Santa Came Early

How many times have I said I have the most wonderful DH in the world and I thank my lucky stars he came into my life. Well he outdid himself today with a wonderful surprise. When he got home from work he woke me up and said to get dressed we were going out to breakfast at the new IHop just down the street. I never argue about being taken to breakfast and think I broke a world record for getting ready. While waiting for our order he asked what time the next bus would come, he had another surprise for me. I had to ask which bus and he said the one to the LNS "Stitchers Paradise". WHAT! He wants to go to the LNS.....I must back up here a bit to explain why the trip.....
Last week several ladies in my Christmas Stitching group on Yahoo were talking about stitching "A Quaker Christmas" in 2010 and I became curious and looked up the chart, I found it to be one I would love to do. Then the next day while Nancy and I were at the LNS for our day of stitching I saw the stitched model and one of the ladies was doing it. That was it...I had to have it. I was being a good girl that day and not spending money but when I got home I called and sure enough they had the chart in stock and would hold it for me until I could get back in. I showed it to Tracy and he thought it was pretty and I should do it. Now back to today.....He said we were going to go get the chart I had on hold.

This is the chart.....

and then came the rest of the surprise....He said Merry Christmas now get the rest of the stuff you need to stitch it!

This is what I got....36 count Lambswool Linen and Crescent Colors threads. The chart calls for 28 or 32 count fabric but it is so big I decided I wanted it a little smaller but it still will be large, 18" wide and 12" high. While I'm not good at doing BAP's I think I'll be OK with this since I can look at each motif as a small finish and I'm sure that will keep me going. I did start on it as soon as we got home and even on the 36 count fabric it is going fairly fast and I should have a nice progress report on it this weekend.

I also made some great progress on "Christmas Biscornu"

Christmas Biscornu" by Just Nan

This is the top and I just have some more white smyrna crosses to do and then the bottom which I think will go a little faster.

And for finishing.....

Many of you may remember when I stitched the "12 Days" by The Cat's Whiskers earlier this year (think I finished them in June). They have been sitting in their bag waiting to be finished. I had the backing material but was missing the ribbon for the hanger and bow. On my last visit to JoAnn's I found just what I wanted to finish them. All 12 are now put together, 6 are on the tree and 6 are waiting for the hand stitching to close the opening for turning and stuffing (I'm going to finish that tomorrow) and all 12 will be on the tree before Christmas Day.

We are planning a fun Christmas Day again this year since it's just the two of us and no family here to be with. We will go see the decorations at the Belliago (will have lots of pictures to share) then out for dinner (YEA I don't have to cook or clean up) and a evening of playing tourist and people watching. We did this last year and had so much fun decided to do it again this year.

I'd like to take this time to wish everyone that celebrates a Very Merry Christmas and may all your Christmas dreams come true. I hope the stash fairy is as good to you as he was to me.

Until next time.....All the best to you and yours in this wonderful Holiday Season