Yay!

Spent a couple hours browsing.   

Very festive

 

knitting update

EDITED 02/17/2017

This is my bag in progress.  I'm using Erika Knight's british blue wool -- six colors.

Knitting in the round on size 6 circular.

Next - add the circular bottom in the dk teal color.   Not sure about the cord --- pattern suggests an icord, I'm thinking spool knitter!

when I started the bottom, the yarn had a knot!   so, I'm undecided about the 'fix' -- since it is on the bottom, I may pull out the rows and start with yarn without a knot.   Cannot decide if it would weaken the bottom of the bag (which I really don't want to line with fabric).


before the bag - had a few 'swatches' -- here is the linen stitch:

 made with Cascade sparrow, lilac, and (maybe) Gelato/yellow.

 I took an all day mitten class in November.

 I have one mitten finished

& need to start the twin!   This is Plymouth Yarn, Baby Alpace Agrande.  Who knows, probably Winter will be over with before I even start ....

This is my IOLI Convention , class project , in the works:

 Kelli Slack's Class - using Liliput yarn.   The pattern is by Kelli Slack, called
Ilwaco Shawlette --     

Edited 02/17/2017 -- because I have been asked, the ornaments I use are glass.   Came in a box of 12 from one of the craft stores.   (ie JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels ... maybe Hobby Lobby )   Inexpensive as I recall.    

I had fun filling glass ball ornaments (Size 2 5/8")  with itty bitty knitting ...

Yarn used is 100% pure wool from the Shetlands - Jamieson & Smith - from knitting store sale bin.  Says to use size 3 knitting needles.   I'm guessing any lace weight yarn will do.

These were sent to Gracie (blogging at Needles, Pins, and Dragonflies): 

On the left side, "Peace", HD yarn by Marilee Rockley (was a gift).   It is sortof like crewel yarn/wool.    On the right something from the knitting store sale bin called 'dream' Tahki Yarns.   I'm guessing crochet cottons would work, too.

Some Progress made on Hitch hiker wrap:  

Of the projects - this one seems easy to knit.   Would like to finish soon.

Gifts

Gifts in the mail ...

my Mom sent these ornaments:

Joy

Val's Stuff

JCS 2012

I know I've seen this ornament before,

tho, cannot recall where,

and don't know the designer!

Christmas Eve

Pickle Barrel Designs

JCS 2012

Looking forward to it?

Christmas in July .....

Gifts from Mom

Christmas Cat Tree

Michelle M. Lash:  Brittercup Designs

Christmas Tree 2011

Karen Kluba:  Rosewood Manor

from Just Cross Stitch Magazine

(2011 Ornaments Issue)

------------------

Not sure the designer or pattern name.

Sure is pretty ; )

Thx Mom.   Your ornaments are beautiful.

sight unseen, must have ...

EDITED: I just noticed, Anita has pictures from both of these publications .... check out Anita's Stitching Blog!!!

When I heard about the A Schoolgirl's Work from the Blackbird Designs blog, I wanted it. 
 Picked it up last week + have enjoyed it --- as for the patterns, I liked Hannah's basket .... then, I saw Rosebud Sachets and think if I ever get around to needlework --- that would be my first choice from the book.
After I get some tatting done ; )
 And, the Ornaments 2011 magazine is out ... picked my copy us this afternoon - and a copy for Mom.
 (Good to see you Kathy H! - w/o blog, who needs one to showcase her awesome Halloween stitching!)
 Back to orn mag ....I'm happy w/this issue. 
 Esp interesting - Shepherd's Bush, Janie Hubble Designs and Mosey n Me. Fun snowflakes + snow people. 
 Baffling to me - a coin purse, an Easter egg?

New Blogger and Q+A

Please give a warm welcome to

Southpaw Stitcher

and check out her new blog:

Southpaw Stitcher!!!
------

The unidentified ornament, made by my Mom
photo in
this post

was from a Janlynn Corporation pattern
called
Quilt block Banners
c.1988
Designed by Alice Okon

I found Free Patterns
designed by Alice Okon; however,
didn't locate the Quilt Block Banners
------

I was asked about the linen and fiber
I'm using in
Mary Hannah Gipson sampler ...

The fiber is -- Simply Shaker
Wood Trail.

I've given it a nickname: Trail Mix
.... I started with three skeins + one skein
has already gone missing.
(Yeah, I know)

The linen is
24/29 ct Muffin Glenshee

The uneven linen gives
the 'x' a bit of an oblong
look - I don't notice
the difference as I'm stitching.

When I finish a section + look at it,
that is when I notice the 'x' a bit
taller.

Honey Bunny caught!

GF Beth (w/o blog) gave me this beautiful, stitched ornament
+ I hung it up in front of the left window

I noticed our cat eyeing the RED ribbon!

Couldn't keep her away from the ornament

Doesn't she look innocent?

I switched ornaments I had hanging from the windows.
+ now, the cat has her eye on a beautiful glass
friendship angel (from GF Sue w/o blog).

