Camille

Have been making progress on Red Kerchief as I continue to enjoy stitching on this project. BUT....I've been distracted, waylaid, whatever you want to call it. Family health issues (not to worry, all is well thankfully) that included a short hospital stay (not me) and I thought I'd get some stitching done, but not meant to be. Sometimes distractions are way to much to overcome and I just couldn't concentrate.

That was then, this is now. Over the weekend I nearly completed stitching Camille. Loved getting her face shaded just so, and the stitches chosen for her coat and kerchief were perfect. Primarily using Burmilana which is one of my favorite threads, it does tend to fray a bit but keeping the thread length to a minimum fixes that problem. I changed one thread out, the Silk Serica; as much as I like working with silk I just don't like this one though many stitchers do. But even with the sheen and brilliant colors offered I find it too difficult to work with. Using Rainbow Gallery's' Flair for the ruffles is a great idea and so forgiving! Stitching for 18 hours (not all at once) over the weekend, the background canvas is nearly (nothing like photography to show my stitching imperfections and omissions!) finished. YAY!

I can't stress enough that if you want a unique project that packs a lot of bang for your buck so to speak, this may just be the project for you. It looks a lot more difficult than it is. I can honestly say that whether it's the small size of each area, the stitches and threads chosen, or just the thought of having a Monet hanging on my walls, this has been the most fun I've had stitching since my Gossipy Geisha Kitties.

Next up I'll show the progress on the foreground canvas; I'm closer than I thought at getting this done and am already mentally moving on to my next stitching adventure. Thanks for stopping by today, more later.

Closing in on Camille

Showing more progress the photo on the left depicts the nearly finished "forest". After all of the Diamond Rays were stitched you then go over some of them with the Ermine Stitch using Pine. It's really a nice shading technique for creating the illusion of trees in the distance. On the right are the three steps of the Hurdle Stitch - a composite stitch I had never used but really, really like. Why? It goes quickly! And once you get your bearings it flows along smoothly and rhythmically.  Because it's done in three steps, you get the hang of each step without having to constantly refer to the chart, etc.  I actually liked the way step one and two looked before adding step three. The thread, Simply Shaker Tin Bucket has such a nice variegation it's almost unnecessary to add a third element. BUT, years of parochial school have taught me to follow the directions. I hope to make enough progress over the weekend so I can begin stitching Camille. Excitement!  Thank you for taking the time to stop by today.

The Forest

Left side - Red Kerchief
Don't know if I instinctively decided the next section I would start would be the tree and background forest or if I was just impatient and wanted to see how the snow and trees would fit in together; but the right side background is actually what I should have stitched..."all in good time, my pretty, all in good time". LOL!

The tree trunks are worked in outline stitch with Caron's Wildflowers Black Forest. Using one strand this variegated thread is in between the #8 and #12 Perle Coton in weight, but has more of a matte finish making it perfect for a tree trunk. The stitching on the trunks took about one and three-quarter hours. The tree's needles are worked in a variation Diamond Ray pattern using Pine by The Gentler Art Sampler Threads; a lovely hand dyed over-dyed floss. The background "forest" also uses a Gentler Art thread, Simply Shaker in Green Pastures. I've left the link to Gentler Arts in case you're not familiar with these beautiful threads.

I really like the way the canvas came pre-shaded in appropriate colors allowing for the use of very light and subtle stitches (unconventional Ermine stitch), that effectively take advantage of the background tinting. Total stitching time for the greenery 4 - hours so far. Seems slow but the stitches actually move along quickly, it's the starting and ending of the threads that takes a little more time on an open pattern design like this. I am thoroughly enjoying this project as Caela's design has just the right tempo to it; you just begin to get anxious to finish one section and before you know it you're on to the next! Perfect timing for this instant gratification girl with a slight tendency of adult ADD.

HERE WE GO!

I am so excited that I will be taking you along on my next stitching odyssey which just might become the "pièce de résistance" of the year. When I first saw professional designer Caela Conn Tyler working on the Red Kerchief model, I knew right away I had to take her class. I mention Caela often on my blog and one might say I am a Caela groupie; there are a lot of us out there. Anyway, her concept of Claude Monet's Portrait of Camille Monet, The Red Kerchief, is most amazing in that she has achieved her interpretation by using foreground and background canvases. It's my first framed 3-dimensional needlepoint. There are several threads and techniques used, some familiar...others not so much, making this a unique and exciting project. Currently, Caela is offering The Red Kerchief at The 39th Annual Callaway School of Needle Arts  and the EGA Great Lakes Region Seminar.

