A small finish

A few of us commented over the summer on just how many peacocks there were in samplers.  Seems like the last few that I have been working on, has at least one.  This one caught my eye, because he was shown from the front.  So many are from the side, and don't show the beauty that peacocks really have.

The color chosen for the house is Crescent Colors Deep Fennel, the roof  is Gentle Arts Woodtrail, and the windows etc is Crescent Colors Stepping Stones.  I chose a limited edition Gentle Arts color for the border and some small motifs that I think blends the whole piece together just perfectly.

I think this gem took about 2 or so days to stitch and it was great fun!   The house and Peacock were my favorites, but of course, the blue is just fabulous, and the shading is so delicate.  It is nice to add a few smalls under my belt, with all the BAP's going on at the same time.  So the next question you ask is the linen right?  Of course it is Lakeside Linen, Navy Bean 40ct.  Something about this color I cant get enough, it is one of my favorites and I just love the soft color it gives to my pieces.  I know there are several who feel the same way :)

This pattern is called 'With my Needle' from Primitve Betties.  It is so hard to keep up with all these new designers, and this one caught my eye over the summer.  I bought others and I am working on 'Live Laugh Love' now in between Rosina.   It is always nice to trade off to a small every now and then.  Back to the grind Ladies and Gentleman.  There is stitching to be done!!!!!!!


PS, A few weeks back a fellow stitcher asked about my Beatrix Potter, and how many skeins I used to complete her... SORRY for the late response, but I am not sure how many skeins it will took to stitch her, I used a Hank-i-licious of Gloriana Coffee Bean.  I used more then half of it.  I stitched her on 40ct linen, using 1 strand over 2.  Hope this helps!

This is next

So far this summer has been just great!  The 4th of July was very relaxing, later in the afternoon had a BBQ at relatives and watched some of the best Fireworks.  It is always fun to see different fireworks every year, my brother and his girlfriend went to the NYC fireworks, nothing of course beats those, and speaking from personal experience, those are the best darn fireworks one could ever see.  Simply amazing.  But I saw some fireworks far from NYC in a small town and I was impressed for sure.  It was nice to see family again, share stories, and learn something new everytime.

I have dug deep into the WIP bag and pulled out Ink Circles Bramble and The Rose.  Isnt is just fabulous??  Tracy is an amazing designer and this is one of a many of her designs that have caught my eye.  Of course I love the deep purples that she stitched hers in, but changing the color is one thing I do best.   I am stitching it on Lakeside 40ct Meadow Rue with a special Ltd. Edition Gloriana Hank-a-licious color.  Hard to tell of course in this pic, I just cant seem to get the colors right on this, perhaps I should consult a professional about it, get some tips or something.  That would only make the most sense :). 

Saturday is soon upon us and stitching with a group of friends is going to be the main attraction.  Keeping up on the latest stitching and conversation is always important.  The weather should be great tomorrow, not as hot as it has been, but not cold like last week :(.  Wearing a sweatshirt in the middle of summer is beyond me.  Cute skirts, shorts and tank tops are usually the norm, not winter parkas!!

I have started the SDW German Band Sampler this week, I had a very tiny start on it last year, ran into a small issue, now have rectified it and should be moving right along.  I will post pics next week on progress.  It is going to be stunning.  Worth the wait I assure you!

Have a great weekend and Happy Stitching!

2 Stitched Pincushions

2 Easy little projects that I have stitched (not 'finished' yet).  This is right about my speed for the week- with all the antique shopping taking up most of the time.  Both finishes are from the Blackbird Designs Book 'Thank you, Sarah Tobias' which has 7 projects included.  2 of which are stitched, and far from completed as a pincushion.....Maybe I will be inspired this summer to 'finish' them??!!

I used 40ct Vintage Woodsmoke from Lakeside Linen for both pieces.  This top on Sarahs ABC Pincushion was stitched with a Limited Edition Silk n Color thread-- Caravan Road.  I added the bird after my name.  The silk is just beautiful.

The 2nd finish is the other half of my Homework assignment and this is Pins & Tulips.  Of course the colors have been modified from the original.  It is so much fun to switch things up dont you think?  I am pleased  with the way it turned out.