Perhaps I need to re-think hanging things in the window!!!

thx!

Marjorie,
blogging at
Moonsilk Stitches
gave me this
wonderful ornament!

She understands my
weakness for BUTTONS.

What a treasure, thx so much.

gift

Made by my Mom for Nick:

Angel Stitchin
Santa's Buddies

(From Christmas ornament 2009 Magazine)

gift

Made by my Mom for Alex:

Homespun Elegance
Snow Merry

(Christmas Ornament 2009 Magazine)

Got the call ...

Just got a phone call from House of Stitches ...

the magazines are IN!

They are on-sale NOW!

Porter Co Fair (4 of 4) Results

Section 105 -- Toys
a. Stuffed

~*My Favorite Kitten*~ Pinkeep
c ~~primitivebettys~~ / Betty Dekat

I used DMC floss (3721, 3021, 926, 221, 422, 413, 3051) on 32-ct linen
I changed the cross to a heart at the neck, otherwise followed pattern

Comments by Judge: "Very nicely done. Good edge finish. Nice color choices"

Section 507 -- Miscellaneous Needlecraft
a. Combination of Techniques

Herbal Sachet
Lavender; Loyalty & Devotion
The Victoria Sampler
c.2002 Thea Dueck

Front: 62H x 40W. 28ct Antique White Cashel Linen. Kreinik #4 Braid #002; DMC #12 White Perle Cotton; AVAS #1343 (purple); DMC Floss 210, 501, 502, 3813, blanc, 208; Mill Hill beads; Needle Necessities #178 Coventry Gardens.

back: cross stitch & bumble bee charm

Comments by Judge: "attractive bag. delicate handiwork."


Section 101 -- Special Occasion (any Holiday, Special Event)
b. Tree Ornament

Pear Tree
pattern from the 2006 JCS Orn magazine
designed by Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks

I used 32-count Confed Grey Linen with Dried Thyme + Nutmeg (GAST), Amber (WDW), #341 & #375 Anchor floss. The 'pot' is a variation of a freebie from the Workbasket web site

Comments by Judge: "Very nicely done. Good color choices, nice details"

Santa's Stash (edit)

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

EDITED --- Thx for the laugh this morning ... Judy S, you crack me up & I must share your comment:

"So cute, Lelia, but kinda scary to think that Santa has a stash, too. Maybe it's Mrs. Santa's doing?"

Here's the cover ....

I can hardly wait until it is available for purchase

Sorry to take so long ...

In December, I posted a Christmas Ornament Meme. I received an e-mail asking to identify the "red, green & gold" ornament -- I should have gotten back to you sooner ... Now, I'm guessing you meant this one made by my NANI friend, Chris R:
Feather TreeThe Ornament Collection c.1991Designed by Judy Whitman, JBW DesignsI liked this ornament (made by Chris) so much that I borrowed the pattern from her & stitched a couple of the ornaments (gave them away as gifts). I don't know if this pattern is still available for purchase.

Or, you might have meant: Holiday Charm IIc.1999 Genny Morrow DesignsThis is one of two Genny Morrow canvas projects I've completed. The fibers are Felicity's Garden, Splendor, and Kreinik Braid. The other canvas project I've done, by Genny Morrow, First Steps, is pictured on a previous blog post.

Another red, yellow, green ornament in that post is:Reindeer GardenThreads Thru TimeNancy SurgeonIt is from the Christmas Ornaments 2000 Magazine. I used DMC 435 gold -- otherwise, the suggested DMC floss for red & green.

As for the tree from the nursery, DH & DS planted it on the hill. (picture taken right after it was planted -- before all the snow arrived) It looks very small next to the other pine trees. Most of our trees do survive the winter. I can only tell you how we do it -- the nursery owners are more knowledgeable. We bring the tree home & store it in the garage a couple days. Bring it up to decorate with lights and light-weight ornaments. We have it away from heating vents & keep it in the house a couple days. Then, back into the garage a couple days -- and outside for planting when there is a break in the weather. The hill behind our home has filled in with many Christmas trees of past years.

Gifts

Made by Mom for Tori:JBW DesignsAngel Treefrom 2008 Ornaments Magazine
Made by Mom for us:Loopy Lou DesignsChristmas Joyfrom 2007 Ornaments magazine

Gifts from Mom

Made for Alex:Mosey 'M MeFrosty Friends
Made for Nick:Full Circle DesignsA Christmas Song
This the fabric on the back:
Both of these designs are from the 2008 Ornaments Magazine. She made a couple more & I'll get pictures up soon.

Lake County Fair: Handicrafts I + II

Holiday Decoration, Ornaments (713) Counted Cross StitchThird PlaceSwedish Christmas Star, Hearts, & ReindeerMary Garry's Sewing CabinJust Cross Stitch / Ornaments 1998

Jewelry (868) Bead GlassSecond PlaceMill Hill Jeweled Bar Pin (kit)Filigree Victorian Rose