Countdown to 2008 ....

I am so lucky today. Found the perfect calendar for my laundry room:I saw this on the V&A web site & was thrilled to find one at Barnes and Noble [earlier today]
link here























Each year, the boyz and I go over to Barnes and Noble to select a 2008 wall calendar. This year, we picked Tiffany for the Kitchen:
link here












I was stash diving, looking for some linen. I'm thinking I don't have a good enough cut for the Happy Hearts Sampler by BOAF. This was going to be a fun SAL with (so far) Chelle and Cathy B. Perhaps I'll find something in the next day or two ... or will have to purchase some!!!! I really thought the 32-count lambswool linen would be ok -- but, honestly, it dulls out the overdye fibers. I'll have to get some 32-ct sand or something to compliment the fibers : ) The pattern calls for 36-count linen; however, no can do!!! So, ladies, go ahead and start without me. I'm sure I'll catch up the first or second week in January : )

Wishing everybody who stops by my blog a Happy New Year!!!!

Happy Holidays : )

Ann Holewll 1699 - 2008 SAL

Ann Holewll, 1699
Frieda: Thank you for your comment re. the 2008 SALs. You had asked several questions and I do not have your e-mail address to respond directly to you.

For more information regarding the SAL, follow this link:

With My Needle and Pen. The group leader, Ann, can be reached thru a link on the newsletter. Kits for this sampler are available via emai, contact Joanne at theexamplarery@sbcglobal.net. The plan is to order kits & receive them sometime in January -- set up the linen, sort fibers, read chart/directions ... be ready to stitch February 1st.

(Q#1)According to the information, in the kit,This reproduction measures 9 3/4" x 22" on 35-count linen and 8 1/2" x 19 1/2" on 40 count linen

(Q#2) The stitching is over a different number of threads thru the project. The first section is over 3 threads, followed by the next section over two and 4 threads, third section I'm not sure about ... last part over two and 3 threads.

(Q#3)I purchased a 40count, cream new castle. I am using silk [I think it is needlepoint silk - tho not certain] from the kit. I think there are 24 or 25 different colours.

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "2008 SALs":

I love Ann Holewll Sampler. Hope to see your progress in the future.

I would like to have more information about Ann Holewll sampler such as:
1. What is the size of this sampler?
2. Is this stitch over 3?
I saw your WIP pic, it looks like stitch over 3.
3. Did you stitch it on 35 ct or 40 ct linen? in silk or DMC? Thank you for your help.

frieda

Thx Marjorie : )

Look what I found in my mailbox? A beautiful card and fibers from Marjorie. If you have not stopped by her new blog, check out Moonsilk Stitches. IMO - the Crewel project (offered by EGA)she completed is outstanding. Imagine the talent & patience for beautiful crewel work!!
A close-up of the fibers. Aren't they festive??? I would prefer to do a stash hunt -- find something to start; however, we celebrate with Mom, In-laws, and friends tomorrow. I gotta house to get in order.
Note to Kendra (The Stitching Hour): I scanned the (English) translation from your Aunt & put it on the reverse side of card (which has the German poem). I cannot thank you, and your Aunt, enough : ) I will give them to my Mom, MIL, + SIL tomorrow.

Thanks for the translation!!!

Angel purchased for gift : )
I am grateful to have a rapid reply to my question (previous post). This is so beautiful : ) Thanks a million Kendra for contacting your Aunt with my question. And please pass along a heartfelt thank you to your Aunt for coming up with this:

Like gentle winds and warm rains
That make green the valley's gray,
I'm here now as your angel
To wrap you in strength and warmth today.
In the night you've found new courage
And your Spirit quickens like new grass.
May you find bright fields of flowers,
And may the sweet scent of spring
Surround you with its healing power
And blessed renewal bring.

My plan is to scan the original card I have & include the translation. How special : )

Would anybody be able to help?

Earlier today, I took the South Shore into Chicago. I visited the outdoor Christkindlmarket. It was delightful to see all the wonderful booths. I bought four beautiful angels (gifts for family -- tho, I'd like to keep one, too!!!) from the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, IL.

One angel has a card attached, which reads: Wie der Wind, der mit dem warmen Regen die grauen Taler grunen macht, so will ich heute als dein Engel um dich wehen mit Kraft und Warme. Uber Nacht hast du vielleicht schon neuen Mut gefunden und deine Lebensgeister regen sich wie friesches Gras. Vielleicht entdeckst du bald auch bunte Blumen, und Fruhlingsduft umweht dich, der genas.