I used a combination of the Silk n Colors Caravan Road along with Belle Soie Old Crow and Fibers to Dye For from Amy Mitten.  I have always been attracted to these threads--- simply because of their names.  For example 1 of the 5 colors that I used is called 'Rigor Mortis' .  Can you even?!!  The others that I used was 'Old Lace' and 'Candle Stick Bronze'.  Amy has lots of great other colors i.e Casket, Arsenic, Alibi, Killer Eggplant, Dirty Rat etc. etc.  I have never stitched with these threads before yesterday-- (I have owned them for some time now) and I must say, they were fabulous to stitch with.  They are 100 % silk, hand dyed threads and I used 1 strand for 40ct and the coverage was perfect.  If you have a chance or are looking for something new and fun, try these Fibers to Dye For, you wont be sorry :)   (Ask your local LNS for them or leave your email for where to buy them.)

Have a Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!

Antiques part 1

For the last few days my Husband and I have been going to Antique Shops.  I really enjoy going to these places--so many things to look at!  The hunt is always on.  Booth to booth, what is going to be waiting patiently for you to see?!   We went to 2 different ones in 2 days, one was 50,000 square with 450 vendors, the other was 110,000 with over 650 vendors.  It was 2 solid days of looking and buying.  I didnt realize how hungry you get at these places-- its not like you are doing heavy labor, just looking right?  Walking around and checking it all out slowly, to make sure you dont miss anything is tough :).  We are both hunting for different things, but we keep an eye out for what each other likes just in case. 

Some of the 'malls' we went to were incredible.  Others are like flea markets, crap just everywhere and piled all over.  Everyone has a different taste of how they like to shop for antiques, I prefer the more boutique style, everything set up relatively nice and better quality of goods.  Of course, the better quality of goods, comes with a better quality price tag too.  But, you get what you pay for and to me it is worth it.

The first item that I have on top, is a 3 dimensional box- approximate size 11 x 14 x 3.  The color grabbed my eye and I went to look at it closer, and realized that the 'picture' is a lid and opens up to a great spot to store my new goodies that I have been collecting.  I think it is fabulous and check the price.  Well, she is coming home with me :).  I am thrilled.  The gentleman explained it was from the 50's, I can only take his word for it, not knowing much about antiques.  I shop for what I like, and what I can afford, and think to my self.....is it worth what they are asking-- (in my opinion).

Up next is a tiny JP Coats mending kit.  9 out of the 10 tiny spools are included and the box is in Mint condition.  I think the spools are so cute, and the colors are perfect.  Looks like the 9 spools are un-used too. The day before I bought the pin cube, I saw one in perfect condition-with all 100 pins and they wanted over $150 bucks for it.  Nope.  Not for me.  I found this little guy, missing all but 2 pins and not so good condition, but good enough for me.  Sold!

So many other things I have been collecting, starting new collections, adding to ones I already have.  Thank goodness my Husband is just as excited to go to these places as me.  Otherwise, I would be in trouble :)

I have been stitching on a small homework assignment, 1 of 2 parts from the 'Thank you Sarah Tobias' book from BBD.  1 of 2 pincushions to be stitched and I have stitched the first part.  Just have to finish my name.  I will start the next one hopefully soon, such a cute piece. Using 40ct Vintage Woodsmoke Lakeside Linens with Limited Edition Silk n Color thread-- Caravan Road.   There are great designs in this book and if you dont own it already, it is a must have in your stash.  Not much on the stitching front, I wanted to work on something easy that I could do much faster then usual. 

Antiquing cuts into stitching time, but it is worth every minute.  Now, what about those Oil Cans......

Some progress..

Only a few more animals to show, but I am moving along slowly on this Homecoming Sampler by Eileen Bennett. The lady on the corner is so cute, and I just have to stitch her shoes.

My Christmas shopping is done now. I have been enjoying the Holiday decorations, in the mall, in peoples homes, on the outside of their homes. I love white lights. Something about them, they are so elegant and classic. Timeless white lights. My husband loves colored lights, He has his own tree. When I was growing up, my grandmother always had a real tree, and the big colored bulbs-- I think they are the C7's. I found them a few years back, and was so excited, I purchased them for His tree-- so it satisfied his fill for the colored lights, and the 'crazy' ornaments, and satisfied my fill for remembering Christmas at Grandmas.

