Monday, February 13, 2012

Hearts and Flowers

Good morning everyone! Hope your week is off to a wonderful start... Any special plans for Valentine's Day? Since I have to work that night and my husband is off skiing in Utah, I'll be having a lonely day (boo hoo!!), but I've been trying to get into the Valentine's Day spirit by stitching a few cute holiday designs. Before I share them with you, I want to thank you all for your wonderful comments on my last post! Wow!! I've never had that many comments before (except when I offered a giveaway)... I guess everyone liked my bowl-full of January smalls? I also want to wish a warm welcome to my new followers--so glad you're here!


The first finish I have to show you is a Prairie Schooler design which can be found in the "From the Heart" chart. I stitched it on 35 ct. natural Northern cross linen with the suggested DMC threads. I did change the border though. I thought there was too much green so I substituted a white and pink border instead. I just thought it gave it a more "Valentiney" look.






I love this natural Northern Cross linen because white shows up so well on it. That and sage jobelan are my "go-to" fabrics for snowy stitching. To finish it off, I made it into a little pillow with a pretty fabric in the shades of red used in the cross stitch. I then added a bit of the tiniest crocheted lace which I found at Joann Fabrics. What do you think?


I know you've seen this design on many stitching blogs lately. It is from the "Quaker Valentines" chart by The Stitcherhood and I truly enjoyed stitching it. I used a lovely 28 ct. cashel linen in cream and Crescent Colors Wild Berries thread. It is actually a more "berry" looking shade in real life. I just love the script on this one--probably because I admire beautiful handwriting which is an ability I'm seriously lacking in!! Seriously, I can't write--I always print!! When I try to write, I always end up making mistakes! It is like there is a disconnect between my brain and my right hand... Anyway, the only time I ever write my name is when I'm signing a document or a check--strange, aren't I?


For the finish, I decided I wanted a tiny--and I do mean tiny--pillow so I stitched it over one. To make the little pillow, which measures a mere 1 1/2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches long, I used the same cashel linen for the back and simply stitched the edges together with the same Wild Berries thread. Instead of stuffing it with my usual fiber-fill, I used crushed walnut shells. Love the "squishy" feel of it!






Doesn't this adorable Lizzie Kate February Flip-It bring back some long-ago Valentine's Day memories? Remember decorating our shoe boxes in grade school with hearts and flowers made from construction paper, white paper doilies, and glitter, and then setting them out for fellow students to put those corny little valentines (like these) inside? I just loved those Valentine's Day parties at school and always hoped that my "secret crush" might give me a special Valentine each year...


Once again, I used the 35 ct. natural Northern cross linen for this piece along with the suggested Sampler Threads. I didn't have the called-for charm so I found this antique bronze colored heart in my stash which I think works perfectly. I thought the pale pink fabric dotted in brown and a brown ric rak edging complemented the design nicely...so cute! There is just something so fun and appealing about polka-dots, don't you think?

In my ongoing effort to finish off some of those pieces in my "unfinished finishes" drawer, I searched through it and the following two things seemed to be perfect for some February finishing. First up is another Lizzie Kate (called "Be Mine Valentine" piece (which is the same one featured in my header). I've stitched it twice--once as a a card which I sent to my dear parents and the second which I stitched in 2011 (you can click here to read the details on fabric and fibers used. Since I hadn't done a flat pinkeep finish in a while, I decided this would make a nice one. I'm really pleased with how it turned out with it's pink gauzy bow and lavender and white pins... The lovely roses are from my husband--an early Valentine's gift since he was going to be away on the actual day.


I also came across an old Prairie Schooler finish from Book No. 23:"A Prairie Year II." I'm not sure when I actually stitched this--probably in 2008 or 2009, but I'm so happy to finally have it finished and on display. I used the burgundy and white flannel fabric (yes, from another son's old shirt!) for the backing and then tufted it in the middle with a pair of red and white buttons. I really like it turned on the diagonal like this, don't you?


Here is a photo of all five of my February Valentine's Day finishes all together. As you can see, my tastes are quite eclectic!


And here they are in my long wooden bowl!
I'm having such fun filling up this wooden bowl that I might try to do it each month. I think the summer months of June and August might be hard to find things to stitch for it, but we'll see how I do... Anyone have any cute March ideas for me? I already have one leprechaun with his pot of gold that I stitched long ago that needs to be finished, but I'll have to look through my stash to see if I have any other March smalls just waiting to be stitched...




