So let's have a giveaway

I've decided to have a giveaway and maybe raise my hopes some.  This giveaway contains the following:

Kathy Barrick's newest design called Strawberry Bird

A fat quarter of 30ct. WDW Cappuccino Linen

and 1 card of RG Splendor Silk in Black

The pattern calls for 40 ct. but not too many of us can see that so that's why the 30 ct. instead and the pattern also calls for alot of black and I thought it would be nice to do that in silk.

Here's what you need to do.  Please be a follower of my blog and for a second chance to win, talk about this giveaway on your blog.  That's it!  My birthday unfortunately is March 19th and that's when I will draw a name.  Also, if your familiar with my blog, you know I always throw a surprise into the package.

Good Luck and Blessings,

Barbara

A small finish and maybe a start

I know the temperatures across the country sure don't make you think of Autumn but if you go into any of the stores, you are bombarded with them.  Well I decided to bring a little Fall into my home in July.  

First up is a little pillow I stitched on cream Belfast.  After I was finished, I sprayed it with walnut crystals mixed with water but after it dried, I think I'll add some more because it didn't get quite as dark as I wanted it to.  If you look at a closeup of the bow, you'll see that this nut forgot to take out the pins before I took the picture.  I didn't notice they were still there until I went to put it in my basket of pillows.  LOL  Old age maybe?  

The other day I made a trip down to Hobby Lobby and saw something that sparked my interest.  They had this pumpkin knitted out of yarn that was varigated with the colors of Autumn and I loved it.  Well back I went to the yarn department and found one skein of a 100% wool that had the right colors in it.  Home I came and whipped up this little pumpkin but I really think the leaves are too big....what do you think?

When I bought the above pattern, I was in love with the colors and I thought to myself 'You have to stitch this in the colors she calls for'....boy was that a mistake.  You can see the little balls of Valdani silks I got in the mail today and I don't think I like even one color.  Now I have to make up my mind whether or not to stitch it in these colors or match them to some DMC colors and stitch it in solids.  If I do decided to not use these, you'll find them up for sale in Never Enough Stash.

Speaking of Never Enough Stash and Wanting More Stash, I'm very happy that so many needleworker's are taking advantage of these blogs.  As more people join, we're sure to find quite a variety of needlework items over there for sale.

Well that's all for today.  It's raining outside and I can hear the thunder in the distance....it's time for our daily afternoon shower.

I want to thank all you sweet ladies who leave comments and who have truly become friends and also a warm welcome to all my new followers.  As you can see it's getting close to 500 and I've promised a grand giveaway which will include fabrics, silks, patterns and many other items you'll truly love.  Have patience....we'll get there eventually.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

A Stitcher's Giveaway

It's Time for a Giveaway!!!

I decided this time to concentrate on the sisterhood of stitchers.  When I came across this free pattern over on The Primitive Hare (click here), I knew that I had to stitch this design in celebration of what we all love.  I have met several stitchers since starting this blog that I consider my "sister" even though we've never met and maybe never will.  There are so many stitchers worldwide but it's a very close community and I love that part about it.  

So the first part of the giveaway is a sweet little pin pillow stitched on 30ct. Creek Bed Brown linen from WDW using Crescent Colors cotton floss.  The checked fabric at the bottom is a country blue homespun with a piece of cream aged cotton lace across the top.  I've sewn 3 olive green buttons on and added one of my bows in green/blue/cream.  The finished size is approx 5 x 6 inches.

 I was also up at my LNS this morning and saw this silver charm and I thought it would make a beautiful key chain.  The heart is about 1.5 inches across and has a nice weight to it.  I bought one for myself and one to include in this giveaway.

So this is what I need you to do.  Leave a comment on this post only and in one sentence, tell all of us what the stitching world has meant to you....if you want to.  You must be a follower of my blog and if you have a blog, post a comment on yours about this giveaway and then come back and leave another comment about it.  It will give you a second chance to win.

I will let this run for one week and next friday I will have the random generator pick a number for the winner.  This giveaway is open to all my followers worldwide because I believe that stitching makes this world a little bit smaller and friendlier.

My next project is a suggestion from my good buddy Sweet Sue.....

Blessings as always,

Barbara

And the winner is.........

