I stitched this canvas and gave it to my childhood classmate in honor of celebrating our 40th high school class reunion. It's an insert in a photo album; thought that would be appropriate in the unlikely event either one of us was found in front of the camera. Isn't that a shocking number of years to be "post-high school"? Yikes, it can't be true, I never was good at math, I'm sure it's just another one of my algebra errors.

I thought it depicted my girlfriend and I enjoying life, naturally ignoring the reality of our current size, shape, hair color, clothing choices. This is actually a depiction of how we thought we would look 40 years later. And given the state of our eyesight, it appears fairly accurate.

I did have fun with this fantasy canvas, that's me on the right in that suede fringed skirt, oh so 60's style. My friend, Marilyn, is perusing all her old past beau's in the yearbook.

Whatever happened to Marilyn? After many years we found each other once again through the miracle of google, people search, classmates! She lives in our hometown of Phoenix with her husband, ahem which by the way was my boyfriend in the 5th grade, hi Gary! It's comforting to know that we will never lose sight of one another again. Thanks for stopping by today!

Things are getting.....

busy around here. Scurrying to finish my year end projects, holiday gatherings, lunch with friends and, my favorite, stitching with my peeps! Not long ago I signed up to participate in an ornament exchange. I planned on giving and completed a darling needlepoint ornie; then it dawned on me that it was through a cross stitch group. Just sign me up for the famed HSS (Head Slap Society). I am not an avid cross stitcher but I did finish these myself and thought they turned out okay. They were fun. Guess I'll just have to keep the needlepoint ornie for myself. :)

Last night, my local ANG chapter held it's annual holiday potluck and gift exchange. I received a great gift, a charming, mini tote. I hadn't seen these before and think it will be ideal for keeping handy the stitching items that I need, but don't want to keep in my regular stitching bag. Thank you Sandy! Isn't it adorable with the leopard lining.....it's so me! LOL!
We were also presented with this absolutely beautiful ornament designed by Caela Conn Tyler, whom in addition to creating the lovely "berry" organized and led this fund raising effort for a local, sister ANG chapter. It came beautifully packaged and mine is going on my Christmas tree, then later will hang on a dresser drawer pull in my stitching room the rest of the year. The photo does not do it justice, but if you look close you can see ANG embossed on the velvet. It was a great evening and a fun time was had by all.
Our program chair has lined up a full year of projects that will be difficult to resist....totally wreaking havoc with my 2009 stitching queue. Remember my "turbo stitcher" friend, she was there and has stitched two of the most fabulous miniature rugs in the Native American style. They are beautiful. I know I have promised to feature "G" on my blog in the past but we haven't been able to get the proper photos of her magnificent work. We are working on it.

Next week I have EGA which is having the "MAGIC" show and tell that I've been working on. I haven't stitched much lately on my final challenge Rooster canvas, but must focus on that and nothing else for the rest of this week. Hope to have photos soon. Thanks for stopping by today. And Margaret, if you're still reading, I hope you are able to post a comment.

St.Basil/Santa Redo

Today, I am sending Santa to the finisher (Hi Marie!) to be given new life. I'm including some fabric, a velvet and 2 plaids (both taffeta/moire) along with dyed fur trim. Saw it, had to have it, hope it works on the pillow. The finisher makes her own trim, cord and tassels and has more ideas to help make Santa feel festive. I agree with all previous comments advising to redo this piece and have confidence that Marie and I will come up with just the right design. Thanks so much all for your encouragement and ideas. Next time Santa "marooned" will be but a memory! LOL!

Here is St. Basil's Mini Sock

This is a case of finishing gone wrong. Now I'm the first person to be empathetic to the risk and difficulty that comes along with finishing needlework. I enjoy my attempts at it and am gentle with myself, taking into consideration that I am self trained. My turn around time (quick) and labor cost (free) are often the driving factors when doing my own finishing work. What was that old adage, penny wise and pound foolish? I admit it, I've been there a few times.

On your left is my St. Basil's mini sock that I stitched last year; a glorious canvas designed by Shelly Tribbey. I enjoyed working on it using a variety of stitches and threads, and the tassel was great fun to create. I didn't have a stitch guide but managed because of the intricity of the painted design. Thank you Ms. Tribbey.

After completing the stitching in July, I decided to send St. Basil off to be finished into it's final form; not as a stocking, but rather as a front design on a box pillow. There was to be a variety of fabrics contrasting in color, texture and pattern, cording, a shirred gusset, tassels and the stocking was to be positioned slightly tilted clockwise with a tassel hanging from the upper left corner. I basically wanted a whimsical feel not unlike the color and pattern variations characteristic of Mackenzie Childs http://www.mackenzie-childs.com/. Between my suggestions and website examples of their work, I felt confident. Often times in life we don't always get what we expect and this was the case here.

So now over a year later, with the pillow hidden from view, I am debating whether I am up for another finishing job or just send it off to the finisher I currently use and am satisfied with. I'm not worried about it being finished for this holiday season, but more afraid that it is beyond my skill level. I toyed with leaving the sock on this pillow and try to embellish it with tassels, added cord, etc. Any recommendations out there?

I know Thanksgiving

isn't even here yet, but I'm already starting to get my Christmas stuff out of the closet. I stitched this 3-dimensional ice skate last year. It's designed by the talented Shelly Tribbey. I finished at least 4 Tribbey canvases last year and am obviously very attracted to her whimsical design sense. Especially for Christmas stuff, the whimsier the better.

The canvas came with the skate blades but not a stitch guide. I first spied the finished skate at Sara's of Breckenridge in, where else, Breckenridge, CO. It's a small but fabulous shop and well worth the 60-90 minute drive from the Denver area. Sara's has a wonderful selection of finished models to temp you and she is a fabulous stitcher herself with lots of great ideas and thread selections.

I loved making the 3-d tassel which was done in turkey work. Starting at the bottom of the tassel you turkey stitch small stitches, then as you progress toward the top of the tassel your loops become longer and longer so that the top loops actually hang over the bottom loops; which after the loops are cut and trimmed the shorter bottom loops are short and thick and give the top loops something to lay upon creating the 3-d effect. It is essential to use a reliable, professional finisher on a piece like this. The toe, tongue and top cuff were all finished out in faux suede. The interior is lined and the cord and ribbon are the finishing touches. Expect to pay between $175 and $225 for one similarly finished.

Tale of the Pesky Kimono

MAGIC project #2 is done, finished. No, I didn't stitch it in two different colorways, just playing with my photo software. It's been about 7 years since I first purchased this canvas. I had such high hopes in the beginning that it would stitch up quickly and that I would miraculously find just the right stitches and threads to use. Didn't happen that way. As a much less experienced stitcher 7 years ago I didn't know about the wonderful stitching support groups and lists and all the help available through them. Thinking it was a gorgeous canvas worthy of fine threads and stitches, and with Jo Ippolito's 300 stitches dictionary by my side, I thought I was prepared.

The real trouble began when I attempted to create a stitch guide; I had no experience and ultimately no business attempting this. I stitched and then frogged, stitched and frogged for months. I just do not have the talent nor experience to instinctively know what stitch best fits where. Frustration stitching this particularly problematic canvas caused me to put my needle down for about 3 years. Back then, back before discovering my needlework groups, I was still practicing the don't begin something new until you finish what you've started mantra. And I didn't want to work on the kimono so I ended up not working on anything. Big mistake rectified only after learning that it's natural to have any number of UFO's and WIPS in one's stash. That it's a normal part of being a stitcher. Thankfully I cast aside this notion of nothing new until old is finished.

Once the stitching was in, the poor kimono took a rest while I tried to figure out how to finish it to hang on a stand. I looked around on the Internet for help, but didn't find what I needed. The first thing I did was to cut away the canvas around the stitched design and basted on an interfacing for stabilization. Next I needed to find the right fabric for the back; naturally choosing a slick Asian fabric that frayed like crazy. The color and pattern were right, so what's a little fraying with everything else it had been through. The fabric was basted to the back of the canvas wrong sides facing inward. It was finally time to apply the velvet trim to the edges by hand leaving armhole openings. Voila! Done. Goodbye. Shoo! Actually I learned many valuable lessons stitching this kimono, that even though I was discouraged many times, I became a better stitcher because of it somehow. Becoming more aware of my limitations and levels of tolerance and patience, I now plan and proceed with my stitching projects differently than I did back then.

2009 on My Mind!

As I complete my UFO's and latest WIP's I gain enthusiasm (aka obsess) for selecting projects for the coming year. Well perhaps it's more like the projects are selecting me! There are so many new things on the market everyday, of which I am tempted by most, but I must confess that I have already purchased, signed up for or pulled out of the stash closet enough projects to fill my "dance card" for 2009.

That doesn't mean that I won't try to do my part in keeping the economy going in the coming year, it just means that anything I happen to acquire in the future will be queued for 2010. Sidebar: What? 2010? Remember when "2001, A Space Odyssey" movie came out as futuristic? Seems like eons ago....oh, it was eons ago. OMG, I think I was stitching Sunset crewel kits with 3 dimensional fernery back then! And I'm certain there must have been a bright orange owl piece thrown in as well. Gee, these were nice back then but I hope they have dropped from the "every thing's cyclical" list. No offense.

So bearing in mind that nothing here is written in granite, here's my current stitching wish list for 2009, not necessarily appearing in priority order:

Teriancrafts Rug kit (small) from Chile
DamarJ White Santa nutcracker (coveted for years and finally purchased)
Danji Designs' Miss Nara (DD don't be snooping around)
Maggie's Combination Platter
Laura J Perin's North Woods Collage
needlepointNow's 4 mini Kimonos
Tristan Brooks Designs Elizabethan Pencil Box
The final 5 Cozy Toes ornies from PFOS
Biscornus, Biscornus and more Biscornus
Village Green
Hopeful: Marni Ritter's exquisite Renaissance
Hopeful: A few Caela Conn Tyler projects (to be announced)
Finishing Elsa Williams Large Floral Basket

That should just about do it. I'm thinking it could be fun or painful to refer to this list this time next year. Anyone else out there getting their projects lined up for the coming year?

The framer called today

to let me know my Terry Medaris, Rio Rincon, piece was ready to be picked up. It was held in captivity for 4 weeks or there abouts which isn't really all that long...just seemed like it. I think I like it, it's growing on me.

I am not sure I'm completely happy with the cutting of the triple mats, however, I won't complain. First I noticed there were a few cuts that weren't executed exactly along the lines of stitching, I also felt that the blue/green mat was a little large relative to the stitched piece. I also thought that the width of the yellow/tan mat should have been the same as the purple mat. I would have preferred that the purple mat be on top. The overall size of the piece and the order in which the mats were placed was not discussed.

I do like the framer I'm working with, think they're very professional and have been in business for a long time. I primarily think that the unusual cutting of the mat template must have been very difficult to execute. Maybe not, maybe I'm wrong.

I am working on three smaller companion pieces that will be framed together in one piece, using the same framing as Rio Rincon. I may have some changes made at that time. It would be great to hear your thoughts and opinions.

THE MAGIC SHOW

is coming in November at my local EGA Chapter meeting. I've been working on the finishing of two of my MAGIC (My All Good Intentions Contract) commitments this past week. The stitching has been done for quite some time now and after much thought, a bit of consternation and bravery, I began the finishing of the kimono and the Halloween Fairy project myself in an effort to save time and money. I will only discuss the fairy today.

The Halloween Fairy was meant to be framed, but to me Halloween is a day, not a season and I was not likely to display a framed Halloween piece. Not to mention that a background would have to be stitched if it were to be framed. Soooo I am using it to decorate the top of a round box from Hobby Lobby. Covering the exterior of the box and box top with a Halloween print fabric, I am now ready to cut my finished fairy canvas down to size and mount it on the top. I put the canvas on a piece of foam board and then attached it to the lid. A cover up trim seeking odyssey ensued and I finally decided on black velvet ribbon and large orange rick rack. I love rick rack, reminds me of elementary school and my Brownie Troop. This finishing project took time but wasn't difficult. The one set of fairy wings extend out over the edge of the box top and are vulnerable to crushing even though I stitched around their edges with braid and left the canvas underneath attached. I really didn't enjoy finishing this project myself. I think I'd rather be stitching; something I didn't realize about myself, but now I do. I do not plan on taking this type of thing on again. Well except for the kimono and third Magic project, a CanvasWorks Rooster pillow. With the finishing of these 3 items I am getting closer to reaching my stitching goals for 2008. Hallelujah! Happy Dance!

The Return of the Cozy Toes 6

CUTE!
My Cozy Toes found their way back from the finisher today. I am very pleased with how they turned out. I especially like that the cording wasn't glitzy because the stockings themselves are full of sparkle. Though you cannot tell it from the photograph. These were so much fun to stitch and the finisher enjoyed adding her touch as well. Do I hear sleigh bells? I hope not. The next 6 will not be even thought about until 2009! CUTER!

Now don't forget the kits came from PFOS in good ol' Lubbock, TX.

Mission Accomplished...

NOTE: Now don't ask my why the first picture won't enlarge. I did them all the same way. Whatever! Computer stuff... there's always something!

more or less. I have to add more age cracks on the mission, clean up a few things here and there but it's basically done. I ran out of Shimmer Blend ribbon while stitching sky scallops, was able to locate at a LNS, thankfully; I was, however, prepared to take out what I had already stitched and substitute as there isn't much to it. I finished the wispy clouds by laid long stitches underneath whipped Whisper. I still need to brush them so they appear wispier. The missing Burmilana thread was found, retrieved really, so I was able to finish the desert ground in the Victorian Step turned on it's side. I have given my assistant a well deserved sabbatical. This will be all of the triptych that I will do until my MAGIC projects are completed. I am still waiting for Rio Rincon to come back from the framers. Thanks for stopping by today and don't forget to set aside enough stitching time this weekend.

A Little More Progress and My Assistant

Outlined the mission with black medici and filled in the moon with yellow Petite Sparkle Rays and one strand of Highlights. Currently I'm working on the wispy clouds and then the sky. The clouds will be stitched with white floss and white Whisper. The desert ground on the left side of the canvas has yet to be stitched I, or my assistant misplaced the thread. Still deciding on the sky. My assistant, Teddy Bear, is a wonderful Ragdoll mixed with a bit of PITA qualities. My dear friend that keeps me aware at night if there were to be a moth or monster invading his space...the reaction is the same. Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you're stitching something for YOU!

Desert Mission by Terry Medaris

I began stitching on the Desert Mission canvas this evening. This is the largest of the tryptych, measuring 4.5"x5"x, and will set the standard for threads and stitches used for all three canvases.

Starting on the mission, I used 3 different fibers in 3 coordinated colors. Soy silk in both Solid and Shadows and Amy's Burmilana. These threads were sometimes blended for shading. The stitch is the Hungarian adding a subtle pattern and is an easy stitch to follow. Next I'll do the doors and windows of the mission.
Mission Accomplished!
Nearly. This has been a delightful little canvas to stitch. Using the same threads inside the windows as the body of the mission, and outlining the windows with laid Petite Very Velvet. Love that turquoise color. The black outlining is done with perle coton. Greenery is DMC floss, then using NN Overdye for the flower knots. Either Krenik braid or slippery Fiesta for the panes. Watercolors was tent stitched on the door with Krenik braid "bars. Next, the magenta desert and purple mountains.

My Roots are Showing!

Southwest roots, that is. Raised in Arizona I cannot help but be attracted to just about anything southwestern. Here are three companion canvases to Rio Rincon (see May 18 posting). I am very anxious to get started on these friendly canvases, painted by Terry Medaris at Sundance, while Rio is at the framers. My plan is to have these framed as a triptych. Incorporating many of the same stitches and threads used in Rio, I am hoping these will look even more like they "belong" together. I'll be using beautiful threads from The Pure Palette, Soy Luster Solids and Shadows; more Amy's Burmilana wool/acrylic blend; Gloriana 12-stranded silk; J.L Walsh silk wool and bits of other accent threads.

It is a total indulgence starting these without first having finished my Magic rooster http://frontrangestitches.blogspot.com/2008/07/studio-time.html, which is the final of three pieces I have to finish before the November deadline. I have that piece well under control and just need to play with something else. It's been a while since I've started anything new and have been quite diligently about finishing several of my WIP's this year; there will be more evidence of this in the next week or two. I had planned on giving myself permission to start something new on my birthday in September; but the birthday God's had something else in mind: car trouble. Not to worry, I didn't have to leave the house for new threads or anything, had everything on hand to get started. Will keep you posted on their progress and meanwhile know that I am clam happy with anticipation that the framer will be calling any minute now.

