Friday, March 11, 2011

Paying It Forward

Good morning, my friends! Last year around this time, I was lucky enough to receive a beautifully stitched piece from Andrea as part of a PIF (Pay-It-Forward). You can see what she sent me right here--gorgeous, isn't it? Well, I had one year to stitch three treats for fellow stitchers who signed up to continue the kindness after they received my gifts. I squeaked right in under the deadline and I'm happy to say all three PIFs have been received and the recipients seem quite pleased with my efforts.


This little bird flew all the way to New Zealand and is now making his home with Lee. She is a major bird-lover, so I knew this would be the perfect piece for her. I've stitched it before for myself back in 2009, but mine remains unfinished in a dark drawer--I really need to get to it! I finished this one with some tiny brown beads and a brown ribbon hanger that I thought complemented the shades of brown in the bird. It is stitched on 32 ct. twilight blue Permin linen using DMC threads. "Painted Egg" is from the Cross-Eyed Cricket Design No. 109 chart called "Eggs...etera." (By the way, I will forever associate this little design with the beginning of my friendship with Myra as she asked about it and our friendship was born!) Anyway, I'm so glad you like it, Lee--it was a pleasure stitching it for you...



My next PIF has hopped it's way into the hearts of Melanie and her family in the United Kingdom. She told me that not only did she love it, but that her children were trying to claim it for their own, too! This is from Just Nan's "Spring!" chart and is stitched on 28 ct. gray Monaco with DMC. I backed it with the pale green leafy fabric shown and added a trio of pink, green, and white ribbons. I'm sure the little bunny will be very happy in his new home "across the pond."


I actually sent my third PIF to Shari in Indiana back in December. Most of you will recognize this as another Just Nan piece called "Snow Faces." Sweet Cindy had given me the chart as a gift last year and I thoroughly enjoyed stitching it. It is finished on 28 ct. blue Monaco with the suggested DMC threads. I did add a little border around it to give it a little something "extra" and trimmed it with snow-white cording and a pretty ribbon. I hope you enjoy it for years to come, Shari...

So, that completes my portion of the PIF--I look forward to seeing what creations spring from the hands of these three talented stitchers...





Oh, and look what we woke up to again this morning. After days of rain, surprise...the snow has returned. This is the view from my front door taken just now. Seriously, Mother Nature--did you know that spring begins on March 20th--nine days from now? It looks more like Christmas outside doesn't it? Time to get out the shovels again...

And, finally, finally, after two+ years, I have reached my 100th post today!! I think this calls for a bit of a giveaway--what do you think? Look for a little stitched something as a giveaway prize on my next post... Nothing huge, just a little token of my appreciation to say thank you for visiting me and taking the time to say 'hello!' Your comments never fail to bring me smiles. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. Bye for now...

83 comments:

Nicola said...

Your PIF's are gorgeous Carol.

Will be e-mailing you soon.

Annie said...

Super PIF's! I stitched that snow faces for an ornament a few years ago. It's just so cute!

Birds and bunnies are so perfect for the Spring that seems to be eluding you. I'm not convinced we won't have even more to snow to come before Spring really arrives this year.

Congrats on 100 posts! Your posts are always jam packed with news and finishes so it's really more like at least 200 by now!

Jennifer said...

Love the PIFs ! Congratulations on your 100th post Carol! That is great news! We have had a tonne of rain and I bet snow will be coming again soon. Haven't posted in awhile but am stitching so will hope to have some show and tell soon. Hope spring comes soon in your neck of the woods!

Cath said...

Lovely PIF gifts . Hoep your snow goes soon . X

riona said...

Those PIFs are very lovely and sweet. And congratulations on your 100th post ... that's quite a landmark ... I always enjoy reading your log ... your stitching is lovely, your attitude is upbeat ... in short your blog is sheer pleasure!

Tricia T said...

What lovely PIF's!! The bird and the bunny make me smile... I must be ready for Spring! Hope your snow melts soon!

CalamityJr said...

I don't think your PIF recipients will have minded the wait at all - your stitched ornaments are beautiful! I can't even decide which I like best, since all 3 are great.

Shari said...

I am so blessed to be the recipient of one of the PIF's. I love it & each year, as I put up my Christmas Tree in my stitching room, I will think of sweet Carol...
oh my about the snow......it is beautiful in the picture, BUT....
BRING ON SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christina said...

Wow Carol - your finishing is just divine! I am in love with painted egg, it looks fabulous stitched on the blue linen. The brown ribbon complements the finished piece beautifully, the colour combination reminds me of a blackbird's egg.

staci said...

