Merry Little Christmas by Elizabeth's Designs

This was a kit that I bought many years ago. It finished up in only a couple of hours. Even though the leaves look interesting the whole thing is basically backstitch using overdyed flosses. Denise, I thought you'd be interested in that part! ;-)

Christmas Ornaments

These are some ornaments I stitched up in the last 2-3 weeks. Ornaments are awesome for instant gratification! Each of these took only a few hours or less to stitch up and 4 of them were basically free. I got the patterns from old JCS Ornament issues and used up old scraps of linen and left over thread from other projects. The 2 in the middle were kits that I bought years ago.

Quaker Pincushions by Milady's Needle

Easy, easy, easy stitch. Only took a couple of hours each. Got to use up scraps of linen and Gentle Arts sampler threads, which didn't variegate as much as I was hoping. Now I just need to figure out what to do with them. I don't need 2 more pincushions. I was thinking about ornaments for the tree, or maybe the blue/green one as a needle book, although I don't really need any more needlebooks either! Obviously I don't NEED anything else, I just felt like a little bit of easy stitching.

Turtle Needlebook by Olde Colonial Designs

This stitched up pretty quickly. How cute is that baby turtle?? As usual, I'm not looking forward to the finishing work, but the instructions seem pretty clear so I'm hoping to get that done this weekend. I'm putting that in writing to try to make me do it! Nataly and Denise, did you get your's stitched up yet

Petticoat Row Class

Hi Everyone,

I hope all is well with everyone. Work is way, way to busy, but I am taking some time for myself and I am all signed up for the Petticoat Row Class. See some of you on Saturday!

Denise

A new biscornu! This design is a kit offered by Dinky Dyes to teach sequencing of overdyed flosses. Well that just wasn't working for me. I stitched it randomly and I like the way it turned out. I added seed beads all the way around and some glass beads at the corners. It was really hard to photograph but Dov says it has an indian feel to it because of the bead work. Still learning how to tighten that center button. I actually used stacked beads, could be why I couldn't get it any tighter. Great cat story about this one but I think I will save it for our next stitching day!

Summer Joy design from Country Cottage. I was working on this in my Wednesday stitching group and when I got it back from the framer I so wished it was still summer time. It has gotten to cold tooo quick.

Hi guys! Here is a finish that I just picked up from the framer. It's a Bent Creek design and I just love how it came out. I did easel backs so that I could display them on a table or shelf.

Rose Sampler by Little House Needleworks

Started this the day Natalie came over and finished stitching it a few days later. Nice easy stitch, which is just what I need right now.

I took the lazy way out and ordered the pouch with it, so finishing was just a matter of sewing it by hand to the back of the pouch.

So now I need to get back to MSA ... or maybe another quick easy project .... hmmmmm... decisions, decisions.

Olde Colonial Pincushion

Hi Everyone! I just finished this last week at one of Aiden's baseball games. It is an Olde Colonial Kit. I finished the entire thing at the ball game, stitching and finishing and still had time for the last 3 innings. Talk about immediate gratification!!

Couldn't resist

How awesome was Saturday ?!?! This cute little guy was too much for me to resist. I started him at 7:00 AM Sunday and finished a few hours later. I think I might have to give him another leg though, he looks a little funny. Now I just have to figure out what to do with him. Nataly, you're in charge of ideas ... got any ideas for a 1-legged wren?

DMC metallic thread question

Hello All,

I have a question, has anyone used DMC's antique effects line of metallic thread? I am working on Little House Needleworks Thread Gathering and it calls for E436 antique effects. I bought it today, and I hate the feel of the floss. Now, I have used metallic threads before, but it has always been used with regular floss and added one strand of metallic floss. This is six stranded floss, so what do you all think? Any feedback would be great.

Denise

Traveling Stitcher Project Pack

Nataly wanted to see my finished Traveling Stitcher Project Pack, so here it is. Obviously my fabrics are different, and I decided to put the stitching on the outside of the needlebook. It's a little bigger since I stitched it on 28 count fabric. I still need to cover the top of the magnetic button that I used to keep it closed. I'm having a hard time finding something to go over it. I'm going to try to make a fabric yo-yo and see if that works.

Are you ladies ready for a stitching day next Saturday? Don't forget about our stash swap.

Traveling Stitcher Scissor Fob

I also finished the Traveling Stitcher project pack and needlebook, which Nataly already posted. My scissor fob was not as cute as hers, but it was easy to stitch and I'm happy with it.

Needlework Garden Snip Basket

This is the cover for a snip basket by Olde Colonial Designs that I picked up at Celebrations this year. The pattern said to use 1 strand of floss over the 32 count fabric, but it didn't seem like enough coverage so I stitched over some of it again with a second strand. I finished the stitching a couple of weeks ago, but hadn't mounted it yet. I still need to hinge it to the basket

Scissor Fobs

Well, two more finishes due to rain. I made the pumpkin scissor fob using the pattern from the scissor sheath. The flower scissor fob is from one of my pattern books. The finishing of the fobs took me longer than the actually stitching and sewing of the fob. To make the ribbon edging on the pumpkin fob took forever! By far the worse was making the beading border on the flower fob. I am sure that there is an easier way, but it was late at night and my noggin was not working so well anymore.

