Yep ... it happened!

I turned 50! ... a few weeks ago on Father's Day! Not so bad really ... I've embraced it ... what else are you going to do, right?!

I was born on Father's Day and I think it's about every 10 years that my birthday and Father's Day are on the same day.  This year I was honored to share my 50th with the two dads I love and respect the most ... my husband and my father. "Thanks fellas for letting me have some celebration time with you on your well-deserved day!"

So 50 years ... half a century ... I hope that my second half is as blessed as my first half has been!

Moving on to stitching ... I started a new project! ... Oh my! ... I made a stitching resolution this year to finish not to start!  When I began "Ann Dale" in January, it was with the understanding that she would be the only new start until some of the projects in my WIP basket got finished. Uh huh, well that little deal with myself lasted what? ... 6 months!

But ... I do have a good reason for my lapse ... this new project is for my daughter Jill's 21st birthday! ... now that's a good reason, right?!

So here's what I started ...

It's "Sabrina" from Mirabilia Designs and if you have ever stitched a Mirabilia piece then you know there are many, many, many floss colors, blended colors, metallic braids, and beads that are used in these designs. "Sabrina" has 39 different colors including a couple Caron Waterlilies fibers, a Kreinik fine braid,  and 6 different Mill Hill beads ... she's gonna be fancy!

Not too much to show, but here's my progress so far ...

Mirabilia Designs "Sabrina"

Fabric: 32 ct. Natural Light by Wichelt Imports

Fibers: DMC; Caron Collection Waterlilies; Kreinik #4 Very Fine Braid

Embellishments: Mill Hill Beads; Mill Hill Treasure

It's probably not the "correct" thing to do, but I always add the beads, embellishments, and outlining as I complete a section of stitching vs. waiting until all the stitching is completed. I don't know why I do it this way ...  I guess I get excited to see how the design will look all dressed up!

Still stitching on "Ann Dale". Not too much progress, but here's what I've stitched since the last time I shared ...

I've jumped around a bit this month so I need to check in with the SAL to get back on track with the monthly assignments. Following the SAL helps to keep me focused on "Ann" when so many other samplers are calling my name!

Once I get this third row completed, I think I'll be just shy of the half way point!

So that's about it for now. June was a busy month with the girls' activities and family from out of town visiting. All good! ... but I'm ready to slow things down and just enjoy this glorious summer we are having! I know it's been too hot for many ... but I am a hot weather, summertime kind of girl! You'll never hear me fussing about the hot and steamy ... now when the winter cold starts to blow in, that's different ... that's when you might hear a grumble or two!

Wishing you a happy weekend.

Thank you for stopping by ... do come back again!