Good morning everyone--and a warm welcome to my new followers! I am amazed and honored that 400+ of my fellow stitchers seem to enjoy visiting my blog--thank you so, so much for taking time out of your busy day to visit me. Would you believe I haven't picked up my needle in a week? Oh, how I've missed the relaxation that my stitching provides... The only thing I have to show you in the way of finishes is this sweet Easter bunny that I rescued from my "almost finished" drawer. I had stitched him back in 2008, but just put the beads on his vest and spats yesterday--so I guess I can officially call him "finished!" I'm thinking about a rustic looking creamy white frame. What do you think?
This piece, titled "Spring Garden" by The Design Connection (as far as I can tell, this is an out-of-print chart), is finished on 28ct. blue Monaco using most of the suggested DMC threads. I did change the colors on the sign to tone them down a bit. I wanted Mr. Rabbit in his little black shoes and argyle vest to be the star of the show. And since I didn't have the suggested buttons for the butterfly and flower in the basket, I stitched them instead. I think the Easter egg trellis is so lovely and don't you love his little "spats" and purple bow-tie? So handsome; a very proper rabbit indeed...
My "Spring Giveaway" certainly attracted more attention than I ever expected! I really was shocked that so many of you threw your names in the hat to win a bit of my stitching. Thank you so much--your compliments on my little ornaments made me blush and I'm so pleased that you took the time to enter. I loved reading about everyone's favorite vacation memories, too. I think I need to add some of your favorite destinations to my "must visit" list...
This is the hard part for me--sending a gift to only three of you. You have been such wonderful friends that you all deserve one, but, unfortunately, I only have three to give away this time. I let the Random Number Generator select my winners and first up was #10. Next was #1. And finally, #67. So, after numbering each entrant and reading the preferences of each winner in her comments, I'm happy to announce the winners are as follows:
Solstitches at A Sampler of Stitches!
Charlene SC at Needle In Hand!
Farm Girl at Farm Girl Stitching!
Congratulations to all three of you--please email me with your postal addresses and I'll get your little ornament off to you this week. It makes me happy to know that three of my creations will soon be residing in Spain, South Carolina, and New Zealand! I will definitely be having more giveaways in the future, so if you weren't among the winners, I hope you'll try again.
I spent most of last week in Florida helping my dear parents pack up for their move back north. Saying goodbye to their home of 17 years isn't easy for them, but I'm thrilled that they'll be living within a reasonable (5 hour) driving distance once again. There were many "lasts" this week along with quite a few tears, but it's time for them to start a new chapter of their lives. Anyway, because I was away, I am way, way behind on my blog reading and commenting. I'll really try to catch up with your blogs this week. Please know I've been thinking of you and I'll try my best to visit everyone. I really love to comment on blogs because you never know what a difference a kind word may make in someone's day. I know how one caring comment in the midst of a not-so-great day can bring me a smile :)
In closing, how about a bit of humor to start your week? My sharp-eyed husband spotted this sign outside of a newly remodeled restaurant a few weeks ago. Look closely now! Hmmm... I wonder what color scheme they've used in their newly "remolded" dining room; perhaps a nice black mold or maybe the more common green variety? We've had such a laugh over this and, embarrassingly, I had driven by this sign numerous times myself and never noticed the spelling error. My husband has been wanting to try this restaurant for a while...I think we'll pass!Thank you all for your sweet comments, emails, and thoughts--I so appreciate each and every one. Hopefully, the next time I post, it will actually feel like spring here... Bye for now...
Congratulations to the winners! So far flung too! I love your Mr. Rabbit -- he's so cute and colorful! I wish your parents all the best in their move. And yes, that sign is hysterical! Talk about a typo! I think someone needs to point it out to them!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear your parents won't be spending time in Florida anymore. I know that you'll be comforted by having them so close.
ReplyDeleteYou should send the picture of that sign to Jay Leno. Too funny!
Congratulations to all the very lucky winners!
What a darling design you're working on - with your lovely stitching! Yahoo! I'm happy to be a winner of your lovely pieces - over to email right away. Thanks so much. Nice to bring the folks closer - although it is hard work.
ReplyDeleteYour Easter bunny is the cutest! Congratulations to all the winners - including you, for having mom and dad somewhat near again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful Spring Garden stitch Carol! He is a proper rabbit indeed, and I love the trellis! Lovely in every way.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the lucky winners! I'm sure your stitched piece will become one of their treasures.
