Acorn Hill

It's been a very busy time around here, and not much fun. Right after I posted last time, the truck went down again, and hubby was home for 12 days. There was a choice to be made, either fix the old truck, or try to get another truck. I kind a figured that we had put so much money into the old truck that it should be new again, but hubby didn't see it that way. And because he used the title for the old truck as security for purchasing a truck he wanted to put a driver into, and that one hasn't been paid for either, he couldn't use the old one as a trade in. Oh, the drama continues, and for the first time in my life, I hate trucks.

Have you ever seen an Irishman mope? That should be MOPE in capital letters. Irishmen are depressing when they are in a funk, or trying to make a decision, or worried about finances. And my Irishman does it all to the extreme. He must have made 500 phone calls, eaten me out of house and home, tracked in dirt and crud from the garage, did totally nothing for several days, and then tried to get everything he wanted done in a day. HE DROVE ME CRAZY!!!

I have to say, I'm very glad I was stitching on a Little House Needlework project--if it had been a Shepherd's Bush, I'd have made a cake of it. But, with LHN, I can not only enjoy the stitching but not have to worry so much about a certain person talking while I'm counting. Or snoring. And this piece really gave me the "soothing" I needed during this difficult time. So, without further ado, here is Acorn Hill.

This piece was charted for either Crescent colours cotton or Crescent colours silk, so with the choice, I decided on the silks. But, now I need to be careful. I have found out that Chad's cat loves my silks--she stood up on her hind legs and snagged my ring of silks and ran off with them. I caught her before she'd done any damage, but now I have to watch her when I get the silks out.

Now that Shawn is back on the road, I'll be getting the saw out and making a frame for this piece and for my newest project, "Sunflower Inn". About all that's been done on that is the stitched border and the sun, so I didn't take a picture of it yet.

This last picture is the gift Chad got me for Mother's Day. This is the 2009 Friends of Boyd's Bears club kit, with a basket, stuffed bear and a treasure box (I collect their treasure boxes). Wasn't this a sweet thing for him to do? Now I get to find a good use for this lovely basket.

Thanks for stopping by, and many thanks and appreciation for the loving comments you all left me. The encouragement, sympathy and love made me cry and smile at the same time. Thank you all so much. And thank you all for your posts. They really keep me entertained.

Stitch on, my friends--for you all are my friends, the friends of my heart. What blessings you all are!

A New Frame and a New Finish

I sure didn't think it had been over two weeks since the last time I posted. I think I wait to have a picture or a finish to share before I post something new.

First up is the new frame for LHN's Sea to Shining Sea. Thank you for all the compliments on the first frame for this piece, and I really did like the style of the frame. But, what you couldn't see was that the corners didn't fit perfectly and I felt like that detracted from the look of this piece. I tried to match the frame color, but used the idea of what Diane used for her piece. I thought about going the blue she did, and I had the paint for it, but after using the stained frame, I thought that just brought out the color of the lettering so nicely that the new one just had to have stain. I would have posted several days earlier but here in northern Indiana, we've had nearly a week of rain, and the humidity caused the drying time to be really slow. So, what do you think of the new frame?



And now, my new finish. I was really inspired by the framing job Miss Jane showed on her blog of her My Needle's Work. It was fabulous so, of course, I had to get started on it. It went so fast, I was amazed! Got into a good rhythm and had it finished, for the most part, in three days. (or three evenings.) When it came time to stitch the picture she is holding, I just couldn't stitch that rooster. It's not that I hate roosters but it just didn't feel right that my needle worker would stitch a rooster and then be so proud to show it off. Now, I have stitched a rooster picture, but that was for my little sister for Christmas one year as she collects and decorates her kitchen with rooster everything. Anyway, I decided that my little needle worker would stitch a LHN design. I used the Traveling Stitcher chart, stitched only part of it, over one thread. I used the left side house, with the fencing with the bird, the fence on the other side of the house and the flower, plus some of the upper border. I didn't use the thread colors used in Traveling Stitcher, but the thread colors used in the My Needle's Work. Let me tell you--it took longer to stitch that tiny piece than it took to stitch the rest of the piece in its entirety. But, I was very pleased with the results. I am not the greatest over one stitcher but I'm getting better.


