And the Winner Is....

I am thrilled to announce the winner of my "Merriest Christmas!" Giveaway. I used Random.org to generate the winning number and the winning number selected was #16. After counting comments and then then recounting to be sure, the giveaway winner is Lisa V of Perth, Australia!

Congratulations Lisa! I'll be sending an email to you shortly to gather all the mailing details so that your Samplerbird Stitchery gifties can be on their way to you. I  hope you have fun stitching it up for yourself or someone you love!

A big Thank You to all for taking time to comment on my last post and a hearty "Welcome" to my new followers! I can't tell you what a heart-warming and encouraging experience it has been to read through the comments. At a time when my self-confidence is struggling with the out-of-work blues, it means the world to me. Thank you for brightening my day!

EMAIL: If anyone sent an email to me in the last week and I have not responded, please resend it to me. For some reason, AOL placed emails related to my blog in the Spam Folder and as I was sorting out the true spam, I accidentally clicked "delete all" instead of "delete" so I lost it all. Arrrgghhh!

Finishing: I've been trying to do some Christmas stitching finishing over the last couple of weeks. Here are a few pics:

Peace and Joy (front) - The Drawn Thread
Stitched this year on 32 ct. raw linen over 1 and over 2. I substituted over-dyed cotton floss for the silk threads that I did not have and used beads and buttons from my stash for embellishment. Santa's beard and coat trim are stitched with Whisper. Finished using Cynthia's wonderful directions included with the pattern.

 

"Peace and Joy" (back) - The Drawn Thread



"Frosty" - Designer unknown.
Stitched long, long ago on 18 ct Aida with DMC. One of those stitched designs that had been lanquishing away in my 'finished' box for years. Wanted to try the finish I've seen on so many blogs this year and pulled this out to experiment with. 



"Festive Redbird" - Homespun Elegance
Stitched in 2009 on 28 ct. linen remnant from my stash using over-dyed floss. I substituted a brighter shade of red to match the beads that I wanted to use. Finished using Sandra's directions included with the patttern.



"Angels Sent" - Susan Greening Davis (Still Stitching with Susan) from the 2010 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue. Stitched on 30 ct white evenweave from my stash using DMC 115. 
I had the pleasure of spending numeroues hours (and $$$) in Susan's Michigan shop when it was open and I couldn't resist stitching this up for me and one for a friend.



Samplerbird Stitchery News: I'm busy stitching the model for the "Peace on Earth" ornament that I will be offering as a freebie before New Year's Eve (stay tuned for a sneak peak in a day or two) and I am working on a couple of new design ideas, the first is based on two things that I love, samplers and quilts, and the second is a set of smalls with a winter theme. Hope to have them ready by mid-to-late-January. 

Several of the comments to my last post mentioned that it was nice to find a design that fits in a standard size frame. I wholeheartenly agree. In fact, that is one of the factors that I am taking into consideration as I design. It is frustrating when we stitch up a perfectly lovely design and then put off framing because a custom frame costs so much. I was lucky enough to grow up with a Dad who was a master-woodworker and he showed me how to do so many things (if only I had paid more attention). I did learn how to construct a frame and over the years I've accumulated the equipment to do so but I don't always want to make a frame, sometimes I just want to go to the store and pick out a ready-made frame and get on with the framing. So I will try as I move forward with my designing to accomodate those of us that prefer to use a standard size frame. 

An Anniversary: I'd also like to mention that this week marks the 4th anniversary since our little Birman twins, Zissou and Zoe, joined our family. 



Zoe and Zissou settling into their new home.

   

Zissou and Zoe, this year, supervising the annual "putting up the tree" event. Note: Zoe (right) is smaller than Zissou (left) although it doesn't look like it in this picture. Sorry, the flash hides their blue eyes. 



By the way, I neglected to acknowledge Zissou as the model in the "Merriest Christmas!" picture from my last post. He has been a little miffed at me so I promised that I would show his latest glamour shot today. Isn't he handsome!

Thanks for stopping by today and a big CONGRATULATIONS to Lisa V for winning the "Merriest Christmas!" pattern pack, linen and threads.

Happy Holidays!

