The Totally Useless Stitch A Long 2013

Here we go! Are you ready for some major ORT collecting for 2013? This is going to be a fantastic year for stitching. I just know it!

The 2013 TUSAL is launched! 

What is an ORT? ORT or ort ~ Capitalized, it stands for Old Ratty Threads. These are the cast-off thread ends a needleworker cuts away. These ends are often saved in clear jars as a decorative object. The word, "ort" does appear in the dictionary, meaning: a bit of something left over; usually concerning food. 

Why would you save these and why on earth post a picture on your blog? Not everyone saves them. Some stitchers just toss them in the trash or let them decorate the sofa and floor. Sometimes this inadvertent decorating draws ire from those living with us. Saving these clippings in one place creates a random tangle of lovely colored thread. Posting a photo of this pile is "progress" of a sort and thus, the Totally Useless Stitch A Long was born. 

If you would like to join the Stitch-A-Long:

1. Get a glass jar or other container and save your thread clippings. Some stitchers include fabric trimmings, thread bands or any other stitching cast-offs they gather. You may continue filling this jar throughout the year OR you may empty the jar and start over each month ~ no firm rules here!

2. On (or about) each New Moon take a picture of the ORTs in your jar and post it to your blog. This is a blog game so YES, you MUST have a blog to be included.

3. Yes, you can use your current ORT jar or jars. This is no contest...the stitcher with the most ORTs doesn't win!

4. You should post a picture each New Moon, even if there has been no "progress" to show. We are aiming for "once a month" here...no whippings for being late, early or absent!

5. When you have posted the picture of your ORTs visit my blog and comment on my ORT report for that month's TUSAL. If I have a Totally Useless Giveaway these comments give you an extra entry!

The New Moon dates for 2013 are:

January 11

February 10

March 11

April 10

May 10

June 8

July 8

August 6

September 5

October 5

November 3

December 3

If you would like to join in on the fun leave a comment on this post. In years past, I have made up a "guest list" by adding a blog link list for everyone that joined ~however~ this year I probably will not do that. It takes hours and hours and hours of visiting blogs, editing the post, checking links, editing the post, correcting mistakes, editing the post. I'd much rather be stitching or visiting your blog on a recreational basis. Therefore, consider your comment to be your entry. Make sure your profile is set to "open" so people can visit your blog or leave a link to your blog in your comment. I hope you aren't offended I am not doing a guest list. We are adopting a new puppy at the end of the week and I'm thinking to be rather busy for quite some time. If I manage my time better than expected perhaps I will reconsider.

A request: I notice there are a lot of bloggers completely in the dark about your Totally Useless posts. They see lots of people posting pictures of ORT jars but they have NO IDEA why. They might want to join in the fun too! Please put a LINK to this sign-up page when you make your TUSAL posts. A link in your sidebar is great but ONLY if your readers SEE it and realize what it is.  

If you would like to add the TUSAL link gadget to your sidebar (in Blogger): right click on it and save the photo to your computer, go to your blog's layout and choose "add a photo" and put the address to the 2013 TUSAL post in the link option. Upload the photo and save.

A shout-out on your blog to let other stitchers know about the 2013 Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long would be greatly appreciated! Plus, please change the links in your sidebar to this new post!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

December ORT Report

It's the last New Moon of 2012...do you know where your ORTs are? Mine are not plentiful but good enough for all that happened in the past month!  Can you tell these are Blackbird Designs ORTs?

I know I've been promising the new TUSAL sign-up for 2013. It's coming! I haven't forgotten! Those TUSALer's leaving a comment on this post receive an extra entry in the 2012 giveaway. That is coming up soon as well. 

Here is the project I've been sloooowly working on, the only ORTs in my jar. This is a nearly completed BBD Tweet Hearts Exemplar #2. It was a struggle to finish the first one (a heart shaped pillow) and I'm hoping this one goes easier.