What beautiful PIF's you've stitched Carol! Your recipients must be thrilled!

Congrats on your 100th post! Sorry about the snow!

BeckySC said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Each one is just so pretty :)
Have a lovely weekend dear Carol :)
((hugs))

DovilÄ— said...

so cute and beautiful:)

Tatkis said...

Such a lovely creations for your PIF members! I love the bird so much :))

And great idea about giveaway - congratulations with your 100th post!

Best wishes,
Tatyana

Unknown said...

Your PIF's are amazing!! Each one is as pretty as the last one - what lovely gifts these lucky ladies are getting!! Great job.

Nancy said...

Everything you have stitched for your PIFs is so lovely Carol, and your finishing is just beautiful!

I can't believe that you have snow again! I'm sending sunshine your way to help make it melt. Enjoy your weekend!

paula said...

Beautiful new background. Makes me want to change mine again . but, then again, I could change mine every day.

Your needle work is beautiful, as always.fle

Jane said...

Lovely trio of gifts Carol, the recipients are all very lucky.
Snow???? I don't want to see anymore of that, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that Spring comes very soon xxx

Catherine said...

Carol, your PIF's are wonderful! I really love how you finished that bird! I finished one of those years ago for my mom in a little frame with a mirror!

Kttycat said...

Beautiful PIFs!

Gillie said...

Goodness, every one of them is gorgeous - never done a PIF since I am a procrastinator.....! I'm just about to have a Skype conversation with the Pittsburgh treasure so expect I shall hear all about the snow, lol! I won't tell you that we have had beautiful weather here in Cheshire!

Bekca said...

Wow, all three are beautiful finishes. I think I'm going to need more practice before I'm as good as you are! I love the little spring bunny, what a sweet design. Sorry to hear that the snow has returned, let's hope spring is not too far behind. I look forward to seeing what you've got planned for a giveaway, I'm just starting to put together my first blogaversary giveaway, be sure to look out for it! Happy stitching friend :)

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations on 100!

Your PIFs are so cute. You've finished them beautifully and the bunny one just oozes Spring!

Beth said...

Everything you've done is lovely! I am especially taken with the Cross Eyed Cricket's bird and egg - that is on my "To-Do List" - I think your finish may have helped it move to the top of the list!

Michele B. said...

You certainly paid it forward in a special way, Carol. Your choice of designs and your finishing is impeccable. Too bad that bunny hasn't brought you spring yet! Congratulations on your milestone - as your recent giveaway recipient I can attest to how well you spoil people. Anyone receving something you've stitched will be so lucky.

Margaret said...

Wow, I love all 3 PIFs! They're all so beautiful! Congrats on the 100 posts! Quite an accomplishment!

Mavi. said...

Carol, I'm sure your edges are estimated by the people for whom they are dedicated. All your points are given with affection and that is evident in the final result. They are three very beautiful and delicate finish.
It seems that the snow does not want to leave with the desire to have the coming of the good weather. Raining here today, we had some good days, but the rain has come back, that no, we do not have snow.
Have a good weekend.
Besos.

Lesleyanne said...

What beautiful PIF's you've stitched. I am sure your recipients must be thrilled.Congrats on your 100th post,

Friendship Crossing said...

Carol, you do such beautiful work ~ your finishing looks so professional!! I love the way you added the beads around the first piece. I will have to give that a try sometime.
That winter time scene is gorgeous, but I'm sure you'd rather NOT see it in March! LOL

Tanya

MartyG said...

Hello - What cute projects and your finishing is beautiful.

Marty Greiner

Annette said...

Carol, you made such beautifull PIF's. Piece for piece has such a beautifuul pattern, and love the finished and color of fabric..
I can understand there are very happy with it!!

Congratz on your 100Th post...

BrendaS said...

Carol --
All 3 of your PIF's are just beautiful. Your stitching is so nice and I'm glad everyone enjoyed their gift from you.

I'm sure Mother Nature didn't get the note that says spring is on it's way:))) I haven't seen any of the white stuff in about a week and I hope it stays that way.

Have a great weekend.

Ranae said...

Carol, Those PIF's are so pretty and perfect.
Congrats! on the 100th post,
I really look forward to your posts
Have a great weekend!

Deb said...

What great PIF pieces. All are so pretty and just perfect. And congratulations on your 100th post.

And you know, I woke up to almost the same picture outside this morning. Come on Mother Nature - it's time for Spring already! :o)

Melanie said...

