Scissor Pocket- Monthly Finishing Challenge

July's Monthly Finishing Challenge was to produce some kind of scissor keeper. I wasn't really sure how to go about the pinkeep with pocket ones (can anyone recommend a tutorial?) so I went for the pouch option.

The stitched piece has been hanging around for ages - it's from a DMC/RSN hardanger kit, and I didn't really know what to do with it - I didn't want to frame it, and there's only so many cushions one can have, even if it went with my decor, which is doesn't!

I lined the square with white felt and then folded it together and stitched it with mattress stitch so the seam looks invisible. I then drew threads out of the trimmings to make the tassel, and the fastening is a press stud.

Tin Topper Finish

Design: Needles and Scissors (adapted)
Designer: The Victoria Sampler - a freebie available here
Threads: DMC
Fabric: 28 count linen, R&R Reproductions, Light Cocoa

This is not my usual style, I have to say. And not my usual finish- I did it as this month's challenge over on the Monthly Finishing Challenge Blog. There is rather too much glue involved for one of my finishing methods ;o) but it worked out okay. I adapted the lettering on the original design as I thought about giving this to my sister - I know for a fact she doesn't own a needle ... but with a mother and a sister who have hundreds, why should she? LOL. The other modification I made was to the hardanger section - instead of cutting and weaving in dove's eyes, I just stitched eyelets. Cheating? yes, but it looks good!

I think there's a bit too much 'bling' and fussiness for my taste but for what it is, I'm pleased with how it turned out, and the braid does hide the raw edges and such. The fabric is some I've had in my stash for years, I think it goes very well.

The base has a small padded 'cushion' so the stamps don't stick to the bottom. I think if I was making another one, I'd make the base a bit bigger.

I'm glad I did it, just not sure I'd do another!

Buzzing Around Biscornu - Barbara Ana Designs

Design: Buzzing Around Biscornu

Designer: Barbara Ana Designs

Threads: DMC as charted

Fabric: 14 count aida

I stitched this for the Monthly Finishing Challenge and I'm so proud of myself, because it all assembled really nicely, and worked!

I was a little worried that the colour fabrics I'd chosen were too dark and gloomy, but I think they look okay, they are a bit more "me" than a really clear blue would have been - not that I don't like the finished biscornu I've seen stitched on that, but it's not a fabric I have in my stash.



I charted my own design for the underside based on elements in the original because I didn't want to stitch for ages and not have it seen - the lettering says "buzzing around" but by the time I'd graphed the flowers and letters, I didn't really save much time.



I can see more biscornus in my stitching future :o)