Thursday, November 28, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Back to School
Although we celebrate the new year on January 1, somehow September always seems to be the real beginning of the year. Part of it, of course, is that my life still is scheduled around the school year. DD is a high school junior this year and we are starting the college tour circuit. But, I think, part of it is that the cool weather seems to re-energize me. I am, by no means, a cold weather person. In fact, I have a very limited temperature range in which I am comfortable. And even that is off-kilter these days - I am hot when everyone else is cool and vice versa. But it seems that many activities take a hiatus during the summer and then resume in the fall.
My needlework classes are no exception. I have managed to sign myself up for four different classes of varying length/complexity starting in September/October. On Saturday I blogged about my Ukrainian Embroidery class at the Ukrainian Museum in New York City. That class will meet for eight weeks. I learned that there are three eight-week sessions with the second one beginning after the New Year.
So today I will bring you up-to-date on the other classes. Of course, I still have in-progress projects that I started months and even years ago!
Slava Russki
I started the Slava Russki class at The Edwardian Needle's new location. This is one of Tony Minieri's designs which are always fun but a bit of a challenge. This class will meet once a month for a year, which means I have a chance to actually finish the piece since I will have some time in between classes to work on it.
We worked on one area last week: the triangle in the upper left corner. This is a five-step composite stitch; I completed three of the steps in a small area; you can see the stitches as they are built up. I am determined to finish this area before the next class in early October, and to keep up with the stitching from each class.
Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood
I am also ghosting Carole Lake's Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. Carole is teaching the class in October at the ANG Georgia Chapter. It will make a nice companion piece to Carole's St. Basil's Cathedral which I stitched a few years ago.
Stitcher's Hideaway Retreat
And, finally, I will be attending the Stitcher's Hideaway Retreat in Mystic, CT again this year. The incredible Thea Dueck of The Victoria Sampler has designed a very special piece for this Retreat and I have been busy with my pre-work. We will be concentrating on the Hardanger embroidery at the bottom of the piece and the hemstitching in the middle, as well as some of the specialty stitches. I am hoping to have all of the cross-stitching completed before the Retreat. Some of that cross-stitching (such as the lettering) is over one!
I just love this Retreat - what could be better than spending a few days away from work/home with other stitchers doing what we enjoy so much? This is my fourth retreat and I look forward to it every year. There will be an ornament exchange during the Retreat so I have to add that as part of my stitching obligations.
That brings me up-to-date on my classes. I hope to be a little more conscientious about blogging on my progress with these projects.
Until next time, happy stitching.
My needlework classes are no exception. I have managed to sign myself up for four different classes of varying length/complexity starting in September/October. On Saturday I blogged about my Ukrainian Embroidery class at the Ukrainian Museum in New York City. That class will meet for eight weeks. I learned that there are three eight-week sessions with the second one beginning after the New Year.
So today I will bring you up-to-date on the other classes. Of course, I still have in-progress projects that I started months and even years ago!
Slava Russki
I started the Slava Russki class at The Edwardian Needle's new location. This is one of Tony Minieri's designs which are always fun but a bit of a challenge. This class will meet once a month for a year, which means I have a chance to actually finish the piece since I will have some time in between classes to work on it.
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| Slava Russki Designed by Tony Minieri Design Size 8" by 11" (on Light Blue Congress Cloth) |
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| Progress after Class 1 |
Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood
I am also ghosting Carole Lake's Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. Carole is teaching the class in October at the ANG Georgia Chapter. It will make a nice companion piece to Carole's St. Basil's Cathedral which I stitched a few years ago.
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| Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood Designed by Carole Lake Design Size 12" x 14" (on 18-count Blue Mono Canvas) |
Stitcher's Hideaway Retreat
And, finally, I will be attending the Stitcher's Hideaway Retreat in Mystic, CT again this year. The incredible Thea Dueck of The Victoria Sampler has designed a very special piece for this Retreat and I have been busy with my pre-work. We will be concentrating on the Hardanger embroidery at the bottom of the piece and the hemstitching in the middle, as well as some of the specialty stitches. I am hoping to have all of the cross-stitching completed before the Retreat. Some of that cross-stitching (such as the lettering) is over one!
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| Mystic Christmas Sampler Designed by Thea Dueck of The Victoria Sampler Design Size 14" x 5" (on 28-count Misty Blue Cashel) |
That brings me up-to-date on my classes. I hope to be a little more conscientious about blogging on my progress with these projects.
Until next time, happy stitching.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Ukrainian Embroidery
Every Monday morning I
get an email from Nordic Needle and there is usually a story about one
of their customers. In May of this year the featured stitcher hailed from
Astoria, Queens, and talked about the classes she takes at the Ukrainian
Museum in NYC. I
was very intrigued - my father grew up right down the block from the museum.
Although he attended the Polish Church with his father, his mother and
sisters attended the Ukrainian Church. But they all spoke Ukrainian at
home.
I actually got started
in counted cross stitch while in college because I had found a piece of cross
stitch that my grandmother had done and I tried to replicate the pattern.
So I signed up for the embroidery class that started last Saturday.
It is an interesting
class, running from 1:00 to 3:30. There are about 15 women in the class
but it is more of a gathering than a formal class. There were about eight
beginners at the class and the teacher sat with us one-on-one. We are
working on a band sampler. The more advanced students are working on a
number of different projects using other techniques, including cutwork.
We beginners are using
DMC floss (four strands) on 25-count Lugana. I have to admit I am having
a very hard time with it. Not because it's difficult to learn - the first
class was all running stitches (essentially darning patterns). But we are
working "in hand" without a hoop or frame, the threads are not separated
and then recombined, and we are not using a laying tool. This is not how
I'm used to stitching!
I will have to look
closely at the teacher's sample to see what the threads look like because I
can't decide whether I should just shrug and accept that the stitching is not
going to look like I'm used to seeing; determine that the final product when
done expertly looks like something that I should strive to achieve; or secretly
work a second piece at home on a frame with a laying tool (or maybe just #8
pearl cotton).
In the meantime, here
is my progress from the first class. We are using DMC 310 (black) and 321
(red) which are traditional colors in Ukrainian embroidery.
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| Progress after Class #1 |
The first band (at the
top) is a simple over/under three threads and the second band is over/under two
threads. The third band is a "vee" with the red thread woven
through it on the surface.
 |
| Teacher's Sampler |
I'm not really sure
how many bands we complete during this eight-week session. I think it
depends on how fast one stitches. Many of my fellow beginners are not
needleworkers so we all had a different number of bands completed by the end of
the class. My homework was to complete the fifth band although we didn't
start it in class. The teacher told me to go ahead and take a picture of
the band so that I could figure it out at home. While I had the camera
out I took pictures of the rest of the teacher's sampler. This is obviously the area we started working.
And here are some of the other areas. While the traditional red and black are my favorite colors, I am itching to work some of those colorful areas!
Today was our second class so I stitched some more bands. These were, I think, a little easier to maintain tension as they are satin stitch.
 |
| Class 2 Progress |
 |
| Class 2 Close-up of Stitching |
I am working on ecru fabric although it looks more white in these two photos. I have to figure out the best place to photograph my stitching.
Until next time, happy stitching!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Arabella Reborn
I have become addicted to StitchPlay Designs classes through Shining Needle Society. Michael Boren and Carole Lake have great designs - lots of geometrics, which just call to me. And they always include lots of colorways so there is something for every mood.
Their current class is Arabella Reborn. It was so much fun to stitch that I finished it ahead of time! The piece uses lots of Caron Collection threads and I stitched it in the Kelp colorway.
Today is such a gloomy day here in New Jersey. It's in the mid-50s and raining. I don't know exactly what happened to Spring; it feels more like October than the end of May. I think I'll go stitch something.
Their current class is Arabella Reborn. It was so much fun to stitch that I finished it ahead of time! The piece uses lots of Caron Collection threads and I stitched it in the Kelp colorway.
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| Arabella Reborn - Kelp Colorway Designed by StitchPlay Designs 5½” x 5 ½” on 18-count canvas |
Today is such a gloomy day here in New Jersey. It's in the mid-50s and raining. I don't know exactly what happened to Spring; it feels more like October than the end of May. I think I'll go stitch something.
Until next time, happy stitching!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Or Nue Star Lily Finished
Posting three times in as many days - that's certainly a record for me.
I finished Or Nué Star Lily last night. I really like the way it turned out. We used the "economy" style of laying the thread - coming up in the hole directly below the one that the thread went into. My tension is not that even and the #16 braid was a little stiff to work with for this method, at least for me. So, I think I may try to either lay the metallic using a satin stitch so that it wraps around the back or lay it all on the top and couch at the end. Sounds like a trip to the needlework store for some canvas!
Until next time, happy stitching!
I finished Or Nué Star Lily last night. I really like the way it turned out. We used the "economy" style of laying the thread - coming up in the hole directly below the one that the thread went into. My tension is not that even and the #16 braid was a little stiff to work with for this method, at least for me. So, I think I may try to either lay the metallic using a satin stitch so that it wraps around the back or lay it all on the top and couch at the end. Sounds like a trip to the needlework store for some canvas!
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| Or Nué Star Lily Designed by Brenda E. Kocher Designs 2" x 2" on 18-count black canvas |
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Or Nué Class
Yesterday I took an Or Nué class by Brenda Kocher. The ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter hosted the event. The day was somewhat gloomy - a perfect day for stitching. We were all so excited to start on Brenda's Or Nué Star Lily design.
Or Nué means "nuance of gold" or "shaded gold". In this technique, gold or silver threads are laid across the canvas and then held down with silk threads couched over the metallic. The silk threads are couched in a pattern that forms a design. At the ends, the metallic threads can either be "sunk" into the canvas, which is what we did in class, or turned on the surface. There are some excellent references on the Internet, including Jane Zimmerman's Traditional Technique of Or Nué. There is a magnificent collection of Or Nué embroideries in the Altar Room (Sala dell'Altare) in the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo) in Florence. They were designed by Pollaiolo in the 15th Century and took 23 years to complete. We were able to visit there two years ago and the embroideries are breathtaking! Unfortunately, my attempts to photograph the embroideries were not successful.
Our efforts yesterday were very basic and gave us a first taste of the technique. Brenda is a terrific teacher and the class was very enjoyable. It was so much fun watching the design emerge as we couched the Kreinik #16 braid that we were using as the metallic. Of course, we were all so absorbed in stitching that we had to be reminded to take a break every so often.
By the end of the class, I finished about half of the design of Or Nué Star Lily. You can see that I have a number of needles going at once to avoid dragging threads across the back of the work.
And here is the what the design will look like when finished.
Since it's raining here today, I think I'll work on finishing this piece.
Until next time, happy stitching!
Or Nué means "nuance of gold" or "shaded gold". In this technique, gold or silver threads are laid across the canvas and then held down with silk threads couched over the metallic. The silk threads are couched in a pattern that forms a design. At the ends, the metallic threads can either be "sunk" into the canvas, which is what we did in class, or turned on the surface. There are some excellent references on the Internet, including Jane Zimmerman's Traditional Technique of Or Nué. There is a magnificent collection of Or Nué embroideries in the Altar Room (Sala dell'Altare) in the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo) in Florence. They were designed by Pollaiolo in the 15th Century and took 23 years to complete. We were able to visit there two years ago and the embroideries are breathtaking! Unfortunately, my attempts to photograph the embroideries were not successful.
Our efforts yesterday were very basic and gave us a first taste of the technique. Brenda is a terrific teacher and the class was very enjoyable. It was so much fun watching the design emerge as we couched the Kreinik #16 braid that we were using as the metallic. Of course, we were all so absorbed in stitching that we had to be reminded to take a break every so often.
By the end of the class, I finished about half of the design of Or Nué Star Lily. You can see that I have a number of needles going at once to avoid dragging threads across the back of the work.
