Christmas is my favorite time of the year!  I love the anticipation of family to visit, the sparkling lights on trees and houses, as well as secretly-wrapped presents.

That is the inspiration behind my November subscription kit design.  My children couldn't wait for Santa to bring goodies.  But it wasn't just the gifts, they were waiting on; it was the specialness of the season.  It was knowing that everyone's attention was on each other.  No work schedules.  No errands.  Just togetherness.

On the larger design, the words, "The Joy of Santa" are surrounded by a simple red and silver Christmas tree and a gathering of presents.  One the smaller design, are Santa's tools of the trade; his sleigh and reindeer.

This cross stitch kit comes with both color and black/white patterns, 14 count white fabric, white muslin fabric for backing your hoop, an 8-inch hoop AND a 6-inch hoop, 7 full sets of DMC skeins of embroidery thread, high-quality John James tapestry needle, and instructions and tips guide.

This month's design has all the warm feels of the fall season; from the simple words in a soft shade of brown to the sweet floral vine around the outside.

Along with this Give Thanks design, you'll receive a bonus pattern of hearts, hearts and hearts.

Each month's kit includes the main cross stitch pattern, bonus pattern, embroidery hoop, John James cross stitch needle, enough plastic thread bobbins for that month, and a cross stitch instructions and tips guide.

I've designed a new personalized stitch people design and it came from my heart.  There is nothing more important in my life than these 3 boys.  They are everything to me.

While we were spending time together over the holidays, I realized I wanted to add to our family photos but getting everyone together these days is really hard.

So I decided to use stitching and one of our family photos (taken way before Covid), to create these boys in stitches.

Follow my stories on Instagram for updates and to see my stitching progress.

Do you have a word of the year?  Deciding on a word of the year has been very trendy lately.  That one word can be so inspiring and powerful.  It has the ability to drive your mindset and actions throughout the year.

My word of the year from last year was simplify.  I want to continue this word into the new year.  Simplify means "to reduce to its basic essentials."  This is the word I've chosen -again - to be my #wordoftheyear.

I find myself being pulled in so many directions that I end up feeling almost catatonic with indecision over the simplest of things.  I've decided to simplify my home, my work life, my expenses, my body and definitely my mind.  The new year just happened to coincide with my declaration.

I am now decluttering my guest bedroom, mudroom and garage.  If it hasn't been used or displayed within the last year - it goes.  I am currently eliminating any unneeded expenses. (Sorry, NetFlix - you don't make the cut.)  And I'm doing more yoga and herbal tea than running and soda.  (That's still a work-in-progress.)

While life can get extremely complicated, I've decided to approach everything with a "simplify" state-of-mind.  Do you have a word of the year?

You're welcome to join my email family for more inspiration, cross stitch tips and free patterns.

My super simple method; right here!  You're going to need to end or switch threads during your cross stitch project.  This method (yes, there are many) is my favorite because it is so simple and it works.

With the thread ending on the back of your design and the thread still in your needle, gently run the needle through one of the stitches you already made; preferably in the same color (so your secret doesn't show on the front).

I like to repeat this at least three more times to make sure the end is secure.

Then snip off the excess very carefully.

Benzie Design

Tinker Tailor Online

The Little Market

Love definitely makes our world a much better place 💗 (and caffeine never hurts)!

If you have never cross stitched, or your an advanced stitcher, cross stitch kits are the perfect way to go.  These kits are filled with all the essentials you need from the fabric, embroidery thread, needle and of course an easy-to-read color pattern.