Happy Birthday to Rhonda

 Remember a few months ago when I stitched Linda's Ort Bag for Rhonda?  Well today is her birthday and I can finally show you what I had made for her "special day".

I used the same fabric ....  28ct. Waterlilly Jobelan and the same Gloriana Silks and came up with a design that I took from the ort bag and turned it into a biscornu.  

I also made a little pouch for the little gold scissors I gave her with matching scissor fob.  Also on the back of the scissor case, there is a piece of matching wool felt where she can store her needle when not in use.

What is not shown on the above pictures is that JABC has these darling little stick pins out that are candles and I included them in the pincushion so it looked like a decorated birthday cake.  I wish I had taken a picture of them but oh well.  

I hope Rhonda has a very special day!!

I am working on a give away and will announce it soon so stay in touch.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

New Starts and Updates

As you can see I'm making some progress on Rhonda's Ort Bag.  She told me she was in no hurry for it which is good because she knows how much I hate stitching a design twice, let alone 4 times.  I'm hoping to have the second unit finished this weekend while watching the beginning of Nascar season.

The above design I saw on the HDF forum and fell instantly in love with it.  I'm stitching it on 32ct. antique white linen using two HDF silks.  You can find the pattern here, on the Better Homes & Garden Australian site.

From my dear friend Rhonda comes this absolutely beautiful gift.  She sent me the BBD design Hedgerow Birds project bag, the linen and all the fibers it calls for.  She knows how much I love BBD designs and I cannot wait to start this.  Thank you my sweet friend!

Many of you know how much Jenn loves sheep.  Well this past weekend when I was at The Sewing Studio, I came across this beautiful red cotton fabric with sheep on it.  I thought it would make her the perfect project bag.  I'm stitching a Cricket design for the front and I'll show that when I'm finished with it. It will also have her name on it so 4 little boys know it's mommy's and not theirs.  :o)

I've added to my Drawn Thread pattern collection.  I sincerely don't know why I keep buying these because I can't tell you the last one I stitched but it's in the Stitcher's genes to buy when first seeing something we love.....you never know when it won't be there and then you're stuck without it.  Right??

Above is part of my collection of Hand Dyed Fibers silks.  I have 7 of these containers plus what I have hanging on my silk wall.  Do you think I need anymore?  (please say yes so I don't feel so guilty when I order more :o))

Above are two pincushion patterns I picked up and I can't wait to make them.  They don't show any cross stitch but you know I'll add some.  I want to find some really pretty summer fabrics for them.

Well that's what I've been up to this past week to stay out of trouble and to help the economy in any way I can.  Doesn't that sound good?  Think DH will buy it?  I doubt it too.  :o(

You all have a great weekend...have lots of stitchie time and I hope that pesty frog doesn't darken your door.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

A new start

I've started a new commissioned piece and it's one that is going to test my finishing skills.  This is one design I have always loved but never stitched until my sweet friend Rhonda asked me too.  I have finished side number 1 and have 3 more to go but it really didn't take that long to stitch.  If you are thinking of doing it, please pay close attention to the counting and placement of stitches.  This is one design that you can't "fudge" on because of the way it's finished.  The basting stitches around the top are there for finishing purposes only and will be removed at that time.  This sweet little ort bag will be fully lined when finished and have twisted braid wrapped around it at the pink section and will stand about 5 inches tall.  I hope to have this finished by the end of this week......wish me luck.  I almost forgot to tell you what I'm using to stitch it with.  The fabric is 28ct. Water Lily Jobelan which is the palest of greens and the fibers are Gloriana and HDF silks plus DMC pearl cottons and RG Treasure Braid.

I will post a picture when I have it all finished and sewn together.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

A Gift for a Friend

One of my friends needed a gift for a co-worker and asked me to make one of my pillows for her. I was told she loved daisys so this is what I came up with. The design I stitched on pale blue 32ct. Belfast with AVAS silks. I used the words "bloom where you're planted" to make it a little more personal and I even found a pewter daisy charm. It's lined with a cotton print of a darker blue with little white daisy's on it and the ties at each end are white ribbon. I love doing these pillows because the work up really fast depending on the cross stitch design you use.

As always, Barbara

Ooooh Look What I Got

In case you haven't figured it out, my birthday was yesterday and my doorbell rang this morning and look what was on the other side!!! My sweet friend Rhonda sent me these beautiful flowers and I just love them. With winter hanging on as long as it has this year, these bring a breath of fresh air into our home. Thank you Rhonda for remembering my birthday and for being such a sweet friend.