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!!

Porter Co Fair (continued)

Thx for all your kind e-mails & comments. I entered items into two county fairs this Summer --- I did ok. Better last Summer, but all good. If you are in the Chicagoland area, and enjoy needlework exhibits, make sure to stop by & say 'hi' at the Threads that Bind exhibit by the members of Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana October 2-3, 2010 (10am-4pm) More awards: Section 507 - Miscellaneous Needlecraft a. Combination of Techniques Violet Square c 1986 Needle Maid Designs, Inc. It made with DMC floss, one yellow bead (from my stash) on 30-count creme linen I used Garnet Iris seed beads around the outer edge Section 506 - Counted Thread Work I. Other Mimi's Pin Cube Olde Colonial Designs C.2003 by Pamela D. Reed This kit included 32-ct Fratelli Graziano Italian Cream Siena Linen, Gentle Art Old Red Paint and Grecian Gold, DMC 3052, 611 & 642. The pins, cardboard, and padding also included in the kit. Section 506 - Counted Thread Work F. Counted Cross Stitch - Other (not suitable for framing) ex. pillows, afghans Tiny Sampler La-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. 8" x 8" Section 113 - Miscellaneous Crafts Mixed Media Needlebook Made it at the International Quilt Festival April 2010

Lake Co Fair (2 of 2 posts)

NEEDLECRAFT II
Class 1119: Counted Cross Misc - Pillow
First Place Ribbon

Tiny Sampler
La-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.
8" x 8"
I found some gold beads to use
around the outside edge. Now I like it!

HANDICRAFTS I
Class 713: X-Mas Orn - Counted Cross Stitch
Second Place Ribbon

Santa's Stash
Lynda Watkins
c.2003 Full Circle Designs
design size 34H x 57W

This pattern is in the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments magazine

I used suggested DMC floss, Mill Hill 40479 beads;
other supplies from my stash:
3 small green buttons, unknown linen,
beads for outside edge

NEEDLECRAFT II
Class 1120: Counted Cross Misc - Pulled Thread

Violet Square
c 1986 Needle Maid Designs, Inc.

It made with DMC floss,
one yellow bead (from my stash)
on 30-count creme linen
I used Garnet Iris seed beads around the outer edge

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

Wool & Flax

I managed to get the border stitched on the front of this La D Da Pinsafe (Wool & Flax). This was the piece I started using one strand of silk -- took all that out -- and with the help of Sue D, who shared her left over silks, was able to get the front stitched.The back of the pinsafe has initials and a couple small motifs. I haven't decided what to do about the back as I don't have enough silks left for initials. I probably should go thru my fiber stash & see what would be ok -- it is the BACK after all. Who will see it?

Marjorie asked if I was able to visit any of the local exhibits. Actually, I did view the current exhibits at the Brauer Museum of Art in Valparaiso, Indiana. There are works by Hispanic Artists from the permanent collection on display and there are beautiful paintings by Joel Sheesley (realist painter & Professor of Art at Wheaton College). I enjoyed seeing the Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Jose Ortega pieces on display. This will continue thru November 21st.

La D Da WIP

I'm a bit behind in my blogging & picture taking.This is where I left off a few days ago ...
Currently, I'm putting in the outer border & designing the back of the pin safe. Optional border w/initials. As for the questions, this was a workshop sponsored by our local EGA Chapter. I don't know if the pattern is available or will be available. That is a question for Lori Markovic to answer. Her e-mail is: lorimarkovic@hotmail.com I have already passed along my pattern. It is on its way to another stitcher's home. Eventually, it will be a pin safe. I have trim & a couple of pins to add once I get the front & back stitched together. - - - - - - Our daughter, Tori, visited a few days. Was great to see her. She is planning a return visit around Thanksgiving. It seems the flu bug has visited here. Our youngest son missed a day of school & DH isn't feeling great today. I had a flu shot a week ago & am doing ok.
- - - - - - These are so pretty on our table.Flowers from DH for Sweetest Day!- - - - - -I continue to read this novel -- I'm up to chapter 9 or 10. Not sure if this will be a Halloween Tale or not.Web Site Link.

