Wednesday WIP 3-9-2016

I spent some quality time with enjoyable work in progress this week.   This a French alphabet sampler, done on 25 count lugana, with one strand of Gloriana silk over one fabric thread....so enjoyable to stitch.....can't wait until next month when it comes up in my rotation again....

February Flower Finish

I finished the February Flower from Ellen Maurer-Stroh's Flower of the Month series that was a freebie in 2010...just a little bit behind in my stitching....

It was really lovely to stitch, all the subtle shading made for lots of color changes, but so worth it....can't wait to start the next month's flower.....

I FOUND IT!!!!!!

Yes, I am shouting!  I have been looking for my clip on magnifier for over a month.  I really needed it when I was doing some over one model stitching recently, and when I was working on some of my own 'over one' pieces.  I tore my stitching room apart and still couldn't find it.  I knew that if I purchased another one, I would then find mine, or I would find it when I no longer needed it, so I didn't rush out and get another one.  Today, I grabbed a project bag from the shelf and headed off to babysit for my little Peter.  One he was settled watching Paw Patrol, I took out my stitching, and guess what I found in the bag, besides my stitching......yep, you guessed it, my magnifier!!!!  Why was it there?  I have no idea.  but now that I don't need it for awhile, I have found it!

Another Model Stitching Finish

I got a call from Sue Hillis last week.  She needed a model restitched asap and shipped to her in Nashville so that she could frame it and display it along with the other 3 pieces that went along with it. 

The original model stitcher had mixed up two colors, and the piece didn't look right.  I headed to Welcome Stitchery to pick up some fabric and then went home to starte stitching. 

Now, stitching buddies, the entire point of model stitching is to catch any errors that the designer might have missed in the chart.  There were a number of errors and unclear instructions that I found, that the original model stitcher never mentioned to Sue.  She had already printed the charts thinking everything was correct.  Once I let her know, she immediately made the corrections and then had to reprint the charts before leaving for market.  She received the stitched piece today, and all is now well!

WIP Wednesday 3-2-2016

 

 

Here's what I have been working on yesterday and today,  Home of the Needleworker by Little House Needleworks, stitch with one strand of floss over one fabric thread on 25 count.  I am quite pleased with the progress.

February Progress, March Goals

Although I always wish I had a bit more stitching time, I was happy with my progress.  15 finished pieces, 2 of which were from the Crazy January starts  ( there are now 12 of those pieces out of 28 that are WIPs).  7 more from the crazy January starts saw some stitching time, and 5 that didn't get any stitching time.  I would have been able to work on more of the WIPs, but a designer friend had some emergency model stitching that needed to be done right away.  I hope to get to all the Crazy January pieces in March. 

February

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

Crazy January starts

Justin’s Birth Sampler worked on it
Silent Night (CCN) worked on it
The Breath of Autumn worked on it
Photo Booth Easter Surprise finished
French Alphabet block sampler
Landon’s Stocking worked on it
Embroidery Guild 
Rico Runner worked on it
Secret Garden worked on it
Around the World in 80 Days worked on it
February Flower 
Snowflake Serenade 
Home of a Needleworker  
Pines in the Snow Ornament  finished

Future New starts

afghan pillow moose finished
Birds, Flowers & Patches Quilt Square 3 finished
Birds, Flowers & Patches Quilt Square 4 finished
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
4 person RR Marguerite’s worked on it
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
20 cardinal ornaments
         4 small finished

          4 medium finished

 Sue’s spool models finished
Life’s a Stitch model  finished

March

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

4 person RR Marguerite’s

Crazy January starts

Justin’s Birth Sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
The Breath of Autumn
French Alphabet block sampler
Landon’s Stocking
Embroidery Guild 
Rico Runner
Secret Garden
Around the World in 80 Days
February Flower 
Snowflake Serenade 
Home of a Needleworker  

Future New starts

Birds, Flowers & Patches Quilt Square 5
Birds, Flowers & Patches Quilt Square 6
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
12 cardinal ornaments
Nancy Cucci flag frame weight

WIP Wednesday 2-24-2016

Only one of the WIPs that I stitched on this week, but it happens to be the one I stitched on Wednesday, so here it is.  Unfortunately there isn't as much progress as I would have liked as there were some errors on the chart and I ended up unstitching quite a bit.

WIP Wednesday 2-17-2016

This week I am working on some models for Sue Hillis.  Look for a chart with spools when the new releases from the Nashville Market become available.  That's all I know.....

