Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas Needlework Give-Away series! I’m very excited about this series of give-aways, each of which is sponsored by the designers, manufacturers, retailers, or artists featured in each give-away post.
For this series of give-aways, entering is very easy. Just read each article completely and follow the instructions at the end of the article.
For the First Day of Christmas give-away, we have three beautiful needle painting embroidery kits from Trish Burr, along with a set of her needle painting instructional DVDs. The winner will receive all three kits and the DVD set.
Trish Burr’s needle painting kits are gorgeous, and her instructional DVD on needle painting is a great way to become familiar with the nuances of this embroidery technique. I thought they were a perfect way to kick off this series! Well – that – and the birds are the closest I could come to a partridge in a pear tree.
The winner will receive Trish’s 2-DVD set, The Long & Short of It, which is an instructional workshop on long & short stitch needle painting.
In addition to the DVD set, you’ll receive three kits: this vibrant butterfly…
… this portrait of a Somali Bee Eater…
… and the Kotari Kingfisher.
The kits include pre-printed fabric, full instructions, and a DMC – Anchor thread list, so that you can use your own preferred stranded cotton to complete the embroidery.
Trish Burr is a master of needle painting. This year, she has published two books that are of particular interest to embroiderers interested in needle painting. The first is Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners, which teaches the basics of needle painting embroidery and takes the stitcher through many beautiful projects that are arranged in order of difficulty. It is the perfect learning book for needle painting!
The second book that Trish has had published this year – and which is not yet available in the US, but can be bought through overseas booksellers – is Colour Confidence in Embroidery. While particularly pertinent to embroiderers interested in long and short stitch shading, the book is really addressed to anyone who loves surface embroidery and other needlework that involves color. Whether you’re a cross-stitcher, needlepointer, surface embroiderer, needle painter – this book teaches the ins and outs of color selection in embroidery. It’s a fantastic book! It also includes plenty of projects for the beginning to advanced stitcher.
If you’re not familiar with Trish and her work, I suggest visiting her website, Trish Burr Embroidery. There, you’ll see some incredible masterpieces of needle painting!
Instructions for Entering the Give-Away
To enter today’s give-away, please read and follow these simple instructions!
1. Leave a comment at the end of today’s article. If you click on that link, it will take you directly to the comment area, so that there are no mishaps! Comments delivered via e-mail or on other articles will not be included in the give-away.
2. In your comment, answer the following question:
Of the three kits featured above, which grabs you? (i.e. Which is your favorite?)
3. Make sure you leave a recognizable name either in the body of your comment, or on the “name” line above the comment box. If your name happens to be Joy, you might include a last initial or a location, to differentiate yourself from the other Joys out there (example: Joy in Madagascar).
4. Leave your comment before January 9th, 2012, at 5:00 am Central Time (Kansas, USA!). All winners for this series will be selected on January 9th, and announced that day here on Needle ‘n Thread. You’ll have to check back on January 9th to see if you’ve won, because the winners will need to contact me within 3 days to claim their prizes. The Give-Away is Now Closed. Thanks for your interest!
Merry First Day of Christmas!
Please do not panic if your comment does not show up immediately. All comments are moderated in the order in which they come in, and they will eventually be posted. If you are looking for your comment, please use the “older comments” and “newer comments” links at the top of the comments section. These will take you through all the comments pages, from newest to oldest.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. Just beautiful!
Laurie in Calhoun, Georgia.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher.
Joyeux Noel Mary,
Many, many thanks for all you have done for
us during this year. The Trish Burr kit I
like the most is the Kotari Kingfisher.
Colors, colors, they are most beautiful and
it would be quite a challenge to embroider
this gorgeous bird. Thank you Mary for
everything.
France from Canada.
Oh, I love Trish Burr and these kits are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your bounty with us.
Oh, it has to be the kingfisher
Thank you for such a great opportunity, great way to go into the new year
I only learned of Trish Burr after your recent review of her new book, which is now on my wish list. I love the Kotari Kingfisher best of the three, and whoever wins this gift is going to be a very lucky stitcher!
Theresa/OctoberLace
Oh Mary! I really would like to receive these books and DVDs. I try and try to get my needlepainting presentable – but I have to do much “reverse” stitching to get back to square one so that I can start again, and maybe do better next time. I would love to have help from Trish Burr.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thankyou. Catherine
I really find it hard to pick. The butterfly caught my eye but then the kingfisher is so colorful. Maybe the Somali beecatcher because he reminds me of the chickadee in my yard. I would be more than beside myself to win thank you Onita of Michigan.
What a fun way to continue the celebration of Christmas! I love that grumpy looking little kingfisher the most, but all three kits are lovely.
Merry Christmas!
MGM
The Kotari Kingfisher is just absolutely stunning!
My favorite kit is the Kotari Kingfisher. He’s beautiful and I love his colors.
My mum (rip) loves butterflies and loves the color red. Therefore I am drawn towards the beautiful butterfly and would stitch this and put it on the front cover of the memorial book I am doing. She would of been thrilled to have seen Trisha’s needlework butterfly.
Hi Mary!
Thank you so much for the wonderful give-aways.
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher.
Anita-MM
I love the color graduation in the kingfisher, so I guess that would be my favorite. Needlepainting looks so intimidating and oh so beautiful.
The Kotari Kingfisher is a standout with the beautiful blue and its tender pose; as if giving you a side way glance. Love it.
Mary, please include me in the drawing for the 1st Day of Christmas. I really like the Kotari Kingfisher kit best of the three kits shown. Thanks.
LisaB
Mary – These kits are just gorgeous. I love needle painting but have not done much of it. I would love to learn how to do this well! My favorite kit is the kingfisher. He/she has beautiful colors. He/she also has such an attitude! Definitely making a statement.
Thanks for the giveaway. I’d love to win these.
Merry Christmas to you.
Judy
The Somali Bee Eater kit is the more striking subject to me of the three kits highlighted. The color play in the feathers around the neck are amazing when you consider they’re just long and short stitches of embroidery thread.
I’m excited that this contest is running and I’ll have the Needle ‘n Thread website/blog on my mind a lot while I wait to see who is the winner!
Thanks!
Although I love all three of Trish Burr’s designs, there is something about the bee eater that really appeals to me. That red eye. That subtle coloring of the feathers. Yummy. Warm winter wishes to you Mary!
Hello,
my choice : the red (for passion) butterfly (to free my wings) and the flowers so I can take the time to smell them and learn how to paint with thread with Thish Burr.
Thank you for all the informations you send me (I save every newsletter).
All the best for the new year 2012.
Wow, these are really nice! Hard to decide which one I like the most. The Kingfisher is really cute but I think the butterfly is the one I am most attracted too.
All three kits are beautiful, but my favorite is Kotari Kingfisher. He is just adorable!
The Kotari Kingfisher!!! I like challenges and this kingfisher sure does make me want to needlepaint! Thanks for the giveaways!!!
Avis
The one the first grabs me is the KOTARI KINGFISHER with the BUTTERFLY a very close second
I love them all, but the butterfly just pips the others for me. I adore butterflies, even this one that I can’t relate to (i.e. it isn’t a north European species!!)
Which one do YOU like best??
Wow, these really knocked my socks off, but the detail in the little kingfisher is amazing.
Becky in upstate SC
Nekem pillangós tetszik a legjobban,a második helyezett a Kotari Kingfisher. Szeretnék részt venni játékban.
I am fairly new to needle painting, but find it a gorgeous technique. My husband loves birds and I have quite a variety of them. My favorite is a surface embroidery bell pull that I made many years ago. My favorite in this collection is the Somali Bee Eater. The detail in its face and neck appeal to me. It would be a treasure to add to my collection of birds.
Kathy Miller
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. It looks so soft and real! I would like to learn this type of embroidery.
What wonderful detail in Trish Burr’s embroidery. I like to incorporate detail into my projects. Help on color is always appreciated and this will be great reference material. It is exciting to learn and add new techniques to my work.
The kingfisher is my number 1 choice then the beautiful rose. Thank you for offering these wonderful patterns.
I like the Somali Bee Eater as I would love to learn the shading techniques and it looks so realistic. I have Trish’s Needle Painting Embroidery-Fresh Ideas for Beginners and have ordered the Colour Confidence in Embroidery from overseas. I think the DVD’s would be so helpful in learning her techniques.
All the kits look beautiful. I really like the Kotari Kingfisher
Mary, First, thank you for the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways. You are too good to us.
Second, needlepainting is something at which I have never been very good. I am hoping Trish Burr’s instructions can enlighten me on the proper techniques.
Thanks again,
Joan S
I would love to learn needle painting. I love embroidery, sewing, and smocking, and look forward to learning a new skill. I have several months of chemo ahead of me, and this would be a perfect time to focus on learning this technique. Thank you for the opportunity.
Thanks for sharing during the Holidays! My favorite is the butterfly. I bought the book and it is wonderful.
All of Trish Burr’s needlepaintings are so real looking and any one of them would be a joy to stitch. Of the three offered in this drawing the one that really “grabs” me is the butterfly. The butterfly represents new life in Christ. Thank you for the opportunity to win not only beautiful stitchery kits, but DVDs to help with the stitching.
Happy New Year!
Norma
The Katori Kingfisher………Oh Lord I think I might actually die without it!!! It is absolutely divine. He’s actually fluffy and the moss on the branch is incredibly realistic.
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favourite. I love the colours, though it would be difficult for me to stitch him.
Resmi from India.
The Kotari Kingfisher really grabbed me! I love the color and the texture. It feels as if it were sitting right there in front of me.Trish Burr is truly talented. Her work is beautiful!
What a lovely and generous prize! Hard to choose a favorite but the butterfly won and the Kingfisher came in as a close second. I am drawn to the vibrant colors of both.
So, first, thank you to Trish Burr for this very generous first day of Christmas give-away and thank you for doing the give-away.
It is very difficult to pick a favourite from the three stunning designs. Perhaps because it is Christmas, the red butterfly really caught my eye, so I will pick that one 🙂
Merry First Day of Christmas and good luck to everyone.
What a great First Day of Christmas! I love these kits, but my favourite kit is the Kotari Kingfisher! That one is so cute! Thanks for the chance to win such a great prize!
Love, love, love Trish Burr’s work and have her Colour Confidence book on pre-order. Although a newbie novice on needle painting…Trish’s DVDs and projects seem the perfect way to jump in. Mary I so enjoy your blog and look forward to it each morning. Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration!
I have been following this website for a few years now and have decided I so want to start a project using the silk painting needlework. I don’t think I have ever seen such beautiful work and would like to add myself to one of the people would can and will achieve this tecnique. So very excited to get a kit and begin….
Sincerely…. Kate Revell
Kotari Kingfisher sits on his branch showing the world his vibrant in depth colors giving the appearance of soft, fluffy down-like feathers.
He is just gorgeous!
Claudia from La Grange, IL
I especially liked the Kotari Kingfisher as I could see and feel the individual feathers. Just amazing work! I thank you for making us aware of Trish Burr.
Ever since you introduced us to Trish, I’ve admired her work. Of the kits pictured the Kotari Kingfisher is definitely my favorite! Thanks, Mary, and happy holidays.
I love the close up detail of the Somali Bee Eater. It looks like he is looking right at you.
Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway, and sharing your stash. I’m looking forward to seeing what is presented each and every day.
My absolute favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher, what an artist she is, all the kits are beautiful.
I am particularly fond of the Kotari Kingfisher because of the beautiful colors. The shading is exquisite.
I love the kingfisher, it reminds me of a hurt kookaburra my dad found when we were kids living in Australia.
Butterflies are my favourite things but the Kotari Kingfisher has to be the kit that really speaks to me. He just looks so cheeky. I would love to win this giveaway because my needlepainting skills definitely need improvement.
Hi Mary,
What a wonderful give away. For Christmas, my sweet hubby bought me the book “Needle Painting Embroidery – Fresh Ideas for Beginners” by Trish Burr. How wonderful it would be to have one of her kits to put my new found information to the test.
Have a continuing happy holiday season.
Vicki W.
Ironwood, Michigan
P S….Kingfisher Is my favorite.
Awesome 1st day gifts! I love them all, but it I have to choose, then it would be the Butterfly!
Please enter me in your drawing.
Wonderful opportunity. The portrait of a Somali Bee Eater most strikes my fancy. The subtle shading, the fierce eye.
Wow! What a superb give-a-away! I am going to find out more about Trish Burr – her needlework is wonderful. I particularly love the Kotari Kingfisher – it looks so lifelike and the blue is so vibrant. Would really love to stitch this gorgeous trio.
First of all, Merry Christmas to you, too, and thank you for these wonderful give-aways. I think Trish Burr’s work is just awesome! I would love to learn this technique, although I am not sure that I am up to it. Between the three presented projects the one that grabs me the most has to be the Butterfly, because of the beautiful warm colours; but also the Kingfisher is very pretty with it’s beautiful plumage, and the Bee Eater is so realistic – it really seems to look at you! They’re all gorgeous! Wouldn’t it be great, if I would win one of them?
Happy Holidays, Tina
The Kotari Kingfisher speaks to me! The colors are so vibrant, the detail so life like. Everything in Minnesota is brown and dirty looking right now and nothing can grow outside. Oh, how I love MN winters. Not!
Mary,
Merry Christmas, and thank you for a series of giveaways. Loved reading about Trish Burr’s offerings. I’ve branched out from cross stitch into needlepoint and other counted embroidery. Now I’m starting the SNS Kimono class and picking my colors. Would love to have Trish’s information to help me develop this skill.
I love strawberries, so the red butterfly caught my attention. However, the attitude of the Somali Bee Eater intrigues me. That’s one that I could look at over and over, and come up with a different answer each time.
They are all spectacular, but the one that really “grabs” me is the Kotari Kingfisher. I love the look of fierce intent in the eye and the beautiful rich color blending.
Hi Mary,
What a wonderful prize for those of us with a love of long and short stitch and thread painting.
My favourite kit is the Kotari Kingfisher as it most closely resembles a Kookaburra, a native bird of Australia. And with that glint in his eye, I am sure this bird will laugh long and hard at my long and short stitch efforts if I don’t get some more practice in.
Having learnt long and short stitch in 2011 what better way to get better in 2012 than with Trish’s kits.
Thanks for the opportunity
Chris from Australia
I love the cute little bee eater and as I am starting a new chapter in my lie – my kids are all out of the nest – I will be devoting time to embroidery again and learning new skills and needle painting is one I would love to learn.
Definitely the bee eater. I love the closeup of his face and the subtle color shading. Thanks for the link to the books too.
Carol in Northern Indiana
Hi Mary, and merry Christmas to you. Thank you for your hard work this year and for making this competition possible.
I love the butterfly kit – the colours of the butterfly and the strawberry were just beautiful.
This is a really exciting time – thanks again.
Jenny
Gorgeous! Taking my embroidery to the next level! That will be my 2012 challenge. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my! I would be out of my mind happy to win!
It was my hope to purchase Trish’s latest book for beginners.
Her work and designs are glorious and definitely piques my desire to attempt her style.
My fingers are crossed.
I’d LOVE to win Trish Burrs DVD, “The Long and Short if It”. I have been wanting to try this beautiful type of needlework. These are gorgeous!! Hard to choose, but I think I like the kingfisher best, we have these pretty little birds near our home and I have been wanting to stitch them.
Thanks so much for this opportunity to win!!
Jan M from Howell
It’s hard to choose one favorite but I think the Somali Bee Eater grabs me most, love the shaded feathers. Happy Holidays, Mary!
Judy
Trish Burr does beautiful work, but I in particular like the Kotari Kingfisher because he is puffy and soft looking! I have one book, but have not had the chance to work through it. Would love having a dvd set!!!!!
I love the Butterfly kit because of the vibrant colors, but the bird kits are amazing because of the texture created by the embroidery technique! The color wins for me! Merry Christmas!!
I like the Kotari Kingfisher best. Not only is the color choice and stitch method excellent, he seems to be totally focused on finding food, just like th kingfishers I’ve seen in the wild.
The Kotari Kingfisher with it’s vibrant colors and details is my favorite. The vibrant red Butterfly with Strawberry flowers is second! Linda
Hi Mary,
This is going to be a lovely 12 Days of Christmas.
I love all three of the kits, but I have a thing for butterflies, so I think that I like that one the best.
Thank you for the opportunity to win these; and have a very nice rest of the holiday.
Kathy Pennington
Diggins, MO
These birds are gorgeous but the red butterfly is somewhat intriguing. It will certainly help me to appreciate further the talent of Trish Burr. I am currently experimenting this new embroidery technique (new to me!) and find it quite rewarding. Have a nice day!
I’m usually attracted to color, but the Somali bee eater just makes me want to hold out my hand so he’ll land on my finger.
My favorite Kit is the Kotari Kingfisher. I love to sit on the front porch and watch the birds and butterflies in my flower garden and trees. Learning to needle paint them to look life like with my thread, would make this beginner very pleased.
Caroline Weber
I like the Kingfisher best. I’ve never done long- and- short an it seems to be the most detailed. I would however love to do them all!
Definitely the Kingfisher! Such stately elegance and concentration. Beautiful!
The portrait of the Somali bee eater because the colours are so soft. His profile with the beak up is also unusual. Beautiful!
Thanks Mary!
Hello Mary,
kotsri kingfisher is my favourite..
Thank you Mary
I love the little blue Kingfisher. It looks so real and reminds me of embroidery of the Nineteenth Century. “Proper Ladies” were accomplished at “all” they did within the realm of home. Needlework was certainly among the many things they needed to do and to do it well. The Kingfisher looks so real I might need to look for birdseed or a worm!
All three of Trish’s designs are attention-getting, but the Somali Bee Eater really attracted my attention. It looks so very real. It must be the eye…as if it’s watching for a bee! I have always been envious of those who can do this thread painting. I love painting with water colors, and I love embroidering linens, but I have never tried the thread painting. The idea of it is charming. Even if I don’t win, I am going to give thread painting a try in 2012.
Happy Holidays to you Mary! Thanks for such a great celebration! Anything that Trish Burr does is phenomenal! I love all of her florals the best, so have to go with the butterfly as my favorite of the trio. I can see it fluttering among the blooms!
Kathy
The Kotari Kingfisher! Just love the vibrant blues stitched in such a subtle way.
Love the Kotari Kingfisher. All three are so beautiful and realistic looking. Trish Burr showed
great artistry.
I love the butterfly with the dogwood in the background.
The Somali Bee Eater is a delight, I loove his fluffy feathers and the subtle colours – not sure I could do him justice, but would like to try with help from Trish. Peg
Dear Mary,
The one I prefer is the butterfly : looks kind, bright and beautiful. It makes me think of all what you are doing for us and more especially of all what you are embroidering with the perfection that caracterizes you.
My goal is to TRY to do as good as you : a long way for me…
Thank you so much Mary and looking forward to reading you further …
Catherine
I think the portrait of the Somali Bee Eater captures me the most. I really like the delicate shading in his feathers, and the artful arch to his beak!
The kingfisher is the most striking to me. The other two are beautiful as well, but the kingfisher is the one that really grabs me. Thanks for the great give-away! Happy New Year!
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite. He’s just so little, and cute and fuzzy looking – I expect him to fly off the page any minute!Trish Burr has to be my favorite needlepainting/embroiderer – it’s just amazing what she does! Thank you for the giveaway!
Karen Gass in Missouir
Hi Mary,
Such a lovely give away. I would consider myself as the luckiest,if I get this.
My favourite is the butterfly sucking the nectar from the flower.
Rabsril
The Kingfisher is my favorite…it shows not only a mastery of the technique but also of color including the realization of the bird. Trish has me enamored of her work and I want to learn this technique. I have lots of time bur almost no money to spend on Trish’s stuff. So being the winner would make me dance in the snow in my bare feet.
I am totally crazy about birds, so the Kingfisher is my favourite. Who wouldn’t like to embroider these beautiful pictures?
I love all three kits but the one that really grabs me is the butterfly and dogwoods. thank you so much for the giveaway-this gift would be perfect for me, as I am a beginner and want to learn more
Good Morning! All three are beautiful … the butterfly is my favorite because of the vibrant colors. Thank you.
All the kits are lovely. My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. He just shows so much attitude.
Mary, your work inspires me. I have returned to embroidery after several years absence. I look forward to your daily e-mails and try out all the hints and tips your provide.
Thank you so much
Winnifred Masson
Dear Mary,
Thank You for providing this wonderful and quality blog. I look forward to each email and I’m absolutely in awe of all that you do. The information is so educational, the photo’s, so clear, and your writing style is superb. Honestly, my favorite!
Thank you,
Kaye in Austin TX
Mary:
I really like all three but my favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. The colors and stitching is wonderful. Trish Burr’s work is just beautiful and I’ve looked at her kits but was not sure if I could do them. Would love to try needle painting. Thank you for all your give aways and all the information you give all of us.
Louise
What a wonderful idea. I’ve only recently joined this group and thoroughly enjoy it. Much appreciated are you comments on satin stitch.
I prefer the Somali Bee Eater as the feathers stand out so perfectly and the eye just seems to look right at you. The beak is istriguing.I’ve done some needle painting and am eager to improve my skills.
Joan D.
I think the composition and shading in the Somali Bee Eater would be perfect for expanding my abilities in stitchery. The color palate is pleasing to my eye and seems to combine so many colors that I couldn’t get bored.
Your give-aways are always wonderful.
Thank you,
Lee F.
I love everything by Trish Burr and a DVD instructional video would really get me into shape with enhancing my technique. I have the Colour Confidence in Embroidery on order.
All of her kits are gorgeous but there is something special about the Somali Bee Eater portrait. He looks so ‘hopeful’. I guess he’s my favorite.
Thanks so much!
Merry Christmas, Mary!
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite with its intense expression and its beautiful, subtle shading.
Wow! What a wonderful way this giveaway would be to start the new year. I fell for the Somali Bee Eater, although I sure love the colors in the Kotari Kingfisher. Thanks for everything. You have rekindled my interest in embroidery and I am excited about continuing to broaden and improve my skills.
Marilyn P. in Las Cruces, New Mexico
What a decision! The expression in the Kingfisher’s eye called to me. The branch puts him in context – sitting and waiting for his next meal. I love to see our local kingfishers in the exact same position.
Terry in PA
Happy Christmas, Mary!! I don’t know if I was more excited about the arrival of Santa on Christmas Eve, or Mary on the first of 12-Days … ! Thank you so much for another of your wonderful give-aways.
Trish Burr is such an unbelievable needle artist. I’ve gotten a couple of her books from our local library and am so inspired by her work. It would be wonderful to receive her kits and instructional DVDs. Of the three kits, my immediate attraction was to the Somali Bee Eater. The eye just grabbed me.
Thanks for the fun and excitement of your give-away, Mary. And thank you most especially for your daily visit to my wonderful world of stitching.
Mary, I’m happy to take part in your give-away!
I like Kotari Kingfisher most of all 🙂
Thank you!
Masha
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite among the Trish Burr kits. I love the contrast between the blue tail feathers and the cream tummy and neck band. However, they are all lovely, aren’t they? Birds are wonderful creatures to study and admire, especially needle painted ones.
I would like the first book as I am a beginner in this type of stitching and wouuld want to start such a project with good instructions.
How fun. Love the butterfly. The details are incredible in all of them! Just in time for spring.
I love the butterfly — the “scarlet swooper of the season” perhaps. The kingfisher is a close second, though — the glorious colors bring cheer to a drab New Jersey day. Trisha Burr’s work is amazing, and I’d love to watch her in action on a DVD. Thanks Mary not only for this contest but for the daily” win” you provide through your posts. In a world where work pressures make it difficult if not impossible for me to catch up with fellow stitchers in person, you serve as a stitching support group and help me remember that one of the reasons I do work such long hours is to get to the point in time when I will one day be able to stich to my heart’s content. Happy Boxing Day!
I adore the kingfisher. He has such a look of stubborn determination that reminds me of my son as a child. I am also determined to learn needle painting this year and have ordered 2 of Trish Burr’s books. I am on a limited budget and like that I will be able to achieve great results using ordinary DMC floss, not expensive silks. I would love to win these kits and especially the dvd’s.
Dear Mary,
I love Trish’s work. I bought one of her books at an ANG seminar and will be taking my first class in needlepainting in June 2012. I love the Somali Bee Eater. Although they are all so realistic, he stands out with his vibrant eye and subtle shading throughout. Love your blog and look forward to it each and every day. Ruth
Good afternoon Mary
Love them all, but if I had to choose one it would be the butterfly and strawberry plant.
I hope you had as good a Christmas as I did. Sooo relaxing and a tablet thingy to have fun making my own designs from my darling. I now need my son to show me how to work it he he.
Take care
Karen Lowrie, Kettering UK
I like the Kotari Kingfisher; he’s so pretty! Thank you Mary and Trish!
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite.
It looks lovely and i have never stitched a kingfisher.
What a great opportunity!
My favourite is the portrait of a Somali Bee Eater.
All the best.
what a wonderful way to start the new year…you are always so generous with your give away’s and Trish’s kits are gorgeous..the Little Kotari Kingfisher is one of my absolute favorites and always captures my heart..thank you and Happy New Year…Rebecca Keith.
This is easy! That little Kotari Kingfisher has been talking to me for a while; that focused look is so-o-o “kingfisher”.
It’s the Bee Eater that captures my imagination, thought the coloration on the Kingfisher is exquisite. I’m excited for the 12 Days–I always learn about such wonderful artists and resources in your giveaways.
I haven’t done much handwork lately but I would love to give it a try again. I love all of the kits, but if I have to pick one, I think the butterfly would be my choice. I love the colors.
Debi from MS
Mary:
I love the butterfly. Thank you for this opportunity to win information and a kit from Trish Burr. I have already done her sampler Pansy and am totally hooked on this embroidery.
I am looking forward to the days of Christmas and will be following you in 2012. Thanks for ALL that you contribute to the world of embroidery.
Jane
Georgia Gal
I love the bright red butterfly. It makes me smile.
