Margo's Musings

2012 FINISH!!!

2012-01-08T12:21:00.004-05:00

New year - same old blogger tricks. Here is my vacation project from iStitch - this is Sew Gigi in the HDF custom color Gigi's Christmas. I don't know how I will finish this - but it is lovely in real life - and such a relaxing stitch. I hope you can crane your neck and enjoy the picture!!

And another one day wonder - but this one is completely done. This is Take Joy by Shepherd's Bush - it came as a kit - I stitched the whole thing while watching Russia: Land of the Czars. I had to watch this to put my book on Catherine the Great in historical context. This project fit in a lovely round box. The box is not marked to show the manufacturer - I would love to have more of these - their quality is very nice and the box was affordable. Oh, well, I guess I will just enjoy the one I have.

And then, my Happy Dance already in 2012. This is I Sigh Not for Beauty, stitched in premium HDF on the recommended linen. This was a 2011 SAL organized through Ellen Chester at With My Needle. I can hardly believe I finished this fairly close to the end of the SAL period. I envision having a wall of "classic samplers" - and this will be the first one.

Now I need to go sort through my basket of WIPS to see if there are any other I can knock out quickly, before I go and start an avalanche of new projects - I have no self-control when buying stash or starting projects!

Happy stitching to all, Margaret C

Eat, read, and stitch!

2011-12-28T11:59:00.003-05:00

As the title of this post implies, I have been doing little other than eating, reading and stitching.

The eating is an expected part of the holidays for me - Prime Rib roast, cornbread sausage dressing, sweet potato spoon bread, grilled asparagus, and best of all: bread pudding with real whipped cream. At least the major food groups, fats and sugars, are amply represented.

I have been reading, thanks to my Nook Tablet - a birthday present in early December. I thought I would like it for the magazines; but then I loaded Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massee, and I absolutely cannot put it down. It is so convenient to have it electronically - it goes everywhere with me.

Oh, as for the stitching, here is Part 2 of Heart Note Alley - I don't think I have touched this since May - and I don't know why - it is a gorgeous piece ( once again, combining purple and green).

And then for something different, here is the ANG stitch of the month project, Flowers of Italy, by Ro Pace. I used the recommended fibers. What fun - this project goes pretty fast. The only thing that slowed me down was mentally converting stitch diagrams from a needlepointer's perspective to a cross stitcher's perspective. The two most difficult parts were the Walnetto stitch, down at the lower left hand diamond - hard to get started correctly, but then it is a lovely motif. The other difficult part was finding places to bury the thread ends. I used Congress cloth - but with the open weave, it is not as forgiving as linen.

I continue to make astronomically long lists of things I want to stitch - even if I did nothing else, I wouldn't have time to get it all done.

Well, I am back to more relaxing - I think I will work on my sampler, I Sigh Not.

Until next time, Happy Stitching!

Ta Da - some finishes!

2011-12-04T15:59:00.002-05:00

Yea! I have finishes this weekend! First up is the lovely Purple Garden by Angie Designer, which was a Sticklounge Project. I used HDF fibers in Ultramaroon, Marsh Grass, and Nightsmoke on a piece of 32 ct. Flax linen. This project is so *me* - purple and green, flowers, geometrics, blackwork! This is in the early framing pile.

and this charmer is A la Belle Etoile (the Beautiful Star, I think), which was a SAL organized by the Thread Basket in collaboration with C Mon Monde. I used HDF fibers on a piece of 36 ct Ale linen from Picture This Plus. I really loved this linen - it is a very close second to Lakeside linen on my favorites list. This was a great fun project!

And, here is a freebie from Plum Street Samplers, loosely converted to HDF fibers and stitched on 32 ct Examplar linen. I really finished this before Thanksgiving, but am only now posting it. It came out a bit wonky - I am wondering if a little stabilizer under the linen would prevent the bulges - on the other hand, its bulges kind of mimic mine :-)

I have failed miserably at the 2011 challenge where you pick a certain number of projects, and finish them through the year. Nonetheless, I am making a never ending list of projects, new and old that I want to do next year - decisions, decisions!

Until next time, happy stitching everyone!

Not a whole lot of stitching going on!

2011-10-23T17:27:00.002-04:00

Here is the lovely ornament I received in the Hooked on Exchanging Words of Christmas exchange. I love this ornament - the design is so elegant - my partner could not have made a better selection to stitch for me.

Now I am just sitting on pins and needles (not literally, I hope) waiting to hear if my partner has received the ornament I stitched. I am beginning to worry. It should have arrived two weeks ago, and I haven't heard a word - Grrrrrr!

Here is my progress on Purple Garden. I have completed through Part 6. I need to really focus on this now and finish it because the project ends at the end of the year - it shouldn't be a problem, but I can't let myself get distracted by all the great new designs.

I seem to spend all my time going to sporting events - DS is on his school's soccer team, a recreational league soccer team, a recreational league ice hockey team, and a youth symphony. On top of that, he is organizing a concert for charity - I can't even keep up with the laundry, much less all of his events!!!

Until next time, happy stitching! Margaret

Ornament Time!

2011-10-09T12:21:00.003-04:00

This lovely is Yuletide from the JCS ornament preview issue. I couldn't resist this Jeanette Douglas design - I have taken classes from her - she is highly entertaining and quite talented - I have several of her designs in my someday pile. I used the recommended fibers and some mystery linen.

This lovely is Pendouille No 2 from Les creations de Louison. She has fabulous geometric shapes - I think there are 100 patterns for biscornu on her blog and now she's also giving away patterns for other shapes. I stitched this on antique white Edinburgh linen with mystery HDF silks.

I've been having fun with finishing this weekend! I also finished an ornament for an exchange - will have to wait to post a picture of that.

I have also been working on the iStitch Mystery SAL - Carol has been having problems with people copying her design; so she asks that we not post pictures until she has *unclickafied* them - so I will post later.

I need to go and do some yard clean-up - I'd rather be stitching; but the lovely sunny day is calling!

Happy stitching everyone! Margaret

Still stitching away!

2011-09-18T12:30:00.004-04:00

It looks like Blogger is having its way with the orientation of my photos again! You would think that with all the smart people working on these programs, someone could fix this problem. But no, we have to look at things sideways. On the bright side, maybe you will concentrate on the orientation and overlook the wrinkles. I stitch in hand, and this linen is impervious to the iron! I haven't updated I Sigh Not in a long time, so I decided to post this pic, even though it is wrinkled. This sampler is so difficult to put down! My goal is to finish it by the end of the year - I still believe that is possible.

And here is my version of the iStitch mystery SAL, completed through part 4. I just adore this piece.

I am still frantically trying to stay current with the SAL Romantique. It takes a lot of my stitching time. but it is so lovely, it's worth it. Then also vying for attention are Purple Garden Heart Note Alley, and Spanish Mystery Sampler. This is not even considering the gazillion of projects kitted up! Such a terrible problem to have - ROFL.

Well we have survived two deluges of rain in the past few weeks; no water in the basement, but the gardens have weeds as high as an elephant's eye. I need to go out and tackle them. I am also replanting my back flower garden with more deer resistant plantings - lots of fragrant and prickly foliage. I had to throw out all of my bearded iris because I couldn't eradicate the borers. I have been treating the soil all summer; so I plan to plant some new fans this fall and hope for the best.

That's all I have for now. Bye, Margaret

Still stitching away!

2011-09-18T12:30:00.001-04:00

Finally Finished Something!!!

2011-09-05T13:29:00.003-04:00

And here it is:

Margaret W. Brown 1838

Adaptation by Milady's Needle

AVAS Threads and Lakeside Linen

When I started this, I was not too sure about the colors. They are kind of *garish*. But after looking at it for a while, I decided that this was really in keeping with the fashionable colors of the era - and so I continued with it. I do love how it turned out. And, even better, now I get to start something new for my travel project. Happily, this coincides with the resumption of orchestra, soccer and ice hockey practice seasons - so I should have much time to stitch. Right now, the favored candidate is Mary Pearce Drown from the recent SANQ. My only requirement for a travel project is that the piece not be fussy - not a lot of counting and not a lot of color changes. This small sampler should work perfectly.

I'm still plugging away at SAL Romantique - only three more sections to go.

And, Purple Garden is at the half way mark. I made a huge goof in Part 1, and so am having to compensate - but I think it will work out okay. I'm certainly not going to rip it out and restitch - life's too short.

And the iStitch SAL - this is part 2 completed.

We have had a good holiday weekend - visited with some old friends, made a new friend - turns out the new person grew up about 30 miles from me in Mississippi and we both attended Mississippi State - although about 10 years apart -small world. We also discovered a great small Pennsylvania winery - Waltz vineyards - and revisited a new microbrewery - Bube's. If you are ever in Amish country - I would highly recommend these places. DS is at the beach with one of his friends and family - so all is quiet around here.

Until next time, happy stitching everyone!

Lots of good stuff!!!!!

2011-08-14T16:29:00.005-04:00

Oh boy, I have lots of good stuff to show you today! First up is SAL Romantique. I am current on this one - I think there are three more installments. I may actually complete a SAL with the rest of the group!!!! Could it be??????

And then, what would a month be without a new start? This is Heart Note Alley, another project with the Sticklounge Group. This is on a scrap of 36 ct. Navy Bean. The fibers used so far are GLO Granny Smith Green , SNC Camoflauge, a Dinky Dyes sample, and Dinky Dyes Cabernet. I am totally in my element on this one - a purple and green floral band sampler - it's incredible I resisted starting this as long as I did!

Continuing to demonstrate my total lack of self-control, here is another new project (yea, but , this one is small and quick). I joined the Mystery SAL organized by Carol over at iStitch. Her designs are just great - elegant and simple - so very charming! My piece is done on 40 ct. Vintage Luna by Lakeside Linens using Belle Soie Creme de Menthe. When done, this piece will fit on a small box from Hobby Lobby. My box is on order - I'm planning the finishing technique for it. I used to do a bit of faux finishing - I may still have some sponges lying around - so I may do something interesting with it.

And, last but not least, two finished ornaments. I have lost track and am to lazy to look back at my stitching to see if these are July and August or August and September ornaments. At any rate, they are from the ornament preview issue of JCS. The first one is Two Years Worth of Calling Birds - I was intrigued by the name. I used the recommended fibers and linen.

And this one is Peace On Earth by MBT designs. I used the recommended fibers on a piece of 40 ct Antique White Newcastle linen.

I am really looking forward to the JCS Halloween special and the ornament special and the new Blackbird Designs book - as if I don't have enough to stitch!!!!

We have finally had some rain - yea! Now, I need to go out and do some tidying up in the yard (aka the deer dining hall).

Until next time, Margaret

Still stitching along

2011-07-17T15:52:00.006-04:00

Looks like Blogger is up to its old tricks - forcing my pictures to be sideways. I do not understand why this is happening. I take all of my pictures with the camera in the same orientation; so I don't understand why some are rotated and others are not. To begin, here is Part 4 of Purple Garden, a SAL with the Sticklounge Group

And, here is SAL Romantique, Parts 12 and 13. I liked this photo - showing KittyC's imitation of Vanna.

And now to my ornaments: Here is Another Sampler Christmas by Milady's Needle. I used the charted silks and a piece of Antique white Edinburgh linen. I think this is my June ornament...

This is a freebie - Holly and Ivy (I think) by Laura Perin Designs - I did not write down the fibers I used. However, the finishing drove me crazy - the canvas went wonky and I could not straighten it back out. It was relaxing to stitch; so I think I will hire a professional to finish the next one of these I stitch. I believe this is my May ornament....

And for July - here is a freebie from Samplerbird Stitchery. I did not record the fibers or beads I used. I stitched the chenille around the piece - then I saw some tutorials that call for gluing the chenille rather than sewing it. I think that would look better - I have some good acid free glues in my stamping stuff, so I think I will try that next time.

Returning to the sideways pics, this piece is by Plum Street Samplers from the 2010 JCS ornament issue. I used the recommended fibers and some mystery linen. I actually stitched this a while ago; but only finished it recently. I love to read Paulette Stewart's blog - it is always so upbeat -that I have started to collect some of her charts.

I also am plugging away at I Sigh Not for Beauty - I will try to update that next time.

There has been a little rain over the last week or so, so the yard is not absolutely parched - the crepe myrtles are in full bloom - they relish the heat and humidity. My graveyard lilies (Crinum) and hardy hibiscus are putting on a show also. I stopped by Lowe's today, and a crepe myrtlette jumped in my buggy before I checked out - I need to go and plant it - near our almost finished fish pond.

Till next time, happy stitching! Margaret

Back to stitching - too hot to garden!

2011-06-12T18:06:00.003-04:00

Here is part 3 of Purple Garden, a project with the Sticklounge Group. These are my "safe" colors - redish purple and sagey green. I invariably am drawn to these colors - so why fight it?

And this is another project by Angie Designer (can you tell I love her designs??). She is leading a SAL for this Sampler Romantique. This shows the project through Part 12 - it's a beauty!

And, speaking of beauties, here is Margaret Brown by Milady's Needle. I am stitching on 28 ct and using the recommended AVAS threads - to recreate the original sampler. I love the faded palette of the other version of this piece, but decided to go bold (for me). This is my traveling piece. The end is in sight on this one.

