I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Looking back and looking forward

as this tired old year is about to go to rest.
It has been a year of great dreams, ideas, and stitching.
I am looking forward to the new year with even more ideas and dreams.
Here is a glimpse of this past year's stitching..........
In January,
I created a few aprons with cut work embroidered pockets.
These were fun to work on.
In February
I turned to one of the works of embroidery I love to do..............cut work.
I worked this design in muted colors to give it a vintage charm look.

In March,
I finished writing my embroidery and design book.............hopefully looking for a publisher.

In April,
I created a mason jar keepsake holder with a stitched butterfly pincushion on top.
In May,
I started to work on an applique quilt top. The pattern is called Friendship Dahlia.
 

In June,
I once again turned to the charm of a vintage design and embroidered a set of bath towels using this lovely design.
 

 

In July,
inspiration and ideas came flowing to me, as I watched one of my chickens feathers glide across the grounds..............
 

also, my gardens were in full bloom with my grandmother's Lantana,

and a field of large sunflowers beckoned me to pull over and take a photo.
All created in stitches.

In August,
I found a new hobby.............restoring old chairs. I found an old chair discarded at the dump, took it home, refinished it and stitched the back  in cross stitch.

In September,
I decided to create some embroidered handkerchiefs........
to replicate those sweet vintage ones of long ago.

In October
I designed and stitched a piece representing the many things that I love.

In November, 
 a whimsical mouse caught my attention and I had to capture it in stitches.
Many of you came up with the most wonderful names for it.

As Christmas approached, I designed a candy cane

and in December
Candles, holly, and pine needles, inspired me for the holiday season.
 
Now the new year is approaching. I feel just like the kitty above.
I have so many ideas and designs that I want to create that I find I don't have enough fingers to keep it all flowing!
How about you?
What are some of the wonderful things you created in this past year?
Are you planning on creating something totally new or different for the new year?
I would love to hear!
 


19 comments:

janice15 said...

I LOVE ALL YOUR WONDERFUL WORK. I JUST LOVE YOUR FRIENDSHIP DAHLIA PATTERN. MY ONE DESIRE IS TO LEARN TO QUILT. I WISH YOU THE BEST NEW YEAR TO COME MY DEAR SWEET FRIEND...WITH LOVE JANICE

Preeti said...

You have made wonderful things the whole year! Great work! :)
I have started blogging just 4 months back and I have done only a few completed projects but lot of thinking and ideas. Every week a new WIP is born. I hope to see these WIPs graduate to their completion in next year before my ideas hatch new ones :)

Bev said...

You are a talented artist!! Happy New Year.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

All I can say is wow! Your work is absolutely incredible. Surely your book will be published. You are filled to overflowing with creativity. That mouse you did in November looks so real. Lovely, beautiful work! Best wishes to you in 2013, Tammy

Karen said...

What a beautiful collection of embroideries, Kathleen! I love them all, but I think my favorites are the pink apron pocket and the sweet little mouse!

Bev C said...

Happy New Year Kathleen,

I really enjoyed looking at your stitching in 2012.

Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Cindy said...

You have made some very beautiful things this year. I hope your dream of getting your book published comes true this coming year.
I have already jumped into some new projects, mostly quilting and cross stitch. There's always something I want to make, and you're right, not enough time:)

Zova couture said...

I love all of ur creations...I have also lot of ideas in my mind for new year..new hopes and new ideas ..dont know how much I will impliment..last year was satisfactory for me..not much wip..happy new year to u kathelene..

Nicola said...

I have spent a pleasant 40 minutes going back through your posts in 2012. I always enjoy seeing photos of your work so could not resist another look.

Happy New Year dear friend. I wish the New year brings you lots of happiness and joy. May God shower his abundant blessings upon you all year round.

lil red hen said...

I have followed your work all year, and continue to be amazed at their beauty!

I'd like to finish some things and also learn to knit.

Celestina Marie said...

You have been so blessed this year and your creations are gorgeous. I love your designs and the inspiration in your talents.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year.
Hugs, CM

Diana said...

Thank you for the look at your wonderful work and have a wonderful 2013!

Laurie said...

Hi Kathleen, I've enjoyed watching throughout the year, as you created these beautiful embroideries. I was kind of in a creative slump this past year, but am feeling rejuvenated. So hopefully, at the end of the year I will have completed my Advent Calendar, memory quilts and pillows. You definitely inspire me!
Blessings,
Laurie

Sharon said...

Your work is beautiful! Love the idea of sharing an item for each month. Can't wait to see what you do in the future.

Have to say, my restored pillowcase is my favorite.

Hill Top Post said...

A wonderfully creative year for you in 2012...looking forward to following along with you in 2013.

Anita said...

What a lovely assortment of needlework you have done. I haven't tried the cut work but it sure does look pretty. It has a charm of its own. My plans for 2013 are to keep crafting as much as I can. All the best for 2013.
Cheers, Anita.

A Colorful World said...

Wonderful "Year in Review" post, Kathleen! You've created so many wonderful things! I just love them all! Can't wait to see what lies ahead...

Gina E. said...

Happy New Year Kathleen, I look forward to see what fabulous creations you produce in the coming year! I don't know what I'll be doing yet - I tend to 'go with the flow', which means doing things on impulse :-{
Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog posting about my late MIL.

Diana said...

What a beautiful year!!! Thank you for sharing all!