Sense and Sensibility by The Sampler Girl, stitched with DMC and Gentle Arts threads on 35 count Light Sand Edinburgh linen.What do you think I should do with it now, though? Should I cart it off to my busy framer's -- I will be picking up a couple of pieces later this week, so that would be the perfect opportunity to leave Sense and Sensibility there -- or should I try and make it into a quiltette, with some lovely flowery fabric on the back? Mind that my sewing skills resemble my marathon-running skills (i.e. very poor, for those of you who don't know me very well).
Last Saturday, I dragged my darling mother off to the craft fair in Rotterdam. I thought that would be the best way to score the sort of birthday presents I really, really want. I succeeded. Not only did we have a wonderful time... My mother is such a dear. She was completely awe-struck by all the crafty loveliness she saw, asking me 'if you would have to make all of that yourself' whenever she saw something she liked. I love her to bits, you know... Anyway, we had a lovely time and I got me some fabulous birthday goodies as well. My birthday is in November, but needless to say nearly all of the goodies are already in use :o) Firstly:
A new lap stand, and a gorgeous one at that. Seriously, this EZ lap stand is the best idea since Otto Frederick Rohwedder said "I'm getting so freaking tired of cutting my loaves of bread with this stupid, blunt knife every day". Above, you see the lap stand in action.
And secondly, I got the BBD Joyeux Noel book, and all the silks needed to finish the sampler in the picture.
Oh my, honeybuns, this book is an absolute must-have. Before I start the red bird sampler, though, I'm going to stitch another wee sampler from this book, in honour of my Oma who died in 1985, from whom I inherited, among other things, the stitching bug, my looks, my fiery temper and my fascinating skin diseases. Her birthday was December 23rd, so this little cushion from the Christmas book will be for her.
Well darlings, I should really be working, but I needed share before I burst. Thursday is SAL update day, although with all of this finishing and WIP-stitching my progress on Noah and Summer Basket will probably be scant. I'll do my best and that's a promise :o)
Yours delightedly,
Annemarie.
33 comments:
Oh my, what gorgeous stash you got! I love the Red Bird sampler. I am putting it on my MUST HAVE list right now.
As for the Sampler Girl piece. Beautiful and I would either frame it (my first choice) or finish it as a bell pull.
Your sampler finish is beautiful! Congratulations! If it were mine (and I do have this pattern in my stash!) I would frame it.
Fantastic early birthday gifts. Enjoy!
Gorgeous stash! I'm expecting the BBD book any day now and that cardinal design is on my "must-stitch-now" list ;)
As to your finished sampler (which is indeed gorgeous), I would finish it as a bellpull, as I have a bit of a thing for finishing long thin pieces in this way. Framing would be a good alternative though.
I say frame it. It's so gorgeous!!!
WOW!!!! That Red Bird. I am restraining myself from begging...trying, trying...oh, I'm fading..............I'll e-mail you later.
Loved your witty post. I say after 3 years frame that gorgeous thing!!
Love the Red Bird, may have to pick up that BBD after all!
A great finish. I think I would probably do it as a wall hanging, so no framing just the bars at either end. But whatever works for you of course is always best!
That looks like a great new stand. Glad you are enjoying it.
I was pondering whether or not to buy the BBD book, now I know I shall ! Thanks for advertising !
What beautiful, beautiful work. I would make it into a bellpull. I think it's perfect for that.
Glad you and Mom got to spend a great day together.
I now have my children trained to buy me gift certificates from Knowledge and Needles lol. It took some time.
Your new stand is wonderful. Love your new stash especially that red bird.
Hugs to you and Pelle.
Wowser great sampler finish, congratulations you!!
Love the stash buys too, I love the new BD Joyeux Noel, I have it too, and the first one I'm doing is the wonderful cardinal, its lovely.
My Joyeux arrived today (as part of an indecent amount of new post-market stash, hehe), and I agree that it's a spectacular book. I don't know where to start with it, oh the agony of choice.
Congrats on finishing S&S! Bellpull seems like a good idea.
