A few favourite hearts ---

Happy Valentine's Day.   These are a few of 

my fav needlework hearts.

Link here for details

Link here for details

Details here

 

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 County Fair: Counted Thread Work

Section 506 (a.) Up to 8" x 10" Cross Stitched - FramedThe Gilded CageKathy Barrick-Dieter c.2000Second PlaceComments: Very nice. Wonderful colors. Well stitched.

Section 506 (e.) Sampler (Note: A sampler is needlework which contains a letter(s), number(s) and/or statement or saying)Soweth Samplerc.Birds of a Feather, SAM202Fourth Place
Comments: Cute. Perfect frame for the work. Very well done.

Section 506 (f.) Counted Cross Stitch - Other (not suitable for framing)Needlebook pattern is based on Two Pinkeeps by Anne Brown, The Goode HuswifeThird PlaceComments: Cute. Nice stitching. Finished well.

Pin: Love

Love, c. Birds of a Feather
Stitched over one thread on 32-count linen w/Anchor floss. 41W x 59H. I put the pin next to some of my thread winders so you could get an idea of the size.

BOAF: Love

Thank you to everybody for your e-mails and comments. I appreciate you taking the time to view my posts, pictures & leave a remark. This Summer has been quite busy & I have not accomplished as much as I wanted.
I did complete the stitching on this charming design. In answer to questions, yes, this is stitched over one thread. I chose a scrap of 32-count antique ivory linen. I used Anchor Floss from my fiber skeins - just chosen at random. If I were stitching this over 2-threads, I would probably have used the over-dye fibers suggested. I would like this to be a small lapel pin - and hope to get it finished in the next couple of days
As for the blogging questions, I do have more than one blog. I think most visitors look for needlework at this site. My Other Blog is mostly non-needlework posts & pictures. In addition, I participate in group blogs and yahoo groups. It is wonderful to belong to such a large, international stitching community!

A bit of stitching to report:

On July 12th, Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana presented A Day With La-D-Da's Lori Markovic
Many thanks to the Commitee Members (Mary C, Nancy H, Pat L, Cindy L, Cheryl M, and Karen U) AND sponsors (Avon Products, Country Cupboard, Sue's Needlework Finishing, House of Stitches, Perfect Angle, Redex (Udder Cream), Stitch by Stitch, Tomorrow Heirlooms, That Finishing Touch) for their generous contributions to the success of the workshop.
Not only was Lori Markovic awesome, and her kit fabulous, there were kewl goodies for participants. Check out the tote, needle case & the small booklet on the left is full of La-D-Da freebie patterns.
I didn't get much stitching accomplished (yet); however, so enjoyed chatting with stitchie friends. Some I hadn't seen for a year!This was an exclusive kit for a pin safe project. Oh, I did get the pins done! They are terrific & if I get to Hobby Lobby this week, I want to find the pin thingies and make more.

The kit includes Belle Soie Silk from Crescent Colours on 30-count Tin Roof linen from Weeks Dye Works. It says She seeks wool & flax & works with willing hands . The cord is beautiful. I just have to get this done soon.
Coni is further along & has a wonderful picture HERE and a post about the workshop HERE.

Stitches of Life III've done a bit of beading & loads of what I call quilting. Specifically, hand pieced blocks FINISHED into something : ) Pictures & Post about it HERE. I was so pleased with the 4-block (for the back of my chair or couch) and pillow. Been in the closet too long!
Christmas in JulySwedish Christmas Star, Hearts, & ReindeerMary Garry's Sewing CabinJust Cross Stitch / Ornaments 1998
I used DMC 680, 3011, and 3777. I made a cord with DMC ecru floss. I cannot say for sure how many times I've stitched this pattern. I just love it! One of these days, I'll make one for me to keep : )

Love ... slow stitchingI put in a few more stitches -- and took out a few stitches : ) LOL

Love

I pulled out a long lost WIP, from the stack. Blog post HERE, Feb 2006!I added some detail, finished the lady's clothing, and stitched a couple heartsNot much more to stitch on this over-one sampler
Lovec.Birds of a Feather41W x 59HI'm using Anchor floss from my stash. If I were stitching this over two threads, I probably would have used the Sampler Threads suggested per pattern.

Happy Hearts SAL

Added more letters and dividing bands ....

Progress Pictures ...

The Ann Holewll SamplerWith My Needle and Pen SALGot started on this repro. Doing more counting than stitching! The cross stitch & Double Back Stitch is over three threads. I should have these three bands completed by the end of FebruaryI am using silk [from the kit] on 40-count linen

Moon GardenNot much progress ...

Happy Hearts Sampler SALI'm having problems reading the chart. It has small boxes & small symbols. I'm going to have to get it enlarged at the copy center (inbetween snow storms) before I start on the motifs. Meanwhile, I continue on the alhabet letters.

Just had to buy these flowers at the grocery market

Happy Hearts SAL

Not much stitching last week, maybe more time this week

Happy Hearts SAL

I added some letters using Onyx {WDW}I think I'm keeping the Old Blue Paint - as a substitute for Chesapeke (which I probably didn't spell correctly)
As I have been asked this question more than once, as far as I know, Happy Hearts is NOT out of print. I checked the website at House of Stitches and it is listed for $7.00. (shop & mailorders) Plus, I looked at the Hoffmandis site & see they have 52 Birds of a Feather patterns listed, which includes Happy Hearts. I'm thinking it is available at your LNS or ONS, too. Anybody interested in gathering up supplies is welcome to stitch!!!