This weekend we are having our first Christmas party of the season. Everyone is bringing their favorite dessert, and we will just get together for some fellowship. I look forward to seeing my family, it is not often to get everyone together, so many states and so many schedules need to collide. Not to easy! It should be a great time. Getting all dressed up, and enjoying cocktails and company. Not to shabby right?! I hope it doesnt snow....

I have been working on a project that I will post soon, I am so excited to have it almost done. It is very exciting to see posts about favorite treats and favorite Christmas ornaments that are sent over from stitching friends. Everyone of them are so beautiful! I am stitching an ornament currently, I should be done tonight, tomorrow I will visit the fabric store to see what I want for the back. I will post pics of that one too!

Gotta get back to it! Enjoy the rest of your day :)

You ever have one of those Days?

Anyone have one of those days you wake up and wish you could start over?! Today is one of those days. I got up at 8am, and by 8:25am things were already hitting the fan. Holy smokes. Crazy emails, voicemails, packages not delivered on time! AGIDA I tell you! AGIDA. Yesterday I already started dealing with these things and opened a bottle last night. Let me tell you, I am ready to pour it over my cereal!!! LOL. It is supposed to be a GREAT day today, and maybe after a mid-morning cocktail it will be :).

Progress on the Homecoming Sampler is moving along nicely. On the 3rd out of 4 rows. It really is a cute piece, and nice to see progress so quickly on the animals, although the one I left half done last night, and said to heck with it, I am going to bed already!




A challenge has been brought to the table concerning Paradise Lost, and I am always up for one! I pulled out PL yesterday and decided to start on the top-right hand corner, to get the A & E done. I dont really like backstitching so I thought if I could put it to bed right from the beginning, I would enjoy stitching it for sure. Not that it isnt pretty, it is very pretty, I just need to figure out how to wiggle my nose and get it done immediately. I am still working on it, will keep all of you posted!

I am thrilled to start PL. I have chosen one of the most beautiful piece of 45ct linen. Vintage Sand Dune from Lakeside. OUTSTANDING. Of course, is there any ugly Lakeside linen? Heck No!! I am using the called for NPI and Gloriana silk threads. I cant believe how gorgeous it is so far, and there isnt really that much done! Stay tuned!



I splurged on something for myself, well this isnt really something new, I am always splurging--especially when it comes to stitching! These Dovo scissors--silver handles with blue blades. WOW is all I can say. Absolutely exquisite. I have used them for the past couple of days now and they are amazing. I highly recommend these!!

Hope all of you are having a great day! Mine will be too-- dont you worry.

Progress on Home Coming Sampler

It is beyond me that Thanksgiving was over a week ago already! My oh my! Christmas preparation and decoration is now in FULL swing! Trees are being purchased, lights hung on the houses. Holiday programs on TV! I love hearing Christmas music, now for sure, 2 weeks ago, not so much. I am now down to needing only 2 gifts yet. Not to shabby.

It has been a hectic last few weeks, and I have decided to take the weekend off, and perhaps not WORRY about things! Well, the weekend came as early as yesterday- why not start early?! Heck, the weekend could be all week right? No, not really, but I am positive I will have more then a few takers. I watched Notting Hill last night. I set myself up to stitch, and actually for the first time in a week, enjoyed it. I didn't make much progress because I was laughing so hard. But some is much better then none. I haven't seen this movie in years and years, but I am telling you, that laughing out loud is a great feeling! That character Spike-- William's (Hugh Grant) flat-mate had me going for sure. I had tears in my eyes!!! Nothing like a good comedy, a little far fetched, and I had a few thoughts on what I would change, but over-all, was very entertaining.

I cant remember if I have talked about the Home Coming Sampler in any previous posts, but as you can see, it is a fairly easy stitch, although it is (was) my least favorite to stitch. I cant explain why, I just love the design. I love the colors. I know other things have been calling me, but I need to put this to bed already. I have had this started for ever ago already-- I chose R & R Liberty Gathering Grey with the called for DMC. Let me tell you that I had no idea how many colors there are in this piece maybe 3 or 4? Nope 14. 14!! I was floored. So, I am using the DMC for sure (there is nothing wrong with DMC), however, the colors are all very similar, and didn't want to spend the time to switch them out. Not for this piece :).

