A Stitch For Christmas

Majestic Bird

Design by Sandra Sullivan, Homespun Elegance

Just CrossStitch 2013 Christmas Ornament issue

Working on a little stitch from Homespun Elegance. Will I keep it or give it away as a gift? Such is my dilemma. 

While Sandra's suggested linen is 30 count espresso from R & R Reproductions, I decided to use what I have on hand; it is either 28 or 32 count linen in sand, not sure about the count, but I love this linen, the color is very vintage-looking. I also decided to use DMC floss instead of over-dyed: DMC 500 for the green, and DMC 355 for the old red. Sandra suggested DMC 356, but it looked washed out on my linen and I love 355 for an old red. I am leaving off the word "Noel" under the linen in case the recipient, whomever that may be, wants to keep it out all year.

I found a very nice advent calendar this year at the local Fresh Market. Utterly Victorian and each little window opens to reveal a delicious little chocolate coin which Mr. K. and I share. Beneath the coin is a tiny image. I took this photo on December 1st. I have to have an advent calendar every year, but this is the first year in many that I obtained one with the chocolates. I take a bite and Mr. K. gets the other half. Yes, chocolate before breakfast!

The decorating is almost done, but the gift-making is in full swing. Time to put down my needle and head off into the arms of Morpheus! There is so much to do tomorrow.

Oh, by the way, the stone sitting pretty on my linen is called spiderweb jasper. Isn't it beautiful? And so appropriate for a stitcher.

Tangled in threads and stitching madly,

Mrs. K.

A Mega Candy Bar!!!

You must visit Cakespy for the directions/recipe for the above - it is an amalgam of mini candy bars melted into one large one. You've got to take a peek, I almost fell into a diabetic coma just reading about it. It looks quite scrumptious as one could add all one's favorite candy bars!!! A fun treat.

Here's the link:  CakeSpy

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all! I am planning a lovely little dinner for the DH and myself which will include chocolate wine! Yes... chocolate wine. I had some at a friend's home and it was so delicious, I think it will be perfect for tonight. More chocolate for dessert - DH has a real sweet tooth.

I am marinating a flank steak in wine - not the chocolate stuff - olive oil, onion and garlic, and a little salt. That will tenderize it nicely. Along with the steak, roasted potatoes which I toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and then dot with butter - the butter just gives it the right finishing yummy touch. Of course, we must have a green, so spinach sauteed with garlic and butter. Oooh - I can't wait. Personally, I think garlic is an aphrodisiac.

Dessert - brownies with a little scoop of coffee ice cream on top and a dollop of whipped cream to go along with the chocolate wine.

What about the rest of you - making anything special for your Valentine's dinner or are you going out?

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K