Color Play ...

DONE!!!

I just saw The Southpaw Stitcher

has photo up, with details on the class.

Lucky

He is lucky to still be in the house.

He has a quick paw!

He was sitting on the desk for about an hour

before he grabbed the linen.

See how innocent he looks

right before he grabbed my needlework?

Maybe he just didn't like the camera.

Mr. Katt keeping me company while

I was choosing colors.

No damage done (whew)

This is Color Play, Part One

for the NANI class.

Not much stitching left to accomplish.

Color Play

Not must needlework - here is the

current project ...

Color Play - Part One

for the May NANI Class.

It is apx 3" square

The four rectangles are not supposed

to be the same.

This is where I'm at .... 

This is where I was

This is how I started!!!   

Using DMC 722, 743, 798 and Old Willow Meloncholy overdye

on 30 or 32ct linen scrap.

Color Play, Part One .... etc.

Do you read (follow) Mary Corbet's Needle N Thread?    Did you see her post about the Embroidery Thread Storage .... how neat and organized she is?   And, she wanted comments .... well, I looked at my project

and didn't think commenting that my threads were housed in an empty stationery box would be appropriate ( + were a knotted up mess.)  Guess I'll never have the 'neat stitcher' award.   Most of my projects, that are tossed in a bag or box, look the same - kinda messy.   At the end of the day, I toss everything back to keep things safe from the fur babies.

(pictured above:  

Blackbird Designs - Reward of Merit Buttons + Pins.

The bird is just suspended in mid-air,

should look better when the flowers are

stitched in....   )

Above - my start on Color Play.

Pre (work) stitching for NANI's

class.   It is apx 3" square.   Needs more

diagonal rows added in all the colors.

Maybe this week-end ...

Dream

I cut this image out -

it was on the envelope of a greeting card.

I have the fusing done,

and am searching thru my 'stash' 

for charms, beads, ribbon,

things to embellish the cover of this needlebook.

Keeping my fingers crossed 

Tuesday's NANI class

goes over well with the members.

Or this 'dream' will become a 

nightmare.

Grateful for friends to lend a hand and keep me sane.

Fun w/Friends

Yesterday, I attended the
Tast of Home cooking show with friends Beth, Deb, Mel and Sue.
The show scheduled to begin at 7pm.

We got together in the afternoon and strolled thru the vendors.
There were several booths with slushy wine, fruit, table wines, cake, fresh veggies, candy, tupperware, etc. Enjoyed all the samples.

Had a terrific lunch (25% off coupons given out at vendor booth) and then chatted at Starbucks until show time.
What a fantastic way to spend the afternoon!

Also, before the show began, each of us were given these
terrific reusable purple bags.
They were full of goodies: samples, calendar, coupons, magazine, magnet, scraper, pizza server, recipe cards.

We registered for prizes + signed up for free magazine subscription.

Enjoyed the show and inbetween the cooking segments, door prizes were given out.

So, guess what? My friend, Beth, sitting next to me
won a $250.00 gift card to Stracks (local grocery store).

Then, they called MY NAME!
I, too, won a $250.00 gift card to the grocery store : )
Imagine that?

In addition to the get together with girlfriends
(who don't have blogs, shame on them ...)
I found out our EGA chapter is going to participate in
the Soldier Family Kissing Pillows.

They gave me a couple kits to complete
eight pillow fronts - with a November 2nd deadline!

Above - is a photo of a finished pillow.

If you are not familiar with this project,
and would like information

go to Flying Fingers Plua
our EGA Chapter blog
for details

Camp Quality

You are probably wondering what all this is
within the photograph

On Aug 7th, NANI volunteers gathered together to teach young campers
how to stitch. This is an annual event
coordinated by Marjorie blogging at Moonsilk Stitches.

This year, the project was designed by
Marjorie - kits were made by NANI members
Photo of Model & background info on
Marjorie's post silkscreen

We took her sketches (flower & tiki)
used xacto knives to make
stencils out of freezer paper

THEN, the freezer paper stencils were
ironed on felt - painted with foam brushes
using acrylic paints

After the paint dried
the pieces were cut to fit the lids of tin boxes

Also, Marjorie had a silk screen
created with fabric & stretcher bars

The NANI members learned two ways to make & use stencils!

some of the felt pieces had the motifs painted
and others had the backgrounds painted --- what fun
for the campers and companions to embellish these pieces!

Want to see them all? Check out Marjorie's post:
We had Fun

On Aug 7th, we joinged the campers (& companions).
They chose their felt pieces along with needle & perle cotton fibers

NANI members taught them
basic stitches, ie back stitch, whip stitch,
chain stitch, stem stitch, running stitch

Marjorie brought table decorations &
the campers (and companions) put the decs
in their name badge holders & some
added the decs to their felt pieces

To see the finished products, pictures of the campers, companions, etc.
look at Marjorie's post: Camp Quality

For more information on Camp Quality & the Outreach Program by our EGA chapter see: info from NANI blog

AND, did you notice the canvas tote bag? Marjorie gifted each volunteer with a canvas bag, painted with a motif from our project!!! Thx Marjorie for creating this project & teaching all of us how to make stencils, and the souvenier bag!

