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22 March 2011

2011 Anniversary Gift Exchange

Caution: Picture heavy post (again).
So did I manage to keep you in suspense? ^.^ Truth be told, when the anniversary gift exchange was first announced, I was highly in doubt as to whether I'll be joining in. I have absolutely no clue what to make for it. Added to that was the gingham heart challenge. After a long deliberation, I decided to take the plunge.
The determining factor on what to make for my gift was that I wanted it to be something everyone could use, since our group consists of a wide range of crafters. I also wanted not only to stick with the familiar but also to expand my boundaries. With that in mind, I started off with cross stitching...
Design: Robyn
Designer: Tantes Zolder
Fabric: Natural Italian 32 count linen
Fibers: Hand Dyed Fibers (Ox Blood) Silk
Design: SALexandre (Part)
Designer: Tempus Fugit
Fabric: Natural Italian 32 count linen
Fibers: Hand Dyed Fibers (Ox Blood) Silk
After more pondering, this is the result - a journal cover. The fabric I used is Candy Kisses Floral Lipstick by Sandy Gervais for Moda.
Here's the front,
the back,
and the inside.
Sewing, I had no problem with but quilting, that's a first. I think it turned out well enough, if I do say so myself.
Next was the gingham heart challenge. The requirements of it was that it has to be heart shaped and no smaller than three inches in width n height, embellished in any way the crafter chooses.
This was when I was stumped with two choices. I had a piece of 28 count cream/natural graziano gingham linen and a piece of white/pink cotton gingham. Which should I pick? I was gonna try my hand at hardanger had I chosen the linen but I figured this is a good time as any to completely step out of my comfort zone. Free hand embroidery.
I had stumbled upon a free Heart Wreath embroidery design from French Knots during my many "heart" Google searches. So it was decided...
I kinda went a little overboard trying out new-to-me specialty stitches. Among those were ribbon stitch, weave stitch,
cretan stitch, feather stitch, stem stitch, spider web rose,
french knots, lazy daisy and beading.
Once again, I think I hurt my brain trying to come up with something that fit the requirements yet does not only act as a decoration. Then I came across this post at Le Marquoir d'Elise. A link was given to the free pattern here but I couldn't figure out how to download it. I don't read French, you see :(
However, I had gotten the gist of the idea from the photos alone. So I threw caution to the wind and this happened:
This is what the back looks like.
I absolutely adore the cute "Hand Made" label which I bought from Fabric Fanatics.
Folded up...
Into this. Hey, it's still technically a heart!
I drew Usha's name in the exchange. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to take a picture of me handing her the gift in my excitement :( Oh well.
My heart won the gingham heart competition. Big thank you to all who voted for it. The yummy prize went home with me.
I literary went home with three bags that day. I left the house with two. Man, was I one happy girl.
Thank you once again to Nik and Margaret for organizing the meet, Rose for opening your house to us and everyone who attended.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I WANT ONE lol... Change zee color and I'll Gladly take one sweetheart =D. They look amazing and The Stitcher friend of yours are very lucky and blessed to have the amazing gifts.

Mouse said...

oo can you make me one of each ..lol fab work there on all of it .. love your free hand embroidery and to the making of the bag well that's just fab too ... :)love mouse xxx

Carol R said...

Beautiful stitching. Love the heart!

Fifi said...

love it
but the most journal cover...

Carol said...

What fabulous work, Veronica! You really deserved to win for that darling gingham heart--congratulations. I just love all the specialty stitches on it!

Shelley said...

Both of your finishes are stunningly beautiful. Congrats on the win!!

Anna van Schurman said...

Love that the bag folds in on itself to reveal the (second) gingham heart. The journal cover is quite pretty too.

Meari said...

Very pretty projects!

Anne said...

Those are beautiful projects!! Love the free hand embroidery! It's very nice to step out and try something new and you did it very well!!

busymum100 said...

Veronica, it was so beautiful and very creative of you too!!

To have all those embroidery stitches, what else can i say..

Lisa V said...

Such beautiful creative finishes.
LISA V

Anonymous said...

What lovely projects and your stitching is very pretty.

Marl

Joysze said...

Awesome gifts there, girlie!!!! I loooove what you did with the heart project. Lucky Usha. :D

DJ said...

I just had to pick my jaw up off the floor....what AMAZING stitching!! And the finishing is phenomenal too!! All I can say is WOW!!

Carol's Stitching said...

Fantastic! :) Wow I love your stitching and your finishing is just gorgeous!!!!

Blu said...

Love what you did with the heart! All those specialty stitches, the ribbon, the beads! Wow!
The lady who won it is lucky!

Gladys Creativa said...

All is really beautiful, I like it so much!
Congratulations...

Kathy Ellen said...

You are one incredibly talented needleartist! The journal is beautiful, and the heart gingham bag is absolutely beyond amazing! Your embroidery is so beautiful and the entire piece is a true work of art! Congratulations upon receiving so many lovely gifts too!

htimcj said...

Those finishes are stunning!
Heidi-ILCS

Cherie said...

Love the feather stitches around the heart! I'm obsessed with embroidery and add new patterns all the time. Thanks for visiting!

Grit said...

Wow, ich liebe Deine Stickerei und Deinen Blog. Werde mich nun als Leser anmelden.
Liebe Grüße Grit from Germany