I'm finally getting around to sharing what has been keeping me busy over the past few weeks.
I don't know if anyone can bear to look at Christmas stuff in February so I'll quickly get these three ornaments out of the way first.
Yes, they were meant to be finished in time for Christmas but somehow I ran out of time so the stitching was done but the finishing was not.
This is the Blackbird Designs Love Letters from the Joyeaux Noel book.
I finished it as an ornament rather than a token box although I'd like to do the box one of these days.
Stitched on 40 ct flax linen using the recommended threads. I forgot to take a picture of the back but I took one of the little flower motifs and stitched it again on the back and also added the year.
Next is My Little Christmas Gift from the 1999 Just Cross Stitch ornament special. It is stiched on 34ct Weddigen linen with the recommended DMC threads
Backing fabric Peace on Earth by Moda
This one is Merry Christmas by La D Da
Stitched on 36ct linen with DMC threads
Now to show you a little pinkeep which I love. Well, I would wouldn't I because it has a mermaid on it :)
This is Brightneedle freebie One Blue Moon stitched one over one on 28ct evenweave and finished into a dinky little pinkeep.
What would a blog post be without a few bag pictures?
I can't take all the credit for this one because a friend and I made it between us for a mutual friend who is going through a tough time.
The pattern is the Charm Party Tote by Quilts Illustrated. It's one I've already made three times before and it always turns out great.
This one is made using a charm pack and fabric from the Moda Simplicity line.
I made a matching pincushion and we filled the bag with all kinds of quilting goodies which we hope will bring a little sunshine to our friend.
Another bag - this one is Nellie's Sewing Bag by Rosalie Quinlan.
It's a square shaped bag with a different quilt block pattern on each of the four sides.
I made my favourite pincushion from the Petite Gateaux pattern by Fig Tree Quilts to go with it
and a cute needlecase from the Angel Story book by Hatched and Patched
the fourth side of the bag
Loads of inside pockets for all those stitching necessities
When my daughter saw the needlecase stitchery design she fell in love with it and wanted to stitch it too. She likes to add lots of bling to her stitching so she used beads in place of french knots. It looks great doesn't it?
I did the needlecase finishing for her and made the pincushion to go with.
I've been dying to show off the gifts I received for Christmas/my birthday from my lovely friend Pat in the USA.
Just look at this primitive doll which is actually a needlework bag!
I just love the fact that Pat "dressed" her in the same Blackbird Designs Beach House fabric that I used to finish the Flowers for Sarah needlecase that I showed a few posts back.
Here's a close up of her face. Don't you just love those button ear rings?
even her arms and legs are stitched
the ribbons on her dress are untied to show the lovely sampler print fabric lining the bag and tucked inside the doll was this lovely pincushion that Pat stitched from a Shepherd's Bush pattern
I also received this lovely journal cover that Pat stitched from a Stacy Nash pattern as well as lots of other goodies
Phew! It has taken me a couple of hours to get this post together but I think that's it for now. Thanks so much for your visits and your friendship which are what make it all worthwhile.
Until next time,
Margaret