Well, I guess it is back to stitching for me - it is too hot to be out in the yard! You would think that someone who grew up in Mississippi (and worked as a lifeguard for three summers) would not mind the heat. Is this another thing they don't tell you about getting old? That you lose your tolderance for heat and cold? (I never really had a tolerance for cold, anyway). Sad part of it is that my flowers are not all mulched yet - so some look just awful. I have spread 6 yards of mulch thus far. I estimate that I need to spread about 20 more yards - I slacked off for the last two years - because of a leg fracture one year and pneumonia the year before that. I am determined to catch up this year!

I have beautiful lilies blooming. My favorite are my tiger babies (peachy pink cross between tiger lilies and asiatics). I get to enjoy the ones that the venison-on-hoof have not devoured. My daylilies are starting to bloom; and with them my hydrangeas are providing a much needed dose of purple!

If you're still with me, thanks! Happy stitching! Margaret

Wow! Almost 100 posts!

2011-05-15T11:59:00.002-04:00

I just noticed that I am almost to 100 posts. I will celebrate by offering a giveaway - I have been cleaning out stash lately, and have a box of good stuff and not-so-good stuff - so I think it's time to send the good stuff to a loving home! So stay tuned for details...

In the meantime, here is part 2 of Purple Garden by Angie, which is a current SAL with the Sticklounge Group. I love the clean lines and the combination of "blackwork" with a few Quaker elements thrown in. Most stitchers are working on Part 4 now, so I am a little bit behind (no surprise, there!)

Spring is finally here in Maryland. Last night my son played his spring concert with the Peabody Youth Orchestra in Baltimore - one of their finest performances to date. I am not very knowledgeable about classical music, but I know what I like, and I certainly enjoyed their performance. Tonight he is playing in the orchestra for the Baltimore Cappies, the award ceremony for high school plays/musicals. My son's school is small, but they do a swell job in the drama department - so we are keeping our fingers crossed for some recognition.

Sadly, the poor neglected yard has to stay that way for another week -maybe next weekend it will get some attention. I'm sure the neighbors (with perfect yards) will be relieved.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Update!

2011-05-08T10:33:00.002-04:00

I'm so far behind, I hardly know where to begin with this update. Here goes: this is a picture of Part 7 and 8 of SAL Romantique. This piece is fabulous - but each section takes a lot of time -it's very relaxing, but takes time nonetheless.

These are my March and April ornaments that are finished-finished. The flat finish is a Spot Sampler by Catherine Theron and the other is Christmas, a sampler designed by Sandra Sullivan of Homespun Elegance.

I attended Celebrations in Nashua, New Hampshire last month. I spent some time with my dear stitching buddy, Carol S. I also met Marie, who I knew previously through exchanges. I took some classes, which were very enjoyable (and a great way to acquire more projects). I met Theresa Venette of Shakespeare's Peddler. I am a big fan of her reproduction samplers. She is a super lady - very friendly and down to earth.

I also shared a table at the fun Saturday night charity event with some great stitching ladies, some I had met before and some new friends.

Pam and Donna are having a show in St. Charles MO this year - I would love to go - I am waiting to see if they will be offering new classes or just repeats from New Hampshire.

While I was away from home, some less than happy events were going on - DH and DS had to put down our Labrador - he had made it 13 years and 3 days - but he had just recently lost his appetite and was really struggling with his hind quarters, so it was time. Also, DS and his team lost in the state National History Day competition - I am very proud of them for winning the county competition, which was pretty stiff; but still we are all disappointed. And to top it all off, the tornadoes ripped through the areas near where I grew up and went to college - so I was glued to the news broadcasts for information about my hometown - fortunately, that area escaped significant damage. My heart goes out to the people of the southeast who lost loved ones and cherished possessions - family mementos are very important to Southereners.

On a cherrier note, we spent yesterday in Annapolis. DS's orchestra played a concert at Maryland Hall in the afternoon. We had to take him over there in the morning, so while he was rehearsing, we explored the waterfront and had a great lunch. Annapolis is a charming city - it would be a great place to go for a weekend getaway. I love the historic buildings. The daughter of some friends attends the Naval Academy; and she and two of her friends attended the concert - it was great to see them, and I think DS was especially pleased.

The sun is shining today! The weeds are loving our weather pattern, and are threatening to take over! My peonies are starting to show color; and I am battling the deer over my hostas and lilies. DS has a soccer game this afternoon - I love watching the boys play soccer, even though they do a fair amount of shoving and tripping at this level of play!

I suppose I have rambled enough. Hope everyone has a great day!

- Margaret

Sunday update

2011-03-27T17:11:00.003-04:00

Get ready to tilt again, just like last week - looks like Blogger is turning my photos around again. That is so weird! So please take my word for it, this piece is going to be gorgeous. There are a lot of stitches on this piece - I started this on March 10 and just finished it Friday. But it is gorgeous!

This weekend I have been working on my March ornament - I chose one that is pretty involved - I even had to put it on Q-snaps because the specialty stitches don't lay right otherwise. I'll complete this post now and go work on it some more.

Well, spring did not last long in Maryland - it was snowing this morning when I walked the dog - he loves it. I would love it too if I had a black fur coat!!!

Happy stitching! Margaret

Get ready to tilt your head!

2011-03-20T19:22:00.003-04:00

Now, why is Blogger being so contrary today? Once again, it simply refuses to import my pictures the way they are saved on my computer. Okay, I give up - I need to get an update done!

Here is my latest progress on I Sigh Not. This is one of those projects that is difficult to put aside once I get started working on it.

Here is an upside-down introduction to Purple Garden. You are actually seeing the lower right hand side of the project. It was designed by Angie Designer, and I am doing it with the Sticklounge group. The designer led a SAL for this project a year or so ago, but I missed it, so I jumped at the chance to do it with the Sticklounge. I am using a piece of linen that was labeled 32 ct. Flax - I guess it could be correct. I am using various shades of HDF Ultramaroon, Earth Stars, and Alluvium. I like the combo of cross stitch and blackwork. Fun piece.

And, fortunately right side up, is the completed Quaker Star, also done with the Sticklounge Group. It now goes into the pile of samplers that need to be framed - I may get ambitious and try to frame it myself - save a few $$$$ that way.

Well, spring is on its way to Maryland - I have worked in the yard yesterday and today - cutting back old stalks and generally tidying up my flower beds, emptying pots, and spraying Round Up on the pesky spring dandelions and such. My earliest daffodils are blooming - they are adorable, only 4 inches tall. Sadly, they are not fragrant. Will have to wait for the fragrant narcissi.

I am on holiday this week - last Friday we sent my son off to China with his Chinese teacher and three other students. They are touring four cities and returning next Sunday. This is their spring break week; and we don't have to be taxi service this week -YEA!!!! Next update I'll have flower pictures - can't wait.

Well, Happy stitching everyone, Margaret

Awaiting winter's return

2011-02-21T15:34:00.005-05:00

I have not been stitching much - rather I have been spending my time cruising the yard- looking for green shoots of daffodils pushing their noses out - all other green things get eaten by the herd of venison-on-hoof that have invaded my yard. I even washed my car by hand on Friday. So, you can imagine my surprise when I heard the weather forecast this morning - 1 - 2 inches of snow/sleet tonight. Well the surprise has turned to alarm when I heard an update - now they're predicting 3 - 5 inches!!! Seriously?????

I do have some updates:

Here is my latest start. This is "I Sigh Not", a sampler that was published in Sampler and Antique Needlework. I am using the recommended fabric and Hand-Dyed Fibers premium silk. I am loving this project!
And here is my February ornament: "Cardinal Winter" by LHN. I used mystery silks for the DMC, and I used the recommended fabric and Crescent Colors. I changed the word from "

Tweet" to "Joy". Tweet reminded me too much of Twitter....

I really hate to hear the weather forecast- my son's high school musical is next weekend, and they are rehearsing every day this week - if we get snow, that will really crimp their rehearsing. I'm sure the show will be fabulous anyway - it always is. My son plays in the orchestra - so no memorization or costumes.

Till next time - happy stitching! Margaret

Sideways pictures are better than no pictures!

2011-02-13T18:49:00.005-05:00

Okay, so I am having issues with blogspot right now. These pictures look absolutely correct in Picasa, but when I import them to blogger they end up sideways - I'm tired of fighting with it - so I hope you can use your imagination about how great they'd look if they were right side up and enjoy the pictures anyway. This is part 8 of Quaker Star with the Sticklounge group. Only one part to go now.

And this poor little sideways ornament is this year's Valentine small. Well it's a relief that I finished this in time to enjoy it on Valentine's Day - this piece is Braveheart by Wyrdbyrd Designs. There are some great free blackwork designs on the site. I stitched it in a HDF mystery skein on mystery linen. It was a quick, fun stitch. But then it came time for the dreaded finishing. For some reason it turned out wonky - so I was debating (for several days) redoing it or just throwing it out - but then I decided to add a braided trim, which made it be okay. - I am determined to master this finishing business!!!!

I notice that Celebrations of Needlework has started posting pics of the classes they are offering this year - YEA!

Happy stitching, everybody1

Icy and Snowy in Maryland

2011-01-18T15:54:00.003-05:00

Two posts in two days - can you tell it is snowy and icy in Maryland and this transplanted Southerner is staying at home!!!! and stitching!!!!

First up, here are Parts 1 and 2 of the Romantique SAL, offered by Angie Designer. She is very talented and generous to offer beautiful projects for free. For this SAL, you have to show a picture of each part before you get another one. For this piece, I am using HDF in White Chocolate and various Enchanter Rose shades. The fabric is an unlabeled piece of 32 ct linen - it may be raw or dirty or natural???? At any rate, it looks like an old lace sampler - can't wait for the next part.

And here is my finished January ornament - this is The Red Noel Ornament by Maryse Dupont of Les grilles de Maryse from the November 2008 TGOSM. I stitched it a while ago; but I am counting it for this month since this is when I finish-finished it.

I love doing an ornament a month - it was such fun to have them to put on my tree this year. I signed up for this challenge again this year....

Well, I need to put DS to work walking the dog, and shoveling the walk.

Happy stitching! Margaret

New Year, New Stitching!

2011-01-16T14:10:00.004-05:00

My holidays went by in a blur - I had every intention of taking photos of my holiday stitching, and keeping this blog updated; but we all know what they say about good intentions....

So, with the new year, I have tried to become more focused. After neglecting this project for weeks (months?) I finally completed Part 7 of Quaker Star. Only two parts to go! I had not really planned to sign up for any more big projects with the Sticklounge Group, but then Angie Designer's Purple Garden was selected for an upcoming project - I have long admired this project, so I wasted no time in signing up. And no, I didn't stop there - another upcoming project is an old European Sampler - so I signed up for that as well. The Sticklounge group is a great one!

These next photos are of a Blue Ribbon Box, designed by Patrick's Woods. I know you can't tell much from my photography, but these pieces will become a scissor fob, needlebook, mattress style pincushion, and pockets in a wooden box. This will all come together in a class I am taking at A Gathering of Embroiderers in Williamsburg next month. The project is gorgeous, and most of it is stitched over one. I love the look of over one stitching; but I don't do it very often, and so I am slow and my tension is not very good. Still, the project is gorgeous!

I still have more work to do, but it is coming along!

I joined the Up for a Challenge for 2011. In this group, the challenge is to finish fifteen WIPS in 2011. I made a list of my favorite 15 projects - I included some WIPs and some new projects. I wonder how long it will be before I revise my list?????

Not a lot of other stuff going on - my son's ice hockey team is having a good year so far; and only a few of the players graduate this year - so the team should be strong next year as well. I can't say the same for my football teams - last weekend was awful - I always cheer for the Saints; and have since I was little - so I am already looking forward to next year. At least my alma mater, Mississippi State, did well last year.

Well, that's all for now. I am working on the Romantique Sampler by Angie Designer. I will post pics when I get enough done. I also need to work on my ornament for January.

Happy stitching, everyone!

More Oldies Done!!!!

2010-12-05T11:51:00.003-05:00

Before I get to the "oldies" that I have (finally) finished, I need to show an update on Quaker Star - I have finished Part 6 - only three parts to go. I'm not really happy with the rose - the color is blotchy and it stands out too much. However, a later part has a daffodil that I want to stitch in a yellow/cream variegated thread, which will also stand out. After I see how that looks, I will pull out the soft mauve from the basket of flowers and replace it with a brighter color - so that the piece will be balanced.

And now - on to the oldies:

This is a piece I started in 2005 - it was one of the first freebie patterns I downloaded from the Internet. It is stitched using a variety of silk thread remnants on a piece of Silkweaver's Precious Metals Lugana - these colors just sing to me. Before the designer took it down, the pattern could be found here: Jardin a Decourvir

And here is a set of smalls that I picked up at Celebrations of Needlework several years ago - the model in the first picture is one of my stitching companions - she usually sits on the back of my chair (ready to dive under the chair or hassock if a strange person or noise appears!) This is called FanFleurs by Barbara Jackson of Tristan Books. The scissor fob matches my flowered Ginghers perfectly. Sadly, I no longer know the names of my patterned Ginghers.

