Saturday 21 January 2012

Happy Birthday Chris And A Few Finishes

Today is my dear friend Chris' birthday and I decided I wanted to do her a box finish. Chris and I met online on a stitching forum a few years ago and since then we have met up several times,  as we don't live too far away from each other, and have become good friends. I have just had a text from her and she loves her gift so I am very happy:) 


Blackbird Designs Love Letters
32 count light taupe fabric

GAST & DMC
Started 11th January 2012

Finished 13th January 2012

Birthday gift for Chris
This is from the Joyeux Noel booklet. I replaced the word Noel with Chris. Happy Birthday Chris!

Tuesday evening was SAL night with my surrogate sis Lisa and I finished Snow Fun and made a small start on Snow House. Snow Fun stitched up so quickly.
Lizzie*Kate 6 Fat Men Snow Fun

32 count amber linen
DMC

Started 3rd January 2012
Finished 17th January 2012

A little progress on Country Cottage Needleworks Snowflake Serenade next. I have changed the colour of the wording White Christmas as the grey colour the chart suggested didn't show up very well on my fabric.
Next "finish" is the bonus block on Blackbird Designs Anniversaries of the Heart. This one seems to have taken ages with me taking a break from it so I'm relieved it's finally done! I'll start Swan Lake next week I think as I have something else I want to stitch tonight!

Blackbird Designs Anniversaries of the Heart Bonus Block

36 count rosewood linen

GAST & DMC

Started 7th October 2011

Finished 20th January 2012

At long last I got the chenille trim sewn on Christmas Tea so here it is! I found the chenille trim quite difficult to sew on so does anyone have any tips please? :) 

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my giveaway wins yesterday. I cannot tell you how lucky and blessed I feel to have won all those goodies. Thank you again to Kate and Myra :)

My new camera had to go back to the shop as there was a mark on something, possibly a sensor inside the camera, which showed on my photos. Thankfully I was able to exchange it for the same make and model and this one appears to be fine. I will know better when I get the opportunity to get out and take some photos as it didn't always show up on my stitching photos.

Until next time...... keep stitching!

With much love

Sally
xxxx

58 comments:

Shirlee said...

Sally! I love all the projects you are showing! I have yet to try a box finish but I'm leaning toward doing one : ) I really enjoy using chenille trim! What works for me is to stitch it on using a ladder stitch. The sewing thread sinks down into the chenille fibers, holds it tightly, & virtually disappears. Blessings, Shirlee

BeckySC said...

Each and every piece is looking awesome! wonderful gift for Chris :)
Have a great weekend, Sally :)

Margaret said...

What a wonderful gift for Chris -- it's lovely! And all your stitching projects are so pretty!

Deborah said...

Beautiful gift for Chris! The blue box is lovely. All the pieces look great.

Michelle said...

Beautiful pieces Sally - well done. I adore the box and what a clever idea changing the name from Noel. May steal that idea if thats ok. Oh dear I bought some chenile trim I hope I don't have too much trouble sewing it round a piece i have in mind!
Adore your BBD piece as well. xx

gracie said...

The box is a wonderful gift...and your stitching lovely. Hope the camera is working properly...where would we be without them!

Catherine said...

Oh my! What great goodies! Your box from Chris is lovely!! Love all you wip's and I adore your pillow ~ the trim looks lovely. Wish I had some tips for you, but I've not tried sewing on chenille trim......yet.....

Tricia T said...

What a beautiful box, Sally! And you have more finishes, too. You are amazing!!! I always love your updates!!

Blessings!

Tricia

Suburban Stitcher said...

great box finish! your AOTH is looking great...need to get to mine...someday!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Very pretty projects and stitchy finishes!

Christine said...

Great stitching and finishing. The gift you made for Chris is lovely, and your Cranberry Tea came out wonderfully

Lesleyanne said...

A lovely birthday box for Chris. Gorgeous finishes on your L*K and Anniversaries. Love your snowflake serenade.

Barb said...

Super finish for Chris Sally,hope she is well .Happy Birthday to her.
Cranberry tea worked well as for the chenille trim I have not used it for anything it needs stitching on ,it glues fine but I do not think I would glue on to fabric.
Gosh Sally I wish my needle would stitch as quick.

Jane said...

WOW! Your box finish is lovely and to personalise it too is a great idea ~ I'm sure your friend was thrilled to bits.
Your current projects are all lovely but I feel another weakness coming on to add Snowflake Serenade to the wish list!!!
Enjoy your weekend xxx

Danielle said...

Everything looks so great, Sally!!! I am contemplating more and more LK Six Fat Men.

Mouse said...

oooo lovely box you made for Chris :) well done on the wee finish too and the wips etc you have been busy and oooo love that trim around your wee pillow :) love mouse xxxx

Julie said...

Super gift for Chris.
The chenille trim looks good, super stitching as always.

cucki said...

very lovely gift for chris..
all the pieces are looking so lovely xxx

Jackie's Stitches said...

Your box finish is fantastic and I'm sure Chris is thrilled to pieces. I'd never know you struggled with the chenille trim as it looks wonderful too. I've got some that I've never used (yet).

The first bonus block of AotH has turned out to be one of my favorites. The one I'm stitching now, not so much. I need to make sure to take it out soon and stitch a few stitches because I want to make sure it doesn't get forgotten.

Lisa S said...

I love the box you made for Chris and all of your projects are wonderful Sally!

Christina said...

Your Lizzie Kate finishes are so sweet Sally. Are you finishing them as ornies?

Christmas tea is so classy. The chenille trim is a prefect edging - even if it was a bit tricky to sew on!

jane said...

