Tuesday, February 1, 2011

31st January Project-Start

Today is the final post of my personal crazy challenge of January 2011.  There are a few things that I am surprised over, first I think-- that I worked on 31 projects, 24 new starts, worked on 7 wips and finished 1 new one and 1 oldie from last year.  Also, where has the month gone?  Here is it, February 1st already.  I cant believe it.  I am thrilled to be encouraged by many of you-- especially to keep the challenge going all year long.  But, I cant do that, as much fun as it would be.  Last night, I was actually tired of stitching.  Can you even?!  Yes, I was tired of starting another new project-- this I thought would never happen.  My mind has moved on to other things and I must say, I would rather work on some of the ones I started already this month!!!
But, I cant let anyone down, and I did start a beauty last night.  Jane Ballard from the Porcupine Collection.  When I found out last year from my friend that she was going to re-issue these fabulous patterns, I knew this was my chance to grab her.   



The amazing thing about it, is the linen I wanted to use, I didnt have any 'in stock' but, when I got the mail yesterday, the color miraculously showed up!!!! (Thank you very much :)!)  I couldnt have been more pleased with this :)  I knew I wanted to start her last night and without the right color linen, I wasnt sure it would work out. As of Sunday, the choices I had were not quite perfect.  But, now with the right linen, the color conversion could begin!  I have to choose 5 more colors, mostly greens and tans but the colors needed for the border and her dress was chosen last night with ease.

A blend of Belle Soie, SNC, Gloriana and ?? will be used for Jane on 45ct Vintage Woodsmoke.  Aaaahhhhh.  She is going to be gorgeous for sure.  The pink much brighter then I am used to, but looks great in the start.

This is a bigger sampler then I thought it would be for sure, and the pattern is one very large sheet of paper, like 24 x 30 and I will have to make a working copy for myself so I can cut it up into smaller sections, to make it more manageable to work with.
You remember that we like to go antiquing right?  Well, I picked up these beauties yesterday.
I hardly ever see needlework supplies in antique stores, and if I do, I cant afford them.  This pair is about 4" long and I have no idea the age or company who made them.  They do have 'Germany' on them but again, going with looks instead of age for me was all I needed, and I could afford them too :) 

So there you have it, a short run down of my Crazy Challenge for January 2011!  I have enjoyed it so much, and reading your comments and encouragement is so wonderful.  I am thrilled to inspire and to be inspired.  I look forward to what the rest of the year has to bring!!  I know it is going to continue to be an amazing year!!!!!!!

18 comments:

  1. Congratulations on making it to 31!! Every one of the projects you have chosen are absolutely gorgeous...and, I can't wait to see their progress and finishes.

    Those scissors are beautiful; what a lucky find!

    I'll be following along, watching your progress...love your colors choices too.

    Happy Stitchin'
    Terri

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  2. Congratulations on your January challenge. You have tempted me with more than one of your beautiful starts. I love your conversions and fabric choices. Blessings from Kentucky - kelley

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  3. Love Jane Ballard! I can't believe you've gotten through 31 days of starts -- and they're all so great too! And those scissors -- nice! I've enjoyed your challenge. Can't wait to see more on each project!

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  4. I can't believe that you made it to 31. Missed a couple days so had to go back and see what you've chosen. All of them wonderful. Jane almost made it into my new pile for the challenge, but possibly will make an appearance later in the year. I've had fun looking at all your projects.

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  5. I love the variety and inspiration. I was wondering how you had the right threads for each project and then read about your stash. Must be like my wool stash :-). I think my favorite is the Far Floore sampler (I think that was her name). Beautiful colors and design! ~Roberta

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  6. You couldn't have made a better choice for your finally stitch of the month.

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  7. Beautiful project! I can't wait to see your progress on all of the pieces and to see what you have in store for February. I know you said it wouldn't be any new starts but maybe it's some kind of rotation plan? I guess I'll have to stay tuned to find out what's up your sleeve! Thank you for sharing with us. You have inspired me a great deal.

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  8. Gorgeous choice for your final January piece! I know what you mean though, all the switching up of projects and pulling stuff out to work on would make me tired. It will be good to settle into February with one piece to focus on. Can't wait to see what you choose! I've really enjoyed all your posts this past month, and seeing all of your beautiful conversions. I would kill for your Dutch Beauty conversion for sure!!! I'm so inspired!

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  9. Gosh, she is pretty, isn't she? I haven't looked at this sampler as closely and now I know I am going to have to add her to my personal collection. The colors just pop and especially on WoodSmoke, wowzers!! You chose well with all of your new starts, Shannon, but this one is a definite show-stopping finale!!! Can't wait to see more and BTW, I can imagine that you are tired of starting new things, after all 31 is a lot of new starts! Enjoy going back and working on the ones that are calling your name!

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  10. woo hooo happy dance you made it :) and what a lovely one to finish with too ... those silks are gorgeous :) ..... looking forward to those progress photo's too .... hope you feel like stitching again soon ... know exactly how you feel on that bit ..lol.... those scissors are really nice too , great find and even better when you can afford them too :) love mouse xxxxx

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  11. Some challenge!! love the Porcupine collection, never new they were so popular, have some of these samplers in my stash since the eighties but never got round to it. :)) Good luck!

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  12. As always your embroidery is beautiful, but a particular stole my heart
    ... the scissors ...
    wow, wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Sandy

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  13. 24 new starts in one month? Seriously? Wow, that is quite something. Your new start looks very beautiful. I am excited to see more.

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  14. Another gorgeous start! The linen is perfect! I just ordered this pattern myself - it's beautiful! I love the scissors you found, they're so pretty! Enjoy! :)

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  15. Gorgeous project and I love the scissors!!!!

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  16. Beautiful sampler...and what a find on the scissors!

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  17. Wow, 24 new starts and 7 WIPs, that's very impressive. But I can see what made you start so many great projects - this challenge is quite simply addictive. I'm also completely addicted and will start a new project for each finished project of the Crazy Challenge. It's so much fun!

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  18. I love looking at all the samplers. We have such similar tastes. I am envious of you starting so many samplers. I work on one at a time.. Enjoy!!

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Thank you for stopping by! I enjoy reading your comments :)