JOYCE CLARK FRANK

Vallie was not cooperating this morning so I had to use the number generator and it came up with the number 33.  Joyce was that lucky number and if she would please get in touch with me, I'll get her winnings out to her asap.  I want to thank all of you for entering this giveaway and keep watching for a major one whenever I hit 500 followers.  It's getting close so it shouldn't be too long now.

Everyone have a great weekend and get in some serious stitchie time.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Springtime Giveaway

I promised a giveaway starting today and in celebration of Vallie getting her stitches out and getting rid of that dang cone, here it is.  I've included some really nice things that I think all of you will enjoy.

First there is 2 patterns from Little House Needleworks.  One is called Home (I stitched the pillow) and the other is My Lady.  I've included a skein of HDF silk for the Home one and it's in shades of blues and greens.  I've included a piece of homespun linen for the Lady.  You also will find a journal with a matching pen for keeping those important notes on projects.  To top it off, you will receive a bag of Easter Corn.  I have tasted this and its scrumptious!!!

Now for those pesty rules. 

1.  You get your first chance by commenting on this post only that you are a follower.

2.  You get your second chance by posting another comment on this post only that you have posted about this giveaway on your blog.

That's all you need to do and I will have Vallie pick a name next friday to see who wins.  Good luck to all who enter.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Winner of Valentine Giveaway is....

Deborah

I added the second part onto the first part and came up with 160 entries.  I then used the Random Number Generator and it came up with the number 23.  Deborah had posted:

What a beautiful sachet! I would love a chance to win it.

I have emailed Deborah to let her know she has won.  I want to thank all of you who entered and check back often because a new giveaway is in the works for Easter.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

My Huswife is finished.....yea!!!!!

Since I put up Fallen Roses for a spell, I've been working very diligently on Mrs. Waddelow's Huswife by Ellen Chester.

 I stitched this with an HDF silk called Burnished Cranberry and the fabric is also by HDF but the name I can't read on the label.  It's Be............something or other but I have no idea what.  What I do know is that it is a 35 count.

 The coordinating fabrics that I used for the inside I purchased at my local fabric store called The Sewing Studio.  I love this store!!!!  It's where I get all my coordinating fabrics as well as my silk ribbon I use for my bows.  They have the largest selection of buttons I have ever seen in a store and what is nice about them, they store most of their buttons in long plastic tubes and you can purchase as many as you need.  You aren't restricted to what those pesty little cards have on them like at Joann's.

 You can really see in these photos the four pockets that the huswife has.  The bottom pocket is made with  elastic at the top to help hold items tightly.  There are 3 mother of pearl hearts at the top to hold threads and the ones you see in the pictures are new Gloriana silks I just purchased.  I'm looking for the perfect design to stitch with them.....any suggestions?

I have made several of these huswifes but I never kept one for myself.....this one is mine.  I bet you could tell since it's done in my favorite pink and green combination.  I love how this turned out but I seriously doubt if I'll stitch it again.

I'm overwhelmed with how many of you have signed up for my giveaway.  You still have time to join in if you haven't already.  The number will be drawn on Saturday morning so check back then to see if you've won.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

P.S.  I've been asked what is the name of the fabric collection that I used.  It is called Lily and Peony by Skipping Stones Studio for Clothworks.  You can find the collection at this online store.  http://www.clothworks.com/collection.asp?ID=308

Valentine Giveaway Update

I am overwhelmed with how many of you wonderful stitchers have posted to my giveaway that I thought I'd add to it.  I went to my LNS this morning and came away with some goodies I think you might like.  I have added the following:

10 x 10 inch piece of 28ct. Raspberry Chocolate Linen

Weeks Dye Works Madison Rose Overdyed floss

Sampler Threads Dark Chocolate Overdyed floss

Crescent Colors German Chocolate Overdyed floss

Crescent Colors Bella Rosa Overdyed floss

Crescent Colors Chocolate Cream Pie Overdyed floss

Whitman Sampler box of Chocolates

Valentine Hand Towel

and of course the SB Sachet

If you would like a third chance to win, add your comment to this post and I'll combine it with the original post about the giveaway.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER

A Valentine giveaway

We all remember giving and receiving sweet little Valentines when we were in grade school.....they were such innocent times.  I remember sitting down with my Mother and her very patiently helping me to write each name of my classmates on the envelopes.  When we came to someone who I wasn't too thrilled with, her explaining that Valentines day just isn't for the ones we love, but for those who need our love too.  I didn't understand it then but I do now.  