Fun news: Molly has her first toy! A polka-dot squeaky pig. Whee! The plan (if nothing changes) is to bring Molly home the weekend after Christmas. The breeder tells me she has had her first shot, worming and weighs five pounds. They are also using the name "Molly" with her so she can begin to associate it with herself. We are really looking forward to the last few days of 2012!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

I Hate Coming Home

This house is too quiet. It's Empty with a capital E. Late last year, Taco, the cat went to live with Jessie when she moved to the city. I know Jessie and her husband, Matt enjoyed adding her to their family. Then in April after Sheba died, home seriously stopped being our happy place. Both Dash and I have experienced horrible feelings of dread associated with coming home to a lonely house. We cannot stand this emptiness any longer. Home should be a place full of hope and laughter and love, right? We have those things, yes...however there is a huge dog-shaped void sucking a lot of the happiness away before it can be fully enjoyed. Dogs just make some people's life complete, I suppose. 

To help complete ours, Dash and I are adding this tiny character to our cast:

Sweet little Molly.

Molly is a four-week-old Border Collie. Yes, another Border Collie ~ love them. We aren't sure of Molly's eye color or ear position yet, she is still too little to tell. Her momma has blue eyes and perked up ears and daddy has brown eyes with floppy ears...Molly could end up with either. She will be a rough coated collie, which I like very much. I imagine Molly will be a much smaller collie than we are used to as both parents were not nearly Sheba's size. Old Sheba was big for a collie!

No, we don't have her here yet. She has only started eating some solid food so it will be some time before we can bring her home. 

Dash and I had the pick of the litter. That is our Molly in the very center, with one brother on the right end ~he has the white collar~ all the other pups were girls. The puppies were such fun to play with! I could have stayed for hours. I hated to leave them, especially knowing they are a two hour drive away so we won't get to see her again before it's time to bring her home.

We cannot stand the waiting. This sucks! I feel like a kid who knows there are awesome presents under the tree but Christmas is still weeks away. Before the New Year comes, our house will be full of excitement and joy. For now, it's time to gather puppy training supplies and puppy safe toys and puppy-proof the house & yard. And get ourselves psyched up for training a new puppy. Very hard work!

But the effort will be totally worth it.  

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Star Reindeer

It has become a bit of a Christmas tradition to share a new reindeer design on my blog, hasn't it? Here is the 2012 offering, Star Reindeer. I hope you enjoy stitching her!

To receive a copy of the design email me at daffy-cat AT hotmail DOT com. Tell me the name of the design you are requesting. This one is "Star Reindeer." I appreciate comments left here for encouragement too!

Please respect my copyright and do not upload my designs to any website or share with other people. Yes, they are free but I still retain copyright.

My designs are published as PDF. You must have the free Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view/print my patterns ~ or a similar PDF viewer.

As always, you can click the cat in my sidebar to see my other free cross stitch designs. They are all still available for the asking.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

November TUSAL

Only a few ORTs in my jar...mostly burgundy shades from Small Token. I need to make more "me" time for stitching!

I will start the 2013 TUSAL within the next month for those of you wanting to continue next year. As usual, leave a comment on this post for an extra entry in the giveaway. I'm excited about the giveaway and I can't wait to show you what it will be!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Catching Up. Slow Stitching. A Winner. Face it, this is a mishmash...

I got behind in my blog reading! It is truly amazing how fast the number of posts in Google Reader goes up when you aren't looking. It's being pared down but I find myself snapping from one blog to the next with no comments being left. I'm reading, enjoying your stitching and your life updates but forgive me if I haven't commented lately. Once I catch up, I will be my usual chatty self.

Stitching is still slow. How can you concentrate on stitching when your reader has a gazillion unread posts? But I'm close to a finish on Blackbird Designs Small Token. This is going to make the prettiest pin pillow. I'm looking forward to the finishing.

I can announce the next stitcher on the Traveling Pattern in my recent post...Jan of Stitching Cats is it! Congratulations Jan! I will be in contact for your mailing address.

In case you missed it, I have a new freebie posted yesterday. You can clicky the cat in my left sidebar to see all my freebie designs, they are all still available for the asking. By the way...who is ready for a new reindeer freebie? Anyone?

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Free Apples!

Apples are such pretty fruit. All the different shapes and colors are so enticing. Here is a little freebie for you to enjoy. Stitch on dark fabric:

Or on light fabric:

You could even stitch all the apples the same color if you prefer! The pattern is the same for both light and dark fabric, just a minor adjustment noted in the pattern.

To receive a copy of the design email me at daffy-cat AT hotmail DOT com. Tell me the name of the design you are requesting. This one is "Apples." I appreciate comments left here for encouragement too!

