Sunday 31 March 2013

Gifts, A Challenge, and Upcycling Denims

I got two lovely gifts through the post this week. The first was this adorable little pocket from Jo, a prize from last year's Easter blog hop. It is just gorgeous, and as you can see, full of chocolate. Thank you Jo, it's just beautiful.
The second was an exchange gift from the Needlecraft Haven Easter exchange. We had to stitch an egg shaped ornament for this exchange, it was  anonymous so I don't yet know who to thank for this sweet little Easter Chick, but whoever you are, thank you anyway. It was accompanied by a really pretty beaded bracelet in spring colours, but that has already migrated upstairs to the jewellery box and missed the photo shoot. I can't show you the ornament I sent out as I forgot to take its picture. Perhaps I'll be able to add one later if the recipient posts one.
It is also reveal day for the Needlecraft Haven monthly challenge. This month we stitched Souvenir de France from Blackbird Designs.  I stitched mine on raw linen using a blue and beige overdyed floss from The Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe, and used some French chambray fabric to make it up into a cushion, then trimmed it with some gingham ribbon and a couple of vintage buttons.
The gallery of  other finishes is here.
Eloise picked up these rather sad denims in a charity shop and we've been working on customising them.
Here are the finished shorts, shorter than they were and decorated with a horror print fabric and ric rac,
and here's the back view.
The jacket is still a work in progress. Watch this space...

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Great stitching by yourself and your gift and exchange folk. Amazing upcycling with the denim shorts too.

imnverted said...

Great idea on the upcycling! Cant wait to see what happens with the jacket

DebbieSFL said...

Christine, if you ever get tired of the pillow, just send it to me and I will give it a wonderful home! Beautiful colors and work...and I think the upcycled jeans are just fun!

Cindy's Stitching said...

they are all so adorable. I like the bunny colors.

Gillie said...

You cut the shorts and jacket apart, how could you, Christine, they are really nice as they are! Okay will take tongue out of cheek now!

Love your pillow, mine was um .......rubbish finishing!

cucki said...

They all so sweet..
Happy Easter x

Carol said...

Really love your Paris finish, Christine--you did an amazing job on that pillow!! Nice gifts, too--isn't it fun to get surprises in the mail :)

Happy April to you!

Liz said...

Love the shorts rework, they're so much more fun now!

Mouse said...

ooooo a feast of goodies ... and that was just the beginning piccie ....lol
love love your souvenir of France pillow ...
and way to go on the up cycling .. that seems to be all the rage now .. ohhh to be able to wear stuff like that ..lol :) love mouse xxxxx

Stitchingranny said...

Oh Im in love, that cushion is stunning Christine, you are just so clever at the finishing bits. Stitching is one thing, sewing is something entirely different in my world I'm afraid.

Julie said...

Your challenge finish is so pretty and delicate looking.
Love the upcycled denim, well done to you both.
Great egg you received in the exchange, looking forward to seeing what you sent out too.
Easter Blessings to you and the family x

The Sage Butterfly said...

These are lovely gifts and beautiful for reusing items. You have made such elegant and lovely treasures.

Lesleyanne said...

Lovely gifts received. Your cushion is gorgeous. The shorts look great.

Dani - tkdchick said...

What lovely exchanges and great job on the reveal! REally like how you stitched up that freebie.

Another great upcycle!!!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Love your souvenir de France finish and the jeans shorts look so cute! Great job on both!

Anne said...

Love your finishes! The souvenir is the prettiest pillow I've seen yet!

Sally said...

Lovely gifts and gorgeous challenges piece.

Those shorts look fantastic.

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

The shorts look great. Maybe I should just send you some second hand clothes next time!

Annette-California said...

Lovely gifts and your souvenir of France is Gorgeous! I'm impressed that your striped fabric is perfectly aligned. Beautiful. Darling jean shorts:) love Annette