Monday, February 20, 2012

Baby Sampler & Holiday Ornament

Those Jazzercise instructors of mine keep popping out babies, and they always seem to be boys. As a stitcher, I always hope for girls because there are so many cute designs that really are only appropriate for a girl baby. I have to look harder to find boy designs. Kind of a sexist attitude, but I feel it's safer to have that attitude when you are giving a gift. The design I picked is the "Too Tiny Alphabet" by Drawn Thread, stiched on 28ct Light Mocha Cashel. I like the striped mattress ticking type of border. It gave it a kind of airy feeling. I've had that little bear button in my stash for ages, and I thought it looked kind of cute on this as well.



While I was waiting to receive some fabric I ordered, I was going through old magazines, cutting out pages I wanted to keep and throwing out the rest. I really needed to make space. I came across this little ornament from the Jul/Aug JCS 2011 issue. I never noticed this the first time around. It's so kooky and adorable, I just had to stitch it. Perfect little piece that filled out the rest of the time til my other fabric arrived. This is called "Holiday Hootie" by Fresh Threads Studio, stitched on a scrap of 36ct Rue Green Edinburgh linen, with some red rick-rack for the edging.




And finally, the winner of the "Queen of Hearts" chart, selected by the time-honored "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" method, is Margaret! As soon as I get a snail mail address, I'll send it right out.

31 comments:

Margaret said...

Oh thank you thank you, Annie!!! I'm so excited! And I love your two finishes too! I hear you on it being hard to pick out designs for boy babies. I will email you asap. :D

Jane said...

Both are lovely. The sampler border works perfectly, reminds me of Andy Pandy.
When my boys were little, it was always more difficult to find smart clothes for them, it was as if the world only catered for girls

Deb said...

Both are so cute! I know what you mean about gifts for boys - it's always so hard, but I think that you picked the perfect one.

Lainey said...

Sweet baby finish Annie and the Owl design is so cute!

Daffycat said...

My first thought was, "I'm staying the hell away from Jazzercise from now on!" but then read the rest and it only seems to affect the instructors so that's okay! Whew!

My word, both of these finishes look so nice. Your finishing looks perfect and the subjects you chose are just wonderful. Well done all around.

Theresa said...

Such lovely finishes!!!!! I love both designs, and the details on the finishes are just adorable!!!!!

barbara said...

Beautiful work!!

Mylene said...

Such cute finsihes, Annie!

Deborah said...

That is the cutest baby sampler. The finishing is wonderful.

Jackie's Stitches said...

More beautiful finishes! Boys always seem to get the short stick don't they? Love the mattress ticking that you used. The owl ornament is ADORABLE! I love the bit of rick rack and the green hanger. Such a fun ornament!

Vinniey said...

I agreed with you, Annie. That little bear button is so cute on this beautiful ornament. Such beautiful finish on your owl project. It's adorable! Love the colors of both ornaments.

Nima said...

wow...lovely ornaments and beautiful finishing

Gina E. said...

You find the sweetest patterns! I can't get over how fast you work, and how neat your stitching is. Practise makes perfect? I obviously don't get enough practise - lol!

Nancy said...

I always enjoy seeing what you have been stitching Annie! Both projects are just beautiful. I love the bright, cheerful colors on the ornament. Beautiful finishing!

Carol said...

What a cute baby gift, Annie--and I'll bet it was fun to stitch as well. I really like how you've "framed" it with the baby blue and white ticking--so adorable.

You just never know what you'll find in those old cross stitch magazines, do you? I'm afraid to throw mine out because my tastes change from time to time and I always feel like I'll miss out on something.

Your owl is very cute with those large funky eyes :) And I love the polka dot ribbon hanger. Seem to be "in love" with polka dots lately!

Congratulations to Margaret--I'm sure she'll enjoy stitching "Queen of Hearts."

Siobhán said...

Congratulations to Margaret!

I love those two little pillows. That owl is adorable--love the way you finished it off!

Anne said...

Congrats Margaret!! I love that Hooty design! Good thing you didn't chuck it out!! The little pillow you made up for one of your jazzercise instructors is adorable. How many instructors do you have?!!

♥ Nia said...

Girls things are always the cutest =) ehehhee but you always manage to find lovely patterns :)
Congrats on your finishes, both look so pretty :D
Hugs&smiles to you my friend

Melanie said...

These are both super! Just love them!!
Isn't that great how you always see something 'new' when looking back through a JCS issue? I'm the same way too!

Karen said...

I love the little sampler ornament and the way you finished it. The owl one is super cute, too!

Liz in Kansas said...

Both pillows are lovely, as always. That owl has stolen my heart, though. I may have to go searching for that issue! You have a knack for finding the cutest patterns out there.

Lois said...

Two lovely finishes! That baby pillow is adorable.

Blu said...

Very cute finishes. I really like the "mattress" effect. Makes it seem more cuddly, if that makes any sense.

The owl is cute, but I find the eyes kinda off-putting. They're a tad off for me :)

Rachel S-H said...

2 very cute finishes! I love the mattress ticking border as well, makes it very fresh and clean.

Kate said...

Beautiful stitching and lovely finishing.

Hetti said...

Such a sweet gift for a baby boy Annie!
The owl with the funny eyes is soooo cute,
Hugs

Annette said...

All is hard for baby boy's... names, gifts, fabric to sew clothings, making gifts...
But you made the cutest piece.. and finish it off with that tripe fabric.. makes it so complete!!

hihi that little hootie... how great you saw it.. it's funny..lol!!!
Love the ricrac ribbon around it

Pumpkin said...

Cute, cute, cute! I think that's a great design for a boy :o) Your finishing is perfect too.

I don't remember this design and now I'll have to look this one up. LOL! Very kooky but I love it :o)

Anonymous said...

Hello

Just stopping by to say how much I like your finishes. They are both very sweet.

Carrie said...

I think they are both adorable!

Sandra said...

Hey Annie, I'm in love with the owl. Such a beautiful piece!

Seems your been busy, nice work all around!