Please respect my copyright and do not upload my designs to any website or share with other people. Yes, they are free but I still retain copyright.

My designs are published as PDF. You must have the free Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view/print my patterns ~ or a similar PDF viewer.

As always, you can click the cat in my sidebar to see my other free cross stitch designs. They are all still available for the asking.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

A Traveling Pattern

I finished Angela's Traveling Pattern a while ago. My blogging mojo has been nil so this is LATE being offered to the next stitcher!  I'm the 18th stitcher of this Lizzie*Kate design Life's A Stitch. Do you want to be #19? If so, leave a comment on this post saying you would like to and I will choose a new stitcher.

Crappy cell phone photo =D

The only requirements are, 1. You must be a regular blogger. 2. You must agree to stitch the design and pass it along.

This will be closed on Friday, November 9th and I will choose and announce the next stitcher on the weekend.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

A Late October TUSAL

I was so excited about the season 3 premier of The Walking Dead that I forgot it was the New Moon and time to show off my scanty ORT jar!

I stitched on the back patio for several hours on Sunday afternoon. Started a new project! This is Small Token by Blackbird designs. I'm not worried about the lack of stitching mojo since I know my being busy with other things, other interests is the cause. When life settles down I will stitch more.

TUSALers leaving a comment on this post receive an extra entry in the giveaway. It's getting close to the end of the year. I can't wait to start the giveaway! Those of you who'd like to continue in 2013 ~ say so! If there is enough interest I will post a TUSAL sign up closer to the end of the year.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Boring Blogger

I received a text from my daughter, Jessie, yesterday: "Your blog. It needs updates!"

I know, I know! I've been such a boring blogger of late. Just too much going on right now. With one thing or another I haven't found any blogging mojo. Or stitching mojo either! I think there are 8 sad little ORTs in my jar right now!

No blogging. No stitching. BUT I've been keeping busy and that's not boring. For instance, the last weekend in September Dash and I hopped on the motorcycle for a mini-vacation. We went to Fayetteville, Arkansas to attend Bikes, Blues and BBQ which is a big motorcycle rally. This was the first rally I have ever attended and boy ~ it was fun! Dash and I had a great time, spending three entire days on the motorcycle. Wow ~ was my butt ever sore! I never saw so many bikes in my entire life...

Bikes were parked like this up and down both sides of the street for several blocks. Plus, bikes traveling non-stop, both directions. We saw some really awesome motorcycles.

Crowded like you wouldn't believe.

This was about half way, I think, looking up the hill. We had stopped at the food court for turkey legs. Yum! And beer. There were several bars. I think we went into each one. Rick teased me in one of the bars for giving my beer to him and asking for a glass of wine instead. Don't get me wrong ~ I love beer. Just not horrible, disgusting, bitter beer. I don't care how many awards the place got...it still brewed nasty beer!

Here is a little video snippet of the rally taken on my iPhone. You will have to turn the volume all the way up to get the full effect of how LOUD it really was. Just kidding ~ you might want to turn it down!

It was an awesome holiday. The weather was perfect: not too hot, indeed a little too cool at times with lots of clouds. It sprinkled on us a few times but no real rain. We do have rain gear, just in case. I got to wear my biker vest: 

I've been collecting patches that express my interests. You will note my road name patch? LOL I haven't found any "cross-stitch" patches...and it's impossible to internet search for them. If anyone knows of any iron-on type patches with a cross-stitching theme be sure to let me know!

The back looks a little lopsided until I get more patches. I was ever-so-pleased to find the "Marine Wife" rocker since Dash's vest has a "Marine" rocker. Isn't this fun? Too bad I actually look like a chubby housewife rather than a sexy-biker-bitch! ROFLOL

Now that summer has passed and autumn is finally here maybe life will slow down for me. Wait...the holidays are coming up, what am I thinking? I will be back soon with a stitching update for you. The traveling pattern I am in possession of needs finishing so I can send it on to the next stitcher. Hopefully by the end of the week! See you soon.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox 

September ORT Report

Some fearless TUSAL leader I am...I nearly forgot it was the New Moon! Whoa! My ORTs are present and accounted for...but the camera and it's lousy focus be damned:

Not a whole lot of stitching done but a fair amount considering how busy I have been. Who wants to stay inside when it's gorgeous weather outside? We had plenty of inside time when it was sweltering hot all summer!

