May Goals
Well its that time again, its almost May so I thought I'd go ahead and get my stitching goals for the month out on the net for all to see.
April Re-cap :
Stitch part 1a of Mini Mystery I if my kit ever gets here (on backorder), yes even got parts 1b and 2 done!
Finish TW's Wedding Sampler YES!!!!
Stitch one ornament Actually stitched 2
Start a Dragon Dreams Freebie on SAL day Started and finished
May Goals :
Finish bottom left page of Noah's Sub
Stitch 2 bands on Celtic Band Sampler
Stitch 1 ornament
Stitch 1 freebie
Start something on Dragon Dreams SAL day
The erratic life of a busy stitcher
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
A Second Ornament for April!
Well I managed to squeeze another ornament in this month, which is nice. I'm not really going to give any details here as its for the ornament RR I'm in that starts up May 1st. Here's a link to the piccy so those of you who are curious can see what it is. I can tell you that its from the Just Cross Stitch 2004 Ornament Issue (the theme of our RR).
Now I can focus on Noah's Sub again (been ignored for almost two weeks), before I start my Celtic Band Sampler SAL on May 2nd with Katrina. But I'll only be working on that one day a week, and the Sub the rest of the week.
Well I managed to squeeze another ornament in this month, which is nice. I'm not really going to give any details here as its for the ornament RR I'm in that starts up May 1st. Here's a link to the piccy so those of you who are curious can see what it is. I can tell you that its from the Just Cross Stitch 2004 Ornament Issue (the theme of our RR).
Now I can focus on Noah's Sub again (been ignored for almost two weeks), before I start my Celtic Band Sampler SAL on May 2nd with Katrina. But I'll only be working on that one day a week, and the Sub the rest of the week.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Stitching Blogger's Question Of The Week
Q: Do you set stitching goals?
A: If you're one of my regular readers than you'll know that yes, I do. At the end of each month I take a few minutes and figure out what I want to get done stitching-wise the upcoming month. I try to make my goals ones that I can complete so I feel good about my progress. Since I started doing this about a year ago I find I'm getting so much more completed when I'm focused.
Q: Do you set stitching goals?
A: If you're one of my regular readers than you'll know that yes, I do. At the end of each month I take a few minutes and figure out what I want to get done stitching-wise the upcoming month. I try to make my goals ones that I can complete so I feel good about my progress. Since I started doing this about a year ago I find I'm getting so much more completed when I'm focused.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
All Caught Up!
Well I expected to get caught up on Mini Mystery i yesterday, but as usual it took longer than expected... I should stop under estimating when I say something is going to be done. It actually took me most of the day today to finish parts 1a, 1b and 2. Now its going to be a long wait until June 15th when part 3 will be released, and there's a lot of extra fabric left, I'm afraid this is going to end up being a large part!
Here's a picture of it so far :
So this evening I'm going to start my ornamnet for the RR starting in May, I've got just enough time to get it done for the first mailing date, May 2nd... I hope.
Noah's Sub hasn't gotten any attention this week.
Well I expected to get caught up on Mini Mystery i yesterday, but as usual it took longer than expected... I should stop under estimating when I say something is going to be done. It actually took me most of the day today to finish parts 1a, 1b and 2. Now its going to be a long wait until June 15th when part 3 will be released, and there's a lot of extra fabric left, I'm afraid this is going to end up being a large part!
Here's a picture of it so far :
So this evening I'm going to start my ornamnet for the RR starting in May, I've got just enough time to get it done for the first mailing date, May 2nd... I hope.
Noah's Sub hasn't gotten any attention this week.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Getting Ready For The SAL!
Well I had a nice little entry typed up for you when my computer decided to freeze. *Sigh* that seems to be happening more frequently lately, alas its not grave enough for a new snazzy computer. How I'd love to replace this monster with a nice little laptop, then I could be doing this from my cozy spot on the couch! Someday... that's what dreams are for.
Anyhow I'm getting ready for my SAL with Katrina the Kiwi, we agreed back in March that in May we'd start a Celtic Band Samplar SAL (by Homespun Samplar). I realized yesterday that May was fast approaching and it was time to start getting things ready. I had it envisioned in my mind that I'd be stitching it on Queen Ann's Lace Joblean from Wichelt. However I didn't realize exactly how big this pieces is... Especially on 28ct. Celtic Band Samplar with an extra 4" of fabric all around ends up being 18" wide and 33" tall! EEEEk!!! After stitching Celtic Heart on the same fabric last fall I didn't have enough left over. So I pulled out the rest of my hand dyed fabrics and went searching! I think I came up with the PERFECT fabric! I'll be stitching this piece on African Daisy Joblean from Wichelt. Its a nice soft mottled yellow, and the floss colours loook fantastic on it!!! So I now have my flossies pulled, my fabbie cut. I just need to make a working copy of the chart and then I'm ready.