Some More Squares Finished

 These two squares are not part of the Crazy January Challenge, they are new for February.  I plan on doing one or two squares on the Birds & Flowers Patches Quilt by Handblessings Designs every month, so these two are February's squares.  If I keep to this schedule, this entire piece will be done in July

Pines in the Snow finish

The stitching on another Crazy January project is complete!   Slowly, they will all be finished eventually.  I will ornamentify this one at a later date.

Getting Ready for Easter

  I finished the stitching on Easter Surprise, another one in the Bent Creek Photobooth series.  I think I have about 5 of them done now, with a few more to go.  I really need to decide how to 'finish' them! 

Another Animal Finished

I finished the stitching on Northwoods Moose!  This one is also off to the finisher to be made into a pillow, this one however is for my moose-loving daughter-in-law.

Bear Finish

I finished the stitching on Northwoods Bear.  It is now off to the finisher to be made into a pillow for my favorite son-in-law. 

WIP Wednesday 2-10-2016

Here is what I am working on today, the superheroes alphabet for my little Justin.   the fabric is a soft green, didn't photograph too well.

Spring Table Topper Finish

Good morning blogging buddies!  Today I share with you another finish (if blogger cooperates, this is the 4th time I am trying to post this!).

This is the Spring Table Topper that I finished recently.  It came from the stash of a stitcher who passed away.  Now that it is finished, I will have to decide which charity to donate it to.

I really enjoy stitching these toppers, because once the stitching is finished, it is truly finished!  No framing or other finishing needed!  And the 11 count is certainly easy on tired eyes.

Another Dream Big Finish

I finished Dream Big by Country Cottage Needleworks a second time.  This on is done on 25 ct Lugana over 1 fabric thread, and someday it will be finished as an ornament and will live at my house...

Liberty Belles Finished

And another Crazy January start is completed!  This one will be finished as a small pillow someday

Another Crazy January Finish

Happy Hearts is a free chart from Little House Needleworks, don't know where or when I got it.  I will eventually finish this as a valentine's ornament.

The House that Love Built

My second Crazy January finish, is for the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis.  This is the House that Love Built by Ursula Michaels.  I will be sending this off to my wonderful son-in-law who will frame it for me.  The plan is that we will all go to the Ronald McDonald House on Easter Sunday and cook dinner for the residents.  It will be Justin's 1st birthday that day, and Justin and I (or his mommy if I can't be there) will present it to the staff at the house.

First Crazy January Finish

Started January 1st, finished January 8th, this is Dream Big by Country Cottage Needleworks, stitched on 32 count ivory lugana, with the recommended fibres.  It was originally intended to be an ornament, but I think it is a little big, so it will eventually become a flat fold.

WIP Wednesday - 2-3-2016

yes, this is a new start.....this is a moose square from the Northwoods afghan chart.  This will eventually be a pillow for my daughter-in-law who loves moose.

First Finish of 2016

With all the Crazy January starts, it is now time to show you some finishes.  This is Saltbox Village, by Little House Needleworks, the last of the 12 ornaments from 2012 ornaments that I wanted to finish in 2015, but this one didn't get done until the first day of 2016.  It will be ornamentifed at a later day.

January Progress, February Goals

Well, Crazy January is over!  I had 28 new starts, and finished 15 of those new starts plus the one that I finished from last year.....not bad if I do say so myself.  Now I have to figure out what kind of rotation to do to get the rest of the new starts finished! 

 

WISPS:

10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

Saltbox Village  finished

Crazy 15 starts

Dream Big   finished
Dream Big take two finished
Justin’s Birth Sampler started
Ronald McDonald House piece finished
Silent Night (CCN) started
Happy Hearts ornament finished
The Breath of Autumn started
Wreath Ornament   finished
Photo Booth Easter Surprise started
French Alphabet block sampler started
Rico Spring Topper  finished
Landon’s Stocking started
Hinzeit Mini Block Stitching finished
Embroidery Guild  started
Liberty Belles  finished
afghan pillow bear finished
Rico Runner started
Golden Threads  finished
Hinzeit Mini Block Camping  finished
Secret Garden  started
Around the World in 80 Days started
Birds, Flowers & Patches Quilt Square 1 finished
Birds, Flowers & Patches Quilt Square 2 finished
Red Tulip  finished
February Flower  started
Snowflake Serenade  started
Home of a Needleworker   started
Exotic Places Dutch and Bullet  finished
Pines in the Snow Ornament  started