You have asked a question worthy of Solomon! In the end, the red butterfly kit wins. The strawberries in the background are the perfect spot motif for a CQ patch & a great way to brush up on long & short. Thanks for offering such a terrific stitchy gift!
I really like the Kotari Kingfisher, it’s so lifelike (esp. the eye)and the colors really spoke to me.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I like the three studies, love flowers so the butterfly with the flower is beautiful but I have to say that sulking little kingfisher is so good, you could take him home…………Mary your site is my favourite part of the day,……..I do look forward to it and aspire to your excellence in embroidery.
I have never done needle painting but have always been interested in it. It is amazing how many projects can come alive with this technique. I am all about learning new techniques to add to my needle work. The butterfly attraches me the most. It is so vibrant and so alive.
I love the butterfly. I have been embroidering butterflies this year and the colors of this one are wonderful.
Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing with us.
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher — he is gorgeous. There are already 89 comments and it’s only 8:00 a.m. — boy you are popular Mary — you do such a great job and you’re fun too. Thank you so much for all your help, hard work and friendship,
Shelia in Oklahoma
Wow such a hard decision!! Like having to pick my favorite child…but I’d have to say that the Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite. Although the other two are most beautiful! Thank you for a chance to win anything that Trish does…she’s a very talented woman. I’d be proud to own anything that she’s designed.
My favorite of the three is the Kotari Kingfisher. I am fascinated at the realistic look that can be achieved with a needle and thread. My New Years resolution is to learn to do needle painting and this would be the perfect start. How wonderful it would be to have Trish Burr on DVD to guide me along the path.
Thank you for your daily e-mails and this wonderful celebration of the 12 Days of Christmas
If I had to pick one – the butterfly. Good way to explore shading and nuances.
I like the Kotari Kingfisher the best. It reminds of the Sacred Kingfisher in the book Colour Confidence which I ordered after you reviewed it the other day. Thanks.
It’s a hard choice but I especially like the Kingfisher–he’s quite exotic looking. Thanks for the chance to win this prize.
Char B
Trisha’s new book is on my Amazon wish list. What a nice gift that would be.
Dear Mary,
I hope you had a joyous Christmas.
Although we’ve corresponded through e-mail, this is my first time writing to you on the comment board. I’ve always loved birds, but that bright red butterfly just grabs my eye.
Both my grandmothers were seamstresses, and the one who lived nearer started me sewing, embroidering and crocheting when I was four years old. That was many years ago now, and crochet is too hard on my hands, but I continue to sew and during the past year have been getting back into embroidery.
Phyllis
What a GLORIOUS way to start–and to combat post-Christmas blahs. 🙂
Hard call between the bee eater and the kingfisher, but I think the expression on the kingfisher takes it. 🙂 Not to mention his incredible coloration–what can I say? I love blues!
Can’t wait to see what’s next, but man, I’d be thrilled if I won any of ’em!
Good Morning Mary,
A lovely Boxing Day, especially with the opportunity to possibly win a beautiful gift too! I absolutley found that Kingfisher touch me the most, his little fluffy body and attitude is so wonderfully portrayed in Trish’s needlework. If I could only halfway complete the piece so well I would be thrilled. Thanks for everything you do to inspire us.
Dottie J.
Trish Burr is truely a master at her craft. What a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what I truely love to do. Hope your Christmas was a wonderful one.
Well, the Kotari Kingfisher has my vote!! I have a little kingfisher that comes to my dock everyday to fish for his food. He is such a joy to watch!! Though I know it is not the same kind of kingfisher (probably a belted), he is similiar in color and shape. I love all the little birds that frequent my piece of heaven; and are such a blessing to me.
I hope your new projects for the New Year are very successful – I so enjoy your blog..
Judy
All the kits look beautiful but the butterfly caught my attention first. I think the colors of the butterfly look so life like or real.
Sherri of Florida
The Somali Bee Eater is the one that grabs my attention. Beautiful work on all of them.
I absolutely love all three, but my favorite would have to be the Somali Bee Eater.
The Kotari Kingfisher! At first I saw the wonderful colors in the feathers and beak. The composition drew my eye to his eye, which makes the needlepainting look so realistic.
Thank you for your daily updates. I look forward to them each day.
I love Trish burr’s work! Of these three kits, the butterfly is my favorite.
Being a lover of birds, the kingfisher is marvelous and my favorite!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! and I wish you all brightest blessings for the New Year!
Somali Bee Easter is my choice! He is sooooooooooo adorable! Again, I am not sure if I could do him justice but I would love to try.
The Kotari Kingfisher is gorgeous! The coloration is beautiful.
Mary,
What a GREAT idea! It’s hard to decide which of the three grabs me, but I would have to say it’s the full size bird – because of the contrast of textures – the fluffy downiness of the feathers in contrast to the hard smoothness of the beak. I’d love to be able to paint – in any medium – thread, frosting, oils! Thanks.
lizzie
I like the kingfisher the best.
I like the rose, but my favorite must be the kingfisher. The colors are lovely, and reminds me of a real one I saw once.
Thank you Mary, for organizing this giveaway.
Bye, Winnie
Trish Burr does beautiful work,and would love any of her books… I am a lover of birds so it would be the Kingfisher..
Linda in NM
I just love the Kotari Kingfisher. I was hoping to ask for the new book for my birthday next month but it isn’t out till later this year in the UK. Winning the kit would make my year, as that’s how long it would take me. I have very little me time and get such a thrill from handling beautiful threads and a big sense of achievement making something appear from a blank background. I would love to see this happy little bird every time I walk past. I always display my work in progress, as it can be weeks before I get another chance but just seeing and then thinking about my work makes me happy in a calm yoga bliss sort of way. Thank you Mary, for introducing new worlds of stitching to me. I did not even know needlepainting existed before you introduced Trish Burr’s last book. Needlepainting a bird has been top of my wish list ever since. Fish would be fab too. I Love This!!!
I was captivated by the butterfly, it seems about to fly away! So excited about your 12 days of Christmas, thank you for the chance to win and for your blot…I’ve been so inspired by you! Merry Christmas!
I love the color in the Kotari Kinfisher which is absolutely gorgeous, but as a bird lover I like them all, they would be a challenge for me to do but I would love to try!
Love the kingfisher…..he’s absolutely adorable.
Thank you Mary, Merry Christmas
Ohhhh, that first bird is just amazing. I’d love to know how to create something that floofy!
Hi Mary–How could I not love the Somali Bee Eater. My late father-in-law spent more than three years helping the Somalis develop their agricultural practices and introducing drought-tolerant methods for livestock and plants. His frequent letters home talked about the fabulous birds that he would see and marvel at their ability to survive when life for so many was so difficult. Trish’s earlier books are inspirational and educational….I’m anxious for her new book to reach the US. Donna
The Kingfisher for sure; the texture in the stitching is amazing!
The Kingfisher has always been my favorite, from the first time I saw Trish’s work and still now. So very excited about your 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!! Thank you for the opportunity. Merry Christmas and I hope you have a wonder New Year!
Hello Mary
Happy Holidays. The adorable kingfisher is my favourite.
thank you ansu chennai
The Kotari Kingfisher is fabulous – I’ve always wanted to do one of Trish’s kits and these are lovely. I adore how the feathers look so “petable”! So much to learn from Trish Burr!
Oh my gosh! It’s hard to choose, but the Kingfisher is sooo adorable! I just love Trish’s designs & have wanted to try one. Maybe a resolution for 2012 would be to do it. Thank you for offering these!
They are all beautiful but I love the colors of the Kotari Kingfisher. The kits are exquisite!!
WOW; all are beautiful, but I am so partial to flowers. The butterfly is a beautful shade also.
Merry Christmas, Mary!! So fun that you are doing this Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway! I’m usually disappointed by the fact that Christmas activities cease as soon as the holiday actually arrives. Finally, some fun things to do *during* Christmas!
I’m having trouble deciding which bird is more appealing. The bee-eater is so wistful, and the kingfisher so saucy. I really like them both. I guess I’ll plump down for the plump and compact kingfisher.
Thank you so much Mary, and hope you’re having a wonderful vacation!
My favorite is the Somali Bee Eater. My goodness! Those intricate stitches make him look so real. What a talent Trish Burr is! I am definately going to learn this technique and pass it to my grandchildren who are just now learning to embroider. Thanks for opening my eyes to yet another use of thread.
Chris
This is such a wonderful embroidery gift. I love, love, love the Kingfisher! I can not think of a better way to spend the dark cold days and evenings of January/February then to sit by a fire and work on these. This is my kind of “nesting”. I am already working on them in my mind – and planning how I would do a workshop to teach needle painting. I teach embroidery workshops for beginners (usually a simple floral design) but I think a needle painting workshop will be my Spring offering this year! Thanks for the inspiration.
Mary Ann – Needle Arts Guild of Historic Hudson Valley, Beacon NY
Hard to say which one is my favorite. The Butterfly is so bright and vibrant it really catches the eye so will go with this one as the favorite.
the somali bee eater is my favorite of the three because of the look in the eyes that says determination. the bee eater is going to accomplish it’s mission.
I find the Somali Bee Eater absolutely stunning. The blending of colors in the feathers is so subtle, so realistic! I bless the friend who recommended your website to me.
I keep trying to perfect my thread painting, but it takes a lot of practice to make it look good. I love the vibrant butterfly and it is probably easier than the birds, but all three are lovely. I also keep trying to win a giveaway–maybe someday I will make it. Thank you for all you do for us.
The kingfisher!
The colors are amazing and the look of his face is priceless!
Thank you for this fantastic giveaway!
Merry Christmas, Mary! I love these birds and love the thought that this could be my first thread painting project since my first embroidery project almost 40 years ago was cross stitched birds and flowers kit which became a quilted bed spread. I tend to quilt everything! As I say this, I was really taken by the colors in the butterfly and plan to look for more of these projects in the new year to expand my hand embroidery work as well as my quilting. Thanks for offering these kits to us to start the New Year.
Debbie Thompson
O’Fallon, IL
They are all very lovely, but the Somali Bee Eater particularly caught my eye.
Merry Christmas Mary,
The Kotari Kingfisher caught my eye with the beautiful blues!
I have to say that my fav is the little Kingfisher. He looks cold so I want to hold him!
The Bee Eater is just striking, although it is hard to choose. I am sure they are all her favorites too. I love your newsletter. Thanks!
I think the bee eater is just amazing because the stitches make it look fuzzy and I would love to learn how to do that affect.
Mary, This is a fabulous offer on your part…you are just so generous. The kit which grabs me the most is the butterfly…it is a beautiful rendition. And, mostly because my recently late sister loved them & everytime I see one, I think of her! Thank you.
Sheila K in CA
I am in love with the butterfly, but I have a thing for butterflies.
First, let me say ‘Thank You’ for your generous Twelve Day of Christmas! While all three pieces are exquisite, the Kotari Kingfisher is particularly keen. I enjoy watching birds at the feeder, and I don’t expect that I’ll ever see one like it!
I love the Kotaki Kingfisher! I became a bird watcher when I married and was living in the middle of an Oklahoma pasture. Bluebirds were my favorite. The sun on their little bodies just made them glow. The first kingfisher I saw was in Colorado. Wow! What a great looking bird. We don’t see them in Oklahoma.
I have Trish’s book “Colour Confidence…” on order – can’t wait to get it. I love color!
I have tried several forms of needlework but not needlepainting. I would love to try this and from looking at several of Trish’s pictures and with your recomendations I would pick her instructions to try this form of embroidery. Both of the birds particularly appeal to me. I love birds. I used to paint and birds were a favorite subject.
I can’t determine a favorite but the one that grabs me most is the kingfisher. His feathers look so real and the look in his eye is as though he is watching me watch him. Incredible, realistic detail!
I showed these to my husband, who never saw needle painting before. He was floored. We both like the King Fisher the best. I like it best because I LOVE the leaves and branch. They are amazing even without the over-the-top beautiful bird!
Kotari Kingfisher. I would love to be able to do something that realistic and beautiful! The reds in the butterfly though are a close second……
Love the butterfly best, but the birds are lovely too. They’re all so real.
HI,
Thank you for all your wonderful emails. How does one choose one of the three? They are all
beautiful. However, I love the colors in the Kotari Kingfisher.
All three are beautiful, but the Somali bee eater is my favorite. Something about it just speaks to me.
wow!!! what a fabulous giveaway.
I could use those DVD’s for some proper instructions. Thanks for a chance.
The kingfisher grabs me!
I am a huge fan of Trish Burr’s work and am proud to own almost all her books, certainly all the ones on thread painting which are just amaziing and which have to be the best books to learn from with great projects for all abilities. I am a bird lover so the kingfishers have my vote.
Many thanks Mary and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Eleanor
I have Trish Burr’s two needle painting books – both are gorgeous. I just finished the red poppy kit, and it turned out beautifully. Apparently, the new book on color will be available on Amazon in february. I will snap it up then.
As far as the kits: Of the 3 offered I would most love to do the kingfisher. I love the electric blue color, and want to master the difficulty of the fluffed feathers.
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite. The detail of the colors is stunning!
OH MY!!! What beautiful needlework, the colors are amazingly vivid especially in the butterfly. The detail work in the birds is so unbelievably life like. You could almost imagine the real birds to be right inside of your house. I have been doing counted needlework for 30+ years and could only dream of doing such an amazingly detailed piece of work.I have never tried needle painting before but I am very inspired by these kits. I love the butterfly the best because of the vivid colors and the delicate flower blossoms. Learning to do needle painting
with the videos from such a master would be an honor and challenge to someday be able to do work as beautiful as she does.
Pat Mc. Upstate NY
Happy Holidays Mary, As always, your give-aways are fabulous. I follow Trish’s blog and am always amazed with her work. Of the three kits the Kotari Kingfisher is catches my eye the most. I love all of her bird kits.
Thank you
Jean B. in Greensboro NC
The kingfisher looks as if he could fly off the branch at any second – stunning! One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get back to more challenging embroidery (Santa gave me a book on Elizabethan embroidery) and thread painting has always intimidated me. I’m intrigued with this woman’s work – thanks for putting this together!
Jo from Gloucester
LOVE the Kingfisher. My husband’s favourite bird! These books & patterns are just amazing and I can’t wait to try them out.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. He looks like he is just about ready to dive off the branch and scoop up that fish he’s had is eye on.
The detail is amazing. It looks like I could just reach out and touch his fuzzy little back!
I have always loved watching the jaunty kingfishers here. They are so intent on waiting for that next meal. The look in Trish Burr’s little guy is so like the ones here. I would love the chance to stitch him.
The butterfly is the one that really catches my eye. Gorgeous!
The kit that stands out to me is the butterfly. I love the flowers but really everything about it is beautiful. I would love to be able to needle paint like that. Thank you, Mary, for all the information you give us and your give-aways!
They are all very beautiful, it is hard to chose a favorite but the red butterfly is so vibrant it has to be my favorite. Hoping to win. Thanks for your great website, it is extremely educational and helpful.
MicheleMD
My favorite is the Somali Bee Eater. He seems so alert. I have long beenintereseted in taking my stitchery to the next level and this would be it!
All the kits are exquisite but the one that grabs me is the beautiful red butterfly with the contrasting background flowers and strawberries.
Red is my favorite color.
The kingfisher looks like he has just played in the bird bath and shook off the water by fluffing his feathers. He is my favorite because he looks alive. Incredible color and stitching.
I am a beginner but so enjoy your columns. I am adding embroidery to my quilting and creating fun and intersting new ideas. Thanks so much. Spring is here, I am ready and love the birds.
Definitely the vibrant butterfly! So lifelike, yet still delicate–that’s the one I would really like to stitch
Thank you for your 12 Days of Christmas, you are very generous! I love needlepainting but I have to learn it properly; the Kotari Kingfisher is my favourite, he is just beautiful^!
Mary , thank you for all you are doing for us!
whilke i love butterflies, the shading detail on the birdies especially the somali caught my eye. i swear he blinked at me!
Oh Mary-that beautiful red Butterfly is fabulous as are the the other two. The thought of having a video showing the steps of this beautiful type technique is something that really interests me. I am a visual learner and would love to be able to try this technique. Of course I hope I am the lucky person but whover it is will I am sure thank you for ever. What a very generous opportunity you have extended to us.
Good Morning and Merry Christmas!!
First I applaud you for resurrecting, to the public, the twelve days of
Christmas!!
The give away is a fun and creative activity!
Any way, beside being all beautiful, I think the Kotari Kingfisher is quite amazing. I even pulled up web images to STARE at the amazing likeness the stiched bird has to the real thing. That being said… I thiink I would prefer to stich the butterfly because I love red and the kingfisher looks a bit daunting to stich.
So my favorite….(hard to decide) is the butterfly.
I have to say the butterfly is the one that I would love to do first. I have done Tanya Berlin’s needlepainting, but I really want to try one of Trish Burr’s. I love the coloring she has in all of her designs, but I think that the butterfly is my favorite because of the flowers that are added to the compositon.
Sharon K.
Happy Christmas to all!! One the first day of Christmas my true love says to me…The Long and the Short of It because our oldest daughter, who is a Fine Artist, designed the most beautiful rose as her first professional drawing…I am twitterpated with roses!!
I like the Somali Bee Eater the best because of the wonderful texture and coloring.
Merry Christmas! I love all of them, but probably the butterfly the best. We are trying to grow a butterfly garden, and have had a bit of success this year.
Thanks for the lovely giveaway, it’s a great idea!
The butterfly grabs me the most. But then, whenever I see a butterfly they “grab” me. Butterflies are so unigue and beautiful. Each one of the stitchings have such life like detail. Thanks for the opportunity to win these along with the DVD
They are all beautiful but the Kingfisher is my favorite. It’s so realistic right down to the ecru “feathers” across the breat of this gorgeous bird.
Mary! You want us to pick one favorite from Trish Burr? Hard request, BUT, I am leaning towards the butterfly. For Christmas I bought my granddaughter a butterfly sanctuary to grow butterflys – so that is how I made my decision – I LOVE THEM ALL!
It may sound strange to compare the kingfisher to a cat, but this little fellow has the same expression in his eye that my Daniel had when he was a kitten and had just been scolded for getting into mischief. It is an expression not of contrition, but a “what’ll I get into next.”. I loved the kitten for it the first time I saw him. I love the kingfisher for the same reason.
Wow, how do I choose? They are just fabulous. Which one? Well, I love the vibrant butterfly; it would sit neatly into the crazy quilt table runner I am making for the CQJP 2012 challenge. I have put both books on my birthday wish list.
The butterfly and strawberries, definitely. I love the vibrant colors, and the delicate strawberries.
Keeping my fingers crossed. 🙂
I love the butterfly the best! Thanks for the lovely giveaway, I hope I win something! Merry Christmas.
The Somali Bee Catcher is the kit I am drawn to. I love the softness of the feathers and the detail in his eyes. The butterfly is beautiful too! Trish does beautiful work, I am certain any of her kits would be a valuable needlework lesson.
Deb
The Somali Bee Eater grabs me! I think he has a lot of personality, and he makes me want to learn needlepainting.
Merry Christmas!
What a lovely gesture on your part!
Deciding is difficult. The buds fit so beautifully with another piece I have done; so that would be my first choice. The others are so tempting. I have beloved friends who would so enjoy the others!
Its definitely the Somali Bee Eater. It looks so real, I wish I could achieve that!
All of Trish Burr’s designs are lovely. I have some of her books and have started doing some needlepainting. I like the butterfly because I think it would be a great gift for a friend who likes red. Either one of the birds would be great, although I think I prefer the kingfisher, for a friend who was going to take a similar class from Tanya Berlin, then got sick and couldn’t go to the class. Thanks to Trish Burr for sharing her lovely designs and instructions.
Oh I love Needle painting I really want to learn
I love love the Kotari Kingfisher the best
I love the kingfisher. I’ve done some needlepainting and know how complicated it can be, but it looks so like a piece of art. What really sells me on the kingfisher is the inclusion of the curled leaves on the branch that he is sitting on while waiting for dinner to swim by.
What fun these twelve days will be, the kingfisher is my favorite!!!!
I like butterfly best. I would really like to have the DVD set. I’ve learned lots from DVD’s in the past.
Elaine in New Mexico
I love them all, but the kingfisher looks as if he’s angry at the world and sewing him up would make ME happy! Although I have done long-and-short embroidery before, it’s never been in such detail, so I would love to learn this new technique. Thanks for doing this, Mary.
Kingfisher.
I once attemptrd to paint one, but it didn’t look as real as this one. Thank you, ShirleyD
Love the kingfisher and the single bud rose is so gorgeous even though it is not in the kit.
Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway. It truly makes the 12 Days of Christmas special. I love Trish Burr’s work and often find myself looking at her beautiful works on her website. I have never tried needlepainting, but find myself more and more drawn to it since I’ve started exploring satin stitching and some of the more advanced embroidery techniques (thanks to your wonder videos!). Of the 3 kits, the portrait of the Somali Bee Eater is my favorite. It so realistic that I feel as if he’s just finished preening and fluffing his feathers and has such a “Aren’t I beautiful” look in his eye.
Thank you again for this wonderful give-away.
How can anyone pick a favorite. 😉 But, since I have to I would say the Kingfisher is my favorite! Donna Dv from AR
Of the choices, any of which would be a fabulous win, I select the Somali Bee Eater. His knowing glance reveals all and challenges the viewer to share this world space. Wonderful artistry!
I just love the bold color of the butterfly. This is a wonderful giveaway, I have always wanted to try some of Trish’s works
I love the kingfisher bird the best. It is so beautiful.
The Kotari Kingfisher grabs my attention he looks so real that if you reached out to touch him he would take flight he is beautiful…Trish Burrs Thread painting books and kits are to die for..Thanks for the opportunity to win one of these beautiful exotic pieces
G’day Mary,
You said these questions were going to be easy! Ha ha! So very hard to choose. The very day after Christmas, I’ll go with the seasons colours, the glorious red and crimson butterfly. The partly ripening strawberries and their accompanying colours of white ladies-in-waiting flowers are the perfect foil for the rich colour of the butterfly. I like that.
Butterfly kisses for wishes? Definitely. It’s the season for magic.
A delighted thank you to Trish and yourself, Mary, for offering this generous giveaway.
Cheers, Kath from Oz.
What a beautiful set of embroideries – I love the Kotari Kingfisher and would love to complete him and the other kits being given away. Trish Burr produces such beautiful designs and I am looking forward to getting a copy of her Colour Confidence for Embroiderers (was hoping to get it for Christmas but haven’t yet so may have to wait until my birthday).
Hi Mary,
Hope your Christmas was wonderful!
I’m so very moved by the Kotali Kingfisher. The colors are so alluring and he looks like he’ll fly away at any min. I found I was holding my breath when I was studying him.
Happy New year and thanks so much for this newest giveaway.
My best,
Vickie
What a beautiful giveaway! I took Trish Burr’s online class this past summer and now have a lovely needlepainting hanging on my wall. The dvd is a must for anyone wanting to try needlepainting. My favorite project this time is the Katari Kingfisher. Trish’s birds are so realistic and I need a lot more practice to improve my skill.
Joan M T
I love that bright-eyed Somali Bee Eater – he has such a gleam in his intelligent little eye! But I think it is the way Trish has used color in the Bee Eater composition that really intriques me, and I would love to explore this technique as taught in in her DVD. Good luck to all!
-Sharon in France
A favorite of Trish Burr? That is nearly impossible, but I have to say that the butterfly grabs me the most. I purchased her book “Needlepainting for beginners”, and have read it many times, but have not had the courage or the time to try a project.
Mary Corbet, you are a very generous person, and I love your newsletters.
Thank you Mary for this great give-a-way! I live on the Gulf Coast and my favorite is the little Kingfisher. I just love the determined look on his face and all the colors of his feathers. He looks like he is ready to go and get his dinner.
The butterfly, love them!! I have never needle painted but would love to learn. Thank you for the giveaway
I love the Kingfisher, the subtle shades/variance makes the bird look 3D
I love that little Kingfisher, something about the colors and pose just makes it so cute! It’s followed by the Bee Eater. In both cases the stitching makes it look like if you touched it, it would feel like feathers. I can only hope that if I did them, the results would be the same.
I believe it almost impossible to choose a favorit. Because with threads, Trish Burr absolutely is stellar at capturing the essence of the thing, be it flower, insect or bird!
She totally captured and expressed the regal nature of the butterfly! The quiet beauty of the Somali Bee Eater.
I vote the Kotari Kingfisher. She totally nailed the fierce, focused little bird! Each specific colored strand of strategically placed floss emphasizing the attitude, determined spirit and fierce heart of that tiny dynamo!
Thank you for you the 12 days of Christmas Contest. The Somali Bee Eater is my favorite. Winter in Michigan leaves us with mainly grey & brown birds at the feeders with the occasional flash of red from a cardinal. The Bee Eater reminds me of nuthatches that visit the feeders. They have similar long beaks and often watch me with one eye as they grab seeds. The long and short stitches on the Bee Eater look so much like tiny feathers.
I love all of Trish Burr’s designs. This butterfly looks especially lovely to me and the body is very realistic. Happy Holidays, everyone.
Wow, what a wonderful giveaway – I just got her needlepainting book as my Christmas gift to myself. Choosing a kit is really difficult as they are all so beautiful, but I guess the one that appeals the most to me is the Kotari Kingfisher. Good luck to everyone!
Thanks for such a great, instructive site. The little Kingfisher is precious and I would love to try to stitch him. My skill level certainly would require the DVD because needlepainting is something I have not been able to perfect.
It’s so hard to decide, but I think the Somali Bee Eater would be the first one I would stitch up. I love the shading.
I’m so excited to have found this contest. Some friends mention it on another website but I had totally forgotten. But this morning pulled out my Needle Painting for Beginners to get started and was looking for a conversion chart when I came to the site and saw the headline.
Out of the three posted patterns I love the Kingfisher, because of his projected attitude. I think he is so cool.
Robin
I like the Somali Bee Eater. It is amazing what Trish can do with one strand of thread. Her work is awesome and I would love to learn her techniques. Also, thank you Mary for your wonderful, encouraging site. It give us inspiration.
