Porter Co Fair: Part Three

Category V - Needlecraft

Section 506 - Counted Thread Work

f.  Counted Cross Stitch - Other (not suitable for framing)

The Drawn Thread

Pumpkin Keeper

Pincushion + fob set

used JABC pins + Gingher Lendell scissors

to make them pretty!

Comment Card:  "beautifully

executed

excellent assembly

lovely tension"

506 i.  Other:

A Sampler Pinkeep

The Heart's Content

Comment Card: "Beautifully done

cute finishing

Section 507 - Miscellaneous Needlecraft

a. Combination of Techniques:

Satin Heart

The Victoria Sampler

Comment Card:  "beautiful piece

lovely finishing

nice accented w/

beads + charm

lovely tension"

b. Needlepunch:

Halloween Hang Ups 2

Lizzie Kate

Comment Card:

"cute design

try rearranging

finish stitches so

edges are straight"

(good point by judge)

c. Other

Mom's Butterfly

tatted edge on material paper

(I gave this to my MIL on Sunday afternoon)

comment card

Best of luck to the NANI members who are entering

the Lake Co Fair!!!   

My Favorite Things +giveaway winner

My Favorite Things
c.2000, C. A. Zittel
The Drawn Thread

Pulled some thread out, and need to restart some of the borders.
Didn't realize how 'off' I was!

I won this charming acorn
from Marjorie, who blogs at:
Moonsilk Stitches.

I'm glad to be a lucky winner
in her giveaway.

WIPs - where did I leave off??

On Superbowl Sunday, I accepted an invitation from GF Kay. Was great to see her again!!! And, I was green with envy -- she had her Drawn Thread: Gameboard Sampler finished & in a beautiful frame, on her coffee table. Not only that, she has been stitching the Acorn Sampler Afghan.GF Sue had a State Day Project with her - from a couple years back. It was canvas work in beautiful teal fibers. GF Tina had a fabulous canvas project (I forget the designer) of quilt blocks. I had my Encore scissor keeper stuff with me. Sue already said it was going to be "hers" b/c I'm using her favourite colors!!! LOL so much fun to gather some of the Thread Heads together. Thx to Kay for hosting! Great food, snacks, and chat : )
Seeing Kay's progress, I just HAD to get mine out & see where I was with those two WIPs
My last post on the DT gameboard says I had 15 houses & 18 motifs done.My Afghan progress to date, looks like I have nine squares completed -- out of 18. I had to remove one motif as it was too off center. Plus, Kay is waiting for me to get to the lettering -- I changed colors from the original chart & shared my choices with her!
ALSO -- I'm waiting to hear how the knitting class went.
Monday, I was out running errands & stopped in the Chesterton Art Center. They have an exhibit thru February 15th - per web site: "Jan 15 - Feb 15 : The Mentors of the Art Center. Our mentors are the wonderful instructors who give their time and talent to our students. Come and view the talent they have to share." Guess who had their prize winning quilt on display??? Pat Winter. I had seen it once, at the String-a-Long Quilt Show last Fall. But, the gallery has it on the wall where you can get really close to see the detail. If you are in the neighborhood, don't miss it!

Adding beads ...

Project Encore by Carmen RupertI'm using DMC 312 PC#5 & Watercolours by Caron 068 MediterraneanI'm trying to get the beads added today & have selected material for the lining

Last Saturday, Karol & I went to House of Stitches in LaPorte. Karol (Rosebud's Stitching blog) is coordinating a SAL for the NANI chapter members of EGA. She had 18 signed up to stitch My Favorite Things by The Drawn Thread. Special Thx to House of Stitches for having everything together -- looked so nice!!! (& thx for the extra special you-know-whats). I'm certain the NANI group will be thrilled to start this project at the chapter meeting in March!

After shopping, I found a basket of tatting shuttles & pattern books. And - GET OUT - guess who knows how to tat? Did you know there was a tatting expert at House of Stitches??? I bought a couple shuttles : ) And may have a couple lessons soon.

Thx to Karol, we met up with Paisley (Stitchin' Post blog), Coni (Spinster Stitcher blog) & Crys (Coni's sister who doesn't have a blog - and who needs one). After filling our shopping baskets we went to Portofino Grill for lunch. We had a smashing good meal, awesome conversation, & promised to get together again soon. Maybe even to stitch!!!