Future New starts

afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
10 cardinal ornaments
 
February
WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

Crazy 15 starts

Justin’s Birth Sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
The Breath of Autumn
Photo Booth Easter Surprise
French Alphabet block sampler
Landon’s Stocking
Embroidery Guild 
Rico Runner
Secret Garden 
Around the World in 80 Days
February Flower 
Snowflake Serenade 
Home of a Needleworker  
Pines in the Snow Ornament 

Future New starts

afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Carnival
Walking on Water’s Edge
10 cardinal ornaments

Crazy January Challenge Day 28

On Day 28 I chose to start Pines in the Snow Ornament by Handblessings Designs.  It is done on canvas and is all one stitch, the Oriental Variation Stitch.  I forgot how much I dislike this stitch.  It is a pain...so it is going much more slowly than I would like.  But I am half finished with it....

Crazy Janaury Challenge Day 27

Day 27 start was the last of the Exotic Places stitches project the our ANG chapter is doing.  We were given a book of 19 different stitches, and are to complete at least 12 of them by the beginning of March.  This is my 12th!  I am finished with this project

Crazy January Challenge Day 26

On Day 26 I started Home of a Needleworker by Little House Needleworks.  This chart is from 2003, and I probably purchased it and kitted it up that same year, but it sat in the 'to do mountain' for all this time, just waiting.  I pulled it out in the morning, and discovered I had kitted it with 25 count lugana, to be stitched over 1!  So that's what I am doing!  I don't know why I had planned to stitch this over 1, but I must have had a reason.  

Crazy January Challenge Day 25

By this time, I bet you thought I would run out of things to start.....I keep finding more things that are kitted up and ready to go, so I might as well start on them, then they are sure to be finished this year!   Day 25's start is Snowflake Serenade of Country Cottage Needleworks.  I am stitching it on 28 count lambswool jobelin with the recommended fibres. 

Crazy January Challenge Day 24

On Day 24 I started the February Flower of the Month by Ellen Maurer-Stroh.  This is a monthly flower series that was released as a freebie series a few years ago and is still available on her website.   I had originally planned to stitch one block each month, but I may have to rethink that, as this first block is taking much longer than originally anticipated. 

Crazy January Challange Day 23

On Day 23 I started and finished this piece of canvas work, The Red Tulip by Handblessings Designs.  It is done with a Hungarian 5 point bargello stitch and was fun to stitch except for my very sore wrist and hand by the time it was done. 

Crazy January Challenge Day 22

On Day 22 I started Birds, Flowers and Patches Quilt.  This is the 2013 free promotional block of the month design by Handblessings Designs.  I had planned to do one block each month, but I got 2 blocks done.  It is stitched on 32 count Lambswool Jobelin, with Weeks Dye Works floss.

Crazy January Challenge Day 21

On Day 21 I started Around the World in 80 Days by Little House Needleworks.  It is an enjoyable piece to stitch.  Can't wait to get back to it.

Crazy January Challenge Day 20

On Day 20 I started Secret Garden by Hinzeit.  It is a cute enough chart, but the real reason I am stitching is that the frame it will go in is really too cute.  It has a gnome on it!  I made good progress today, so this one should be finished up soon after I am done with these crazy January starts....

Crazy January Challenge Day 19

On Day 19 I started and finished another Hinzeit Mini Block, this time it was Camping.  My sister-in-law started stitching this one many years ago, and found the evenweave fabric too difficult, and then restarted it on aida, but had trouble with her eyes so she gave it to me to finish.  I detest stitching on aida, and there was enough of the evenweave after cutting off the part that was stitched, so I chose to use that.  There weren't enough threads to do the project, and I didn't want to go out and buy more, so I found some in my stash that would work and started stitching.  Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the charms were lost, so I call my LNS and ordered another chart with the charms and will attach those once they get here.  I already have the frame for it, so we are good to go!

Crazy January Challenge Day 18

Day 18, I started and managed to finish Golden Threads, stitched on 32 count fabric with Caron Waterlilies, just love stitching with silks!  32 count fabric wonderful to stitch on, and might be my favorite fabric for stitching over 2, but it seems especially tiny after doing a few days on 11 count fabric!   This chart was found among cross stitch supplies that my oldest daughter brought me when she was moving to Italy many years ago.  She decided she didn't have time to stitch any more.  It was all kitted up and I put it on the shelf thinking I would get to it someday, stitch it and give it back to her to give to whoever she intended it for.  Now that I finally  stitched it, she doesn't remember who it was meant for, so she asked me to find a home for it.....so once it is  'finished' I will do so.

