Life's a zoo free pattern....

 ...is finished and already to be downloaded.  The idea came to me for this pattern when I was in my favorite fabric store and saw these animal buttons....and I swear my life is always a zoo.  LOL  

Now remember, to get your favorite of the animal buttons that are left, be the first to stitch this quick and easy design and I will mail you your button as soon as I receive a picture.

 I stitched mine on 28ct. Cactus Jobelan using HDF silks but the pattern is designed using DMC floss.  There are also some specialty stitches used in the trees and flowers and if you have any problems with them, check out Sharon B's stitch dictionary in my sidebar.  Her directions are very clear and precise.

Now you can either take the pattern by clicking on the design above or going here and downloading the pdf file.  Have fun with the pattern and enjoy yourself....that's what stitching is suppose to be....fun.

Well I'm off to stitch my next design.  It's a pink and brown design and I'm going a little different with this one.  I want to add some ribbons and even maybe some quilting to this piece so we'll see.  This is what I love most....taking a pattern and tearing it apart and making something entirely different out of it.  Try it....you might like it!!!!

Blessings as always,

Barbara

The Winner of the linen is.....

and if she would be so kind to email me, I will get her piece of linen in the mail tomorrow.  I can't wait to see what she decides to stitch on it.

I'm in the process of doing a new freebie design and this one is definitely going to be a biscornu.  You'll know that when you see the design.  I was up at one of my favorite fabric stores, The Sewing Studio, and I came across the cutest buttons.  They are animals buttons....monkey, elephant, lion, zebra and a giraffe.  Now I've already decided that I'm using the monkey button and after I post the free design, the first person to stitch it and send me a picture of it finished into a biscornu will get her choice of the remaining animal buttons.  The above picture shows all the buttons but the pack I got does not have the butterfly but a pink heart button which I will save for another project.  So stay tuned and I shall have it ready in a few days.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Happy Easter...

to everyone.

May the spirit of hope that Easter brings,
Help you find comtentment in little things,
And restore your faith in the Lord above,
Who gave His life for the ones He loves.

A Very Happy Easter

Barbara

A new needlecase finish...

that I finished in a different way.  I stitched the design on that piece of chocolate linen I purchased at Joann's and I did find out that it's not exactly the same number of stitches both ways.  It's just a little off.  I was going to finish this into a biscornu but when I discovered the item wasn't square, I decided against it.  I had some coordinating 100% cotton fabric which set off the design really well and used that.  I added a pocket on the inside for scissors or whatever and a piece of wool felt to hold your needles.

If you are interested in this piece, you will find it in my store.

Now if you would like to try a piece of this linen I purchased at Joann's, just add a comment to this post and I'll draw a name next monday morning.  I'll send a piece that is approx. 12 x 18 inches.  That size is big enough to do a nice little design and give you a good feeling of what the linen is like.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Yellow Bird finished.....

and I'm sorry that I can't get a better picture of it.  This La D Da design is a sweet design but I have to admit....it was boring and I'm very happy that it's finished.  Now unto the next project which is a little different.  I was at Joann Etc today and came across this bolt of fabric.  It's linen and it looks like about 28ct. and it's a beautiful chocolate brown.  I'm gonna try and stitch a small design on it to finish it into a biscornu.  When I'm finished with it, we'll draw a name and I'll send a small piece to one of you ladies so you can try it.

I mailed Mouse her Scissor chart today so I expect she'll receive it in about a week.  I can't wait to see how she finishes hers.  I'm really happy about how I framed mine and I like seeing my scissors out there in the open.  I had them in a little basket before but wasn't really crazy about it.  I'm looking for one of those "flower frogs" that I've seen on french blogs.  I haven't checked out ebay yet but if anyone knows who has them for sale, I'll really appreciate you letting me know.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

The winner of the scissor pattern is....

and I'm hoping she emails me because I can't find her email address.  I used the number generator and the winning number was 10.  Please pay attention to my blog because I am cleaning out my sewing room and there is going to be a nice size box of what nots that will be given away at the end of April or beginning of May. 

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Red Peacock Hornbook finished

 I came across this design when my local LNS owner came back from the last market.  It caught my eye immediately and I couldn't wait to stitch it.  It came as a kit with everything except the ribbon and fabric and the instructions for finishing were quite easy.  It was stitched on 32ct. flax linen using a DMC floss and I used the same floss color to make the twisted braid.  

 The paper pattern is attached to the back of the hornbook and inside there is a page with a piece of wool felt to hold your needles.  A page with a heart to hold a small pair of scissors and a page with a small envelope with inside is a needle threader.

My next project is a La D Da pattern and I hope everyone is having a fantastic Sunday.
P.S.  Forgot to tell you who designed it....The Stitching Parlor

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Scissors display

 This Cherry Wood Design was a fun stitch but I don't think I'll ever do another one.  I stitched mine on 28ct. natural/cream Graziano linen using an HDF silk called Primordial Ooze.  Doesn't that sound disgusting but I had to try it just because of the name and I love it.  It has sections of black, dark olive green and a gold thru it and it sets off the design beautifully.  