Congratulations on your finish! It looks lovely. And what wonderful stash. Love the lapstand and the BBD book. I've been curious about the other patterns in the booklet so thank you for sharing. I'm hoping my lns has one in stock this weekend! :)
You delight me to no end, Annemarie!!!
I didn't make it to the handwerkbeurs, but I'm so glad that you and your mom had a blast. :D
I love my framed S&S - just a fun narrow piece to hang but it's up to you - a cool bellpull would be fetching or incorporate it into a wallhanging or even, if you are so bold, make a sewing roll. I'm snagging your photo for my blog to show off, dearie.
Tanya :)
Hello from Kentucky. I would definitely frame that beautiful piece of cross stitch and hang it in a prominent place. I love the red bird! kelley
't. is. niet. waar!!! Ben ik freaking net geen 4 uur onderweg naar Ahoy, mis ik jou!!!
Just chiming in to say I'd finish that beautiful piece as a bellpull. But framing would look great, too!
As for the BBD book, quit enabling, willya? ;)
I saw your finished sampler at Tanya's and didn't know how fast I could come to your blog!! Wow, what a beauty!
I think framing gives it a 'strakker' result, but I would love the looks of it with fabrics...
And I totally missed Rotterdam; I wasn't aware of such a wonderful event to be honest. To bad.
I could have scores some sinterklaas gifts...
Such a wonderful finish Anne Marie. I would vote for framing, but that's just me. I think it would be equally lovely with fabric. Congrats on a beautiful finish.
It sure is a pretty sampler, congrats on getting it finished. You will choose, I am confident, the perfect finishing for it.
Lovely new goodies, enjoy them all, Annemarie!
I think Tanya's sampler is beautiful, and I'd have to frame it or do it as a bell-pull.
Love the redbird--it's why I bought the book also!
I love the new lap stand! I've been dithering about whether to order Joyeux Noel and now I've made up my mind that I shall.
Also love Sense and Sensibility, I must seriously start doing those Jane Austen samplers, I have all the charts and am just being a bit dilatory in assenbling the threads.
Your sampler is gorgeous, congratulations. My instinct would be to finish it as a bellpull.
Love your birthday presents.
Gorgeous finish Annemarie! It would make a gorgeous bellpull.
Hmmmm. Bellpulls are interesting and different. The only problem, An, is that unless the piece is really backed with a sturdy piece of fabric, it will tend to sag. Bellpulls also get more exposure to elements that corrode. I would go with the framing for protection in the long run. IMHO You sound so good in this entry. Sending lots of hugs, Deb
Hi Annemarie,
I can't wait to see you start the Redbird Sampler. I got the book but don't foresee any starts on any of the projects.
I hope all is well with you and Pelle.
Beautiful finish, Annemarie! I'm looking forward to learning what you end up doing with it. No hassle's here about taking so long with it. We ALL KNOW how that happens!
How about finishing it as a bell pull with brass or so on top and bottom?
First of all, I love that you call your readers "honeybuns." Next, what a beautiful and amazing finish!! LOVE it. I'm on a Jane Austen kick lately myself. Thirdly, shame on you for enticing me so to more spending! I've been wondering if I should spring for the BBD Xmas book... you convinced me.
First of all, WOOOOW! Wonderful job, as usual....
I think that you frame the sampler...
about the BBD.... surprise!!!! ihihihihihihi!
Isn't you that you tell me, we have the same tastes??
Kisses
Nadia(and her bad english)
Oh Annemarie, your sampler "S and S" of The Sampler Girl is beautiful, magnifique, bellissimo...
J'adore...J love...Lo adoro!!
Bises, hugs, salutoni
Cris
Woohoo!! Congratulations on a gorgeous finish. I am always leaning towards framing things, so I go with that advice to you on this, too. Probably because of my terrible finishing skills, but I do love framed stuff.
Isn't that Joyeux Noel book just wonderful!? I am eager to stitch the cardinal sampler, too.
Great sampler! I have no imagination when it comes to finishing, so you're on your own (along with all the comments).
Way to score the gifts, almost-birthday girl. Mine is in November also.
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