artisticneedle

Valeri has finally received the Summer Sweetbag exchange package I sent.


Stitching and putting this package together was somewhat bittersweet. For reasons I don't want to voice here, it marked my retirement (for want of a better word) from participating in exchanges. I've enjoyed each and every exchange I've been in and have a display full of lovely gifts, I cherish them all.

Thanks for visiting!

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

I received the most wonderful exchange package from Patti earlier this week. The bag is beautifully stitched and finished, it's just perfect. Patti also sent along some beautiful fabrics, stationary and a guide on Rhyming Cockney Slang that's too funny.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart Patti, your package put a big smile on my face, I love it all. :)

Labels: Exchanges

Wendy Jo has received the Patriotic exchange package I sent, late as always. In one of those weird coincidences, I stitched the same design for her that she stitched for her partner. :)


Little House Needleworks - Liberty and Justice fob & floss tag
Pincushion made from Moda's Flag Day Farm charm pack

Patti - I use Picasa 3 software to create the collages.

I hope everybody has a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Thanks for stopping by - 'til next time.....

Labels: Exchanges, Other Crafts, Stitching

Marie sent a wonderful exchange package full of goodies from my wish list. There are jelly bellies, needles, linen, Crescent Colors floss, a Twisted Threads chart and a primitive quilted pin. Most wonderful of all is the patriotic needlebook, I love everything about it.


Thanks so much for your generosity Marie!

Labels: Exchanges

Sally has received the biscornu exchange package I sent.




I don't think it's any secret that I love creating these little tuffets. For some reason though, I had a very hard time deciding on what to stitch this time. I started several different designs with several different color combinations before I made up my mind. This one is a variation of Indigo Rose's Pretty In Pink. It's hard to tell in the photo but it's stitched on R&R 30ct Elizabethan Green linen with Gloriana and NPI silk. Instead of stitching a back, I opted for a dupioni silk and edged it with Miyuki metallic blue beads. Despite my indecision, I really love how this one turned out.

Still catching up on email - Patti, Angela, I haven't forgotten you, promise!

'Til next time.....

Labels: Biscornu, Exchanges, Stitching

So obviously my "next day" post has taken 2 weeks, life's funny that way sometimes. I have a lot of catching up to do, I apologize in advance for the lengthy post. :)

Hoe Biscornu Exchange from Lynn B.

I received an adorable cupcake biscornu from Lynn. She also included a stitched fob, floss, ribbons and a beautiful handmade card, Lynn is clearly very talented!



I can't show pictures of the biscornu I stitched quite yet, I was late again.....sigh.

Email

Apparently Yahoo Mail is having issues - both incoming and outgoing - I've almost cleared my inbox in the past week (yes Ms. Carol, one went to you). If you've tried to reach me and got an error message or if you've been expecting an email from me and haven't received it - please email me at my swbell.net address. I still have a few emails sitting in my inbox that need a reply, hopefully I'll have those addressed by tomorrow.

Special Friends Award(s)

Carol, Patti and Debs nominated me for an award, I'm truly touched that you all thought of me.


This award means "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these kind writers. When you pass the award along please include these guidelines". I'm supposed to choose 8 friends to share the award with but I honestly find this too difficult to do. I nominate all those that put up with and claim me as a friend! :)

Comment Answers

First, thanks so much for the sweet comments on the SB fob.

Stitching Cat Deb - The organizational cubes came from Michaels in the scrapbooking section. You can configure them however works best for you, that's just one of the things I love about them. Be warned though - by the time I was through I'd put in almost 1,000 screws, tough on the hands!

Craft-i-leigh - I prefer linen in the 32-36-40 count range. It's always hard to change from something you're comfortable with. Waaaaaaaaaay back in the day when I graduated from Aida, I went to Lugana and/or Jobelan before I graduated to linen. As for brands, I prefer Zweigart Belfast when stitching samplers and for smalls I prefer a stiffer linen such as Wichelt, Brussels or Northern Cross.

Rhapsody In Red

The release of the casket has been delayed a bit, we are still trying to find just the right trim.

In the next week, there will be a Rhapsody In Red blog opening. At that time we'll also have a very limited number of finishing kits available.

That's it for now, if you've read this far, thanks for hanging in there! :)

'Til next time.....

Labels: Blathering, Exchanges

Ina sent a lovely package full of wonderful Valentine goodies. Aren't the little heart candles cute?



I heard from Carla that she had received my package.


Shepherd's Bush Happy Heart Pendant


I have a bit of catching up to do in the next couple of days, both here and email (what's new?).

I'll be back soon, stay warm.....