My 2010 Christmas Giveaway & My Newest Design

Happy Holidays! I’m so happy that you stopped by today! I must say, I was overwhelmed by the positive comments about my "Holiday Spirit" design. I can’t thank those of you that left a comment or sent an email enough for taking time to brighten my day and encourage my designing endeavor. {{{Hugs}}} to all of you!

I have a new Samplerbird Stitchery design that I’m excited to tell you about. Let me introduce you to…Merriest Christmas!

"Merriest Christmas!"
Designer: Samplerbird Stitchery
Stitched on 32 ct. Rue Green Zweigart Belfast linen with overdyed floss: Weeks Dye Works Snowflake and Holly, and Crescent Colors Cupid. Framed using a standard 5 x 7 frame purchased at Hobby Lobby.  

Three things inspired me to design this piece, the joyful feeling that this season brings to my heart, new fluffy snowflakes, and the look and feel of an old-fashioned type greeting card. After several transitional morphs, I found the “look” that I envisioned. I hope you like the results.

I combined my thoughts for a Christmas giveaway and my new design introduction and arrived at my, “2010 ‘Merriest Christmas’ Giveaway.”

"Merriest Christmas Giveaway winner will receive:
The “Merriest Christmas!” pattern.
A 10 x 12 piece of 32 ct. Rue Green linen.
And…three skeins of over-dyed floss to stitch this baby up!

The drawing will be conducted on Tuesday morning, December 21, 2010, at approximately 9:00 a.m. EST. To enter, simply comment on this post and tell me that you want to be included in the drawing. Please include your email address, if it isn’t on your profile, so I have some way to contact you for your address if your name is drawn. You must be a follower to win. The best of luck to all!

A couple of things before I sign off. First, I’m setting up an Etsy shop to sell my Samplerbird Stitchery designs, including “Merriest Christmas!” and I’ll post more about that in a few days. Secondly, I’ll be publishing my next complimentary chart, “Peace on Earth” here on my blog prior to New Year’s Eve. Stay tuned!

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world today. Take care, have some fun with needle and thread, and enjoy yourself!

My October Gift and a Free Holiday Pattern for You!

December greetings! I hope that everyone had a fun Halloween and a Happy Thanksgiving. I have missed spending time here. I am so behind posting, reading, and commenting, that I may never catch up. I guess I'll move forward and hopefully do a better job of keeping in touch. Thank you to all that commented on my last post about the pumpkins. I'd be glad to share how easy they were to make if anyone is interested. Let me know by commenting on this post or just send me an email.

I missed posting my October finishes, but I just have to show the gift that Julianne (one of the sweetest and most generous stitchers around) sent to me. I received her little "just because" gift in October. Thank you again, dear Julianne. 


Lovely surprise in lovely packaging from Julianne.

 Don't you just love the rose embossed gold bag! And the "pear" card was perfect for October. Inside the bag was the sweetest ornament. Julianne stitched the robin design from Prairie Schooler's "Signs of Spring". I collect robins and I just love it!!! It is hanging from the lamp by my stitching chair so I can admire it whenever I sit down to stitch. (I plan to send a little something Julianne's way after the first of the year.) 



Robin from PS "Signs of Spring"

Here's a pic of Miss Zoe, my very own "Dora the Explorer" checking out the new gifties that came in the mail.   



Zoe (doing her best Vanna Whiskers impression.)



Since I am "between employment" at the moment, I decided to pursue one of my long-time goals: designing. Back eons ago when my Mother and Aunts was collecting dollhouse miniatures (70's/80's?), I designed and stitched quite a few mini samplers and linens for their dollhouses and displays and I designed and stitched an extended family tree in honor of my grandparent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. All designed on graph paper with colored pencils. About five years ago I purchased charting software. Until now, I have only used it to customize little bits and pieces of charts that I was stitching, but haven't taken the time to start fresh and let the creative juices flow. 

So over the last several weeks, I have been charting and stitching, recharting, frogging, and restitching and today I put the finishing touches on my first original ornament design, "Holiday Spirit" from Samplerbird Stitchery (that's me). 


 I included words that evoke the spirit of the holidays for me. I wish I could stitch one for each and everyone of my blogging friends and the wonderful shop owners that have kept me supplied over the years. You are all very dear to me and make even the roughest days a bit brighter. Since I can't stitch that fast, it is my pleasure to gift the chart to you. I hope that you like it.

