Monday, May 16, 2011

Finally, some framing...



Two posts in less than a week--I must be sick, right? And it seems to be another long one, so bear with me! Finally, I've managed to do a bit of framing. This poor Blackbird Designs piece called "Something Sweet" has been languishing in my finishes drawer for almost a year now! With my dear mother's 84th birthday fast-approaching, I just knew now was the time to frame it and send it off to her. I'm really thrilled with the frame I chose and she was equally thrilled with her gift when she opened it on her birthday on May 14th (If you would like to wish her a "Happy Birthday," she reads my blog and I know she would be tickled to get some birthday wishes!). I am so proud of my mom--she's been through a lot over the past year and I'm in awe of how well she has handled everything. I love you dearly mom!


I also framed another 2010 finish, Prairie Schoolers' Spring from Book No. 50: "Prairie Seasons". This one went into a frame that I'll use when I stitch the other three seasons, as well. (Well, I've done autumn already--just need to mount that and I'll be half-done). I just mount them and pop them in and out with the change of seasons. What do you think of the frame? I really like the darker rope-like detail on the inner edge. In the foreground of the photo are some yellow roses (my favorites!) that I dried from the bouquet my husband got me for Valentine's Day. I think they're so pretty and put a half-dozen in a white vase on my kitchen counter. My sons don't share my opinion and always comment about why I still have "those dead weeds" on display!



And, that's not the end of my framing; as you can see, I have lots of work ahead of me! I've had several people ask where I get my frames from over the two years that I've been blogging, and just in case any of the rest of you would like to know, here is the link. Franken Frames runs great specials (I got this particular group of frames (plus the one for "Something Sweet:) for just over $100. They were running a free shipping special and I just couldn't turn that down!

Even better, they offer up to 20 free samples of their frames--I just love playing with the little pieces of wood and holding them up against my stitching to try to find the perfect match right in the comfort of my own home. Here are some of the samples I've ordered in the past... It sure saves a ton of money to frame the smaller things yourself. I would never attempt a giant piece like my Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow, but for medium sized finishes the do-it-yourself price can't be beat!







I'm sure you've all heard the old saying "Kindness begets kindness evermore" (by Sophocles--no, I didn't know that offhand--had to look it up!!). Well, last week something happened which perfectly illustrated this old adage. I happened to see a post by Gabi at Lady of the Floss mentioning a certain out-of-print chart she was craving so I emailed her and offered to let her borrow mine. I know what it feels like to really want to stitch something but be unwilling to spend the big bucks that it is selling for on Ebay. I really didn't know Gabi and I don't think she was a follower of my blog then either, but I just wanted to help a fellow stitcher. Gabi was so thrilled that she offered to send me something on my wishlist. Well, I told her that I really didn't have a wishlist and that the only chart I'd been searching for, for ages and with no luck, was "Betsy" by Sheepish Designs. Well, what do you think dear Gabi did--she located the chart and generously sent it to me. I was so touched--I honestly wasn't looking for any sort of reward for letting her borrow my chart, but I welcomed her gift with open arms. "Betsy" arrived looking even cuter in person and I'm planning on stitching her this summer--thinking of Gabi with each stitch. So, thank you, my new stitching friend--you have no idea how much your kindness meant to me....



I've decided to begin sending little random acts of kindness to my blogging friends and special commenters and first up is this little pin pillow (along with a couple of other goodies) which is on it's way to a new home. I hope the recipient likes it! When I saw the freebie tulip pattern at The Floss Box, I knew it would be a perfect way to use up more of that pretty blue tulip fabric I bought last month. So, I stitched it up, over one on 28 ct. white jobelan, and made it into another tiny pillow... The Floss Box has many darling free charts and some wonderful inexpensive designs for sale, as well--check it out!



Due to the great Blogger debacle of last week, I lost 20 comments from May 12th so I have to extend the drawing for the Sunflower Bellpull chart (I have no idea if anyone who commented on that date put their name in for the drawing or not). You can see my finish here and all I ask is that after you've stitched it you pass on the kindness by giving it to another stitcher. So, if you're interested leave a comment on this post and I'll draw a name on May 31st...





