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Wednesday, March 21, 2018


    
March week two
Easter Hop with JO
Our French month

Styling with Stitches

Something New
What's Stitching
SAL Update

Welcome everyone!   We have two letters for you for the Easter Hop with Jo.  The first letter is A. Scroll down for the second letter and where to go next.  Stitching friends weekly  post is below that.   Have fun hopping to the next post listed below.  May everyone have a happy and blessed Easter.



The second letter is i.   Now please hop on over to  http://lecoeurceltique.blogspot.co.uk/     






Styling with Stitches

Something New
What's Stitching
SAL Update

Bon Jour!  Hope the weather is starting to warm up by you as Spring is here. Do you have bunnies and flowers ready to stitch?   We are in the midst of stitching them for the next several months.

When we were planning the blog for 2018', we decided to make March a French month.  And, it's now time for our pinafore and word play combo.  (One of us does a pinafore and the other does the monthly word play.   Then, another month during the year we switch).  So today we have a post filled with a French pinafore/ March word play combo, some French ornaments and an update on our SALs.  These were time consuming stitches but a lot of fun too so we hope you enjoy.

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Styling with Stitches

RJ's pinafore

It's my turn to make a pinafore.  Of course I begged for the French month.

I've been wanting to do a Quaker stitch for quite awhile now and when I saw this Quaker Eiffel Tower pattern I knew it was for me.   I was surprised how many hours it took to stitch....alot!   I changed it up somewhat.   I took off some of the symbols and stitched a fleur d'lis, a bee and a crown instead.  And I moved a few other things to different places to make it all fit.  I used Kohl over dyed thread.  It changes from very dark black to a dark grey throughout the stitch.  When I got to the finish, nothing was really coming to mind (that happens a lot).  But, then I saw a pillow with these little triangles on the end and I thought they might look neat and French looking for my pinafore.  They were so easy to make.   The most time was spent finding out how to make them.  So that is how I went about it.  I added the polka dot triangles and a sweet fabric bow with an Eiffel Tower button.    It closes in the back with two more Eiffel Tower buttons.
It was my first attempt at making the triangles and they were surprisingly so easy

I decided to add my initials to this piece

Closeup of fabric bow and Eiffel Tower button

Closeup of stitch.   I added the crown, bee, and fleur d'lis instead of other symbols

Quaker Eiffel Tower
by Jardin Prive
40 ct. Vintage Pecan butter linen
Kohl over dyed thread
Eiffel tower button from Hobby Lobby



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Mary's word play

It's my turn to stitch the monthly word play which worked out perfectly because of my Irish ancestry.

My word play was completed on Jan. 30, 2015 and I just finished it last week!!!  This was one of my early projects on 18 ct. aida and I was so proud of myself at that time for graduating from 14 to 18 count.  I finished this with a double herringbone stitch that I  learned from watching Mary Corbett's Double Herringbone tutorial on YouTube.  This was my first attempt at stitching the herringbone and it was easy to do!  Pretty scrap fabric a friend gave me and a shamrock charm dresses up my stitch.

My Irish Sister-in-law will be getting this as a St. Patrick's Day gift and I'll eventually remake the word play in linen for myself. 

I added a herringbone stitch and a sweet shamrock charm to the finish

March Word play
By With Thy Needle and Thread
18 ct country mocha aida 
called for threads

   

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Something New
RJ's French Ornaments

It was love at first sight when I first spotted these bunnies by Prairie Schooler.   I really enjoy stitching bunnies and these were just so cute.   And to me they looked French so I added French titles under them.   Changing  all the threads to brigher and lighter colors made them look more Spring like.   The lady "Madame" was so sweet in her dress and pinafore and carrying her pretty basket of Spring flowers.  And, I love how the border is just like her flowers.   

It was the man "Monsieur" that truly stole my heart!  Look at his boutonniere, ascot and vest.  But it was the walking cane that sealed the deal.   He is such a dapper fellow!  Can you tell I love him?   His basket is filled with carrots and they are repeated in his border.   

They both have a simple finish with green polka dot fabric, lace and vintage buttons.  I really enjoyed stitching and finishing these two sweet bunnies. 


