Country Garden Stitchery

When I think of March I think of green. Probably because of St. Patrick's Day. I remember in elementary school I had a very fun teacher who loved the holidays. She brought green Kool-Aid one St. Patrick's day. She decorated the classroom with green shamrocks made of construction paper and we left the classroom and came back to things in disarray because the leprechauns had visited while we were gone. I've always remembered that day, anything that was a distraction from regular school work was great for me... :) And I like yellow with green and like little buttercup type wildflowers so that is what I focused on in this little design. I like searching through little clover patches to see if I can find a four leaf clover and still have yet to find one. I still have hope.

I've started to embroider my "Angel Friends" pattern. I'm using Gentle Art Sampler flosses in some really rich colors. I don't work with these colors much and really like the combination. Seems like kind of a folk art country cabin color theme to me. Anxious to work on it this weekend. We finally got some snow and it is snowing now, so happy. We were too dry and dusty for a long time so very happy today! I received my new samples from the lovely Gentle Art floss creators the other day. I LOVE these colors, just my palette. Soft and subtle. I am sure I will put them to use quickly. I haven't used their wool floss yet so might try something with that. I took new photos of my "Priscilla Gown" pattern today. I thought the other looked bare so I added some lace and brighter light. It needed a pretty setting and like it much better. I put it in my Artfire shop this week. Hope you have a good weekend.

I have a little hand embroidery pattern in the new issue of Create and Decorate April 2011. It is called "Blue Cottage Banner". Embroidery pattern and finishing instructions are included. To celebrate I am giving away two new copies of the magazine to two lucky winners. Just leave a comment below and I will contact the two winners via email to get mailing information. I will pick the names next Friday 02/18/11. This is a fun issue with lots of different spring theme projects!

I began a new project over the weekend inspired by a blue lilac watercolor and ink drawing I did a while back. I love the French blue and yellow color theme and with spring coming soon I wanted to do something bright. I think I will start trying to find some French blue fabrics and sunshine yellow to go with this pattern to make into a runner for my buffet. I'm using DMC floss also and it has been a long time since I've just used DMC. I always seem to use the hand dyed flosses from Weeks Dye Works and The Gentle Art - love hand dyed flosses. This is my little sketch that inspired my design. I love lilacs and I always like to play around with nature's colors and make my own. I've never seen a blue lilac before. This is my latest design called "Ellie Cat". I finished her over the weekend and really like her. She has a big heart and makes me smile and she has a little bird friend. It's nice to be able to keep the design in a hoop - easy finishing an...