Q & A + little bit of stitching

I stitched one motif
on the Pins & Tulips Pincushion pattern
from the Thank You, Sarah Tobias book
(Blackbird Designs)

I'm using DMC floss
and enjoying this design

- - - - - - - Q & A - - - - - - -
I received a few e-mails about this pattern

This comes in THREE different colors
(Belle Soie silk from Crescent Colours):
Rosebud (pink)
Kiwi (green)
Babbling Brook (blue)

Each chart has both the
BOX LID and BAG
directions


the pattern has options in
28ct, 32ct, 36ct & 40ct fabric


I thought I'd go into the store for the green
and when I saw all three, I chose the blue & pink!
I selected 32ct Bo Peep belfast for the pink
and
32ct cream linen for the blue

I probably will make box lid; however, if I do make a bag
I'd stitch the square & sew it onto some material

I thought the fringe with buttons was clever!

As for the link to Berti's blog, direct link is:
http://samplersandbuttons.blogspot.com/2009/07/button-bag.html

Camp Quality

You are probably wondering what all this is
within the photograph

On Aug 7th, NANI volunteers gathered together to teach young campers
how to stitch. This is an annual event
coordinated by Marjorie blogging at Moonsilk Stitches.

This year, the project was designed by
Marjorie - kits were made by NANI members
Photo of Model & background info on
Marjorie's post silkscreen

We took her sketches (flower & tiki)
used xacto knives to make
stencils out of freezer paper

THEN, the freezer paper stencils were
ironed on felt - painted with foam brushes
using acrylic paints

After the paint dried
the pieces were cut to fit the lids of tin boxes

Also, Marjorie had a silk screen
created with fabric & stretcher bars

The NANI members learned two ways to make & use stencils!

some of the felt pieces had the motifs painted
and others had the backgrounds painted --- what fun
for the campers and companions to embellish these pieces!

Want to see them all? Check out Marjorie's post:
We had Fun

On Aug 7th, we joinged the campers (& companions).
They chose their felt pieces along with needle & perle cotton fibers

NANI members taught them
basic stitches, ie back stitch, whip stitch,
chain stitch, stem stitch, running stitch

Marjorie brought table decorations &
the campers (and companions) put the decs
in their name badge holders & some
added the decs to their felt pieces

To see the finished products, pictures of the campers, companions, etc.
look at Marjorie's post: Camp Quality

For more information on Camp Quality & the Outreach Program by our EGA chapter see: info from NANI blog

AND, did you notice the canvas tote bag? Marjorie gifted each volunteer with a canvas bag, painted with a motif from our project!!! Thx Marjorie for creating this project & teaching all of us how to make stencils, and the souvenier bag!

After the demonstration & encouragement from Marjorie,
I went out to find more craftie supplies
to make my own stencils -- funness

Stash Sale Finds ...

Was great fun selling & chatting with
NANI GF's (w/o blogs) Beth, Mel, Sue D & Sue H ---
and to see Tina, Kay, Kathy (at HoS);
and thx to the House of Stitches staff ... Joy, Nancy, +Sharon
for swinging by & selecting some new stash!
(of course, met up with them later
at the shop to buy new stash***, too).
And a couple bloggers were there:
Linen Stitcher (who brought along her current project
Check out her blog!)
AND Pat, who has a post up w/her finds:
What A Saturday I've Had!

Not sure what the grand totals were for our booth --
I am thinking better than projected : )

Here's a photo of my haul from the LaPorte Fairgrounds (yesterday).
I am the proud owner of
Catherine Maudsley 1844, The Drawn Thread
'Tis the Gift, La D Da
Dragonfly, Elizabeth's Designs
Sunflower House,Loose Feathers #9, Blackbird Des

Plus, a bag of buttons (.50)
a wine bottle apron (maybe for a doll?)
pattern for making pins with buttons & lace

AND --- guess what?
I finally found a Vera Bradley bag to replace
my beat up one (Emily pattern -pictured below)!!!
I have been looking 2+ years
for a Vera Bradly in this style
and never found one
Even on e-Bay, I found
similar styles --
not this style
WHICH I REALLY REALLY WANTED

My old bag torn up in the corners
(and sewn back together)
oh, so faded ...

I might keep the old one anyhow
Never know when taking the beat-up bag
will be the better choice!!!

