Challenge for a Finish - April

I can now show you the piece I completed for April for Challenge for a Finish........ though I think some of you may already have seen this elsewhere. ;0)

This time the challenge was to stitch a flower design and finish it as any needlework accessory and, as I was so embarrassingly late completing my piece for last month, I deliberately opted for quick and easy and decided to stitch and make a scissor fob:

Design: Scissor Fob

Designer: Gandja, Un Point C'est Tout - internet freebie

Fabric:

Count On Me 28ct evenweave - Aster

Threads: DMC

Finish: funnily enough.... a scissor fob.

This was my first ever scissor fob finish. :0) On the back I stitched some of the outer border and added an initial:


No, it wasn't for me...... the colours and everything were chosen to go with those scissors and the whole lot was gathered together with a certain person in mind who I know loves all things pink and who I thought might need a little cheering up. Am glad to say that Karen liked the gift, so that's me happy too.

The Challenge for May hasn't yet been announced but there's a strong possibility I may not be able to take part, as we go away for a weeks holiday very soon - it cuts in to my stitching time quite badly as in the daytime we are usually out and about quite a bit and most nights we are playing Trivial Pursuits with my DSis, Aunty, Uncle and Cousin. The friendly rivalry and banter always makes for a good night. :0) One less weeks stitching in the month will make things even more pushed than usual though, so it depends on what the Challenge is for as to whether or not I'll be able to fit it in.

Thank you for visiting and for the kind comments - each and every one is very much appreciated. :0)

A Surprise

I was going to show another progress update of Night Watchman today but something rather nice arrived in the post and I just have to show you that instead. It's rather special and just has to have a post all of its own. :0)

I wasn't expecting anything so when a bubble wrap bag popped through the door it was a case of thinking that DS had been ordering something from Amazon again......... until I spotted my name on the front and another one I know well on the back. Yes, the wonderful Barb (no blog) has been spoiling me again!

When I opened the package this is what I found inside:

So beautifully presented it was a pleasure just to look at them for a while before investigating further. When I opened the envelope and those lovely little bags here's what I found inside:

A very pretty Spring card, a gorgeous skein of Oliver Twists One Offs: a mix of wonderful hand dyed threads and ribbon in sea blues and greens, with a little purple thrown in - my favourite colours - and the most exquisite hand made beaded scissor fob in golds and turquoise. I tried to get a close up pic, to try and show you the detail:

Not sure if it is showing it that well though. It sparkles so much IRL, so why do pics always make things look so flat?! I sat with my jaw dropped (not a pretty sight! LOL) with the fob in my hand, turning it round and round, just thinking "Wow! Oh, Wow!". Even my DH was quite taken with it and he's not usually one for the needlework pretties.

Thank you so much again Barb for your kindness and generosity - I'm in awe of your beading skills (and envious!) and will treasure my beautiful fob always. :0)

As I said, this deserves a post all of its own so I shall leave the NW update and other things until next time.

Thank you for taking the time to visit - hope you all have a great weekend, whatever your plans. :0)

A Surprise

I have had a wonderful surprise gift sent to me by Barb (no blog). On opening the Jiffy bag a lovely smell of roses wafted out, then I pulled out a very pretty drawstring bag and a card...... intrigued by the bag I opened it up to find a beautiful scissor keeper, matching fob and a lovely set of scissors, along with a friendship magnet inside. Just had to share some pics with everyone.

So wish I could take better pics, as these just don't show how those beads sparkle.

Here are some close-up pics - hope they show just how beautifully these are stitched and finished.......

........ and how pretty the colours of the fabric and thread are.

Aren't they gorgeous? I keep looking at them and still can't believe they are for me. The friendship magnet has a lovely sentiment and is now displayed on the freezer door with my small collection of other magnets - all of which have a special memory attached to them.

Thank you again for my wonderful surprise Barb (((((hugs))))) - I am so thrilled with everything. You made more than just the day for me. :0)

Today I had some great news but I shall keep that for my other blog. I will also share update pics and other stitchy things another time too.

Thank you for visiting and the kind comments - they are very much appreciated. Hope you all have a very enjoyable weekend. :0)