If you enjoy doing stitcheries and learning new techniques and stitches, you should visit Mary Corbet's blog. Her posting are full of inspiration and tutorials and she offers free patterns. Last week she did a Christmas piece with the word Joy and I just had to try it. I love how it looks and it is a great gift to make ahead for next year.
I made mine into pillows, but I did not stuff them. I might add balsam to mine, so I will leave them as is, then I can stuff them next year so they will have fresh balsam in them. Another idea for those of you who like to send items with a card, is to leave them flat with an opening so they fit in the card. Then the recipient can stuff them themselves.
For the backs, I used the fabric, Christmas Traditions that I got with my gift certificate from This-n-That Fabrics. I love how it looks and it is great for pillow backings to give it that added touch.
Another thing I love to do is shop in thrift stores, you never know, what you will find. I found these three patterns, only .99 a piece, not a bad deal.
And I found this guy on a shelf, love the raggedy look. I assume he was left in the sun and it faded his mail suit, but I like the dull color and the worn look. Something fun to sit on a bench. We are finally getting snow, lots of it and everything is covered in white, I love it.
Love the stitchery. What great finds you found. Take pictures of your winter wonderland. No snow for us but going down to 25 tonight. Brr!
ReplyDeleteThose look wonderful, thank you for her blog! Love mail bear, just too cute!
ReplyDeleteOh how I love Thrift Shops - especially when I just "happen" upon one when Hubby and I are in the car.
ReplyDeleteWe actually have a thrift shop right here in our very small town. ALL the monies raised go to needy animals which I love. I donate there often and shop there often.
Thank for the heads up on the blog! you always have great ideas and great finds!
ReplyDeleteLove the stitcheries! You find and stitch the best stuff!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing the link. I do like the little Joy embroideries. nice backing fabric too.
ReplyDeleteThat Christmas Traditions fabric is wonderful! Your bear is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Hugs :)
Lauren
Love your stitchery! Thank you for the link to the free stitcheries. I used to cross stitch a lot and then got away from it when I found 'prims'.
ReplyDeleteAlways love the variety of what you are working on...and what you find in the thrift shops.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to her blog. I love the surprises you can find in thrift stores---other peoples trash can be my treasure.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you have made up those stitcheries....
ReplyDeleteHugz
Ahh, I was gonna say you should frame those JOYs, but then I saw the backs and no way for the frame. Those would make beautiful sofa throw pillow covers, which I'm searching for my sofa pillows... ugh.
ReplyDeleteAww, cute lil raggedy bear and faded is good.
Happy New Year my friend!
Hugs~Carol
Great stitches and your already started for next year :)
ReplyDeleteGreat finds! LOVE snow days :)
That was a good thrifting day!
ReplyDeleteLove the mailman.
Oh those pillows are beautiful. I can smell the fresh balsam already!
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
ReplyDelete(Glad you are enjoying your snow, we are still waiting here.....)
Have a very Happy New Year baby
ReplyDeletelots of love x x x
Deborah,
ReplyDeleteYou do such beautiful stitchery. And that fabric for the back really suits that project. As a fellow fan of thrift and consignment shops, I admit you bought a gem with the bear. He has a wonderful home now.
May 2013 bring you and yours nothing but love, luck and happiness!
trisha