CQ + Prairie Schooler projects

This is the next step in Kathy Shaw's class.

Class information HERE.  

These are my ribbon violets -- After trial-n-error, they seem to be okay.

In addition to the ribbon embroidery,  GF Cathy B, blogging at With Needle and Thread,

helped me out with a complimentary pattern from Prairie Schooler.

A friend made a pincushion for me, years back, and I've used it so often, it is getting beat up!

I started a new one, on aida cloth.  

 It is a nice pattern and will grow up to be my new pincushion.

The rabbit needlebook, in above photo, is on the same color aida cloth.   

Pattern from Prairie Schooler, In The Woods.  

The Prairie Schooler, c.1994, Book No. 46.

 

Free Pattern - link here

NAY**

Violet Squarec 1986 Needle Maid Designs, Inc.
Yes, I've had this kit in my stash a long time. I finally finished the cross stitched center (violet) and the border of pulled thread (four sided stitches)
It made with DMC floss, one yellow bead (from my stash)
on 30-count creme linenI used Garnet Iris seed beads around the outer edge
I have a couple more of these kits in my stash --- I don't want to have them another 10 years!!!One kit has blue floral motif in center -- the other a beautiful rose in the center. Both have the same pulled thread border

Close up of beaded edges for these two NAY** projectsAND, those needles are great with beads -- no beads got stuck on the eye of the tapestry needle. WOOT!

Tiny SamplerLa-D-Da Freebie
I used perle coton #5: 932 lt blue, 801 brown, 3045 gold, 3687 pink, 3052 green, 930 blue on 18-ct Shaker Linen. Because of the linen count, this pillow ended up being 8" x 8"I used this pattern to demonstrate counted cross stitch at the Lake County Fair -- maybe 2 years ago? I pulled it out of the closet & found some gold beads to use around the outside edge. Now I like it!



**NAY: Not Another Year

~*Symple Scissor FOB X Stitch Freebie*~

~*Symple Scissor FOB X Stitch Freebie*~
primitivebettys
This is a quick stitch -- I haven't decided on pinkeep or pincushion - stitched with DMC on 32-ct linen scrap.The oval thread rings are from Hobby Lobby - in the aisle with beads

Homespun Elegance

Fallc 2000 Homespun Elegance, Ltd.FREEBIEI finished this Autumn Freebie using DMC floss on red aida cloth. The needlebook has orange felt inside (matches the pumpkin)
Fall - Freebie Here
Link to Pattern here

NOTE: Far better photographs on the Freebie Gallery blog!!!

Shep Bush Freebie + List of needleworkers w/blogs

Barbara, please don't fall off your chair : ) and Kathy, I stitched the stars again -- you were right, the blue looks the best!I decided to use GAST Tarnished Gold for the windowpane -- or the boxes. IMO - the design just needed some gold or yellow. The blue for the stars was supposed to be DMC 823. I originally used GAST Royal Purple & took it all out. Just wasn't the right color. I found some GAST in my stash called Black Crow, a nicer navy blue. Keeping my fingers crossed this looks good in daylight -- & I"ll sew on the flag button -----------Have you visited The Passion of my Needle blog lately?

Tracy put together a list of bloggers who are active needleworkers. She has put together an awesome list! Information: HERE.

Stitching Blogger Links HERE

Thx Tracy : )

Rip it, rip it, rip it out ...

I was catching up on blogs this week ... and, read a post by Anna about a new, great, time-saving, needlework new thing. Ok, Anna, go ahead, correct me -- but I think "needlework new thing" describes it well. I followed the link in her post, read the article, watched the video & burst out laughing ... there goes several minutes of my life I'll never get back. Then, thud - slapped my forehead. Something about all that basting with red nylon thread ... yeah, I just knew there was a special pattern in my basket -- started -- and set aside because I was not confident about the color choices I made ...
This is Free c.2008 Teri Richards. This is a photograph of the freebie from the Shepherd's Bush web site: It is supposed to be stitched with overdyed floss by Crescent Colors (DMC number provided) on 28 ct linen - with tan lines. I was given the pattern & the flag button. Naturally, I found some linen in my stash & pulled out fibers and basted the areas where the tan lines were supposed to be & started stitching. Selecting the blue (lettering) & red (flag) were easy -- then, finding a good green, red (same as the flag), pink for the vine -- ok, going well. Pulled out some yellow & gold -- just not sure about the dark blue stars. That navy blue ... nope, not right. Set it aside.

