I'm so lucky

Today was opening day for Needlecraft Haven's summer exchange and I received this lovely bookmark and linen threads from Alison. This bookmark is perfect for me as I collect them.

Needlecraft Haven 2014 Summer Exchange
Received from Alison

By chance, Alison was my partner in this exchange and I sent her this pincushion Spot of Summer by Drawn Thread.

Spot of Summer - Drawn Thread
Stitched on 32ct Belfast Sand
Stitched for Alison, Needlecraft Haven 2014 Summer Exchange

I mentioned yesterday my summer exchange from Sharon at Friendly Stitchers. Well here it is. In addition to the pillow with a motif from the Summer Sampler by The Victoria Sampler, she sent me a supply of goodies that I will also put to good use.

Friendly Stitchers 2014 Summer Exchange
Received from Sharon

Once again, thank you to Alison and Sharon for their lovely stitching gifts. No wonder I say "I'm so lucky".

Just Nan 2014 SAL June Update

After the high of completing Just Nan's Patience sampler in May, I decided to stitch one of her smaller pieces this month. I chose Sunny Summer, Happy Garden as I thought it would be perfect for my Friendly Stitchers summer exchange with Sharon. As I know she has received it, I attach photos below of the stitched design and of it finished as a biscornu.

I enjoyed stitching this and it made up more quickly than I expected. I'm currently working on JN's True Blue Heart, which I expect to complete shortly.

Sharon sent me a beautiful stitched pillow and a wonderful selection of other goodies, but I'll share these in a separate post.

Sunny Summer Happy Garden - Just Nan
Stitched on 28ct Cashel Light Blue linen

Sunny Summer Happy Garden - Just Nan
Finished as a biscornu

Mojo Sampler SAL Update

Since I can't show my other stitching at the moment because they are exchange pieces, I thought I'd share the latest update on the Mojo Sampler SAL over at The Stitch Specialists. Abi of Bee's Needleworks has created a sampler with a delightful selection of stitches. With a part released every two weeks, this week's selection were the Diamond Ray Stitch, Cross Stitch and Woven Back Stitch. The Woven Back Stitch was new to me. Of the three stitches, my favourite is the Diamond Ray Stitch as I think the fan effect of this stitch can be versatile in use - to create diamond shapes, trees, etc.

Mojo Sampler - Abi Gurden Bee's Needleworks
The Stitch Specialists SAL
Stitched on 32ct White Belfast linen

Just Nan 2014 SAL May update

I'm very pleased to say that I've completed Just Nan's Patience Sampler. It took me longer to stitch than I expected but it has been well worth it. I've loved the variety of stitches that this sampler has but I never grew to love the recommended fabric.
Very few of my finished pieces are framed. Having waited for about ten years to get this pattern, it will be going to the framers. So Pelican Picture Framing, here I come!

Just Nan - Patience
Stitched on 30ct Legacy White Swan linen
Completed 31 May 2014

So what will I stitch next? On the Just Nan front, I'm going to stitch 'True Blue Heart'. I'm also taking part in two summer exchanges - one with Needlecraft Haven and the other with Friendly Stitchers. So all of that should keep me busy during June.