Fourteen Finishes

It's another creative day, as I have been in my studio working on a large pile of beautiful needlework finishes for a longtime friend and client. These pieces were all stitched by the same busy stitcher - and most were fun to finish (except a couple with less than desirable finishing instructions...for most of these, I was asked by the stitcher to finish as pictured/directed, like the model...and I aim to please, so I did my best to follow the instructions to the letter). I was very pleased with how each of these items turned out...and I have everything wrapped and packaged for shipment tomorrow. I will list the designer details with each photo, just in case you have any questions or want to stitch one of these special designs. I will also note any special supplies I used with each image...

JBW Designs - Candy Cane Pocket
This was a kit and included with the red/white stripe fabric and rick rack...
I made the twisted cord with DMC floss and finished as pictured on the chart package.

JBW Designs - Folk Art Christmas Tree
Finished as shown on the back of the chart.
Hand-dyed Velveteen Backing and Pom Pom Trim from Lady Dot Creates.

Heart In Hand - It's a Cinch! Kit - Noel
Finished my way - flat ornament with fabric in the photo as backing.
DMC Cord, Hand-dyed Rick Rack Trim from Lady Dot Creates and jute bows.

Bent Creek - Holiday Hang-Ups Kit - Joy
Finished exactly as packaging.

Just Nan - Christmas Dragonfly Ornament
Finished as directed - linen back.

Prairie Schooler - Nordic Holiday #191
Finished my way. Backing is fabric shown in photo...DMC cord.

Hands On Designs - Make & Merry Kit
Finished exactly as directed...except, I backed the cross stitch piece
 with the mint snowflake fabric in the photo.

Elegant Stitch - Shoot For The Moon Kit
Finished the pin exactly as kitted
(except hand stitching of the forms and cord instead of glue).

Lucy Beam - Black Sheep Scissor Fob Kit
Finished exactly as kitted.
Side Bar - aren't those sheep scissors CUTE?!

SamSarah Design Studio -  Hope Blooms
Finished as directed for included hanger.
Striped fabric was used as backing.

Summer House Stitche Workes - Home Hive Nest
Finished exactly as kitted/directed.

Summer House Stitche Workes - Home Hive Nest
Finished exactly as kitted/directed.
Additional view.

Nikyscreations Primitives - Tiny Pocket
Finished as directed, except I lined the pocket with the cotton fabric
in the photo and top stitched the pocket flap/point.

La D Da - Sweet Pea
Finished as instructed. Used the beige button fabric
(see upper right image) for backing and bottom.
Gloriana Silk  Ribbon around neck.

Next up, I have a few time sensitive pieces to work on...and then several more large finishing orders before I am back to sewing project bags. Supplies have been rolling in all week - 360 zippers (yes, I said 360), two bolts of fusible fleece, 15-yards of clear laminate (thanks to a dear friend!), yards and yards of 3/4" rick rack in multiple bright colors, and lovely solid lining fabrics from the local quilt shop...plus client packages have been arriving daily - I have been keeping our mail carrier super busy! I guess I better get back to work...

Oh - and to finish up this post - here is a photo that Travis snapped of the kids this morning - they were having an early morning NylaBone tug-of-war session...

Winter Writings

Happy winter! The snow has stopped falling, and thanks to a wonderful neighbor and his snow blower and my fancy new shovel, the driveway and sidewalks are clear....with the garage full of boxes and furniture, I had vehicles to clean, as well (of course). Now that those duties are behind me and the dogs are walked, I am trying to warm up and catch up on a few tasks. 

I told you I would be back soon with some fabulous needlework finishing...and these finishes will not disappoint. Just a little reminder, these are not my designs or my stitching, just my finishing work. I enjoyed each of these so much...a couple challenged me and that is always a good thing. I must admit, after finishing the snowman (Whittaker from the Animal Cracker Series by Stacy Nash Primitive Designs), I am completely obsessed with this series and *in love* with each pattern - I wish I would have purchased several and kitted them up to stitch while we are mid-move...they would have been perfect...and if you think Whittaker is adorable, you should see Paisley, his companion! I don't have much time to stitch projects from other designers, but I must make an exception for some of these - they make me smile! 

Designer: Stacy Nash Primitive Designs
Animal Cracker Series
"Quincy" (owl)
"Whittaker" (snowman)

Backs

Whittaker

Designer: The Primitive Jewel
"Bird on a Peg"

Designer: La-D-Da (Lori Markovic)
Samplar Hare

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Birthday Blessings

I received an incredible birthday package from my very dear friend Robin this past week, so I have a few more inspiring/creative birthday gifts to share with you. You should have seen me smiling when I opened these packages - Robin knows me extremely well and spoils me beyond belief! She sent me another gorgeous cross stitch piece - she does BEAUTIFUL work - and this design is perfect for me...a quilt block with birds!! It is finished as a stand-up with gorgeous quilting fabric on the back - it is LOVELY and I am extremely touched.

She also sent me some fabulous fabrics for my stash and a new book. Robin knows I adore mini quilts, so the book Simply Charming Minis from Moose on The Porch Quilts is right up my alley - there are 16 mini quilts included ranging from 13" - 21" and they are all made with scraps and/or charm squares - several of them are already on my "must make" list! The fabric included a gorgeous panel and a 1/2 yard of fabric from the American Beauty Collection by Beth Logan for Henry Glass & Co., Inc....along with several other marvelous prints that fit nicely in my fabric collection...

...and, as if all that wasn't way more than enough, she included a new squirrel for my collection...a miniature pewter squirrel pincushion. It is just shy of 1.25" tall and is completely adorable...I put two 1" applique pins in it and they almost look too big...it is just the cutest thing!

I had a wonderful birthday - my heart is full - it was a fantastic week and I am so grateful to all my family and friends - you all spoiled me rotten and I feel like a princess - thank you!

This afternoon, Travis and I are headed to his parents house for one final birthday celebration...his mom is making her homemade pizza (my favorite)...

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend...