SURPRISE - SURPRISE

Oh, what a wonderful surprise, from Dear Lisa in Hurst Texas, but I don't know her blogspot. I know 3 Lisa's and I can't tell which ones from Texas. I am just so grateful and sooooooo excited. I opened it in the post office parking lot. It was wrapped in a Butterick Pattern, (how cleaver). Oh my goodness, it's "The Cokesbury Hymnal", copyright 1923. How did Lisa know I loved to sing? Actually, I have made so many comments about the darling artistic things people make with music and I've ask, where did you get the music. That's got to be what this surprise is all about. Lisa just up and sent me a book that I can keep and copy. Thank you so much, I know what I want to make first, I'll post it when it's done. Lisa, your the best!

This means a great deal to me. Friends forever! Big Hugs!

A SPECIAL DELIVERY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

I received a special delivery just in time for Christmas from Barb at Treasures From The Heart. A most perfect saying!

Hip, Hip, Horay,

I finally am finished sewing for christmas. Yeah! An apron pattern I bought in Midway last year, (Lily Apron, Busy Bee Quilt Design), with cordinating material to go with my daughters kitchen.

Two small blankets to wrap the new twin babies in. (Dollies for my grand girls).

Remember my little granddaughter Kacie that helped make her first quilt? Well, I'm surprising her, it's quilted and bound and wrapped.

GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS

When I think of giving a gift to someone for Christmas, many things run through my mind, especially if I know the person quite well. A little extra thought and preparation means that my gift will be received with love and appreciation. A gift doesn't have to be expensive, nor does it have to be from a fancy store.

I received a Christmas card in the mail yesterday. It was from a very dear friend. I was very touched that she thought me, and that she took the time to find the perfect card, for me. As you can see, there is a beautiful young lady in a white sparkly dress holding a gift. This young lady has her wings. The fact that my friend chose this card, tells me that she is understanding of what my thoughts and the feelings in my heart are. The gift that she gives to me is Love...

I see love in the eyes of Mary and Joseph, as they cradle the Christ Child in their arms. I see love in Jesus Christ's eyes as he looks upon all of us. I hope that the people you care about can see, pure, unconditional, love, in your eyes this season.

Love is the perfect gift!

SHOPPING WITH MIMI

When I go to my favorite vintage shop to meet a friend and look for treasures, I know that I will have so much fun and that I will be inspired by the beautiful art that surrounds me. More then that happened to me yesterday. I want to share with you my experience because this is the time of year that much is given and much if received. If we are lucky, something special happens, to let us know that God is the Father of us all and his son, was indeed, born that Christmas morn in a little town in Bethlehem.

I was meeting a wonderful friend, named Mimi Sue, in one of those special shops, called 'Just A Bed Of Roses'. As I entered the store I saw Brenda the shop owner. Brenda is always so sweet and helpful when I'm there, she and I share a warped sense of hummer so we see hummer in everything and we always have fun. Mimi came in the door and now we're all having fun. As I stand and take in all of the talent and beauty of things I began feeling chills run up my arms. I listened, first with my ears, then with my heart. I could feel love and strength. I was being touched deep down, in my soul. The shop was filled with a tender, yet strong, voice. I felt so happy and secure, I felt grateful for being me and receiving this special gift. Tears fell and I hugged Mimi. We both knew that we were hearing something very special and that we wanted to take that voice home with us. Susan Boyle was the voice behind the gift and Brenda opened her heart and shop to let it pass through, but it was God that whispered to my heart what I needed to hear. That Christ was born of Mary a long time ago. He lived to bring us the message of our Father in Heaven and he died to give us life eternal.

Thank you 'Brenda' for your open heart.

Thank you 'Mimi' for your true friendship.

Thank you 'Susan' for being who you are.

Thank you 'Father' for your continued love.

SIZE 7, SIZE 2 AND ME

I'm finally getting some sewing done. Size 7 is Kacie, size 2 is Mia and Me - is - Me! We love this pattern, Matching Vintage Christmas Dresses, but I put different vintage buttons on each hem. My daughter says, not practical mom, I said - but look how cute it is, everybody will love it. Especially Kacie!

They will differ in their tops under the dress, and leggings or socks, and shoes. These dress's can grow with them because the ribbon is long and it can be tied loser.

I used a friends pattern for the appron. I wanted one for my sewing room. My daughter said, mom, you never wear approns. I said, no, but it will look so cute hanging on my wall.

WHITE TIN CAN

Charity is not just a precept or principle, nor is it just a word to describe actions or attitudes. Rather, it is an internal condition that must be developed and experienced in order to be understood. We are possessors of charity when it is a part of our nature. People who have charity have a love for the Savior, have received of his love, and love others as he does.

Christmas Drawing Winner

I put the names of all my followers (new friends), in a bowl. Today was the day that I am drawing for my christmas gift.

Cute Rita from "rita'sshabbychicrose.blogspot.com", is the winner! Rita lives in Italy, so I'd better get busy. It isn't made yet but this is the material. By the time I get the mailing address, I'm sure it will be made, and then it can be on it way to my new friend.

I'm so grateful for all of my new blog friends and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas where ever you are.

cindy@stitches

JINGLE BELLS JINGLE BELLS

Christmas's past hold so many memories for me. I'm going through all of my Christmas storage this year. I made these little wood ornaments about 30 years ago. I made them for my new little son. Actually he wasn't very little. He was 10lbs and 23inches long. I remember making them because that was the year I used my new band saw. I didn't even know, but I had cut up the middle of my left thumb nail. That was the first of many many many accidents with machines, scissors, pins, clamps, chemicals, and wood. Oh well, it goes with the job. You get better with practice!

About 8 years ago I decided that I wanted to do a Santa Tree. I've been collecting every year. I put this tree in my living room this year. This tree looks really good with my collection of Christmas with Southern Living books, (1996-2009).