Stitchin!

 What??? Two posts in one day!  I finally find myself with some time at the computer the day following a completed project!!!!  Isn't this adorable???  It will be made into a Christmas ornament along with the other two designs on this Lizzie Kate chart.  

I was bemoaning the fact that I was at "sixes and sevens" with every project I had going.  So my friend Pat told me to meet her at the shop.  I kitted up something that I had in my stash (pictures soon), but then I spied this little chart and it just spoke to me!!!  Love the colors and all of the designs.  It calls for a darker color linen, but I like it on the good old lambswool.  

By the way, my friend Jayne calls lambswool "the little black dress" of stitching!  Isn't that clever??  It is so true!  So great to stitch on and it always looks good.

 Are you ready for your close-up little blue birdie??

Can't decide which one to do next!!!!  

Hope you are stitching on something fun tonight!!!

November 2012 Small

Here is what is going on over on the 2012 Year of Smalls Blog:

This month's small is by C Street Samplerworks.  It is called ABC I Love Thee.   I picked this one because I just found it so sweet and gorgeous!  It could be an early Valentine start, but I don't think it just has to be for that holiday.  I see it as a year round sentiment and design.

Cathy very kindly stitched this up over the weekend!  Doesn't it look totally fabulous???

I love this "arty" photo she took.


I hope everyone else is taken with this design too.  


Here is the information for ordering kits.

Pattern, 30 count Weeks Linen & silk thread for $21.00

OR

Pattern, 35 count Weeks Linen & silk thread for $19.00

If you prefer cotton overdyed thread, Cathy can substitute the silk with 2 skeins of Crescent Colours for no additional cost.

Interview with Brenda

Over on the Year of the Smalls blog this month's small was selected by Brenda.  Thought you might enjoy reading an interview with her.  

Beside cross-stitching, Brenda LOVES University of Michigan football.  Hence, the picture of the fabulous stadium where the team plays.  If there is a game on, I know that Brenda will be glued to the TV with a project in hand.  It sounds like a really good time to me!!!!

Here is the interview with Brenda.  If you would like to visit her website, click HERE!

Q:  How did you get interested in cross-stitching?  When did you first start stitching?

A:   I got interested in stitching when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter back in 1984.  My first cross stitch piece was a Dimensions kit for a birth sampler for Ashley.
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Q:  Okay, quick, it is 9 a.m. on a Wednesday morning.  Your boss tells you that you don't have to come to work today.  What are you going to do with yourself?

A:  On an unscheduled day off I would probably go to a LNS for some stash enhancement and then come home and stitch all day long with NO GUILT!
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Q:  You are famous in certain circles for your "kick-ass" stitching room. Can you tell us a little bit about how long you planned for it and thought about it before you were able to implement it?

A:  Well my stitching room is something I had dreamed about for years.  When my oldest daughter moved out I very quickly (like the next day-- LOL) moved all my stash into her old room.  The room has sort of evolved over the last couple of years with the addition of furniture and my wanting to change things around.  I get a lot of my inspiration for what I've done in that room from seeing different stitching/quilting rooms online.   
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Q:  What is your favorite thing about having your own stitching room?  

A:  The best part of having my own stitching nest is being able to retreat there when life gets crappy.  All is good with the world when I'm stitching in my nest:)
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Q:  Can you tell us a few of your favorite designers?

A:    I have so many "favorite" designers.  This is hard but if I had to limit it to what charts I would buy "sight unseen" then that would include Blackbird Designs, The Drawn Thread, Little House Needleworks and The Victoria Sampler

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Q:  What is one of your favorite small pieces you stitched before we started Year of the Smalls?

A:  One of my favorite smalls would have to be a 15-sided Christmas Biscornu by Just Nan.  I enjoyed stitching all the little sides and was so proud that I was able to assemble it on my own.  

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Thanks so much Brenda!!!!!  You are such a wonderful stitcher and friend!   

Interview with my Stitching Buddy Patti!

Over on the small's blog we have an interview with Patti who chose this month's project.  Here it is:

This month's small was selected by Patti.  When I think of Patti one of the things I think about is a lake in Michigan.  You see, Patti and her family have a little get-away place there.....above is a picture she took of the lake.  Isn't that just the best place to imagine spending some time to recharge your batteries and read and stitch??  Definitely!

On to the interview!

Q:   When did you start cross-stitching?  Did someone teach you?