That sign is too funny. I don't think I would want to try that restaurant either!
Your stitching looks really pretty. I love the colours in it. Congratulations to all winners - they are lucky =D
ReplyDeleteWell done all the winners. The gifts are lovely as is your darling bunny. xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners. I think your rabbit is lovely and would look lovely in a rustic white frame.
ReplyDeleteso sweet Easter bunny:) and congrats the winners!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful Easter stitch Carol! I love all the spring colours. That sign was hilarious. Sorry to hear your parents had to leave Flda but so nice that they will be closer to you . I am sure it was a hectic week for you there packing them up. All the best!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, winners! What lovely treats they'll be getting in their mailboxes soon. It was so nice that you were able to help your parents, and the sign made me laugh out loud!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!! Your rabbit is just adorable!! Very dapper indeed!
Congrats to all of your very lucky winners! How fun that your pieces will be sent all over the world!
You have definitely been in my thoughts and prayers with all that is on your plate concerning your parents. Hopefully they will adjust well after their move.
Oh, that sign is too funny!! I don't think I'd really want to eat their either!!
Have a wonderful week! Hugs!
Congrats to all the winners. Love yopur bunny. The colors are so cheerful. I know that it will be great to have your folks closer. Happy Stitching.
ReplyDeleteYour bunny is so dapper! He sat unfinished way too long!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so much fun. No wonder you have a ton of followers. And congrats to the lucky winners.
Hope the move works out well for your parents. This can be so stressful for all involved.
And I see you still have your sense of humor. Jackie's idea to send to Jay Leno is a good one!
What a sweet finish Spring Garden is...I'm sure Mr Rabbit was glad to be rescued, lol!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine it was very emotional moving your parents, but how wonderful that they'll be closer! Congrats to the lucky winners!
Congratulations to the winners. I think that your bunny piece is absolutely adorable and I think your thoughts on a frame choice will just be perfect.
ReplyDeleteLove that Dining Room sign. It always amazes me when I see things misspelled like that. Makes me want to get out of the car and fix it!
The bunny is beautiful. It is hard to watch parents and friends get older. I am glad they will be closer to you. The sign at the restaurant is pretty funny. That happens more often then you would think. Have a blessed week carol.
ReplyDeleteThe bunny is just too adorable! Love the colors. And the sign? Can't believe no one caught it. But then again, the way people spell these days is frightening. I can spot a misspelled word a mile away.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been a trying week for you. Did you drive down and back? Glad they will be closer, though 5 hours is still a long haul.
Congrats to the winners. I'm sure they will be thrilled. Good luck to your parents settling in in their new home. A lovely finish.
ReplyDeleteOh how sweet is the Easter bunny?
ReplyDeleteI just love all the detail in this piece. The vine with the Easter eggs going up the sides not to mention his vest and buttoned boots. Adorable!
I had to do a double take when I thought I saw my name as one of the lucky winners.
I'm just thrilled. Thank you!!!!
Margaret
Such a darling little bunny, he's a real cutie
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winners of your giveaway!
I love the dapper little bunny. I hope your parents adjust to their new living arrangements. I hope being closer to family will bring a little happiness to their daily lives.
ReplyDeletePam
You're latest finish is delightful! He's definitely a gentleman bunny. Congrats to the winners! I can't wait to see what you offer for your next giveaway, I'm sure it'll be stunning :) Sorry to hear you've been so busy, I hope things are calming down now and you've got some well earned time to stitch. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThe rabbit is simply gorgeous. I think the frame you described would be perfect. The sign definitely does not inspire you to visit this restaurant at all!
ReplyDeletekind regards,
Shirley
Sweet bunny finish and just in time for the season.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! to the lucky winners
Your bunny piece is tooo cute! Perfect for Easter! And congratulations to all the winners. It's great you were able to see your parents and help with their move. That sounds very stressful! And that Sign..omgosh! I think I'd have to call them to point it out. Don't people proofread anymore?! Yikes!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winners!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your spring bunny piece~~ So nice and colorful!!!!
The sign is just too funny!!!!!
Woohoo! I'm so happy to be #67! I hardly ever enter giveaways, but couldn't resist the chance when I saw your lovely stitched pieces. I can't stop grinning. lol
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of my fave cross-stitching blogs, always something beautiful to see here.
