Thursday, June 23, 2011

A little bit of everything





Hi everyone,
Once again there's been way too big a gap between posts but instead of boring you with my excuses I'll just get on with the pictures as I have a lot to show you.
Hmmm, where to start.............
I was motivated to have a little cross stitch finishing fest one weekend and managed to get three small ornaments finished.
The first is Needles and Pins Heart Pinkeep from Country Stitches
I followed Brenda's instructions for spraying cream linen with coffee before baking in the oven and then I stitched it with the recommended DMC threads. I have to say I absolutely love how this turned out.




I just managed to squeeze the backing out of a 5" square from a charm pack as I thought it went so well with the design.



The next one is Blackbird Designs Winter Garden Pincushion which is my May ornament for the Ornament a Month Challenge.





I used the recommended threads and trimmed it with chenille yarn. Instead of using fabric to back the piece I took one of the motifs and stitched it again three times.



The final ornament is Shepherds' Bush Merry Merry Be which was a kit friend Sheila bought me for my birthday.



This was the first time I've attempted the ruched ribbon trim and while it's not perfect I quite like the way it looks.
I backed it with fabric from the Moda Peace on Earth range. This ornament will count as my June ornament for the challenge so I'm happy to say I've managed to keep up and hang in for the first six months.



On the quilting and bag making front I am still working on hand quilting a quilt I've made for my baby grandson. Pictures to follow soon (hopefully) and I also made another bag from a pattern by Bareroots using fabric from the Blackbird Designs for Moda Garden Party line.




Here's a close up of the stitchery design. You should be able to click on it for a close up if you wish



I haven't done any crochet in a while but have plans for this yarn




which will become a Cath Kidston inspired granny square throw. I'm looking forward to making this.



A few weeks ago I entered a giveaway on Australian designer Anni Downs blog.
You had to guess how many buttons in a jar to win a copy of her latest book and imagine how thrilled I was to be one of the two winners!
I could hardly wait for the package to arrived and when it did, well, all I can say was I had high hopes and I was not disappointed!



The book has 112 pages and is crammed full of designs that I absolutely love.
There are patterns for three quilts, a table runner, a pillow, bags etc.
and for those of you, like me, that live in a place where just about every single thing has to be purchased sight unseen online I thought I'd show you lots of inside pictures so you can see for yourself how nice the book is.



How lovely is this little needlework bag?






and the accessories to go inside it





Another bag - LOVE this one



Finally, I want to show you some sweet little pin books that my friend Angela has been making.





Each pin book is printed onto quality cardstock which is then gently distressed for an aged look. They measure about 3" X 1 1/2"

How about this one with the popular 1940's Keep Calm and Carry on motto



each pin book has matching wool felt interior with three pearl head pins



I've kept the best til last of course and here is the latest mermaid in my collection.
This one is trimmed with narrow grosgrain ribbon and vintage buttons




I think these little pin books would make great gifts for stitchy friends or maybe you would like one of your own. If so just email me. I can then put you in touch with Angela who is happy to make them to order for you at a reasonable price.

That's it for now so, as ever, a big, big thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments
Margaret

41 comments:

Margaret said...

All of your stitching and finishing is just wonderful! I love the bag you made too. Congrats on winning that book -- I know you will put it to good use. I love those needlebooks-- especially the mermaid one! That one is a real winner!

Sally said...

Oh, Margaret, it is always such a joy to see a post from you. Everything is just so beautiful, especially the SB ornament. Congratulations on winning the book:)

Cristina said...

All your pieces are simply gorgeous! Congratulations.

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Your work is so beautiful Margaret!
I love the bag and I just have to admire your wonderful stitching.
Congrats on winning such a great book too, I'm sure you'll put it to good use!
Vivienne x

Sheila said...

As you know, I love everything you make...and you have some great photo staging here too :)

staci said...

Gorgeous and creative finishes as always! I adore that Shepherd's Bush ornie! And I can't wait to see your KC inspired granny :) And I'm sure you'll make some really lovely things from your new book (congrats on your win!)

Lynn B said...

I love everything Margaret! The bag is beautiful and the little pin cards are very cute from Angela.

Lesleyanne said...

Congratulations on winning the book. All of your finishes are gorgeous but my favourite is the SB one.

Melissa said...

Beautiful stitching and finishing! Everything is lovely!

Congrats on winning the book. I'm sure you will have lots of fun making things from it!

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

So many projects completed and as always your stitchery is beyond compare. I'm always so glad to see a post from you. Can't wait to see the quilt you are hand quilting for your grandson!

Karen said...

You have such pretty finishes! Can't wait to what other goodies you make...

happy stitching....

jane said...

What a treat to see one of your lovey posts Margaret. Congratulations on winning the book, it looks lovely.
All your finishes look beautiful, so inspiring as always. I am looking forward to seeing your crochet too.

Anonymous said...