I have been purging my cross stitch supplies, and I am trying to put all of my precious stuff into one spot. I am having a tough time doing this because I keep finding more stuff in a lot of different "hiding spots." I will have stuff to give away when we all get together in late July.

Dreary weather, so another finish

The weather is playing a part in my time to stitch. Actually, I have been doing other things, saw a movie, went to a sidewalk art festival, working on the grant and did some cleaning out of stuff that seems to accumulate in the winter months.

Well, this pattern is from Nataly, and as you can see I started it one way, and then dumped it! Long story, get comfy........I found a large amount of linen and evenweave at Marden's (a local surplus & salvage store in ME) and I have slowly been using it for different projects. I decided to do the little crow w/tree on a piece of evenweave. I didn't bother to check the count, and I started it over two. Well, it was huge!! It looked terrible(as you can see!) Then I checked the count, it is 25 count. I tossed that piece aside, cut another piece of evenweave and did it over one, soooooooooo much better! I will finish this onto an altoid tin, and make my self a little sewing kit.
Today, since it is still iffy weather I am going to work on "finishing" projects and kitting up the little bird on the egg that I borrowed from Nataly. I don't think I will have a finish anytime soon, it has a lot of color changes.

Does anyone want the little crow w/tree pattern? I can drop it in the mail, just send me your snail mail, there is still some floss with the project. I had all of the sampler threads required of the project, so I didn't use the leftovers.

Another finish, I am smoking!

Well, I have been stitching like a mad woman! If the weather stays the same, I am going to take a guess that I will have many, many finishes. This is from Little House of Needleworks, called Acorns. It came with the Crescent Colors, and this is the first time I tried them out. I did like the threads. This was a fast stitch, I started it Friday afternoon when heading up to Bangor to pick up my daughter. I don't know if I will frame it or try something else. It is small, just 4x4. I think it is the same size as what Nataly had made into "boxes."

Completed Scissor Case

I just finished my scissor holder. I like the look, I wanted it to be primitive and old looking. I think it got it just right. I had to dig out the old sewing machine to complete it and I still had to do some hand sewing. I plan on making a pumpkin scissor fob to match it, but when that will happen is anyone's guess!

Lacrosse Sampler

Another finish last evening! I completed the last of the backstitching! I changed it up a bit, the school is the home of the tigers, so I decided to use orange fabric for the background. I also added his number to the helmets. I just plan on framing this piece for his bedroom.

Halloween Piece

Last evening I finished my Halloween Hinezit(spelling?) and I really like it. I purchased HALLOWEEN at Celebrations. I started this project on the way to Bangor and did most of the border on the way to and from. I learned something new while working on this piece, I don't like perle cotton. I decided to use Caron's watercolours to make the border I hated working with it, which also explains why I dislike the halloween tabletopper I have been complaining about!

What a great stitching day we had. I decided to finish off my project keeper with a matching fob. I used 32 ct antique ivory and stitched a portion of the design over 1 so that it would make a smaller fob. I added matching beads all around the fob and made a beaded chain for the scissors to be attached with. Now it's back to MSA drawing board.

Wow, I just had this roll of film developed from my old camera and I found a picture of the acorn and leaves biscornu I made. I'm not sure if you remember the story but my mom liked this one so much that she took it home with her. The picture doesn't do it justice. I was really proud of my first attempt at this clever pin cushion. I did all of the stitching while I was waiting for the boys at Hebrew school. The top has greens and golds and the bottom has beautiful autumn reds and oranges. I wish I had it in person to share with you.

This is a tooth fairy pillow that I stitched up for my nephew, Wyatt. It was a partial pattern for a preformed pillow but I didn't have the pillow so I made my own and completed the design with my own pocket and tooth. I whip stitched it together and I am pleased with the results. I dropped it in the mail, I just hope it gets to him before the tooth falls out!!!

This is the teapot pattern by JABC for March. I really enjoyed stitching these up and chose March because there aren't alot of decorations for that time of year.

This is a pattern from JABC called March cup o'tea. I used opalescent fabric and it came out really cute.

Tiny Tool Needle Purse

I finished the stitching for the Tiny Tool Needle Purse class that we took from Catherine Strickler at Celebrations. What a fun project to stitch - easy enough to be relaxing, but challenging enough that it was never boring. The colors look a little washed out in the picture, but the finished piece is really pretty. I thought I'd upload the picture before I attempt the finishing, just in case I mess it up! The finishing instructions seem pretty straightforward, but I'm never completely comfortable with that part of a project.