Never in all my years did I dream I would actually meet one of my British blogging friends, but it happened on February 3rd when I met Gillie who blogs at "Random Thoughts From Abroad." Gillie was in town visiting her oldest daughter and so I invited her to come visit me and two local stitching/blogging friends, Lee and Linda. We spent a delightful afternoon at my home chatting, eating coffee cake, and drinking tea. Gillie brought me this lovely tea towel from the Lakeland area of England where she is from and a jar of blueberry jam. I made her a little "Christmas Robin" ornament which she loved. (I forgot to photograph it, but you can see it in this post because it identical to the one I stitched for Mary back in December). Thank you so much for taking the time to visit, Gillie--I loved meeting you and getting to know you better...Please know you're welcome to visit any time you're in town!











THANK YOUS:
I received a lovely Valentine's gift from my sweet friend in North Carolina, Myra. You all know what an excellent seamstress Myra is, and this adorable fabric Valentine candy holder is proof positive. It is so beautifully stitched that I think she could go into business--amazing! And what a cute idea to tie on a yummy chocolate bar... Thank you, my friend--your thoughtfulness always makes me smile...



And from another of my blogging friends "down South," dear Charlene, came a wonderful RAK package. How sweet is this petite Ball Jar that she covered with a personalized blue and white stitching for me! I told her, I think it's the perfect place to hold my multi-colored buttons. She also made me a cute blue thread catcher and included some pretty blue and gold ribbon. I was so surprised and touched by your sweet gifts, Charlene--thank you again for your friendship and emails...They mean so much to me!








I was also the lucky winner of a very special giveaway... Just look at what Nancy at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe sent me: fifteen of the most gorgeous threads I've ever seen. What a luscious rainbow of colors! If you haven't visited Nancy's blog, please pay her a visit soon. In addition to her wonderful threads, she offers some lovely charts, charms, and a whole plethora of ric rak and trims. Thank you so much for your generosity, Nancy--I can't wait to find the perfect project to showcase your lovely threads...

For my friends down south who seem to be missing any sign of snow this year, I want to share this collage of snow pictures that I took yesterday. It snowed lightly all weekend and we finally have our first true wintry weather of the season. Everything looks so fresh and pure outside my windows...

Well, as Porky Pig would say (you have to be old enough to remember those old cartoons!): that's all folks!! Thank you again for taking the time to visit me and say hello. Not sure if it's celebrated in all parts of the world, but I want to wish each of you a very special ♥♥♥ Valentine's Day ♥♥♥ filled with love and laughter (and hopefully, some chocolatey treats)! Bye for now...

104 comments:

  1. Wow I love all the stitching and finishes so much,,
    Love for you xxx

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  2. Fantastic, fantastic, I love them.
    I can choose, Be Mine Valentine and February with brown polka dots fabric, are adorable ....
    By March, no, have to think .....
    What pretty all together, that good idea.
    Love, Carol...

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  3. You really did justice to those Valentine designs. What a cute collection!

    Lovely gifts from the stitchers and those threads look good enough to eat with your Valentine candy!

    We had the slightest touch of snow here, but plenty of cold and wind. I was out walking Saturday when 'flurry-geddon' hit. Started as sleet and the winds almost blew me away! But it was over in a wink.

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  4. Carol!! You certainly have been on a roll with all your fantastic finishes~ I simply don't know which one I like the best! I agree about the natural linens....The whites seem to pop and what better time than Valentines Day to have that white show up in the lacey edges...

    Aren't Myra and Charlene the best!?? Us Carolina girls like to share and those 2 are 2 of our best! Love all the gifts you were showered with!

    I must say I will also be low key for Valentines Day...And, if I had that snow to gaze at, I know I'd be at home sipping something warm and soothing... Take care my friend!

    Blessings, Faye

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  5. Your February pieces are all wonderful! And they look so great together in the bowl too. I like that idea of trying to fill the bowl for each month. :D So nice that you got to meet Gillie and have a good get together with friends with her. Nice presents and prizes too! As for the snow -- keep it away from me please. lol!

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  6. My goodness, what a load of positively gorgeous Valentine's Smalls you have there...always an inspiration! You've been a lucky ducky girl too with all your treats and goodies from abroad and down south! But that doesn't surprise me a bit because you are a friend to everyone :)
    Love ya girl!

