After a break from social media since the end of December, I’m ready to share some things again. Maybe not as often but once in awhile.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dealing with some health issues gave me lots of time for stitching, crochet, reading and jig saw puzzles. Keeping busy is good for your mind.
I finished the stitch book in January. I started out by showing how I made the stitch book, and then went on to add various stitches and small pieces of needlework to the pages.
On one of the inside pages I added the date, June 2022-January 2023.
I used a blanket stitch to close the top and bottom edges on each page. If you remember, I had left them open so I could stitch on the different pages and the backs of all the work would not be seen. Slow, steady and repetitive stitches.
I love how it turned out, and have seen ideas for type of another book.
One of the things I did while taking a break from social media was assembling jigsaw puzzles. This cat on crochet afghans items was a puzzle I borrowed from the selection they have at the library, but unfortunately there was one piece missing. Can you find where it is missing?
A real challenging puzzle was all the kittens and balls of yarn. Another perfect puzzle for me given as a gift from my grandson. I borrowed the other two puzzles from a friend who also loves to do jigsaw puzzles.
Another puzzle I borrowed from the library was this one with all different crafts represented, another perfect one for me. Puzzles are good to do to keep your mind active. And while I was having a lot of issues with my arthritic knees it made me sit still instead of moving around.
I finished the snowflake embroidered hoop. I have it displayed on one of the walls in my craft room. You can also see the knitting needle flowers I made ages ago. With spring approaching I need to make some more of these.
I also completed an embroidered hoop for a granddaughter’s birthday and some covered coat hangers for a friend’s birthday. I’ll share these later on, just in case they are reading my website.
Today I made a couple of batches of peanut butter cookies (one using regular flour and one with gluten free flour). I shared the recipe here.
The weather has been so changeable since Christmas. Snow storms, ice storms, a few days that were teasing us spring is coming, a polar vortex, more nice days with temperatures hovering between 0 and 5 Celsius and then back to winter. We can complain all we like but Nature does its own thing and we just learn to live with it.
How have your been spending the winter days of January and February?
I get lots of inspiration from other stitchers at Slow Sunday Stitching and appreciate all the visits and comments from there. Visit them and gather some inspiration for yourself.
Robin
Hi Linda, my goodness, you have been very busy on your break!
I lost touch with people as Instagram decided to not let me sign into my account in early January. Lots of reading, baking, walking in Presqu’ile and around Brighton and visiting with friends has kept me busy so far this winter.
I must get caught up on your blog.
Take care,❤️
Crafty Gardener
too bad about Instagram not letting you in Robin. I miss seeing your posts there. I’m sure you’ve tried all the various things they mention to try. I’m not posting as much on my website, weekly if possible for a stitching group I belong to. Enjoy your walks at Presqu’ile
Debbie- Dabble
WOW!! I love all your projects especially the embroidery!! Someday, I hope to get back into doing it…I seem to not have enough time…Thanks so much for the inspiration and for stopping by!! Our weather has been crazy too…60 degrees yesterday and then it dropped down to 20!!
Hugs,
Deb
Crafty Gardener
Hi Deb, glad you stopped by again after my break away from posting. How are you doing with your weight loss? After sitting around for a few weeks, due to arthritis not letting me walk much, I need to get back at it. Have a great weekend.
Kim
The cross stitch hoop looks lovely hanging on your craft room wall and those knitting needle flowers are cool. Oh my, you have completed a lot of jigsaw puzzles. I’m afraid I’m not very good at puzzles. =) I imagine there are a lot of of lovely pages filled with wonderful stitching and detail in your stitch.
Crafty Gardener
Thanks Kim, I think I’m obsesssed with puzzles lately, got another one just about finished. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the day.
Gail
I love your snowflakes! Sorry you have had some health issues. We like doing puzzles too and are currently working on one we got for Christmas. Nice to finish your stitching book. A labour of love.
Crafty Gardener
Hi Gail, glad you stopped by for a visit. Puzzles are a great winter activity. Hopefully the IBS/Diverticulosis is under control again. Have a great day.
Jennifer A. Jilks
I am glad you are back. You are an inspiration indoors and out.
I have knee issues, as well. It isn’t easy. Take care!
Crafty Gardener
Hi Jenn, I’ve had 2 knee replacements, but now the arthritis is really bad, stops me for getting out and walking around and enjoying the outside. Thank goodness for pain pills. I’ll pop over and catch up with your blog now I’m back online on a regular basis. Have a good day.
Linda Solaiman
Sorry to hear you haven’t been well Linda, what would we do without our crafts to keep us sane, I love all your projects especially the embroidery. Those cookies look good I could just eat a couple now ???? take care. Xx
Crafty Gardener
Hi Linda, I don’t know what I would do without crafting. But I think I’ve become obsessed with jigsaw puzzles too. Tea is always on, and would love to sit down and have a visit with you. Have a great day.
Angela Grasse
So much stitchy goodness! Love the snowflakes.
Crafty Gardener
Thanks for the visit Angela. Don’t know what I would do without my stitching.
Karrin Hurd
Great stitch book!
Crafty Gardener
Thanks Karrin.
CathieJ
Oh I totally understand the arthritic knees statement. One of mine has been quite uncomfortable lately, though not painful. I love doing puzzles, but haven’t completed one in a while. I like your stitch book and snowflake embroidery. It is good to see a post from you again.
Crafty Gardener
Hi Cathie, thanks for stopping by after my break from posting. I find the damp rainy days make my knees more sore. Have a good day.