More Stitchy Eye Candy

Over Memorial Day weekend, I went on a camping trip just north of Madison, WI.  I haven't been camping for at least 20 years.  Luckily, this camping trip didn't involve tents or fishing.  It involved an air conditioned RV with running water... I found that I could do that kind of camping!  Tyra aka "Sock Monster" also enjoyed herself despite having five other dogs onsite.  Anywho... During that VERY hot and humid weekend, I started a new project.  This was the progress I made during the camping trip.  I'm curious... Does anyone else stitch while camping?

By the end of June, I had a finish.  Home of the Brave (OOP chart) by Blackbird Designs.

Stitched on 28ct Wedgewood Brittany linen with Carrie Creations, Six Strand Sweets, and GAST threads.  Now, I just need to find the perfect frame so I can add it to the stitching wall in my craft room.

Since I was near Madison, a trip to Lynn's of Madison was in order.  If you are ever in the area, I've had really good experiences with the staff at Lynn's.  They are so helpful and friendly.  I had been there last year and kicked myself for not getting a limited edition chart pack.  I decided this time around to get it along with the fabric and threads.  So, what did I get?!!  Suspense killing you?

I made some pretty good progress after stitching for two evenings after work.

Over the weekend, I decided to paint the basket.  It took
F-O-R-E-V-E-R!  I'm talking all morning.  This is what it looked like after two hours of painting all those cracks and crevices.

Last year around Thanksgiving, I stumbled upon some snap closure envelopes at The Dollar Tree.  I bought a package because a light bulb went off in my head... project bags!  I didn't want to buy a lot in case they didn't work.  Big Mistake, BIG!  (in my Pretty Woman voice).  Once I realized they worked really well, I went back for more.  None to be found.  Fast forward to present day and I finally saw them in the folder bins again.  I snatched up the last couple packages they had.

I really like them because not only are they see thru and pretty, but they hold my chart, fabric, threads, scissors, needles, and highlighter.  They also will hold 6x6 or 8x8 qsnaps.  These don't have holes in the bottom corners like other plastic envelopes do.  Best of all, they're very inexpensive... 2 in a package for $1!

That's all I have for now.  So until next time...

Quaker Mailart Exchange

This was my first time participating in a Quaker themed mailart exchange so I was pretty excited.  I chose my designs and decided on the envelope layout.  I had a lot of fun stitching it up.

Now that the recipient, Pam in IL at My Stitchin-N-Stuff, has received it, I can show it!  Most of the design came from a chart called Quaker Blues by From the Heart Needle Art.  I used DMC 931 floss to stitch it monochrome.


My initials on the front

Her initials on the back

Goodies I was able to shove inside

Linked to: Stitching Lotus SAL

This was the first time I did a triangle flap and the design I used was just perfect for it.  Despite the enjoyment I had planning and stitching this mailart, I had such a frustrating time assembling it.  I made rookie seamstress mistakes which I shook my head in disbelief when I had to rip it apart not once, but twice.

I also tried a 'new to me' fabric by True Colors.  It was 28ct evenweave, but felt a bit plastic-y and I think the mottled fabric design was painted on.  Very pretty, though. 

The person sending to me stitched mine up really fast!  Mailing date was July and I received this beautiful mailart at the end of April!

Thank you so much, Kita!  I really love it.

In addition to the envelope, Kita sent a pretty butterfly note card, floss, and some beaded kits.

My "secret" goal is to get a mailart from every state as well as other countries so I was thrilled to get one from Tennessee where Kita is from.

P.S.  If you're interested in learning how to make a mailart, I have a tutorial on my left side bar, or you can click HERE.

Until next time...