WIP Wednesday

....in which we build a house.....

That is all that is left to stitch and Forest Snowfall will be finished.

International Hermit and Stitch Weekend

This past weekend was the third weekend of the month which is International Hermit and Stitch Weekend.  I really wanted to be a hermit and sit in my happy chair and stitch all weekend, but alas, it was not to be.  Lots going on in German School and other errands that needed to be run plus dinner out with John, didn't leave much time for stitching.

I did however, get the plaid mitten finished and started on Day 20 for the Crazy January Challenge.  Next month might be better.

Crazy January Challenge Day 20

On Day 20 I started Afternoon in New York by Country Cottage Needlework.  I got quite a bit of the Empire State building done. 

We Interupt Our Stitching.....

 Saturday at German School, we had some royal visitors.  The Mardi Gras Prince and Princess from the German Mardi Gras Society visited our students.  The came in these very regal costumes

 They spoke to the students about German Mardi Gras customs and explained their costumes and what they do during the Karnival or Fasching season. 

 One of their functions is to present medallions or "Orden" to those that are deserving of such an honor.  Both my sister and I were honored to receive these medallions.

 Here is a better shot of the royal couple.  I just didn't get all the feathers in the hat in the picture.  He has 7 very long pheasant feathers in his hat.

These are the medallions that we received.  This particular prince and princess reigned last year and again this year, which is unusual.  Trudi and I received the special medallions for both years.  These medallions must be worn all year when you are in the presence of the prince.  If you fail to wear it, you then have to buy the prince a bottle of snaps.  I will keep mine in my purse so that it is always with me.  The medallions are very heavy and if you wear more than one, they clank!












These medallions are coveted by many.  I have quite a few that I have received over the years and I have them displayed on a wall in my house.  Each of them are unique and colorful and reflect the interests and personality of the prince and princess that gave it. 

Crazy January Challenge Day 19

I just couldn't stop at 18......there are so many more things to stitch! 

I worked on this plaid mitten....a new color combination and a new shape.  This will eventually be an ornament, finished inside a blue metal cookie cutter....stop back often and eventually you will see it finished here!

Crazy January Challenge Day 18

On Day 18, I started the 4th of the plaid spiders that will be for the grandchildren for Halloween.  It is an enjoyable mindless stitch. 

So that is 18 starts, 15 of which are complete already.  Somehow I want to continue and start some more.....but we will see. 

Crazy January Challenge Day 17

The last of the Gingerbread Houses!!  Now I get to add the charm to each one and them 'finish' them! 

They were all fun to stitch.

Crazy Challenge Day 16

Back to the Gingerbread Houses!  This one is called the Sweetheart Cottage, and is number 11.

Crazy January Challenge Day 15

After all those stitches, I was happy to start something different.  I chose Forest Snowfall by Country Cottage Needleworks.  I got a chunk done, but .... I am not happy with the color of the lettering.  The chart calls for Classic Colorworks Deep Fennel.  It is too 'tealy' for my taste and I think it should be more of a blue.....I have a few colors in mind, so a trip to the LNS to search them out is in order.

Crazy January Challenge Day 14

Last one!  This one is called Byzantine Pieces.  I probably should have used three different fibres instead of two, but it is done.  I have now completed all 12 stitches for my incentive charm.

Crazy January Challenge Day 13

This one is called Paved Bricks.  I rather liked stitching it. 

Crazy January Day 12

This stitch is called Leopard Spots.  I don't see it.  and it was by far the worst stitch in the book.  I can't figure out the repeat.  I should have stitched a bigger example, but I just didn't get it.

Crazy January Challenge Day 11

This Stitch is called Large Willow.  Don't know why. 

Crazy January Challenge Day 10

This stitch is called Diagonal Waves, and it does look like that.  I should have stitched a larger example, buy I really couldn't figure out the repeat.....not a fun stitch.

Crazy January Challenge Day 9

The next stitch I did was called Sequins and Waste.  It was enjoyable to stitch.

Crazy January Challenge Day 8

The next stitch I did was Cloud Swirl.  Not really sure of the application of this stitch, but it is done.

Crazy January Challege Day 7

Back to the stitches......Day 7 I stitched a pattern called Framed Bricks.  I like it, and can see lots of applications for handpainted canvases, but since I don't do those, I will just admire this little stitch.

Crazy January Challenge Day 6

Last March, Handblessings Designs released a series of Gingerbread Houses, three every three months.  I stitched the first nine, but the last three weren't released until just now, so of course I had to stitch this little guy right away!

Crazy January Challenge Day 5

The next stitch is Greek Key #2  This one was a bit more enjoyable that the last one. 

Crazy Jnauary Challenge Day 4

Our ANG guild issued a challenge, to stitch twelve different stitches from a booklet that we received.  I did one right away last spring shown here and the second was the peppermint pine, shown here.

The rest of the stitches are being put into a binder.  This is the first of the remaining 10, it is called Greek Key #1.  Not really that much fun to stitch, but it is done.

Crazy January Challenge Day 3

On Day 3 I started Grand Hotel.  This little kit was purchased by a friend when she was visiting Mackinac Island last summer, and she asked me to stitch it for her.  I switched out the fabric in the kit (Hate working on aida!)

Crazy January Challenge Day 2

On Day 2 I started this cute little bag by Shepherd's Bush.  I didn't quite get it finished on Day 2 but finished it on Day 3.

Crazy January Challenge, Day 1

A number of years ago, there was a group that issued a "Crazy January Challenge" where you started a new piece every day for the first 15 days of January, and then committed to finishing them during the calendar year. I don't know if anyone still does this, but I do!  I mostly plan small pieces and ornaments so that I can be sure and get them done quickly (a huge number of works in progress make me nervous).

On the first day of the challenge, I started and finished this cute little piece by Handblessings Designs, called Peppermint Pine.  It was a gift to us at our ANG holiday party.  It was a quick and enjoyable stitch.  I am not sure how it will be finished yet, I will keep you posted.