O Birdy, Tylers Lion and a Gift

The time is flying Ladies and Gentleman.  Thanksgiving is almost here already and I think there are less then 40 days till Christmas?!  Amazing the amount of stitching that has not occurred this year.  Sad, I know, but there are a few positive things that happen in a case like mine. 

When you get together with some of your best buds, miracles do happen and stitching must get done right?!  Starting 2 very cool projects last week, not just 2 started, but several others kitted up and on the starting line up ready for the green light to fly down the fast track. 

Several of my favorite designers have continued to put out such super cute patterns, it is hard sometimes as I often say, to choose which ones to really sit and stitch on.  Right?!  I mean lets get down to brass tacs here.  We all, have every intention of stitching everything in our stash, because we are going to live at least 10 life times to get what we own now in our stash stitched, but in the 10 lifetimes that we do live, there are going to be like a billion new patterns we are going to want to stitch.  So clearly there is a tiny problem on ALL of our hands.

There are a few, rare and in between days that I think, do I really want to stitch this?  The rare answer is 'no'.  So I have to have it.  But, in all seriousness, (especially the rate I am stitching these days) am I going to get much of this stash tackled?  Now, not that I am going to even come close to putting the kabash on the stash enhancing, but perhaps, like at the beginning of this post, gathering up some of your best buds and really getting down to the nitty gritty of stitching, things might actually get accomplished.

So, without much further babbling, first up is Harry Tyler's Lion from Heartstring Samplery, stitching on 40ct Vintage Lentil with SNC thread- Blackened Grass maybe?  Either way, it is not the 'called for' items.  (Yes my friend, Of course I did :)). 

I have to laugh, this La D Da 'O Birdy' choice was such a fabulous impulse, and so much crazy laughing, and fluttering around,  that I will always have memories with this piece.  A few more then others.  Every piece has something special along with it right?  I can-- tell you that every piece that I have stitched, I can honestly tell you some of the best things about that time, but, good luck with that :) 

O'Birdy is finished, and stitched on 40ct Vintage Autumn Gold with some of the finest new silk threads one can stitch with.  You have done it again Ann, and we all THANK YOU for it!!!!!  Florimell silk hand-dyed threads are simply fabulous.  The colors are outstanding and it glides through the Linen with such ease.  Beware, with this thread and a certain type of speedy stitchers, we might find more progress!!!!!  LOL.

I chose to stitch my red bird in Florimell Antique Black, and the subtle color change is exquisite.  The variety in the greens is fabulous and the gold so rich.  I highly recommend trying this silk for sure, even if you try it in just 1 color, I can promise you, you will soon have a variety.  (And if you have enough patience, some might just fall into your lap.)

I finished stitching my bird last Friday, in the car, while thinking about the great times that came with this now priceless piece.  Thank you all involved!

Last but not least, my Husband surprised me with this DOVO sewing scissor case, in burgundy leather with threads, needle threader and a classic pair of DOVO gold scissors.  The best in the world.  This piece is such a great addition to my scissor collection and it is so small!  Less the 4" long the entire case.  I am so thrilled with this gift, I had to share it with all of you.  How thoughtful is he?  Adding to my scissor collection.  He truly is a keeper :)

A quick update

I had a little time to myself this weekend, so I started and finished the Little House Needleworks Liberty Belles.  I got the cute little blue pillow for the finishing, so I opted to use 32 count Vintage Light Examplar over the 30ct???.   Of course did some color adjustments, and ta-da!  Arent they fabulous,??!!  I love the shading in the middle dress!!!!  Super cute , and super easy.  Now, the hard part is the finishing..........

 

A few weeks ago I started the With Thy Needle Primitive Bettys __________.  Dont have a clue to what the name of this piece is, but I love the original colors, but of course, switched them out from DMC to Gentle Arts and WDW.  I just love the shading the overdyes gives the piece, and I am stitching it on 40ct Vintage Pearled Barley.  One of my most favorite colors, isnt it one of yours?!

Gotta get back to the grind!  Have a great day :)

PS, My good friend Mary emailed me with the name of my mystery sampler....  It is Live Laugh Love by With thy Needle.  Primitive Bettys.  Thank you for letting all of us know:)  It is appreciated.

Edited once again :)  My mystery project has now been found.  Primitive Bettys Live Laugh Love.  Sorry for the mixup.

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!!!!!!!