A:  I  started cross stitching when I was in my early 20's.  My Dad was into  all kinds of needlework; needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery, sewing,  crewel, and he inspired me to try.  I also belonged to a Crafts  Group that got together and my friend Nancy's mom liked to cross stitch.   I did it for a few years and then stopped.  I got back into it when I  met YOU!  (side-note:  Patti and I were lucky enough to meet through our blogs!  We noticed that we did not live that far from each other and we decided to meet at a stitch shop not far from our homes.  We met for lunch and shopping and the rest is history!!)

Q:  When and where is your favorite time to stitch?

A:  At night when everything else is done, as well as anytime with my Stitching Buddies!



Q:   Who are some of your favorite designers?

A:  I LOVE  Pineberry Lane, Sampler Girl, Stacy Nash, Brenda Gervais, Little House Needleworks,   Notforgotten Farm,  Blackbird Designs,  Primitive Betty's, Prairie Schooler, Shepherd's Bush and  everything else my friends stitch that I "have to HAVE!!!"
 

Q:  Can you share one of your favorite "cross-stitch memories" with us?

A:   Having  some cross- stitched pieces that my Dad made around the house makes me  very happy. Also spending time stitching with friends, laughing and  chatting- the fellowship that brings; as well as some time alone,  especially, in Michigan, when I get uninterrupted time to stitch is so  rewarding.  The retreats we have all gone to have produced some good memories as well!
 

Q:  Can you tell us about one of your favorite pieces that you have stitched?  \

A:  I love them all- especially the finished ones!!!! I think I am partial to the holiday/seasonal ones.

Q:   What would constitute the perfect stitching day?

A.  Stitching with my Stitching Buddies ANYTIME!!! And a cozy fall or winter day!!!

Thanks Patti!!!! (by the way, the picture of your finished smalls is making me hyperventilate (in a good way!))

Cathy's Birthday

August was Cathy's big 5-0 birthday!  Her sister Nancy planned a surprise party at the shop on our regular Sunday stitching afternoon.  Above is a beautiful cake for the party and below is the moment of surprise!  And yes, Cathy was actually surprised.  She had no idea! 

Here are Cathy and her sister, Nancy, party planner extraordinaire!  It was a lovely party with lots of friends, presents, food and treats.  Oh, and then, of course we stitched!!!

Trudy stitched this very very gorgeous name tag for Cathy to use when she is at trade shows and retreats!  Simply stunning!

Here are some of the show and tell items.  Above, Barb finished one of her 12 WIPS that she picked out at the beginning of the year.  She is the only one of us that is still on task on this one.  This is a very cool Chessie & Me chart. 

Nancy was working on this Christmas mantlepiece by Bent Creek.  It is now finished!

Nancy also stitched this shop model of a LHN ornament.  Cathy has it kitted up with silks at the shop. 

Here is another finish by Barb.  This is a really pretty Shepard's Bush patriotic piece.  Love it!

Here is stitcher Cathy with her fabulous finish!!!  This is 99 by Ink Circles.  I can't believe she already finished it and it is framed!  So cool!

Here is Vintage Stars by Jeanette Douglas.  This was stitched by Barb and is being readied for framing.  I love this piece and bought the chart myself after seeing it stitched by Barb with the called for silks on Strawflower linen.   More on that later...

Here is a stunning piece that I must stitch someday!!!  It is stitched by Debbie and the design is by The Sweetheart Tree.  I have loved this for years....better get going on it.

Okay, remember the Vintage Stars.....Barb did it on 36 or 40f count.  I plan on using 32 count and will buy the thread pack from Cathy, but was afraid I might not have enough since I am doing it on a bigger count.  Barb gave me her leftover silks and she had the chart symbols labeled and threads attached accordingly on this piece of cardboard.  I was just thrilled with that!!!! 

I was stitching on America by Threadwork Primitives.  Jayne said that she liked the way I had arranged my Q-snaps with Mary Englebreit fabric to give it more tension and my little doggie pin keep.  As we all know, it is the whole process that we get so excited about.  It all matters, right?

Sorry about this last picture.  It does not do the piece justice, but I wanted you to see the frame my Mom and I chose for the needlepoint piece discussed in the previous post.  I did not want to take it out of the wrapping as she had to transport it to her house.  I will get a picture of it hanging at my Mom's house soon and post that.  

I have been stitching like a true obsessive later.  Plan to take some pics today and will post again soon.  Hope everyone has a chance to labor over their stitching today on Labor Day!!!!

August 15, 2012

Happy Birthday to my Mom!!!!  This is the first birthday in a long time that we have not spent together.....my Mom is off to visit friends and family in Texas for her birthday this year. 

