Giveaway!!

I've finally finished a commission that I have been working on exclusively for months, so I'm celebrating with a giveaway! Unfortunately, I was so excited to send it off that I forgot to take pictures, but she has promised to send me one soon.

I bought these great necklaces recently from 1 Stitch Off. They custom made them for me, one for my blog, and a Bird in the Window one with my boys initials on it. Aren't they great! I was thrilled with how they turned out. I am giving away one of these necklaces to the lucky winner. You can pick one from their etsy shop, or have one custom made just for you. But you have to read to the end of the post to find out how.

Now that I've finished with the commission, I am ready to tackle the stack of projects I have waiting for me. Which one should I do first?

I bought this Tree of Life panel from Happiness is Quilting last year after Di Ford used it in her Oh Dear, Mrs. Thompkins aka the Burnt Quilt pattern. It's from DenHann and Wagenmaker in the Netherlands. As far as I know, Laura Kay is the only one importing these to the states.


When I opened up the latest issue of Quilt Sampler, it somehow fell open to this!

I knew it had to be Laura Kay's shop. I thought I would use the panel for it, but then when I saw that some of the hexies were made from the D & W chintzes I have coveted for so long, I broke down and bought the kit. I just love the bright fabrics!

You all know I'm partial to Sue Spargo, and with my Imperial Garden BOM shipment, I added a new kit she came out with, Prairie Crocus Carry-All. More bright colors, and I love the jewel tones in the pack of threads. I almost don't want to open it.

And this little guy is on the back. How could I resist?!

I also signed up last month for a 6 month course in silk thread work. I'll be making a set of needlework accessories on 40ct. linen using Au Ver a Soie silk thread.

Aren't they amazing! The course is by Tricia Wilson Nguyen of Thistle Threads. She has several classes using historic needlework techniques. I downloaded the first class, and it is very detailed, with lots of pictures, and a section of historical background with links to more info. You can see more of her work on her website, and be sure and check out her blog. She still has some places left in the class, and you can sign up and see a video of the projects here.

Instead of my usual way, I invested in a roller frame so I could do it right. Some assembly required. You can see some of the rails are split. You insert the ends of your fabric in the splits, and then roll it up so that the section you are working on is in the middle. You can also adjust the tension on the sides, so the piece doesn't get pulled out of shape.

Now for the good stuff. To win the necklace, just leave a comment telling me which project you would most like to see me work on first. I'll draw the winner Thursday night at midnight EST. Good Luck!! While I'm waiting, I'll tackle that frame. And get caught up with my 1807 new emails. :)