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| Or Nué Star Lily Progress as of May 18, 2013 |
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| Or Nué Star Lily Brenda E. Kocher Designs Completed Piece |
Until next time, happy stitching!
Friday, May 17, 2013
Stash Building
I should just change the name of my blog to I Don't Know Where the Time Goes. I was thoroughly aghast at how long it has been since I've posted. Oh, well, much like my diets, tomorrow is another day (channeling Scarlett O'Hara).
I have been quite busy with some stitching - and I hope to get the finishes posted soon. Right now I'm in a hotel room in King of Prussia, PA, trying to blog on my iPad; a new experience for me. I already miss my laptop because I don't type as fast on the virtual keyboard. And I tend to edit a lot when I write.
So what has all that to do with stash building? The reason I am here is that tomorrow I will be taking a class on Or Nue, which uses silk couching threads over laid gold thread to create the design. Brenda Kocher is teaching at the ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter. I decided to come down a day early so that I wouldn't have to get up ridiculously early tomorrow to drive the 2 hours or so before class. I want to be really awake since, in my usual contrary fashion, I chose the black canvas on which to stitch rather than the white.
Still wondering about the stash building? There is a needlepoint shop nearby- Fireside Stitchery - that I was able to visit this afternoon. I almost didn't make it before they closed because of traffic, the two-hour ride turned into three, but I got there with about 30 minutes to spare. They have a fabulous selection of threads and beads and canvases. I restrained myself (something to do with recently looking at all of the canvases, charts and projects already waiting to be stitched) and only purchased a few things. But they are goodies!
With any luck I'll blog about the class tomorrow, but it may wait until I get home so that I can use the laptop and be able to format everything.
I have been quite busy with some stitching - and I hope to get the finishes posted soon. Right now I'm in a hotel room in King of Prussia, PA, trying to blog on my iPad; a new experience for me. I already miss my laptop because I don't type as fast on the virtual keyboard. And I tend to edit a lot when I write.
So what has all that to do with stash building? The reason I am here is that tomorrow I will be taking a class on Or Nue, which uses silk couching threads over laid gold thread to create the design. Brenda Kocher is teaching at the ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter. I decided to come down a day early so that I wouldn't have to get up ridiculously early tomorrow to drive the 2 hours or so before class. I want to be really awake since, in my usual contrary fashion, I chose the black canvas on which to stitch rather than the white.
Still wondering about the stash building? There is a needlepoint shop nearby- Fireside Stitchery - that I was able to visit this afternoon. I almost didn't make it before they closed because of traffic, the two-hour ride turned into three, but I got there with about 30 minutes to spare. They have a fabulous selection of threads and beads and canvases. I restrained myself (something to do with recently looking at all of the canvases, charts and projects already waiting to be stitched) and only purchased a few things. But they are goodies!
With any luck I'll blog about the class tomorrow, but it may wait until I get home so that I can use the laptop and be able to format everything.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy New Year
So 2012 is quickly coming to an end, and we will soon be celebrating the start of 2013. I am once again ignoring the urge to make a long list of resolutions and trying to concentrate on smaller goals.
One of my stitching goals is to progress on a few class projects that have been languishing, most of them from 2011. I decided that the first project I will work on is Lord of Fire from Leigh Designs.
I bought this canvas in 2010 at Bedecked and Beadazzled while in Baltimore for a long weekend. Ruth Schmuff, the fabulous owner of the shop, told me that Brenda Hart was working on a stitch guide for the canvas. I called regularly to find out when the stitch guide would be available and was absolutely thrilled when Ruth told me that Brenda would be at the shop to teach the canvas. I immediately booked a space in the class.
Brenda's class was just wonderful, and her stitch guide is amazing. We worked on small areas of the canvas in the one-day class, including the dragon. I started stitching on this piece again this past Christmas Eve and finished the large red circle as well as some more of the dragon. Brenda uses lots of beads, which is not my best skill, so the stitching is somewhat slower than usual. But the beads add lots of glitz! Here is my progress to date.
One of my stitching goals is to progress on a few class projects that have been languishing, most of them from 2011. I decided that the first project I will work on is Lord of Fire from Leigh Designs.
I bought this canvas in 2010 at Bedecked and Beadazzled while in Baltimore for a long weekend. Ruth Schmuff, the fabulous owner of the shop, told me that Brenda Hart was working on a stitch guide for the canvas. I called regularly to find out when the stitch guide would be available and was absolutely thrilled when Ruth told me that Brenda would be at the shop to teach the canvas. I immediately booked a space in the class.
Brenda's class was just wonderful, and her stitch guide is amazing. We worked on small areas of the canvas in the one-day class, including the dragon. I started stitching on this piece again this past Christmas Eve and finished the large red circle as well as some more of the dragon. Brenda uses lots of beads, which is not my best skill, so the stitching is somewhat slower than usual. But the beads add lots of glitz! Here is my progress to date.
You can see that not much has been completed. But I think once I start working on it in earnest, progress will be made. The red is Soie d'Alger silk in long stitches and the blue in the middle of the top circle is Sundance beads with Kreinik #8 braid surrounding it.
The dragon's head is Soie d'Alger with Bijoux stitched over it. The body is Four-Way Continental in Kreinik #4 braid; a Sundance triangular bead is attached inside the diamond shape. The toes and strands coming out of the dragon's head will be French knots in the same silk. We had done some of the French knots in class but I took them out this week as I wasn't too pleased with how I had stitched them. Hopefully I can do a better job here at home.
I am looking forward to stitching on this piece. I really love Asian-inspired designs, and have several in my stash.
I wish everyone a Happy New Year - may 2013 be filled with joy and happiness for each of you.
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| Graphic from gograph.com |
Until next time, happy stitching!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Happy Holidays and a Big Reveal
I hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I can't believe that 2012 is quickly coming to an end!
We had a wonderful Christmas Day with our small family. We are now down to just five of us - the DH, the DD, my sister and my father. Although we are few in number, we still enjoyed the day as a family.
