Wednesday, February 20, 2013

FABULOUS FEBRUARY

YES it has been a fabulous February so far.  Weather has been wonderful in NE FL - lots of VERY cool days and nights which I LOVE !  I know my dear blogging friends in other parts of the country have had much too much cold and winter weather by the time February rolls around but we've had practically NO winter at all up to this point so I'll take all I can get because I know within a month - our chances of wearing any handknits at all will be over for many months.

First up - I'm sure many of you read Laurie's Corgi Cottage blog and might have noticed that I won her 100th Blog post giveaway - YEHAW!!!!!!!!!!!  I was simply amazed at all the goodies Laurie and the Corgi kids packed in that box.  Here is a peek

It was so much fun unwrapping each one.  Like Christmas.  The Quality chick tshirt is so cute. There were just all kinds of stitching accessories and goodies.  Emma and Owen even sent me some Cadbury Eggs since they got to keep their pumpkin treats.  Laurie - MANY THANKS for this awesome giveaway opportunity.

If I had to pick a favorite out of the whole massive prize it would be the needle case stitched (and I'm sure sewn) by Laurie.  It is so beautifully done, perfect fabric coordination and sweet little details not to mention the over one black birds and lettering.


As I said in my last post - I've been on a finishing binge lately - I really needed a boost for sure in the finishing dept.  I've also been trying to bolster my confidence and try to get some "finishing" for the finishes done as well.  Here is the With My Needle Hornbook I recently finished.  I think it is so sweet - I used chenille I dyed myself for the trim and the fiber is Belle Soie Rosebud on LL 36ct Chantilly Cream.

Speaking of WMN - our EGA chapter is hosting Ellen for a class this weekend.  We are SO very excited to have the opportunity to do the Ladys Worke Box.  So hopefully my next post will be focusing on that wonderful class experience.
  
Here is a progress photo on my BBD piece in the Remember Me series.  I'm very slow building my house but it is coming along and I really should start that massive mound of grass below the house.

 Yes I too am participating in the wonderful Scarlet Letter blog Nicola put together - Waving to Nicola !!! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!  Here is my Hart Lives.  I've been trying to work on it at least once a week or more.
 Here is a close up of Lady Jane Hart and Sir Henry Wiley Hart - those are my parents real names - Sir Henry Wiley finally has a face, hat and hair YEAH!!!!!!!!!  Maybe he'll get some clothes soon.  This is a really pleasant sampler to stitch.  I'm glad the SL blog prodded me into brushing the dust off of it and getting it back out.  I am stitching mine on 32ct Antique White Belfast with the called for AVAS.
Can't leave you without showing a knitting WIP - this is my 1st quarter challenge project that I am doing with the Loopy Ewe.  It is called Winter Wonder a pattern by IrishGirlieKnits.  The yarn is the most nummy nummy stuff - MadelineTosh Pashmina Worsted.  The challenge was to use only use one skein of anything you wanted to use and the pattern had to contain cables.  I have been absolutely loving both pattern and yarn and I could see myself doing another of these.  I think I am going to be sorry when this project ends and I see more of that Pashmina Worsted in my future.

Well friends - that about concludes all the news I could muster on this fine February afternoon.  I hope you are having a FABulous February as well.  I'd love to hear about it so please leave me a comment.  I love hearing from you.

16 comments:

Nicola said...

Congratulations on wining Laurie's amazing giveaway. Your Hart sampler is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Margaret said...

Oh my, what a treat this post is! Yay on winning Laurie's giveaway -- that is a real treat I can see! I love your hornbook finish and your BBD WIP. And The Hart looks wonderful! It's fun to see the parts I haven't stitched yet so I know what's to come. I like how you've named the figures after your parents -- very appropriate! And your cowl -- OMG! I'm in love! I need to make myself something like that. I love doing cables -- that's one thing I can handle. Color work on the other hand? Nope. Sigh. Love the color you're using! Have fun at Ellen's class! Wish I could be there!

Loraine said...

Wow you really hit the jackpot! What a wonderful gift to receive. You are so deserving.
I love your current WIP's right now. Your BBD house is looking wonderful, and so is your Hart sampler.
I hope you get to wear your beautiful knit creations a bit longer.
Hugs to you!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Glad you liked the package Mel. Your hornbook finish looks fantastic. You're making great progress on your BBD piece and The Hart. I'm enjoying following Margaret and your progress on The Hart. Your wool project is gorgeous.
I know you'll enjoy Ellen's class and I can't wait to hear all about it.

Nancy said...

Your knitting and stitching are beautiful! A wonderful giveaway you won. I love the needlecase too.

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congrats on winning Laurie's give away!

Look at you dyeing your own trim! It looks fantastic and I predict more in your future. You're totally nailing the finishes too. I'm also happy you were inspired to brush off the Hart Sampler, it's such a special project.

See you Saturday - I'm really excited!

krayolakris said...

Beautiful projects Mel. I love the royal Harts :)

Congrats on winning that nice giveaway.

Keep on stitching!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Congrats on your win! Wonderful goodies.
You are really on a roll with all your projects. And where is the hooking project???
Hugs :)
Lauren

Katrina said...

Woohoo, so glad you won Laurie's giveaway, she's such a sweetie. Love all your samplers and knitting too.

Ruth said...

Your projects are beautiful and you are really accomplishing alot with your stitching and knitting. Congrats on winning Laurie's giveaway. Keep on stitching.

Roberta said...

Wow, what a great prize you won, love it. Your stitching is coming along nicely, especially the SL piece - really like it - noticed that several are doing it.

As always love the knitting, you are just so multi talented and also very speedy!!

Beehive Needleworks said...

Oh my, such a lovely, newsy post! Congratulations on winning the giveaway...there are simply too many goodies to count, and I feel certain that you treasure each and every one.
Your needlework and knitting is as lovely as ever, and I admire your skill (and stamina.)
Wishing you much joy with Ellen's class...I shall be waiting for a post telling us all about it!
Sending warm hugs to you...
Judy xx

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Magnifique tous ces cadeaux !!
bisous bisous

Karoline said...

Congratulations on winning Laurie's giveaway.

Your hornbook is gorgeous & your wips are looking great. I love the yarn colour for the cowl

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I'm so glad you won Laurie's blog giveaway. Yeah, YOU!!! You always do such beautiful work and the Hart sampler and the hornbook are proof, indeed. Not that you need proof but if you did, just take a close look at the knitting -wow! gorgeous. You are a talent to be reckoned with, my friend!
Sorry I've missed so much....

Dani - tkdchick said...

My goodness what an awesome package you've received!!!!

You've done some fantastic stitching recently.