Monday, January 16, 2012

2012 First Finish

Hooray - I have my first finish for 2012!  I put the last stitch (actually the last charm) on The Four Seasons of Mystic on Friday night.  I just love this design; it's so nice to have a piece that is seasonal yet can be displayed year-round.  The specialty stitches added some "pizazz" as did all the fabulous threads that were used.  The border is done in Gloriana Threads Lorikeet, which is an overdyed 9-strand 100% Australian wool.  I've never used this thread before, but will be considering it in future pieces.  It was a joy to stitch and provided a very nice offset to the silks.

The Four Seasons of Mystic
Jeannette Douglas Designs
So, what next to stitch?  Well, my New Year's stitching resolution is to finish some of those class projects that have been languishing.  My next project is going to be a painted canvas that I started two years ago - Birds on a Cherry Blossom Branch - which was a class at Ridgewood Needlepoint with Gretchen Viggiano, who created the stitch guide.  The canvas is from HP Needlepoint Designs.

Birds on a Cherry Blossom Tree
HP Designs
Design Size 6" x 9"
I don't really have much more to stitch on this piece, primarily French knots. I can hear some of you asking why I didn't finish them at the time. Unfortunately, as I was finishing this piece, I managed to fracture my left humerus in two places just below the shoulder. I did this during the extremely dangerous activity of crossing the street while out on a walk during a long weekend getaway. (Who says exercise is good for your health?) This severely restricted my ability to stitch with two hands. Considering the amount of trouble I have with French knots on a good day, there was no way I could attempt them with one hand! So this canvas went into the "to be finished" pile. I've decided it is finally about time that I just finish the canvas and be done with it!

I will also be working on a small cross stitch project for the Winter Exchange through the I Love Cross Stitch Yahoo Group.  I won't be able to post that piece until after it has been received. 
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30 comments:

  1. ScootyJanuary 16, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Your work is beautiful. I really like your Four Seasons - well done! Judi in Phoenix ILCS

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    1. Linda MJanuary 16, 2012 at 7:45 PM

      Thanks, Judi. I really loved working on that piece.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    You have some very beautiful projects there. The Four Seasons is just gorgeous. I'm the same way with French Knots.

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    1. Linda MJanuary 16, 2012 at 7:44 PM

      Thank you, Tammy. After all these years, my French knots are probably still the most inconsistent stitch that I do. Somedays they are absolutely perfect and other days just horrible.

      Delete
  3. MeariJanuary 16, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    Congrats on your finish. It's so beautiful!! Your needlepoint piece is stunning as well.

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    1. Linda MJanuary 16, 2012 at 7:39 PM

      Thanks, Meari. The linen piece was really wonderful to stitch.

      Delete
  4. bajeanne48January 16, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    A really intriguing design, beautifully stitched.
    Just curious - how long did it take to complete?

    Barbara

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    1. Linda MJanuary 16, 2012 at 8:26 PM

      Thanks, Barbara. I assume you mean the linen piece. Unfortunately, I'm not too good about keeping track of my stitching time. I finished most of the first panel (Spring) at the class, which was two days. The second and third panels and the overall border I stitched in between Christmas and New Year when I was able to take time off from work. The last panel (Winter) and all the beading were done over the last two weeks. I have to say it was a very enjoyable project.

      Delete
    2. GretchenJanuary 17, 2012 at 9:20 AM

      Hello Linda,
      Congratulations on your blog! I just noticed the link on Chilly Hollow and clicked over to find you. What a surprise to see Birds on a Cherry Blossom. I didn't know about your accident, I hope that you are all healed and your stitching arm is back in good shape.
      Best of luck with your stitching and your new blog!
      Gretchen

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    3. Linda MJanuary 19, 2012 at 5:03 AM

      Thanks, Gretchen. I hope to post when I have progress. Fortunately, the arm is all healed.

      Delete
  5. Cindy BishopJanuary 16, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    Very nice stitching.

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    1. Linda MJanuary 19, 2012 at 4:54 AM

      Thanks, Cindy. My stitching helps keep me sane (LOL)!

      Delete
  6. ElliceJanuary 17, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    Linda,

    Beautiful work on this just lovely sampler! Good for you, finishing so quickly. It may inspire me to do one of Jeanette's other samplers waiting in the stash heap. And - good luck with the blog.

    Ellice

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    Replies
    1. Linda MJanuary 19, 2012 at 4:55 AM

      Thank you, Ellice. This was my first design by Jeannette and it was a really fun piece to stitch.

      Delete
  7. ElliceJanuary 17, 2012 at 10:45 AM

    Linda, Beautiful work on a really lovely design - I bet this was a fun class. Even more, that you finished so quickly - this may even prompt me to pick up one of Jeanette's samplers that is waiting in the stash heap. And good luck with the blog.

    Ellice

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  8. Christina GJanuary 17, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Substitute the French knots with Colonial knots, much easier to make and stay in place. Very nice stitching, especially liked the Seasons one.

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    1. Linda MJanuary 19, 2012 at 4:57 AM

      Thanks for the suggestion. I've never done Colonial knots, so I'll have to give them a try.

      Delete
  9. Sandy In MontanaJanuary 17, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Your stitching is beautiful, Linda. I just love the Four Seasons.
    Happy Stitching.... Sandy

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    1. Linda MJanuary 19, 2012 at 4:58 AM

      Thanks, Sandy. I really liked stitching the Four Seasons.

      Delete
  10. EdyJanuary 17, 2012 at 12:23 PM

    Your work is beautiful!

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  11. UnknownJanuary 17, 2012 at 2:00 PM

    Congratulations, it is so lovely! Your needlepoint one is very lovely too.

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    1. Linda MJanuary 19, 2012 at 4:59 AM

      Thank you, Kelly. Both were wonderful stitches.

      Delete
  12. Denise SAJanuary 17, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    Dear Linda your four season piece is absolutely delightful

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    1. Linda MJanuary 19, 2012 at 5:01 AM

      Thank you, Denise. I really enjoyed stitching the piece.

      Delete
  13. Laurita HallJanuary 18, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    WOW It´s Gorgeous!!!!

    Hugs,
    Laurita

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  14. ShelleyJanuary 20, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Congrats on the beautiful finish!!

    The cherry blossom tree project is very cute. Have you ever tried Colonial Knots? I have so much trouble with French Knots turning out right but Colonial ones are so easy. I have a link to a website with a video tutorial if you are interested.

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    1. Linda MJanuary 20, 2012 at 7:29 PM

      Thank you, Shelley. I have never attempted Colonial knots but I think that I will give them a try in the near future.

      Delete
  15. Nanbon44January 20, 2012 at 10:01 PM

    your sampler is beautiful

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. They help me stay motivated.

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