Since the house renovation is continuing (we have entered our third year of construction), I still can't decorate as extensively as I'd like. But the DH and DD did a fabulous job with the artifical tree and the DD went crazy with entwining ribbon over everything!
I am hoping that next year I will finally be able to find all my decorations and really dress the house up in style.
The Big Reveal
I have been working on Achoo by Dimensions for my sister for her Christmas gift. I am happy to say that she loved it.
The kit came with 14-ct white Aida. I don't particularly like working on Aida if I can help it, and I really didn't care for the white. I thought it was too stark. I kept looking for the perfect linen for this kit. I was able to purchase some Picture This Plus 36-ct Edinburgh linen in Fresco while I was at The Stitching Post outside Baltimore. I am very pleased with how it turned out. I think the shades in the fabric really enhance the picture. My framer (The Framed Image) did a great job with the piece and even photographed it beautifully so that I could post it on this blog.
For the coming year, rather than start a new project, I am going to revisit some spectacular canvas projects that were class pieces I have not completed. I haven't decided just yet which one I will be working on first, so stay tuned ... I have the next week off so that I can mull over the canvases that are sitting around.
Until next time, happy stitching!
We had a wonderful Christmas Day with our small family. We are now down to just five of us - the DH, the DD, my sister and my father. Although we are few in number, we still enjoyed the day as a family.
Since the house renovation is continuing (we have entered our third year of construction), I still can't decorate as extensively as I'd like. But the DH and DD did a fabulous job with the artifical tree and the DD went crazy with entwining ribbon over everything!
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| Christmas Tree - 2012 |
The Big Reveal
I have been working on Achoo by Dimensions for my sister for her Christmas gift. I am happy to say that she loved it.
The kit came with 14-ct white Aida. I don't particularly like working on Aida if I can help it, and I really didn't care for the white. I thought it was too stark. I kept looking for the perfect linen for this kit. I was able to purchase some Picture This Plus 36-ct Edinburgh linen in Fresco while I was at The Stitching Post outside Baltimore. I am very pleased with how it turned out. I think the shades in the fabric really enhance the picture. My framer (The Framed Image) did a great job with the piece and even photographed it beautifully so that I could post it on this blog.
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| Achoo Design by Dimensions Stitched on 36-ct Fresco Edinburgh Linen |
For the coming year, rather than start a new project, I am going to revisit some spectacular canvas projects that were class pieces I have not completed. I haven't decided just yet which one I will be working on first, so stay tuned ... I have the next week off so that I can mull over the canvases that are sitting around.
Until next time, happy stitching!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Thanksgiving Stitching
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we are another step closer to the end of yet another year. I know I've said it before, but --- where exactly does the time go?
I finished one of my larger pieces and sent it off to the framer on Friday. It is a Christmas gift for a special person, who may find her way to this blog. So, I will have to wait until after she receives it to show it here.
I decided that I need to take a bit of a break from all of my "big" projects. I am going to start back up on some of those class pieces that are still sitting in my stitching area - but probably not until the holidays are behind me. Of course, I can't not stitch (that would just be wrong!) so I am going to work on some "quick" projects through the end of the year.
While I was at my Stitcher's Hideaway retreat in October I purchased a number of Pine Mountain Designs' Tie One On kits. These are great pre-finished pillow shams that work up into very cute decorative pillows. I finished the one called Winter Nights over the weekend. I purchased one for each season and then one each for the months of March (DD's birthday), June (our wedding anniversary), and November (DH's and my birthdays). Eventually I'll display them in my stitching room when the house renovation is finally done.
I am also hoping that, over the next few months, I can corral all my stitching projects and supplies in anticipation of finally having a space of my own. I really need to figure out what I have (and how much) before I can decide on what storage space I need.
Until next time, happy stitching.
I finished one of my larger pieces and sent it off to the framer on Friday. It is a Christmas gift for a special person, who may find her way to this blog. So, I will have to wait until after she receives it to show it here.
I decided that I need to take a bit of a break from all of my "big" projects. I am going to start back up on some of those class pieces that are still sitting in my stitching area - but probably not until the holidays are behind me. Of course, I can't not stitch (that would just be wrong!) so I am going to work on some "quick" projects through the end of the year.
While I was at my Stitcher's Hideaway retreat in October I purchased a number of Pine Mountain Designs' Tie One On kits. These are great pre-finished pillow shams that work up into very cute decorative pillows. I finished the one called Winter Nights over the weekend. I purchased one for each season and then one each for the months of March (DD's birthday), June (our wedding anniversary), and November (DH's and my birthdays). Eventually I'll display them in my stitching room when the house renovation is finally done.
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| Winter Nights Pine Mountain Designs |
Until next time, happy stitching.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
The End of Summer
I realize that summer officially doesn't end until the Autumnal Equinox on September 22. However, for me Labor Day has always signalled the end of summer - school will be starting next week and we will be returning to routines happily discarded last June. The DD is now a high school sophomore and has selected courses that are sure to keep her busy. The "en pointe" workshop earlier this summer was a success so she will be adding that dance class this year. It looks like we will be very busy this school year! It is a good thing that I have my stitching to keep me grounded.
Framed Pieces
We were on vacation the last two weeks in August (more on that in a later blog). Just before we left I was able to retrieve a few stitched pieces that I had framed. Some of these pieces were completed more than a year ago, but for one reason or another I put off getting them framed. Rob at The Framed Image was a tremendous help in deciding on frames and mats, as well as photographing the pieces for me.
Florentine Fantasy was a class I completed at one of my LNS - Mrs. Stitches - designed and taught by the shop owner.
Another class taken at Mrs. Stitches was a Jane Zimmerman design Florentine and Lace Sampler. This piece was my first attempt at pulled canvas.
I completed another Zimmerman piece taught by Ms. Zimmerman through a Shining Needle Society cyberclass.
Shining Needle Society hosted two cyberclasses by Carole Lake and Michael Boren of StichPlay Designs.