Your posts are always worth waiting for Margaret and I love everything you have shown especially the SB ornament. The colours for your next crochet project are gorgeous and look so well together. Angela's pin book are so well made and lucky you on receiving them, also congratulations on winning the book looks as thou there is some beautiful projects in it - love the round pin cushion.
Hope you are getting plenty of sunshine I think the weather here in the UK is going backwards, still the farmers/gardens need the rain.
Love Hazel C (UK)

Christine said...

Congrats on winning that wonderful book and your finishes are beautiful! I especially love the heart pin cushion.

Deb said...

Your stitching and finishing is wonderful. And so is the bag! You've been busy. That book is a great win and looks like it has some fantastic projects. And I love those needlebooks - especially the one with the mermaid.

Ellen said...

Everything is beautiful! I especially love that bag, your stitching and finishing are perfect!

Congrats on winning Anni's books! Looking forward to see what you made from that book.

Hugs,

Sandra said...

Your Needle and Pins heart pinkeep is gorgeous Margaret, I have mine finished and ready to assemble, but don't seem to have any spare time right now - we're decorating. I also love your stitched bag, you do everything so neatly. I am sure you will have a great time making things out of your new book and look forward to seeing the finished pieces.

Mouse said...

awww you didn't have to make one for me but thanks you soo much it is gorgeous (my initials are MG too hahahah) you done a lovely job with the finishing :) well done on the win and those little card needlebooks are lovely too :) take care and happy stitching love mouse xxxxx

Carol said...

It may be a long time between your blog posts, but each post is well worth the wait :)

Your little smalls are exquisite--like tiny treats. I love your finishing on each, Margaret!

How nice to have won that great book, too--I look forward to seeing your newest creations...

Michelle said...

Oh Margret - the book you won is lovely and you inspire me so much with your lovely stitching. Hope you are keeping well xx

Lili said...

So beautiful stitching!!
The book looks great!
Nice weekend!

Nelli said...

Wonderful!

Mary said...

Some great stitching there Margaret but I particularly love the blue bird - just gorgeous. Well done on winning the book - you will put it to good use I am sure.
Mary

KarenV said...

Gorgeous finishes as always, Margaret. I really love the fabric you used to back Merry Be, it's perfect for it. Lucky you to win that book - there are some great projects in it. Thanks for sharing the photos - I hate ordering things "sight unseen" so it's useful to have a preview :)

Unknown said...

very beautiful work. I love your hearts. Every time I try to stitch a heart I make the edges wrong and doesn't really look like a heart shape :-)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful blog you have,i have made the quilting shop bag and i have just ordered Anni Downs book and congrats for winning it.

Andrea said...

Ah, some great finishes again to admire. Love the ornaments and the bag. Congratulations on winning the book, I know you'll put it to good use.

Siobhán said...

Everything is a feast for the eyes. You do such gorgeous work! Congratulations on winning the book!

Wendy said...

I love all your beautiful finishes! And congrats on winning such a terrific prize. I'm sure you can't wait to start making some of those lovely new patterns.

Karoline said...

As always it's all gorgeous, congratulations

Peg said...

Margaret you never disappoint us and it's always a joy to visit your blog. Your creations are as always beautiful, I love the bag especially.

Congratulations on winning the book I know we'll soon be seeing at least one of the projects.

hugs Peg x

Catherine said...

Everything is lovely
hat acoincidence, I have also realised the pinkeep by Brenda gervais. It is so cute.
I have decided to add a pattern by blackbird design to put on the thread "bobine"
I think I will buy the book, there are so many things to do !!!!

marly said...

Oh my Margaret, where do I start? The bags, pinkeeps, needlecases, the stitchery.....all so lovely and stitched so beautifully! I really like your adding a snippet of the design to the back of your ornaments/pillows, and your fabric choices are perfect. The Needles & Pins Heart in this post has the perfect fabric backing. I love that print! I also found more blogs to visit from your list. Happy to find you!

Jeanne said...

You do such wonderful work. Your little projects are wonderful. What a great win from Anni Downs! I'm sure you'll enjoy that one.

Nancy said...

Hola Margaret! Everything is SO beautiful - stitching and finishing! I love the bluebird heart! Enjoy your new book. It looks like you will be making a lot of pretty new things!

Elisa said...

I'd like to give you the stylish blogger award, please head over to my blog for the details. xxx

Paula said...

Everything you make is so pretty. I must buy that book there are so many beautiful things in it.
Well done you for winning the competition.

Patty C. said...

So many lovely finishes -most especially Needles and Pins Heart Pinkeep from Country Stitches

Just beautiful ;)

Crafts @ Home said...

What lovely stitching, thank you for making the magic number in my list of followers :)
Sue Xxx

Kathy said...

What fabulous stitching! And congrats on your win. The book has some wonderful ideas in it.

symiote said...

all your stitching are so cute!! Congratulations!! and the two bags are gorgeous!