On a brighter note, this set came out fairly nice. Maybe I'm getting the hang of finishing things. Now I just need a curio cabinet to display the items, safely out of reach of my stitching companions (cats) and the ever present dust!

I need to start some Christmas decorations - but I'd rather be stitching - maybe I have time for a little of both?????

Happy stitching! Margaret

It's Two Beauties!!!

2010-11-21T15:13:00.005-05:00

Here is my November ornament, and it's not even the end of the month yet - I'm trying to be some over-achiever here (NOT). This is a Floral Gift by Blackbird Designs from the JCS 2010 Christmas Ornament issue. I used the Belle Soie silk as listed and a piece of scrap 32 ct. Lakeside linen. I am a huge Blackbird Designs fan - in general, I am not drawn to primitive or quirky pieces - but Blackbird Designs is one of my faves.

This small piece was my first experience with Belle Soie, and it stitches like a dream - just enough color variation to be interesting; but there is no huge color variation where one row is adjacent to another. I immediately had to fire off an order for more Belle Soie - I ordered some for the sampler "I Sigh Not...." by C Street Samplerworks, and my LNS doesn't have the colors I want.

I finally finished The Wayward Garden by Cynthia Zittel. It is a beauty!!!! I love the colors and the graceful flowers. I wish you could see how pretty it is - my photo is just awful, but I don't want to take the time to learn to take good pictures. This one shows the colors pretty well, but it doesn't show the top border very well :-)

I need to pick another piece for orchestra rehearsal - it needs to be an easy project on 28 or 32 count. I will go stash diving, or I may be good and select a sadly neglected WIP....

I signed up for A Gathering of Embroiderers in Williamsburg in February. I've never attended this function and have never been to Williamsburg - I can't wait!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all in the US - Margaret

Smalls!

2010-10-29T19:10:00.002-04:00

Here is the great exchange I received from Chris

in the Halloween exchange on the Hooked on Exchanging blog. This pinkeep is just perfectly made and I adore the pattern. In fact I was getting ready to stitch that for myself, but I hadn't started yet, so my package arrived just in the nick of time. I am thrilled by this exchange!!!

And, from the oldies basket, I finished Just Nan's Snow! from the "In the Tin" series. I use the term finish very loosely - I like the way the top of the tin turned out; but the mitten shaped needle book gave me fits. I had worked the linen so much that it was beginning to fray badly, so I had to just call it quits and stitch it down. I am not a fan of the soft loose linens, anyway. I stitch in hand, and it is difficult to maintain the right tension when the linen has a lot of "give".

And here is my October ornament - this is Country Star by Elizabeth's designs using the recommended linen and fibers. I finished it as a flat fold, and I love it - the picture does not do it justice.

It has been a gorgeous fall here in Maryland. Yesterday we traveled to Annapolis for my son's soccer game - the trees were just beautiful! I can only imagine how pretty it is in New England when the trees turn. Annapolis is a charming town - lots of historic buildings, pedestrian malls, shops, restaurants, and of course the Capitol and the Naval Academy.

So that's pretty much it for today; except for my political plug - Be sure and go vote! If you don't, you hardly have room to complain!

Happy stitching, Margaret

Monthly Update

2010-10-13T16:35:00.005-04:00

Gee, I thought I was in the habit of updating weekly - but it's been more like a month since I have posted any pics. So here goes big update:

First up is Part 5 of Quaker Star with the Sticklounge group. I just love this project. The blue I selected is certainly non-traditional, but it makes me very happy. And no, I am not trying to get fancy with my photography - this is just how this picture came out!!!!

And now I'm presenting Wayward Garden by Cynthia Zittel (the Drawn Thread). She is one of my favorite designers. I have had this project kitted up since it was first published. It is stitching up like a dream! Plus it is in keeping with my projects with a "garden" theme.

And here is a finish - this was a Noel Banner SAL by a very talented and generous designer - Angie.
Despite the language barrier, she was very nice in including me in her SAL group.

And here is my September ornament - this is 'Tis Green from the JCS Christmas Ornament preview issue. I used the recommended fibers with linen from my scraps. This is one of the few patterns that I am seriously considering stitching several times more in separate colorways - can't you just see purple, green and gold for Mardi Gras?

I was thinking that my finishing skills were improving - but then I visited my LNS, the Stitching Post in Catonsville, MD, and saw some of the professionally finished projects - what a difference! But, so expensive! I intended to just go there and drop off two pieces to be framed - YEA, right - I walked out of there with a ton of stuff! I think I'm better off just ordering from my other ONS/LNS, Needlecraft Corner in Baltimore.

And from the oldie bag - I finally finished this box lid. I started this project in 1997. The designer is Amaryllis Artworks. Back then, the use of silks and overdyes was new to me; and I was soooooo nervous about messing it up and wasting my thread.

I also completed an exchange for the Hooked on Exchanging Halloween exchange. I am getting nervous because I mailed it on October 2; and I haven't heard from the recipient yet. Please, Mr. Postman, don't let us down!

That's all for now. Happy stitching, Margaret

Two posts in a row!!!

2010-09-06T14:42:00.005-04:00

This is Quaker Star Part 4 - I'm still uncertain about the addition of color to the flowers, stems and leaves - it makes the piece very "busy" - but I don't want to unstitch any of it, so I will leave it as is. The center medallion is a unicorn; which I am not too crazy about - I may substitute a swan motif if I can find one the right size.

I signed up to stitch a blackwork project with the Sticklounge group; but Halloween stitching is calling my name, so I may stitch a small Halloween project instead.

I also have stitched a little bit on the Drawn Thread's Wayward Garden - I will post a pic in the near future.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Joyeux Noel SAL and August Ornie

2010-09-05T16:00:00.003-04:00

Here is my ornament for August - Red House in Winter. It is one of the All Dolled Up ornament series by Little House Needleworks. I used the recommended fiber for the house and the recommended linen. After that I was tired of fighting the knotty thread and stiff linen; so I stitched the rest of it in HDF premium silk. What a relief!

Here is the first part of a new SAL that I joined - it is titled Joyeux Noël Bannière by Angie Designer . I have been admiring her projects and this is the first one I've signed up for. I am using a piece of Light Cappucino Cashel linen and HDF Premium silk in the Enchanter Rose, Luteous Green, and Oil of Amber series. This piece has a lot of specialty stitches, which I love.

During the last two weeks, we have been on vacation. We traveled to Moscow, Russia. We hit many of the "tourist spots" - the Kremlin, Red Square, Pushkin Museum, Gum, etc. The language barrier was a struggle; but we found many restaurants that had menus in English, and many of the younger generation of Russians could speak English (certainly their command of English is much stronger than my command of Russian). I have been struggling with an awful head cold since we returned. In fact, I missed two days of work because I just could not function. I will post some pictures from vacation once I start feeling better.

LA left a comment on a previous post, asking about the Sticklounge group on Yahoo. The address of the group is Sticklounge; and the e-mail address is Sticklounge@yahoogroups.de. I need to get stitching on my Quaker Star - I think the next part comes out soon.

I hope everyone in the States has a relaxing Labor Day!

- Margaret

Topiary Garden Finished!

2010-08-15T08:28:00.002-04:00

Here's a lousy photo of a beautiful project. This was a Mysterie with the Sticklounge group - later I found out its real name: Topiary Garden by Debbie Draper. This pattern is so much fun to stitch, I may stitch it again in a bright color. I need to sort through my stuff to see if I have more Debbie Draper charts - I love the monochromes!

I think I selected my next project - The Wayward Garden by the Drawn Thread. I found the chart, fabric, and silks all packaged together, so maybe it was meant to be???? On the other hand, I also found numerous Indigo Rose projects kitted up also - decisions, decisions!

Happy stitching, everyone!

Moonstone Garden Finish

2010-08-14T16:11:00.002-04:00

I'm delighted - I finally finished Chatelaine's Moonstone Garden. I used mostly recommended fibers, but substituted HDF silk for the DMC. I have always loved the mandalas that Chatelaine designs - I have quite a few kitted up, but have never finished a big project. This is only a small mandala - but it has a great combination of colors and specialty stitches and beads - all the things I love.

Best of all, I now have an empty project bag - so I'm off to pick a project to fill it up again.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Part 3 of Mysterie; Part 3 of Quaker Star and July Ornie

2010-08-02T18:57:00.003-04:00

Here is an update on Quaker Star. This shows progress through Part 3.

This is Debbie Draper's Mysterie, completed through Part 3. It is gorgeous in real life - the green is so rich looking. Both of these projects are from the Sticklounge group.

Here is my July ornament. This is the newest LHN All Dolled Up pattern - Peppermint. I used the recommended fibers, except the white is HDF Premium white - I could only fight with the stiff linen and the knotty cotton floss for so long - I threw in the towel, and started using silk. If only I could have switched to Lakeside Linen also, this project would be so much better (I am soooo spoiled.) This is my first attempt at finishing a flat ornament - I think a little practice is in order.

I have not been doing much stitching, but have resumed my stamping - taking classes and collecting stash - very little real crafting going on, but it's fun anyway.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Another new project

2010-07-15T17:56:00.003-04:00

I tell you, I absolutely have no will power when it comes to new projects! This is a new Mysterie by Debbie Draper for the German Yahoo group, now called Sticklounge. This is a very small piece - so I should be able to turn it out quickly, right? I am using HDF Imperalosity and some scrap linen - I am guessing that it is Light Mocha Cashel. It is a very elegant piece in real life.

Not much other news - we have had some cooler temps, and even some rain!!!! The yard is turning green again - so DS will have to resume mowing. It is not a trivial thing - we mow about 3 acres - so it takes him a while to get it done.

Well, back to my internet surfing. happy stitching, everybody!

Holiday Weekends!

2010-07-05T17:55:00.002-04:00

Here is my May ornament finished and posted late. It is Sampler Tree 1, by JBW Designs. This is stitched with the recommended fibers on a piece of scrap linen. I am late with it because I had trouble finding the angel charm for the top of the tree and the spangles for the candle flames. The designer, Judy Whitman, fortunately had a kit for finishing, even though this chart is five or six years old. She is a very nice person - makes me want to stitch more of her designs. I do like her pieces because they are very elegant. At first glance, they look very simple; but once you examine them closer, you see additional details.

Here is the second part of Quaker Star that I am stitching with the Marquoir Group. I decided to make one of the flowers and its stem stand out by stitching them in a different color. Do you like the effect? There are three more flowers that are surrounded by a frame - should I make them all the same color, or vary the color? Decisions, decisions...

We had a fabulous Fourth of July. We retrieved DS from band camp on Saturday, and they put on great concert for the parents to conclude the camp. We had some friends over on the actual holiday. We had barbeque, of course. We were out in our backyard late, and someone in the area was putting on a fabulous fire work show (professional grade). We walked to the top of our hill, and got to see a wonderful show, without fighting the crowds. Doesn't get any better than that.

It is still hot and dry in Maryland. My poor garden is sad! Please do a rain dance for me! I've been doing some watering but a lot of plants are just going to have to go dormant. My graveyard lilies are finally blooming - their botanical name is crinum. You find them in the South in old graveyards, where someone planted them by a headstone to commemorate a loved one.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Endings and Beginnings

2010-06-27T11:15:00.003-04:00

I have finally finished a project that I started long ago: Abécédaires by Gazette94. I stitched this on a piece of 32 ct. Purely Primitive by Silkweavers. I used HDF Indigo Ocean and Deep Ocean. I love, love, love Indigo Ocean - the blues and greens are just beautiful. I stitched this during my son's horn lessons - at 45 minutes a week, this project took a looooong time! Finishing it is rather bittersweet - I will miss it! But, it is going to the top of the framing pile that I will tackle after I win the lottery!!! LOL!

And to take its place in my "travel bag" is Quaker Star, a new piece with the German Marquoir group. I am using HDF Velvet Masquerade on a piece of 32 ct. Lentil by Lakeside linens.

We take my son to band camp later today - it is a week long residential camp. He has gone for three years, and he really enjoys it. They will put on a concert next Saturday - the concerts are always very good.

Very hot and dry here - very tempting to do absolutely nothing!!!!

Until next time, happy stitching! Margaret

June ornament, GGM 13 and Quakerchen 4

2010-06-13T18:20:00.006-04:00

Here is the lovely GGM sampler. Only one part left to stitch now. I plan to get this framed as soon as I finish it - I love its elegant simplicity.

Here is the latest view of Quakerchen that I am stitching with the Marquior stitching group. This is a fun little piece - I think there are three more parts, so it will be a tiny piece when done.

This is my June ornament. It is Joyful Blessings by Blue Ribbon Designs published in the August 08 JCS magazine. I used the charted fibers and a piece of scrap white linen - by the time I recognized it was 28 ct. and would result in a huge ornament, I had already stitched most of the over one alphabet - so I just finished with the big fabric.

I know that I have not yet finished by May ornament - it calls for embellishments that I had trouble locating. It is a JBW design. Finally I wrote to Judy Whitman, the designer, for advice. She has the needed embellishments and I ordered them from here. She seems like a very nice person - I'd love to meet her in person. So, I hope to finish that ornie soon, and will post a pic.

