Smalls SAL - February 2018 and Needlecraft Haven Monthly Challenge

It's my first time taking part in the Smalls SAL 2018 hosted by Heather, Stitching Lotus. Having stitched a number of smalls in 2017, it seemed logical to take part in this year's SAL.

My smalls finish for this month fits both the Smalls SAL and Needlecraft Haven's (NH) monthly challenge*. Since this is February it will not be too big a surprise that my stitching has a love theme.

Love never fails - The Primitive Hare

Fabric: 32ct Belfast Vintage Country White linen

Thread: Le fil Atalie - Carmen

*If you are unfamiliar with NH's monthly challenge, it works like this. Christine, one of the members of Needlecraft Haven, runs our Monthly Challenge. At the start of the month she posts up a freebie chart she has found online for us all to stitch. We can use any thread, fabric and finishing. When completed, we send a photo to Christine and on the last Sunday of the month she reveals the Gallery showing all our different finishes. Until the Gallery is open, we cannot show our finished item anywhere else.

Gifted Gorgeousness - February 2018

My first gifted gorgeousness of 2018 is a recap of the gifts I've received and sent this month; as well as the ornament I used in the Secret Stitching Sweetheart blog hop.

From Julie my Needlecraft Haven friendship exchange gifts:

Needlecraft Haven Friendship Exchange 2018

from Julie

 The card and mug rug I sent to Christine (threads not photographed)

Un peu d'amour et d'amitié - Le Chalet des Pérelles

Fabric - 32ct Belfast white linen

Threads: Recommended DMC

Mug rug with the friendship quilt block

For me, a heart using a gifted design (now only available for purchase, here) from Abi Gurden of Bee's Needleworks. The fabric was gifted by Clare in a previous Needlecraft exchange. The heart was used in the Secret Stitching Sweet heart blog hop organised by Jo.

Heart of my heart - Abi Gurden (Bee's Needleworks)

Fabric: 28ct white evenweave

Threads: Caron Impressions 038 Morning Mist, DMC - 221, 223, 224, 3840

Embellishments: Mill Hill 00168 beads

A friendship exchange

Yesterday was opening day for Needlecraft Haven's Friendship exchange. The exchange was organised by Clare (Aimetu's Stitching).

I received my parcel from Julie of Julie's Stitchyknitter Journal. Her parcel had a purple theme as the flower for February is violet. This was ideal for me as purple is my favourite colour. In addition to some purple variegated threads and a friendship saying on slate, I am now the proud owner of Miss Violet, one of Julie's knitted rabbits.

Friendship exchange gifts from Julie

My partner was Christine. I stitched a friendship card, made a patchwork mug rug and included some threads. The chart for the card is a free design from Le Chalet des Pérelles and can be found here.

Un peu d'amour et d'amitié - Le Chalet des Pérelles

Fabric - 32ct Belfast white lined

Threads: Recommended DMC

Mug rug with using the friendship quilt block

Everyone made and received a lovely variety of gifts in this exchange.

Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop

Happy Valentine's Day and welcome to this year's Secret Stitching Sweetheart Blog Hop. This is organised by Jo of Serendipitous Stitching.

Here is my Valentine stitching from my secret stitcher. I hope my secret stitcher visits my blog soon so I can find out who you are.

Join me in visiting Jo's blog to follow the links to see what other bloggers have received. Of course, I will be looking to see who has received my stitching.

A birthday gift for me

It was my Birthday recently and I received this lovely blackwork bookmark from Clare of Aimetu's Stitching. I'm a keen reader so it will get used.

Birthday gift from Clare

Thread: Weeks Dye Works Deep Sea