I tried using AltaVista Babelfish & not sure it is quite right. It translated as:
As the wind, which grunen with the warm rain the grey Taler makes, then I want warm ones today as your angel around you blow with strength and. Night you found perhaps already new courage to Uber and your life spirit to move itself like friesches grass. Perhaps you discover soon also multicolored flowers, and Fruhlingsduft umweht you, genas.

If anybody reading this would be interested in helping me out with the translation, I'd appreciate it. Photographs of the front & back of one angel:

check this out!!!

My stitching friends, oh joy, a new blogger on our block!!! Check out Moonsilk Stitches.
I've put some awesome photographs from her Flickr Album in this post. (Yes, I got permission FIRST!!!) Crewel Work on biscornumore pics of top/bottom in flickr album
"Posies"Totally cute!!!
Comfort Dolls**
Her album has more pics of her crewel tuffet ... and other needleart / fiberart projects: scissor case, ribbon 'stuff', jewelry, dolls, crazy quilting, hardanger, beading, mountmellic, drawn thread ... and the list goes on - and - on. What talent! How creative : )

**If you are not familiar with the Comfort Doll Project, see Link Here or Here

What holiday are we celebrating??

Enjoyed stitching a bit more on this last night .... errrr, earlier this morning!!! Have a few more motifs to stitch: a basket, an egg, and a bunny rabbit. This is stitched on 14-ct hearthstone & I chose to use 3 strands of floss for the cross stitching (instead of the 2 strands recommended). Quickly ran out of a few dmc colors - from this kit. Whew ... I had the skeins of floss needed in my stash. I will miss the 24-hour Wal-mart for those emergency floss needs!!!

I'd like to finish this one up later today:
Hip Hop; alphabet edge samplerc2001 Pine Mountain Designs

Gifts from my Mom : )

The DecoratorDesigned by Lynda Watkins of Full Circle DesignsJust Cross Stitch Ornaments 2007Stitched by Mom for my husband & I

A Merry Kitty KlausDesigned by Valerie Danish of Val's StuffJust Cross Stitch Ornaments 2007Stitched by my Mom for Alexander

RudyDesigned by Nancy Boyarsky of Glory BeeJust Cross Stitch Ornaments 2007Stitched by my Mom for Nicholas

A Stitched Insert ....

c.1993 DJV DesignsDesigned by Dorothy Van Kalsbeek
Insert stitched for my wooden needlecase. (more info HERE) Design size is 29x67.

I used Mill Hill Petite Glass Beads: #40123; 42024; 42029. DMC Floss: #451; 501; 502; 503; 712; 3722; 224; 223; 951; 3752; 3756. DMC Perle Coton #12 ecru. Stitched on Antique White 36-count Edinborough linen.

Stitches/techniques: Cross Stitch; backstitch; long arm cross; plait; pulled thread ring stitch; drawn thread with latice openwork (I've never seen openwork like this -- no hemstitch or reinforced edge -- just "gather" the fibers!); queen stitch; double running stitch (substituted beads for the french knots!!!).

I admit looking up the stiches in books [from my closet]. I didn't think the diagrams/instructions were easy to follow. AND there was a special note saying "these instructions are written for those who are familiar with cross stitch and have experience with linen." For such a smallish project -- there was quite a variety of needlework involved. I'm going to look at this during daylight -- for errors, or whatever, before I lace it to the board [came with kit] and tape it to my needlecase.

slow moving ...

I added a few petite beads [mill hill] & rows of stitches. I had to look up the pulled work, plait stitch, and even the drawn work (next section). OK -- I guess I'm rusty in the specialty needlework!!! Looking forward to finishing up the rows : )

Our Dog

Buddy

I forget who asked, but here is a better photograph of our pet. It is difficult to get pictures of him. He tends to move around a lot.

Insert for needlecase ...

Thank you to everybody for your e-mails and comments re. the needlecase and La-D-Da pillow. How very kind of you to leave compliments AND to share your tips and thoughts! I bought some double-sided tackie tape from Michael's and plan to give it a try once the linen is stitched.


I started & didn't get far. I took out the cross stitches in the 2nd row & added beads for dimension. There are a few beads charted in this pattern & I figured I'd experiment by adding more!

Perhaps I'll get more stitching in tonight.

Now I Lay Me ...

Now I Lay Me ...La-D-DaCopyright 2003 Lori Markovic
Pattern suggested Sampler Threads -- design size 104w x 144h. I stitched this on 28-count (packaged linen by DMC). DMC flosses used: 317 & 318 [greys]; 782 & 783 [golds]; 3051 & 3052 [greens]; 221 & 3722 [reds]; 310 & 3799 [dark border]. The buttons in the corners were Mill Hill [I think]. They were given to me by a friend & were an excellent embellishment on this pillow. The fabric was from my stash -- had multiple blue & grey shades plus sparklies.

Actually, the colors in the photo [below] are more accurate. Cameras and lighting seem difficult, today!!


Still snowing here. It should end sometime this afternoon/evening & sounds like we are in for another rain-sleet-ice storm Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Snow Day

view from the deck
Buddy eating snow!

I hear we are probably getting a couple more inches this a.m. before the storm moves on.

Counted Cross Stitch Bear

Per request, a close-up of the small bear [from yesterday's photograph]. Somebody has to explain to me how I can get an e-mail, make a reply, and have it bounce right back to me. It is spam because I attach a photograph??? I'm confused. Stitched by my Mother

Nicholas and Friends, Counted Cross Stitch Bearsc. 1986 by Liz Turner Diehl, Inc.

This bear was made by my Mom. My Mom made oodles of cross stitched bears a few years back. When I visited her, I told her I liked the one [in photograph above] best -- next thing I knew, it was mine!!

She gave them away to friends & family as holiday gifts. She made stuffed bears, and also stitched the motif on a square aide cloth which she created pockets on the outside of pre-made tote bags. She'd stitch the design & with sewing machine, add it right to the tote bag.

Web link HERE for specific info re. the pattern.

Inquiring Minds ...

Since I received more than one comment & e-mail re. this ... I'm posting photos. The interior is large enough for scissors -- has magnetic sides. The top is wooden & the idea is to stitch the project, center it & lace it around the cardboard [matboard?] and glue in place. I am not the most craftie person & wondered what glue stitchers would use to keep it attached!!!

Hip Hop & Magnetic Needle Case

Hip HopMore progress on my pillow case edge. I think it is easier stitching the center section. : )
What a MESS!I don't have a spot for my teacup. I need to clear off some of this mess. But, I don't want to put anything away!!! I feel like I need some more space for my stuff on my desk. Actually, I wish I had a craft table to spread out my junk doll & stitching supplies. I pulled out a couple clothespin dolls & soft dolls (getting ready to create some comfort dolls) ... it is quite freaky having all these extra eyes on me ... LOL

Heirloom Quality Magnetic NeedlecaseDJV Designs c 1993 If any stitcher reading this, has one of these ... has stitched & got the top glued on the wood ... could you share with me the type of glue you used to get the board to stick to the wood?? If I can find some linen in my stash, I'd like to get this one finished up - and use the box for intended needles : )

Hip Hop

Hip Hopalphabet edge samplerc.2001 Pine Mountain Designs
This is just one of those kits I had to stitch. It is 14-count in the cross stitch area. The kit is a nice one - IMO. Only trouble I'm having:
my left hand gets stiff + sore holding the pillow case. I just don't do well stitching in hand. So, I think I'll do this a little at a time : ) The Honey Bee pillow case kit looks equally charming!!

Did the sweet elfin reveal herself yet? Seems there is a lot of fiber being mailed around : ) Blessings to you!

Satin Stitch

cDesign by Thea DueckBeyond Cross Stitch, Learning Collection

This is a lovely kit -- and I used fibers from the kit & my own stash -- dug out some beads, too. Here is the heart with a few changes : ) I used: DMC perle #8 225 & 223; DMC perle #12 white; DMC floss #814; Kreinik Silk Mori 4206; Mill Hill petite beads #40479 and #42042; Kreinik #4 Braid #002 - metallic gold; butterfly charm from kit. Stitched on 25ct white Lugana.

Stash hunt

c Elizabeth's Garden 2000Liz Mathews



I may use the beautiful blue fiber [from our Secret Santa in Belgium] on this pattern. All of these pincushions are beautiful : ) Just need to do a linen stash hunt!

Christkindlemarket in Chicago, IL

[pictures from the web site] LINK HERE
Found this in TheTimes or nwi.com online newspaper:

Date posted online: Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Holiday briefs

Christkindlmarket | Chicago

Experience a traditional German Christmas at the Christkindlmarket, inspired by the Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. This outdoor market offers handmade gifts, ornaments, rare European fabrics and textiles and German delicacies like brats, goulash, potato pancakes, cookies and Gluhwein (a warm spiced wine). Christkindlmarket hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 23. It's open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24. Admission is free.