On the home front, things continue to go wrong. The truck was down again for another repair, we haven't seen a paycheck in three weeks (which makes it really hard to not only pay bills but to get groceries and prescriptions) and would appreciate any prayers that come our way. It's been a real difficult time but we're trying to keep our heads up and keep on keeping on. The truck is running again, and hubby is in Ohio and won't be home this weekend. All of these problems plus the week of gloomy weather and rain has got me down but I turn to my stitching and all of your blogs and can forget the problems. So, thank you, all of you, who write such lovely posts, keep all of us entertained and inspired. Your posts and your comments mean so much to me.


So, what's on board next in my stitching? I was trying to finish up LHN's The Angels Sang, (and it's almost finished) but I'm having a problem with the floss colors. Her dress and wings are nearly the same color, (antique lace and Garden Trellis) so I'm going to frog out her wings, find a nice pale color that will accentuate the piece, and restitch the wings. But first, I'm stitching Acorn Hill by LHN. I needed to stitch with some silks and this piece is charted for Crescent Colours Belle Soie. I love stitching with Belle Soie. It is so soft and it gleams sweetly and covers so well. I was going to show a progress picture but all I got done was the outside border and a start to the house's roof--so just some brown stitches. I'm stitching it on 32 count Vintage Pearled Barley by Lakeside Linens, which was a gift from a special friend--you know who you are and how special you are to me



Okay, dear friends. I'm going back to my stitching, and see if I can find something interesting on television to listen to. Stitch on and show plenty of pictures!

Many, many more

Its been probably a month since I last posted, and man, I've been busy! This is going to be a long post, with lots of pictures, so go grab a Pepsi, or a cup of tea/coffee, and get comfy in your chair. Maybe a pillow for your stitch butt? (thanks Siobhan for that delicious and oh, so, perfectly true phrase!) I hope you enjoy what I've been up to for most of March and a bit of April.


I've not just been stitching, although a lot of that has been going on. This past week, I've worked on framing some pieces that have been lanquishing in the tub, praying that a frame would bring them to be hung on the wall. So, some of these you have already seen before, a few are new finishes.


First, my finish and framing of LHN's Sea to Shining Sea. This has been temporarily framed. Temporary because I absolutely HATE the frame and have plans to make another one as soon as I can get my hands on different molding. But, at least, you can see what it looks like completed. And thanks to all of you that encouraged me to NOT frog. It doesn't look too bad, in my opinion.





Next up is Val's Stuff, "Home is where your cats are". I stitched this for my son Chad. I changed the colors a bit--the black cat was supposed to have green eyes while the gray cat had gold eyes. Well, our black cat has gold eyes and the gray one has green so that was one change. Neither cat has a pink nose so that was also changed. I think I also changed out the color on the house because I didn't have the charted color--but it was a close match.




My last NEW finish came after I had made up frames, so it got left out. Here is Wishing Sheep, by Shepherd's Bush. Isn't he cute, with his birthday cake?



The rest are just frame jobs, in no particular order:


Fright by Shepherd's Bush



Jingle by Shepherd's Bush



Come by Shepherd's Bush



My Garden by Shepherd's Bush



My Heart's Garden by Shepherd's Bush



Snow by the Trilogy



Halloween by Drawn Thread (also for Chad--loves Halloween. It was his idea to put the silver spider on this piece instead of the 4th black button)




And while I was waiting for varnish to dry, and the framing to be completed, I started a new LHN piece called the Needleworker. I am really enjoying this piece and already have plans on framing and where to hang it. Should only take a few more days to get this done. I'm stitching it on Vintage Examplar 32 count, with the recommended Crescent Colour overdyed cottons.




If you have lasted this long, and waited for all the pictures to load, I thank you. Happy stitching, everyone and thank you so much for visiting and all the lovely comments you leave. I hope the sun is shining in your windows today.