Last weekend we were able to take her masterpiece needlepoint finish off to Tomorrow's Heirloom's for framing.  My Mom had an envelope that was written by my Grandpa to my Grandma in the 1930's transferred to canvas.  At the time, my Grandpa was working in Chicago and my Grandma was still in their hometown of New Carlisle, Indiana (one of my favorite places on Earth!).  This was before they were married.  My Grandpa had such beautiful handwriting.  This is such a treasure!  This envelope represents three of the most important people in my life.....just pure love.

I can't believe my Mom is 71 today!  She sure does not look it. 

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!  I love you very very much!!!

As Abraham Lincoln once said:"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

September 2012 Small

I didn't want you to miss out on seeing this month's small over on the 2012 Year of Smalls blog.  Isn't this one just fab???

This month's small was selected and stitched by Patti.  Isn't Miss Fancey just perfect????  This is Fancey's Sunflowers by Pineberry Lane.  I just love Pineberry Lane!!

 Patti stitched hers without the bottom part that lists the year 1799. 

Aren't these DMCs just Gorgeous!!!!!

If you are interested in kitting this project up, just pop on over to the smalls blog....see link in upper right hand corner.  

Thanks Patti for a perfect pick for the upcoming fall season.  I know we are all excited about some cooler temperatures!

Interview with Linda

 

Here is the interview with Linda Crowe who selected this month's beautiful small, Acorns and Sunflowers by Beehive Needleworks over on the 2012 Year of Smalls blog.  Linda has her own blog, Keeper of the Crowes, which showcases her stunning stitching!  Click here to visit:  Keeper of the Crowes

Q:  When and why did you start cross-stitching?

A:  It seems as though I’ve been cross stitching forever! Actually, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have some kind of needle in my hand, but cross stitch was just “it” for me!!!  I think it’s in my genes.  My mother knitted, hooked rugs, did various types of needlework and painted. Her father did leather tooling in New York in the 1800’s. He created and executed the designs used at that time in furniture making.  I just like that connection to the past. The funny thing is, no other female relatives in my family can even thread a needle!! LOL!

Q:  What is your stitching schedule like?  Every day?  only when you feel like it?  

A:    I stitch each morning for about an hour, then again in the late afternoon, and in the evening when my schedule allows.

Q:  How has your stitching changed over the  years?  (charts, linen, etc.)

A:  Well, I stitch on linen and prefer 36 or 40 count. I do silk conversions whenever I can. And, thanks to my stitching buddies, my awareness of so  many different designers has expanded greatly. Oh, yes, my “stash” has “ expanded”, as well.

Q:  Could you tell us about your dream stitching day?  (stitching or shopping or whatever this means to you)

A:  Fortunately I get to live my dream stitching day every time I get together with my stitching group. No one has more fun than we do!!!   

Q:  Could you tell us some of your favorite designers?

A:    Oh my gosh, there are too many to mention. But, if you ask me who I would buy sight unseen, that would have to be Blackbird Designs and Brenda Gervais.

Q:  What are some of your favorite pieces you have stitched?

A:  I can’t seem to put my Shepherd’s Bush “snowmen” away. They stay up all year!!!  I love all my patriotic designs, but my favorite designs that are being displayed at the moment are Let Us Be Truly Thankful the American Edition from Heartstring Samplery and Land of the Free by BBD.  I also love my Springtime Social  piece by Brenda Gervais.( I know it’s a favorite of yours, too, Laura.) The new Christmas Garden design by BBD  and The Birds & The Bees by Carriage House Samplings are also among my favorites. 

  

Q:    What made you pick this month's small?

 A:  The early style of the design just really appealed to me.   I love sunflowers and the fact that they are two toned, with those acorns and in that urn!!! It was a “no brainer” for me!! 

Q:  Do you believe in stitching on one piece at a time or do you switch around a lot between pieces?

A:  LOL!!! Laura, you know me too well.  Yes, I like to stitch one piece at a time. 

Thanks Linda!  It is fun to get your take on stitching!  

Interview with Karin

Over on the 2012 Year of Smalls blog I try to get an interview each month with the stitcher who picked that month's small.  I am a month behind which means that in short order two interviews will be posted.

The first one is with Karin who picked the small for July which is The Crown's Sampler by Nicky's Creations.  Please pop over to the smalls blog to learn more about our little project.  In the meantime, please enjoy some stitching talk with Karin who now lives in Illinois but is a Dutch girl from Holland.

Q:  How long have you been stitching and how did you learn how to stitch?

