
First of all, let me apologize up front for any whiney-ness that may occur here. I’ve worked out with my personal trainer three times this week. So, I am sore and tired from that. But, I think it is going to be good in the long run. My class Monday night (after working all day and then working out) ran over by almost an hour and a half. So I didn’t get home Monday night until 10:45 or so. And for whatever reason I have only been sleeping about two and a half hours a night, then I toss and turn the rest of the night. So, blech, I am tired and a little whiney. As you may have guessed, there has been no stitching going on, I got nothing. The most I have energy for is sitting still and staring at the tv when I get home. So, instead of showing you any progress on Baby Garden, I’ll just talk about the new JCS Ornament issue.
I read Anna’s review yesterday, and so I won’t rehash her in-depth look at the magazine. I have to admit that I really don’t actually read the issue, or pay much attention to the recipes. I just flip through it to see the ornaments and pick the ones I like. I did, however, read through this issue last night after it arrived in the mail. I thought maybe I might have been cheating myself out of something by not reading it. Yeah, I don’t think I was.
Let me also say that I wasn’t sure if I would be receiving the issue as a part of my subscription. I got it last year as a bonus for renewing. So, I was sort of taking a wait and see attitude this year. And, it showed up in my mailbox – all nicely folded and crumpled by my mailperson. Frankly, I am glad to know that this issue was included in my subscription because I think that I deserve a little something for being a subscriber (aside from saving a few bucks over the per issue price). I also have a subscription to Oxygen, and whenever they put out special issues, I have to go to the store for them. Which, is a pain. But, I digress…

As is usual, there are a lot of ornaments in this issue that just don’t do it for me. But, of course, I was really looking forward to seeing the new (and last???) Shepherd’s Bush ornament in the series. As you know, I’ve been stitching along on these. When I decided to do them, the first four had already been released, and I understood there were to be eight total. So, I ordered ornament cuts of the Dark Espresso linen from Silkweaver (back when they did ornament cuts) and I ordered eight pieces. So, I am hoping that eight is all they do. The first four, SB released as a chart, and I am guessing they will do the same with the last four too. Since, the wording on this ornament doesn’t totally make sense, unless you look at it in context, I thought I’d share what the whole thing says now…
2000 Years Ago, the angels sang, shepherds watched, wisemen came.
In a stable, as Bethlehem slept, Mary and Joseph, their sweet baby kept.
So there you have it…I think that’s it for the series. And this year’s charm is a moon. So, I’ll have to get on ordering that, since I’ve been putting the sterling charms on each of mine.
After quickly flipping pages to find the SB ornament, I went back through the whole magazine, and found a few that I like.


The LHN ornament is cute. And so is the CCN ornament (although not traditionally Christmas-y).

I also liked the Midsummer Night Designs piece, and since I forgot to take a photo of it this morning, I borrowed this photo from her blog.
Really the only other one I really liked was the Monsterbubbles ornament. Also not Christmas-y in the traditional sense, I love it. I especially love the way they’ve done the finishing. Instead of using just regular pins for the pinkeep, they’ve put beads and Swarovski crystal bicones onto straight pins. LOVE IT!! I cannot resist the sparklies. And I’m a sucker for the Eiffel Tower too. I didn’t take a photo of this one either, but it’s on the cover. I am definitely going to be using that finishing technique (once I actually make a pinkeep). And the Swarovski crystals come in a million colors, so no problem matching them to your piece.
So, those are my thoughts on the issue. One of these days I might get around to stitching a few ornaments. In the meantime though, all I can think about is sleep. And maybe a hot bath. And a pina colada…
Walk to Rivendell (see also my progress on the sidebar!!): Path veers SE. Company leaves path and tries to turn north. Cross series of deep folds running SE. Keep turning east. Lose direction. Enter fold too deep to leave. Follow it SE to Withywindle (ca. 4 p.m.). (Total Miles Walked: 92.25)
I am grateful for not having to work out today.
Thanks for the review of the JCS ornament issue. I don’t necessarily buy this issue each year, but I like the ornaments you showed here, so maybe I’ll pick up this one after all. Hope your energy returns soon!!
Thanks for the review of the JCS ornament issue. I don’t necessarily buy this issue each year, but I like the ornaments you showed here, so maybe I’ll pick up this one after all. Hope your energy returns soon!!
How on earth do you survive on such little sleep?! I need a good 9 hours!