Progress Update

I'm a bit late in showing my progress on Sea to Shining Sea--I should have updated a few days ago, when I finished 'Southwest'. Instead, I just kept on going, and last night, finished 'West Coast'. This one was the most fun--I loved this house, with it's blue shutters and climbing flowers at the sides. I made a few little changes to my piece--the yellow middle of the flowers are smyrna stitch, and the yellow window in the front door is all smyrna stitch, just to give a little depth to the stitching. Tonight I start 'East Coast', the silks are organized, the chart is out, I just have to make my start, and hope I find the right spot to start in, lol. Let me apologize right now for the really poor photographs--I really suck at taking them. I stitch in hand, no matter the size, so the sides of my stitching pieces are always rolled up. Nicole, where are you? I need you to take a few pictures for me. . . . . . . .

On the home front, hubby is on the road, the truck is fixed, (for now, anyway--there's always something that needs doing on the Beast) and I have my house back. Peace and quiet reign supreme. No TV the minute we grab our coffee in the morning, no ten million phone calls all day long. Just quiet. No one snoring during stitching time, or black door knobs. It's going to take awhile to get the house back to normal but as long as no one is messing it up as soon as I get finished, it shouldn't take too awful long--well, probably longer than most because I HATE housework.

I managed to catch a picture of Shadow sleeping near the dog--she was NOT happy that I caught her, snuggling up to Boo. If looks could kill, and all that. She paid me back today by laying on each of the pillowcases as I was trying to get them on the pillows. She is such a hoot--and doesn't seem to realize that Boo could gobble her up in one bite. She'll sit at the edge of the recliner and bat at Boo's nose as Boo walks by. Sometimes, I don't think Boo even notices her.

Off to make supper, so I can start my stitching time a bit early tonight. Just hope there is something on TV to listen to. Stitch on, my friends, and keep your own updates coming. They encourage me. And sometimes really really tempt me to start new projects. LOL And try to take advantage of the lovely weather. We have a sunny 72 degrees today, here in north east Indiana. Until next time.

An Award

I have been given an award by Patti, on her blog. I am overwhelmed, thanks so much. Now comes the hard part of choosing people to give it to.

This award means -

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these kind writers. When you pass the award along please include these guidelines. I am to choose eight friends to share this with.
This is always the difficult bit, and please don't feel let down if you're not on the list, it doesn't mean I think less of you.

Nicole She is always an inspiration


Leigh She makes me smile


Deb Truly a needle artist


Kathy Loves dragons


Coni Makes me laugh outloud


Siobhan A real Hoot!


Rachel Great with a needle


Miss Jane Lovely pictures


Thank you Patti, for this honor. Now, fingers crossed that I did this correctly, and hope the names don't end up in cyber space.

OMG, do I need to frog?

HELP!!!

I just noticed that I'm off one stitch on my first block on Sea to Shining Sea. Can you believe that? I checked the instructions, and it says "There are two spaces (stitches) between the individual charts and the white line border." The chart has one blank stitch on each side and two blank stitches on top and bottom. If I go by what she said, then I should have three blank spaces on each side, or should ignore the blank space on each side on the chart. Darn! I thought I had spaced it out perfectly, but I went over 24 stitches to start the middle tree instead of 25--so the right side has three blank spaces and the left has one. Darn again! Now what do I do? I have the house nearly done, the tops of all three trees done--how bad does it look? Does anyone think I should frog it all out? (I am NOT doing that border again, so that means no starting over.) I could add a few extra stitches to the right side tree, make it even up a bit more. I am so bummed out.

On a lighter note, I wanted to show this picture I took of our cat Shadow. For some reason, she loves Wal Mart bags. Grocery store bags. All kinds of bags. She's waiting at the door when I come home from the grocery store and can't wait for me to empty those bags and throw them on the floor. For the last few days, all I have to do is shake out this bag, and put it on the floor, and she crawls into it, curls up and goes to sleep. Spooky used to do this also, until she got her head caught in one of the handles and got "spooked", lol. She tore through the house, trying to get that dratted bag off and since then, when a bag lands on the floor, she's in the other room. Instantly.

Perhaps I'll make a start on 'Home is where your cats are', until I get enough comments for me to make a decision, to frog or not to frog. How does it look? Is it real obvious that there was miscounting going on? Does it look really off center?

Stitch on, dear friends. Spring is a-coming!

New Stash, Oh, My!

A new month, and a new order from House of Stitches . It arrived today, and to say I'm thrilled would be really understating things.

