Monday, January 26, 2009

January Stitching

What have I been stitching on this year? My Carriage House Samplings Alphabet series....started (gasp) in 2006. I am determined to get one of my BAP's out of the way this year and I have been plodding away at this lovely series since the new year started and making some great progress. Until the past week that is...and I feel my resolveto finish this first hedging, and more and more I have been eyeing my lovely pile of stash waiting impatiently for just the first few stitches.

Why, oh why, can't I just see this one through to the end? I'm so close, just a couple more letters and then the 2 signature areas...and the border. But February is looming and some lovely Valentine freebies are out there aching to be stitched. Its like starting a diet for me, and that goal to see it through quickly gets sidelined by the lure of sweet goodies just around the next corner.

Well here it is Monday and I made it through the weekend, with the help of my Saturday afternoon Quilting Club start and something fresh to brighten up these dreary cold winter days.

So I'll leave you with some pictures of my CHS alphabet

As of January 2007 - stitched on 40 ct antique white Newcastle linen, using a combination of DMC and GAST threads.

As of January 2008 - a little more done.



And the latest scan in January 2009 - down to the bottom!

And a couple of pics of Bella modelling her new coat, lovingly sent to her by her doggy nieces, Maddy and Maisie (Kelly's doggies)!

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your CHS alphabet looks fabulous!

I completely understand your weakening resolve - could you possibly stitch up a small, quick freebie and then go back to the alphabet? A break might be the best thing right now and then you can get back to it with renewed energy.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Your alphabet is nearly there :o) I think you'll have a BIG celebration soon :)
I've been meaning to ask...did you name your puppy after Bella in The Twilight Series? She's so cute...you puppy :)

Nicole said...

Hi Wendy,

I know exactly how you feel! I just pulled this one out yesterday. I have A through D stitched and I would really like to get back to it. Karen's suggestion is a good one! Have fun at your quilting club! :)

Anonymous said...

Wendy...I have the perfect solution!! Just drop off all your "stash" to me & I will dole it out when you have finished your CHS!!! You are soooo close to the finish...Go Girl Go...

Marg

Brigitte said...

I also agree with Karen. Just stitch and finish one of those nice little Valentine freebies. And after that you will be enjoying stitching the last blocks of your alphabet. It looks great, btw.

Ranae said...

Your CHS alphabet looks wonderful and your oh so close.
Bella is soooo adorable.

tintocktap said...

Go Wendy! Go Wendy! You're sooo close to finishing, don't give up now! Just think of the sense of achievement you'll get when it's done, and of the extra special treat you'll be able to give yourself! I'm here cheering you on - look forward to seeing your progress!

Michele said...

Wow you really are close to getting done! It's looking great! Keep up the good work :) and I like Karen's idea too .. a little CHS and a little VD stitching .. seems like the perfect balance!

BTW, CHS's V would make a really cute pillow of it's own.

Siobhán said...

I felt the same way with my alphabet! I loved it and wanted it finished but it was hard to keep at it. You're so close, maybe allow yourself to do a quick stitch and then you can get back to the alphabet. Remember, it is a hobby, so enjoy yourself! Your Bella is adorable!

Annemarie said...

Okay, first of all: I want a Bella! She looks utterly cute in her pink robe :o)
You *must* finish your alphabet sampler, it's so gorgeous!! If you need inspiration, just look at Harmien's! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you will finish this one soon.

Cindy said...

Your alphabet is looking awesome. The finish line is in sight!!

Kelly said...

OMG!! I don't know how.. but Bella has gotten even cuter!!!! And the coat looks great on her!!!

Melissa said...

OK. I'll be different and not talk about your stitching. Bella, however, is so cute! Just want to borrow her for a bit...

Laura said...

Wow, you are nearly done with your CHS Alphabet. It is such a lovely design. I think it would be such fine to take a wee break with a small design.

Twana said...

You're so close! You can do it!

Leslie aka zoeandcooper said...

Congrats on making it to the bottom of your alphabet. Good luck finishing it!

Kit said...

Your alphabet looks wonderful, as does Bella!

Lelia said...

Your alphabet looks GREAT! Some projects just take longer than others : )

What a sweetheart Bella is.

staci said...

You've made fantastic progress on the CHS Alphabet! It's going to be finished long before Jan 2010!!!

Kathy said...

Your CHS alpahbet is gorgeous, congrats so far, I love it.

Your pup looks really cute in her new coat, adorable.

hugs xxxx

Concetta said...

Your alphabet is absolutely gorgeous! You'll finish it eventually - you're so close! You shouldn't stitch on it though if you're getting burned out. As others have said, you should enjoy it. Stitch on something else and you'll feel enthusiastic getting back to it afterwards I'm sure.

Bella is SUCH a darling.

Solstitches said...

Your CHS alphabet is fabulous. Go on, you CAN do it! Look at how many friends are ready to do the happy dance with you.
What a darling little dog ;)

Margaret

Crazee4books said...

Hi Wendy,

Wow, your needles have been
blazing across that fabric.
I can't believe how much you've
stitched on your CHS alphabet
in this month. Hang in there!
You're so close to a finish
with this one and given how
much you've done in January
the rest that's left to do will
take almost no time at all.
And then you'll have a beautiful
finish to celebrate.

Bella is a sweetie, and pink
is certainly her colour. Her
fur looks so silky soft.

Cheers!

Sonda said...

Bella is such a cutie!! OMG! Love the alphabet. You are almost done and boy how good that's gonna feel. Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

I like the dog, so lovely!!
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