These are fabulous!! Congrats on the 100th post. It is definitely a milestone. :)
Have a great weekend!

Lee said...

I really love little bird thank you Carol it was a perfect choice to send to me.I am enjoying showing it off to my friends.
I will announce my PIF this weekend.

valerie said...

Beautiful PIFs! I especially love the one of the birdie on the egg. So appropo for Easter too. I remember when you stitched up yours. I will have to take a look at the leaflet.

Sorry to hear about more snow! I hope that it warms up for you soon.

Congrats on 100 posts! Can you believe I am getting close to 500?! I will have to do a giveaway soon for that too. Yikes!

barbara said...

What gorgeous PIFs you made!!! You sure made some people happy! :D

And congratulations on 100 posts!

passionfruitprincess said...

Hi! It's hard to pick one as my favorite. All three are adorable. Very good job,Carol!
Your front yard looks beautiful, but I agree...it's time for spring!
Take care!
Ana Paula.

Rowyn said...

They are all gorgeous ornaments, and beautifully finished. So hard to choose a favourite.

Wow, that is a lot of snow. Our weather has definitely turned autumnal - and at times it doesn't even feel like we've had summer.

I think with everything going on in the world (strange weather and natural disasters) that Mother Nature currently has a bad case of PMS, she's unpredictable and very cranky! :-)

Have a lovely weekend.

Sue said...

LOVE your finishes ;)

Lisa V said...

What beautiful PIF's you made for your recipients. They are all soo lovely.
LISA V

Myra said...

Those are 3 lucky ladies to have received a PIF stitched by you! All three are just gorgeous Carol but I think you know which is my favorite. :o) Every time I see that little bird I smile and as you said I will always associate it with the beginning of our friendship.

Gosh! I can't believe you have more snow. I will be thinking spring thoughts for you as we are supposed to be near 70 here this weekend. Time to start turning the soil in preparation for the garden. I sure hope this is the last you see of old man winter.

Blu said...

Gorgeous PIFs! The recipients are so lucky!
Congrats on 100 meaty posts!

Teresa said...

Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting.
Anyone would be lucky to receive one or you PIF gifts. I really like your Seasonal Samplings.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Cindy's Stitching said...

They are all so beautiful. I adore all the patterns. Wonderfully finished carol. Is spring ever going to come?

Melanie said...

I was lucky enough to recieve the little bunny. The picture doesn't do it justice, it's lovely and finished to perfection. Oh and it's still mine, I've managed to keep the kids away still. LOL. Thank you again Carol.

Lois said...

What gorgeous PIF's you stitched Carol! Congrats on reaching your 100th post, my goodness, that is a milestone. I think it will take me years to reach that one!!!!! Oh, look at that snow! I am hoping that it melts quickly!!! Have a good weekend my friend.

Solstitches said...

All three are gorgeous. So beautifully stitched and finished.
My favourite has to be the spring bunny. I just love that.

Margaret

Lynn said...

Your PIFs are all fantastic Carol! I'm in love with that little bird. Now I'm going to have to go and find that chart so I can stitch one for myself!
Congrats on reaching 100 followers. A giveaway sounds absolutely wonderful!
I see you're stuck with more of that white stuff too. Our rain didn't get rid of all of ours and we had a bit more overnight.

Daffycat said...

Oh my, what wonderful PIF's you created, Carol. They are all so beautifully stitched and finished. Well done!

Kathy A. said...

Those are beautiful PIF's Carol. So wonderfully stitched and finished. Lucky recipients.

Kay said...

What beautiful finishes you have done, I love them all.

marylin said...

OH absolutely wonderful! that gentleness and love in these embroideries bravo to you

marylin FRANCE

Martine said...

Hi Carol !
Your PIFS are all beautiful !
I love very much the little bunny of Just Nan's "Spring" !!!
Oh !!! I can't beleinve you have more snow !!! Here, it is raining.... and we have the first daffodils in the garden !
Have a good week-end my dear friend !
I think of you....and I hope that you are well !
Hugs

Siobhán said...

What gorgeous PIFs, Carol! I am sure the recipients will treasure them. Wonderful finishing, as always!

Edit said...

I just love the ornaments you have sent out as PIF presents. My personal favorite is the little bird on the egg on that lovely blue fabric.

And what a huge amount of snow you still have! I am sure that such an amount would stop people going to work for several days here! :) We are still waiting for the spring too (although our weather would be spring already in other places), this last week we had rain and rain, hopefully we will have some sunshine soon.

I wish you a nice week!

The Queen Bee said...

