Wonderful Exchanges and Two New Starts

I love exchanges. Often, I have to remind myself not to over stretch and commit to too many exchanges. It is a pleasure to stitch for others and a double pleasure to receive from others. I have two wonderful exchanges to share.


I joined Swap II hosted by Nina. The theme for this exchange was Autumn. My partner, Julie, stitched for me a design by LHN(one of my favorite designers) and finished it into a box. I love boxes of all shapes and sizes. Julie answered my wish and sent me a box. Here is a picture of the lovely box.

The stitching was done beautifully 1 over 1. Julie also made me a tiny initial scissor fob. She included threads and lots of chocolate for me and my children. Thank you, Julie, for a lovely exchange.

I have joined Nina for the 3rd round of Swap, the theme this time is Christmas. Nina is Hungarian so most of the exchange participants are Hungarians. I am getting ready to stitch for my partner.

Another exchange received was from Clare H. This is the By The Sea Exchange hosted by HoE. Clare made me a lovely pinkeep. I am not sure where the design comes from but it was beautifully stitched on coloured linen. Clare also sent me a chart by Victoria Sampler (another of my favorite designers), some threads, buttons and fabric.

I cannot resist starting new projects. I visit Nina's blog very often. She is a talented lady, visit her blog and see for your self. She stitched "Autumn Song" and finished it into a beautiful sewing box. I love it so much that I immediately kit and start this project. Here is my progress so far.


This chart is by Blackbird Designs. I stitch it on 32ct Lambswool using a mixture of threads (DMC, Anchor and Cosmo). I love this piece because it contains all my favorite colors - Autumn.
I am still not sure about the finishing, not brave enough to try the box finish.


The second start is a design (Sew Red) by Carol R. She starts designing recently and offers two free charts. Please visit her blog if you like copies of her sampler designs. I started my stitching on 32ct Belfast linen using Crescent Color , Apple Fritters. Red is my favorite color beside the autumn colors. Thank you, Carol, for a lovely sampler.



F1 Night Races got underway in Singapore on Friday night. The races run from Sep 25 to 27. I am not a fan of racing but it is a big event in Singapore. There is plenty of entertainment at the Bay.


Thank you for all lovely comments.

Take care and happy stitching until the next update!

Hugs,
Ellen

Fall Biscornu and an Update on Beatrix

Victoria Sampler Yahoo Group is having a Fall Contest. Thea Dueck (the host) has designed a fall biscornu for this contest. This design calls for a combination of hardanger, cross stitch and ribbon embroidery( if you like). Stitchers are free to use their choices of fabrics and threads. Other embellishments like beads, ribbons and buttons etc are allowed. Entries must be posted by 1st October and the winner will be voted by the members of this group. I had finished my version of the biscornu. I stitched the design on 32ct Belfast linen (light sand) using DMC and Anchor threads. The biscornu is small, barely 2 3/4 inches in size.

While I have my attention on hardanger, I decided to finish this Hardanger Runner. It has been an UFO for more than 2 years. I got tired of all the weavings and there were lots of other distractions like starting new hobbies and new designs. This design was stitched on 28ct light yellow Monaco. I hope to finish it soon, only five more of those circles to weave.

Here is another small hardanger project to show. I mounted this heart on a plastic box. The thread using is DMC varigated perle 8.

I got this Kit from Doris, she was finding new homes for her UFOs. It is an Emie Bishop's kit with hardanger and cross stitch. Doris had started with the hardanger and I continue from there. Here is a picture of the progress so far. Thank you, Doris, for this kit. I shall enjoy stitching it.



Here is an update on Beautrix. I have been adding two to three motifs monthly, progress is slow but steady. Pictures are posted to the BP SAL's blog faithfully every month. Posting encourages me to pick up and stitch on this sampler every month. I do not want this to be another UFO. This sampler is unlikely to be completed by end of this year as I originally planned.





Happy Dance! I had completed Joyful and Caring, it was a fun and quick stitch. This is the design I stitched for the LHN's Women SAL. This piece is destinated for my friend's birthday next month. I have not decided on the finishing.





Currently, I am busy stitching for swap and exchange. Thank you all friends for visiting my blog. I appreciate all the comments.

Happy stitching and take care!

Hugs,
Ellen