Stitchy Saturday

This last Saturday was a rare occasion. I got up bright and early, went to work, got all my shopping done, and then by 11:00 a.m. I had nothing else to do. I didn't even have to work later that night! So what did I do all day? You guessed it. I stitched!

I actually had no idea what to do, so for inspiration I was going through old projects that I have done but haven't really done anything with. That is when I ran across the cute bird that I stitched up quite a while ago. I had the pillow form, and all the fabric, so I decided that would be a good starting point for my day. The end result was fantastic.

So with that project all done and still plenty of time left in the day I decided I needed to start on a new wreath. My Easter one was still hanging up and it was definitely time for it to come down.

I had an idea in my head, and I think the end result turned out pretty spectacular.
I ended up using a pattern by Lizzie Kate. I love her designs! It was from her Summer alphabet. I stitched on 14 count aida, over 2 because I wanted it to be big!

 I then upholstered the letters onto pieces of cardboard, and had fun with some bright colored rick rack, and TONS of hot glue. I think my favorite letter turned out to be the "g". I now have this urge to do a bumble bee wreath....maybe next time.

I then had to bring my mother over to help with the bow. I am hopeless when it comes to making bows. She has shown me again and again, and I have successfully made 1. One day I will be a master crafter like her.

Still Swapping

I've been wanting to share the latest swaps that I have done. It took all my control to wait this long. I love love love the way all these projects turned out.

First up is my best biscornu ever! I always have the worst time sewing these together. I don't ever count right and get it lined up bad, but this one was a breeze, it came together so beautifully.

 I'm really excited about the one that I received as well. Its so pretty. I guess I'm going to have to go buy me some more pins to put in it.

Second is an awesome bookmark. Have I mentioned that I love black work? Yes, I know that I have. Its so much fun. I wish I would of taken a picture of the back, It's backed with some cute black and white material.

.  The bookmark that I received is tucked away in a good book.

Last up is an ornament that is suppose to be animal themed. I got kind of tired stitching this one, It took too long for my liking. But I came so close to keeping it for myself because I love the way it looks. So I might just have to make me a version of it sometime.

I used 11 count aida. Side note, I discovered that Walmart sells aida, and its so cheap. I will forever now buy my white aida from there. I got the turtle shape from issue 235 of Cross Stitcher Magazine. So I traced the shell shape onto the white aida and went from there. I made up the actual stitching pattern myself. Not that big of a deal as you can see. Its a super simple repetitive pattern. I then used felt for the head, feet and tail. And I got to use my sewing machine!

I actually haven't mailed my turtle yet, but I have received this super cute birdie ornament.

Artistic Trading Cards

I have discovered the joy of Artistic Trading Cards (ATC's) thanks to, yes you guessed it, Facebook. The first one that I did was in September 2011, so a little over a year and a half now. I of course take pictures of everything I stitch (with rare exception, and its usually due to my laziness) So this montage of ATC's is almost all the ones that I have made up. I can think of 2 that are not pictured.

They are all made up on 2.5 by 3.5 inch cards and I have had so much fun with them. I love being able to stitch something real cute and small and then sending it off. I think it makes me feel productive by getting projects done, even if they are super small and easy.