Your Spring Garden is fabulous - the colours are so pretty! Best wishes to your parents for their upcoming move, goodbyes are difficult, but I'm happy for you that they will be closer.
Congratulations to the winners. Your rabbit finish is lovely, and I love that restaurant sign!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the lucky winners!
ReplyDeleteThe rabbit is just so cute and springy looking.
I can understand how difficult it is for your parents. We are in our 9th year in Arizona and realize that one day we will have to make that decision too.
Good for you for getting something out of the almost finished drawer and getting it done! Looks cute!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your three winners!
Hi Carol! I like so much your little Easter bunny. Congratulations to the winners!!
ReplyDeleteWOW 422 followers!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great job, your blog is so much fun to read.
What a lovely piece you have stitched!
I think a white frame would be lovely
Congratz to the winners!!
How great your parents are going life closer to you.
I don't wanna try that restaurant, but if you do let me know how it was...LOL
Hugs and wishing you a great week!!
Congratulations to your lucky winners Carol. These are true treasures.
ReplyDeleteThe bunny is adorable....lots of stitching on that litle guy!
I know the past week was a hard one for you. Transitions always are. At least your Mom and Dad will be closer to the family.
As for the restaurant....I'll give that one a pass. Makes you wonder if the owner caught the "error."
*HUGS*
Congratulations to the winners! Oh my goodness - A bunny with SPATS! I love it Carol. You always stitch the cutest things. Hmmm, think I'll pass on the restaurant. I wonder if anyone will point out their error so they can correct it?
ReplyDeleteLovely rabbit--I adore his spats and think a distressed white frame is just the thing!
ReplyDeleteI would totally go!~
They must be in business for some reason, and as it obviously isn't their spelling the food must be great!
That is so, so funny! I love it! Stuff like that cracks me up to no end. Good eye to that DH of yours!
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations to the happy winners! :D
I hope your parents will be very happy and that you'll enjoy them being a bit closer. :D
Hi Carol!
ReplyDeleteI love your Mr.Easter Bunny. The colors are lovely. I think your idea for a frame is perfect.
That's very nice having your parents near you. Will make things a lot easier...but I am sure they will miss Florida.
I love your posts! Since the first time I read your blog.
Take care!
Ana Paula.
Congratulations to the winners!! Your Spring Garden is just the cutest thing. I am loving Mr Rabbit's whole outfit - what a hoot!
ReplyDeleteHope that things go well with your parents relocation. It is not easy for either you nor them. Good luck!
Your bunny is a very dapper fellow indeed! I love this stitch and all the wonderful spring colours it displays. It should look fantastic in that creamy white frame.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the lucky winners!! It was a wonderful giveaway.
I'm sure this week past must have been a very emotional one but you'll feel much better having your parents closer. Hope you get in some stitching time soon to ease some of the stress.
Love that sign, lol!
Hello Carol.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners. I know they will treasure these gifts of your hands.
It so very nice to come and visit with you Carol and it is because of your warm spirit that brings me back :-).
What a deal for your parents to be closer to you. That has to be a plus for both you and them.
Gotta love the sign. LOL. Love it Carol.
Take care.
Jackie.
Ooops!!! The bunny is beautiful and I love that vest.
ReplyDeletecongrats to all of your winners.......wow! 400 followers! That is fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteYour newly finished bunny is so pretty! Your stitching is just gorgeous!!!!
Too funny about the sign.....
I hope everyone adjusts quickly to the 'new chapter' in your parents lives!
Congrats to all the winners, you lucky ducks!! Your rabbit is gorgeous and so bright. Shame it's a discontinued pattern.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the very lucky winners !
ReplyDeleteYour Easter rabbit is so adorable !!
I hope that your parents will be happy... and now I thing that you are very nice to have your parents near you.
Oh ! I don't understand about the restaurant.... ???? What is the problem ?
Have a wonderful week, Carol !
Hugs.
A sweet finish Carol!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners :)
I hope your parents will be very happy in this new chapter in their lives.
Lovely bunny finish..
ReplyDeletecongrats to winners...
Hello Carol!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and wanted to tell you that your stitching of the easter bunny is very pretty, I like the threads colors!
Have a nice day!
oh absolument merveilleux ! j'adore ce lapin ! cette broderie est un amour à regarder !
