Madame Picasso by Anne Girard (Book Trailer)

Book available..... do you have your copy?    

A very nice book review - link HERE.  

I'm reading it now ....  Let the rain + wind [outside] continue!

misc

Cyclamen
(a cross-stitch gift card)

Heather
(a cross-stitch gift card)

c.2001 Lesley Clarke - Textile Heritage Collection
Cross stitch kits - cotton floss on aida cloth


Finished the bag of mending.   Then, made some things for DD's chinchilla pets ... 4 pillows and 2 hammocks -- a little bit of sewing with left over fleece.   I think the fleece was from projects my Mom made for our sons - when they were in either High School or Middle School:

 Front

Back -- I thought the chinchillas might not like the kitty faces.

 2 hammocks - hope they like them

I found the cat nip + may get some catnip toys sewn, too.

Tollway Tatters: Diane's Saori weaving

Oh my ... a delight to hold these lovely bags in hand.    These bags are woven on a saori loom by GF Diane, blogging at Lace-Lovin' Librarian.   The saori loom was a gift to her from her Mom.    She is creating fabulously interesting bags - and selling her creations.

 Here are a few photographs I took on Tuesday afternoon:

As always ... photographs do not do justice to the colorways and superb workmanship.   Some bags I took close - ups.

I may be mistaken; however, I think this one is already S O L D.    

some progress

These are Jeannette Douglas Designs

Autumn Biscornu Stackers.

 I've got most of the silk over dye fiber stitched.   There are a few more motifs to add before the backstitch/outline and assembly.    This is a nice design, from my stash.   Chosen for the Biscornu SAL - along with FB group, All About Smalls.  


And, decision:    I had my mind all made up, tatted a sample.   Tatted another sample.  I tatted samples x FOUR, and liked the one in the top right corner.    

 Lizbeth, size 80, color 168 Latte Foam.

seems the right size for the project - nice color - and should be sewn on later tonight or tomorrow.

news ...

Facebook seems to be easier / quicker; however, the blog space is GREAT for photos and ingredients ... helps keep me organized.

Some progress on Mary Hannah Gipson [sampler researched and charted by Ruth Ann Russell]
SAN-Q Magazine, Winter 2010.  

Everytime I pull this out, I am irritated and frustrated.  Tho, some progress made.  I have silks from my stash pulled out.  I think the rest is over-one, so will do just a little at a time.     ~ Mini Flower Basket Sampler ~  .... A Reproduction from the EGA.   

 The Thimble Purse is ready for finishing - as is the Just Nan's Christmas Secret (insert for needle slide). 

Birds + Berries Thimble Purse, designed by Brenda Gervais:   Chart/design calls for 40-ct parchment linen.   I'm not sure what this linen is - must be from my stash.   I used GAST Pebble [flowers], Mulberry [berries], Apple Cider [Bird], and nutmeg [Bird beak, legs, floral centers].  Valdani #P2 Olive Green for the leaves/vine.   Week's Cinnabar for bird necklace.  

Stitched over one on 32 ct Opalesc Belfast W/Simply Shaker Geranium #7036.   Pattern and needle slide come with finishing instructions, red overdye wool + fusible interfacing.  

 So, how do you like my new bag???   Thx GF Kay, w/o blog!    It is a great tote with matching water bottle holder.   Please note the card - with buttons + stitching ; )     it is clipped to my calendar + cheers up the whole desk area.    Back to the bag - has outside fabric pockets - and is done over blue mesh.  

 let me tell you, the mesh is wonderful for hot/humid days.   All my travel gear went with me in style during recent trip.   The water bottle keeps the water COLD and is marvelous in the holder w/pocket and adjustable strap.   Thank you Kay.  I adore it!!!

Lastly, new stash from House of Stitches.   Which was ON SALE - and I was delighted to get my hands on it.   Strawberries by Hollis Sullivan.   I wanted the small motif for needlebook front - but may [ over-one ] stitch the larger pattern without border instead.