A few surprises came in the mail today. One was a package from a couple of stitching friends that has something in it for my birthday. The question is...how long will I be able to hold out before opening it?? I am determined to try and wait a while, so I will have something to open on the day. However, if I do break down sooner, I will post a photo here!!
One package I did open was an order from Needlecraft Corner. A few things are for a gift I am giving someone, and also included were a few goodies for me too (so I don't feel too bad not opening the other package!). I am so excited as the new Little House Needlework charts are here! Not to be greedy, but I wonder if there will be any other new designs for Market, which is just in a few weeks? I ordered the "Colonial Homes" chart, as well as both of the new series called "Dear Diary" charts. One is "Abigail Winslow, 1780" and the other is "Mary Heaton, 1878". I haven't yet opened up them up, but each starts with a little story on the cover. Abigail's diary reads:
Dear Diary,
While I was strolling near the dock today with friends, watching the arrival of a passenger ship from England, my young brother and sister were tearing my room apart searching for my diary. I came home to find them rummaging through all of my personal possessions. After having lost all patience with them, I have decided to place it under lock and key to prevent them from peeking at my most private thoughts. I have hidden the key in a place where only I can find it." --Abigail Winslow, June 12, 1780
There is even a little gold key charm included in each chartpack. I think this is a sweet little idea, and I am looking forward to stitching these. Of course I keep saying that about my LHN charts, but I am determined to start with Abigail and work on her first!!
Since we are now into February (yay--my favorite month), I am also ready to get back to my own stitching. I will be finished soon with my second Valentine's Day project. I need to pull out my linen and get it ready for the next Prairie Schooler month, which I didn't get done over the weekend. Also part 2 has been released for Martina's Mystery IX. Happily it is not much stitching--just a border really. I hope this means I will be able to catch up this month! Poor Sarah Tatum--maybe I can try to stitch one motif a month? And I am getting very close on John Foster. Sorry--I know you must be tired of hearing about him. I have been trying to put in a few stitches each day, even if I can't really spend much time on him. I promise the next photo (at least of JF) I will share will be the finished piece!! And then...now to decide--what to start next?? I am leaning towards the Just Nan chart, Winter in the Square. Originally I had planned on finally starting Toccata #1. Then I saw on someone's blog Shepherds Bush's French Heart. Ah...decisions! At least these are nice decisions to make!