I was up at Kohl's today and came across this black frame.  My original plan was to line a black tray with this finished piece but when I saw this frame, I knew it would be perfect.  The frame came with glass which I left in to protect the stitching.  It has a resting place on my cedar chest where it holds my scissor collection.  All in all.....it came out okay.  

If you would like to receive this pattern.....because I know I'll never do it again....just leave a comment to this post and I'll draw a name next monday night.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

The second leg in the RR

I heard from Rita today and she sent me a picture of her finished Quaker Pincushion.  I had sent her a sea green Needlepoint Inc. Silk and I think she enjoyed stitching with the silk.  :o)  She told me that the next person to receive this chart is Evalina and you will find her blog by clicking on the Round Robin link on my sidebar.  I think this is going to turn out to be such fun....seeing what other people come up with.  

Blessings as always,

Barbara

"What is a friend? A single soul, dwelling in two bodies" - Aristotle

True friendship is perhaps the only relation that survives the trials and tribulations of time and remains unconditional. A unique blend of affection, loyalty, love, respect, trust and loads of fun is perhaps what describes the true meaning of friendship. Similar interests, mutual respect and strong attachment with each other are what friends share between each other. These are just the general traits of a friendship. To experience what is friendship, one must have true friends, who are indeed rare treasure.

Friendship is a feeling of comfort and emotional safety with a person. It is when you do not have to weigh your thoughts and measure words, before keeping it forth before your friend. It is when someone knows you better than yourself and assures to be your side in every emotional crisis. It is when you can sleep fighting and get another morning with a better understanding. Friendship is much beyond roaming together and sharing good moments, it is when someone comes to rescue you from the worst phase of life.  Friendship is eternal.

Different people have different definitions of friendship. For some, it is the trust in an individual that he / she won't hurt you. For others, it is unconditional love. There are some who feel that friendship is companionship. People form definitions based on the kind of experiences they have had. This is one relation that has been nurtured since time immemorial. There are famous stories about friends in mythologies of different religions all over the world. They say a person who has found a faithful friend has found a priceless treasure.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

May Flowers Needlebook by Lorraine

I just had to share this with all of you.  I received this picture in my email this morning of a needlebook that Lorraine stitched and finished out of my latest free design.  Isn't it marvelous!!!  I never tire of seeing what other people have stitched and this one is so beautiful.  I love her color combinations....pink and green...one of my favorites.  If anyone else has stitched this, please send me a pic so I can share it with all the ladies.  Thanks Lorraine, and great work!!

Blessings as always,

Barbara

May Flowers Biscornu Finished

I finally finished my latest free design.  I used a new fiber to me....Crescent Color Belle Soie silk and I love it.  It's not too soft and not at all stiff like Silk N Colors.  The bottom of the biscornu is the same green checked fabric as the bow and the button in the center is a little square shell button I found in my stash.  This was a fun stitch so if you haven't done it yet, please try it and let me know what you think.  I would also love to post a picture of others finished piece here for everyone to see.  Pattern is here.

Now I'm back to working on my commissioned piece and maybe with any luck, I'll be able to finish it pretty quick.  I was at my local LNS today and purchased some new silks and a new chart.  You know what that's like.....I want to start it now!!!!!

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Snuggle doll finished

Well I finished my little snuggle doll but I'm not satisfied with it.  For one thing, it's too big.  I knitted this one with worsted weight wool on size 3 needles so I think I'm going to knit it again with either sock weight or sport weight yarn with size 2 needles.   I don't know what I'm going to do with this one since my only grand daughter turns 19 this year so I will put this in my store for anyone who is interested in it.

I'm still plugging away on my last freebie.  I should have it finished this weekend.  Also, I'm still working on the commissioned piece of the poppy heart for R.  This one is taking longer than I thought it would but I have hopes of having it finished by the end of April.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Important Information for those with cell phones.......

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month. REMINDER.....  all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls. .... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:    888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time.. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number. HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON .. It takes about 20 seconds.

YOU CAN ALSO REGISTER YOUR HOME PHONE AT THE SAME NUMBER

May Flowers....

I came up with this design tonite and I thought I'd share it with you.  I had purchased two new colors of Crescent Colors Belle Soie at my LNS....Attic Tea and Sweet Lavender....and I couldn't find anything that interested me to stitch in these two colors.  I thought you might want to stitch it at the same time I do so that we can compare the end results.  I haven't decided what fabric I'm using yet but I'm sure it will be a neutral.  If you want to download the complete pdf, you will find it here.

If you finish it and would like to share, send me a photo so I can post it here so we all can enjoy it.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

The Round Robin

For those of you who are interested in the Sweetheart Tree Round Robin, I've posted the above picture in my sidebar and if you click on it, it will take you to Rita's blog.  She is the first one to stitch it and will then post it on her blog for the next person.  I mailed it out to her today so she should get it soon.

And now for the best news of the day......

THE SUN IS OUT IN ORLANDO AND IT'S NOT AN APRIL FOOL'S DAY JOKE!!!!

Blessings as always,

Barbara