La D Da & Bent Creek WIPs

Wool & FlaxLa-D-Da Workshop ProjectWith more fiber in hand (thx to Sue D), I restarted this lovely pin safe. Now, using two strands of Elegant Eggplant belle soie silk, Crescent Colors. IMO - looks rich with two strands of silk. Originally, I started with one strand of silk & once I looked around at other stitcher projects - decided I liked 2 strands much better.I will be adding in some of the red-pink floral motif tonight. I don't remember the name of that silk color.
Autumn Rowc.2000 Bent CreekThx to Cathy (founder of the Thread Heads) for this fabulous Autumn Pattern. After consulting with Deb L., I changed some of the suggested over dye colors - I think I've got the right ones picked out.I cannot resist an interesting alphabet - with the birds & pumpkins, this one is so charming!

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

P.S.

I forgot to add, Barbara also put up a post re. the La-D-Da workshop!


Did I mention there was a table full of goodies to purchase? Wow. I have no willpower. I bought La-D-Da's Alphabet.

Now I Lay Me ...

Now I Lay Me ...La-D-DaCopyright 2003 Lori Markovic
Pattern suggested Sampler Threads -- design size 104w x 144h. I stitched this on 28-count (packaged linen by DMC). DMC flosses used: 317 & 318 [greys]; 782 & 783 [golds]; 3051 & 3052 [greens]; 221 & 3722 [reds]; 310 & 3799 [dark border]. The buttons in the corners were Mill Hill [I think]. They were given to me by a friend & were an excellent embellishment on this pillow. The fabric was from my stash -- had multiple blue & grey shades plus sparklies.

Actually, the colors in the photo [below] are more accurate. Cameras and lighting seem difficult, today!!


Still snowing here. It should end sometime this afternoon/evening & sounds like we are in for another rain-sleet-ice storm Saturday night into Sunday morning.

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.

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 : )

WIPs & Lake Co Fair

It is Friday .... time to recap the WIPs. First, thanks to Linda R from House of Stitches & DJ for suggestions on my rabbit/tree fob cord issue. Linda suggests making cording with the Sampler threads, using small cords on each side & making knots at the corners (little tassels sort-of). She also said there is a Week's Dye color similar to Black Crow. DJ suggests taking the sampler thread & knotting two strands together b/c when you make a cord, you twist + fold in half -- so, the knot in theory, will be at the END of the cord. Guess I'll decide after I shop .... still need to add the year and initials under the tree.
On the left .... I have two WIPs. The canvas project will be a scissor keeper. #14 canvas. Called Project Encore by Carmen Rupert (guild lesson). I made one using Watercolours - cantaloupe. The new one is stitched w/Far Horizons -- pinks & greens (gift). Delighted how the lining matched the fiber. See the small batch of stitching? It is what I accomplished during Thread Heads (4hrs) .... gathering of girlfriends. I had so much fun catching up on the needle chat and other good gab. The ccs project is the Caron Keeper from the Caron Web site. I'm going to make 2 -- one on 32ct Light Mocha (pictured) and the other will be on 36ct rue green -- using floss not silk.

Had a delightful time at Lake Co Fair last night. Deb L won Best-of-Best well deserved ; ) Grammy K & Sue D had loads of ribbons. WOOT! I did ok. Was beyond happy with the Acorn Sampler win. We all did the happy dance together. My Entries:

Handicrafts I / Holiday Decoration
(2nd)711. Counted Cross Stitch (CCS): Ornament - Chessie's Tree
718. Paper: Mill Hill kit - Stocking
Handicrafts II
(3rd)YARN 844. Plastic Canvas: CQ box + lid
(2nd)MISC 852. Beadword (glass): Mill Hill magnetic pin pillow
JEWELRY 857. Paper: Mill Hill Garden Bunny pin
JEWELRY 859. Bead-Glass: Amulet w/dark colors
(3rd)JEWELRY 862. Pin (lapel & brooch): Homespun Elegance - Rabbit & Bird
Needlecraft II
(1st)CCS Picture 1109. Acorn Sampler - Dawn Lewis adaptation
CCS MISC 1112. Blackwork - original stuff
(3rd)CCS Miniature Item 1114. 3 Kittens - Meg Shinell design
CCS Perforated Paper 1115. Mill Hill Bee skep
(1st)CCS Pillow 1116. Shep Bush freebie from 1990's
(1st)CCS Pulled Thread 1117. Drawn Thread freebie - heart throb fob
(1st)CCS Table cloth/runner 1118. Acorn table topper - dutch treat designs
(3rd)CCS Not Specified Above 1119. Shep Bush Folk Heart Needleroll
EMBROIDERY 1133. Asissi Heart - Victoria Sampler Kit
(3rd)NEEDLEPOINT 1148. G.Morrow First Steps - whitewash box (lid insert)

Website: http://www.lake-county-fair.com