to my sweet friends, readers and blog followers :) I hope your season has been bright to date. We've been hit with lots of frigid weather and snow...but I must admit that I love it! So quiet, peaceful and clean looking (at least for a day or so!).
A special friend....
I have a sweet, dear person in my life, that I am proud to call my friend. I've never seen her face to face, but she is a sister of my heart. She does the nicest things for me and her birthday is coming up at the very end of the year and I thought and thought and thought about what I could do for her that would be something as special as she is to me. So I came up with this idea:
"The Travelling Stitcher"
Designed by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams
Nashville Market Limited Edition 2009 Release
Copyright 2009
stitched on: 28 ct. ivory evenweave
stitched using: Crescent Colours Cotton Overdyes
Made into a stitchers carry all basket set
My friend is....
Marie P. and we met a handful of years ago in an exchange group. Marie e-mailed me and we started e-mailing each other and we've been fast friends ever since. Now Marie has a sweet family and her two sons are grown up, so she can play and go special places doing the things she loves. Since she goes to stitch-ins, retreats and has special friends that quilt and stitch along with her in a variety of places, I made this basket set so she could throw her things inside and it can travel along with her...just like the verse reads: "Wherever I go, whatever I do, I'm never alone, my stitching comes too"
Here you can see the inside of the basket...
I made a padded bottom to line the basket and made a needle cushion, and added some accessories with complimenting corded tassels so that Marie can find and pull them out
(Assessories include: Ring with thread drops for her next project, Kelmscott Designs Mother of Pearl Ruler and Kelmscott Designs Tudor Rose Scissors)
NOTE: these lovely thread drops are a particular favorite of mine and can be found at Anita's Little Stitches
To make the pincushion....
I stitched the pattern included in the design (intended for a needlepocket) one over one on 28 ct. ivory evenweave and made a cute little patchwork topper, which I sewed together and filled with crushed English walnuts then added a little button in the middle:
This turned out....
rather darling, in my opinion. In fact, it is so darling that I hope to make one up for myself someday soon, because next fall when Ellie is in Kindergarten, I'm going to start going to my LNS for stitch ins on Tuesdays! :) I'll need something to carry my project in...don't you think?
Marie....
you are a wonderful friend and I hope my modest little birthday gift and wishes for many years of happy contentment stitching and carrying your projects around in the basket brought a big smile to your face. Your friendship sure does bring one to mine :)
Thank you....
sweet friends for visiting with me today. I hope your week is glorious and that you have hours and hours quietly passing time in your cozy home surrounded with love and doing the things you love best!
Until next time....
I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, doing the things I do best!
Hugs and love,
That's a beautiful gift set for a good friend. I'm sure Marie will treasure that forever.
ReplyDeleteAnd you definitely should make one for yourself! You need to be able to enjoy having that quality work too!
That is just so gorgeous! I love the way you've done the Needles piece as a patchwork pincushion ( filing that idea away for future reference ;) ) and the main basket is fabulous! What a sweet and thoughtful gift - and yes, you definitely need one for yourself ;)
ReplyDeletePerfect! You should do one for yourself. Could you tell us a little about how you finished/attached the front?
ReplyDeleteIt's just lovely Vonna and a great use of this cute LHN design. I'm sure Marie is going to be thrilled with it. Isn't it nice to be able to gift someone with something special you know they will appreciate - that's the great thing about stitchers. :)
ReplyDeleteVonna, that is just lovely! What a fantastic gift. I know she will love it! The little plaque hanging on the side is so darling. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a GORGEOUS gift for your friend. I'm sure she will enjoy it for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to make one for yourself soon too:))))
Thanks for sharing
What a beautiful gift. She will love it.
ReplyDeleteHow totally wonderful!!!!! That is just the best present ever and I am glad you two found each other and can share in such a great friendship! Your Needles pin cushion is beyond brilliant!!! How fun to see this gift....
ReplyDeleteAnd going to your local LNS stitch in next year!! Can't wait until you go; you will have such a blast!
That is such a pretty gift and I am sure it will be very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely pictures
What a delightful gift for your friend, Vonna! I know it make her day very special!!! You did a beautiful job as always. :-)
ReplyDeleteWOW what a beautiful gift. I'm sure Marie will love it. It is stunning. I think every stitch alive would love one lol. Definitely make one for yourself.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special gift for a special friend. She will love it!
ReplyDeleteYour gift...far from modest. Your friendship...HUGE!
ReplyDeleteThank you again Vonna for such a beautiful gift. Thank you ALWAYS for your lasting friendship! <3
Hi Vonna
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous gift for your lucky friend! Thanks for sharing it and giving other stitcher's "outside the box" finishing ideas. Also, thank you for starting a new "finishing" blog to share with other stitchers. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Beth
Wow, amazing. I am sure it will be loved: and what an original idea! Well done!pecre
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work, what a great idea x x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift Vonna ! I love the picture of your children in your blog header . They are certainly growing . little Ellie looks like she is just waiting for a new adventure. Merry Christmas !
