A Variation On A Theme...

Today I wanted to share a little something I purchased while shopping in Williamsburg with Shell. This is a tiny scissors fob designed by my friend, Maureen Appleton of The Hearts Content.

I first met Maureen years ago when we would travel to trade shows to sell our counted thread designs. Maureen lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin - only an hour and a half north of where I used to live. She's a wonderful, beautiful woman, and her designs are fabulous. If you aren't familiar with her designs, go to her website and have a peek. Her one-over-one samplers are simply elegant!

This scissors fob features a squirrel which will be stitched onto 29 ct. Glenshee linen - one thread of floss over one thread of linen. The result will be the most perfectly detailed design as the centerpiece of the fob.
In addition to including everything needed to stitch the fob and finish it as shown in the photograph, Maureen also included this special pair of embroidery scissors. I'm sure you've seen embroidery scissors with animals on them before. Shell gave me a beautiful pair with a rabbit on them (which I adore), and it's not unusual to find them with a stork, but look at these...
A Squirrel!!! Not acorns, but a variation on a theme, don't you think? I showed the kit to Shell. It was so perfect to find the little kit, but to discover that the squirrel scissors were also included... We decided that this kit just had to come home with me!

I'll definitely need to break out my magnifying light to stitch this, but rest assured, it's on my short-term To Do list!

PS. I found out yesterday, when Francie left a comment for me, that the acorns in the previous post are boxes. BOXES?? Who would have thought? I can't wait to stuff them and use them on our tree this Christmas! Thanks again, Francie...both for the acorns, and for letting this rube know that they open up! ;-)

Silver Sunday Seamstress Tools...

Welcome to the September edition of Silver Sunday! This month, I'm sharing my scissors with you. Of course, every seamstress needs tools for cutting, and I'm sharing my stainless and silver scissors used for various purposes in my creative endeavors.

In the first photograph, from top to bottom: Gingher 8" knife edge Dressmaker's Shears (used for multipurpose cutting), Gingher 8" serrated edge Dressmaker's Shears (these are especially useful when cutting sheer or slippery fabrics, as the teeth grip the fabric), silver Sheffield scissors (purchased in Colonial Williamsburg last year), Gingher 6" knife edge Applique' scissors (with a special edge to protect the fabric you don't want to cut), and my Gingher Bent Tip scissors (used to snip threads while fabric is hooped for machine embroidery).
Of course, I have various embroidery scissors, too. (Of course, I do! lol) My prized embroidery scissors are the little rabbit embroidery scissors attached to a little pincushion (a gift from Shell May of The Raspberry Rabbits. She made the pincushion!), and on the right are my Gingher 4.5" thread nippers (I love these because the tuck into the palm of my hand, and I can actually wear them while sewing at the machine). The two pairs of embroidery scissors on the left are Gingher embroidery scissors with wonderful sharp points for precision cutting. The bottom pair has a pink ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness design on the handles, and a portion of the sales were donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Just one more peek at the rabbit scissors from Shell. Hey, girlfriend...only ONE more sleep! I'll explain to everyone else tomorrow.
Thanks again to Beth of Gypsy Fish Journal for hosting our monthly Silver Sunday event. Be sure to click on her link to see what other silver treasures are being shown in Blogland today! Oh, and congratulations to Debra of Common Ground for winning Beth's Silver Sunday drawing!

If you're new, or didn't know it yet, I'm celebrating my 500th Post with a giveaway. If you're interested in participating, please click on my giveaway button here to find out how you can enter, and what you might win.

I'm so glad you stopped by to visit. I hope you enjoy a restful and creative Silver Sunday!

Raspberry Surprises...

I ran an errand for Handsome while he was at his orchestra rehearsal yesterday morning. When I returned home, I opened the front doors to let the sunshine and cool air into the house. I was surprised by this box greeting me in the entryway. (Can you see it's from The Raspberry Rabbits?) I was doing the happy dance. I had a package from my sweet friend, Shell May!!!
I opened the package and there were multiple wrapped bundles inside. I opened the card to find the furry faces of the Raspberry Rabbits themselves - Sugar and Razzy - looking back at me! I read the heartfelt sentiments from my friend and then commenced to open those bundles.

Inside Bundle #1 was a cute trio of rabbit tails with a sweet friendship message. On the back is an attached clothespin, perfect to hold a project in progress or a bundle of papers. Three bunny tails...so cute!
When I opened Bundle #2, I was greeted by this bunny-adorned mug. My favorite flower - geraniums - next to the Marjolein Bastian bunnies on front...and a reclining rabbit with a cute message on the back. I love this mug and decided I would fill it with the ball of yarn I use for cording on my pincushion creations. That way, it will be front and center on my worktable instead of closeted away. There's something tucked inside, too. I'll come back and see what it is when I've opened all my bundles.
Then I opened Bundle #3. When I realized its contents, my eyes welled with tears. Shell sells these beautiful bunny embroidery scissors and scissors holders (here) in her online shop. I've been eyeing them for months...really! Is the lovely Shell also a mind reader? I think so!
On a recent "Wild Hare" Wednesday, Shell wrote that her wild hare was to change out all of the drawer and door pulls in her home. I told her I admired her pink rose pulls, and look!!! She gifted them to me! Now, I have to decide where to use them, but for now, they'll also be on my worktable, inspiring me to do my best and most charming work - just like the elegant pieces that are born in my friend's studio.

I didn't forget... Look what was inside the bunny mug.
Ghirardelli Raspberry-filled chocolates!
Now you see 'em...

Now you don't!!
(Trust me. They were delicious!)

Isn't this the most magnificent array of gifts? Handwork from the graceful Miss Shell, touches of her decor, her hand chosen gifts and a photograph of her beloved Sugie and Razzy. Best loved of all are the kind and generous words shared with me in her card. I cherish our new-found friendship and look forward to the day when we can share a cup of kindness in the same room.

Thank you, my dear and precious friend. Your generosity is truly overwhelming. Hugs to you and the rabbits from this friend who is grateful beyond measure.