Porter Couty Fair: Home Decorating Articles

Section 110 (c.) PillowsMy Original DesignThird PlaceComments: Beautiful Craftsmanship. Good Color and pattern choice

SECTION 110 (e.) OtherBuzz My Grapes Tabletopper and BellpullDesigned by Claudia Dutcher, Dutch Treat Designs, c.2000,First Place
Comments:Very beautiful!! Thank you for all the extra effort on the back of your piece. The bee buttons are just adorable.

My Lake Co Fair Results, Part Three

Ok, since I've been asked ... yes, the fairs can be a fun thing to participate in. Each fair does things a bit differently. I am not sure how to locate the fairs in different geographical areas. I am certain some fairs have limitations, like "have to be a resident of the county", "have to be 18 or older", etc. Those guidelines are clearly stated in the premium booklets. I enjoy putting entries into the variety of categories. I do this for fun, to meet new stitchers, chat with stitching buddies, and try to inspire others to pick up their needles & fibers. By my nature, I'm not a competitive person. It doesn't matter about who wins what, what the judge does (or does not do!), crabbing about the judging is all part of the fair experience. My goal is to get some extra $$ to cover my annual EGA national, regional & chapter dues -- and, SAN-Q magazine subscription. Each ribbon has cash awards: $5.00 for 1st, $4.00 for 2nd, $3.00 for 3rd. If I ever am awarded a sweepstakes rosette or grand champion ribbon for my stitching, I'd probably faint! My stitching projects are usually items I enjoy doing and there are tons more stitchers out there creating more challenging projects than mine.

Buzz My Grapes Tabletopper and BellpullDesigned by Claudia Dutcher, Dutch Treat Designs, c.2000
I used DMC perle Coton #5 553, 327, 840 (2 skeins), 801, 729, 2052 (4 skeins); DMC perle Coton #12 3042 nun edge. I added bee buttons ... which is not recommended by C.Dutcher b/c they may get in the way of whatever you are placing on top of the tabletopper. I added them anyhow b/c I don't usually place items where I sewed on the buttons. Now, does that make sense? The buttons are Item #JAB-1101W from Just Another Button Company, Distributed by Norden Crafts, Ltd.

The Sanctuaryc.C.A. Zittel, The Drawn Thread, 2001
I joined a Stitch-Along Group for this project, sponsored by House of Stitches. We were taught the variety of stitches (I think 26-27 stitches) by Sharon Henderson. The group met monthly from 2004/Nov thru 2005/August. Between you & me, I would not have been able to do this without Sharon's assistance. She was able to show us the stitches, provide tips, and continue to encourage us along the way!
Design 170 W x 222 L. I used Weeks Dye Works Bordeaux, Cadet & Thyme. 21 colors of Anchor Floss [which I won't list here!]. I stitched this on 32-count lambswool linen. The photo angle is odd b/c of the glass.

Tiny Stuff: Flying Hare Pin/Ornamentc.1997 Sandra Sullivan of Homespun Elegance Ltd.
This pin is stitched with Anchor Floss #374, 1001, 359, 905, 862, 852 - on Zweigart 28-coung Cashel Raw Linen. The three small charms are available from Homespun Elegance. I confess to be a Homespun Elegance junkie. And it all started with the Tiny Stuff patterns. I probably own them all -- the small cards, Tiny Stuff I-II-III. I tend to stitch the Tiny Stuff ones [no telling why] more than the larger Homespun Elegance pattern leaflets. I keep all the small cards together in a cosmetic case, with linen, floss, charms ... in my car!! [sigh] nuf said.

Bargello Candles StockingA design by Lois Caron published in McCalls Needlework December 1977Freebie on the Caron Web Site
I used Watercolour Far Horizons + Rose Quartz, Caron Snow, gold Kreinik metallic & DMC #5 Perle Cottons (bright pink & white) on 25-count white Lugana.

Congrats to Deb L for the Best-of-Show rosette on her L&L Angel. I saw the pattern she is using for next Summer -- another gorgeous design : ) In addition to Deb, congrats to the other NANI ladies who entered in Lake & Porter Co Fairs -- Carol C, Mary C, Sue D, & Elaine H. Looking forward to having Melody M add some entries next year.

The Stitcher's Garage Sale, held on Saturday, was wonderful. I'm not sure how much money was raised for the American Heart Association. Wish more people would have stopped by. More on that in another post.

Thx for all the kind words re. our power issue & the storms, etc. We had more storms last night & still have our power on. We are fortunate as others are without power again ... or without power still. I heard 3200 without power in Lake Co & 500 without power in Porter Co.

