An "Old" Finish...

I stitched and finished this last year.  It's a Hand-Painted Canvas from A Collection of Designs.  Last night at guild we were talking about the birdhouse ornaments and when I went to e-mail the picture this morning I realized that I never put it on my album!   This was a fun piece to stitch and I was almost done with the stitching before I realized that it was a birdhouse.  ;)

New Book and New Design...

This design jumped the queue with Jane's query if I had finishing instructions for a tote bag in my book.  The short answer was "No.", but the longer answer was "I'm working on them."

With a bit of a push (I am moving in two weeks and am in the process of packing), I've finished them up and they are ready for download or mailing.

"Le Fleur Shoppe" is a charming design that shows a flower shop entry.  Stylized flowers detail this fun piece and a charming cat hides on the back.  Stitch in colors from your stash or use the recommended colors.

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" gives step-by-step instructions for finishing a tote bag.  Large photographs illustrate each step and it includes information on buying enough fabric, directions for sewing pockets, linings, and straps.

Enjoy these newest additions to my design collection!

"Le Fleur Shoppe" Paper Leaflet
http://www.lulu.com/product/brochure/le-fleur-shoppe---counted-needlework-design/12555200

"Le Fleur Shoppe" Digital Download
http://www.lulu.com/product/download/le-fleur-shoppe---counted-needlework-design/12555200

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" Digital Download
http://www.lulu.com/product/file-download/learn-to-finish-a-tote-bag/12554915?

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" Paperback Book
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/learn-to-finish-a-tote-bag/12554914

Needlepoint Tote Bag Finishing...

This needlepoint design was finished as an open-top tote bag.  It is heavily interfaced so it stands up on its own.  The exterior fabric is a dark brick red velveteen and the straps are custom made and lined with webbing for strength.

The interior of the bag is lined in a woven fabric.  There is a hanging zippered pocket.

Mirabilia's "Bluebell"...

"Bluebells" by Mirabilia

I stitched this for my friend Jessie.  It is stitched in cotton floss and an overdyed Waterlilies silk.  The wings and a lot of the details are in Kreinik Metallic threads and there are quite a few beads.  Always fun to stitch these fairies!  

I kept thinking about my friend Laura and how she would have loved this piece: purples, Mirabilia, fairy with no antennae.  So I'm happy that it is for another friend.  

Kathy Schenkel "Washington" Stocking...

This hand-painted canvas is by Kathy Schenkel.  I stitched it in cotton threads and some specialty threads from Rainbow Gallery.  It is finished in light blue suede with a satin lining and trimmed with white cord.  The cute stuffed orca is hand-made and comes with the canvas.  So cute!

Some Christmas stitching...

I usually try to stitch 12 ornaments a year.  I'm behind!  Behind on finishing, too!

These are all from the 1998 Just Cross-Stitch Ornament Issue.  I'm clearing through my stash and getting stuff done.

"Joy!" by Bent Creek.

by Birds of a Feather.  Not sure if I will put this in a little frame or finish as an ornament.

"Christmas Star" by Emie Bishop of Cross 'N Patch.

by Darleen O'Steen of The Needle's Prayse.  Again, not sure if I will frame this one.

"Christmas Eve Ornament" by Graphs by Barbara and Cheryl.

"Woodland Noel" by Heart in Hand Needleart. 

"Star of Wonder" by Thirteenth Colony.  Solid stitching with beads!

Lastly is one of the Mill Hill bead and stitch kits.  It is called Victorian Tree and is stitched on perforated paper.  I finished it with a chenille thread trim and backed with passion suede.