I'll be taking a bit of a blogging break for a couple of weeks so please don't worry if I'm not commenting on your blogs. In the mean time, I'll be working on my new start--anyone have an idea as to what it is? I'll keep you in suspense until my next post, but here's a hint--it involves two of my favorite things :)

Thank you for visiting today, a warm welcome to my new followers, and, as always, your comments are so very much appreciated. Have a great week everyone! Bye for now...

62 comments:

Annie said...

Birthday wishes to your Mom! That BBD piece is gorgeous, especially in that frame.

Great idea to do that seasonal rotation of the PS samplers. That is a rich looking frame.

I didn't realizing you were so into the framing thing. You could go into business with all that skill!

And what a treat to be able to trade longed-for charts with a fellow stitcher. Hooray for the internet!

Anonymous said...

Happy belated birthday to your Mum

Those 2 framed pieces are wonderful, you do have a great taste in frames

OMG! I am so envious that you have a copy of Betsy, this is one that i have been searching for a while too
It's great you and Gabi were able to help each other out, look forward to seeing you stitch Betsy in the summer, enjoy your little blog break :)

The Queen Bee said...

Your newly framed pieces are beautiful. Self framing still scares me....although I've done a few.

Pam

Margaret said...

Happy birthday to your mom!! I know she's going to love your present for her. It's beautiful and the frame is perfect! Love the PS framed piece as well. I should learn to frame my smaller pieces like you do. Thanks for the info on where you get your frames. I'll have to bookmark it. Love the blue pillow -- so pretty! Glad you got Betsy too! She's a fun design!

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol,

Nicole from Belgium :-))))(eggs ....etera)

Just love your new finishing, blackbird's violets are so sweet, a great gift for your mother,
Spring from PS turned out wonderful, believe me or not,this chart ins in my "to stich soon" map, together with sweet Betsy and your mistery stitching. I wil not spoil the game, but send you a mail with answer:-)))

The sunflower bellpull is one i am missing in my collection, so please enter my name in the drawing, how nows :-)))
Bey bey for now,
Nicole

Hazel said...

Beautiful framed pieces and frames too! Love your little RAK. I hope whoever is the recipient adores it. xx

staci said...

Your framed finishes look gorgeous! I think you made the perfect choices. Can't wait to see all those other lovely frames filled either! Thanks for the link, you got quite a deal!!!

Michele said...

Happy Belated Birthday to your mom! 84 years young! That's so awesome :)

Love your framing! I'm going to have to check out that frame site!

Christine said...

Your framed pieces are beautiful!
Happy Birthday to your Mum

Siobhán said...

Happy birthday, Carol's mom!! I hope you have a wonderful year!

Carol, I love your frame jobs! You have a great eye for what works well with your stitching. I stitched that BBD for my daughter a few years ago. I just love the sentiment on it. Your PS is gorgeous, too! Great job on the pillow.

I didn't throw my name into the ring on the Sunflower Bellpull because it's one of my (ahem) WIP/UFOs. I won't say how long it's been!! I do love the design--DTs are wonderful with all the stitch diagrams.

I am guessing that the new WIP is a PS... beyond that--??

Enjoy your blogging break!

Melissa said...

You've done a wonderful job with the framed pieces, Carol. I'm sure your mom will love hers!

Have a wonderful time away! See you soon!

Anne said...

Your piece looks great all framed up! And those frames are amazing too! Love that tulip pillow with the fabric, which is very sweet!

Mouse said...

OO Happy birthday mum :) hope you had a good day ... love how you got your frames and also the samples that is a brill Idea :) I did comment on the earlier post for the sun flower chart soo count me in again ..lol and the little tulip pin cushion is really cute :) love mouse xxx

KarenV said...

Happy Birthday to your mom Carol, that is a beautiful piece that you stitched for her :)

Love your framing, both pieces are lovely, as is the little blue pillow you made :)

valerie said...

Beautiful framing Carol! Love that Something Sweet piece. Your mom will love it! Happy birthday to your mom!

