Sunday, April 1, 2012

A gift, a finish and some beauty....

First off, I want to thank all of you who entered my giveaway.  I love thinking up ideas for them and then to see all of you who love the idea....well it's very satisfying for me.
I have a friend who lives in the hill country of central Texas who sent me these stunning pictures of the blue bonnets in full bloom.  I can't imagine all these beautiful flowers laid out in fields so that it looks like a blue carpet.  Such lucky people who get to enjoy these.

Then Jenn, who knows how much I admire her embroidery, decided to make me this stunning pincushion for my birthday.  Every side has a different flower on it that has been stitched in silk on a silk background.
She also included a little beehive on the top and scattered some honey bees thru out the designs.  And then to top it off, she couched gold around each of the panels.
I love how this turned out and I thank my lucky stars I have a daughter who is this talented and has decided to share that talent with me.  Thank you Jenn.
Remember me posting awhile back about ordering some fabric from Nina and her enclosing two of her hand dyed threads.  Well I used them on this Jardin Prive design and I think they turned out stunning.
It's been stitched on 32ct. off white linen and the whole time I was stitching this I kept seeing a pincushion. As you can see, that idea just didn't last long and I decided a needlebook/scissor keeper was a better choice.  
As you can see from the picture above, there are two pages for your needles and a pocket for your scissors or whatever you decide.  I loved stitching this design but I have so many of these types of books that I've decided to put this one in my store.  So if you are interested, you'll find it there.
My next project is in the newest issue of Cross Stitch and Needlework.  It's called Phlox Box by Ink Circles and I'm stitching it on a Picture This Plus linen with a HDF silk.  It's very different and once I get some of it finished, I'll post an update picture.  
I hope everyone has had a great weekend so far.
Blessings as always,
Barbara

14 comments:

Catherine said...

It must be so pretty to see those flowers in person!
What a lovely gift you received and project you made!

Joyce Clark Frank said...

I am one of the lucky ones that live in the part of Texas that have the bluebonnet. Our weather has been such that the Bluebonnet are in full bloom this year. They are just beautiful and yes it is great to see them in person.

Love the stitching gifts

butterfly said...

Beautiful gift, and those blue flowers are looks beaitiful

MoonBeam said...

Needlebook and the silk piece from your daughter are beautiful. Great work, both of you. Perfect for spring.

Bobbi

Sweet Sue said...

Thx for sharing your exquisite eye candy today Barbara, beautifully composed header and pics, swoon-worthy flowers, gifts and finishes. Jenn's handwork amazes me every time. Your needlebook is perfectly *you* in every way:) Enjoy your week to come!

StitchyDon said...

What a beautiful pincushion and your own work looks great as well!!!

Carol said...

Jenn's gift is so, so well done, Barbara--I do love that little beehive on the top, too!! And your needlebook stitched with Nina's threads is adorable...

Thoeria said...

What an absolutely gorgeous gift from Jenn! And your needle book / scissor keep is lovely too! Looking forward to seeing your latest project

marly said...

What a beautiful gift! You did such lovely work on your needlebook - as always.

Krista said...

Those blue bonnets are so beautiful! I have a friend in Texas and he always posts photos each year, gorgeous! What a lovely birthday present you got. Very special.

Chris said...

Beautiful pics Barbara, what a lovely time of year.
The pincushion is amazing and I love your needle book finish.
Have a great week!

Bekca said...

Oh my goodness, the birthday pin cushion is stunning! Jenn certainly is very talented :)
Your needle book finish is also gorgeous. I always find myself inspired after reading your posts Barbara.
Best wishes.

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

lovely finsh :D I love your needle book :D

Patty C. said...

Love the needlebook ;)