5 Geisha Standing in a Red Lacquer Tray!

I was very lucky to find this canvas painted by the late Anne Jerlow, finding it about a year ago up on a wall in a small out of the way shop. Painted more like a line drawing than a fully decorated canvas, left much to the imagination when contemplating thread and stitch choices.

Brain storm! I know, I'll try to locate a stitch guide and I did just that. So proud was I when I came across the guide on Susan Portra's website, http://www.bringyourcanvastolife.com/ and wasted no time in ordering it. You might say I was all over it like a spider monkey!

Sent promptly, I was thrilled to get started. Which unfortunately didn't happen. Other priorities taking over, the guide was kept in it's express mail envelope and later discarded as empty. What?!? What!?! Felt like forgetting to buy a lottery ticket and your numbers came in. Despondency immediately setting in, I thought of re-ordering it, but that would have been what any normal thinking person would have done. I, on the hand, decided it was a lesson better learned if I just figured out the stitches on my own. Well this always holds up my progress and it took working about 6 months off and on to complete the project.

I knew I wanted to put it in a large Sudberry tray I had purchased earlier because they were on sale. At that time I didn't have anything particular in mind for the trays, yes, I said trayssss. Two separate mats were then cut and purchased, a black and red, and it turned out that the black was the best choice. The red perfectly matched the tray, but it was just too much red.

The wall background was stitched in #5 perle coton, the geisha's hair was all done in either Medici wool or #3 perle, all bodices used Sparkle Rays and all hair decoration was done in Flair. The "floor" was stitched in Silk and Ivory.

The green/black figure was stitched using, NN Floss Overdye, Neon Rays+, and Medici for the star shapes; Petite Very Velvet, Krenik braid, Razzle Dazzle, Mandarin Floss, and Soy Lustre Shadows for the 2nd geisha; the center figure was stitched using mostly perle coton, some Pebbly Perle, Sparkle Rays, and a little Treasure Braid. For geisha #4 I wanted to use Gloriana's 9 strand wool because I had it in my "signature color" which is turquoise. May not have been the best choice or else I could have used a different stitch where coverage would have been successful. Also used on the 4th geisha was Razzle Dazzle, Flair and Petite Very Velvet for the obi and red accents in Sparkle Rays. The purple geisha has Mandarin Floss, Sparkle Rays, couched Krenik Fine Braid Overdye and Treasure Ribbon.

These were really a blast to do, I was held up mostly because I wanted to find tiny little hair things (look like chopsticks but aren't). I scoured around all the scrapbooking supplies where there are always miniatures of real things but had no luck. So I used a variety of metalics and velvets instead. The geisha's final resting place will be on a black chest located in my daughter's upstairs guest bedroom; happily entertaining her overnight guests. Hmmm.

I am so excited this is done and I will have Rio Rincon up when it returns from the framers and as posted earlier, my pesky kimono should be constructed over the weekend. Wooooooooo Hoooooooooooooo. I am sooooooooo looking forward to playing in my 2009 queue! If you made it down this far to what must have seemed like an unending blog entry, I thank you very much for stopping by today.

Finished/Framed/Finally

I've been waiting for the mat to be cut so I could frame and finish this piece. I took this as a class by Suzy Murphy from her "Suzy's Lite Stitches" book. The canvas was beautifully painted by Liz at Tapestry Tent Designs, making it difficult to mess up on this project. (You may refer to my post of 5/28/08 for more information on the class).

A variety of threads were used including, Impressions, Flair, Balger Braid, Petite Very Velvet , NN Overdye Floss, Rainbow Gallery HiLights, and Anchor Floss. Stitches used are Tent, Random Long and Short, Encroaching Gobelin, Double Twill, Hungarian Bargello, Double Hungarian and Horizontal Parisian. With the exception of the Elk, the stitches and threads were chosen to let the painted design show through.I have never used a bunka brush before and I can see that I could have used a little heavier hand on the body of the Elk. I am overall pleased with how it turned out and will present to my husband for his home office. I had planned on putting this in a box top but the finished size of the design is 5.5" x 6" making if difficult to fit into a standard box top so I decided it would have to go into a frame. I could have extended the stitching except for the painted part of the design. I do wish designers might consider standard sizes when determining their designs' size; however, I understand that the creation takes priority, finishing second and I am sure this is a consideration when possible. Thanks for visiting today.

EMPEROR'S GARDEN

designed by Josephine Payne. Do you remember her? She hosted a series on public television out of the University of Georgia back in the mid 90's. I was very impressed with her style and invested in her books, video, and pamphlets. Her specialty at the time was bargello, but not your everyday bargello.

Emperor's Garden is considered a 4-way pattern and is one of the most involved designs I've seen including the 12-sided center medallion. I must have been better at counting back then because I don't know that I would tackle this project today.

It was done with Persian yarn on 12 mesh bargello canvas (at least that's what they called it back then and I think it's still available today). I remember it was brown and very rough. Two strands of wool were required for adequate coverage. This particular pattern called for using 5 shades of one color family which was restrictive as not many wools have a dark, medium dark, medium, medium light, and light range in many colors. Obviously green was one of the Paternayan wools with the necessary variation.

What is so fascinating to me about bargello is that, in the case of 4-way, your chart shows only one quadrant of the whole pattern which is repeated four times making it much simpler to execute than the finished piece looks.