I'm hoping that Katrina and I will be doing this SAL on Monday nights... is that good for you Katrina? I know that's one of my less busier nights!
Besides getting stuff ready for this SAL yesterday I received most of my supplies for my Ornament RR starting as well in May. Well the fabbie threads and beads are here I'm waiting on the embellishment but that can be sent out later. So I cut up that fabric for each stitcher, and I can get going on the ornie for myself, I'd like to have it done in time to send along as a sample.
So what's on the books for this weekend? Well tomorrow is my teaching day at TKD, I have to put in one Saturday a month.. not my favorite day to teach, but I have to do my part. After that my weekend is dedicated to stitching ... unless something exciting comes up! Since its going to rain all weekend, that is the perfect thing to do. First on the agenda is to get parts 1a, 1b and 2 finished on Mini Mystery i ... my kit arrived on Monday and its time for me to catch up. Next I'll get going on my Ornament for the RR... can't tell you what it is, but I will share a link with a pic when its all stitched up. It think that's all I'll manage to get done stitching wise this weekend. Poor Noah's Sub, it won't get touched at all this week! Oh well, at least there's no deadline for that!
Well I had a nice little entry typed up for you when my computer decided to freeze. *Sigh* that seems to be happening more frequently lately, alas its not grave enough for a new snazzy computer. How I'd love to replace this monster with a nice little laptop, then I could be doing this from my cozy spot on the couch! Someday... that's what dreams are for.
Anyhow I'm getting ready for my SAL with Katrina the Kiwi, we agreed back in March that in May we'd start a Celtic Band Samplar SAL (by Homespun Samplar). I realized yesterday that May was fast approaching and it was time to start getting things ready. I had it envisioned in my mind that I'd be stitching it on Queen Ann's Lace Joblean from Wichelt. However I didn't realize exactly how big this pieces is... Especially on 28ct. Celtic Band Samplar with an extra 4" of fabric all around ends up being 18" wide and 33" tall! EEEEk!!! After stitching Celtic Heart on the same fabric last fall I didn't have enough left over. So I pulled out the rest of my hand dyed fabrics and went searching! I think I came up with the PERFECT fabric! I'll be stitching this piece on African Daisy Joblean from Wichelt. Its a nice soft mottled yellow, and the floss colours loook fantastic on it!!! So I now have my flossies pulled, my fabbie cut. I just need to make a working copy of the chart and then I'm ready.
I'm hoping that Katrina and I will be doing this SAL on Monday nights... is that good for you Katrina? I know that's one of my less busier nights!
Besides getting stuff ready for this SAL yesterday I received most of my supplies for my Ornament RR starting as well in May. Well the fabbie threads and beads are here I'm waiting on the embellishment but that can be sent out later. So I cut up that fabric for each stitcher, and I can get going on the ornie for myself, I'd like to have it done in time to send along as a sample.
So what's on the books for this weekend? Well tomorrow is my teaching day at TKD, I have to put in one Saturday a month.. not my favorite day to teach, but I have to do my part. After that my weekend is dedicated to stitching ... unless something exciting comes up! Since its going to rain all weekend, that is the perfect thing to do. First on the agenda is to get parts 1a, 1b and 2 finished on Mini Mystery i ... my kit arrived on Monday and its time for me to catch up. Next I'll get going on my Ornament for the RR... can't tell you what it is, but I will share a link with a pic when its all stitched up. It think that's all I'll manage to get done stitching wise this weekend. Poor Noah's Sub, it won't get touched at all this week! Oh well, at least there's no deadline for that!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Stitching Blogger's Question of The Week
Q : Have you ever been asked to do model stitching? Did you do it? If so, what was your compensation? (money, stash, etc.) If not, why not? If you haven't done it, if you were asked would you? Why or why not?
A : Well this is an easy question to answer this week! I have both been asked and I have asked. My very first "model" was Legends of the Dragons. I took it to my LNS to show a friend I was meeting up with and the owner offered me a discount on framing if she could hang it in her shop. So a number of my own pieces have hung up in my LNS. Next I went and found designers looking for model stitchers, a couple of times now designers have been referred to me. However I've not stitched any models since fall of 2004, I haven't really been looking or bugged the designers I've worked for in the past. I did model stitching almost solidly for over a year, and its nice at the moment to do some stitching for myself and for those who I'm close to.
Compensation... I've been paid (preferred method) usually the standard 1 cent per stitch. I have also been paid in stash a couple of times. There have been times that I've requested to be paid in charts from that paticular designer. There have been times I've gotten fibers and fabrics, but I have so much of those now that I'm not really interested in stitching for stash. Since I do my own framing now I'm not looking for a discount on that either.
Q : Have you ever been asked to do model stitching? Did you do it? If so, what was your compensation? (money, stash, etc.) If not, why not? If you haven't done it, if you were asked would you? Why or why not?