ReplyDeleteAdorable! My favorite is the pincushion, and I'm also a big fan of those thread drops!
ReplyDeleteAnd ordering from Anita, too! :)
Vonna, this is *incredibly* beautiful! What a fantastic gift. I know that Marie will absolutely love it. I hope you get to make one for yourself, too!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! What an amazing gift, made all the more special because of the love and thought that was put into every stitch. Great job, Vonna!
ReplyDeleteThe whole project is lovely! I have got to think "out of the box" more often! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteVonna, what a wonderful gift. it is absolutley beautiful and a much needed item for all stitchers! As usual, your work is lovely and perfect. Marie is a lucky friend indeed.
ReplyDeleteVonna - what a truly inspired gift for a friend. You have obviously put a lot of time and thought into your gift. Marie is a very lucky girl too as she has you for a friend.
ReplyDeleteI just bought some of those thread drops too!
Oh what fun you will have when you are able to stitch with your friends. I miss it and them so much when I am in AZ.
and yes, you will need a basket just like that to carry your things.
ABSOLUTELY gorgeous Vonna - what a lucky gal to have a friend like you - this is so special and I know she will treasure it forever. I think you should do for yourself - you are so creative and do beautiful work. I hope you are enjoying the season also - Mel
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Love it!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Vonna - I love the gift that you made for Marie. The whole idea is wonderful, and I really love how you did that pincushion. I hope that you don't mind that I steal the idea somewhere along the line. It's just wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI think you must be a very special good friend too! I love that pincushion, just like everything you make it is just so darling.
ReplyDeleteStunning gift for Marie! You did a wonderful job and I am sure that she loves it. Happy Birthday Marie!
ReplyDeleteI Love, Love, Love the basket. You'll bring a smile to the birthday girl's face for sure.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the snow! Snow always puts me in the mood to stitch ;0)
Merry Christmas!
It's really lovely ! Your friend will sure adore it.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing your stitching.
Have a great week.
Oh such a fabulous gift, Vonna, every aspect of it, is cherishable!! I just know that Marie has to be thrilled over the top with such a special gift and the thoughts that brought it to fruition!!
ReplyDeleteYou are talented!!!
what a lovely gift! Marie is such a lovely person and so are you .. not a wonder you both get a long great :)
ReplyDeletebtw I love the kiddo's picture! way cute :)
How beautiful!!!!! I'm sure your gift will be treasured forever! You are such a sweetheart and so creative!!
ReplyDeleteDarling, Vonna! I am sure she will love it and use it often.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift you made for Marie Vonna!!!
ReplyDeleteI love how you did something "different" with the travelling stitcher pattern. I am sure Marie will treasure it.
Hugs
What a lovely gift for a lovely friend. I know Marie will really enjoy using it and remembering who gifted her with it!
ReplyDeleteCute, cute, cute!!! Love how it's finished.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful finishes. Absolutely beautiful. The finishing idea is just awesome. Marie is a very lucky lady.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful birthday gift, i'm sure Marie will love it!
ReplyDeleteBTW, i love you childrens holiday photos on your blog header :-)
Utterly fabulous!!!! You are so talented, generous and inspirational!!! I am sure Marie LOVED this gift.
ReplyDeleteOh Vonna! It's wonderful :-) Such a thoughtful gift, I just know that it will be treasured.
ReplyDeleteVonna you're lucky to have such a good friend and I know she thinks she is lucky to have you too. Love the way your project came out.
ReplyDeleteMary Louise
How very kind of you to make such a special gift for Marie's special day.
ReplyDeleteVonna,
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly amazing gift from the heart!! I absolutely love, love, love it!!
Plus, you've given me an idea for a friend!
What a great basket! That is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift. That is such a clever idea. I may have to steal (opps I mean borrow) this idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous gifts. Your finishing is just gorgeous and I am sure Marie will be thrilled.
ReplyDeleteVonna, you are such a creative bug! LOVE the basket and your stitching ideas you added so sweetly to the gift. It is YOU and you are sharing your heart with a great friend. Be sure to make one for you and that way you can think of friendship each time you use it! You have a BIG heart and are so giving....God Bless you and yours this Christmas! hugs, pam
ReplyDeleteVonna, this is absolutely lovely!! Marie is going to be thrilled when she opens this up. Uhhh...my birthday is Christmas! LOL Just had to try! Wonderful idea and unique finish. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet, perfect gift for a great stitching friend. I know she is over the moon for this one.
ReplyDeleteHope you and family have a very merry christmas.
She is going to loooove it! OMG! You are the most creative person ever! And so sweet too!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Marie will treasure the stitching basket. Not only because it is beautiful and useful but because it came from such a special friend.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! I love how you made the pin cushion! Your friend will be delighted! It is a beautiful gift.
