Gifties across the Atlantic

I had long meant to send a few "just-because" gifties to my dear friend Zoanna in Maryland. Meeting her through her Katrina Kits action last Autumn and forming a friendship with her has been such a blessing. I had actually started to make her a first gift at the beginning of February - but well... "life got in the way", and more than a month elapsed before I finally completed her two gifts.

That satin lingerie/nightie case got planned long ago - in fact, Zo's comment on the bag I'd made to store my own nighties triggered the idea.
The bag is lined with a green satin which was cut longer than the outer cream satin in order to create the cuff (which I tacked down to the white satin with a blanket stitch).

Between the two satin layers is a layer of batting, to add extra softness; this is why the bottom is quilted with a few rows of decorative stitches:

Through her emails and/or comments, Zoanna happened to tell me several times how difficult it was to find items that were monogrammed with her initial - the monogram seemed therefore just the obvious adornment. (The embroidery is from the same collection as my sewing case, by the way - so you see Zo, we have matching cases!)

I absolutely love sewing satin. It can be a little tricky at times, since it is slippery and you must be careful not to snag the fine weave with your needle; but I truly revel in working this soft, shiny fabric, which gives such effect to even the simplest design.

I also made a small wallhanging for Zo's intensely spiritual side:

~*~

The end of March also marked Julie's birthday. Although I met her only recently, I wanted to send her a couple of small gifties because she's been going through quite a lot recently, and well, simply, she's a very sweet lady.

I gave her my first attempt at cartonnage, as we call it in French - i.e. creating boxes and cases by gluing fabric onto cardboard (carton):

This needlecase is from Sylvie Castellano's book Cartonnages brodés, which Sébastien gave me earlier this year (thank you Seb!). It was lots of fun to make - although I sure wish I'd managed to find a felt colour that matched the fabric better.

I also made her a mini, mini Spring-themed wallhanging:

I also made one for my friend Sylvie, to go with her Lapinette. Sylvie kindly allowed me to use this picture of hers, since I forgot to take some before sending both wallhangings! Thank you Sylvie!

~*~

I received a most sweet and thoughtful, though totally unexpected RAK from Carol today - she sent me a Little House Needleworks freebie chart, Small House Sampler, which she tells me is only available at trunk shows! Thank you so much Carol! I love the design, and you made my day!