I havent seen this magazine (i only just got last years!) but i really like the ornaments you have shown here, especially the LHN one
How on earth do you survive on such little sleep?! I need a good 9 hours!
I havent seen this magazine (i only just got last years!) but i really like the ornaments you have shown here, especially the LHN one
Dude, have a glass of wine. So many fewer calories…and it will help you sleep. (I haven’t been sleeping my ownself.) Thanks again for the poem. Makes much more sense. (But I love the image of the rotting baby.)
Dude, have a glass of wine. So many fewer calories…and it will help you sleep. (I haven’t been sleeping my ownself.) Thanks again for the poem. Makes much more sense. (But I love the image of the rotting baby.)
Sounds like you need a good soak in a hot tub, with the glass of wine Anna suggested. I wasn’t thrilled with the ornament issue, but found a few I liked. The one I started stitching on right away was the blackwork snowflake by Rosewood Manor. I’m doing it on 40ct linen over 2 to make it smaller.
Sounds like you need a good soak in a hot tub, with the glass of wine Anna suggested. I wasn’t thrilled with the ornament issue, but found a few I liked. The one I started stitching on right away was the blackwork snowflake by Rosewood Manor. I’m doing it on 40ct linen over 2 to make it smaller.
I was wondering if I would get the issue with my normal subscritpion or not. Hummm…. I haven’t received mine yet, have to watch my mailbox! Thanks for the review. Now I know if I don’t get it, not to bother!
Congrats on the 92 + miles! You will be sore for a while but that will change. You have a personal trainer!? WOW! I am jealous!! Now go get some well deserved rest!
I was wondering if I would get the issue with my normal subscritpion or not. Hummm…. I haven’t received mine yet, have to watch my mailbox! Thanks for the review. Now I know if I don’t get it, not to bother!
Congrats on the 92 + miles! You will be sore for a while but that will change. You have a personal trainer!? WOW! I am jealous!! Now go get some well deserved rest!
Oh, sorry for those tired muscles, aches and pains! Don’t give up, though!
And thanks for the clarification of the SB ornament text. Along with Anna, I’d been rather confused. 😉
Oh, sorry for those tired muscles, aches and pains! Don’t give up, though!
And thanks for the clarification of the SB ornament text. Along with Anna, I’d been rather confused. 😉
Honestly, is there *anyone* who ever reads the ornie issue?
Thanks for the review, by the way. And good luck with catching up on some sleep. It sounds like you need it!
Honestly, is there *anyone* who ever reads the ornie issue?
Thanks for the review, by the way. And good luck with catching up on some sleep. It sounds like you need it!
I’m glad you gave a little review as I haven’t seen the ornament issue yet. I buy it whether I like it or not so I don’t change my mind later and have to buy it on eBay. 🙂 I think I’ve only ever stitched one ornament out of them though! I try not to look at the designers name and guess who they are from looking at the ornaments – many of them you can tell just by looking. Hope you get some rest soon. The lack of sleep will catch up with you soon and you don’t want to get sick.
I’m glad you gave a little review as I haven’t seen the ornament issue yet. I buy it whether I like it or not so I don’t change my mind later and have to buy it on eBay. 🙂 I think I’ve only ever stitched one ornament out of them though! I try not to look at the designers name and guess who they are from looking at the ornaments – many of them you can tell just by looking. Hope you get some rest soon. The lack of sleep will catch up with you soon and you don’t want to get sick.
I feel for you and the non-sleeping deal. I periodically have insomnia and I found a herbal progesterone cream that I apply after my bath and it has totally cured me, plus it makes my menstrual cycles lighter and shorter and I think I have less cyclical grouchiness as well….all of which was touted to be caused by an estrogen driven society…but I DIGRESS…e-mail me if your interested I can tell you where I got it.
I gave the issue a C+, but as I go back and look at it in depth, I find more and more ornies that I like, but it isn’t a smashing revel rouser as past issues have been. Hang in there 🙂
I feel for you and the non-sleeping deal. I periodically have insomnia and I found a herbal progesterone cream that I apply after my bath and it has totally cured me, plus it makes my menstrual cycles lighter and shorter and I think I have less cyclical grouchiness as well….all of which was touted to be caused by an estrogen driven society…but I DIGRESS…e-mail me if your interested I can tell you where I got it.
