randoms

Carol, blogging at
i Stitch
celebrated her 200 followers
by a giveaway .... and I was one of 3
chosen!!! woot ; )

I was delighted to choose Sew A Brown Bunny
one of
Karen's i Stitch Designs

Thx Karen!!


At Tuesday nights NANI Chapter Meeting, there was a table of
patterns to choose from - GF Kay
saw this charming La D Da design,
White Cat
c. Lori Markovic 2001
and handed it to me.

Always nice with NANI members share
their stash overflows -- don't we all know
the feeling to discover we have two copies
of the same design????

(I need to quickly stitch and pass along
this pattern to GFs Sue + Mel)

And speaking of stitching,
not much of that going on -
this left hand isn't cooperating.
Isn't quite healed enough for lengthy
stitching time.

I did get a few stitches into

this Dutch Treat tabletopper.
If I can get the q-snap balanced on the table edge
and not grasp with left hand, I can do ok.

I'll just wait another few days and try again.

Meanwhile, if you enjoy tabletoppers, don't miss
Myrna's post It's Daffodil Time!,
what a beautiful tabletopper FINISH!!!

Did you get your premium booklets
in the mail today?

A sure sign of Spring
when the Fair booklets arrive!!

Bristol Tabletopper

Bristol Tabletopper
c. 2007 Dutch Treat Designs

On Sunday, met up with stitching friends Karol, Tina, and Sue (w/o blog) at Beth's (w/o blog) home. What a delightful afternoon.

Karol is making wonderful progress on her baby sampler -- she stitches so FAST!!! Her needlework is even & perfect! Tina brought show-n-tell ... two completed canvas projects, one in jewel tones & one in pinks. Stunning!!! Sue continues to stitch her ANG name badge. Beth started out on her frame weight (canvas) and quickly switched to punchneedle ... which is progressing nicely.

I managed to finish another square on the tabletopper. It is quite interesting to stitch the motifs with Cinnabar Watercolour fibers. There is also a pattern for bookmarks with Bristol motifs if tabletoppers aren't your thing.

stitching news

Not much stitching going on --
I did put some x's in the corner motifs of my Tabletopper.
I've been tatting, pictures on my other blog:
Stitches of Life II

Oh my oh my oh my .... did you see all the new stuff in Pat Winter's etsy shop? Goodness!
How can you choose just ONE. I love her stuff!
Awesome bliss packs --- beautiful ribbons.
See pictures & find links in her post:
Adding New Items to Shops.

Did you get your copy??
I wanted to see Ruth Ann Russell's new COVER!!
Congrats Ruth Ann : )
What a fun sampler - I love the alphabet
(OK, all my friends can stop laughing now --
I have more alphabet patterns in my stash,
really, I do ---)

Looks like Marjorie has a new giveaway on her blog .... check it out!!!

Afternoon w/Stitching Friends

Bristol Tabletopper
c. 2007 Dutch Treat Designs
presented by Claudia Dutcher

I have a good start on my 2nd square

My first square pictured here

Enjoyed stitching this afternoon w/Karol and Beth (w/o blog).

Don't miss Karol's canvas project pictured on her blog

Beth also had a stunning canvas piece,
we have to talk her into starting a blog of her own!

I look forward to getting together soon

I enjoyed stitching & chatting --- no better way to spend the afternoon : )

Bristol Tabletopper

Bristol Tabletopper
c. 2007 Dutch Treat Designs
Claudia Dutcher

Not much stitching to blog about; however, did finish the center square of the Bristol Tabletopper while stitching with friends.

Is there anything better than chatting & stitching with GFs????

Lately ... A Quiet Blog

Bristol Tabletopper;
A tribute to the needlework
of the Muller Orphan Homes

c.2007 Dutch Treat Designs

Why so quiet? I haven't stitched much.

When I've been with my stitchie pals, I started this tabletopper (from my stash) and stitched up a couple of the motifs in the center square. It is stitched with Caron Watercolours.

When I've had some spare time, I've been practicing my tatting.

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.