Naturally Caela's work and mine vary dramatically, what you'll get here is my attempt to do this fabulous design justice. To begin, I've chosen the background canvas for purposes of this blog, but I actually completed the foreground canvas as assigned during the pilot class. This took place earlier in 2009 and I have been waiting for just the right opportunity to present it here.

Using Evertites, the line-drawn and shaded canvas is ready to go. I was totally unfamiliar with the technique used on the first step which was to apply Angelina. What the.... hmmm, Angelina. If you are as unfamiliar with Angelina fabric as I was, go here for a great tutorial.

Basically Angelina comes in a small sized bag for around $5-6 and sort of looks like spun glass or angel hair. Apparently it's readily found in quilt shops. The left photo depicts Angelina fibers after they've first been spread apart and then pressed with an iron. On the right photo, it's basted in place serving as background for the snow stitches. Clever! Notice the iridescence? Depending upon how much you spread out the original fibers, it will determine how opaque the pressed pieces appear.

Using regular sewing thread for basting (which will be removed once all the permanent stitches are in place) and a sharp needle to go through the Angelina, I'm ready to move on to stitching the snow.  The snow is stitched in Long Tall Sallies combining white floss and Accentuate (with a little light grey thrown in for good measure). Remember that this side of the snow will be covered by the curtain hanging on the foreground canvas and is stitched rather randomly suggesting the effect of glimmering, drifting snow. I'm hoping I've done this well otherwise we'll be viewing this with the curtains drawn! LOL! Prep time (iron fabric, cut and baste onto canvas) about an hour.  Stitching hours: 2-right side only

STITCHED!

This might have been the quickest project in memory--yay! Instant gratification, almost. The bells were stitched in three strands of Mori silk, with shading done at the stitchers discretion. Then large and loose French Knots in the silver metallic for the clappers.  Isn't this design different? I can't wait to get it finished into an ornie. Did you notice the adorable needle minder above the heart? A Christmas gift from our local ANG Chapter, I think mine is hello kitty. Perfect! Hours logged for last evenings session: 2. Total stitching time: 8 hours.

Moving right along...

last night I finished filling in the center section. I loved using the Silk 'n Colors Royalty for the main pattern. Silks rule! Then in between are various colors of Accentuate, and burgandy silk for the flowers. Pearl beads were included in the kit, but I decided to change it up and use some lushous (OH NO I DIDN'T...that would be luscious, Madonna. BTW, I noticed it on my own) lavender and turquoise pearlized beads. Truth be known, the pearls included in the kit have gone missing. :( I should check between the cushions of my stitching throne but I'm afraid of what else I might discover.....a hairbrush, empty pistachio shells, my first husband! Just kidding, I've only been married once; but if I had been married before.......

Back to the task at hand, the center design is flanked by a braided pattern stitched in a gold metallic. And the vertical lines on either side serve as the underlayment for the next pattern and are stitched in an overdyed metallic. Stitched this through one taped episode of "Young and the Restless", two "Criminal Minds" reruns and the local news. Total hours logged, 3.5.

Our Heart

designed by Marnie Ritter. This is the first of a series of hearts Marnie created for our local ANG Chapter, Mile High in Denver, to honor those that have experienced breast cancer. You may purchase the kit directly from Marnie at the above link and $2.00 from every sale will go to the Susan B. Koman Breast Cancer Research Center. Thank you Marnie for your generous heart in designing this beautiful design. I'm am proud to include this as my first project of 2010.

Getting started, all of my Evertite stretchers in this size were "unavailable" so I decided to use mini rollers attaching the canvas with the hook and loop type tape and side lacing. For the lacing you can use carpet thread, but not having any on hand I used button hole twist which is also very strong. I like using this method for smaller projects such as this. By the way the heart measures approximately 5".

The canvas used is light tan with gold flecks. First time I've used this and it really adds sparkle to the project even though it doesn't seem to show up in the photos.  The kit has some very delicious threads including silks and metallics. Using a laying tool really makes the threads lie flat allowing for maximum sheen from the silks. Though some stitchers might object to this practice, I often use my finger to lay threads, but I always have my Tekobari and that other gadget that fits on my thumb close by.

