Working right along I've made a few changes to the stitch suggestions-not that they needed to be changed-.but leave it to me to take advantage of an opportunity to finish sooner. The entire stitch guide consists of what I would term as lite stitches. This is wonderful and it really makes for quick work. On this particular section pictured left, I've decided to make it "really lite stitches" and have opted to eliminate the majority of the stitching inside each square outlined in gold Kreinik 1/16 ribbon. I like it as-is so I'm going for it. There soon will be gold beads stitched in the center of each square and elsewhere to fill in. The unexpected yet welcome beading instruction in Sharon G's stitch guide gave me insight as to how to make your beads stay put, instead of flopping around. Seasoned beaders will know this, but it has changed the way I feel about how my beads look. First bring your threaded needle up (use a double thread) through the bead and down as if you're making a tent stitch, then bring your needle back up in the first hole and go over the bead separating the thread over the bead and sink the needle down through the second hole. Snug as a bug. Very nice Sharon, thank you for that extra instruction. While I am pretty much keeping to Sharon's stitching order, I admit I decided to skip ahead to fill in the ladybug. I had the beading needle and thread already out and the beads too so I thought I may as well. : ) A rebellious charge am I. Next are tent stitches in black Splendor, the long cross stitches using Kreinik braid in Dragonfly and then finish off the red beads on this black section. I'll do the gold beads tonight. It's coming together, I should be done, I've just had distractions this week.
It's been hot in Colorado and we've had quite a few what I call natty household issues to deal with this week so I've only been stitching at night. DH has been home for three weeks this month and I do things "slightly" differently around here when he's home - translate: I haven't made as much progress as I hoped to.I did enjoy the company of many fellow stitchers as I recently had brunch with one of my favorite stitchy-mahjongg mavens; and lunch with another friend that bestowed upon me many of her books on beading. Heavenly perusing! Hmmm, eating and perusing with friends; two of life's more delightful pleasures. I also happened to be included in a fun evening of hors doeurves and lemon-ginger martunies martinis with several friends and visiting dignitaries of the stitchy world. I don't know how I ended up on the invite list but I had a great time.
Rambling coming to an end now. Thank you for stopping by today for a quick visit, it's always an honor. Hope you'll come back soon and don't be afraid to leave a comment if you're so inclined. See you soon.
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My parents were known to have tee many martunies from time to time. I like my gin with tonic and lime. This project is looking fabulous. Keep enjoying it. You don't need to rush through.
ReplyDeleteThis looks beautiful. It reminds me that I should fish these three out of my stash and get stitching. Sharon's stitch guide is like the Great American Novel but the end result is well worth it. Can't wait to see more of your progress.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathryn! You're right, what's the hurry? Thank you for reminding me to enjoy the trip as well as the destination.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I remember my sister's advice when contemplating my first martini, she said, "Okay, first sit on the edge of the bed." lol
Missy Gray, I hope you do dig your triptych out, I can see where these would be lovely displayed together. I don't think we were aware at the time mine were purchased three were available.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Sharon G's stitch guides are amazingly thorough, something that appeals to me because I've never been trained on how and why stitches are chosen. I've learned a little through "osmosis" but find it most perplexing if I don't have a guide. Thanks so much for commenting today, I hope you'll keep me posted if you decide to start stitching these. BTW, what does the third canvas look like?
I wish I was back in CO playing mah jongg and dishing about needlework. I'm so jealous!
ReplyDeletelol Donna, I wish you were too! Let me know if you're ever out here visiting, we could make it happen. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a shock! A needle pointer is making a change. This is exactly the thing that I as a needlepoint teacher dream of. It is great that you allow yourself to relax from the guide and decide to make changes. The guide is only a guide. Have fun and make it your own!
ReplyDeleteIf Madonna does not mind, I posted the 3 canvases on my blog today along with 3 other 6x6 designs. My blog is
http://sharongneedlepointdesigner.blogspot.com
They are not on my website. My website needs a total revamp and till then I am using my blog to post new designs.
Hi Sharon, I hoped you'd come out to play!
ReplyDelete"a needlepointer is making a change".... lol not me, this is the first time. In total honesty, if I change anything on a canvas it's because I have either messed it up somehow or I am not able to do the stitch. I think this comes from the parochial school training of my youth-follow the rules. lol I wish I were able to look at a canvas and say....hmmm this stitch would look good there. But alas, I am not good at it....yet You'll see what I mean in my next post.
Now I must go see the 3rd canvas to my pair, thanks for posting it!