As I said previously, after reading Anna's post, I got this out again & started removing the navy blue stitches -- I removed the blue stars (corners of the flags & two of the now empty squares). And, IMO - this project is ready to FINISHED ... and I am thinking to follow my first instinct, to make the stars GOLD or YELLOW - instead of the navy blue suggested. Might perk up the piece. Last, I'll get the grid around the motifs stitched in -- I'm thinking to use london fog or something that looks good with the linen + motifs.
Stay tuned. - - - - - - -
The Valparaiso Dolls & Friends are having their annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show 9/7 at the Porter Co Expo Center (Valparaiso, IN)10am-4pmEntry $5.00 Per the newspaper: " There will be more than 100 tables of dealers with all kinds of dolls from antique to modern and lots of bears. Proceeds benefit local, regional and national charities. Phone: 219.923.3803."

Stitching w/Deadlines ...

I did finish one book mark for the Nordic Needle challengeI don't think I'll have enough time to stitch a second design
I was asked who designed this particular bookmark -- I checked the Leisure Arts booklet & several designers are listed for this collection. More about the pattern booklet HERE. And, if you are interested in the challenge, stitch quickly as they are supposed to be submitted by May 8th!

Next, I will hand piece a couple block for the Friendship Quilt. More about that HERE. I have the pieces cut out & have started to stitch the flower pot sections together. I try to make TWO blocks & submit the best one!
This might be a better picture of the bookmark:

Embroidery Floss CardsI found an interesting freebie HERE. There are instructions and patterns to make your own Embroidery Floss Cards. Looks like fun - so creative : )

Freebie

Compliments of Mary Garry's Sewing CabinI used GAST Mulberry & Dried Thyme; DMC 632, 950, 3064, 3781, 3768, 3021, 3721, 420 on 32-count Waterlily Linen

I found this cute tea bag charm & might use it if I make a scissor fob.

Hope Accent, PS Freebie, Buddy Update

Thx so much for the e-mails and comments over the past couple of days. I appreciate them : )

Nordic Needle announced they are repeating their Bookmark Challenge (March 20 through May 8). "After the challenge ends, we will hold a drawing and the winner of the drawing will receive a $100 gift certificate to Nordic Needle! The more bookmarks you send to us, the more times your name is entered into the drawing and the better chance you have to win!" Check out the 3/10/08 Newsletter for details.

I was asked for more information on my accent (photo in previous post). It isHope Sampler Accent A Breast Cancer Fund Raising Needle Work Project. c.1999 by Barbara L. Rakosnik, Periwinkle Promises. This was a kit w/29-ct white Glenshee Linen, Mill Hill beads, and Kreinik's Soie d'Alger silks. I changed it a little bit by adding the button. As far as I know, it is still available for purchase.

Finished the abc 123 freebie from Prairie Schooler. I used 32-ct Lambswool linen & suggested DMC Floss. Freebie can be found HERE

Our BuddyTook him to the vet's office this a.m. They removed the bandage & the stitches remain until the next visit. I'm keeping a close watch on him. His ear looks ok, he is on pain medications & antibiotics. He seems happier with the bandage off -- tho, the halo thing is bothersome to him.

Sew With Kindness

Sew With Kindnessc.1997 Mary Garry's Sewing Cabin
50 x 76 stitches. Sampler Threads: Blueberry; Brandy; Cinnamon; Cherry Bark; Evergreen; Midnight; Mulberry; Maple Syrup. DMC: 632; 950; 3064. Zweigart Dublin - 25 count raw linen.

