Pineberry Lane Wool & Flax

Earlier this year I signed up for the Quaint Country Ladies club that Dyeing To Stitch offers.  As a member of this club, I get a cross-stitch kit mailed to me every 3 months.  The first kit that I received was a pattern designed by Wendy Stys-Van Eimeren of Pineberry Lane.  The name of the pattern was Wool and Flax.  Sometimes I'm a slow stitcher; however, I was able to get this piece stitched in just over a month. (Note:  I'm sure there are stitchers out there who think, "A month????? It took you that long?")  I assure you that most of my projects, even simple ones, usually take me longer than a month to complete.  But anyhoo, back to the subject at hand.  

Here is a photo I took a couple of months ago after I had finished stitching the design.  Stitching was done on 36 count R&R Reproductions' Liberty Gathering Gray linen using Weeks Dye Works floss.

Doesn't this shepherdess look just like a "quaint country lady"?  The instructions called for finishing this piece into a cute little bag.  I always get a little antsy when it comes to finishing.  I have a fear of messing up something that has taken me hours to cross-stitch.  So, stitched projects always get laid aside until I can muster up enough nerve to follow through with the finishing.  I finished stitching the design in early June.  Today I finally decided to tackle the finishing.

Since this was to be finished into a little bag, some sewing was involved.  Sewing machines intimidate me so I do all sewing by hand......which takes time.....another reason why I procrastinate!  This project came with very detailed finishing instructions.  There were 15 steps to complete and I slowly made my way through all 15.  I am very pleased with how the finishing turned out.  Are you ready to take a look?

Pretty cute, isn't it?   The finished size is 7" x 4 1/2".  

I've got lots more projects piled up in that "need to do finishing" stack.  How about you?  

Happy 4th!

I thought the 4th would be a good time to revive this blog by showing off some July-themed cross-stitch.  Here is a not-so-great photo of a little vignette in my foyer.  Keep reading for better photos and details of the stitched pieces.

This little piece is an old Lizzy Kate Flip-It that I stitched over 10 years ago.  I stitched all 12 months and had a craftier-than-me (she can sew, I can't!) friend finish them with coordinating fabric hangers.  This hangs in my living room on an antique wash stand.

Now for a close up of those pieces displayed in the foyer.......

A patriotic mini stocking designed by Beth Twist of Heartstring Samplery.  I stitched and did the finishing in 2017.  

A cute design by Notforgotten Farms which I stitched for a 2017 Fancy Works Stitch Retreat.  The finishing work was done by me in a retreat class taught by The Queen of Finishing, Vonna Pfeiffer. Vonna has some great finishing tutorials on her website, https://thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com if you feel inspired to tackle that stack of stitched-but-not-yet-finished projects!

Fourth of July Bird by Heart In Hand stitched many moons ago!

I attended another Fancy Works stitch retreat earlier this year.  I didn't take any classes but I did participate in a patriotic pin cushion exchange.  This is the pin cushion that I received in the exchange.  The lady who stitched this adorable pin cushion told me the name of the designer but I failed to make note of it and now I can't remember what she told me.  If anyone knows the designer, please leave a comment below.

And speaking of the pin cushion exchange, this is the piece that I stitched for the exchange.  The design is by Clytie Anna Designs and was published in the Summer 2017 issue of PNPS Magazine.

Finally, here is a better photo of the other patriotic decor shown in the first photo.  The book is Mary Emmerling's American Country Flags.

One more patriotic piece.....a cute 5" coaster from Mary Hadley Pottery in Louisville, KY.  

Hope you and yours have a fun (and safe) 4th!

Fancy Works Stitch Retreat 2017

Fancy Works is a cross-stitch shop in Bloomington, IN.  Several weeks ago I attended the Fancy Works Stitch Retreat which was held at McCormick Creek State Park located in Spencer, IN.  

I signed up for two finishing classes that were taught by Vonna Pfeiffer.....also known as The Twisted Stitcher.  The patterns for the two classes were emailed to class participants several weeks prior to the retreat so that all stitching could be completed ahead of time. The first class project was a Christmas ornament finishing class.  Here is a photo of the finished project......

            Front 

 

Happy Hearts by Little House Needleworks

       And back....  

  Cute, isn't it?

In the second class, the finishing technique that we learned was flat-fold.  This type of finishing allows a piece to be displayed standing up.  Take a look

          Flag Maker by Notforgotten Farm

In addition to taking these two classes, there was lots of time for stitching on WIPs and/or new projects.  Many tables were set up in the stitching room.

There were also patterns and stitching supplies for sale.....just in case us stitchers needed more stash (never enough stash!).

Here is where I sat (that's me in the blue with my back to the camera....smart!) along with my 5 table mates.  Looks like fun, doesn't it.

Here's what we look like without needle, thread, and fabric in our hands.

From left: Carol (my SIL), me, Joyce, Pat , Claire, and Liz

The six of us had a fun time stitching and getting to know each other.  You do realize that stitchers are some of the friendliest people around. 😋  

Here is a project that I started stitching at retreat.This is Black Capped Chickdee from Heartstring Samplery's The Bird Collection, Part III.

I have since finished the above project and will be posting photos in an upcoming blog post.  In addition to working on this, I brought along this WIP Christmas ornament by Little By Little Design Company from an old Just Cross-Stitch annual ornament issue.  As you can see, it is no longer a WIP!