Thanks to all who sat and read my last post, it was really long huh? Gosh, I had no idea. Thanks for all who commented, or thought kind words in their heads. I hope all of you have a great weekend, and get lots accomplished!

Maria P. Oliver is done!

What an unforgettable weekend I had! So many friends and a TON of great laughs, the kind of laughs that your stomach hurts and your face feels like it has taken on new shape :). Thank you to all-- you know who you are :)!!! It has been a non-stop weekend with the worlds best friends, and there was no time to stop and post a completed picture of Maria P. Oliver. Thank you to all of you, I can not wait to do this again.

After all is said and done, I am catching my breath, and reading up on the missed posts on my favorite blogs. I am excited to share with you Maria, who was finished late late on Friday night, or was it really early Saturday morning? Who knows, it is a miracle I could even see to stitch and it actually turned out correct! I just took this picture, and surprise surprise, the linen almost looks right. I cant believe it. No good close up, but she is done, and looks terrific. The colors are perfect for her. Mockingbird R & R Linen with Belle Soie Silks. Maria P. Oliver is a Carriage House Samplings piece (the pattern picture does not do this sampler justice).

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just next week, and the year is almost over. Where oh where does the time go? As long as it is shared with loved ones, we can not complain where the time goes, but think back to the wonderful memories that were created. I know that it is Tuesday already, (hard to believe I think I missed Monday) but I know that a lot of you had great weekends and looking forward to a lot more! Happy Stitching!

Halfway on Maria P. Oliver

Another motif done on Maria, which brings me to halfway. I wanted to have a little more done for this weekend, but I don't think that is going to happen. Running errands always takes longer then it should, and they generally aren't that much fun. But, I managed to stitch last night, and finished the 2nd and 3rd 'Godfather' movies. Each one of those is almost 3 hours each, I had no idea! They are worth every hour.

I think that linen has a mind of its own when it comes to taking pictures of it. Like it morphs into something it isn't. The threads you can generally get a great idea, but gosh, this linen looks like something else :). It is not as grey as it looks. I tried my ott-light on with it, instead of just the overhead...oh well, at least we all have the same trouble, and if you recognize the color of linen, chances are you know the shade!

Off to finish errands and laundry! Thanks for all the comments-- I just LOVE reading them!

I wasn't going to...But I had to

Remember on Saturday's post, I said that I was going to relax, move stash around and let my fingers heal? Well, as you can see from the above picture, that was short lived! I did not however start this until yesterday. I spent some time with family, went to church, went for brunch, and watched the little one gain speed from walking. This is all new to her, she is just 11 months old. Funny just 3 short days ago she wouldn't walk on her own, now she is almost running from that little monkey crawl! She is so cute, so petite, so precious I can hardly stand it. Bright-- and I mean bright crystal clear light blue eyes.

Late in the day, I came home and looked at all the stash I had sprawled out all over the place. And, when I say all over the place-- it is!! I have alot of them already kitted up, as many who know me, I have to--just because. So, it is fun to look over choices that I made a while back, and which silks I chose to use. When I saw Maria P. Oliver from Carriage House Samplings, I knew, she was for me, now. Look at these colors!! As charted for NPI, I converted them to Belle Soie, I am THRILLED with the outcome so far. I am starting to think I need more Belle Soie in my projects! The linen is 40ct Mockingbird from R & R. I watched the 'Godfather' last night while working on Maria, I just love those movies. I know it isn't up everyones alley, but for me it is in the top 10. I couldn't but her down, watching the subtle variation in the blooming flowers.

This week is going to be a busy one. Alot of movin and shakin. Things to do, places to go, people to see! I am so excited for this week, I am going to be visiting with some friends I haven't seen in what seems like FOREVER....I am positive, it is going to be another unforgettable weekend :)

Saturday Already?!

