Ouch!

I've been off line lately due to a few life events (some expected some not), one which does not allow for me to sit and stitch or surf for very long. WTH???  No carrying anything either if you know what is good for you. Ever have a rib cartilage injury? It's painful and seemingly the only comfortable position one can maintain for any length of time is lying down. And even then I require "hoisting" up and down. Ridiculous. Because the ribcage protrudes inward when one is sitting in a slouch while stitching, that can only happen for short spurts at a time. Same with surfing the net. Now what?  Guess which rib? The one that requires me to wear my gramma bra otherwise it HURTS! I did it to myself too; instead of rising up from my office chair and bending over to pick something up off the floor like a normal person, I leaned over the arm of the chair and reached and separated the soft tissue from the rib. AHHHHHHH!!!

Anyway, I've retrieved this last week from the framers but couldn't get it online until now;  I think they did a pretty good job. I wish the computer image better depicted the 3-dimensional features which is one of the things that makes this a special piece. Additionally, the frame is also deeper than it looks here setting everything back so the curtains stay well behind the front of the frame. I am happy with my very own Monet.

I have also been working on my cyberspace mystery piece, which apparently isn't such a mystery anymore. It's coming along quickly with all the large stitches and would probably be done by now if I weren't....sniffle sniffle....injured.

Well that's it for me now. I've got to see what you all have been doing out there in blogville. Talk later.

Hinting around

I think I might be giving you waaaaaaaay too many hints about my cyberspace mystery project, but that's my crime-lock me up (she said extending both wrists). The photo at right is the Fan Vaulting stitch using a Lorikeet wool nine-ply. Three plies are used in this application. I decided to do something different when stripping (aka, pulling apart) this thread. I stripped the entire "skein" of Lorikeet, divided into three strands each, knotted the end and voila! All ready to start stitching without having to stop and strip threads. Is this what you normally do? I usually strip as I go, so to speak.  The photo on the left uses a single strand of Gloriana Duchess Silk stitched in Staggered Cross Variation. Both of these stitches are highly textural and are brilliant choices for these particular applications.

 The designer noted that because Lorikeet is slightly felted due to the dying process it was easier to strip by pulling one strand down several inches and then straighting out the thread that pulled up in the stripping process. When I begin to strip thread, I tap the end splaying out the plies, making it easier to grab a ply. Then I begin to slowly pull the stripped ply several inches away from the main strand and straighten the thread; pull another several inches, straighten repeating this process of pulling and straightening until the stripped ply is easily removed.

I know you probably know how to strip threads but it gave me something to do while avoiding housework. Have a happy day and great weekend! See you soon.

Identity Crisis

Just between you and me and speaking confidentially, I've been experiencing a blog header identity crisis lately. I just couldn't seem to find any thing that really suited me or my blog-anything original that is. I kept changing my header photo from one thing to another which was in direct conflict with my perceived concept of what a blog header should stand for: a consistent and, therefore, readily recognizable theme that says, oh that's the so-and-so blog.

It finally dawned on me that I could use this name tag that I've been wearing for years when attending most of my ANG and EGA chapter meetings.  It's a bit worn and raggedy and is more of a southwest theme rather than Colorado (you can take the girl out of the desert but you cannot take the desert out of the girl), but it will do until I can replace it with something else. Thank you for bearing with me during this period of header block nonsense. If you are a fellow blogger, how did you decide what to use for your blog header?

Stitchin' on the QT

Here's a sneak preview of  my cyberspace mystery project. I am having a wonderful time stitching this large canvas and thankfully, I've been able to progress without detection this far. I had a suprise visit from the recipient of this piece and actually had to throw a garment of clothing over my floor stand to avoid a premature reveal. It was a close call.

The photo above left shows medium sized balloon stitches in Vineyard Silk and then reverse diagonal scotch also in Vineyard Silk. Then at right is a giant sized balloon stitched in charcoal Silk and Ivory (I changed from using black VS). You can't tell very much now but the round, long stitched area on the right of the photo is cleverly padded for effect and stitched with both Vineyard Silk and Burmilana. Lucious threads provided in the kit by the queen of fun projects and glitzy stuff!

Today is Mother's Day, a special day indeed to celebrate the best gift of all, our children! I am hoping you get in all the stitching your heart desires today and always. See you soon.