Well, my yard work has come to a screeching halt. A hot sultry summer has seized Maryland. It is just too hot to go out and work. Late in the day I go out and try to water my plant "stash" and hope to keep it alive until relief arrives.

I have spent this weekend at a soccer tournament in the Maryland soccer plex. DS is playing as a guest player on a team - they put DS in as goalie - which causes great anxiety in the parental ranks. The team is learning to play together - today they won their game 1 - 0. YEA!!!!

Well, all for now. Happy stitching, everyone!

No time to stitch!

2010-06-01T16:33:00.002-04:00

I have had very little time to stitch - too much that I need to do in the yard! Not to mention carting around a fifteen year old with a busy schedule - soccer, French horn performances, and socials....We spent the weekend at a soccer tournament in Gettysburg, PA - lovely area; and I was lucky enough to get to see one of my dearest friends from South Carolina that I hadn't seen in years - she happened to be nearby; and came and rescued us from the soccer fields for a wonderful lunch and shopping. High school is now out for the summer - we have one orchestra audition; one recital, and one more spring soccer game - and then a long, lazy summer to enjoy.

Nevertheless, I have been stitching a little on the German Group Mystery - only three more parts to go now. I love this piece and will miss it when I complete it.

The other photo is a little piece called Quakerchen with the Marquior group. It is small enough that I might actually finish it someday. I will look up the details - designer, threads used, etc. for the next time I post.

I was doing very well on my Christmas Ornament challenge; but now I have hit a stone wall. I stitched one of the old JBW Sweet Nothings Sampler Trees - but it calls for pailettes (sequins). I need 4 mm gold ones - I can find places to buy them online, but I have to buy several hundred and the shipping is outrageous!!! I haven't decided what to do about this yet - but because of this dilemna, my May ornament will be late - Grrrrrrr!

Warning - here is my soapbox statement: Quit worrying about whose fault it is and who's going to pay for the Gulf cleanup! Just focus on stopping the leak and cleaning up! Then focus on what went wrong and how to prevent it from ever happening again! Make sure it can't happen to the other wells that are operating in the region. There is plenty of time for blame; and I'm sure the cost is going to be high enough that the well owner/operator and the taxpayers will get to shell out plenty of money to clean this up. Then if we are all not completely exhausted, we can start blaming each other in earnest. OK, this is supposed to be my stitching blog; with a little gardening and the boy wonder thrown in; so I will get off my soapbox now.

Well, summer hit Maryland this weekend - we can bid spring an abrupt adieu. We are having thunderstorms today, and it is hot as blue blazes out there. Nice day for stitching!

All for now, Margaret

Update at last!

2010-05-13T17:26:00.003-04:00

Finally here is a long overdue update. This is Part 11 of the GGM Mystery sampler - coming right along.

And this is Part 1 of Quakerchen - it is stitched with LL Dragon Toes on Maritime White. The picture is washed-out, but some things just can't be helped. This is one of four or five new projects I have going.

I attended Celebrations of Needlework earlier this month - and had a blast of course. I will post an update on my projects from that event sometime soon.

Meanwhile, I am trying to catch up on my yard work - the peonies, bearded irises, Siberian irises, and baptisia are putting on quite a show right now.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Seba Blackwork Project Completed!

2010-04-18T09:22:00.002-04:00

I put the last stitches in the Seba Blackwork SAL yesterday during my son's orchestra rehearsal. The last piece was the border; and I put if off because I thought it would be tedious. As it turned out, it went very quickly, and I can add something else to my "to be framed" pile.
Now, I will treat myself to a new quick project - I only have to decide which one of the "thousands" that are screaming for attention. It will have to be a quick thing because I will be going to Celebrations at the end of the month - and so will start several new class pieces.

I haven't been stitching very much this week - DH and I have flung over 8 yards of shredded bark mulch so far this spring. I still have three large areas to mulch - one is a sadly neglected bed that is weedy, and that I need to reclaim from the deer, so that one will be a lot of work. I also have to bring some order to the planting area by the pool - it is rampantly overgrown with deer delicacies - roses, lilies, hibiscus, redbud trees, and such.

We are off to the soccer field in a little bit - but will have to dress warmly. This morning it was 40 degrees when I walked the dog.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Updates

2010-04-11T09:58:00.002-04:00

Here is a long overdue update - when I was snowed in, I had plenty of time to update my blog; but now that spring is sprung, I don't want to take the time - LOL. First up is Part 10 of the German Group Mystery sampler. This piece is lovely. When I started it, it was Christmas time, and the red, green and gold color scheme looked very "Christassy". But now, the piece looks like it will fit in perfectly into my house, which is mostly green and cream colors.

I am also still plugging away at the Seba Blackwork mystery. All that is left to do is the borders; but they are not great fun. So, I am trying to do at least two motifs a day until I get this done. This is an awful picture, but you get the idea.

And lastly, here is my April ornie. The chart is from the Needlebook Tree by Follow the Leader Designs, TGOSM December 2007. I used HDF BeFrogged and mystery linen. I finished it as a pillow ornament. I am not at all happy with the finishing; and I would redo it; but I am afraid I would tear up the piece if I took it apart. I think I am too impatient to take the time to do a nice finishing job.

Spring is finally here - YEA! My daffodils are about done - we have had unseasonably warm weather. The asparagus is yielding like mad, and I noticed the first of my miniature tall bearded irises (how is that for a plant name?) are blooming. They bloom between the iris reticulata and the dutch iris. The iris season then continues with the tall bearded, then the Siberians, the Japanese and then my faves: the Louisianas.

Usually my favorite flower is what is blooming now; but my all time favorite is blooming now - my camellias. I live in the northern border of their hardiness range; but our 3 feet of snow this winter did not seem to bother them too much. This year I will take more garden pics and post here.

Have to go and get ready for DS's opening soccer game today. He is on two soccer teams and the golf team at school. He is headed into concert season for the orchestra - a performance at school on Tuesday and then his Peabody Youth Orchestra concert in May. Plus, he has started doing volunteer work at the Recreational and Therapeutic riding center near us. He is helping with the horses for now. I am hoping this gives him something to do this summer. Looks like my travel stitching projects will see some action in the next couple of months!

Thanks for leaving me comments - I am a hardened lurker; but I do enjoy reading everyone's entries and admiring their projects.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Many Projects Update

2010-03-14T16:23:00.005-04:00

Well, I have been stitching, but not blogging. Our snow is finally gone (yea) and my daffodils are about three inches high. The sad part is that I fell and fractured my leg, so no gardening for me for the next few weeks. I suppose an optimist would simply be glad of the extra stitching time, no?

Here's my latest start - I want a series of "Scottish" reproduction samplers - primarily red and green. To get that series started, here is Ann Taylor by Heartstring Primitives. I am using 32 ct. Days Gone By from Silkweavers and premium HDF floss in Pennyworts, Everlasting, and Dried Roses. I am just picking colors as I go.

Next is Part 8 of the German Group Mystery Sampler:

An update on Moonstone Garden:

And here is Part 8 of Seba Designs Blackwork Mystery SAL:

Then, in my never ending quest to find a finishing technique that I am actually good at, here is the Mystery zigougou Noel from Hohla (http://saolya.blogspot.com). There are many great SAL's on her site. Go check it out if you have never been there. My project was done with opalescent white Belfast and HDf fibers - Yonder Skies and Befrogged. The ornie has a lot of Krenik braid on it, also. Sadly my photo doesn't capture that very well.

Well, that's all for today.

Introducing Moonstone Garden

2010-02-21T16:23:00.004-05:00

Having to return to work after the snow days has drastically cut down on my stitching time! One of the topics on the cross stitch boards has been the idea of a Bucket List of projects. I started thinking about this, and the projects that would be on my list, but are not in my rotation, are the gorgeous mandala designs by Chatelaine (Martina Weber). To rectify that, I pulled out the mini mandala, Moonstone Garden, and have been stitching on it this week. I had some of the center done, but I have added much to it this week. I am using the called for threads, except I am substituting HDF silks for the DMC called for in the pattern.

I would be ashamed to admit how many Chatelaine projects that I have kitted up and languishing in a plastic tub - I now plan to work more on those projects.

Here also is the completed Part 8 of Graphic Sampler.

And, here is the completed Part 6 of the Seba Blackwork Mystery Project.

OK, back to Moonstone Garden!

Happy stitching everyone! Margaret

Valentine Heart and More Blackwork Mystery

2010-02-14T17:06:00.005-05:00

I found this freebie, fell in love with it and had to stitch it up last night. The chart can be found at Le Gernier de Zoe, along with many other great freebies. I used a piece of scrap linen, and HDF BeFrogged and Enchantress silk floss. My photo doesn't capture the colors very well - again, the result of my lack of photo skills. I feel like an overachiever this year - two hearts for one holiday!

And here is my Seba Designs Blackwork Mystery Part 5. This is a fun project - each installment is small enough that I can complete it in a day, and I like the sense of accomplishment from completing each part.

It is a beautiful day today, but sadly, they are predicting more snow for Maryland tomorrow. This doesn't put me in the mood to do anything but sit by the fire ( oh, I might also be tempted to take a peek at the previews for the Nashville show) !

Happy Valentines Day, Margaret

German Group Mystery and Graphic Sampler Mystery

2010-02-13T10:43:00.003-05:00

I am posting updates of two projects that I am stitching with the Marquoir Yahoo Group. the top photo is the Graphic Sampler, stitched through Part 7, courtesy of design Angela Czygann. I am stitching it in Brass Tacks 3455 and Plumage HDF premium silk on 32 ct. Maritime White Lakeside Linen. I wish the photo showed how beautiful the Plumage silk is - the blues, greens and turquoises are just gorgeous!

The second photo is the German Group Mystery, completed through part 8. This design is courtesy of Kelly Searles. I am stitching it in Crushed Berries, Kodiakerry, BeFrogged, and Old Maid of the Hive HDF premium silk on 32 ct. Maritime White Lakeside Linen. This piece is also fabulous! I made some changes to this part - it was designed without the letter "O", and missing letters drive me crazy unless it is a reproduction sampler, so I fiddled with the letters to fit it in. I did not unstitch any letters; but inserted the "O" and modified the "P-Q" so they would fit.

I went to work yesterday, but ended up working at a satellite location; but are still semi-house bound - many roads have only one lane open and the parking lots have huge snowpiles, so I will just stay home and feed the pellet stove. I am relieved that my outside cat has reappeared - the cat is wild, so I can't bring it in to the basement or anything. I put food outside for it - the crows and the foxes also indulge. I enjoy watching them.

I need to go and do some relaxing before my son's hockey game late this afternoon. I will need my energy to cheer the team on!!!!!

Happy stitching! Margaret

Valentine 2010

2010-02-11T09:00:00.003-05:00

Hi, this is the heart I stitched for Valentines 2010. This is a freebie from Aury. It stitched it with HDF regular - Zumaque, BeFrogged, and a D-Bag pink on Vikki's 35 ct. ecru linen. I love the design - but I think the pink is too pale; and my tension is too tight for this soft, loosely woven linen. Maybe I'm too critical of my own work. My long term plan is to collect a bunch of hearts to decorate my Norfolk Island pine for Valentine's day.

We had more snow yesterday - they cancelled the Winter Storm warning in favor of a Blizzard Warning. In Baltimore, only emergency vehicles were allowed on the streets; and in Montgomery County, the road crews had to stop clearing the snow because it was too dangerous. We are out of work for the fourth day. Now, I love to stay home and just putter (DH doesn't understand this); but I have been home since last Friday, and I am ready to get out and go somewhere! The concept of eating at a restaurant is immensely appealing.

Well, it's time to feed the pellet stove, pour a cup of coffee, and settle into my stitching chair!

Happy stitching, Margaret

More Blackwork Mystery progress

2010-02-08T12:16:00.002-05:00

Here is the completed Part 4 of Seba Design's Blackwork mystery. I stitched this last night during the Superbowl. I am a Saints fan (from way back when they were the "Aints"), so I was thrilled that they won. However, you can see some tight stitches that I put in while I was stressed when Peyton Manning was on the field! I was in school when Archie Manning was QB at the "other" university, so I have casually followed the careers of the three Manning sons in recent years. Peyton Manning is an amazing quarterback! However, the Saints figured out how to thwart the Colts in the second half - what a great game. Thank goodness the game and the halftime show were good, because I thought the commercials were TERRIBLE! I think I will give up Doritos and Budweiser products! What can Anheuser-Busch be thinking, when they have those adorable Clydesdales - and they only show them in one brief commercial????

Oh, how I would love to be in New Orleans this week - it is extra appealing when we have two feet of snow here in Maryland.

DH and DS ventured out today for groceries - however, they are having trouble finding a road leading to a grocery store that is passable. And they're predicting 5" more tomorrow. Think we'll get another snow day?

Happy stitching! Margaret

Enough snow already!!!

