an ornament and an anniversary.

Five of my wonderful online quilting friends and I are doing an ornament swap for Christmas. My contribution is this 3in Rudolph hoop.

I used raw edge applique plus a couple different shades of linen, American Jane rulers in red, and Lush woodgrain to make this cute little reindeer. I really love raw edge applique, it is so much fun to do! As with the girl on the swing hoop I made last month, I used some black thread to outline each piece of fabric after using fusible web to attach it to the background, which I believe is Kona Bone (or maybe Snow?). If you have never tried this technique, you really have to! Be sure to check out my friend Aneela's tutorial.

The backing is Crosshatch (I think that is the name!) from Early Bird by Cosmo Cricket. I really love this fabric and have it in all three colorways. I use them all very often, it is a great staple for your stash.

Here is a shot from the side. I used this really great tutorial (found here) to finish off the hoop and give it a nicely padded look. Now I just need to find some cute red ribbon to tie on the top and it will be ready for the mail.

And now I'm off. Today is our 6th anniversary, and I get to spend the day with my best friend.

We are very blessed.

xoxo, A