Curtain Time

The curtains have been attached to Red Kerchief and I've only got a little housekeeping to do before taking it to the framers. Invisible thread was used to attach the pieces of lace. I have never used it before; it's tiny, sort of like using one strand of gray hair-only stronger. True.

Creating the openings in the doors worked out really well. I thought that the horizontal and vertical "bars" of the window frames would be flimsy. Not so. They remained very sturdy and even the last window frame to be stitched was not a problem. I will never be afraid of cutting canvas again.

I see I could have taken a little more care in folding the curtains back but that is something I will take care of once it's framed. Anyway, the photo at left was taken with both canvases still on the Evertites; the foreground canvas situated in place on top of the background canvas. This creates dimension and during the framing process there will be spacers used to keep the canvases apart. Glad I'm not the framer, this seems tricky.

Well it's done and I am happy dancing all over the place. On to the next project. I've been eyeing the pink walnut lately. It's so small and will only take a little bit of my time to get it finished. I have been "playing" with the interior and have discovered my fingers are clumsy working with the slick fabric and small space. Not much I can do about it so I am trying not to get discouraged, but that is the only thing holding me back from completing this pretty piece.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog today. I get so much done knowing you might be by for another visit.

Amphibians

and turtles. Another collection that has been well hidden for several years emerged from hiding yesterday. It all started about 20 years ago and we kept finding these creatures. Then one day at a huge Atlanta antique flea market we found these two large-marge sized yard ornaments. The large turtle and frog were actually meant to have a hose put inside (there is an opening on the bottom) and then when the water was turned on out spouted the stream. Yes, whatever.

 

In any case these buggers are somewhat difficult to display. These were made from the 30's to possibly the 60's in Ohio by the Brush-McCoy Pottery. The large ones are rare, all are popular and collectible. Most of these were found at various flea markets and antique fairs in the southeast. I have never found any here in Colorado....think it's too dry. : ) Would I ever part with these? Yes!

Thanks for visiting today, back to my stitching.

RK-The Final Frontier

I'm about to take the final steps on Red Kerchief. It has been a wonderful project and I do recommend anyone wanting to take a class from designer Caela Conn Tyler that you do not hesitate to do so. You will learn and accomplish much in the process and have a first class piece of needlework in the end.

My final frontier on this piece is the cutting and stitching inside the window panes of the door. It's a big step for me and I've been practicing on scrap canvas. Once the canvas is removed from the stretchers, the procedure then is to cut within 4 canvas threads inside of the stitched window casings making a rectangular opening. Then diagonally cut through three more threads in each of the corners-creating four flaps. Fold back the canvas flaps to the wrong side of the canvas and finger-press them down leaving one canvas thread exposed above the stitching.


Begin with the designated sequence according to the instructions, align the canvas threads and start binding the edges with 4 strands floss.

Once all the windows have been bound, the canvas will be reattached to the stretchers and the lace curtains will be sewn into place.

What next? Locusts???

Honestly, yesterday when a few inches of hail fell here I thought, well this is a big storm, there were tornadoes in the area, etc. All was well when we went to bed last night, even opened a few windows. It's been snowing since about 5 am. Not complaining, it's a perfect day for staying in and stitching. In Colorado, winter is never over until it's over.

Check out DH, he's in town this week and is determined to keep the satellite dish free from snow lest we lose the signal. LOL! God forbid. No that isn't snow on his feet, it's Birkenstocks with white socks.  That's my boy!((((squeeeze)))) See you soon.

PFOS

 (under new ownership) has a new blog.  I only found it today when reading my snail mail. I never pass up their snail mailings-always something great going on. I am adding them to my blogmeisters so I can keep track of things I might need. :) Have a peek here.

I am hoping you all have a wonderful weekend and that you'll be able to get some stitching or, at the very least, stash enhancement in. I'm hosting another Stitchin' with my Peeps tomorrow. Always a good way to start out a Saturday morning. Hope I have some progress to show you on Monday.

Sepia

plates came into my collecting world when I started looking for "Harker Pottery" dinnerware and baby dishes for a friend. Once exposed to the antique collecting bug, the symptoms become chronic and lifelong. I can name at least three couples that, thanks to us, are infected. Yes we are still friends; friends that collect together, stay together.

