I get to do it again...

another three times before I'm finished. That's the reality facing me when I look at my tablecloth project. Viewed a bit at a time, I can be quite pleased with what I've accomplished.

Here's one quarter of the whole design embroidered.

Now here's what I've finished in relation to what I still need to embroider.

It's not so much the fact that I have more to stitch, as much as it is that the next three sections must match how I've done the first, that I'm finding a little daunting. I'll need to pay close attention to make all the sections match up and to prevent running out of the colours I have on hand. That shouldn't be too hard to do, should it? I guess there's one way to find out! This may be the first and the last tablecloth I embroider. ;o)

Progress on the Tablecloth

I was asked to show how my embroidery was progressing, so here's a look at where I'm at...

Don't you love the blackberries made from French knots?
This is such a relaxing project to have on the go. It's a different pace from my machine stitched projects, which is good. I'm always wanting things finished quick, quick; but with this type of work, I'm learning patience can be rewarding. What type of projects do you find most relaxing?

Star Quilt Top Complete!

I'm excited to have my quilt top assembled from the Star Quilt along! I had to make one change from Amandajean's instructions. I did not have enough background fabric for the 6 1/2" border, so I added in a second, smaller border using the red/white fabric from the setting blocks.

Now I just have to decide on the quilting I will do and then onto the binding!
Wish me luck!

Rose, the Flower Girl

With these beauties as inspiration,

this little beauty begged to be made.

This is my first flower girl doll and she was made as a gift for Roxanne's sweet little girl awhile back. I was happy to hear that she was well received and is lovingly called, "Rosie" by her new owner.

I have been slow to post this project because I had taken the photo with my SLR (due to the breakdown of my digital camera at the time) and only recently completed the roll of film and had it developed.

I'm thinking I will be making more flower girl dolls in the future, they are just the right size for little hands and should hold up to lots of hugs and cuddles.

Week #13

Here's my final star block for the quilt along! (Sorry for the fuzzy photo - bright red seems to be tough for me to get a clear shot of...)

Many thanks to Amandajean for leading the way in another fabulous quilt along. I can't wait to finish this quilt and look forward to seeing what the other participants' quilts will look like.

Win a Quilt

Please go to Dana's blog to enter the giveaway she's having. You could win the beautiful quilt she's made or gift certificates to be able to shop in her store. Go quick and enter here.

Week # 12 in Star Quilt along

Here's my second to the last block needed for the Star Quilt I've been making in Amandajean's Quilt along. I reversed the colour value in my block from the one she gave as the example. Surprising what that does for the overall look.

Evening Embroidery

I've tackled a new project lately. The embroidery kit I found at the thrift store has become my favourite evening project to work on. I have never embroidered a tablecloth before but have been enjoying the simple stitches and bright floss colours.
Stitch by stitch...

and section by section...
I'm making slow, but steady progress.
The above photo shows one quarter of the area I'm to embroider. I have a ways to go before I finish!

Week # 11 in Star Quilt along

Here's my version of the Amish Star block to add to my Star Quilt. This lovely red fabric came my way thanks to Samantha, a dear friend and "fabricaholic in training". She's catching on in the ways of creating a stash - she now haunts the markdown sections and remnant bins at the fabric stores. Lucky for me she decided to part with this find because it's the perfect shade of red for my quilt. Thanks, Samantha!

Star Quilt along blocks for weeks 9 & 10

Despite the heatwave here, I've been diligently assembling my blocks for the Star Quilt along. It's so exciting seeing the quilt top come together and I'm staying with it, regardless of the melting temperatures!


Now look at the surprise I had waiting in my mailbox today...
A beautiful handmade fabric card AND a piece of that lovely cherry print fabric that inspired the colours I chose to use in the quilt along! This wonderful surprise came from the very generous and talented Amandajean. A huge thank you to her for making today extra, extra special!

Packaging can be misleading...

and it can provide a good laugh, as was the case when I found this box at the thrift store. I tend to apply the axiom, "never judge a book by its cover" when I'm out thrifting. So, despite the labelling, I was curious what lay hidden in this unusual bit of packaging.

Ah-ha! Not one bit of tailored underwear inside, rather the delightful find of a needlework kit. All the necessary components included: floss, tablelinen and pattern!
It may have been a misleading package, but it turns out to be the perfect sized box for keeping the materials organized and ready for me to get stitching. I will have to find a new use for the box once I complete the tablecloth, because this box is just too fun to get rid of. It could be used as a gift box. I guess it would be a surefire way to embarass a teenage boy that has a birthday coming up. Should I tell him that packaging can be misleading? ;o)