2010-02-07T13:25:00.003-05:00

We have had tons of snow (literally); and I have had plenty of time to stitch (how often do you get to say that?) Here is a fuzzy picture of a completed needlebook and scissor fob that coordinate with my Roberta scissors. The pattern is from Cross Stitch Happy. I started this project a long time ago. I pulled it out yesterday, and finished stitching and assembled it. The final product doesn't pass a close inspection; but I plan to actually use it. Sometime in the future, as my finishing improves, I will be able to look back at these smalls and see how far I've come (I'm ever the optimist)

And now, for some blizzard 2010 pictures:

I seldom show pictures other than stitching, but today I am including a few snow pictures. The top one is taken from my family room - yesterday we couldn't get out on the main floor, so DH and DS cleared a spot outside the basement doors for an improvised Labrador potty. They also cleared a "lounge area' for themselves! The poor old dog is so old, they had to carry him down the basement steps so he could go out. The second picture shows the new and improved dog place - late yesterday afternoon, they cleared an area outside the garage - no more hauling the dog up and down the steps.

The third picture shows the front of the house. We estimate that we received 2+ feet of snow - I am from the south, and I have never seen so much snow in my life. I read a book this winter entitled Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton - think it was an omen of things to come????- BTW, it was an entertaining book - light reading, a nice read for Christmas break!

Oh, and before I forget - tonight I will be cheering on the Saints; but no Superbowl parties here - no one can travel!

Well, that's all for now. Happy stitching, everyone! Margaret

February Ornament

2010-02-05T15:36:00.002-05:00

Hi! We are having a big snow storm, well, they're predicting a blizzard actually in central Maryland. In anticipation of the snow, almost all activities for the weekend have been cancelled. Being chicken about being out in the snow, I took the day off from work and stayed home today, and stitched my February ornament. Well, I started it yesterday, and finish-finished it today.

This is the Holly Ornament by the Sweetheart Tree from the 2009 JCS Ornament magazine. My friend Carol so kindly included the ruby cabochon heart in the Christmas box of goodies she sent me - that I just had to stitch this ornament. (Thanks again, Carol). I used a mix of threads and beads for this one. This is my first flat fold ornament, and it doesn't hold up to close scrutiny. I'm hoping the next one will be better, and not take quite as long.

Well, I'm back to watching the snow fall. It is just now turning cold enough for the snow to stick - I'm looking forward to waking to a winter wonderland tomorrow!

Happy stitching all, Margaret

More snow; and Blackwork Mystery Part 3

2010-02-03T10:20:00.003-05:00

I am still working on the Blackwork Mystery by Seba Designs. This is the completed Part 3. I love the purples, blues and greens in the silk thread. They are my favorite colors.

Last week I also started Ann Taylor, a sampler by Heartstring Primitives. There's not much to show, I am just working on the border outline - just to make sure everything lines up before I get too many stitches into the project.

I am also stitching on some projects with a German Marquior group - however, I am not sure whether it's okay to post pictures of the projects. So for now, I will hold off on posting photos.

We are having a snow day today in Maryland. School is closed for DS, and I am working from home for a few hours, and then just relaxing the rest of the day. No complaints from me!

This afternoon, I plan to begin my February Christmas ornament - I joined the ornament a month challenge, and am determined to succeed this year, after failing miserably last year!

Happy stitching everyone, Margaret

Blackwork Mystery, Part 2

2010-01-26T10:28:00.002-05:00

Here is the completed Part 2 of the SEBA Blackwork Mystery project. It is great fun - I can complete a section in an evening or two. I am stitching the borders around each square using a long-arm cross stitch aka rapid stitch - it goes quicker than regular cross stitches.

I am itching to start a new project - my thoughts keep going towards a reproduction Scottish sampler in reds and greens, or maybe an English band sampler - I think I will go dig through my stash to see what I can find.

Happy stitching, everyone.

Blackwork mystery and Appalachian Rose

2010-01-23T13:04:00.003-05:00

Hi! Here are some pictures of my new (one new, one resurrected) projects. The top photo is Appalachian Rose by Indigo Rose. This is a collection of smalls from a class I took at Celebrations last year (or the year before). The top piece is destined to become a tape measure holder and the bottom one will become a needleroll (well, in my dreams at least). The colors on these pieces are vibrant and lively - helps counteract the gray January days. The set has many pieces, including a lined box - Think my finishing skills are up to the task?

The bottom picture is a mystery blackwork design by Seba Designs. I'm using HDF premium midnight rainbow on some mystery fabric - it doesn't behave like linen - I'm wondering if it could be congress cloth????? I think this photo is twisted 90 degrees - I cannot figure out why the computer does this to me, especially when my resident consultants (DH and DS) are busy elsewhere.

I am still crazy about these mystery projects - I don't quite understand it. It's not as though I don't have enough projects that are all kitted up and screaming for my attention.

Well, that's all for today, happy stitching everybody! Margaret

Christmas Ornie, January 2010

2010-01-10T16:33:00.002-05:00

I have decided to do the Christmas Ornament challenge - I should be able to finish one ornament a month, right?

Well, I am off to a decent start. This is Silver and Blue by Nikki Leeman of Country Cottage Needleworks from the August 2008 issue of Just Cross Stitch. I used mostly the recommended fibers, but used DMC metallic perle rather than floss - note to self: avoid pieces with huge amounts of metallic floss. The linen is a mystery piece from my scrap drawer. After I photographed this, I realized that I really need to work on making the filling lie smoothly - the picture shows all the lumps.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Many Years Sampler

2010-01-09T13:21:00.003-05:00

Maybe I should call this the Many, Many Years Sampler. I finished this lovely piece over the winter holidays - I had a lot of stitching time (for me) and stitched half of this sampler in less than a month. This is the Many Years Sampler that was a freebie from Gudy several years ago. It is stitched on 32 ct. Navy Bean from Lakeside Linens with HDF premium floss in Old Maid of the Vineyard. This piece looks like something you would find in your grandmother's attic; and I just love it.

My drawer of stitched, but not finished projects is now bulging at the seams. I think I will tackle some framing myself. Or if I win the lottery, I will take some things to have them framed.

I hope everyone is having a great New Year so far!

Happy stitching! Margaret

More Christmas Ornaments and Sampler Bonheur

2009-12-19T15:18:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-06T18:20:00.004-05:00

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)

2009-11-29T14:31:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-22T14:09:00.006-05:00

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

2009-01-25T17:59:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-01-20T16:27:00.002-05:00

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

Ornaments!

2008-12-21T13:11:00.003-05:00

Here is a picture of the lovely angel that Carol stitched for my tree. She is so lovely - I had DH take this photo so that everyone else could see how charming this ornament is.

This is a snap of the ornaments and the goodies I received in the ornament swap that Meg organized:

Kirsi stitched this ornament - I'm not sure of the designer; but from the photo you can admire its simple elegance. It looks just beautiful on my tree. Kirsi also stitched the lovely card. Meg added some goodies to the bag - the chocolates she included did not last until picture day. I really enjoyed participating in this exchange.

Well, I'm off to bake cookies for the mail man and the milk man. They always do a great job of protecting my packages, and making sure my milk stays cool, I want to show them some appreciation. I have been spending some time visiting old unfinished, but not abandoned, projects. I'll show some progress pictures in a day or two.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Gloire du Matin, Finis

2008-12-07T16:13:00.003-05:00

YEA!!! This is Gloire du Matin finished! It is beautiful. Carol and I were doing this as a SAL on Saturday. Carol finished hers yesterday; but I didn't get quite so far along - I had planned to finish it next Saturday, although I hated to put it away. When I saw this morning that Carol had finished hers, I decided to finish mine today. This was a quick stitch, and oh so pretty.

So now, I'd better get back to working on some ornaments - I have several stitched; but they need the final finishing; but the stitching is so much more fun!!!!

Happy stitching! Margaret

Gloire du Matin, Semaine Trois

2008-11-30T14:23:00.002-05:00

Here is my progress on Gloire du Matin, week three. I actually cheated a little bit - I'm supposed to be stitching this on Saturday - but I only had about ten minutes to stitch on Saturday, so I put in a couple of hours today (sorry, Carol!). Nonetheless, my SAL buddy is still way ahead of me. I'm still loving this piece.

I just received an e-mail from the Drawn Thread, showing a new release - Moonlight Garden. My clicky finger has ordered it already - I plan to get the fabric and silk using my birthday discount at Needlecraft Corner.

So, you may ask why I didn't have time to stitch on Saturday - I was on the sidelines of the field at a soccer tournament - screaming my head off - cheering my team on, not booing the other team. It paid off, though - DS's team ended up winning the tournament. I'll post pictures soon.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Gloire du Matin, Week 2

2008-11-23T15:22:00.002-05:00

This is my progress on Gloire du Matin after the second Saturday of stitching. I'm loving this piece - I stitch on it while the DS is in orchestra practice, which is about two hours. Next Saturday, DS is in a soccer tournament; so my stitching will be limited. They will play on Friday and Saturday, and if they win, they will also play on Sunday. They have a team that the coach put together - so they have been practicing at every opportunity!

This is another finish - this was a SAL from a French blog - Sapin d'Elisa. I used HDF premium floss in Fried Pickles and a piece of scrap floss for the monogram on Country French linen in Latte. The buttons are Mother of Pearl - they are a bit big for the piece; I may change them out if I find some other buttons. These buttons are just beautiful, and I thought they needed to be showcased.

And finally, I will leave you with a picture of Osama bin Kitty. She terrorizes my other indoor cat, and the people in the house. She loves the Labrador - she climbs on top of him and kneads his fir. She also jumps off the back of the couch onto his tail when it's wagging - she ends up going splat on the floor - maybe that's why she's so crazy.

Off to do some stitching - should I be good and stitch on something that 's already started or start something new? Hmmm, I'll have to think about it.

Happy stitching, Margaret

Gloire du Matin, Week 1

2008-11-16T08:04:00.002-05:00

Here is my progress on The Drawn Thread's Gloire du Matin. Carol
and I are stitching this on Saturdays. She is way ahead of me on this project - she is an amazingly fast stitcher; and all of her stitches are perfection. Anyway, you can view her blog to see a good photo of this project. I would be much further along if I had not had to spend so much time unstitching yesterday! I had intended to spend all day stitching; but we left the house at 8:30, and didn't get home until almost 5 pm - DS had soccer practice, orchestra practice, soccer team party, and then an audition for Jr. All State. And of course, each of these events were in different towns. We were exhausted when we finally got home. It was more like a work day than a Saturday.

Since I am finally posting after an extended absence, here is another pic of a WIP. This is Appalachian Rose, a stitching smalls set by Indigo Rose. Last weekend, I attended this class and the Persian Pocket class by Cynthia Zittel (The Drawn Thread) in New Hampshire. These are two of my favorite designers, so I could not resist attending this class. Of course, going to New Hampshire has an additional bonus of getting to see Carol!

Now I'm off to finish a couple of ornaments for some exchanges.

Until next time, Happy stitching! Margaret

HoE Halloween Exchange

2008-10-16T18:57:00.004-04:00

I received word that my HoE Halloween Exchange has been received - there are nice pictures on the HoE blog; but I thought I would post some pics here, too. I stitched the Sampler Girl's freebie Quaker boo using HDF premium silk and scrap linen. I made it into a needlroll - it had some improvisation because my scrap of linen wasn't large enough to do a proper French hem.

Anyway, I'm glad my partner likes it.

I'm still not stitching very much - I spend all my time on the sidelines of the soccer field, cheering my 13 yr old DS (and loving every minute of it!)

Happy stitching! Margaret

Neighborhood RR - Robyn's square

2008-10-05T12:11:00.002-04:00

This is the square I stitched for Robyn's RR - her theme was a seaside neighborhood. I had some misgivings about my choice, but it turned out very cute, if you can imagine it without the wrinkles!

I haven't stitched much lately - the only other thing I've done is a Halloween exchange for HoE - I mailed it a week ago, and it hasn't arrived yet - so I'm sitting on pins and needles. It did have a long way to go, so there probably is no reason to worry. However, I know worrying works because most of what I worry about never happens - LOL

Happy stitching! Margaret

Many Years Sampler and Garden Grow

2008-06-08T06:35:00.002-04:00

Hi - at last I have some updates. This is How Does Your Garden Grow and Many Years Sampler - these are the only two projects that I am current with. All my other projects have fallen by the wayside - I have too many projects going - I have difficulty deciding what to stitch; and as a result, I don't get anything done.

I have been spending all my spare time in the yard - well, at least up until yesterday - I think it hit 100 degrees yesterday with high humidity - too hot to be outside. The storms in the last few days have ruined the last of the peonies and bearded irises. I have roses, Lousiana irises, clematis in bloom. My Asiatic lilies have buds that are showing color - I just adore lilies.

Well, I'm off to spend a few moments in the yard; and then back inside to sit in the air conditioning - and work on a couple of exchanges I signed up for.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Time to Catch Up

2008-05-29T15:49:00.002-04:00

I have not been stitching much lately, so I have not updated my blog. I just printed out Part 5 of How Does Your Garden Grow; and I realized I had not posted a photo of Part 4 yet. So here it is. This is such an interesting piece - I love paging through all the pictures at the Papillon Creations site, and seeing how the feel of the piece changes with the different color combinations. I am going to start Part 5 tonight.