All TUSALers leaving a comment on this post receive an extra entry in the giveaway!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Just Stitchy

Life has been busy for me...good busy not bad busy! I have been keeping up with reading your blogs and with my stitching I just haven't been blogging. I concentrated on The Finery of Nature and it looks fantastic. My camera need replacing, I think the focus is going out. I cannot get a clear snap but these pictures give you an idea.

Last week, I received Angela's Traveling Pattern from Mouse. I made a good start on it over the weekend. Watch this space: when I have finished a new stitcher will be chosen! 

The weather was so nice on Sunday I stitched on the back patio for a few hours. Pure bliss. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to stitch outside every day? I'm hoping for some nice autumn weather this year.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

August ORT Report

I'm much, much happier with the amount of stitching time I was able to put in this month. This is merrily reflected in a full ORT jar for this TUSAL.

Most of this is ORTs from Finery of Nature but I believe there are a also few from the pinpillows I made. It's amazing how a little more stitching time makes me a nicer person to be around.

Let's see your ORTs! TUSALers leave a comment on this post to receive an extra entry in the Totally Useless giveaway. What is the Totally Useless Stitch A Long? Click here.

A note to "Belle" who blogs at a place called The Secret Garden...you asked to join the SAL and then asked for your link to be corrected but the blog link you gave me goes to a blog that has been removed. Since your profile is not public, I cannot see your correct blog-link. I would be happy to fix this but my hands are tied without the correct link ~ sorry!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

WIP Wednesday

I've been hard at work on  The Finery of Nature. This is one HARD project to photograph! It is almost impossible to get a clear, in-focus picture with decent color. Out of two dozen photos this was the best and it's crap but you get the idea!

The little nest is taking shape. The yellow-gold looks odd without the earth colors surrounding it but it's nice to stitch a color that stands out as the foundation to count from. I doubt I'm even half through with this block since the nest is pretty solid with stitches. If you are wondering what the finished project looks like see my sidebar. The picture is a link to a larger photo but the kit is no longer available except on the secondhand market.

Keebles asked if I'm using a light box to help see? Yes, it's invaluable for stitching on dark fabric! What is a light box? It's a fluorescent light inside a translucent plastic box. The light shines up through  your fabric so you can see the holes easier. Here is a snap of mine:

The funny square shape under the fabric is the pattern. I know there are DIY lightbox instructions on the web but I have this one, Light Tracer 2. Actually, I stole this light box from my daughter,  Jessie ~ but since she left it in my basement...it was fair game, right?

Over the weekend, I found this in my mailbox: 

Isn't this a beautiful Christmas ornament? It was an RAK from Becky of The Stitchin' Post. Look at that carefully beaded edge...and that adorable wire hanger. I was so tickled to receive this and I can't wait for the holidays so I can hang it on my tree! Thank you, Becky!

TUSALers be aware that Friday is the new moon! I need to find time to add recent members to the list so if your name isn't on there yet...I will get to it ~ eventually!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

A Private Exchange

Awhile back, Angela, of Hooked On Stitches, contacted me to see if I'd be interested in a private exchange with her. Since it had been quite a long time since I had participated in an exchange I eagerly agreed. We set a mail date and an "anything goes" theme and each put our thinking caps on to decide on a project we thought the other might like. Last week I received the item Angela stitched for me:

  

A flatfold. OMG Angela stitched me a flatfold! Out of the many years of exchanges and blog giveaway prizes, I have never received a flatfold! I adore the design and the finishing is perfection. She even made sure to use my favorite colors of brown, green and lavender! Thank you so much, Angela! You can read more about Angela's project here.

My project for Angela was a Blackbird Designs Stitcher's Box. This was one of the best things I have ever done. The stitching was a dream and the finishing I fretted over (to no end) was very easy. I was very pleased when Angela said how much she liked it!

Design ~ Our Home Sewing Box

Designer ~ Blackbird Designs

Fabric ~ 32 count Belfast Linen

Fiber ~ DMC

Finish ~ Sewing box as instructed

Special ~ Overdyed after stitching with RIT tan dye

I'm still so impressed with my finishing on this project. As I said, it was so easy and it turned out really nice looking! My corners could be better...but why quibble?

