Coffee and Cross Stitch

I Like a Sleigh Ride | Cross Stitch

Ok.  I know what you're thinking.

Um....sleigh ride???  We JUST barely  made it out of winter, and you're already talking about sleigh rides again???

Well, yes.  I am.  Now, don't get me wrong, none of us is happier than me that it was warm and humid today, TRUST ME.  And usually I don't start ranting and raving about Christmas until July, when it's time for Christmas in July.

However....

Let me introduce you to these stupid cute sleighs and their cross stitch designs.

This guy is about 4 in long - the stitched part is only about 2 in long, and it's done on perforated paper.

I know.  Another thing that you're thinking - "But, Jack, you're legit obsessed with teeny tiny count fabric - how did you allow perforated paper into your house???" 

Well, a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.....I used to do a lot, and I mean A LOT of Mill Hill cross stitch and beaded ornaments on perforated paper.  So much, that I have a stock of the paper from oh so long ago.  I still do Mill Hill cross stitch and beaded kits, but I replace the paper with fabric and go from there.  Saved me from buying some for these wicked cute projects, though!!!

Ok.  So, the sleighs and the graphs to go with them are from Dixie Darlin.  If you'd like, you can order your supplies from my LNS.  The ladies at the shop would be more than happy to help you get what you need to make all your sleighs for the Christmas season!!

I have a plan for all these little guys that I'm stitching up (and - side note - they're WAY QUICK stitches.  way quick - i whipped this bad boy up in about 2 hours.), but you'll have to wait for the Christmas in July celebration in my house to see what's in store! 

I had to show you a little something in the meantime, because, seriously....SO STINKIN' CUTE!!

I hope you all have a fantabulous Tuesday!  Go forth and be creative!!!

Much love ~~~

Bloom. | Cross Stitch

I don't know about you all, but I feel like warmer weather just will NOT get here.  Yesterday was the first day I could leave the office and not freeze on my way to my car.  Ridiculous.  

And, yes, my electric blanket is still on my bed.  Whatever.  Don't judge. 

Moving on....

 All around are glimpses that spring might actually be here soon.

These are my azaleas at the front of my house, which seem to have exploded overnight.   For realzies.  LOVELOVELOVE the coral colored one on the left.  LOVE.  My rose bushes are on the verge of blooming, too, and I cannot wait for them to open up.  

To keep myself occupied during these still cold nights, I've been working on a few finishes for my LNS.  It's seriously so  much fun taking finished models and going that next step and making something so totally different than if it were framed.

Enter a piece called "Bloom Sampler" by Threadwork Primitives. 

I knew I wanted to finish this piece as a pillow, like the model, but I didn't want to finish it in the same way.  I dug into my Mary Poppins carpet bag of finishing supplies that the girls at my LNS gave me, and came up with hand-dyed twill tape from Crescent Colours.  

 

Hello, fun twill tape! Can you see it????  It's sewn in right at the end of the stitched piece and the small piece of fabric I attached to the end.

Here's a close-up...

The green matches perfectly, and I decided to create dimension by sewing it in place with a contrasting color - I chose brown to go with the bunny and the plain fabric on the right.  

Just a lil' close-up of the stitched piece...I'm loving the pinks and light reds throughout...

For the backing fabric, I again went to my carpet bag of finishing supplies, and came up with felted wool.

Have you ever worked with felted wool?? Not gonna lie - it's pretty cool, and is so awesome with smalls and such.  The piece of wool I was given for finishing has a herringbone pattern.

Awesome, amiright????  The color of this wool could not have matched better with the fiber colors of the stitched pattern.  Love.

 There you have it!!  Another finish that will be displayed at my LNS...as soon as I can get it to them....which should be this weekend.  So, if you're in the DelCo area, stop on by the shop after Saturday, and you'll be able to see this cute piece live and in living color!!

What are you all doing to keep your creative juices going as the flowers start blooming this spring??? 

I'd love to hear what you're all up to!!!!

Do something creative today!!!

Much love ~~~