Karen “Northern California”
Wow all these kits are awesome!!! I have to say the Kotari Kingfisher knocked my socks off!!! I can’t believe how realistic it looks!! The kingfisher seems like it could fly off at any moment. Trish Burr is a master at needle painting, I would love the chance to be able to learn from her. Thank you Mary for offering us all a chance to win this extradionary gift!
Natasha from CT
Hi Mary!
Wow! I have to choose just one?! 🙂 The Kingfisher is a wonderfully exciting little creature, he’s my favorite. Such a pert little fellow!
Blessings,
Jen in Oregon
When I first seen needle painting I thought “WoW”, this form of embroidery is absolutely beautiful. So I purchased Trish Burr’s book “Needle Painting: Fresh Ideas for Beginners”, because heaven knows I’m a beginner at this type of embroidery. I am so looking forward to getting started now that I have her book.
All three kits are gorgeous, but I like the butterfly the best. I think of them as flying jewels.
Merry Christmas to all of the friends and fans out there. I got a new stitching book for Christmas.
The Kotari Kingfisher bird caught my eye… beautiful colors of course, but he has attitude. You gotta love that. I know just who I’d give the finished project to.
I love the color of the butterfly, but my favorite is the last one. The little bird looks like I could put out my hand and pick him up, right off the page.
Trish’s work is all so beautiful that it is really hard to choose a favourite, but I think it would be the Kingfisher. To be honest tho’ I’d be happy to stitch any of them. I was lucky enough to take an on-line class with Trish and I learned so much from her.
My favorite is the Somali Bee Eater.
The Kingfisher is what “grabs” me. We live on a lake and have Kingfishers here. He looks as if he is about to leap off that branch and swoop down to the lake!
I love Trish’s pieces and have been hesitant to try them…2012 is the year to plunge into a new needlework adventure!
Thank you for your generous nature, Mary! I look forward to another year of Needle ‘n Thread and your wonderful insights, commentaries, teachings and meanderings!
Connie :0)
They are all spectacular, but the Kingfisher is my favorite. What a beautiful treatment of a beautiful bird! Thank you for doing this wonderful giveaway. Merry Christmas!
Oh my gosh, the Kotari Kingfisher s fabulous, I can only dream that I could do it justice! I have not tried learning a technique from a DVD…maybe that would be the next best thing to having my grandmother by my side.
Sandra Owen, Kennewick, WA
I think that I would be able to finish one of these beautiful little paintings. I like the Kingfisher–I feel like I could reach out and pet his little head and back–soft and lovely. Happy New Year and thank you for the past year of my daily “fix” of the wonderful world that is today’s embroidery.
Merry Christmas! I the look of the Kotari Kingfisher. I wanted to reach out and touch it! I would love to learn more about thread painting. Thank you!
My favorite is the Kingfisher. He’s a beautiful little bird and I’d love to be able to stitch him!
Definitely the Kotari Kingfisher! I love the blue colors.
J’aime le papillon rouge! Il est tellemnt réel on dirais qu’il vas s’envoler du tissu, tous les modèles sont très beau mais le papillon est Vraiment le plus beau . Merci à toi Mary!!
Thank you so much for the opportunity, Trish Burr’s work is wonderful. I particularly am taken with the Kingfisher, it’s got to be my favourite bird. Regards for the season. Mandy Currie
I love the Kotari Kingfisher and the Somali Bee Eater the best. The beautiful colors used are luscious!
Thanks for the opportunity to be added to the drawing for these great kits!
Pam in IL
What a wonderful give-a-way! My husband bought me Trish Burr’s Needle Painting Embroidery Fresh Ideas for Beginners book for Christmas this year. I would love to win these kits to see if I can implement her teachings. My favorite kit is the Kotari Kingfisher. Just look at that face! What’s not to love?
They are all lovely but the butterfly is my favorite!
Elizabeth Hurd
I love the butterfly! So bright and oolorful for this time of year!
-Bonnie in Virginia
This is soooo exciting!! Especially starting off with such a wonderful prize…I can’t wait to see what is next! It is so very hard to determine a favorite of these three kits, but if I have to choose, I think my favorite is the Somali Bee Eater…he’s very life-like in detail; the eye looks almost real. But I do love them all; they represent the beauty that is possible with needlepainting embroidery and they really inspire me to get started as I just recently ordered the Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners to add to my library! Thank you, Mary for being and for bringing constant inspiration to your readers…you are the gift that keeps on giving.
Diana B. in La.
I love the Somali Bee Eater. Love his little face. Happy 1st day of Xmas giveaways!
I love Trish’s method of thread painting. I have bought 3 of her books (so far) and have the dvd on my wish list. Of the three kits, I adore the Somali Bee Eater. That would be the first one I would stitch if I am the lucky winner. This is fun — to have a chance at winning. Thanks, Mary, for providing this opportunity!
I love the Kotari Kingfisher! They are all nice, but that one is my favorite!
Dawn C. Southcoast, MA
I love the Somali Bee Eater!
It’s feathers just call to be touched.
Dear mary,
thanks so much for this great idea.
I love all Trish Burr’s work and one day I hope I could attend one of her classes maybe in South Africa.
For now I just dream looking at her wonderful work.
I love both of the birds … but I think they are too advanced for me. SO if I have to choose one design to do first it will be the butterfly.
Hi Mary,
Merry Xmas..Always loved and admired Trish’s needle painting.. Its a great give away. I loved the Katari Kingfisher.. It looks pretty real..a perfect one.. Have been long wishing to do a Trish’s needle painting.. Hope I can start the New Year with these wonderful kits.
What an exciting and generous giveaway. The DVD’s would be especially helpful to increase my learning skills. The Kotari Kingfisher is probably my favorite, it is stunning with the gorgeous range of colors.
I love the portrait of the Somali Bee Eater! Santa brought me Trish’s first book and this would be a wonderful addition. Good luck to everyone. Thank you Mary for this great site.
Love, love, love the butterfly kit! Her work is beautiful and I would love the opportunity to create something as wonderful. Thank you for the chance. I love your daily e-mails; very fun to read, extremely informative, and your work is always amazing.
Diana in Sioux Falls
I really like the Kotari Kingfisher-the colors are gorgeous!
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favoite witht the rose a close second. Thanks for the opportunity to further my stitching knowledge!
Hi Mary, I am a very new beginner who happened upon your website while searching online for information to learn hand embroidery (my mother did it when I was a child and has since passed away long ago and I would like to revive it for my new baby granddaughter). From the moment I clicked on your page, I have been mesmerized spending HOURS here learning. And a couple of days ago I came across Trish’s work under your pictures posted section and was SO incredibly amazed. The butterfly and sweet berries and blooms are my favorites but they are all STUNNING! I feel so blessed to have come across your site and I hope to soon be able to stitch some of these beautiful things you all make. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Catrina Byrge
it would have to be the kotari kingfisher. i love birds. we have 11 each one is just precious to us. most of them live in our living room where i stitch. i do not need music or tv, i just listen to my birds. to stitch on the kotari would be so much fun amidst this. what a beautiful giveaway. thank you so much for the chance.
Good morning Mary,
Blessed Christmas to you! Thank you for the give away. I like the Bee Eater, he looks so real.
Thank you and have a wonderful day,
Camille
It’s hard to choose. The bee-eater is so subtle and neat! But I think the butterfly is the one I’d do first, on the theory that it’s the most manageable. I love this 12 days of Christmas thing!
I love the kingfisher. I like to draw birds and would love to try one in needlepainting.
Janet in Colorado
Hi Mary,
I hope you had a lovely Christmas. I would have to say they are all lovely and they all show the beauty in nature and how Great God is. The one that caught my eye the most is the Kotari Kingfisher I love the combination of the different colors they all compliment each other and the detailed work is just beautiful and admirable. Thank you for the chance to enter in the drawing.
Thank you,
Jenn G.
O! How I would ADORE these needlepainting kits and DVDs. I’m trying to learn the art and they would help immensely.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!
I love all the kits but the Somali Bee Eater is my favorite – the subtle color shading is exquisite.
Thanks for including the link to her website. And thanks to Trish for the book on color for embroiderers!
Ann Winschel
Happy Boxing Day!
I love all of the projects, but I think the Kingfisher is my favorite. I love the detail in his little feathers.
Difficult as it is to choose, the butterfly is my favorite. I love those white blossoms best and the body of the butterfly looks so real.
I love birds! Of the two shown in this article I would prefer the Kingfisher because it shows the full bird and some flora, too. While the Bee Eater gives greater detail to the lay of the feathers, learning a bit about branches, etc, would be useful–perhaps a bit more in line for a beginner in needle painting.
Thank you, Mary, for this wonderful opportunity!
Hi Mary! I love all of them but I think the bee eater is at the top! It looks like he’s going to jump off the fabric looking for a bite to eat! 🙂 Thank you for all the work you do with your website! You are amazing!
Leslie Ehrlich
all are so good , and your giveaway too . thanks for the giveaway .
I would like to work on the kingfisher …
Wow, it would be hard to choose! But I’m a botanist by training & inclination so I’d have to go with the butterfly, just for the detail on the flowers!
Thank you for all you do on your website. And I hope your holidays are awesome.
Tessa from Stellenbosch
I can’t begin to tell you how much I admire Trish Burr’s work. I check her books out of the library so often that I’ve nearly worn them out. I’d love to have a chance to work one of her kits or own one of her books. Thank you for the chance for both.
Mary C.
I like the Kingfisher. He’s so fluffy! He also has a somewhat grumpy expression which reminds me of my cat. Adorable.
Today is Saint Stephen’s day, and my name’s Stefania (Stephanie), so it looks like a gift for me that your first giveaway is about long and short stitch, my favourite technique. I like the flowers and the strawberries behind the butterfly, but the Kingfisher is my favourite because I’ve never tried to stitch feathers and it would be a nice way to practice.
Thank you for the chance 🙂
I’m having a hard time choosing which is my favorite, I love butterflies, but the Kotari Kingfisher is a favorite. I’d love to have all of them come live with me. I’d do the Kingfisher first. Thank you for your generosity!!
They are all beautiful, but the Somali Bee Eater is my fave. He’s so cute. I have recently acquired Trish’s needle painting book and was blown away by the lovely creations in it. She is truly a talented needle artist.
All of her work is gorgeous of course, but I am drawn to the Kingfisher. It looks so real that it could fly away! Merry Christmas Mary!
Happy Holiday to you and yours!!!!
They all look so wonderful, but the Kotari Kingfish has caught my eye. The color floss that is used make the bird look so real and almost touchable….
Fredi
Hello. Although the feathers on both of the birds are amazing, my favorite of the three has to be the butterfly. The brilliancy of the red coloring is warm and welcoming–and I bet would brighten up a dreary Ohio February. As a newbie to embroidery, I am facinated w/ needle painting and look forward to the chance to try it out. Thank you, Mary, for these 12 days. I look forward to each one. Dawn in Ohio.
Mary, Thanks so much for your newsletters. They are so informative, well written, & beautiful to look at. Merry Christmas to one & all. Because the coloring on the Bee Eater has been blended so well, that’s my favorite.
All 3 kits are georgous! The butterfly would be my favorite. Happy new year!
Myriam R.
By far the bee eater bird is my favorite. It looks sooo real!
Ever so hard to choose – they are all stunning. When I first saw the rose, I was awed by the delicate shading in the leaves, and the clean, simple overall design. But when I saw the birds, I was smitten. The beautiful needlework AND the personality of the birds, as if they might move at any second. The kingfisher has stunning needlework and thoughtfully rendered details throughout. My favorite is the kingfisher. Merry Christmas.
Hi Mary and thanks for another wonderful opportunity…
My favorite is the butterfly design. I love the shading and details.
Jan B. in Florida
Mary, thank you for the opportunity to win one of these wonderful items. The butterfly grabs me the most. My daughter has started showing a preference for butterflies and it would be wonderful to be able to make this for her.
The Somali Bee Eater is my favorite. The way she has done his feathers are so realistic it makes me want to reach out and touch him. I have purchased Trish’s first book, and have preordered the second on Amazon. Can’t wait!!!!
Of all the kits I love the butterfly the most. It’s beautiful. Needle painting is beautiful. Debbie
I love the bird designs best but have a hard time between the portrait or the whole bird. I would love to be able to learn to stitch something with that much detail. They are just so gorgeous. I just got her new book the beginner’s guide for myself as a gift with an Amazon gift card my husband gave me. Looking forward to that order coming in. Thanks for the opportunity to learn some new stitching techniques.
I have done a lot of surface embroidery but no needle thread painting. I would love a tutorial for learning to do it correctly.
Marion
I do like the Kotari Kingfisher for he looks like he is disgusted with his world. I empathise. I have tried one of Trish Burr’s little birds and am annoyed with myself for falling so far short of the result I would like. But, would truly like to try again (and again).
I have gotten your book of church symbols and am trying to decide which lovely pattern to use to make an alter colth for my grandson-on-law who is a new minister. The book is amazing. Thank you for all your generous sharing with your creativity.
Jeanne Beck
What a beautiful give away!!! I love the butterfly but my favorite is the kingfisher!!!
The Trish Burr kit that is my favorite is the Somali Bee Eater. I’m amazed that the the finished product looks as though you could reach out and touch the feathers.I have not done any type of needlepainting but would love to learn. Happy New Year to all.
What a fabulous give away! I am torn between the Somali Bee Eater and the Kotari Kingfisher for my favorite. The detail in the feathers on both birds is amazing!
The beautiful butterfly kit is my favorite. I have always had a fasination with butterflys and am planting more butterfly bushes every year to have them around.
Janiceb
Hi Mary,
I hope your Christmas was very merry. What a wonderful way to start the 12 Days of Christmas in Needlework. I love the little kingfisher the best. Trish has created some beautiful bird designs. She does amazing things with shading and color and it really shows in the kingfisher. I’ve tried one of her birds and am anxious to do another.
Lee C.
I love the little kingfisher! I have always been fascinated by them. Needle painting is very intriguing and so beautiful!
I am interested in your 12 Days of Christmas give away. Thank you for your generous offer for the give away.
Susan
First of all Mary thanks for all the eye candy and information you give so freely. As to the kits first of all I liked the butterfly but then thought that it was a bit too much of a solid colour so then I went for the Somali Bee Eater,after thinking about that one for a bit I decided I liked the Kingfisher best. In short I like them all, whats not to like about any of them. Look forwrd to what is coming next.
Mary I love her butterfly the most. Great designs. What a wonderful way to start the new year for someone…
Thanks to you and Trish for this great opportunity.
Susie J in Omaha
Love the bee eater!. Our zoo has a collection of these birds and they are beautiful.
the butterfly is my favorite! now im off to research needle painting, i just started embroidery and only know 3 stitches so far 😀
Wow what hard choice! And what an opportunity! Ok, the Kotari Kingfisher is maybe the most complex, so I will choose that one. My goal is to learn how to embroider icons for the Church. That means some serious know-how, and I’ve got a long way to go. So I hope I can speed up the process by learning not only the long and short technique but also the traditional elements of light/dark, shape, line, color, and composition. I mean, you can learn a lot by practicing the stitches, but there’s so much more to it and I need help.
Thank you Mary and Trish!!!
What a wonderful give away! If I must choose, it would be Kotari Kingfisher. Hopefully the bud design will be included in the instructions!
It’s the Bee Eater for me. He looks as though the last bee he ate made him really work for it.
The prize is ALL of them? Eek!! They are all beautiful. I think I would choose the Kingfisher as my favorite in that it looks like it offers the most challenges in color shading — what Trish does SO WELL! And it looks so real! Fingers are crossed!
I love the kingfisher best, but they are all gorgeous! Thank you so much for all the time and effort you give to teaching us the details of embroidery!!
Hi Mary
What a lovely give away, the three kits are beautiful and it was hard to pick a favorite. However, that said I just love the butterfly so that would have to be my favorite
Joan Turrell from Canada
Trish Burr’s work is glorious. Thank you for the chance to win.
I have been wanting to take a Trish Burr class! I hear wonderful things about her and her pieces are all so beautiful! My favorite of the three is the Somali Bee Eater. Why? He was looking at me and my son keeps bees. Anything with bees catches my attention.
Happy Boxing Day!
All of Trish Burr’s projects are beautiful yet my favourite is her butterfly. The subtle shading adds such dimensionality and life! The flowers and strawberries in the background are just as stunning. The butterfly’s body is so lifelike, it seems he could simply fly away!
I am fascinated by needle painting and I had already decided that one of my goals for 2012 would be learn! (So what a serendipitous surprise when I opened my email from you this morning)
I love the last of the kits shown, the kingfisher. I’m intrigued by the dimensions created by the technique as well as the textures. This little fella has personality and depth.
Mary, I think you must be psychic, eventhough I got three beautiful embroidery books for Christmas, I was going to check out your reviews of Trish Burr’s books to select which one will be my next purchase! So thank you for this opportunity to win some of her expertise. I love the kingfisher with the twinkle in his eye he’s so cute and fluffy. The branch looks as if some kind of fungi is growing on it, and I would love to learn how to needlepaint to create such realistic beauty.
Lisa in Stirling, Ontario
I am intrigued by all three: however,the Dvds would be my pick. I would like to see the techniques used up close and personal. I have tried the short and long, but my work looks very amateurish. Your choices for give aways are extremely generous. Thank you
Merry Christmas! Love that little Kingfisher! The colors are so beautiful!
There’s an almost palpable texture to the birds. The Kingfisher seems almost to glow, so I think I’d pick that one as my favorite.
You have the bestest giveaways! I love the colors shown in the Kotari Kingfisher, but how can you choose a favorite? I would love to win as would anyone interested in needlework, but pick me!?!
I would have to say the Kotari Kingfisher is the one that grabs my attention the most. I would love to learn needle painting and this would be wonderful.
Debby Parker, Montana
The Butterfly one catches my eye!!
What beautiful kits. I have a strong leaning towards butterflies, so the vibrant red butterfly has to be my favourite. I am fascinated by the effect of the colours in each of the birds which give such a strong feeling of feathers. Amazing.
This is a FANTASTIC giveaway. I’ve tried long-and-short stitch recently and, well, the results indicate the I could really use those DVDs. The butterfly is the most appealing to me because it looks the least intimidating. I can’t imagine being good enough to do those birds justice!
Hello, Mary!
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and thank you so much for the 12 days! I love the Kotari Kingfisher, as I have kingfishers in the creek near my house and love to watch them fishing in the deeper pool for small sunfish. Thanks again!
Oh they are all so beautiful.
But the one that caught my eye is the “Kotari Kingfisher”. I am a lover of birds.
Thank you for such a gracious contest.
The blues and greens of the Kingfisher are amazing but the color of the butterfly is so bright that it just grabs me. I have her new book on my wishlist, her use and understanding of color is such an inspiration.
I LOVE the Kingfisher. I’ve never embroidered using a kit and its probably way over my skill level but a New Year is coming and I’m ready for a challenge.
Thanks for the giveaway! The butterfly is beautiful, but I love the complex colors of the kingfisher’s wings.
I like the Somali Bee Easter best of all. I know if I reach out and touch the bird, I will be able to stroke the feathers. The eye is staring back at me and I like the way only part of the bird is shown. The “fade out” is done so well.
I am not a sharp needle stitcher, but Trish Burr could turn me into one. In the past year I followed her instructions to stitch one of her more basic designs.
If I win the contest, I will stitch up the Somali Bee Eater and send photos for you to post.
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I love the little Kotari Kingfisher. He seems to have such an attitude. Thanks.
This is a wonderful way to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. The picture which I would love to “paint” is the Kotari Kingfisher. Ir reminds me of my dad who loved birds.
The Somali Bee Eater’s beak is just so beautifully done that this is my favorite of the three pieces.
I love the little bee eater! Its face is so cute. I just received Trisha Burr’s Needle Painting Embroidery for Christmas and can’t wait to start learning.
My favorite is the kingfisher, they are such colorful little birds! I have always been fond of them. There was a nesting pair in the tree across the street from my mother’s house, we used to watch them with binoculars. And I have an antique ceramic pitcher from the 1920’2 that features one on the side.
Trish does such beautiful work, I would be thrilled to have these. :>)
Valerie Kalyani in CA
Trish Burr is a master at her craft :)! I love everything design she does. I love the kingfish, the colours and blending seem to be so very vibrant and plus that is my favourite colour combination.
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.
On with some new projects and learning curves for the new coming year.
Trish Burr’s designs are so beautiful and life like! Of the 3 kits pictured the Kotari Kingfisher is the one that grabs me. I love the blue used and the stitching looks like real feathers.
Oh my, that Kotari Kingfisher is just amazing! I love the expression. I’ve never stitched an animal before (only stylized Celtic dragons a couple times), and I never really thought too much about doing it, but that gorgeous bird really is something! wow.
i adore the butterfly. the reds are so dark and vibrant. they are all beautiful!
donna altieri
Mary,
These kits are sooooooooo beautiful. It’s hard to choose a favorite. I love the Kotari Kingfisher. He looks so soft. I love birds and have five parrots that are my “kids”. These kits would be most welcome as I have just had surgery on my leg, and have lots of time to stitch. Thank you, Mary, for this opportunity.
Beautiful needle painting kits. My fav is the kingfisher. I have never done any needle painting so this would be a great way to learn.
What a hard decision! They are all intriguing, but the one that really catches my eye is the Kingfisher. Thank you for offering this giveaway.
Gayle Schipper
I love the bee eater! It is so beautiful! I am just learning how to do needle painting. I can not tell you how grateful I am for your site. It is the best! Thank you for all your hard work!
-Heather in Chicago
Hello Mary,
Wow this first give-away is amazing !!
I prefer the kit of the portrait of the Somali Bee eater, because It looks not so complicated and let me feel confident in my capacity of embroidering it.
The bee eater is so striking, its face just grabbed me! The subtle shading and bold stare just jumped out at me.
I love all three kits … but Somali Bee Eater and he shades caught my eyes … love play with colors … and this bird is fantastic!! Trish is really an Artist of needle with capital A!!
Walfrida
Happy Boxing day Mary and please can we can lots of the same in 2012?!!
Now which one……..it will have to be the kingfisher, the colours are pure perfection and would look stunning in the right situation.
Thanks for everything that you do.
My favorite is the butterfly – colors are so vibrant and beautiful.
Hristina Bishop
The Long and Short of It is my favorite – since I will be working on a christening gown for my first granddaughter – Sophia, and plan to embroider a similar motif! How lovely it all is though!
Trish Burrs designs are just beautiful. I love all three designs…the vibrant colors are so beautiful! The one that is my favorite is the butterfly but I love the blending in the kingfisher and the bek of the bee eater! I just love her designs! This is a great way to celebrate with 12 days of Christmas!
If I had to pick one of the 3 I would have to close my eyes and pick one as they all are very beautiful but there is something very unique about the little Somali Bee Eater. Very intriquing. The Bee Eater would be my choice.Thanks for this awesome contest Mary! 🙂
Happy holidays to all!
Tess from USA
Merry Christmas.
I love reading your daily emails, they are always so I interesting and ha e such useful information.
My favorite giveaway is the Kotari Kingfisher, he looks very cute, however he also looks as if he is about to get himself into mischief!
Thanks again for all your daily emails, I always look forward to reading them. Fiona from New Zealand
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. I am currently working on a needlepainting project and I love the way the chest feathers merge with the wing feathers. The little details that Trish puts into her designs are so wonderful and they keep you looking at them past the first glance.
Dear Mary,
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! All of the kits are lovely but the kingfisher looks to have such an attitude- he just makes me smile. Of course, the decision was a difficult one.
Thank you for this offering!
Peg F. from NJ
Happy 1st Day of Christmas Mary. I’m very excited to see Trish Burr’s art in the contest. My favorite of the 3 patterns you show is the Kotari Kingfisher because he looks so ‘determined’ and I can almost feel his feathers as he looks so real. I guess that is why I bought Trishs’ book “Needle Painting Embroidery Fresh Ideas for Beginners” because I, too, am ‘determined’ to learn how to needle paint several of her prescious pieces!!! Thx for this opportunity Mary! Hug You.
These designs are all gorgeous! I think my favorite is the butterfly because its colors just pop out and it is so vibrant! A very beautiful design!Thank you for this awesome giveaway!
Pamir Karusagi
The Kotari Kingfisher has to be my favourite. This little bird has such a presence! Gay B South Africa
Hi, I like the Kingfisher, though all the designs are wonderful. Thanks for entering me in this giveaway. Sandi
I thought all the examples shown were fantastic but I especially loved the Butterfly picture. The colors were gorgeous and the flowers seemed to have actual depth to them. I’ve only dabbled a very little bit in long and short stitch but these were certainly inspiration to delve further into this technique.
Wow, what a way to start! My favorite kit is the butterfly kit; I like the vibrant color and the flowers. Looking forward to every day of your game!
Katherine
They are all beautiful, but the Samali Bee Eater caught my eye with it’s lovely colors and the way it looks so fluffy and soft.
HI
I like the kingfish. Blue,gree brown-gray blending of colors to look like feathers. Thanks for the giveaway.
Deloris D
I have never done thread painting but have always wanted to try it. I love the Kingfisher above, but both birds are beautiful. Thank you for a wonderful blogs with lots of great information for a novice embroider as well as the experts.
The Somali Bee Eater – such brilliant colour mixing!
I love them all and the Kingfisher is standing out as my favorite.
Hi Mary,
This is such a great give-away!!!! I would love to win this so that I can learn how to needle paint, it is such beautiful work – I particularly like the butterfly one, it speaks to me; and I would definitely enjoy learning how to stitch it!!
Thanks Mary for all the stitching fun and ideas. Trish Burr’s things are always beautiful but I think of this grouping my favorite is the butterfly.
WOW, these are beautiful but I have never been disappointed in anything Trish does. I love the Somali Bee Eater, so beautifully done, as though I could stroke his soft, fluffy feathers! What a great giveaway and quality kits to make in the new year! Thanks for the opportunity Mary! Happy New Year everyone!
I just love Trish’s Kotake kingfisher; he loos a bit angy but also looks as thug he is about to fly down to catch a fish for his supper!