A : Well this is an easy question to answer this week! I have both been asked and I have asked. My very first "model" was Legends of the Dragons. I took it to my LNS to show a friend I was meeting up with and the owner offered me a discount on framing if she could hang it in her shop. So a number of my own pieces have hung up in my LNS. Next I went and found designers looking for model stitchers, a couple of times now designers have been referred to me. However I've not stitched any models since fall of 2004, I haven't really been looking or bugged the designers I've worked for in the past. I did model stitching almost solidly for over a year, and its nice at the moment to do some stitching for myself and for those who I'm close to.
Compensation... I've been paid (preferred method) usually the standard 1 cent per stitch. I have also been paid in stash a couple of times. There have been times that I've requested to be paid in charts from that paticular designer. There have been times I've gotten fibers and fabrics, but I have so much of those now that I'm not really interested in stitching for stash. Since I do my own framing now I'm not looking for a discount on that either.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Ketchup!!!!
LOL! That should actually be catch-up. My Mini Mystery i kit finally arrived today! Wow that was the longest week and a half ever, waiting for that to arrive. I don't like being behind at all.
I did get to start the Mini but I'm not as far along as I would like for an evening spent at home (seems to be rare these days!). Since just before lunch today I've had a bad migraine with nausea which is still haunting me now. I could barely eat my lunch and I finally had dinner at 8:30pm but its still not sitting well (a little soup and bread). Oh its so tempting to take a sick day when I feel like this, but for me and my job that's the hardest thing in the world to do. I can't just call in and say I'm staying home sick today, I need to find someone to go in for me, and at 11:30 at night I can't just call around looking for someone... which is always easier said than done!
So hopefully when I wake up tomorrow (I've already napped from 4:30-7pm) it'll be gone and I"ll be ready for work! If not Wednesday off will be a strong possibility. I can't function like this.
LOL! That should actually be catch-up. My Mini Mystery i kit finally arrived today! Wow that was the longest week and a half ever, waiting for that to arrive. I don't like being behind at all.
I did get to start the Mini but I'm not as far along as I would like for an evening spent at home (seems to be rare these days!). Since just before lunch today I've had a bad migraine with nausea which is still haunting me now. I could barely eat my lunch and I finally had dinner at 8:30pm but its still not sitting well (a little soup and bread). Oh its so tempting to take a sick day when I feel like this, but for me and my job that's the hardest thing in the world to do. I can't just call in and say I'm staying home sick today, I need to find someone to go in for me, and at 11:30 at night I can't just call around looking for someone... which is always easier said than done!
So hopefully when I wake up tomorrow (I've already napped from 4:30-7pm) it'll be gone and I"ll be ready for work! If not Wednesday off will be a strong possibility. I can't function like this.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
A Wee HD
I have fufilled my obligations to Dragon Dreams Sunday. In a couple of hours this afternoon I stitched up April's Dragonlet c1998 from Dragon Dreams. It was a freebie offered over the weekend of April Fool's this year. She's stitched on 28ct Spring Breeze from Silkweavers using DMC cotton.
Now I can spend the rest of the evening working on Noah's Submarine and post a progress picture for you before bed tonight.
I have fufilled my obligations to Dragon Dreams Sunday. In a couple of hours this afternoon I stitched up April's Dragonlet c1998 from Dragon Dreams. It was a freebie offered over the weekend of April Fool's this year. She's stitched on 28ct Spring Breeze from Silkweavers using DMC cotton.
Now I can spend the rest of the evening working on Noah's Submarine and post a progress picture for you before bed tonight.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Ornament HD
I had a great day today, visiting with my friend in Cornwall, bonus I finished my April ornament. I stitched a freebie that I had seen someone else complete this month over at the TWBB. Its called Carre Noel. Its stitched on mystery fabric (I don't know what it is, unmarked in my stash!) using mystery GAST colours. How can the colours be a mystery you ask? Well I got a package of GAST "Loose Threads" for my birthday and I just went through them looking for the right shades.
On my drive to Cornwall, the cop count was 2 and on the way home 3. Not intimidating at all.
Tomorrow is promising to be another nice day so I might putter in my gardens, get the dead growth from last year pulled out, and its Dragon Dreams Sunday!
I had a great day today, visiting with my friend in Cornwall, bonus I finished my April ornament. I stitched a freebie that I had seen someone else complete this month over at the TWBB. Its called Carre Noel. Its stitched on mystery fabric (I don't know what it is, unmarked in my stash!) using mystery GAST colours. How can the colours be a mystery you ask? Well I got a package of GAST "Loose Threads" for my birthday and I just went through them looking for the right shades.
On my drive to Cornwall, the cop count was 2 and on the way home 3. Not intimidating at all.
Tomorrow is promising to be another nice day so I might putter in my gardens, get the dead growth from last year pulled out, and its Dragon Dreams Sunday!
