Today I finally managed to get to my PO Box during opening hours so that I could pick up my post as well as pop my own parcel into the mail – I was very excited to see that as I sent off my own Snowman ornie exchange parcel, my very own squishy mail parcel was sitting in my PO Box. My exchange partner this time round was Elisa, and she put together an exquisite ornie using a fantastic pattern (which has been on my wishlist for stitching for a while now), a great choice of fabric (never would I have thought of using yellow linen and I love it), and the perfect pom-pom edging … all-in-all yet another exchange received that I will treasure. I have to say that after having a couple of exchanges ‘go wrong’ in the past, it’s been a distinct pleasure to be part of this group and having exchanges run smoothly for a change 🙂 Anyway, thanks again Elisa for a real treat in my mailbox! If my exchange partner likes theirs even half as much as I like mine, I’d class it as a perfect exchange 😉
The small finish I referred to in the title is a freebie from The Stitching Parlor, Inc. I have to admit, I can’t say I’m totally in love with this design. After wanting to stitch it for the longest time (it’s been kitted up with the fabric since having all my stash in storage when housesitting years ago), I’m really disappointed with the colours and the overall look – I was originally going to finish it off as a little gift for someone but now I really don’t know what on earth to do with it!
“Proud Peacock” freebie by The Stitching Parlor, Inc
stitched on 28ct white Cashel linen
with recommended DMC threads
I now understand why KarenV changed the colours when she stitched it for me for an earlier birthday gift … I totally adore Karen’s version of this design, and kinda wish I hadn’t bothered to still stitch one myself – but on the positive side, I now have one kitted-up piece of fabric/chart that is off the “to be stitched” pile! I’ve copied another copy of KarenV’s version below so you can compare … Karen’s version is so, so very much better, I’m sure you’ll agree! 🙂
And on that note, I think it’s time to go back to getting a few more stitches into my extremely overdue PIFs that are currently in progress – I never ever received my PIF that I signed up for (nor ever heard from the person running it), but I still fully intend fulfilling my end of the bargain, albeit (the way I’m going) a year late!!! Mind you, I have to admit to having second doubts about one piece … I guess I’ll wait until it’s finished before I decide whether to rethink my choices!
And now it’s time to go plug in disc one of Band of Brothers (from Quickflix) and chill out with needle in hand for a wee while before catching a few zzzzzz 🙂
Feather Stitching 
Your exchange gift from Elisa is very pretty. I love the pom-pom trim and the little bells attaching the hanging ribbon.
As for Proud Peacock, I think it’s the dark shade of brown/green that kinda brings it down. I do like the blue that you used. The overdyed threads that KarenV used add another dimension to the piece as well.
What a sweet snowman exchange. I agre with Karen about the peacock’s colours. The hand-dyed one is lovely funy how much difference thread choice makes.
You receive (and send!) some gorgeous exchanges! Well, I don’t know about your Peacock. Okay, yours might be a big dull in colour compared to Karen’s, but it still looks like a peacock to me (but I am one-eyed about them as you know, lol!)
Lovely gift from Elisa! I wouldn’t be so unkind with your peacock, I think he’s quite cute!
Yes, I have to say that the blue version does pull together better than the called-for colors – and it is totally YOU. 😀
So glad you and your mum enjoyed such a fine time together! 😀
Lovely exchange piece, looks great on the yellow fabric. I like your peacock although have to admit, I like Karen’s version better 🙂 .
Your peacock turned out nicely, but Karen is right about the brown being the downer. You know what, though, I bet someone else would be happy with it. That’s what I tend to do with pieces I stitch that I don’t care for; I give them away to whomever wants them.
I like your peacock. The colors look like those that might have been used in an heirloom sampler. The gift peacock is just lovely, but then, I would admire anything done in that shade of (peacock?) blue. Do you know if the peacock chart is still available anywhere?
Happy holidays from Texas.