Granny Pam
You have inspired me to join my local embroidery guild. I want to do everything but just looking at Trish Burr’s embroidery designs makes me think back to the time when candies were sold behind a glass case in a “:candy store” It is difficult for me to choose but I think both birds fascinate me because When I sit in my sunroom I can watch the birds at my feeder. I feel as if I am in an aviary.
Thank you for all your inspiration
carol gross
They are all exquisite and I’d cherish the opportunity to create any one of them but the Kotari Kingfisher is the most intriguing. I want to know what he’s so focused on! Is there a bug I can’t see? Also the colors and shadings would be challenging to replicate. Thank you!
Robin S. smith
My Favourite would be the butterfly and blossom kit.
All three of these kits are beautiful, but I would have to say that my favorite is the butterfly. I am always drawn to butterfly designs, and this one is so bright and colorful! This is so great that you are doing these 12 days of Christmas. And I just wanted to let you know, that your website inspires me so much! Every time I feel that lack of motivation with a project I just come on here to see the amazing things you have done and it helps me so much. Thank you!
Jenilee E
Definitely the Somali Bee Eater; its subtle shading is gorgeous. I’m anxiously awaiting Trish’s book on Colour Confidence to become available in the US.
I am excited and grateful to be included in this giveaway! I love all the kits and really admire Trish’s work. My favorite kit is the Kotari Kingfisher for its soft and realistic look. I would love to learn to accomplish this!!
Thanks so much, Jenny P. in Kansas City
Trish Burr’s work is phenomenal! I truly can’t say which I like the best because all three are stunning. The detail is just unbelievable. I have never done thread painting yet and would love these kits to give it a go. Mary, you are so sweet and thoughtful to offer these giveaways for us! Thanks so much!
Like many of the comments, the Kingfisher is my favourite too. I love the colours! Trish Burr’s designs are beautiful, I’m a big fan.
Oh my the butterfly— absolutely beautiful design work and stitching!!! fingers crossed!!,
I love the work of Trish Burr and have several of her books. I really like her birds, they look so fuzzy. However, my favorite kit is the butterfly. It is glorious.
I don’t have a website, but I hope I can still enter.
Thanks, Kendra H.
What beautiful needle painting kits! Such a hard decision to choose a favorite, but I think it would have to be the Kotari Kingfisher. I love the way the feathers look. But each kit is very realistic and amazing!
Thank you for offering such a wonderful giveaway!
What a delightful give-a-way Mary! Thank You! My fave would be the butterfly…absolutely gorgeous colors and stitching. Sandy Todd
I like that kingfisher – he looks like he’d be fun to stitch. Thank you for this opportunity!
The Kotari Kingfisher. The colors are just amazing and it looks almost like you could reach out and feel the feathers.
Pick me, pick me!!! I love the Kingfisher. He looked like he could speak to me. I am just a beginner but these kits could help me improve my stitching and allow me to learn thread painting. Pick me, pick me!!!
I love the Kingfisher! The shading & colors are fantastic!
I love the butterfly! what a neat kit. Thanks for your tips, it’s always great to read. 🙂
I would choose the Butterfly. I just love it’s brilliant coloring and it’s my favorite color, as well!! This is a really great give-a-way, Mary.
What a wonderful giveaway! The kingfisher is my favorite — we have kingfishers locally and they’re so shy that I don’t see them very often. I’d love to stitch one so that I could see him every day! 🙂
I love the Kotari Kingfisher! The colors are beautiful!
Kathy from McKinney
It is very hard to decide which is the favorite of mine but I think it’s the Kingfisher. It has such beautiful colors and different shades of blue (which is my favorite color). I think I would enjoy stitching him–to me it would be a challenge of doing something different.
Evelyn Stanish–December 26, 2011
What a wonderful giveaway! They are all beautiful, but I like the kingfisher best – so expressive.
What a wonderful way to start off a new year of stitching – I’d love to win! Thank you for your website. Your work is beautiful and your ideas are an inspiration! Thank You Thank You Thank You
Wow. Trish is good. I like: Somali Bee Eater. The thread looks like a shag carpet. That is really good. That’s a technique I would love to learn.
-Jical
I love the kingfisher and would really enjoy giving it a go. Thank you for the chance to enter you giveaway and Merry Christmas!
I have browsed Trish’s site and am eager to try this art form. I waterpaint but get bored with the two dimensional paper and paint form This my be the new watercolor for me!
It’s really very difficult choose one of this amazing three! But was shoked coming to Kotari Kingfisher with such lovely character looking from it’s eyes!!! My greetings!
I love them all and Butterflies are my special muse, but I loved the Kotari Kingfisher with all the detail and color in it. Thanks for the chance in the giveaway.
I fell for the Kit called Kotari Kingfisher.
I just want to reach out with my pointer finger and have the bird fly onto it. Should I win and be able to complete such a beautiful work of art, I would be like in heaven. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a kit.
Although I’m a great lover of birds, and Trish Burr’s two patterns are outstanding, as always, it is the butterfly that drew my attention first. The butterfly’s vibrant colour shows the beautiful results produced by thread painting. I love it.
Susan Donn
My husband loves to sit on the porch and watch the numerous kinds of birds. I would enjoy learning how to make the different stitches that make up the embroidered bird and frame a completed one or two to put out for viewing. Presently, I do not know how to do this so this instruction book would be of the utmost confidence building I could find. Ms. Burr’s books are just so special.
Thank you for the chance to win one.
That’s a hard choice. I’ve got to say the kingfisher though because of the shading on his wing and look on his face.
I pick the Somali bee eater. It looks so fuzzy and real, my fingers can almost feel the feathers.
Thank you Mary for a lovely give-away. The Kotari kingfisher looks very similar to the kingfishers that regularly visit the dam on my property so that would have to be my favourite.
Of the three Trish Burr designs on your newsletter today my favorite is the Somali Bee Eater. I have several of Ms Burr’s books and read them over and again although I haven’t yet attempted any projects (still working up the courage). I love the luscious colors on this little bird and the stitching makes me want to rub his little belly.
I am very fond of your newsletter and read them all. Thank you so much for all you put into this and sharing so much of what you do.
Lisa DeKalb
Your giveaways are always so wonderful!
I just love the butterfly and the strawberries are just so pretty
Crossing my fingers thanks again for the oppertunity for one of to win this great giveaway
Definitely the Somali Bee Eater. The shading in his neck is so subtle. It looks like he’s looking right at you! I was so impressed with your review of Trish’s “Colour Confidence in Embroidery” that I ordered it from the UK. It looks like just the book I’ve been wanting for years to help in selecting colours for my own designs.
Wow!! What a fabulous giveaway.
Choose a favourite?? They are all delicious 🙂
I think the little bee eater has that “you lookin at me?” about him..
But I love all Trishs’ work.
Regards
Phillipa in NZ
The kingfisher is so beautiful with that gorgeous shade of blue!
Hi Mary,
I love all of the kits, especially because my last name is Bird. The study of birds has been a bit of a special area of interest to me. This winter I did a kit that showcased the reddest cardinals you’ve ev seen! I do have to say that the shocking red of the butterfly is what really captures my attention and would love to learn how to needle paint with these kits. Thank you!
Melissa Bird
The Kingfisher! Althoguh they are all beautiful. My 104 year old gradmother started me bird watching when I was very young. We have Kinfishers in Maine and I love watching and listening to them on our pond. My “beloved” is a phenominal bird carver and I would so love to accomplish the same level of color and detail with needle and thread that he can do with wood.
Merry Christmas and wonderful New year to you all.
Doreen B.
Merry Christmas, Mary! Well its a tough call but I think it would have to be the kingfisher because the colors are so beautiful.
Blessed Christmas, Mary!
The butterfly is my favorite, the flowers remind me of spring.
Thank you,
Maria VF
Dear Mary
How exciting to have give-aways. I purchased ‘The Long and Short of It’ for a friends birthday after you pointed us in the direction of Trish. I have just seen part of and my friend was delighted to own it. Anyone including me wouyld be honoured to win anything at all.
Compliments from down under
Robyn K
New Zealand
My favourite is the vibrant butterfly. The colours are just amazing
Trish Burr’s designs and kits can be addicting, in a good way! I have worked a few of her simpler designs and then I do some surface embroidery or somethings else. I keep coming back to do more of her designs. Love the way she reminds one to go look at the real thing if possible and see the growth direction in a flower or feather , how the light plays on it, and study its colors and complimenting shadows. More instruction is always a plus. Birds and butterflies, oh my! I am looking forward to doing the little kingfisher one day.
Merry Christmas!
I love the vibrant butterfly. My daughter and I share a love of butterflies and I would like to make this for her.
Love the Kotari Kingfisher. New to all this but want to give it a try. Thanks for the chance to win these beautiful kits.
I just love Trish Burr’s birds that Somali King Fisher is incredible. Her skills are just mind blowing.
I absolutely love your blog and have the link available on my blog for those who love needlework.
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. He is so cute and pudgy. I love doing eyes, and his eyes look so challenging!
Margaret
These are all fabulous kits, but the one that really ‘grabs’ me is the Somali Bee Eater with the subtle colours.
Thanks for the competition.
Blessings
Maxine
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. I love to watch the birds here in the Northwest and have a friend who can identify them all! If I won this kit, I would stitch it for him as a gift to say thank you for all the wonderful chats we have had about birds.
best wishes for a Happy New Year,
ellen in Seattle
The kingfisher grabs me. His coloring imparts that magical iridescence often seen in bird feathers. The entire collection is beautiful!
I am in absolute awe at Trish’s work…every single piece of it. But since I have to choose a favorite, it’s the one with the flowers and butterfly.. .with my very favorite part being the strawberries because I absolutely love how the colors blend and work off one another. . . and in such a tiny space too.
What beautiful work-takes my breath away-to think that we can all achieve this beautiful work is a tribute to you and the artist, Trish Burr! Thank you for sharing your gifts of expertise to us! I am grateful for that! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi Mary. Hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday.
I love Kingfishers, so for me it would have to be the Kotari Kingfisher.
Pam in Hampshire UK.
Trish Burr does beautiful work and is an inspiration to do some of her projects. I would love getting any one of the kits!
I like the kingfisher. He looks so life like.
I have tried the needle painting from your tutorial. Wonderful sewing technique for the flowers on my crazy quilt. They look so real!! Thanks for this chance to win a great book.
oh the kingfisher is the one! He looks so real you can take him off the page and hold him in your hands. What a talent she has.
I like the Somali bee eater the best. His eye looks especially real, and the rest of him looks so touchable.
Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Hello! I do love the Trish Burr books and embroideries. Actually, she is an artist, and I didn’t dare to start that great woman an embroidery. I hope to be a winner and I promise to try I’ll not be too bad embroiderer and to honor your gift. My favorite is the Butterfly, I do like the butterflies and the poppies. I like the silk’s red color, and I’ll make use the silk for the first time. Please, be comprehensive with my langage, Im from Belgium, french speaker.
Thank you for all your so good concils and lessons, I’ve learning and Im learning a lot thanks to you.
Merry Christmas and Happy new year.
What a great giveaway! I like the butterfly and the rose motif too. Thank you for this chance to win :o)
Györgyi from Hungary
I have purchased Trish Burr’s “Needle Painting Embroidery:Fresh Ideas for Beginers”, because I’ve never seen or done this type of embroidery and I’m so anxious to learn it, but don’t have a pattern as of yet. The kits would be fantastic to win. It would give me three beautiful patterns to get started on.
All three kits are marvelous and beautiful, but I have to say that I would go with the butterfly. They are like flying jewels.
Thanks Mary for having this 12 days of Christmas give away. Of course I’d love to win, but whoever does will have three gorgeous Embroidery Paintings to cherish.
Trish from Ft. Garland
My favorite one is the butterfly.
Lovely white flowers on the background, with cute strawberries and a radiant red butterfly in front, I would love to stitch it!
I like the butterfly, but the birds are wonderful too. I want to learn this technique. Sandra
The Somali Bee eater gets my vote. I am amazed at the layering of color and the reality of the bird. Love it.
Hi Mary: Every day I look forward to reading your website so it is exciting to be able to enter this contest. As an avid cross-stitcher, I have never done needle painting but seeing Trish Burr’s beautiful kits, I really would like to try this craft. Although I love the birds, I think my favorite is the butterfly because the picture also includes flowering strawberries. Thanks so much for your informative website.
Wow! And this is only day one!
Trish Burr’s work is truly beautiful. I would love to try needle painting it is so realistic. My Dad has always loved Kingfishers and that kit would be the one for me! Thanks Mary for such a lovely giveaway.
As I live in NZ, the Kotare Kingfisher has to be my favourite. I have 2 pairs that visit my garden everyday. When the sun catches their wings, they turn irridescent blue, and their breasts become bright yellow like a sunflower. They are commonly known here as the sacred kingfisher. To have a permanent image of my kingfishers, stitched by me, on show in my home would be exquisite.
Thanks
I am totally taken by the Bee Eater. That embroidery is incredible/
What beautiful embroidery! I would love to learn to do this. I am drawn to the Kingfisher because of the beautiful blues, greens and browns .
Thank you for this chance to win & for your wonderful website & blog.
What a great start to the Twelve Days of Christmas! My favourite design is the Kotari Kingfisher although it looks like a lot of work for a beginner which is definitely where I’m at! So the DVDs would be a wonderful and helpful addition!
I love the little Somali Bee Eater, the butterfly and the Kingfisher are beautiful, but the little bee eater is so sweet. Look at its eye. Perfect. He looks alive. Hope everyone had
a wonderful Christmas!
Pam in Alabama
The Kotari Kingfisher’s beautiful plumage is wonderfully blended, his perch is nicely defined, and even the leaves contribute their part to the design balance. Furthermore, I like his demeanor…..an attitude of wise contemplation.
Trisha Burr’s website is certinly worth visiting, too.
Thank you for your attention to this important artist.
All the kits are equally beautiful but my favorite is the Kingfisher because of the colors. I tend to gravitate toward one of two colorways in everything I do. It is either earth tones or jewel tones.I think the Kingfisher fits wonderfully into the jewel tone category.
I just love the somali bee-eater, it looks so cute. I have just bought her book on needlepainting for beginners, and it looks gorgous and has tons of information. I am learning so much
Of the three kits featured above, which grabs you? (i.e. Which is your favorite?)
The vibrant red butterfly kit caught my eye immediately!
thank you for your well written posts!
lorraine in California
mabbettLorraine at yahoo dot com
Mary, thank you for this wonderful give away and your so very informative blog all through the year.
My favourite of the kits is the Somali Bee Eater, the detailed colouring is exquisite and the texture make you want to stroke the little chap.
Dear Mary,
Thank you for this opportunity to win these gorgeous kits. I almost never win anything, but will keep my fingers (annd toes) crossed. I am most partial to the little Kingfisher. Such an intense look. I wonder if he has spied out his dinner. I have both of the books you mentioned on my wish list at amazon, and will probably order sometime in January.
Gerry (Alberta, Canada)
Hi Mary, Happy Holidays! The butterfly kit is the one that grabs me, partly because it is vibrant and beautiful, and mostly because it is a butterfly, since they have been special to me for a very long time. Thank you for your lovely and inspiring blog all this past year.
Which one grabs me? I’d say the Kingfisher for all the blues appeals most, although the butterfly in all its red color is a very close second. The DVD is what I am interested in, as there are aspects of long & short I’m just not getting right.
Thanks so much for offering these gifts during the 12 days of Christmas.
Kotari Kingfisher is just lovely – such detail and done with stitches…I could only hope to do justice to the kit!
I like the Somali Bee Eater because he looks so real and alive. And stitching just his portrait is even a bigger challange to make him come alive with his long beak, his clear eye that makes him look so alert and the suttle colours of his feather coat. I would love to learn how Trish makes her thread paintings come alive.
Ana-Maria
I was instantly drawn to the Kotari Kingfisher. I love how Ms Burr was able to capture this little creature’s personality. I am a complete novice when it comes to these techniques but her designs are very inspirational and I am sure that with her clear instructions, even someone as green as I, could be proud of the completed project.
I love love Trish Burr’s designs. They are definitly a work of art. I so want to do needlepainting. Sometimes directions in a book confuse me so it is a big bomusto have the DVDs. I love that she does bird and nature, that is mostly what I stitch.
The butterfly is my favorite of the three designs.
Mary, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that 2012 will be happy, healthy and prosperous. Thanks for the great newsletter.
Fran
Red Oak, TX
I love the butterfly. I subscribe to Inspiration Magazine, and have been fortunate to have read several of her projects/articles in Inspirations, but I’ve not been brave enough to do one yet!
Carole in Granite Bay, CA
Happy Holidays Mary and Trish! Oh gosh, Trish Burr is my favorite embroiderer! I love her designs and use of colors and her books are the best for instruction and inspiration. My favorite of the above.. hmmm.. although the butterfy is stunning, the Kotari Kingfisher grabs me. The more I look at it the more color shading I see.
Thank you, Mary and Trish!
I like the butterfly the best. her work is just so beautiful. I would love to learn how to do it.
Those are some of the most beautiful nature embroideries I’ve seen in a while. The birds are so lifelike and the butterfly is just gorgeous. I don’t know if I could do Ms. Burr justice if I did get the chance to try some of her designs. However, that doesn’t stop me from wanting to win her DVD’s and Kits.
Thank you Mary for this chance and for your wonderful instructions through your blog and emails.
What a stunning butterfly…the colours are so vibrant and exciting. I have done some of Tanya Berlin’s thread painting and really enjoy the realistic detail of this technique. Trish Burr’s designs are on my “to do” list, so it would be wonderful to win and have this opportunity to work on Trish’s designs. Mary, thanks for a fabulous blog. I can’t wait to read it every day.
It tough to choose, but I think the Kinfisher is my favorite.
Thanks so much for this giveaway. I greatly admire Trish’s work. This would be a real treat.
Although hard to pick one I would say my favourite would have to be the Kotari Kingfisher. Looks like a lot of work but the end result would be worth it. If only I could stitch like Trish Burr ! Thanks for the chance to win.
I am an avid bird-watcher; so my favorite(s) are the birds…although the butterfly is almost a three-way tie! I would seriously consider using Trish`s techniques to design a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (native to PA) as they are my favorite feeder-bird in the summer! The deisngs Do look like a lot of work; but the results are beautiful..!
Her work is amazing!! I can’t wait to learn how to thread paint myself.
I am a caregiver for my parents and I have rediscovered embroidery as a way to relax and have some “me” time. I am looking forward to expanding my abilities but I have so much to learn.
My favorite kit is the butterfly because of it’s beautiful colors but a close second is the little Bee Eater with it’s amazing feathering detail.
Thanks for your willingness to share with us.
Hi Mary, I love your website and look forward to reading your insights on embroidery daily.
I just love that Kotari Kingfisher. His blues and greens are so vibrants and real that you could reach out and smooth his feathers. I wish that I could embroider like Trish Burr but I am just a beginner and have only done crewel in the past. I would love to learn how to do needle painting.
Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.
Diane from Windham, NH
Dear Mary, thank you very much for such a great give-away. The beginning of it is very nice. I like Kingfisher the most. I guess, it is for more experienced stitchers, but I’d like to try stitching it very much. Maybe one day I’ll have such a possibility. At the moment I am planing to buy “Colour Confidence in Embroidery” and start learning colour shading myself.
I really love the Kingfisher, because it reminds me of our Australian bird …. Kookabarra
What a great giveaway! My favorite kit of the above may be the butterfly. For some reason the texture of it really appeals to me and I love that it looks a little more three dimensional. The DVD’s would be a great way to feel like a part of her class and learn some extra techniques!
ammullins AT hotmail DOT com
Hello, I think the Butterfly drew me in foremost, the little Kotari Kingfisher is right up there too. My mom loves birds and her husband, my step-father just passed away earlier this month, and I would love to make this for her. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this!
I love the color combination on Kotari Kingfisher. It’s my favorite of the three. Thank you and Happy Holidays to you!
Hi!!
It’s a tough one to choose – but the Kotari Kingfisher is so very beautful!!
I will investigate Tris Burr’s website –
I would love to win the wonderful give away set. Thank you for all that you give to us
daily.
I loved them all but that red buttterfly is just wonderful.
What a wonderful giveaway. My favourite design is the kingfisher, beautiful. I’d love to win, please count me in.
Thank you so much Mary! What a gorgeous gift! My favorite kit is the one with the butterfly, but the two others a so pretty! I’ve looked at Ms Burr work for the last three years and I’ve decided that I’ll learn needle painting in 2012. I would LOVE to be the winner but I’m just happy to participate in this great giveaway!
At first glance the butterfly caught me but I like both birds too. It is really hard to pick. I love all her birds. Diane
The Kotari Kingfisher is the kit that grabs me because of the shading and colours. This is what I have always admired about Trish Burr’s work. I have done one of her projects and have been trying unsuccessfully to save up for her DVD’s and books.
Oh wow, what a marvellous giveaway – Trish is one of my favourite artists!
My favourite of the 3 kits would be the butterfly but they are all gorgeous.
Thanks for a great giveway Mary 🙂
How do you choose from perfection, but the red and vibrant butterfly would be the choice of mine.
Rosemary, Albury Australia
The kit I am most enamored with is the Kotari Kingfisher. The detail of the bird is fabulous and also the branch with moss on it. With Trish’s DVD instructions, thread painting will surely be a delight to aspire to.
Choosing one I like more than the others is not easy! I’ll go with the Kotari Kingfisher, but it’s a win by a hair. I like that it’s a full bird and the colors attract me. He also seems to have an interesting expression. If I win this day, I will love doing all the kits, but the instructional DVD is main draw for me. I’m sure I could learn so much from that!
Kotari Kingfisher is KILLER! Really, I couldn’t complain about any of these designs but the Kingfisher is my favorite. It is often so hard to find something appropriate to stitch for the men in my family. The Kotari Kingfisher would make a handsome gift for any of my handsome sons.
Thank you Mary for your generosity. I love receiving your newsletter.
Oh, my gosh! What a wonderful giveaway. I love all the kits, but feel the Bee Eater would be an excellent project to learn Trish’s techniques. And the DVD would be the icingo n the cake. Thank you, Mary, for so willingly sharing your love of embroidery, I am learning so much from you.
I have wanted a Trish Burr kit for a while, it’s so hard to choose.
I’d probably end up going with the Kotari Kingfisher though.
Happy First Day of Christmas, Mary! My favorite design is the Somali Bee Eater because he is so exquisitely fluffy and, at the same time, so exquisitely fierce!
The colors on the Kingfisher are amazing! And I love the smug look on his face – he knows he’s a handsome boy. 😉
I would pick the Kotari Kingfisher. I love his colors and his “attitude”.
I would love to learn this technique so that I could stitch the Kotari Kingfisher.
Sandy in Washington State
My favorite is the butterfly. I am drawn to anything butterfly and red is one of my favorite colors.
What a great way to celebrate the holidays. My favourite is the butterfly! Oh my goodness. The colours and detail are stunning. 🙂
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher, it’s just so colorful perched on its branch. Thanks for offering the contest.
Hmm…it’s really hard to choose…but if I must I would choose the Kotari kingfisher. But then again the vibrant butterfly is really appealing and the Somali Bee Eater is lovely and looks entirely doable. They are all spectacular…which is what we’ve come to expect from Trish Burr. Thanks Mary!
When I saw your posting on fb this morning i thought wow, what a beautiful butterly, I would love to stitch that design. i love Trish Burr’s work, just stunning.
I am having a hard time picking a favorite. The kingfisher is so beautiful. But the butterfly is very, very nice. Then there is the bee eater… Being a beginner, I would find any of these challenging. Thank you for this chance to win my favorite: The Kingfisher!
Mary, thanks so much for this fun way to make Christmas last longer. We always leave our tree and creche up until Epiphany for that reason. I LOVE the butterfly with the gorgeous strawberries, but I really want that dvd set. Awesome!!
I haven’t seen one of Trish Burr’s kits i didn’t like, but of the tree shown, the Kingfisher is my favorite. It seems a photograph and then such a surprise to see something so life-like. We have Belted Kingfishers in our area and it’s always a treat to see one on a branch perch by the side of a stream. Thanks for the great give-away contest.
I like the Kotari Kingfisher. It reminds me of spending long Sunday afternoons with my Dad bird watching. My dad passed away from brain cancer a few years ago and bright, unusual birds make me think of him. I used to draw pictures of the rare ones for him and he would hang them in his work area 🙂
Aloha from Honolulu,
The beak on the Somali Bee Eater takes my vote. A big beak to get a little bug! Wow!
I have one of Trish’s books and use it but to have the visual aid of a dvd would be great. I learn better by “show rather than tell.”
Happy New Year !
Jacquelin Ihsan
Mary, the Kotari Kingfisher just has to be my favourite! Those beautiful colours draw me in. The Somali Bee Eater is charming too. What a wonderful Christmas present to read your daily blog and to be drawn into all these possibilities. Thank-you, Sue Ellen
What an exquisite embroiderer/designer Trish Burr is! The design I like the most is the Kingfisher (Kookaburra) as coming from Australia this is one of our much loved birds. We have them in our garden and I have dreamt of being able to replicate it in an embroidery. The DVDs would also be a bonus!
What a wonderful prize to win(if I could only win it), I already have “Needle Painting Embroidery” and “The Long and Short of it” in my library and both have been extremely helpful in my needle painting, so far I have completed 3 projects and am very pleased with each one of them, Trish Burr’s instructions and illustrations are very clear and easy to follow. I like all 3 of the kits shown however I am drawn to “The Kotari Kingfisher”
Fingers crossed Flora C
They are all so beautiful, but not having done much of this technique, the Butterfly (especially the strawberries) looks like it would be easier to work. I LOVE the kingfisher (our daughter did a report on that bird and it would be fun to make for her–with a LOT more skill required. You’re so generous!
They are all gorgeous but I particularly like the Kingfisher as is reminds me of the native Kingfisher’s in my native country New Zealand and also is it blue my favorite color. They spend a lot of time sitting in trees just like the Partridge!