I finished this into a pillow complete with mustache fringe. I am proud to show it off on my blog as it has loyally adorned a wing chair in the guest bedroom for all these years.

Upcoming Chapter Project

This geometric design, Golden Reminiscence, is from the ANG Project Book. It was designed by Carolyn Mitchell. I will be leading this program at our local ANG chapter meeting in Jan/Feb 2009. The idea of the project is to feature a piece of vintage jewelry or other adornment on a canvas. It was fun going through the back of my old jewelry box and finding that vintage pin. In the case of the pillow, the colorway was suggested by the designer. The piece on the left was stitched using materials from my stash. I chose threads that were of compatible weight and characteristic as those recommended by the designer. The pillow is from a group of self finishing products called, "Plumpers" from Trail Creek Farm http://www.trailcreekfarm.com/. It's one of the finishing pieces I got from my spree at PFOS.

I didn't use jewelry on the framed piece; I used beach glass collected by a dear friend long since passed. In case you cannot tell, the green stuff in the lower right corner is a stylized angel made from the beach glass.

The framed piece was done first just as a "dry run" to get familiar with stitches, etc. before trying to lead others in a teaching program. I took notes and made observations about various stitch and thread nuances. Was quite fun and worked up very quickly at only 5.5" x 6". I had been wanting to get it up on the blog, but needed to wait until it was first displayed at our Chapter meeting.

I didn't have much trouble except when using the Antica, a Caron metallic, that is used to stitch the Van Dyke around the perimeter of and across the design. It easily unravels and you really have to use your fingers when dealing with this particular thread. The pillow was embellished with an old sentimental pin that I've had for many years. In each case I chose to embellish with something that has personal significance for me.

Next up: I have completed the stitching and expect to have the Lite Stitches Elk framed and up by next week. I am also anxious to show you what I've done with my Halloween Fairy canvas, and the kimono is at my sewing machine as I write. Tomorrow I will volunteer in the morning and hope to make some progress in the afternoon. Keep coming back.

Say Hi to Lucy, Desi, Laverne, Shirley, Sonny and Cher

This year's Cozy Toe intentions are coming to a close. Close of the toes. I am not sure how their names were chosen, but they are all identified by first name. Five are complete and off the bars, one last sock to whip up! I loved these tiny projects, they work up in a couple of days, a mere weekend and that is for a slow stitcher like yours truly.

I know I thought I'd get all 12 done this year, but I have a clear conscience and can only afford to have 6 finished anyway. Perfect. Excuse me a moment while I add the next 6 to my 2009 queue. Hmmm, getting crowded in there.

These have been a joy to stitch for a number of reasons, first of which is that they were expertly hand painted, the stitches were all tested in advance and appropriate for the space, likewise, the fibers were also well chosen to accommodate the space and design. They all came taped up, individually packaged with threads, instructions, photo of finished piece and stitch diagrams. No wonder they work up in just days. All that arriving monthly from PFOS in Lubbock, TX. They sure know how to do things in Texas and in a big way too. Since the yearly series has closed you can buy them individually.

Now marching off to the finisher, well as soon as I get the last one off the stretchers.

PFOS and Home

First, the date on this post should read September 4. Like most people when they've been away from home for a few weeks, they have a little anxiety about returning to reality. On the road trip traveling back to Colorado, this very thing hit me too. Oh, I wasn't worried about the house, the mail piling up, or even being invaded by squirrels or mice (a very real possibility here on the high prairie). My mind was on my stash closet. Where would I put everything I found on my trip? Will I have room without crowding? Do I need to expand into the linen closet in the nearby hallway? Maybe take over part of my husband's home office? I just wasn't sure. Would there be resistance if an expansion was necessary? And then as one thought led to another it dawned on me that I may have to re-arrange the projects in my stitching queue; something I hadn't anticipated as I was perfectly happy with the content of my queue drawers, before my trip. That was then, this is now.I never said discipline was my middle name, new stuff comes out all the time, it's not my fault. I knew you'd understand. Well it turns out it wasn't THAT dire. Just a little juggling and layering and voila, all in! I do know how to have a good time.

The two MSD canvases are painted on 14 ct, something I've not worked on in a while. Seems I've been doing a lot on 18 or congress. I have books about beards, fur and feathers for consulting but I'm always open and begging for stitch and thread suggestions. The design size is approximately 8x8" and should work up quickly once they weedle their way into the queue. On my travels I found and will try a few threads that are new to me: Gloriana, a French silk and Walsh, Ltd. silk perle should also be interesting. Got a boxed set, Happiness (Pink) from Krenik, irresistible when all together. Was happy to find a few packages of BOHIN tapestry needles from France. I read recently these were the best and wanted to try them. Also going to add to my stash black and white with with silver glitter canvas for fun. Of course my new "straddle paddle" is pictured and I do love it. Really. How do you like the customer appreciation gift from Pocket Full of Stitches? It's the pink and brown tote, very well made and aptly name, Stitchers Anonymous! Thank you PFOS, you didn't have to do that. There are a few finishing items not shown but will be later once I have something to go with them. Oh, I also added Evertites and beads to the mix too.

I'm also proud to say that my DH was with me the whole time, he was hungry too, but didn't utter a peep throughout the whole time at the shop. We'll be celebrating 39 years married in December, do you think he might be used to this? He is, plus I let him win at cards.

Greetings from Carlsbad!

Well the standoff between my husband's laptop and my media card reader continues; doubt I'll have any photos up until next week. In the meanwhile I have been stitching like an Olympian during my "retreat" in Carlsbad, NM. It's been a great place to concentrate on my stitching projects without distractions. So far I have finished beading the kimono, stitched the ANG program model, finished stitching the Halloween fairy and the Lite Stitches Elk, another Cozy Toes and made great progress on my Rooster. I feel I've accomplished most of what I set out to do while here and can now proceed in good conscience to my stash closet when I get home. I will also be focussing on getting things to the finisher/framer. Can't wait.

If you ever go to Carlsbad you had better bring your own entertainment. Once you see the Caverns, the Living Desert (don't forget to adopt a reptile or two) and the Pecos, you're pretty much done. The people here have been great, very nice indeed and welcome outsiders. Lots of Texas accents here too. I guess because Carlsbad is situated on the verge of Texas, depending upon which direction you're traveling, Carlsbad is on the way to El Paso (going West), Lubbock (going East) and Midland, TX (going South).

Saving the best for last, I wanted to tell you that last Saturday we went to Pocket Full of Stitches in Lubbock. When we arrived we were met with a generous gift certificate from my dear daughter; naturally after all was said and done, I had matched her funds and then some as I tried to focus on various accessories rather than on painted canvas. Was I succesful? No. Without divulging here what they are because discussing them on my blog is like a sacred promise to start and finish, and I'm not ready to place them in my queue yet let alone stitch them. All I'll say for now is Melissa Shirley. Woooooooo Hoooooooooo!

As I've related in the past, PFOS has it all. Terrific, friendly, knowlegable staff; every frame, stand, light, magnifyer, book, canvas, thread, boxed sets, finishing items, trays, boxes, pillows, chart, canvas of all types and much much more. One thing I decided to buy, after trying it in the shop, was a lap frame that you sit on. It's like sitting on a wooden paddle but is not at all uncomfortable. I love that the clamp is situated directly in front of you and you can adjust it's closeness to your body depending upon the size of canvas and, of course, you. The trick is not to laugh yourself silly as you begin to "mount" this thing. It must look hysterical as is surely feels that way. You slip it between your legs and then sit down it. Then and only then are you able to compose yourself to begin stitching.

Speaking of which, it's time to get back on my paddle and stitch!
Madonna
Having a happy day in Carlsbad

CATCHING UP!

Hi all! I have missed my blog. Thank you for not giving up on me. I've been stitching and making progress on my WIP's for the past few weeks and have other things going on preventing me from making a contribution here. I've been reading and enjoying yours, however. Currently I am not in Colorado but have traveled to NM to visit family. I drove so I have Teddy with me plus 6 stitching projects. I'll be here for a few weeks but didn't bring anything new to work on. That took will power. I had nearly self-talked myself into the "you're on vacation, take a new project" mentality, but I overcame that idea. Well actually my daughter reminded me that I would be making a side trip to PFOS. Dilemma resolved. :)

Before beginning this blog entry, I took photos of everything discussed; however, I have been unsuccessful in downloading and, therefore, editing my photos on the laptop I'm using. I will add them later once I figure out the picture software. It may also be an incompatable memory card.

Stitching priorities include my MAGIC projects; I've stitched 2 sides of the border and am working on the third of the Rooster; also finished the chicken wire fencing. I only have until November to complete the stitching; I think I'll do it. I'm using Silk and Ivory for much of the piece which is so nice to stitch with and no separation of plies.

As pointed out previously, I am nearly done with the Halloween fairy piece....if I don't do the background. I'm seriously considering mounting the design into a round box top. It's 7" in diameter so that may not be as easy as it sounds. I also need to think of how I want to address the fairy wings that extend outside the circle. Think I have that covered. This leaves me with 3 fairy canvas's incomplete for my MAGIC commitment. Lastly, I don't like to bead, but think a few additions to my Japanese Kimono would be a nice improvement.

Here is another project I finished but haven't framed; it's a prototype for a program I will lead early in 2009. I pulled the threads from my stash to do a test run of the stitches, etc. The point of this project is to feature a piece of jewelry attached to the geometric design. Instead of jewelry, I decided to attach beach glass in the shape of an angel, collected from the beach off Long Island Sound in the 70's. The glass has great sentimental significance since my close friend that collected it has since passed on.

I have completed 99% of the actual program model in exactly the fibers and colors suggested by the designer. This colorway is much more subdued than my bright stash piece. This will be presented for sign-ups at our meeting in September

I have also been involved with the SNS (Shining Needle Society) Stitch project given by Beth Robertson and Suzanne Howren; It's the first in a series of three notebook classes of stitches. I have enjoyed this type of "cyber" class and highly recommend this method of learning as there is no travel involved, you have benefit of fabulous national teachers and you can proceed at your own pace and in your own time. I don't think I should include a photo.

Lastly, but not least I have brought the remainder of my Cozy Toes to work on if I finish all the other projects. So I have my work cut out for me while I'm on vacation and better get busy.

Thanks again for bearing with me over the past two weeks during my period of dormancy.

Yours always in stitching!
Madonna

Good Grief, what haven't I done!

To understand why I've posted these fun fairies, you need to read Cyn's comment on my MAGIC projects. I wasn't going to put up any pictures, and now one of the 4 has already disappeared somehow. Cyberspace.Oh well here I am shaming myself, but I'm among friends, right? Since you asked, I pledged all 4. :0 Now before you go questioning my judgment or worse yet, my sanity, I really didn't think I would be able to finish these fluttering fairies in time for November's meeting. I planned on writing a check for them all along...."yes, that's the ticket," all along! I tried getting the Easter season done, but, alas, not this year. These not so little projects are very cute and you really do learn several techniques. I liked the materials used too; they're fun, I just have found other things I want to do. I am glad my good camera's memory stick was full otherwise you'd really get a gander at how these orphans haven't been in the most protective environment. I think these are from '03. Here's a thought: I could just stitch the central motif and matte the rest? Would that be cheating?By the way, if you need something to stitch, I'll pay the postage! As far as the other pledged projects, believe me, I've counted how many lines I have to stitch daily on that rooster to ensure completion! Don't ask! LOL! Wish me luck.