This year I am planning on being more diligent about documenting my projects in a journal. I will include the type of thread used, number of hours stitching and anything else worth noting. So far I have logged 2 hours, 30 minutes.

May the new year bring you peace, love and joy that never ends!

Ringing in the next new year and reflecting upon the old automatically brings thoughts of you. How blessed I feel knowing you are here now joining me in this new fangled way to reach out and touch someone. When beginning my stitching odyssey or this blog for that matter, I didn't know how much joy and contentment would come to be mine. I am looking forward to starting new again and am hoping you'll visit often. Wishing you the best in all that you hold dear! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Madonna

Le Coq est fini!

Merci le Dieu. I mentioned in an earlier posting that the Rooster was finally stitched. I waited to post a photo until it had been displayed at a recent local stitchy meeting. Thank the Lord and pass the band-aids. Honestly, this was one heavily painted canvas and all the basketweave made it very difficult and painful to stitch having to force the needle through. But it's done and I am happy with it.

The borders were all fun albeit time comsuming but I kept ticking off one side then the other and little by little the final stitched was laid. Using a combination of braid, beads, silk, wool, perle, ribbon, linen and fabulous fiber feathers it was a challenge. The debate at my house now is whether to frame or pillow it. I'm leaning toward pillow. I'm thinking down filled and heavily laden with tassels, cord and ball fringe. Something fairly substantial because of it's size. I want to send this one off for finishing instead of doing it myself. While at the finisher I think I should protect the tail feathers in some way as they are 3-dimensional, delicate and easily disturbed. The canvas by CanvasWorks was excellently painted, it's just that I had chosen to do so much of it in basketweave to show off the intricity of the pattern and I kept losing interest in stitching this; therefore maintaining UFO status for approximately 5 years! Have I no shame? No.  I even took it to Studio Time with Caela Tyler who made some of the stitch suggestions on the rooster. And David McCaskill also showed me how to do the coppery outside border.

Well thank you for staying with me through this one, now on to my year's end final WIP's. See you soon!

Catching up!

During a recent visit to Arizona I managed to make it over to Needler's Nest located in Surprise. What a delightful shop with helpful yet not hovering staff. I'm standing with Bettelou who specializes in cross stitch. I hope you'll visit this wonderful store if in the area. The day I was there they were having a 25% off everything sale.  I could have really gone crazy with that type of discount, but I stuck to only a few vital items. Apparently like beauty, I believe that vital is also in the eye of the beholder. :) I found these two little charmers below which are going right into my queue for the coming year. Unfortunately they didn't come with stitch guides, but given the patterns on their clothing, looks like I'll be doing basketweave. Yikes did I say basketweave? Well just for their outfits; the background and hair will NOT be basketweave, not after that rooster episode.

These are relatively small so they'll work up fast. I already have vintage bamboo frames for them. Next year I think I'm going to focus on projects that tend to be smaller in size. I just had too many biggies in my queue this year and I'm looking forward to not having to deal with a cumbersome canvas on my floor or table stand. Yes, I think something I can mount on my "straddle paddle" will be the perfect size! LOL! Remember that? I like using it, it's just so.....different.

I sure tend to do a lot of painted canvaswork, don't I? I love to needlepoint, but I also enjoy and admire stitching done on evenweaves, linens and other types of fabric. But painted canvas seems to be where I land most of the time. It makes everything more costly, but it can't be helped. These are works of art in many cases. With that I'm going to go play in my stash closet, getting my new projects kitted up. Love that term, kitted up. Thank you for visiting today, I hope you have a wonderful day filled with stitching.

P.S. Still can't find spell checker in this blog mode.

It's been a

busy week. Beginning with an ANG Chapter pot luck and gift exchange. As always it was great fun and I am thrilled with my gift from fellow blogger Colorado Stitcher. I received an exquisite mini laying tool/embroidery punch. It's hand turned out of Bocote wood, feels great in my hand and is made in Mansfield, OH by Turn-of-the-Century. I also received a tin box that Mary decorated with a bargello top and contained a stitched needle minder. So generous Mary, thank you!

Here's a photo of the Christmas Cuff Bracelet by Melissa Shirley I finished this week. Petite Very Velvet was used for the stripes, the green is Kreinik braid interspersed with green beads. Face is silks and beard is stranded wool. It won't be made into the bracelet for this year as all the finishing deadlines have long since passed.  It was a fun and easy take-along project.

