4th of July

Prairie Schooler on the left, Shep Bush on the right.

I've been taking Bobbin Lace classes via Zoom, and had finished this edge.   Found a Bent Creek stitched piece in my stash (of things to finish) and added some beads.    Planning to finish into a pincushion.

Bent Creek pattern

The Little Bunny

I used Sampler Threads from The Gentle Art:  

Pink Azalea, Willow, Oatmeal (blended with DMC 712), Evergreen; 

Simply Shaker Sampler Threads from The Gentle Art Harvest Basket, Grape Leaf; 

and DMC 3021. Beads:  SJ Designs, Glass Seed Beads size 14, Color #1832.

 

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.

 

.... misc ....

I have 50 things on my "to do" list + then started talking on the phone, + then it started to rain.    DH and DS going to the movies.    So, pulled out my bag, nearby, + had my HE project in hand.

"Simply Red, Plus"

Designed by Sandra Sullivan

Homespun Elegance, Ltd.   c.2010

The pattern + red fiber were a gift from GF Karol.   As I had the blue fiber close at hand, I started with the blue.   [Needle Necessities, Inc. #1342].    I'm using a piece of 30-count Lt. Espresso, from the House of Stitches fabric bin!   

The pattern has a small pincushion in yellow fiber w/MOP button.   The letters are backwards - quite charming; however, I'm going back to the traditional.    Stitching over one thread.   Should be pretty.

Earlier this week, I managed to sew the bottom part of the the pre-made pieces, to form additional pockets for tools and fibers.   Nice to use the outside pockets as well as the inside pockets.     From the time I purchased these (even before stitched), I've been using them.    Quite handy + a nice size.   : )

Earlier this week, I finished Chipmunk, by Prairie Schooler into a needlebook.   I used aida cloth - which I like for something that gets a lot of use. In the Woods, The Prairie Schooler, c.1994, Book No. 46

  Also, completed the wooden piece by Bucilla.   They have a series called Bucilla Handmade Wooden Stitchables.   Link here.

Pincushion Parade!!!

Beth blogging at Love Laugh Quilt

is hosting a Pincushion Parade + asks

bloggers to share their collection.

Details on her post:  Pincushion Parade!!!

Here are some of mine:

I stitched and finished these needlerolls.   

They are Shep Bush kits and Sekas designs.

Two of these beautiful pinkeeps were gifts. The Souvenir de France was

stitched + finished by GF Anna.   The Christmas Heart was

stitched + finished by GF Cathy B.   I stitched and finished the small

Sampler Pinkeep - and still have a small one half stitched!

I stitched and finished this Pin Cube.

This is a kit - wool I made a cupcake.  I made a few of the kits - fun to assemble.

A beautiful wool (in muffin tin) pincushion

given to me (and made by) GF Beth --- Tho, I confess

no pin has ever landed on the wool basket!

These, I use ALL THE TIME.   GF Sue made the Stick it Here.  It is the perfect

size for 'on the go' pincushion!!!   The other two were made by my Mom.

She had a yard of fabric + the designs were cut and sewn into pincushions.   She embellished

with quilting, beads, etc.   I use them ALL THE TIME.

Ok, time for YOU to share yours ; )

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:

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.

Stitching in Hand

This is the start of Prairie Schooler's freebie, from their web site. Located HERE. I am using two strands of DMC floss on 32-count Lambswool linen.

When I am stitching in hand, I don't use a laying tool. I railroad the stitches. Bring your floss up thru the back & place your needle in between the two strands. Pull the needle thru to start first half of your x.

Come up again thru the back to complete your x. Place the needle in between the 2 strands of floss.

Pull floss

This is usually what it looks like right before I tighten the stitch

Ta Da

Generally, I like to stitch rows top to bottom & usually stitch one "x" at a time. Many of my friends stitch rows from left to right, make 1/2 the cross stitch going left & they return going right to complete all the x's.

To decrease tangled fibers I like to run my fibers over Thread Heaven. If you are not familiar with this product -- go to the link!!

I see Prairie Schooler has a new free pattern on their web site. Link HERE. I saw a couple of their new patterns -- wow, there are some nice ones!!!

If anybody has flown recently, one of my GFs was wondering about taking needlework supplies on board commercial flights. I have not flown for a few years. Yeah, I know, you hear things ... not sure what is fact & what is fiction ... If you can offer suggestions, her blog is Just One More Stitch.

Her actual question is this: (snip) going to Scottsdale Arizona (snip). I want to take my needlework with on the plane to work on it but I do not know what I will be able to get through security. I think that I have that clover thing to use for scissors but I am not sure if they will take my needle. Could you please post this question to your blog friends? We are leaving a week from Sunday. If I cannot take my needle I guess that I will go buy a book and read it on the flight.

Love Always, Tina
Link to Tina's Blog

Freebie

I have a question .... when you think "Easter Bunny" what color bunny comes to mind? I have a cute pattern with a grey bunny (Confederate Grey over-dye); however, I usually think 'pink' for bunnies. Am I on the wrong colour track??



I enjoyed stitching this freebie. Pattern is on-line here. c.2005 Prairie Schooler.

I used DMC floss on 32-count lambswool linen.

I would like to add another square to my afghan, after the household chores are completed.

Tori will be home on Saturday - for her Spring Break. I keep raising the window in her room, hope the fresh air will keep it germ-free.

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

Thank you to all who took the time to comment on my previous post. As you can see in this photo - she does not really FIT into the crate. She has been taking her afternoon nap in this crate for about a month now. It is a mystery to me.

And, this cold lingers. This is like round three of this nasty cold. I have heard from many of you that it is 'going around' and 'comes back' around more than once. I am hoping to be OVER it before Tori comes home -- she doesn't need any long-term "bugs".

