The Egg or the Chicken / L’œuf ou la poule

I am not usually big on Easter.  There is no egg decorating and fancy basket making for me, no extravagant meal or well-organized egg hunt.  What I do at Easter generally revolves around hanging out with my family and eating way too much chocolate and maple syrup.

 

This year, however, I felt particularly inspired and drew a few simple cross-stitch grids inspired by Easter.  I am sharing them here, so feel free to use them for yourself if you feel like it.

Je ne suis pas du genre à célébrer Pâques de manière particulière, je ne fais pas de décoration d’œufs ou de fabrication de paniers tressés, je ne planifie pas de repas extravagant ou de chasse aux œufs.  La fête de Pâques se résume généralement à passer du temps en famille et manger trop de chocolat et de sirop d’érable.

Cette année, par contre, j’ai été inspirée par la thématique de Pâques et je me suis amusée à dessiner quelques grilles de point de croix aux motifs de poules de Pâques.  Je les partage ici, alors sentez-vous bien libres de les utiliser pour vous-même si elles vous plaisent.

Handmade decorations

I know I am coming a little late with these, but as I was gifting them to my mom for Christmas, I couldn't show them earlier.  They are just simple designs cross-stitched on Aïda and backed with red cotton, but they make fancy decorations.  The designs come from an old Christmas edition of Marianne magazine. 

Best wishes for the New Year!

Sylvie

Black stitching

I had planned to come back earlier this week, but life got busy and the days were gone before I noticed.  I started to stitch a few weeks ago, and worked on a little project that I can't show you right now because it will be a gift to someone who might read this blog.

I then found this little pattern somewhere on the internet -- but I can't remember where exactly -- and decided to stitch it just for fun, and because I love roosters.  It was the first time that I tried monochromatic cross-stitching and I enjoyed it a lot, plus I like the dramatic effect.

That got me looking over blackwork and I got fascinated with all the intricate designs like this one, or this one.  Now I really want to try some more black stitching and see where it will get me.

As for the rooster, I have yet to decide what to make of it.  Any suggestions?

Enjoy your weekend!  I have a special crafting day scheduled with my big sister on Sunday, can't wait!

Cheers, Sylvie

Giveaway Day!

I recently found a very easy way to make my own bias tape. I don't have one of those bias maker and was considering buying one when I came across this great tutorial from Creative Little Daisy (you might also want to read her Public Service Announcement for a little laugh).
I tried the technique and loved it, it is so easily adjustable to the desired width. Looks like I will not be buying a bias maker after all!

Now, ok, I am getting to the point, the Giveaway. After making loads of bias tape - it was that much fun! - I thought I could give some of it, along with buttons from my vintage collection and a small cross-stitched flower appliqué that I made last weekend when I was meant to be cleaning the house ;-)

The bias tape is 2.50 cm (1 inch) wide by 4.50 m (almost 5 yards) long. Buttons are different shades of blue and the appliqué is 6 cm by 4 cm (2 1/4 by 1 1/2 inches).

So, if you would like a chance to win this little blue package, please leave a comment here. I would love to learn a few more sewing DIY techniques if you have one to share, but this is not a requirement to participate. I will be taking entries until May 31st at 7 PM ET and will randomly pick one comment. The winner will be announced on my blog on June 1st. Everyone is welcome in this giveaway, anywhere you live, I will happily ship it to you.

Best of luck to all of you!

Sylvie