Valentine's Day

 I finished a set of four reversible placemats and napkins. 

 It all started with a set of napkins stamped for embroidery I picked up from the thrift store.  The original price was $9.50 but I picked them up for $1.95.  I finished the embroidery on them around August 2014. 

I'm not usually a "neat back" sort of embroiderer; however, I tried to stay neat since these are napkins and according to the packaging are supposed to be used as is because they have a serged edge. I didn't like them like that so decided to make them reversible and threw them in a project box along with possible fabrics to use for the reverse side which were mostly white so they would not show through to the front. And there they sat in the project box. 

Around 2016 after I saw a mini quilt tutorial with hearts at Cluck Cluck Sew I decided to make placemats to go with the napkins. I made four of those and threw them into the project box with the napkins. I didn't really like how the unfinished placemats turned out because I decided there was too much white in them for me.  I threw them into the project box with the napkins. 

I've made it a Finish -Along goal to finish the placemats and napkins several times but just couldn't get motivated to complete them. 

But this year is my year of finishing lots of old things so finished they are.  The placemats are a large size at 14 x 20. They are reversible. The reverse fabric fabric for placemats and napkins came from the Valentine fabric box. I didn't use the whites I had set aside and they are back in the neutral basket now.  The binding came from the Christmas fabric box.  I used bits and pieces of batting inside.  The napkins finish at 11.5 inches. 

This was my goal #28

for

Q1 Finish-Along

Kaleidoscope of Butterflies

X Stitch Butterflies on X stitch morning glories on stamped embroidery pillowcases. 

(Found long ago w/o embroidery at the thrift store for $2.50 so decided I might as well finish them and either use them, add to the grandkids' hope chests or give as gift). 

I'm pretty sure this is a Comma on that blade of grass. 

(Found on an evening walk through my gardens. )

Tiger Swallowtail on Joe Pye Weed

(Found on an evening walk through my gardens). 

Skipper on Lantana

(Found on my deck - one of many Skippers that were fascinated with the potted Lantana one afternoon while I was sipping on a margarita and munching on mango salsa and chips). 

An InLinkz Link-up

Two Sets of Finished Pillowcases

These pillowcases were stamped for embroidery and hemstitched ready for a crochet edging.  My daughter found them in her mother-in-law's things when she passed away and asked me if I wanted them.  Sure!  (I received several unfinished sets and did finish one set a while ago for my daughter and son-in-law).   Can you tell I like variegated threads? 

This set I purchased at a thrift store ages ago.  Since I'm working on finishing up a few rose themed quilts I figured I might as well finish up some rose themed pillowcases to match. 

I probably should have used a smaller crochet hook to go with my #30 thread (11 instead of 8) but I can hardly see to crochet with an 11 hook. I think the edgings turned out just fine. 

I picked up the #30 thread I used for the crochet and the crochet edging books at the thrift store long ago too.  I'm finally getting around (now that I'm retired) to doing something with all those thrift store finds.   I have several more sets to embroider that will probably go into the grandkids' hope chests. 

And on a final note...one of my garden roses. Ahhhh...the scent!

Looking through rose colored glasses today and

Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts