June Smalls SAL Check-In

It's that time! Heather of Stitching Lotus hosts a Smalls SAL throughout the year. I love, LOVE this SAL, as it really motivates me to stitch....like I need any motivation? HA! And what SAL <DON'T> I love to take part in??

Anyway, I digress - here are two I completed this month -

The last of Elena's ABC SAL:

I have an idea how I'm going to finish all the blocks....as I stitched them each individually....so stay tuned.

Here's a sweet little sampler....wish I could tell you who the designer is....I was given the kit, but no indication of the designer's name are on the pattern or finishing instructions. If anyone recognizes it, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due. It's from 1999, as I had to jimmy the date for 2016. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it.

Off to my studio and to gather a new project for FNWF hosted by the lovely Cheryl. Until tomorrow....

Twins and Tripletts, Announcement: Sabbatical

Twins and triplets? Nope - not talking about children or grandchildren or animals or anything living and breathing.

Twins - two RAKs arrived safe and sound.

Number 28 was given to Astrid of Dragon Stitches and Stuff by Astrid.

"Stars and Stripes Forever" pillow - design by Pine Mountain Designs

A few extra goodies

#29 given to Shirlee of The Easily Influenced Stitcher

Mug Rug made by me as part of my Traditional Quilting class by Kathy Shaw

A few extras....

Tripletts - three more RAKs are going out today. That makes 33 total - hi-YA!

I won't be sending more RAKs for several weeks - most likely will pick up again at the end of July. Nope - it's not because I'll be partying all month <G>...I'm hosting a seminar in my home studio and I have a lot to do to prepare for my guests. 

You know how I absolutely adore making 1:12 scale dolls.Well, I'm proud and thrilled to tell you the world renowned designer, Dana Burton of Dana of Miniature Art will be my guest teacher. Six of us will be her students. I want everything to be perfect......studio cleaned and organized (YIKES! - Will I ever be able to find anything again?....you know how it goes...), table to set for lunch, gift bags for everyone.....

SO - just to give everyone a heads up.....I'm taking a sabbatical after mailing 31, 32 and 33 today. I'll post when the recipients receive their gifts....then resume my activities the end of the month.

Have a great rest of the week, everyone!

Amazing Artist Website, Free Pattern and Not 31...Yet

For those of you who love artwork and needlework - full size and in miniature, you have GOT to pop over to Shelly's website On Dragon Wings Studio. This lady is so talented....it's beyond words. (I'm not affiliated with On Dragon Wings Studio, I just think it's worth a look-see).

Now, for the freebie - Tricia of The Embroiderer's Story - has posted a free, downloadable  pattern for a quick, fun pincushion. It's done in Flame Stitch. I don't have the wonderful threads she has made it with, but I'm sure I can find some that I love already in my stash. 

Flame Stitch Pin Cushion - Image from The Embroiderer's Story

Not 31.....Yet = RAK #31 is boxed up and ready to go.....just didn't get to the post office this morning as planned. Instead, had a surprise visit from two grand babies from Michigan (ages 2 and 3)! What FUN!!! #31 will meet our postman Monday.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

27

The postman successfully delivered RAK #27 to Christie of Christie's Cross Stitch Creations

A hanging ornament from a freebie....which I can't find the link to.....I printed the pattern out several years ago....

A scissor fob made with Swarovski crystals and Swarovski black pearls....the charm is a Russian enamel heart.....and some other goodies

Now - off to make up a few more! Happy weekend, everyone!

#26, Xmas in July.....the Clock is Ticking!

I am so pleased to tell everyone RAK #26 has been received by June of Butterfly Wings.

Porcelain trinket box trimmed in 24 Kt gold designed and painted by me

Scissor fob made by me 

A Special Edition kit from Lizzie and Kate and a few extras

I sent out the two Christmas in July Swap packages yesterday. Just a gentle reminder to those who are participating the last day for sending yours to your partner is July 1st. Please don't forget to email me when you (a) send yours and (b) receive yours.

Now......off to create!

24, 25, 30, XMas in July Swap

Well, I'm very happy to tell everyone the sweet Sharon (It's Daffy Cat) received RAK #24.

Porcelain trinket box designed and painted by me, trimmed in 24 Kt gold and beaded chatelaine, designed by me 

Inside of the box

The lovely Evalina (This and That) received RAK #25.

Pouch and pin keep - design by Jackie du Plessis

Some extra goodies

I'm also happy to report RAK #30 is on it's way into the wild blue yonder!! What a milestone! Half way there <G>

I've been working away on my Christmas in July swap pieces and have them ready to wrap and send. One of the swap partners had a family emergency, so had to cancel at the last minute....so sending two parcels out. I hope the ladies like what I've made and chosen to send them Pictures after the opening day - July 26th...stay tuned.

Now - off to my studio, lots to do!!!

