December 2023 WIPocalypse Check-In

Hi everyone!

And here we are… December 31st. Crazy how fast years fly – I swear each one goes faster than the last! I’m not sure whether that’s a good or a bad thing sometimes. I have one last project I want to try to fully finish today before the clock strikes midnight and the Times Square Ball drops. Really, really hoping I can get that one done.

How was your 2023 year, both stitching-wise and everyday life-wise? Did you make good progress on your pieces, or was it just a “meh” year? Either way, celebrate what you did and remember – EVERY. STITCH. COUNTS. Progress is progress, even if it doesn’t look like you’re getting anywhere. Been there, done that. I’ve resorted to photos sometimes to convince myself that I am moving projects along – both in stitching and in my life. Please share your progress so we can all celebrate it!

I know a lot of people have been struggling, and I hope that stitching gave you the escape you needed to slow down and just breathe for a little bit. Here’s hoping that 2024 will be a better year. If you need a cheerleader or a pick-me-up, come sit on the bench by me. 🙂

Next Year Plans (Repeated from Last Month)

WIPocalypse will definitely continue next year with the last Sunday of the month check-in dates. Details for 2024 can be found HERE. The details are also located on the top menu bar of my blog and the announcements below at all times. The highlights for next year include:

  • Questions of the Month will return with different questions for most months.
  • There will be three focus months next year – March, June, and October.
  • Olympics Stitching returns in late July

Happy 2024 to everyone – and may the new year bring you and your loved ones good health and happiness.

Best,
Mel.

*~~*~~*~~*~~

Important SAL Announcements…

Question of the Month: Recap your accomplishments for the year! (Your finishes, your final before/after photos, etc).

Next posting date: January 7, 2024

Topic(s) for next time: Introduce yourself, your projects, and any goals you have for the year!

Need all the basic info about the SAL? GO HERE for all details for 2024!

*~~*~~*~~*~~

Please remember that this stitch-a-long is intended to be fun – so if you’re too busy to post, too busy/ill/etc. to stitch – no worries! Post when you can and share what you have going, even if you’ve only been able to toss a single stitch into it. If you miss a few months, not a problem – just jump back in when you’re back with us! It’s not a race or a competition – we’re all just here to cheer each other on with our progress.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


2024 Southern Literature Reading Challenge

This challenge is to read books by Southern authors set largely in the American South. I expect this will be a library-based challenge on my end, given my general To Be Read list. Although I may surprise myself and find something among my owned pile.

I am signing up for the Level 3 challenge – 5-6 books started and completed in 2024. Books will be listed below as I start them, and linked once I complete them.

The Backlist Reader Challenge 2024

Adding a couple other challenges to my list to get through my To Be Read piles in the house. Between trips to the Book Barn and random Friends of the Library sales, I have a bit of a pile issue. 🙂 The Backlist Reader Challenge is for books that were published at LEAST a year ago – so in 2022 or earlier. Fresh reads only, no re-reads (although the rules do allow for them if it’s been over 10 years and can’t remember it).

I will have my list up before December 31st in this post!

  1. Falling Sideways by Tom Holt (2002)
  2. Possessing the Secret of Joy by Alice Walker (1992)
  3. The Inferno by Dante Alighieri, translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (2003 edition)
  4. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (2009 Vintage edition)
  5. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (2009)
  6. Blood Hollow by William Kent Krueger (2004)
  7. The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan (2001)
  8. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner (2001)
  9. A Witch in Time by Madelyn Alt (2010)
  10. Cemetery Dance by Preston & Child (2009)
  11. Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce (2003)
  12. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton (2003 edition)

TBR 24 in ’24 Challenge

I have a ton of books around my house to read thanks to multiple trips to the glorious Book Barn in Niantic, CT. Covid really did a number on my reading habit, and one of my goals for 2024 is to get back into reading. A couple reading challenges will definitely help me get back on track!

Gillion at Rose City Reader is sponsoring the TBR 24 in ’24 challenge. For full details, check out her blog via the link above. Essentially it’s a read 24 books in 2024 from the “To Be Read” stack you already own. 🙂 I’ll add books to the list as I go, and link to thoughts as I finish them.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

November 2023 WIPocalypse Check-In

Hi everyone!

As I set this check-in post up, it’s the day after Thanksgiving. After cooking for a good portion of yesterday (it all turned out fantastic!), today is a personal puttering day. I’m catching up on some various blog stuff before I settle down with some absent-minded trash TV and stitch the evening away.

I’m one of those stubborn “the holiday season doesn’t start until Thanksgiving is over” people. Today I’m slowly getting myself into the mood. At some point this weekend lights will go on the bushes outside the house, and the tree will possibly go up if we get some organization done in our living room. My husband would start playing holiday music after Halloween, but I need a clear division between holidays. It does seem like this year just flew by though!

Next Year Plans

WIPocalypse will definitely continue next year with the last Sunday of the month check-in dates. Details for 2024 can be found HERE. The details are also located on the top menu bar of my blog and the announcements below at all times. The highlights for next year include:

  • Questions of the Month will return with different questions for most months.
  • There will be three focus months next year – March, June, and October.
  • Olympics Stitching returns in late July

I hope to see you join in with us next year, whether via your block or via the Facebook group. Please remember that this SAL can be combined with anything you’re doing on other groups. We fully support cross-pollination event participation! 🙂

Time to get a bit more work done… have a lovely holiday season celebrating the festivities that you personally hold most dear!

Best,
Mel.

*~~*~~*~~*~~

Important SAL Announcements…

Question of the Month: What is your favorite way to finish ornaments and/or smalls?

Next posting date: December 31, 2023

Topic(s) for next time: Recap your accomplishments for the year! (Your finishes, your final before/after photos, etc).

Need all the basic info about the SAL? GO HERE for all details for 2024!

*~~*~~*~~*~~

Please remember that this stitch-a-long is intended to be fun – so if you’re too busy to post, too busy/ill/etc. to stitch – no worries! Post when you can and share what you have going, even if you’ve only been able to toss a single stitch into it. If you miss a few months, not a problem – just jump back in when you’re back with us! It’s not a race or a competition – we’re all just here to cheer each other on with our progress.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter