Spot RR

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

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!

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!

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!

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!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

Christmas Ornament and Greeting Cards

This is the ornament I stitched for the Retro JCS Ornament Exchange on the Ornie RR ezboard. The title is Poinsettia by Amaryllis Artworks. This is another chance to practice my finishing techniques. I do have a good excuse to put off finishing this, however. I have enrolled in a finishing class at the upcoming CATS in Hershey, PA, so it just makes sense to wait until after the class to tackle this project. It's not often that a really good excuse presents itself!!!!
Poinsettia by Amaryllis Artworks 
Here is a photo of the Pleated Card I made at Stamp Club yesterday. I don't think the photo does it justice. Yesterday I also stitched a quick card for a friend. This is called embroidery on paper, and it is quick and easy!!!!





While I was suring the web this morning, I came across another project by Martina Weber that I simply must do - the Persian iris garden. I truly fit the description of a Chatelaine addict. Now I really am going to work on Mystery VIII this evening. Happy stitching, Margaret

Here is a photo of a Christmas ornament that I stitched yesterday. It is a Genny Morrow design titled Holiday Charm I. I signed up for a cyberclass because I am not familiar with stitching on canvas. It was a quick and easy project, and didn't turn out too bad; but I didn't get any stitching done on Mystery VIII yesterday. I am a relative novice at finishing (and it shows), but this will be a good practice project.

Holiday Charm I 

This morning I discovered links to some charts that the designers have designated as being dedicated to Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts. Basically, the designer will either donate some of their profits, or send you a free chart after you have donated to one of the major charities. YEA!!!! I signed up for them right away. Here is one link I found at Stitching Bits and Blobs. Of course, it's not like I need more projects to do, but this is for a good cause.

Well, I'm off to get my stuff ready for stamp club this afternoon. I will publish photos of some of my stamping projects soon. I think they are great because you get almost instant gratification, especially as compared to year long stitching projects; not to mention that paper and ink is relatively inexpensive compared to linen and silk!!!!

Tonight I plan to select my fabric for the Celtic Ladies SAL that I am starting this month.

Happy stitching, Margaret

Hi! I am now back home after spending the last week at a training session in Denver, CO. It is a gorgeous part of the country - much different than the highly populated suburban Maryland that I live in.

All the time that I was not in class, I spent glued to the television to get news of Katrina. My father and his wife live very near Picayune, MS. They actually evacuated to Jackson, MS during the passage of the storm. My father called me on Tuesday to let me know he was fine. He then called later in the week to say that they had returned home; their house is basically intact, but has a few trees on it. They have no power and no telepones or cell phones - that is why I have not been able to reach them. They had to cut brush away in order to get to their house. He last called me from Baton Rouge, where he had gone to try to get gasoline for his generator. My uncle's house, which is nearby, similarly did not get major damage. My father said other areas nearby are just devastated. Our family has a happy story - The good Lord was looking after them.

Words are not adequate to express how overwhelming the whole situation is; or how my heart goes out to all of those affected. It is so incredible that in this day and age, our country, with all its wealth and resources at its disposal, still has difficulty providing the needed assistance in a crisis situation. It certainly puts our minor annoyances in perspective. Maybe I'll be in a cheerier mood tomorrow. Margaret

Here is my third Silkweaver Summer Fun Pack post. I think the pattern is gorgeous, but I'm not crazy about the thread/fabric/pattern combination - Oh well, live and learn. It only took two of my son's soccer practices to finish, so I didn't invest a lot of time in it.

Now, I have to go cut my fabric for the Retro JCS Round Robin.

I am going to be out of town on business all next week, but will try to update my blog next weekend.


Coeur Romantique 

Here is another project that I did for Silkweaver's Summer Fun Pack program. This was one of my first attempts at changing colors to suit the threads I already owned.


berry basket sampler 

Here is one of my projects that I did as part of Silkweaver's Summer Fun Packs. It is much different than what I usually stitch, but it was quick and fun!!!!


Checkers