The plates shown in the at right are a type of transferware (I call them sepia plates because of their color) and were made from the early to mid-1900's. They have been difficult to find but I fell in love with the charm of the subjects and don't seem to be able to resist those that have these vintage designs. I have others, but these are my favorites.

This plate is all together a different maker and I grew up with it hanging on my mother's kitchen wall. I have always loved it and feel it's sort of a Mother's Day plate with the mare and her colt and the female with her litter of puppies. It was made by Taylor Smith & Taylor, again sometime in the early to mid 20th century.  None of the plates are particularly valuable and I am quite sure I paid less than $10 for them.

Thanks for visiting today, I am currently working on a Ruth Schmuff class from Bedecked and Bedazzled-from cyberspace-now this is shop I'd love to visit one day. For now you'll have to guess which class I'm taking as I'm stitching it on the QT.

I hope you have the day you deserve today. See you soon.

Rooster back in the Roost

I am so glad this rooster is completely finished and ready for hanging. It's been a long road. Five to seven years ago I was overwhelmed by the size and detail of this CanvasWorks painted canvas. DH purchased it at a LNS and asked me to stitch it. He asked the LNS to pick out threads too. He brought home a huge bag of Silk and Ivory mostly, Krenik braid, some beautiful silks - the threads were as costly as the canvas.

So now that we have hundreds invested, I contemplated the canvas for about a year. I didn't think I could do it, it's waaay to involved and I'll never finish it. I didn't really think I needed a stitch guide because there would be so much tent used. Without a doubt I should have had a stitch guide.

It has taken me a very long time but it's the only project DH ever chose for me and I wasn't about to give up on it. It's a beautifully painted design and was not much trouble to stitch at all, other than it's size (15x15") and the heavily painted design. I have learned that unless I'm totally in love with the subject matter, I'll drag my feet. He's learned to let me do the choosing when it comes to painted canvaswork.  SHHH! I recently spied its companion piece.

I am very pleased with how unique the framing is. It's sort of country French, at least the color is right, and it's distressed. I'm very satisfied.

Oh, did I mention

that I am a collector? Among the other things I do when not stitching is aerobicizing around the local antique malls looking for "things". I call it aerobicizing which means "upright and moving" in Madonnaspeak.  Not a hoarder mind you, a collector....there's a difference. For one thing all of my collections aren't under a pile of other stuff, they're displayed and somewhat dusted off. See, there's two differences right there.

Anyway, today's header hosts many of my "California children" that were made in, duh, California in the 1950's mostly. Brayton Laguna, Heidi Shoop and Kay Finch, to name a few of the manufacturers, are among some of the most collectible. I had fun several years ago running across one here and one there and it just turned into a collection. I am sure these can now be found on eBay but that's just not my style, I like to aerobicize....

For me, collecting  is like a treasure hunt. Sort of like combing the beach for seashells and sand dollars; you're walking along and then suddenly you spy something familiar, check for blemishes and, of course, price then before you know it two turns into 20 and there it is. Now what? Good question. :)

Chinese Lanterns revisited

I'm revisiting Chinese Lanterns today because I just discovered that for some reason my original posting is no longer carrying the photographs. Very odd indeed. This is one of my favorite projects to stitch and since I haven't been stitching lately and wanted to post something today, I chose this.

Stitched entirely with DMC Perle Coton and only one type of stitch, Gobelin it is amazing that something like this could be achieved without fancy threads and complicated stitches.

The chart came from Classic Stitches magazine, (which much to my disappointment is no longer being published), and was stitched over the course of 1 week.  Total cost of materials, $10.00.

Thank you for bearing with me until I get back to my regular stitching projects. I'm not in a slump or anything like that, I've been busy and have set my needlework aside temporarily. If anyone out there in blogland has any clue as to why my photographs are no longer on the original post, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for visiting today, be back soon.

Finally Framed the Fan!