That was so sweet of Gabi to send you Betsy. That's been a hard one to get. Did you know that EmLis recently purchased the rights to Sheepish Designs patterns and they are now readily available? If there are more SD you're looking for, check there.

Love the pinpillow too!

Hope you enjoy your blogging break! :) Enjoy the time away.

Teresa S. said...

Happy belated birthday to Carol's mom-84 is a great age!

Your frames look perfect for your stitching, Carol. And I love the "do-it-yourself" part of it, too.

Deb said...

Your two pieces look wonderful frames. Both the stitching and frames are wonderful. And I've made note of where you got your frames. With all the framing I need done, I could use a good source!

Blogger was being a pest last week wasn't it? I hope that they have everything fixed now. It's no fun losing a post or comments.

Deborah said...

Happy Birthday to your Mom! The picture you did for her is lovely.Both pictures were framed wonderfully. I just recieved Betsy, as well. I am so happy to have recieved her and I just started stitching her.

Mylene said...

A gorgeous piece you made for your Mum as well as the PS design.
Belated happy birthday to your Mum!
The frames fits both design perfectly!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Happy Belated Birthday to your Mom. :)

Your finishes are lovely, as always. :)

Berit said...

You have some of THE most awesome posts! :D Love the moldings you've picked out for these pieces and I definitely need to bookmark this site--great resource!

Barbara said...

Carol, as always everything is so beautiful and I love "Betsy". The colors are so rich. Will miss you here in "blogging world" but will wait with much impatience to see what you have been working on.

Blessings

Barbi said...

Wonderful framing jobs! I frame all my stuff myself too. I just haven't been doing any as of late...same as finishes of my ornies. I think I'm going to take one weekend and just do finishes. Don't know when...but I will. LOL

Quiltsmiles said...

I hope your Mom had a wonderful birthday. Since we've spoken of her before on the net, I know a bit about her strength and the resolve she can muster up. She must Love her Something Sweet and your finishes. Give her a belated Happy Birthday wish from me.

Beautiful stitching and finshes Carol. Thanks for the link about the frames, that'll come in handy.

I too know about the kindness of stitchers world wide. There are so many generous and kind souls out there. Stay well and happy stitching.

Jane

Myra said...

Happy birthday to your mother! That is such a lovely gift you made for her and both of your framed finishes look awesome.

I have been on the receiving end of stitcher's kindness and there is nothing else like it.

Cute little pillow, someone is going to be thrilled to receive it.

Have a fabulous week my friend!

Beth said...

I admire your framing skills - both pieces look fabulous!

Sarah Beth said...

Birthday blessings to your mother and may God bless your whole family.

Melanie said...

Happy Birthday to your Mommers!!!!!!!!! :)

Great framing link. I'll have to remind that one because I do like doing my own framing if I can. The whole soup to nuts thing and all.

Have fun on your bloggy break. :)

Catherine said...

Happy Birthday wishes to your mom!! I remember when you stitched that piece - it reminded me of when my middle guy brought violets to me that he found! The frames you chose are perfect for the pieces and thank you for sharing your framing link. I'll be checking that out!! All of your stitched goodies are wonderful. I am sure that you will be putting a smile on someone's face with your RAK - it's so pretty! Hope you are having a wonderful week - enjoy your break!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Your framing really complements your lovely stitching, and I just know your Mom was delighted! Happy Birthday, to you, Carol's Mom! So glad you were able to get the Betsy chart! Doesn't it feel great when someone does a RAOK to you? You do so many yourself, that Karma has to pay you back with great generosity!

Nancy said...

Beautiful framed pieces Carol! I hope your Mom has a very Happy Birthday! What a sweet little pillow you made. I hope you enjoy your break!

BrendaS said...

Carol --
Both framed pieces are just beautiful. Happy Birthday to your Mom:)))

How sweet of Gabi to send you that chart. Stitching bloggers truly are wonderful people.

I think your new start might be a PS? Whatever it is it looks great and your stitching is wonderful as always.

Enjoy your blogging break. We'll miss you.

Sweet Sue said...

Great finishes and framing Carol, enjoy your break/get some R & R if you can.

