Monday, July 23, 2012

A Bumble Bee Biscornu

Tomorrow night, at our weekly gathering with friends, I shall drink a toast to my first repeat customer. Repeat customers, as I found out in the past two days, not only give us pride and satisfaction, but can also spark our creativity. What starts as a simple transaction, ends as something much more.
In my case, a satisfied customer came back and asked for a biscornu with bumble bees - or dragonflies. Now, my first reaction was to start digging through a stash of patterns - for sure I could find something - but then, I thought: why not make my own chart? And so I did.
Here is the result.
Bumble Bee Biscornu
Materials: 16 Ct white Aida, DMC floss, buttons
Finished size: 2.5 in x 2.5 in


The border was "borrowed" from the Ladybug pattern, as I wanted it to be in the same style. But the bumble bees are all mine. As I was working on them, I had a children's song going through my head:

I'm catching up my baby bumble bee
Won't my mommy be so proud of me!
I'm squishing up my baby bumble bee,
Won't my mommy be so proud of me!

My daughter used to sing it when she was three. At the end, if I remember correctly, the bumble bee flies away. I was humming the song while stitching the stripes and the wings. I was thinking of how a five-year-old would see a bumble bee. In the end, I had a terrific mini-biscornu and a pattern. The biscornu went to the wonderful client.

The pattern I want to share with you. 

Over the past couple of years, I have used numerous patterns offered for free on stitching blogs. I figured it was my time to give back and contribute to the list of "free pattern" blogs.
I tried my best to make sure it is accessible, but please let me know if there are any problems with download... and let me know what you think!
Enjoy! 


Sunday, July 8, 2012

Blue and White Sampler Finish and a Surprise Gift

After more than four years, my Blue and White Sampler is finally finished! Happy dance!


Although there are only two colors in the project (light and dark blue), the intricate designs make up for the simple color scheme. I followed the original chart exactly, except for the initials in the left corner - they are mine.

I suppose that now, after one of my rotation projects is complete, it is time to choose a new one. I already know what it is going to be: the Autumn Celtic Lady by L&L. All my threads are finally gathered, the fabric is purchased...All it takes now is some motivation, which is at the moment, I admit, in short supply. Between my accounting homework, occasional Etsy orders, temp work and model stitching (thank you for your tips, Kathy, I am so grateful), I am running out of daytime.

On another happy note, Shannon at Lasting Allure was hosting a giveaway, and  I am one of her happy winners! I won the chart of her beautiful Mad Hatter cross stitch. Thank you, Shannon!

I know I have not been posting often... A lot is happening in our family. First of all, my stepson Michael is moving back in with us and going to college. Then, the house we are presently renting is being sold, so we have to find a new place to live by the end of August... There are plenty of properties to rent, but finding something in our price range - that's another story. Finally, I am still looking for permanent work... Just like many people out there, I am sure. So, I have been trying to limit my posting to finished projects with pictures and/or major updates. If I start posting about everything, I am afraid I will plunge into whining and complaining - full speed! And that's just not cool.

Thank you for reading my blog, and happy stitching!