I also completed two pieces on linen. The Four Seasons of Mystic is a Jeannette Douglas design that was taught by Ms. Douglas at the Stitcher's Hideaway retreat in Mystic, CT in 2011.
And Sleepy Hollow which I started in August 2011 and completed on December 31, 2011.
I hope to post again this weekend on my current projects as well as show the needlework projects I purchased as my vacation souvenirs!
Until next time, happy stitching.
Framed Pieces
We were on vacation the last two weeks in August (more on that in a later blog). Just before we left I was able to retrieve a few stitched pieces that I had framed. Some of these pieces were completed more than a year ago, but for one reason or another I put off getting them framed. Rob at The Framed Image was a tremendous help in deciding on frames and mats, as well as photographing the pieces for me.
Florentine Fantasy was a class I completed at one of my LNS - Mrs. Stitches - designed and taught by the shop owner.
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| Florentine Fantasy Design by Anne Marek Silks and Metallics on 18-count Canvas Design Size 14" x 14" |
Another class taken at Mrs. Stitches was a Jane Zimmerman design Florentine and Lace Sampler. This piece was my first attempt at pulled canvas.
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| Florentine and Lace Sampler Design by Jane Zimmerman Silks and Metallics on 18-count Canvas Design Size 7" x 19" |
I completed another Zimmerman piece taught by Ms. Zimmerman through a Shining Needle Society cyberclass.
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| Moorish Splendour Design by Jane Zimmerman Silks and Metallics on 18-count Canvas Design Size 11" x 11" |
Shining Needle Society hosted two cyberclasses by Carole Lake and Michael Boren of StichPlay Designs.
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| St. Margaret's Star - Red Colorway Design by Carole Lake and Michael Boren Silks, Polyesters, Cottons and Metallics on 18-count Canvas Design Size 4" x 4" |
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| Daphne Reborn - Flagstone Colorway Design by Michael Boren Silks and Metallics on 18-count Canvas Design Size 6" x 6" |
I also completed two pieces on linen. The Four Seasons of Mystic is a Jeannette Douglas design that was taught by Ms. Douglas at the Stitcher's Hideaway retreat in Mystic, CT in 2011.
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| Four Seasons of Mystic Design by Jeannette Douglas Designs Silks, Cottons, Metallics and Wools on 32-count Linen Design Size 11½” x 6¾" |
And Sleepy Hollow which I started in August 2011 and completed on December 31, 2011.
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| Sleepy Hollow Design by Glendon Place Cotton, Silks, and Metallics on 28-count Cashel Linen Design Size 12” x 17½" |
I hope to post again this weekend on my current projects as well as show the needlework projects I purchased as my vacation souvenirs!
Until next time, happy stitching.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Stitching During the Olympics
I usually have some DVD playing while I am stitching. It provides some background noise for me and I generally choose something that doesn't require my full attention. Since Friday night (EDT), I have had the Olympics on while stitching. I am not a big sports follower, so I haven't really had to give my entire attention to the television. Of course, Friday night I didn't really stitch much since the Opening Ceremonies were just so fabulous that I didn't want to miss anything. IMHO, the British Olympic Committee did a fantastic job and the ceremonies were worth the wait.
While watching on Saturday and Sunday, I managed to finish two pieces.
Knotted Heart
This first piece is one I did for a quilt to be sewn for the World of Charity Stitching Yahoo group. Stitchers are able to use their own colors - I chose DMC tangerines (740 and 742) for this combination. The pattern is a free cross stitch chart from Loretta Oliver at Stitching The Night Away. The stitch count is 45 x 45, and I used 28-count white evenweave. I am not much of a sewer so I send coordinating fabric to the wonderful women who make up the quilts.
Stella Polaris
My second finish was Stella Polaris which I did in the Mulberry colorway for the DD who is a huge purple fan. This is a cyberclass through Shining Needle Society. The designers are Carole Lake and Michael Boren of StitchPlay Designs. The Mulberry colorway uses Watercolors and Waterlillies in Mulberry, along with Soie Crystal, Grandeur, Elegance, Vineyard Silks, Kreinik Metallics and Bijou in complementary pinks and purples. I have the canvas and threads to stitch this in the Savannah colorway as well.
I just love their geometric designs and have already signed up for the latest Vineyard Quilt Patch.
I am now stitching on Achoo! for my sister, the veterinarian. I will post pictures once it starts looking like something!
Until next time, happy stitching.
While watching on Saturday and Sunday, I managed to finish two pieces.
Knotted Heart
This first piece is one I did for a quilt to be sewn for the World of Charity Stitching Yahoo group. Stitchers are able to use their own colors - I chose DMC tangerines (740 and 742) for this combination. The pattern is a free cross stitch chart from Loretta Oliver at Stitching The Night Away. The stitch count is 45 x 45, and I used 28-count white evenweave. I am not much of a sewer so I send coordinating fabric to the wonderful women who make up the quilts.
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| Knotted Heart Designed by Loretta Oliver Stitching The Night Away |
My second finish was Stella Polaris which I did in the Mulberry colorway for the DD who is a huge purple fan. This is a cyberclass through Shining Needle Society. The designers are Carole Lake and Michael Boren of StitchPlay Designs. The Mulberry colorway uses Watercolors and Waterlillies in Mulberry, along with Soie Crystal, Grandeur, Elegance, Vineyard Silks, Kreinik Metallics and Bijou in complementary pinks and purples. I have the canvas and threads to stitch this in the Savannah colorway as well.
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| Stella Polaris - Mulberry Designed by Carole Lake and Michael Boren StitchPlay Designs |
I am now stitching on Achoo! for my sister, the veterinarian. I will post pictures once it starts looking like something!
Until next time, happy stitching.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Moorish Splendour is Finished
Last night I put the final stitches into Moorish Splendour. This was a fun design to stitch - and I will be stitching another one in the purple colorway sometime later this year. The colorway that is shown reminds me of paprika and is a great autumn piece.