AND ... AND ... AND
I will answer my e-mails & questions
in the next few posts

I am really really behind in responding
sorry, just been crazy busy

AND ... AND ... AND
I have a few posts of
special things gifted
to me by special people!

stay tuned

***new stash in punchneedle post

Stash Sale

Hope to see you

Saturday, Aug 29th

at the

Stash Sale

7AM to 3PM

location: LaPorte County Fairgrounds

Sue & Mel selling in
Booth 36
Building Two

Beth & I will be
lending a hand
if needed

The Stash Sale is in conjunction
with the radio station's
BIG garage sale

LaPorte County Fairgrounds
2581 W. Sr 2, La Porte, IN, 46350
(219) 362-2647

Concessions and restrooms are available

new stash

I bought this pattern, which comes with
buttons & fiber skein
(linen separate purchase)

It is an
Erika Michaels Needlework Designs

I bought this pattern at House of Stitches
in LaPorte earlier this week

It is an exclusive
designs & comes in three
fiber choices:
green, pink, blue

There is also a
button bag option

To see a button bag picture,
check out Berti's post here
from her blog
Samplers & Buttons

HURRY! Limited
supplies on this design

(The basket does NOT
come with the pattern)

Sampler Exhibit

Milwaukee Public Museum
800 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233

ABC's of Schoolgirl Samplers: Children, Education, and Needlework

Schoolgirl samplers are one of the most recognizable and beloved American needle arts. Samplers were created by young girls as part of their formal education demonstrating needle handiwork, literacy, moral education and historical/geographic understanding. A selection of a dozen samplers from the Museum's Clothing and Textile Collection provides an opportunity to enjoy and examine the handiwork of early 19th century American girls. This is a limited run exhibit due to the fragility and age of the textiles.

ABC's of Schoolgirl Samplers is located on the first floor, center gallery, from August 21 – November 29, 2009.

Milwaukee Public Museum
Summer Public Hours (June 14 - September 30) Monday 9:00 - 4:00
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 9:00 - 4:00
Thursday 9:00 - 4:00
Friday 9:00 - 4:00
Saturday 9:00 - 4:00
Sunday 10:00 - 4:00

* Box Office closes 30 minutes prior to Museum closing time.

Closed Dates
July 4, 2009 (Independence Day)
November 26, 2009 (Thanksgiving Day)
December 25, 2009 (Christmas Day)

Lake Co Fair (2 of 2 posts)

NEEDLECRAFT II
Class 1119: Counted Cross Misc - Pillow
First Place Ribbon

Tiny Sampler
La-D-Da Freebie

I used perle coton #5: 932 lt blue, 801 brown,
3045 gold, 3687 pink, 3052 green, 930 blue on 18-ct Shaker Linen.
8" x 8"
I found some gold beads to use
around the outside edge. Now I like it!

HANDICRAFTS I
Class 713: X-Mas Orn - Counted Cross Stitch
Second Place Ribbon

Santa's Stash
Lynda Watkins
c.2003 Full Circle Designs
design size 34H x 57W

This pattern is in the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments magazine

I used suggested DMC floss, Mill Hill 40479 beads;
other supplies from my stash:
3 small green buttons, unknown linen,
beads for outside edge

NEEDLECRAFT II
Class 1120: Counted Cross Misc - Pulled Thread

Violet Square
c 1986 Needle Maid Designs, Inc.

It made with DMC floss,
one yellow bead (from my stash)
on 30-count creme linen
I used Garnet Iris seed beads around the outer edge

Lake Co Fair (1 of 2 posts)

HANDICRAFTS I
Class 708: Holiday Decoration - Not Spec
Second Place Ribbon

Spring Fling
c.2004 Homespun Elegance Ltd.
Designed by Sandra Sullivan

I made some changes to the design: For this project, I flipped the motifs & changed the over-dye fiber colors.
The flowers & bunny tail are french knots.
I used Buttercrunch GAST, Cadet WDW, Kudzu WDW, Camellia WDW, Bordeaux WDW & a small amount of Straw WDW + Molasses WDW on 32-ct Lambswool Linen.

To finish into a small pillow I used Mill Hill glass seed beads #02019 around the edge.

NEEDLECRAFT II
Class 1117: Counted Cross Misc - Miniature Item
First Place Ribbon

Mimi's Pin Cube
Olde Colonial Designs
C.2003 by Pamela D. Reed

This kit included 32-ct Fratelli Graziano Italian Cream Siena Linen,
Gentle Art Old Red Paint and Grecian Gold,
DMC 3052, 611 & 642.
The pins, cardboard, and padding also included in the kit.
I managed to lace the linen to
the cardboard & padding.
Whip stitched them together & pushed in the pins.



SEWING
Class 1378: Home Decor - Decorating Pillow
First Place Ribbon

My Original Design - hand sewn, hand applique

This is a patriotic theme I designed.
It was a challenge to select the red,white,blue fabrics from my slim stash.
Just fun to create something unique.
The applique and stitching is not perfect; however, I'm pleased with the way it turned out.

giveaway

Isn't it fabulous?
For a chance
check out
Pat Winter's Blog
Time for a Small Giveaway Post

Rush over their there**
Name drawn next
Saturday!


**sorry, blame it on jet lag

Porter Co Fair: Best of Show

Thx everybody for your comments re. my ribbons at Porter Co Fair --- If you want to see the BIG WINNER, please visit Surprises & Fun at the Fair post by Pat Winter on her Gatherings blog. And, while you are visiting her blog, check out her awesome textiles, (incl hand-dye ribbons ... like a piece of heaven on hearth) demonstrations, Art Fire (incl Bliss Kits) and her re-do of some digs for CLASSES : ) IMO - Pat is one of the most generous & kind persons on the planet -- very willing to share the basics, the how-to's in a step-by-step way She is enthusiastic, knows her stuff, and doesn't hover! She lets the creativity take over & enjoys the unfolding of creative processes After she showed me (actually us -- Karol & I) the ropes, it removed the mystery of CQ & with a few hands on demos, I was able to create some lovely ribbon roses, fancy surface stitches, and yes - even put together a start on a small project with bits of this-n-thats Pat shared from her studio stash: (this trim was white until we used ink pads to add a rainbow of color!) and a little help from her friend & local artist Ellen Anne Eddy who created labels for needlebook pages Bottom Line --- Run right over to see the list of classes from THIS POST Hope to see you there!!!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pattern ...

Looks like the pattern

My Needle and My Floss

by Waxing Moon Designs

is ready to send on to a new home

Visit It's DaffyCat blog for details

Porter Co Fair (4 of 4) Results

Section 105 -- Toys
a. Stuffed

~*My Favorite Kitten*~ Pinkeep
c ~~primitivebettys~~ / Betty Dekat

I used DMC floss (3721, 3021, 926, 221, 422, 413, 3051) on 32-ct linen
I changed the cross to a heart at the neck, otherwise followed pattern

Comments by Judge: "Very nicely done. Good edge finish. Nice color choices"

Section 507 -- Miscellaneous Needlecraft
a. Combination of Techniques

Herbal Sachet
Lavender; Loyalty & Devotion
The Victoria Sampler
c.2002 Thea Dueck

Front: 62H x 40W. 28ct Antique White Cashel Linen. Kreinik #4 Braid #002; DMC #12 White Perle Cotton; AVAS #1343 (purple); DMC Floss 210, 501, 502, 3813, blanc, 208; Mill Hill beads; Needle Necessities #178 Coventry Gardens.

back: cross stitch & bumble bee charm

Comments by Judge: "attractive bag. delicate handiwork."


Section 101 -- Special Occasion (any Holiday, Special Event)
b. Tree Ornament

Pear Tree
pattern from the 2006 JCS Orn magazine
designed by Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks

I used 32-count Confed Grey Linen with Dried Thyme + Nutmeg (GAST), Amber (WDW), #341 & #375 Anchor floss. The 'pot' is a variation of a freebie from the Workbasket web site

Comments by Judge: "Very nicely done. Good color choices, nice details"

Porter Co Fair (3 of 4) Results

506--Counted Thread Work
f. Other (not suitable for framing) ex: pillows, afghans

Forest Song
Designed by Elizabeth Foster
c.2000 Elizabeth's Designs

I used suggested fibers on 25-count raw linen by Zweigart
(the green leaves are stitched with Sheep's Silk,
Dark Moss, The Thread Gatherer
The fiber & charm were with the pattern.

