25 for 2025 #8: Two Dogs by The Collection

Finally started a canvas I bought last home leave.

 

Totally Wasted

I need to figure out a frame for this or make it into a pillow so it can be used.

 

Time for a Cool Drink

My latest box from Needlepoint Nation's subscription. This will make a nice ornament for someone.

 

Gift from Kerrie

Kerrie got us a hilarious calendar for Christmas. It hangs in our office. Andreas wouldn't let me bring it to work.

 

Japan in Poland

There's a Japan store in Warsaw that even delivers. And Andreas has had pretty big ramen cravings lately. So he ordered. He likes. And he's figuring out which ones he can make in his hotel room in Kyiv. He was also impressed with the origami note.

 

Gifts from Leonora

Leonora brought us snacks from Kosovo. Thanks Leonora!

 

25 for 2025 #21: The Fox by Cottage Garden Samplers

This is one of a whole series of patterns of animals. I think it's going to look great. First, though, I need to get the thread I thought I ordered a while back...

 

25 for 2025 #9: The Crow by Cozyblue Handmade

Considering how much is already done, this should be a fairly quick stitch. Not sure if the stars will be beads or French knots.

 

Gifts from the Parents

Thank you to Andreas' parents for the great Christmas gifts! I'm using the stationery and will be turning the box into a project box. Andreas loves the tank key  chain. And the dice tower. And the pillowcases are so soft.

 

All Bound Up

My floral mandala is ready to gift. Even if it is a little bit lopsided.

 

West Berlin International Architect Area

In the 1950s, while Berlin was being rebuilt, the Americans thought it would be a great idea to showcase internationally acclaimed architects. So they commissioned them to build a bunch of apartment buildings in the same area. They're still there. And some of them are truly UGLY.

 

25 for 2025 #3: Oil Derrick by Eye Candy

Started another ornament in the 12 Days of Texas series. This one shouldn't take too long.

 

Appleton's Wool

I am in the Certificate and Diploma program by the Royal School of Needlework now. The first project is design and stitch your own crewel. We have to pick three color families to work with. Mine are the blue, the yellow next to it, and the green. 

 

25 for 2025 #5: Key of Wisdom by Andriana

I saw this at a local cross stitch shop in Poland and bought it online here. Haven't seen it elsewhere.

 

25 for 2025 #2: Fresh Breeze by Riolis

This is going to be another dandelion piece. I like dandelions! 

 

25 for 2025 #4: Heart of Flowers by cozyblue handmade

Started these cute little flowers. They will get stitched soon.

 

25 for 2025 #1: Christmas Ball with Bird by Coricamo

The fabric in the kit was aida, so I tossed it and started on this yellow linen. It will come out as a daily project soonish.

 

Cozyblue Kits

January and February cozyblue. I gave away the stork scissors one to someone who's learning surface embroidery and will keep the fungus for a bit and do later.

 

2024 Wrap Up and Beginning 2025

 I completed 38 stitched pieces in 2024; 3 afghans; and 5 temari. Not nearly the amount of things I had planned. It's been a busy year with a full time job and lots of travel. For all the month of December I worked on Victorian Garden Mandala, hoping to get it done. I didn't. All the cross stitch is done, but the backstitching and beading has a bit to go. I hope to finish it this first quarter.

2025 is shaping up to be hectic. I was accepted into the Certificate and Diploma program by RSN. Great for me, they're now doing it on Zoom. Bad for me - I signed up for the Europe time zone before learning I was going to be in the US for ten weeks during the first module. Guess who's getting up in the middle of the night for class for several sessions?

I will be in the US for training March through mid-May if things don't go sideways with the change of administration. I've been accepted into the Limited Non-Career Appointment program. It gives me the ability to do a bit more things in my job and comes with a raise.

After I get back, Andreas and I go on home leave. I return to Warsaw. Andreas continue to Kyiv, where he will spend a year living in a hotel. He does get to come home some, so I will see him and we will talk every day. But still. So much going on.