In honor of Valentines Day and in celebration of our one year anniversary of inviting Vallie into our home, I am giving away this beautiful Shepherd's Bush sachet.  I have stitched the design in Gloriana Silks and it's been filled with rice mixed with lavender crystals that offers the sweetest smell.  Around the outside, I have sewn on the palest of pink beads and the bow is pink and gold silk ribbon.  You will receive the sachet plus all kinds of Valentine's Day goodies....chocolate maybe?  

To enter my giveaway just comment on this post only...oh and you must be a follower.  If you want a second chance to win, post another comment with the name of your blog and where you have posted about this giveaway.  I will use the random number generator next Saturday so that the winner receives their prize package before Valentine's Day.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

(and good luck)

And the winner is............

I had the number generator pick a number this morning and it came up with the number 29.  I have already emailed Natasha to inform her of winning and as soon as I hear from her, the winnings will be in the mail.  I want to congratulate Natasha on entering and winning and thank all my followers who took the time to enter.  My next giveaway will be for Valentines day so keep watch.

I have had several comments about Trina's ornament and how I put the music box inside.  Well here's how I did it.  I buy the little round music box buttons at Hobby Lobby.  You can also get them online and you are limited to what tunes you get to choose from.  I then take the mat board that I use for the front and back of the ornie and cut a round hole in the center of each.  These music boxes aren't very thick so if you include the thicknesses of the two mat boards, the two pieces of batting and the two pieces of fabric, the music box is not at all noticable.  They are only about a 1/4 inch thick.  So after I have attached the batting and the fabrics for the front and back and I'm ready to stitch the ornament together, I insert the music box between them and there ya go.  A musical ornament and is one of a kind.  If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

My Christmas Giveaway

It's time for my Christmas giveaway and I thought Black Friday would be a good day to start it on.  What I am giving away is a sweet little pattern from Little House Needleworks.  What I also am including is all the floss, the 28ct. Jobelan, the chenille braid and the Weeks Dye Works Wool for the finishing.  I know the pattern calls for the red wool but I only have green and it does match the floss in the design.  

Now for some of those pesty rules.

1.  You must be a follower of my blog to join in on the giveaway.

2.  To get a second chance to win, please post about my giveaway on your blog and post about it separately.

So leave your comments on this post only and I will have the number generator pick a number on December 9th.  That should give you plenty of time to stitch this up for this years celebration if you wish.

Good luck to all who enter!

Blessings as always,

Barbara

Vallie has had a haircut and made a decision...

Yesterday Vallie had her day at the doggie spa and she looks and feels so much better.  It took 3 hours but I think the girl did a marvelous job.  She cut her hair down till it's only about 2 inches long on her back and then trimmed her legs, feet and face to match that length.  She even had her nails done.....no not painted but ground down so they aren't so sharp.

 I printed off the names of you ladies who offered your opinion on this and folded them into small pieces.  Now you can see above how much trouble this gave Vallie.  She just wasn't sure which one to choose.  After much prompting on my part.....she just jumped in.....as you can see in the picture below.

When it was all said an done, the one she picked was Parsley.  I have emailed her to let her know of her winning the little JBW French Country Wreath pattern shown below.

 Vallie sometimes falls asleep in the strangest positions as you can see but I'm glad she waited until picking the winner.  I hope each and every one of you have a fantastic weekend with lots and lots of stitchie time.  

I'm working on a little design that was in the latest issue of GOS.  It's a little fall scene in monotone and I think I'll finish it into a needle case or pincushion.  

Blessings as always,

Barbara

My Halloween Giveaway!!!!

Well I said my giveaway would start towards the end of this month and I think I made it on time.....for once.  LOL  I racked my small brain to come up with some goodies that would tempt all of you to enter.  The picture below is all of the goodies together and then I have separate pictures of all of them.  These should make a good start on your Halloween decorating.

 First off, there is a quilted candle mat using 2 different halloween prints and black.  And what use is a candle mat without a candle so I purchased one that smells like Sugar Cookies.....yummy!!!!

