I just wanted to say that, although there’s not a lot of other sewing news. I am thankful– so grateful for you all– especially my dear readers here who patiently slog through the blather each week. The new Word Press account gives me lots of fun insights– apparently I have a following in the Czech Republic. One person came in and read 30 posts one day without even hitting the snooze button. And you. You’re here! Welcome!

The past week, I did get my three quilts out to my longarm friend– it’s a bit of a lavish expenditure BECAUSE I HAVE A LONGARM, but it’s so nice to think some of these older things will be finished up and loved. The 2020 Chicken Quilt will be my son’s– the 2012 Jeepers Creepers throw will be mine (hee-hee), and the Mr. Roger’s quilt, just thought up a couple of weeks ago, will be my son-in-laws in time for Christmas! I do have some binding to do when the quilts arrive back, so I shouldn’t be overconfident. Lord knows, the waiting time my quilts have for a binding can be longer than trying to get a doctor’s appointment!

I got the 2025 Mug Rug and Journal covers out on the website. Are you a fan? I started this in 2008 and it has evolved over the years. There’s a fun history post here:
http://sanfranciscostitchco.blogspot.com/2021/12/through-years.html
It is unbelievable to me that I’ve been doing this design for 17 years!

There’s no more calendars- I’m the only one using a calendar anymore, and no more checkbooks– I don’t write checks anymore, either. (Does anyone even take a check anymore?) But there are mug rugs and journals. I always make a couple as test stitch-outs. I keep and display the mug rug all year on my living rooms shelf and I give away a couple of journals and keep one to not fill in every year. (See what I did there?)

This year, I am doing something new with the design in terms of the types of books I am sewing it on– have you ever been in one of those FIVE BELOW stores? So for years, I thought it was an expensive winter coat store– like Eddie Bauer, maybe? Haha.

There’s one near us, and the dearth of nearby shopping forced me to explore it. Or maybe I finally needed a new winter jacket. What a surprise! It is five dollar merchandise and below– essentially, a little more expensive Dollar Store.

I got a sketchbook for someone with an artistic bent for below $5– it is now an beautiful Christmas gift! I added extra embroidery, ribbons, and initials, to make it even more special.

Then this is the first that I was referring to. I have only done blank books to this point. I found this cute book in the store for a couple to fill in– “Me, You, Us.”

I’m going to cover it and add their wedding date (it’s in 2025) and just give it to them for a little Christmas gift as well. If I may do a little marketing about my “2025 Journal” design– it’s totally worth it just for the instructions on how to cover ANY book! It’s not a huge seller for us, but it’s an easy to just update each year… plus there’s about three people who ask for it every year– I don’t like to disappoint anyone! heehee.

We’re having a big crowd for Thanksgiving– since this is a bit of ride for people, and there’s no hotels within a good 45 minutes– it means we have sleepover guests again. And fourteen extra meals in addition to that ONE BIG MEAL. As my sister said, the BIG MEAL can spread to maybe three meals and a bunch of sandwiches. Let’s hope– but I’m really looking forward to it. I have gotten into the habit of buying cute crafts at Michaels and Hobby Lobby since there isn’t much to do around here in bad weather. Which would you pick? Candy cane bead ornaments?

Painted plaster ornaments? (this is actually from last year’s set that is not finished yet– typical~ but we were doing an ace’s job!

Or a new craft to me–Diamond painting Christmas cards?

It is regrettable, but my favorite Perler bead sets have gone the way of all flesh. I am convinced the reason is because only quilters have irons anymore. You needed that to melt them together. I’m a bit skeptical of the diamond art because you seem to attach them with wax– how is that going to hold up? As always, you can count on me to report back on this new venture.

So I leave you to what I hope is the happiest of Thanksgivings for you– we got a white one! I am so happy in this season and am looking forward to all the holiday season brings. And one last incredible surprise which my son and daughter-in-law gave me when they arrived… I am going to be a grandma!

xox
Carol