Many thanks to Angela for a wonderful exchange!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Chenille Trim

Every time I post about using chenille I get questions about it. I decided I'd make a post about it so you could know where to get it!

It was hard to find! If you do an internet search for it all you seem to get are results for sweaters ~ lol! I searched and searched and finally found it at a place called Quilter's Station. Click that link and it will take you right to the chenille page. 

It comes in a 20 yard package and looks like this:

I was a bit dismayed at first. It looked nothing like I expected! This is flat and it has a funny band up the center. I was thinking it would be round and fuzzy. Did I buy the wrong stuff?

But no, once you dye it and dry it out it takes it's shape! Here are two different packages I dyed. The left is  dark brown RIT dye and the right is tan RIT dye. I just put some liquid dye into a mason jar with a cup of water, put the lid on and shook it well. (No, I didn't really measure anything. Just relax, people and let it flow!) Then I added the chenille and shook it again. After a wash with laundry detergent and letting it dry it got all round and fuzzy like I expected it to look. I must confess, when I dyed the brown, I got impatient waiting for it to dry and took the iron to it. I couldn't tell any difference between the ironed-dried one and the tan that I waited all night to air-dry. The leather cording Dash has been using for his motorcycle tassels comes on these big spools which were the perfect size to store the finished chenille on. 

When you are ready to trim something you can either use tacky glue or be really fancy and ladder stitch it in place. I'm lazy. I just glue it.

I hope this helps some of you find that elusive chenille trim!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Pinpillows. Again.

You remember I'm on a pinpillow kick, right? I can't tell you how tickled I was to win Lynn's blog giveaway, especially when the prize was a pinpillow. I received it a while back but I've been lazy about blog posting. Let me tell you...I could smell the Lavender (my favorite scent) when I opened the mailbox!

Isn't it precious? Lynn made the sweetest counting pins to go with it. I am just so pleased to own one of Lynn's creations. Every time I walk by it gets picked up and smelled. And I mean every. single. time! Thank you Lynn!

The next one is my own makings. Lindsay and I have been friends for years beginning with my becoming her "floss mom" back in the day. Whenever Lindsay finds she needs floss, she sends me a list and I will pick it up for her at cheap USA prices and if I find something I need from the UK I know I can always ask Lindsay for help. Every now and again little gifts go across to the other and here is one of mine to her.

I took several Blackbird Designs motifs and created a little pinpillow. On the back I added our initials.

It is stuffed with crushed walnut shells, makes it nice and heavy. I trimmed it out with chenille, dyed brown.

Three handmade counting pins complement the pillow. I think Lindsay liked it!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Back in Black

I stitched up a little Blackbird Designs pinpillow over the weekend. This was quickly finished and was a fun mini-project. I stuffed it with crushed walnut shells and trimmed it with chenille dyed brown. I need some amber or golden brown beads to make a few pins to go with it.

Design ~ Wild Berry, Strawberry #3

Designer ~ Blackbird Designs

Fabric ~ 28 count mystery scrap, tea-dyed

Fiber ~ DMC

After finishing the pinpillow, I couldn't decide what to stitch next so I got out Finery of Nature and started the next block. The colors are so cheery and vibrant on the black fabric. I should work on this and get it done...I don't know why I haven't picked it back up sooner.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Sore Stitchy Fingers

Meet Lucas, my sexy new Brazilian companion. I know...he's short and compact, but very sweet. Lucas is a Taurus .38 special, my anniversary present from Dash. You didn't know I liked guns, did ya? Full of surprises, that's me. I know most of my readers won't be very interested in this post, but I wanted to share anyway.

I had made a passing comment to Dash that I wasn't especially confident in my ability to load and shoot the semi-automatic pistols we own, that I'd feel better with a revolver that was easy to load. He totally surprised me with this gift!

We went shooting early this morning. Bear in mind I haven't shot a pistol in years, although I am familiar with guns, having lived with a Marine for nearly 30 years.

This was my group with the .38. The pistol holds five rounds (or bullets.) Not too bad...I at least put them all into the black. The .38 takes a strong pull to shoot. Easier for me to cock the trigger, then shoot. Overall very easy to load, unload and shoot. Nice!