What a fantastic giveaway. I’m not sure if my skills are quite up to this yet but I’d love to try. I think my favrourite kit is the kingfisher. I love the fluffy texture of his feathers but most of all I love his slightly stern expression. It looks as though he is about to give someone a good talking to!
I would be happy to own any work by Trish Burr but if I had to choose from among the three pieces offered I would choose the Kotari Kingfisher. His coloration is beautiful and subtle and I am fascinated by the leaves on the branch. Thanks so much for these offers. What fun.
Hi! Mary, thanks again for such a wonderful give away. I am familiar with Trish and her work. After reading about Trish through your emails, I ordered the book “Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners”. And I just got another one of her books from Santa for Christmas. I love her work!!
I love the vibrant butterfly kit, I think it is the vibrant red that draws me. Merry Christmas Mary, to you and all your readers.
And God bless you in the new year.
Thank you for planning such an exciting and wonderful event to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. I am continually amazed at the beauty items created with Needle and Thread. My favorite of the three kits is Kotari Kingfisher. The use of color is nothing short of spectacular! The detail on the leaves and the coloring of the feathers is absolutely stunning. I know the DVD’s would be a huge help in improving my skills.
Oh, the butterfly! The rich color and the detail in the flowers. Yes please. I missed out on the last Trish Burr giveaway, I would really love this one.
When I visit the San Diego Zoo, I love to see the Bee Eaters, but especially enjoy the Kingfisher birds. So I’d have to pick the Kotari Kingfisher. The butterfly is beautiful too. Would like to explore needle painting and would love to win!
HeideW / Escondido, CA
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favourite! I have completed a couple of threadpainting pieces, but never a bird. It would be a great challenge to work on something with such detail and vibrancy of colour.
I absolutely love all of Trish Burr’s works. I had hoped to take one of her classes at Beating around the Bush but won’t be able to attend. 8-( My favorite of the three designs posted here is the Kingfisher probably because of the bright colors.
What great designs for perfecting thread painting techniques! Love all three but the Kotari Kingfisher would be my favorite. The look in its eye as it studies its prey is so true to life.
Tassies Sue
Love Trish Burr’s work! My favorite is the butterfly.
Rebecca M in Texas
Long and short stitch is a technique I have not mastered, but it offers so much – I would love to be able to do it!
The Kingfisher is my favourite kit. They are such beautiful birds – such wonderful colours and this is captured in the embroidery most wonderfully. .
I would love all three but the Kotari Kingfisher would be my favourite, beautiful shading and a perfect challenging lesson in the needlepainting I would love to do, Trish’s colouring is so close to reality,it is breathtaking. Thank you for the lovely offer of winning something so beautiful
I was feeling a bit of the Boxing Day blues when your email popped up. The Twelve Days of Christmas is such a fun idea. It is so hard to pick just one but the Bee Eater is my favorite by a close margin. I feel as though if I just waited, I could see a breeze ruffle his feathers. I own Trish Burr’s beginner’s book and would love to own the DVDs and kits.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a design from Trish that I didn’t like. Of these, I love that little Kotari Kingfisher. The colors are so lively and bright.
Thanks for this lovely way to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas!
What gorgeous embroidery! I think the butterfly is very realistic looking. This technique gives the butterfly a 3-dimensional look against the dogwood branch in the background. I like the Bee Eater in the second picture as well. If you look closely, it almost has a smile on his face! The Kingfisher is my favorite of this trio because blue is my favorite color. The vibrant blues seem to make the bird’s feathers POP. I’ve been an avid cross stitcher for many years and would enjoy learning a new technique.
Darlene Gorczyca, Lake Stevens, WA
Dear Mary,
I am such a fan of Trish Burr. Her thread painting is magnificent. I love thread painting because it is like a big girl version of coloring and I always loved to color. I also love nature and all of its wonderful colors. So thread painting is just a wonderful way to enjoy all. The kit I really love is the butterfly. It was such a difficult choice because I also love the kingfisher. I finally settled on the butterfly because my daughter and I have a special love for butterflies. It is a wonderful symbol of the metamorphosis we experience as Christians going from this body in this world and into the perfect body we have when we go to Heaven. My oldest daughter died at age 27 after battling kidney failure for twelve years. I think of her as going through this beautiful metamorphisis and having the perfect body that has nothing that hurts anymore, and standing in the presence of God- glowing in perfect beauty. There is a bigger story behind this, but it is too much to go into here. So without any more discussion, the butterfly is my choice.
Kathy Rowell
The kingfisher is my fav! I love everything she does!
Wow! I love Trish Burr but the one of these kits that really grabs me is the Kingfisher. The vibrant mixture of colors is beautiful and I love how fluffy he looks! Plus, if I made it, it would match my sofa, so would be perfect for a pillowcase!
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. The colors are beautiful and tho I don’t see a Kingfisher in my back yard I do watch many beautiful birds.
Oh, I just love the Somali Bee Eater. It just jumps out at you with the colors. I hope someday I could do such beautiful work.
Mary in Oregon
I am truly a beginner. I found some embroidery pieces of my moms from
The 1940s in a box and want to learn as much as I can about embroidery.
There are no classes available where I live and need a tutorial. The
Butterfly is my favorite. Mary M. In California
I came across Trish Burr’s work a little over a year ago. I loved it so much, I bought one of her books for my cousin, as she enjoys embroidery. I just retired this year and would love the opportunity of winning, now that I have some time. My favorite is the butterfly. I love the flowers.
I’m torn between the Somali Bee Eater and the Kotari Kingfisher. I’ve been doing needlepainting but have not been able to develop the texture and variation in color. Either of these kits could be a big help. Thanks for the 12 days of Christmas Mary. I never miss reading your newsletter but this will make the next 12 days extra exciting.
Hi Mary; I love the kotari Kingfisher best of all. His colors grab me and he looks so grumpy. I just think he is one of the best images I have encountered in ages. Rena
Hi, I’ve just got interested in embroidery, I must say you do a fantastic job, I’d like to think that someday mine will look as good as yours but I have a long way to go, I like the Kotari kingfisher best he actually looks like he is studying his next meal…great job
Carolh
My favorite is the Kingfisher. The colors used make him seem to glow.
I am partial to butterflies, but the more I look, the more I’m drawn to the Kingfisher. The color and detail of its feathers is gorgeous! I’ve never tried this technique before and look forward to checking out Trish Burr’s website. Merry Christmas!
I haven’t heard of Trisha before but her design’s look very interesting.
I like the kingfisher the best.
I love the subtleties of color in Trish Burr’s work and I like the Kingfisher best.
Amazing site, great giveaway.
All three are beautiful, but the butterfly calls to me most.
They are all gorgeous but the Somali Bee Eater just makes me want to rub its “furry” little head!!!!
I have learned so much since finding your site. Would love to try the butterfly first. The detail is great.
Very difficult decision since all three are beautiful. The butterfly and the kingfisher appeal more with the hint of habitat that is included, but I would have to go with the kingfisher as my favorite. The subtler colors are more comfortable than the striking red butterfly. All three would be wonderful to stitch though and the DVD’s would be a great addition to my library.
Mary,
Love all your wonderful needlework information. I look forward to your blog everyday.My favorite is the kotari kingfisher.i’ve just purchased her first book.lots of great pictures and information.
Thanks so much, nancy g
Can’t decide which one I like best, but perhaps I might decide between the kingfisher or the butterfly, both so vibrantly colored. Maybe the kingfisher, best. Or maybe the butterfly in the strawberries. Or, wait, the kingfisher. Or the butterfly…or the kingfisher. So hard to choose.
It’s nice to see someone celebrating the 12 days of Christmas at their proper season instead of during Advent. Thank you for that.
Merry Christmas!
HJ
.
I adore the Kingfisher!! Such gorgeous blues along with the other natural colors. He is so appealing. Thanks for the opportunity to enter! 🙂 -Peggy
They are all lovely, but if I had to pick one I’d have to choose…
…
…
…
Okay, okay, the kingfisher. 🙂
What a fantastic giveaway! I really like the Kotari Kingfisher. I especially like the blue on it’s wings.
Dear Mary,
Merry Christmas and thank you for this wonderful and fun give-away that you’ve spent so much time organizing.
Trish Burr is one of the best teachers of needle painting that I have found….these Australians are brilliant!!! I love the Kotari Kingfisher, and I believe I would learn the most from doing this project.
I look forward to tomorrow!!!
Victoria.
I truly loved all three kits, but I am partial to butterflies and flowers so the red butterfly gets my vote.
Thanks, Mary for this fun give-away. You are the best!
All 3 kits are wonderful. The kit that grabs me is the butterfly. I love that vibrant red! I’ve gone back to look at them 3 times already and have to say the Kingfisher is a close runner up. It’s really hard to decide!
They are all gorgeous. I think I love the kingfisher best, but the bee eater is a close second for sure.
I like the kingfisher the best–the colors are amazing. Thanks for hosting such an amazing giveaway!
My favorite of the three kits is
Somali Bee Eater
I’ve been wanting to try this for a long time, but haven’t taken that first step.
Yes! Please! 🙂
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. The color and details in his feathers are beautiful. He reminds me so much of the Azure kingfisher here in Australia that used to come every day many years ago and sit on my clothes line. He was so beautiful. I love Trish Burr’s work and up to now have not been fortunate enough to own one of her kits. I am a beginner when it comes to thread painting and I would so love to have her kingfisher kit and DVD to be able to learn from a master in this type of embroidery. Thank you Mary for offering this beautiful giveaway.
I love the vibrant butterfly! They are all beautiful but that one just jumps right out at me!
Hello Mary,
What an amazing way to start off the twelve days of Christmas. My favourite? Definitely the Kotari Kingfisher!
After reading your review of Trish Burr’s new book on colour, I gave it to myself this Christmas.
Janet
Kotari Kingfisher – the colors and the expression of this little bird catches my attention. Adorable!
Thank you,
-Meeta V.
What a wonderful giveaway and a difficult choice between the Somali Bee Eater and the Kotari Kingfisher for an avid bird watcher like myself. The Kingfisher wins this time! I do love Trish Burr’s work which embroiders up beautifully.
These are so beautiful! The butterfly is my favorite. I love how the strawberry blossoms just pop off the fabric.
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a Partridge in a Pear tree…and then I looked farther down the tree and saw a beautiful butterfly flying by me! The combination of the stunning color of the butterfly and the botanical look of the strawberry blossom makes that kit the one I’d very much like to receive!
Love that Kotari Kingfisher – he has so much attitude & beautiful colors! Hope that he comes to my house.
What a wonderful end of year happening. My fave would be the Kingfisher. We have a local kingfisher that hangs out in the willow down by our river. I’ve enjoyed sharing time with him.
I love Trish Burr’s work – and the Kotari Kingfisher is particularly appealing – he looks so fat and fluffy sitting on his branch – I’d really enjoy stitching him!
Penny JB
kingfisher and butterfly………kingfisher because he / she looks like more real. butterfly because of its brightness
Joanie M in west tn
I’ve seen her work before and it is absolutely amazing. My favorite is the Somali Bee Eater. The birds look so life-like; you want to reach out and touch them.
Mary, this is a difficult question. Each project is lovely. If I had to choose one it would be the Kingfisher. The colours are so rich. I love the little fellow.
All the best,
Linda A
Ontario, Canada
Hi Mary,
I would like to enter the needle painting give-away.
The work that interests me the most in the needle-painting, is the piece “The Kingfisher”. I love the intricacy of it and the subtle colours.
Thank you for these contests and Happy New Year.!!!
From Greta596 in Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Hi Mary! Thanks for the great giveaways that are coming…
I love the kingfisher. His colors are fabulous, and he looks like a real challenge!
Carol S.
All the kits are beautiful but I really loved the red butterfly. The DVDs are just what I need to learn this wonderful technique
All three kits look fabulous, but I would have to go with the Kingfisher. There is so much ‘attitude’ in those eyes! Long & short stitch is something I need to work on, so this prize would be perfect!
It’s hard to choose since all three are outstanding. I am drawn to the red of the butterfly and the white of the flower but I love the contemplative bird, the Kotari Kingfisher. Seems so peaceful in the rush of this season, or is he just glaring at the fish he is about to eat?
I vote for the Kotari since it’s so unusual and so many great textures.
Mary McCusker
Hi Mary, my favorite is the red butterfly; that is gorgeous!
All three kits are very beautiful.
Jane from Illinois
I love the Kingfisher! It looks like an audubon painting! Maybe someday I will have the skill to complete one like this!
the birds are so realistic! Don’t normally go for birds, but I’ve got to try these!
All are truly delightful, how can one choose. It would be a privilege to attempt them all. Thanks to you and the talents of Trish. All the best to you and everyone for 2012.
My vote is for the beautiful blue Kingfisher…I am amazed at the ability of Trish Burr’s needlepainting to create such lifelike feathers and his expression shows that he is eyeing off his dinner close by!
OK- so everyone loves the kingfisher and although I would love to say the butterfly (my number 2), just to be different……..I still have to say the kingfisher is my favorite….and my daughters too!
I like the Somali Bee Eater the best. You are doing a great job Mary together with other designers. I am longing to own this DVD and a kit for long now. I wish I have little bit of luck !
– Dhivya G
Mary, Mary, Mary!!! They are all so beautiful but my eye was drawn to the Somali Bee Eater right away. As a beginner these DVD’s are just what I need to get started on Trish Burr’s works. I have admired her books you have blogged about, and went to her website, really, really beautiful kits. Of course your Tutorials are the best I have ever viewed, and I give your website out to everyone interested in needle work.
Merry Christmas Mary!
Well, all these kits are lovely, and the Kotari Kingfisher is especially beautiful, but I think I’d choose the Somali Bee Eater to make as a gift for my sister. Her son is a bee keeper, and they are fascinated by all things related to bees 🙂
Thank you for your generosity,
Cathy in PA
The Kotari Kingfisher is unbelievably realistic. I would love to give it a try.
Thanks for having this wonderful give away.
While I like the strawberries, I think my favorite is the kingfisher. He’s so cute and fluffy.
This is art, pure and simple. Each bird has personality, and the flowers probably even carry a fragrance!
Thank you for sharing this skill and knowledge with others.
That Kingfisher…WOW!!! He looks so lifelike!
I am an avid cross stitcher and after 18 years those little cross stitches are getting rather boring to stitch. That little Kingfisher is telling me to give some other forms of needlework a good try!
The kingfisher looks so real I found myself wanting to touch his beautiful feathers!
I really like the butterfly. I love that the red just really pops.
Good Day Mary,
I was so taken aback with the long and short stitch embroidery by Trish Burr. I was first introduced to long and short stitch embroidery about 25 years ago. I found a few kits but they were very difficult to find. I guess I didn’t have the creative ability to make my own patterns so I let it go by the wayside. Can you imagine how blown away I was when you introduced us to Trish Burr’s kits!! It still amazes me that these stitches can make such masterpieces. It gives me hope that hand embroidery will continue to live on in this age of “lets find a machine to do it”! Thank you for your love,contribution and faithfulness to the art of embroidery. Thanks again for introducing us to Trish Burr! Love the blog and the kits, would love to have one. Gratefully, Elizabeth
I love the Somali Bee Eater. The blended colours are just and look very realistic
Carmen in London
All the kits are beautiful. The Kotari Kingfisher feathers look so real I just want to touch the feathery bundle of color.
Karole King
I love all 3 kits. But my favorite is the Vibrant Butterfly. I have always wanted to learn to needle paint.
LeAnn Smith in OK
The Kingfisher is my favorite. I love the expression on his face, and the colors of his wings!
Ren. Mondragon Taos
Hi Mary, Merry Christmas to you. I think all three kits are gorgeous!I like the butterfly the best of them all. Thank you.
Janice C.
The Kotari Kingfisher grab me, I like the blue and the bird look so alive.
I would like to do it. For sur I would not say no to the DVD.
Great way to learn.
Thank you Mary to make these 12 days possible.
Ginette of Mexico
I picked up Trish’s book for myself for my birthday earlier this month. I am thrilled with it. I can hardly wait for her book on color to be available in the states. If she can help me to be able to choose the bold colors of her work in my own work I will be ecstatic. I absolutely love that red butterfly! This is from one who usually chooses muted or country colors.
Theresa E.
Wow! Twelve days of Christmas! How exciting! And, to start out with Trish Burr’s DVD and kits….how can it get any better? Every single item is wonderful, but, I especially love the Kotori Kingfisher. It feels like you could just reach out and feel the soft feathers and the rough moss on the branches. If I win, I will have to give it all my effort to make it look anywhere near her perfection.
Sherry
I have never done thread painting but w/ instructions I will be able to. The kingfisher is my favorite. The blue feathers, so gentle looking and soft called to me. Thanks for the opprotunity
Pat S from Colorado Springs
The red butterfly because of the bold color and intricate details in the embroidery.
The little Kingfisher is my very favorite!!
The portrait of the Somali Bee eater intrigues me the most. Being new to needle painting , the head study looks a bit less intimidating to me. I would love to give any of the kits a go, however. They are all wonderful.
My favorite by far is the kingfisher! I am not very good at this type of embroidery so this might spur me on to try it more. Thanks for doing these giveaways.
I just adore Trish Burr’s designs. She is one very talented designer….
Of the three designs featured in your post, it’s the butterfly that strikes me most. It is absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you for your newsletters, I look forward to it every day.
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. The colors so bright and vibrant.
All three are beautiful, but the butterfly is my favorite – it reminds me of the ones that flutter around my passion flower vines here in Florida.
The c d would be the most valuable. All are exquisite.
My favorite piece of embroidery is the one with the butterfly and the strawberry blossoms. All of her work is magnificent.
The Kotari kingfisher gets my vote for its careful attention to detail. This little birdie personifies skill, patience and perseverance as it waits for a morsel on the waterfront. Isn’t it ironic that that’s what ever embroiderer, including me, aspires for?
I love the realism in the birds. So beautiful. It makes me anxious to start stitching.
The Somali Bee Eater is my favourite. This gorgous bird appeals in 3 ways. It’s long curved beak is perfect for plucking bees fron flowers, it’s red beady eye is so beautiful and the soft shaded coulors on its neck make it very beautiful and it would be a pleasure to work. Trish Burr id such a clever designer I would love the opportunity to work her designs especially with her videos to help.
My favorite is the Kingfisher. The DVDs would be a great help to me!
That butterfly is calling to me! Love it!
– Jeanne from Just String
It is soooo hard to pick a favorite, but I’ve decided on the Kotari Kingfisher. He looks as if he’s just about to nod off after a full holiday schedule, and a job well done. He seems pleased with his efforts and the results, and is now going to enjoy a much deserved R E S T. It would be a fitting rememberance to have hanging in my home as a reminder of good cheer, good friends, good times, and a good night to all!
Hello,
I am Sarah from India. I liked these two books. Trish is my inspiration of needle painting.
I like the kotari kingfisher kit more.
It’s hard to pick; they all grab me. I could see the butterfly fitting in several places in my house, though, so I’ll go with that one!
The butterfly is so striking!
I love the kingfisher and want to hold it in my hand!
Hi Mary,
I love the kingfisher. The sample in the photograph is amazing. The feathers look so downy and soft, I want to reach out and touch them! Thank you for another lovely giveaway.
Susie H
The one that grabs me is the Somali Bee Eater, because I am deathly allergic to bee stings! I can just picture stitching this bird and envisioning it protecting me!
JaneinAZ
Hello Mary – What a delight to have Trish Burr featured in a giveaway. I have recently returned to stitching. Ms. Burr’s book was one of my most enjoyable purchases this year as I have always aspired to learn needlepainting techniques and master them.
My vote for favorite would be the beeeater for the subtle colour variations in the feathers followed by the kingfisher for the devilish look in the eye and the lovely shades of blue.
Thank you for the past year of your blog – I have learned so much and have been so entertained that I can barely wait for the next day’s edition. Have a wonderful healthy new year.
The Kingfisher definitely calls out to me! He looks like such a cute ball of fluff.
Lisa from Stray Threads
The birds caught my eye immediately! I love birds of all types. These look so real – I have not seen this type of needlework before. It is beautiful.
I love butterflies but this time the Kingfisher wins. The colors draw me in, they are so striking. The lookon his face, of waiting for a catch to come along is amazing.
Woops sorry Mary I misread the question,my answer should be… the ‘kit’ which grabs me most is the Kotari kingfisher. Kerrie M
Love all 3 but especially love the Kotari Kingfisher.
I love the Kingfisher! There were some beautiful photos of Kingfishers last year in the top photos somewhere. This reminds me of those.
Sally K M
Oh, it would have to be that beautiful Kotari Kingfisher!
I just love the colours, they are my favourite!
Trish Burr, is a truely great designer !
the kingfisher -amazing details and so beautiful!
Mary – the detail of Trish’s designs is awe inspiring. I love the realism of the birds, but believe, like so many of the other readers, that the butterfly is my favorite. I love the intensity of color and the hint of detail around the wings. At first glance the white flower reminded me of a dogwood, one of my favorite flowers, but looking at it closer, realized that it was not. I still loved the composition and the colors of the butterfly pattern the best.
I love all of Trish’s designs but the Kotari Kingfisher is one of the best.
The butterfly is my favorite. I love the vibrant colors and the way the butterfly just looks so delicate. Just as in real life.
I really like the Kotari Kingfisher. This one grabs me. The feathers on his chest look so soft and fluffy.
Hi, my name’s mary, i’m from srilanka, currently living in india. Thanks for such a Wonderful 1st day of christmas. I dont like the 3 kits, i love all the 3 kits. Its difficult to select 1, but i like the kotari kingfisher very much. The blue shading of the kingfisher is simply superb. The butterfly and the somali bee eater is also equally beautiful, but its the kingfisher that gets my vote. Weather i win or not thanks once again for such wonderful giveaways.
The Kotari Kingfisher grabs me with those blues!! It looks like a lot of opportunity to practice the painting – thank you hosting and sponsoring the giveaway!
These are beautiful kits. All of them have lovely color shading. I’d choose the Somali Bee Eater, as i remember these from a trip to Africa. I think this kit could do them justice.
My favorite is the Kingfisher!
Petya from Varna (Bulgaria) 🙂
Hi Mary,
Thank you for the opportunity to enter another great contest!
My favorite by far is the Kotari Kingfisher for the exquisite colors and detail. What a joy to stitch with such an array of beautiful colors. And he is so cute, so lifelike. I watch birds in the backyard all the time and wish we had birds of this intensity of color. I would love to be able to stitch this and proudly display it:)
Hello Mary,
Like most people I think that all three kits are absolutely gorgeous but I find that it is the Kingfisher that jumps out at me.
The Mommy One
Mary, I love all of Trish’s work. She is so talented. I particularly love tread painting.
It is difficult to choose but if I must it would be the Kotari Kingfisher.
Hi Mary,
I loved all the three designs. But if I have to pick one I will go for the butterfly.The red color is so brilliant against the white flower .. I just love it.
Regards,
-Viji.
I love, love, love all of her work – so beautiful. If I had to pick one from this bunch the Kotari Kingfisher really caught my eye 🙂
Sue, New Zealand
Hi Mary, this competition is wonderful, thank you.
My favourite kit is the Beautiful Butterfly.
Marian (NZ)
I would love to stitch the Kotari Kingfisher for its beautiful blues. Just bought one of her books which I saw reviewed here and it would be wonderful practice to start with this kit.
Hi Mary, Thanks so much for introducing us once again to Trish Burr. She is just so amazing! I found it very difficult to choose between the three, and finally decided on the Kotari Kingfisher. It just stood out to me to be almost life like and the one I would like most to adorn my wall. Thanks for all your help, tips and hints throughout the year. God Bless! Anne Lemke Durban, RSA
Hi,
Merry Christmas,
I love the butterfly kit.
rajis from threadwithme.
hi, for me it is the kingfisher. originally from Nebraska I now live in Australia and we have a sweet little azure kingfisher that catches bugs as the sun sets.
Mary , Love all the designs & Trish does such magic with a needle it would be wonderful to work one of her kits with the DVD to give me all the hints & tips to refer to .Especially love the Kotari Kingfisher as I saw one similar to that while travelling in the Northern Territory [Aust]earlier this year Doreen .Ausrt
I think that the butterfly is one of the most beautiful pieces of embroidery that I have ever seen. The colour is amazing, such a beautifuly deep red.
Hi Mary!
Wonderful give-away! I love it!
I especially love the butterfly, I found out yesterday (!) that I’m pregnant!!! And I would love to make this for the nursery!
It’s the best X-mas ever!!
Gwen Kok, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
Love the Kingfisher !
The vibrant butterfly – it looks ‘alive’ – 3D!
The kingfisher close 2nd – eye magnificent and feathers fantastic.
Very proud of Trish Burr.
Salmari South Africa
Hi there. What a lovely way to spend the twelve days of Christmas learning about embroidery items and having a chance to win one! I love all of Trish Burrs kits. My favorite is the Kotare kingfisher because it’s so pretty.It stands out from the cloth and the feathers are so soft and fluffy.
I love the Kingfisher. He is so fluffy and realistic. The colours are absolutely divine.I adore deep rich colours.I’m an embroiderer but have only completed one needle painting project . I would love to have some expert advise in Trish’s DVD’s.
Love the butterfly Kit
Butterflies are one of my favorite subjects, and this one with the dogwood is so pretty–
The dogwood is our state flower as well.
Trish is indeed a artist, that I admire.
The detail that she has in her work is amazing
Thanks for a chance to win! The kit that really caught my eye was the bee eater! It’s amazing how lifelike it looks.
I love Trish Burr’s stuff, needlepainting is definitely a direction I’m heading in. I like the Somali Bee Eater best. The colours in the wings just look wonderful – how does she know that they’ll go together so well!
The Kotari Kingfisher appears alive and you want to pet it.
Suzanne from The Woodlands
Hi Mary – Thanks for doing this. I don’t know if I already commented or not. My favorite is the kingfisher – He’s colorful and has such personality. Thanks for doing the giveaway. Judy
It was love a first sight. Just me and the butterfly. What a thrill it would be to embroider this beautiful creature and frame it.