Today was my monthly stitcher's breakfast and stitch-in. It is always such a great pleasure to be with my friends that enjoy stitching as much as I do. Everyone was working on something different, passing around new found stitchy magazines and stash organization ideas.  Oh, someone spilled their coffee on the table where we were stitching. We all gasped in horror, but no harm was done. No it wasn't me....I was drinking sparkling pomegranate juice!

Hope you're having a great weekend and immersed in stitching contentment. Be back soon!

Here I Am!

Hello out there in stitcher's blog land! It's been a while and even now I only have progress to report today, no photos. I have been feverishly working to complete the stitching on my Rooster project, Marnie Ritter's beautiful Renaissance piece, and a second cuff bracelet. My goal is to have the stitching done on these pieces completed before Thanksgiving. I have a commitment to do so to myself of course, but formally to one of the Chapter's I belong to that has their finished projects challenge coming up.

I began writing this post a few weeks ago and have since finished the bracelet and the rooster. WOOO HOOO! Happy dance now in progress. Both of these projects were stitched primarily in basketweave with specialty threads and, because of the size and heavy painting on the rooster canvas, my fingers feel totally abused.  Progress on Renaissance continues to be my main focus, I have all the full diamonds completed leaving only the half diamonds. I have not obtained permission from Marnie to post a progress photo at this time, but hope in the future it will be okay. You can view her photo here; keep in mind that if you're interested she will be teaching this piece at ANG's 2010 Seminar in Columbus, OH next Fall. Once Renaissance is finished I will return to stitching Caela Tyler's Red Kerchief piece, which is also in line for completion by the end of the year. I wish you could find an opportunity to stitch Caela's most unique design at Calloway in January.

That will conclude my WIP's for 2009 therefore freeing up some space on the queue for 2010. But what about my 2009 list of projects?  Ahh yes, that telltale list looming over there on the right side of this blog. I can only say that I did not begin most of the projects slated for 2009 but I did manage to finish several things that were not in queue. I will soon have my 2010 goals set which may or may not include things from '09. This is always a fun ritual for me; deciding upon which fabulous projects I plan to stitch in the coming year.

It's good to visit with you a little today.....and also give my stitching fingers a rest.  Oh by the way, where did they hide the spellcheck feature on blogspot?  See you soon.

Stitching with My Peeps II

Thank you for your comments on the photo of October fruit, The colors of Fall are vibrant; now if I could only learn how to center the photo in my header on Blogger. In fact, since they've upgraded things I've had a difficult time getting my photographs to cooperate all together.

The fruit was actually the centerpiece for the breakfast table last weekend. It was my turn to host the monthly stitch group; there were 9 of us in attendance. We all belong to the same local ANG chapter and meet once a month to share breakfast, open stitching and conversation. I always look forward to this gathering.

Also this week one of our local ANG chapters held their annual yard sale of stitchy items. I was very impressed with the quality of things being sold. It was a blast.  I sold stuff too! I was very disciplined only bringing home a few treasures to add to my stash and ended up spending just $27 for all of this. Treasures include a Joan Thomasson kit, Katya; Jean Hilton's "Mother of Perle" chart; an Ilse Altherr design chart, Katarina; a new Trail Creek Farm pillow; and Japanese Fan on Black with Forest Fire Watercolours by Jinice.

The fan is a piece that I've only seen online and always wanted to stitch, but didn't think it available any longer. I am very excited about it and am tempted to put it right at the top of next year's queue. Truth be known, I'd like to squeeze it in this year now that I've finished Lily Pad. But I am still hoping I can finish Rooster (worked on the head last night and still contemplating the cockscomb), Red Kerchief and Renaissance before year's end. I haven't mentioned the latter two in a while, but they're on my mind, just not on my floor stand! I am anxious to get back to them as they are beginning to call to me.

As always I am very grateful you've visited and hope your day includes relaxed stitching and/or stash enhancement!

Finish #18

for 2009. Not that anyone's counting....except maybe me. :) Though that seems like quite a lot, it's amazing how few have come out of my 2009 queue list. All that means is that I don't have to think too much about what I'll be stitching in 2010. More on this in another post.