Paradise Lost

So as you can see, I have finished Paradise Lost by Plum Street Samplers.   I am thrilled to have my 2nd piece of the year done and under my belt.  I started this last Fall with a bunch of other stitchers, and have had a blast stitching it with them in a un-official SAL.  This weekend I brought my project with me to TX for a wedding.  Flying time--plenty to get it done.  Stitching on the way fast and furious, also on the way home.  Since flying in for the wedding on Friday afternoon, and festivities starting almost immediately, I only had time to stitch on the plane.  No complaints, although for the first time in my life I wished the flight home was a bit longer, taking advantage of the flowing wine in the first class cabin, I wasnt able to complete it.  I had the heading already in my mind "Paradise Lost is First Class". 

It was a family wedding, and it was just great to see everyone again.  Since it has only been a month, or should I say already since my Sister has tied the knot......Seeing the relatives again was a blast.  I am always ready to get all dolled up for a party.  I made sure to have PL with me--- the end was near. 

Tonight I have completed the PL sampler-- What is officially next, we shall see.  Stitching this beauty on 45ct Vintage Sand Dune from Lakeside with the called for NPI and Gloriana silks, dont you just love the silks???!!!!!! My sampler measures 17.25" long x 7.5" high; an amazing difference in size from the model of 23.25" x 10.5" on 36ct.  I already have the frame picked out, this summer I will have to bring it away. 

What is next?  Well, I have shown my sister what I am going to stitch for her and her new Husband (yes, I did start it!!!!!), so that is next for sure.....but what is next after that?!!  I have a few ideas and I am sure a few more will be thought of in only a matter of weeks.  Projects planned again with friends. 

I am headed into another great summer of fabulous friends, fun and so much laughter, your sides and cheeks hurt for days.  I cant wait to see you guys.  Thanks to everyone for all your encouragement and kind words over the last few and far between posts.

Final question and thought, for the gals stitching this sampler with me--- How are all of you doing on it?!!!!  Finishing this piece makes me thirsty :)

Sampler Purse Finished!!

As you can see, this is the 'something' I was working on this week, that is now finally complete. The stitching part to me, was a piece of cake, the finishing part however was a pita. I cut out the interfacing, ironed and sewed this beauty into a new look. I am sooo excited to see the final product and look forward to using it sometime over the Holidays. This design is from Dames of the Needle, and I used the called for fabric- 32ct Vintage Woodsmoke Lakeside. I changed all the Gentle arts threads it called for (shock) into Gloriana and Silk N Colors. I love the Blackbirds! The colors are just so vibrant. For the lining I chose a deep teal in Dupioni Silk, I felt it needed a fancy fabric, especially because I chose the silk threads.

I am still working on a few other projects, soon to be posted. But I just had to stop and share this with you!! Thanks to everyone who reads my blog-- and takes the time to comment, email or text me. I just love it :)

Added to answer some questions!

I am going to keep it as a clutch, to me it is very dainty that way :)

I purchased this pattern at my LNS, most shops should be able to order this--it is a must have for sure!!

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.

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!

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

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!

More Bea

Another INCREDIBLE weekend. Thanks to all for such a fabulous one! Who knew having such wonderful friends would be all you need? Well, that, a few stash projects and a nice bottle of wine! :) But really, I cant imagine not having them. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

I have put my English Whitework Sampler on the side burner. I think I will try to work on it once a week for a little while..until it is complete. There are so many things to stitch, so many new things coming out to stitch. All the projects need some attention! I am back stitching Bea, and I am loving her more and more. The more Coffee Bean I stitch, the more incredible she looks! I love the Pink Quartz too. I am also amazed at the size of Bea, she is alot smaller then I thought! I only have one 1/2 motif on the bottom and I can see the height that she is going to be. I thought she was a lot larger. Strange. I guess I never really measure and I generally work with a stitchers half of linen, so I dont need to worry to much of it not fitting. There are only 40 motifs to stitch, and I have 13 done. Not to bad right?

Thanks to everyone who leaves such wonderful comments! I enjoy reading each and everyone. Hope all of you enjoyed your weekend too.

Until the next time!

English Whitework Sampler

School has started again for almost everyone by now right? I was at Target on Monday, the day before the official first day back, and I was watching everyone get last minute supplies, looking for favorite colors, fancy pens and pencils, backpacks or totes. I remember thinking about my first days of school. First of all, I do not wish I was going back to school, just about the the first days :). I remember going with my mother to get my new supplies for the year, and just loving all the 'new-ness' of everything. I love office supplies, new pens, new pads of paper, loose-leaf paper, notebooks, staplers (I do have a red swingline..), paper clips. All the new ways to organize. I love to organize, create lists of things to do, or not to do. Wish lists, stash lists, grocery lists. Isnt it amazing to think something so silly, could make you so happy?!!! LOL.. I know, crazy right? I happen to know several gals who feel the same about office supplies, and all the new things that I wish I had when I was going back to school. Looking at all the gadgets, it seems like if we could have purple push pins, or different colored sharpie markers--in different sizes?! WOW!! But, it is fun to think back. The best part is now, I can purchase those great things now, and I dont have to worry about my homework!