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  7. What a beautiful collection of Valentine goodies. You're stitching is always so perfect! Have a wonderful Valentines Day!
    Blessings

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  8. Gorgeous finishes. I like how you changed the border a bit on the first one.

    Meeting stitchy friends is always so thrilling. I have made alot of new friends through blogging.

    So sweet of your husband to give you those beautiful roses!

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  9. Five really sweet finishes for February...so fun and cheery. I love the photo in your header, too.

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    Bobbi

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  10. Your stitching and finishing is absolutely stunning - all the pieces are so beautiful! I also love the display in that long wooden bowl :)

    You have received such lovely goodies, the threads from Victorian Motto are stunning!

    Beautiful snowy pics too!

    Have a lovely Valentine's Day!

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  11. Carol, your Valentines stitching is all gorgeous. I love to stitch heart motifs, and I love this time of the year,seeing all the Valentine hearts that are done by other stitchers.
    Hope your husband enjoys his trip and you can have a Valentine's Day of your own when he returns.

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  12. Beautiful stitching and great finishing ideas! What a wonderful Valentine display! Love this blog.
    Cathy

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  13. I love the Praire Schooler fob, the colours are great!

    Wish you have a great Valentine's Day too! xoxo

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  14. Look at all that snow! All the snow here is almost gone, but we're due for more almost every day this week. Boo.

    Your stitching is gorgeous! I'm always jealous at how many you get done.

    Nice mail packages, and floss win. Lucky girl!

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  15. Although I won't be alone on Valentine's Day, we are having our taxes done. I'd rather do just about anything else, LOL.

    You have been so busy and productive (not to mention clever and talented) in your finishing of holiday smalls! I love the sweet look of them all together. :)

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  16. I love all of your Valentine finishes especially the Lizzie Kate piece. I am looking forward to Valentines Day! A perfect reason for chocolatety treats. I hope you have a wonderful day!

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  17. Oh Carol your finishes are all so pretty. They are all finished off so beautifully.

    You received some lovely RAKs and just look at those gorgeous threads you won! Nancy's threads are so nice to stitch with too.

    Happy Valentine's Day :) x

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  18. Hello Carol,

    I really like your Valentines ))

    Anna

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  19. Your Valentine's are gorgeous! (Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays - probably because I love all the red!)

    You have inspired me to work on finally finishing things I have stitched in the past (and there is A LOT!!!). I only hope I can do as beautiful a job as you. Hopefully with practice, it will get better and better.

    thank you so much for sharing all of your beautiful stitching and photos with us.

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  20. All your little Valentine pieces are so sweet... (I love your new blog background too) Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, I just love the day, love and candy, best things in the world!!

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  21. Great finishes. You have such a lovely blog I enjoy coming here.

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  22. Oh my what GREAT February finishes in your wooden bowl! Love it!

    I was thinking for June and August you could do bumble bees, picnic baskets, balloons, flowers, watering cans or sprinklers, sunshine, birds....

    Those new green threads will make up some great March pieces!!

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  23. I love all your stitching and finishing of Valentines pieces - one is prettier than the other and they all look great in your bowl!! As a major Lizzie*Kate fan, she can take care of you all year with all her different monthly series that would look really cute in the bowl....

    How cool actually meet an international blogging friend - way cool.

    Great gifties from some lovely ladies. I LOVE Nancy's threads. They are such rich colors, and you get a ton of each color - nummy!!

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  24. I really enjoyed reading your post today & seeing all the photos! Congratulations on all the wonderful finishes! Blessings, Shirlee

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  25. So many adorable finishes! They all are cute, but the February pillow is my favourite :)

    Hugs,
    Tatyana

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  26. Such pretty Valentine finishes! They are all so sweet Carol, but there is something about the Lizzie Kate design that catches my eye. Lovely gifts from your friends, and what a lucky winner you are to have those beautiful threads. Thanks for sharing the snow! I wanted some this Winter so now you have given it to me!

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  27. Oh my goodness, what amazing finishes, Carol! I think they're all wonderful, from the PS to the L*K. Wonderful gifts, too! I loved the snow photos--we are having a super mild winter this year and while I don't miss the heating bills, I do miss the beauty of the snow.

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  28. You have a beautiful blog and I love reading your posts. Your stitching for February is mouth watering. Besides the beauty of the designs the colours are fantastic.