Friday, April 15, 2005
Stitching Blogger Question of The Week
Q : Do you "stitch with the seasons?" (This could be reflected by the colors that you stitch with, the themes that you choose, or even that during your favorite season you stitch more (or less) than in others.)
A : No I don't really stitch with the seasons at all. In terms of what gets hung on my walls I don't stitch anything seasonal, I can't see the point of putting a lot of work into something that will only get hung up once a year. I think that also goes along with my mentality of what I've been brought up with, that the holidays aren't a big deal. Yes we celebrate the holidays as a family but we don't go all ga-ga over it either. I do admit to stitching Christmas ornaments however they make great gifts for friends. I plan on stitching a stocking for my nephew this year, but only because his sister has one and it just wouldn't be right if the both didn't have a sitched stocking from their Aunt D.
Man I think this has been the longest week ever! You know you're in for a long week when on Tuesday you're wishing it was Friday and that on Friday when you wake up you're disappointed to discover that yes you have to get up and go to work because its not Saturday yet!
Every night this week I've put in a minimum of one hour in on Noah's Sub, funny I'm finding it a very enjoyable piece to stitch so far... ask me if I feel the same way in 4-6 weeks. That could easily change, this project is definitely a BAP! For tonight I'm taking a break from the sub and stitching my Christmas ornament since my supplies are still not here for the ornament RR. Sunday is Dragon Dreams SAL day so I'll be stitching one of the freebies from the April 1st newsletter
I'm trying to decide if tomorrow I should cruise on down to Pennygwen's to stitch. Todd has informed me he has some buddies coming over tomorrow to watch UFC 52. That is definitely going to be a testosterone rich environment and I may want to make myself scarce.
Q : Do you "stitch with the seasons?" (This could be reflected by the colors that you stitch with, the themes that you choose, or even that during your favorite season you stitch more (or less) than in others.)
A : No I don't really stitch with the seasons at all. In terms of what gets hung on my walls I don't stitch anything seasonal, I can't see the point of putting a lot of work into something that will only get hung up once a year. I think that also goes along with my mentality of what I've been brought up with, that the holidays aren't a big deal. Yes we celebrate the holidays as a family but we don't go all ga-ga over it either. I do admit to stitching Christmas ornaments however they make great gifts for friends. I plan on stitching a stocking for my nephew this year, but only because his sister has one and it just wouldn't be right if the both didn't have a sitched stocking from their Aunt D.
Man I think this has been the longest week ever! You know you're in for a long week when on Tuesday you're wishing it was Friday and that on Friday when you wake up you're disappointed to discover that yes you have to get up and go to work because its not Saturday yet!
Every night this week I've put in a minimum of one hour in on Noah's Sub, funny I'm finding it a very enjoyable piece to stitch so far... ask me if I feel the same way in 4-6 weeks. That could easily change, this project is definitely a BAP! For tonight I'm taking a break from the sub and stitching my Christmas ornament since my supplies are still not here for the ornament RR. Sunday is Dragon Dreams SAL day so I'll be stitching one of the freebies from the April 1st newsletter
I'm trying to decide if tomorrow I should cruise on down to Pennygwen's to stitch. Todd has informed me he has some buddies coming over tomorrow to watch UFC 52. That is definitely going to be a testosterone rich environment and I may want to make myself scarce.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
I'd Like To Say Thank You
To all of you who come here and read my blog, and leave such kind comments behind. Its really a boost to know that people come and read your words and send a message back about what you've been rambling on about. It makes blogging worth while.
So you've probably been anxiously wondering... so what did she stitch on tonight? Hmmm well I did mention a couple of possibilities last night didn't I? Well when I got home from work (after an exciting staff meeting, yeah right) I pulled Noah's Submarine out of its dust covers! The first thing I did was rip it off of the scroll rods. Originally (over two years ago now!) I had decided I would stitch it using my floor stand since its a rather large piece on 28ct fabric. I know for sure now I am a die hard in hand stitcher, so off it came! The next task was to put away all my threads from previous projects. When I finish a project I usually throw into a little green basket I got from Jennifer Aikman-Smith as a door prize in one of her classes a couple of years ago. Then once and ahwile... actually when it starts to overflow I sit down and put it all back where it belongs. That's as far as I got before going to Taekwon-Do tonight.
Tonight's TKD class was great! I left here not really wanting to go but I knew I should (I've been in rather stay home mode lately). Jason worked us really hard for the warm up with over 100 jumping jacks then 5 rounds of wind sprints! It was nice to get some attention with the first of three 2nd degree patterns. Its slowly coming together now.
Jason... here's wishing you good luck at Canadians when you go in a couple of weeks!
So anyhow I've now sat and put two hours into Noah's Sub, ahhh such a nice colourful piece to work on. I'll be sharing weekly progress pictures with you on Sunday/Mondays as usual! So how quickly do you think I can get it done??? I've just got going on the 2nd page of this design.
