Friday, June 26, 2009

Flowers for Sarah is done!

One of my favourite cross stitch designers is Blackbird Designs and as soon as I saw the Flowers for Sarah needle case in the Thank You, Sarah Tobias book I knew I had to stitch it.
I stitched as part of a SAL with a few like minded friends which was a great way to get motivated and actually finish within a set time frame.
I used the recommended R & R Expresso 30 ct linen and Crescent Colours threads.
The finishing fabric is Beach House by Blackbird Designs for Moda.
The linen is quite stiff and was well distressed in that some of the creases seem to be permanent but, hopefully, it all adds to the rustic charm of the piece.












The next thing I have to show you is The Couch Companion which is a design by Leanne Beasley of Leanne's House.
I love all the wonderful things the Australian designers come up with and this was a real pleasure to stitch. The Couch Companion is designed to go over the arm of the sofa to keep all your stitching bits and bobs together while you stitch. I made this for one of my friends here in Spain. I hope she likes it!

Here it is folded



and a few views of it open.





All fabric used on the inside of the case are from the Harvest Home line by Blackbird Designs for Moda

I don't think there can be many cross stitchers that are not familiar with Yuko's blog. Yuko is from Japan and she does the most beautiful stitching and finishing. Not only that but her photography is outstanding.
She recently had a blog drawing to celebrate three years in Blogland and I was lucky enough to win one of her gorgeous pinkeeps.
The pinkeep has a Lily of the Valley design. Yuko says when you give someone Lily of the Valley it brings the recipient happiness. Well it certainly worked for me Yuko as I couldn't be happier :) I will call this my Happiness pinkeep and treasure it always.
Because my pictures are nowhere near as lovely as the ones Yuko took I am borrowing them from her blog. Here is the front



here's the back




and lastly one of my own pictures showing the lovely card and pretty threads Yuko included



I also have a pinkeep of my own making to show. I finished the stitching ages ago and have only now finished it into a pinkeep.
It's the Christmas Spot Sampler by Ewe & Eye & Friends. Yes, I know it's a bit unseasonal especially in the heat of the Spanish summer but if I put it away until Christmas I'd probably forget all about it!



Here's a picture of the back. I used fabric from the Sweet Romance line by Blackbird Designs for Moda. I DID say I love Blackbird Designs didn't I?




I think that's all for now other than a few pictures taken while out and about.
The buttons were on a market stall at a place called Guadamar. I did buy one or two but was so spoilt for choice I could hardly make a decision.


This is part of the fabulous beach at Guadamar




One of my friends lives in one of the apartments overlooking this courtyard and the following picture is the view from her balcony







<

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today. I hope everyone is enjoying some sunshine no matter where in the world you are.

Margaret

50 comments:

Nancy said...

Hooray I'm the first comment unless someone sneaks in while I'm still typing!

As always Margaret, your post is a feast for the eyes. Your Sarah needleroll is gorgeous, and I think the fabric does add charm. Sarah's would not have been without wrinkles I'm sure. The Australian design is very pretty, and your embroidery is as perfect as your cross stitching! And, I think you are so lucky to win one of Yuko's pieces! It is a treasure as is she.

Buttons and the beach too? Must be like heaven!

Love to Applique said...

Oh I am so glad to see the needleroll finished, as always you have done an outstanding job. Can't wait to start mine. I also have the Leanne Beasley project on my to do list.Hugs to you Margaret,Debbie

Sheila said...

As a very lucky person who has seen all these pieces in real life, I can say they are even more beautiful and perfect than in these photos. They are truly beautiful!!!

Françoise said...

OOO Margaret Your Sarah pocket is gorgeous!!!!
All your work is so lovely!!!!

Like always!!!Merveillous!!!
Françoise

karenv said...

Margaret, all your work is just stunning! The fabrics you have picked are gorgeous and everything is so beautifully finished, congratulations!

Sue said...

what wonderful stitching you have done, I love the Sarah pocket and your embroidery is beautiful...Sue

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Oh my gosh, Margaret - the needlecase is gorgeous! You did an outstanding job. I loved stitching that piece but I framed mine, I was way to chicken to attempt finishing (and subsequently ruining) it.

I also really love the couch piece you made. I know your friend will be thrilled ~ I sure would be. I am going to have to go in search of that pattern.

Have a great weekend!

Patricia Lessell said...

Margaret your Sarah Roll is perfect as is the couch thingy you stitched from Leanne's House. I love her patterns. Your stitching and finishing is always so perfect. Lots of Love Patti xxx

Stina Blomgren said...

Saw the needlecase on a Blackbird blog.. and I love it very much.. it is gorgeous!!
All those buttons.. lovely.. I would have had trouble deciding what to buy!!!
Love the Beach pictures.. wish I was there..:o))

Deb said...

I absolutely love your Flowers for Sarah. Such beautiful stitching and finishing.

Christine said...

All you've done is so beautiful ! Congratulations !

Suburban Stitcher said...

Beautiful stitching! Lucky you for winning one of those Yuko lovelies!

Margaret said...

You always do such beautiful work! Congrats on winning Yuko's pinkeep!

Ruthie's Place said...

Hi Margaret,
Absolutely love your tote bags and scissor fobs. Your Sarah needleroll is beautiful.
Warm hugs,
Ruthie

From the Attic said...

FFS is gorgeous Margaret and so beautifully finished. That Couch Companion will be such a useful thing to have too and the fabrics are so pretty. Congratulations on winning the beautiful Lily of the Valley pinkeep.
Chrissie

Maren said...

Wow, you have been really busy! The needleroll looks wonderful. I think the creases add to the appeal. Yuko sent an absolutely lovely pinkeep.

Chookyblue...... said...

lovely work as usual.........I am sure your friends will love there gifts..........