FNSI, 28, 29

Wendy of Sugarlane Designs hosts Friday Night Sew In (FNSI).  I actually finished this piece during the Sew-In:

Uh......yep- that's all I can show you for now, as it's part of the Xmas in July Swap....tee-hee....you'll just have to wait.

"What's with 28 and 29?" you ask? I'm sending out #28 and #29 RAKs today. YIPPEE-SKIPPY!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend....Now - off to create!

22, 23 and Tisa

RAK # 22 was delivered safe and sound to Lynn of Happiness is Cross Stitching. Lynn is the lady who encouraged me to start my own blog - and I can't be more grateful for her suggestion and encouragement. She and I share a love of French themed things. With that in mind....

French Limoges box painted by me in 18th Century style - 24 KT gold (etched) trim and matching 

Fleur de lis scissor fob

Inside of Limoges box, 24KT gold embellishment and monogram

A few extras

RAK #23 sent to Mouse of Tales of a Stitching Mouse

Pin keep - cross stitch design by Little House Needleworks

A few extras

And now let me introduce you to Tisa. She is part of the ROMANTIC ROYALS collection designed by Dana Burton of Miniature Art.

Tisa - Romantic Royal Collection

Now - off to create!

Two

Two more RAKs have safely arrived. Here is #20 and what I sent to Julie of More of Him:

"Let Love be Your Guide" from Lizzie Kate

Fabric, floss and a cross stitch pattern from Myrtle Grace Motifs

RAK #21 given to Jacquie of My Journey

Porcelain demitasse cup and saucer with 24KT gold trim designed and painted by me and a mug rug made as part of my Traditional Quilting Course taught by Kathy Shaw.

Another mug rug

Coffee-themed fabric and some floss

Off to create more goodies!! Hope you all have a great rest of the week!

One out of Three, Tisa

Wooo-HOOOOOO!!! I'm doing a happy dance this morning, Ladies!

I received an email early this morning that the sweet Teresa of At Willow Tree Pond received her RAK! AUGH! This package was in Postal Purgatory.....I had inadvertently switched two numbers in Teresa's zip code......it's been traveling around awhile - last time USPS updated the tracking information was 30MAY. ANYWAY....the lost is FOUND!

A Hanging Decoration - free design by LynnB of Happiness is Cross Stitching

A few extras....

I've been working on another itty-bitty doll - her name is Tisa. She's seated on a chair - first pic (cover your eyes if you're modest <G>):

Tisa dressed.....but no embellishments nor draping of her gown yet.

Working on ornaments for the Xmas in July Swap.......off to my studio!

4,5,6...Living Dolls...Lost??

Here is Part 11 of Elena's ABC SAL. I took a little poetic license with the flowers (top row)....

Last month, I was able to hook up with some china painting friends I hadn't seen in a long, long time. My sweet friend, Cathy, was in the area giving a seminar. She really likes the 1:12 scale dolls I've been making, so I popped over for a brief visit and took some of the dolls with me. Here's her merry crew:

Me, far left, back row....Cathy, front row, left side....surrounded by her students

I'm still stitching, stitching away....sent five more RAKS out yesterday...that makes 26 total, so far. I must admit.....I'm a bit worried about three of them.....they seem to be lost....? They should have arrived by now.....SOB! But I'll be patient.....and hope they arrive soon.....

OK - back to stitching!

Given and Received

Another RAK arrived at a good home.....this time the package went to Jo of Serendipitous Stitching.

Pin keep "Bee Simple" design by Ewe & Eye & Friends and a matching scissor fob designed by me

Some bee-themed fabric, floss and bee-themed buttons

I found it very 'serendipitous' the RAK was included in Jo's "The Alphabet Club" blog post featuring the letter "K".  Yes, "bee" doesn't start with 'K'......but "Kim" does - HA!

I was away for a few days visiting friends, arriving back home yesterday afternoon. I was absolutely floored to open a package from Marlene from Stitching By the Lake. 

A darling stitching bag and lovely card

Inside has lots of pockets for my stitching and supplies

Thank you SO VERY MUCH, Marlene! I've never EVER had anything like this. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are appreciated beyond words.

OK - four more RAKs to get in the mail later this week - YIPPEE!!

Two More and Santa Sack Swap Now Open

Two more ladies received their RAKs....

#16 given to Leonie of Fireflies and Cats in the Garden

 Needle book Cover "Growl When Needed" by SamSarah Designs and a matching pin cushion

Inside of Needle book 

A few extras

RAK #17 given to Lynda of A Cozy Little Place for Stitching

Porcelain trinket box designed and painted by me, banded in 24Kt Gold - and a Chatelaine designed and beaded by me

Inside of trinket box 

Cheryl of Gone Stitching' has just announced the opening sign up of her annual Santa Sack Swap.

It's loads of fun - pop on over and sign up, if you have the urge....