I love little things! And little embroidery kits are wonderful to have in one’s stash, because they make the perfect “quick fix” when you want to work on something – but not something big!
Today’s give-away includes little kits, plus some miscellaneous goodies, all contributed by The French Needle. I’ve divided the collections into two packages, so for today’s give-away, there will be two winners, each receiving one of the packages.
One package of goodies will contain a copy of Mains & Merveilles Magazine, which contains a great collection of embroidery patterns and projects. Though the magazine is written in French, it is filled with pictures and diagrams that can be easily read by anyone. You can see some samples of this magazine here in this review I wrote quite a while ago. This particular edition included in the give-away is not the same edition as the ones I reviewed, but it is similar in set-up and content.
In addition to the magazine, you’ll find two already stitched little pin-keep pillows, one in red and one in blue, with a fleur de lis stitched on them.
There are two small kits in the package as well. These kits are produced by Rouge du Rhin – they contain the pre-printed fabric, all the threads and silk ribbons necessary to complete the little floral wreath design, needles, and instructions. In cases where the instructions are in French, there are diagrams that clarify. These are fun little quick kits that would work up well into your own pin cushions, box tops, or what-have-you. They’re great for beginners!
Each package also includes two wooden thread keeps. These are tools you use to keep your threads separate, by stringing them through the drilled holes along the edge of the bird. They’re pretty cute! (They remind me of The Partridge Family, for some reason. Did I just date myself?)
The second collection of goodies may seem a bit unbalanced, with five kits (two of each style in the above package, plus one “April” heart kit), but when you consider the Mains & Merveilles magazine and all the wonderful projects and transfers available in there, I thought this was a good balance! Besides two each of the small Rouge du Rhin kits described above (you could make a whole matching set of pin cushions! Or best yet, you could stitch one or two with a friend!), the winner will receive this colorful little April heart kit.
This is a sweet little kit, again suitable for beginners, with plenty of color, flowers, a butterfly – very springy!
The second package also includes the little pin cushion pillows and the wooden bird thread keeps.
You’ll find all kinds of French needlework items in the boutique at French Needle. My favorites there can be found in the section on traditional hand embroidery. For example, I think Lucy’s Garlands is such a pretty piece and perfect for a pillow top! I’m also quite taken with the Bayeux Tapestry kits that are available there.
If you’re a scissor collector, you will find the most beautiful embroidery scissors in the world just waiting for you. They’re a bit beyond my range (gasp!), but I do love to look at them! For example, take a look at these Marguerite scissors! I might be a bit afraid to touch them – but my goodness, they are gorgeous! And there’s nothing wrong with window shopping, is there?
Give-Away Instructions
Today’s seventh day of Christmas give-away winners will receive one or the other of the above collections of fun needlework goodies. Please follow these (simple) instructions to be eligible:
1. Leave a comment at the end of today’s article. If you click on that link, it will take you directly to the comment area, so that there are no mishaps! Comments delivered via e-mail or on other articles will not be included in the give-away.
2. In your comment, answer the following question:
Do you collect embroidery scissors? If so, what’s your favorite pair? If you don’t, do you know people who do? Do you think you’d be inclined to collect embroidery scissors? Are you a collector of such things in general? Just what are your views on collecting scissors? (Don’t worry – I’ll tell you mine in an upcoming give-away post!)
3. Make sure you leave a recognizable name either in the body of your comment, or on the “name” line above the comment box. For example, if your name happens to be Lucy, you might include a last initial or a location to differentiate yourself from any other Lucy that might join in.
4. Leave your comment before January 9th, 2012, at 5:00 am Central Standard Time (Kansas, USA!). All winners for this series will be selected on January 9th, and announced that day here on Needle ‘n Thread. You’ll have to check back on January 9th to see if you’ve won, because the winners will need to contact me within 3 days to claim their prizes.
Merry Seventh Day of Christmas! and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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