Comment by Judge: "cute. good execution"

Section 109--Wearable Art
d. Bead Accessories

Filigree Victorian Rose
Mill Hill Jeweled Bar Pin (kit)

Comment by Judge: "Very well done. great design & pattern. good craftsmanship"

Section 101 -- Special Occasion (any Holiday, Special Event)
e. Wearable Art

Love
c.Birds of a Feather

Stitched over one thread on 32-count linen w/Anchor floss

Comments by judge: "how cute. nice details & good craftsmanship"

Porter Co Fair (2 of 4) Results

Section 101 -- Special Occasion (any Holiday, Special Event)
c Needleart

Free
c.2008 Teri Richards
Shepherd's Bush

Stitched with Simply Shaker Brethren Blue, GAST Cranberry, Simply Shaker Antique Rose, GAST Evergreen, GAST Black Crow, GAST Tarnished Gold on 28-ct Country French Latte. Flag Button w/pattern. 03003 Red Mill HIll Beads.

Comments by Judge: "Wow! Very nicely done Good color selections"

Section 505 -- Needlepoint & Quickpoint
a. Canvas

Project Encore by Carmen Rupert

DMC 312 PC#5 & Watercolours by Caron 068 Mediterranean
Beads are 3mm round corrugated

Comments by Judge: "Nice choice of colors. Even Stitching. Nice finishing"

Section 110--Home Decorating Articles (Not Quilted)
c. Pillows

Honey Bee

Judge's coment: "Verry pretty. Well done! Corners should be stuffed a little more"

Porter Co Fair (1 of 4)

Congratulations to my Mom my NANI + blogging GFs Debbie Elaine Karol Pat & Sue on their ribbons & awards at the Porter Co Fair: Pat & her Mom came to the Home Ec exhibit Sunday afternoon & took some pictures It is so much fun to put entries on display! And so kewl to see what others put on their blogs link here Sharing some of My Results: Section 110a -- Home Decorating Articles (sewn) This is one square of a 4-block I entered more pictures here Judge commented: "Great color choice. Well done--good craftsmanship. Nice pattern" Section 103c -- Dolls (Not Stuffed Animals), Other Inner Child Doll Judge commented "What fun. Good choice of color and materials. Good craftsmanship. Section 507b -- Miscellaneous Needlecraft -- Other (smocking, tatting, latch hook, etc) Punchneedle Fob Judge commented: "Nice scissors fob"

Going Fast!

Is this totally awesome, or what?
And, you can own one, too

Check out:

Pat Winter's post -- link here,

or this post with a different color,

or here w/pay pal info

I Luv Mine!!!

Questions from Melissa

Was surfing blogs -- have you seen this post written by Melissa blogging at Musings from a Three Bedroom Ranch?

Click on over and read her post ... with comments / remarks from others about these questions.

Direct link: http://gulfskye.blogspot.com/2009/08/nothing-to-see-here.html

- - - - - - - -

From Melissa's blog:

"So here are some questions I'd love answered either in comments or on your blog and if you post your answer on your blog please leave a link in the comments so we can all read your insights.

1)Why do you stitch?

2) On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being least important and 10 being most important what is your cross stitch passion level?

3)If you're only option for cross stitch supplies and patterns happened to be the major chain craft stores would you just walk away from the little X? Kiss it goodbye?

4)Also are you so passionate about cross stitch that if indeed your only option was the major chain craft stores, would that inspire you to create your own cross stitch pieces because you have to stitch and you've stitched your way through the whole of Dimensions catalog--because you must stitch and the thought of life without a relationship with the little X leaves you feeling empty?

5)Finally what do the cross stitch magazines on the market offer you? Do they relate to you as a cross stitcher? Do you look at them and think to yourself, who do they think buys this magazine? I guess what I'm asking, when you see the current cross stitch magazines do they make you feel like they know their readers or do you find it's more of the same? What could they do to be ambassadors for the art of cross stitch other than putting a sampler on the cover with "F-U" on it? What are we missing on a PR level that could change the opinion of cross stitch itself?

6) And finally, finally, do you do other crafts and if so what are they and why do they pull you away from cross stitch?"

Japanese Embroidery in Chicago, IL

Traditional Japanese Embroidery
Chicago, IL
In the Historic
Hyde Park Community

Class Instructor: Karen L. Plater

August 17 - 20, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


Classes include students of all skill/phase levels. Each phase follows a format that builds from one phase level to another, culminating in a sound comprehension of all 46 techniques

Questions? Comments? Fees? Contact instructor,
Karen L. Plater
e-mail: KLPlater (at) cfl (dot) rr (dot) com

Register by contacting
Ruth Bloom
e-mail: Isbrwb (at) yahoo (dot) com


- - - - - - -

Click on Image to Enlarge -- or
send an e-mail & I can forward an 8x10 image
(NeedleArtisans@gmail.com)