a few strands

Working still on the new banner for my mom and Mother's Day. I decided to stitch it using regular embroidery floss since I rediscovered a whole tin full of it. It looks so pretty in pinks.

The basket design is my solution to a big space that I didn't want to fill or leave blank. I love the way it turned out, each part a little experiment with favorite stitches that I haven't used lately. The top is a version of the threaded running stitch, a second color woven through the backstitch as an afterthought. And the basketweave is just a simple couching. Sweet, right?

One of my frequent sampler stitchers is Heather. Last week she instagrammed a shot of her finished Mr. America. So beautiful, in such a fresh color palette! 

photo courtesy Heather Simpson Bluhm

This flurry of spring stitching made me want something new to work on. Lots of hoops in the air here.

I know it's hard to see her, but that little girl in the doorway reminds me of my Maggie. It's her birthday today! Happy birthday, sweetie!

Wishing everyone a happy, happy day! With lots of love. xo

Comments

[Suzy McQ]

Sending birthday greetings and sunny best wishes to your sweet Maggie!

[Jeanette in Illinois]

Happy Birthday, Maggie! Wishing you every happiness your heart can hold!

Charlotte, What a sweet gift for your Mom, I'm sure she will be thrilled. What a special gift - your love and a stitched piece.
Have a lovely weekend.
Jeanette

[karen on bainbridge island]

I had to pause in my banner stitching to whip up a tooth fairy bear for a friends grand-daughter, but seeing you making progress on your mom's banner shames me back to it! I am taking a ferry ride today to Seattle so I will take my sewing with me and get busy!

[Maggie]

thanks, Ma! 30 was a great year...looking forward to another year of fun! xo

[Penelope]

Your mom is going to be thrilled with the pink spring banner! It's beautiful! I like your basket fill-ins this time too.... something different!
I see another one in the works that I am going to NEED* -- Your designs are all so super. Have a nice weekend! Happy day, Maggie!!!!!! Xox

[Teah B.]

Thank you for sharing your mother's banner.I was working on mine last night and now you've given me some new ideas. Love the colors, Heather's is great too. Love her choice of colors.I might have to restitch that one.take care!

[Stick Horse Cowgirl V]

So lovely! I was noticing that the hoop is a little larger than I have used. What size do you recommend for embroidery? I have been looking at the Hardwicke Manor hoops and will be ordering one--just don't know what size would be best.
V

[Heather]

OOh I can't wait for that new sampler. It might be perfect for my Hannah's room! Thanks for sharing my stitching. I will be sure to take pix of it all finished :)

[jone]

Just love seeing what you are doing.....
sitting on the sofa doing a little stitching myself tonight...
Mother's Day.... something to think about!
xo

[jen@thecottagenest]

I love your sweet banner Charlotte! Emma and I were just discussing having an embroidery day. I'm sure you will be a part of it!

[Sally]

Your banner looks so yummy Charlotte! Such fun to see it taking shape.

Thanks so much for sharing Heather's darling sampler with us - how fun to have a bunch of stitching followers and see your designs come to life by so many different creative hands!

Happy belated birthday to Maggie and a very Happy Mothers Day to you and your dear Mom!

Sally

[Cherie Wilson]

Sending baskets full of those adorable (edible) pink stitched flowers to you on your sweet day, Mom of the birthday girl!