Back From The Framers

Good Morning Everyone,

I 've been doing some model stitching this week and the one I'm working on now is not released yet so I can't show you progress but I do have "Mermaids" all framed and ready to get sent to my niece as I picked it up yesterday...

This was a really fun stitch and I think it's a cute pattern for a pretty cute kid. :)

Ok, that's all for now; it's going to be a busy weekend so I'll check back in Monday.  Have a great weekend and remember to just keep stitching!  ~Nicole

A Pickup, A Finish & A WIP

Hi Everyone!

I picked up my L*K "Christmas is Forever" from Michael's this weekend and I LOVE how it "pops" with the white mat and the red frame!  Not sure this is leaving my house anytime soon...

 Then there is the whole Harry Potter grouping from Wee Little Stitches done on 28 ct. Mushroom evenweave.  I've already sent it off to a stitching friend from one of the boards to have finished into a pillow for someone... (you should check out weelittlestitches on Etsy if you haven't heard of them before--LOVE THEM!!!)

 ...and a close up... check out Harry's scar! :)

My newest WIP is one of the Christmas Ornaments from 2011 from L*K's Flora McSample.  This is done on GORGEOUS 28 ct. MILK CHOCOLATE linen (ooooooooh yeah) which I ordered from the lovely Maeann at Bush Mountain.  I am headed to her shop this weekend for her Super Bowl Sunday event so stay tuned for info on that next week.  These stitch up so quickly for me -- this is only about 4 hours worth.

That's all for now -- don't forget about my blog contest still going on (25 more followers to go!) and 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

Framed and Finished Part 2 & Contest Announcement

I was going thru my stash with my girls a couple of weeks ago and came across this piece already completed... I think it came out of a book I used to have (anyone know?) and believe it's stitched on Monaco fabric.  Took this one to Michael's for framing and love the color mat and silver frame.  This one will stay in the Amaro house and has already been hung up off the kitchen.

This one is from Cross Country Stitching circa 2000 and was another one I found completed and tucked away in my stash that the girls wanted me to frame.  Many, MANY winter Sunday afternoons were spent stitching this one and I love that Katie & Mary asked me to frame it and put it up.  My favorite part is the sheep--so cute!  Love this frame from Michael's and I love the way it looks with the details on the baskets in the design.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! 
Bringing Christmas Joy by Stitcher's Hands:  did this one on Monaco last January and was SO HAPPY to put it up this year!  LOVE the buttons from Just Another Button Company and ordered all of it from http://www.123stitch.com/.  This one will not be leaving my house either. :)  I think I went thru a whole skein of that red.


CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT:  "Double or Nothing"
As of this second I have 6 followers.  Not too shabby considering at the beginning of the week I was wondering if I was going to be talking to myself in cyberspace, haha!  If by Noon tomorrow I have my follower count doubled to 12, I'll pick a winner randomly and that person will win Lizzie*Kate's Snowman 2010 (chart only) as shown in my second blog posting.  Thanks for reading, help me get the word out, and good luck!  ~Nicole