Gift Box
My recent stitching time has been devoted to finishing a gift for my friend.
There's no better way to show a friend how much I love them than gifting them with some of my hideous attempts at finishing. I only took three pictures because I gave it to her while the glue was still drying because 1) We have kittens and the box would not have survived the night and 2) I wanted it out of my house! Here is the box top complete with pins. It's straighter than it looks in the picture, I promise. Really! Seriously!
Friendship is a Sheltering TreePrairie Schooler
25 or 28ct Lugana(I thought it was 28 but I'm pretty sure it's 25ct.)
DMC
I think the pins are making it look not so straight. Attaching trim is not one of my strong points and I kept asking the spousal unit if it would be wrong to give Pam the box and trim and a bottle of glue and tell that I'm sure she could do a better job than me. He said that would be major, big time tacky, especially since she had to line the patchwork bag I gifted her with since I had a sewing meltdown. I perservered and got this finished despite not being quite satisfied with the finished result but it is what it is and she knows I made it with love and I should add that I was only ten days late. Go me!
I think the pins are making it look not so straight. Attaching trim is not one of my strong points and I kept asking the spousal unit if it would be wrong to give Pam the box and trim and a bottle of glue and tell that I'm sure she could do a better job than me. He said that would be major, big time tacky, especially since she had to line the patchwork bag I gifted her with since I had a sewing meltdown. I perservered and got this finished despite not being quite satisfied with the finished result but it is what it is and she knows I made it with love and I should add that I was only ten days late. Go me!
Lady Bug Scissor Fob
Fairy Needleminder that I made
Close up of needleminder
Despite the stress of being the single worst finisher in the world, I enjoyed this project. The box is painted a dark blue, think one of the DMC 920 something series. I can't recall the exact number at the moment.
But it was a relief to take it over to her house wet glue and all. Am I the only one that feels like rainbows and unicorns when a handmade gift is done and out of the house, like "whew, now I can get on with my life"?
I got this idea when I saw a box Missy Ann made for a swap a while back, Lookie what I made!
My box is not near as nice as the one she made and I ended up kind of doing my own thing. I read different tutorials online and basically stretched the stitching over some batting and mat board and glued it down. I think next time I'll go with lacing but I am linearly challenged and thought the glue might be my best bet. I also left too much fabric on the back but I have been screwed one too many times cutting my fabric too close only to realize an extra 1/4 of an inch or even an 1/8th of an inch could have made all the difference. The fob is stitched on 32ct Belfast and I found the freebie chart online. And now I can't find the website. I hate when I do that. I want to say it was at about.com but I could be wrong.
I made the needleminder from a cabochon I found online.
Thanks again to Missy Ann for her help and inspiration.
10 comments:
I'm sure in person it's good. Love the design you stitched.
And I've learned the hard way about needing that extra 1/8 to 1/4 inch too.
The needleminder is cute too! Brilliant me went to make some yesterday. Apparently I found the anti-magnet cabs. Sonofabitch. So I just spent $14 ordering the super strong magnets. Keep your fingers crossed for me, 'cause if they don't work I'll have blown over $30 on NOTHING.
Wow! So pretty! I bet your friend loves it!
WOW You box looks terrific, Melissa! You did a wonderful job. I'm sure Pam loves it. Love the fob and the needleminder too!
What a pretty gift!!!! Love it and congrats on the finish. Cute needleminder too.
You crack me up! You did a GREAT job on the box!! That is so cool. Great job on the needleminder, too! I am so impressed. I'm sure Pam loves it, because she knows a lot of love went into making the gift for her.
The box looks great. I'm sure Pam loves it.
That needleminder is amazing! How did you make it?
Let's just say, I'm a lucky girl to have Missy as my friend!!! ~Pam
Oh you are not the worlds worst finisher, that is me. Maybe it's something about people named Melissa. ;)
It looks lovely!
Don't be so hard on yourself, Melissa! I think you did a great job, and even if it isn't perfect, all the love and effort and care that went into the gift more than makes up for any imperfections. I am sure your friend loves it, and will treasure it always!
Wow! I'm impressed by your making of a needle minder!
Don't be so hard on yourself - it looks lovely and I'm sure your friend will appreciate it. Finishing takes some practice and it's always a struggle getting everything straight. I use glue to mount my needlwork and I probably leave about 3/4" to work with. One thing I found that helps me is I use a little Omnigrid ruler (they sell them in the quilting supplies at JoAnns) that is 1" wide and 6" long. It is great for pushing the fabric where you want and tightening it once you get your glue down. Also if you miter your corners you can always take a sewing needle & thread and take a few stitches where the miter meets - it helps you tug everything in and make a neat corner.
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