When I have the time (looks like that will be Thursday or Friday) I'm going to rustle around here in my computer/craft/framing room and get supplies together for my April Christmas Ornament, and figure out which Wee Beastie I'll be adding to my RR. I'd like to get to those this weekend. That may change when my kit arrives for Mini Mystery i... I know its on its way and parts 1a, 1b, and 2 are out and I can't stitch it. For those of you who know me well know that this is driving me nuts!!!!
To all of you who come here and read my blog, and leave such kind comments behind. Its really a boost to know that people come and read your words and send a message back about what you've been rambling on about. It makes blogging worth while.
So you've probably been anxiously wondering... so what did she stitch on tonight? Hmmm well I did mention a couple of possibilities last night didn't I? Well when I got home from work (after an exciting staff meeting, yeah right) I pulled Noah's Submarine out of its dust covers! The first thing I did was rip it off of the scroll rods. Originally (over two years ago now!) I had decided I would stitch it using my floor stand since its a rather large piece on 28ct fabric. I know for sure now I am a die hard in hand stitcher, so off it came! The next task was to put away all my threads from previous projects. When I finish a project I usually throw into a little green basket I got from Jennifer Aikman-Smith as a door prize in one of her classes a couple of years ago. Then once and ahwile... actually when it starts to overflow I sit down and put it all back where it belongs. That's as far as I got before going to Taekwon-Do tonight.
Tonight's TKD class was great! I left here not really wanting to go but I knew I should (I've been in rather stay home mode lately). Jason worked us really hard for the warm up with over 100 jumping jacks then 5 rounds of wind sprints! It was nice to get some attention with the first of three 2nd degree patterns. Its slowly coming together now.
Jason... here's wishing you good luck at Canadians when you go in a couple of weeks!
So anyhow I've now sat and put two hours into Noah's Sub, ahhh such a nice colourful piece to work on. I'll be sharing weekly progress pictures with you on Sunday/Mondays as usual! So how quickly do you think I can get it done??? I've just got going on the 2nd page of this design.
When I have the time (looks like that will be Thursday or Friday) I'm going to rustle around here in my computer/craft/framing room and get supplies together for my April Christmas Ornament, and figure out which Wee Beastie I'll be adding to my RR. I'd like to get to those this weekend. That may change when my kit arrives for Mini Mystery i... I know its on its way and parts 1a, 1b, and 2 are out and I can't stitch it. For those of you who know me well know that this is driving me nuts!!!!
Monday, April 11, 2005
Oh Happy Day! Oh Happy Dance!!!!
Well, fourteen weeks to the day, and its done! On Monday January 3rd I started Teresa Wentzler's Wedding Sampler and today Monday April 11th I finished it! I was really aiming for a weekend finish, but the sampler needed about 3 more hours worth of work today. But now, its DONE!!!
I stitched it on the recommended 28ct Platinum Lugana and it is stitched using DMC cotton and rayon floss, accented with Mill Hill Beads.
So here it is : Wedding Sampler by Teresa Wentzler c2001 Leisure Arts (from the Best of Teresa Wentzler Sampler Collection)
So now comes the tough decision... what do I stitch on between now and May 1st when I start my Celtic Band Sampler SAL with Katrina? Hmmm..
Well I know I do need to stitch my April ornament, and I have something picked out if my supplies for my ornament RR haven't arrived in the next day or two. Also my Wee Beasties RR is finally home! But I don't want to share a picture yet because its missing my bug and I'd like to put a border on it. I plan to make it into a bell pull. My current travel project is Michael Powell's Mini Cottages 2, there's that. Or there's Celtic Banner by Butternut Road, or my long ignored Noah's Sub from Stoney Creek.
Oh the decisions, oh the agony!!!
Now For Something Completely Different...
So this weekend I also framed two more pieces for a customer :
And I've finally posted a picture of a piece I framed earlier last week for a different customer (see, when it rains it pours!)
Well, fourteen weeks to the day, and its done! On Monday January 3rd I started Teresa Wentzler's Wedding Sampler and today Monday April 11th I finished it! I was really aiming for a weekend finish, but the sampler needed about 3 more hours worth of work today. But now, its DONE!!!
I stitched it on the recommended 28ct Platinum Lugana and it is stitched using DMC cotton and rayon floss, accented with Mill Hill Beads.
So here it is : Wedding Sampler by Teresa Wentzler c2001 Leisure Arts (from the Best of Teresa Wentzler Sampler Collection)
So now comes the tough decision... what do I stitch on between now and May 1st when I start my Celtic Band Sampler SAL with Katrina? Hmmm..