Crazy January Challange Day 17

...and the starts continue....this time it's a runner from another Rico booklet.  The prefinished runner was another piece given to me from the stash of the same stitcher where I got the table topper I was working on two days ago.   This one wasn't started at all, and had no chart or fibres with it, but I had a pattern and most of the fibres, so I started stitching.  This one will also be donated once it is finished, just don't know which charity will get it yet.

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 16

So the Crazy 15 Challenge has become the Crazy January Challenge, because I can't seem to stop at 15.....  Day 16's start is Northwoods Bear, from the Northwoods Afghan chart.  I did the afghan for my favorite son-in-law a few years ago, and this pillow on the same fabric is for him once it is stitched.  Seems a bit weird to be stitching on 11 count fabric over 2 the last two days, when I was stitching 25 ct. over 1 a few days ago.....but it certainly keeps life interesting

Crazy 15 Challenge - Day 15

On Day 15 I started stitching on the Rico Table Topper.....but I should mention that it was a UFO inherited when another stitcher passed away.   Although I didn't put the first stitch into this piece, I am still counting it as a start because I hadn't worked on it before.  There isn't actually a lot left to stitch.  Two "squares" were more than half done, and I finished both of them.  The third and final square was just started but I had to pull all the stitches out and redo it because the design wasn't centered properly. 

I should mention that I inherited the UFO but not the chart or the fibres.  Luckily, I had the chart in a Rico booklet, but it took awhile to track it down.  Then I had to figure out if the original stitcher had used Anchor threads (as listed on the charts) or had converted everything to DMC.  After lots of comparisons, I decided that Anchor floss was used.  Luckily I had all the colors!  Then I had to figure out if she used the recommended amount of strands (4 for cross stitches and 1 for back stitch) or if she changed that.   After more comparisons, I looked to me that she used 2 strands for cross stitches and 2 strands for back stitches.  So that is what I am doing.  It probably only needs one more day of stitching before its finished.  I will be donating the finished piece to charity, just haven't decided which one yet

Crazy 15 Challenge Day 14

Day 14's start is Liberty Bells by Little House.  I am using the recommended fibres and fabric (30 ct. Parchment Linen by Weeks Dye Works.  This piece is linen is much nicer the work with then the one I was using a few days ago.  I am fairly close to finishing it.

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 13

On Day 13 I started Embroidery Guild by Little House Needleworks.  Progress on this one is going to be slow, the fabric is giving me problems.  It is 30 count linen by R & R Reproductions, the recommended fabric, but it is extremely stiff and really hard to work with. 

Crazy 15 Challenge Day 12

On Day 12 I started and finished this Hinzeit Mini Block piece called Stitch.  I picked it up a number of years ago at our EGA chapter's annual garage sale, complete with floss and charms.  I added some fabric and it has been sitting patiently waiting to be stitch ever since. It is now finished!

Crazy 15 Challenge Day 11

Day 11's start is the Santa Train Stocking from the Summer 2014 Stoney Creek Magazine.  I am stitching this on 28 count white Jubilee with the recommended fibres.   I have been wanting to start this one for quite awhile, but misplaced the magazine.  I finally gave up and posted that I would like to purchase a used magazine on a cross stitch message board, and then immediately found my copy!  I only need to order two of the glissen gloss colors and the charms and beads, but I won't need those right away. 

Crazy 15 Challenge Day 10

On Day 10 I started this French Alphabet Sampler.  It was a free chart that I kitted up a few years ago, don't remember where I got.  I am stitching it on 25 Count antique white Lugana over one fabric thread with one strand of Gloria silk.  The entire sampler is done with one color, except for an accent done in metallic thread.  I haven't decided if I will use gold or silver... 

Crazy January Challenge Day 9

Day 9's start is from the Bent Creek Photo Booth series, Easter Surprise.  I have stitched some of this series already, and eventually want to stitch all of them.

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 8

On Day 8 I started and finished this cute little wreath ornament.  I received it a few years ago at our ANG chapter Christmas party, and finally got around to stitching it.  It is done on congress cloth with 1 strand of floss over one canvas thread.  It is embellished with gold petite beads, but they are hard to see in the picture.  It will be ornamentified at a later date.

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 7

On Day 7, I started The Breath of Autumn by Chessie and Me.  I am stitching this on 32 ct. Sand Lugana, with the suggested silk fibres.  I haven't stitched with silk in awhile, I had forgotten how lovely it is to stitch with silk....can't wait to get back to this one.

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 6

On Day 6 I started Silent Night by Country Cottage Needleworks and made some good progress.  I think I will re-chart the words to the German text.....

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 5

On the fifth day, I picked up Dream Big again, but this time, stitch on 25 count Lugana over 1 to make it smaller.  It will be an ornament when the stitching is finished.

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 4

On the 4th Day a stitched Stitching Happy Hearts, by Little House Needleworks.  It was a free chart that I found in my to do pile, all kitted up, so I decided to just get started and I managed to finish is before I went to bed!   It will be an ornament someday......

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 3

On the 3rd day of this challenge, I started The House That Love Built by Ursula Michaels.  This will be presented to the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis, where we stayed before and after Justin's birth.  It is stitching up very quickly, this is my progress at the end of the day.  I should mention it was a Sunday and I stitched all day.....

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 2

On Day 2, I started Justin's Birth Sampler, which is a Superheroes Alphabet.  You might recall that I have stitching this same piece for Peter on blue fabric.  Justin is my newest grandson, and his parents have requested the same sampler, but on green fabric.  I got the entire first letter stitched!  

Crazy 15 Challenge, Day 1

In Day 1 of this crazy challenge, I started Dream Big by Country Cottage Needleworks.  It will end up being a flat fold, I think, for an Easter exchange.  I am stitching it on some mystery 32 count fabric, with the suggested threads.  I was hard to put it down at the end of the day, I enjoyed stitching on it.         

December Progress, January Goals and the Year in Review

December produced some finishes!  You might remember my goal of completing the remaining 8 Little House Needleworks 2012 ornaments, well, I didn't quite reach that goal, but I am quite happy with my progress.  Despite lots of family visiting, and being in a crazy house...I managed to get all but one of the ornaments finished, and that last one is already my first finish of 2016!  Yay me!

I had a total of 43 finishes for 2015, and considering there were a number of large pieces, I am quite happy with that number.

I will need to unpack the new iron, and press them before I can show you some pictures.

For 2016, I will be doing my own version of Crazy 15 challenge.  This is where you start a new project each day for 15 days, and then complete them during the year.  Not sure what I will actually start, I will just choose whatever strikes my fancy each day.  Visit again to see what I am up to!

December 2015

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

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
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Carnival
Landon’s Stocking
Justin’s Birth Sampler
6 Cardinals  finished
Hot Cocoa  finished
Snow Cold  finished
Country Christmas  finished
Gingerbread Cookie  finished
Season of Love  finished
Saltbox Village  worked on it

January 2016

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 
 
In Progress
Saltbox Village  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
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Carnival
Landon’s Stocking
Justin’s Birth Sampler

 

November Progress, December Goals

November wasn't as productive as I had originally hoped.  With Mom's illness and Dad needed help to care for her, there just wasn't that much stitching time.  Although I could possibly stitch their house, the light isn't very good, so I will have to take a stitching lamp over there. 

I would really love to finish the 8 Little House Needleworks ornaments from 2012 by the end of the year, so that is what I will be concentrating on.

November 2015

WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

Autumn leaves 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
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Carnival
Landon’s Stocking
Justin’s Birth Sampler
Oriental Varitation  finished
Horizontal Oriental  finished
Ding Dong Merrily on High  worked on it
 
December 2015
WISPS:
10 hours on Rocky Mountain Christmas  
Antique Map and Needlebook
Heirloom Christmas Sampler
Oveture II 

In Progress

Ding Dong Merrily on High 

Future New starts
afghan pillow bear
afghan pillow moose
Crystal Violets
French Alphabet block sampler
Silent Night (CCN)
Around the World in 80 Days
Peter’s stocking
Mark & Karen’s wedding sampler
Tony & Melissa’s wedding sampler
4 person RR Marguerite’s
Carnival
Landon’s Stocking
Justin’s Birth Sampler
6 Cardinals 
Hot Cocoa 
Snow Cold 
Country Christmas 
Gingerbread Cookie 
Season of Love 
Saltbox Village