Today I picked up Japanese Fan on Black from the framer and think it turned out good. I was apprehensive about not using any matting but now that it’s finished I like the simplicity and size of the finished piece. Stitching time was approximately 82 hours which didn’t seem possible, but when I totaled it up that’s what I documented. Time flies when you’re having fun. I will admit that I may have forgotten to enter the stitching time on one or two occasions so this is approximate. Counting the all the materials used, $30ish plus the framing $72 this whole project cost just over $100. Cannot complain about that. My final word about this Jinice Beacon project is that I think she is a brilliant designer, not because I tend to favor her designs, but primarily because I believe she has beautifully mastered bringing together stitch application, color and design into a cohesive and enjoyable project to stitch.

Thanks much for visiting today, I haven't been online much recently; I haven't been doing much stitching either (Camille Monet will find herself turning into a grandmother if I don't get her to the framers). But I did get the CanvasWorks rooster to the framer and should have it in the next week. I love getting things finished. Talk later.

Ahhh, the 1960's

Overdosing on nostalgia again and it's isn't funny; I came across the PBS Ed Sullivan Show re-runs from the 1960's. It's so funny about hearing music, it takes you back in time to your life when you most listened to those particular songs and artists. So while playing cards with DH (like a couple of fogies), this program came on and it was Mama's and the Papa's(California Dreamin') and Gerry and the Pacemaker's (Ferry Cross the Mersey) and Lovin Spoonful (Did You Ever Have to Make up Your Mind); I would have broken out into tears except I broke out into song instead! It's been decades and I still know the lyrics. A happy happy time in life. So just for today I hope you don't mind listening too.

Tonight at my local needlepoint guild chapter meeting we will be creating fiber art cards. I have gathered my thoughts, ideas and supplies and am looking forward to getting started. I haven't made these before and they seem to be well suited for small bursts of creativity.

I expect to retrieve Japanese Fan on Black from the framer this week.  Also, I have made a decision about the Rooster canvas; after contemplating for several weeks now I am going to have it framed (instead of making it into a pillow) IF I can find exactly the right frame. Since it's a chicken I want to do something country French. Or at least what seems to me to be country French. If I don't find the right framing, it will be a pillow which was my first choice.

I ran out of one of the threads for Red Kerchief. Totally my fault, I frogged this particular place one too many times and used up the thread. So once I get to the LNS I'll finish it up for framing.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. I hope your day goes just exactly as you want it and that you're feeling well and enthused about how you're spending your time this week.

OH Happy Day!

So I've been sulking a little lately in anticipation of Pocket Full of Stitches (PFOS) closing this Spring. My favorite travel odyssey every July was to fill the car with snacks and drinks and trek on down to Lubbock, TX with my daughter and/or husband for the annual Christmas in July sale. So when Nancy and Rhea announced their much deserved retirement, I was happy for them but.sad for their customers and designers alike.  All good things come to an end right? WRONG!!!!! I just became aware that two POFS' employee's are purchasing the business. Oh happy day indeed! This info is on their website so I'm not spilling any beans here. In fact, as usual, I was probably the last to find out.

In their usual generous fashion, when they announced the closing they offered 25% off painted canvases. Ears perked I hit the website with my Christmas gift certificate in hand and treated myself to a canvas I would not otherwise invest in but that I very much wanted to stitch something by this particular designer. Well it arrived yesterday and when I opened the box there it was, wrapped with care and tulle. It looked as nice as a diploma! See. They do everything with such thought and style, it's part of the joy of going to the shop; your treated like royalty at Harrods!! Once opened I saw how beautifully painted this Brenda Stofft piece was and I noticed a card in the box. You can see it here.

I don't know, it's just the idea that the staff at PFOS put so much heart in everything they do. Maybe they should change their name to Pocket Full of Special Touches. Customer service goes a long way with me and when you pair that with well informed helpful staff and a well stocked shop, I'm happy to drive the 6 + hours.  Indeed, there are many fine shops around our country, I just wanted to publicly say how pleased I am that this wonderful west Texas business will continue to thrive and satisfy customers. Woo Hoo! P.S. I'm not planning on putting this in my stitching queue until 2011. : (

Fan on Black....

by Jinice is finished. Last post I completely forgot about the braid and tassels located on the bottom of the fan. Jinice devised an effective way to make 6 strands of floss and one strand of gold metallic to look like braid. Quite clever; luckily I had red cord and wrapped gold Krenik braid around it and couched it all down. The tassels are made out of the left over red floss with bead embellishment. The application of the braid and creation of the tassels actually took me several hours; it is relatively delicate work and my fingers are clumsy at best. But I am pleased with the effort.