Love her basket of flowers and the border with the same flowers

Fabric tape used for hangers from Joann's has stitches through it
Just look at all those accessories on this dapper fellow!

Love his carrot border that matches the carrots in his basket

Rabbit Folk book 19
by Prairie Schooler
40 ct. country mocha linen
      changed threads to over dyed
   



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What's Stitching

The date for the party has changed due to Good Friday and Easter.  We will be joining Jo for her annual blog hop on the 29th however.

On April 4th we will be celebrating our first birthday.   We will be holding a celebration here for all to enjoy.   So many people have sent beautiful stitches for us to share and we can't wait to show you.  There will be a few surprises too.   If you still have a photo to send, just mail it to rjgator96@earthlink.net 

We have met so many wonderful people through the blog.  One of the sweetest and kindest is our friend Robin.   She sent some adorable patterns this week along with the cutest Michelle Palmer note cards.   Thank you so much Robin for your thoughtfulness. 



Mary received a sweet chart and fabrics that she won on Ele's blog.  You can find it here   And, it came all the way from Italy.   Thank you Ele for such a great give away. 
  


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SAL update
Our SALs have been so much fun to stitch.  If you haven't guessed it yet, it is called
And Heaven and Nature Sing by Kathy Barrick.  Things are going along great but I fear we are going to run out of the brown silk thread.  The deer is really using a lot.  So Mary has an order in for more brown thread in the same dye lot.  Fingers crossed it arrives soon.


RJ's SAL
This is where I was on February 28th
                

And this is after 14 hours of stitching.  The deer is taking it's time and the garland took recounting several times.   The ears and eyes are now filled in and the deer is growing each week. 


Mary's SAL
This is where I was on February 28th
                       


I was only able to put five hours of stitching in this month but you can see how the deer is filling in and the garland around his neck is coming along.


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It is always a pleasure to have you come by for a visit.  We truly appreciate the time you take to comment which always makes our day.  We love to come by your blogs too so if we don't know about you yet...let us know.   April 4th will be our one year birthday party and we are going to PARTY so don't miss the celebration.   

                                                                   Mary and RJ


                           Que les invités qui entrent dans cette maison, repartent en amis.

                                     The guests who come to this house leave as friends.

56 comments:

  1. Seriously ladies, I don't even know where to begin. I started out in love with that Quaker pinafore and began to scroll down and every single thing just made me stop and linger. Y'all have outdone yourself with this post. I love those wordplays and actually have two ordered so I can start them. I am in so in love with those bunnies. They are adorable. Those Christmas pieces are going to be beautiful. Oh the stitching friends we have all made. Great work.

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  2. Every month it seems you ladies outdo yourselves. The stitching, the finishing and all the great ideas for charts!! I have to admit the word plays have really been tempting me and those bunnies...or lapin. How adorable. Thanks for inspiring all of us stitchers.

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  3. Your SAL pieces are really taking up shape. I am enjoying both of your approaches on stitching this design. RJ, your pinafore turned out fabulous and I really like the added triangles. Mary, your work play looks super. I know your SIL will love it. The bunnies are adorable. Happy Spring!

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  4. RJ so many pretty finishes. The bunnies are my favortie. They are so cute. The pillow came out great

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  5. Quaker Eiffel Tower stitch and finish is just stunning - all your changes are for the better and the pillow is so unique. March's Wordpay finish with the double herringbone and shamrock charm is both simple and perfect - love them both!

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  6. A great idea with the triangles, looks great. I also like the finish with the herringbone engraving. Oh - and the first Easter decoration is already finished, very nice. Great progress in your SAL.
    Hugs to you, Martina

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  7. Lovely lovely work - all beautiful pieces. I'm a francophile so love the Quaker piece. M & Mme Lapin are super.
    There's lots going on over Easter in blogland - very exciting

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  8. I do love your french stitching, I live din Franc for 18 months back in my twenties so everything french still really resonates with me. I will look out for the quaker and rabbit designs. x

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  9. Your French month is coming along so great, RJ. Your Eiffel tower Quaker style looks gorgeous and you chose a very original way for finishing it. Every now and then I can see such a finishing with triangles. Yours look absolutely great.
    Monsieur et Madame Lapin absolutely look French - I don't know if it's the pattern of the colours you chose. And so sweet to embellish them with buttons and lace.

