More Christmas Ornaments and Sampler Bonheur

This is the lovely Sampler Bonheur stiched with HDF Dragon Opal on Lakeside Linens 36 ct. Navy Bean linen. I shy away from using any other threads or fabrics - I love the ease of the silk on the beautiful Lakeside linen. This sampler is for my son - the translation is loosely: the secret to a grand life is to treat yourself well. He has studied French for four years; and the colors work well in his bathroom...

Here are two more Christmas ornaments that I have completed. These were freebies that I printed much earlier this year; and the chart did not have the designer's info; so I cannot give credit where credit is due. The three sided ornament is a beauty - I wish my finishing skills could do it justice. The third side has NOEL in the center - I couldn't get a photo of it. The pagoda ornament is a cutie, although one corner won't lie properly - maybe next time.

We have received at least 2 ft of snow since last night - that's probably a low estimate. It's still coming down fast and furious. I have never seen so much snow. My son went outside and shoveled for a while; now my husband is out shoveling. Nice to be a girl sometimes!!!!!!

I have a pork roast in the oven, smells heavenly! I am also making a New Orleans bread pudding. Being cooped up makes me want to bake.

I cannot decide what to work on next - there are so many beautiful projects out there! I should be organizing my stuff, so I will know what I have - but that's no fun!

Well, until next time, happy stitching everyone! Margaret

Quick Update

Here is an update on my latest sampler. I am using HDF Indigo Ocean and Deep Ocean on Silkweaver's Purely Primitive Linen. This sampler was a freebie from Gazette94 called Grand Abécédaire. I am really enjoying it!

I am also working on an ornament that will be a gift if it turns out okay, so no pics of it; but I do have pics of some exchange pieces:



This is the ornament I stitched for the Hooked on Exchanging Christmas Ornament Exchange. I have heard from the recipient that she has received it; so it is safe to post a picture. It turned our very cute - I just love Prairie Schooler patterns - their simple charm is just enchanting!



And, here is the treasure I received in the HoE exchange. I just love it! I had been intending to stitch it for myself, but never got around to it. Now I have a gorgeous ornie for my tree!

My DH has shown me an easier way to upload pictures; so I will try to post weekly updates!

Have a good week, Margaret

At Long Last A Post (and a Finish)

I have been stitching; although I have not been blogging. This is the Garden Marquoir from Alice and Co. It is stitched on Pearled Barley Lakeside Linens using Hand Dyed Fibers in Rose Quartzes and Luteous Greens. I stitched in it for two hours a week while my son attended orchestra practice. I will now add it to the list of things to be framed.

Today I finished an ornament for an exchange; and started an ornament for a group. I also have joined a German stitching group on Yahoo. They have simply gorgeous projects, and they provide motivation because you don't get the next part until you finish the current part.

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! Happy stitching, Margaret

Valentine, Garden Marquoir, and Ornament 2

I seem to be running on a monthly blog update schedule. So, here's a summary of my February stitching. I stitched this heart for Valentines - I used HDF silk and mystery 36 ct. linen. The pattern is a freebie, but I can't locate it now, and so I can't give credit to the very talented and generous designer.

Here is Garden Marquoir - I wish I could take a good photo of it. The colors are so spring-like. I love it when a new installment is published so I can pull it out and stitch on it. I'm using HDF Luteous Green and Rose Quartz shades. I love it!!!

I also wanted to show you my February ornie for the 2009 Christmas challenge. I stitched it with mystery HDF silks on mystery linen. This is my first attempt at at heart shaped finish. Before I start the next one, I will try to find an online tutorial. The pattern is here.

I noticed that they have started updating the Celebration of Needlework website with this year's classes. Every year, I tell myself that I won't go crazy and sign up for a bunch of classes that will later turn into PIGS or UFO's. We'll see how my will power is this year.

We have had a few days here in Maryland that would make you think that spring can't be too far away. I noticed my daffodils and allium are poking their heads out of the ground. I can hardly wait until spring really arrives!

I think I will go and pull the threads for the new BBD March stockings - they are just too cute; and not a lot of stitching involved!

Happy stitching! Margaret

Here's a pic of my January ornie for the Christmas Ornament challenge. It is Quaker Christmas Holly by the Workbasket, stitched using mystery HDF silk on mystery 36 ct. Sassy's fabby. (Does this highlight my extreme disorganization???) Gee, I didn't realize how lumpy it is until I looked at the picture - I will have to massage it some to straighten the seams.

This is my latest start - the Marquior du Jardin. I'm using light to dark HDF Luteous Greens and Rose Quartz on Lakeside Linens Pearled Barley. This is such fun! And I'm using my "safe" colors: pinks and greens.

Well, tomorrow starts the first full week I have worked in two months - I don't know if I'll survive five days! We're under a winter storm watch - so if the bad weather materializes, chicken me will stay home (I grew up in Mississippi - and I never learned to drive in snow and ice - so DH has to chaffeur me everywhere in the winter).

Happy stitching! Margaret

Finish: How Does Your Garden Grow?

Well, I finally finished something! I started working on this on January 20, 2008

and finished it yesterday. I put off working on it because I wasn't sure I liked my color choice - I normally pick purply-pinks and greens; but for this project I picked bright colors. I have mixed feelings about how it turned out; but all in all, this was a fun project.

I have started a couple of the mystery SAL's that are out right now; but I haven't made enough progress to show any pictures.

A couple of people have asked about the seaside cottage I stitched on a Neighborhood Round Robin piece - it was part of a kit that I bought a long time ago; but if anyone is interested and they send me their address, I will send them the pattern.

Happy stitching! Margaret