French Redwork Exchange (FRE)

I've always admired all things French and I love the colour red so when the group where I'm a member of, NeedlesnCrafts, organised an exchange that's called "French Redwork Exchange" at the end of 2006, I've no hesitancy in signing up. Mailing date is 10th January 2007 but I can blog about it as I've sent off as well as received mine and besides, I want to save Barbara from the torture of pulling her hair each minute the pics are not up.

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On 6th January 2007, I received from my partner, Janet of Ipoh, my first ever needle book. As you can see from the pics above that she has stitched on both the front and back. The stitched pieces were frayed off at the edges and attached to a red and white gingham backing with red crosses to complement. Inside, both leafs of the book were stitched with felt to park needles (pins in this instance). And I guess the provision of the two ribbons are for me to string the reel of thread I'm working on. I heard Janet is real good in patchwork and it shows in her work - neat and precise. Thank you, Janet!

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Designed by DominiqueA
Finishing idea copied from Veronique

My other partner is Nik and it’s to her that I’m to send my exchange to. I had chosen for Nik a freebie ‘A Comme Amitié’ or 'With Friendship' by Dominique done in DMC 115. I had originally intended this to be a scissor case but tried as I did, I couldn’t get the sharp bottom edge right due to the thickness of the linen and backing. In frustration and desperation, I had it converted to a pincushion instead. Thought that it was rather plain looking so I dressed it up a little by blanket-stitching a layer of felt over a cardboard recycled from my 2006’s desk calendar and batting for the cushion to sit on. Strung the corners of the cushion onto the felt board, added the tassels and buttons and voila, mission accomplished!

I had a colleague hand delivered the package over to Nik on 8th January 2007 instead of posting it as the distance to her office and post office is the same. Didn’t think much about it until my colleague rang to say that Nik has handed a letter to him for me. Before I received the envelope, I thought Nik must have written a quick thank you note for the exchange she just received but lo, when I opened it up, I found a cut of fabric and a handmade card (obviously by her) thanking me for my support of NNC. No Nik, I should be the one thanking you for inviting me to be a member of this group where I've derived hours of pleasure. Thank you too for the fabric you sent me and it was nice talking to you over the phone today.

Category: [cross stitch]