I frogged the entire plaid type area on the right side and took more care with laying the threads and placing the stitches. I am so much happier with the outcome and have no regrets about the redo.

The gorgeous turquoise border around the whole piece was stitched in Silk & Ivory and I actually think S & I was a better choice than the suggested Medici (S & I was not on the market at the time this design was created). It worked up like a dream and was stitched over 18! I eyeballed it in the picture and thought it was about over 10, but as it turned out it was stitched over nearly twice that. I really like it and the texture and semi-sheen really add to the piece.  The Fan will be framed and I am thinking either silver leaf, gold leaf or black high gloss enamel. I haven't been to the framers so there's really no telling what I will ultimately choose.

Thanks for following along on this one. I hope I can find more Jinice designs that are still out there; I don't think I've stitched anything that flowed quite as smoothly as the Fan. There was just the right variety of thread and stitches to keep interest peaked.

Now back to the Red Kerchief.

Japanese Fan cont.

Once completing the small frame of stitching (one row of #16 Kreinik braid tent on either side of 1 row of Watercolor slanted over two) around the fan it was time to begin the lattice background.  Jinice's instructions were very good allowing for easy and methodical counting. The lattice work is done in #8 Kreinik braid in black HL (high luster) which connects well with the sheen of the bugle beads. In the photograph the beads appear to be black but they are actually black iris which is more or less an iridescent black.

The beads are sewn on with medium blue floss, two strands, and while unlike any other area of this canvas the blue thread runs across the back of the canvas barely showing through the unstitched background. This technique has toned down the stark black background, softening the relation between the brightness of the fan and the depth of the black canvas. I used Mill Hill bugles for this and ran short by about 1/2 package. (No I didn't drop them on the floor as suggested by DH.)

The final piecepart of this design is to stitch the outside frame using long (over 10) straight stitches in stranded wool, mitering the corners. Medici was prescribed, however despite recently reading that Medici is once again available, my LNS suggested using Silk & Ivory in a peacock blue. If this doesn't work out, I will go with a similar shade of Burmilana.

Once I finish all couching left undone to provide for the beading, I will "clean up" the stitched areas and then off to the framers. Yippee!

Thank you for taking your good stitching time to visit today!

I hope you don't

have anything pressing to do today. It just so happens that I've found a few more amazing blogmeisters to add to your daily dose of inspiration. Hope you'll consider these must reads, if not, must follows. I am amazed I have any time to stitch at all. Oh how I wish I could stitch and blog at the same time, any suggestions? Enjoy!


Plays with Needles
Sew in Love
Threads Across the Web
Needlepoint Study Hall
A Needlepoint Blog

Progress report

It's Superbowl Sunday and I think I'll have plenty of time to stitch today if I opt not to linger on the computer, that is.  This week I've been working on Fan on Black by Jinice. A project I've wanted to do for a very long time, I've now discovered I am not as enamored with it as I once was. Make no mistake, the design is wonderful, the stitches have been fun and a good lesson in couching. No, I think it might be the red orange and flesh tone hues in the color palette that are not working for me. I may be rushing to judgment however since there is still quite a bit of work to be done.

     For instance the background is quite busy and should tone down the dominating black canvas with the lattice effect using braid, floss and bugle beads. There is a border that squares off the fan; the beginning can be seen in the picture on the right. There is one row of tent in red braid, then slanted gobelin over three in Forest Fire Watercolors (seen in the center part of the fan) followed by another row of red braid. And finally a large mitered border in a deep blue frames everything.
     In all honesty, this is not my best work. I think I'll end up taking out/fixing some of the couching for starters. The silver braid is couched in Accentuate (my bright idea) and I have clearly tightened down too much on the stitches; notice the scrolly areas on the left, especially around the red braid filled area. There are two rows of braid outline and one practically disappears because of my tight couching distorting the smooth flow of the outlining. I will take this out and couch with light grey floss instead and see if that helps.
     Also, on the right side, the Woven Plaid area is not as perfectly straight as it should be. This section uses braid, Patina, and two colors of Neon Rays tacked down with a fine gold metallic. The ribbon didn't lay as nicely as I would have liked and it seemed that where it was wound on the edges of the card, it split apart a bit. I used my laying tool but I wasn't as meticulous as I could have been on this section. I MAY end up taking it out.