I gave the issue a C+, but as I go back and look at it in depth, I find more and more ornies that I like, but it isn’t a smashing revel rouser as past issues have been. Hang in there 🙂
Hope you’re back to sleeping better soon 🙂
I took the same wait and see attitude as you, but was starting to wonder if I had renewed this year. But my JCS issue arrived today, and my mailman folded it up for me too (despite being the only thing in a large rural mailbox!) I have only taken a brief look at it so far, and am sure that I will take a better look tonight 🙂
Hope you’re back to sleeping better soon 🙂
I took the same wait and see attitude as you, but was starting to wonder if I had renewed this year. But my JCS issue arrived today, and my mailman folded it up for me too (despite being the only thing in a large rural mailbox!) I have only taken a brief look at it so far, and am sure that I will take a better look tonight 🙂
Thanks for the review! I buy the magazine regardless, but haven’t been able to find it yet. The pics you posted looks like they would be first choices of mine too.
I hope you find some sleep time soon! I find meditation helps me.
Thanks for the review! I buy the magazine regardless, but haven’t been able to find it yet. The pics you posted looks like they would be first choices of mine too.
I hope you find some sleep time soon! I find meditation helps me.
I try to buy the magazine regardless as well but it is nice to read your review…sort of a sneak preview for me!
I try to buy the magazine regardless as well but it is nice to read your review…sort of a sneak preview for me!
Yep, exercising will make you tired…but it should also help you sleep, so I wonder what is up with that?? I read on my renewal card to JCS that they are now including the ornament issue in each subscription (and they upped the renewal fee just a couple of dollars, I think). I actually like a few ornaments in this one, and am in the minority in feeling this way. The ones you posted are all favorites of mine too!! I hope you get some sleep soon!
Yep, exercising will make you tired…but it should also help you sleep, so I wonder what is up with that?? I read on my renewal card to JCS that they are now including the ornament issue in each subscription (and they upped the renewal fee just a couple of dollars, I think). I actually like a few ornaments in this one, and am in the minority in feeling this way. The ones you posted are all favorites of mine too!! I hope you get some sleep soon!
Thanks for the review of the JCS ornament issue.
As I see your post, I will definitely buy one!
And as I was reading through your posts, I found we have same designs of charts a lot!
As for “Baby Garden” from Just Nan, I really want to stitch for my son (already 2 years old, though, lol) and I also have “Quaker meeting house” etc…
I have lots to do so I’m looking forward to seeing your progress!
Yuko from Japan
Thanks for the review of the JCS ornament issue.
As I see your post, I will definitely buy one!
And as I was reading through your posts, I found we have same designs of charts a lot!
As for “Baby Garden” from Just Nan, I really want to stitch for my son (already 2 years old, though, lol) and I also have “Quaker meeting house” etc…
I have lots to do so I’m looking forward to seeing your progress!
Yuko from Japan
Please don’t laugh at me — thank you for posting the entire verse from the Shepherd’s Bush ornaments! I looked and looked at that one and I just couldn’t figure out what it said! now it makes sense!
Please don’t laugh at me — thank you for posting the entire verse from the Shepherd’s Bush ornaments! I looked and looked at that one and I just couldn’t figure out what it said! now it makes sense!
By the way – I got mine with my normal subscription too – just came yesterday. My letter carrier is kinder and gentler with my mail though I think!
By the way – I got mine with my normal subscription too – just came yesterday. My letter carrier is kinder and gentler with my mail though I think!
Thanks for the review Michelle. I’ve ordered mine from an online store here in England and the lady is waiting for it to arrive. I love the ornaments you’ve shown here.
Thanks for the review Michelle. I’ve ordered mine from an online store here in England and the lady is waiting for it to arrive. I love the ornaments you’ve shown here.
hmmm another so, so review… I’ll get a copy anyhow, I always do!
hmmm another so, so review… I’ll get a copy anyhow, I always do!
Hi, Michelle! I appreciate your review of the magazine, which I haven’t found, yet. I have a collection of them from ages back, so I’ll still get this one. Love the ones you chose as your favorites. I never actually read the magazines either, though I do skim some of the designer blurbs once in a while. I feel like some of the designers cop out with their weak attempts at the ornaments, and others really make an effort to come through for us. On another note, I have insomnia, too, and I hope you find a way to kick it. I’ve only found sleeping on the couch to help me…and a bit of hot chocolate.
