Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth!

May 2015: WIPocalypse Check-in

A few changes to my WIPocalypse list. I can't seem to get going on Josephine:Porcelain Doll Pincushion. I think it's because of the over one. I stitch mostly after work and it's sometimes a chore to stay focused, so working over one becomes very tedious. I would like to get at least one doll finished so, I have added A Christmas Doll Pincushion and Thimble Purse by Giulia Manfredini to my WIPocalypse list. The stitching is over 2 and all color changes are from the overdyed fibers. Gorgeous colors, very little mental challenge after a long day at work.

A Christmas Doll Pincushion

Fabric:35ct off white linen 

Waterlillies: Cherry, Fir

I have found 2 FB groups that focus on half dolls. One is  Pincushion Doll SAL: working on pincushion dolls, from various designers and the other a group of half doll enthusiasts, Hall Doll Connections: displaying their collections and offering advise on origins, starting, adding to a collection, etc. While both groups are listed as closed (to prevent spammers), a request to join is welcomed by the moderators Robin and Reen. If you are on FB check them out.

Part 2 of The Finely Finished Folio has been released; this portion has a pinkeep and needle minder. I received my kit last week and started the pinkeep. Here is my progress so far.

Finely Finished Folio Part 2

It's Fine-ally Finished/Needle in a Haystack

My latest almost finish is a God Bless America Tuck-A-Way pillow. I just need to stitch down the candle button, then pop it into the pillow in the back of the picture. I bought this at my guild's first Stash-2-Stash sale. I needed to support the guild, I needed some new red, white and blue. Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I have several other good excuses for the other stuff I bought, but we will talk about those later. ;-)

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

April Wrap Up Smalls and All

I am super excited about the Smalls SAL check-in for this month. I have some finishes to celebrate. I used two of the motifs from Stitch-Creation's pincube to stitch a floss tag holder and a pinkeep. I'm almost done with the assembly, just need to decide how to finish the edges.

Finish number two is "Growing Love" Stitcher's Wallet. This is now on the top of the To-Be-Finished pile.

My altered Altoid tin is finish number three. Yeah! The theme for the Halloween Ornie SAL was tombstone. While I found myself with several good candidates to stitch I had a hard time making up my mind. I was running out of time when I decided on the tombstone from one of the panels of Drac-in-the-Box, JCS Halloween 2013. I got out some graph paper and made up the two tombstones on either side, then used it as a Tin-Topper.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Roses and Pineapples

August was a slow stitching month for me. I did manage to stitch two squares for a biscornu. These are for one of three biscornus that are part of It's a Pineapple Pincushion with Thread Holder by It's Fineally Finished.

Stop and Smell the Roses is a pinkeep project from Jackie that was stitched some time ago but just finished this weekend.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Spring and Lavender

Spring is finally here and April is almost over. We have had lots of rain here. Hope everyone had a good Easter.

It's hard to believe that Easter has come and gone. At first it seemed to be so late that I could be so much  Spring/Easter stitching done. The only project I was able to complete was a few tatted crosses. I encluded the in a few Easter cards that I sent out. I wore the small green one to church on Palm Sunday.

 Tatted Cross from Free-tatting.com

sz20 Lizbeth White and sz80 DMC tatting cotton green

I had to tweak the pattern and instructions a bit to match the model but, this was a nice, quick pattern.

My other finish so far this month is another set of smalls, French Lavenders by Jackie du Plessis. This was a gift that I received for Christmas, and I am so excited to have it stitched and assembled.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Crafty March part 2

This is my progress for the past two weeks.  I managed to complete two ornaments, that were in my TBA basket, and my first project from my guild's year long  program. I decided to use the ecru for the twisted cord so that my pins would show up better. Using  nail polish to color my pin heads I was able to get a very close match to the blue. Though there was no stitching on this one I am pretty happy with the results.

Swan Sampler Guild 2002 ornament

Ornament JCS magazine

My sewing case is assembled and waiting for the addition of some ribbon, to make the closure. The scissor sheath is next and then I  plan to tackle the needle book. Working my way up to the bullion stitches on the pin cushion.

Seven Pines LHN

This past week I used the finishing ideas and tutorials by Vonna and completed my Seven Pines Ornament.

Getting it Finished

This year the focus of my EGA Guild programs will be on finishing techniques. Using a suggested list we have started collecting and organizing our finishing supplies. For some of us that means getting all our supplies in one place and for others starting to collect finishing supplies. Along the way we will be decorating our supply box/chest or other storage area and learning to use the various bits and bobs on our list. Many stitchers love the stitching but dread the finishing. Hopefully these programs will take some of the dread away and enable us to get more professional results on the items we choose to finish on our own.

