October WIPocalypse and Smalls SAL

It seems like it's been quite a while since I last posted. I had hoped to be back here sooner but life got in the way, more specifically I've been knocked flat by a miserable virus. It's been 4 weeks now and I've still not rid myself of it entirely but I am feeling much more human now than I was earlier.
I've decided to post my WIPocalypse and Smalls post on the same day since they fall only a day apart this month. I actually do have some stitching to report although a good portion of it has occurred in the past 4 days or so. I'm making up for lost time!  

I'll start with my WIP. Since my last post I have been working on three projects. I started two of them on the same day right at the end of September. The first is Plum Street Samplers Autumn Fraktur.

I'm stitching this on 32ct Picture This Plus Mello. Once the leaves and vine are done I'll get into stitching the two colourful birds in this piece.
Once I had stitched a leaf or two on this I switched over to my second start which is Stacy Nash Thistles and Spells Pinkeep.

I'm really loving this fabric which is another Picture This Plus called Shale. Of course this will never be complete by this Halloween but next year is just fine.

My third new start is as a result of participating in a SAL on Prim Stitchers Society Facebook group. I can't remember the exact number but I know there are more than 200 of us who on Oct. 15 started stitching Kathy Barrick's new design And Heaven And Nature Sing. The recommended floss on this is NPI silks but I'm using a number of silks I found in my stash including some Vikki Clayton and Belle Soie. I am using the recommended fabric, Lakeside Linen Vintage Pecan Butter.

Of course I also completed a small finish for my commitment as part of the Smalls SAL. For me it couldn't be anything except a Halloween finish. Here is The Little Stitcher Pickety Witch!

Again I used the PTP Shale for this stitch. The finished piece fits right in with my existing Halloween decor. Love it!

October is also the month in which Canada celebrates their Thanksgiving. So on the second Monday of the month our family gathered to celebrate. My eldest and his family were unable to join us however this year we had an extra member at the table. My sister Laurie, who lives in the U.S., joined us as part of a week long visit. We all have so much to be thankful for including the wonderful meal we feasted on. Everyone had a hand in helping!

The others at the table included my son Dan, hubby Bob, and my son Chris with his girlfriend Violet. The boys had a great time catching up with their aunt.

How nice for Laurie too. Since she lives in the U.S. she gets to celebrate Thanksgiving twice this year!

My final photo is of a Halloween finish from 2013. I finally had this one stretched and hopefully it will be framed in the coming year. This is Plum Street Samplers Ghoul Tidings. Love those cats!

I'm hoping that by this month's end I'll be feeling 100% improved and this virus will be history. That should lead to plenty more stitching in the coming month. See you soon!