After the demonstration & encouragement from Marjorie,
I went out to find more craftie supplies
to make my own stencils -- funness

Camp Quality

On Friday morning, Sue D & I visited Camp Quality .
If you are not familiar with this organization, please visit their web site, link HERE. I would like to share this coupon! Please print it out & take it with you to Jewel/Osco August 18, 19, or 20th. A great way to gather your groceries with a percentage of your sale being donated : )
We were greeted by a "red shirt" and our GF Tina was paged. Tina was in charge of the craft room for the entire week. She introduced us to many friendly Camp volunteers ("blue shirts".) We had an excellent breakfast! Following breakfast, we met up with some of our GF's from NANI.Our stitching group gathered together in the crafts area & taught the campers how to stitch.We had an excellent time & were invited to stay for a picnic lunch.Yep, I'll be back next year!
A BIG THX to Marjorie, for being our Coordinator and creating this marvelous Eiffel Tower bookmark. I just don't know how she continues to come up with a stitching-friendly project each year. The campers have themes - Friday was "A Day in France". The campers seemed to enjoy picking up the needle and floss and embellishing the Eiffel Tower shape. Marjorie took pictures & I hope she puts up a post soon.
There are a couple of nice articles about NANI's Outreach Program. A very nice article in EGA's publication NeedleArts, June 2006 ... AND Kreinik's newsletter Reflections, November 2005.Tina, see that bag of tabs? They are yours! See you on SATURDAY.And, GF, how about updating your blog??? ... LOL

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

Q & A

Thank you for your kind comments! And, to answer some questions:

On May 5, 1998, I joined the local chapter, Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana (NANI) of The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. (EGA). TEN YEARS AGO!!! I've been stitching for 10 years : ) Happy Stitching Anniversary TO ME : )

- - o - o - o - -

The threadwinders seen in above photograph & pictured in this post are inexpensive, & purchased at Hobby Lobby. They were 50% off in the beading aisle. Called River Shell Pendant, Traditions, Natural Gallery. I bought a couple of them & use them as thread winders.

- - o - o - o - -
Yes, I finished a couple of blocks. I don't know which one to submit.More information on the Friendship Quilt, 2008 HERE .

- - o - o - o - -
Mary: Here is a picture of the needlebook (rabbit):

It is from:In The Woods, The Prairie Schooler, c.1994, Book No. 46. I also stitched the Chipmunk for another needlebook:

3 Aug 2007 - Demonstration

On Friday, Aug 3rd, Elaine, Deb & I were at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Heritage Stage, for a needlework demonstration. We had EGA brochures, information re NANI, newsletters, and donated cross stitch supplies [aida cloth, cotton floss, etc] I don't know if any of the guests in our small audience came to the chapter meetings since that date. I would have liked to have been there longer to just sit & stitch - chat with those who passed by.
It was hot & humid. Did I mention very very hot & humid? Think - slippery needles! Yeah, aside from that, I think we did ok. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

I had permission from Ruth Ann Russell of C Street Samplerworks to use her motif for Queen Stitch demonstration. I used DMC floss on 28-count waterlily evenweave. Also, SharonB In a Minute Ago gave me permission to use her stitch graph. Thank you both! It is a nice way to expand needlework from cross stitch - basic x - into additional stitches.

Personally, I like the texture the queen stitch adds to samplers. I realize many of my stitching pals dread the Queen Stitch : )

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.

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 : )

Lesson 14: Cross Stitch over one thread

Mystery Sampler c.1991 Jana P. KerrNeedle Arts Magazine Jun 2005 - Dec 2006

Stitched on Zweigart Cream Banding with Anchor floss (1035, 1034, 1033, 681, 897, 895, 893, 888, 887, 387-ecru); DMC floss (3053); DMC ecru perle coton 8 & 12; AVAS (1714, 1716, 1011, 4622); + Silk Mori (0434)

I have purchased bellpull hardware pieces. This will be my first bellpull finishing & I hear it isn't that difficult to do : )

Thanks to all of you for leaving comments re. my tabletopper. I hope to get it entered into the Lake County Fair. If I can finish my Soweth Sampler in the next couple of days - I'd really like to get that one entered -- probably not a ribbon winner; however, I have enjoyed stitching it : )

Have a safe holiday [for those who celebrate Independence Day]. We have no special plans & may cook out.

Tea Cup Pulled Thread Sampler

I attended my first Indiana State Day in Sept 1998. It was a NANI program. This was the project. While I went on a hunt for my LHN missing piece, I found it. I fixed the teacup at the top -- and think I did ok for my first pulled thread piece.
This sampler uses Trebizond silk [mauve colour] and #10 DMC Cebelia [white cotton] on 19-count cork linen.

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!

+++++ +++++ +++++
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.