Well I know I do need to stitch my April ornament, and I have something picked out if my supplies for my ornament RR haven't arrived in the next day or two. Also my Wee Beasties RR is finally home! But I don't want to share a picture yet because its missing my bug and I'd like to put a border on it. I plan to make it into a bell pull. My current travel project is Michael Powell's Mini Cottages 2, there's that. Or there's Celtic Banner by Butternut Road, or my long ignored Noah's Sub from Stoney Creek.
Oh the decisions, oh the agony!!!
Now For Something Completely Different...
So this weekend I also framed two more pieces for a customer :
And I've finally posted a picture of a piece I framed earlier last week for a different customer (see, when it rains it pours!)
Friday, April 08, 2005
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Stitching Blogger's Question Of The Week
Q : What is your next specialty stitch?
A : Well I KNOW that my next specialty stitch that I will do is the plaited stitch on TW's Wedding Sampler its the border for the bottom box. However this is not a new stitch for me, I actually did it for the first time years ago on TW's Celtic Inspirational Band Sampler. Now I will have to pull out some instructions and review how it was done and probably take a look at CIBS. I always find its a great help when I have an actual stitch or a very good picture to refer to. My favorite place to go for great (and animated) diagrams is Victoria Sampler's Website, click on the VS Club... be sure to join if you're not a member its the only way you'll access this area. Not only are there great animated stitches but there's a gazillion freebies there too!
In the last year I've learnt some very cool and difficult stitches through Chatelaine's Mystery VI. The queen stitch was new to me last year and so was the Jessica Stitch which is just gorgeous! Another designer that really challenges your ability for specialty stitches is Jeannette Douglas, she takes conventional specialty stitches and tweaks and changes them to the effect she wants to achieve. I found that her instructions have been fabulous in the designs I've stitched from her so far.
Is there a new stitch I'm going to learn... I don't know. Each new stitch I've gone out and learnt has been because the design I'm working on makes it necessary. In TW's Wedding Sampler I'll be doing : Plaited Stitch, Satin Stitch, Rhodes Stitch, Wrapped Back Stitch, Lazy Daisy and Eyelets. My next start which will be Celtic Band Sampler by Homespun Samplar I don't think has any specialty stitches.
Good news on the Wedding Sampler front : last night I finished the bottom right hand spray of flowers and I've almost finished the top!!!
Q : What is your next specialty stitch?
A : Well I KNOW that my next specialty stitch that I will do is the plaited stitch on TW's Wedding Sampler its the border for the bottom box. However this is not a new stitch for me, I actually did it for the first time years ago on TW's Celtic Inspirational Band Sampler. Now I will have to pull out some instructions and review how it was done and probably take a look at CIBS. I always find its a great help when I have an actual stitch or a very good picture to refer to. My favorite place to go for great (and animated) diagrams is Victoria Sampler's Website, click on the VS Club... be sure to join if you're not a member its the only way you'll access this area. Not only are there great animated stitches but there's a gazillion freebies there too!
In the last year I've learnt some very cool and difficult stitches through Chatelaine's Mystery VI. The queen stitch was new to me last year and so was the Jessica Stitch which is just gorgeous! Another designer that really challenges your ability for specialty stitches is Jeannette Douglas, she takes conventional specialty stitches and tweaks and changes them to the effect she wants to achieve. I found that her instructions have been fabulous in the designs I've stitched from her so far.
Is there a new stitch I'm going to learn... I don't know. Each new stitch I've gone out and learnt has been because the design I'm working on makes it necessary. In TW's Wedding Sampler I'll be doing : Plaited Stitch, Satin Stitch, Rhodes Stitch, Wrapped Back Stitch, Lazy Daisy and Eyelets. My next start which will be Celtic Band Sampler by Homespun Samplar I don't think has any specialty stitches.
Good news on the Wedding Sampler front : last night I finished the bottom right hand spray of flowers and I've almost finished the top!!!
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Week 13 Progress Report
I was all ready to share my progress on TW's Wedding Sampler last night and *pout* I couldn't get into Blogger to post, and just now its been super slow loading up the template.
So without further ado....
As I've mentioned in a previous post I want this piece done before the end of the month so I've started taking it to work and stitching during my lunch hour. Today it received many ooohs and ahhhs from the ladies. I imagine the flowers will be completely done this week and I can start the bottom section.
Over the weekend I was a good girl and ordered my supplies for the next Ornament Round Robin I'm taking part in. Janice of Traditional Stitches is shipping most of my supplies right away but there's one item that's needed she's got to order but says I should have it in time for May 1st our first mailing date for the RR. I'm also anxious to get my kit for Mini Mystery I by Chatelaine which is on backorder... normally I'd be done stitching a section of these mysteries by now but alas... no kit, no stitching.
Sunday afternoon I finished my two framing jobs that I mentioned and here they are :
Immedately upon delivery on Monday my customer gave me two more which are to be done with the same molding by next week... sure no problem. I was also given several School Letters last week and this morning I was asked if I could frame a portrait. Go figure no one wants anything framed since Christmas and now it pours! Oh well I'm not complaining.
