Birthdays

I've been reading Stitch Bitch blog for a while now and her stories of her grandmother, Maggie, have always amused me. So, when she put out a call for birthday cards to be sent to Maggie on her 89th birthday, how could I say no? After all, this is a lady whom I hope to emulate when I'm her age ^.^

Two weeks before the big day, I put on my thinking cap. Once again, I went on my trusted Stitching Cards website for inspiration and made this.

I really love this design. The basket is stitched with metallic gold thread and gold beads are added to the flowers for that extra sparkle.

I think the card arrived a couple days late but at least it didn't go missing which I'm grateful for.

22nd March was once again my best friend, Adeline's birthday. As with years past, I had a kitty design stitched and framed for her.

I, for one, think it would be perfect in the baby's room but that's for her to decide, of course.

Dede, another good friend of mine's birthday is also coming up in April. Remember my Passione Ricamo piece I had stitched? It was first intended for her birthday last year and then postponed to Christmas... It is now framed too and finally ready to be presented to her.

Other than that, I've also been working on New Birth of Spring sporadically and this is where it stands at the moment.

However, it has now been put on hold while I try to catch up on Romantique Sampler. Part 2 stitched.

First month is now complete.

Working on the second month. Here is Part 3.

Onwards to Part 4... But I have a Birthday Exchange due in May...

Talk about a full plate! I have only myself to blame but I'm enjoying every single minute of it :D

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.

2011 NNC Anniversary Meet

Caution: Picture heavy post.

It has been a long, long while since I last posted. Didn't have much time as I was busy preparing my 2011 NNC Anniversary Gift Exchange. Seventeen of NNC members met up on 19 March 2011 in Rose's beautiful house. I arrived around eleven thanks to Margaret and Jackie who picked me up from my house. Nik was already there preparing the door gifts. By the time we finished doing so, most of the members have already arrived.

First there was the food. There can be no crafters gathering without food :P

Mel's Macadamia Mango Cheese Cake was heavenly!

And her Double Chocolate Fudge Pecan Cupcakes were equally sinful!

After we stuffed ourselves til we could barely move (at least I did), it was time for the hardanger demo which Nik has generously offered to give.

I didn't sign up for it which was just as well for I was having too much fun at the veranda with Zarina, Jackie and a few others that Margaret, our headmistress had to head over to hush us as the hardanger group was having trouble concentrating due to our boisterous laughters.

After the hardanger class, it's presents time! First up was the lucky draw which I still had trouble believing that I was one of the lucky winners.

I won this beautiful blue bag made by Jo.

Isn't it gorgeous? Talented is our Jo :)

Next the door gifts were distributed.

Love the cupcake label with my name on it.

The contents were contributed by NNC members, some even sent all the way from USA (Thank you Diane and Carla).

Here's our gracious hostess, Rose, with her hostess gifts.

Finally, it's on to the event of the day - the 2011 Anniversary Gift Exchange. How could one not be excited when confronted with this sight every time one walks past the living room?

Certainly not me. Names were called out alphabetically. Participants were asked to pick a chocolate from a box of Ferrero Rocher. Names had been stuck on the bottom of the chocolates. Whomever gets their name picked gets to receive a gift from the person who picked their name.

My name was picked by Nik

and from her, I received a beautifully wrapped box

with numerous goodies inside!

But that's not all. The rule for this gift exchange is that every gift must be accompanied by a gingham heart decorated as the participants see fit.

Here's Nik's pretty gingham heart that went home with me.

Every member's gingham heart is automatically entered into a competition for this lovely prize contributed by Margaret. Quite the motivation, don't you think?

Here are all nineteen hearts on display for members to vote on.

Alright, this post have been long enough. So have I piqued your curiousity on which heart is mine and what I made for my anniversary gift? All shall be revealed in due time. Do check back soon ^.^
P.S. NNC Members, Shhhhhh... No letting the cat out of the bag!