Friday, December 23, 2011

A little catch up

Hello dears. What an emotional week it has been and very overwhelming in more ways than one. I can hardly think straight and I know that as I attempt to write this post, there will probably be loads of things I miss out and forget so please forgive me if I sound a bit scatty.

First of all, let me say a huge Thank you to everyone who left me and my family condolences on the loss of my dear brother. I, and my parents, were deeply moved by them and the heartwarming prayers and thoughts that have been going out to us this past week. The funeral was on Wednesday and, as well as being very moving and upsetting in itself, it was also very overwhelming as relatives whom I had not seen in about 25 years were there as well. I had really missed them and it was good to see them again and make contact.

Unfortunately, issues at home raised their ugly heads again I found myself between a rock and a hard place. All way too distressing and I found myself back on panic attack pills. An enforced visit to the doc ensued for the other half and now, I hope, we have turned the last corner and things will be on the mend. Time will tell.

So, understandably, my stitching mojo hid in a corner and refused to come out and play this week. I did manage to make some knitted dishcloths to add to my sisters' Christmas packages but I didn't take any pics. Suffice to say, they are a lot like Staci's - here - all in bright cotton colours. I used the remains of the Rico cotton from my bag. I also used a ball of Peaches and creme and I did get a shot of those:



The pattern is super easy and can be found here.

Knitting definitely was on the agenda and I finished up two pairs of wristwarmers - one for my neice and one for Lily's teacher who loved them - phew.




My other neice wanted a Slytherin scarf made for her as well so I got looking on the internet - not being a Potter fan - for a pattern and found one in crochet. This is the result. It is very long so hope she likes it. Pattern found here.



I recently wrote to Karen asking her to do a wee bit of finishing for me as I had this Mirabilia Angel waiting to be finished since ages ago but I had a real problem with knowing what to do with it. Karen thought a flatfold would be a good idea and she did a beautiful job. Here it is now:





Absolutely stunning. I love it Karen. Thank you so very much for doing this finishing job for me.

I also got my exchange ornie from Tina (no blog) through the post this week too. Look at this:



I love it and the tinkling bells are a fantastic touch. See - hung on my tree already. Tina also spoilt me by getting me a PS chart from off my wishlist too. Love love love.

Now, I can't remember if I showed a pic of my HOE exchange ornie or not so I'll show you that too. I stitched this for Marie and it is from one of the Just cross ornie mags. Marie has got nicer pics of it.




Well, that's me spent. I am exhausted. I have one last present to wrap and that is it. So I will leave you of some pics of my decorated home.







Wishing you all a very peaceful and stress free Christmas.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


PS Next post i will be doing a kit review so look out for that. x

37 comments:

Margaret said...

I hope you have a stress free Christmas as well! You definitely deserve one. I'm so sorry it's been so stressful for you. Not fun. :(

I love your finishes though. Nice exchange you received as well. Karen did a lovely job with your Mirabilia.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

CalamityJr said...

Your gifts are lovely and your home is decorated beautifully. Hopefully you'll be able to sit back and relax and find some calm in your peaceful surroundings.

Shirlee said...

Beautiful stitching & beautiful knitting! I pray that your life will be less stressful this coming year. I wish you a peaceful & love-filled Christmas. Blessings, Shirlee

Carol said...

Oh, Hazel, you and your family have been through so much with the loss of your brother. I hope the stress eases and that you can find solace in your stitching...

Beautiful finishes and your home looks so warm and welcoming.

I hope warm memories of past Christmas days spent with your brother will help you through this season. Take care now...

Sally said...

Bless you Hazel. I do hope that 2012 brings you some peace and some well deserved happiness.

Love all your finishes and your exchange is gorgeous.

Have a lovely Christmas.{{{{hugs}}}}

Catherine said...

Sending you many hugs Hazel. May you find some peace in the Christmas season.
All of your stitching goodies are so pretty. Karen did a fantastic job with your angel.
And oh my, your home is so beautiful. Looks very cozy!

DebbieSFL said...

Consider yourself hugged :)

Christine said...

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and that 2012 is a less stressful year for you.
Lovely stitching and knitting by the way, and I love the Slytherin scarf!

Melissa said...

Hazel, I am sorry to hear of your loss and the stress you've been under. I hope things "calm down" for you and your family during the Christmas season.

Love all the knitting and stitching! Wow I am impressed by all of it!

Wishing you a blessed Christmas!

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

oh Hazel, how I know how stressful this year has been, I hope you have a better 2012 too.

Your finishes are lovely. Yes, when I'm stressed too my stitching mojo goes out.

Jennifer

valerie said...

I hope that you have some nice, calm moments this Christmas. You've been through so much lately. I am glad your brother's service was nice and that you managed to meet up with long lost family members. Your knitting and crochet looks so warm and snuggly! And Karen did an amazing job finishing your Mirabilia Angel. The trim and beads are gorgeous as is the stitching.

Love the tree...I hope it's bringing you smiles. *hugs*

andamento said...

Merry Christmas Hazel. I hope 2012 starts on a much better note for you than 2011 seems to have finished on. Take care, Anne.

stitchersanon said...

I am so sorry you are having such a hard time at the mo and for your loss. I have had panic attacks, they are dreadful so I hope sincerly you have a calmer time over the weekend. Your finishes are beautiful and your home looks amazing. I hope you have a peaceful and calm christmas and wish you all the best for 2012

Carol said...

