Wishing you a...

Merry Christmas!

from Shelby the Red Nosed Reindog

and me, The Inspired Stitcher!

Exchange given

Now that I know Shirlee has received her package from me, I can share with you what I stitched and sent to her.  A while back she and I exchanged a list of ornaments we'd each like to receive.  We then picked from the lists and set to stitching.  Here's the ornament I sent.

Design:  "Oh Night Divine" from 2013 JCS Ornaments Issue

Designer:  The Sampler Girl

Fabric:  32ct. Cream

Floss:  as charted

Started:  10/19/13

Finished:  10/25/13

Completed:  11/29/13

 

The fabric you see behind the ornament is what I used to back it with.  I also tried twisting Sugar N' Cream yarn into the cording.  It's something I've wanted to try for a while.  I like the end result.  I bought the yarn to use for Boutis quilting but haven't gotten around to that yet.

I picked this ornament for Shirlee because this is my very favorite Christmas song.  It just makes me tingle all over when I sing it.  It's such a special song.

 

Since I forgot to take a picture of the extras I sent Shirlee, I grabbed this one from her blog.  I know she won't mind.  I thought you might enjoy seeing the other things I sent along with the ornament.

 

I couldn't resist sending Shirlee one of my project bags.  I use one all the time and really enjoy making them.  I dearly love William Morris' prints and this one is done in repro of his Strawberry Theif.

 

I also love haunting the local antique store.  That's where I found the primer and the china tea strainer.  I knew Shirlee collects primers and is a tea lover like I am so I couldn't resist that little strainer.  Of course, there had to be tea included to go with it.

 

I'm glad Shirlee liked my humble gifts.  I still have one more to send.  It is on backorder.  So the fun will continue later on.  I always enjoy giving gifts to my stitcher friends and enjoy sharing with you all too.  We stitchers really are a great group of people.  I'm so thankful for each and every one of you.

 

I have more finishes to share in another post now that I know they've been received.  I've enjoyed my Christmas stitching this year.  Be well and be safe everyone!

 

More later,

 

The Inspired Stitcher

An Exchange Received

A while back my buddy Shirlee from The Easily Influenced Stitcher emailed about doing an exchange together.  We shared some of our likes and an ornament wish list with each other and away we went.

 

Recently, I got word that my package was on its way and this is what I came home to the other night! Squeals!  Just look at that packed box!  Wonder what's inside?

 

 

 

Oh just look at all that Christmas cheer!  What happy festive wrapping.

 

 

Oh my goodness, Miss Shirlee, you spoiled me rotten!!!  I love everything!  I've already gotten into the chocolate balls.  There's nothing better than Lindor dark chocolate truffles.  Oh yum!

 

Here's a close-up of the teas so you can see the different varieties.  I'm sure I will be sipping these real soon.  I do love my tea and am always excited to try new ones.  This cold weather is just perfect for tea but then again, anytime is as far as I'm concerned.

 

This is the chart she sent.  I do love acorns and this one is so dang cute!  I can't wait to stitch this one.  It's right up my alley.  I love the fob and threader she sent as well as the Q-snap covers.  All super cute!

 

The very best part of the whole box, of course, is the ornament Shirlee stitched for me.  This one is called "Duo de Noel" by Tra La La.  I love the pom-pom trim.  It just so expertly stitched and finished to perfection.  I absolutely love it!

Thank you so much, dear friend!  You have spoiled me rotten for sure.  I can't wait to get your box to you.  I hope you like all the goodies coming your way.  What a nice way to kick off the holiday season.

We are expecting a major snowstorm here today. So I am planning to snuggle in and stitch later.  Thank you so much for letting me share with you today.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!


Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

TUSAL - December

Click on the picture to learn more!

 

Well folks here we are at the last TUSAL for 2013.  I know I'm not the only one saying "just where did the year go?"  Holy smokes this year just flew by!  I'm optimistic that 2014 will be a really good year.  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

  

 

Here's a look at the ORT pile for this month.  There sure is a lot of red in there.  Looks pretty festive to me!  The S'mores ornament in the picture was a gift from a sweet little friend years ago.  It makes me smile every year when I get it out.  The holiday will be upon us before we know it!

 

Here's the list of this month's contributors:

 

Secret Stitcher's Ornament (Done, to be revealed soon!)

Stitch, Create, Exchange piece (Done, to be revealed later this month!)
"L is for Lion" on the Hornbook Bestiary (Done!)

"M is for Mermaid" on the Hornbook Bestiary (Done!)

"Sweet Thoughts of You" by Blackbird Designs (Done!)

"No L Christmas Sampler" by Eileen Bennett (Done!)

"Frosty Snowflake" by Needle Bling Designs (In Progress!)

"Mary's Sampler Mystery SAL" freebie by Plum Street Samplers (In progress)

 

As you can tell from the list there's been a lot of gift stitching going on and Christmas related things too.  I can't wait to be able to reveal the exchange ornaments.  I've really enjoyed picking out just the right one for the recipients.

 

Speaking of recipients, I was the lucky winner of Bekca's giveaway over the weekend!  I can't wait to see what she sends from across the pond. If you've not visited her blog, please pop over and have a visit.  She's just the sweetest thing with a lot on her plate and she still manages to stitch.  I've always said that stitching is my sanity saver.  I don't know what people do that don't stitch!

 

I hope to be back soon with some stitchy updates.  I hope everyone is having a good week so far!

 

More next time,

 

The Inspired Stitcher