A Finish, Dyeing 101 and TWO New Giveaways!

Hi Everyone!

I finished Bent Creek's "Hospitality Knocker" Kit last night -- the photo is fresh off the Q-snaps.  Still deciding if I'll make a door-knocker like wall hanging with it for my kitchen or if I'll frame it... not sure. 

I would love to pay it forward and give away the chart for this design--- be a follower and leave a comment anytime between now and next Monday and I'll pick the winner randomly. 

My girls are getting older and although I thought the day would never come when they were toddlers, lately I have occassional moments where I have some time where no one needs me to do anything, I don't need to be anywhere for anyone, etc.  This past Saturday morning was one of those times so I thought I'd try my hand at dyeing some fabric.  I used a tutorial from The Twister Stitcher's blog you can find here:  Baking and Basting Fabric 

I only did one piece to start and will definitely be using it at some point since I'm so happy with the way it came out; especially for a first attempt!  :)  Here you can see the before and after but the photo really doesn't do it justice -- I love the dark marks that show up randomly throughout the piece!  It was very simple if you follow the steps and no, it does not smell like coffee/tea after it's all pressed.  Make sure if you try it to keep an eye on it the entire time so you don't burn the fabric (or your house!).

I will be doing another batch at some point over the next week so I'd also like to make that a giveaway also...any follower who comments will be entered to win this second giveaway as well which I will also pick the winner of randomly a week from today.

Signing off for now since I'm on my lunch hour at the office---have a great rest of the day and remember to just keep stitching!  ~Nicole

Think Winter... Do I Have A Choice?

Helloooooooo from a very snowy area of Massachusetts!
This gives you an idea of what it looked like first thing this morning and it's been snowing all day I've been in the office.  I'm sitting here at my desk, punched out and all ready to go.  Dreading having to brush off the car and hit the road slip slidin' away...

 Yes, I live in the Northeast.  We are supposed to be used to this,  and expect it, I get it.  But we've been spoiled because this has been MY kind of winter.  Once "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" is over for the season, I'm done with the snow for the season also.  :)

The ONLY thing left for me to like then is my winter related obsession---SNOWMEN!

This is "Think Winter" by Lizzie*Kate that I made for Christmas for my friend Amanda.  We've been friends since 4th grade and she is my longest friend.  We choose to say "longest" friend vs. "oldest" friend... it just sounds better now that we are over 16, don't you think? This was stitched on 28ct. sand colored linen with suggested DMC colors.  The only small substitution is the gingerbread button (CUTE!) where there should be a present.

Here is Bent Creek's Photobooth Snowmen.  This is in my "to be framed" pile and I purchased it out at Stitchville USA in MN this past December.  It comes with the pattern, a piece of 32 ct. Confederate Gray Linen and some glass beads. I used DMC for this one.  LOVE IT (obviously).

I'm still model stitching, stitching, stitching which is what I'll be doing tonight.  I can't show you yet since the Designer hasn't released it to the public yet, but you know I will when I can. In the meantime, have a great night and remember to just keep stitching! ~Nicole

Another Finish, Christmas Ornaments Part 1 & Contest Winner

Yesterday I was not feeling well (stomach issues) and decided to make a very rare sick call into the office.  Upside was I got a lot of little things done around the house and by that I mean stiching-wise, certainly not housework/gift wrapping/holiday baking - wise! :)  That will come on Sunday, at least that's what I'm telling myself today.

Photobooth Snowmen by Bent Creek - Came as a kit with the light slate blue linen and beads for snow.  I am addicted to snowmen so no explanation needed as to why this one caught my eye.  After the holiday rush this one will be handed over to Amanda at Michael's in Salem, NH for her to work her magic. :)  (This one not leaving Casa Amaro either)

One of the designs from Stich an Inch Christmas 2011 from By the Bay Needleart:  This was stitched on 28 ct. antique white evenweave over ONE (yes, over one) in continential stitch.  Took me approximately 3 hours start to finish and I'll definitely be showing you some more of her designs which I love! (And I met Donna personally last weekend--she is such a talented AND sweet woman so I tell everyone about her designs when I can)  I was a bit cross-eyed afterwards but it was worth it. Finishing entailed putting stitching on foam core and popping it into the back of the frame - I secured the foam core around all sides with hot glue (kinda used it like "caulking").

Winter Wind by Prairie Schooler:  This was done on 14 ct. antique white aida and the finishing is just fabric fusion glue onto a piece of maroon felt with pinking around the edge.

Dimensions (?) Punch Needle Kits:  Purchased and finished punching these last year and came across them when organizing my stash a couple of weekends ago -- finally got around to finishing the snowmen and santa last night.  Finishing is just the design on cardboard with felt on the back and various ribbons around the sides and top for hanging.  Cross stitch will always be my first love, but I did love doing these punch needle designs and have purchased a few more since that are for now safely tucked away in the stash. :)


Congratulations!! (drum roll please....)
Follower "SEEFORD" is the winner of the "Double or Nothing" contest this week! Keep your eye out in a few minutes for an email from me so I can get your snail mail address and send your prize!

I am thrilled, excited and humbled all at the same time by the fantastic response and lovely comments regarding my blog.  I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for this site and for being able to share ideas with all of you.

That's all for today -- have a great Friday! ~Nicole