Toy Chest Etui Smalls Part 1 .......(264)

Before I post my Stroll pieces for today, I wanted to share the finished Christmas stockings for my daughter and her husband. I worked diligently on them yesterday afternoon and they are ready for the trip to NC this weekend. The designs are Victorian Christmas Stocking and Cranberry Row Christmas Stocking, both by Rosewood Manor. 

 

 Now for play time......these are the smalls that were part of the original class kit (I just noticed on the chart cover that Betsy called these "toys for big girls"). A few more were added over the next couple years and I'll show them tomorrow. The first two photos show (clockwise from upper left) Primer Pincushion, Needlebook, Button Box and Waxer Box.

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Note the drumsticks on top of the waxer box

 The next two photos show the Scissor Keep, Scissor Fob and Thimble Keep.
 

I'm including the photos from Betsy's Chart front here because they show the project off much better than my photos.

Thanks to Betsy for a fabulous class and a true heirloom to pass on to my grandson and thanks to you for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship. Have a great one!

Stasi
 

 

A Few "Grown up" Toys.....(263)

I'm excited about today's Stroll post as this is my favorite project of all time!!! I know, it's crazy to say that because I have so many projects that I LOVE, but this one spoke to my heart on a number of levels! I discovered this piece right around the time I found out our first grandchild was a boy and this was perfect to stitch in his honor. It also reminded me of our time in Bethlehem, PA where we were close to the PA Dutch/Amish and enjoyed their unique art style. Having always loved school supplies, I'm tickled it has a host of adorable accompanying smalls including crayons, a primer book and a paint box! And, in a roundabout way, this class was the impetus for the beginning of a treasured friendship! Today I'm going to share the actual box and the next two days the smalls that go with it.....drum roll please..... may I present the Toy Chest Etui by Betsy Morgan of Willing Hands!!! And trust me, it is much more spectacular in person!

Front of box with ouija board from In the Company of Friends and a tiny wooden top from a dear freind

 

Top of Box

Right Side of Box

Rear of Box

Left Side of Box

Inside of Box (sans smalls)

The two horses were fashioned after Betsy's own horses. Sadly, she had to have them both put down this past June, but they will be remembered as a tribute by all who stitch this box.

Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

Just Bee-cause ......(262)

I'm sticking with a bee theme for my Stroll piece today. Here is Just Bee by Hands on Design, stitched in 2014. This was originally released as a kit, but Cathy has since released this as a chart, along with a couple other designs. The charm, fabric and twine came with the kit.

We've been in Durham, NC the last couple days with friends, one of whom is in a clinical trial at Duke University Medical Center. Our house in Richmond has become a convenient stopping point for them when they are driving down for appointments/procedures. We offered to drive them down this time and keep them company. We'll be heading home today after they received positive news yesterday--yea!!!

Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

A Beehive Needleroll....(261)

I made an unexpected visit to Duke University's gardens yesterday and all I can say is WOW!!! The summer season's bounty was winding down but the flowers at the terraced gardens were still superb. I saw what were, to me, a number of new/different plants. Here are a few photos!

Never had seen such large lily pads

this leaf was black

The colors were so much more vibrant in person

Loved how these grew long the stem

 On to my Strolling.....today's piece is, because we saw lots of bees yesterday, Beehive Roll from Shepherd's Bush.

center

left side

right side

Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

Needle and Thread....(260)

Happy Sunday! Today's Stroll piece is Needle and Thread by Little House Needleworks, a little bed for my scissors. The pillow was by Impie, Hattie and Bea; I can't remember if this came as a kit or I had to buy the "pillow" separately...sorry! The quote says"needle and thread, needle and tread, when starlight fades, I lay them to bed"....stitched in 2011.

Thanks for stopping by and your"twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

Strawberry House....(259)

The weekend is here and we have visitors, our old neighbors from Bethlehem, PA. We're aiming to get to the local Farmer's Market, a soccer game and a visit to Shyndigz for something yummy. 

Today's Stroll 'show n' tell' was a club piece from Dyeing to Stitch in 2014. It is called Strawberry House by Scarlet House.  I misunderstood the chart and stitched a little motif, that was off to the side on my piece. However, it was meant to be a separate scissor fob...duh!!! So, to balance things a bit, I added buttons across the top and down the right hand side and I love how it turned out! I also stitched the small motif again and sewed to the back of the pillow!

 Hope you all have a great weekend....thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi

 

A Treasured Workstation...(258)

Up today for my Stroll piece is a fun design/project from Judy O'Dell of Just a Thought designs. This was an on line class, My Treasured Workstation and I stitched it in 2008. It came with the wooden bottom already decoupaged with the quote but we had to choose our own fabric and fibers. The gold initial pin on the top was a bridesmaid gift I received from my cousin for being in her wedding (back in1968). A friend of mine (thanks Sally) suggested I add a magnet to the back of the pin and make it a needle rest--works perfectly!

I was able to catch up on my Blue Band SAL yesterday...just in time for the new installment. We are up to Week 22, with only six more weeks to go! The numbers are the beginning of the current week.

 Mary had asked how I was going to finish/display the Samsarah calendar pieces so I thought I'd show how that will work. The stitched pieces will be attached to paper tags and hung on the wire frame to be switched out according to the day.

 Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!

Stasi