Hmmmmm... wondering what other tantalizing mysteries your finishes drawer might produce...

Happy Belated Birthday to the Mom of a librarian ~ with best wishes and a warm welcome to the neighborhood!

From: Your new neighbor, just a tad down the road....

Julie said...

Belated birthday wishes to your mom, a lovely gift for her.

I love 'Betsy' what a darling design, i have never seen this one, i'm looking forward to seeing your version stitched up. Enjoy your blogging break xx

Friendship Crossing said...

Hey Carol, your Mother's b'day is the same day as my MIL's b'day! Plus I know 2 other people born on that day!! May is a killer month for us w/several family b'days, but happy belated b'day to her!
LOVE the frames you chose, they are just gorgeous and as always, your stitching is impeccable!
Have a great week sweetie!
Tanya

Martine said...

Happy birthday to your mom, Carol !!! I love your "Blackbird's violets", it is so sweet !!!! and I am sure that she will be so glad !...
I love "betsy" too.... It is so cute with all these lumbs !!!!
I think of you, my dear friend...
Enjoy your blogging break !!!
You will miss us...
Hugs.

Lee said...

Thank you for another posting full of news, its always nice to visit and catch up with what you have been doing.

Best wishes to your mother I am sure she will love the gift.
Like the idea of random acts of kindness, think I will take that up.

Nicky said...

What a joy reading your news - I really hope your Mum had a fantastic birthday - your framed piece for her is superb. Your little tulip piece is lovely and thanks for the Floss Box link, what a lovely site with some great little patterns. Have a lovely stitchy week, Nicky

Nancy M said...

I really like your framed pieces. I have one that I swap out patterns for too and love it.Gabi is a great person, I've "known" her for several years now. Glad that she could help you out and it doesn't surprise me she would do something nice in return.

Edit said...

Happy birthday to your Mum! The framed pictures look absolutely beautiful, I am sure your Mum was thrilled with the one you gave her. And so many beautiful frames!!!

Your little finish is also beautiful, I am sure the recipient will love it very much!

Have a wonderful week! Edit

Gabi said...

Gorgeous framing of your just as gorgeous stitching.
Glad you like the chart. I'm planning to stitch Betsy as well, but then with an Australian or neutral dress.
The little pin cushion is gorgeous.
Wishing you lots of fun on your trip in Europe and looking so forward to hear more about it

Brigitte said...

Both your framed pieces look just wonderful. And what a great birthday present this was for your mom. No wonder that she loves it. And please, send some belated birthday wishes to your mom!
I also love dried flowers that were a dear present and I still have the roses that my husband gave me for my birthday this year. So, you are not the only one who loves those dead weeds, lol.
Betsy is one of my favourites by Sheepish Designs. Enjoy this lovely gift from Gabi!

Sally said...

Happy Birthday to your Mum!

Your framed pieces are beautiful.

I love your little finish. I bet whoever receives it will love it.

What a lovely thing for Gabi to do. Looking forward to seeing your progress:)

Vinniey said...

Happy belated birthday to your mom! I wish her happy and healthy always. :) "Something sweet" is beautiful with the frame, a very sweet gift to your mom. Your "4 seasons" frame look simple and nice and it is beautiful as well. Thanks for sharing the framing source; but too bad I live in Asia and I think the shipping cost is expensive. "Betsy" is gorgeous, I looking forward to see your stitching progress. Enjoy this beautiful chart and wish you have a great week. :)

Meari said...

Your framed finishes look awesome. I can see why your Mom was thrilled. Happy belated Birthday to your Mom! The pin pillow is adorable... in your favorite color, blue, too. You've got a nice start on your WIP.

Weather here is finally nice :)

♥marylin♥ said...

MOn Dieu quelles merveilles ces maisons bravo !!
bisous de France

Giovanna said...

Many Happy Returns to your mother! What a lovely gift you're giving her. And Gabi is a peach :-)

Mavi. said...