I received a blend of old and new. From Val's Stuff, "home is where my cats are". I had to get this chart--it shows a picture of two cats, a gray and a black one. Both of which, we have. Then from Blue Ribbon Designs, from market, "It's Cold Outside". I really like this chart. I'm not sure that I'll ever do the large sampler but I have many uses for the smaller designs. Snowmen, and who doesn't like snowmen? Penguins, my daughter in law loves penguins! Then there are snowflakes, presents, a gingerbread guy, ice skates, a bunny, trees, you get the picture. And I do so love smalls! I also got all the Crescent Colours that the chart required. Might as well have it on hand, eh? Also in that first picture, something called the Buddy Case. It's a faux leather tool case for my stitching bag. It has an inside tray so I can keep some things secured, and still have a place to keep my good scissors safe from scratches. I think it's gorgeous. Mine is in the color Saddle but it does come in tons of other colors, even Eggplant.

Little House Needleworks--truly a blend of the old and the new. The old would be Peach Tree Cottage (which I thought was cute and thought I had but didn't) and Goodwill thread pack. Of the new, East Coast (from sea to shining sea) the last installment, Liberty and Justice, In the Beginning, State Fair and the first design in the new Women's Virtues "Gentle and Kind". Gentle and Kind is a thread pack with Crescent colours Belle Soie and this first one is gorgeous. And before you ask, no, I didn't buy any linen this time. I have a huge cabinet full of linen and it's time I started using what I have before I buy more.

As mentioned above, I did receive the last chart pack for From Sea to Shining Sea, East Coast. Yesterday, I finished that border, completely, and started in on the middle design, Mountains. It was so nice stitching something other than border; new colors, different shapes. Now my only problem will be continuing to work on this project when I so want to start one of the new charts, like "home is where my cats are".

Well, back to my stitching chair and afghan, as it's plenty cold outside and it's been difficult keeping the house warm enough without spending a ton on heating. Keep stitching, and smile! It makes people wonder what you're hiding, LOL.

Traveling Stitcher

Instead of working on LHN's Sea to Shining Sea, I decided to put it aside (I was so tired of that blasted border) until I had the last installment--oh, who am I kidding? When I saw Traveling Stitcher, I couldn't resist starting it. It is a gorgeous piece from market. I had to wait a few days to be able to afford the finish kit and nearly had the larger piece done before it arrived.

This came as a chart pack with the Crescent Colours necessary for completing it. It is stitched on 32 count Lambswool linen, one of my favorite linens. I enjoyed every minute working this piece. After getting the needlebook done, and both pieces sewn onto the finish kit, I decided that the "set" really needed a scissor fob.

For the fob, I took the letters for "scissors" off the larger piece (the capital 'S' from the personalization alphabet included) and charted all the letters on graph paper. I used the border from the needlebook making it smaller across and longer lengthwise. Inside, I graphed the left side house and the stitcher, along with some grass for the house to sit on. The back side (not shown) simply has the same border and the blackbird from the fence.

This is a great design and it was a lot of fun to stitch. Miss Diane once again has a winner. (of course, lol).

Side note, if any of you reader/stitchers sews at all, you'd do best to make your own finish kit. As pretty as the fabric is, the work put into the finish kit was not worth the money I paid. It could be that as I've been machine sewing since I was five (5) that I've become more of a perfectionist than normal. I was not impressed with the workmanship in the finish kit I received. The needlebook wasn't even "even" front to back. The envelope was simply two pieces of fabric with quilt batting sandwiched between, top stitched to form a 'pocket'--the needlebook was the same except that it folds in half and the top stitching catches a piece of felt for needles.

I'm sorry if I'm hurting anyone's feelings or offending anyone but I think that us stitchers need to stick together. In this day and age, where chart prices are rising, and hand-dyed linen is almost too expensive to use, we should be able to expect to get our money's worth. The price of the Little House Needlework chart pack with thread was very fair, simply the cost of her average chart and the cost of the threads. More than worth the cost to have all the threads right there to use.

Okay, off my soapbox now. It's been a terribly gloomy day here for all that it was warmer than normal. Rain instead of snow--woohoo! Back to working on my Sea To Shining Sea, as the last installment is due in my mailbox early next week--and I have so little of the border left to complete.

