Monday, July 19, 2010

Delivering Posies









Good morning, everyone! Hope your week is off to a wonderful start. I spent the past week stitching this whimsical piece by Homespun Elegance which is aptly titled "Delivering Posies." I couldn't resist the plump blue bird and his tiny companion, Miss Ladybug, pulling a cart full of daisies to surprise an unsuspecting friend. They look so serious and determined, don't they? For this piece, I used 28 ct. dirty linen and the recommended WDW, Sampler Arts, and DMC threads. The center of each flower is filled with French knots (grr... well, some of them resemble French knots!) and I really like the texture they add.




Two rustic metal buttons that I spied in my button jar were used for the cart's wheels and I substituted a dragonfly instead of the peachy-pink colored moth that was originally charted. Guess I'm just not a big moth lover! Don't you love it when designers' charts are sized to fit in a standard sized frame? Wish more of them would design that way. This fit perfectly into a simple 5" X 7" wooden frame that I purchased at Marshall's for $6.99 and it now brightens up the bookshelf in my family room...




I wanted to send my wonderful friend, Shari a little surprise for a big birthday (don't feel bad, Shari--you'll always be younger than me!!) so I stitched this summer pinkeep for her. (This is the second time I've made this one--I also stitched it for one of my "ornament a week" pieces back in 2009.) It's from the "Seasonal Baskets" chart designed by Sue Hillis and I used 28 ct. summer khaki lugana with DMC threads. This was my first ever pinkeep; can you believe that with all of the small pieces that I've cross stitched, I'd never done a pinkeep until now? I trimmed the sides with some rope-like braid, backed it in the red and gold starred fabric shown, added a blue and white checked bow, and finished it off with some gold pins. I'm so happy that Shari liked it--"Happy Birthday" again, my friend...





My mailbox was filled with a delightful delivery all the way from Texas last week. They say that "everything is bigger in Texas" and that is certainly true of the amazing giveaway package I was lucky enough to win from Natalie at "A Stitch in Time". I thought I had died and gone to stitchers' heaven when I opened her box of goodies all revolving around a red, white, and blue theme: tiny red Kelmscott scissors, two beautiful LHN charts, a sweet strawberry smelling Paula Deen candle, darling handmade pin pillow, marking pins, and a very unique needle holder, a sweet red and white needleminder (my first ever!), red/white/and blue finishing fabrics, the Just Cross Stitch Ornament Preview issue, a handy memo book, and to top it all off--a huge can of those decadent Pepperidge Farm chocolate fudge Pirouettes. I was overwhelmed and touched by your generosity, Natalie! Thank you so, so much--everything you sent brought a huge smile to my face... And if you're not familiar with Natalie's blog--please run on over! She has created some perfectly finished ornaments, very unique needle holders, and many lovely stitched pieces. I know you'll enjoy it...

Do you remember back to when you first began blogging and didn't "know" any of the other wonderful cross stitch bloggers? I sure do... but what a difference 18 months makes! I now feel like I've made so many wonderful new friends, learned so much from and been inspired by your blogs, and hopefully, even inspired you a tiny bit. So, that being said, I would like to introduce a new blogger to you... my friend, Mary over at "Sweet Sentiments and Stitches" has just started her very own blog. Please drop in and say "hi" and welcome her to what has to be the nicest community on the internet! I know she would love to meet all of you and discover your blogs, too...

I'll leave you with these photos of some patriotic looking flowers growing in our garden! I hope your week brings only pleasant things and that you'll find some time for yourself to stitch, or read, or garden, or whatever makes you the happiest. Thank you all so much for dropping in and taking the time to say hello--I still get that little thrill each time I see that a new comment has been left...

48 comments:

Annie said...

That posie piece is just too cute. Really pops nicely on that fabric and looks great framed up. The buttons are an inspired touch!

Love the pinkeep. I always find that to be a difficult finish. Yours is so perfect including that sweet bow on top.

Enjoy that treasure trove of new goodies!

Lisa V said...

I love your Posies finish, soo pretty!
LISA V

Wendy said...

well of course I rushed right over to see your friends blog !

the bird is really nice, and blue, and since I like blue, I love this piece !
I do wonder whom they are heading for....

you´ve done agreat job framing it, I to frame little pieces myself, or at least I try to !


love your flowers to, how nice of you to display the colors of the Dutch flag ! lol !

Nancy said...

I love your Delivering Posies! I have seen the charts but never a stitched piece, and it's just beautiful! I love it too when the designs fit a standard frame. Just makes it easier (and cheaper too!). Your pinkeep is lovely too Carol - everything you do always is.

What a fantastic win you had!