Tabletopper WIP, update

Thx for your comments & e-mails re. my sampler motifs. I've been stitching some motifs from Sarah Tobias & AH 1808 Sampler. It is just for fun - I don't know what to do with them. I took photographs with scissors to clarify the colors. The pics never seem to be acurate with colors. I suppose they could become fobs; however, I don't think I have that many pairs of scissors! Meanwhile, here is my tabletopper:
This is Spring Floral Tabletopper c.2000, designed by Claudia Dutcher, Dutch Treat Designs
After trying a couple different color combos, I asked DH to choose. I'm using The Caron Collection #057 Buttercup [yellow]. DMC perle #5: 800 [blue]; 208 [purple]; 210 [lilac]; 3348 [lt green]; 3347 [med green]; and 3346 [dk green].
This will be a wonderful addition to my tabletopper collection.
As for the questions received via e-mail, the information can be found HERE and freebie patterns to try are HERE. Also, it seems some e-mails are bouncing & ending up in spam boxes -- I don't know why, please e-mail again!!! I'm not trying to ignore : )

I hope you are enjoying the The April Needlework Show. I found several interesting projects, and esp enjoyed seeing clothespin dolls! at the The Needle's Notion page. My Mother made one for me [years ago] & she also gave me a clothespin doll made by her friend. They are charming.

Revised colors : )

I started this TT, finished a square, took it into the dining room, AND decided the colors didn't match anything.
Thx to GF's Melody & Elaine [without blogs!!!] I have a shoebox full of Perle Coton #5s. I removed the dk blue and changed to DMC208-purple. I removed both greens and replaced with DMC 3346, 3347 & 3348.
I have not decided on the pink (dmc 604) or lt purple (dmc 210) for the outside border. The yellow circles need a center ... maybe pink? and there are squares needing to be filled ... maybe lt purple?

Myrna stitched this same design in Pink Floral color choice on ivory TT cloth. It is so beautiful. I think Myrna has 8-9 tabletoppers already completed!! A beautiful collection - IMO.

WIP Progress Pix

Added more to the border & added lots of YELLOW : )Had to give my eyes a break from the linens.

Stitching by Nicholas:
Progress on Angel of Winter, Lavender & Lace Designs, #33
Close-upNic has some extra time this week for stitching, while he is enjoying Spring Break. Tomorrow is his Assessment Test at Purdue NC & he selects classes next week with his Advisor. Hard to think about him starting college in the Fall

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

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.

2007 Porter Co Fair -- end of report : )

Sampler TabletopperDesigned by Claudia Dutcher, Dutch Treat Designs c.1998Comments by Judge: Back is as pretty as front! Stitches even. Nice color choice. Beautiful.

Stitched on 18ct. Anne Cloth [9-square tabletopper] - apx 22x22". Watercolour Mocha Rose; Perle Coton #5 as suggested. Nun Edge with Anchor pc #12 colour 926.

My Original DesignPulled Thread PillowComments by Judge: Beautiful workmanship. Nice use of variety of stitches. Just beautiful.

Stitch size 7.5" x 7.5". I used DMC ecru cordonnet (30)AND Anchor perle coton #8 colour 926 on 19-count Antique White, cork linen. Stitches used: Reeded Stitch; Open Trellis; Rosette Stitch; Finnish Stitch; Three-sided Stitch; Honeycomb Stitch; Mixed Faggot Variation Stitch.

N.Hinde 1778; A Miniature Samplerc.1991 The Scarlet Letter; Historic Needlework ReproductionComments by Judge: Really cute. Excellent job - Where is the "J"?

I used Red Silk, AVAS colour 945 - on 32 count Antique Ivory Linen. Stitched over one thread. 88w x 56h Per instructions "feel free to personalize your sampler with your own name or initials & the date..." I continue to ponder using my name or the sampler-makers names when stitching a repro piece.

Tin Pin Heartc.2001, Ruth Sparrow, Twisted ThreadsComments by Judge: Beautiful & unbelievable tiny stitches. Do you have x-ray vision? Love it.

Stitched over one linen thread with DMC 221 - red & Anchor 152 - navy blue on 32-ct Platinum Belfast. 46w x 46h. Mounted into TF04 Tin Pin Square.

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

OK, my stitching pals ... now it is your turn. How did you do at the fairs this Summer? Congrats to Deb L [w/o blog] for being awarded the Champion Rosette at the Porter Co Fair. Well Deserved. Beautiful L&L piece. Congrats to Sue D and Elaine H, too, for all their ribbon-wearing entries!!! Great job : )

Tonight ... Open House for the Lake County Fair. I have different projects entered. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!! In the past, I've been awarded a couple sweepstakes rosettes on my beaded pins; however, I'd flip for a sweepstakes rosette on any STITCHED piece. That prize continues to pass over my entries year after year : )

They land on Sue D & Deb L's entries!!! They are tops at what they do best : )

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??

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

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.