Friday, December 26, 2014

Coffee Altoid Tin Top & Freedom Mat

So it's down to the final projects for 2014.  I made yet another embellished Altoid tin for my coffee-loving Jazzercise instructor.  The design is a slightly re-worked version of Barbara Ana's "Drink Coffee, Stitch Faster".  I probably could have used the entire design if I had done over-one stitching, but I wasn't in the mood to go with any higher count than 36 over-two on Summer Khaki Edinburgh.  Naturally I enclosed the cute Starbucks gift card keychain fob in the shape of a  mini-red Startbucks coffee cup. With coffee, lip balm and a few chocolates, this seemed like the perfect little package to carry around.  I had those two little gingerbread people embellishments in my stash from one of those "Dress it Up" collections.  My instructor said her two sons are really enamored of gingerbread this year, so I expect they got a kick out of it.




And continuing in the Barbara Ana theme,  I stitched up this "Freedom" design that Barbara donated to the members of the Star Spangled Stitchers FB group.  My camera just couldn't capture the lovely colors of the floss and fabric.  It's stitched on 36 count HDF linen in a beautiful pale blue.  All the other colors are DMC as suggested.   The finished piece is a 5" x 6" mat on which my eyeglasses are currently resting.  The backing is the same as the gold/brown fabric around the piece.  Not my best binding effort, but the camera seems to point out every flaw much more than I would notice in true life.





23 comments:

Emma/Itzy said...

Those are both so lovely! :)

Cindy's Stitching said...

Both so pretty. Altoid tin excellent.

Vickie said...

They are both so sweet! I love Barbara Ana designs. :)

Margaret said...

Both are wonderful finishes! I always love how you finish those tins -- such attention to detail. And the Barbra Ana design is wonderful!

Jane said...

What a lovely tin, I do love what you do with them, and a lovely mat too. I love the combination of stitching and fabric

Shebafudge said...

They are so Lovely! I especially like the little tin. I must have a look when I am shopping and see if we have anything similar that I could buy and try out!

Hetti said...

Such a beautiful gift for your instructor Annie. It is really fun to look at the XXXdesign and the gifts inside the box!
I'll think you stitch the Barbara Ana designs with a smile on your face even it is 36 count :-))
XXX Hetti

miek said...

i love the Barbara Ana work, it`s so beautiful made. But the American x-stitch work is the best, i really love that kind of work.
i wish you all the best for the new year, and i`m looking forward and will enjoy your blog in the new year.
greetings Miek

Karen said...

Each of those are so perfect, I love them! The second one looks a lot like a Blackbird Design, doesn't it? You did a wonderful job of finishing them, as always!

ArchangelDecker said...

I am so jealous of that tin! How cute is that?! :)

I also love your Freedom finish. I recently discovered Barbara Ana's designs and I simply love them. I am trying to get a SAL going with one of my best friends to stitch one of the Halloween ones that she has.

As always, beautiful work! :)

Blu said...

Lovely stitching! And, as always, your tin is amazing.

Jackie's Stitches said...

The patriotic piece is wonderful. Love the fabric you've chosen. The altoid tin is great too! Perfect for a coffee lover!

Brigitte said...

Another beautifully stitched and finished tin. I just love it. And your patriotic mat is just as beautiful. Such a lovely design. And I can't see anything wrong in your binding, everything is looking perfect.

Mylene said...

Lovely finishes and both perfectly finished!

Carol said...

Hi Annie... Just popped in to wish you a very Happy New Year! I'm always so happy when you post one of your cute Altoid tin finishes--this one is so darling and I love how you've finished the inside as well. And that patriotic piece is just darling. I printed that one off, too--can't believe it is a freebie, it is so nice. Those designers on those FB groups are so generous and talented to share their creativity with us!

It's been a fun year of blogging/stitching, Annie--thank you for being such a great friend this year. I always love to read your witty comments and I so appreciate your friendship. Here's to another great year in 2015!

Sheryl said...

Pretty stitching as always. Love your tin, must have a look out for them here.

Melanie said...

They're both so great! I really love her designs too. Started a Thanksgiving piece of hers in November and, ummmm, I will surely have it finished for NEXT Thanksgiving..right? lol
Happy new year! :)

Anonymous said...

Isn't that maddening when the camera refuses to correctly capture the colors?? Years ago, I had a Canon that had a built-in meter to correct the tones/colors before you snapped the photo and I *still* miss that silly camera. But these are beautiful pieces and I love the finishing!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Love the tin! It's the perfect way to gift someone who loves coffee.

Anonymous said...

Hello Annie

Lovely finishes, the Altoid tin is amazing!
Happy New Year x

Dani - tkdchick said...

You have perfected the aldtoid tin finish! I just love it and the theme seems perfect for your gift! Lovely wall hanging as well!

Annette said...

Happy new year!!
What a beautifull pieces again!!
How many Tin's have you made in the years, they are so beautifull.
I hope you will make many more beautifull pieces in 2015!!

Sparky said...

may I add, the detail, depth and beauty of your stitchings really has wow factor...