The first project, a pinkeep, was started at the February meeting. While there is no stitching on this project it was a good intro to the finishing process. At our next meeting we will be making twisted cord for the pinkeep. I have pulled some perle cotton and floss that I think will go well with the design. Not sure yet which one I will use.

I finally got out my tools and strung my beads to made my scissor fob.

I did some stitching and some frogging and some restitching on Margery Dean and finally got the inside border to match. I haven't stitched on it since so, nothing worth showing there. On Wednesday, I will be sharing my Valentine's finish for the 2014 Smalls SAL, hopefully my belated February birthday present will be at it's final destination and I can share that as well.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Some Firsts for 2013

This year the Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts was sponsored by Dogwood Chapter EGA, On Saturday I traveled up to Pine Mountain to see the annual Needle Arts Exhibit. Although there weren't as many entries as in past years it was well worth the trip. The ladies that exhibited were very prolific and the projects inspirational. Thanks to all the exhibitors for sharing your work and congratulations Roberta and all the other ribbon winners. Job well done.  Of course while I was there I visited the bookstore and the boutique. Need I say more .................Got a few more books to add to my library and of course a canvas and some supplies from Leigh at the Needle Bug.

This being a long weekend, I actually got some stitching done. First off I finished a pinkeep from my friend Mary. There was no stitching involved on this project, the images were printed on fabric. I just had to lace them onto mat board and lace together, then add the ribbons and beaded pins.  It just feels good to have something in a completed form, so I am claiming this as my first finish of the year. One side has a picture of the Saratoga Race Course and the other Grand Union Hotel in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Race Course
Opened August 3, 1863






Grand Union Hotel
Boarding House/Hotel 1802-1953




Then I finished stitching Little House Needleworks 6th ornament from 2012.   








My progress on Christmas at Hollyberry Farm.








 Gwen

The Needles are Moving Again

September is here and there is a slight crispness in the air. I am grateful for the cooler temperatures we have had the last few weeks.
I have managed to mount my Berrie Pyn Boxe in the lid of the box. I still haven't gotten the wool for the pin cushion yet so that will come later.

A couple of weeks ago a few of us from my EGA Guild got together to bead a Christmas Ball. The project appeared in the December 2011  issue of Needle Arts Magazine.

Here is my finished Beaded Christmas Ball. It was a lot of fun and a quick finish.





I have started BBD Mother's Garden.

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

Woo Hoo! We got a little tiny bit of rain this week. Not enough to address a drought but enough to drop the temperatures at least 20 degrees. It has been wonderful not to hit triple digit temps the last few days.

Last month while hiding indoors I managed to stitch Berrie Pyneboxe and Little House Needleworks ornament #5 for 2012.

Berrie Pynnboxe
Historic Stitches

Ding Dong Merrily on High
Little House Needleworks




Happy Stitching and stay cool!
Gwen

For the Birds

The title of this post was the name of the latest exchange I took part in. The exchange was hosted by Hooked on Exchanging. Within the guidelines each stitcher's creation had to have a bird somewhere in the design.

My piece for Suzanne turned out to be something on her wish list. Pumpkin Blossom from Blackbird Designs. I used the recommended fabric and fibers and finished it as a pillow.














From Lillie  I  received this pinkeep/scissor holder stitched from Prairie Schooler  book #24. The whole this is finished with a lovely batik fabric on the front and back.

Until next time,

Gwen

Fall must be on the way .............

School buses are running, the kids are back in school. Fall must be on the way. I am trying out a new background to reflect the coming changes.

CarolS has received her birthday present so now I can show you what I sent for her. We have exchanged before so I knew that she likes autumn and cats. I made her a mattress pinkeep and I was able to find some things from her wish list.

Pinkeep for CarolS
Pattern: Quaker Trifles of Affection,
Fiber: CC Cappuccino

Last week I finished my Tavern Welcome, since I already had the frame, I thought I would frame it this weekend. Well today has not been as productive as I thought it would be. I just could not get into a groove. Anyway here it is with the frame that I will be using.

Pattern adaptation: Carriage House Samplings Tavern Signs
Fabric: 40ct Palomino
Fibers: suggested DMC

Until next time,

Gwen

Tiny Steps

I made some progress in my stitching last week. On Friday I was able to stitch with my Friday Stitch-In group. I had not been able to attend for several weeks. It was nice to see everyone there and to catch up on the happenings and latest projects. I worked on BBD Loose Feathers #35 and got the top border and the alphabet for the pin keep started.