Speaking of homework..... My Whitework Sampler from Needles Prayse has official been started. I have never done anything like this before, and when I opened the pattern, I thought I was crazy for sure. I had never seen anything like this before. What are all these stitches, and graphs and charts? Over 4? On everything? Calm down, breath... it is soooooo much easier then I expected. My good friend sat down with me, and very, very patiently showed me each and every step to this pattern. Even taught me how to do the stitches. (Thank you, Thank you!) My first go around with four-sided stitches went perfectly. I know how to start and end threads. I am very excited with this project, the first night I could hardly sleep. I wanted to work more on it!

It calls for 40ct, but, loving a challenge, (and believe me, this is a great challenge for me to stitch this piece, instead of a traditional cross stitch pattern) I chose to use 45ct Bisque from Lakeside Linen, with 80 and 100 Cordonett Special thread in White. I have it on scroll rods, and I think that there are 11 rows, each seperated with a 4 sided stitch. On 40ct the completed size is 8 3/4" wide; stitching on the 45ct it is 7" wide. It is so fabulous, and so tiny! I have about 2 inches stitched on the 1st official row. Lots of work to be done, but this will be one piece of work when it is done. So you think I can get it done in a year? I am hoping!

Sampler Purse Stitched

I am so excited to share these pictures today. I think that this Sampler Purse is going to be soo cute!! I love it already, and it isnt even "finished"!! I switched out the colors for the birds on the bottom- which will be the front flap of the 'clutch' style purse. They were supposed to be blue, but since I am a huge fan of Blackbirds (who could have guessed?!) I decided they needed to be as well. I have to thank Nadia, Jenifer, Jeannine, Janet and Lynn for there help in choosing the 3rd color for my birds!! I purchased the interfacing, and hope to choose the fabric for the liner and sides this week. I am going to attempt the finishing on it, it shouldnt be to hard, just have to have patience.

How was everyone's Holiday weekend? Mine was very nice, visited with some friends and laughed alot. I love laughing-- it is nice to do, and lately I think I have been doing alot more of it!! YEAH!! Another great week lies ahead, and I am positive, more laughing! :)

Inside panel of Sampler Purse

Happy Tuesday! Off to another exciting week! I had a nice relaxing weekend, which was much needed after last week. Organized some stash, watched the tube and stitched a bit on my "Sampler Purse" I have 1 more row on the bottom of the grass, and then this panel (1 of 3) is done. I am going to start another panel today for sure! I am really enjoying this one.

Happy belated Birthday to Kathy, and Happy Birthday to Paula, we will have to get all the gals together for sure!! It will be great fun to see all of you!!! Soon, I promise!!! Have a great time at Guild tonight, I will be thinking of you all!

And Life Goes On

Gosh, what a whirlwind week. I thought last week was going fast, and here it is the 30th of August. 10 whole days without this computer. 10 whole days of mixed emotions and 1 Big Bag of Crazy!

A few things I am anxious to share with all of you, is my progress on a few, and 2 new starts. Of course there isn't a week that can go by without starting something new from my stash. Beatrix is moving along beautifully, even added the tiny Pink accent (as shown in the 2nd pic) I chose Belle Soie Pink Quartz as my companion color to the Gloriana Coffee Bean. I LOVE it. Subtle but what an impact it is going to have overall.


Peace has made an appearance this week & I have an example of all the colors stitched into the piece, except for the color I am using for the letters, etc. I wanted to see how the colors looked on the piece, before really getting to involved; already I had to adjust the shading with the greens. Mind you, this picture is just a drop in the bucket on this pattern. I am not positive, but I think this it is going to be the largest piece I will ever stitch.


This is a close-up of Dames of the Needle "The Sampler Purse". It is one of my new starts this week. I chose Gloriana silks instead of the Gentle Arts threads. The color variation with the chosen silks is just so much crisper for this piece. I am using the called for 32ct Vintage Woodsmoke Lakeside Linen, which is just gorgeous; one of my favorites. There is a little more to this piece then I expected, with a few fancy stitches. Overall it is an easy piece, and I am enjoying every part; ok, maybe not looking forward to the "finishing" part!!


Last but not least, I started "Eliza Pennance 1726" by Plum Street Samplers. 'The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord'. It is a fitting piece for this week. I didnt realize all of the over one that I have to do. It is so tiny and cute. I chose 40ct instead of 36ct Vintage Autumn Gold Lakeside with the called for NPI. I am not a fan of over one, so I have to discipline myself to get this one complete! You would think this would be an easy task. We all know that life isnt easy, especially not this week!

Looking forward to a brighter week, and lots more stitching.