Friday, October 30, 2009

Blogging Blues

Sorry for being such an absent blogger lately. There just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I would like to do. So, I guess we have a little bit of catching up to do.

Earlier this year Ronel and I connected via blogging. She was interested in joining some of the stitching exchange groups online and contacted me for more information. We ended up doing a personal exchange in March and have kept in touch with each other ever since. Recently, we decided to do another personal exchange. Ronel's package arrived this week and she really spoiled me with an exquisite set of smalls. (I apologize that the pictures are dark; I'm never home when there is daylight!)



Ronel is a very talented needleworker. She sent me some beautiful stumpwork with our last exchange and now with this exchange, ribbon embroidery. A beautiful needlebook, pincushion, scissor fob, and threadkeeper. The stitching is beautifully done; her finishing is perfect.



Along with the set of smalls, were a few other goodies, but I must point out this wonderful embroidery book that was published in South Africa. The fibers she sent me are from Chameleon Threads, also from South Africa. The designs in this book feature these threads. Thank you Ronel, for this wonderful gift!



Ronel also received her package from me this week. I wanted to do something special for her too and decided that I would stitch a needlebook and fob for her this time, but rather than using a cross stitch design, I would do something with Hardanger. The needlebook and fob design is from the Nordic Needle; I did make some minor changes to the pattern. I think it turned out quite nice and I hope that Ronel enjoys using it. Along with the stiching I sent the JCS Halloween and Ornament magazines (I know how hard these are to get overseas) along with some other goodies.




Finally, here's my latest start. I'm working on the Jenny Bean Halloween Sampler from Shakespeare's Peddler. I'm stitching on the suggested fabric using the threadpack that came with the pattern (Sampler Threads). I'm stitching mine on 36ct. fabric.



I have more updates for you, but I think I will save them so I have something to post tomorrow! Thanks for visiting!

31 comments:

Kim B said...

What an amazing exchange - both sent and received!

Jinger said...

You and Ronel exchanged some beautiful needlework. You are both very talented.

JOLENE said...

How fun for the both of you. Such great gift exchanges. Great start on your Jenny Bean. I have that in my stash, maybe next year I will get to it, but in the meantime I will enjoy watching your progress Cathy. Have a lovely weekend!

Diana said...

Both the exchange you got and the one you sent are beautiful, Cathy!
Can't wait to see what else you have to show us.

BeckySC said...

Wonderful exchanges, Cathy-both sent/received!

Melissa said...

Glad to see you Cathy! What lovely exchanges from both of you!

I look forward to seeing more of your Jenny Bean. It's such a cute design!

Faye said...

Sounds like alot of fun Cathy~~ And, I love Jenny Bean...Keep me posted on that one as I just might have to take a look at doing it too. The 36 ct looks good~ Faye

Andrea said...

Stunning exchanges both given and received.

Carol R said...

Lovely exchanges Cathy.

Great start on Jenny Bean - love the fabric and thread colours.

Katrina said...

Gorgeous exchanges, they are both beautiful!

Love Jenny Bean, it's on my short list :-).

Kathy A. said...

Wow, what wonderful stitchers you two are. Ribbon embroidery and hardanger. I have seen photos of your hardanger and it always amazes me. Lovely new start.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

What a beautiful exchange - from both of you. You both do amazing work! Love the start on Jenny Bean!

Cindy's Stitching said...

Amazing needlework gifts that you received. I am sure you just adore them. Very nice exchanges.

Margaret said...

Oh wow! Your exchanges are both beautiful! I admire anyone who can do hardanger. One of these days I'll learn. I love your new start too!

Ronel said...

I am ecstatic that you like what I stitched for you and I am so fortunate to have some of your beautiful work! Love your start and the fabric is lovely!

mainely stitching said...

Wonderful exchaging going on, Cathy! :D And I love your Jenny Bean start!

Siobhán said...

What a fabulous exchange! Both of you really lucked out. :)

Great start on your Jenny Bean. I just sorted my threads & can't wait to get started!

DonnaTN said...

Both the ribbon work and the hardanger are beautiful! What a lovely exchange.

staci said...

Those are two exquisite exchanges! You both did outstanding jobs!!!

CindyMae said...

Both exchanges are just simply amazing! Wow, you both done amazing work!

Karen said...

Both of them are beautiful. Love the ribbon embroidery and the finishing on both is wonderful.

Gabi said...

Beautiful exchange!!! Love all of the pieces.
Great start of your new sampler. Lovely.

CJ in OK ;-) said...

The set she stiched and finished for you is just beautiful, I am so impressed with her level of expertise. But then I saw what you did for her and it was even more beautiful, the hardanger work is just amazing. Two very talented stitchers here and I can see why you would have so much in common. Thanks for sharing it with us. CJ ok;-)

Sharon said...

Both are gorgeous exchanges!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I just ordered the Jennie Bean chart and threadpack. I've never worked on fabric with that high of a threadcount so it will probably wait for a while until I get started.

Karoline said...

What beautiful smalls, congratulations to you both

Marie said...

My, my Ronel is as talented as you with that fancy needlework. What beautiful work by both of you!

Lynn B said...

I love the exchange pieces you and Ronel created, they are both absolutely gorgeous!
Congratulations to you both.

Jan said...

Such a wonderful exchange, both of you produced such lovely finishes! Wow!!! And you have a great start on Jenny Bean Halloween too! Congrats, Cathy!

Anonymous said...

Wow, those are two exquisite exchanges - you BOTH do perfect stitching and finishing, and it's always a treat to come and visit :D

Jenna said...

Oh my, Ronel's finishing is superb! Maybe she'd let me send some items to her for finishing? LOL. I love the needlebook and fob that you did for her, as well. Can you dig up more details for me on the pattern name, please?