A gift for you and for me

Greetings to everyone.  I wanted to show you two very special and unexpected gifts that I recently received from blogger buds.  First up is this wonderful ornament with fabulous linen and backing fabric from the generous Shirlee, aka The Easily Influenced Stitcher.  This is my second ornament from her big heart! 

 

Thank you so much my friend, he is perched on my kitchen wreath where I see him throughout the day. 

Second is this beautifully made mug from Chris of Tot Hill Farm Stitches.  It's from New Salem Pottery and has such beautiful colors.  Thank you so much Chris!  How blessed I am to be the recipient of other stitchers' thoughtfulness. 

And now for your gift - Nicole May was the winner of the gift certificate.  A few emails were duplicates which is why the total entries were 158.  WOW!  Thanks to everyone who entered.  I started putting names into the scrambler earlier today and added any others that came in, so they were ready to be randomized at 8.

I will email you Nicole for your preference of shop.  Hope you find some goodies for yourself!




  To answer a few emails about mylar...  it should be easily found in the craft stores or fabric stores where they hang the wall stencils.  It's inexpensive and comes in several sizes.  I also found it packaged from many online shops, one is  http://www.creativestencildesigns.com/servlet/the-Supplies/Categories.   It's also called acetate sheets, stencil blanks, or vinyl sheets. The flexible cutting mats that aren't too thick can be used too.  I've seen them at Wal-Mart and most stores that carry kitchen gadgets. 
And the fringe.  Yep.  Susan was right!  I watched a video on Turkey work and it sure appears to be the ticket.  My pillow is done on both front and back so I don't know how that would work out but I will give it a try.  Since I've been playing with it, I love the look.  If you'd like to see it done, here is the link to the video http://www.needlenthread.com/2009/04/turkey-work-embroidery-stitch-video.html, just scroll down and click to start. 

I've been going through a hoard of samplers to choose a new start and as usual, can't make a decision.  A ratty looking primitive is my choice while I decide and I will show it next time, along with an old gadget that I rediscovered (well....found after several years) that is invaluable for finishing.

That's all I have!

Hope everyone is well.  Be back in a few days.  Or sooner.  Depends.  Moods 'ya know.

Stay safe!

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