news ...

Facebook seems to be easier / quicker; however, the blog space is GREAT for photos and ingredients ... helps keep me organized.

Some progress on Mary Hannah Gipson [sampler researched and charted by Ruth Ann Russell]
SAN-Q Magazine, Winter 2010.  

Everytime I pull this out, I am irritated and frustrated.  Tho, some progress made.  I have silks from my stash pulled out.  I think the rest is over-one, so will do just a little at a time.     ~ Mini Flower Basket Sampler ~  .... A Reproduction from the EGA.   

 The Thimble Purse is ready for finishing - as is the Just Nan's Christmas Secret (insert for needle slide). 

Birds + Berries Thimble Purse, designed by Brenda Gervais:   Chart/design calls for 40-ct parchment linen.   I'm not sure what this linen is - must be from my stash.   I used GAST Pebble [flowers], Mulberry [berries], Apple Cider [Bird], and nutmeg [Bird beak, legs, floral centers].  Valdani #P2 Olive Green for the leaves/vine.   Week's Cinnabar for bird necklace.  

Stitched over one on 32 ct Opalesc Belfast W/Simply Shaker Geranium #7036.   Pattern and needle slide come with finishing instructions, red overdye wool + fusible interfacing.  

 So, how do you like my new bag???   Thx GF Kay, w/o blog!    It is a great tote with matching water bottle holder.   Please note the card - with buttons + stitching ; )     it is clipped to my calendar + cheers up the whole desk area.    Back to the bag - has outside fabric pockets - and is done over blue mesh.  

 let me tell you, the mesh is wonderful for hot/humid days.   All my travel gear went with me in style during recent trip.   The water bottle keeps the water COLD and is marvelous in the holder w/pocket and adjustable strap.   Thank you Kay.  I adore it!!!

Lastly, new stash from House of Stitches.   Which was ON SALE - and I was delighted to get my hands on it.   Strawberries by Hollis Sullivan.   I wanted the small motif for needlebook front - but may [ over-one ] stitch the larger pattern without border instead.   

needlebook

Needlebook has felt piece sewn inside.   After I added herringbone border, french knots, I put some material inside the cover.   Final detail - inserted felt --- it is ready to use!

Designed by Sandra Sullivan of Homespun Elegance, Ltd.

The pattern has two very charming strawberry samplers.   Will be fun to stitch!

Folk Art IX

Strawberries

 c. 1984 Homespun Elegance, Ltd.

Received in the post ...

What fun - Halloween designs in July..... a recent prize from Sandra Sullivan's giveaway via her web site + Facebook page.     I am so lucky!!!!     I went thru my fibers and HE charms and think I have most of the colors.   I may need to invest in a couple star/pumpkin charms.   

AND, if you like bunny things, you might enjoy seeing the hand made shuttles from Carollyn.   They are so lovely.   Not sure I want to use them for tatting - may just enjoy looking at them!!!   Carollyn blogs at Carollyn's Tatting Blog.  

Wonderful package - such an artist!

Needlebook cover

Folk Art IX

Strawberries

 c. 1984 homespun Elegance, Ltd.

This is one of those patterns ... that I purchased 2nd hand.   I knew it existed, couldn't locate it anyplace.  I saw the sampler stitched and kept looking.   There are 2 samplers of berries and I still want to stitch them!

Meanwhile, I stitched the small pincushion [photo shows design on wooden stand].   When I started on light pink aida cloth, the yellow/blue didn't show up - needed to reverse those two colors in the 'pot'.    I used GAST Cherry Wine, Buttercrunch on the berries; Weeks Ivy for the leaves/stems; Needle Necessities 1342 + GAST Buttercrunch for the strawberry pot.   

These are photos of the pattern leaflet front:

... while the storm was carrying on outside ...

I had some needlework in hand.    Kept one eye on weather info.  And, yep, power went out.

I think this is all I will stitch on this piece.   It is "Simply Red, Plus" designed by Sandra Sullivan - Homespun Elegance, Ltd.    c.2010.    The pattern calls for Mountain Mist, which I have, I just liked this blue better with the linen.   It is about 3 1/4 x 2 1/4"    The button from my stash, I had an amber pearl button, liked this one better.

I was looking thru my finished pieces and realize I have a couple for Independence Day.   I will have to flip thru patterns as I thought I had more.

  

Land of the Free
c.2008 Teri Richards
Shepherd's Bush 

USA
Tiny Stuff II
c.2001 Homespun Elegance. Ltd.

Finished into a pin - which I enjoy wearing or adding to a bag'