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

I'm so late posting pictures of the sweet floss tag I received from Jeanie! It's been hard to find enough light to take a decent picture for the past week, sunshine has become a precious commodity.



Just so nobody worries, it might be a bit before I'm back to post again, things are a little crazy right now. :)

Until then.....

Labels: Exchanges

I heard from Sharon that she had received my floss tag exchange package. For some reason this exchange caused me more anxiety than any other, maybe because it's the last exchange I'm participating in this year. I changed my mind several times on the stitched portion but ended up going back to the first design I picked, a sweet little fall design from Merry Cox.






CarolG & Coco - thanks for your help on the PS design.

CarolR & Tammie - I'd love to swap but I doubt you'd like to now, our silly weather has changed yet again with highs in the 40's forecast for the entire week.

Joann - let me know if you haven't found the Amy Butler pattern.

Until next time, whenever that might be.

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

can somebody please explain why it was 77 degrees in Missouri in November? And why the forecast is the same for the next 3 days? I'm a gal who dislikes summer and looks forward to fall, winter and spring. Last week the temperatures were low enough that the pilot light on the heater was lit, all the fans were cleaned and put away and slippers and gloves were taken out of storage in preparation. No, I'm not crazy (maybe a little but not about this), a medical condition dictates that I wear gloves outside once the temperatures hit the 50's. I even took a picture and had planned a little celebration post that fall was here. I'm not celebrating but here's the picture anyway. :(



Most everybody knows I'm not really a frou-frou type of person. The one exception are my gloves, if I have to wear them then why not go all out? LOL

I just finished putting together my last exchange package of the year. It's a floss tag and for some reason, what should have been the simplest exchange turned out to be the hardest. Maybe it's because I knew it was the last until next year. Anyway, I'll be back with pictures later this week.

I'm on the hunt for 2 Prairie Schooler designs - Christmas Trees #82 and a freebie called S is for Spring. Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks to you all for the comments on the Halloween Exchange bag! I worried about this one right up until it was finished, I'm glad you like it. Now if the post office would cough it up all would be right in the world. Gwen was out of town and her mail was being held when it arrived at her post office. The delivery confirmation scan shows delivered on the 22nd but she has yet to receive the package.

Joann - I owe you an email, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I'm behind! I did want to answer your question about the pattern I used - it's from Amy Butler and called Frenchie Bags. I altered it quite a bit and substituted the stitching for what was supposed to be a fabric band. Let me know if you want further info about what I did.

A - I'll email you with details on the fabric, floss and design changes I made on the stitching part.

I'm off to dig a fan back out and am not happy about it!

Labels: Blathering, Exchanges

I had a lot of fun making this year's bag even though I made a few mistakes along the way. It was a huge learning curve, the original pattern for the bag was much larger than I needed and had to be reduced to just the right size. Fun stuff when there's a pleat involved. :)


I used part of the sampler from The Prairie Schooler's When Witches Go Riding leaflet for the front band. The back band used the lettering and bird from the same sampler.




I sure hope my partner liked it!

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

It's hard to believe it's almost Halloween but proof arrived this weekend in the form of an exchange package from Val (samplar101). This is the 3rd year I've participated in the Legacy Halloween Sweetbag Exchange. Val sent an eye-popping package - the bag itself is amazing enough but then she stuffed it full of all kinds of Halloween goodies - hand towels, oven mitts, slippers, socks, earrings, a Kelmscott needle minder, candy, hot chocolate, I'm sure I've missed something but it's all in the photos below.




I should be back midweek with photos of the exchange package I sent, yes, late again. Sigh....

Email has once again piled up, the past couple of weeks have been more than hectic, sorry for those of you who were worried. It may take me a day or two to get everything answered but I am working on it.

Thanks to you all for the lovely comments about Rhapsody in Red Part 4 (except you Ms. Diane - paybacks - you know the saying)!

As always, thanks for visiting....

Labels: Exchanges

My needleroll arrived all the way from The Netherlands, isn't it bright and sunshiny and cheerful? Thanks again Marion!



Queen is still not cooperating, I can't seem to get a decent picture but tomorrow is another day. Gosh, who knows, I might actually set some kind of record and post every day this week!

Thanks for visiting!

Labels: Exchanges

I was glad to hear my HOE Needleroll exchange package arrived today. It traveled to Alison in Australia and as always I was worried until I heard she'd received it.




I used a design from Keepsake Stitches called Bunnies In The Berry Patch. Instead of a normal needleroll, I stitched a front and back so it is joined on both sides instead of just down the back. Both the lace and little bunny were from my stash, there's a reason I pick up odds and ends, just never know when they will come in handy. :)

I tried taking pictures of Queen this afternoon but the lighting was terrible so I guess I'll be back again tomorrow.