Love and hugs,
Deb
Hi, Michelle! I appreciate your review of the magazine, which I haven’t found, yet. I have a collection of them from ages back, so I’ll still get this one. Love the ones you chose as your favorites. I never actually read the magazines either, though I do skim some of the designer blurbs once in a while. I feel like some of the designers cop out with their weak attempts at the ornaments, and others really make an effort to come through for us. On another note, I have insomnia, too, and I hope you find a way to kick it. I’ve only found sleeping on the couch to help me…and a bit of hot chocolate.
Love and hugs,
Deb
Hope you are feeling better. I stitched the LHN ornament this weekend and it is really cute. I hope to finish it today.
Hope you are feeling better. I stitched the LHN ornament this weekend and it is really cute. I hope to finish it today.
Hi Michelle,
Are you sleeping yet??? I’ve never had any long term sleeping problems, and the rare occasions when I don’t sleep through the night it’s usually because I’ve over slept previously. The thought of not being able to sleep, and being so tired is horrible. I love to sleep.
You’ve got some lovely new charts and fabric there in your previous post. I’ve considered joining a fabric of the month service, but in the end I just browse through the on line sites and order what tickles my fancy. I love the shade of red the piece that you are considering for your wedding sampler is in. Very rich. I love red. Wonder if it’ll be as difficult to stitch on as I’ve heard black can be, because both are dark colours.
I admire your decision to join an exercise club, and get yourself a personal trainer. I can well imagine that it must be intimidating at first, but I suspect that you’ll do very well. I hope you’ll enjoy it too, once the initial aches and pains wear off.
Ah, the new Xmas Ornament magazine. What many have been waiting for all summer has arrived. I’ve ordered my copy since I’m not sure I’ll find it around here. I know that it will only have a handful of ornaments that I’ll actually stitch, but that doesn’t matter. I do prefer designs that actually fit my idea of something that looks Christmasy. I guess I’m a bit of an Xmas snob, and very traditional.
I love the LHN and the CCN designs, but the CCN design is definitely not Christmas for me. But very pretty even so. I love LHN bunnies! But bunnies….Easter?
Read any good books lately???
Pardon my long, rambling comment. I tend to go on, and on.
Cheers Michelle.
Hi Michelle,
Are you sleeping yet??? I’ve never had any long term sleeping problems, and the rare occasions when I don’t sleep through the night it’s usually because I’ve over slept previously. The thought of not being able to sleep, and being so tired is horrible. I love to sleep.
You’ve got some lovely new charts and fabric there in your previous post. I’ve considered joining a fabric of the month service, but in the end I just browse through the on line sites and order what tickles my fancy. I love the shade of red the piece that you are considering for your wedding sampler is in. Very rich. I love red. Wonder if it’ll be as difficult to stitch on as I’ve heard black can be, because both are dark colours.
I admire your decision to join an exercise club, and get yourself a personal trainer. I can well imagine that it must be intimidating at first, but I suspect that you’ll do very well. I hope you’ll enjoy it too, once the initial aches and pains wear off.
Ah, the new Xmas Ornament magazine. What many have been waiting for all summer has arrived. I’ve ordered my copy since I’m not sure I’ll find it around here. I know that it will only have a handful of ornaments that I’ll actually stitch, but that doesn’t matter. I do prefer designs that actually fit my idea of something that looks Christmasy. I guess I’m a bit of an Xmas snob, and very traditional.
I love the LHN and the CCN designs, but the CCN design is definitely not Christmas for me. But very pretty even so. I love LHN bunnies! But bunnies….Easter?
Read any good books lately???
Pardon my long, rambling comment. I tend to go on, and on.
Cheers Michelle.
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing pics of some of the ornies – they all look like they will be going on my ornie list, especially the CCN one. Hope you feel 100% better soon. Take care
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing pics of some of the ornies – they all look like they will be going on my ornie list, especially the CCN one. Hope you feel 100% better soon. Take care
Gulp!! I think I’d better try and get hold of a copy of this mag if it’s not too late for us in the UK!! You have tempted me beyond what I can bear. xx
Gulp!! I think I’d better try and get hold of a copy of this mag if it’s not too late for us in the UK!! You have tempted me beyond what I can bear. xx
To me there are quite a few stitchable designs in this year’s ornament issue. I especially love the Victoria Sampler design! Can’t wait to get started on that one. 😀
To me there are quite a few stitchable designs in this year’s ornament issue. I especially love the Victoria Sampler design! Can’t wait to get started on that one. 😀