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend. Here in New Jersey we are expecting record-breaking temperatures!
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| Moorish Spledour Design by Jane Zimmerman 11" x 11" |
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Summer Begins
Somehow I missed posting during the month of June. Where does the time go?
Family Update
At the beginning of the month we had DD's dance show which, as expected, was fabulous. Everyone did a wonderful job and had a great deal of fun. We no sooner finished with the show than school was winding down for the year. DD finished her freshman year in high school. We got her report card at the end of the month and she did a great job in all her classes.
DD got about a week off from school and then started her first summer job as an assistant in the day camp she had attended for the past nine years. She will be working for eight weeks. And if that isn't enough to keep her busy, she will be participating in dance workshops on Tuesday evenings for four weeks. She wants to go up "en pointe" in ballet, so she is taking a workshop in ballet and a second in "en pointe", as well as a third workshop in jazz. One of the days at the end of school we had to visit the dance store so that she could be fitted for the pointe shoes. It's critical that the shoes fit well, and the teacher has to approve the shoes/fit. I don't think in my entire life I have ever spent so much time getting shoes fitted!
Moorish Splendour
The Moorishp Spelndour class from Shining Needle Society ended but I still have to complete my piece. I am nearing the end and had hoped to have it finished by the end of June. Alas, it was not meant to be, but progress is certainly being made.
Hopefully, the photos are legible. I really need to take a photography class!
Summer Stitching
In addition to finishing Moorish Splendour and Birds on a Cherry Blossom Branch (finally), I hope to start the cross-stitch Achoo!, mentioned in my last blog. I will also be cross-stitching a square (maybe two) for World of Charity Stitching. And today I'm supposed to start stitching Stellar Polaris, another Carole Lake/Michael Boren piece from Shining Needle Society. I think that should keep me busy!
Until next time, happy stitching to everyone. And a very happy Independence Day for those who are celebrating.
Family Update
At the beginning of the month we had DD's dance show which, as expected, was fabulous. Everyone did a wonderful job and had a great deal of fun. We no sooner finished with the show than school was winding down for the year. DD finished her freshman year in high school. We got her report card at the end of the month and she did a great job in all her classes.
DD got about a week off from school and then started her first summer job as an assistant in the day camp she had attended for the past nine years. She will be working for eight weeks. And if that isn't enough to keep her busy, she will be participating in dance workshops on Tuesday evenings for four weeks. She wants to go up "en pointe" in ballet, so she is taking a workshop in ballet and a second in "en pointe", as well as a third workshop in jazz. One of the days at the end of school we had to visit the dance store so that she could be fitted for the pointe shoes. It's critical that the shoes fit well, and the teacher has to approve the shoes/fit. I don't think in my entire life I have ever spent so much time getting shoes fitted!
Moorish Splendour
The Moorishp Spelndour class from Shining Needle Society ended but I still have to complete my piece. I am nearing the end and had hoped to have it finished by the end of June. Alas, it was not meant to be, but progress is certainly being made.
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| Moorish Splendour Progress 07/01/12 |
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| Moorish Splendour Detail |
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| Moorish Splendour Detail |
Summer Stitching
In addition to finishing Moorish Splendour and Birds on a Cherry Blossom Branch (finally), I hope to start the cross-stitch Achoo!, mentioned in my last blog. I will also be cross-stitching a square (maybe two) for World of Charity Stitching. And today I'm supposed to start stitching Stellar Polaris, another Carole Lake/Michael Boren piece from Shining Needle Society. I think that should keep me busy!
Until next time, happy stitching to everyone. And a very happy Independence Day for those who are celebrating.
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| Photo from AllFacebook.com |
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A Busy May
Another month is speeding along its way. I cannot believe we are already approaching Memorial Day and the "unofficial" start of summer.
This is a very busy time of year for us; the DD takes dance lessons and her big show is in early June - this year on June 2 (also the DH's and my 33rd anniversary). The DD dances four nights a week since she takes classes in tap, jazz, ballet and modern. The last few weeks we have had to contend with extra dance classes in preparation for the show and next week we'll spend each night at dress rehearsals. Of course, it is all worth it - the show is always spectacular. It is quite the production with over 20 different dance numbers. After10 years of dance classes/shows, she has her first wing change since two of her dances are back-to-back. Even the wing change is rehearsed several times!
Daphne Reborn is Finished
This past weekend I finished Daphne Reborn, the cyberclass from Shining Needle Society. I just love geometric pieces and this one was a thrill to stitch. Michael Boren and Carole Lake of StitchPlay Designs are fabulous teachers. I stitched this is in the Flagstone colorway.
I have already signed up for StitchPlay Design's next offering through Shining Needle Society - Stellar Polaris.
Moorish Splendor Progress
I must admit that I am behind in stitching Moorish Splendor. I was so focused on finishing Daphne Reborn that I neglected this piece. I am still working through Lesson Two although Lesson Three has been issued. I hope to catch up this weekend since I have three days to stitch.
Unfortunately all the pictures I took of my progress so far are pretty bad. I hope to have something better to show after the weekend.
What's Up Next
Aside from finishing up all those projects already started, and starting on Stellar Polaris in mid-June, I am going to start a cross-stitch piece for my sister, who will be 55 this year. She is a veterinarian and keeps Dalmatians, so I have chosen Achoo! to stich for her.
Until next time, happy stitching. And please remember our troops this Memorial Day.
This is a very busy time of year for us; the DD takes dance lessons and her big show is in early June - this year on June 2 (also the DH's and my 33rd anniversary). The DD dances four nights a week since she takes classes in tap, jazz, ballet and modern. The last few weeks we have had to contend with extra dance classes in preparation for the show and next week we'll spend each night at dress rehearsals. Of course, it is all worth it - the show is always spectacular. It is quite the production with over 20 different dance numbers. After10 years of dance classes/shows, she has her first wing change since two of her dances are back-to-back. Even the wing change is rehearsed several times!