Lily Pad is now stitched and awaiting final finishing. I haven't decided exactly what I want to do with it yet, boxtop, tote insert, not sure. In any case it was a very fun project and perfect for learning designer Susan Goodman's canvas transfer embellishment techniques. Think about doing this with a portrait of a child, your home or maybe a beloved pet. I can think of all types of applications. The background was randomly stitched using 1 strand of Accentuate; a nice effect for water without all the work!

Susan, local to Colorado, has taught needlework at national EGA and ANG seminars as well as at region seminars and local chapters. Her original embroidery pieces have been exhibited in five national EGA Biennial Exhibits. Susan’s current specialty is creative embroidery design with an emphasis on transfer methods and use of computer photographs. Lily Pad is a current teaching piece and though she doesn't sell individual kits directly, she teaches classes all over the country.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Updated.

Thankfully this blog is not a democracy. That is to say I get to decide things. Like to share things not stitch related.

It's no wonder I don't get much done living out here on the Colorado high prairie, there's so much to enjoy and distract. It's snowing today and I can't help but go out and take pictures. It's not like it's an infrequent event, but it's just so beautiful to me (a girl from Phoenix) that I need to capture it on camera.

It's not even that much snow...yet. Predicting 8" in my area. The first thing I need to do is make sure the birds aren't going hungry...yeah right. Look at this fellow determining which peanut is the heaviest.

And then there's is this "cautious canary" waiting until that weirdo taking pictures in her slippers goes back inside. The beauty is just endless. Okay, okay, enough already with the bird watching, it's the perfect day to cozy up and stitch! Almost done with the Lily Pads. See you soon.

Well here it is the morning after, we did get what looks like a good 8" as predicted. It's sunny and beautiful, so naturally while I was outside brushing off the satellite dish I just happened to have the camera handy.

Rooster WIP

 I've been working on the grass with a combination of Silk & Ivory and Burmilana in two colors for the tent stitch background and then over stitching long and short with a Burmilana in a tweed and yellow. I like the way it turned out. I'll do more combo colored tent along the bottom of the grass to finish up that space.

The rooster's tail was understitched in tent with purple and green metallic and also a light and medium lavender/purple Burmilana, planning they will peek through the overestitched feathers. Black and navy blue Peluche from Fabulous Fibers were used for the over hanging feathers, and then tacked down here and there into place. This thread seems to curl naturally and I think it is a good look for feathers. The photo doesn't show the individual feathers very clearly.

I've got the head and parts of three sides of the border to do next. Tent, phew, takes a long time. But the closer I get the more inspired I am to finish with thoughts of moving on to new things. YAY! The next picture shows the outside border using one strand of Silk & Ivory in a shade of rust then using staggered stitches of #16 Krenik braid in a rust blend to couch it down. There will be 2 more rows in this color and then one row of blue. This is a fun way to quickly make an outstanding border.

The Lily Pad

by Colorado designer Susan Goodman, is my next take along project. I am looking forward to stitching this piece as it will be my first attempt at a new to me technique. One of Susan's specialties is creative embroidery design with an emphasis on transfer methods and use of computer photographs. Working on Congress Cloth I’ll be using sampler stitches plus embroidery to change a photograph.

First up is basting around the edge of the entire photograph with a strand of floss. The purpose of the basting is to ensure a straight edge around the photograph.Then scotch stitch covering the basting with 2 ply of Threadworx Overdyed floss around the entire border of the photo. Finish with two rows of tent around the whole thing.

Next using DMC and Threadworx outline several (but not all) of the lily pads with the outline stitch. Then using long and short gobelin stitches fill in the veins of the lily pad.

The second installment of this project will be the lilies and background. See you soon.

   

AMAZING Rocky Mountain High Birthday

I cannot believe I'm here, a most magical place. In honor of a "milestone" birthday DD arranged for family and friends to join us in Copper Mountain, CO for a week long celebration of reunion, friendship and birthday fun. The private home was phenomenal located within a ski in/ski out property, it was wonderful with family and close friends it was beyond anything I could have imagined.

How do you like this imaginative birthday throne? Isn't it wild! The brain child of a close friend who knew the birthday queen would love to hold court in style. The scenery from this home's many balconies was amazing and ever changing. We enjoyed Indian Summer, Fall and Winter all in the same week. It was glorious.

We played Mahjongg, cards and I stitched.The bird population alone was captivating providing hours of relaxation.