I love the vibrant butterfly and would love to be able to improve my feeble attempts at thread painting.
Hi Mary!
Love all of them, but the subtle color changes of the Somali Bee Eater is calling me!
Honey in Philly
I purchased Trish Burr’s Needlepainting for Beginners and I’ve been practicing. A DVD would really help with the nuances of the techniques.
The butterfly looks like just the sort of project to learn the technique. But I would probably still start with the kingfisher!
Denise in Australia
Christmas over…I am slowly recovering and starting to organise the up coming new year.
Who wouldn’t love to receive a Trish Burr Bundle.
I think her work is outstanding and I would like to get the opportunity to embroider the Kotari Kingfisher, I do like his intense look as he waits for a tasty morsel.
Any of her designs would be fabulous as they are all quite beautiful and having the DVDs as well would be the icing on the cake. What a wonderful giveway. Thanks for the opportunity, Mary.
All of the kits are beautiful! The Kingfisher would have to be my favorite. Thank you for this fabulous needlework give-away. What fun!
The Kingfisher is adorable. Love instructional DVDs
COLOUR CONFIDENCE IN EMBROIDERY particularly appeals to me. I am usually frozen into inaction by inability to decide on colors, and I dither because I don’t know where to begin and lack of confidence. HOW do I choose colors?!
Oh, dear! I misunderstood… Of the three kits, the butterfly appeals to me. My dogs are papillons, the French word for butterfly. How could I NOT be intrigued by the beautiful butterfly?!
I have always loved Trish Burr’s work, but would dearly love to embroider the Kotari Kingfisher with its beautiful colours and the chalange in the stitching
All three kits are beautiful and I love her fluffy birds but it is the vibrant color of the butterfly that caught my eye. What a great way to start the 12 days of Christmas.
Mary, I love all the kits, and to win would be a fantastic New Year’s gift! The one that grabs me is the Kotari Kingfisher. We live beside a small lake and it’s wonderful to watch the kingfishers darting about. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Hi Mary, Happy Holiday season. Wonderful gift. I like them all but my favourite is the somali bee eater. I like the subtlety of his ( or her!) colours. I like it’s long curvy beak. I would like to see this bird in the wild or hanging on my wall! Thanks for the chance to win and dream!
My favorite has to be the head-nothing but a head of a Somali Bee Eater. That is one impressive Beak on that critter!
Wow! My very favorite is butterflies, however, I am also a beginner at back yard birding. My grandmother made me butterflies and birds as I was growing up. I just recently scrounched up my cross stitching “supplies” that she gave me years ago and completed several projects for Christmas, 2011 gifts. This website and drawing kit seems like a way for me to remember Grandma and to keep the spirit of crafting as gifts alive in our family. I stumbled onto your website as I was looking for a video to explain the outline stitch. I am sure Grandma had a hand in helping me out. Thank you for the very clear instructional information from which I learned. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you.
The Kingfisher is my favorite. You just want to scratch his belly, don’t you? Chris Beresford from Michigan
Hi Mary,
This is unfare but very difficult. I cannot chose between beautyfull and beatyfull. God’s creations always turn out beatyfull every time so is the products of Trish Burr who is blessed with a Godly talent. Thank you for a wonderfull website whereby I could and is still learning a lot.
A Happy New 2012 to you all.
Heleen Botha
Zeerust
South Africa
I would love to learn more about needle painting. They are beautiful kits. I love the butterfly.
The vibrant butterfly is beautiful , very warming colors for a wintry day of needle painting embroidery !
Hello Mary,
First of all, I hope you had a nice Xmas. I see you got your embroidery present.
I love Trish Burr’s work, it’s always so delicate and so lifelike. Of course, the three kits are beautiful, but if I had to choose – it would definitely be the “Somali Bee Eater”. First of all the size would be perfect for a first attempt at embroidering a bird and the colours and softness of this little bird’s head are just gorgeous.
Wish you all the best for 2012.
Maryvonne in Mauritius
Merry Christmas Mary.
Making a choice from three pieces of perfection is oh so difficult.I have studied the three for the last hour.The kingfisher has so many human features,the frown is my husband.The fluffed feathers are me and he just looks like a crabby senior citizen,such attitude.I think the reason I chose him is the lovely blue in the piece,I always love to add as much color as possible.The technique is something new for me,which only shows,that after 66 years of needlework,one has no excuse to ever give up on learning each day.I would love to win the kit and thank you for your colum,I am a faithful fan.Judy in Michigan.
I love wildlife especially birds, and I love needlework and have been wanting to advance my surface embroidery techniques. Well this would be a perfect opportunity to do so! Thanks for the opportunity.
Hi
All three are amazing.But to choose one , My favorite is the beautiful red butterfly.may be the color used and the detailed work attracted me more towards butterfly.
Hope i could win.
Chandrakala from Massachusetts.
Love the butterfly! Any on of these would be a wonderful way to expand my embroidery skills. Thank you for having this contest!
Happy Holidays!
It’s hard to choose between the birds, but for me the Kotari Kingfisher has the edge because it features not only the bird but the branches and leaves, which are beautifully rendered. The subtle shading and color blending on the Somali Bee Eater are something to behold, though.
j am working the painting embrodery with your lessons and the book of Trish Burr “Fresh ideas for beginners” ,it is very beautiful and I would love more to work . All is very ,very nice but my favorite is the butterfly ,it color is very sparkling . Thank you very much Mary . Good luck for me and …for the other embroderer.
Dear Mary –
I have always steered clear of needle painting, thinking that it was much too advanced for me. However, since reading your blog, I have now caught the fever and am ready to jump in! Trish Burr’s paintings are magnificent – she is truly an artist and catches the nuances of the wildlife perfectly. Since my professional life is spent working at a zoo, you can imagine how close to my heart her work can be. If I had to choose (difficult!) I would choose the Somali bee eater because bee eaters are such wonderful birds and I’ve seen one in the wild in Africa. Thank you for your daily inspiration!
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. The colors are gorgeous and the detail is stunning. Amazing work.
Mary:
I really love thread painting, and will actually have some time to work in the next few months. The kingfisher appeals to me most, as we have those birds (North American, not Kotari) in the creek near our house. Thank you for thye wonderful contest!
Hi Mary,
They are all 3 beautiful but my favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. I love the blues/greens/golds of his feathers. There is also a lot of texture in the work too- the soft featherys, the bumpy tree branch – I found myself studying it a long time.
Merry Christmas!
Vivian M.
Choosing between them is difficult. The butterfly pops out with the vivid red and the lovely strawberries, the kingfisher looks wonderfully detailed and challenging with the feathers going this way and that, and the beecatcher looks like the one to start with. I think the kingfisher is my favourite, though, with all that wonderful detail that Trish Burr is famous for.
The above needlepaintings are all beautiful – I would probably choose the Kotari Kingfisher – he has such a personality of his own.
The Korati Kingfisher I just love birds. And seeing Trish Burr work has inspired me to get back to embroidery.
Trish’s work is so beautiful. It would be hard to choose. I’d really love to try to win so I could try my hand at it.
Mary Jane T
Oh, those birds are just gorgeous. One would make a wonderful gift – when finished. I would love the Kingfisher.
Hi mary,
They are ALL beautiful but the one that stands out is the Katori Kingfisher. The colors, the shading, the technique. I would love to have anyone of these framed and on my wall.
Merry Christmas
Cheryl H
I think the butterfly kit stuck out to me the most. I think it has to do with the contrast between the really bright butterfly and the very pale flowers. I got three of her books after reading through your blog, they are all gorgeous and have really helped me as a visual reference, although I haven’t worked up any of the projects yet.
I have never had ago at thread painting and would really love to try it. Would love to be able to have a go at the Kingfisher as we have just seen one on the river in our village for the very first time and the colours were amazing.
Paula S
I LOVE Trish Burr’s work. In this series the Kotari Kingfisher is the one that catches my eye. The blending of threads is amazing. Trish’s new book is on the top of my wish list for 2012.
It is so difficult to choose one but I think the Kotari Kingfisher just edges out the other two. Thread painting has remained a mystery to me – I just have not been able to master it despite several tries. Should I be lucky enough to win the DVD would be a wonderful aid!
Hi Mary,
thanks for the 12 gifts days. 🙂
I like the Kingfisher, because this small and bright fellow is one of my favourite birds.
Have had a nice christmas, I hope.
Martina from Hamburg.
What beautiful works! It’s hard to decide between the two birds, but I’ll have to go with the Kotari Kingfisher. It is aboslutely exquisite!
The article was fabulous! I love Tanya Berlin’s work and have since a friend first showed us her course work from one of Tanya’s workshops. Thread painting is such an amazing method of embroidery. The image of the Kotari Kingfisher is stunning! I’ve not gotten close enough to get a good photo to try some embroidery of one, and this can’t be beat! Birds are my favorite subjects to create in my embroidery and lace. This is the ultimate bird project!
I’m a softie for birds, but that RED butterfly ….
(All things bright and beautiful)
Wishing everybody a happy and healthy new year.
Kjersti H.
The Kotari Kingfisher kit is the one that stands out most for me, the colors are lovely. I love all Trish’s work – what a wonderful give-away!
The butterfly is my favorite. The vibrant colors and intricate detail work makes the red butterfly stand out out of the three.
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite. He looks like he could just fly off the fabric.
Ohhh. Look at the colours in Somali Bee Eater! That one’s definitely my favourite.
I think I’ve been spending too much time on my TW cross stitch, since normally that many blended colours in proximity makes me O.o
The Somali bee eater is what grabbed me. I am new to this and I was impressed by the amount of detail that went into the feathers and the slight color variations.
The “Vibrant Butterfly” is my favorite! It’s beautifully composed and the lush, shaded reds of the wings really draw me in. I also love strawberries – they remind me of spring.
A Happy New Year from the Midwest,
Deyonne
These are absolutely breathtaking. I think my favorite is the Somali Bee Eater because of the depth shown with the thread and the way it was used. I would love to learn thread painting and thank you for the opportunity to win these kits.
The Somali Bee Eater grabbed me the minute I saw it. It was like I could reach out and stroke the feathers. To be able to do work like that is a real gift. Trish does it beautifully.
thanks Mary for this offer.
FredaB
The Kingfisher really captured my eye. This is a bird that showed up near a little lake in my neighborhood this summer. The face design on the kit is so lifelike; wonderful!
I love the Somali Bee Eater. The texture on him is just incredible. Thank you for these wonderful give-aways to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas.
Hola buenos dias y Feliz Navidad, soy de Republica Dominicana y me gustaria ganarme un kits de estos, es y es un trabajo precioso, mi preferido es el de las mariposas.
I love the kingfisher. I have been lusting after her work ever since you did a feature on one of her books I love how detailed they are and they they look so real. I will keep my fingers crossed you pick me.
Wow, that’s impressive!
Embroidery is for the birds!!! We love watching birds and have several places in our yard that we feed them. It’s hard to choose just one. I like them all. But I think I like the Kotari Kingfisher the best. We have kingfishers in our part of the country.
Mary,
What a wonderful idea for extending the Christmas season. After reading the articles and going to Tanya Berlin’s site, I now have a new project and technique to add for 2012. I ordered the beginner’s guide you reviewed and would love to have the DVD to see me on my way.
I have tried this stitch and it is much harder than it looks! I love detail so I like looking at these needlepainting pictures. I think I like the Somali Bee Eater best, but all are just beautiful.
Oh, I would say that the Bee Eater is my fave, although they are all gorgeous! The closeup of the head somehow just calls to me.
Happy stitching!
I love the Somali Bee Eater because of the subtle coloring. They’re all very pretty!
Kotari Kingfisher. It looks so real and the colors are amazing!
Mary: Merry Christmas. Your 12 days of Christmas give-away is a great idea for all stitchers. I love Trish Burr’s designs but as yet have not tried to stitch them. They are beautiful and the colors are so realistic. I think the DVD’s would be a great help in the actual stitching of the Somali Bee Eater and the Kotari Kingfisher. They are my favorite.
Mary–
I am really taken by the portrait of a Somali Bee Eater. The use of color really brings the little guy to life. It’s like a rainbow in the feathers. I would love to learn how to use thread to paint a picture. I can see using any of the kits as the center of a crazy quilt block. Thanks for the opportunity to learn something new!
My favorite is the butterfly. I’ve just recently discovered your newsletter and was so excited by my first views of needle painting. I have always envied those who are able to draw and paint (I can barely draw stick people). I have used sewing as my way to express myself artistically, but wanted to do more. I think with needle painting I will be able to more fully express my artsy side. Either way I intend to purchase Trish’s books and DVD’s and learn these techniques. Thanks
I love all three.Very impressive. Wish I could do it.But… This is one of my goals I am setting for myself this coming new yr.,to try my hand at painting with threads. Since I have to pick one of the 3 lovely works,I would have to say the Kotari Kingfisher .Wow the colors are amazing,so lifelike. Susan from CT.
I love the Kingfisher. They are all so beautiful.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. I bought Trish’s wonderful new Colour book and I can imagine the sacred kingisher from that book facing the Kotari. I am very much a Trish fan.
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favourite. He is so colourful and striking, so proud sitting there on his branch.
Omigosh! What beautiful kits. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you for all you do!!!
The piece that intrigues me the most is the Kotari Kingfisher. On a recent trip (of a lifetime) to Australia, we actually got to see one of these little gems in the wild.
BEE EATER, BEE EATER, BEE EATER…NEED I SAY MORE????…….GRACE FROM MINNESOTA,USA
I have admired Trish’s work for more than a year now. I have looked into aquiring her DVD and I am thrilled that you(Mary) believe that is a wonderful introduction to thread painting. I feel in love with her birds so if I had to pick a favorite from the kits it would be the kingfisher because it is the entire bird in environment(branch).
I really like the Kotari Kingfisher. I love all the hues of blue, her work really is gorgeous!
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite, I love all the blue. He’s so solemn looking. Trish’s work is so beautiful.
Season’s Greetings Mary!!
Thanks for the wonderful offer of the 12 days of Christmas.
Of all the three, it’s the Kotari Kingfihser that catches my attention. I like the natural look and the tiny details along with the different colours of blue that blend in so well. It’s a great piece of art. Incredible is just the word!! Am just waiting to try it out.
Dorothy
I love all the kits but the one that jumps out at me is Kotari Kingfisher.
I have wanted to learn this technique for a long time but I have not had the courage to sit down and try.
Thank you for this lovely giveaway.
I like anything by Trish Burr but my favorite amoung these beauties is the bee eater. Lynn H Texas
I like the Somali Bee Eater because it’s so colorful.
My favorite is the Somali Bee Eater. It is so cute…
Thanks for the 12 days of Christmas drawing! A lovely and thoughtful way of thinking of your cyber friend needle workers. While I’ve only worked one goldwork project it is as you say not difficult but the threads are unique. These sets would provide a great opportunity to use various goldwork threads. The feather is wonderful
Lynn H –Texas
Gee Mary,
This is a hard choice. I like them all but I
like the Kingfisher best. I think thats the same look I always gave my kids when they were trying to get away with something.
Trish’s things are always beautiful.
While I love all three of these beautiful Trish Burr kits, I would love to try the Butterfly. I think that since the colors are so similar, it would be easier for a novice needle painter like myself. Thank you so much for the 12 Days give-away! Merry Christmas!!
My fav is the beautiful Kotari Kingfisher. That has cousins all over the world.This particular Kingfisher has much more beautiful color than the ones that land on our boat dock here in Washington. I enjoyed him and all the other magnificant birds of New Zealand.I must say all the designs are truley breathtaking. All would be wonderful to do.
Candy from Wa
Hi Mary,
Thank You for thinking of us, your readers and stitchers. I like them all. The King Fisher the best. Nelda
Such a difficult choice to pick a favourite! I think I would have to go for the Kingfisher, they are amazing wee birds. My parents have a nesting pair in their garden despite the fact that the stream they fished from was rerouted over 10 years ago. We often see them flitting around the garden catching the bugs. Trish’s depiction is amazing, the stitching of the feathers is perfect, I wish I could do the same! The colour changes are amazing I wish I had the confidence to use that many!
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite. I love the little guy, especially the vibrant colors of blue.
Thank you for delighting us with this wonderful contest. The colors of the thread painting are intoxicating. I am having difficultly choosing just one kits from the 3 lovelies. I think the butterfly will be my final suit. The viberency and shading are a perfect jump start for the New Year’s projects.
Hands down it’s the kingfisher I love the most. I love the many vibrant colors and the blue is to die for!!
Wow that a great giveaway!!!! beautiful kits!
Butterfly I like the most! Thank you for a chance to win it!
I love Trish Burr’s books, kits, etc!!!! She is amazinging. My favorite is the Somali Bee Eater! It looks like you could just reach out and pick him up – he looks so real!
Thanks so much for the giveaway and chance at winning! What a great way to start the New Year!
Mary – – all three of the kits are just wonderful, but who could resist that Somali Bee Eater. That is a face you just have to love! And thank you so much for this delightful way to finish up the old year, and toast in the new!
Thanks to you and the designers, manufacturers, retailers, and artists for all the talent, time and generous products. I’m “grabbed” by the Kingfisher for his beauty, texture, and his scowl and focus on his catch. I recently received Trish Burr’s first book after a good bit of a wait and it is a fine read – thanks once again for your review/summary of the books – my favorite part of your site – Happy Holidays – Ginger L.
My eyes keep coming back to the Katori Kingfisher, the colors of his feathers draws my eye quicker and more often the the other kits. I love the depth of color, definitely my favorite kit!
I love your 12 Days Of Christmas being on the proper days. I find it very depressing to have all the Christmas festivities over in a 24 hour period after a build-up of well over a month of anticipation! Let the festivities BEGIN!
I really can’t pick just one….they are all so beautiful…and they are something I want to learn to do …
Since I often do “rose” things in association with my name, I do so love Trish’s design of the rosebuds. I have learned much from her books and have gifted them to others as well as myself.
HI Mary,
Thank you for the opportunity…..what a lovely way to start the new year!
The Kotari Kingfisher is STUNNING so that’s my favorite.
Lynn
Hi Mary
Happy Holidays. Thanks for the give-away series! All of Trish Burr’s designs are magical. I love the Kotari Kingfisher the most. He looks like he is fiercely waiting for an insect to come along to eat!
I loved all the kits but really was drawn to the beautiful colourations of the kingfisher. The florals also caught my attention. I am probably going to have to move into a smaller home in the spring and will have to give up quilting. Embroidery has always caught my attention and learning to do some of this beautiful work would probably ease the separation anxiety from my fabrics! lol
Joan M in Duxbury would love to be able to embroider Trish Burr’s butterfly.
Thank you for this lovely give-away…oh my but it is splendid!! I would love to try needlepainting…I keep looking at it and wondering if I could do it!! My fav amoung the kits is the Kingfisher…isn`t he a jolly little guy??
Dear Mary – firstly hope you had a lovely Christmas break and thank you for your Christmas wishes to us all.
I would dearly love to learn in more detail the art of thread painting. This would give me the confidence I lack.
The Kingfisher is MAGNIFICENT and my Dad just loved to draw Kookaburras everywhere as they are from same family I would feel in touch with my Dad.
Mary we are so grateful for all you do for us novices.
~~Sandra D NSW Aust
Of the three Gorgeous kits I like the kingfisher the best. He just looks so concerned that his tree limb has only 2 leaves. They are all so beautiful, however, that it was hard to choose! Merry 1st day of Christmas!
That such life-like accuracy can be achieved with a needle and thread just boggles my mind. I particularly admire the Somali Bee Eater – stunning!
Oh, the Bee Keeper grabs me. He wants to be petted, and fed.
Sharon Downing from CA
That thread painting is spectaular. Fine art, indeed.
I think the Kotari Kingfisher is just lovely and is my favorite of all the kits
I love the vibrant color of the butterfly, and it’s furry little body. It was a hard pick though, the kingfisher is adorable in it’s chubbiness!
Thank you for the give-away!
My favorite is the Kingfisher. He (or she) looks so soft and fuffy and his colors are lovely.
Alice in Las Cruces
wow, her designs are always so beautiful! While the kingfisher is gorgeous, but my favorite is the butterfly…i’m quite biased towards butterflies…
I have only recently started following your blog and you have some gorgeous work. I’d not heard of needle painting until looking through your blog. I love the kingfisher with the numerous colors that are in his feathers. Thank you for the things you bring to us. Joanna from San Angelo
I hate picking favorites! I adore them all. So to satisfy your question I asked my 10 year old daughter and she chose, “Somali Bee Eater”
They are ALL amazingly realistic looking and the colors are so beautiful and rich. They look like you could reach out and feel their feathers, or wings.
Merry Christmas to ALL!!
I am drawn to the beautiful butterfly, the color is captivating, but…the little bea eater is the one I would most like to learn to stitch for my very own. maureen
My favourite Trish Burr embroidery is the Somali Bee Eater. The colours on his body are simply fantastic and they remind me of impressionist paintings. If I could ever execute it half as well as Trish, I’d be in heaven.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Mary.
Wow, Mary, what a way to start off your giveaway. All 3 kits are absolutely gorgeous! But the portrait of a Somali Bee Eater is the one that really hits me. The detail on the chest (all the different colors) of the bird is so beautiful! thank you and your sponsors for having such a nice giveaway.
For me: it’s definitely the kingfisher. The gradual change of the wing from dark brown to brown to green to blue is probably my favorite part on the whole kit, and I know I’d glee when I got to needle-painting THAT!
Hi Mary, Wish you A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.
Out of the three kits I loved the Kotari Kingfisher.
I love the colors and the brillant stitching of Trish embroidery. The eyes of the Kingfisher look very attentive and alert.
Thank you for you the christmas give-away.
Chui Lin December 28,2011 11.19am
Gosh – they are all beautiful, but that butterfly is just something. Thank You for giving us the chance to win such a lovely gift and also introducing us to a wonderful artist.
Thanks, Toni Prada, Lakeview OR
I really like the Kotari Kingfisher for the realistic feathers. Stephanie In N Vancouver.
I like the Butterfly Kit the most, but all three are beautiful!
I love the colours in the Koari Kingfisher. They are so vibrant and he looks very real. I’ve ordered Ms Burr’s first book because of your high recommendation and can’t wait to get it.
Thanks for all you do.
The Somali Bee Eater stands out. He is my favorite because of the contrast of his beautiful soft earthy feather colors and then his red rimmed eye on black feather background just pops out at you. (I also want to improve on my long and short stitches .. I’m just not pleased with them yet.} Your column is like receiving a gift every day … thank you … from one KS person to another. 4 generations from around eastern and southeast corner of KS.
Oh wow! These are amazing! I would LOVE to expand my knowledge with these sets! In Hong Kong and Shanghai, I toured stitcher is where double sided long and short embroidery was being completed. One nice person gave me a rather lengthy lecture on the threads and techniques. So impressive!
Amazing work by Trish! I am drawn to the butterfly because it looks like it could just fly away but the birds are just as captivating. Any of her kits would certainly be a pleasure to stitch. Merry Christmas Mary
Gosh… I was so blown away by these that I didn’t leave the right response! At first I thought…of course I love the roses….my favorite….but honestly? The Kingfisher blows me away. The detail….the two turned leaves at the end of the brAnch……just amazing.
Anyway, sorry for two responses. Just hoping to get at least one right!
I like both the needlepainting and the branch textures in the kingfisher kit. What I would really love is the dvd tutorials. The way to take the mystery out of a stitch that I still struggle with is to learn from the best!
I love the vibrant butterfly! Its bright and lively! And the flowers and the strawberries give a delicate touch to the picture as a whole!
All of them are very good and beautifully done. The kingfisher looks so good and innocent and young… the bee eater is equally good, except that it could have been done on a darker or a different background so that the workmanship is clearly enhanced…And, the butterfly is a beauty and brings cheer to the season !
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all ! Happy Embroidering all the way !!!!
All designs are great! I like the Kotari Kingfisher – the colours on his body are simply fantastic!
The first thing that caught my eye was the butterfly, then to learn that there is 2 DVDs of How to thread paint… Not sure which would be first now at this point. lol
I would have to say thou that is it the butterfly that still holds my attention the most as I would love to learn how to do that one.
The kingfisher is simply wonderful! While I enjoy all aspects of needlework, it’s the use of color that feeds my soul. The kingfisher would be a treat to work, with its vibrant shades and subtle color changes.
For me it would have to be the Bee-eater, because it looks to be the smallest and therefore the best to try first. I couldn’t choose between them on any other grounds.
WaW , Beautiful Kotari Kingfisher .
This embroidery make me really feel it and touch it , I JUST LOVE IT
Nermin from EGYPT
One of the reasons I find embroidery so amazing is needle painting. I love all three kits. The butterfly looks beautiful yet the simplest of the three. But I absolutely love the Kotari Kingfisher!! It is soo gorgeous it truly looks like it was painted. I will most definitely be checking out/buying her beginner book so I can do some needle painting of my own!!!!
Dear Mary, I love blues, for this reason I prefer the Kingfisher. I am fond of Trish Burr, I love her work, have all books (not the last one) and looking forward to attend an on-line class of her. Buon anno nuovo, ricco di tempo per le piccole cose belle che rendono la vita cosi’ preziosa! Ciao Manuela
I think they are all darling … but my heart is stolen by the Kingfisher. The blues make him pop and look so rich and lovely!
Thank you so much for introducing me to Trish Burrs beautiful work. After reading about her new book, I have been looking at more of her things. I am an appliqué-er that has fallen in love with embroidery painting and striving to improve my stitches. Although I always go first to anything with birds on it, the dainty strawberry leaves and blossoms are the one that I would choose of her kits.
I’ve learned so much from your column and thank you for including me/us in your daily work schedule.
I want to become more adept at needle painting and what better way than with a Trish Burr DVD. The kits are gorgeous, especially the birds. The detail is amazing!
My most favourite would have to be the butterfly. I have a thing for butterflies, but the kingfisher is just divine. It would be truelly wonderful to create something so beautiful from thread.