It is amazing to me how fast the weeks have been going, especially in the fall, when Holidays are fast approaching. I have seen some counters for the days left until Christmas. Really?! I remember in school, wondering how many days we had left before summer, and then summer was over in 5 minutes. Then we were back in school already. My mother always said, time only goes faster when we get older. She was right. Yes mom-- you were right-- again!! :)

I finished up Know Ye last night. What a fun little stitch. The pictures are crazy, showing 2 colors of the linen. I think that the top one looks closer to the Vintage Pear I chose. I might need to take photography lessons. I am looking to just play with stash this weekend, take it easy and let my poor fingers heal from all the stabs I give myself over and over again- in the same spot :(. Make piles and lists, and move stuff around. I am looking forward to this for sure.

Its a beautiful day, I think a walk in an order to. Hope everyone has a very relaxing weekend. Until next week!

Whats Next? Know Ye

I had so much fun last night looking at stash again, it was exciting to think, I was going to start something new! Yes, I am caving from my plan of completing another WIP.

All this A & E craze is getting to me, although very tempted to start Paradise Lost--it is kitted with all the goodies it needs....I thought I would do a smaller one for a change. I started La D Da's Know Ye last night after supper, and I am loving it. I am using the NPI that it calls for, but I had it kitted already with 40ct Vintage Pear Lakeside. It calls for R & R Sheeps Straw, which is also a great color, but I liked the pear better.

The best part about this one, I should be finished ASAP, so I get to rummage through stash again sooner then later!!!!!

EDITED TO ADD:  A few of you have commented on where to purchase this chart.  One of my favorite shops is Acorns and Threads in Portland Oregon.  Please see the link on the side of this blog.  They will be more then happy to order it for you!  It is a great pattern and a MUST have!!!!!!  

Lights Out Mary Wigham

It is 2:15AM as I am writing this on Wednesday morning, and I have been up since 5AM Tuesday morning. Why? I have had a lot on my mind the last few days, getting excited for the weeks ahead, and the time change hasnt helped either. I finished stitching her about 15 minutes ago, dug out the iron and board, and thrilled to present Mary Wigham as a complete sampler. What do you think?!! Yeah!! I had my 2nd wind about 12 hours ago, and I think I am on my 24th :). Mary was stitched using NPI on 40ct Pearled Barley Lakeside Linens.

This is the 4th Quaker that I have finished this year, my mistake in the previous post as I mentioned only 3 (Forgiveness, Mouline Rouge, Beatrix Potter and now Mary). I am happy to have her off the WIP, and can not wait to get onto something else. Not that I dont love Quaker samplers, I just need more variety!

I have a few in mind, and I have to order some silk this week, because I am missing a few from my newly organized stash. Silk and a few other items perhaps......

I have put Mary to bed, and I am soon to follow! Thanks for your comments, it is definately a highlight!

WIP & More Floss Organizing

Before


After


More Floss Organizing


I have to first say a BIG, HUGE Thanks to all who left comments on my Mermaid finish! I am thrilled I got 20 comments!!!! 20!!! It is the most I have received so far with my blog and I cant be happier. How exciting it is to be inspired and enabled by others. Whoo Hoo!

In fact, so inspired by reading several other blogs about WIP's. There is such a variety of WIP's out there, that I really was curious on how many I had going. I was all ready to start the next project, and thought, let me take a fast look and see what is really going on in this stash closet. Well, including some serious BAP's, I have a total of 8 WIP's. Which is not bad, but I like finishing things too!!! Checking all the ones in question out, which one would I really like to get done and put to bed. Well, you guessed it. Mary. Not that this would have really been my first choice, I would much rather have started another new project! Right? With all these great new designs out there from so many fabulous designers, who wouldnt want to start something new--raise your hand.

I dont see to many hands raised! LOL. I have posted a picture of where I left Mary, and up to the squirrel, was done before-- it seems like forever since I have worked on her. The top 3 sections are complete, and I am trying to complete a section before going onto another, but I am not sure that will continue. Working the right side, I think I might just keep going to the bottom right and work left. Who knows. All I know is that she needs to get done. This will be my 3rd Quaker complete this year, and I am ready for something new.

Another reason I am very excited, is that my floss ring of WDW from the Mermaid, is no longer sitting on the couch, it is put away in its place in my floss organizer. YEAH!!!! This is fabulous!! No more random floss bags floating around. They all just clipped right back into place. (For more information on this TERRIFIC SYSTEM, please check my blog archives on the right hand column) I also finished organizing my Needlepoint Silk. All numerical and ready for use. Both Cotton and Silk done. Check!