Carol, your mother congratulated me, belatedly but with affection.
Your framed embroideries are very nice. I like the second with the inner cordon highlights the work.
I hope you rest in these two weeks and enjoy.
Your kids are back in Spain?
Blogger has been crazy these last days.
Wait to see what you begin to embroider.
Greetings.

passionfruitprincess said...

Happy belated Birthday to your Mom!
All your finishes are beautiful.
I love the frames, you always pick the perfect one. Do you use glass when you frame your stitches pieces?
I do when I use a mat.
I can't wait to know what you are up to...
Hugs,
Ana Paula.

Carolyn NC said...

Wow - such lovely stitching - I love Flossbox patterns too. Your pillow is adorable! And your framed pieces are beautiful!

Dani - tkdchick said...

Wow you are so productive and the framed pieces are fantastic!!!

Andrea said...

Wonderful framed pieces. Love the wooden frame for the PS design. I'm particularly draw to dark wooden frames myself. Gold frames were a no-no at one point but with my L&L Christmas pieces I changed my mind. :)
A lovely pillow too, so refreshing.

Lynn said...

The framed piece for your Mom is really lovely! BBD are one of my favourite designers. I hope your Mom enjoyed her day!
Your PS finish is gorgeous too!
You've chosen some great frames for both pieces.
I was looking at your last post and your sunflower bellpull is stunning!
I would love to stitch this one someday but for now I'll leave my name out of the draw. I too many other things on my plate right now.

Jackie said...

Hi there Carol.

Happy Belated Birthday to you (Carol's) Mom :-)

Carol, what a beautiful sentiment you stitched for your mother and I know she appreciated it very much as you described. Those BBD charts are such keepers as are the PS charts. Your spring framed piece is perfect.
Thank you for the link to the framer as I enjoy framing large and small pieces myself. It is really a penny saver when you can DIY.
I love the Betsy chart a fellow stitcher sent to you and I am sure it was sent as a big thank you for the loan you gave her:-)
So now let me guess. Could your next piece be BBD or PS? Hummmm...
Look forward to seeing your work after your break.
Hugs.
Jackie

Jennifer said...

Oh no! Now I am going to have to check out another framing source. :-) I've been ordering from American Frame and really like them, but I am willing to go where the specials (and free shipping) are. I've saved SO much money by coercing my husband to frame my stuff.

Wendy said...

happy belated birthday Carol´s mum !

I´m so glad I can now finally post comments again !
what a lovely gift !
I´m like that to, when I find nice frames for a nice price, I stock up aswell.

Kathy Ellen said...

Carol, I love your beautiful BBD piece, "Something Sweet", just perfect for your darling mother's birthday!
Great finish on PS "Spring Prairie Seasons", and what a wonderful idea to mount each piece and just "pop" them into and out of the frame each season! I love that idea! Thank you for sharing the link to Franken Frames too!

Please add my name to the Drawn Thread "Sunflower" bell pull drawing again. I love that piece and would be very happy to share it with another stitcher, if I am blessed to receive it from you!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Annette said...

Congratz to your mother!! 84 years... what a beautifull age ;)
She got a great gift from you
choosing a frame is so hard.. you did a great job
What a lovely idea of you to send your work around the world.
Lovewhat you made with that blue!!
Good luck with your new start!1

have a great weekend, have fun stitching!!

Frances said...

Happy birthday to your mom! Your stitching and framing is so pretty! I'll be anxious to see Betsy when you finish it! I would love to be entered in your giveaway and I will be more than happy to pass it on to another stitcher! Thank you for the opportunity! fnelson1@comcast.net

Pumpkin said...

I've been wondering where you've been and now I know ;o) I guess I should catch up on my Blog reading...

Lovely job framing those pieces Carol! I bet your mom was thrilled with hers ;o) Happy Birthday to your mother and I hope it was a special day for her.

What an adorable pin cushion! Love the colors!

Wow, that was very sweet of Gabi but then again, as we always say, stitchers have the kindest hearts ;o)

Patty C. said...

The violets will definitely do -Lovely work !!!!!!

Ms. Wright said...

Care, I was so fortunate to see the beautiful piece that you did for Mom at their place. It's so beautiful! I wish I had a fraction of your talent.