Stitching & Reading

Good Morning : ) I'm still coughing; however, feel much better. I stitched on this freebie until about 1:30 in the morning. That was fun. I have more to stitch -- couple more things in the skirt, the crown, star on the tree & more wording!!!

The alarm clock was NOT FUN ...

Anybody notice Oprah's new book selection??? This one was on my 'to read' list. And, it is on my bookshelf.


Spark Notes.

Movie site.

Book Info here.

Anybody planning to read along?

WIP

sigh, not much more to share. This cold is one of the worst I've ever had. At the end of the day, I'm without energy to stitch!! Perhaps tomorrow will be a better day.

Because of this for-krap cold, I had my son hand carry my Mom's gift to her. I stayed in the car -- my Mom's birthday is Friday. I gave her the Soweth Sampler which I finished up in June or July. She called & said she liked it. Go me : )

Thx to Melody & Elaine who have a bag of stash for me. I am grateful.

WIP - Sew w/Kindness

Thx for the comments & get well wishes! I'm not 100%, yet.

Stitching with a headcold

Sew With KindnessFreebie, c.1997 - Mary Garry
I'm using over-dye [GAST] and cotton floss [DMC] on 25-count raw linen. Won't she look better with eyes & hair .... LOL. Her skirt has little motifs of hearts, scissors, cabin. More soon -- I just knew I'd come down with this cold. I could feel it coming on ... DH told me once I was over the fever, I'd feel much better. Yeah, right. Everything just hurts. The only thing that sounds good is taking a nap.

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.

My Lake Co Fair Results, Part 2

Stay tuned ... more tomorrowThe Black CatDesigned by Marsha Worley & Elizabeth NewlinThe Bent Creek c. 1999
Design Size: 41x57. Stitched with DMC cotton floss #3853/3854; 3726; 310/3371; 926; 839; 3790 on 32-ct Twilight Blue Linen. Finished with SJdesigns - #1802 size 14 beads.

Scissor Fob - stitched on both sides:Little TreeLa-D-Da freebie
Design Size: 31H x 35W. Stitched with Week's Dye Works Pecan & Pea Coat on 40-ct linen. Stitched over one thread. Dovo Scissors .

Bunny Scissor Weightc.2001 Twisted Threads & Ruth A. Sparrow
Design size: 58W x 50H. Stitched with Week's Dye Works Onyx & Pecan on 40-count linen. Cord made with Pea Coat & Onyx.

Beaded Buttonby Judy Hendrix c.2001
I participated in a workshop, sponsored by NANI, and have been creating these charming button pins for a couple years. I used mill hill beads to embellish this plastic button. btw-Judy Hendrix is an excellent teacher!! There are on-line instructions for beaded buttonsHERE on the Do it Yourself web site.

If you are interested in Beading, you may enjoy checking out Beading Daily a wonderful on-line magazine. Topics, patterns, tips, etc.

Tea Cup Pulled Thread SamplerDesigned by Michelle Perry & Mylinda Canefor the Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana State Day 1998
This was my first State Day & first Pulled Thread project. I used #10 DMC Cebelia -white & Trebizond Silk -Rose pink, on 19-count white cork linen. I was sorting thru my stash & unearthed the sampler -- decided to fix the teacup outline [top of sampler] and take it in for a frame.

I've been looking for ....

Can anybody lend a hand?

I have a terrible copy of a freebie - Sarah Hopwood 1859 pattern by Kathy Barrick-Dieter. One day, I'd really like to stitch it & my image is very small. The symbols are difficult. I was looking for a larger pattern!! [these fossil eyes could use some help] If somebody has a pattern to share with me, I'd be most appreciative.

ALSO ... I'm looking for some DMC flower thread skeins. Know a source for purchase? Have some extra in your stash for sale? Specific numbers I need for a pattern are:

2673
2579
2938
2640
2829
2924

Thanks in advance : )

-------------- The boys are back in class next week. I'm looking forward to checking out some blogs : ) I've been on a constant 'run' these past few weeks & have not been on-line very often.