ReplyDeletebonne journée
amitiés marylin
Love your Mr. Bunny finish. I think it would look really cute in a white rustic looking frame.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners! You were so very generous to have 3:))))
I'm sure this move is hard on your parents but at least you will be in driving distance now.
Always good to read your posts Carol.
Have a good week.
Congrats to the winners!!!!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteAt least that sign was a mistake. I always wonder what the heck happened in the naming process whenever I go by a Bunghole Liquors store. lol
Why are you surprised that you have so many followers? You are one of my favorite reads! :)
ReplyDeleteYour "finish" is charming...isn't he a handsome little bunny?
What a delightful little guy that bunny is. He should bring spats back into fashion. The colors are picture perfect. He just makes me smile!
ReplyDeleteYour parents must have been so thankful to have you there helping them with their move. Hope you will have many happy times with them to come.
If the winners are anywhere near as happy as I was to win a giveaway of yours, they will be thrilled!
Congrats to the lucky winners!
ReplyDeleteI adore your rabbit finish. The colours are amazing. It's such a cheery piece.
I think I would pass on the 'remolded' dining room too. LOL. The last funny sign I can recall seeing which had a spelling mistake was out on the coast and it said 'No campimping' (no camping).
I hope your parents are settling in to the new chapter of their lives, and that you are having a lovely week.
Easter precious embroideries. I really like
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to three lucky.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations to you, Carol, for embroidery is complete with such good taste that spring bunny. We hope that you enjoy the sun that is craved.
Thank you very much for your feedback.
Besos.
Your Easter bunny is absolutely lovely Carol! It is just perfect, I like it a lot!
ReplyDeleteIt must be hard for your parents to move, but they will be much closer to you and that is also very important. I wish the best to all of you!
And congratulations for the three winners, I am sure they will treasure your ornaments!
Congratulations to the winners :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winners!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you, too, on the Mr. Rabbit finish. He's too cute!
I hope your parents settle in well with the changes in their lives. I know it's hard both for them and for you to watch.
LOL at that sign!! Too funny.
Congratulations on finishing Mr. Rabbit - he is so sweet! Congratulations also to the giveaway winners!
ReplyDeleteThe Spring Garden bunny is so cute. And the giveaways are gorgeous. You really have inspired me to see what I can do myself, to bring joy like that into someone elses life. Stay tuned. lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet Spring finish Carol! Congrats to the lucky winners of your giveaways! I'm glad that you've got the move completed from Florida for your parents. Like you, I've got behind on my blog reading lately, something I'm hoping to rectify this week! Have a good Monday my friend!
ReplyDeleteI caught myself reaching for the computer screen and saying, "Precious, my precious." Yeah, it was the whole Lord the Rings scene all over again when I saw this adorable rabbit. Now I want to stitch him, but can't. Oh Pooh! I love your finish by the way. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners of these beautiful ornaments. I love your latest finish, it is so cute and colorful!
ReplyDeleteYour spring garden is wonderful, I love it ! I did not find the chart on the net, where do you think I can buy it ? Or do you agree to barter this chart ? Thanks a lot for your answer :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the lucky winners. Glad to hear that your parents are living nearer to you now, I know 17 years isn't easy for them but I hope they're happy and will love their new home soon. :) Your spring garden is so colorful and pretty! And he is so cute. I can imagined how gorgeous it will be with the rustic white frame. Have a wonderful week, Carol.
ReplyDeleteOMIGOSH Carol...this bunny is SOOOOOO ADORABLE!!!! I love him! Rats about him being OOP :o( I guess I'll have to keep my eyes out now.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the lucky winners of your beautiful stitching. I'm very jealous ;o)
ROFL! That sign is hilarious!
Mr. Rabbit of "Spring Garden" is just amazing! The colours are just wonderful and the piece is unique!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the three lucky stitchers who won your beautiful "Spring Giveaway" pieces too!
have a good week end
ReplyDeleteLovely gifts and stitching on the bunny!
ReplyDeleteCarol, thank you so much for stopping by my new blog. I love your blog and your stitching. The easter bunny is wonderful; the colors are awesome. They are making me itch for spring.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!!! Spring Garden is absolutely gorgeous!!! I just can't get over how pretty it is! Wonderful stitching, Carol :) I'm off to hunt down the chart...
ReplyDeleteDonna in WV
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