I also shot the Llama .380. This was my Grandfather's weapon, Dash owns it now. The 380 shoots seven rounds. The .380 has a HARD trigger pull but that is a nice group.

Then, I tried my hand at Dash's Colt .45. Holy cow, I smoked it! The .45 shoots seven rounds as well. You can see my first shot was wide because I was nervous about the recoil, then I was able to relax and center the shots. I like shooting the .45!

A group photo of the pistols so you can see how they compare in size. 

I only shot around fifty rounds and its obvious I need calluses. My index finger and thumb are sore from the grippy areas of the guns! Big thanks to Dash for getting me such a sweet little boyfriend.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

I Rocked It

Just so you know...I'm the freakin' finishing master! Don't you love it when you feel that way about yourself? Doesn't happen often enough though, does it? I spent some time finishing yesterday afternoon. I did the little box project I was working on and the exchange for Angela too. Both came out very well. I can't show you Angela's item yet but I can share my little box:

Design ~ Rosemary Pinkeep

Designer ~ Blackbird Designs

Fabric ~ 32 count Belfast Linen, Daffycat Dyed

Fiber ~ DMC

Finish ~ Pinbox

Yes, I stitched the Rosemary Pinkeep design ~ again. There is something about it I really-really like. I used the little round paper-mache box I finished the other day and attached my stitching to the lid. The chenille I dyed was used too. See my preparations in this post. I'm very pleased how it turned out, as if you couldn't tell.

Yesterday, Fed Ex delivered my business cards from PrintRunner. Awesome. I'm excited to have them and I can't wait to send these out with exchanges. They look really fantastic...glossy & bright and exactly what I'd hoped for! Thank you PrintRunner!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Scanty TUSAL

My pitiful ORT jar for July's new moon. Too much life and not enough stitching time! Must get this sorted out before I have a breakdown! I'm just kidding, by the way!

Those TUSALers leaving a comment on this post to let me know you have posted your ORT jar will receive an extra entry in the giveaway, as usual. That hat is getting full, people! If you are new here and want to know what The Totally Useless Stitch A Long is all about click here.

For those asking about the counting pins I made in my last post...they are SO EASY! All you need are a few supplies...

Pins, buy the extra-long ones
Super Glue
Beads, any assortment you like
Toothpick, or you can use another pin

Put a drop or two of Super Glue onto a sheet of paper. You will use the toothpick to pick up some glue when you are ready. I use the little spacer beads on the top then a bigger bead then a tiny seed bead. Keep in mind you can use anything, in any order. Do what you like the looks of! Thread the beads onto the pin and see if you like the arrangement. If you like it, let the beads slide away from the top and use the toothpick to pick up a bit of glue and smear it around the top of the pin. Work fast, the glue dies quickly! Slide the beads up onto the glued area and I usually add a bit of glue around the bottom-most bead. I carefully poke the pin into a pinpillow until it's dried and I try not to touch it until the glue has a chance to cure.

Sometimes the beads come unstuck on my counting pins as I'm using them...easy enough to re-glue them as needed. Be careful with the glue...it's hard to stitch with glued-together fingers or pins & beads stuck to you.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Pretty Pincushions

I've been really "into" pincushions lately. I find myself searching out designs for them. They are just so useful and you can create such pretty pins for them! Over the weekend I finished this one, it's pictured on the fabric I used for the back:

Design ~ Rosemary Pinkeep

Designer ~ Blackbird Designs

Fabric ~ 32 count...Jobelan? Tea-dyed

Fiber ~ DMC

Finish ~ Pinpillow stuffed with walnut shells

Then I tackled this one:

Design ~ Birds and Berries Pinbox

Designer ~ Blackbird Designs

Fabric ~ 32 count Belfast Linen

Fiber ~ DMC

Finish ~ Pinbox as per instructions

Specialty ~ Overdyed after stitching with RIT tan dye

Both of these were so much fun to stitch and finish. The pins were fun to make too! Now, there is another project to finish but I'm finding it really intimidating and I keep putting it off! Crazy, I know! This is an exchange item. I know I can do it...and do it well but I still get stage fright when I start something important!

Don't forget the New Moon is on Thursday, the 19th...everyone get those ORT jars shined up for the Totally Useless Stitch A Long!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox