From the Framer

Welcome Stitchery has an annual framing sale every May.  You can bring in up to 3 pieces and get a discount, so every year, I save up my framing and take them in for the sale.  Here are the three pieces I had framed this year:


First up is Rose Quaker by Stickideen von der Wiehenburg.  I stitched this one on 25 count Ivory Lugana with one strand of DMC floss over one fabric thread.  I changed one of the DMC colors but I don't remember which one.










The next one is Song of the Seasons, last year's Little House Needleworks Mystery Sampler.  I stitched it with the recommend floss and fabric.

And lastly, Needleworker by Little House Needleworks, stitched on 25 count fabric, don't remember which color, with the recommended floss, one strand of floss over one fabric thread. 

Birthday Mail Art

I was assigned Antje to a Mail Art for her Birthday, July 31st.  Luckily, Antje is in Fort Hood, Texas, so I could make sure it got there in time.  The chart is by Sue Hillis, on her Dessert of the Month, part 1 leaflet.
 









I am happy to report that it arrived the day before her birthday, and she liked it!












I even found fabric the said 'Happy Birthday' for the lining, and stamps that sort of matched that fabric that said 'celebrate'.

IHSW Report

I was busy stitching this weekend while visiting my daughter and son-in-law.  I did manage to finish a quilt square, but it needs to be washed and ironed before I can show you, so sorry, no picture until I get home!

Disney Themed Mail Art

Why all the mail art?  I am part of a Facebook Mail Art group.  Members are all German, living in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the US.  It is a great way for me to practice my German with people other than 1st graders!  There are monthly themes, and members can choose to participate or sit out for each round.  A recent round was entitled "Disney" and here is what I stitched for my partner.






Unfortunately it still hasn't been received.  I don't understand the mail system, both here in the US and in Europe.  Some mail art pieces arrive in Europe in 5 days, others take up to 6 weeks!  And....my own mail carrier refuses to deliver registered mail to my mail box, I have to go the post office to pick it up, which isn't really convenient for a working girl.

I received this from the same person I was to send too, which doesn't usually happen, but it's okay.









  Petra did a great job and I loved the chocolates that she enclosed.

Christmas in July Exchange with my Stitching Divas

The International Stitching Divas decided to do an exchange, sort of like a Christmas in July exchange.  It was meant to be received by July 25th, but we were all a bit late.  The exchange consisted of the following:  a tea towel, a stitched small, a post card and a lolly (which I interpreted as some kind of candy).   Was to send to Coral in Australia, but she hasn't received it yet. 

Overachiever that I am, I stitched the tea towel instead of just purchasing one and I also stitched a scissor fob, both of which are in the picture.  I included a post card of Chicago and some Gummi Bears because I was afraid that chocolate would melt.

I received my package from Suzanne, who lives in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada.  She sent a lovely tea towel with a machine embroidered Canadian post card on it, a wonderful stitched bread cloth perfect for Christmas, two postcards and some candy.  The candy didn't make it into the picture.....there was chocolate involved, boy was it yummy!  Thanks Suzanne!  I loved everything!

IHSW

I haven't participated in awhile, but this time I will try.  It is International Hermit and Stitch Weekend.  I won't be a hermit, but I do plan to spend some time stitching!

Historical Needlework Class

 

 

This past June I was asked to teach a class on Historical Needlework of Southeastern European Germans at our German club.  I took my inspiration for the traditional motifs used by German nationals living in Hungary, Romania and the former Yugoslavia.   I  had found many examples in our own museum, and showed practical uses of the stitched items as well as how patterns were transferred in the olden days. 








The students were 50 teens, put into two groups, so I taught the class twice.  Since many of them had never even held a needle, I had to start with the basics.   I took a historical motif and had them stitch it on a bookmark. 








Many of them were seen stitching on the bookmarks later in the evening, long after the class was over.  I guess that means they liked it!  It was a pleasure for me too!

More Round Robins

Here are some of the 12-person round robin finishes I have had in the last few months.







First is Fiona's











then Sue's




















and then Julie's. 

Some Round Robins

Here are some of the 6-person round robin finishes that I have done lately.  Just about one more to stitch on and mine will be coming home.

First up is Julie's
















Second is Leta's 

Galena Retreat

The first weekend of June was our annual Needlepoint Guild retreat in Galena Illinois.   I love going to Galena, and staying in the historic and charming De Soto House Hotel.

Marguerite and I drove out on Thursday morning and came home late on Saturday evening, although some people stayed until sometime on Monday. 




While there, I taught a Stitcher's Strawberry class. 

It was a class I had taught before, but this time I had an alternate hardanger cap for the strawberry.  The class was well received and fun to teach.










Everyone that attended the retreat received this wonderful goodie box. 


 

Working Ahead.....

I stitched this up earlier this spring.  They are Christmas ornaments for my grandchildren.  

Easter Mail Art

  

    Quite some time ago, I showed you the Easter Mail Art that I received.  At that time, the one I stitched had not yet been received.  It arrived a few days later, but I am finally getting around to posting pictures.   Of course, I did put stamps on it, but I took the picture before the stamps. 

The fabric that I used for the background is the same fabric that I used to line the mail art envelope.  My partner reported that it arrived in perfect condition.

Thank You For Your Concern

Hello to all of my blogging buddies!  Thanks you so much for your e-mails and concern.  I have not dropped off the face of the earth, just took some time off from blogging as my life was too crazy, busy, stressful.....

Things are starting to settle down a bit, and I promise to catch up and show you what I have been stitching.....

July Progress, August Goals

I did manage a little bit more time in the happy chair stitching in July, about 58 hours with is a little bit better than last month but not yet the normal 90-100 hours that is my monthly average.  Watching the World Cup games (Yay!  Germany won!) and stitching at the same time is not possible, the soccer games were nail biters, so the stitching suffered.

August promises to be a bit slower and relaxed, but wait, I need to get ready for the start of German School.....didn't we just let out for the summer?  Oh well, someday I will stitch more, and stitch for myself rather than obligation stuff.....

July Progress

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

6 person RR – Leta’s finished
 
Future New starts
afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Patriotic Banner
Disney Mail Art - finished
Carneval
Dish towel – finished
Julie’s 12 person RR  finished
Birthday Mail Art finished
Summer Mail Art
At the Beach Mail Art
Wedding sampler worked on it
 
August Goals

WISPS:

10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

Wedding sampler

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Patriotic Banner
Carneval
Summer Mail Art
At the Beach Mail Art

June Progress, July Goals

June was a bit better stitching wise, I ended up with about 43 hours of stitching for the month, still not good but better than the 14 hours I logged in for May.   Work is crazy wicked busy, and it is kicking my butt, so by the time I do finally get home, I can't focus on anything.  Hopefully next month will be better. 

Personally, it was also a very difficult time for me, lots of family things going on that kept me away from my happy chair.  Things were starting to settle down and then the World Cup started.....must watch world class soccer when it is on......

June Progress

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

12 person RR – Fiona’s  finished

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Patriotic Banner
6 person RR – Julie’s finished
12 person RR – Sue’s finished
Bookmark model finished
Disney Mail Art
Carneval
6 person RR – Leta’s worked on it

July Goals

WISPS:

10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 
 
In Progress
6 person RR – Leta’s

Future New starts
afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Patriotic Banner
Disney Mail Art 
Carneval
Dish towel 
Julie’s 12 person RR 

Birthday Mail Art

Summer Mail Art
At the Beach Mail Art
Wedding sampler 

May Progress, June Goals

Sadly, there was very little stitching going on in the month of May.  I had to work on the German School Mother's Day Program as well as the German School Graduation program and last day of school picnic.  July doesn't look any less busy at the moment. 

May Progress

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Patriotic Banner
Stitcher’s Strawberry  finished
6 person RR – Julie’s
12 person RR – Fiona’s  worked on it
12 person RR – Sue’s
Disney Mail Art

June Goals

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Patriotic Banner
6 person RR – Julie’s
12 person RR – Fiona’s 
12 person RR – Sue’s
Bookmark model
Disney Mail Art
Carneval
6 person RR – Leta’s 

Another Round Robin Finished

I recently finished this piece for Leta, who is part of a 6 person round robin I am participating in.  I was in such a hurry to get it passed on to the next stitcher, I forgot to write down the particulars of this design.

April Progress and May Goals

I did get quite a bit of stitching done during April, even with the distractions of Easter and work.  The first 10 days was spent on finishing up the Hardanger Runner, and I have all 4 grandchildren's Christmas ornaments finished! 

April

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler

In Progress

Oveture II 
 
Future New starts
afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
Hardanger Runner finished
Easter Mail Art finished
4 person RR Marguerite’s
6 person RR Leta’s finished
Sled Ornament #1 finished
Sled Ornament #2 finished
Sled Ornament #3 finished
Sled Ornament #4 finished

May

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler

In Progress

Oveture II 

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Summer Mail Art
Disney Mail Art
Patriotic Banner
Stitcher's Strawberry

Easter Mail Art

 My Easter Mail Art arrived!  All the way from Germany!  It is lovely! 

Thank you to Ivonne for stitching it! 

The one that I stitch hasn't been received yet.  I will show you pictures once it arrives at its destination.

A Hardanger Finish

I worked on this Hardanger Runner for exactly a month.  I started it on March 10th and finished in the wee hours of morning on April 9th.   85 hours of stitching.  There was frogging involved! 

I am quite happy with the way it turned out.  The pattern is from Easing into Hardanger by Mary Hickmott.  It is stitched on ecru hardanger fabric (22 count) with DMC 713 perle cotton in #5 and #8. 

This is the second time I have done this runner.  The first time was a few years ago, stitched it white on white, and donated it to a raffle at the German club.  This time I donated it to the Education Foundation silent auction.  It was purchased by someone who values hardanger as a gift for her Norwegan mother.

Here is a closeup of the Scandinavian Four Sided Edging.  This edging is one of the reasons I love stitching this runner.  It stitches up much faster than a button hole edging and looks more delicate, too. 

My Round Robin Can Home!

The Stitching Divas Round Robin is now complete!  My piece came home a few days ago!   It is a Year of Flowers by Drawn Thread.  I just love it! 

It will be finished as a folio someday......

Meanwhile, thank you Divas for stitching on it!

TUSAL

Just a few days late, here is my second Totaly Useless Stitch-a-Long report for March.  Second?  Yes, there were two new moons in March, thus two TUSAL reports. 

As you can see most of the threads are all the same color.  This is because I worked on a hardanger project most of the month.  It will be finished soon, and then I will post a picture.

March Progress and April Goals

March was a busy month.  It doesn't look like I got a lot done, but I did, really I did.  I did the majority of the work on a Hardanger  Table Runner.  It is almost finished.  I put in 58 1/2  hours on it so far.  It needs to be finished before April 10th, as I am donating it to the local education foundation for their silent auction.

March

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler

In Progress

Oveture II 
Frog ornament  finished
Chicken scratch heart  finished

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
Diva’s RR – Nancy’s  finished
Hardanger Runner worked on it
Easter Mail Art
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Woodland snowfall 2  finished
Woodland snowfall 3  finished

April
WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler

In Progress

Oveture II 

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
Hardanger Runner
Easter Mail Art
4 person RR Marguerite’s

A Cross Stitched Cake!

My wonderful children had a surprise party for my birthday, and my talented youngest daughter Kristin made the cake! 

...and then there were four.....

I just couldn't help myself.....I had to fill up the piece of fabric....that's my excuse and I am sticking to it!

Another Round Robin Piece Finished

This is Nancy's piece for our 5 person Round Robin.  She chose Shades of Brown by ????? 

Nancy Stitched the border and the rest of us each stitched two leaves and whatever when along with the leaves.










Since I was the last person to stitch on it, the piece is now complete and has been send home to
Nancy where it will be make into a pillow.

Woodland Snowfall times 2

The first one stitched up so quickly, and I had room on the piece of fabric, so I stitched a second one.

Another Piece of Birthday Stitching

Marguerite stitched this lovely piece for my birthday!  Since we will both be 60 this year, she was kind enough not to put our age on it!

Thank you Marguerite!

A Special Birthday Envelope!

I received a birthday mail art from Antje in Fort Hood, Texas a few days ago! 















The back of the envelope has a QR code, and when I scanned it with my phone, I got the message "Happy Birthday"!  How creative!

Inside the envelope was a birthday card, a bookmark to stitch, some floss and some DMC charts!

Thank you Antje!

It's Good to be Green

 I stitched this cute little guy over the weekend.  It's a free chart by Just Another Button Company or Sam Sarah Design, can't remember which.  It will be an ornament someday.

Woodland Snowfall

 Here is an ornament from a past issue of Just Cross Stitch's Ornament Issue.  It is Woodland Snowfall by Little House Needleworks.  Ornamentification will be at a later date.

Chicken Scratch

This past EGA guild meeting gave us a project for Valentine's Day.  It was originally scheduled for the end of February, but that meeting was cancelled due to weather, so now we are ahead of the game for next Valentine's Day.  These little hearts will be made into cards once I get the card stock.

TUSAL Report

Here is the ort jar as of March 1st.  lots of stitching this past month, not as much as I would have liked but by looking at the orts, not too shabby!

February Progress and March Goals

February wasn't a bad month stitching wise, but I have had better.  Life continues to be busy and gets in the way of my stitching. Hopefully March will be better....

February

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler

In Progress

Oveture II 
Ding Dong Merrily on High  finished

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
4 person RR – Chris’  finished
6 person RR – mine finished
6 person RR – Sue’s  finished
Diva’s RR – Teresa’s finished
Gingerbread Cookie  finished
LHN 7 Pines  finished
LHN 7 Pines 2  finished
LHN 7 Pines 3 finished
Mardi Gras Mail Art finished
Woodland Snowfall finished
Frog ornament  worked on it
Diva’s RR – Nancy’s
Hardanger Runner
Easter Mail Art
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Chicken scratch heart  worked on it
 
March
WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
work on Logan’s stocking 
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler

In Progress

Oveture II 
Frog ornament 
Chicken scratch heart 

Future New starts

afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Owen’s birth sampler
Peter’s Birth Sampler
Natalie’s Stocking
Owen’s stocking
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Halloween House #15
Diva’s RR – Nancy’s
Hardanger Runner
Easter Mail Art
4 person RR Marguerite’s