MAGIC: Producing results...

through mysterious sleight of hand influences or unexplained powers and the charms, spells and rituals so used. Hey, that sounds like what I need to help dwindle my 2008 UFO pile. Where do I sign up? In reality you and I know it will take more than a little abracadabra or even a miracle would be more likely to help plow through my stash of undone's. Or so I thought.

Last Fall our local EGA group was challenged to sign up for Barb Loftus' very inventive MAGIC program. MAGIC (My All Good Intentions Contract) was created as an incentive to help members reduce their ever expanding accumulation of UFO's.

Here's how it works. Members were asked to identify 3 projects they would like to finish and present them at our Chapter meeting. Yes, you had to stand up and pledge your intention (s). A paper contract was filled out for each project stating a self imposed dollar amount to be donated to the Chapter, if the UFO wasn't completed in one year's time. In our case, it was Fall 2007 to November 2008. The monies raised, if any (yeah, right, anyway), will be added to our Chapter's Outreach program funds. Members generously pledged several hundred dollars and it's now nearly August. Wonder how everyone is progressing?

As for me, well, I've completed the stitching on a kimono, after 7 years of picking up, putting down and ripping out, I'm glad it's done. Next up is the Rooster seen here in the blog Archives (July 3, Studio Time). Then I have a set of 4 canvases in varying stages of completion. These were from a class I had taken at an ANG seminar in NM, Four Season Fairies with Dorothy Lesher. I learned a lot in this class which is justifcation enough for being gentle with myself if I don't finish them. The main objective for taking classes is to learn, not to finish. Right? Right. I think I'll need to get my checkbook out for these. Well, that's okay, it's going to a very good cause.

Okay Chapter members, you know who you are; how are you doing?

It isn't as if I....

....need to go any further than my own stash closet to find a new project; however, as I was enjoying my first cup this morning I "tuned in" to PFOS for a little Christmas in July temptation. Look what I found: http://www.pfos.com/ChristmasClubs/Kelly%20Clarks%2012%20Days/KellyClarkTwelveDays1.HTM . Thank goodness I still have my Cozy Toes to work on and at least some semblance of constraint even though this particular club doesn't begin until January 2009....... Well this series is indeed extraordinary and I take no responsibility in the event of relapse. Anyway, I already have my 2009 projects lined up. OCD? Probably, but I think I'm just organized and motivated.

Here are two of the 2004 Cozy Caps series. I had PFOS finish these as I wanted to ensure that they turned out like their models. I found these after the series had ended and picked two favorites. After further investigation this morning I see there are a few more I "should" add.

Well, that's it for today, hope you're stitching something you love. Even just one line or one thread length daily will finish off those UFO's.

Finished!

Cozy Toes #7 is complete and ready for finishing. I am happy to report that I did not stab myself during the beading process; encouraging. Going on to #4 next.

Last night I attended my ANG Chapter meeting. The program was a witchy Halloween canvas by Mile High Princess, complete with custom stitch guide created for ANG by Mary Lou Kidder of Diversions. Julie Storick taught the 16+ patterned stitches for this piece intended to be finished as a box. It is a darling project and I regret not participating. Suffice to say we cannot do everything we desire to in this life and that includes stitching projects.

The Chapter has a Show & Tell segment each month which is one of my favorite aspects of any meeting as I am always inspired by the work of others. Some Chapters have one meeting annually devoted to Show and Tell, I like monthly better.

I showed a piece designed by Leigh. Didn't come with a stitch guide but since the piece was small it wasn't too bad deciding which stitch to put where. The eyelashes were created by looping Kreinik cord in and out of the upper half of the eyelid, then snipping the loops and unraveling the plys. It was fun, stitching was completed earlier this year. As it was lying around waiting to be sent off to the finisher when I decided to take matters into my own hand and actually made it into a pillow.

It was fun putting it together although I do not recommend using the fringe used around the perimeter, it tangles, gets caught on everything and slowed the whole process down.

About finishing. I have done my share and most of the time I am disappointed. I certainly appreciate the labor involved and actually do believe the expense can be worth it. I have had my finishing disappointments even at reputable places, so I am never sure which route to take when it comes to finishing. Framing, I have no expertise or knowledge so I always farm that out. I am still contemplating finishing a kimono myself. The fabric is purchased but I haven't found any instructions on finishing these. Mine is the 10x12" version and is to be hung on a stand instead of framing. I am looking for suggestions, advice or recommendations. Thanks for stopping by today, hope you're stitching something new!

Made progress

on Cozy Toes #7 yesterday. The Saturday morning stitch group arrived and since they hadn't been to my home before I had a great time taking them on a brief tour. But the best kind of tour in my opinion is self guided. Now you can do that with trusted friends, non-judgemental friends that is. We also had a show and tell where finished items were given a well deserved ogle with ensuing ooooooohs and ahhhhhhhhhhs! Truthfully, talent abounds in this group, awe inspiring talent. I wish I could show you some of their exquisite projects; whether complete or in progress it is not possible as some are going to be taught at NAN, ANG or EGA and these gems are not mine to share. But be on the lookout in future posts where I will alert when they become available.