While I am updating, I thought I would show you my progress on SALexandre - I had to pull out one-half of the border and re-stitch it - it was a pain since it is 40 ct linen. But, it's done now, and I have moved on to Part 4. Part 5 is out now; and I am giving up hope that I will catch up on this one. In fact, I am congratulating myself that this did not become a UFO when I had to remove tons of stitches.

So, you might ask what I have been doing with my time? Well, I have been working in my yard. We have relocated the overgrown azalea bushes from the front of the house - I now have a lovely deer buffet (aka azalea garden) at the edge of my woods in the back yard. I also have planted four Forest Pansy redbud trees, three Pear trees and one pecan tree. I have planted marigolds around the vegetable garden (to help deter the deer) and I have spread two yards of mulch. We are going tomorrow to get two more yards, so I can have the joy of spreading it next week. I also have new shrubs to set out in front of the house.

Two years ago we put in a pool and last summer I planted a mix of trees, shrubs and perennials around it. This year it is starting to fill in - it's chaotic from a distance because there are many different plants; but when you are pool side and up close, it is wonderful.

I'll try to get DH to take some landscape photos when the light is better this evening.

Oh, and did I mention that I have less will power around plants than I have around stash? My garden center bills just continue to grow!

All for now. Happy stitching, Margaret

Debby's RR

2008-05-16T14:01:00.004-04:00

I've been stitching on Debby's round robin - she asked everybody to stitch a house in the country that they would like to live in. I chose to stitch the Geranium Cottage - I think the red flowers and red door say "welcome". I had second thoughts because the house is not very colorful - but it does show up better in real life. It's hard to believe we only have two more blocks to stitch and then our pieces will come home. I haven't seen pictures of my piece in quite a while - so it will really be a surprise.

I also have been SLOOOOOWLY working on the SALexandre - somehow I have a mistake in the border, and will be forced to pull some of it out - no way to fudge a symmetrical border, I'm afraid.

Oh, great, now I'm getting a message "Could not contact Blogger.com" - Dare I try to publish anyway?

I was going to include some info on Celebrations - I had a wonderful time (as always), and dramatically increased my mental list of "must do" projects. But since Blogger is not cooperating with me, I will save that for next time.

Happy stitching everybody!

Many Years Sampler, Part 3

2008-03-30T17:37:00.002-04:00

I finally took time to stitch my Many Years Sampler, and am almost done with Part 3 - it is such fun to stitch. I have only a little more to do - I usually don't stitch motifs until I get the chart for the whole piece - so I think I'll finish this up this evening.

I am also posting my poor start on Part 2 of my SALexandre - I did the letters one stitch too short - so their bottoms had to be unstitched - what a pain on 40 ct. I am loving this project also - or at least I was until I discovered my mistake.

I finally got a little yard work done yesterday - cut back some ornamental grasses, planted a box of alliums that had been living in my garage over the winter - they had sprouted, but I figured I may as well go ahead and plant them. I think I will buy a bunch more this year and surround my daylilies with them - the deer don't seem to bother plants that are surrounded with daffodils or alliums. I also got out my trusty sprayer and sprayed Liquid Fence on all my plantings.

Blooming today: Daffodils and Hellebores

Happy stitching! Margaret

New Project

2008-03-24T20:26:00.002-04:00

I have been stitching on the SALexandre available here. The directions say to stitch over one; but I am stitching over two on 40 ct Silkweaver Days Gone By Linen. I am using one strand of Vikki Clayton Examplar Blueberry Soup. I have two spools of this color - it is great to stitch with.

Not much other news - today was the last day of DS's spring break - he is back to school tomorrow. We have gotten lazy over the last week, so tomorrow will be tough.

On the gardening front, my early miniature daffodils are in full bloom; the large ones are showing color; and the grass is in that scraggly stage - some brown patches, some green patches, an uneven height - I think Mr. Lawn Mower will get to come out and play this weekend.

Happy stitching! Margaret

How Does Your Garden Grow, Part 3

2008-03-22T11:28:00.002-04:00

I finished Part 3 of How Does Your Garden Grow from Papillon Creations last night - I think it took three episodes of the Dog Whisperer and maybe one of Clean House (I know my taste in tv shows is rather bland). This is such a fun project!!! I am not liking the yello I started with and so I am trying out a pale yellow - it really calms the piece down - now it reminds me of coneflowers, asters and coreopsis "Moonshine" - one of my favorite garden combinations. I selected some pearl beads to use for it - they are very subtle, which I like.

Now I'm off to purchase a ham (if they're not all gone). I usually buy a Honeybaked, but this year I waited too late - the line would be a mile long!!!! I think I'll check out the garden center while I'm out. We are having an overcast day - my heart goes out to those in the mid west - snow storms and flooding - such a difficult time.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Wiehenberg Mystery Quaker 2008

2008-03-21T14:45:00.002-04:00

I am having so much fun stitching this piece that I have not put it down yet. These pictures show my progress - I have stitched through page 8 (I have not stitched a few stitches here and there on the border of the pages). The main group is on page 14 - so I actually have dreams that I may catch up in the next month or so. Think that's possible?

Well, actually, that's not very likely - I am putting it down now to do part 3 of the Papillon Creations Mystery; and then I'm debating starting the Spanish Sampler Mystery by Lady Periphaeria. I already have my fabric basted - so it's just a matter of picking some colors and taking the first stitch. That project is charted for deep red, deep purple and deep amber - but those colors don't really go in my house - my house is mostly tans, greens, and blues. I think I will get out my box of Viki Clayton silks and play around with colors.

It is a gorgeous spring day here - you can almost see the flower bulbs grow. Some of my early daffodils are starting to show color. I need to get out and clean my perennial borders; and cut back the ornamental grasses; and order mulch; and the list goes on and on. I think I will expand my blogging to include gardening this year.

Happy stitching, Margaret

Minor progress

2008-03-12T16:51:00.002-04:00

Here is a shot of the 2008 Mystery Quaker - I have now completed page 3. It seems like this project is going slowly - each motif has a lot of stitches and takes forever - but it is really lovely. I think I will continue with this project through this week; and then I will switch to whichever project bag is screaming the loudest.

It is sixty and sunshiny here today - time to get out and spruce up the yard. I noticed that my Lenten roses are blooming - won't be long until the cherries and daffodils begin. I've also seen some early forsythia - so lovely.

Happy stitching, everybody, Margaret

2008 Quaker Mystery - Part 1

2008-03-09T14:28:00.003-04:00

Well, wouldn't you know that it wouldn't take me long to find a project to work on? This is a picture of Wiehenburg's 2008 Quaker Mystery Sampler. I have completed page 1 and done part of page 2. I think the group is up to page 13 or so (I am woefully behind). I am using Vikki Clayton's premium silk in Magpie Warbles on 32 ct. LL Peddler's Moon. I really like the blue. This makes a pretty nice travel project - easy stitching, no thread color changes, etc. - so I think I will stitch on this on Wednesday (DS's French horn lesson) and Saturday (DS Chamber Orchestra rehersal). DS is playing lacrosse this spring; and I think I will have to pay attention to the whole game to learn the rules - so no spectator-stitching for me this spring.

I also have pulled out Marquior Bleu et Rouge - I quit working on it because I was not happy with my accent color - I have now ordered a new accent color - so once it arrives I will use some of it, and let you see an update. It is a humongous project - but I just love it. I need to find some time to work on this piece, too.

There are just too many projects I want to do!!!! But I think that since it is just a hobby, if it gives me more pleasure to plan and start projects, than to worry about finishing one before starting another or sticking to a strict routine - who's complaining?????

Until next time, Happy stitching! Margaret

Rowyn's Neighborhood Round Robin

2008-03-02T15:33:00.003-05:00

Here is the block I stitched for Rowyn's Neighborhood RR. It is part of the G is for Garden chart by Prairie Schooler using the recommended fibers. This is the first Prairie Schooler design that I've ever stitched - and I loved it so much that I promptly ordered their new charts!!!! I hope Rowyn likes this park/garden for her village. The second picture is her whole piece - the photo is poor, and I did not iron the piece (why iron when it is just going to get folded and put in the mail in a month?????? is that a good enough reason not to iron?) Well, maybe a compromise with the iron is needed - next time if DH is doing the photography I will iron the piece first so he has something good to work with.

Despite the wrinkles and the shadows, I hope you can tell that this is really a charming piece. The little chapel with the gravestones that Von stitched is just the most charming thing in the world!

This picture is my new STASH! The background is one of my new fabrics from Sassy's. I ordered the sampler pack - I have never tried her fabric before - but many bloggers rave about it - I love the colors; so I will put in a few stitches tonight and try it out. (Reason enough to start something new)

The fibers are Vikki Clayton silks - the Spools of the Month, the fibers to the left of the spools are for the Spanish Mystery Sampler, and the blue skeins on the right are Paua Abalone.

Oh, and before I forget, I got up at the crack of doom on Saturday (getting up early is really normal for me, but usually I just chug coffee for half an hour) - but March 1 I had to get up to send in my registration for Celebrations in NH. I still really want to attend the one in KY also. I'll have to keep an eye out for sale airline fares.

Happy stitching, everybody! Margaret

A Medium HD and More STASH!!!!

2008-02-24T08:55:00.003-05:00

Here is a crooked picture of my finished BBD Their Song. This is a really fun piece; and the colors are just amazing. What's even better is that now I have an empty project bag. What to start? Decisions, Decisions.

I also received some more stash - this is Jeanette Douglas's A Needle and Thread Sampler and Rosewood Manner's Seasons of the Trees. The Seasons is very cool - there are a lot of mini designs included - very handy for needlework smalls. The background is a fat half of LL 32 ct. Pear, the FOTM from Shakespeare's Peddler. This is a lucious fabric. I also received, but did not include in the picture four spools of silk from Vikki Clayton - two of Magpie Warbles and two of Kailslaw. I can't do any stitching for admiring my stuff!!!! LOL

Today is a lazy day - both DH and DS have nasty colds; so I am avoiding them. All we have to do today is to take DS to lacrosse practice and maybe make a quick Costco run. I think I will be good and focus on my Neighborhood RR piece. I have Rowyn's piece, and she asked for a "neighborhood-to-village" theme. I think I will stitch a park/town square for the village. The next mailing date is April 1, so I don't have to rush.

That's all for now. Happy stitching, everybody. Margaret

Stitching Update and STASH!!!!

2008-02-21T16:54:00.003-05:00

Here's an update on BBD's Their Song, using the recommended fabric and fibers. I estimate that I am roughly half done with this - the rest of it is mainly the verse - which should go very quickly. I normally don't go for "primitive" or "cute" designs, but I just love the BBD Loose Feathers. The colors are just fabulous.

The second picture is of my stash expansion that I received from Needlecraft Corner. The picture is not the best, but I got two BBD's - Thank You Sarah Tobias, and the newest Loose Feather; two new Dinky Dyes charts; and two new Sweetheart Tree charts.

We are keeping an eye on the weather - looks like Maryland is in for another winter storm - I wish spring would hurry up and get here!!!!!

Happy stitching, everybody, Margaret

Many Years Sampler

2008-02-19T16:06:00.002-05:00

This is my latest project - it is the Many Years Sampler. I think the designer's name is Gudi Kolden (although I studied German in college, that was quite a few years ago. Fortunately, much of the information about this sampler has been translated into English). I am using Viki Clayton's Old Maid of the Vineyard premium silk and 32 ct. Navy Bean Lakeside Linen. I have completed most of parts one and two - now I will have to wait till mid-March for part 3.

I am still determined that I won't start anything new until I clear out a project bag to use; so I think I will now go and see what can be done the quickest so that I can empty a bag.

I have been checking on the Celebrations web site to see the pics of the classes they're offering. There are so many there to tempt me - my credit card will be getting a workout for sure.

My Lenten roses are blooming; and I've noticed my daffodils poking some leaves up above the soil - so can spring be far away? I can't wait to get back out into the garden! I need to go and purchase some deer repellent for my lilies, hostas, daylilies, - the list goes on and on, but you get the idea.

Well, that's all for now - my DS stayed home today with a bad cold - so we have just been lazy today - such a nice way to spend the day!

Happy stitching, everybody! Margaret

ICE DAY!!!!

2008-02-13T09:27:00.002-05:00

I know that most people look forward to a snow day - but we are having an ice day here in Maryland! They originally announced that there was a two hour school delay; and then they just cancelled school. So, I am staying home with DS. Fortunately, we have not lost power (knock on wood) - so maybe a Valentine treat is in order - I'm thinking of a Red Velvet cake. It doesn't look like I will be making my usual trek to Godiva for Valentines for DH and DS.

I finished stitching my Valentine project - this is a small from the Gift of Stitching magazine. It is stitched on 32 ct. Summer Sunset Lugana from Silkweaver. The thread is Viki Clayton's Enchantress premium silk. It is really more charming in real life - you all know that I am no photographer.

So now, I think I will go and pull out a project I have not worked on for a while. I also want to baste my fabric for the Spanish Sampler Mystery project by Periphaeria Designs - I am intrigued by the basting pattern - and I am enthralled with Mystery samplers in general.

Happy stitching! Margaret

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2008-02-11T15:03:00.000-05:00

Here is the completed part two of the Papillon Creations mystery How Does Your Garden Grow? This is such a fun stitch! I normally work in hand (that's why all my WIP photos are wrinkled) - but this part had satin stitches - I absolutely cannot get them to lay parallel without using the Q-snaps.