    You made great progress on your SAL piece, Mary, although you didn't have so much time to spend on it. And your March Word Play piece just looks gorgeous the way you finished it. These Herringbone stitches look spectacular.

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  10. So wonderful stitching projects.
    The pinafore looks great. Nice idea with the trinangles.
    The little pillow is beautiful. The herringbone stitch is wondeful and an eyecatcher.
    Madame and Monsieur Lapin are very cute.
    Wonderful progress on your SALs.
    Big Hugs, Manuela

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  11. Beautiful blog as always💞 but I do have to say the Rabbit folk stole a piece of my ♥️ just adorable 🐇🌷🌷many blessings to you both...

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  12. Quaker Eiffel Tower is wonderful RJ! What a gift March Word Play is Mary! Beautiful. Madame and Monsieur Lapin are just adorable.

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  13. Love the French theme great idea.
    Love those rabbits I have a thing about rabbits .
    Also love the extra bits you do on your finishes .
    I am so happy you both came into blog land , you are both the sweetest ladies.
    Enjoy your week hugs.

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  14. J'adore le couple de lapins. Parfait pour Pâques qui approche.
    Elle est belle notre Tour Eiffel ! La vieille dame de fer comme nous l'appelons... La finition met ce modèle très en valeur.
    Merci pour ce partage de tous vos ouvrages.
    Biz
    Christel
    http://toilesetfils.blogspot.fr

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  15. Well, the pinafore and the March Word Play are two truly wonderful finishes, RJ and Mary!! I love them both and all the little extra details that you put into your work really makes them special.

    The PS bunnies look fabulous in those colors, RJ! I have never stitched them because I wasn't crazy about the original colors, but seeing your finishes inspires me to try them with new colors.

    I look forward to your birthday party!! Can hardly believe a year has passed since you began blogging--you've really been a great addition to the cross-stitching/blogging community!

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  16. Where to begin.....RJ, the French Quaker piece is tree magnifique and the finishing superb. YOUR bunnies are adorable too!
    Mary, I love your Wordplay for March and am sure your SIL will love it.
    Your SAL pieces look great too; I know that one's a lot of work.
    Looking forward to your birthday celebration.

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  17. RJ: The Eiffel Tower pillow is beautiful, where ever did you find the Eiffel Tower buttons they are adorable.
    The Bunnies are adorable.
    What a sweet thing for Robin to do.
    RJ your progress on is great you are coming so close to the end, I am waiting to see how you finish it.

    Blessings
    Catherine

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  18. Mary: Your wordplay is adorable, I do think I have this in my stash, I will have to look, the Charm is so sweet.
    Ele was so sweet to send you the Give Freely chart.
    Your deer is coming alive, yoohoo great progress.
    I am looking forward to your Party.

    Blessings
    Catherine

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  19. Love all your stitching as always, Ladies - too hard to choose a favourite this month. I must, must, must remember to send you a picture of some cross stitch for you Blogaversary party. Not sure what to choose, though.

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  20. Beautiful stitching Ladies! The SAL is turning out great!

    RJ I just LOVE your bunnies they are super cute and I love how you named them. Your pinafore looks great too.

    Mary your word play turned out really cute and I am sure your SIL will treasure it.

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  21. Quite a productive post as always...you two amaze me! RJ...your pinafore and Quaker Eiffel Tower are exquisite and the French bunnies are adorable.
    Mary...great Wordplay pillow and love the herringbone stitches!
    Looks like both of you will finish up the SAL soon! Beautiful piece...can't wait to see how you finally finish.

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  22. fantastic stitching, as usual!! Glad Mary received the chart.

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  23. I love your stitches, ladies. Adorable creations! I love all of them (especially the bunnies!!!!!!!). Kisses from Greece!!!!!!!!!!

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  24. Ι AM IN TO YOUR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, LADIES!!!!!!

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  25. A delightful pair of bunnies, so cute.... I do have a love of little bunnies.

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  26. Oh!! Great post, RJ and Mary! Fantastic stitching!

    I love Quakers and your Quaker Eiffel Tower is stunning, RJ!
    Mary, your March word play is adorable, love the finish!