'Til next time.....

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

and a little of that this post.

New floss drops with tiny little heart flowers in pinks and reds, much cuter than the picture, hard to get a good picture when it's gray and overcast.


The latest little sheep kit from Shepherd's Bush, I really wasn't sure I liked this one but it didn't take very long at all for it to grow on me.


Shepherd's Bush - Queen's Sheep
This unexpected gift came from Wawanna at Dazzling Ornaments. My picture does it no justice, the workmanship is just outstanding.



I also finished my needleroll for the HOE exchange, on time too, can you believe it!?! I'll be back soon with photos.

My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by the hurricane(s) and tropicals storms. Be safe please.

'til next time, thanks for stopping by.....

Labels: Exchanges, Gifts, Other Crafts, Stitching

My partner for the Little House Needleworks exchange on the HOE blog finally received her package (I don't need to tell you I was late sending again do I?).

This one went all the way to Margaret in New Zealand, I have to confess I was very worried that it would take forever to reach her despite traveling via priority mail.



Little House Needleworks - Garden Pleasures
Sweet Bag and Floss Tag


I really had a lot of fun putting this package together. I had made the decision early on to try and make as many of the goodies as possible. The floss drops were no problem, I'd already experimented with those. I hadn't finished a floss tag yet but figured it couldn't be too much different than the tag I made for Valeri's Halloween bag last year. The flower pins were a little more challenging but I was pleased with the final result.

Til next time - please don't forget there's still time to sign up for my PIF! :)

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

first this lovely package arrived from a dear friend across the ocean. I've been blessed to receive several stitched items from her, each more beautiful than the last. I hope she realizes how much I appreciate it and just how special she is. :)



The second package came all the way from Ina in Holland, she drew my name for the HOE Little House Needleworks exchange. Ina did a wonderful job of stitching and finishing the Wool Needlebook and Fob. The goodies included are shown in the picture below, everything is just fantastic.

Labels: Exchanges, Gifts

I'm very late posting pictures of the beautiful pinkeep exchange package I received from Yuko.

Also included was a package of lovely trim, cute buttons, fabric and a package of cherry blossom scented bath goodies.

Yuko has more pictures of the pinkeep on her blog that show the lovely pins she made. If you look closely, you can see that she incorporated both our initials in the design, very clever.

Pinkeep Exchange Package from Yuko
Pinkeep from Yuko

I sent to Veronica and had a great time putting her package together. If you get a minute, visit her blog and take a peek at the lovely pinkeep she made for this exchange.

Pinkeep exchange package to Veronica
Pinkeep to Veronica
Pinkeep to Veronica - back

In other news - I'm happy to say that the big Photo Album move is finally over and the link has been changed both here and on my website.

Thanks for visiting!

Edited to fix the link to the Photo Album - sigh......

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

I participated in the biscornu exchange over on the Hooked On Exchanging blog, you know I can't pass up making a biscornu! :)

I received a beautiful biscornu from Sonda along with ribbon, fabric, Silk Weaver linen, Carrie's Creations floss and a lovely chart from Crown & Thistle titled Witches Pocket - all Halloween related.



My package was a couple of days late but flew to my partner Becky arriving in just 2 days.





I was really happy to hear it arrived, I always end up with butterflies in my stomach worrying that my partner won't like what I've stitched or will dislike the goodies I've enclosed. Does this happen to anybody else or is it just me?

Thanks for the kind comments on my new blog look - I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed programming and it's been lots of fun. So much fun that I offered to do one for a friend but she informed me that she wasn't ready for a change until summer! LOL

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

Life has been insane these past few months, I'm alive, perhaps dragging my fanny a bit, but still alive. Nothing like receiving daily e-mails asking if I'm okay to make me realize just how long ago my last post was. :)

A few highlights in pictures:


My first Trick or Treater the past 2 years, isn't she adorable?

An unexpected treat sent by a lovely lady who shall remain nameless, thank you again!

A long awaited fall season finally arrived

bringing the last blooms of the season

and finally the first snowfall that somehow made it's way on to the front porch.


Periwinkle Promises - 2004 JCS Christmas Ornaments Issue

The only stitching since I can't remember when - a biscornu for a Christmas exchange on the Just A Thought bulletin board.

To those who have been waiting and waiting and still waiting on long overdue replies to your e-mails, I'm starting to catch up - I think my draft box has more e-mails than my inbox - you'll be hearing from me soon. :)

Thanks for visiting - I really do appreciate it.

Happy Holidays!

Labels: Biscornu, Exchanges, Gifts, Stitching