Off to another great week of stitching! Hope all of you had a great weekend. I know I sure did!

Mermaid and the Sea Finished!

I am so excited to share my Mermaid and the Sea with you all today!! Last night I really wanted to get her done, we watched 2 Cary Grant movies- 'My Favorite Wife' and 'Monkey Business'. I am crazy about classic movies, and even more crazy about Cary Grant!!!!! I was stitching so fast, but couldnt finish, so today I finished up the seaweed around 'King Triton' and pressed it up. I love all the movement and flow. So much to look at!!

Started on October 5, 2009, still taking time off in Vegas, completed today the 21st of October. I cant wait to show you all what is next!!!! Have a great day!!

More Mermaid and the Sea

Back to the real swing of things, and some progress on my Mermaid. Had a blast in Vegas of course, who doesnt? I am happy to be stitching again, it is something I missed for sure. I am anxious to start a new project. Not sure which one, I have a few new ones that are yelling from the side of the couch. All this inspiration from all of our fellow bloggers isnt making the decision easy!! So many beautiful projects from all over the world, one thing I know for sure, is that we all like the same thing--- STITCHING!!!!

I have done some stash diving on this fabric, a few have asked about it, and the Mermaid is being stitched on R & R Reproduction 40ct Linen called 'Lucky Penny Blend'. I found another project that I had in mind for this fabric, and then changed my mind. It is perfect for this project. The closest color I could compare it to (while going through the stash,) is Lakeside Linen Vintage Tundra, it is a tad brighter....if that helps. Using the called for Weeks Dye Works threads, it would have very difficult to switch to silks, and get the great color variation that I have now.

Hope everyone is looking forward to a great weekend!

Eliza Pennance

I finished Eliza today. I started her back on August 25, and for numerous reasons, put her aside. I am not used to over 1, let alone over 1 on 40ct. Not to be discouraged, I moved on. To show her size, I have added the Quarter- she is 2 3/4" x 2.5". So small! Using the called for NPI with Vintage Autumn Gold Lakeside Linen.

I will need my head examined afterall, I just got Sarah Woodham today, and I am in for alot of over 1 on 40ct!! Its all about the outcome right? So yes, there will be more over 1 on 40ct will be in my future.

PS Dad, that is my quarter- you cant have it! LOL

Inspiration for New Project

The 'Star of India' is a 3 masted bark, the oldest iron hulled merchant ship afloat. Built on the Isle of Man, Great Britain, and launched in 1863. Very impressive!! Tremendous wood detail on deck. Made me want a boat-- perhaps to sail around the world. Nah, not really my thing :).

What could be next to stitch? Pulling out all the projects, looking for something colorful to work on, switch it up a bit. Ah yes, The Mermaid and the Sea from Examplars from the Heart. Perfect!!! Lots of color, but not to big. I found the perfect shade of silver/blue/beige combo from R & R for the linen (40ct) and using the called for Weeks Dye Works threads. Boy can I tell the difference stitching with cotton!! LOL, stitching the last many projects in silk will do it to you I guess. The colors are just beautiful, and I love it on the linen. Very pleased so far with the progress.

Thank you to all those who commented on Beatrix Potter. It is great to share with all of you, and getting feedback is always so much fun! Hope all of you had a great weekend, and got LOTS of stitching done :)

Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler Complete

Around 6 1/2 weeks this little gem took to start and finish. I am thrilled to be at this stage, looking at her on linen, instead of the infamous pattern! What a process this has been from my post yesterday. I immediately sat down and started stitching the last of the motifs, and finally after a few tube shows and movies, she was finished!!!! The last picture is so funny-- many of you have said the needles have been on fire! Just about, but at almost 11:30pm I had a serious situation at hand. My needle was bent so bad, I couldnt believe I had not noticed earlier!!!! I went so fast, looking for another speedy stitcher (Bohin #28) so I could continue!!

She is DONE!!!! Yeah!!!! Stitching her on 40ct Porcelain Lakeside Linen with Coffee Bean Gloriana Silk 1 over 2; Just a HINT of Belle Soie Pink Quartz, so delicate, so beautiful!! I can hardly stand it!!! I cant wait to show her off to all of you. Enjoy!