Hope you have a very enjoyable week!

mainely stitching said...

Oh I have a special spot for Delivering Posies! It was one of the first pieces I blogged about (or the first, maybe?). I absolutely love how you've filled the flower centers with French knots!

Enjoy a wonderful week!

Margaret said...

I love your Posies finish! Good touch on the dragonflies -- I love dragonflies! Love the piece you made for your friend too. Beautiful flowers -- and wonderful prize that you received!

natalysneedle said...

I love your stitched piece Delivering Posies and the summer pin keep you made for a friend. I am new to blogging and I am enjoying finding all of these wonderful blogs. Natalie's blog is a favorite.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I LOVE it Carol :)
You did a great job on the framing and the stitching is perfection!

What a sweet gift for Shari! It's cute as a button!
And your win package <>!!!!

Just became Mary's follower, thank you for introducing her to us!

Lainey said...

Delivering Posies is just darling Carol and what a beautiful gift you made for the lovely Shari.
What an amazing package from Natalie another sweet gal. I'm off to check out Marys blog and those flowers in your garden are stunning. Hugs.

Sweet Sue said...

'Tis nice to give and receive:) Great finishes and congrats on your winnings!

xoxo

Lelia said...

love your HE! enjoyed reading your post this a.m.

valerie said...

Love Delivering Posies...what a fun whimsical piece!

And how sweet to send Shari the pinkeep for her birthday!

Amazing package from Natalie...fun, fun, fun!

I'm off to read both the new to me blogs!

Mary said...

Oh Carol, what beautiful finishes! The posies are adorable...I love the dragonfly addition. You did a great job on the beautiful pinkeep, lucky Shari to receive such a lovely gift!
Your treats from Texas are amazing, enjoy!
Thank you for your kind introduction of my blog..You're a very special friend :) I'm happily meeting new "stitching friends" and enjoying their blogs, too!

Shirley said...

More super finishes. I love the buttons you used for wheels on the cart. I have never made a pin keep either but it is on my to-do list. kind regards, Shirley

KarenV said...

What a sweet finish! I love the buttons for wheels and the little ladybird, so cute :) You got a great parcel of goodies from Natalie!

Julie said...

A wonderful finish and it looks so nice in the frame, i love the button additon to it.

A great parcel you have received, what a lot of lovely goodies.

I saw your lovely gift on Shari's blog, its perfect!

Ranae said...

An adorable finish and so is the pinkeep for Shari.
I love the buttons you added to the piece
Super nice package from Natalie

Shari said...

I LOVE your new finish!! You do the most beautiful work!!
And you KNOW I love the pinkeep. Wow, didn't know that was the first one!!! Ladies, she did a SUPER job on it!!!!
Woohoo on the win you received!!! Looks like loads of goodies!
I love the flower pictures!!!!! I am forever hauling my camera out for pictures!

Anonymous said...

I love Homespun Elegance. Their designs are so warm and inviting! I'm so glad you like the package. :) It may have gotten lost in the packing materials, but there is also a Texas star cookie cutter in there somewhere!

Myra said...

I just love all of the "Delivering" designs and yours is no exception. It looks so good in the frame and how wonderful you were able to put it in a standard size.

Your first pinkeep looks fabulous. I admired this design the first time you stitched it and really like it as a pinkeep. I know Shari is going to love it.

What a wonderful giveaway package. You got some wonderful goodies there. Congratulations!

I have been visiting Mary's blog - she is a sweet lady and I love seeing what she is doing. Another friendship in the making. :o)

Meari said...

You did a wonderful job on the pinkeep. :) Congrats on your finish and the wonderful prize you won. Wow, you lucky girl!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations on your finish! French knots drive me insane.

Your flowers are stunning. I wish we had more flowers in our yarn but they burn up so easily.

That is one amazing delivery of goodies!

Vinniey said...

Your latest finishing is beautiful. I like the dragonfly, it's beautiful, Carol, you done a great job. I hate french knot, I think it'll drive me crazy if I stitch on that two daisies. :) Great prizes you've won!

Edit said...

What a lovely finish again Carol. It is so sweet :) And the prize you won... must have been the greatest moment to open that package and see all those things :) I am sure you will find a good use to them and we will see them again soon in the blog :)

Greetings from hot Spain,
Edit

Unknown said...

I think you did a great job with thes 2 pieces, they are beautiful.
And i too think it is great when a stich piece fits a frame that you can buy in a shop.

Hugs Yvon.

Susan @ Real Girl Designs said...

Very cute finish, Carol. Congratulations.

I love your package from Texas - those Pirouette cookies are my son's absolute favorites!