  Stitching is done.....now I need to work on the finishing part....which should be a breeze after the retreat class that I took!

The retreat was lots of fun.  We stitched, ate, stitched some more, and visited the Fancy Works shop for "souvenirs".  

Over the past year or two, my stitching has been somewhat sporadic.  However, my interest has been renewed after attending the retreat.  Guess it was "just what I needed"!  The Fancy Works folks put on a great retreat.  All participants came home with lots of goodies!  Plans are being made for a 2018 retreat and I'm looking forward to attending!  Wanna go with me? 

A Finish! (Finally)

After six-months of very sporadic stitching, I finally finished this last night.

The Beekeeper

Designer: Plum Street Samplers

Stitched on 35 ct. Natural Northern Cross linen

Fibers:  Weeks Dye Works Over Dyed Cotton Floss

Stitched size:  6.5" x 9.25"

Normally this would not take very long to stitch but there were weeks where I did no stitching at all....so, it turned into a six–month project.  My plan is to drop this off at the frame shop next week.

I did manage to stitch this little piece a few weeks ago in between stitching on The Beekeeper.

 

Friendship Quilts

Designer:  JBW Designs, Sweet Nothings

Stitched on linen from my "stash" using DMC cotton floss

Stitched size: 3" x 3"

I modified the stitched piece.  The pattern included a sentiment around the quilt blocks which I opted to leave off.  I may finish this into a pincushion and give it to someone for Christmas.

I always get excited when I get close to finishing a design because that means I get to start something new!  I started a new stitching project last night....but more about that in my next post.

What are you stitching??

Handmade......The Sequel

Earlier this month I posted photos of several handmade gifts that I had received from friends over the holidays (click here if you missed that post).  Yesterday I received a card from a teenage friend who is also an incredible artist.  She enclosed this drawing.  

What a surprise!  Thanks so much Elizabeth.

Handmade.......

Wow!  Has it really been 6-7 weeks since my last blog post?  Guess I was busy getting my Christmas craft on!  I do have a few blog posts scheduled to show some of the handmade gifts that I made.  BUT, this post is dedicated to three of my fellow crafters and the awesome handmade gifts that I received from them.

I must start out sharing all of the cute handmade things that I received from my bestest crafting buddy, Cheryl (take a look at her blog here to see how crafty she is).  Cheryl made me a "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" ornament.....out of a paint stirrer stick. The paint stirrer was cut down to about 4-5" and "distressed".  A wire hanger was added to it.  Next is a cute little wool Christmas tree - complete with a red jingle bell and a clothespin base.  And what is that next to the tree??? Why it appears to be a jar with a few Oreos in it.  I'm almost positive the jar was full of cookies when Cheryl gave it to me.  I bet those crazy cats of mine have been eating my cookies!!!!!  Cheryl painted the jar lid red and wrapped it with red and white baker's twine.  She painted the lid insert with chalkboard paint.  The "yum" handwritten sentiment is right on target!

But wait........Cheryl had even MORE handmade gifts for me.  A really cute white yarn wreath ornament and a tree made out of pages from a book.......I love it!  And to complete her gift, she made my Christmas card......a Christmas tree made from music paper!

Most people know how much I like love cookies.  Take a look at this *adorable* chocolate chip cookie keychain that my friend Keri made for me!  Nom nom nom nom.........

And last, but by NO means least, is the sterling silver squirrel charm that my friend Melita made.  The photo is not the best.  The squirrel is holding an acorn.  I will be adding this charm to my charm bracelet.  Each of the charms on my bracelet has special meaning or a story behind it.  This sweet squirrel charm not only has special meaning because Melita handmade it for me but there is also a story behind the squirrel and acorn.  I'll write more about that in a future post.   I also am including Melita's business card in the photo.  I'm sure you will agree that it takes a very crafty person to make jewelry like Melita does but take note.......she made the business card too......out of birch wood!  When I grow up, I want to be as crafty as Melita.  If you would like to see more of Melita's work, you can click here.

Did any of these handmade gifts get you thinking about making some gifts for the special people in your life?  Now is the time to start!  You have a little over 350 days left until Christmas 2015.  What are you waiting for........get your craft on NOW!

Frozen!

My little friend, Olivia, just celebrated her 6th birthday.  Her Frozen-themed birthday party was last weekend but I missed it because I was out of town.  I hope she liked her card........

It was fun using snowman paper to make a JUNE birthday card.

Supplies used:

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Snowflake punch - Martha Stewart Crafts

Pearl and ribbon - stash

Snowman paper - DCWV

Happy Birthday Olivia!!!!!

Recent Projects

My cardmaking blog posts have been few and far between lately. Actually, all of my blog posts have been few and far between.  So to catch you up on what I've been doing.....here are some of the cards I've made over the past two months.  

Stamps & designer paper - Stampin' Up

Can you tell I like this style of card?

All stamps - Stampin' Up

A birthday card made for a sweet girl turning 4 using Graphic 45 paper.

A birthday card for a train-loving 4 year old friend using Webster's Pages paper.

For a friend at church who graduated.

A vintage birthday card for a very dear friend.

I'll try to keep current on blogging, but......no promises!

Crafting With Friends

This week I had the opportunity to spend time with some friends who were interested in cardmaking.  The ages of my friends ranged from 2 to 13.

I gave instruction on making four different styles of cards and then the children were given the opportunity to create their own masterpieces.  A fun time was had by all!

Everyone made an A+ in paper crafts!