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  29. Carol --
    Always good to "visit" with you! I just love all your Valentine's Day stitching. Each one is different and they make such a nice collection in your bowl.

    Great gifts from Myra and Gillie and the fact that you got to meet her makes it that much more wonderful:)

    Happy Valentine's Day to you my friend.

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  30. Wow... so many wonderful Valentine Day finishes. Wonderful eye candy for us all to admire.

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  31. Super gorgeous Valentine/heart finishes, Carol! Love each and every one of them!

    Love your snow pictures! We have had a mild winter here!

    Robin in Virginia

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  32. Such beautiful finishes, but i must confess that the Prairie Schooler one on the diagonal is my favorite! There's something about the colors that really drew my eye.

    I love the idea of the long bowl filled up with seasonal smalls. Sweetheart Tree has several shamrock pieces, including this one: http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=SV-BP4

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  33. Your wooden bowl looks fantastic filled with red valintines. enjoy

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  34. Absolutely gorgeous finishes!! I love your wooden bowl filled with all your finishes.

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  35. Can I start with word JEALOURS!!!!!!
    I always go first the the comment klick... so I can see al what you post and then I i'm ging to read it..

    A FEW designs???
    You have a great blog, lovely pic's and a great story.. that's why so many people come to you ;)))

    What a lovely design 'from the heart'. And you finish up so lovely as always.
    Love the crocht lace.... so beautifull

    Quaker, is not my designer, but love how you made it beautifull

    Ow Ow in LOVEEEEEEEEEEE... love that little disign from Lizie kate!!!
    I have the other stamp, it already finished in too a flatfold, but somewhere on the attic.. but don't now where!!
    Iso really love this design.. need to find it..and stitch it..lol =))Love your finish from it

    Ow another Lizzie Kate.. ( I also loved your header...)
    Beautifull pattern, never have seen this one..
    fabulaous Pinkeep...
    Lovely DH gave you beautifull flowers!!
    The last one also looks great!!
    I only stitch on white fabric. it's the only thing I can buy here, but your pieces on other colors of frabric are so great!!!

    Then the jealour spic... your lovely bowl..
    I think I hav mentioned it a few thimes.. but what you are doing is something what is in my mind for 3 years.. I had hope this year was the first year I would do it... to bad.. lol..
    There is always next year..

    The problem is we a redecortion teh attic, a bihgger window... things that would keep us more warm.. so there is where all my craft supplies are.. lol.. need to do it with the things I have downstairs..lol

    March was for me birds and first flowers.. a idea???

    What a great days you must have had with your friends.. sounds like fun

    You got so many beautifull gifts... love them.. enjoy them!!

    Ow and love that snow pic.. here it's melting.. the temperatures a above zero... so it's only water what I'm seeing

    I'm young but I also know who Porky Pork is..lol....
    I hope you will be having a lovely Valentin's Day..

    Good luck making things for March

    Havde a great week my friend

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  36. Beautiful work, Carol! So nice to see all your fun happy mail as well!!

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  37. Looks like I'll be spending my Valentine Day alone too Carol since my hubby is also working all day. I will spend the evening though with my stitching group working on a few smalls.

    I love all of your Valentine stitches! They're just wonderful! I especially love how you stitched The Valentine Quaker over one and produced that teensy little pillow. Too cute! I finished mine up this weekend and should post a pic tomorrow.

    You received some lovely gifts Carol! Myra does some amazing work.
    Have you tried Nancy's floss yet? I'm stitching another Valentine small with some of hers right now. It's one of those reds you have in your bunch, the first one I think.

    Now I have to get moving. My DH just informed me that we are going to spend part of the day at a year- round park in Quebec. Hopefully I can get some good pics!

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  38. What cute finishes hun; congrats on winning the threads; I love Nancy; she's such a generous lady. Try Lizzie Kate; she has some cute March/St. Patty's Day designs and maybe Bent Creek also...

    Hugs, Shar

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  39. Great finishes Carol ~ I especially love the little Valentine one, so small and delicate!

    How exciting to meet up with blogging buddies, especially from overseas! What a treat!

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  40. Yep, you've been busy visiting, winning, stitching and finishing. A lovely collection of treasures:) Happy V-Day!

