A complete finish.......in less than two weeks!

 Earlier this month I went to St. Charles, MO with two friends to attend the Celebration of Needlework show.  While there, I bought a pattern for a scissor sheath to stitch as a Christmas gift for a friend of mine.  

It only took me a week of sporadic stitching to complete the cross-stitch and I finished assembling the sheath this afternoon.  Assembling the sheath called for a blanket stitch which I don't do very often.  It took me a little while to get the hang of the blanket stitch but I was finally able to move at a more rapid pace.  

  The sheath is approximately 

3 3/4" high and 1 1/2" wide.  In the world of needlework, these tiny projects are called "smalls".

Halloween Scissors Sheath pattern

designer:  J. Designs by Julie

I also purchased a cute pair of swordfish scissors to include as part of the gift.

I am so pleased with how the sheath turned out......I may have to stitch one for me one of these days!

Handmade Halloween Exchange

I participated in a Halloween swap that Kim over at Wisdom With Needle and Thread organized.  

My swap package came from Cheryll who lives in Australia!  Here is the handmade item that Cheryll sent me. How adorable is this!

The quilted wallhanging is approximately 8x10" and I have it hanging on the mantle in my living room.  Of course I love that it has a cat on it!  ;o)

Cheryll included some "extras" in the package that I received.  Halloween fabric (more cats!) and some DMC in Halloweeny (is that a word????) colors.

Cheryll also included some Australian souvenirs.....a keychain, zippered pouch, and postcard.

My handmade Halloween swap item was sent to Justine who lives in Cheshire (United Kingdom).  Here is a photo of the Halloween ornament that I made for Justine.  It is a Pine Mountain Designs pattern.

I did include some extras (cross-stitch patterns and Halloween fabrics) but forgot to take a photo of them.  Justine has posted photos of the "extras" that I sent her so take a look at her blog here.  

Swap participants are taking part in a blog "linky party" that Kim has set up so if you want to read more about the swap and see what each participant received, take a look at the linky party posts here.  Who knows.....you may decide to join the next Handmade Halloween swap!