Gifts From Near and Far...

In August, I wrote a post about biscornus (see here). My friend, Marrianne in New Zealand said that she couldn't believe her eyes, but didn't tell me why. She sent me an email to let me know she'd be sending a package (without divulging the contents), so I told her we were traveling and would be back home in September.

Marrianne and I became long-distance friends on Ravelry, and we were partners in a swap through one of the groups. Our Ravelry swap was to include something from our area and information about where we live, so I sent her a postcard explaining shrimp boils and added a canister of Old Bay Seasoning with her other gifts. Turns out she and her husband love the Old Bay, so that's what I usually add to her packages.

She included a bag of special treats from Down Under along with her other surprises and ever since, she always adds those lovely Pineapple Lumps (dehydrated pineapple covered with chocolate!) in my packages. I'm so glad because I really love them!

Imagine my surprise when I opened her latest package to find a stunning acorn biscornu tucked in with the other items. I now know that this is what she had just finished as I wrote my post about them. Gosh, Marrianne! Yours is so gorgeous. I love how you stitched beads into the seam. I'm going to have to keep stitching these until my joins are as perfect as yours!

Of course, she added Pineapple Lumps, but also another chocolate delicacy called Feijoa, loose tea (one of her favorite blends), a piece of her favorite Kiwi fabric (fashioned after a plant in NZ  that sports stunning blooms in time for Christmas each year), and one more little treasure...

She included a tiny carved acorn with a removable lid, and when I opened the lid (Marrianne told me the acorn cap came off)...

I found ten knitting stitch markers inside! What a clever idea for stowing those timy markers, and there's enough room inside for me to add more, too!

Thank you, Marrianne. I so appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness. Having added a few pounds over the summer, I'm on a "no sweets" food plan right now, so I've hidden those chocolate treats away for a little while. I'll have to hurry and reach my goal so that I can pull those treats out and enjoy every delicious bite!

Now that I'm back home, I'm going to have fun putting together another package for you and Russel. I'll let you know when it's on its way!

I'm so blessed to have my blog friends. I was surprised by a second package today, too. My Missouri friend, Shirley of Shirley Stitches sent me a crocheted "loofa" scrubber. The girls at Panera's make these and I've kept my mouth shut about really wanting one of them. I was tickled to see one from Shirley!

There was also a blue tissue-wrapped package that I couldn't wait to open. See, I know that Shirley makes these vintage tea towels and I've always left a comment for her when she writes about them on her blog. (Of course, I never asked for one, though.)

She sent two of them to me! A little embroidered chick wearing a raincoat and little boots, and the lovely embroidered sewing birds. Each stitch placed by her loving hands. My very own vintage-looking tea towels!

Dear Shirley, I can't tell you how much your adorable gifts touched my heart. I'm going to think of you every time I use them. Thank you so much for thinking of me and gifting me with one three of my heart's desires.

If anyone would like to purchase some of Shirley's tea towels (or other stitched creations), you can visit her shop, Shirleystitches at Etsy. Visiting her shop reminds me of visiting my grandma. She always had kitchen towels with the days of the week on them. Shirley's handwork really takes me back to my childhood.

Thank you again, Shirley. Love, love, love your gifts! I'm so grateful that you thought of me. xoxo Now, don't expect any packages from me in the near future, OK? I mean, really. How can it be a surprise if you're expecting it? (giggle)

My First Finished Biscornu...

It's finished. My very first biscornu...stitched in my own design. I used 28 ct. fabric, stitching over two threads. The design area is 34 stitches long by 34 stitches wide, and measures 2.42" square. (It rests in the palm of my hand.)

Whenever I try a technique for the first time, I always learn something. Now that it's finished, I've learned that:

• smaller is more difficult to assemble than larger,
• I should secure my corners in the exact center of the straight side prior to stitching them, to ensure they wind up in the right place,
• next time I'll use an uneven number of stitches so I can find the exact center of the straight side to position my corners,
• it would look tidier if I assembled the top and bottom pieces using a thread color that matches the fabric, 
• I must be sure to stuff the corners more carefully so that they are more defined,
• I'm definitely going to make more!

When I reviewed some of the other patterns available on the Internet, I found that many of them were at least 40 stitches square. A design that measures 49 stitches square would definitely be easier to assemble than my 34 stitch piece. Hence, my next biscornu will be larger. I'm going to have to be much happier with my assembly technique before I attempt to make smaller ones as lapel pins (which was my original plan!).

I have to share this one with you! Karen from Karen's Needlework emailed a photo of her biscornu to me. Isn't it gorgeous? I love it! Look how beautifully she made her join! I can see that I definitely need more practice. Thank you for sharing your work, Karen. Please be sure to visit her blog and tell her I sent you. She has lovely things over there!

If anyone else makes one, please send a photo and I'll be happy to share it (or send me a link to your blog and I'll send everyone over to have a look-see).

Sharing My Biscornu Progress...

You knew my first attempt at making a biscornu was going to involve acorns, didn't you? Of course, you did!

I chose five DMC cotton floss colors and just started stitching on 28 ct. antique white linen. This is my own design, but I haven't even put it to paper yet. I just started stranding floss and making x's. (I usually draw it out on graph paper first, but decided to just jump right in on this one.)

I like the way it looks lying flat like this. The design is 34 stitches square. I think next time, I'll make the sides an uneven number (33 or 35). I read in one of the tutorials that it might be easier to sew the two sides together if the number of stitches is uneven. We'll see. I promise to let you know how it goes stitching an even number of stitches together into the wonderfully wonky biscornu shape.

I'm happy with the design, and have already stitched the border for the back piece. I'll be putting it together today and then I'll take more pictures to share with you. Wish me luck!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on this project idea. I'm having more fun doing small projects this summer - not my usual fare, to be sure - and I'm so glad that some of you have either made these before, or are willing to give 'em a shot. If you do, please send me photos. I'd love to share them here for everyone else to see.

Biscornus...

Biscornu  - stitched by Deb of Artistic Needle

Are you familiar with the term "biscornu"? It's pronounced bis • core' • noo, and it's a French word. It's an eight-sided little cushion that can be made into a pincushion, pin, or perhaps even a little sachet. (You know I love pincushions, right?)

I was first exposed to these little pretties when I happened along The Floss Box (in my "Favorites" on my sidebar here). Not only does Emily stitch them, but she also offers patterns - either free or for a small fee. (They're worth it!) Emily designs the patterns for cross stitch or embroidery, so anyone can make them! I've even seen them on other sites made from wool fabric and they're beautiful.

Sampler Biscornu - stitched by Deb of Artistic Needle

After doing a little online research, I came across these beautiful examples, stitched by Deb of The Artistic Needle. You also know I love samplers right? This one is my favorite!!!

I'm going to have to try my hand at making these. They can be as large or small as I choose, so I can make them into nearly anything my heart desires. Wouldn't they be beautiful gifts?

If you're interested in learning more about these fascinating little gems, Violarium.com (here) has a fabulous tutorial. I'm sure by the end of this week, I'll have at least one to share with you!

I hope you have something new and creative to do this week. If so, I'd love it if you'd share it with me!