I also started the Chatelaine Mystery XI - every year I say I won't succumb - but then I have a change in heart after I see the WIPs - maybe one of these years I'll actually keep up and finish one! Wish me luck! I have seen some of these Mystery Mandalas completed - and I do love them; but they ARE such a huge commitment of stitching time, and huge investment in supplies, that I'm hoping one of these days my better judgement will prevail - NOT!!!!!!

Now I'm off to see if there are any Nashville reports posted yet! Happy stitching, everybody! Margaret

Latest WIP

2008-02-03T17:24:00.000-05:00

Hi! I just had to show you this - it is the Victorian Sewing Box insert, designed by Catherine Strickler/Indigo Rose. This is from a class I took the first year I attended Celebrations in NH. (at least I think it was the first year). This project is positively addicting - I love IR designs - I love the elegance and the fact that the pieces don't take forever to complete. I pulled this out because I am cleaning out my junk- er, craft closet and I uncovered the beautiful rosewood box for this project. The rosewood box is still in its cardboard box - well protected, but not being enjoyed - so what's the point of having it?

So I have been working on this project this week. I am hoping I can finish it next weekend. Then I will need to get started on my next Neighborhood RR.

I have been busy all day, making King Cake and other goodies for Tuesday. Gotta go now and watch the Super Bowl (and sneak in some stitching)!

Bye for now, Margaret

Heather's RR and New Project

2008-01-27T18:45:00.000-05:00

Hi! Well, I finished Heather's RR for the Neighborhood RR. Her theme was farms - I expanded that a little bit and stitched a grist mill and an apple orchard - I hope that will be okay. The top photo is the block I stitched and the second photo is the whole piece. I also copied Cindy's birds and stitched them in the border - I thought the corner needed a little something. I think this piece is really coming together - I like it so far. I will post it off to the next stitcher next week.

Then to reward myself for finishing my Neighborhood piece before the deadline - I started something new. This is the new freebie from Papillon Creations newsletter. I am using scrap linen and HDF premium silks - This picture is blurry for some reason - but I think you get the idea.

And then the really exciting news - Celebrations has updated their web site with info about the 2008 shows. They also have given their web site a face lift - I like the changes. It is frustrating that they don't have a lot of pictures yet, but reading the class descriptions is making me think I'd better plan to attend the KY show as well as the NH show. In case you didn't know, I'm a class junkie. I already bought my plane tickets - couldn't beat the fare from Baltimore to Manchester.

Also, I am drooling over all the previews of the Nashville releases - and it seems silly - I am overwhelmed by the stuff I have now - adding more will only add to the disorganization - but judging by the message boards and blogs I am not the only one - LOL!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving me comments, Happy stitching! Margaret

A Small Project for TIF Challenge

2008-01-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

Hi, all, I decided to join in on the Take It Further Challenge. The basic idea is that each month you take a concept and work it through to a finished product. Each participant can choose to either work with an idea or a color scheme. Well, this month's color scheme was perfectly inline with my taste (thus minimizing the challenge) - so I decided to work with that. The objective is to use your creativity - and I did not exactly do that this month- but plan to work harder on the creativity piece of it next month.

I stitched the Indigo Rose freebie - Wildflower Hearts on a scrap piece of linen and used DMC colors 333, 340, 3362, 470, and 822. Once again, the picture is wonky - but you get the general idea. I think that working on my photography skills would cut into my stitching time (which is limited as it is) - so that will just have to wait.

I am off now to stitch on my Neighborhood RR - I have stitched the main building, but need to add some fill in landscaping and/0r critters. I think the next mailing date is Feb. 1 - so I shouldn't be pushed for time.

I am *seriously* considering starting a monochrome - but I am having trouble deciding on a pattern and color combination. I have recently started buying spools of HDF silk - and can't wait to use some of it. Right now, the Wiehenburg Quaker 2008 is the front runner - maybe in Old Maid of the Vineyard? Or maybe in Old Maid of the Forest? I have tons of choices for fabric, so I will have to just do some experimenting.- Decisions, decisions.

I also love the new Papillon Creations freebie from the newsletter. This is one of my favorite designers - I love the elegance of the projects; and love the fact that they don't require an eternity to complete!

Wow! this has been a long, rambling post - thanks for bearing with me!
Happy stitching, everybody, Margaret

From UFO to WIP to HD

2007-12-29T09:10:00.000-05:00

At last! I started this band sampler ages ago - it was designed by Jana Kerr and published in the EGA monthly magazine. I chose the color scheme - and since I have no sense of color, I originally thought I had chosen badly, and so put the project away. But, after pulling it out again, I think I like it. I really enjoyed the different techniques involved. Hopefully I improved my skills. I will finish it as a bell pull (after giving it a good pressing!)

I have decided to restrict the number of projects I have going at one time. I have just so many zip top storage bags. So, I will have one project per bag, and will not start a new project until I have an empty bag to use. I am hoping this will cause me to complete more projects! Wish me luck! My other plan is to do less lurking and more commenting on stitcher's blogs!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, filled with peace and joy. And I wish everyone a Happy New Year! I received the loveliest hand made card from Von, with a wonderful wish for the new year: unlimited stitching time. What a great sentiment!

So now I am off to start my Neighborhood RR. I have Heather's piece to work on. Her theme is farms - I think I may stitch a grist mill - a place where the farmers take their corn to have it ground. I think that would fit the theme and be interesting. Thoughts?

Until next time, Margaret

Birthday goodies and Soon-to-be ornaments

2007-12-20T15:40:00.000-05:00

I was completely spoiled by these birthday gifts from a special stitching friend, Carol. In addition to keeping up with a fabulous blog, she is also the one who introduced me to the wonderful world of blogging. (Well, to be truthful, I spend more time lurking that posting or commenting - but I love to read about other people's projects!) I am late in posting this picture. Carol posted a nice picture of the scissor fob she stitched - I show it here attached to my Dovos. However, she is too modest to show pics of the wonderful extras she included. Many thanks, Carol!

I have been stitching Ornies - these four are done (meaning the stitching is complete) and hopefully over this weekend they will become done-done (meaning ready to hang on the tree).

I think all of these are from JCS ornament issues. I struggle with the finishing - I am just a beginner, and my projects seem to always turn out lop-sided. I guess I just need to practice.

And here are two more that are not done yet - I lack beads for the Teresa Wentzler Celtic Cross and I ran out of thread for the sampler one (the poor reindeer has only two legs). So I'm off to send a note to the Needlecraft Corner, ordering some stuff!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season!

Happy stitching, Margaret

Von's RR

2007-12-01T10:05:00.000-05:00

Here is my completed block for Von's RR. Her theme is English cottages, and she said she loves gardens - this chart is from a Cross My Heart publication titled Garden Cottages. When I saw it, I thought it fit the theme perfectly. Now, we won't go into how much confetti stitching was involved and how horrible the back of the piece looks - it will certainly give the stitchers who stitch on it in the future something to tsk, tsk about!!!!!

This piece is really pretty - I love the background fabric - it's a little unexpected - a lovely blue/gray - the others have been more neutral. I hope Von is pleased!

Also, here is a picture of the real kittychernoff - when we adopted her from the pound in 1997, she had a bacterial infection, and we weren't sure we could cure it - so we didn't name her. We didn't want to get too attached to her, just in case the vet wasn't able to cure her (at least that was our rationale). So, the vet labeled her chart as Kitty Chernoff - well, many thousands of dollars later, she was cured and a permanent part of our family; but her name remained kittychernoff. Since she is the only one in the house that is allowed to touch Mom's cross stitch stuff - I adopted her name as my online nickname.

Happy stitching! Margaret C

Melanie's Round Robin

2007-10-12T18:29:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of Melanie's piece for the Spot RR that I am participating in. I stitched the motifs from the blue horizontal rice stitch variation and the gold crown to the bottom. The motifs are from Indigo Rose's Monogram Sampler. You all know that I love Indigo Rose designs, I hope Melanie will also. Melanie's piece is just gorgeous. This RR has had some rocky moments - some of the participants had personal issues; and one participant seems to have lost interest - but Melanie ( who has had issues herself) has worked very hard to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience - thank you Melanie!

And now for a RR that is going great! This is an ornament from the general ornament RR that I'm in. I had planned to stitch it watching the Chiefs (DH's favorite team) last Sunday afternoon; but I got engrossed in the LSU game on Saturday night - I actually stitched on this dark fabric at night - GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!

This weekend I am back to the Monogram Sampler - I'm almost done with the spots - I still have to do the border; and wrapped bars - I'll have to gather up my nerve to cut my fabric.

Happy stitching everyone!!!

On a Betsy Stinner binge!!!!

2007-10-05T14:58:00.000-04:00

Here is a pic of my latest finish - this is the Martha Washington sampler that Betsy Stinner taught at Celebrations in New Hampshire last spring. Her pieces are so lovely - I think it took me about three days to do the bulk of the sampler; but then two calamities hit - I ran out of the dark blue thread (Soie d'alger - which is a royal pain to find and purchase) and then I encountered the dreaded Bullion knots. I did finally receive the thread I ordered and I found a fabulous website with video tutorials of many stitches. The website is here: http://www.needlenthread.com/. Now this is not to say my Bullion knots look good - but I can see improvements from when I started.

I also did the preface piece for this one:

I also finished up the Eliza Pinckney piece that I started last fall. By coincidence, I ran out of dark blue thread on that piece also, and had to purchase more. This is how it looks:

And the preface piece for this one is lovely:

I think these preface pieces would make charming biscornus; but for now they are going into my drawer of completed stitching.

I have also finished Just Nan's Peacock Cipher - I will photograph it next time.

I am working on a piece for my Spot RR. Then I will need to work on the next Neighborhood RR piece. The next Neighborhood RR has a theme of English cottages - so I will need to go stash diving to find something suitable - I love doing that, except that I'm sure I'll uncover at least a dozen projects that I simply must stitch next!!!!

Last week I started Indigo Rose's Monogram Sampler - it is from a class I took with Carol (http://www.carolsxsblog.blogspot.com/) last spring. I will need to get DH to photograph that one, so the shite on white stiching will show up.

Until next time, happy stitching, Margaret

Cindy's Neighborhood

2007-08-16T18:49:00.001-04:00

Hi! Here's the block I stitched for Cindy's Neighborhood RR. She requested something simple, and mentioned LHN and CCN designs as examples. I picked a French Freebie from http://perso.orange.fr/anne-les-petites-croix/. I am stitching the whole project, which includes more gardens, for myself on an opalescent linen - I think it is Precious Metals. It is a fun stitch - but I wanted to see what the house would look like, and so I chose to stitch a modified version on Cindy's RR.

I hope she likes it!

And here is the entire piece as it looks now:

I am back to stitching the Tranquility sampler - I am on page seven - I fell behind pretty quickly on this one - some pages go faster than others.

Happy stitching!

Spot RR

2007-07-29T17:29:00.001-04:00

Hi, everybody, first of all, somebody out there must be doing a rain dance on my behalf; it has rained a couple of times in the last few days. We're still dry, but I haven't had to water in two days!!! I have beautiful hibiscus in bloom! I also have gorgeous roses - planted inside my pool fence so I can protect them from the marauding deer herd!

So, I have been spending my time stitching. This is a pic of my stitching on Angi's Spot RR over on the Worldwide Round Robins board. Angi stitched a gorgeous border from Indigo Rose, but gave us free rein to select spots. I picked some from the Drawn Threads ABC sampler (for what that series of charts will end up costing, I need to stitch them several times!)

My DS (also known as the apprentice photographer ) took these photos for me. He had trouble capturing the entire piece, but maybe you can get the idea. My DH is actually quite good at photography; my attitude is point and shoot, and hope for the best!

Well, that is all for today. I am stitching on Just Nan's peacock cipher from several years ago - I am roughly half done. I am also getting ready to start my next Neighborhood RR piece.

Happy stitching! Margaret

Fantasy Neighborhood RR

2007-07-23T17:47:00.000-04:00

Hi! I finished my stitching on Dani's Fantasy Neighborhood RR. It was a really fun stitch! Plus, now I'll be sure to get this one posted off to Vonna on time!

I haven't been stitching very much lately. I have been spending all my time gardening and watering the trees, shrubs and perennials I planted this spring. Please do a rain dance for me!!!!!

Happy stitching! Margaret

Enough is enough!

2007-06-11T09:26:00.001-04:00

Well, I am finally sending my Neighborhood RR off - late, late, late. There are two reasons I am late - one is that I have been extremely busy; and the other is that I really don't like the way my house has turned out (at least it looks better IRL than in this photo). Even though I am late, I am still not finished with it - it needs more flowers, the windows filled in, etc. I think I will do that part when it returns (that's a nifty way of putting it off for 18 months). I just wanted to send it on its way so that I don't cut Vonna's time with it way too short.

YEA!!! Now I can move on to other projects!!!!

Happy stitching!

Busily stitching!