A:  I have been stitching since I was 15 years old. I learned to stitch by myself.  The way I discovered cross stitch is quite funny.  I worked in a convenience store on the weekends and there was an offer from a cigarette brand. When someone would buy a few packs they got a mini kit from Lanarte. One of the customers didn't want the kit and offered it to me. I looked at it and as it was quiet in the store I started it right there and then!  Hooked ever since!
 

Q:   Is there a difference in stitching (shops, designers, retreats) between Europe and America?

A:  There certainly is! Of course there is more availability in America and it seems more popular, although the last couple of years I noticed more is coming out of Europe. Especially the French have more designers getting international interest which is great! Unfortunately there is not a lot of cross stitch everywhere in Europe. Before moving to the US I lived in Ireland for over 5 years and there was nothing!! Even finding DMC was almost impossible. Luckily there was the internet and I ordered everything online. So you can imagine that I was like a kid in a candy store when I moved to the US and visited a cross stitch store!  There were not many possibilities for retreats in Europe. One shop in London, Hanging By A Thread, organized classes with US designers and that was always so much fun!
 

Q:  What is your favorite cross-stitch accessory?

A:  Definitely scissors...I am a collector!

Q:  Do you have a tip for people who would like to try to stitch on 36 or 40 count?
 

A:  Just give it a try! The result is so beautiful and stitching with just one thread is wonderful, no need to worry if the threads are laying nicely. With a pair of readers or a magnifier it will even be easier!

Q:  How often do you stitch?

A:  I try to stitch every night while watching TV.

Q:  Who are 3 of your favorite designers?
 

A:  That is a difficult question....there are so many. I would say Blackbird Designs, Shepherd's Bush and I love reproduction samplers, especially Dutch ones and Quaker Samplers.

Q:   What is your favorite fabric to stitch on?

A:  36 or 40 count Lakeside Linen.
 

Q:  Can you tell us a story of a time that you were truly on a stitching "high?"

 A:  I think it is every time I am together with my stitching buddies:-)

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Thanks for the interview Karin!!!

Tuesday Night Stitching

Tuesday night stitching at Inspired Needle sure brought out lots of beauties to look at from my friends!!!!!!  Above are the BBD drums finished by Pat and Karin.  Love them!!!  Pat did hers on the called for linen count and Karin did hers on 40 count.  Hence, the difference in sizes.

Karin was recently in Colorado.  She visited a shop which had this exclusive BBD chart.  So cool!!!!!  Can't believe she already finished it!

And yet another Gorgeous finish by Karin!!!!!  Breathtaking!!!!!!!!

Karin also finished the retreat piece from the Tree of Life Samplings retreat we went on in June.  Gorgeous!

Kellie recently went on vacation in Michigan.  She brought us all back a darling little felted bag.  So cool!!!!!!  So thoughtful!!!

Jayne started Mother's Garden from BBD.  This is stunning!!!!

Another finish from Karin.  This is by Primitive Betty.

Here was an exciting moment.  Kellie has a little secret.  She stitches and stitches and stitches but then does not do anything with her finishes.  She has a ton of beautiful finishes!!!!!!  So, I "encouraged" her to bring them with her to the shop so that we could decide on which she should start framing right away!  Here you see a lay out of finishes that would look good together. 

The garden piece would be at the top and then a medley of Elizabeth's Designs cottages with two Drawn Thread alphabet pieces flanking them.  It will be breathtaking!

I mean, it would be a crime not to frame these right????

 

Lastly, we have two AMAZING finishes by Pat and Karin.  These hearts are just so great.  Arghahahaha!  I just want to go stitch them right now!!!

Thanks to my stitching buddies for sharing all of your work with me!!!

Best Laid Plans!

Well, my plans for an Olympic project totally fell through!!!!!  So, instead of starting and finishing a new project I am attempting to stitch on things that are close to done!  Last night I pulled this beauty out of the stash and it is just a blast to stitch on!!!!

This is Liberty Belles by Little House Needleworks.  For a minute I was stitching on this and was kind of mad because these colonial women were not allowed to vote at the time that is depicted here. (Can you even imagine women not being allowed to vote???) So, I decided to stitch these women and pretend they are suffragettes!!!!  Now I really love this project.

 I finished the stitching on Winter Night's Drum by Blackbird Designs!!!  I used the called for thread.  Instead of putting my name on the drum I put my Grandma's name!!!  Cool!

 This is 1776 by Prairie Moon.  Love it!!!  It is semi-close to a finish.

Having lots of fun watching the Olympics and stitching!!!  Hope you are too!