If you stitch it, I would love to see how you choose to finish it. There are so many possibilities. The matching trim and ribbon that I used were purchased at Michaels (this year) to add lots of bling! I like bling at Christmas. It's a quick stitch, especially if you leave off the beads and just use a simple cross stitch. Enjoy!

Click on the picture to make it bigger.

If you have any questions, you are most welcome to email me at robinndlwk@aol.com. Happy Holidays!



Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world today! 





"Holiday Spirit"
Designer: Me!
Copyright: Samplerbird Stitchery 2010



And We Have a Win-na!

Thank you to each and every one of you that left comments on my last posting. I find it gratifying to know someone is interested in my projects and cares enough to leave a message. It reaffirms why I need to be more diligent about leaving comments on other blogs...it means so much to the receiver. Don't you agree?

Before I get to the main topic of tonight's post, here's a pic of the little pumpkin pincushions that I put together this past weekend. I finally got around to using some of the crushed walnut shells that I purchased this past summer. I've got to make more of these, they are ADDICTING! You wouldn't believe the mess I made in my craft room/studio/office as I dug through boxes and drawers to fine all the components. Oh, what fun I had!

And now for what many of you are waiting to read...the list of candidates has been tabulated, the winner's name selected by my DH...........BUT before I reveal the winner of Jenny Bean's Halloween Sampler chart and leftover threads, let's review the selection process, shall we?

First, I listed the names of everyone that left a comment and stated they wanted to be apart of the drawing.

Next, I cut the names apart.

Then I carefully folded each name and placed the little pieces of paper into my trusty candy corn tin (from JoAnn's). And my DH had the honor of selecting a name from the ever-so-cute tin. And the winner of Jenny Bean's Halloween Sampler chart and leftover threads is...............

BERIT!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, BERIT! I hope you enjoy stitching the sampler even more than I did! 

Please email your snail mail address to me and I'll send Jenny Bean off to you ASAP!

Thanks again to all that left comments. And to all that took time to just drop by for a visit. I'm glad that you stopped by my little corner of the world today! Hope your stitching adventures are always happy!

A Finish and My First Giveaway Ever

A couple of nights ago, I finished my favorite fall design from 2009, Shakespeare Peddlars "Jennny Bean Halloween Sampler". It was one of those sampler designs that I just fell in love with at first sight. It took about 3-4 weeks to stitch with a couple of breaks to stitch things for an exchange. Here's a pic of my Jenny Bean:

Stitched on 40 ct Sandstone linen with the Limited Edition The Gentle Art Sampler Threads.

And, because I enjoyed stitching Jenny's Halloween Sampler so much, I'm offering the pattern and the remaining 9 Limited Edition threads as my first ever giveaway. I think there will be enough of all the threads except for Nightmare (the black) to stitch this again, especially if it is stitched with one thread on 40 ct (or maybe even 36 ct.) linen.

         

Since this is my first giveaway, I'd like to keep it as simple as possible, so all you need to do is comment on this post and tell me if you are interested in going into the drawing. It is not necessary to be a follower, although you are most welcome to join me. :)

On Thursday, October 14th, I'll draw a name from the comments to this post and announce the winner's name. Please make sure that your email address is available so that I can contact you if your name is drawn. If you are a fast stitcher, you might be able to stitch this up before Halloween! Good luck to all!

QUILT SHOW: On a side note, I attended a quilt show this past weekend and I was pleasantly surprised to find a Blackbird Designs quilt. Such a shame that pictures just don't have the same impact as seeing it in person! Beautiful!!

I happen to live next store to a quiltmaker-artisan extraordinaire, Pat. She is always creating something of beauty. Here she is with her Country Cupboard wallhanging. Again, the picture just doesn't do the quilt justice. The red, black and white border detail is jaw-dropping gorgeous! Check out Pat's blog to see more of her quilting and crafting projects. She has lots of tutorials, too.

Well, enough of my meandering for today. Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world. I trully appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for making the blogging world such an enjoyable place to visit!

