Smalls SAL for May - I've Been Beary Busy

I could hardly wait to post these cuties.  I had so much fun stitching this monogram from Kelmscott Designs  It measures approximately 2.5x 3 inches:

I'd like to introduce Ted E. Bear.  He's knitted using size 1 needles and very fine yarn I received in a Ravelry exchange over two years ago.  He stands sits a proud 2.5 inches tall. The pattern is from Huggable Bears Craftsy Shop.

I made his little bow by using a fork.  I can't find the blog that showed me how to do this, but if you search on the web, there are quite a few methods available.  In case you can't see the heart around his neck, it says "Made with Love".  Ted E. Bear will be sent to a dear friend who collects bears.  Their home was broken in to and they lost just about everything.  Hopefully Ted E. will brighten her day.

I must say, making the little bear was addicting.  I see more in my future.  Hmmmm - maybe a teddy bear picnic?  Sounds like summer, doesn't it?

Better run - Keep yourself surrounded by stitches ~ Cheers ~

Christmas in July Swap and Other Stitchin'

It's been an insanely busy week - again, lots to share.

Christmas in July Swap Stitchin'

I can hardly wait to complete the pieces I'm making for my swap partner.  The stitching is done, one item has been finished:

Stiching is all done on these, now to the craft room to make them into………guess??

I know, the swap is for three finished pieces.  I love Christmas and got a little carried away with stitching ;)  My Swap Partner will receive three….just revving up for the holidays.

For more ideas on what you can stitch up, go to the Christmas in July Swap blog, created by my co-Swap Mama, Cheryll.  We will be sharing ideas - it's AWESOME (if I do say so myself HA!).

What else have I been up to?

I found a glorious used book, "Exquisite Miniatures (in Cross Stitch and Other Counted Thread Techniques)" by Brenda Keyes.  In one of the chapters, Ms. Keyes gives step-by-step instructions on painting a canvas with Gilt creme.  I thought the look was stunning, so I tried it.  I selected a pattern called "Une rose pour Maman".  It was a free pattern I printed long ago... I tried the link, but it doesn't exist anymore.

The other piece I finished is from Jenny of ELEFANTZ Designs.  It has special meaning to me, as the button is from a tin of buttons left by my mother.  I couldn't figure out why there were so many WHITE buttons…..until I realized they were most likely from her nursing uniforms.  I remember her in white from head to toe, starched and pretty.  Thank you, Jenny, for sharing your talents.

I also finished my Round Robin design and sent it to my partner. I can't show you what I stitched yet….I'll post when I know it's arrived safe and sound.

OK - back to my needle and thread!

Remember, keep yourself surrounded by stitches ~ Cheers ~

Better Get Comfortable…..

…..this will be a post full of pictures and updates. ;)

 ~ Christmas in July Swap ~

The elves are all busy in their workshops making their gifts to swap with their swap partners in July.  I have completed one of my pieces…..no pictures to post yet, you'll have to wait until July 25th when we get to open our goodies and share.

 ~ Mr. Postman was very good to me ~

I can't believe I've been so fortunate these past weeks!!  Lovely Kaye from Kitten Stitching had a give away and I was one of the lucky winners!  AUGH!  I LOVE blues and yellows….can hardly wait to stitch up the Stone house by Juniper Designs….check out the adorable scissor charm….and who can't use an emory board that has centimeters and inches??  Thank you, Kaye!!

Sarah from Sarah in Stitches had a give away for a traveling chart from LK ("Life's a Stitch").  The chart arrived - and so did some other lovely gifts.  The traveling pattern, some gorgeous threads called "Blue Star", a needle threader from "My Big Toe Designs", darling charms (love, love to embellish my stitching with charms.  I think it adds some whimsey), and last but not least a key chain in the shape of a flip flop with sand from Dubai's pristine beaches.  How cool is that?!

Nancy from Victorian Motto Sampler had a give away for her Custom Family Name Sampler.  I was one of the lucky winners.  It is absolutely GORGEOUS!!  I can't tell you what name I requested on the sampler because it's a surprise for a very special couple.  Nancy, as always, you are generous and sharing.  Thank you.

~ Personal Delivery ~

My brother-in-law from Hawaii came to the main land on business.  He stopped to visit for a few days while stateside.  Unfortunately my sister-in-law wasn't able to accompany him this time around. She and I share a love for needlework (and collecting stash :)).  She sent these projects…as always PERFECTLY chosen. Now I find I'm addicted to Victorian Sampler designs. HA!

Hmmmm….what have I been stitching, you may ask?  Well, I've been working on

 - Christmas in July Swap

 - iStitch Swap hosted by iStitch Designs

 - Christmas Ornament hosted by Hooked on Exchanging

 - Round Robin Exchange hosted by Butterfly Wings

    ……but I can't show any pictures……yet.

I can show you progress on the Mystery SAL from By the Bay Needleart.  I'm almost done with Part 2.

Can hardly wait to see what the finished design looks like.

WHEW!  Long post.  More later…..

Keep yourself surrounded by stitches ~ Cheers ~

Christmas in July Swap Update

Well, all Elves have been called to action and given the names of their recipients.  I wanted to let you know there was one lady who wanted to participate in the swap, but left no way for me to contact her.  I'm so very sorry.

I've got LOTS to share, but it will have to wait until this weekend.  So much to do, not enough time (or energy!!).

In the meantime….Keep yourself surrounded by stitches ~ Cheers ~

Christmas in July Swap - Update

The swap will officially close tomorrow at 5PM CDT.  I'm extending the window of opportunity to particiapte for two reasons:

1 - Mother's Day weekend is a crazy one for many people and I didn't want to exclude anyone if they
     couldn't get to their computer over the weekend.
2 - I have one potential elf I can't reach.  She wants to be part of the swap, but the note to me was sent        from "noreply-comment@blogger.com".  I want to provide every opportunity for her to respond.

SO, if anyone still has an inkling to join in, send me a note (email is in my profile) with your email address PLUS mailing address.

I hope everyone had a beautiful Mother's Day.  ~ Cheers ~  

Got Jingle??

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way!! 

No, I"m not losing my mind (of course, depends on who you ask - HA!) - just wanted to put out a little reminder the Christmas in July Swap sign up ends this Saturday.

Send me an email or leave a comment if you want to be an official Elf for someone - let's see how many we can muster from around the world!!  Check out this link for guidelines.

OK - break out the HO! HO! HO!s and TRA-LA-LAs - let's make many stitchers SMILE ;)

Keep yourself surrounded in stitches ~ Cheers ~

Christmas in July Swap Opens TODAY!!

I will be hosting the Christmas in July Swap for all interested stitchers outside New Zealand and Australia.  If there is anyone in New Zealand or Australia who would like to participate, you can go to Cheryll's blog, Gone Stitchin, to sign up.

SO, all you stitchers who would like to join in the fun, leave me a comment ON THIS POST ONLY.
This will allow me to keep track of those who want to participate (I don't want to miss any elves ;))

To read about the Christmas in July Swap, click here.  This is my first time hosting a swap…..Cheryll has been instrumental in helping me and encouraging me.  (THANK YOU, CHERYLL!).

Please note ….. make sure I can contact you, please.

Let the fun begin!!!