Last night I put together the frame for another piece that I was asked to do back in March. After work I picked up the glass so tonight when I get home from Taekwon-Do I'll just pop everything together and I can deliver the piece in the morning.
I was all ready to share my progress on TW's Wedding Sampler last night and *pout* I couldn't get into Blogger to post, and just now its been super slow loading up the template.
So without further ado....
As I've mentioned in a previous post I want this piece done before the end of the month so I've started taking it to work and stitching during my lunch hour. Today it received many ooohs and ahhhs from the ladies. I imagine the flowers will be completely done this week and I can start the bottom section.
Over the weekend I was a good girl and ordered my supplies for the next Ornament Round Robin I'm taking part in. Janice of Traditional Stitches is shipping most of my supplies right away but there's one item that's needed she's got to order but says I should have it in time for May 1st our first mailing date for the RR. I'm also anxious to get my kit for Mini Mystery I by Chatelaine which is on backorder... normally I'd be done stitching a section of these mysteries by now but alas... no kit, no stitching.
Sunday afternoon I finished my two framing jobs that I mentioned and here they are :
Immedately upon delivery on Monday my customer gave me two more which are to be done with the same molding by next week... sure no problem. I was also given several School Letters last week and this morning I was asked if I could frame a portrait. Go figure no one wants anything framed since Christmas and now it pours! Oh well I'm not complaining.
Last night I put together the frame for another piece that I was asked to do back in March. After work I picked up the glass so tonight when I get home from Taekwon-Do I'll just pop everything together and I can deliver the piece in the morning.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
March Review and April Stitching Goals
I think its been awhile since I've reported my goals on my blog, yes me bad. However I do so religiously over at the Needle and Thread the bulletin Board which I run.
Okay so here we go ...
March Review :
Finish Mini Mystery H - Yes!
Make Progress on TW's Wedding Sampler - I think I did great!
Stitch 1 Ornament - Yuppers!
Start a New Project for March Break - No I got sucked into Wedding Sampler
Dragon Dreams SAL - Started and finished a freebie
April Goals :
Stitch part 1a of Mini Mystery I - if my kit ever gets here (on backorder)
Finish TW's Wedding Sampler
Stitch one ornament
Start a Dragon Dreams Freebie on SAL day
Well, I had a fantastic day yesterday! The weather for driving was horrible, it was windy and raining ALL DAY... I mean it didn't stop, it was still pouring when I rolled in at home at 1:30am! I found the Kingston Guild's merchant mart not as big as last year, there seemed to be less vendors and what vendors were there didn't have really anything I wanted to buy. I got away pretty easily, I bought one chart from Knowledge and Needles, Lavender Lilacs from The Silver Lining. I also bought a pair of funky earrings from Dragon's Lair Beads, I look forward to wearing them to work tomorrow. The afternoon was spent visiting and stitching with Beth and Christin. Late in the afternoon I picked up Vicki from the merchant's mart and we had a great time of show and tell with our finished pieces at Beth's house and we had a fantastic dinner and sat around the dining room table and talked for HOURS! What a great day we had yesterday!
Today I'm getting some framing jobs finished up, and then I'm going to blast away at TW's Wedding Sampler... like I said I want it DONE!!!!!
I think its been awhile since I've reported my goals on my blog, yes me bad. However I do so religiously over at the Needle and Thread the bulletin Board which I run.
Okay so here we go ...
March Review :
Finish Mini Mystery H - Yes!
Make Progress on TW's Wedding Sampler - I think I did great!
Stitch 1 Ornament - Yuppers!
Start a New Project for March Break - No I got sucked into Wedding Sampler
Dragon Dreams SAL - Started and finished a freebie
April Goals :
Stitch part 1a of Mini Mystery I - if my kit ever gets here (on backorder)
Finish TW's Wedding Sampler
Stitch one ornament
Start a Dragon Dreams Freebie on SAL day
Well, I had a fantastic day yesterday! The weather for driving was horrible, it was windy and raining ALL DAY... I mean it didn't stop, it was still pouring when I rolled in at home at 1:30am! I found the Kingston Guild's merchant mart not as big as last year, there seemed to be less vendors and what vendors were there didn't have really anything I wanted to buy. I got away pretty easily, I bought one chart from Knowledge and Needles, Lavender Lilacs from The Silver Lining. I also bought a pair of funky earrings from Dragon's Lair Beads, I look forward to wearing them to work tomorrow. The afternoon was spent visiting and stitching with Beth and Christin. Late in the afternoon I picked up Vicki from the merchant's mart and we had a great time of show and tell with our finished pieces at Beth's house and we had a fantastic dinner and sat around the dining room table and talked for HOURS! What a great day we had yesterday!
Today I'm getting some framing jobs finished up, and then I'm going to blast away at TW's Wedding Sampler... like I said I want it DONE!!!!!
