I have two more completed bookmarks and a completed original pattern.

The first bookmark is from a 1987 booklet by Homespun Elegance: Miniature Keepsakes - Bookmarks, Towels, Bellpulls & More.  This particular pattern is called Quilt Stars and Birds.  I was stitched on brown 14 count Aida with scraps flosses.  It measures 5 in x 1.75 in.  To finish, I stitched the piece into a tube and stitched across the ends.  I trimmed the fabric and pulled 4 rows of thread to create a frayed edge.


 

The second bookmark was part of a freebie pattern from the Janlynn Corp - May Flowers.  This 'whimsical' (I call it childish and cutesie) pattern originally had the saying of "April Showers Bring May Flowers" along with raindrops and several floating flowers.  Though patterns of this type are in style now, I really hate them but it fit my purposes, so I forced myself to do this one. 

It is stitched on white 14 count scrap Aida with scrap threads.  It measures 5 in x 2.5 in.  As a backing I took a piece of green Aida I got as a sample and simply sewed them together then pulled a couple of rows of threads for a slight frayed edge.

 


Over the first three weeks of September I stitched this original pattern of the Candidate Barack Obama.  It is stiched on 14 count off white Aida with 23 colors of DMC floss.  Top borders of blue fabric with stars make the piece ready for framing.  The actual cross stitch part measures 5x5in.



I haven't abandoned the BAP but it will be a little while before I get back to it.  I need to frame two pieces for our Guild's needlework show next week.  The week after that the Guild's current project, a candlewicked pillow face,  needs to be stitched and I haven't started it yet.  Getting it done on time should be no problem, but it will put off work on the BAP.