Daphne Reborn is Finished
This past weekend I finished Daphne Reborn, the cyberclass from Shining Needle Society. I just love geometric pieces and this one was a thrill to stitch. Michael Boren and Carole Lake of StitchPlay Designs are fabulous teachers. I stitched this is in the Flagstone colorway.
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| Daphne Reborn Completed 05/20/12 |
Moorish Splendor Progress
I must admit that I am behind in stitching Moorish Splendor. I was so focused on finishing Daphne Reborn that I neglected this piece. I am still working through Lesson Two although Lesson Three has been issued. I hope to catch up this weekend since I have three days to stitch.
Unfortunately all the pictures I took of my progress so far are pretty bad. I hope to have something better to show after the weekend.
What's Up Next
Aside from finishing up all those projects already started, and starting on Stellar Polaris in mid-June, I am going to start a cross-stitch piece for my sister, who will be 55 this year. She is a veterinarian and keeps Dalmatians, so I have chosen Achoo! to stich for her.
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| Achoo! Design by Brett Longley Dimensions |
Until next time, happy stitching. And please remember our troops this Memorial Day.
Photo from The Apron Blog by Home Depot
Monday, April 9, 2012
A Suprise, A Finish and An Award
This past week was Spring Break for our school district. The DH, DD and I traveled to Boston for a few days’ R&R. While there, we also visited several college campuses. Although the DD is still a high school freshman, the preparation for college is getting so complicated that we have decided to start the process now.
I previously wrote about the Winter Smalls Exchange that I took part in through the I Love Cross Stitch Yahoo group. Since my package took so long to arrive we thought it had gotten lost in the mail. So Denise sent me a second package, which I opened when I returned home this weekend. Once again the “small” is spectacular – a wonderful needlebook – as well as very cute magnets. I will think of Denise every time I use it.
The Award
List the bloggers to whom I have passed the Liebster award and let them know by commenting on their blogs.
Shaunterria at Ca110pe’s Reviews and Stitching News
Lisa at The Social Cross Stitcher
Mab at Mab’s Stitches and Crafts
All of these bloggers are, like myself, new bloggers and have great stories to share.
The Surprise
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| Winter Smalls Exchange |
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| Needlebook |
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| Needlebook Inside |
The Finish
Yesterday I completed Anasazi Spirit, a cyberclass through Shining Needle Society taught by Carole Lake and Michael Boren. This was a fun class and a great design to stitch. I already finished Anasazi Dream and will now have to work on Anasazi Song to complete the trilogy.
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| Anasazi Spirit Finished 04/08/12 |
The Award
Last week I received emails from two blog readers who advised me that they were each passing along the Liebster Blog Award. Thank you to Jane of Stitching in My Garden and Nancy of A Lil Bit of Stitching. I really appreciate you both reading my blog.
The origins of the Liebster Blog award are somewhat unclear but the general consensus is that it originated in Germany, "Liebster" meaning favorite or dearest, to showcase bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. Upon accepting the award the recipient must then pass it on to five more blogs of note.
Here are the guidelines:
Thank the person who gave me the award and link back to her blog.
Once again, thank you to Jane of Stitching in My Garden and Nancy of A Lil Bit ofStitching.Post the award on my blog.
Proudly posted above.Pass the blog award to five other bloggers.
I have sent emails to five other bloggers advising that I am passing along the Liebster Award to them.List the bloggers to whom I have passed the Liebster award and let them know by commenting on their blogs.
Tammy at My Crossed Stitches
Denise at Stitching at Grandma’s HouseShaunterria at Ca110pe’s Reviews and Stitching News
Lisa at The Social Cross Stitcher
Mab at Mab’s Stitches and Crafts
All of these bloggers are, like myself, new bloggers and have great stories to share.
Share five random facts about myself that people do not know about me.
Okay here goes:- I am a Civil Engineer by degree.
- My husband, Steve, and I will be celebrating our 33rd anniversary this year. We have a 15-year-old daughter, Nora.
- My mother and paternal aunts taught me embroidery, crocheting and knitting when I was about 10 years old in the days before 24/7 television, computer games, and iPods.
- I love reading mysteries, historical fiction, and biographies.
- My goal for retirement is to be able to attend needlework classes and seminars.
Until next time, happy stitching!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Is It Really Spring Already?
I swear I don't know where the time goes! There are days and weeks that seem to drag, and then all of a sudden - wham - it's the end of March. The house renovation has resulted in a few days of no computer as the floor finishers managed to cut off the room with the computer.
Spring Is Here
We in New Jersey experienced a very mild winter this year. We had no snow to speak of since the Halloween snowstorm that took everyone by surprise. And summer made an unusually early appearance this year - we had temperatures in the 70s for much of early March. You do have to understand that although we have four seasons in the Northeast, spring is generally about two weeks long. We usually go from freezing cold to our two-week spring (somewhere around late April/early May), followed by really hot weather that lasts into September.
Our mild weather this year caused all the trees and flowers to bloom early - and I have the watery eyes and runny nose to prove it! Because of the house renovation (still a sore subject around here), we have no landscaping to experience the wonders of spring. Perhaps next year ...
However, I have been stitching quite a bit so I do have some progress to share. But first, a tribute to another stitcher.
Winter Smalls Exchange
The I-Love-Cross-Stitch group held a Winter Smalls Exchange. Everyone stitched a "small" project - ornament, pin cushion, needlecase, etc. and sent it, along with two skeins of "wintery" threads, to her/his partner, who was not the same person who would send a similar package. The person who sent to me was Denise in Saudi Arabia! My package apparently took a little vacation along the way and everyone was getting a bit anxious that it had gotten lost. However, it finally arrived and was well worth the wait. Denise stitched a pin cushion that is exquisite. The pin cushion was accompanied by two skeins of silk - one from Dinky Dyes and one from Madeira as well as some buttons and a very pretty card. I have never stitched with silks from either of these companies, so I am just thrilled to have the opportunity to do so. Because of the delay in receiving the package, Denise sent me two more skeins of Dinky Dyes silk direct from 1-2-3 Stitch. Thank you so much, Denise!