I Can Stitch...When Traveling @ 70 MPH

I had pretty much given up trying to stitch while riding in the car. Then about a year and a half ago, I came across a little Bent Creek zipper kit in my stash and decided to take it along while my DH and I took a drive. And I discovered stitching with #5 Pearl Cotton on 18 ct Cork linen is Michigan roads friendly! What a relief, no more "pin the tail on the donkey" type stitching (that's where you struggle for about five minutes trying to get the needle in the right hole). I can now actually stitch and enjoy the drive, too.

Here's a pic of a couple of my first Cork projects: "Made in the USA" kit, Bent Creek (center), in the lower right corner, Trail Creek Farm's "USA" freebie. On the left is "Land That I Love" from Lizzie Kate which is stitched on 32 ct raw Belfast.



We haven't been traveling much over the last year but I have managed to stitch or finish stitching the little grouping below:

Trail Creek Farm "Summer" freebie, Birds of a Feather "Halloween Costume" freebie, and The Gift Of Stitching, "Cupcake Doily" motifs with added buttons.

So now I have a little travel case packed and ready to go with some #5 pearl cottons, 3 or 4 smaller cuts of Cork linen, a few smaller, Cork appropriate patterns, a package of #22 needles, and a pair of travel scissors that I clip to my seat belt.

And then this past weekend, I made another discovery. We took a little camping trip and on the way, I pulled out an exchange piece that I am stitching on a piece of mystery 28 ct linen and found it surprising easy to work on. That is until we hit a nasty, bumpy stretch of highway and then it was back to the Cork. So now I have another travel option. Let's see, what do I want to stitch on 28? I really wish I could share a picture of my stitchy progress on the exchange piece but I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'll just say that it is very cute and such a clever idea from one of my new to me favorite designers. I just wish I had enough of the linen left to make one for me too!

I'm ready for a road trip, how about you?

Happy stitching! Thanks for stopping by my little neck in the woods.

Glory, Glory, Halleluiah!

I finally have a few finishes to share. I haven't had much time to stitch over the last several months. I won't go into it all now, but it involves a job, extreme stress, long hours, and finally a decision to move on. So last week, DH and I went camping, that is, we took our travel trailer and camped in a lovely KOA campground  near Petoskey Michigan. We relaxed and I tried to regain my sanity. (Note: I'm still working on it.) In the meantime, I stitched.

On the left is "Spring Glory" from Sisters & Best Friends. Stitched in honor of one of my favorite flowers. I stitched it on a piece of pale pink 32 ct linen that I had on my stash and used DMC and overdyes. I changed some of the recommended colors and stitched the letters randomly with a few coordinating overdyes. I must say I am pleased with the changes I made. 

On the right is a sweet little pattern from a new to me designer, Jardin Prive. It is called "Ronde de Fluers Pinkeep". I stitched in on 36 ct white linen with DMC. I just love it and I plan to make it into a pinkeep using  purple head pins (like the one in the picture).

Check out the object in the upper middle. Yes it is a little flower frog. It's about 3 1/2" wide. A few weeks ago my sister and I went on one of our sister's getaways and along the way we stopped at a few antique/second hand stores and I found not one, not two, but three flower frogs. Unfortunately, they are all small and only my tiny scissors fit in them. I did see a few of the larger ones but opted for the small ones as I didn't take into regard that scissors actually have to fit in the holes. Duh! Oh well, live and learn. Next time, I'll be on the look out for one of the larger versions. 

I tried to upload a few more pictures but Blogger is being obstinate and is giving me a "failed" message so I will take that as a hint to say goodnight.

Thanks for stopping by my little blog. 

Hippety, Hoppity, Here Comes An Easter Finish....

Last weekend I found time to dust off my sewing machine and stitch-up the "Hoppin' Along Sampler", With Thy Needle & Thread's sweet little Easter bunny pillow design.  It went from this...

To this... Uh...not quite what I envisioned. Looks more like something called Lumpy.

But with some shaping, the addition of ears, ribbon, whiskers, embroidered nose and even a little blush, my little bunny is looking much better.  Even Zoe thinks so.

 

All set for Easter decorating!

Of course, Zissou, Zoe's twin was not impressed.

Thanks for visiting. Sending best wishes for a blessed Easter and Passover.