On a parting note, let me share a picture I took of our sweet kitties, the ones that share my lap with my needlework most nights. It took several months for them to make friends. For the first few months, if Shadow was sleeping in my lap, Spooky would jump up and lay right on top of her. Now they share lap space, lol. Spooky is the black cat and Shadow is the grey ring tailed cat. This picture shows them sitting on the back of my chair, watching the early birds.

Until next time, keep those needles flying.

SNOW by the Trilogy

Okay, okay, I'm on a roll with small projects. This is SNOW by the Trilogy. The picture came up a bit crooked on the scanner, but I'm not going to photograph it until its framed. The picture frame is done, just needs to be painted--blue to match, hopefully, the blue of the border. I had plans of pulling out something larger to stitch, but as I was looking through my stash of kits (I didn't want to dig out floss and fabric) outside it was very cold, and this little snowman appealed to me. I did change one item--the snowflakes around the snowman were regular cross stitches, which I changed to smyrna stitches. Makes them stand out a bit more. This was stitched with Weeks Dye Works and GAST overdyes.

On to a bigger project. Once SNOW was finished, I pulled out LHN's From Sea to Shining Sea. I was inspired by Nicole and her work on her's. She's nearly done and I'm still working on the border chart. I started this piece when it first came out, but the border overwhelmed me. It seemed to go on forever. I am working on it now, and am getting close to being able to work on the interesting parts, the individual houses.

That's all for now, I'm going back to my stitching. Our weather has turned fairly warm so I'm thinking of washing my car tomorrow. Hubby is off, back on the road, thank heavens. There is only so much mud I want to clean up every hour! But, he works hard, so if you pray, pray for him to be safe. He's headed towards Dallas, TX. Stitch on, dear friends, and thank you so much for all the lovely comments you leave me. They are very much appreciated.

A Gift

This year for Christmas, my friend Jodi sent me a threadkeeper. Her father is Max Bloom of Bloom Woodworks, and he makes wonderful threadkeepers, of all shapes and sizes. I have wanted one of these to mount a stitching on, and this one seemed perfect. The other threadkeepers I have that her father made are in shapes, and not really suitable for a stitching. (one is a really cool looking bat, the other a jumping bunny) I had several ideas for this one, but decided to go with a Little House Needlework house, in my choice of colors. It was stitched with Belle Soie Silk, the main house color being Blue Heaven, on Flax linen in 28 count. Really wish I could have found a piece of 32 count in this color. Mounted on batting covered mat board, and laced in the back, the cording is twisted linen thread. I think it turned out great, being my first one.

Now, I'm thinking a mini sampler for the next one? Perhaps my favorite bands from Shepherd's Bush samplers? I'm thinking I need to place an order for a few more of these lovely pieces.

Thank you, Jodi, for this lovely gift. And thanks, Max, for your wonderful talent.

Framed Finish

Seems like lately all I've had are small finishes. This one, at least, I got framed right after finishing. This is Winter ABC by Shepherd's Bush. The mat was included in the kit. It was fun stitching this one--here in Indiana, it was frigid the entire time so stitching on a snowman was quite apt. I tried to get the same color in my frame as they used with the dark mat and blue fabric. Now to find a place to hang this piece.

I've been working on a stitching to decorate a hornbook thread keeper that I received for Christmas. I hope to be back in a day or so with the results. The stitching is completed.

I really do need to find something larger to stitch on but these "instant gratification" small pieces seem to be addictive. Until next post, keep warm, (or cool) and keep interested in your stitching. You are leaving behind a legacy that will live on.

Another small finish

I think I'm on a roll, at least with smaller pieces and having finishes. This is the new Shepherd's Bush 2009 Scissor Fob. I think the ribbon took longer than the rest of the finishing. Please, can someone tell them to go back to the cording around the outside? Makes a much more useable scissor fob. I did enjoy the stitching of this one. The fabric color is just mouth watering. It's called Seafoam green but it looks more aqua than green.

I used a pair of antique scissors that I got on eBay just for display purposes. I hope to be able to find a pair of "Roberta" Ginghers to go with this fob eventually.

