Gifted Gorgeousness - December 2021

I have been remiss during the latter part of this year in not recording the gifts I've made or received. So before the year is over I will put that right by showing the gifts that were sent and received in three Needlecraft Haven exchanges.

First up is my Christmas exchange ornaments. I received this beautiful ornament from Justine with this gorgeous Cranberry red thread.

NH Christmas Exchange - From Justine

I stitched Baked Goods by Little House Needleworks for Gill. This design was gifted to me years ago from Clare. I now want to stitch this design again for myself.

Baked Goods - Little House Needleworks

Fabric: 32ct Zweigart  Belfast Flax linen

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Back in October I also took part in Needlecraft Haven's Halloween exchange. Our Halloween themed stitching was to be completed as a bookmark. I stitched 'Owls in Moonlight' for Mel as I knew she liked owls. 

Owls in Moonlight - Blue Ribbon Designs, Just CrossStitch October 2014

Fabric: 28ct unknown blue/grey fabric

Threads: Suggested DMC threads

Mel was my exchange partner and she sent me this terrific bookmark, which just happens to have a owl on it. It will not be used now until next October but will sit in a box with my bookmark collection. I've got over 200 bookmarks as I often buy them as a souvenir when on holiday. 

NH Halloween Exchange - From Mel

Finally, there is the Needlecraft Haven summer exchange that I also took part in. The theme for this was wellbeing, so it could be anything finished as a pillow that would make the recipient feel bright and cheerful. For Justine I stitched this Victoria Sampler pillow. I thought the colours were so pretty. It was available as a free design with The Victoria Sampler Summer Garden Sampler for a time, so I am not sure if it is still available.

Bloom -  The Victoria Sampler

Fabric: 32ct Fabric Flair mint green colour

Threads: DMC 300, 500,725, 778 #12perle Blanc, Atalie 'Les 4 Saisons'

and unknown variegated green, pink and red threads

Clare stitched me this sewing themed friends banner. I hadn't taken a photo of the finished pillow and the lighting is too poor today to get a decent photo, so I will update this photo on a brighter day.

NH Summer Exchange - From Clare

Online Advent Blog Hop - 7 December

I'm taking part in Jo of Serendipitous Stitching's advent blog hop. This link will take you to all those taking part.

The Christmas design I wish to share with you today is the one that got me back into cross-stitch when I stopped working full time. It is Victoria Sampler's Jingle Bells Christmas Tree Farm. I fell in love with this design and had to have it. It was stitched quickly as I wasn't busy with other craft projects as I am now.

Jingle Bells Christmas Tree Farm - Victoria Sampler

Fabric: Zweigart 28ct Smokey Pearl linen

Threads: VS Accessory Pack

The theme of this year's Advent Blog Hop is "My favourite Christmas Song". It was hard selecting one but in the end I opted for a more modern song. I use the word 'modern' loosely as 'Fairytale of New York' from the Pogues featuring Kirsty McColl was released in 1987, reaching number 2 in the UK singles chart. My favourite lines from the song are:

"I can see a better time

When all our dreams come true".

which I think captures the hope that many of us feel at this time of year.

I hope you enjoy listening to it.

'Fairytale of New York' - The Pogues featuring Kirsty McColl

It's May Day

Traditionally, lily of the valley is sold everywhere on streets in France on the first of May and is one of the symbols of springtime and of good luck.

I haven't stitched any lily of the valley designs (yet) but I fancied a quick and easy project yesterday so I made this small card needle holder and I'm pleased with the result. 

Card Needle holder - closed
Heirloom Wedding Sampler free pattern
- Victoria Sampler
Stitched on 28ct Cashel, colour unknown with DMC 842

Card Needle holder - open

I used this free design from The Victoria Sampler as the 23H x 23W stitch design was the perfect size. 

This idea is not mine. I received one of these as a Christmas exchange gift in 2013 and have copied the idea.

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".