I've been working on either some longer-term projects or guild projects I can't show yet. Last weekend I really felt the need to finish something, so I completed some smaller and quick projects for that instant gratification. It felt so good!
This cross stitch was a holiday gift, a kit from DMC with scented floss. The off-white floss did smell nicely of vanilla as I stitched the flower. I had it about half-way done so it was pretty quick to finish up. The backstitching wasn't as bad as I'd expected. There was a lot of it, though.
These buttons were a kit attached to a recent "Molly Makes" magazine (issue 7). I didn't use their patterns, but made up some of my own. I wanted them to look like I'd cut them from old dresser scarves. I used the fabric, threads and button forms from the kit and added the brown, ochre, and yellow flosses from my stash.
I found these sweet little hearts on the Purl Soho blog. The center seam is actually an opening to a little pocket--a sweetie or two can be tucked inside. Purl Soho used their beautiful wool felt; I stocked up on what is available--felt from Jo-Anns, with a skein of DMC variegated perle cotton. They worked up quickly. I hope to make more before Valentine's Day. Every time I make a project with felt, I realize all over again how much I enjoy working with it.
No matter how much I enjoy my "real" embroidery projects and feel I should devote what stitching time to them alone, I've realized I need the balance of quick, fun projects like this. I'll give them away, poof! they're gone, and I didn't learn anything new or improve my skills, but they add necessary sparks of color and fun to my days. The plain old joy of needle and thread.
r, Dolly. She's patiently waiting for me to finish her dress and get that pin out of her head, the one holding the flower together. This is a 
