Butterfly Sampler

Butterfly Sampler

Finally got the background completed (almost, except for the green one as the thread is on backorder) and ready to start embellishing each butterfly.

This is the Butterfly Sampler by Sue Spargo which she is offering via Craftsy.  The base is about 16" x 24".  Each shape and butterfly has been appliquéd down and I have done some embroidery on the shapes - will do more when the butterflies are completed.

Next I will appliqué cotton shapes onto each butterfly and then I will add embroidery stitches - lots of.

I do so love working with wool - as opposed to just appliquéing on cotton.  The BOM I have been doing with Sue Spargo, "In Full Bloom", has been a great learning experience and my stitches have definitely improved.  I cannot post a picture of this wall hanging yet, as we have to sign an agreement NOT to post any pictures during the year, so face expulsion from the BOM!!

I have also signed up to do next years' BOM with Sue Spargo, so I can work on this sampler while I am anxiously waiting each month for the next step.

2014 BOM

2015 BOM

Mug Rug Swap 2014

Mug Rugs & goodies I received

Mug Rugs & goodies I made & sent

This year I was asked to join the Quilting Gallery Mug Rug Swap through Stitching Cow website.  The idea is to join the group, receive a swapping partner (they ask if you are willing to post overseas), make two mug rugs and send them to your swap partner.

This swap's theme was 'Friends & Neighbours Live Here' - Butterfly Cottage & House on a Hill were patterns designed by Lenna Green of Stitching Cow.  Mug Rugs are 5.5" x 10.5" mini quilts.  Usually they just create a theme & the partner designs mug rugs based on this theme, but this time they went with a pattern.  I appliquéd the pieces on with blanket stitch and did the hand embroidery.

It was fun creating a gift for someone else (one who actually understands the amount of work and effort that goes into these pieces).  My swap partner was Diane Graham who lived in New Zealand and moved to Pomara, Queensland, Australia when it came time to post my parcel.  We corresponded by email and she sent these two lovely mug rugs and souvenirs of New Zealand.  Along with the mug rugs I also sent two Christmas potholders I had made, some snowflake buttons, and some lucky stones and beach glass that I had gathered from my walks on the beach, as well as a picture card that I had taken of Gimli Harbour

Bertie's Winter

Yeah!!  Finally finished Bertie's Winter by All Through The Night.

Final measures:  28" x 34" - looks good in the front entry.