24 Hours And It Is Done!

I am certain that Vonna did not realize when she wrote her April 16th post that she would be setting me up for a challenge. When I read these words:

"I printed the chart off, picked my colors and fabric and here it is 24 hours later"

I thought, "How did she do that?" I was determined to see if I could stitch this in 24 hours!

Well, I loved the chart and knew in an instant exactly what I would do with my version of the Blackbird Designs Petites Lettres Rouge sampler...

When I first saw the sampler, it brought to mind the Schoolgirl Samplers of earlier days when young girls under the age of 10, as a way to learn letters and numbers, executed these simple style samplers. These samplers enabled the girls to learn various stitches but more importantly, they served as an educational tool setting the foundation for reading and mathematics. For this reason, I immediately thought of stitching Petites Lettres Rouge as a way to commemorate my oldest son’s upcoming college graduation from Villanova University. With the school colors in hand I headed to my LNS to find the appropriate threads, selecting WDW Americana, Sampler Threads Blue Jay and Morning Glory I then rushed home to stitch this design on a piece of 32 ct Belfast linen. And to quote Vonna:

"I printed the chart off, picked my colors and fabric and here it is 24 hours later:"

Petites Lettres Blue, I Am So Proud Of You!

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Design: Petites Lettres Rouges

Fabric: 32ct Belfast Linen

Threads: WDW, Sampler Threads

Here is my version of Petites Lettres Rouge Sampler, now titled: Petites Lettres Bleu, I Am So Proud Of You!

Once framed it shall hang on my sampler wall where 3 years from now I shall hang the second one, stitched in browns, to commemorate my youngest son’s graduation from Lehigh University.

Thanks Vonna for sharing the information and link to this design. I must also thank Alma and Barb at Blackbird Designs for offering this free pattern for without it I surely would not have thought to stitch such a beautiful remembrance of my son’s accomplishment.

I had a number of new visitors to my blog and would like to say thank you for finding me and for your nice comments! It is always exciting to see that new bloggers have stopped by, but as always I value the returning bloggers more than you know!

Have a wonderful week. I encourage you all to jump at every opportunity to challenge yourself it is so very rewarding!


Until next time...

Beautiful Heart By A Talented Woman

I received a very unexpected surprise in the mail from CathyB. She sent me the most gorgeous Heart Ornament that was made by her Mom; I see where Cathy gets her talent. I only wish that I was skilled at Tatting, maybe I should put that on my long list of "Things to do in 2009" ~ learn Tatting! Thank you to Cathy and her Mom for the beautiful heart, I will treasure this forever.

Heart Ornament

From CathyB

Tatting by Cathy's Mom

I was able to finish two Personalized Name Trees for Christmas. M Design Name Trees are one of my all time favorite ornaments. I have name tree patterns for both of my sons but I have not started them. They are now on that growing list, you know “Things To Do In 2009”~

Vonna Personalized Name Tree

Jerryann Personalized Name Tree

I happened upon a freebie Tote Bag pattern from Lazy Girl Designs that I though I would share with you. This too will get added to my "Things to do in 2009" list. :)

Well, I just said good-bye to both of my sons who are venturing out for the evening. One is heading to NYC with his girlfriend to ring in the New Year and the other is ringing in the New Year at a party in the next town. I shall retire to the couch, pick up a my stitching, and stay warm while I view the ball drop on television. I should point out that I will almost certainly be heading out (in the freezing cold) in the wee hours of the morning to pick my son up from the train station upon his return from the city...the benefit of being a night owl.

Thank you for popping in periodically throughout the year to read my blog. I wish each of you a very happy and healthy New Year~

Until next time...

Thistle Threads Small Purse

Here is a small coin purse that I stitched for a very good friend of mine. I absolutely love this Thistle Threads pattern, and will almost certainly be stitching it again.

Designer: Thistle Threads

Design: An Empty Purse

When you open it up there is this little saying:

I have another Thistle Threads design that I have had on my "to do" list for quite some time. Here is a picture of it; I saw it stitched up and loved it...

Plenty and Grace Hanging Hearts

If you are interested in a nice freebie, called Mother Is Love, you can download it from her site. The design is pictured below~It would be a great Mother's Day gift.

Mother Is Love

I had a wonderful time during my visit to Houston, TX. It was great spending a month in the warmer climate, but now that I am home I am behind on just about everything! ~ I will post about the trip another time.

Well, I hit the road again tomorrow, this time to Vermont for at least a week~

Until next time...