Olga said...

Wow! So many pretty things! I just love your Flowers for Sarah needle case, it's so pretty!

Christine said...

Lovely post as usual. I always sit here and 'oh and ah' over your stitching. The needlecases are both gorgeous .... love the Blackbird Designs fabrics you used to finish them too. Must make one of those couch companions one day .... your friend is very lucky.

Sandra said...

Margaret, everything you make is just perfect and all the lovely eye candy you are showing us today is no exception. I've even zoomed in and it passes close inspection lol. Can't wait to see what treats you come up with next.

angelasweby said...

Margaret,
What a wonderful post on your blog. It's so full of color, fantastic creations I can feel the warm sunny atmosphere from here. I can tell you're happy so Yuko's beautiful Lily of the Valley pinkeep is really working. It's so lovely and when I first saw it on her blog it started a passion for Lily of the Valley designs.
Your Flowers for Sarah is just stunning. I love your fabric and the linen could not be more perfect, as one of your like minded friends I put the last stitches into mine last night and seeing yours finished has spurred me on to make mine up :>)

I love the photos of the beach and courtyard. What a magical place to live. The button stall is just mind boggling!!
Love the EEF pinkeep too, their patterns are in a league of their own :>)
Your blog is sensational. What a treat!!
Hugs A

Sherry said...

Yea for the wonderful finish! I love the Couch Companion! How pretty is that!

Andrea said...

Another wonderful assortment of beautiful things. I love Sarahs Pocket, your fabric matches so well. Oh and gifts galore. Enjoy your sunshine, we are having a tiny bit here in the UK

staci said...

I love when you post...it's always so inspiring! Your BBD Needlecase is STUNNING! And the couch companion is AWESOME! Wow, love them both!!!

Dawn said...

Your work is stunning!! I love everything!!

Dovilė said...

Margaret, Sarah pocket is gorgeous:) and so many pretty things!
congrats of the present from Yuko:)
happy summer !

Karoline said...

Flowers for Sarah and the couch companion are gorgeous, congratulations

The French Bear said...

Such beautiful stitching!!! I am in awe!!! From one Margaret to another, you have such talent!!!!! I love them all!!! I only wish I could do that kind of stitching!!! I am just learning(and not very well), I am teaching myself!!!
Cheers,
Margaret B

suz said...

Your needleroll is amazing - as always, your work is beautiful

Kit said...

So many wonderful pictures and finishes! I love your needleroll and pinkeep. You are so talented, and what a lovely win from Yuko. I can't wait to see what you have to show us next.

Anonymous said...

Well done ! You are so deft at sewing - your needleroll is the best I have seen so far.
We are not going to Spain this summer and your pictures make me terribly sad - I am going to miss all this ! Enjoy the heat and the beach :-)
Val

Sally said...

Oh wow I adore your Flowers for Sarah needleroll. It is just so beautiful! The piece you won from Yuko is gorgeous. You are so lucky!

Dorothy said...

Margaret, your work is exquisite, as always! I especially love the needleroll.
Congratulations on winning one of Yuko's pinkeeps. And you are right, Yuko does take fantastic pictures. Her staging of the photos is always so artistic.

Sharon said...

Your finishes are stunning!

The little book of Nessie said...

It is always lovely to visit your blog and see such lovely handwork. I enjoyed the scenic photos as well. Regards, Nessie

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Good Day, Your cross stitching is truly beautiful and in my very favorite colors of shades of pink. I have now discovered Blackbird designs and I bought my very first Bicornu Pincushion. Hopefully I will start stitching on it in the Fall. Wow, what a huge selection of beautiful buttons. Of course I love your truly lovely Spain photos. Have a lovely summer. Hugs Judy

Sonda said...

Wow those are absolutely fabulous!

Pat said...

It is all so beautiful Margaret.

Khris said...

Your work is unbelievably wonderful as usual Margaret...just love love love it all...you always blow me away with what you make...hugs Khris

Clare said...

I have to agree with Nancy - a feast for the eyes! What a lovely post to read Margaret - and such lovely items to drool over!

Quite envy you the beach too.

Christine said...

So beautiful stitchings on this blog !! I love !
Something for you on my blog :-)

Brigitte said...

Oh Margaret, Sarah's needleroll is such a beauty. I'm stitching on it too and have the first two parts finished, so the bigger parts ar still ahead.
I love this Couch Companion. What an awesome idea. And of course I love the way you finished it.
And oh, so many buttons! I think I would have the same problem of choosing. Lately I was in a craft shop in France where they had lots and lots of ribbons and I was quite helpless. But as I know there's no such choice at my place I just bought ... and bought ... and bought, lol.

Unknown said...

Hi Margaret,

Your blog is magnificent, so much work and all so gorgeous. You must be a very busy lady.

The photos are all so beautiful (scenery included. You are so fortunate to live so near such a wonderful beach

trelly said...

Hello Margaret! I bought the box in Sitges, the shop is El ribot blau...
http://www.elribotblau.com/tiendas.php

DIDI said...

I have no words!
Everything is absolutely fan-tas-tic! The first needleroll is one of my favourites and it's on my list.
By the way, I live in the opposite corner of the same country as you and haven't seen the sun for nearly a month now!

Julia said...

Hi Margaret, I really love the stitching on your needle case - the colours are beautiful. I also now know what to make with my 'Harvest Home' fabric - what a lovely idea!

Julia :0)

Carol R said...

The Sarah needleroll is stunning!

Crazypatch said...

gorgeous... many many projects... All your work is gorgeous..

Zafran ali said...

I absolutely love your Flowers for Sarah. Such beautiful stitching and finishing.thank,s for nice post.Send Flowers Pakistan

MysteryKnitter said...

The Sarah thing is awesome!