As most may have noticed I’ve been gone for a very long time.  I have much to update everyone on but most important we finally moved.  We drove from Alaska to Pennsylvania and not in the ordinary way (straight there) we decided to take six weeks and see some of our beautiful country and visit some family we have not seen in many years. We tented most of the way until we got to the areas where temperatures were way too hot to camp. When we did finally make it to Pennsylvania it was job search time but that is also when I finally got to pick up my stitching again.  I have been super busy with two jobs and not as much stitching time as I would like but I’ve spent at least an hour a day (even if I must wake up super early to get it in).

I have worked on several different projects since I have been here but most important I have put my Trick or Treat – Heaven and Earth Design by Randal Spangler on my Quantum frame and she is going to stay there until the end of 2019.  I have sworn to put two threads in her each day.  I have come to realize this is a lot of time since I am stitching 1/1 full X.  The lengths are not short either, so I might change that up a bit, but I am loving the progress I have made.  I am so close to my first page finish (I am already excited just thinking about it). I could have that page finished as early as this weekend, but I did realize it is 20 separate colors, so this takes time.  Why did I choose a HAED that is so large and so much confetti and my first I’ll never know? Top one is when I decided to put herb back on the frame and the bottom one IS A PAGE FINISH.  Finally something to be so unbelievably happy about.  This piece has so much confetti in it that I honestly never thought it would happen but Page 1 complete.

I have also worked on several others either for challenges or to keep up a weekly rotation.

I worked on Pleasures of Winter about a week or so and a few days on the road.  The road did not provide me with much stitch time.  I honestly was driving a lot and when we stopped it was to either sleep or see something cool.  I’m not complaining. I did get more progress in our new apartment because it was a piece I could easily pick up when we moved here.  I will say stitching in a lawn chair is not the most comfortable way but it's a way 

Our Home which was a focus piece for me end of August.  This was a Stitch Mania start 2018 and I finished it this year.. Yea first piece I’ve completed!!!!  Left where I started and after 8 days I finished her.  Not a huge project but with two jobs I can’t believe I stuck with her and finished it.

Amazing Grace was also a Stitch Maynia Start for 2018.  I didn’t get a lot done with her but she came out for 7 days and I tried each day to at least put a color in.  I am happy where she is, I won't pick this piece up for a very long time but when I do I am sure I will get it done quickly because she is such a Jem to work on and I do enjoy it. 

Hummingbirds I also believe was a Stitch Mania Start for 2018 and I keep this one at work so when Im not planning all my stitch time I sit back and relax and put a few stitches in this piece. I don't have a current photo of where it is now but she is getting slow progress on my lunch breaks.

I picked up quotes to live by from Stitchrovia and I so love doing this piece.  This was also a Stitch Maynia focus for Artist of the month. I wished I had one color I am missing because I would have gotten a bit more done but for now she is coming along.

Sleepy Hollow this was my Dec 31^ststart.. Left 2017 out with a bang.  I so love this piece and can’t wait to see this piece in a frame and on my wall.  This is one of my focus pieces for 2019 if I don’t finish it this year.

Amid Amish Life came out for a few. Stitch Mania has a stitch something outdoorsy so I worked on the walkway driveway piece.  Not to mention I really enjoy this piece even with all the fractional stitches. 

Doner from Mirabilia was also a Stitch Maynia 2018 start and I really enjoyed putting a few stitches in this piece for sure.  Now to just finish some DMC and order the Krenik and I can be onto beading.  This very well could be another finished for 2018. 

I have also come up with a new rotation to kind of play in with Stitch Maynia but I am not sure I’ll be able to do it since Trick or Treat has really captivated me.  This might slow down a bit and keep up with my two threads after this page finish. 

I have also thought of my goals for 2019 and what my focal pieces will be and what I want to finish for in 2019.  I might have a few done before then.  We will see what 2018 still has in its hat.  I have also kinda sorta planned what I will be working on and what I will be starting. I have a had a bit of time during my lunch breaks to figure this out.  I’ll give more detail later as everyone knows SAL’s come up and so many more things and plans change ALL the time.

I believe I might jump on board the WIPocalypse, I know its late but maybe it will help me keep focused on some older pieces (there isn't to much) or just get some finishes in the bucket. 

I will try to keep myself updated on a weekly if not a monthly.  I do have my Instagram which is where i update more frequently but I do love writing about my work I'm doing. 

Until next time, Happy Stitching, Tell your loved ones you love them and give them one huge hug, and keep on stitching. 

Carey