    Madame e Monsieur lapin are so pretty, love the floss colours.

    Wonderful progress on the stitch-a-long, RJ and Mary!

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  27. RJ and Mary, I look forward to and savor your blog like a favorite dessert, and often I wait until I have a nice, quiet moment to myself, with no distractions, to read it. Your projects are STUNNING. The pinafore is wonderful (LOVE the triangles). I have not seen the original pattern, but I imagine your changes made it better! I love that bee especially. Congrats, Mary, on finishing that great St. Patty’s pillow! I love the dyed look of the Aida and your herringbone stitch. And those bunnies! I agree, the “Monsieur’s” clothes and cane are sweet. Love the springy colors you chose. Both of your SALs are coming along so nicely. Your stitching is perfect. Can’t wait to see them finished.

    Looking forward to next time!

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  28. Such lovely work! I love both of your finishes in the Styling with Stitching - both looking very stylish! x

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  29. What a beautiful post, ladies! I love everything you've been working on this month! It's a real inspiration!

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  30. wow !!! beautiful and so lovely work :) i really like your good idea so much.Thank for sharing.

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  31. Wonderful work again this week. I love the Eiffel Quaker but it did surprise me to see my ex-husband's initials on there LOL
    The Wordplay looks great too, especially on the smaller count fabric.
    Love the French Lapins too.
    Really looking forward to the Birthday party soon, do we provide our own cake?

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  32. Oh wow ladies you have outdone yourselves this week! Your French month stitches are just gorgeous! The Quaker pillow, the Wordplay with the cute fabric and charm, and those bunnies...I'm lost for words.

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  33. Gorgeous stitching by you both.What a lovely post,I had to go back and admire the Eiffel Tower and monthly word play,so beautifully finished.

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  34. Thanks for taking part in the Easter Blog Hop this year, love the bunny stitching!

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  35. As usual, such beautiful stitching from both of you! The bunnies are perfect for the hop.
    Have a Blessed Easter.

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  36. Lovely bunnies and thank you for the letters. Happy Easter to you both.

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  37. Oh my goodness what a delight to visit your blog!! I love your Easter stitching, all those bunnies are lovely!! Your Eiffel Quaker is amazing, I love how you finished it! I was hopping by on Jo's blog hop but I'll be back to visit again. Thank you for the letters, I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Easter!

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  38. Happy Easter! What a wonderful post. So much lovely things to look at. I love all the finishes and the pretties. How fantastic. Thanks for the letters. Now I'm off to hop along for more.

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  39. Happy Easter! What gorgeous stitching! Love the Eiffel Quaker, now I must go and add my initials on my latest sampler, just hadn’t occurred to me before! Thanks for the letters. I’m off to visit on the hop!
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx

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  40. I always enjoy my visit to your blog, but this time it was just so much fun for me. Gorgeous stitching on such lovely projects. Thank you, and Happy Easter.

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  41. I got a bit mixed up with so many things in your post!But they are all lovely!Happy Easter!AriadnefromGreece!

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  42. What adorable bunnies you ladies made! Thank you for sharing all your beautiful finishes!

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  43. Such lovely little bunnies you show at the top of the post to accompany your blog hop letters.

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  44. Wow, there is so much loveliness going on here! I like the bunnies set out for the hop but I think Madame and Monsieur are great too~ Thank you for the letters and Happy Easter!

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  45. Oh my - so very much beauty in this post! Love the bunnies for the blog hop at the top and everything else as well! Amazing how far you've both gotten on that SAL - my memory is that it's a rather large piece!

    Happy Easter!

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  46. Thank you, and so much beautiful stitching!

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  47. A lot of pretty stitching going on. Love the wordplay piece and the gorgeous bunnies and the Heaven and Nature sing.

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  48. Lots of lovelies. Enjoyed visiting your blog.

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  49. Thank you for the letters! I enjoyed reading about your French month as well. The pillow and wordplay look like fun, and those bunnies are so cute! I love how on your SAL, one is stitching the deer bottom up and the other top down.

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  51. Loved finding your blog on the hop! Your stitching is gorgeous. I really like the changes that you made to Eiffel Quaker - I am stitching this one. I might have to think about adding a bee! Thanks for the letters :)

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