Cross Stitch Spring Sampler

Hello!
I have done lots of organizing and cleaning around our home. It is a never ending job. But I found some time for gardening and  sewing.
Today I have something special to show you, my latest sewing project.
The pictures came out a little odd... I think was the angle, but here it is.

Pretty, isn't it? I love this Janlynn pattern. I had to have it.
No, I did not stitched it, I have to tell you the truth. I have done big patterns before,but nothing as big as this.
I think I  would take the rest of my life to complete something this detailed because I am a very slow stitcher.
Since I wanted this sampler badly, I cheated and got a finished one on e-bay. It came from Canada and is beautifully done by a exceptionally talented cross stitcher.

It is a very exquisite design. A collage style sampler including all the spring holidays, gardening and even spring cleaning.

I tried to frame this the way I always do, getting a frame and a mat at Michael's, but it did not work. I had it for over two years and finally decided to make it into a quilted wall hanging.
It was hard work for me. I really love quilts, and admire people that can quilt especially because I cannot really do it. I wanted to make a fancy wave border and make  seams to machine quilt it.  I did it after several attempts. It was the first time I did a quilted border like this. It is not perfect, but I am very pleased with the results.

I think is great when you go out of your comfort zone and try new things.

Thanks for stopping by!
Ana Paula

Cross Stitch Family Portrait and Summer.

Hello!

We are having a busy summer here, doing little activities and surviving the heat.
I have done some baking with Brenda, and crafts too. I need to catch up on reading blogs and posting. Just too much going on.

We had a little bit of everything here, even a kitchen flood.
I am still working on my Christmas Rules cross stitch, but took some time to make a smaller project.

 

I was inspired by the many  cross stitch family portraits I see online. Finally, I made mine.
You can find some ideas and free patterns here and here .
I did some sewing too, like this apron I made as a gift for a Bridal Shower.

 

And Brenda made this ornament using felt and  buttons that I got at Joann a while ago. A great way to teach sewing buttons and blanket stitch. She loved doing this. We are now planing an embroidery project using buttons.

Some weeks ago we went to the Orange County County Fair and had a very good time!

 

The flowers were beautiful! And I always love their beautiful displays.

 

 Some of  my favorite crafts at the fair.

 

This was amazing. An Eiffel Tower made of perfume bottles.

 

 A darling Victoria Sampler cross stitch.

 

I love this one too, but I don't know who is the designer. I would like to stitch one someday.

I love this doll and her clothes. Just beautiful!

And this quilt and Halloween dolls are so cute!

 

 
A beautiful quilted tree skirt.

 

I want to stitch this one. It's a Lizzie Kate pattern. I love the finish too.

 

At the garden competition they had this mini garden that is soooo adorable! I need to make one.

 

And this burlap and seed package bunting is so sweet! Cute idea for Spring!
  

This quilt was my favorite thing of all. What a beauty! The pattern is Snowman A to Z from Crabapple Hill. The embroidery and the quilting are perfect, and the colors beautiful.
I really like going to see the crafts at County Fairs, how about you?

 

Enjoy the rest of the Summer, and thanks for reading!

Ana Paula.