Another Special Chart by Hands Across the Sea Samplers

Last year, I put together an Advent Calendar with 25+ exclusive products from some of my favorite people in the industry. Nicola and her crew reproduced Emily Wildhack's sampler from 1874, and it's got such pretty little bands of flowers. This chart is now available for general purchase, if you missed the Advent Calendar. BUT, I purchased extra charts last year, so mine still have my write-up in the front. You can find the chart on my site by clicking the picture of the sampler above!

One of the most common questions this time of year is, "I bet you're busy with Christmas coming," and, usually, I'd say, "No." Typically, needlework supplies are something people buy for themselves. I am seeing some gift card purchases come through. But my Cyber Monday orders just go on-and-on-and-on. I'm finally conquering the pile, though, and hope I have some days ahead where I can sit and stitch. I do plan on taking four weeks off (mid-December through mid-January).

With Christmas just right around the corner, it seems like town is bustling. Cashiers are reporting that people seem happy and pretty relaxed, considering. I just went to Target, and there is not ONE tree left. It's almost like The Grinch has snuck in. We're always looking for ways to make our season more jolly, and I so love having the boys home. I was just thinking that it might be fun to do some "real" things. So, I think we should try making hot chocolate from scratch (rather than a powdery packet). And maybe we could figure out how to make beautiful sugar cookies using royal icing? We plan on playing Ladder Toss in the yard (which I purchased last year). It's a really fun game to play, even if your guests have never played before. In the south it'll feel like early summer (I HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONING ON RIGHT NOW! AT 7 P.M.!!!) But no matter what we do, we always have fun together.

Please, as always, share progress photos if you have them, and if you don't, share what things you like to do right 'round Christmas with friends and family. Have a great weekend, guys! :) - Theresa