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 ~