Each finish is lovely and the recipients are very lucky.

Pam

Angela said...

I love all your PIF gifts, they are so beautifully stitched and finished :)

I'm tired of seeing snow too, I want Spring to arrive as well!

Congrats on reaching 100 posts :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol,

Love the stitching and your finishes are perfect, as always :-)))

You can imaging witch one is my favorite :-))))

So much snow at this time of the year . In Belgium we are expecting springweather with t° about 18 ° C .
Wish icould send you a bit of sunshine :-)))

Congratulations for your 100 posts .

Nicole ( Belgium)

Sally said...

Your PIFs are absolutely gorgeous Carol.

I think I'd quite like to see one last snowfall here but I doubt we'll get any. I think I need to move to Scotland as they are getting it further up north.

Lisa Russell said...

Very sweet! Love the spring bunny and the bird ornaments!

Mylene said...

Love your PIF's gifts, you have finished them beautifully!
Such a beautiful snow picture...means spring still a long wait for you out there..

Andrea said...

Gorgeous PIFs.

Giovanna said...

What gorgeous PIF pieces! I'm absolutely in love with the CEC bird, I'll have to pull out my chart and stitch it sometime...

Shirley said...

The PIF's are all gorgeous but I especially like the bird on the egg.
kind regards,
Shirley

Lilian Pilar said...

Precioso lo que has enviado...

Berit said...

Beautiful--Love your PiFs! :D

Carol R said...

Lovely PIFs Carol!
Your snowy picture is very beautiful too!

Meari said...

Your PIF's are gorgeous! I'm sure all the recipients loved them. :)

Snow?! I'm hoping we're done for the year. 65F by the middle of this week. Can't wait!!

Sharon said...

Gorgeous PIF's! The snow is beautiful too!

Lynn B said...

Gosh, all three PIFS are absolutely beautiful!

♥ Nia said...

Beautiful ornaments!! :D
I love love love the little bird =) Adorable!!

Wow! It does look like Christmas LOL
Here the weather is getting ready to welcome Spring :) Thank God!!! Snow is beautiful.. in pictures heheheh This last winter, the cold was terrible! I'm happy that's over :)
I hope you'll have warm sunshine soon too!!

Julie said...

Congratson your 100th post!

OMG snow.... brrrr, no thank you, i do hope you have some sunshine soon, it really has been lovely here to see it recently

Gorgeous PIF gifts, i think the JN Spring bunny would have to get my vote too, i wonder if the children managed to get their mum to part with it LOL

TeresaB said...

All of your PIF gifts look wonderful, but I'm partial to bunnies so that one is my favorite. I don't blame the kids for wanting to claim it for their own!

Anonymous said...

You PIFs are lovely.

It does look like Christmas there. I hope Sping comes to you soon! Our daffodils are already in full bloom!

Vinniey said...

I love love your "Painted Egg" finished. A simple finishing BUT believe me, this is the loveliest finish I ever saw. The thread colors, the brown beads and the brown ribbon are just perfectly matched. And the I fallen in love with your chosen fabric. I'm going to order mine later. Your Bunny finish is super cute!

Sorry to hear about more snow after few days of rain, I hope spring will come to you very soon. :)

Congratulations on your 100th post! I can't wait to enter into your giveaway. (LOL) Because I wish I could be the lucky one to own one of your beautiful finish that I admired since I first visit to your blog.

Have a wonderful week.

Quiltsmiles said...

Beautiful finishes, all are sno nicely done! Congrats too for reaching the milestone of your 100th post. WTG!

Jane

Jennifer said...

Congratulations on your 100th post!!! These PIFs are certainly worthy of such a milestone, but then again, your finishing is so lovely I can't imagine anything NOT being worthy of it!

Michele said...

love love love your PIF's! I think my favorite is the bird on the egg. Congrats on 100 posts! I'd love a little something stitched by you :)

Patty C. said...

Love the Bunny , love the bird - your finishing is awesome

Love the ornie in your previous post !!!!

I have sooooo enjoyed my visit :)

Parsley said...

I just adore your PIFs!!! SOOO CUTE!

Meari said...

Hi Carol,

Could you tell me how you make the multiloop bows?

Pumpkin said...

Carol, Carol, Carol...your creations are just divine! You are so talented and your stitching is beautiful!

I've loved that little bird patterns for years now but still have not gotten my paws on the pattern yet. You have now reminded me of something I need to do ;o) I'm not sure if I should thank you for this or not. LOL!

Love the picture of your snowy porch.

Congrats on your 100th post!