A Finish

Buzz My Grapes Tabletopper and BellpullDutch Treat Designsc.2000 Designed by Claudia Dutcher

Lavender, 9 square cut, 18ct Anne Cloth stitched with DMC #5 coton perle colors: 3052 (4 skeins); 729; 801; 840 (2 skeins), 327, 553. The finished Tabletopper is 22" x 22". Each square in the TT has a stitch count of 45x45. I fixed a couple 'leaf' stitching errors & used the Nun stitch at the ends [DMC #12 coton perle color 3042]

Jane, Chapel Hill, NC: You had asked me about the Tea Cup Pulled Thread Sampler. It was not purchased via needlework shop or designer. Members of the local EGA chaper I belong to designed the sampler & taught participants at an Indiana State Day. It isn't a pattern that can be purchased.


Judy asked me about Evening by Susan Minot. Right now, I"m around page 60 - and this book has about 260 pages. I am enjoying the book. I wanted to read this book for a long time & then heard it was going to be a movie this Summer. I picked up a paperback & have it in my handbag for those ... "waiting" moments in the car. btw, Judy, I love "the bookshelf" you are stitching. It looks great pictured on your blog ... as does the LHN peaches!!!

Well ... I'm going to flip a coin and that will determine my stitching on the Bellpull [linen banding] from NeedleArts magazine --OR-- The Soweth Sampler BOAF. I enjoy both of them & would like to finish them SOON.

June 28, 2005 - blog anniversary

In honour of my blog-anniversary, I switched my old template into the new blogger page layout. Why? Just because.

I've been adding labels to my older posts & over-all think I've got the blog updated nicely. I may go over them one more time to edit mistakes; however, I like the simpler look & have gotten used to the page layout from my Stitches of Life II blog.

I would like to add the google reader feature or bloglines ... or something to keep track of all the wonderful stitching updates. My on-line time seems to be diminished this Summer. Perhaps when the boys are back in class [August] and our routine changes, I'll have more computer time.

Now, I'm back to stitching .... Those fair entries won't stitch themselves : )
I added a few more leaves into the lower right corner. Wasn't able to get many stitches in last night. The cloth is very close in color to DMC 3042 [I forget who asked me that question].

As for the question re. the box on my desk: I found this box at Hobby Lobby - priced at $1.99, on 66% off sale. I like the glass inserts -- it is nice for my thread winders & perle cotton balls. There is a glass top & sides -- bottom is wooden. They are in the aisle with the unfinished wooden pieces.

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.

adding leaves ...

Reply to questions: the tabletopper(TT) cut is about 22" x 22". It will be finished with the nun stitch/edge. As far as I know, this pattern is still available. In the past, I've washed my TT in the machine, gentle cycle & laid it out / flat to dry.

The boys have a few more days of school. Their final exams are next week Weds-Thurs-Fri. Last day of school is June 4th [1/2 day]. Nick seems to enjoy his filing job - supposed to be 5to10 hrs per week. Alex will try more applications after school lets out for the Summer. Alex did get a small part in the Summer Theatre, Annie. Plus, is looking forward to the next Harry Potter book.

I hope they won't get bored!

WIP progress pic

Have you seen The Cross-Eyed Cricket freebie, Tiny Toad? I think I may need to stitch it!


Added a few more stitches to my tabletopper -- not much stitching time this week.

WIP progress picture

Buzz My Grapes Tabletopper and Bellpull

c.2000 designed by Claudia Dutcher of Dutch Treat Designs. I'm stitching the grape clusters. There are 17 clusters & I'd really like to get them all stitched soon. I have not pulled out my needlework in a few weeks.

I am looking forward to her new release, photo here, Bristol tabletopper. What do you think??

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My roses are opening up slowly. Beautiful flowers for Mother's Day from DH & the children. Was special to have DD home for 24 hours!!!

I am seriously behind in checking out everybody's blogs. I'm keeping off line in hopes Alex gets a call for Summer employment.

WIPs: just a few more stitches added

I've added a few more letters into the Old Saybrook Sampler. I am following the DMC colors provided & trying my best at the letter placement. The graph I have isn't the greatest; however, this really is a fab repro once stitched.

I FINALLY finished ALL of the vines on this tabletopper. I was worried that I would run out of perle cotton -- did have a small piece left over [used 2 skeins of pc#5 for the vines]. I started the first of four beehives.

This is a small place card stitched by my Mother. She made 50+ for a Lenten Breakfast program at her church. The inside of the card has a small paper inserted with some info re. their program. I hope the program participants appreciated them!

I have been reading two books: Angela's Ashes [Memoir by Frank McCourt] and The Mercy Seller [Historical Fiction by Brenda Rickman Vantrease. Seems I've enjoyed my books more than stitching these past few days : )

Hard to believe it is 31 degrees, 45mph winds, wind chill reading of 12 degrees. I'd like to have that 60 degree stuff back. Our flowers are blown to the ground. We are expecting snow flurries. Time to run a few errands. Blek.

wandering thru my WIPs

Thank you for all the comments & e-mails. I have not been on-line much. My husband's cousin will be coming to town sometime & we are trying to keep our telephone line open. I pulled out "Old Saybrooke Sampler" from the closet. [Reproduction of a Child's Early ABC Sampler]

I took this class in April of 2002. How many years has this been in the closet??? Yikes. Maybe time for some stitching.
I had a difficult time with the graph/pattern. The lines were not very clear, thus, put it aside after stitching the needle/pin roll & fob designs.
This is stitched with DMC floss on 25 count linen. I purchased some rings to sew inside the case.
I enjoyed the fob & NR stitching. I decided to just 'stitch' away at the letters [first photo] & figure they will be close enough to the pattern. Good thing I enjoy stitching letters!