On Friday evening it was time to work some more on my 'Tavern Welcome'.

On Saturday I decided to tackle some finishing. I started work on some ornaments that have been lavishing in the finishing pile. I wasn't able to complete them, but here is my start.

I hope to have a new finish soon and also some assembled ornaments this month.

Gwen

Polar Opposites

This past weekend was on the opposite spectrum from the one prior. The temperatures were in the 70's to low 80's. Could this be the same place that had snow on the ground the previous Sunday? Yes, this is just another reminder for how crazy the weather can be in GA.

I started my weekend looking forward to a finish on WMHB, but it was not to be. I was able to get a few stitches in, but I was way too tired for the amount of stitching I hoped to accomplish. On Saturday I made a 4 hour trip out of town (2 hours each way), then came back and tried to run some errands I had been putting off. Do you see a trend yet? On Sunday the dreaded loss of an hour to DST and I am totally out of whack.

One of the bright spots of the weekend was an exchange that I received. It is a wonderful purple pinkeep from Darla. We both took part in the Quarker Quarterly Exchange on Legacy BB.

Isn't it lovely! It is soo pretty IRL, it is stitched on 32ct white Lugana with WDW "Peoria Purple". I love it. Thank you Darla!

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

Quick update!

I spent most of the day finishing an ornament. I can not show a picture just yet as it is for an exchange, will post later. What I can share are pictures of 2 small projects from It's Fine-ally Finished that I stitched this week.

Blue Rose is a covered tape measure.

Smell the Roses is a pinkeep.

Hopefully I will be able to spend some more time this weekend on finishing. I have some ornaments that also need assembly.

Gwen

Where oh where did my week go to?

This time last week I was getting ready for my classes with Jackie du Plessis of It's Fine-ally Finished (check out Teaching Projects). On Thursday we worked on Lady Jane's Garden (LJG). LJG consists of scissor fob, needlecase, pinkeep, and spool holder in a lined Shaker carrier. On Friday was Thisltewood, a needlecase with mattress pinkeep, thimble bucket and storage areas for scrimshaw or your choice of needlework tools. On Saturday was the grand finale, Briar Rose Etui (BR). BR is a uniquely shaped etui with a thimble pincushion and storage areas. Can you every have enough smalls? Nah!

No, I didn't finish any of my pieces but, I am continuing to work on them. I will have pictures of my progress in the following weeks. Ok the following months, as I get the stitching and finishing done. I arrived at class without all of my homework ( pre-stitching) done so I am a little behind.

I received a wonderful Floss Tag from Pam on Thursday. This was Pam's first exchange and I am so happy that I was her partner. She stitched me a wonderful Autumn tag and included some awesome fibers. I will have to find a design soon to try them out on.

Stay tuned............

Gwen

Exchanges Sent and Received!

Since joining the Hooked on Exchanging (HoE) blog, I have taken part in two exchanges, the Biscornu exchange was completed first then the Pinkeep exchange. This is the pinkeep I stitched for my partner Lillie. She loves tea, so I stitched this design that is a freebie from The Sampler Girl.

My pinkeep was stitched by JoanS. She stitched a lovely pinkeep for me. I have looked at this design several times and had it on my todo list. I was so ecstatic to receive it. Joan also sent me several extra goodies. She totally out did herself. Thank you Joan for making this exchange a wonderful experience!

I have a needleroll that I stitched for a friend's birthday. Pictures in the next post.

I have started stitching Small Tokens of Affection. I hope to have enough done to post a picture soon. I have decided to stitch the pocket and the smalls. I don't know if I will stitch the sampler. That would be the equivalent of stitching the large design twice. My wanna do list is very long so I may pass on the sampler.

Gwen

Finishing date in sight

Since I am on the computer I guess I should stop in here for an update.

I think I have found the buttons I will use on "What a Hoot". So now I can continue with the finishing as soon as I get a chance. I got the frame and charm for my January ornament from Lois so that is also on the finishing table. Now to cut the mat board and lace the piece. I should be able to get one or both of these done by next weekend. I am scheduled to take a class this weekend in ATL with Jane Timmers of Fancy Works, but my car is in the shop. I hope that I will have it back by Thursday. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I've finished the stitching on a biscornu for an exchange on Hooked on Exchanging. There wouldn't be a picture for awhile. The mailing date is the 21st of March and it has a long way to travel. I will post a picture after my partner receives it.

Now I need to start my pinkeep for my next exchange and decide on an ornament for March,

Happy stitching everyone.