A Gift From Michelle...

Brynwood Needleworks - Michelle's Sunflower

Having creative friends is really a wonderful gift. I especially love when a mutual admiration for each other's talents opens hearts and doors to sharing those abilities.

My friend, Michelle Palmer recently created this scrumptious needle punch sunflower. Her needle punch skills, when combined with her drawings, results in the most glorious creations. This one was something I couldn't resist and I told her so.

Brynwood Needleworks - Donna's Strawberry Blossom Sachet

Michelle told me that she loved my strawberry sachets, so I made one especially for her...and then we traded. A gift for a gift.

Brynwood Needleworks - Michelle's Sunflower

When The Sunflower arrived, I couldn't believe how much more gorgeous it was up close. All the tiny loops created in the needle punch process, all perfectly sized from one to the next. Michelle's artwork turned into a needlework piece that took my breath away.

I'm certain that I fared better in this arrangement. I'm keeping this piece on my table where I can look at it often. as I contemplate what it should be...a cushion; a framed piece; part of something larger. I just don't know yet.

Brynwood Needleworks - Michelle's Sunflower and Card

Even the card she tucked in made me smile. I'm reminded of the farms of Wisconsin, and all the holstein cows that dot the countryside. I have a deep affection for them, and the card immediately brought back memories of our last home before we came to Florida. 

Everything about Michelle's gift warmed my heart. I'll treasure her needlework, and her card, for a long, long time to come. 

Thank you, my friend.

Thank you for the massive gift of your talent and time.

My heart is full.

Peeking In...

I thought I'd continue to share more quilts from the World Quilt Show this week. There were so many that really spoke to me. Talented needle artists created the most stunning pieces, and I wish you could have seen every single one in person.

This quilt is called "Peeking In", by Anne-Marie Miro of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. It measures 59" x 39", and you won't believe all the "wonderful" packed into this small wall quilt! I see something more every time I look at it. It was machine quilted, machine appliqued', machine pieced and was her original design.

The creator described her quilt this way:

"Most pieces were raw-edge appliqued' and thread painted.

They were constructed separately and then used to form 

the seascape. The coral, clam and seahorse are hand-felted.

I had fun hunting for the perfect buttons to enhance the

coral along with the setacolor paints."

Look at this stunning coral with the sweet, little clown fish! You can also see some of those buttons she was talking about tucked into the bottom left corner of this photograph.

One of my favorite things was the sea turtle that inhabits the whole corner of the wallhanging. There are so many touches that enhance the quilt, and I don't think a single thing seems out of place.

  This little needle-felted seahorse is my favorite thing of all.

A Little Diversion...

"Singleton" - Mandy Disher

I saw this dreamy image online and thought it would be a nice diversion from my usual post images of my two current projects. I can't show you the finished applique' block because it's not. quite. done. Although, I only have one bug left to finish the applique' work, I still have the French knot grapes and the bug's anntenae needlework left before I can officially declare it a completed piece.

I'll get all that done before the weekend is over, but I'd rather share this beautiful blossom. Then, I'll show you the finished block on Monday.

Thanks to all of you who left messages for me yesterday, assuring me that I'm not the only one who sports scarred fingers during the stitching process. I really appreciated all of your notes. Thanks! (muaaaah!!!)

I'll be going over to Sandy's Quilt Shop for coffee this morning and then I'll be holed up in the studio for the duration...coming out only for sustenance and hydration...and Handsome's concert at The Church of the Palms in Sarasota on Sunday afternoon with the Suncoast Concert Band. If you're in the area, you might want to consider springing for the $5 (cheap at twice the price!!!) ticket for an afternoon of fabulous music in a grand setting.

I'll share a verse with you tomorrow and be back on Monday.
I hope all of you have a great weekend.