Sampler Game Board WIP

C.A. Zittel - The Drawn Thread - c.2003 Sampler Game Board I added a few motifs and another house in the lower right corner

15 houses
18 motifs

33 Total squares stitched ... 31 squares to go!!!

some progress pix

The Drawn Thread: Sampler Game BoardI added the Lower Right 2 squares -- house and lamb
I replaced the square with initials & date with a lamb from Generosity, Drawn Thread, c.1997
14 Houses
15 Motifs
29 Squares Stitched

I started the Spring Floral Tabletopper this week.designed by Claudia Dutcher, c.2000 Dutch Treat Designs

This 40-count linen is a challenge. I did get the buttonhole edge around both sides
I will work on the finishing a little at a time. Next step is to sew the front & back together using some sort of chain stitch.This is from SAN-Q, Spring 2001One challenge is counting by three threads instead of two!

Today is the FIRST DAY OF SPRING ... and we have 4" to 9" of snow in the forecast for Friday & Saturday. Hello, Mother Nature, it is SPRING now ... would you please cancel the snow? Until Winter? Thx in advance

Gameboard & Buddy

OK, Pam, proof that I got my gameboard out!!!I hope to re-do this corner. I want to change the square with initials to a lamb motif from the Drawn Thread pattern, Generosity
Our Buddy injured his ear this morning. He was walking on leash, and somehow sliced thru his ear in a couple places. The vet fixed his ear & I take him back in on Monday or Tuesday
He is still drowsy from the medications -- I feel so sorry for him

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.

27 Squares

I added the square with two trees & the house next to it.



13 houses
14 motifs

25 Squares

I added more squares!

12 houses
13 motifs

I added the & dragonfly & blue flower (row 3) + red flower (row 5)

As for February stitching ...

1) continue 2 squares/week with the DT SAL
2) participate in the orn SAL
3) New Project: I'd like to get my Shep Bush kit out. It is called Heart Blooms. c.1996. I won the kit a few years ago. There are five hearts in the sampler with a beautiful border - stitched on 32-count Antique White linen with AVAS & Caron Waterlilies Silk.
4) WIP: Add a square to my afghan or tabletopper. Winter months are perfect for this!!

TGIF

Myspace Graphics

I was not able to get this picture on my blog ... this is LAST weeks progress on the gameboard. I added the house & cherry motif at the top.

I was tagged to reveal six wierd things about me. And, quite frankley, I had a difficult time narrowing down all my wierdness into SIX.

1) I have banned imitation foods from the house (ie Velveeta, Cool Whip)

2) I do not follow sports, which includes school, professional, & Olympics. I do not play board games, card games, computer games, yard games ... even tho I grew up in a household of people who loved them!

3) I'm more of a 'straighten-up'er than a neat/clean freak.

4) I can live with out tv & movies, tho admit I do enjoy an occasional pbs program [i.e. Magic Flute, Masterpiece Theatre]

5) I love the radio, music, CDs, -- of all styles & miss listening to new 'tunes' with Tori when she lived at home. I do not own an ipod. Yet ...

6) I never eat gravy or ketchup

And my head congestion is improved, my coughing is worse, my throat is on fire, and I have no voice. YUK. I'm going to try to finish up the laundry & attempt the ironing before I get back to my game board sampler ...

Everyone, enjoy the week-end. We have a cold blast coming with wind chills. I have a good book & stitching. Don't need much else!!!

20 Squares

I removed the 'blue flower' motif. Added the lamb at the top. Added the acorn + moon/star motif. Now, back to house construction : )

{updated} Response to questions:
Everyone is welcome to join the SAL
There are 64 squares.
I'm using 32-count lambswool linen, my linen is apx 18" by 18".
Project is 192 stitches wide x 192 stitches long.
Pattern calls for 15 DMC floss colors. I don't know how many skeins are needed of each color b/c I am not finished with the stitching.
The pattern is $8 at House of Stitches
One stitcher in the SAL is going to use overdye fibers AND Chart Corrections are listed on the Drawn Thread Sampler Game Board SAL Blog

18 Squares ...

18 17 Squares.

UPDATE: Thanks Melissa for sharing the chart corrections on the Game Board Sampler. Seems I need to 'flip' the Blue Flower motif around.

