Final February Finishes & A Winner

For most of the month of February, I have been working on

"Where The Heart Is"

a design by Rebekah L. Smith and kitted by Attic Heirlooms.

The design took a bit longer with all the blanket stitches and embroidery stitches, but is definitely worth it.

It also has multiple layers and keeps building up.

With the unusually warm February weather, I was even able to work on it for a bit outside while the pups enjoyed running in the yard.

Finally it was time to add the scalloped border.

Once it was blanket stitched, the last touch was to add stars, back it and add a tag.

I was so excited when it was completed, that I wanted to take a picture right away.

Of course my helper/shadow came running to help:

Peanut, you are a very handsome boy, especially with your haircut,

 but we can't see the whole mat.

My son had to hold him for me to take the picture :)

Here it is completed!

And tagged. I always like to add something that was happening while I stitched it.

I also had a cross stitch finish

"Endless Hearts" by Threadwork Primitives

And now it is time to pick a winner of my little giveaway.

It was so much fun to read what type of needles you like - lots of fans of John James and Bohin needles! Also mentions for DMC and Hiroshima needles and Primitive Gatherings needles too. There were mentions of sizes too from #10 milliners to straw needles. The Clover Black Gold #10 needles came up a few times for English Paper Piecing. I probably shouldn't admit that within 15 minutes of trying a black gold needle I snapped it in half. I guess I'm a bit rough on my needles! Maybe I should give them another try. It's fun to try different needles since it isn't a big investment. I have to say, that like others who posted, I usually have a tendency to use whatever needle I grab first for handsewing, EPP and wool, but I now find that I just can't cross stitch without my favorite John James Petite ;)

Thank you so much for the 38 entries! I wish that I could send each of you a pack of new needles! Today's winner through random.org is #5 Mary Anne F! Mary Anne, you are a no-reply blogger, so I cannot contact you directly. Please send me an email at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com by March 6th with your mailing address so that I can send out your prize.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

~I Corinthians 13:13 

Blessings, Patti