Sunday, February 16, 2014

Enough snow already!


I love a good snow day as much as the next person - especially if I don't have to get out in it, but seriously this is ridiculous!  Fortunately DH is a hardy Mid-western stock, and ventures out regardless of the weather - perhaps he just can't face the idea of being cabin bound with me if I don't have milk for my coffee!  This is my house after the first wave of snow last Wednesday night - we received another 4-5 inches in the next few days.  It's beautiful today - the white is a nice contrast to the blue sky.

Here is the fearless Labrador  - Emie loves the snow, despite finding it difficult to plow through!



One great thing about the snow is that I had a chance to finish my Valentine smalls for this year - this is a chart I found in my freebie notebook - I can't provide proper credit to the designer, but it is a very cute design.

This is Garden of Love by Citrouille's Designs.  This was a project from the 2013 Year of Smalls blog.  The fibers are Belle Soie and the fabric is a 36 ct Shale from PTP.  The linen has a lavender cast to it - it's sweet in real life.

My ornament for February is Tis the Season, a kit by Shepherd's Bush.  The ribbon and beads came in the kit, with instructions to do a wonky trim.  After I got the hang of it, it is really easy to do and is a perfect finish for this project.

And the last pic for today is my stitching helper Athena - this is the reason my twisted cords have extra fuzz!

I have been enjoying the updates on the new releases at Nashville - I wish I could have one of everything.  This is a banner year for new designs.

Until next time, happy stitching!  Margaret

Sunday, February 09, 2014

Ornaments galore!

 
 
Hiya,
 
 
I've started off the New Year working on ornaments.  This year I am determined to finish a few as I go, rather than have a bunch of stitched fronts to deal with in December.  So far, so  good!

 
Here's Peace on Earth by Barbara Jackson, which she taught as an online class through the Shining Needle Society.  I messed up the original linen, so I substituted a piece of Attic Lace by Lakeside.  It is a charming piece!
 
 
 
This is Peace on Earth from the 2013 JCS ornament issue.  I used the recommended threads.  It looks a bit wonky in the picture - sorry.

 
 
 
Also from the 2013 JCS ornament issue, here is Merry Christmas by MBT.  I used the recommended threads.  This is my first shot at rusched ribbon, using a tutorial from Vonna's (Twisted Stitcher) web site.  Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

 
And this is a bonus chart that came with Lizzie Kate's Christmas Mystery Sampler.  It's on a piece of Dubloon linen - I really like how this turned out.

 
 
Well there you have January's production.  I am working on a Valentine small; and another ornament for February.  I also put a few stitches in some samplers, but not much progress to show.
 
I also am drooling over the classes at Celebrations this year.   I am adding to my planned stitching indulgent trips by taking classes at Salty Yarns in June and finally going to Christmas in Williamsburg.
 
Oh, and in between, I can't forget the trips to Missouri to annoy see the Boy Wonder.  We will be spending St. Patrick's Day weekend there  - they have a big party weekend.  I haven't been in many years, but I wouldn't miss this one for the world.
 
Until next time, happy stitching, Margaret