Wow! you are truely amazing Mary. Giving away your Trish Burr stash but thank for giving us this opportunity. I love the Kotari Kingfisher it looks like it could just fly away at a moments notice and the limb it is perched on is just as realistic. Wow again thanks for this opportunity.
Shelly R. UT
Mary, I love Trish Burr’s work but the kingfisher seems to me one of her best pieces. The way the colours subtly change in the wing plumage is spectacular so I think I will choose this one as my favourite of the 3 kits. However, I would think myself extremely fortunate to win any of her kits and really appreciate the opportunity to do so.
Barbara, UK
I love needlepainting, but never feel I’m as good as I’d like to be. I’ve never liked working with animals or birds, but flowers and butterflies really get my juices running!
I especially love the butterfly. The contrast between the vibrant reds and the white flowers can’t be beat.
I bought two of Trish Burr’s books last year and all the materials, but I’m struggling with the technique. This prize would help immensely. 🙂
Thanks for your fabulous blog. I look forward to it every day.
marjimarks
I just love Trish Burr’s work. Her projects have been on my to-do list for a while now. I am dying to embroider one of her birds; her Kingfisher certainly talks to me!
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
I love the kingfisher! I’m sure that mine wouldn’t be anywhere as lovely as the picture, but learning more about thread painting would be interesting.
I love all three designs, but the Kotari Kingfisher really stands out! A great many needlework pieces I have done contain birds and flowers. I would really enjoy working on this beautiful bird. However, any of the three kits would be a delight to have. The Trish Burr instructional DVD set would be invaluable in learning needle painting.
Good Morning Mary,
I think I like the Kingfish the best because of all the different colors and shades which actully gives texture to him. He is a true delight and to just learn the technique would fulfill a dream.
Your previous blogs showing Trish Burr’s work have left me breathless. Each of these three kits is beautiful but the Kotari kingfisher is my favorite. I enjoy his fluffed feathers and the determined glint in his eye that tells me he has spotted lunch.
I can’t choose! I love all three, and I love needlepainting, especially when the design is printed on. Just floss shopping and you are stitching!
I admit, I had never heard of Trish Burr until I started following your site. I haven’t tried needle painting before, so the DVD’s really appeal to me. I love all the projects; the vibrancy of the butterfly, the detail of the kingfisher, but there’s something about that little bee eater that just draws me in. Maybe it’s the red around his eye. I’m a sucker for bright colors!
Wow! what an amazing gift. The Kotari Kingfisher is the design that really grabs me–like many others I see. I think perhaps it’s his hunched, old-man posture. Or the glorious colors. Thanks!
I love the Somali Bee Eater… so detailed!
The kit that really stands out to me is the Kotari Kingfisher. I think it is the colour, as blue is a favourite, but also the detail in both the bird and the twig. It is very life like.
I totally love the strawberry blossom and butterfly. I live in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon USA) and we have wild strawberries waiting to be discovered each spring. As a child, I always wished for a beautiful butterfly to carry me away, just like the story “Thumbelina”. Wouldn’t that be awesome to tell the grandkids?
I love Trish Burr’s Books and instructions. I think I have all her books except the new Color study one which I am trying to save for . The Kotari Kingfish strikes me the most first I love tuquoise and next I haven’t done any birds or animals yet. I am kinda scared to try one yet.
For me its the Kotari Kingfisher. I never heard of Trish Burr until I started to read and learning on your site. Since then I start with your tutorials on long and short stitches. Everybody that want to start with needle painting, there is the tutorial.Be sure in no time you will master the technique.
I have already completed the rosebud kit, and it was enormous fun. I learned a lot from it, and it turned out beautifully even though I still count myself as a beginner.
My favorite is the red butterfly. I would love to finish this project and then gift it to my mom, who is a lover of nature and especially butterflies.
The Kotari Kingfisher , he looks as if you could reach out and stroke his feathers. I’ve done some stitching like this but it was flowers. This is much more realistic. thanks for the chance to do a beautiful piece like this.
Debs in South Texas
Love both of themand I have been working on learning thread paintingsome things were more successful than others. I think I could still use a lot of instruction.
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite. I love the shades of blue in the color of his feathers. Plus the feathers look so soft …
Love the butterfly, since I’ve always had a thing for those 19th century painters who did watercolours of flowers and insects. The colour’s great, too.
I think I like the kingfisher best. It looks so realistic and its beautiful shading would certainly enable you to learn thread painting techniques 🙂
I’ve been looking for to this since you announced it!
Hands down I love the Kotari Kingfisher. The blue colours are just spectacular.
The one that draws me the most is the Somali Bee Eater. The blended colors and texture detail are beautiful. I would be very proud to say that I were the artist. Of course it may take a few tries before I achieve results that good.
Butterflies and dragonflies are my favorite critters, so I love the butterfly; however, I don’t like red. The adorable little kingfisher is the one in my preferred colors. Besides, he has this impish expression, as if he is going to do something he shouldn’t in a few minutes. The leaves and the branch will be an interesting challenge. Many times a designer will put in a branch for a bird to sit on as an afterthought, this one definitely adds to the design.
My favorite is the Somali Bee Eater – her stitching makes him look s o fluffy, as if he’d just eaten a bee and it had gone down a little wrong. The feathers look truely fluffy although I know it is shading.
I can’t go past any bird design by Trish. She makes the most amazing birds. I am particularly taken with the Kotari Kingfisher. It has the most gorgeous expression and the colours are wonderful. Tina from Melbourne
The Kingfisher is my favorite, followed by the bee eater. Something about the colors and the texture on the feathers just catches my eye.
My kit choice would be the Kingfisher. Although I love them all. I have been watching Trish’s work for a long time, and hope to give it a try soon. I will be checking out her book.
Hi Mary, Very difficult decision. I love them all but if I had to choose just one the Kotari Kingfisher because of the beautiful blue colouring. Emilia from Australia
This first day gift of kits and DVD by Trish Barr alost takes my breath away. I think my favorite of the three is the Bee Eater – I really like the detail of the close-up view. I love to do wildlife images and these are the most beautiful! I have only used books to guide me in my embroidery so would love to have the DVD to better instruct me. Thank you for such a wonderful give-away.
These kits are absolutely beautiful. I have never tried this technique but I would love a chance to try it. Theresa L.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher – the blues are amazing!!
Thanks 🙂
I’d love to win the needlepainting kit (love the Kotari Kingfisher!!) and Trish Burr’s instructional DVDs. Our ANG group is planning on doing thread painting in late January – March taught by one of our members who has had some instruction from Tanya Berlin. I’d love to learn a bit from this gift from you, Mary, so that I may have something beautiful to look forward to stitch after our meetings. Thanks so much for your generosity and for all the inspiration you give us each day! I always look forward to your emails!
Brenda
The Somali Bee Eater hands down. This technique is amazing and I am dying to try it.
I am very taken with the Kotari Kingfisher. I purchased the “Fresh Ideas for Beginners” book after I read your review and have been working through the exercises and would really love to be the winner of this prize. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Robin
I thought I had responded but don’t see my post, so I choose the butterfly….love the red!
Pat in Michigan
ANYthing by Trish Burr is my favorite! Oh, OK, of these three…the Kotari Kingfisher, because he is just so cute! I have been gearing up to seriously try needle painting and would love to have him hanging on my wall (right near the front door so everyone would see him!).
As a bird lover I would adore this gift. I really like the Somali Bee Eater piece though the other is nice as well. Trish does lovely work and I would appreciate that gift greatly. Thanks Mary and Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Susan
The art of painting with thread always takes my breathe away. Would love to have a kit to get me going, and in so as i can do a project to add to my collection to leave to my granddaaughter that hopefully will follow in my foot steps. Just awhhhh!
All Trish’s kits leave me going….wow!!! Really love the Kotari kingfisher…the colours, details…simply gorgeous.
The little Kotari Kingfisher would be so welcome at my house. He could snuggle in with little Tilly (our cairn terrier) and provide additional entertainment while I “painted” away contentedly in a corner by the lightest window. LOVE Trish Burr’s designs. She truly captures the expression in the faces of the birds. Beautiful. Thanks, Mary! A meaningful Christmas to you!
Hi Mary, thank you for opportunity to win a kit by Trish Burr. I just love her work and her books are wonderful, very informatitive. I just love the little bird. Reminds me of some of the Australian birds that we have here.
I would like to win so that i could work the Kinfisher. It is beautiful
Trish Burr does such wonderful work. I have some of her early books and want to do some butterflies and the Kingfisher. I want to learn how to make my work look so smooth like Trish does. I also want to use them for stumpwork. Thank you for sharing these books and information on your site.
Debra Puma
I love the Kingfisher – the coloring is so rich and the detailing is exquisite. I bought Tricia’s Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners earlier this year, but have been unable to start a project,as I have been waiting for the fabric – on backorder! for months! So frustrating. This will the first time I have tried Needle Painting; I have been intrigued by it since Mary covered it.
Dear Mary,
I love the butterfly since there looks like there is lot of shading involved in it’s beautiful red wings.
thanks from Ruth Ann in London, Ontario
The butterfly is my favorite!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Although I love them all, I think the Kingfisher is my favorite. Trish brings not only beautifully blended colors, but character to her living things. I have recently been playing with threadpainting and have found I really love the technique. Would certainly enjoy this set of embroideries. Thanks for all the tempting goodies you’re making available.
Normally I am a fairly “quiet” stitcher. In that I mean I love subtle, subdued designs with quiet, even brooding colors. But, that scarlet butterfly just reached out and shook me out of my rut. Three Trish Burr kits and the DVD is a magnificent, even kingly gift. I have one of her beginner designs already, and it is just wonderful. Her work just leaves me breathless.
These are so beautiful! I have tried my hand at needle painting and would love to do some more. I especially love the idea of the DVD – like having Trish there at your shoulder to help you as you work! All three kits are gorgeous – it is very hard to pick a favourite, but I think it would have to be the Kingfisher because of the colours and the details in the design.
I’ve only just found your brilliant blog and already, I’m in love with it! This give-away is the icing on an already delicious cake…I mean blog.
All the kits and finished images are stunningly beautiful, so, like everyone else, it’s difficult to choose which is my favourite out of these three stunners. But I think, as my favourite colour is blue (followed by purple), and I love birds, the Kotari Kingfisher would be my first choice, if I had to choose just one.
Thank you for what I know already is a fantastic blog and resource for learning and discovering. And also, have a bright, brilliant, happy, hopeful ringing in of the new year. May it be a fantastic year for all of us.
These are so gorgeous! For me the kingfisher just beats the others – lovely texture and colours.
I love all 3. So hard to choose! But choose I must and it would be the Kingfisher! Those blues and teals just sing!
Mary
I love the Bee eater and I have heard so many great things about Trish Burr’s kits.
Three kits and a DVD are a generous and gorgeous gift
Carmen
Trish’s kits are so wonderful. I’d love to have her DVD’s so I could really see how to go about improving my long and short stitch work. What a wonderful give away. I am particularly fond of the Somali Bee Eater, it looks so feathery. Thanks for the chance to win.
My favorite is the Kingfisher, the suttle shading makes him look real. A close second would be the butterfly. The vibrant colors are beautiful. I’d love to be stitching on any one of them.
Barb from OR
Colour confidence looks so beautiful, but I really am a beginner so I would love to have
Fresh Ideas for Beginners. I love Trish’s work.
I love the Somali Bee Eater, the subtle shading of the blue is lovely.
Ever since first seeing Trish Burr’s needlepainting I have been entranced by her Bee Eater projects and would love to do one. Her colors and work is one I hope to work towards – another of my stitching hopes and dreams – another of my New Years Dreams.
I would like to work on the butterfly
Thanks for the awesome giveaway
I love birds. They are so charming, but that kingfisher really catches my eye, the way the stitching makes it look so cuddly.
Oh wow. The Kotari Kingfisher is especially amazing.
The kingfisher is definitely my favourite one. Oh, if I could embroider like this …..
I like the bee eater best, but they are all beautiful. Needle painting creates such beautiful results, but I find it somewhat daunting. It would be good to give it a go and push my comfort zone.
Thank you for these wonderful opportunities.
Butterfly is my favourite. I just love that vibrant red color.
My favorite is definitely the butterfly. The color is gorgeous!
Each of these is beautiful, but if I had to pick one it would have to be the butterfly – the colours are spectacular!
I lovew the Bee Eater the most… I think! lol Her work is lovely and thanks for the great giveaway.
The Kingfisher is wonderful! The blue is just – wow!
I would love to have these DVD’s and kits, her colors are gorgeous, and would love to learn her technique. And what a better way than a free giveaway.
Thank you Mary
Learning needlepainting in on my list of goals, now that I’m retired. So this is a wonderful set. Of the three kits, the Somali Bee Eater really grabbed me. I think it is the expression that is captured in his eye, so realistic.
I like all the designs but as you have asked for picking out one, I would go for Kotari Kingfisher, though it will be a miracle if I win this give away!
I like the Kotari kingfisher for the look in its eye and the colours, particularly the blues.
H.Hicks in Prestwich
I love the bird. it is beautiful
I just love Trish Burr’s needlepainting, I have some of her books but not the DVD or any kits. My 91 year old grandmother just adores kingfishers so I would love to do the Kotari Kingfisher for her. She is very proud of my embroidery and gave me a piece her mother did in the 1880’s so I would love to give her something back.
Such a wonderful array of Its just wonderful how real they look.
Each of the projects is so gorgeous but the butterfly and strawberries really catch the eye. Love these designs!
Thanks so much for sharing your love of stitchery with us! I love the Kingfisher. He looks so 3-dimensional, almost as if he could fly right off the branch!
Linda from Leavenworth
Three gorgeous projects! My favourite is the beautiful, pensive Kingfisher.
Lea S.
All the kits are very beautiful. I really do not have a favorite, they are all so very beautiful. I am in awe of the detail. I would love to gain the skill to have results like that. I recently bought the thread painting book and the long and short of it hoping to improve my stitching.
They are all equally beautiful but my most favorite is the Somali Bee Eater – absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for the chance!
micheletimms at gmail dot com
When I first saw the pictures I was going to say the rose, but that is the DVD cover design. DOH!! On my second look I couldn’t help but notice the vibrancy of the butterfly, but that was after noticing the blossom and strawberries on the design. It amazes me that even on smaller design areas, the needle painting is just as detailed and realistic as larger areas.
The kingfisher is wonderful but the bee eater comes in at a close second. Of course, the butterfly is stunning. I wouldn’t mind any of them.
While I love all three kits the bee eater is my favorite. I like the shading on his chest. I am also excited about the dvds, I definitely could use the instruction. Thanks!
Jen L. from Ypsilanti
As a novice stitcher (just completed a version of your long and short stitch sampler and am beginning a baby burrowing owl), I can see the increasing difficulty level in each kit. I seem to be drawn to the most complex and color-rich designs. In this case my favorite is the Kingfisher.
What a hard choice! I am an avid birdwatcher, sitting by the patio doors watching the birds and I love the Kotari Kingfisher.
Thank you for offering this wonderful giveaway!!!
I just LOVE Trish Burrs work! She is such a inspiration. I have a few of her books. I have only managed to find time to do one flower. it is amazing how mush you learn about blending from her instructions. I have been slowly filling in my collection of DMC thread. I would love to see if I have the colors to do the Somali Bee Eater portrait.
I love the Kotari Kingfishere. He seems to be seriously thinking about something. This give away is just beautiful. Thank you, Mary
Hi Mary
I am grabbed by all 3! Trish Burr is one of my favourite artists> I would love to learn needle painting with one of her kits!
Thank you.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher, its just sooo beautiful, vibrant and colourful ! Thanks for the giveaway.
Karen Rosario
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite of these four kits. I love the way the textures vary in the stitching. These all are absolutely beautiful!
Oh gosh, how does one choose from these gorgeous works. I guess the Kotari Kingfisher would be my favorite.
Morning Mary! Thanks so much for the chance to get belated Christmas gifts!!
I love the kingfisher. I am a birder (not really hard core but I love watching them) and so the needle painting that Trish does is my favorite stitching. I am not very good at it, and this would be awesome to help me improve my technique. I’d love to learn to do some Alaskan birds, too!
The butterfly is my favorite!
What amazing stitchings, my favorite is of the Butterfly. I adore butterflies and this is done with such gorgeous colors. I would love to win this one.
All the kits are wonderful, but the Somali bee eater is irresistable. Wouldn’t that be fun to work!
Nancy
Of the 3 needle painting kits the Kotari Kingfisher bird grabs me most… the colors and technique of the threads blending together on his body and wings and the leaves. The other one that really caught me eye was the strawberries and butterfly.
I really like the the Kotari Kingfisher. He looks like he is about to move or ruffle his feathers. I think I saw him blink 🙂 The blue is lovely. Thanks Mary
Audrey
Northern California
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. It is a wonderful design. It seems the bird has found something in the branch. Look at his eye, he is ready to strike!
I love Trish Burr’s work. I love all of her designs. I don’t think I could choose just one.
I like the Kotari Kingfisher. I love the bright blues – my favorite color. He’s a royal beauty!
That’s a hard one. I like the kingfisher and the butterfly. But to choose one I would go with the butterfly. I love the bright color. Thanks.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. My husband’s love of birding has been rubbing off on me lately and he would flip if I could needlepaint a bird half as well as Trish Burr’s sample. He likes American kingfishers (they come to his favorite trout stream). This is an inspiringly gorgeous giveaway with which to start your 12 days. Cheers, Shirley
I just love the butterfly. They are one of my favorite creatures, so small and yet so beautiful.
All are beautifull! But I’m pretty curious how to get those effects on the Somali Bee Easter feathers…
(Mary, I’m so happy being back home at time to participate on these fantastic giveaways! Thanks)
I love the Somali Bee Eater. The colors are so earthy and warm. I have one of Trish’s books and would love to have a DVD showing how to immprove my thread painting techniques. She is really a talented stitcher. Thanks for the opportunity to win. The butterfly and flower would be the 2nd choice as they are beautiful and adaptable to many occasions.
I submitted thia a few days back, but never seen it show up–so trying it again.
I love Trish Burr thread painting and love allof her kits, but my favorite is the butterfly.
Barb
Gosh, it is hard to choose a favorite. But, mine would be Kotari Kingfisher.
I have always wanted to learn this technique, was going to take a class through our guild but wasn’t available when they had it.
I would just love to get this set! Such vibrant colors and it all just “comes alive”!
Thank you for a chance for such a great prize.
Judy Starkey
I like the Kingfisher best. The colors appeal to me.
The intensity of the Kotari Kingfisher really strikes me. You can tell he’s paying very close attention to something- probably a fish.
I often watch a Belted Kingfisher from the porch of a favourite restaurant. Trish Burr has really captured the disposition of those types of bird.
I love the little kingfisher best, his colours, and the lovely way in which his feathers lie in different directions. He would be SUCH a challenge!
I love all of the birds, but I think the Somali Bee Eater is my favorite. The detail is wonderful! Trish Burr is so very talented, I could look at her work for hours.
My favorite is definitely the butterfly.
Trish Burr’s work is just exquisite and these three designs are gorgeous. it’s a very difficult decision to choose one as a favourite so it will have to be the beautiful little kingfisher. His feathers look so realistic, I almost want to stroke him! Thank you Mary for the opportunity to enter a fantastic give-a-way.
I really like both birds, but to pick one I’d say the kingfisher. I love the detail in the feathers. Learning how to Needlepaint is one of my goals – I really like having the DVD as a resource. Thanks Mary and I hope you had a Merry Christmas!
The colours in the Kingfisher give it the slight edge as my favourite, but they’re all so lovely that it’s a very close race.
It’s got to be the Somali Bee Eater! At first glance I thought the butterfly. Once i saw the close-up photo the bee eater got my vote. What wonderful work Trish does. I’m in awe!!!
My favorite is the Kingfisher. I love the rich blues and browns and the subtle details. I have been looking at Trish Burr’s work online longingly for months now, and am using every spare moment to complete my current projects so I can think about adding others to the queue! I particularly appreciate that her offerings are given in graduated levels of difficulty. I am nearly a beginner in needlepainting, but always love to look at the most complex projects, so I look forward to gaining insight and skill with her excellent resources and through working her projects. So much beauty, so little time!!
Todos são lindos,mas prefiro o pássaro. Obrigado.
I like all of the kits but I think the kingfisher would be my preference.
I love both of the birds but the Somali Kingfisher looks like it’s about to breathe! Gorgeous. I’ve never considered needle painting but I might have to pick up a copy of this book. just stunning!
This craft is amazing. The Kotari Kingfisher is definitely my favorite.
Love Trish Burr’s work! I purchased many of her books and eagerly awaiting her “Colour Confidence”. I am learning to embroider birds right now and liked her Kingfisher the best. Thank you, Mary, for this wonderful giveaway!
I am mesmerized by the details of the birds that make them so alive but my favorite is the butterfly.
sigh-I don’t see me listed here, I don’t know what I am doing wrong as I sign my online name, answer the questions, but I would love a chance at this offer as well.
I loveTrish Burr and love the dogwood and butterfly the best-as we have dogwoods here in missouri thank you for the chance Kathy in Missouri
Hello: I am truly a bird person. Quite simply I have not seen anything so beautiful as the birds she embroiders. I would really enjoy a bird kit. Paula.
To begin with I would love to try the Kotari Kingfish or the Long and Short of It. The little bird reminds me of the bird my family nursed back to health over the holidays. He flew into plate glass windows at my brothers family in western SD. It was such a windy day and it letf little feather imprints on the window. Place carefully in a shoe box with lots of soft padding, and shelter from the wind, with bird food.
Have never dome this before, but I am going to try and it is on my list.
Helen
HJE
Only one of trish burr book is missing. Color confidence that I bought but will be delivered in February. I took a course in Québec city for painting with threads, and my teacher gave me four flowers of redouté’s as homework.we don’t have to count the time it take to embroider thanks Clau
Love the Kingfisher, as we have many that live around us. They are very odd to look at with their large beaks. To have a chance to “paint” one with threads would truly be an honor.
The Kotari Kingfisher because I love birds.
I am having a hard time picking between the two birds. Somali Bee Eater, there I picked one. Something about the shading, I find exquisite! They are all lovely. I would love to get the DVDs.
I am a birder as well as an embroiderer so I have to say that the full kingfisher is the one that strikes me most, but they are all beautiful.
I really like the kingfisher. It is so adorable.
The butterfly is so vibrant and colorful. I really like that one, but they are all pretty.
Lily
All the designs are beautiful. But I love the Kotari Kingfisher, looks so cosy,warm and looks like having a serious thinking. Would like to try my hand on doing the Trish Burr needlepaiting designs.
I like the Kingfisher.. The colors, the liveliness of it.
Beautiful! I would love to learn a new needle skill.
Although I like all the work I have seen done by Trish Burr, in this set I really like the kingfisher.
This is a very difficult choice. I LOVE the Bee Eater but will choose the red butterfly for its vibrancy. My mother was a butterfly enthusiast all of her life. When she passed away, some of the vibrabcy of life passed with her. It is a fod reminder of her. Not to mention, My next desired step of learning in embroidery is “needle painting”.
Thank you for such generous giveaways.
Trudy
My favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher. I love his beautiful colors. I’ve never felt comfortable doing needlepainting so I would love the DVD set so that I could learn more about long and short stitch.
These are beautiful! The birds look so real, like they could fly off any minute. I’ve never heard of needlepainting, but this is really beautiful work.
~ Lorraine Thomas
The kingfisher is my favorite. The colors are so vibrant.
They are all so beautiful, but I would have to choose the Kotari Kingfisher. Love the blue and the lovely color shading… What a wonderful giveaway – thanks for the chance!
Linda H in eastern Canada
I purchased Trish Burr’s Needle painting for Beginners. I hope to win so I can learn this beautiful technique. I feel that if I can learn to do the kingfisher with all it’s exquisite colors it will give me the confidence I need to try other techniques as well.
Wow, it is hard to choose. They are all so wonderful. But I guess my favorite would have to be the kingfisher. I just think his personality shows through and he would be lovely to look at everyday.
The Kingfisher one! 2 reasons.. the beautiful and intricate details.. and all my fav colors in one..
I submitted a quote on day one by return of email, my quote came up as number one so I thought oh this must be a sign, but its dissapeared. Oh Mary now I cant sleep at night thinking Im not in the running for this give away. What will I do? Ive already cleared a space on my wall for the framed picture of the Kotari Kingfisher!! Its adorable.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher but it’s so hard to choose just one. This would be a new craft for me but then we all have time to learn a new craft, right?
Hi Mary!
Out of the three, I like the Kingfisher best. The detailing on his back as it slopes down from his head – that is some really exceptional shading. And the detail on the branch – wow. Out of the three it definitely catches my eye the most.
Mary Martin
Houston, TX
Although all three are amazing, I think I like the butterfly and strawberries the best! They are all stunning though!
My favorite would have to be that vibrant red butterfly! Such amazing colors and details…Brenda Day, Wilmington, Ohio
I really want to learn how to do needle painting. I like the Kotari Kingfisher best, but love them all.
Rach
The butterfly is definitely my favorite kit hands down, but they are all so interesting.
The Kotari Kingfisher really caught my eye. I was really intrigued by the dimension that you can achieve with these techniques, particularly on the breast of the bird. I studied the color of the wings for several minutes and was intrigued by all of the range of colors used on a *blue* bird: turquoise, indigo, teal, lake blue, lavender, purple, sage, olive, hazelnut brown, burnt umber, black…. Amazing!
I love the Kingfisher! She makes them look so real and the colors are my favorite. I keep reading your blog and wondering if I can successfully migrate from counted thread work to surface embroidery. You and Trish sure keep me tempted to make that move!
I love the little Kingfisher, he looks so put-out with the world. What I really want is that set of DVDs. I enjoyed doing your little needlepainting class awhile back but could still use more instruction!