At over 9700 ft, this Gray Jay and Steller's Jay are very much at home in the high altitude and they are huge! We put out sunflower seed to attract them though they were happy to eat bread too. About 3 days into the week we had snowfall and the slopes were littered with snow making equipment to go along with the colder temps. I had never seen these in operation before--very interesting. I think the top summit in Copper is over 12,000 ft. We were definitely affected by the thinner air even though we live at around 6300 ft, it really made a difference.

We went into nearby Frisco for the birthday dinner and naturally we had to make a stop at Sarah's of Breckenridge Needlepoint store. It's a lovely shop and Sarah is always stitching something superb. Be sure to save time to visit this fun shop. DD picked out these two lovely Sharon G's canvases as Sarah was unpacking from a recent show. As a gift, I also received a new K's creations metal floor stand. Love it!

 

I'm closing in on the Rooster

MY MY I've been plugging away on this rooster canvas from CanvasWorks for many a moon now. The canvas is handsomely stitched painted, so I can't blame the years of slow progress on a poorly painted canvas. It's just darned big. And primarily stitched in basketweave. Not to mention I've had a few other stitching interruptions along the way. But I am determined to get this done THIS YEAR. I'd like to say this month, but we're already 3/4 the way through September.

The canvas is 16x16" on 14 count canvas. I've used a lot of Silk 'n Ivory (the cream background, the dark navy border, the light navy border) and the copper border is a done by laying long lengths of Silk'n Ivory all across the canvas border, taking care to mitre the corners and then couching with #16 copper Kreinik Braid. The chicken wire is also done in the Braid. The tail feathers have really been calling my name, stitch me stitch me next, and I've been trying to maintain control whilst stitching the tedious borders. Maybe I'll indulge in the tail once I've completed 2 of the 4 borders. I have a 3-D technique in mind for the tail. I love this beautiful canvas, but I will be glad when I've finished it so I can move on to something new.

For some reason, Blogger, isn't allowing readers to enlarge the photo. I am not sure why, I wanted you to see things a little more clearly (not too close, just a little closer). I'll figure out what I've done wrong uploading the photo and try to get a few close-up shots too. Thanks for visiting today, wish me luck that I don't run out of steam on this labor intensive project. See you soon.

Comments

Hi ladies, it's always exciting to get mail from you. I'm already back to my normal schedule (that would be doing what I want when I want...mostly...within reason....certainly when no one is looking ), thanks for asking. I forgot to mention when telling my tales of woe that when I arrived home my own computer was not functioning. It didn't take long to figure out that my keyboard and mouse died while I was gone. Replaced both immediately and not a minute too soon as I was ready to chuck the whole thing across the room and start over. But....I didn't. Now I've got a wireless mouse which apparantly to has a mind of it's own. Seems it jags when I jig.

Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement with the redoing of the older canvases. It's just something different to do and I have fun with it. Not a priority. One of my biggest surprises was that I didn't have any bleeding of either the fibers used or the paint on the canvas when I cleaned and blocked them. I went very gingerly and everything was clean and brighter and didn't fade. They were filthy with household dust, etc. No evidence of smoking either.

I haven't done anything with the two stained glass (the two that go together) canvas' because they seem to be stiffened with something. They were mounted onto what I would call particle board. Anyway I think I will take them to the dry cleaners? Thinking that the dry cleaning would dissolve whatever is making them stiff and then I can re-block them if necessary. I'm just not sure what would happen if I put them into water, but they need cleaning before I can/will handle them.

I have yet to catch up with all of your blogs, that may take a whole day to myself; Pat I quickly went through your blog and cannot believe all the work you've done. You really are a turbo stitcher and living proof that rotation stitching works! Beautiful work. And Jane, I read the latest entry on your blog and instinctively knew that I needed to set aside the afternoon to do justice to all your fabulous links of enabling, I don't want to miss one! And Lesley, can't wait to see what you've been up to lately, love all the photos you provide of your work, totally inspiring and I love the look of your blog and your biscornus are always so unique and wonderful.

I am so happy to be back and looking forward to catching up. Thanks again for taking time to comment. See you online!

Gilding the Lily?