Next up? Not sure, but I'm leaning towards SB's Winter Sampler shop exclusive. It came with an absolutely adorable mat.

Thanks for again stopping by, and for all the lovely comments you leave. Stitch on, and keep warm.

A Tiny Finish--Framed

I didn't have time to get the camera out, so a scan will have to do. This is 'Where there is life', (LHN) stitched over one and framed. I chose to paint my frame a pale green and then sanded it to make it look time-worn. Since this was such a small framed picture, instead of the hanging hardware on the back, I've drilled a hole for a small piece of dowel rod, to make it a stand up, stand alone piece. How did I do with the color? I thought about staining it but just had the feeling that would make it too dark.

I'm finished with the front of my SB 2009 Scissor fob and have a start on the back. I'll get moving on finishing that part tonight during Ghost Whisperer--I just love that show. Happy Stitching to all of you and thanks so much for the comments. Have a great weekend.

A Tiny Finish

Yes, indeed, a tiny finish. This is "Where there is life", a compilation kit from Elegant Stitch, designed by Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks, with the threads by Sharon Crescent of Crescent Colours. I loved this piece but after seeing Lois' finish over one, I decided I just had to stitch it that way. I was a little bit disappointed in the colors used--my "clay pot" looks nearly the same as the "second-hand rose", and the colors used in the house, "country lane" and "bunny honey" seemed to be reversed on the chart. (I always use the darkest brown for the roof.) Those problems were simple to fix, and I love that Lois is always doing these Breast Cancer awareness pieces. I know my picture is pretty poor--I just put it on the scanner but I'll take a better picture when I have it framed. I made the frame this afternoon, and if I can decide on a color for it, it will be ready in a flash.

This is not the first time I've done an entire project 'over one' but with my eyesight, I do find it difficult to stitch. I'm very proud that I actually finished it. (I had second thoughts about the over one while I was doing the border, which was the first part I stitched, but as I'd cut the fabric in half, no going back.) And there was that "perfect timing" about the finish--yesterday, my new Shepherd's Bush kits came: Winter Sampler and 2009 Fob. I was determined NOT to start the fob until this piece was done--so now that it is done, on to the fob. My project to start tonight. Very thrilled I am. And the icing on the cake? Mr. DH is finally home after being out on the road for 17 days without a home visit. Can you say dirty laundry? Ick.

Until next time, dear friends, keep those needles flying, and only stitch what you enjoy stitching. Life is way too short to waste time stitching on something you don't like.

UFO now a finish!

Here it is, Shepherd's Bush "FRIGHT", finally done. I really like how this one turned out. It's so pretty. (Yup and it's another one that eldest son has put his name on since the theme is Halloween.) You probably can't see it, but the fabric is distressed, and the fibers are silk, with the variegated thread Autumn Foliage by Threadgatherer.

That makes at least three UFO's that I've done in the last month. I'm so psyched about that. Of course, I have plenty more to get done, but I'm feeling righteous so . . . . . a new project. I'm thinking of starting LHN's 'Where there is hope' but I'm really tempted to get started on her 'Winter Whites', that Nicole started. It looks so pretty and wintery--and here in Indiana, it is certainly winter. Our high for today was -1 and right now, we're at -4 degrees. Just too too cold. We did get a bit of snow yesterday, so when I look out the front door my car is simply a white mound. I'm staying indoors to keep warm. I've been keeping busy, with laundry mostly, and some minor picking up. As soon as dinner is over, then I'll pick which new project to start on. I'm sort of leaning towards the 'Where there is hope', but I'm trying to decide if I want to do it over one or over two threads. Wouldn't it be neat to have that as a miniature? Decisions, decisions. If my order from Shepherd's Bush had come, there would be no decisions to make--I'd have started the 2009 Fob immediately--it's really adorable. But, from what I understand, the Bush is awaiting an order of ribbon for the kit and they won't be sending any out until it arrives. Boo, hoo.

I'm off to make dinner and then head for my stitching nest and an afghan for my feet. Hope all of you are keeping warm, and enjoying your stitching. Stitch on dear friends. And for those on the other side of the pond, keep cool, stay out of the sun, and send a bit of the warmth our way.