I'm feeling under the weather

This is all the stitching I've accomplished since my last post. Want to see what this will eventually look like? Check out a nice picture here.

And, if you want to stitch it ... follow the link ... it is a freebie!!

I cannot seem to shake off this 'cold' bug & feel like I've had it for two months. I was too tired to stitch. I have felt more energy yesterday & today.

Ok, here is a pic of our Honey Bunny a.k.a. 'cat-in-the-box' I took this around noon while she was taking her nap.

RAK'd by Sue D

Thanks Sue D :D Imagine my surprise! Thanks a million. I think this is a freebie pattern by Prairie Schooler. I have it on my desk next to my needles. You know, it is so cute, I don't want to use it .... but, I will. Maybe I'll have time to stitch one of these days.

Nicholas is visiting his Aunt & Uncle in Aurora, Illinois. They bring him back on Sunday ... translates to "CLEAN THE HOUSE" and "BUY GROCERIES" ... company is coming.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pictured: Drawn Thread Heart Throb freebie, Folk Heart Needleroll by Shep Bush, a gift from Bernie W --The Nutmeg Needle, A-Mazing Hearts (Christmas Ornaments 2002 magazine), Needlebook & fob Heart's Desire Needlecase & Scissors Fob Of Female Worth.
Yes, forgot to list this in the other picture. These are Homespun Elegance Button Heart (stitched by my Mom), needlebook is a Prairie Schooler (I think - I lost this pattern), Hope Sampler Accent by Periwinkle Promises, Drawn Thread Mat Gentle Spirit by Emie Bishop. The small box with kissing cherubs is a sewing kit & the silver pin was a gift from DH a couple years ago.
Aren't these neat? Sampler Ornaments by Handwork (I have #7 & #8)... Maybe would use some sort of dk red instead of the black fibers. I think I must have a couple freebie Workbasket designs around here someplace.

I finished stitching Tin Pin Heart. Not sure how to mount it into the tin!! It is stitched over one thread & didn't take very long. (picture tomorrow?)

Thought of the Day: It takes about 45 min to drive to the nearest LNS .... it takes a few steps to enter my CLOSET ... and, I like everything I've already bought : )

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day!!

I'm really enjoying going thru my "stuff" for Valentine's Day. This is SOME of my stitched items. I have more ... stay tuned.

WTF: I really should figure out how to FINISH this Pin Pillow. (front+back) It has a buttonhole edge w/fancy chain stitching in each corner. It is the Judah Hayle Pin Pillow from Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly. Spring 2001 SANQ
With so little spare $$$ (daughter in college) I opted to find some STASH with heart themes. I was thinking of doing the BOF over one -- The Shep Bush kit was a door prize (won this a couple years ago!). Heart Blooms

Gifts from Malaysia

Look what came in Friday's mail! I am so excited to share these photographs with you. These were stitched by Margaret W from the Stitching Smalls Group and the Stitching Smalls SAL Group. I sent her an e-mail & asked if it was ok to share these on my blog. Currently, Margaret is not blogging; however, is involved with a Christmas mailart exchange.

This is a pincushion which proudly sits on my desk. The design is by Mary Garry's Sewing Cabin. WOOT.

Along with the beautifully stitched & finished pincushion, was an ornament. Aren't I the lucky stitcher? She said it is a freebie pattern from Prairie Schooler.

This is the back of the ornament. Margaret shares in her note: "the back of the ornament 'Selamat Hari Krismas' means 'Merry Christmas' in our national language--the Malay language."

Prairie Schooler - freebie

c.1985 The Prairie Schooler, Inc. (freebie bookmark pattern).   These Autumn colors are lovely.   Maybe this Spring I'll have to try this pattern again -- using some Spring colors ; )

Thanks Margaret

Was a tad stiff from the cleaning (moving furniture around).   Worked on this Prairie Schooler freebie for awhile.   It is interesting ; )

Love critters & needlebooks

The chipmunk is stitched & WTF.

The rabbit has a nun edge, off white fabric lining & felt insert (same color as the ruby flowers). Nice to have such cuties in my stitching bags.

In the Woods has several critters & I would like to stitch the squirrel and fox, too. Maybe next year.

I found some aida fabric - - a discontinued color (which is a close match to the scrap I used for rabbit & chipmunk) The color of the fabric looks like the chipmunk photograph, I'm not sure why the fabric color is so different in the rabbit picture ... came out with such a blue tint, maybe the flash?

P.S. About the edge .... there are diagrams on line. One nice diagram is located on the Dutch Treat web site - see sidebar. I enjoy tabletoppers (too) and the edge does make them beautiful ; )

My 1st sewing small + EGA (Part II of 15)

This was my FIRST Prairie Schooler project. I visited a needlework shop & was given a complimentary pattern. Went home & didn't stop until it was DONE. (Summer of 1998)

This is a Mystery Sampler by Jana P. Kerr.

Permission is granted for EGA, ANG, & other stitching groups to publish the Mystery Sampler in their newsletters or make copies for their members. Thank you Jana P. Kerr : ) There are 15 parts. So far, TWO parts have been published in NeedleArts Magazine (The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc.). The various parts will showcase different types of needlework -- part I marking stitches / cross stitches + part II double running stitch. I am using Anchor floss on linen banding. I enjoy working on this & look forward to viewing other EGA, ANG, & other stitching groups take on this project.

I received my quarterly magazine & read the whole thing (cover to cover). The current EGA President, Arminda Taylor is ending her term. In her message to members, she quoted Sandra Day O'Connor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice: "We don't accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something." Another quote from Flavia: "Lives are tapestries woven from our experiences by the weavers of time in a pattern we cannot see."

Stitch well today.