 Since finding this stitched canvas in an antique mall during my summer travels, many brainstorms developed as to what I could do to bring it up to date a little. The hard part (all basketweave) was completed by the hand of an anonymous kindred spirit, leaving me to think of a way to spiff it up a bit by adding a little sparkle and personality. To what level one takes the embellishment is, of course, a matter of personal taste. Trying my hand once again with beads I thought that would be a good place to start. To say I am not a skilled beader would be an understatement as I have no idea all the options, tools and procedures associated in today's beading world. The most I could figure out for the small flowers was to put several beads on the thread, lay it on the the flower shape and tack it down. This saved time and allowed an easy way to cover up some of the uneven edges of the petals. Camouflage is my friend! Along with the seed beads I used a little Crystal Braid in pink to brighten the flowers, yellow Floche was also used (mostly because I love the sheen it exhibits on the skein) and then #16 Kreinik braid couched with extra fine braid for the curly stems. I left the leaves alone even though IMHO they could have used something, I didn't want to change the integrity of the entire canvas.

Also left the Spaniel alone for the most part only adding dog bone earbows. I did brush the pup's body with one of those funky looking tools made for the purpose of fluffing up fur. I was sooooo tempted to do something to her face, but decided not to get involved.

I have the materials for finishing this piece into the pillow myself; figured I'd gone this far futzing around with it I may as well go all the way. This has been a fun process and I encourage you to try your hand at this type of canvas embellishment. It's fun and a great way to celebrate your creativity.

Thank you for visiting today, as always the pleasure is totally mine!

COZY TOE #8

Yippee, PFOS' Cozy Toe #8 is finished. Well it's stitched anyway. Only four left! "Jill" as in Jack and Jill has bright and vibrant reds, pinks and turquoise in combination to make this lifesaver stocking a joy to stitch. Using one of my favorite threads, Petite Very Velvet in three colors of brick stitch on the cuff and toe made for very fast and easy stitching. Frye Werks, Sprinkles, Spun Silk, Floss and Kreinik #12 Braid are all included in the kit from PFOS of Lubbock, TX. I'm on the downhill to finishing these cozytozies and hope to have them all in time for the tree this year. Will keep you posted. Hope you're all well into getting your Holiday stitching ready for the finisher, it's nearly September, where has the year gone? Don't ask!

Gosh I've been away long enough to have undergone and recovered from a face lift, full body liposuction (is there such a thing?) and hair growth rivaling Rapunzel. I wish. Unfortunately nothing quite so exciting as those life altering events have kept me from my blog and friends and stitching and life as I know/like it.

No, it took a stay in Sedona where, due to the heat, I had the life zapped right out of me for half of August and without a computer and sporadic cell coverage no less! Or was it that hideous eye infection complete with ointment that kept me from stitching, driving, or going out anywhere. Cyclops is what came to my mind each time I peered into a mirror. Yes, I did see the doctor for an antibiotic and realized first hand that this type of treatment isn't really effective for what ailed me. It's gone, mostly, I'm now presentable.

There were a number of other unexpected "situations" that cropped up all taking their sweet time to resolve. Like the hail storm of catastrophic magnitude (dubbed by the insurance company) that surely centered itself over my home causing all kinds of damage and mayhem. And the aftermath/onslaught of roofers, painters, adjusters, etc. to help us through the calamity. LOL! It all sounds insignificant now, but at the time everything seemed to be happening at once, or at least needed immediate attention. August will never be the same for me, for one thing it's my last time to go to Sedona (in August). It was hotter than the center of the sun or turkey pot pie right out of the oven! No kidding. Sedona is beautiful but if you can't go in the winter...get a postcard! Yes, it's cooler than Phoenix, but not enough to say so, except at night, it does cool down I have to give them that. It's just an annual trek I take with an elderly relative who would not go otherwise.
Stitch-wise I did very little. I managed to finish this ornament for a Christmas in July exchange (pre August events). I finished it myself which allowed the inclusion of these other goodies shown here in my mailing. I also worked on the next Cozy Toe ornament and embellished the Spaniel pillow mentioned in a previous post. These things will be posted later today. So I have stitched a little, but not nearly as much as I wanted or needed to. I am waaaay behind on my queue.
While in Arizona I did make it to Needler's Nest in Surprise. They were having a storewide 25% off everything sale which I was not about to miss, Cyclops or not. I'll soon have photos ready for posting and of some of the fun things I found in that great shop.

Well that's about the gist of why my blog and stitching haven't been the priority lately. I know you all know how much I missed it. Thanks so much for bearing with me over these last weeks and thanks to those that have written to inquire. Take care.