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  41. here in brazil we don't celebrate the valentine's days in february 14...but how we have a lot of schools of english language, some people celebrate.

    your post is so beatiful! i want to do every thing i saw here!

    we have boyfriend's day in june 12.

    sorry about my english LOL

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  42. All of the valentine pieces are so pretty and look great in the wooden bowl. How nice to meet fellow stitchers. Of course if remember porky pig. I guess that put me in a special age group. Have a happy valentines day.

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  43. Wow! That drawer of yours...very cute finishes! What a darling display! pretty gifts too! Have a wonderful Valentine's day!

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  44. Happy Valentine's Day! This post was like eye candy, beautiful finishing!

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  45. We came in to work this morning and it felt like an oven...so thanks for sharing the snow! All your 'bowl' projects are so pretty - just the way Valentines should be! Just love the thought of smalls for each month - and know yours will be delightful!

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  46. Happy Valentines to you Carol!!! My Hubby and I are not doing anything special at all!! We never do!! We celebrate everyday :D Aww!! Gorgeous finishing there Carol!! I think my favourite is the diagonal one with your son's flannel shirt! What a great use for an old shirt!!!

    Grats on winning all those threads! They sure look lovely!! The snow is very pretty but I'm glad it's turning into spring here :D

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  47. well thanks for all the eye candy and the Hershey bar too ..lol
    love all the wee smalls you made and glad you had a fab time meeting Gillie ... I hope to meet her this weekend coming :)
    don't work too hard tomorrow :) and enjoy your valentine flowers :) love mouse xxxx

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  48. What awesome finishes girlfriend. I love the Valentine with the envelope. I may have to hunt that one up. Too stinkin cute! You go girl!

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  49. Wow, oh your work is so beautiful love all of your little ornaments they look such a treat in your wooden bowl.
    You always pick the right charts. Love your header .

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  50. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Valentine's finished!!! They look so pretty all done and in the bowl.
    WOW!!!

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  51. What lovely finishes! The PS is just gorgeous with all that pink, white and green (the first one).

    The second PS definitely looks better on the diagonal.

    Your taste may be eclecti but it's also impeccable!

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  52. Those are gorgeous February pieces you finished. They all turned out wonderful. :) Glad you had a nice time with friends too. Those snow pictures are gorgeous. I wouldn't know what that is like in real life since I live all the way in Sunny Miami. We are lucky if it even hits 50 degrees here.

    Happy Valentines to you too. :)

    Jen

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  53. What a beautiful love post this is, the finishings are all gorgeous;-))) And you also won floss...liek me, isn´t it great???

    Have a nice valentine day tomorrow;-))

    Gaby

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  54. Hi Carol! I love, love,love the sweet little Prairie Schooler design, From the Heart chart.♥ Very lovely gifts you have received. My husband always gives me my gifts early no matter the occasion. So I have already been enjoying a large box of delicious chocolates. :)

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  55. Carol - I am so impressed with your finishing - so many different ways - each chosen so carefully to coordinate with the colors and style of the original stitch...

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  56. There's something about seeing other's 'finished finishes' that makes us all want to run to do the same so thank you for sharing these ADORABLE ValentinesQ

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  57. I love seeing all your wonderful finishes Carol, gives me so many different ideas for ways to embellish and finish. Your Valentines pieces are all wonderful, and they do look fantastic in your wooden bowl. I will definitely look forward to seeing what you put in there each month! I love your snow pics too, glad you got some in the end - have a happy Valentines day!

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  58. Wow Carol your February/Valetine finishes are gorgeous. I love them all especially the Lizzie Kate. Will have to stitch it sometime. My hubby doesn't believe in celebrating Valetines day apparently we've been married too long for that rubbish lol but he does bring me flowers from time to time. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. The gifts you received are gorgeous.

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  59. I love your Valentine stitchings Carol! We do not really celebrate it, but I love seeing all these beautiful pieces that you made. Especially like the PS, I also have it on my to do list :) Maybe now I will stitch it soon, after seeing yours :)

    The flowers from your husband are also wonderful!

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  60. another lovely blog post...each & every one seems to get better & better...would you write mine for me?!?!?!?!
    everything looks wonderful!!!

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  61. Another great post Carol.
    I love each and every one of your pretty Valentine finishes. I am so going to look forward to seeing the contents of your bowl month by month.
    Lovely gifts received and oh lucky you winning that gorgeous floss from Nancy.

