A post from Kelli–
Last week was super hectic for me. I’ve continued to work at the hospital, but picking up pretty regular hours at the nursing home too. About every third week, I get slammed….But then the next two weeks are a bit easier. Last week I worked an 8 hour day shift on Monday, 12 hour over night on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then 12 hour shifts on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, I was supposed to work too, but ended up getting put on call because we had a low patient census. The thing that got me last week wasn’t necessarily the amount of hours, but the flipping back and forth….and then Thursday I only got 4 hours of not very good sleep during the day.
So once Tuesday rolled around and I didn’t have to work, I decided I was going to do something that I wanted to do! And I picked cross stitching! I was hooked a while back, but then it kind of fell by the wayside, but mom has been working really hard on a few pieces lately and I got hooked again.
This is the piece that I’m currently working on. When I was younger, we had a pastor who was absolutely amazing! Growing up, our grandparents either lived pretty far away or had passed, so he kind of stepped in and was a surrogate grandparent for me. His favorite song was Joy to the World. His license plate was JTTW39 (The hymn is number 39 in the Lutheran hymnal). He said that it should be played year round because we should always be joyful that Jesus was born! So when I saw this pattern, I knew that I had to make it!
It’s coming along slowly but surely!
I have another project that I found that I want to work on too–A sampler!
I really like samplers…especially larger ones. I completed one a while back and loved it although looking at it now, I think i liked it the most because it was done all in one color so I didn’t have to switch out thread as much!
I found a couple more Lizzie Kate ones too. Mom and I have lots of them between the two of us, which works out great because then we can switch and swap and have to spend half as much money individually.
This next one is one that I have been wanting to make from the moment I saw it–
Isn’t it gorgeous? It’s gigantic—Like 31″ x 26″ finished gigantic! I’ve been debating on making it for a long time now, but haven’t quite bit the bullet and bought the supplies. The past few days, I’ve been looking online…and in order to get the cloth and thread, it’ll be close to $120.00 as I already have the pattern.
I think I’m going to make a deal with myself and once I finish the Joy to the World and the Quaker Diamonds, I’ll let myself buy it. I might add the requirement that I’ll have to pick up a shift at the nursing home too. That way I can just use that money to buy it….which might motivate me a little more! That’s one thing that I like about nursing….there’s often extra shifts that I can pick up to make a little extra money here and there.
Anyways–I’m off to the doctor to get my foot checked out as I’ve been having a lump on the inner part below my ankle. It’s been bugging me for a while, but I’ve been trying to fix it on my own…which I know isn’t a good idea, but it’s likely I’ll be hitting my deductible here soon so I figured why not?
As far as the princess status? It’s cause mom’s the queen!
I also love cross stitch and funny story…my husband is a retired Padre and he always had the first verse of Joy to the world sung as the first hymn in July because he also believed it was always appropriate
Love your blog and your crafting! I noticed your BEAUTIFUL cross stitching, and see that you have a couple Lizzie Kate patterns. Just today I ordered a couple Lizzie Kate cross stitch patterns and was surprised to see that she is retiring! So grab those patterns while you can! I am a big fan of her patterns and am going to try and stock up!
My aunts and uncles attended Ascension Lutheran in Danville, VA. We used to go there for the Christmas Eve communion. As a child it felt so “grown up” to stay up so late on Christmas Eve. But what I loved the most was their Chrismon tree. It was beautiful. This is the church where it originated back in the 50’s. When I did cross-stitch, I was able to find patterns for some of the ornaments, and we had them on our tree at home. Enjoy your cross-stitch. And from one nurse to another, thank you for all of the hard work that you do taking care of patients.
Those are some lovely cross stitch patterns and the story of you pastor made me smile.
Kelli, your cross stitch pieces are beautiful. You and your mom are both so talented.
Am I the only one here who sees a nurse ignoring the basic requirement of sleep????? I don’t think I’d want a sleep deprived nurse taking care of my loved one.
I’m currently working on Dutch Beauty – it’s another one of those huge samplers (though mine is a stitch for stitch reproduction of an antique). My only advice is to grid your linen. Even if you don’t do it for smaller projects, it’s worthwhile for something this big. At least grid the pages so you have a clear place to count from.
Best of luck on your projects!
You are a very busy person! I’m impressed by your work ethic. I’m amazed that you can find any time at all to do your cross stitch projects. Thank you for giving me a kick in my rear!!
Kelli,
Have you ever seen or heard of the Hands Across the Sea Samplers website? They work the most beautiful reproduction samplers. The ladies buy the antique originals and then work up charts for them and sell the kits. I enjoy stitching but I most likely wouldn’t make them because they are very time consuming. I love looking at them and reading about the history behind them. They also have You tube videos that are fun to see.
I used to do lots of cross stitch back in the ‘80’s (I’m dating myself!), but samplers we’re my favorites to do. I still have these hanging as I don’t think ever go out of style! So stitch away!! I love the ones you’ve selected.
I am an avid, addicted counted cross stitcher. If you would send me your direct email address I would send you a photo of my all time favorite one.
I’ve also done one that said: “Housework never killed anyone, but why take a chance”. Hey, you can accomplish sewing and housework, can you?