I have just finished my Zoe box and I absolutely love it! It’s gorgeous, I love the colours, the design, everything!
The Zoe box was a mystery SAL by Faby Reilly, she released part of the pattern every two weeks and the final construction instructions were released last week. I’ve made quite a few of her designs now and they’re always a pleasure to stitch and a beautiful design.
So, lots of photos!
Last time I showed you it I’d just finished all the cross-stitch, I wasn’t sure what the two little squares were going to be…
I gave it a good press and cut out all the pieces with a 1cm border. We started with the main box. The pieces are stitched over Timtex to give the structure, it’s a bit like ultra thick vilene. The back-stitch border was used to whipstitch the pieces together. Whip-stitching two pieces together wasn’t too difficult, but when it came to the corner where it all needed joining up then there were four pieces to whip together at the same time, I found it hard to get as neat a finish as I would like.
I’m really pleased with how the base worked out, it was meant to be plain but I stitched my initials and the date on it and surrounded it with some of the back-stitching from the leaves.
I love the inside of the box with all the pretty stitching on the sides and the bottom. It isn’t easy to photograph as the camera wasn’t sure where to focus!
With the base complete it was time to make the lid. This was a little more fiddly, just because it was smaller. I also decided that rather than trying to whipstitch together the four layers of the sides and the lid I would whip-stitch the lid and the sides separately, I then joined them together with ladderstitch. I found I got a neater result that way.
The two little squares as you can see became a very pretty biscornu. This is stitched to the centre with a sparkly bead on the top and a pearl button inside.
…and the inside…
So here is the finished box, isn’t it just gorgeous!
…and the other side…
I love the way the seasonal colours follow down the sides from the biscornu to the lid and then the sides. I’m so pleased with it. If you fancy stitching it the pattern has now been released on Faby’s website!
Faby is starting another SAL in January, it’s a monthly one called the Anthea SAL – each month a seasonal pattern will be released which can either be used as a calendar or (as I will probably do) made in little cross-stitch smalls. As you can tell, despite telling myself I wasn’t going to do any SAL next year, I’ve fallen for it, it took me all of two minutes to see it and buy it! So if anyone fancies joining me, follow the link to Faby’s website. By the way, I’m not on any commission here, I just love her designs.
I still haven’t worked out why it’s called Zoe, I know it’s going to be a ‘doh!!’ moment when someone puts me out of my misery!
I’ll be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts on Sunday for Slow Stitching Sunday, so follow the link then for lots of hand-stitching.
thecraftycreek 
I really like the squirrel! That’s a lovely design.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow utterly gorgeous. I prefer ladder stitch to whip stitch to get a good finish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve yet to get to constructing this, but your suggestion of ladder stitch is very helpful. Oh, and it’s entirely beautiful — your care in stitching and construction have made this a most gorgeous little box.
Zoë means ‘life’ in Greek — therefore the four seasons motifs and all the creatures found in the stitching.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, I’d looked up various seasonal words in Greek, didn’t think of life itself 🙂
LikeLike
It is indeed a gorgeous little work of art – these designs always make me wish I did cross stitch – maybe one day.
I know how fiddly those whipstitched corners are as I use them on the sewing boxes i make but you’ve done an excellent job all round and the dance is very well deserved.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is absolutely gorgeous! All the little details and the biscornu make it absolutely delightful. Thanks for sharing – do you have a planned use for it or just staring at how beautiful it is?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I think I’ll just keep looking at it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’ve done yourself proud with this! lovely stitching and perfect finishings ^^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every side, every way you look at it it is beautiful. I love the little knob on top. It really brings it alive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it, Margaret! It is beautiful! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So precious ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
So beautiful 😍Such a lovely project…perfectly executed 😊💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is only one word WOW.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve worked your magic yet again Margaret, and the result is perfect !!! What a stunning finish !!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous and such beautiful hand work!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So pretty! You did an excellent job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s gorgeous! You do turn out such lovely work. 🙂 This is one of those things I wish I could/would make but know I never will.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous – I particularly like the little biscornu top!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Margaret, this is an exquisite little box! Love the colours, and tour finishing touches make it extra special. A well deserved happy dance indeed❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Margaret, This is a beautiful design and you’ve inspired me to have a go at the new SAL in 2020. I’m actually quite excited, this will be the first SAL I’ve ever joined. Thank you. Regards Mandy xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant! You’ll enjoy it 🙂
LikeLike
It’s really pretty! Is it destined to be a gift, or are you keeping this treasure for yourself?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kate, this ones for me 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely beautiful! I love the little creatures decorating the inside, such an unexpected touch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It turned out beautifully. Faby is such a talented designer, and you are a fabulous stitcher!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the little squirrel peaking out from inside the box. This is a beautiful project! I have loved watching as you stitched. Can’t wait to see the next project!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely. Pretty. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Stunning, think that about sums it up. Oh and I love it xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful! Happy Stitching!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The box is a work of art!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, what a beautiful box. There is so much gorgeous detail to be seen. There is even sweet little critters inside the box, too….just delightful. The handle on the top is clever. Truly, this is an exquisite finish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an adorable piece! It came out lovely. The squirrel is so darn cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness this is just beautiful. Congratulations on your finish and before the new stitch a long starts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, your little box is precious!!!!!! Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your Zoe box is absolutely gorgeous! Great work. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a beautiful box. I’m not surprised your going to do another BOM.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is all wonderful but the lid is my favorite part – wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Somewhere along the way I had totally missed the plot! I had noted that your stitch work, while lovely, was very random and wondered about it. LOL, Now that it has all “come together” I see that it is not only lovely, but quite functional too. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person