Annie Beez Samplings

After trying out some different names for my needlework design company, I have settled on Annie Beez Samplings, because it will be a division of the business I already own, and makes all the legalities and paperwork much easier. I will be adding a section to my website with my new designs. I have one model finished, and another in the works. I am going to wait and release them at the same time. Also I will be looking for model stitchers in the future, as I have more designs than I can possibly stitch myself, especially with all the constraints of my doll business still going strong. I am so excited about this new venture, as I have always dreamed of being a needlework designer! Wish me luck!

A little stash enhancement

I got my order from Colonial Crafts today. I have ordered fabric and supplies from them for my dollmaking for years. I finally found the perfect fabric to finish off my Colonial Bride Box, which will be my first official needlework design. I have the model all stitched and ready to be mounted to the top of an oval paper mache' box, but I just couldn't find the right fabric. I saw this one online at CC and thought I would take a chance. Its hard to be sure when ordering online, but it turned out to be perfect!
I also ordered several of the Crab Apple Hill patterns. I just adore the vintage shabby chic look of them. Some are on back order, so I will get another wonderful package with the rest of my order one day soon.
And last but not least, I ordered the two limited edition Colors of America sampler thread packs from The Gentle Art. The colors are luscious and I couldn't resist them. But then when they arrived I thought, hmmm...limited edition? What am I going to do with these? They won't be called for in any design because they won't always be available, and I probably shouldn't design with them for the same reason. Am I right? Well, I'll just have to use them on personal stuff and the wool applique stuff that I sometimes make to sell. Still I love them, they are gorgeous!

Elinor is finished!

She will be on Simply Primitives.com on July 1st! See the link on my sidebar to the right.

and here she is with...

embroidered features and light colored pencil work.

New doll

Here she is with just the penciled in face and very light needle sculpting.

New tie-on pillow finish!

I made this little pillow for my girlfriend who just had baby #6! A little boy, and she named him Lucas, which really tickles me as that is my oldest son's name. This is a Lizzie Kate design stitched on 28ct gingham graziano. I just LOVE how it turned out! And once again I used the tie-on pillow directions from the Focus on Finishing blog! Thanks Karen for your wonderful tutorials!

May Baskets Pillow

I finished this pillow using the tutorial at the Focus on Finishing blog found here.
It was very quick and easy to follow. I definitely think I will be making more of these little pillows!