Between all my doctors appointments, running the shop and struggling through the adjustment of my son entering the dreaded middle school years, life has been a little crazy. But, I’ve managed to squeeze some stitching and painting in between everything.

My mom’s birthday was this weekend.  So, seeing as how the woman has everything, I stitched up this little pug by Melissa Prince this weekend for her.  She lost her beloved pug a year or so ago.  I lovingly refer to Pugsly as her seventh child.  Yep!  You read that right.  I’m one of six kids.

I got some finishing back.  I just love how this finisher decorates the stand up pieces.  I taught this piece a few months ago at the shop.  I don’t know about you, but I think it’s adorable!

I have some exciting news to share.  My stitch guide for Melissa Prince’s abstract reindeer is being published in the November/December issue of Needlepointers magazine.  That’s the magazine compiled by the American Needlepoint Guild for their members.  So, if you’re a member, be sure to check it out!

I’ve been stitching on the Winter Birdhouses that Kelly Clark taught at the shop last month.  No, that’s not piece featured below.  That’s Kelly’s piece.  Mine is not nearly done.  It’s so interesting working with someone else’s stitch guide.  And nice for a change not to have to write one!

We had  number of customers who weren’t able to make the class.  So, we’re going to get together every couple of weeks to work through the guide.  Let us know if you want to join in!

I know it seems like I don’t stitch as much as I used to.  Here’s why.  Usually I’m stitching on new pieces for the next show so I can’t show you until right before the show.  But, here’s a sneak peek of a new series that I’ve painted that will be available in March.  I had so much fun creating the hairstyle!