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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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"

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.

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.

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.

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.

Knotted Heart
Designed by Loretta Oliver
Stitching The Night Away

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.

Stella Polaris - Mulberry
Designed by Carole Lake and Michael Boren
StitchPlay Designs

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.

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.

Moorish Spledour
Design by Jane Zimmerman
11" x 11"

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.  Here in New Jersey we are expecting record-breaking temperatures!

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. 

Moorish Splendour
Progress 07/01/12

Moorish Splendour Detail

Moorish Splendour
Detail

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.

Photo from AllFacebook.com

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. 

Daphne Reborn
Completed 05/20/12

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. 

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

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.

The Surprise

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.

Winter Smalls Exchange



Needlebook



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.

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 House
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.

Share five random facts about myself that people do not know about me.

Okay here goes:

1. I am a Civil Engineer by degree.
2. My husband, Steve, and I will be celebrating our 33^rd anniversary this year.  We have a 15-year-old daughter, Nora.
3. 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.
4. I love reading mysteries, historical fiction, and biographies.
5. My goal for retirement is to be able to attend needlework classes and seminars.

Thank you all for reading my blog.  I appreciate your interest and comments.

Until next time, happy stitching!

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!

Winter Smalls Exchanged
Received from Denise in Saudi Arabia

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. 

Florentine and Lace Sampler
Designer:  Jane D. Zimmerman
Design Size - 7" x 19" (approximate)

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).

Patterns of the Orient Area 9 Finished
Designer:  Tony Minieri

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.

Progress as of 03/25/12

Close-up of Walneto Stitch

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.

Progress through 03/30/12

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!