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.

 

... while the storm was carrying on outside ...

I had some needlework in hand.    Kept one eye on weather info.  And, yep, power went out.

I think this is all I will stitch on this piece.   It is "Simply Red, Plus" designed by Sandra Sullivan - Homespun Elegance, Ltd.    c.2010.    The pattern calls for Mountain Mist, which I have, I just liked this blue better with the linen.   It is about 3 1/4 x 2 1/4"    The button from my stash, I had an amber pearl button, liked this one better.

I was looking thru my finished pieces and realize I have a couple for Independence Day.   I will have to flip thru patterns as I thought I had more.

  

Land of the Free
c.2008 Teri Richards
Shepherd's Bush 

USA
Tiny Stuff II
c.2001 Homespun Elegance. Ltd.

Finished into a pin - which I enjoy wearing or adding to a bag'

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 ; )

Porter Co Fair (2 of 4) Results

Section 101 -- Special Occasion (any Holiday, Special Event)
c Needleart

Free
c.2008 Teri Richards
Shepherd's Bush

Stitched with Simply Shaker Brethren Blue, GAST Cranberry, Simply Shaker Antique Rose, GAST Evergreen, GAST Black Crow, GAST Tarnished Gold on 28-ct Country French Latte. Flag Button w/pattern. 03003 Red Mill HIll Beads.

Comments by Judge: "Wow! Very nicely done Good color selections"

Section 505 -- Needlepoint & Quickpoint
a. Canvas

Project Encore by Carmen Rupert

DMC 312 PC#5 & Watercolours by Caron 068 Mediterranean
Beads are 3mm round corrugated

Comments by Judge: "Nice choice of colors. Even Stitching. Nice finishing"

Section 110--Home Decorating Articles (Not Quilted)
c. Pillows

Honey Bee

Judge's coment: "Verry pretty. Well done! Corners should be stuffed a little more"

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."

Lake County Fair: Needlecraft II

Counted Cross Misc. (1117) Miniature ItemSecond PlaceN.Hinde 1778; A Miniature Samplerc.1991 The Scarlet Letter; Historic Needlework Reproduction

Counted Cross Misc. (1119) PillowSecond PlacePumpkinc.2006 JBW Designs#154 Designed by Judy Whitman

UPDATED TO ADD: I used 2 strands of fibers, combined ... DMC 3826 and Sampler Thread Burnt Orange on 32-count creme Belfast Linen from Zweigart

Counted Cross Misc. (1122) Not Specified AboveFirst PlaceIn My Garden (NR & Fob Set)C.2000 Teri RichardsShepherd's Bush Printworks (kits)

ta da ...

Hard to believe this is green evenweave -- we are having another overcast, dreary day in Indiana. After several floss changes ... it is complete.

When I started to cross stitch I didn't know how to make projects into ornaments. I stitched this on lavender mist linen [probably 32 count] for a tuck-a-way pillow. These are the floss colors the chart calls for! Most likely, I did this in 1998.

Joyful Night

I am using 28-count evenweave in Waterlily [colour]. Because of the evenweave, I had to change a few floss colors -- otherwise, I would have finished by now! This is "Joyful Night" c.1998 Tina Richards Herman of Shepherd's Bush Printworks. From the JCS Ornament magazine. 323H x 37W - cotton floss

In my Garden

Finished the needleroll -- pretty set!!!

Fobs

Shep Bush Fob Front. I tried a different way with the cording. Instead of leaving the fob open & tucking in the cord -- I just wrapped the cording together. It is different. I'm undecided if it is better --



In My Garden - back of fob. The back motif is delicate. (not that the front is ugly -- I just think the back is so neat)



Drawn Thread freebie pattern. Do you notice how the Gingher's Lendell scissors match? The backs have no motifs.

I've struggled with sore throat, fever x 2 days -- now sneezing (etc). DH says to me "TAKE SOMETHING". Maybe he means to say to me: I don't want what you have. I'm not sure where allergies end and head cold begins. I'm trying Echinacea-Goldenseal capsules along with my Claritin-D.

sidetracked ... then back on track

Thank you GFs for commenting on my finishing frenzy. I've had next to zero free time lately (yes, Summertime with the kids) and appreciate your kind remarks. I plan to work on finishing - then narrow down the pieces to fit the categories in the premium booklet (for the two fairs I usually enter).

What an awesome blog! Check out Robin's blog. Eye candy galore: beads, buttons, & beaded embroidery and other creative genius stuff.

And, Robin, if you ever come back here for a visit ... please tell me the secret of keeping those beads from moving about!! Mine bag and sag and I need some helpful tips & hints : )

Nope ... not stitching another stitch until the fair entries are ready ... I keep closing my eyes to all the new stuff on the market : )

Meanwhile, yesterday, aside from driving the children here-n-there & back again ... I managed to get the small fobs & pumpkin keeper whip stitched together. AND -- delighted to report they are NOT understuffed or overstuffed.

