The Eleventh Hour...

You know how sometimes you think you have something all figured out?  Well, I thought I did, for sure...up until 2 days ago.  That's when I started having doubts.  So...a complete change of plans.  At, ya know...almost the Eleventh Hour!

I am talking about the Strawberry Pincushion Swap. 

We had two weeks from the time we were assigned our partners until the mail out day, which was today.  I started working right away, playing around with some ideas I had been thinking about.  As of Tuesday afternoon, this is what I had put together...        

The redwork piece is a pattern from Bird Brain Designs.  I made this same piece awhile back for Sharon.   It needs to be stuffed, but it's kinda big...about 5 x 7 inches.  The wool pink strawberry with the little one is a gift I received several years back.  I have never used it, but it has always been on my shelf of favorite things.  I thought, what is more perfect than this!  Then, I used a bit of Briar Rose fabric with strawberries to make the round gathered basket.  The tutorial by A Spoonful of Sugar can be found here.  Quick and easy to make!  And, of course, strawberries...lots of strawberries. 

I was thinking that this was a nice package to send my partner.  But, then I began to think that this package was too 'cutsie'.  Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to do more than cute.  Ya know?

While browsing Sharon's blog, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks.  Seriously!  I was so inspired by it...and this is what came of that inspiration!

The strawberry is stitched with linen floss on linen fabric, bordered top and bottom by a polka dot fabric.  It measures about 2.5 x 3.5 inches.  The bitty strawberry - about 1" - is made with the same polka dot fabric, has linen leaves stitched down with linen floss, topped with an antique button.  It is tied to the pinkeep with linen thread.

I made something else that I think is kind of special.  See the dog stitchery with the bone in the corner?  She has a Corgi named Taggart...she calls him Tag.  Is that fun, or what? 

I am now feeling pretty good about this package I put together for my partner.  And, it did get mailed today...~whew~!

Now, on to other projects that are patiently awaiting my attention.

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Speaking of Tag...he isn't feeling well.  Vomited a few times this a.m. and is somewhat lethargic.  He has a high normal temperature.   Didn't even ask to eat supper...this from the boy who starts bothering me and looking for his supper an hour (or so) ahead of his normal feeding time.  ~sigh~  I am sure he will be okay, but still...I worry.

I hope you have a great weekend.


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11