    Margaret

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  62. I am still thinking about that lovely afternoon....! I will be on my own too, the WT went off to Lyons for the week :(

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  63. Your February stitching is fabulous, so much eye candy!!
    All that wool, am sure you will do something with that!!
    Gorgeous snowy pictures, it's all gone here now.
    Have a good Valentine even though it's by yourself, could be good:))

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  64. Wow~ What a great bunch of Valentines Day finishes!!!! They are gorgeous!!!!
    And those threads you won are fabulous!!!!! Lucky you!!!
    Happy Valentines Day!!

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  65. We are barely half way through February and you have finished all those lovely stitching already! And the gifts are wonderful. I would say you are off to a great start for Valentine's Day (to make up for having to work I suppose!)

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  66. Gorgeous Valentine stitching and finishing, love them! You have some wonderful gifts!

    Thank you for the snowy pictures, beautiful sights!

    Happy Valentine!

    Hugs,

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  67. Your Valentine finishes are just amazing my friend. I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite. Congratulations on your win, you will have to let us know how you like the floss once you stitch with it. I am glad you like my little Valentine and I just love the things Charlene sent to you. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  68. All of your Valentine finishes are charming (as always) I love every single one of them :)

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  69. Beautiful valentine stitching.
    Happy Valentine's Day !

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  70. Your bowl of February smalls is wonderful! Enjoy the day stitching!

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  71. Everything looks absolutely gorgeous
    (as it always does)
    - Myra did another lovely job with her gift.

    Happy Valentines !!!!

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  72. Hello ! I love all the stitching , absolutely wonderful ! congratulations!
    Happy Valentine's day !

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  73. Hi Carol, I am impressed. Everythings looks absolutely wonderful and gorgeous. It's always a pleasure to visit your blog.
    Hugs from Germany, Gabi

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  74. Wow Carol! I think. Your bowl is a hit!! And yes, I think you should keep changing it and sharing ~ it's so fun to see your beautiful finishes!
    Congratulations on all of your goodies ~ I'm sure you will enjoy them all! Those colors from Vicotoria's Motto are so pretty!
    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  75. Dear Carol,
    I have admired your new ornaments yesterday and slowly running out of my words to describe how much I enjoy your finishes over and over again.
    Your Valentine's are soooo cute, I love the colours and the designs. And they are a wonderful combination in your wooden bowl.

    Happy Valentine's Day, my dear friend!
    Hugs
    Hilda

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  76. Gorgeous finishes Carol! I look forward to seeing the different displays in your lovely wooden bowl each month, I think that's a really good idea. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  77. Publicity brought Valentine's Day to Portugal in the early eighties. Lovers, (happy or unhappy) before that, thought that St. Anthony from Lisbon (also known as from Padua)was their best help in Love.
    Now we have hearts and flowers and chocolats all over. I do enjoy Love to have a really special day! St. Anthony still protects lovers but June is his month!
    Best regards
    Paula Nunes Lima

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  78. The bowl looks splendid with your February valentiney finishes in there, such a treat to look at.

    Beautiful gifts from your friends and congrats on winning the Victorian Motto threads from Nancy, it will be interesting to see what you stitch with those.

    How wonderful to meet Gillie in person, i am hoping to meet her too when we have our meet up in April this year.

    Beautiful roses from your hubby, i hope you enjoy the day even though you have to work.

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  79. Beatiful, fantastic and so lovely!!
    Carol I love all your finish,
    this february I love to much,

    Happy Valentine's day
    kisses

    eljardindemiduende

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  80. Beautiful stitching! Thanks for sharing the photos.
    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  81. Lovely header =)))
    OMG! I'm in love with that pink and brown LK pillow =) soooo cute! the colors look beautiful!!! :D I love polka-dots, it's just impossible to resist to any polka-dot print! hehehe
    I really need to learn how to make pillows like you do, your finishes are always so pretty :) Congrats sweetie, beautiful pieces :D

    You met a blogger friend!! Awesome :D I bet you had a great time together :)
    I've met two blogger friends in the last few years, both portuguese ladies. It's really nice to be able to hug a dear friend :)

    Hugs&Smiles to you!!

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  82. Happy Valentine's Day to a lovely, wonderful friend! I love the rises DH got you...so pretty! And how do you get to finishing up so many cute smalls?! The bowl display is fantastic! Love your gifts and look at all those wonderful threads! I just know you're going to have great plans for them!

