Moonlight Guardian
made by Sapphire (2000)

This is a pattern from Dragon Dreams, which went to my friend Bill in the US for one of his birthdays (he got quite a collection of my stuff by now). The project was not as easy to do as I thought it would be, mostly due to the amount of metallic and rayon fabric used for the design.
Still a cute little fellow, which I enjoyed doing.

Giraffes 1
made by Sapphire (2000)

Both my sisters like African Wildlife, and especially my middle sister (who's three years older than I am). So I planed to do a nice giraffe for her birthday, especially, as she's collecting giraffes in all shapes and sizes. Then I made the mistake to ask my oldest sister what animal she likes best, only to hear: giraffes. Luckily, I had that second pattern in my collection, so in this year *both* sisters received stitched giraffes for their birthday.
A deceptively easy pattern, but it has lots of shading and took three times as long as the other giraffe.

Giraffe 2
made by Sapphire (2000)

This one was for my middle sister, who's collecting giraffes in all shapes and sizes.
Fairly simple project, really, with a little twist, as the mane along the neck and the brush on its tail are done in a loop-hook technique, which makes them three dimensional.

Cheetah
made by Sapphire (2002)

Another project for my eldest sister. Jutta has spend quite some time in Africa (mostly South Africa , but some other places too). I made the cheetah the first time I came to visit her in Sweden , where she's living now.
I simply love the pose of the cheetah in this picture, so relaxed and at the same time so aware.

Northern Dignity
made by Sapphire (2002)

Another one for Bill. He's a big fan of Alaska and I knew he would love that one.
I didn't care too much about the huge amount of half stitches, but still an interesting project, with great color details.

Christmas Elegance
made by Sapphire (2000)

I never really found a good place for that one. It's just not a picture I can see any of my friends (or me) hanging up on the wall. Still, somehow I couldn't refuse doing it.
This one has hundreds of beads, which makes it the only project ever I didn't stitch in a hoop but in a rectangular stitching frame instead. The pose of the lady, the incredible dress and the colors was what drew me to the project.

Zebras
made by Sapphire (1997)

This was the first larger project I've ever made. My second nephew was born that year and I made a birthday sampler from a kit I found in a store in Spain , which is pretty much when the x-stitch bug bit me. The zebras went to my parents as a x-mas present that year, and when they unwrapped it, my sister asked if I *drew* that one myself, not realizing at first it was in fact stitched.
Many, man colors and subtle details. I stitched that one using Anchor. Everything after that was done in DMC.

Mandarin Ducks
made by Sapphire (2004)

A friend of my once told me that her very favorite animals are Mandarin Ducks, so when I saw this pattern, I knew I had to do it for her birthday. Sorry about that blob from the flash - I had not much time to do the picture, so I couldn't remove the glass for the photo.

Night Eyes
made by Sapphire (2004)

Night Eyes simply had to go to Birgit, with her love for wolves.
Another one, which was simply a joy to stitch.

Border collies
made by Sapphire (2003)

This was a x-stitch kit I've got as a birthday present once. It's based on a set of figurines, which, in turn, are based on the 'All Creatures Great and Small' books by James Herriot.
Ultimately, it ended up with Bill (again). But then Bill used to breed border collies and still has a whole bunch of them at home, so who else was to get it.

Butterfly
made by Sapphire (2004)

After stitching for a while on Aragorn (3), I needed a change of color (everything but brown). So, this kit was just what I was looking for. I did some small modification on the golden swirls to have a better match with the frame I've got.
Very pretty piece with nice shading.

The Minstrel
made by Sapphire (2004)

Designed by Teresa Wentzler
One of my biggest and most complicated projects so far. About half of the colors are blended, there's a huge amount of fractional stitches, and loads of backstitch.
Originally the design had a border, which I omitted as I had not enough space on the fabric I used.

It really has been lots of fun to do *grin*

Ocean
made by Bine

(6.5 x 9.3 inches)
18 count, eaven weave, half stich
A pattern I bought a long time ago (1993) because I fell in love with the motive

Medieval Knight
made by Gisela

Taken out of a Teresa Wentzler Sampler and stitched in full cross stitch it was fun to do. I love Teresa Wentzler - especially her colors - and stitched another kit of hers for a friend. The Knight found his home in the same living room as Gimli did.

Dragonride
made by Gisela

As I stated before – I just love Teresa Wentzler. This project was a birthday present for a 50th birthday of a friend. He is a great dragon lover and this picture added nicely to his collection. I had a lot of fun doing it, although it took me around four months to finish and I can tell you – this Lady loves Backstitches – so be prepared!