All stitchers are welcome to grab their fibers, pattern, etc & join the SAL. I know one stitcher plans to start Feb 1st. I think there are a dozen stitchers w/blogs (+ two friends w/o blogs] stitching up this Drawn Thread project.

---------------------------------------

Yesterday ... three more motifs added:



I added the tree on the top row, the floral & bird on the 2nd row. This project is very nice to stitch!

DT Game Board SAL Blog has more photos from other stitchers.

Barbara: I understand. Once you are committed to 'deadline' stitching, you follow thru. It is one reason I decided for 2007 - only two SALs. Last year I had too many deadlines!

It is 4 degrees. Most of the storm passed North of us. There is lake effect snow in our forecast - with possibly 4-6" of snow. In nearby LaPorte & Michigan City -- they are zonked with ice and snow.

15 squares!

11 houses
04 motifs

15 squares stitched

Last week I added the house next to the mouse ... the lion & crown.

More progress pictures can be viewed at the Game Board Sampler Blog

DT Web Page Updated

Sampler of Stitches (Part II)

If you have not checked out Drawn Thread news for 1/7/2007 .... go there! I like the next Toccata, but the sampler of stitches really catches my eye.

Per the web site: "Sampler of Stitches is a series of 9 small samplers which can be worked alone or combined on one cut of linen to form a large single sampler.
We are pleased to offer Part One and Part Two of this series..."


10 homes stitched - 2 motifs stitched

Here is a progress pic of my Game Board. I am trying to fill in the spaces inbetween the houses. It ia a lot of fun. To check out the other SALers ... see Game Board Sampler SAL Blog.

Thank you very much for your kind birthday wishes. It was a great day - tho I wish I could turn back time 10 or 20 years : )

What's Up?

Current photo of my creativity corner ... not any stitching going on!

Yesterday, I cleared off the desk so I could work on my 'shopping list' for House of Stitches New Year sale. I have a ride tomorrow morning (while Tori & Alex sleep late) & look forward to seeing my stitching pals & the sale items. Oh, and if any of you are going to shop -- you better beat us there, when we leave, there will be nothing left!! ha ha ... just kidding.

I'm looking forward to a couple SALs in 2007, too. I've joined the Christmas Ornament SAL, hosted by Nicki to make one ornament per month.

I'll be getting out my Sampler Game Board WIP by Drawn Thread, too. I'm not sure how many stitchers will be SALing. Is that a word, SALing?? Stitching-a-long. Check out the new Game Board Sampler blog, hosted by Cathy B!

I keep looking at the photograph of the completed project. I would like to get mine done, too. The Game Board SAL will be starting up next week - to stitch TWO squares per week. I've been stitching one house at a time - I think I'll be doing a house and one of the motif squares per week.

Have a Happy New Year. I'll be cooking while the boys watch football on t.v. Tori returns to college on the 1st of January (which makes me sad already).

Stitching by my Mom

Please click to enlarge & read the cute signs my Mom added. My favorite is the cat! But, it is totally clever & creative.

This is my Mom's Round Robin / Friendship Sampler. The stitchers are members of Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana.

This week-end is The Threads That Bind needlwork exhibit held in Munster, Indiana [details on the web site, link above]. Saturday & Sunday 10am - 4pm. It is my understanding there will be 240+ projects on display stitched by the EGA chapter members. Along with the exhibit will be a boutique - stitchie goodies for sale.

I am dropping off my Mother's exhibit pieces on Friday late afternoon. Lucky me, she is picking up everything on Sunday afternoon.

I took pictures of her entries and will load all the images into a photo album later this morning.

Wanted to share this:



My Aunt passed away a couple years ago. Her scissors were given to my Mother. My Mother used Forget Me Not freebie from the Drawn Thread web page to create a fob & scissors sheath for my Aunt's scissors. What a special keepsake!

Hip to be Square

My progress. Sampler Game Board C.A. Zittel - The Drawn Thread - c.2003


Just added the white house at the bottom

9th block

I finished the striped house with blue roof on Sunay's SAL. I picked another house to stitch this Sunday. Once the houses are complete-- the block inbetween shouldn't take too long. I was thinking to work on the border LAST :D

Sunday SAL

Finished the house on the lower left -- hope to finish the one on the right by the end of the day ...