You may recall in an earlier post I referred to the turbo stitcher? Well G, we'll call her, was also at breakfast, creating a breeze with her needle motion. I will ask her if she'll let me post a photo of the piece she was working on, breathtaking! In fact, I will seek to showcase her talent on this blog; if she agrees you will be in for a fabu treat! Stay tuned. I mentioned I did make some progress on my stocking. Quick stitching with tent or diagonal mosaic. I changed from using Flair to Perle #5, call me lazy, it's okay. I get easily annoyed with all the twisting that seems to occur when I use the flat ribbons as they persist in defying my laying tool. Moistening may help, I'm not all that familiar with which threads can or cannot be moistened. Next, completing the lower half which includes sewing on a few beads. Hmmm, where are my band-aids?

STITCHIN' WITH MY PEEPS

No, not those marshmallow things. My peeps, as in people, are in this case, my stitching friends. This Saturday is my turn to host our local ANG stitch group for breakfast and stitching. There are 11 of us that get together once a month at a member's home. I love this little group, I learn so much and it's a good time to just be together stitching. We are all very diverse and stitch at different levels. These are the times that I will visit in my happy memory bank years from now.

One of the best things is getting a tour of the hostess' stitched pieces, stash collection, stitching stations, etc. Fun. I'll only have 7 this time as it's Summer and people are gone or otherwise engaged. I will be working on one of my Cozy Toes from PFOS canvas of the month club. They're small and work up quickly with all the threads and stitch guide provided. This club subscription was a gift from my daughter Julie, who really knows how to treat her mom.

This is stocking #7 out of 12. The canvases are small and to keep the cost of the kits down, PFOS consolidates the various threads used throughout all 12 canvases. I like that. They also used a wonderful variety of threads and patterns to keep it interesting.

So after my volunteer obligations this week I needed to get some hou... hou... housework done. And while a clean house is not mandatory, or even expected, I felt I should do at least a little dusting and fluff the pillows for my "peeps". So that is what I'll be doing for the remainder of the week. How about you, what are you doing?

FLORAL PROGRESS

I'm back from Seminar and enjoyed every minute of my stay in Denver. Even though I'm local I decided to stay at the hotel; was afraid I might miss something! Along with packing up the kitchen sink, I also brought along my cat, Tbear, aka, Half White Face or One Pink Toe. (Taken with camera phone in room, already claiming table)

Nothing like trying to duplicate the creature comforts of home. This is why I don't like to fly to my stitching events. And with the airlines charging for baggage, ugh. My compliments to those that fly with all their stitching paraphernalia, stands, lights, stash, oh and luggage, for they are brave and honorable souls. I also felt it necessary to bring my own 4-cup coffee maker. This hotel uses those coffee pod things in the room.....I think those are really meant for tea drinkers. There was a fridge for my half & half, making for a leisurely breakfast waiting for class to start. I love to stitch while on vacation. Time away from home, the bills, the daily grind allows for stitching well into the night and up before dawn to stitch before class...before breakfast! All in all it was a delightful 4 days.
Now on to project progress. As usual I stitched as much as I ripped out and someone happily pointed out that only good stitchers rip out. Oh? Well that's a relief, if that is the litmus test then I must be an expert. Although I do get their point and agree. The first day I worked on the Elsa William's floral. I have completed the basket and am pleased with the use of the Burden Stitch. I used 3 strands of Amy's Burmilana wool blend in two colors to cover the 14 ct. canvas. I also used 2 Burmilana and 1 strand Soy Silk to help shade and texture. I also used Medici wool for the flowers and NN Overdye for the long leaf. I am researching a stitch to do the oak leaf and the large tulip next. Any suggestions?

Thanks for stopping by today.

STUDIO TIME

with Caela! Okay, I am really excited. Next week at this time I will have the good fortune to be in the company of many fabulous needleartists. I'm attending the EGA Rocky Mountain Regional Seminar held in Denver. The class choices this year are fabulous and it is such a treat to have the Seminar held in my own back yard, so to speak.

As a member of the hosting Chapter I will have certain volunteer duties but the rest of my day will be spent with national needlestar Caela Tyler. I've opted to sign up for her Studio Time and plan on taking full advantage of her expertise and wisdom. Studio time is where you bring any stitching issues you may be having or canvas problems, etc. to an expert to help you work out solutions. I will be seeking her help in how to go about making either of these major canvas/thread investments the best they can be. The rooster is 14"x14" by CanvasWorks. It is a handsome canvas that my husband bought for me several years ago. I have been perplexed as to how to stitch it and have tried a few things here and there, just to give DH the impression that I am actively working on it. He is thrilled that I will soon have help and is imagining a light at the end of the tunnel.

This is the other canvas and I've been saving it for over 20 years! It's by Elsa Williams and originally came with her tapestry wool. Well I am so glad I held off doing this, can you imagine all the different thread and stitches that can be used now? It's fairly large but so light and airy I think it will work up fairly quickly. Don't you? I want an open back ground but will defer to Caela before making a final decision.

For those of you that know Caela's work you understand why I jumped at the chance to sign up for her Studio. Having viewed many of her finished works in person, all superlative adjectives worthy of a fine artist come to mind, but there is one thing that stands out to me. I am talking about what I refer to as her light handed touch.

When I first began stitching I believed that heavier thread and stitch usage would be more dramatic and, quite honestly, I was never really happy with the end results but didn't know why. After seeing Caela's exquisite work, so intricate, light, showing fine detail, I learned right away that this is a far more effective way to enhance the design. Unfortunately this style does not come naturally to me, but I'm learning and hoping for a little osmosis action to take place at Seminar. I'll keep you posted.