FYI: Visit http://www.christkindlmarket.com.

My kids have gone to this event in the past - with the French and German Clubs [from the high school]. I really should get out more!!! Doesn't it look like fun??

Oh my!

I was surprised by this wonderful fiber that arrived in my box today! All the way from Belgium. And, I don't know who sent it to me. Thank you very much : ) I will try to find a nice design to use this beautiful blue. I've never tried this kind before. I appreciate my Secret Santa & perhaps one day, you will reveal your name to me : )

The book under the fiber is by Tandy and Charles Hersh, called Sampler of the Pennsylvania Germans. Our daughter checked it out from the library. She said there are about 25 volumes on the shelf -- all by The Pennsylvania German Society. She said some had towels and other folk art. Next time I'm on campus, I'll have to visit the stacks.

2008 SALs

I'm pretty excited this morning! The 2008 Group Projects were announced on the With My Needle and Pen Newsletter. They are: Ann Holewll,1699 (from The Examplarery) and the Ackworth Friendship Book (from With My Needle) have been chosen for 2008. Hopefully, the SALs will begin in January.

I'm planning to join one of the SAL groups. If stitchers are interested in joining the group, participating in either SAL, LINK HERE.

Ann Holewll, 1699
Per Newsletter: "Ann's sampler was purchased by Colonial Williamsburg in 1998. To read more about the acquisition, go HERE.
The reproduction is worked in the stitching techniques found on the original: Cross, Double Running, Algerian Eye, and Satin with accents of Chain, Bullion Knots and Double Back Stitch."

More info in links provided. The one I started (back in 2004)... and ruined the linen by basting ... and bought new linen ... will be one of the projects. Yippie Skippie. Now I have some inspiration to get this one out and moving along.
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The other 2008 SAL I'll be participating in will be a BOAF called Happy Hearts Sampler. Tobie, Gingham Stitcher Blog, recently finished her sampler. It looks awesome. So far, I have the pattern -- still need fibers and linen. Funness.

The Art Institute of Chicago

A new textile exhibit!!! All this from the Web Site:










The E. M. Bakwin Collection of Indonesian Textiles
December 1, 2007–March 2, 2008
Galleries 108–109

"Overview: Featuring nearly 50 works—including exquisite examples of the batik and ikat techniques—this exhibition explores a magnificent collection that entered the Art Institute in late 2002, introducing viewers to the rich variety of Indonesian textile traditions and investigating the sources, motifs, and uses of one of Asia’s most spectacular art forms."
WEB SITE HERE w/more information.


Museum Hours

Monday–Wednesday, Friday, 10:30–5:00
Thursday, 10:30-8:00
(Target Free Thursdays 5:00-8:00)
Saturday–Sunday, 10:00–5:00

The museum is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days.

admission Fees

Adults: $12
Children, Students, and Seniors (65 and up): $7
Children under 12 are free. Members are always free. Become a member now!

Target Free Thursdays
Thursday evenings from 5:00-8:00 are free.

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Thx for the e-mails and comments. I've been busy stitching a gift -- I'm done with the cross stitch and moving on to the finishing. More posts soon.

Satin Stitch - Heart Kit

Boo! Happy Halloween!This lovely heart (first photo) is another kit from The Victoria Sampler. It was given to me by a NANI friend. I spent a good deal of time locating the charm & beads for this one. As it was an 'in the car' project - I took out the charm/bead pkg & put it 'someplace' where it would not be 'lost'. Yeah -- what a fossil. Took me awhile to unearth the pkg!!! Later this afternoon, I plan to stitch the rest of it.

This is a kit I stitched up a few years back & finished into a heart ornament. It is Assisi Embroidery. I plan to finish the Satin Stitch heart (first photo) in the same way. As I recall, it was a doorprize at an EGA chapter event. These are nice kits as there are different fibers included & ENOUGH fibers included ... you know what I mean? Dreadful to run out of ingredients when you purchase a kit.

I started this kit at the Dentist's office waiting room ... & thought I might finish it up this week. I love the title of these hearts "Beyond Cross Stitch" as they sprinkle in specialty stitches. I'm really tired of the 'x' right now. I in the mood for other kinds of stitching.
Before you ask ... the threadwinders are from House of Stitches . They come in boxes of six & I couldn't resist purchasing the butterfly design [several designs available]. I have a thing for threadwinders. And, as always, click on the photo to enlarge [for those readers not familiar with blogging]