Friday, February 15, 2008

Exchanges and gifts!

No, you're not seeing double! I really did stitch this pinkeep and scissor fob set twice. The first set went to Hazel in UK who was my exchange partner in a Valentine's Day exchange. The second set went to my friend Angela, also in UK, whose birthday is today. Happy birthday Angela!
The pinkeep design is from the series A Year in Stitches by Shepherds Bush. The little fob is A Rosey Year also by Shepherds Bush. The picture will show at its best if you click on it for a better view.


I didn't have enough of the lavender linen to back both fobs so one is backed in cream silk to match the backing fabric I used on both pinkeeps.

Next I want to share some pictures of what I received from Hazel in the Valentine's exchange.
The first picture shows a beautiful heart shaped pinkeep stitched on palest green linen. It has a little ceramic button in the shape of a flower pot and the edge is trimmed with pink ric rak braid.
Once again be sure to click on the picture for a better view.

Here's a picture of the back of the pinkeep. Hazel stitched our names and the date - such a nice touch.


Also in the package was a pretty little coaster stitched in shades of pink, a gorgeous handmade card with a beaded heart, chocolate hearts, white ribbon with red hearts on it and some heart shaped buttons.


Do you see the little heart shaped ornament hanging from one of the flowers in the vase? Hazel made that as well from sequins and beads - so pretty!

Still on the subject of gifts here's a pinkeep I stitched for Heidi's birthday

As the design was French I used a pretty red toile fabric for the backing

Finally, I received a wonderful surprise from Bren who sent me the most gorgeous vintage half apron I have ever seen. Made from pink ginham fabric and fully lined with organza fabric it's all hand embroidered in a technique known as "chicken scratch"

If you want to learn more about the technique go here
Bren told me this apron would not have been worn to do housework. The sheer organza panel would have shown off the dress the hostess would have been wearing underneath.
I'm absolutely thrilled to have this apron. Thank you so much Bren :)







Wednesday, February 6, 2008

A Redwork Apron

Here are a few pictures of my latest apron finish.
I used Judie Rothermel fabric from the Classic Black Collection 1870-1890 and stitched a cute redwork design on both pockets. I used DMC 498 for the stitchery and a pattern taken from one of the Aussie quilting and stitchery magazines that I love so much.

Here is a close up of the stitchery I did on both pockets and then trimmed with ric rak braid.



I had a few scraps leftover so did a matching potholder.

This is a close up of the label I stitched for the inside.


The apron was supposed to be for yet another exchange (the third) that has gone wrong. Thankfully I found out before I sent it so now it will go instead to a friend whose husband has been critically ill. She loves aprons and has been through a very rough time for the past few months.
It's such a beautiful day here today that I took the camera out with me while walking.
This picture was taken on my way down to the beach

and two more taken while walking at the waters edge.


Finally I just want to thank everyone who visits my blog for the nice comments that are always such fun to read.
I hope you are all having a beautiful day no matter where you are!