I sent a package to Shaunteria in California. The pattern is from The Gift of Stiching December 2006 issue and is called Snowed In by Something in Common. But, of course, I forgot to take a picture.
Florentine and Lace Sampler (a finish!)
This is a Jane Zimmerman design that I took as a class at one of my LNS, Mrs. Stitches in Mendham. We started in April 2011 and met four times before the summer. Over the summer we were able to finish off the stitching we had started. Then we picked up again in October. I couldn't make the last class, which was the last band in the sampler. For some reason it sat around the house over the holidays. I finally finished it in early March.
Each student chose her own colors and I really went out of my comfort zone on this one. I was concerned when I first started stitching that it was just way too bright - but I really like the color combination now that it's finished. It is stitched on 18-count mono canvas with Kreinik metallics and Au Ver a Soie's Soie d'Alger and Soie Perlee. The Soie Perlee is used on the cut and drawn canvaswork.
Patterns of the Orient
I am trying to finish this wonderful design from Tony Minieri this year. I have been concentrating on Area 9, which is Kreinik metallic couched with Au Ver a Soie silks. This past weekend I finally managed to finish the area - hurray for me! Area 9 is the diagonal band of turquoise and red (with some green and purple accents).
Anasazi Spirit
Here is my progress on Anasazi Spirit through Lesson Three. The outlines are cross stiches with Kreinik metallic. The outside of the stars are oblong cross stitches and straight stitches with Watercolours in Arabian Nights. The inside is a Walneto stitch in Impressions and Tied Plaited Rays in Elegance and Kreinik metallic around the Walneto.
Lesson Four, which I have started but not yet completed, is a Double-Fan-Double in the center diamond.
Moorish Splendour
For those who haven't already nodded off, here is the first lesson in Jane Zimmerman's Moorish Splendour. The center area is a trellis pattern over alternating satin stitch diamonds. The diamonds are stitched in silk while the trellis is in Kreinik metallic. The silk is actually a pumpkin color - it looks a bit pink in this photo.
Lesson Two, which I'll start this weekend, is a variation of a Japanese filling pattern using silks and metallics.
Until next time, enjoy the spring and happy stitching!
Spring Is Here
We in New Jersey experienced a very mild winter this year. We had no snow to speak of since the Halloween snowstorm that took everyone by surprise. And summer made an unusually early appearance this year - we had temperatures in the 70s for much of early March. You do have to understand that although we have four seasons in the Northeast, spring is generally about two weeks long. We usually go from freezing cold to our two-week spring (somewhere around late April/early May), followed by really hot weather that lasts into September.
Our mild weather this year caused all the trees and flowers to bloom early - and I have the watery eyes and runny nose to prove it! Because of the house renovation (still a sore subject around here), we have no landscaping to experience the wonders of spring. Perhaps next year ...
However, I have been stitching quite a bit so I do have some progress to share. But first, a tribute to another stitcher.
Winter Smalls Exchange
The I-Love-Cross-Stitch group held a Winter Smalls Exchange. Everyone stitched a "small" project - ornament, pin cushion, needlecase, etc. and sent it, along with two skeins of "wintery" threads, to her/his partner, who was not the same person who would send a similar package. The person who sent to me was Denise in Saudi Arabia! My package apparently took a little vacation along the way and everyone was getting a bit anxious that it had gotten lost. However, it finally arrived and was well worth the wait. Denise stitched a pin cushion that is exquisite. The pin cushion was accompanied by two skeins of silk - one from Dinky Dyes and one from Madeira as well as some buttons and a very pretty card. I have never stitched with silks from either of these companies, so I am just thrilled to have the opportunity to do so. Because of the delay in receiving the package, Denise sent me two more skeins of Dinky Dyes silk direct from 1-2-3 Stitch. Thank you so much, Denise!
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| Winter Smalls Exchanged Received from Denise in Saudi Arabia |
Florentine and Lace Sampler (a finish!)
This is a Jane Zimmerman design that I took as a class at one of my LNS, Mrs. Stitches in Mendham. We started in April 2011 and met four times before the summer. Over the summer we were able to finish off the stitching we had started. Then we picked up again in October. I couldn't make the last class, which was the last band in the sampler. For some reason it sat around the house over the holidays. I finally finished it in early March.
Each student chose her own colors and I really went out of my comfort zone on this one. I was concerned when I first started stitching that it was just way too bright - but I really like the color combination now that it's finished. It is stitched on 18-count mono canvas with Kreinik metallics and Au Ver a Soie's Soie d'Alger and Soie Perlee. The Soie Perlee is used on the cut and drawn canvaswork.
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| Florentine and Lace Sampler Designer: Jane D. Zimmerman Design Size - 7" x 19" (approximate) |
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| Close-ups of Bands |
Patterns of the Orient
I am trying to finish this wonderful design from Tony Minieri this year. I have been concentrating on Area 9, which is Kreinik metallic couched with Au Ver a Soie silks. This past weekend I finally managed to finish the area - hurray for me! Area 9 is the diagonal band of turquoise and red (with some green and purple accents).
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| Patterns of the Orient Area 9 Finished Designer: Tony Minieri |
Here is my progress on Anasazi Spirit through Lesson Three. The outlines are cross stiches with Kreinik metallic. The outside of the stars are oblong cross stitches and straight stitches with Watercolours in Arabian Nights. The inside is a Walneto stitch in Impressions and Tied Plaited Rays in Elegance and Kreinik metallic around the Walneto.
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| Progress as of 03/25/12 |
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| Close-up of Walneto Stitch |
Moorish Splendour
For those who haven't already nodded off, here is the first lesson in Jane Zimmerman's Moorish Splendour. The center area is a trellis pattern over alternating satin stitch diamonds. The diamonds are stitched in silk while the trellis is in Kreinik metallic. The silk is actually a pumpkin color - it looks a bit pink in this photo.
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| Progress through 03/30/12 |
Until next time, enjoy the spring and happy stitching!
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