What lovely knitted gifts and your finished Angel looks amazing. At last I got my West Wind framed and hung on the wall, love it.
Hope that Christmas brings you peace of mind and much happiness.
Carol xx

Elisa said...

Wishing you are yours a peaceful Christmas filled with wonderful memories of your cherished brother.

Beautiful stitching and knitting pictures and your home looks divine xx

Jackie's Stitches said...

Sending you many hugs Hazel. I hope that the issues at home resolve themselves quickly so you can have some calm and be panic attack free.

Karens finishing showcases your wonderful stitching and beading beautifully. You have such a talent!

Julie said...

Wishing you a peaceful and Happy festive season Hazel. Such sad news to hear of your brothers passing.
Great ornament you sent for the exchange, love Tina's to you too.
Your house looks beautifully decorated.
Love and (hugs) xx

Kim @ Him, Him Me said...

I hope that things will start to improve for you and yours, soon, Hazel.
Remember that Jesus is always walking alongside you and that He will carry you when you need Him to and when you let Him.
Your stitching is so lovely.

Bless you

Jane said...

So hard to lose someone at Christmas time but your Mirabilia angel is exactly who your dear loved brother is now with ~ peaceful and happy.
I hope 2012 will be a happier year for you and your lovely crafting creations can help you through the rougher times.
MERRY CHRISTMAS HAZEL xxx

Stitchabilities said...

((Hugs)) for you and your family!!

I love your knitted items and lovely exchange pieces, that flatfold is finished lovely!!

Oh your decorations look so festive!!You can come and do mine next year!! LOL

Andrea said...

Love your makes and gifts. Karen certainly has an eye for colour in her finishing ability.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and that 2012 is a happy one.

Kathy A. said...

Dear Hazel
Sending love and lots of hugs. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and peace in your life.
((( HUGS))))

Blissful Banter of a Creative Crafter said...

I love your angel I did the other one with the angel holding the dove, love them!

sara said...

Beautiful knitting and stitching Hazel......... I'm sorry things are not going too well for you at the moment, I hope 2012 brings calmer times for you........My heartfelt wishes for a peaceful Christmas for you and your family.

lily xx

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Wishing you the very best holiday! I know your spirit and heart is sore right now. Praying for you. Merry Christmas!

Heidi said...

My dear Hazel, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! It is an uneasy one with your brother's passing but celebrate it with joy for him. I hope the holidays will bring some closeness for you and your DH if it is possible.

Thank you in the middle of all your are going through for sending a card to me.

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Maggie O said...

Dear Hazel, Life is very hard right now and yet you continue to produce stitching/ knitting that demonstrates much love and passion. Grief is a necessary part of life and when you lose someone that you love you are entitled to grieve any which way you want/can for as long as you want/can. Old hurts can also raise their ugly heads at times like this so take a moment and make sure they are put in a dark place and forgotten...best fotgotten. Yours is the future and what you make it...stay strong. So sorry for your loss.

Louise said...

I hope that you can patch things up ok Hazel..I continue to keep you in my prayers. May the new year ahead be peaceful for you! I love all your knitting..wait a minute..you knit as well?!! You continue to amaze me...
I see you have hung up snowflakes..I have done the same! I gave up trying to crochet them..so I bought them through the mail and have them hanging in my open doorways..they look so pretty :) Of course I have my raggedy ann doll tree up again along with our traditional Christmas tree too. So festive! Blessings to you my friend, Louise xx

Veronica said...

My condolences, Hazel. A little late, I know.

What a beautiful flat fold finish. It's gorgeous! Lovely ornaments as well. Your home looks so cheerful and inviting.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Siobhán said...

Hazel, I have been thinking of you & praying for you and your family. Dealing with a family loss, especially at this time of year, is always hard. Big hugs to all of you. I hope things work out for the best at home, too. Know that you are in my prayers.

Your gifts and finishes are beautiful! I love how Karen did the flat fold. She is so talented!

I enjoyed seeing photos of your home. Just gorgeous! I pray that 2012 is a fantastic year for you & yours.

Joysze said...

Hope your Christmas was a peaceful one, and I hope things have worked out at home.

Great knitting, I love all the colors and your decorations are beautiful.

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

That stitching looks stunning! So gorgeous. I love that finish in a flat fold!

Daffycat said...

Hello Hazel! I saw your question on Valerie's blog asking why my new moon dates were different than Measi's WIPocalypse dates.

That's because my SAL is presented on the NEW moon and Measi's SAL is on the FULL moon.

Hope that clears things up!

Sonda said...

Those all look so lovely...

Sorry that everything has been so hard; hopefully, it will all get better soon!

DonnaTN said...

I am very behind with blog reading. I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. I hope that Christmas and the end of the year finishes on a better note.

Kathy Ellen said...

It is never easy losing someone you love. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Hazel, for comfort, among your loved ones and friends, in the coming days ahead.

Your knitting is all so beautiful. I especially love the wonderful wrist warmers that you made. How I wish I had your talent. I love your Mirabilia Angel and Karen's finishing is just perfect for it:)

May the year ahead bring you brighter tomorrows and peace in your heart. Blessings to you.

Brigitte said...

Your stitching and knitting looks wonderful. I love all the things that you made as a gift, they rae all so perfectly accomplished. Karen's finishing on the little angel is fantastic, isn't it?

I hope you had some wonderful Christmas days and a good start into the new year. In another post I saw all your WIPs and the new starts you've planned. Gorgeous! Good luck with them.