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  83. Carol, what lovely Valentine finishes! This year I didn't manage one!!! What lovely Valentine gifts arrived at your door, congrats on the giveaway win - what lovely colours - and sounds like a wonderful afternoon meeting with Gillie.

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  84. I love the little Stitcherhood piece. I'll have to keep my eye out for that one. (All your little finishes are cute.) I had to work on Valentine's evening, so boo hoo to me, too. So it goes.

    Pam

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  85. So many awesome finishes, Carol. You totally rocked Valentine's Day this year!

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  86. As always Carol, I LOVE seeing how you finish all your darling pillows and ornies! They are so pretty!!
    I didn't realize it till now that I must have accidently deleted your posts on my sidebar~but you're back on now! I wondered why I hadn't seen you post lately! LOL
    I'll have fun catching up on recent posts soon!

    Hugs,
    Tanya

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  87. are all very beautiful, I like the colors used...
    ciao Pat

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  88. So many beautiful stitchy finishes!!

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful snowy white scenery...I miss living in the snow.

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  89. I just love how you always manage to pick the perfect finishing/fabric/trims for your pieces. I especially like Lizzie's Kate February. Too sweet! I'm looking forward to seeing what your March bowl contains.

    Lovely, lovely gifts you've received. Oh, and I do remember Porky Pig ^.^

    Hugs,
    Veronica.

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  90. Happy (very) belated Valentine's Day! :)
    I like the changes you made to the PS. I can't even imagine now with more green because it looks so adorable with the pink/white.
    Perfect finishing on all of them, as always! You are the Queen Bee of finishing.
    I say tulips or cherry blossoms..........maybe something with a little ducky for March?

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  91. Thanks for your compliments but I truly love your Valentine Day's stitcheries. They all are quite lovely.
    Glad your sweetie thought of you before he had to leave. My dh and I are healing along nicely. Probably at arounf 65% just now but getting better. Thanks for your visit, I appreciate it. Jane

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  92. Other 5 fantastic finishes! They're all adorable!

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  93. Love reading your blog always, Carol! Love the colors change on your "From the Heart". It looks so beautiful with the white and pink border. Great choice on choosing the lace and fabric for finishing. What a lovely little pillow! Great job!

    All your Valentine's ornament are so gorgeous! :) Your Lizzie Kate February Flip-It is so beautiful and adorable, so sweet and lovely! Among all your Valentine's ornaments, I heart this one! :) But the other four are lovely too. :) Both of your wooden bowl seasonal decorations are beautiful and I can't wait to see your March deco.

    I can write but I'm too lazy to write. I prefer print too. (LOL)

    Congratulations on your wins! Those threads looks so "delicious"! Wonderful gifts from friends too.

    Have a wonderful week and happy stitching your March ornaments! :)

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  94. Wow you sure have been busy. I'm gonna go broke if I continue to follow your blog. Every time you post a finished product, I go out and buy the pattern - this isn't good! :)

    Thanks for the inspiration. I always feel like stitching after a visit!!

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  95. Holy cow, I'm the 101st commenter!! All your smalls are just perfect. You have really been an inspiration to me. With my newly (yet completed) redecorated stash room I am having all sorts of ideas to incorporate my stitching. I have been on the lookout for smalls with a stitching theme. I think I'm going to put them on my new desk, under glass so they are protected and also have a basket of smalls and shelves with smalls on them....so many ideas....so little time!

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  96. I love all you've shown here, especially the strawberry project! Wow, I'm impressed!

    New here and will be back often.

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  97. What an amazing array of February smalls!!!!

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  98. Looks like you were busy with Valentine stitching! I was in the same frame of mind but mine aren't finished finished yet so you're one step ahead of me ;o) They are all so sweet and make a great February display.

    That is so neat that you got to meet another Blogger and one from so far away! Sounds like a lovely time :o)

    Another one that has been having some awesome mail coming through their mailbox! Lovely gifts.

    You can keep any snow that you get. We had a bit the other day (the most we've had all winter) and it's already gone!

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  99. As always your stitching is magnificent! You are ever so talented. Beautifully displayed as well. Thanks for sharing a little part of your household with us.

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Hello! So glad you dropped in and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate each and every one...I'm happy to try to answer any questions you may have, but please make sure to include your email address so I can get back to you...

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Carol