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Manged to add more 'vines' to my tabletopper. Did put more stitching IN, than ripping OUT : ) My mind doesn't want to cooperate with the graph!


My plaid, with white as the final color. Ta Da. I got the reversible technique to work out.

wearing Green today???

Is this a better photo? Now, I think you can see the laying tools ... and my progress on the corner square of my WIP Afghan. I've really enjoyed the 'bone needle' and yes, I have dropped it a few times & it has not broken!!!



In addition to the afghan, I'm stitching in the vines on this lovely tabletopper. It is Buzz My Grapes designed by Claudia Dutcher of Dutch Treat Designs. I was having difficulty with the vines & decided to get them ALL stitched before I add the other motifs [grape clusters, bee hives, leaves]


Myspace Graphics

Buzz My Grapes Tabletopper

UPDATE: Before I started stitching the Tabletopper, I basted around the edges with sewing thread -- I don't own a sewing machine or serger. When I pulled off the q-snap, it just took strands of tabletopper with it. AND I KNOW BETTER! I'm not new -- just a lapse in brain power I guess.



Right - lower corner. This is Buzz My Grapes Tabletopper designed by Claudia Dutcher of Dutch Treat Designs. My goal was to add all the vines as they are a tad tricky to stitch.



Left - lower corner. Notice my problem??? When I took off the q-snaps after adding the brown vines (center square) -- the tabletopper unravelled! I freaked out & immediately started to add the nun edge.

Toppers

Acorn Tabletopper. Dutch Treat Designs. Designed by Claudia Dutcher. c.1998. I saw a shop model of a tabletopper and knew I had to make one. Then, is was in my closet for a couple years! My girlfriend Sue D. helped me get started on it. I used perle coton #5 (DMC) and Fiesta Watercolours (Caron). I changed the suggested acorn brown to match my cedar chest, then, finished it with the nun edge.
I had this on my cedar chest last Fall & then noticed a stain (ice cream? coffee? the boys? the cats?). I sent an e-mail to Claudia Dutcher for washing instructions. She responded right away. After the machine washing it looked great ... nice to know the Fiesta Watercolour didn't mess up in the wash. Entered this into the Porter County Fair and the Lake County Fair over the Summer. Guess the judge thought it was pretty, too.
Buzz My Grapes Tabletopper and Bellpull. c.2000 Dutch Treat Designs. Designed by Claudia Dutcher. This one is so pretty. (yes, I still like the Acorn design -- this one is just different). It is not all cross stitch -- some use of rice stitch, herringbone, and pulled eyelet stitches, too. It has grape clusters made and bee hives. I'm using a grey-lavender Anne Cloth (18 count). The color is spectacular. Using all DMC perle coton #5. I will use DMC 3041 or 3042 perle coton #12 for the nun stitched edge.

Twisted Threads - Scissor Fob

I managed to get the cord sewn on yesterday afternoon. I used Pea Coat & Onyx (Weeks Dye Works), + Black Crow (GAST) in the cording. Looks nice on my black Dovo scissors. I was itching for a happy dance / finish!
The tabletopper in the background is called Buzz My Grapes c.2000, designed by Claudia Dutcher of Dutch Treat Designs. I enjoy working on tabletoppers, especially when getting together with stitching gal pals. I am using DMC perle coton #5 fibers. This one is beautiful on a grey-lavender cloth -- close in color to DMC 3041. There will be BEE HIVES, too. Will get to the hive soon. So stay tuned.

I do not know anything about mail art. Our EGA chapter is going to have a workshop in May 2006. I'm looking forward to learn about this. When I looked on-line, I have found beautiful envelopes ; )

Margaret: About Mary Garry, I have my Milkpaint Sampler stitched & have the hemstitching completed. It is supposed to be a "fold" for skeins of silk. I have two scraps of linen (left over) which I want to stitch -- then will put it all together. At that time, I'll post some pictures. Mary Garry is a favorite of mine. I enjoy reading the stories & stitching the designs. After I get some of these WIPs out of the way, I want to devote more time to some of her charts.

Isabelle: The John Irving book is: Until I find You. It is really long (well, aren't most J.Irving novels lengthy) but I enjoy his books. This is a time line novel & begins when the main character is around 4 years old. Quite a book.

Grammy K (my Mom) will be here around 10:30 .... I am going to bake a cake & make a casserole. I think she will be 78 on her birthday (tomorrow). Wow. Means I will be 48 on my birthday in January. How scary is that?