Saturday, June 21, 2014

Sulky Petites - Mini Quaker

Gitta's is carrying a new fibre, Sulky Petites 12 wt. cotton.  There are 66 solid colours and 14 variegates in their Blendable line.  They're made of the highest quality, long-staple, 100% Egyptian Cotton and are ideal for cross stitch, petit point,  quilting, thread lace, bobbin work, thread painting, red work, decorative embroidery, and many other handworks.

I have had a few inquiries for these threads as they are slowly appearing in cross stitch designs. One of these are Many Many Welcomes by Rosewood Manor Just Stunning.

When the threads arrrived this past week, I too fell in love with this fibre.  The colours have a striking sheen, and one strand of the Sulky Petites equals 2 strands of DMC floss.  They are convenient to use as the thread winds off of the spool with no tangling.

I wanted to start using them straight away, and I
searched for a small pattern to give them a try. Not having much luck,  I designed this Mini Quaker sampler using motifs from our Hannah Beeby 1816 Sampler.

I started stitching with the Sulky Petites this evening and I am pleased with the results.
Click here to download the pattern and give them a try for yourself.  They are only $1.89 / 50yrd spool.  A great value.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Proud Parent

This past Friday, my daughter graduated Cum Laude from York University with a Bachelor in Design.  Convocation was a wonderful ceremony, and although there were over 800 graduates, it did not seem long.  All the pomp and tradition  made it a very memorable occasion, and I almost cried as I watched my daughter cross the stage to shake hands with the Chancellor.  I was filled with so much love and pride.

I remember her first day of Kindergarten those many years ago.  With a great big smile she waved good bye as she entered the classroom and yelled "bye Mommy".  I then walked home in tears.  She was so anxious to finally go to school and move on to a new and exciting phase in her life, and I,  realizing the same feared that I would not always be there with her; sharing in her experiences.
Graduating from University is another one of life's milestones, and I was honoured and proud to have been able to share it with her.

Here is a photo of my Graduate with her proud parents

And this is a photo of my little cutie on her first day of Kindergarten.

I love you Sarah, and I know you will always have the courage to stand up and speak out for what you feel is right.  I know you will work hard and put your creative stamp on everything you do.  And through it all I will always be right there to cheer you on.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Summer Hiatus

"Designer of the Month" is going on hiatus for the summer.  You can use this time to catch up, or, if you haven't yet joined in, get started on the Collaboration Sampler stitch-a-long.   For every leaflet purchased from any of the participating designers we will include their FREE pattern designed for the sampler.  Then in September we will conclude the Collaboration Sampler with the final three designers!  Until then, click here for my contribution to the sampler.  It is in the forth square in the top row. I also finished it as a scissor fob biscornu, shown in my May 10th, 2014 blog.

All this is not to say that nothing exciting will happen in the shop over the summer.  We are launching a Monthly Prize Draw for the summer.  With every purchase over $30 you will be able to enter the draw.  At the end of each month we will draw the winner.  The prizes are valued around $50.  Visit Gitta's Events Page next week for the rules and to see the prize for each month.   Good luck to all !!