(The finishing flair fairy was kind to my weak talents & gave me a boost of magic)

Went on a cording rampage ... I made nine cords ... some too short in length ... some to fat in width. Some multi-color ... some wrong color. Yeah, you get the picture.

Bad/sad news: I have a reject pile of cords (sigh)

Good/happy news: I have two cords ready to sew on the two fobs. : D (VBG)

TO DO: I will attempt finishing on the SB needleroll ... perf paper ornament ... tin pin ... pulled thread pillow ... blackwork bookmark ... novelty pillow entry / Betsey Butterfly (which I cannot locat in my stash of stuff) & Goodness! Wish me luck : )

Will be a pretty needleroll one day : )

In My Garden

Stitched ALL AFTERNOON

I had a FANTASTIC day. I ran TWO errands & accepted a stitching invitation from GF Sue D (without blog ... oh darn). Arrived around 11am & put some stitches into this WIP. Was delighted that GF Deb L (also without blog ... double darn) visited Sue D. Wonderful to catch up on all the news & relax. Came home around 3pm & Tori had the house tidy & ran the sweeper. WOOT. I am the lucky one today.


C.2000 Teri Richards of Shepherd's Bush printworks. In My Garden Roll. I still have more to add ... isn't it pretty so far?

Since our refrigerator was full of left overs, I didn't cook a meal. Was able to stitch during the evening while DH & Boys watched Cheapter by the Dozen 2. (Tori had a 4-10 shift at Subway)

Enjoy the holiday week-end. Our weather looks like sunny, 80+ degree weather.

Shepherd's Bush WIP

c.2000 Teri Richards of Shepherd's Bush Printworks. In My Garden Fob.

I bought this pattern when it was released -- stitched the fob in 2003!! Changed the date to 2006 ... Now that will give me some motivation to FINISH it : )

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 : )

Heart theme continues ...

Pictured above are: Shep Bush Treat Bag; Lizzie Kate Feb FlipIt; Name tag (pattern from a magazine); & Love is Kind pin ...from Mary Garry's Sewing Cabin pattern. Seasonal Mementos II
More stash! WOOT! I bought the Workbasket Hearts for the Pennsylvania Dutch motifs -- the sampler is really very large ... I thought they'd be cute done as single pincushions or something. The other two patterns (Of Female Worth Wear Your Heart & Twisted Threads Tin Pin Heart) are for PINS .... PINS .... PINS.

WTF: Shep Bush Fob -- Aren't heart strings cute? Was supposed to be a scissors fob & I thought too large ... was thinking of making two small pillows out of these designs.
Love Scissor Fob

Update: This is a close-up photo of the pin:

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

Stitcher's Roll & SBQ

Today's "Stitching Blogger's Question" was suggested by Cheryl and is:

Have you ever just quit a project while in the midst of it? (We're not referring to UFOs here, rather projects that you know that you'll never work on again.) Why? What did you do with it - throw it out, give it away, put it away?

I have taken a couple workshops & courses to learn techniques. I wanted the teacher's instruction, detailed directions, and hands-on advice. Examples:

-workshops on Japanese Embroidery & Hedebo (both very good workshops; however, I realized the needlework wasn't what I wanted to pursue further or finish the samplers.
-EGA Course in Drawn Thread -- withdrawing linen threads, hemstitching & embellishing. I learned a lot. Just wasn't interested in finishing the cross stitch bands on the sampler; Did do all the drawn thread bands.
-Instruction in Crazy Quilting -- well, just wasn't what I wanted to do.

None of these are finished projects -- I learned how, kept the detailed instructions & the projects have enough stitching done on them for practice ; ) I put them in a box in my closet & when I need to use any of these techniques, I have them on hand to either review the directions .... or put in a few more beginner stitches.


While looking for an ornament, I was happy to come across my Shep Bush Stitcher's Roll. After I stitched this kit, I put it in a special box, and had it stored in my cedar chest .... It is such a pretty needleroll kit & fun to stitch. will keep it in my creative corner for awhile.

Shepherd's Bush Needleroll

I am not in the needleroll exchange; however, this is the last needleroll I completed. It is called Folk Heart Needleroll by Shepherd's Bush Printworks. I especially liked adding the lace to enhance the stitching bands. Finishing needlerolls, for me, takes longer than stitching them. After the exchanges are made -- I look forward to hearing some TIPS for finishing. I swear there has to be an easier way ; ) Have a stitchy week-end. PS kfc: Opinions vary on frames & scroll bars. I suggest going to your LNS, sitting down & using one of the setups. I use K's Creations scroll bars, frames, etc. If you want to see pictures: http://www.kscreations.com/