Welcome to my 'Country House' sampler--with some of my favorite things. Think: Sound of Music, with Julie Andrews singing . . .
"Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles, and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings--these are a few of my favorite things. Cream colored ponies, and crisp apple strudels. Doorbells and sleigh bells, and schnitzel with noodles. Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings--these are a few of my favorite things. Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes. Silver white winters that melt into spring--these are a few of my favorite things. When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad. . . I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad."
Those wonderful lyrics are sweet and simple, yet beautiful; they do tend to linger with you long after hearing them and I suppose they also had a bit of influence here.
This little project actually began last year. I stitched on it from time to time, in between the state flower quilt blocks. It was so much fun to design (I just looked around me for inspiration, and of course, that song kept lingering). Just cute fun stitching.
I finished it, but then got really, really busy with jam and pickles and all that summer harvest goodness, so the project was set aside for a bit. Now, with the bulk of the bounty fairly well managed, and with autumn settling in and offering up quiet moments of bliss now and then, stitchery is back on my mind.
And in my hands.
And on my computer screen, as it turns out, as most of this past week was spent putting the finishing touches on the pattern. I'm hugging myself for getting it all done.
The transfer pattern can be purchased on the PatternBee website HERE.
See more pictures here.
For the kick-off, I've got three patterns to give away!
So, if you are up for some fun stitching just leave a comment. I'll announce the winners Monday--October 24, 2011 before noon PST so check back then. You'll have a choice between a traceable PDF or an iron-on transfer. Please note: This give-away is open to all, but due to the increasing hassle and cost of international shipping, any winners outside the U.S. will receive a PDF only.
Update: Winners have been notified and this give-away has officially ended. Much thanks to all who participated!
This looks like sooo much fun!! A great winter project for the cold days coming!!!
Posted by: Nora | October 21, 2011 at 11:57 AM
If it's true that idle hands are the devils workshop, he has no hold on you!
Posted by: Bridgette | October 21, 2011 at 01:13 PM
I would love this project - embroidery is my love!! Thanks for this wonderful giveaway.
Posted by: Anne Marie | October 21, 2011 at 01:31 PM
What a great project! And I adore that song/movie! It was a favorite that a special aunt had taken me to see when I was younger. What a great memory :)
Posted by: Nancy | October 21, 2011 at 02:39 PM
You're such a great source of inspiration! I'd definitely be up for some fun stitching. :) Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Bobbi M | October 21, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Mmmm, great pattern. Thanks for the chance to win one.
Posted by: di | October 21, 2011 at 02:54 PM
I'm rather busy right now, thank you very much. :D I'll leave what I know is a terrific giveaway for the gal who does have time. Actually, I do hope that my husband has time to finish making my light box. I am not tracing any more patterns against the patio door.
This newest project is so darling!
Posted by: Vee | October 21, 2011 at 03:14 PM
I love this! This is so sweet and charming. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: vera | October 21, 2011 at 03:15 PM
I was thinking the same thing...perfect to work on when sitting by a roaring fire!
Posted by: kathryn | October 21, 2011 at 04:13 PM
Adorable! I had to chuckle...is that an iron I see? You actually like ironing? Hee.
Posted by: DonnaJ | October 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM
Very cute!
Posted by: Wendy | October 21, 2011 at 06:50 PM
What a cute sampler! Would make a great pattern for a quilt or a wall hanging. Very versatile.
Posted by: Mrs. H | October 21, 2011 at 06:55 PM
I love your sampler! It is so cheery! Please enter me in your contest I would love to win it.
Posted by: Teah | October 21, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Oh, I'd love to enter.. that is so cute!! I went through all the alphabet to see what you had.. but what is the E standing for? Isn't it a teapot? LOL!! Hubby guessed Earl Grey Tea.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | October 21, 2011 at 08:21 PM
What a perfect stitching project--thanks for showing off yours!
Posted by: Sara | October 22, 2011 at 05:44 AM
What a darling sampler. You are so talented. I actually sang "My Favorite Things " at a music recital at age 10. When I got to the part about "when a bee stings" I swatted an imaginary bee on my arm. I thought I was so clever and the audience loved it.
Posted by: Jeanne | October 22, 2011 at 07:52 AM
Bringing together two of my winter favs--Sound of Music and needle work! Brilliant!! Thanks for a beautiful giveaway!
Posted by: cami | October 22, 2011 at 09:36 AM
I have never entered one of your give-aways. Let's hope my luck is good on this one. I have been thinking about making a sampler, and this would be the perfect one. Thank you for the chance to win one.
Posted by: Velma | October 22, 2011 at 10:05 AM
So cute! Love this. Great work. :)
Posted by: Laura | October 22, 2011 at 10:07 AM
How absolutely charming!
Posted by: Joan | October 22, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Oh Vicki this is so cute and perfect!
Posted by: Miss Paula | October 22, 2011 at 09:42 PM
Vicki,
Such a darling piece! I squeaked in happiness when I saw it. It's so remindful of your dear blog- a place I love to visit. I haven't picked up embroidery for awhile but I think I'm ready again.
Posted by: Catherine | October 23, 2011 at 06:42 PM
I love your embroideries!!! So beautiful and colorful!
Posted by: Vanilla | October 24, 2011 at 07:07 AM
Another beautiful project! You are so inspiring! Thank you for an opportunity to win your lovely pattern!
Posted by: Sue | October 24, 2011 at 07:24 AM
Oh I hope I'm not too late! I just found your blog from your spotlight over at Feeling Stitchy! :)
Posted by: Denise :) | October 24, 2011 at 07:24 AM
Vicki, how cool to see you over at Feeling Stitchy website. Your gorgeous state flower quilt is making waves.
Posted by: DonnaJ | October 24, 2011 at 08:32 AM
Hi Vicki! I followed a link from Feeling Stitchy and I'm so glad I did. I do love embroidery and your work (both in stitching and designing) is inspirational. Thank you for the chance to win one of your patterns.
I'm a Willamette Valley girl myself, born and raised there. Isn't it a beautiful place? :)
Posted by: Jane S. | October 24, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Good morning from a fellow Willamette Valley-ite. I love the country sampler, Love does make a house a home.
Posted by: Cyndy Martin-Lovejoy | October 24, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Oh this is so cute! What a creative lady you are! I have been so admiring your state flower blocks and now this adorable sampler. So many projects...so little time (but I'll make time for these!). Hope I win!!
Posted by: Barb | October 24, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Also just found you through Feeling Stitchy. This looks like such a fun pattern! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: JenB | October 24, 2011 at 12:53 PM
**CONGRATULATIONS BOBBI--YOU ARE A WINNER!**
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 26, 2011 at 09:24 AM
**CONGRATULATIONS CATHERINE--YOU ARE A WINNER!**
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 26, 2011 at 09:29 AM
**CONGRATULATIONS JEANNE--YOU ARE A WINNER!**
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 26, 2011 at 09:29 AM