Martine said...

Hi Carol !
I love your Delivering Posies !!! It is beautiful and so adorable !!! I didn't know it.
I love french knots. They are not difficult to realize. It is well necessary just to tighten the thread.
Carol !I imagine your enjoyment when you opened the package !!! You was spoiled !!!!
Here, in France, it is very warm ! It is dreadful !
Have a good day !
Hugs.

Meadows08 said...

Love the bird and cart piece Carol! Fabulous job, the dragonfly and buttons are such great touches.

What a wonderful gift, I can see why you were so touched.

Vicky L said...

Delivering Posies is so adorable. Beautifully stitched. I loved the pinkeep. I saw it on Shari's blog and it is wonderful.

Mylene said...

Congrats on your recent finish, it looks lovely.

I've admired your beautiful pickeep for Shari on her blog ealier, for a first pinkeep it turned out great!

And what lovely wins you've received recently.

♥ Nia said...

Your works are very pretty! :)
I've never made a pinkeeper, I need to stitch one of those too :)
Congratulations for your gifts and also to the lucky girl who will receive your handmade gift :D
oh! I welcomed Mary and I'll be following her blog. I'm always looking for more cross stitchers on the blogosphere :)

Sally said...

What a sweet finish! It is so cute:) Beautiful pinkeep for Shari.

What a wonderful package you received!

I have popped over to Mary's blog and am now a follower so I can keep up with her.

Carolyn NC said...

Love the stitching and giveaway!

Lois said...

Love your Delivering Posies finish Carol! I have several of the HE Delivering seasons stitched and display them in their relevant season. I'm with you, I love when a design will fit in a frame that you can pick up yourself!

What a lovely envelope of goodies you received! What a sweet pinkeep for Shari! It may have been your first attempt at making one but it looks wonderful!

Now I'm off to check Mary's blog!

Pumpkin said...

Now is that adorable or what!!!! Your little personalized areas are wonderful Carol :o) Doesn't it make things SO much easier when you can buy a ready-made frame?

I bet Shari loved her gift :o)

Wow! You did get a HUGE gift from TX! I bet you are still rolling in it ;o)

Beautiful flower pictures and thank you for pointing out Mary's Blog.

Trina said...

I just love visiting your blog and seeing all the beautiful pieces that you do! They are just gorgeous works of stitching and the giveaway is just awesome!

Thank you for such a great blog to visit!

Trina @ Stitching Oz

Brigitte said...

Oh, I love this Delivering piece. And as I don't have it in my collection yet Iwill add it to my next stash order. It's too lovely.
Shari must have been thrilled about the summe piece you stitched and finished for her. It's beautiful.

Cindy's Stitching said...

What pretty pieces you did Carol. The pinkeep is so summery. Like the red, white, and blue. Your pictures of the flowers are so nice.

Angela said...

I just love your Delivering Posies finish, the moth looks great as a substitute! The summer pinkeep gift is wonderful :) You did a great job on your first pinkeep finish!

Valerie said...

Congrats on your Delivering Posies finish! I love the bluebird...so cute! The Summer pinkeep is adorable too! How lucky you are to have received such a wonderful package from Natalie! Lovely new stash...gotta love it!

Faye said...

What an awesome win Carol!!! LOVE those goodies for sure....

I could only wish I could stitch over one...........I love what you do~

Keep up the great inspiring work, Faye

Berit said...

Oh, What a post! Seeing great "Delivering" finishes makes me want to stash them all! Congrats on that giveaway win!

Hazel said...

Yes I do remember when I first started blogging! And yet there are still so many new people to get to know. Lovely finish and what a great win too. x

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

I love that you used a dragonfly instead of a moth, it really makes the design stand out. I hate making french knots. I have been known to use a tiny seed bead if I can get away with it, but that's not always possible. :)

riona said...

Such a wide-ranging post!!! I love the HE Delivering Posies - perfectly stitched and framed. I've done a lot of HE charts but never one of the "delivering" series ... I love the look of this designer's work ... and your version is shop model quality. The pin keep is adorable, the exchange package astounding [I can see that wishing you joy of it would be superfluous - you are bound to get a great deal of pleasure from the many and varied items] ... and the flowers, well they are just splendid.

Daffycat said...

Awwww, I love Delivering Posies! You stitched and finished it perfectly! Perfectly finished too is this pinkeep. Lovely work.

Jennifer said...

I love your latest Homespun Elegance Carol! I hope you are having a wonderful summer . We sure can't complain about the weather this year. Look forward to seeing more of your stitching.

Roxannenugp said...

I love your Posies finish, soo pretty! LISA V