Friday, March 17, 2006

Another day, another post...

Yep, can you believe that? (this may not last, though!)

I just wanted to share pictures of the little gifties I sent Annemiek this month:


(click for a bigger pic)

First I made her a WIP case, and included a kit to make a matching needlecase (kit by Rouge du Rhin).
The stithcing case started as a small patchwork I made with 15 fabric squares, which I'd chosen because they reminded me of Annemiek's quilt. When I was done making the patchwork I felt like adding batting and lining and turning this into a case.

The two other gifts are also French-flavoured, since the sachet is filled with lavender scent, and the floss is a hand-dyed by a French designer, Marion, which I just discovered - her yarns are just so yummy! The colour in the picture is Lys.


This is a minimized version of the drawstring bag, with a twist - the casing is created by sewing a channel instead of turning under the top edge. This little bag was made with a lavender-coloured eyelet fabric and I added a lace cuff.

While I'm at it, here's a picture of the Petal Fairy!! Hasn't she grown?



I stitched on her from 10 to 11.30 pm every night, to keep my sanity. My dream was to have her finished for Spring, and it really seems doable now, don't you think? I hope to have her done by the end of the month.

Speaking of Spring, I'm thinking of revamping my blog for the occasion. I'm even thinking of changing the name of that blog to freshen it up a little... I was thinking of "Kitty Couture". What do you think??

Everyone have a great day!

23 comments:

KarenV said...

Your gifts to Annemiek are gorgeous as always, Isabelle! The patchwork bag is a great way of using up scraps of fabric - hmmm, now you've got me thinking!

Petal Fairy is looking wonderful too - you'll be HDing in no time!

Lili said...

What wonderful gifts offered and received! Enough to give us great ideas, thanks!
You really gotta take care of yourself! I hope you get enough rest!
I don't know what to say about changing your blog name. I think the name you want to give your blog is just GREAT- but it doesn't refer to cross stitch, only to sewing... and cats!!! Now I'm a little concerned about people trying to find you, although the link won't change, so I guess it's no big deal? And I'm almost sure that everyone refers to your blog as to "Isabelle's blog" anyway...
Lots of hugs!
Bon courage et prends bien soin de toi!

anneke said...

I had to read TWO entries this time... They're as pleasant to read as always. That you're getting more and more students is due to the fact that you're a great teacher, don't you think? It's a compliment (though it gives you more work). The stuff you received from Becky is gorgeous! The stitched design is fab and I agree with you about the perfect finishing. You must be a proud owner.
The stuff you made for Annemiek is great too, pretty and joyful. A perfect place for a WIP. It makes me think by the way, I have to be quilting now...

shashi said...

Ooooh you have been busy creating as well. What wonderful gifts and the Fairy is turning into a beauty.

Mylene said...

Petal Fairy is looking beautiful!!!
And that's a wonderful gifts you made for Annemiek. You are meeting each other soon, isn't it. Wish you both a wonderful time. Best wishes, Mylene

Kim said...

The petal fairy looks so great! And I'm glad to see you back! Sounds like you have definately been overwhelmed.

What a great give you sent to Annemiek, as always a great job!

I think it would be fun to see a change in your blog for spring, if that is what you want. :D

Von said...

Lucky Annemiek!! Your gifts are always wonderful. :D

Carol said...

What gorgeous gifts for Annemiek!!

Your Petal is looking awesome! YOu are almost done now!!

Barbara said...

What a delight to find a new post from you today! I love what you made and sent to Annemiek, and I bet she does, too! Your Petal Fairy has gotten so beautiful! Congratulations!!

Susimac said...

Petal Fairy is beautiful, I reckon you'll have it finished by the month end she has grown so much. I love your finishes the little case is gorgeous. I can smell the lavender from the sweet little sachet.

Zoanna said...

I am green with envy--even though the sachet bag is blue! It's exquisite. And of course I'm fond of patchwork. Love the fabrics you put together. And petal fairy is a beauty, too. I wouldn't have as much patience for one project, I doubt. Your blog is fine the way it is...very creative, but I can understand the bug of change hitting a creative type like you. I would keep the name the same, but I'll find you by whatever name you choose!

Zoanna said...

One more thing--love the fact that you made an internet page just for the drawstring bag tutorial. I feel honored to see my name in print there. BTW, our homeschool group just made 53 of these and filled them with things like socks, underwear, toys, arts/crafts supplies, soap and washcloth, and a travel size shampoo. I heard from the lady who delivered them that the kids were THRILLED! We are going ourselves the end of April with MORE! I'll send you pix!

Karoline said...

Love your gifts to Annemiek and Petal Fairy is looking great

Heather said...

Petal fairy looks stunning. I love the colour of the floss you sent to Annemiek.

Maggie Ann said...

Good Morning Isabelle! "Kitty Couture" sounds like a great 'new' name for your blog. I like it, very classy! Your Petal Fairy is exquisite...those dedicated hours of stitching are giving you a rich reward..smile. The lavender sachet ...just the thought of it wafts up delicious thoughts and memories. I have a bottle of lavender oil of essence and every so often, drop some of it onto the dried lavender tied with ribbons that hangs on each side of my bathroom window...(Miss Martha Stewart style..*s*) Your patchwork sewing is very pretty, a great idea and so practical..I'm sure your friend will use it with joy. Thank you for the nice comment you left me about my knitting. The sock is a first time endeavor and it is hard to learn something completely new,but I'm determined to try again. I'd love to feel your Paris sunshine for a few hours....today is bright with a pretty blue sky but bitingly cold outside. Ah well, spring is but a week away. A sincere wish to you for a pleasant day, dear Isabelle! Thanks for coming by to visit me when you are so very busy! You are sweet!

Bea said...

Isabelle, your case turned out lovely. I'm going to sew a bag like your little case, I've a lot of small pieces of fabrics. Congrats!

zoeandcooper said...

Petal fairy looks wonderful. She has grown alot lately:)

Bastet said...

The WIP bag is a wonderful idea, and the gifts you added were a nice touch.
Petal Fairy is coming along quite nicely as well. Keep up the good work!
Hugs

Little Grey Cat said...

What beautiful gifts!

Petal fairy is looking gorgeous and she has grown so much since I last saw her.

I like the name you've chosen for your blog revamp ... but then again I love the name you have now too.

Jenna said...

What a lovely package you sent to Anniemiek. I imagine it totally made her entire week, if not month. You are so thoughtful and your prowess as a seamstress is remarkable.

Your Petal Fairy has really grown! I can't believe how much you've gotten done on her recently. I think your goal really is doable. She's gorgeous. :)

Have fun with your blog revamp. Just back stuff up first, so we don't lose any wonderful links or anything. ;)

Cathy said...

Hi Isabelle,

I'll be thinking of you today since you are spending it with Annemiek in Paris! Hope you have a fabulous time together!

~Harsha~ said...

spending the day with Anneniek!! thats just so great! and i like Kitty Couture! :)

AnneS said...

Your gifts for Annemiek are lovely, Isabelle - you always do such a wonderful job of your stitching gifts ... anyone would be super proud to own them! :D