Stitching Blogger's Question of the Week
Q : How has your stitching evolved since you first started stitching?
A : I think its evolved the way most stitchers do. I started with kits on aida, and over the years progressed to stitching on evenweaves and linens, from neutral colours to hand dyed fabrics. I've also become adventurous in what I stitch, I find I have a wide range of charts by different designers, they are not all one theme or level of difficulty. I have to say I have a lot more charts that would be considered quite difficult or large to stitch. I of course have learnt many specialty stitches, especially over the last two years, and I've come to work with many different types of fibers. Also I've moved from just stitching to being a model stitcher from time to time. I think that's the biggest compliment to how far you've come along in your stitching!
Q : How has your stitching evolved since you first started stitching?
A : I think its evolved the way most stitchers do. I started with kits on aida, and over the years progressed to stitching on evenweaves and linens, from neutral colours to hand dyed fabrics. I've also become adventurous in what I stitch, I find I have a wide range of charts by different designers, they are not all one theme or level of difficulty. I have to say I have a lot more charts that would be considered quite difficult or large to stitch. I of course have learnt many specialty stitches, especially over the last two years, and I've come to work with many different types of fibers. Also I've moved from just stitching to being a model stitcher from time to time. I think that's the biggest compliment to how far you've come along in your stitching!
Friday, April 01, 2005
Fob-O-Rama
Last night I sat down and put together six more scissor fobs. Its been a little while since I've made any. Five of the six were ordered by Knowledge and Needles to be sold (if you like something you see feel free to e-mail the owner to purchase one). One of them (with the cat charm) is for my good friend Beth who I am going to visit tomorrow.
These are the fobs that are for sale :
This is the one for Beth :
I'm looking forward to tomorrow! Christin and I will be driving down to Kingston to check out the local needlework guild's merchant mart. First we'll be meeting up with Beth then going to the mart where our friends Ann and Vicki have booths. We're hoping to "be polite" as Beth and I like to put it (spend a little money) also check out the other vendors there. After the mart closes Beth, Christin, Vicki and I will be getting together for what promises to be another excellent home cooked meal by Beth! I love my Kingston visits.
Now on the stitching front... Wedding Sampler has been coming along quickly now. The sprays of flowers are filling in quite nicely. I am predicting that I'll finish it by the end of April. Which would be perfect because in May I'll be starting a stitch along with Katrina the Kiwi we've agreed to work on Celtic Band Sampler by Homespun Elegance together! I can't wait! I know a number of stitchers who have had great fun with an overseas SAL partner. Katrina are you ready??? I've got my fabric chosen, Queen Ann's Lace Joblean from Wichelt. I've also been making some progress on my travel project, Mini Cottages II by Michael Powell. But soon I'll have to put that aside to stitch my ornament for the month.
Speaking of ornaments I should get off my butt and order the supplies for the ornament round robin I'm in that will be starting on May 1st. I want make sure there's time to get in all the bits and pieces. Janice at Traditional Stitches... you'll be hearing from me soon, so watch out!
Well its almost time to get to bed, since I've got a wee bit of a road trip tomorrow!
Last night I sat down and put together six more scissor fobs. Its been a little while since I've made any. Five of the six were ordered by Knowledge and Needles to be sold (if you like something you see feel free to e-mail the owner to purchase one). One of them (with the cat charm) is for my good friend Beth who I am going to visit tomorrow.
These are the fobs that are for sale :
This is the one for Beth :
I'm looking forward to tomorrow! Christin and I will be driving down to Kingston to check out the local needlework guild's merchant mart. First we'll be meeting up with Beth then going to the mart where our friends Ann and Vicki have booths. We're hoping to "be polite" as Beth and I like to put it (spend a little money) also check out the other vendors there. After the mart closes Beth, Christin, Vicki and I will be getting together for what promises to be another excellent home cooked meal by Beth! I love my Kingston visits.
Now on the stitching front... Wedding Sampler has been coming along quickly now. The sprays of flowers are filling in quite nicely. I am predicting that I'll finish it by the end of April. Which would be perfect because in May I'll be starting a stitch along with Katrina the Kiwi we've agreed to work on Celtic Band Sampler by Homespun Elegance together! I can't wait! I know a number of stitchers who have had great fun with an overseas SAL partner. Katrina are you ready??? I've got my fabric chosen, Queen Ann's Lace Joblean from Wichelt. I've also been making some progress on my travel project, Mini Cottages II by Michael Powell. But soon I'll have to put that aside to stitch my ornament for the month.
Speaking of ornaments I should get off my butt and order the supplies for the ornament round robin I'm in that will be starting on May 1st. I want make sure there's time to get in all the bits and pieces. Janice at Traditional Stitches... you'll be hearing from me soon, so watch out!
Well its almost time to get to bed, since I've got a wee bit of a road trip tomorrow!
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