      Even though I've pointed out my own imperfections, it is no reflection on the overall design and appeal of this piece. I especially liked the stitch variety, the use of beads in combination with stitches and the varying textures in the design. I would stitch this again and maybe next time try a pastel color palette.  So while listening to the game I'll finish one row of the red braid border and then work on the beaded background. As always, any comments or tips are most welcome. Hope you're having a great day today and that you're safely tucked inside, preferrably stitching, if you happen to be in the area of that huge east coast storm. It's snowing here in the Denver area today, but nothing like what's falling back east. Thanks for stopping in today.

Red Kerchief, Pink Walnuts and the Fan

I just can't be disciplined. I try and just when I think I'm doing great, my true self emerges. Alas, I've put down Kerchief, just to take a little break. A break?....from what? I love this project, am having fun and it's working up quickly. What more can one ask for? Variety? Oh yes, variety, as in, I want to dig in and start something new. There I was nearly finished and now I am on the verge of sabotaging my best laid plans. Probably just a deep seated inner-child rebellion (remember that from the 70's? LOL!). Oh inner-child be off with you and take your new canvases, threads and stitch guides with you! Lest I fall prey to your capricious project philandering. Those words of banishment did not work and this post is turning into a Peyton Place of project infidelity, stitching transgressions and yes, uncontrolled impulse.

But not before I share with you my progress on the Kerchief foreground canvas. Of the six door panels, the top four will be cut away (yikes! with my scissors?--not without surpervision) to expose Camille. A small area remains on the left part of the door jamb and then I'll fill in the two lower door panels, the stitching around the inside of the windows - then cutting away of the window canvas, some clean up here and there and finally attaching the lace curtains. Brillant! The threads have been delightful to stitch with throughout the entire project and include a variety from DMC, Walsh/Silk Wool, Simply Shaker Overdye, Threadworx, and Bijoux. I've enjoyed the variety of stitches too which include Long Armed Cross, Linen Fold, Perspective Gobelin, Padded Diagonal, Trailing, Outline and Binding to name a few. I'll keep you posted on the number of stitching hours logged when I'm finished.

Bless me Father for I have strayed.....and the first stitching transgression came in the form of a pink walnut. I don't want to say too much about this just yet other than it is an old art form and I think you'll be surprised when you see the finished piece.

It has been a nice departure from my beloved canvaswork though. Just for a few hours mind you (yeah right). I'll have more on this little gem in a later post, just wanted you to see what I've been up to while on my Kerchief hiatus.

My husband has been out of town for a few weeks- isn't that always the way it starts? No one around to supervise stitching progress, leaving the door wide open for that interloping new project to wheedle its way in. Then without having to make the bed (don't worry I'm not a total slouch, I pull the covers up over the pillows--good enough) and very little cooking happening,  there was plenty of time left to stitch into the wee hours and think/focus/obsess about the next project, I mean once the Kerchief is at the framers, that is.

The Fan on Black wins. Eventually I thought, what can it hurt to flirt with a new project? It's not exactly an act of infidelity, per se. So I pulled the threads, kitted the thing up then conveniently left it next to the bedroom stitching throne. Before I knew it, I had it on the stretchers, threw a needle magnet on it and away I went. And look at the progress, nothing like "new" to arouse your needle and rejuvenate your thread. Excuse me. After a twelve hour frenzy I finished about 3/4 of what the photo shows.

This is one of the bargains I found at our Chapter yard sale in November - only 10 bones! Thank you Cynthia. It uses beautiful and fun threads that have been a dream to stitch. Using Flair, beads, braid, more beads, silk, beads, Watercolors and beads.

Since I began this post days ago, I've completed the upper right section and the small area to the lower left. Leaving the outlining, background and framing. I didn't find working on the black canvas difficult at all. Again, I'll discuss it further once it's ready for the framer, which could be sooner than later. But for now I'm calling a halt to this fickle trend of project hopping. I've had my fun. I'm ready to finish these up and cross them off the list, visit my priest and walk the straight and narrow down the fidelity path of loyalty, singlemindedness and trustworthy.....nevermind.

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.