Coffee to Dye For...

I did it! I coffee dyed my "Hoppin' Along Sampler" bunny-to-be linen. (Pattern from Country Stitches/With They Needle & Thread.) After seeing Deb's finished model adorning her blog, I just had to get over the apprehension I was feeling about the coffe thing. It turned out a little darker than I anticipated but I like it. Here's the before and after pictures.


Before Coffee:

After Coffee:

I bought a sheet of clear plastic template that I found in the quilting department at JoAnn's to trace the pattern. The instructions say to use a disappearing ink pen to trace the stitching line onto the fabric, but I'm leery about that since I won't be washing the linen afterwards. Instead, I'll trace the cutting line and use the guide on my sewing machine to stitch. Anyhoo, I plan to spend some time constructing the little bunny this weekend.  

In my travels through blogland this week, I came across a couple of noteworthy giveaways. Click on the ladies names to link to their respective blogs.

Pat is giving away another of her beautiful totebags. This one is in honor of her birthday, which is today, Saturday. Her drawing is this evening at 7:30 EST. Pat is my neighbor and a good friend and she does beautiful quiltwork (is that a word?). I was the lucky recipient of one of her previous totebag giveaways and I can vouch for the quality of her work.

Terrie is having a Jenny Bean Humble Servant Sampler giveaway and she is even including the floss pack as well. Terrie owns a cross stitch shop in Georgia called The Stitch Store and from the pictures she shows on her blog, I'd LOVE to visit. She also likes cats. What's not to love? Stitching and cats, sound like my kind of place!

Better get crackin' on the usual Saturday errands and tasks. I'll be working on my bunny this weekend and deciding which project(s) to place within reaching distance of my stitchy chair. Stay tuned...

Enjoy the weekend, whether it's cold, damp and snowy like mid-Michigan today or someplace that really feels like it is "spring"!

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world today!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May the most you wish for

Be the least you get.

May the best times you've had

Be the worst you'll ever see.

Old Celtic Blessing

Shamrock Heart - The Sweetheart Tree

Hope you were lucky enough to put a few stitches in today!

My First 2010 Finish!

I finished "The Pink Hare Sampler" which makes it my very first stitchy finish of 2010. Here's a snap of my big, er...little finish. It's only 3 1/2 square. Very delicate and the colors are just so scrumptiously soft.

  

The Pink Hare Sampler

Ewe and Eye and Friends

Stitched on 35 ct. Hand Dyed LInen (unnamed, but I'd call it Bisque).

Used recommened GA and WDW floss.

(Exception: substituted Madison Rose for the Red Pear, which I didn't have.) 

I posted a couple of weeks ago that I was having trouble deciding if the pink ribbon that I used for the roses worked. Well, I frogged one of the roses and restitched it in the darker pink. I liked it so much that there just wasn't a question about which pink to go with. So I frogged the other two roses and restitched them in the darker pink as well. Actually, I had to frog and restitch those damn ribbon roses several times trying to get them to lay right.  The rose at the top is still kind of tight but I can live with it.

I expect my next stitchy finish will be "Hoppin' Along Sampler" by With Thy Thread and Needle (Country Stitches). I am nearly done with the cross stitching. Then it's on to "antiqueing" it with instant coffee and constructing the bunny. Which means I'll need to dust off my sewing maching. I'd really like to finish this by Easter. And, yes I do mean this year. Do I hear laughing???

A big THANKS to all of you who leave me a comment every now and then. I really apprecitate it. Your comments always brighten my day! I am loving the blogging world, it's wonderful connecting with people that share the love of needlework!   

Thanks for stopping by and visiting my little corner of the world.

The Postman Came and I Received, Oh My!

Looky, looky what I received in the mail this week! Two packages from Stitches N' Things (market and pre-market orders), Stitching Bits and Bobs, and 123 Stitch (both market orders). Yay for me!

In no particular order, except I'm saving my very favorite until last. (Don't peak!) First up are the new Prairie Schoolers. There's a little robin design in Signs of Spring that is a must stitch for me because I collect robins!

From The Drawn Thread, one of my long-time favorites, Small Seasons. I see it as a pinkeep or needlebook.