2007-05-10T14:07:00.000-04:00

Hi, all, I am back from Celebrations, and had a wonderful time! I saw old friends and met new friends - and, of course, acquired new stash. I am still going through it all - and pondering what to start next. This is a washed-out picture of the stitching I did on a Spot Round Robin that I'm in on the World Wide Round Robin's Board. I had mailed it before I recognized that the photo was bad - well, truth be told, photography is not my strong suite. I hope you enjoy seeing the pics anyway.

I have been stitching the Tranquility Sampler from Martina Wiehenberg. If I intend to frame a piece, I stitch in hand; so please excuse the wrinkles. This piece is on LL Magnolia in Vicki Claytons premium silk. It is a fun stitch. A new page comes out every Friday. I am about a week behind on this project.

The other piece that I have been working on during my duty as taxi service for my 11 year old is the Be Glad Sajou:

I also am frantically stitching on my neighborhood round robin piece. If I make use of every spare moment, I should be able to finish by the mailing date. I am in the "blind folks" group - LOL - I was too chicken to sign up for the high count group - so I am in the 28-32 ct fabric group. My fabric is Vintage Maple Sugar, and it is just gorgeous! I have been collecting up my house charts - but deciding which to stitch has really been a challenge so far.

That's about all for now. Time to go to the nursery to pick some flowers. We are simultaneously replacing the shrubbery in front of the house, and landscaping around the pool we put in last year. Not to mention that I have four other gardens that are in serious need of attention. I have huge piles of leaf gro and shredded bark that are screaming my name. The only thing I have blooming now is miniature bearded irises - and they are charming - only 8-10 inches tall.

Happy stiching! Margaret

Updates!

2007-03-20T16:34:00.001-04:00

Hi! Once again I've let a long time go by without updating my blog. I just adore reading other stitcher's blogs; but I find updating mine to be a chore. I would like to keep a loose record of my stitching, though - what's a non-computer person to do?

Here are some updates:

I am in a spot round robin on the Worldwide Round Robins. This is a picture of the first sampler when I finished. I'd already mailed it when I realized my photo was blurry, but here it is:

These spots are from Consider the Lilies by Eileen Bennett and Rebecca's Sampler, a class piece from Betsey Stinner (my second favorite designer of all time). You can't hardly see it, but it has an adorable little frog on it - I debated whether the owner would like it - I hope she does. If not, she can replace it later. The colors are not traditional - I chose colors a shade or two away from the colors the owner had already used. It was great fun to stitch; and now I can't wait for the next one to arrive. I've already been through my stash, and set aside a group of charts with interesting spot motifs.

Next here are some pics of my my Treasured Workstation, by Judy O'Dell. I am taking part in the class through the Legacy Embroiderer's Guild. It is the only project that I am current on. I am using Viki Clayton premium silk and some stash linen for this project.

I am currently stitching on several other BAP's - but will save the update pics for later in the week.

I also have made my reservations - hotel and plane for Celebrations in May. I also have signed up for way too many classes - but haven't received my confirmation letter yet - I will give it a day or two and then check on it.

I have been on a tear lately collecting house patterns - I joined a round robin organized by Carol. It should be great fun also.

My issue of SANQ just arrived - I was late in renewing my subscription; and so I was beginning to wonder if I would miss an issue or not. Now I am going to have to sit on my hands to keep myself from starting the Old Aviary Sampler, now that I have all the parts. So many projects, so little time!

Well, until next time, happy stitching, Margaret

It's Snowing!!!!

2007-02-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

Finally, it looks like winter has arrived in Maryland. They were predicting a bad storm to arrive last night; but it looks like it arrived this afternoon instead - just in time for the weekend. I do like it over the weekend - when I don't have to get out and travel in it.

The mailman delivered a wonderful surprise today - it was my exchange item from the Quaker Quarterly Exchange on Legacy - it is a "pendibule" according to my exchange partner - the stitching and the finishing are just exquisite. I also love the aqua/teal/blue colors. It is the CHS Quaker from JCS 2006 and our intials are stitched on the back. I am so lucky - I plan to use it to decorate a knob on my stitching table. I tried to photograph it - but I think my son has better photo skills than I do. There was also a gorgeous hand made card included in the package which was dry-embossed with a lovely design as well as both of our initials.

Jo, on the exchange piece I made, I used glass head pins - a good source is a floral supply place - they are the same pins used for boutonnieres.

This weekend I plan to work on Chatelaine's Mystery Sampler III. I have started on the border, but I find the process of counting to be a pain; and so I work on the middles first!

Happy stitching, Margaret

Tried Something New

2007-01-30T19:16:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest finish - it is for an exchange; and the object was to try something new. So, I tried a bunch of new things; and here is my final project. I expect my work will improve as I get more practice. Does anyone have any tips for joining linen with fabric backing without one or the other going askew?

I am really enjoying the Nashville Previews - I've already placed one pre-order and am working on my second. As if I really *need* more stash!!!

Again, my DS tore himself away from his computer game to take these photos for me.

Happy stitching, Margaret

Ornament SAL for 2007

2007-01-28T19:41:00.000-05:00

Hi, I am still out here stitching. Here is a photo of my first ornament for 2007. It is the Red Berry Tree from Rosewood Manor. I changed from red berries to ice blue - in honor of the winter we are not having here in Maryland. (No complaints about that). My DS took this photo with his new digital camera.

I have been busy starting projects, but not so busy finishing them. I also have been spending lots of time reading blogs - I love to see what other people are stitching.

Until next time, happy stitching, Margaret

An Update, At Last

2006-01-29T06:49:00.000-05:00

Hi, all, at long last I am taking a few minutes to update my blog. I have been doing some stitching; but I have not found a convenient way to post my progress pictures. I can use DH's digital camera; but posting the pictures takes forever. Additionally, I stitch in hand, and so my fabric is wrinkled. So now I have decided that I will not let that prevent me from updating!

The big projects I am stitching on currently include:
(1)Chatelaine's MIX on 28 ct. lt mocha Cashel linen - my other big mysteries are being stitched on this fabric as well. I am about halfway done with Part 1. There was quite a lot of stitching in this part.

(2)I am also stitching Sampler Mystery II on SW Legacy 28 ct linen. I have done the border frame - but the flowers were tedious, and so I will do a few of them each month.

(3)The third project is Amy Mitten's Not For Us Alone - and my only project that is current. This is part of the sampler stitch along at With My Needle.

My travel project is Eightsome Reel, using Vikki Clayton premium silk. I only stitch it during DS French Horn lessons and when I travel. I am really enjoying this project. It is very difficult to put it down - I estimate that it is about one-third done.

I also am current on the JCS Retro RR and JCS 2005 that I am part of. Well - I have done the stitching; I haven't made them up into ornaments yet.

My Band of Many Colors is ready at the framers. I will go and pick it up next Saturday; depending on how it turns out, I may let them take it to Woodlawn - one stitcher suggested that everyone who participated in the SAL and completed the project display theirs at Woodlawn. It should be interesting to see a group of them. Of course, I wouldn't be really entering a contest - my stitching is not of that caliber - I stitch in hand and do not railroad the stitches.

On the back burner I have Celtic Winter. I started this a long time ago; but the grays were making me crazy; so I will return to it later.

Well, this has turned into a long post, so I will close for now. I will go and check the Celebration of NW site to see if they have finished updating it yet. I have my plane tickets and hotel reservations already - so of course they have now decided to start the event a day early! Oh, well, I will just miss the first day!

Happy Stitching, Margaret in Maryland

Never enough time

2005-10-18T17:35:00.000-04:00

I have decided to set up a rotation in hopes that I will finally finish SOMETHING!!! My tastes seem to go to large projects; the amount of time I have seems better suited to tiny projects. Here's the plan:

1. Stitch the Retro RR ornament as soon as the supplies arrive.

2. Monday - Celtic Winter

3. Tuesday - Mystery VIII

4. Wednesday - Band of Many Colors Sampler

5. Thursday - choice of projects

6. Friday - archived project of choice

7. Saturday - Celtic Winter

8. Sunday - Mystery VIII

I have been working on my Celtic Winter; the picture is not very interesting yet; right now I am working on the swirls at the bottom of the skirt - I don't like working with metallics (although I adore the way they look), so I am trying to get this out of the way early.

This past weekend, my stamping buddy from Charlotte NC came up to spend the weekend. We discovered a fabulous stamping/scrapbooking store and stamp club. Now I am hoping my inky fingers don't discolor my linen. We also painted one wall in the garage while my friend was here - not everybody you know is willing to help you paint your garage!!!!! She has my undying gratitude.

Oh, my Expressions linen Silkweaver Fabric of the Month arrived today. It is gorgeous. I couldn't be more pleased. It is the only stash I will be getting for a while. I have to save up for Chatelaine Mystery IX and Sampler Mystery II and Pearl Lights and Smalls (the list is endless!!!)

Well, that's all for now. Happy stitching, Margaret

Quick update

2005-10-09T10:30:00.000-04:00

I don't have progress pics right now - but I will try to post some tomorrow. I finished my little dragon for the JCS Retro ornie RR - he is just adorable. I guess I was being cranky in my last post, when I was complaining about him. Anyway, I restitched him on Mocha Cashel, and am happy with the results. Thank goodness I had only used the DMC floss on my first attempt when I discovered my error - and I had plenty of floss to restitch him.

I started my Celtic Ladies SAL. I selected Celtic Winter and am using 28 ct. opalescent Lugana, Winter Skye, by Silkweaver. I am working on the right hand side border - so that I have something to count against when I do the dress. Two other reasons - I was concerned that the border would be boring because it is repetitive, and I need to get it done while I am enthusiastic about the project; and also I haven't decided whether to go with grays for the dress, or move more to blues. So far I am loving the project.

I decided to go with Silkweavers FOTM for the next six months as my prize for the Summer Fun Event. I just love the hand dyed fabrics, and can't get enough of them.

It has rained and rained this weekend. We certainly needed it; but I have 300 daffodil bulbs in my garage waiting to be planted. I wish they were in the ground!!! This afternoon while DH and DS are footballing I am going to the nursery and buy some mums - I just can't resist any longer. I may get some pansies also. Then tomorrow (a holiday) I am going to visit a LNS (the first since moving to Maryland). I have been in mourning because I miss the Stitch N Frame Shop (Rock Hill SC) since my move - I am now over that!!!

Happy stitching, Margaret

Time to Start Over

2005-09-30T06:33:00.000-04:00

Gosh darn it!!! I miscounted on my ornament for the JCS Retro RR. My little dragon's tail is practically at his nose; and his arm and leg are not aligned. So, now, I can choose between the lovely options of unstitching about half of the little guy or starting over. Well, time is valuable, and a little floss and lugana are not hard to come by, so I think today I will start over.

I am still working to integrate my CATS purchases with my stash. I will have to go and get a plastic storage box for some of the older kits I guess.

That's all for now, Happy stitching, Margaret

Just Too Much Fun

2005-09-26T20:47:00.000-04:00

Once again I have been busy and let the time go by without updating my blog.

I have fabulous news!!!! I was the lucky winner of the Silkweaver Summer Fun Event!!! I found out about it right before I left to go to Hershey for CATS. I was just too excited!!! I am still deciding between some large fabrics or the FOTM for six months. What a dilema!!!

CATS was great fun. I bought way too much stuff; and took 8 classes. Then my DH and DS came up to join me and we visited Choclate World and toured Amish country. Thank goodness we have friends in Hershey that let me stay with them!!!!

I also received my first ornament pack from my JCS Retro RR. I started it this evening. It looks like it will be adorable.

Still don't have my fabric for my LL Celtic Lady SAL. I will be starting out way behind everyone else - well, some things can't be helped.

That's all for now, happy stitching, Margaret

Where does the time go?

2005-09-18T17:05:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe that it has been so long since I last posted. I do so admire people like Carol that update everyday without fail.

This is my favorite time of year - football season, perfect for stitching. I have been working on my Bands of Many Colors. It is part of a SAL that goes through the end of the year. I am finding it maddening - the right margin is not consistent (although this is typical of old samplers) and furthermore some motifs that I think should be centered are not. Of course I would never check something like that out BEFORE I stitch it - and now I've stitched the darn thing over one - and the debate is raging about whether to leave it as charted or re-do. I'll never let on what I decide. One more complaint and I'll move on - my chart does not contain one set of alphabet letters that is used in the chart. I've tried to chart my own, but it's not great. oh, one more thing - I don't mean this as negative towards the designer - I have taken several classes with Eileen Bennett - and have thoroughly enjoyed them and learned a lot. I'm thinking that it is just this one chart that I don't get along with. I will post pics soon. I stitch in hand, and so if I took in progress pictures they would look awful because of the wrinkles.

Yesterday I attended an EGA Class for this project - Strauss by Dakota Rogers. I am really starting to enjoy canvas work - it goes so quickly.

I also discovered a great web site for blackwork - Stitchin'spiration.. This is a fabulous web site that combines two of my favorite things - blackwork and gardens. They also have a Katrina charity sampler that I just got. It is on the short list of new projects.

I have not yet started my Celtic Lady. I am having trouble finding that perfect fabric. I plan to look in Hershey this weekend. I will be starting out behind everybody else - but that can't be helped at this point.

Well, I'm back to my stitching chair. Happy stitching, Margaret