Name Tag follow-up

Hello Everyone,

I have more than half my name stitched! Basically, I have the letters N I S E stitched. I found a good alphabet on the Tokens and Trifles website. I started to design my own name tag, but what a pain. I scoured the 'net for better possibilities, and found that many of the letters were just to large for what I wanted to do.........so Tokens and Trifles it is!

I am still working on my Olympic Challenge from the Summer Olympics in July 2008. I am getting close to being done, a bit late, but I am continuing to make sure I finish it. I would like to put it in my classroom. See everyone in less than two weeks! Denise

My Celebrations registration and such....

Hello Everyone,

I received my confirmation about 2 weeks ago, and I am signed up for the Saturday Night Event and the finishing class. Paula and I could not decide what else to sign up for, so we made sure that we sent in for the two things we wanted 100%!! I am still trying to figure out what else I want to take, I need to decide quick, because I paid for the membership, so I want to save my 5%!

I have my personal day approved, and we will be heading to Celebrations on Friday, I just made reservations for our hotel room. I want to thank you all for offering your homes for the weekend, but there is something about staying at the hotel that feels decadent!! I think it is because I get my own bed, with great sheets!

Classes that I am very interested in are By the Beautiful Sea, Tiny Needle Purse, Waltz of the Flowers, and I am waiting for pictures of Maureen Appleton's classes. I guess that is why I haven't decided what else I want to take for classes. My daughter wants me to take the Yellow Rose Sampler class.

I haven't started on my name tag, but I have thought about my name tag. Does that count? I have the week of April 19th off, so I figure it will be done at the last minute.

BTW, I think we should all sign up for the Black Beauty Sewing Bag, it might save the class from being canceled. If we all take the class, then they only need 5 more people to keep the class going!

Now it is back to finalizing grades, and putting the final touches on a grant. Have a great week everyone!

Celebrations confirmation!

I got my confirmation for Celebrations this week. I'm signed up for Bumbling Bullions, Tiny Tool Needle Purse, Strolling the Show Floor and the Saturday Night Event. Can't wait!

Has anyone started their nametag yet? I can't believe Celebrations is less than a month away. Better get started!!

Stitching Day, March 1st!

Hello Everyone,

I heard back from everyone but Cathy, so since most everyone can make it March 1st that is the day. Paula and I have lots of food planned so make sure you are hungry!

Stitching Day???!!! Lets stitch!!!

Hello Everyone,

Does a stitching day in Maine sound good? I have available every Saturday and Sunday starting this Saturday until March 8th. The dates available are Feb. 21 & 22, Feb. 28 & March 1, & March 7 & 8.

I would handle snacks, lunch and dinner. It would be held at my parents home, and if anyone wanted to stay the night that would not be a problem. The have a queen and double bed, and then a cot and 2.5 baths. Don't worry, my parents are in Florida, so that will not be an issue. The live in Saco, Maine, about 5 minutes from the Maine Turnpike.

I only have 1 ott light, so please bring lighting! Has anyone been looking at the website for Celebrations of Needlework? I have been drooling over all the classes! What are you all interested in for classes? I love the beach chair stitching piece, and the learning new finishing techniques. I am not sure if I will take a round robin this year, I really feel that I got burned last year.
I also am thinking of doing the commuting for one day of Celebrations, with my new job if I take Friday off, then I have to pay for the sub for the day! It would cost me $60.00 for the sub! Now you all know how cheap I am, to me $60.00 is tons of money. I might take a class on Thursday, shop then drive home, and come back Friday or Saturday and go home to Maine on Sunday. Paula, we need to discuss this!!

Please let me know what works best for a stitching day or days :)

This is one of four designs that I finished from the Garden Party by Country Cottage/Crescent threads. These designs stitch up very quickly. I did it on natural linen because I didn't like their fabric choice. The other 3 pictures will follow on another day.

This is my Raise the Roof Happy Camper. It's worked on 36 count and the dark fabric was very challenging. Avery loves his cross stitch picture and can't wait to hang it in his room.

This is a Knotted Tree Design that I finished for Hanukkah. Not alot of designs out there for Jewish Holidays. I worked it in overdyed silks and it stitched up in 2 days.

It's finished. This is the Bent Creek design I was working on at our last stitching day. The picture doesn't do it justice. The colors are beautiful. It at the framers so I hope it comes out great!

Hi Everyone, This is a picture of Boys and Bugs by Country Cottage Needlework. I finished it for the Silver Needle to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. It was lots of fun and reminded me of my four boys.

Celebrations of Needlework Info on the Site

Hello Everyone,

I hope that everyone is enjoying all the lovely snow! I have been in a stitching slump, so I decided to take a little look at the Celebrations site. Some of the classes are posted, some of the prices and pictures too! It is very exciting, so maybe this evening I will pick up some stitching. I think I would like to start a new project, but I HATE kitting things up. I do think that maybe the next stitching day, which I hope will be in Maine! Maybe we should work on our name tags! Write later. Denise