Karen from western NC
I’ve certainly read your glowing reviews of Ms. Burr’s creativity. But recently I’ve gotten to see one too – a friend is stitching one of her designs! It’s even better in person!! If I should win, the kingfisher is the first one I’d do. The shades of blue are stunning!
ohhhh wow…they are all beautiful..my fav? the birdie lol..then the butterfuly…will stitch in that order…want to try these for sure….you are also a great photographer if no one has told you that…I can see the detail so clearly in the kits…would be fun to win this one too…ty for a chance
I like the looks of the Kotari Kingfisher. He’s little, fluffy and has a crabby face. Maybe he hasn’t had the opportunity to look at his reflection to see the glorious colors of his plumes. Being able to learn directly from Trish Burr herself would be a treat. Needle painting is trickier than it looks. I’m actually captivated by the pretty flower on the front of the DVD jacket.
Wendi
My prefered one is definitely the Kotari Kingfisher. In french, the kingfisher is named «martin pêcheur» and, well, my name… it’s name… The kingfisher is in a way my symbol bird.
So, I would love to stitch it.
Diane from Montréal, in Québec
I hate to sound crazy, since I know that there are people reading this that are long time stitchers. I am just learning and am so excited about seeing this give away. How awesome to give something like this away. Fantastic way to help others learn and step into the stitchery world.
The Bee Eater is beautiful and life like.
I wonder if I can ever do work as lovely as these but will never know until I put needle to cloth.
I absolutely love that Kotari Kingfisher! When I was a kid, I was told that finding a Kingfisher’s feather in the wild means I will be lucky, so I always love the Kingfisher and would be more than happy to stitch one up.
i’m really torn. I love the butterfly, but the kingfisher is so charming. i think he is my favorite.
The texture in these embroideries are incredible. I’d love to learn the secrets of doing this work.
J’ai une préférence pour le papillon rouge.
Je n’ai pas encore expérimenté la peinture à l’aiguille mais ce serait bien une belle occasion de commencer si je gagnais ce prix.
The Kingfisher bird is my favorite, but they are all beautiful. Would love to learn this technique.
Renee Wheeler
Austin, TX
I like the kingfisher best because he looks so real.
Wow Mary I love these birds and will given me more know how on birds and to make them in different colored floss!
I cannot decide between the Butterfly and the kingfisher,I love the texture makes you want to run yr hands thru these birds,Thank you for doing this so generous!Love to win this!
My favorite is the kingfisher. Kingfishers are some of my favorite birds.
Thanks!
What a beautiful giveaway. I’m partial to birds and love the Somali Bee Eater. I love the shading. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful giveaways. You are too generous!
It’s a difficult choice, but I think I like the Kingfisher best. The texture of his little feathers is beautiful
Nancy in Newport
Trish Burr’s Needle painting is beautiful! The kingfisher is my favorite, because it is blue and that is my favorite color.
The one that grabs me is the full face of the Somali Bee eater. The close up looks like you can reach out and touch him. Thanks for the offering, Mary Beth
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. Blue is my favorite color. I would love to view her DVDs to learn more about needle painting and doing it in a beautiful handwork piece.
This summer I read about Trish Burr on your website, purchased one of her books and have greatly enjoyed reading it. It would be great to win a kit and DVD of hers. Thanks for offering them.
I have not had much experience with this type of embroidery so I think I would try the butterfly first as the stitching is mostly straight. Then once I had mastered that I would go on to the birds. Trish Burr has a wonderful talent and it would be a great way to learn.
Both the butterfly and the kingfisher appeal to me because of their 3 dimensional effect. If I had to choose between them I would go for the kingfisher – he looks a bit mischievous.
I am currently working on a shawl I designed and when I envisioned it some of the motifs were done in needlepainting, although I have no experience in that technique. I know Trish is the queen of needlepainting so I’d love to have her dvd’s!
Thanks for the give-away contest Mary!
I really like the Somali Bee Eater. Aesthetically, I prefer the simple butterfly, but THIS bird seems to be alot of learning in one kit! I love the blending of colors, it has just the right amount of yellow ochre and its perfect contrasting blue colour. I feel like this one is the best to learn from but also, very pleasing to look at. Plus on the tree, there seems to be a different type of technique used to do the moss. Seems exciting! I wanna try it so bad!
Those kits are LOVELY! That would be very challenging. The little kingfisher is great because of that vivid blue!
The Kingfisher is my favourite, as they are so close to our Kookaburra’s in north queensland.
Arlene
The Somali Bee Eater – subtle colours and so like the real thing. All are gorgeous though. I have yet to attempt needle painting but will. My rather pathetic attempts at long and short stitch really make me respect this formidable simple stitch. Thanks.
I think my favorite kits are the two birds…they seem so real!! 🙂
Thank you!!
What fun, I just love this idea. I would choose the Kingfish because I love his colors. The Somila Bee Eater is a cose second with his beaded eye. Thanks again for the chance to win such great prizes
I like the kingfisher more…though all three are really good…the kingfisher has the keen look on its face….the other one thats still in my heart are those eyes u needle painted…its amazing how u can bring on the serenity with embroidery….too good!!
The Kingfisher is my favorite. He reminds me of blue bird we saw on a trip to Tanzania, just tiny flash of blue in the forest. The embroidery in him is so detailed; it would be such a challenge to learn needlepainting well enough to do him justice.
I just fell in love with the Kotari Kingfisher…
Hugs,
Laurita
Hi Mary,
I think some of my comments got lost after submission(last week), so I’m trying again. Hopefully this isn’t a duplicate.
I would love to do the Kingfisher. He’s so sweet. I love all of Trish’s work and kits, so any one one of them would be most welcome.
Susie H
Hi Mary,
Of the three kits, the Somali bee eater is my favorite. Something about the way his eye just catches mine. He is so real looking. I would hope that I could do him justice.
That Kotari Kingfisher is so cute!! Somehow I doubt mine would turn out quite that nice, but maybe with the help of DVD instructions there is hope!
I really love these projects. All of these are just divine. I do not have a favorite because all are sweet in their own way.
I am scared to try needle painting.
This kit would give me the impetus to try!
Thanks Mary, Claudia
The kingfisher is just beautiful and I love Trish Burr’s birds but I think my favorite of the three would have to be the red butterfly. It is just lovely.
My favourite project is the Kotari Kingfisher with the Somalie Bee Eater a close second. The kingfisher wins because of it’s vibrant blue feathers -blue being my favourite colour. It would be great to learn how to embroider the birds as I have only embroidered flowers in the Thread Painting/Silk Shading technique.
The Kotari Kingfisher. I dearly love birds with such vibrant colors
Wow! What a difficult question. My first impulse is to respond “Whichever one I’m looking at at the moment”. If I have to pick one, it would be the Kotari Kingfisher. The Somali Bee Eater is a close second but the branch puts the Kingfisher over the top.
Hi Mary,
I purchased Trish’s book on Needle Art for Beginners after reading your review. It is wonderful instruction and beautiful to look at.
My favorite kit is the Kotari Kingfishere but I would love anything done by Trish. I have not tried a project by her and I am sure that a kit would be desirable to start with.
Wish me luck,
Debbie Brian
Ce n’est pas facile de dire quel est le kit que je préfère : les 3 sont magnifiques.j’aime la flamboyance du papillon; le regard l du Somali Bee Eater est tellement vivant.mais je choisirais leleKotari Kingfisher pour son expression et les couleurs de son plumage.
Je suis fan des modèles de Trish Burr et je viens d’acheter son livre Colour Confidence in Embroidery après avoir lu votre post.
je fais un peu de peinture à l’aiguille mais je n’ai jamais entrepris d’ouvrages comme ceux que vous nous proposez de gagner.
ce serait là l’occasion d’essayer .
Merci Mary
Ooh I love the Kotari Kingfisher…he looks so cuddly and huggable, which is silly since he’s a bird (with that beak, it’d probably be a bad idea to hug a real one!) but true, and I love the colors.
The kingfisher is my favorite, although they are all pretty.
Oh my – I have always felt inadequate for this
type of stitching, but with a DVD and those
beautiful kits I would plow right in. My
favorite has to be the Kingfisher, as it shows
the whole bird, and I love to watch them in
the wild. Thank you for a chance to win.
I like the butterfly best. Very pretty and cheerful!
They are all stunning. I wish I could produce such beautiful results! It’s so difficult to choose just one. I love the look in the eye of the kingfisher and the vibrant red of the butterfly and soft “fuzzy” look of the bee eater. If I simply must choose one, I would choose the butterfly because it is so bright and cheery!
Of the three needlepainting kiys by Trish Burr, the Kotari Kingfisher appeals to me the most.A challenging project!
Oh boy! That blue bird – the Kotari Kingfisher – is exquisite! The color blending on that bird is just gorgeous. I would love, love, love to complete such a project. I have photographed quite a few birds, and this one would be more beautiful than my best photos!
Thank you,
Betsy Pratt
Knittingbetsy (at) comcast (dot) net
Oh oh oh the Kotari Kingfisher is my absolute favourite, it is sooo beautiful! How I love Trish Burr and her art. I have already bought her Needlepainting for beginners book thanks to you Mary … what a beautiful book and just how exquisite are those birds? Thank you for introducing me to Trish and her magical needlepainting.
Mary,
Thank you so much for all you do to educate and keep needlework thriving! Your giveaways are incredible. The needle painting embroidery kits from Trish Burr are beaufiful. How exciting to be able to learn by having the DVD. My favorite has to be the Kotari Kingfisher. It is stunning. My dear husband gave me Trish’s new book “Colour Confidence in Embroidery” for Christmas and
I am enjoying paging through in anticipation of putting needle and fiber to fabric.
One of my resolutions for 2012 is to learn different kinds of embroidery culminating in needle painting. To learn from one of the best would be great! My favorite kit has to be the kingfisher it looks so real!
Of the three kits, the Kotari Kingfisher really grabs me. The texture and vibrant colours are magnificent. What an accomplished needlewoman is Trish Burr! I have all of her books except the latest one, “Colour Confidence in Ebroidery” which is next on my must purchase list.
Judy D from Chipping Norton (Australia)
I love the Kotari Kingfisher! Teal is one of my favourite colours :). And the look on his face is so condescending!
I like all of them, however, my favorite is the butterfly such wonderful color.
Hi Mary:
I think I like the Somali Bee Eater for the range of colors in the shading. I always like to look at things which reward you for taking a closer look.
Hello Mary,
Really hard decision as they are all beautiful but the Somali Bee Eater is the one I keep going back to for another look.
have always wantd to do needle painting and this vibrant butterfly would be a wonderful way to start. All three would be wonderful to start with.
Carol R of Elgin
I love the butterfly because of the rich, vibrant color.
Each of these kits is wonderful, but I especially love the kingfisher!
Carolyn
I think all of the kits are beautiful but I believe I like the butterfly the best. The colors are just so bright, and it makes me think of spring.
I submitted a comment earlier but it does not show up, so am trying again. Having tried thread painting several times very unsuccessfully, I should love the opportunity to try again using the DVD. The Kotari kingfisher is my pick – the colours are so beautiful – I am in awe of Trish Burr’s work.
The Somali Bee Eater is my favorite. One of my sons is an avid birder so I’ve perused my share of field guides and this Somali Bee Eater really caught my eye.
Its a hard choice of which kit I like better but I guess I’ll choose the Butterfly. I would love to win any of these and expecially the DVDs to see how it’s done.
Robin Marks
The sweet little birdie. I’ve always wanted to tackle one of Ms. Burr’s cute little birds. But I have not. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always enjoyed bird watching. Being able to stitch those delicate little feathers, would be the next best thing to actually holding one of those precious creatures.
All three of these are awesome. Somali Bee Eater is my favorite. He is kind of looking regal and wise.
I find the kingfisher to be the most beautiful with the bee eater being a close second. How I would love to embroider one of Trish Burrs’s patterns!
All of the kits are simply beautiful, but the one I favored was the portrait of a Somali Bee Eater. He seemed so real! It is gorgeous!
I would love to have this! The little Kotari Kingfisher is lovely but I would not turn any of them down. This is something I have wanted to learn how to do for Crazy Quilting embellishment.
I would have to say my favorite would be the Kotari Kingfisher. So adorable!!
I really want to learn thread painting so this would be a great prize! I love the kingfisher best although it seems the most complex. I saw an article on Trisha Burr recently in a Turkish embroidery magazine (I live in Turkey) which was fabulous! Thanks, Mara
The Kingfisher – so lovely and great colours.
Definitely the design j like the most is the Kotary Kingfisher. J have seen on Trish Burr web site the other beautiful birds. Never seen such a beauty. Hope to win the kits. I’m waiting for the new book of Trish Burr, the Colour Confidence, the j have already bought at Amazon.
Trish burr does such wonderful pieces that it’s hard to pick my favourite. I think it might be the Kingfisher. Her use of colour is so realistic.
Love the Kotari Kingfisher.
Difficult decision but I think the Kingfisher wins by a short beak. I would welcome the instructional DVD to help me improve. How fabulous it would be to produce something as beautiful as a Trish Burr design.
Of the three kits the kingfisher is the one that I like best. I am dying to know what colors she uses. The combination of blues and greys and the rust in the leaves is so elegant. The most time consuming parts of my projects are: research and color choice. She did her homework on all three kits and I’d love to work up any of them.
When I read this post on the day it was published, I decided not to leave a comment because I felt someone more experienced should win it. After I came back to look at the photos for the third time, I realized that the thread painting projects would be the perfect way to motivate me to practice more stitches so that I could feel confident enough to make them. It’s probably good to have something beyond your ability as a goal to work towards.
These kits are beautiful. The colors in the kingfisher give it amazing depth.
I find that most of the online stores that I patronize are ones I learned about through giveaways. It’s a great way to learn about products and suppliers. Thank you Mary for consistently presenting us with reliable suppliers offering quality merchandise.
I really like the kingfisher, though all are very striking. I’ve never done needle painting before.
Well it will be difficult to select which one I think I would like to do best. They are all unbelieveable. I guess I am drawn most to the last bird kit. It would be a challenge to learn to stitch with such great depth. I hope I win one. Cathie Bridwell
The kingfisher kit really “grabs” me with the colors and the fact I love birds.
I really like the kotare bird, then comes the red butterfly. I love the bright colors in these kits…An instructional DVD is excellent to have.
I think the birds would make a gorgeous slip covered head board for a bed. Would be great to have one on a branch and one in flight. Add some matching shams and it would be stunning.
I love doing silk shading. I read about Trish Burr on your site and was amazed with her work.
I really like all three of Trish’s designs. The butterfly is beautifully bright, but I think the Kingfisher, with its peacock coloring, is my favorite.
I love them all but the little Kingfisher has to be my favourite. I live in the country and it’s rare to actually ‘see ‘ a king fisher usually just a flash of turquoise but when I have had that priveledge I can’t help but marvel at the beautiful colours and construction of the feathered mantle. This has really been captured in this kit and I would love the priveledge of trying to capture the essence of this little bird myself in needlework.
The Samali Bee Eater stikes me but I love them all!! I would love to learn the technique from this giveaway!!
I love Trish’s work; I already have one of her books, would enjoy seeing the DVD in particular. I like the Kingfisher best – it’s the colors.
I love the Somali Bee Eater. The colors are just beautiful
I think it would be difficult to pick just one. They are all beautiful. The butterfly is so vibrant and alive. The birds are so finely detailed. It would be great to learn this technique from such a wonderful designer.
Hi Mary,
You ask the hardest questions. How can one choose between these beautiful designs? If I have to choose, my favourite would be the Kotari Kingfisher, the colours and form of it , it’s just gorgeous. I would love to work it.
Thanks for considering me
Carolyn Hendry
I love the little bee eater, I really enjoy any thing with little birds. One reason I am so interested in this kit is the DVD that comes with it, I learn best from watching the stitches done. That’s also why I really like your video tutorials, they have made me able to try new stitches I couldn’t figure out before. Thanks
Needle painting is a medium which I have not tried yet. I have seen some of the Japanese needle painting and have always admired it.
I love the bird simply because it is unlike any bird that I have sited.
I hope this goes through. I have tried from the beginning and just didn’t like me. These are just wonderful. I hope I get to enter. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Candy
Hi Mary,
I’m not sure I answered to this one in particular… I don’t remember. So, just in case I will do it now (excuse me if duplicated). I bought the book for this Christmas and I am enjoying it very much. But having a dvd is a plus+++!! However, I want to try with the butterflies since there are so many and so beautiful butterflies in Costa Rica. Have a wonderful 2012.
Salvador from Costa Rica
I like the Kingfisher the most, but they are all beautiful!
Karen in Breezy Point
I am entering this comment on behalf of my friend Margaret,as she loves birds .my favourite is kingfisher.my friend and I love all different kinds embroidery and regularly stitch together.must admit we havent got to grips with needle painting.
The butterfly stands out first for me. The colors are so vibrant and the shading amazing. I am new to embroidery and have been wanting to try this technique. This would be a perfect way to get me started. Thanks for a chance to win!
I have never tryed needle thread painting, a bit scared of it. But the new year 2012 I promissed myself to be more daring. Would love to win this one for the challenge.
Theresa N.
I LOVE Trish’s work, and have had her first book on my “wish” list for a while now… The Kingfisher is my favorite of these three, because of the sense of depth and layering on the feathers. Beautiful!
Hi,
It’s difficult to choose one of the kit…
But, my favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher because of the delicacy of details.
Thank you for the quality of your website, I recommend it to all my pupils in embroidering.
Best regards of an embroiderer from France
The Kotari Kingfisher is my favorite because of the inticate color shading and because I am always drawn to shades of blue and green. However, this must be more difficult to stitch, so I would workup the other kits first to gain more skill. I have done only a little bit of neeedlepainting in the past so would love this opportunity and inspiration to learn this skill.
JoyAnna
The butterfly is without question my favourite, love the red and look how real its body looks! Amazing!
These needlepaintings look gorgeous. I am a sucker for flowers and the only way to learn well is by watching a DVD. Thank you Mary for your VERy generous FIRST day gifft.
My favorite is the kingfisher. But they are all very nice…
I’ve always wanted to try needle painting and what a wonderful way to start – with kits from a master of the craft.
I think my favorite is the butterfly. The color is so vibrant. Needlepainting is something I have not mastered yet. I love the look of it.
Hi Mary,
So glad that I did not miss this due to holidays…Oh, I just love them all but I am choosing the butterfly, because I have tried teaching this to myself doing a butterfly..the two sides look very different from each other on my trial and I Really need this help and I just Love Trish Burr’s work as it is so super wonderful & inspirational. I am sure she can help me via this 1st day of Christmas prize. Thank you so much!
Trish Burr’s work is exquisite! Today I like the Kotari Kingfisher and the branch he’s occupying. The DVD you are including makes me dare to hope for this give-away. Thank you for the chance.
I love Trish Burr needle painting. Have always wanted to try it. I have even gotten a couple of her books but just didn’t have the nerve to start. This would really spur me on. I love the Kotari Kingfisher. The needle painting makes you feel you can reach out and touch the real bird. Thank you. Kathleen in Addy Washington
I love the kingfisher. It has such vibrant colors. I have never tried needle painting because I am intimidated by it but I would love to learn.
The Kotari Kingfisher captured my heart. Since a great expression. Hard to choose.
Hello…The Bee Eater. There’s something forthright and elegant about him…Thanks, Kate
I love the Kotari Kingfisher. He has such personality! I’ve done some needle painting and have all of Trish Burr’s books plus have even pre-ordered her Color Confidence in Embroidery, but would love to have more instruction on doing it like on the DVD. Thanks.
I love the birds, their colors remind me of the many colorful birds I saw while visiting Australia
At first glance, the Kingfisher caught my eye, but I LOVE the very textured looking butterfly body as well. They are all striking, and I would just love to learn to thread paint!–Cassie in SE KS
my favourite is the bird maureen murray
OMG….. Love your website, always learn something.
What a great opportunity to have a master of color at my finger tips. Choosing the right color can be challenging. I would love any help I can get by winning this book. Judy N
I love the Kingfisher and would love to stitch it
Beryl B
Such fabulous work and the blending of colours. My favourite is the butterly – such beautiful and peaceful creatures in this noisy world.
Hi Mary, that Somali Bee Eater is beautiful. I would love to win this wonderful prize, especially the instructional DVDs.
Thank you.
Connie
hi and a very happy new year to you mary. m visiting the site after a long holiday so i guess will b commenting on all giveaways at once!! hope not too late.
i love the kotari bird as the shades are magnificent an it just looks warm n snuggly in this winter cold..
The kingfisher is my favourite, but what a decision to make!! I have borrowed Trish’s books from the library, and did drool over her work, she makes it sound so simple.
I was in a needlecraft bookshop recently, gazing at the photos in one of her books, my brother said: why don’t you buy it……he loved the designs too. He is my best critic, the first time I did a tricky patchwork star, he said: well the points don’t match in the centre, shouldn’t they? Well, I was very upset, but he was right, so I dismantled it, and redid it. Am very proud and happy that I did.
regards and thanks Mary for such a great 12 days series
Julie
I like the butterfly with flowers and would like to try it with a little variation in colors. 🙂
from WI
Oh, what a treat this would be! I love the Somali bee eater kit. The colors are subtle and the shading is exquisite, and that’s a technique that I’d really love to learn. What a great way to celebrate year’s end! Thanks!
The picture of the S.Bee Eater. He/She looks so soft and fluffy almost. I just love it.
I think my favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher, because I love the colors. I would change the butterfly kit, so that the wings had more patterns on them. I like the expression on the Somali Bee Eater. Perhaps I could use the Kotari Kingfisher color scheme on the Somali bee eater?
I have been admiring Trish Burrs designs and have ordered 2 of her books but wouldn’t a jump start with the Kotari Kingfisher be a wonderful introduction to learning the needle painting techniques? I have already devoured the books but a kit gets one right into the knitty gritty to be able to move forward into a personal design with confidence.
The red butterfly just flew out of the screen toward me. I love Trish’s designs.
Oh my goodness … these are beautiful!!! It’s truly difficult to choose, but it I had to do so, it would be the “Kotari Kingfisher”. Thank you so much for intorducing these products to me. I’m off to have a look.
My favorite is the butterfly. I’m partial to butterflies and I have the perfect place for it. Thank you for the opportunity for a chance at these wonderful give-aways.
I’m all about that Kotari Kingfisher. While I like the strawberries in the butterfly kit, I just adore the blue-greens of the Kingfisher–that’s always been my favorite part of the color wheel.
I love them all! The colors are wonderful.
I’ve always admired Trish’s beautiful work. I would dearly love to win this prize and try my hand.
I prefer the Kotari Kingfisher. Although he doesn’t look at all like my favorite bird, the wren, he does have that “proud” look of the wren. But the other two thread paintings are lovely too – as is all of Trish’s work.
The butterfly, for sure!! Gosh that Trish is one talented monkey – if I could have half of her talent, I would be pleased for life!
… Maybe if I had an instructional DVD :-p
Wow, das ist so wunderschön. Einfach Hammer. Mit einer DVD könnte ich auch probieren. Die Vögel finde ich wirklich unglaublich schön.
I love all these and I’m just embarking on the quest to learn needle painting. All three are gorgeous but I think I’d most like to delve into the intricate shadings of the Bee Eater.
I’ve always loved Trish Burr’s birds–I’m amazed at how she can create the feathers and put such life into their eyes. But the butterfly enchants me. I’m waiting for him to lift off the embroidery and fly away.
My favorite is the Somali bee eater.
All three kits are gorgeous but I’m especially drawn to the vibrant butterfly and strawberry blossoms. Would love to learn more about Trish Burr’s designs and how she accomplishes her beautiful needlepainting. Thanks for showcasing such a wonderful artist, Mary!
I like the Somali Bee Eater although it seems daunting right now as I’m just beginning. I bought the Needle Painting for beginners and have on order Tish’s Colour Confidence. I really like her style and method and the clear instructions that she give on a project.
I loved all three of them.
So the birds are great looking….but the kingfisher is the best…would love to work on that one.
The kit which grabs me the most is the butterfly! Any embroidery which Trish Burr works is most beautiful. Thank you for letting me have this opportunity to win this great contest, PJ/SATx
I have bought the lastest book by Trish Burr. I have the threads. Now I need the gumption to start. I have always loved her work and hope I can do half as good as she does. Her flowers, insects or critters always look like they will move if you blik. I would love to try the butterfly to stitch.
Hi Mary,
Well, if I had to pick I would go with the butterfly. As much as I love the blue of the Somali bee eater, there’s just something about that red butterfly! This is a such wonderful selection! Oh how I love kits! And there’s nothing like a good teaching DVD…..X2!! JOY!!
Hi Mary,
Anything from Trish Burr would be a treat. She has some fantastic kits for thread painting and I would love to win anything she has to offer on thread painting.
Mary Ann H.
I love the Kotari Kingfisher, but in fact most of the birds featured by Trish Burr. Her books are simply amazing and I would love to learn needle painting.
I think my favourite is the Somali Bee Eater – the shading in the chest is amazing.
Rachel (RLJ)
The Kotari Kingfisher was my favorite, but all of her work is really inspiring.
Melissa H. from Payson, UT.
Even my husband loved the kits and was impressed w/ the lifelike results made w/ thread! He loved the Somali Bee Eater and the intricacy of the colors. I could make this for him and hopefully impress him.
I love all of Trish Burr’s designs!! Among the ones here my fav is the kingfisher. I have always been too intimidated to try thread painting, but her work certainly inspires me to have a go at it.
I love all three of the kits. I do cross stitch and needlepoint and I have always wanted to learn how to needle paint. I have her latest book on needle painting for beginners. If I had to choose it would be the butterfly. I would love to learn needle painting and with these beautiful kits and DVD it would be a great start!
Roberta D in FL
All three “grab” me, but I think my favourite is the vibrant butterfly. Thank you for the Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaways!
Your emails are informative and fun. The kingfisher means a lot to me because I have an incredible story written referring to a kingfisher. I do not collect scissors. Thank you.
The Somali Bee Eater is very cute. I love birds, and would love to do a project from a master of thread painting!
Hi Mary,
My absolute favorite is the Kotari Kingfisher! What an incredible project. I would love to try it.
Thanks,
Laurie from Mississauga