More Fox and Stash-clearing!~

I've been stitching on WiPs and also started stitching the model for my first Original Design, which will be a freebie when I get it finished! I am SO enjoying watching it take shape.

Now, the progress pics!





Decided to change the "B" on this one, but don't quite like it. I'm thinking of making it a darker color. Or should I just put my signature initial "B" and be done with it?

And "November Windows" by Prairie Schooler (actually just "November"'s companion chart.



I'm already almost out of the darkest color's skein for this one!





The Fox!



Tom needs a body--perhaps someone ate it! (actually the color I subbed--thinking it was only for the words--is way too dark so a plan B is in order.)

Here's my finish of HE's Stitching Necessaire; I've had this one for a while, but still need to find the perfect finishing fabric. I know I need at least some felt for the pincushion, but I just don't have a source. I really wish I could see some samples in person.





I made a few changes to this; I put a bunny and key at the left where the original had an elk/reindeer. And my initial at the side where the quirky bird (who I actually liked) had been. This was because I killed the initial at the top so I could wedge in the fleur-de-lis. I've been trying to use that thing in something forever now! My first attempt was to put it in Good Morning Rooster, but I think it would have been top-heavy there. I may do it yet!

The Short List:

• Language exam on Sunday in the Bronx (Never been there). So didn't study for it (though I DID learn about 120 kanji), so I'm going to sit it with a "go and see" attitude. Less than thrilled, but the only other option is staying home and pouting.

• Christmas Spirit is Hit-or-Miss. Finally put up the tree last night, but one strand of lights was a dud so couldn't hang the ornaments. (but I hung up my HE one and the two that Patty C. sent me this year for her giveaway. The look great, but before retiring for the evening was suddenly plagued with the perception that the tree itself was clutter. This may be because it isn't finished (the plastic feet are showing and it's not tucked against the wall.)

• Have been enjoying wonderful apricot tea that Edgar sent me as a birthday present! Thank you, my friend--made my day!

• I've taken up washing my hair daily (as I did for about the first 23 years of my life) and left off after following guru advice after encountering altered condition due to migrating into to Jersey's hard water. (I began doing something between every other day and 2x per week). So far, I'm thrilled with it, and feel like the weight of being Pigpen of Peanuts fame has lifted from my shoulders. My hair is thick on the head but fine of strand, will curl if left wet, and of a carmel colour with red and blonde highlights. My brows are blond. SO not only was having more oil on my scalp uncomfortable, but it was dingeing-out my color! I'd been living with a "dishwater brown" for about 5 years! ugh! Hair still falling out, though perhaps less severely? I've been using Lush's Cinnamon oil solid shampoo bar, which is good, though you need a nice conditioner. I'm using a lavender one from Paul Mitchel. Usually, I use Goldwell or Shieseido.

• Have been pondering for a while now how much I would love-LOVE-Love to make up a nice personal care/spa deluxe gift set and raffle it away on my blog; especially during the "stress" of the Season. I do know SO many neat and nifty objects and products (both pricey and cheap) that I'd love to share! Unfortunately, I'd need about $200-300 to really "do it up right", when a tenth of that already isn't possible! :P

Please take care and spoil yourselves with a little extra personal care this season; Relax, Enjoy, and Stitch with more joy for the rest of the year!

Yours,
Berit

.~*~.

Okay, now for Round 2 of the Blessings Basket!

The Particulars Recap:

• If you want any/all of these giveaway items, just mention the one(s) you'd like in the comments section.
• If more than one person wants a particular item, a Randomizer will pick the New Home. :)
• If no one wants to adopt it, the item will go into the goodwill box. This just a chance let my readers rummage through my donations box first.
• I can't get too caught up in running this thing like a pro as I'm studying for this exam, so the listing will end when I decide to post the next thing(s); I'll announce the winner right before the new listing!
• Don't expect a super-speedy delivery; Saturdays are probably the only day I can journey to the post.
• All are welcome to "win"--be ye Lurker or Bosom Friend--you could get "all" the items or just one, and no limit on future "wins".

• Happy Hunting!

Items 1 & 2: "Gentleman Quaker" by Jardin Prive AND/OR "Santa Arrives Tonight" by HE



GQ is new, and SAT is gently used. Looking for good homes; would you like to stitch one of these?

Item 3: Antique Book (Prop)





Not sure we'll have any takers for this one. It's Green Dolpin Street by Elizabeth Goudge. Selling Point 1: Nice ('n worn) gilt embossed spine title.





Cover has a spot or two.



This novel is by the same woman who wrote the children's book The Little White Horse, which is an all-time fave of mine. I forgot that I'd read this elsewhere in my teens, and requested it from Bookmooch last year. It's perfectly readable, for all that I wouldn't recommend it.

I should advise that I would not recommend it the same way I don't recommend Great Expectations (or any other Dickens work for that matter), Wuthering Heights, or Ethan Fromme. :) It's not a "The Great (Insert-Country-Name-Here) Novel" that the aforementioned are, but you get the picture. DO read The Little White Horse (You'll just have to ignore the insipid, forgettable unicorn--yes, unicorn--inspired title.)



Selling Point: This book IS circa 1944, which makes it an antique; furthermore it contains a charming wartime "ration" note.

Item 3: 5 Bookmooch Points (aka 5 used books of your choice)

Speaking of Bookmooch, I'll share some of my mouldering points if anyone already is a member of BM or wants to try it.

About Bookmooch: Key points would be the overview and how points work.

So, if you "win" this prize, you must be or become a member of BM, but instead of listing or giving books, I'll then "smooch" you 5 points, which is enough to request 5 books of your choice!

This is honestly a great and fun service; I hope someone'll take me up on this and try it out! My profile is here.