ReplyDeleteThat's the cutest basket tote I've ever seen and I absolutely love the matching pincushion too.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable job Vonna!! Simply breathtaking. You are an outstanding stitcher and finisher :) Your friend is going to LOVE this very special gift you have made with such love for her. Too bad you can be a little fly on the wall when she opens it?!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift, one that surely Marie will treasure!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - and wonderful gift. What a special friendship you two share!
ReplyDeleteSo what is the name of the black backgroud fabric, if you recall - it's perfect for my stash!!
I love your choice of fabric for Marie's basket. Spot on, if you ask me. And what a lovely combination of stitching, basketry, and finishing!! I'm sure it will be a most treasured gift.
ReplyDeleteVonna, This is just absolutely gorgeous!!! You have such wonderful ideas and are just so thoughtful and kind. I can't wait to see the one you make for yourself someday! The idea of little group stitching time sounds lovely!! Meredith
ReplyDeleteVonna -
ReplyDeleteThis turned out tremendously well - Congratulations on a creative and beautiful finish !!!!!
I am sure that Marie will tresure such a wonderful gift. You did a stunning job on all the parts. The fabric is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVonnie your friend will feel so special when she receives that wonderful basket. It is beautiful! Of course you need one too.Thanks for sharing your project with us all. I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteVonna, it's an amazingly beautiful gift! Lucky Marie! Love the picture of your kids on your header. I can't believe how the twins have grown...they all have grown but the twins just really stood out to me!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! I love the patchwork pincushion too. A gift that will be treasured always!
ReplyDeleteFabulously thoughtful gifts, Vonna. Beautiful!! I have a sewing basket Annemarie made for me, and I use it all the time!! You need one too... LOL!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and thoughtful gift! You always have the greatest ideas that inspire the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteThat is stunning, your friend will be thrillrd
ReplyDeleteWow, Vonna, what a treasure! I can just imagine how Marie will be bombarded with compliments when she goes to her stitching events. The patchwork needle pillow is so delightful - it makes me happy just to look at it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea. I think I may steal your idea and make one of these for myself. What a lucky friend you have.....Nancy
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and useful gift!
ReplyDeleteVonna, you are so creative. That is a wonderful gift and I'm sure Marie will love it but not nearly as much as she does you. :) Cathryn
ReplyDeleteOw wow, Vonna, this post is well and truly a feast for my eyes. What an amazing gift for Marie and I just bet that she will love it. I am always amazed at your creativity and yes you definitely need one for yourself :)
ReplyDeleteWow! That stitching basket is just gorgeous, Vonna--Marie is one lucky friend!
ReplyDeleteEach little detail of each part of it is perfectly done--congratulations on a darling creation :)
Vonna,
ReplyDeleteGift of a life time. Love it, you made a very special special gift.
Shay
What a gorgeous gift...simply beautiful xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty gift! I'm sure she will just love it! The pincushion turned out really cute - what a great idea.
ReplyDeleteStay warm in that snow. I have to say that I do miss the snow, until it's time to drive in it!
What a gorgeous gift. Your friend really is very lucky to be receiving this. It's so beautifully thought out and made. Congrats :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift! She will be thrilled with it! You should definitely do one for yourself too. You did a lovely job on all of it and I love how you attatched it to the basket.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning gift for your friend. Now she can enjoy her hobbies even more with such a wonderful basket.
ReplyDeleteVonna, your friend is going to be so very happy !! I love all you did, specially the pincushion. What a great idea !!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful gift for a cherished friend!!! The finishing is beautiful!!! Marie will be thrilled!!! I get the best ideas from visiting your blog!! Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holiday!!
Ellen S
Oh, Vonna! What a special gift made with such love and joy! Marie is going to be so happy to get such a treasure!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
What a beautiful, beautiful gift, Vonna! It's lovely that you have found such a good friend too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift! How special to have such a lovely stitching buddy! Bless both your hearts - may you both have a wonderful holiday season!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOoo, can I be your wonderful friend? That is such a lovely gift, Vonna. She'll love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special gift to make for a friend, you are so clever and talented, love what you did.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Season.
It's beautiful, Vonna, and I am sure that Marie will love it!
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of meeting Marie in person earlier this year at a GTG in Houston - she is so sweet!
Gorgeous gift, very heart felt!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift for your friend, Vonna! I love your ideas and intrepretation of the design.
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family have a wonderful holiday.
Absolutely the perfect gift! Really, really wonderful, Vonna.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is an absolutely gorgeous and original gift you have made for Marie, I'm sure she is going to treasure it always and think of you everytime she uses it.
ReplyDeleteOh Wow Vonna!! It's gorgeous!! You are so talented! Congrats on the wonderful finishes!!
ReplyDeleteAn absolutely gorgeous gift!!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a thoughtful gift Vonna. I'm sure Marie will absolutely adore it! I really love the patchwork pincushion. It's so much fun stitching for a friend who will appreciate your efforts.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a beautiful finish!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous, congratulations
ReplyDelete