Star Ornament Swap

I'm taking a quick break from my ABCs. I signed up for a star ornament swap on swap-bot so I wanted to get them done as quickly as possible. We have to do two ornaments using a star theme. I did one in a vibrant red and the other in an icy blue. While it's the same design, doing them in different colors gives them each a unique look. I hope whoever gets them will like them. They were fun to make. I also like framing them just off-center to give them a "different" look.

A close up of the stars. I used beads for the center.

And, of course, here are the backs.

French Knots vs. Sead Beads

I've been working away on my ABCs and I'm really enjoying stitching this piece. This piece has quite a few French knots and somewhere along the way, I've lost my ability to make them. The trouble is keeping them all consistent. I like them nice and uniform and I'm having trouble with them. So, I cut them all out and I'm using seed beads instead. It's a nice change and it does give the piece a nice little sparkle.

I forgot to include a backside photo. I'll remember to do it on my next update!

Working on my ABCs

I started a project this weekend and I thought I'd show you what I've done so far. I'm still in my "use what you have" mood, and I've got several kits that have been just gathering dust. This one was given to me by a dear friend that lives in the U.K. We've never met (in person), but she's one of my closest and dearest friends. We worked for the same company until she left work to have a baby. We've been chatting on the phone, emailing and sending each other surprise packages for the last 4-5 years...and we've never met (I can't emphasize this enough). She's the one I tell my troubles to and the first one (after my hubby) that I tell all my happy news to as well. Our biggest fantasy is to one day actually meet, without husbands and kids, just because we know we will talk, craft and shop until we are blue in the face and we don't want to feel guilty about ignoring them. It will happen. Once I set a goal, I always achieve it. I'm very patient and methodical (it's a good methodical, not a "psycho" methodical!) when it comes to getting what I want (it's the whole affirmation attitude that I walk around with!). Okay, I could talk about her all day...onto what this post is all about!

And of course, the back.

It's really a great stitch and I'm amazed at how quickly I'm getting through it. I started this Saturday afternoon and after working on it last night, I then took these pictures.

Finally hanging up my pieces!

I don't have a large house, and luckily, most of the walls in my house have windows in them. So, I don't have much wall space to hang pictures. My MIL is an artist (I'll have to do a separate post on her work someday), so most of our walls are covered with her work. I've been wanting to hang my framed cross stitch pieces but there has never been a "good" place to hang them up. I decided to hang them in my entry way and just make that wall my "cross stitch wall." We have one of those houses where the front door hardly ever gets used (I know you're not friend or family if you go to the front door!). Everyone comes in the back door by the garage. This space is hardly used and no direct light (it's pretty much in darkness 24/7), so I can use this space and not worry about sun damage either. So, here's the start of my cross stitching wall.

Stitching Bloggers Birthday Club (SBBC)

I just received my birthday package from by SBBC partner. She did an amazing job and sent me some really great birthday treats.

The biscornu, pin keep and scissor fob were all made by her. Her stitching is really good! She sent me three patterns I have been wanting, and also sent the scissors (can you have too many pairs of pretty scissors??), needles and floss. She went way beyond my expectations and I can't thank her enough for her generosity.

A quick note to Edgar for being the host of this exchange. He keeps us all on track and is also able to turn out the most amazing cross stitch I've ever seen. I think he's robo-stitcher! In the time I complete one piece, he's done ten! He's now showing off by framing his own work! He's very inspiring and I always look forward to reading his daily posts.

Favorite Color Swap #3

For this swap, I chose pink and my swap partner did not disappoint me!

She sent me some origami paper in a pattern I don't have, as well as that gorgeous piece of fabric that everything is laying on! She also included an embroidery hoop, the likes of which I've never seen before. I've stitched so many initials for family and friends yet I've never stitched my own. I think this unique hoop is going to get a pretty, pink "H"! She also sent a small cross stitch pattern which will now be put in my travelling tote bag. It's the perfect size to take out and work on...anywhere. And last, but not least, what stitching gal has ever had too much floss? Thank you for sending such a great package.

Favorite Color Swap #3 - Round 2 swap

I'm really becoming addicted to swap-bot. If you love getting (snail) mail like I do, it's the ultimate pleasure. I just received a package and I chose purple as my color choice (trying to step away from the pink for a minute, still crave the pink, but I thought I would choose a different color). Here's all the wonderful things I received.

So much fun! I can't wait for my other swaps to arrive. I made the mistake of not taking photos of what I sent to my partners. I'm hoping they will post photos when they receive their goodies so I can steal some pictures.