I know this post is somewhat late, but better late than never. Most of these finishes were done in November before Thanksgiving. I took the month of December off. We had a death in the family and spent a week in Colorado for a memorial service. I was also on the mend from a simple, but serious health problem. Luckily the meds have worked wonders and I now am feeling my “old”, but new self again! I also have been busy designing some new boutis patterns, but they are quite a ways from being brought to fruition! So in the meanwhile, if you haven’t tried this beautiful French stitching, please think about purchasing my ornament kit. It is simple to work up and is a great introduction to French Boutis. It is available on my Etsy page.
Pat sewed this lovely pillow and found the perfect fabric for me to finish it with!
I loved this fabric so much that I decided to quilt the back of the pillow!
Beautiful stitching, Pat, and beautiful colors!
Pat also stitched this lovely grey ring bearer pillow for her daughter’s wedding. She gave it to her as a Christmas gift. Perfect!
Just look at all those scrumptious beads she used!
Lena stitch this simple, but elegant tree ornament. She has someone named Hope that she gives an ornament to each year….this one is filled with “hope”!!!
Lena also stitched this adorable penguin. I couldn’t resist adding the white “snowball” (mini pom pom) trim and the red ribbon with “snowflakes” as well as the snowflake charm.
And Lena also found this cute pattern to stitch for some special twin boys in her life!
Tina finished this lovely church just in time for the holidays!
Vivian has been stitching a LOT lately and has another pillow to her credit. This pattern is a Brenda Gervais pattern entitled Jingle Bell. I added some rusty bells and a hand dyed silk ribbon to finish off the primitive look.
And last but not least, Amy put a lot of work into stitching these two Shepherd’s Bush stockings for a couple of men in her life. The stockings are backed with dark green crushed velvet and fulled lined with a lovely light colored cotton print.
My prayer for everyone is to have a truly blessed New Year. I pray that all who are hurting and alone find comfort, peace and happiness; all who are sick to become well and whole again; and that each and every person feel the warmth and love of someone special. We all know someone in one of these categories, so please pray!
And THANKS for always visiting here. I love to read your comments, so please drop a line or two!
Blessings for 2017 to all my blogging friends! Amities, Averyclaire
Averyclaire 
Patsye
Jan 01, 2017 @ 13:17:26
These are all beautiful, but the “nest” is spectacular! You BOTH did an incredible job on that one. Happy Holidays!
averyclaire
Jan 01, 2017 @ 13:45:30
Thanks…I truly do love her pillow! And I absolutely adore all that gorgeous jewelry you have been making! I don’t think I could think up the creative ideas you apply to the art! Wonderful. Have a truly blessed year!
Carmen
Jan 01, 2017 @ 13:50:17
Todos una preciosidad!!!Feliz Año Nuevo!!
averyclaire
Jan 01, 2017 @ 16:21:29
Gracias! A new year is a good year!
Annie
Jan 01, 2017 @ 15:22:29
Another set of fabulous finishes! Sorry to hear about all of life’s difficulties, but glad to hear that your health is improving. Hope you have a wonderful 2017!
averyclaire
Jan 01, 2017 @ 16:20:32
I suppose as we get older the life challenges come more often. It WILL be a good year for all I am counting on this!
Jessica Grimm
Jan 01, 2017 @ 15:27:06
A happy and healthy new year to you too! And thanky you very much for introducing me to a new embroidery technique.
averyclaire
Jan 01, 2017 @ 16:18:21
TY for trying my new French Boutis kit. You are such an expert needle woman that I suspect they turned out beautiful!
Cheryl
Jan 01, 2017 @ 17:48:29
Beautiful as ever and so is the prayer. Blessings to you, too
Jackie
Jan 02, 2017 @ 15:35:54
I’m so sorry about the death and the family and to read you’ve been ill. Never a good time for it but the holidays makes it particularly difficult I think. Glad to hear you’re feeling yourself!
I always love seeing your finishes. Always so beautifully executed!
averyclaire
Jan 02, 2017 @ 17:45:04
Yes…it’s good to be myself again and not worrying about what is wrong. It was a sad time in Colorado and Carol will be missed. Looking forward to a healthy good new year!
Margaret
Jan 02, 2017 @ 19:34:41
Beautiful finishing as always! So sorry for your loss, and also that you’ve been ill. I’m glad you are feeling better. Happy New Year!
averyclaire
Jan 02, 2017 @ 20:05:47
Thx Margaret. I am in envy of all the lovely knitting you have accomplished this past year. Unfortunately with my finishing, I haven’t much time to do many of my own creations. Perhaps 2017 will give me more time!
Southpaw Stitcher
Jan 02, 2017 @ 22:47:57
Another set of gorgeous finishes! I love them all, but am particularly crazy about the bird’s nest. So glad you are feeling better now.
averyclaire
Jan 03, 2017 @ 02:10:29
Thx. I do love that pillow too. The fabric was a great find!
KerryCan
Jan 03, 2017 @ 05:52:34
The “real-life issues” you’ve been facing haven’t gotten in the way of creating beautiful finished products from these great projects! As always, I’m so impressed!
averyclaire
Jan 03, 2017 @ 06:44:41
Real life issues can be a heavy weight. I pray for a good 2017 for myself and everyone else. I have read your entire advent posts and admire all of your reflections and made me think about some of mine. Happy New Year!
KerryCan
Jan 03, 2017 @ 07:10:05
Oh, thank you for reading and letting me know! I have been very free of “real-life issues” lately, lucky for me, but I know that things can change in a heartbeat. I hope your year is all you wish for!
Carol
Jan 05, 2017 @ 13:10:36
Such a lovely parade of finishes for your clients, Karen–I’m sure they were thrilled to get them in time for Christmas gift giving… I
I do hope that is the end of your health problems for a while. You just never know what lies around the corner as you age, do you? I hope that 2017 will bring you and your entire family much happiness, good health, love, and laughter! Can’t wait to see your finishes in this new year 🙂
averyclaire
Jan 06, 2017 @ 19:34:03
TY for the kind words. I hope to find health and peace for all in the New Year and extra hours in the day!
Brigitte
Jan 06, 2017 @ 06:31:37
I’m always so totally impressed with your finishing skills, Karen.
I do hope that this new year will bring you better health so that your issues will be a worry of the past.
averyclaire
Jan 06, 2017 @ 19:36:13
Thx. I pray all worries for everyone will simply disappear in lucky 201″7″. !!!