Next up, Lizzie Kate. I love her series designs. I stitched her Boo! Club and ABC Lessons last year and love how they turned out. The little Easter Quick-it needs to be one of my smalls finishes this year!

New overdyed flossies from WDW, Crescent, and Olde Willow. More Floss-a-way bags for storing my fibers. Cuts of Antique White and Country Cream Befast linen. And the Hillier scissors that I have been coveting for awhile and a pair of Little Gems in the Prim color (flat black). Very cool!! 

Okay, now it is time to share my very favorite new stash. The one that has me drooling. The one that I oohed and aahed over while I looked through the pages. The one that is absolutely breathtaking. The one that will make me go mad trying to decide what to stitch first.

Without further adieu...here is my favorite, the beautiful and wonderful... 

Honeysuckle Manor!

Have you seen this book? It is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. A feast for the eyes and so creative, each and every design. If you love Blackbird Designs, heck even if you don't, you'll love this book. Well worth the price! I also received Thankful November, the November stocking book (loved the stocking on the cover and the other two included aren't too shabby either!) and Bluebird (yeah, I love that one too!). Blackbird designs just keep getting better and better!!

Here's a couple of snaps of the designs in Honeysuckle manor that my fingers are itching to start.

Margaret Harris

Honeysuckle Pin Box

A Ticket A Tasket

A Stitcher's Companion

Pin and Needle Cupcakes.

(Sorry for the sideways picture, that's how it imported from Picasa and I couldn't figure out how to right it. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate the advice.)

See what I mean, simply gorgeous designs! Now those of you that are Blackbird followers are probably thinking, "If Robin loves Blackbird Designs so much, why didn't she get the other new Blackbird designs too?" Excellent question! In fact, Robin, er...me, did order them and they are coming as soon as they come in.

Don't you love it when shops mail partial orders and don't make you wait weeks and weeks until something else that you ordered comes in? I have found one mail order shop, in particular, that does this as a standard business practice. Don't know about you but I find that impressive! I know that it costs more to ship orders separately but if it is going to take, say more than a week to get the rest of the order, I would like to be asked if I'll pay the extra shipping. Since I don't have a LNS, when I order stash and a week goes by, I feel kind of like a junky waiting for my fix. It's kind of pathetic and undignified for a women of my age!

Oh, I can't forget to share the freebies that I received with my orders: freebie charts from DoOp Designs, Val's Stuff, Lilybet and two from Workbasket. Stitches N' Things included a free grab bag in my order and it included a large cut of 29 ct. Cottonfields Glenshee linen. I've heard good things about Glenshee linen and I'm looking forward to trying it out.

I wish every week could be like this! And I wish money grew on trees cause that would need to happen if the other were to come true. LOL!

Well kids, thats enough of my meanderings for this afternoon. I've got laundry and vacuuming to finish cause the cats refuse to do it. Lazy furbabies that they are! Hope to get a little stitch a** action in this evening. 

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world today.     

Roses are Pink...Or Should They Be Dusty Pink?

I've been happily working on my E&E&F Pink Hare Sampler. Almost finished BUT the ribbon roses have been giving me fits! First there weren't any instructions included to stitch the ribbon roses...but I found a couple a helpful demos on u-tube. Cool! Piece of cake! However, choosing the ribbon color has been very challenging. Searched all over the place online looking for the right shade of pink and just couldn't decide, it's so hard judging color online. Happened to stop into Hobby Lobby and lo and behold they had two shades of pink ribbon and I bought them both.

I chose the lighter pink ribbon to actually stitch the roses, but now I'm second guessing myself. I really hate it when I am not satisfied with my color choices. Switching colors is not my forte even though I like to do it on occassion. So I've decided to frog the smallest rose and restitch with the darker pink ribbon (shown in the picture). Then, I'll decide which pink I like best. Here's a pic of my sampler with the stitched light pink roses. Note: the ribbon in the upper right corner is the darker shade of pink.

Anyhoo...here's a closer look. The ribbon roses are so pretty. It was fun watching them grow. If you haven't ever stitched a ribbon rose, give it a try, they are such pretty little accents.

Watch for more hare-y drama. I'll post a picture with the roses in both pinks and I'll be asking for opinions.

Thanks for stopping by!