Summer Blog Hop (And A Winner)

Hi friends! The weather here has been beautiful, not too hot at all. I have some things to share with you, but first up is the Summer Blog Hop. Have ya heard of it? YOU can still sign up right here on Jo's blog if you like. I was sent a postcard from Clare. This is the picture and her message.

"This is a Round Robin I did when Wimble Bees forum was running - it was stitched in 2007. The stitchers were, me and my daughter Philippa who was 13 then, Ester who I think lived in Holland, Colette, Lynn, Chris, and Sarah. 

It hangs above our stairs (in what we call the hole). The frame matches a mirror I inherited from my Grandmother, I had never seen a frame like her mirror which now hangs in our hall. One Mother's Day we went to Ironbridge and in a  charity shop I found this frame - so I used designs from a magazine (Cross Stitch Crazy I think) and plotted them in a circle to fit the frame."

I think that is really neat Clare. Thank you for sharing with me. =)

Here is something to share with all of you! I saw these on Etsy for months. I knew we could talk them down in price since they were still not sold. So we got them real cheap and I am real happy.

 

They were listed as coasters, and I am sure that is what they were used for. The frames and glass aren't in pristine condition, but I think they are cute. I truly wanted them for  their originality. They are believed to be one of a kind. A poodle-crazed nut like me probably designed  and stitched them a long time ago. They certainly aren't perfect, but their quirkiness is what I was drawn to. 

Here is the finished Bent Creek Snappy Sampler of mine.

Isn't it sweet? The pattern calls for it to be stitched two over two on 32ct. I stitched it one over one on 28ct lambswool. The finished size is 2"x2". There are only two colors called for with this pattern. I already had the Weeks Dye Works Onyx. I did not have the GA Maple Syrup. The DMC alternate was just plain gross. So I used one of my Victorian Motto threads, 1795 Faded Sampler Red Light. I am so glad I did. I really like the look of it.

I had a solid red fabric from French General for the backing that was the perfect match. I did not want to add trim. I like it this way. =)

The winner of the Snappy Sampler pattern is Lelia ! I have emailed you Lelia, just waiting for your postal address now. =)

Finally, here is a picture of Henry after his shampoo and blow dry.

Here he is after I gave him a haircut yesterday.

 Quite the difference huh?! His eyes look so much bigger! Pretty sure I will not be redoing this style of haircut again. I think I prefer the cuddly puppy look.♥ Oh well, poodle hair grows.

I am so glad you all came to visit me today. Your lovely comments brighten my day. And I need a little brightening lately. The ablation actually caused my pain to increase if you can believe it friends. My left leg now has pain up and down and all around it. I never had a problem with my leg. No improvement in the hip pain either. Still waiting for insurance to approve a very much needed and wanted prescription.

I hope your day is special! Bye now.

Stitching and Praying,
Vickie