Finishing Frenzy

Hello friends - it is Wednesday evening and I thought I stop by for a visit, before sitting down at the sewing machine again. It has been a productive few weeks and I am steadily working through needlework finishing and project bag orders before the Christmas holiday arrives next week (YIKES!).

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their comments, shares and e-mails regarding my last post (The End of an Era: Finding my Worth). The feedback was varied and quite overwhelming - so much so, that I couldn't answer every single message. Most of the feedback was positive and uplifting...and of course I got some nastygrams, as well. I just want to make one final statement on the subject, as quite a few stitchers feel the JCS Ornament Issue is an act of volunteerism and giving back to the needlework industry:

My post was not about volunteering, giving back or charity work. Volunteering for a good cause, generally does not profit a large corporation. I have volunteered in the needlework community many, MANY times over the last twenty years and I have given back and said thank you to stitchers and my fans countless times – happily, with joy in my heart! I have shared my time, knowledge, talent, and complimentary designs…I have made countless donations…and I will continue to do so…those acts make my heart happy and are done on my terms. 

My message: I don’t want a large company (that doesn’t publish this magazine for charity) to profit off of the hard work and creativity of the artists that make it possible. Period. 

I, personally, would love to see the Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue thrive and be full of favorite designers (like you, I am a fan). My post was about asking them to step up and support the artists that provide the material that make it their "best selling issue of the year."

Whew! Enough of that - now back to happiness and creativity!

The last few weeks have been full of needlework finishing and project bag sewing - with my husband's crazy holiday work schedule (he is in management for UPS), I have had plenty of sewing and finishing marathons...most nights, working until midnight. I have been going though tons of supplies and I am waiting on several large orders of materials (delays in fulfilling and shipping orders is slowing my progress). The highlight of my week was receiving an INCREDIBLE package from (my dear friend) Lady Dot Creates - lots of luscious hand-dyed trims, twill tapes, ribbons and fabric...if you finish your own needlework and have not ordered from her, you are missing out - gorgeous, consistent colors and high quality products. You can find her website by visiting: http://ladydotcreates.com or shop in her Etsy Store by visiting: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ladydotcreates...

Here are some images of recent project bag and needlework finishing orders...and I have at least a dozen more needlework finishes that I can show you in my next post...

For now, I am headed back to my sewing room - I finally received a large order of 3/4" cotton rick rack, so I can complete a pile of orders...it is going to be another late night. I'll be back soon to share some more needlework finishes...and I have some gifts I made that I can share with you, as well...

Wishing you some creative time during the holiday rush...I hope you can find a little time to work on a project that brings you joy!