Summer is over, I'm retired and I'm back!!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone!!!!!

It has been a looooonnnnnggg time since I lasted posted - almost 2 years.   As stated in my post title - I have recently retired and I am still adjusting to this new phase of my life (the past 3 months I have spent mostly out at our trailer so up to now it has been more of an extended vacation).  However, one thing I thought I would like to do now that my time is my own, is to start blogging again.

I know that the big thing now is Flosstube.   While I have contemplated doing one I am not sure I am ready - too many ifs, ands and buts.

I love watching Flosstube, though.  I am latecomer to the Flosstube scene - only started to watch them on a regular basis in January.  Unfortunately (or fortunately) I am the type that needs to see everybody's videos right from the beginning.   Therefore, I have been doing a lot of binge watching as I add to my list of favourites.   I really enjoy listening to fellow stitchers talk about their stitching and how it makes them feel (a lot of which I can relate to), seeing what they are working on and how they finish them (Yvonne (The Night Owl Stitcher) and Priscilla (Priscilla & Chelsea) really rock.) and getting a peek at their current stash and recent acquisitions.  The only problem I have with Flosstube is it what is has done to my wallet😀.

If you are familiar with my blog you will know that I am a Serial Starter and more of a process stitcher rather than progress.  While I love finishes (who doesn't and since I generally work on small to medium size projects, I get enough of those throughout the year). I mostly love how stitching makes me feel (contented) and being able to stitch on whatever I want when I want.   No deadlines for this gal and no guilt at how many WIPS I have (they will get done when they get done.)

While I am still working on establishing a routine in most aspects of my new retired life, I have establish one in my stitching life.  It is a result of becoming more active on Instagram (@lorettacarmensusanna) and watching Flosstube.   My weeks generally works like this:

Sundays(#santasundayxs) and Mondays(#merrymondayxs)

On Sundays & Mondays I work on anything Christmas related.  Christmas along with animals and birds are my favourite themes.   As you may recall I like to do a variety of Christmas ornaments that I put in a basket and let my family pick one for themselves.

This is how my basket looks right now and I am still working on adding some more.

I currently stitching on ornaments a friend asked me to stitch for her when she saw the ones I stitched last year.  I normally don't do this but since they are smalls I am okay with it.

   

They are the Penquin 1 & 2 by Vee and Co Cross Stitch Designs.  I am doing 2 of each design.  I finished 1 (still needs to be fully finished) and started a second.

Altough the fabric looks bluish on my screen it is a more greenish opalescent 28ct fabric.  It was in my stash with no label so I don't know where I got it from or what the actual colour name.

Tuesdays & Thursdays (#surprisewipseptember)

On these 2 days I use a android  app called Decision Roulette to pick one my many WIPS to work on that day.  I don't have all my WIPS entered on the wheel yet but I am working on it.

Wednesday (#witchywednesdayxs)

Wednesdays are reserved for Halloween stitching.  I am currently working on Early Witches by The Primitive Hare.   It was originally a Mystery SAL in 2015 that I joined and that is close to being finished. (See I told you that the WIPS would eventually get done.)

Fridays (#fallfridayxs)

Currently Fridays are for Fall Stitching.  Eventually I might do other seasons of the year.  My current project is Seasons in Chalk Art: Fall by Hands on Design (based on the Artwork by Priscilla Blain) from the October 2016 issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine.

 Saturdays (no #) 

Saturdays are reserved for Canadiana stitching.  I recently finished the Canadian Patriotic Snippets by Jeannette Douglas Designs and now working on Cross Canada Cross Stitch by Many Flowers Design Company (no longer available.)

Well, I think I have rambled on enough.  I will be back (hopefully tomorrow) with more pics and what I have been up to stitchywise.

Take care and happy stitching!!!!