Happy Hearts SAL

My Start. I am using overdye fibers on 32-count Belfast Creams Linen [Zweigart]The lettering is in GAST Old Blue Paint, dividing bands in WDW Brick
c.Birds of a Feather: Happy Hearts SamplerPhoto from pattern

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.
- - - - -
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.

My Lake Co Fair Results, Part One

Stay Tuned ... more tomorrow:

Red Desert Scissor Pocket2006 Limited Edition designed to house Gingher's Lanell 4" scissorsc. The Cat's Whiskers Design Studio 2006
Stitch Count: 130H x 31W. Stitched with #74 Red Dust Silk Thread and #29 Nullabor Cotton Thread by Dinky Dyes on 28-count Cashel Vintage Linen. Stitched per kit. 3/8" copper button. Beautiful cotton lining : )

Soweth Samplerc.Birds of a Feather, SAM202
Stitch Count: 81w x 81H. Stitched with Weeks Dye Works Rum Raisin, Schneckley, Terra Cotta, Cinnabar, Cocoa, Conch, Celadon, Dried Sage, & Dolphin on 29 count Natural Glenshee Linen. IMO - the frame & Dolphin fiber are a perfect match ... more blue than the picture reflects.

Close-up
Peyote Stitch in-the-round NecklaceGCC Course: Fun w/Beads and Peyote Stitch by Margaret Fleming
A couple years ago, I learned how to do the peyote in-the-round from an EGA course. {see yesterday's post} At that time, I made a scissors fob using this beading technique. I tried multiple times to make the necklace without any success. This Summer, I made new cording (DMC #822 pc #5) in the perfect size for the beads I chose. I used Green Iris 8/0 #2028 + natural 11/0 #431 seed beads and Sil Lined Turquoise + Iris Blue Delicas. "S" silver clasp. This is over 30" & IMO - looks better on, than laying on the table : )

Bumble Bee Innc.2001 Mill Hill - Spring Bouquet Pins VIII MHSB63
Stitch Count: 26W x 28H. Used DMC floss, Mill Hill Beads & Mill Hill Treasures on perforated paper per kit. Felt on back.

just a few more stitches needed ...

I have to add the centers of some flowers,my initials, + year/date ... perhaps will finish this tonight : )

progress pics

I finished the alphabet & added more flowers+vines on the Soweth Sampler. I would like to finish this!
I completed another square of this tabletopper. I have two more squares to stitch + pulled eyelets in the intersections. Will have a nun edge.


You can see more of the pattern in this smaller photo; however, the camera flash distorted the colors [sigh]

I checked out an interesting DVD from the library called Paradise Found. It follows the story of Paul Gauguin. I saw a very large exhibit of Paul Gauguin's paintings several years ago. I still remember the vivid colors & unique painting style. Kiefer Sutherland played the role of the painter.

Lesson 13: Blackwork & Soweth Sampler

Added more to the Mystery Sampler bellpull. This motif was not the typical double running stitch [which can be reversible] -- First the horizontal lines were stitched, then the vertical, last the diagonal.

Added a bird & some flowers/vines to this project:

BOAF: Soweth Sampler

Many thanks for your kind comments & e-mails re. Gilded Cage. It is a cheerful project & should look great in my kitchen [once I get a frame & glass]

I pulled out the Soweth Sampler by Birds of a Feather last night. Added some of the alphabet & a bird. Maybe I'll get some vines or flowers added tonight. It is stitched on 29ct Nat Glenshee Linen w/WDW fibers. I'm being very careful with the Weeks over dye fibers! Keeping my teacup away from them : )

Thx for asking about my children. They are all doing well, all have Summer jobs, and Nick just got an increase in his job duties starting today. I'm really proud of all of them.

progress pics

I forgot who asked, the lettering was suggested to be a WDW in an olive green color. I changed it to a blue-grey.

I often wonder what designers think when they work so hard on putting together a design with colors that 'work', and see where stitchers [like me] make changes ...


I enjoy stitching this one - with the bright & cheerful floss colors. So far, I've used: DMC 581, 580, 166, 3833, 3831, 501, 503. My initials [If I add them] will be in floss close to the linen color. If interested, I had an earlier post re the suggested fibers & substitutions. If you click on the gilded cage label, the older post should pop up.

Thx for all your kind comments & e-mails. I do enjoy pulled thread & it was one of the first needlework techniques I learned after joining EGA/NANI. I took an ICC [independent course] thru EGA & learned a lot of pulled stitches. I have several samples in a notebook. I think using crochet cotton is the answer to fibers breaking -- it is less expensive & a sturdier fiber. Plus, pulling with an even tension makes a difference. How you create the openings is up to you -- as long as the pulling is even, it looks great. More on pulled thread next week.

DH is taking a couple days off work & will be making some changes on our computer. I'll answer your questions & look forward to visiting your blogs early next week!

Birds of a Feather

Another gem I unearthed. Pattern & over-dye floss, sitting in the bag since ... well, since I bought it : ) I've seen this one stitched up & wondered how it would look with the lettering in a different color. I changed the dk green overdye suggested for the lettering & tried WDW Dolphin. It is a nice shade of grey/blue.

Soweth Sampler 81 x 81 c.Birds of a Feather. I'm using Week's Dye Works on 29-count natural glenshee linen.

This is more about counting & spacing ... than stitching! Should look nice once I get the lettering finished & start the vines, leaves & flowers.

Enjoy your week-end.