FRIENDSHIP TRIBUTE SAMPLER

I worked on a Friendship Tribute Sampler pattern over the summer and am just getting the PDF file completed for it. Frames are in the works....there is always so much to do after the pattern is drawn....I had the help of two friends to stitch these for me. I stitched two because there is an alternate ending on the sampler. One says: We have chatted daily together, enjoyed the very same things. Had lots of rainy weather, but know what sunshine brings. Whatever life may choose to send, I hope to keep you my good friend. The alternate ending block says: I hope to keep all my good friends. I thought that one would be good for hanging in your own home and the other would make a great gift for a best friend. The sizes are 11x15 on 18ct Aida and 13 x 17 on 28ct linen. I used my own floss of course. The pattern will be available tomorrow.

I also had one of my Quaker patterns stitched with my new Antique Blue Variegated floss and I love how it turned out. I always liked the Flo Blue china and this reminds me of it with the way the colors flow on the pattern.

It flows from very dark blue to light blue grey. I think I will stitch a few more patterns in this color and do a series in the Quaker line.

Time to get back to the patterns....................
Happy stitching!

Nancy

One can never have too many Christmas ornaments.....so lets give away some patterns!

I think I have skipped over Halloween and gone right to Christmas. The house will be decorated tomorrow and I can focus on more ornaments....one can never have too many! I did these patterns last month and will have them available in my ebay store tomorrow. I love to add new patterns and wish I had time to do more than I do....maybe I need to set an impossible goal and keep to it....like a pattern a day for a year....wonder if I would live through it! Just a thought......and it certainly would keep the stitchers busy! A dozen stitchers!

Lets give away some patterns....shown above...I will give 5 sets of patterns to 5 lucky stitchers. Winners to be announced November 7th. Please watch for the winning names and be sure I have an email address for you. Be a follower and post a comment here to be entered in the drawing. I will pick 5 names out of the hat and then email you a pdf file with the patterns. Good luck everyone!!!

Happy stitching.
Nancy

Hand Dyed lace trims for Autumn

Autumn is a favorite time of the year for many people, including myself. The cool crisp air, the leaves turning gorgeous colors and slowing drifting to the ground to create puddles of color all around the yard. There are times I wish I was a kid again so I could rake them into a big pile and jump in! The simple things in life....that we didn't appreciate as much as we should have at the time and it takes getting older to realize what we had.

As I dyed all of these new trims these past few weeks I had the pleasure of seeing all the Autumn colors right in my hands......even though I am working inside. Dyeing trims and fabric is like painting a picture for me and blending just the right hues.

Here is a sample of some of the trims I have been dyeing. Cotton eyelet, cluny lace trim in several styles and widths, and cotton/rayon blend thick laces to embellish all those stitches goodies. If I EVER get done with the dyeing...I can get back to stitching and finishing. All in good time.

I hope all of you take the time to play in the leaves!

Nancy