Free Stuff!

That's Open Studios done for another year. Visitor numbers and sales were down on previous years but I still met lots of interesting people, some first time visitors and others regulars. It was also a chance to chat and catch up with friends so all in all it felt like a successful couple of weekends with lots of lovely visitor comments. There are always one or two slightly odd comments and the best this year came from a man (who actually made several odd remarks) who, after looking at all my work told me that his Mum did cross stitch too.

Now, I've nothing against cross stitch and have even been known to do some many years ago but there is nothing of my current work that even hints at cross stitch so where he made the connection I do not know. It amused me enough that I put it on my Facebook status... and then on Saturday a friend (you know, I am beginning to wonder) visited my studio with a gift for me... a cross stitch kit as pictured above... and the gauntlet was thrown!

So in between visitors yesterday I sat and stitched this little chap... although I had to add my own interpretation... and I am well aware that not all my stitches go in the same direction and I've probably mis-counted on several of the holes  (my eyesight is not up to pale yellow on cream linen... especially 26 hpi).... but there you go it's done!

Any way that little story is just a digression because today my blog is five years old... that's five years of me waffling on, so as a sign of appreciation for those who have stuck with me I'm giving away some stuff. First of all a machine and hand embroidered make up bag made from felted wool and a suitably colourful lining.

Next one of my machine stitched corsages made from recycled fabrics, lace and buttons.

And finally one of my miniature matchbox books... Japanese stab bound, covered with Japanese papers and the box decorated with an origami butterfly.

All you have to do is leave me a comment by Friday this week... but in an unashamed attempt to get more followers, fans and subscribers and generally get myself more publicity I'm offering extra ways to win.

If you are a subscriber to my blog, you get an extra chance to win, if you are a Facebook Fan, you get an extra chance to win and if you are a newsletter subscriber you get an extra chance to win. Potentially you could have your name go into the hat four times... be sure to let me know when you leave your comments. You can tell me what you'd prefer to win too, if you like... although I make no promises!