimes a fresh, clean start is needed! I finished up a large pile of deadlines earlier this week - some very special and and some very challenging projects - I can't share any of them just yet, but it won't be long.  I also had a couple custom sewing orders this week...and several packages of finishing work arrived...and I am excited to get started on all of it. Plus I have an extra special guest coming for a visit in a couple weeks and I need to prepare...and I am working on some new original designs - both cross stitch and quilting/sewing...I truly need more hours in the day. This next week will be focused on creativity, cleaning, and custom orders (and training walks)...and keeping my heart happy! I have several more fun fishes to share with you, so look for those over the next week...