So Dark Outside... but some stitching pictures to share
October 31, 2006 at 11:45 AM
by Ashleigh
Quaker exchange from Mindy
Harvest tuck pillow from Jo and Sampler House doorhanger from Mindy
Harvest tuck pillow stitched by me for Christine
We have a weather warning out for tomorrow. There will apparently be a North Sea storm with high winds and lots of rain. As it is I can hear the wind already, but the worst part is that it's so dark.
How do we forget in summer how dark it is all winter? The apartment is abandoned. It's just me and my solitary light in the study.
Not to mention it's kind of cold too. I don't have the heating on yet, and I always feel bad about having it on just for me anyway. Time to grab another sweater!
To make the change of season even more final I just saw a ribbon of ducks flying south. Add that to driving home from football at 6.30 last night in the pitch dark and it's even more obvious that winter is upon us.
But Sinterklaas and Sint Maarten are coming, right? And Christmas? And my birthday? I won't think about how old I'm going to be come next birthday, that would make the season change even worse.
I was asked this morning if we are 'doing Halloween'?
Uh, that would be a no. We did it the first two years we were here and the International playgroup had a Halloween party, but now it feels odd.
I didn't even decorate this year. Usually I decorate. Everything feels like too much of a shambles to add to it by putting more 'stuff' out there. I'll hang on for Christmas, or maybe, being a mom, I'll rush downstairs and grab the Halloween stuff and decorate very quickly before the boys come home from school. Wanna bet which one it'll be?
Onto more exciting things and the story behind the pictures above.
I was spoiled last week when my Sampler House exchange and my Quaker Exchange arrived at the same time from Mindy in Texas! She sent me the beautiful doorhanger, pictured above, for the Sampler House Exchange and a stunning needlebook and fob for the Quaker exchange. I love it all.
She also included a Shepherd's Bush fob kit, some fat quarters of Blackbird designs fabrics, a stitching journal, a lovely brass threadwinder and some cute needle threaders. I made out like a bandit! Thank you so much Mindy! So sorry it took me so long to get the pictures up on my blog. I do so appreciate the thoughtulness you showed me in your choices.
I can also share a picture of the cushion I made for Christine in Germany for the Harvest Exchange on Aion.
I stitched a Bent Creek Zippie and finished it off as a tuck pillow using some Amy Butler fabrics. I liked how it came out. I left the tuck 'open' so that the stitching could be switched out but I think if I had kept it for myself then I would have anchored the stitching down with slip stitches to stop that slight gaping that you see in the picture above. Keroleen can decide what she wants to do with it.
And finally, my exchange from Jo in the Harvest Exchange, a beautiful pillow stitched over one, and some fabric, beads, and a vanilla scented candle and some Cadbury's Fruit n Nut. Yum. That's not going to last long!
Thank you all of you for the lovely gifts. I hope you all enjoy yours just as much as I've enjoyed mine.
Comments
Ash, everything looks just marvellous. Love the fabrics you chose for the tuck pillow - just perfect.
Hi Ashleigh,
Lovely items!!! Stay warm :)
Oooh, that sampler is just fantastic! I love it! And I am sending you lots of warm thoughts.
Love all the finishes! They are so pretty:)
Your photos are always exquisite!
I remember when we were in Amsterdam in May, I was so surprised to realize one night that it was indeed night. I looked at my watch and thought it had stopped because it was light at 11 PM! We loved it, of course, but then I realized if it was light this late as summer approached, that winters must be dark. What time does it get dark this time of year?
We went to a Fall festival at our church last night. No scary costumes, but just lots of pumpkins, food, pony rides, petting zoo, and games. I think a lot of places are phasing out Halloween here in the States in favor of Fall festivals.
Love your blog! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Dee
Wow, what awesome exchanges! :)
It is getting dark, isn't it? I have to admit, though, that I enjoy walking the dog after dark. It's kind of an adventure, and I can peep into everyone's house!
Love all the exchange pieces - both received and given, they're absolutely gorgeous :D
Wow Ash, that's all gorgeous!
October 31, 2006 12:34 PM