Come Tarry and a new finish

After more than two years, I can finally hang "Come Tarry" by Shepherd's Bush on the wall. For that long, I've had a blank spot waiting for this piece and now I can fill it. I really enjoyed working on this, as I love long narrow band samplers and Shepherd's Bush have the best ones. (In my opinion.) I did change the piece a tiny bit--I changed the pudgy's hair color and made it a lot longer--the braid that is. That was done to make the pudgy resemble myself--I used to have hair that color-before it all turned gray and white and faded out. And I still have long hair, just not quite as long as the braid I gave the pudgy.

I took some close up shots of the top, middle and bottom of the piece, to show more detail. What do you think of the frame and the color? I was just so tired of staining the wood. And no, the color isn't light yellow but the color of heavy cream.

And here is my newest finish. A small piece, again by Shepherd's Bush, called "Come". The end result was a bit lighter than I thought it should have been but these were the colors that came in the kit. Haven't decided on a finish finish--if you know what I mean. Frame? Make into a pinkeep? A cube? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for looking, and get those needles smoking! I hope to be back soon, with another finish. I'm stitching and half done with Fright by Shepherd's Bush. I love reading your blogs and seeing your finishes. Those finishes encourage me. Stitch on.

I've been FRAMED!!!

I finally got into the back room, got my power tools out, and got some stitchings framed. Can you believe that? It's been simply ages. Unfortunately, I missed taking pictures of most of the projects. Yep, Lil Miss Too Much To Do forgot about taking pictures until after 6 of the projects were wrapped up and ready to give as gifts. I was so mad. And then I forgot to take my camera home to take pictures when the recipients opened the gifts. I still have "Come Tarry" to frame but as it's going to be a huge frame, I needed to make sure I had enough molding for the gift frames first. That one will come tomorrow and I can't wait. Seems like I've had that Shepherd's Bush piece done for years.

First up, the gift for my daughter-in-law, Brown House Studio's American Sampler. It was stitched with the recommended WDW's threads over one on Belfast Linen. She really liked this design when we saw it at House Of Stitches. She was very surprised when she opened this gift.

Prairie Sampler by Little House Needleworks


Holly and Berries by Little House Needleworks

Thread Gathering by Little House Needleworks


Autumn Blessings by Shepherd's Bush

Stripes by Shepherd's Bush

The rest of the framed pieces were for the house here. Prairie Sampler, Holly and Berries, and Thread Gathering by Little House Needleworks, and Shepherd's Bush Autumn Blessings and Stripes. At least I think its called Stripes--it has been forever since I stitched it. It was the first design I thought to give to my brother-in-law--until I found Brave Hearts. Yep, that was one that also got framed, along with Morning Berries, Strawberry House, and Drawn Thread's Spring Spot that I forgot to get a picture before wrapping.

Until next time, dear friends, stitch on and don't forget to get those lovelies framed or finished for all of us to drool over. And take lots of pictures before you wrap!

A Birthday Finish

I wanted to share a special finish that I had a while ago, but couldn't share until the birthday girl received her parcel. I didn't have a lot to go on except that she likes scissors, the colors purple and pink and smalls. HMMM, whatever shall I stitch her? Okay, smalls it is.

I chose a design by Indigo Rose, her Victoria's 2 pence Scissor Fob. I enlarged it, changed it around, added to it, and came up with this set: a scissor fob, needlebook and biscornu. I also used her Rhodes Heart to decorate a scissor sheath. I used R and R's linen in Breast Cancer Pink and Belle Soie silk in Empress purple. I added beads to the edges of all pieces except the sheath.

I loved working on this. Loved changing it, making it bigger by adding an extra row of rice stitches, and loved doing the finishing on it. I think its taking a blank piece of fabric, a soft piece of silk and making something lovely out of it. Something three dimensional out of it. Something that can be used. And don't we all love using pretty things? And because the birthday girl works giving Mammograms, I added the pink ribbon scissors. I think it made a sweet set. What do you think? Oh, it might help if I add a picture of the set?

The beaded counter was made by my son Chad to match the set I stitched. Isn't it pretty?

I have other finishes to share but the camera batteries need a recharge. I'll be back soon with an update and some pictures that I've just finished framing and a couple of tin necklace finishes. Until then, happy stitching!