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.