My 2007 Porter County Fair Results, Part Two

Ground Hog DayBent Creek online freebieComments by Judge: Very sweet pillow - love the beadwork. Cute, muted country colors, nice-

Stitched with Week's Dye Works Cocoa, Charcoal, Putty; DMC floss 501, 814, 930, 822; Mill Hill beads (42014) for the eyes on 16-count Old Rose Aida.

Mystery Samplerc.1991 Jana P. KerrComments by Judge: Pretty, delicate. Beautiful back. Excellent workmanship-
NeedleArts June 2005, Lesson I: Cross Stitches & Marking Stitches
NeedleArts Sep 2005, Lesson II: Double Running Stitch
NeedleArts Dec 2005:
Lesson III: Pulled Four-Sided Stitch & Satin Stitch
Lesson IV: Irish Stitch (& a little Blackwork, too!)
Lesson V: Four-sided stitch, Herringbone Stitch, Reversible Cross Stitch, & Satin Stitch
NeedleArts Mar 2006:
Lesson VI: Interlacing, ladder & Italian Hemstitching
Lesson VII: Floral Borders, Smyrna Crosses, Rice Stitch & Eyelets
NeedleArts June 2006:
Lesson VIII: Pattern & Damask Darning
Lesson IX: Hardanger Embroidery
NeedleArts Sep 2006:
Lesson X: Small Eyelets, Standish Stitch, Montenegrin, & Long-armed Cross Stitch
Lesson XI: Blackwork Border & Queen Stitch
NeedleArts Dec 2006:
Lesson XII: Four-sided, satin, & Faggot Stitches
Lesson XIII: Blackwork Motif (single running stitch)
Lesson XIV: Cross Stitch over one linen thread
Lesson XV: Finishing

Stitched on Zweigart Banding (cream) #7009-003 with: DMC floss 3053; DMC perle cotton 12 ecru & DMC perle cotton 8 ecru; Anchor floss 1035, 1034, 1033, 897, 895, 893, 681, 888, 887, 1387; AVAS 1714, 1716, 1011, & 4622; Silk Mori 0434. Bellpull hardware - 10cm #512410 x 2.

Bargello Pine Trees StockingLois Caron - online free patternComments by Judge:Very nicely done inside & out. Nice precise stitches. Like untraditional color choice - Rope trim add the finishing touch -

Stitched on white 25-count lugana with navy watercolour; evergreen watercolour; metallic (scrap on hand); perle cotton #5 blanc; perle cotton #5 pale green; Snow.

Until tomorrow ... for the final pictures : )

La-D-Da & Fair notes

La-D-Da's Tiny SamplerStitched with DMC floss 3052; 356; 932; 930; 420; 433 on 18 count ivory Shaker Linen. stitch count 53w x 56h. Special Thank You to Anita for her post re. this pattern!!! I did not have enough 433 & 420 for the lettering per pattern, so I randomly alternated the floss colors in the alphabet. I admire these designers having an 'eye for color' as it seems to be a challenge for me!

Porter County Fair July 19-28
--I am a volunteer for 'check-ins' on Sunday from 4-7. Hope to see some of my stitching friends & get a good look at all the Home Ec entries.

Lake County Fair August 3-12After finishing the stitching of La-D-Da's Tiny Sampler, I decided to clear off my desk & pull out my fair entries ... seems, I still have three things to finish-finish:
I'd like to get my beaded button complete AND my peyote necklace completed [I have most in a box, not in the photo]. The stocking is a freebie from Caron's web site -- pattern link HERE. I stitched it a few years ago, decided to make a cord & attempt the lining next ...

--On Fri., 3 Aug at 3pm, NANI will be demonstrating needlework on the Heritage Stage. I'm looking forward to this! I plan to demonstrate cross stitch & possibly the Queen Stitch. Lucked out as the Hot Wheels races are that morning/afternoon. One of Alex's favorite events.

--I have a couple things at House of Stitches for frames. I hear The Gilded Cage is ready to be picked up. That is one of my fair entries : )