Lovley gift for Chris and great finishes. I have started back on the AotH today - stitching the bonus chart from Elizabeth Jane, it is looking very nice so far. I had some difficulty stitching on the chemille trim when I tried but thought it was just me ..lol. Next time I will try ladder stitch as Shirlee suggests.

Chris said...

What beautiful stitching Sally! I love everything.
What a wonderful gift for your friend.

Karen said...

You have some great finishes! Love the box and I'm sure your friend did love it.

I'm too lazy to sew on my chenille and use fabric tac...works like a charm for me!

happy stitching...

staci said...

That is a really lovely gift you made your friend. Love all your festive stitching!!!

mdgtjulie said...

Hi Sally! {waves} I've not seen your blog in a while, as I've been fighting constantly with my email inbox. Everything looks great, and grats on your giveaway wins. That's so fun. I'm glad Chris liked her gift. Stitchy friends are so nice!! Hope to see you again soon.

Nicola said...

What a beautiful gift for Chris. I enjoyed seeing all your stitching projects, they are so pretty.

Tatkis said...

I love your finishes! The box and tea birds are so cute!

Hugs,
Tatyana

Claire said...

Gorgeous stitching Sally!! I especially love Christmas Tree and Snowflake Serenade - this is going to be a long year of no stash buying now I have my interest back in it!!

Sarah said...

Awesome finishes, I think the chenille trim was worth the trouble it caused, that finish is beautiful!

Tracey said...

Love the designs you do, great blog, thankyou, xx

Colleen said...

Such a beautiful gift for Chris; the box turned out lovely. Chenille trim looks great; it is fun to use. All your stitching is gorgeous, Sally. Cranberry Tea is so dainty. Can't wait to see you & Barb on Monday evening for our SAL. I've made spiced tea and baked a few sweets for treats while we stitch away. Hugs

Ranae said...

Sally! you out did yourself with the lovely box for chris, I bet she was over the moon with it.
Everything is looking awesome, love the Christmas tea, I have never used the chennille, so no help there from me. I need to buy some though :)
Take care!!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

oh merveilleux !
bisous de France

Brigitte said...

Very beautiful finishes, Sally. And this box you made is such a wonderful birthday gift.

Shelleen said...

Great finishes and progresses. Keep them coming.

Tina said...

Great finishes Sally,love the box and the chenille trim looks fab,wish i could get some of those needles you use they are much faster than mine lol

Tina said...

Great finishes Sally,love the box and the chenille trim looks fab,wish i could get some of those needles you use they are much faster than mine lol

Sandra said...

Lucky Chris, the box you made for her is just beautiful. All of your stitching looks great, as usual, I really enjoy visiting your blog :)

Mindi said...

Beautiful projects you've been working on, and so much accomplished! Love the box you made for Chris' birthday.

Karen said...

Sally, these are all lovely projects! I especially love the Blackbird bonus block and Christmas Tea. Beautiful!

Gabi said...

What a darling box you made Sally. Adorable. So are your other projects.

valerie said...

Fantastic stitching! I am sure Chris loves her box. I really like your Christmas Tea finish!

Penny said...

You did a wonderful job on the box for Chris! Lovely stitching and finishing on your other projects - that little snowman on Snow Fun is so cute. :)

Lois said...

What a lovely gift for Chris and great progress on your WIPs! I've no advice on the chenille, I am next to useless at trying to stitch anything on. I need tips too!

Carol said...

Oh, such a lovely gift for Chris, Sally! And I love the little pillow with it's chenille trim as well. Have never tried that, but maybe this year :)

Enjoy your week!

Diane (di) said...

Wow Sally, I thought MY needles were working overtime. Beautiful stitching and finishing (as usual). :) The box really is lovely.

Pumpkin said...

Wow, you've been another busy stitcher! The box is adorable and no wonder Chris was very taken with it :o)

Lovely stitching and a beautiful job on your pillow finish.

Anne said...

Wow! Your Christmas Tea pillow is stunning with the chenille trim!! I've never used it before so I don't have any tips. That box you made for your friend is absolutely stunning! Lovely, lovely gift :D

Great progress on your snowmen!!

Heather said...

Your stitching box is so beautiful. What a wonderful treasure for a friend!! All of your other stitching is gorgeous too!

Elisa said...

Some wonderful finishes and WIPs Sally, it amazes me how quickly you stitch and how many projects you have on the go at once!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally

All your finishes are beautiful.

The box is such a special pressy.
I have never tried finishing ornaments with chenille but after seeing yours I am going to give it a try.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally

Your finishes are all beautiful.

The box is a lovely pressy.

I've never tried finishing an ornament with chenille but after seeing how nice yours looks I am going to try it.

Jackie said...

I love the BBD pieces and glad your friend liked the gift.

Siobhán said...

What beautiful stitching, Sally! I love the box that you made for Chris. Your Christmas Tea--oh my gosh! I love how that turned out. I was generously gifted with a bunch of chenille trim and am anxious (and scared) to try it, so I'm going to read through the comments for some tips! ;)

Sonda said...

It all looks so fabulous! You do lovely work!

Ellen said...

Gorgeous box, love it! Beautiful finishes, love Snow Fun and AoTH Bonus Block too!

Hugs,

Solstitches said...

Another lovely post full of eye candy.
Love all your WIPS and the Christmas Tea finish is gorgeous.
I've only used the chenille once and I couched it with matching sewing thread. The stitching just disappears into the chenille and is not seen.
Love the box you made for Chris. Now it's my turn for a question.
Are you painting the box with acrylic paint, sanding and then waxing?
I've got as far as painting a box but what is this wax? I just have no idea what to use.
Margaret