Saturday, September 26, 2009

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

5 comments:

Brigitte said...

I also love exchnages, for the same reasons. It's so exciting to find the perfect pattern and finishing for your partner. The only thing I don't like is the fact that I tend to joining far too many exchnages so that I can't stitch on my own pieces, lol.
Very nice progress pictures of your WIPs.

doris said...

Beautiful exchanges, and I love your new starts. I don't think I have time for exchanges, and I stitch pretty slowly. Maybe when I retire ...

Carol R said...

I like your start of Sew Red Ellen - beautiful floss colour!

mbroider said...

Ellen,

i cannot thank you enough - you in a way introduced me to applique - through the Notions of the Heart BOM (Tozzscorner)!!!

Your blog is awesome, i look forward to your posts:)

How did i find you??!! I am also a member of Monopoly SAL yahoo group

Mylene said...

Such lovely exchanges you've received, Ellen.
I had to miss out on most exchanges this year as we've been away a lot and too busy.

Very good starts on your two new projects.