Elf's Garden and A Prayer Request

I know I've mentioned it before, and I'm sure I will mention it again, but Soda Stitch patterns just make me smile! I don't know if it's the colors used or the subject matter or what, but they are an absolute joy to stitch. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of working on Elf's Garden.

I was able to make some significant progress on the Summer Elf yesterday - once I get into a groove with these patterns, no matter how many color changes, it just seems to flow easily!

It will look even better when I get all of the backstitching in too! I'm using 32 Belfast in Wildflowers from Under The Sea Fabrics for this one. I just love it.

Oh, and I've had several people ask at one time or another where they can find Soda Stitch patterns. I buy all of mine on eBay, personally. Just follow this link if you are interested, but I warn you! There are so many adorable patterns on the site! I know I have more I want to get (yes, yes, I know I have too many patterns in my stash already. So sue me!).

Also, one more note. I saw on Facebook yesterday that Joan Elliott, one of my favorite designers, was in a rather serious car accident. She was hit head on by a trailer that got unhitched and came into her lane and she is in the hospital for a punctured lung and broken bones. Word has it she has posted that she is being well taken care of, hopes to be back home on Wednesday and is very grateful to be alive, but if you can spare a good thought or prayer for a smooth and as painless a recovery as possible, I'm sure she would appreciate it!

Until next time!
~Katy

Stitch Maynia - Elf's Garden, Taurus Part Two, And Giveaway Preview!

Lots to talk about today! First, I had my second start for Stitch Maynia yesterday, which was Elf's Garden by Soda Stitch.

Regular followers of my blog will know that I'm a big fan of fairies, elves, all things magical creatures, so this was a must have. Just like when I worked on another piece by this designer, I fell in love with it just a few stitches in! Here is where I got to yesterday:

I don't know what it is about this designer, but I just love their patterns! I have quite a few in my stash now! I'm stitching this piece on 32 Belfast in Wildflower from Under The Sea Fabrics. It's a beautiful fabric with lots of wonderful colors that the elves will fade into brilliantly. I really didn't want to put it down!

Yesterday also saw the completion of the Taurus section of the Walking Through The Stars Zodiac Sampler:

And here is the completed piece to date:

As always, the designers included some interesting information about this sign! My son, sister and father are all Tauruses and I straddle the line between Taurus and Gemini, so I found this information insightful this month.

Taurus - April 21 to May 21

Taurus takes its name from the Greek Tauros, meaning "the Bull."  

Taurus thrives on stability, and being able to grow a garden (life's work, family, art) into a lush paradise buzzing with life. Taurus has a strong primal instinct, for big appetites with food, sensual love, and creature comforts.

Taurus follows the surges of Aries, and is the earth sign of catching hold, and growing where planted. That explains the heavy vibe (and sometimes physique), for a sign that struggles with weightedness, and stagnation.  The pressure to root in and consolidate, is what makes Taurus great at manifesting. It's what gives Taurus a solid bearing.

Taurus' love of stability sometimes leads to staying in dull jobs, that aren't inspiring. It's a happy Bull that finds a path that is both abundant and satisfying.

At the extreme edges, Taurus is bull-headed, self-absorbed, materialistic, greedy, hedonistic, a glutton.  

Constellation: Taurus, the Bull
Element: Heart
Ruling Planet: Venus
Stone: Emerald
Metal: Copper
Phrase: “I have”
Colors: earthy browns, shades of green, pastel colors (blues, pinks, greens), white
Animals: those with sturdy frames, like bull and cattle in general
Birth Flowers: Rose, Poppy and foxglove flowers . Taurus' personal flowers also include: Primulas, Violets, Columbines, Mallows, Sundews

Finally, this is a big month! I have officially hit 200 followers (yay!), I turn 35 later this month on the 22nd (yay!) and I've decided I'm going to do a giveaway. I have discovered going through my stash for Stitch Maynia that I have a few duplicate patterns in my collection and I want to find them a good home. So sometime next week, I will pull all the duplicate patterns and make a post announcing the official giveaway, but I know there will at least be a Soda Stitch and a Joan Elliott to give away! Stay tuned!

Until next time!
~Katy