 Next up is a little glass jar filled with candy corn and the lid has been stitched with a little black owl surrounded with fall leaves....or would chocolate be better???  LOL

 Last but not least is a sweet little metal frame filled with a stitched pumpkin with leaves going around it stitched with HDF silks.

Now for the boring stuff.  

You have to be a follower of my blog and to get a second chance to win, post a link on your blog to mine and tell about the giveaway.   The ending day for posting for this giveaway will be next friday night.  I will pick a winner on saturday morning via random number generator.  Good luck to all who enter.  Oh....and there just might be a surprise thrown in for good measure.  :o)

Blessings as always,

Barbara

A summer giveaway....

I'm sure by now most of my followers know I have a shop where I sell some of my needlework.  Well I've decided to giveaway one of these items to whomever wishes to enter.  You can see what's included in this giveaway by clicking on the "My Shop" sign over to the right.  For this giveaway, I am only including counted cross stitched items....no knitting or crocheting.  

What you need to do if you are interested, is go look at my shop and then come back here and add a comment to this post only and tell me what you would like.  There is a pesty rule though.....you must be a follower.   

I hope alot of you ladies enter because there might be a surprise or two and I will let the number generator pick a winner on August 12th.

Blessings and good luck,

Barbara

And the winner is.....

I used the random number generator and up popped the number 11.  I have emailed Teresa to let her know she's won and to get her address.  I want to thank all of you ladies who entered and I should be having another giveaway some time soon.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

A needlework set giveaway....

I hope everyone is having a really great weekend and that nothing has darkened your doorway.

I was up at my local fabric store....Sewing Studio.....the other day and came across this adorable print that shows alot of different needlework on it.  I instantly saw a needlework set.  This is what the giveaway includes:

 A project keeper which measures  approx. 9 x 13 inches and zips closed.  A 4 x 5 inch bag that can hold your scissors or floss or whatever.  A needlecase that has 2 pages to hold all your needles.  A pincushion made in a silver tone tin.  Then to start you off right, I've included a 15 x 30 inch piece of 28ct. Milan linen in Soft Rose and a card of Rainbow Gallery Splendor Silk in black.

If you want a chance to win this needlework set, you must be a follower of my blog. Post a comment to this entry and if you want a second chance to win, post a link to your blog (please post a second entry and show me that you linked it).  I will use the number generator next saturday to pick a winner.

I wish everyone goodluck who enters!

Blessings as always,

Barbara

And the winner is......

I used the number generator and up popped the number 11 which was Bekca.  I will be emailing her to get her address so I can get the Just Nan pattern out to her.  Thank you all for your interest in this pattern and on Monday I will be posting another giveaway.  I will be getting everything ready over the weekend and I hope you'll be pleased with my effort.

Blessings as always,

Barbara

A Just Nan Giveaway

I just finished stitching this new design from Nan and I'm pretty sure it's not one I'll want to repeat so I'm offering it up to you ladies.  If you are interested in getting this pattern, just post a comment to this entry and I'll draw a name on friday morning.


P.S.  I would love to take the credit of the above framing, but I used the picture that JN has on her website to show you the pattern.  Sorry for any misunderstandings but mine is going to be finished into a ornament.

I hope everyone has had a quiet Sunday,

Blessings as always,

Barbara

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

My birthday month giveaway.....

is all put together and ready for you ladies to sign up for.  So far this is what I've come up with:

De fil en aiguille cross stitch magazine

1 piece of 29ct. Natural Glenshee Linen

1 piece of 28ct. Natural/Cream Tattersall Linen

Fibers:

Full spool of Embers by HDF Silks

#12 Kreinik Braid overdyed by Threadworx

3 skeins of DMC 5200

Cottesioe by Dinky Dye Silks

1 skein Kreinik Silk Mori

1 skein Hackberry by Nina

Small pink tin 

Cat shaped wooden thread holder

Small french whatnot box

Like I said this is what I have so far.  I know that by the time March 31st rolls around, I will have added to this but we'll let that be a surprise.

To enter, you must be a follower of my blog.  If you have a blog and you post a link to this giveaway, I will enter your name twice.  

This giveaway will be open until March 31st when DH will pull a name out of a hat.  This is open to all followers no matter where you live.  Good luck to everyone....

Blessings as always,

Barbara

P.S.  I almost forgot the most important part.  I didn't want to buy it now but I will also have some Godiva Chocolates added to the box.