The End of Fall

It's not really the end of fall, however, I think I have hit Fall Stitching Fatigue. My current project is probably the last of this years' fall and Halloween themed stitching, but I never say never. I have one or two UFOs that could stand some stitching on, and I may drag them out and work on them a bit, but for now, I think I'm done and I'm ready to move on to Christmas themed stitching. I've gotten out six, yes SIX Christmas projects to work on, but to be fair, a few of them are WIPs and UFOs, so I will get them off the list this year. Woohoo!



At any rate, here is the latest WIP:




Design: Witchy Kitty as featured in the September/October 2011 issue of Just Cross Stitch

Designer: Brittercup Designs


Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism


Fibers Used: Crescent Colours in Black Coffee, Lemon Lime, Pansy Purple and Spinach. Weeks' Dye Works in Marigold and Pumpkin. The Gentle Art in Banker's Grey.

I've made a promise to myself that the WIPS and UFOs get stitched first, before I get to start the new ones. It *seems* like a reasonable compromise, however, I suffer from Chronic Startitis and knowing me, I will start something new just to start it. At any rate, the six project I have chosen for this years' Christmas stitching are the following:


1. Christmas Tea by Plum Street Samplers (WIP)


2. Noel Heart by Bleu de Chine (WIP)


3. Companion Quaker Christmas Tree I by Carriage House Samplings. This is actual a redo from last year. I decided I didn't like the fabric that it was on, and since I had put a scant 10 stitches in it, I just decided on a reboot for later. I am not sure if this is a WIP or if it's just a new start, so I'm labeling this one as both. :P


4. Christmas Sampler by The Prairie Schooler, Book No. 73. I want to stitch the whole sampler this time, not just the cabin. Although, to be honest, I am still waffling over that. Do I stitch the whole thing, or do I just stitch the cabin like I did last year so that I can hang it up from Christmas until a February? Things that make you go "hmmmmmm...'. Quoth the Hubmeister, however, "Go big or go home.".


5. Souvenir of Paris by Blackbird Designs from the Joyeux Noel book.


6. Gingerbread Quaker from SanMan Originals for the Merry Members group. I've yet to kit this one up, and it is the only one out of the 6 that isn't ready to go. I think I am going to stitch this in my beloved Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss that I am oh, so addicted to.


The really cool thing about all of these projects is that they are stitched all in silk threads! I love, love, LOVE stitching with silk and if I could afford it, that is all that I would stitch in, I think. I love the sheen and the feel of it. It is very luxurious and I so wish I could afford more.



Well, I've bored you all enough for one day. Thanks for stopping by and I hope everyone is having a great day! :)


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

Harvest Sampler

I have today through Sunday off and I managed to get all of my chores done before my mini break. I had myself a stitching and Murder, She Wrote marathon. I cooked beef stew for dinner tonight as it's a bit chilly (for here it is!). I had a really good day and I look forward to the rest of my time off. I've started an ornament from the last JCS Halloween Ornament issue. Not much done, but I will post pictures as soon as I have a bit more accomplished. :)


A note about the sampler. While it *is* completed, and it is as close to the original as possible, I had to use Mill Hill beads, as the called for Whimsey seed beads are no longer being made. I also tweaked the design a bit, and didn't stitch two of the apples in the center band, as this piece is intended for the lady who bailed me out in locating the DMC Flower Thread that I was having issues in locating as it is no longer made. She dipped into her own stash and sent me what I needed without thought for payment. I thought it would be nice to stitch one of these up for her. I plan on stitching this again, this time for me and The Hubmeister. I may get around to it, I may not. I am getting "Autumn Stitching Fatigue' and I have a few Christmas things I need to get around to stitching. Eh, I'll cross that stitch when and if I get to it. :P



At any rate, here is the finished piece:


Design: Harvest Sampler as featured in the Fall/Winter 1996 Holiday Crafts magazine by Better Homes and Gardens


Designer: Linda Reeves of La Broderie


Fabric: 28 count Cashel linen by Zweigart in Summer Khaki .


Fibers Used: DMC Flower Thread in 2400, 2433, 2434, 2613, 2782, 2898. Caron Collection Wildflowers thread in Fiesta and Marigold.

And as a reminder, here is the one I did back in 1996:

Not sure if I like the original or the one I did back in 1996 with all the changes better! :)


Well, I best be off. I am currently questing for any information on the Summer Ornament that Prairie Schooler did for Just Cross Stitch . I think it was in the May/June issue in 2007, but I'm not sure. If anyone has this magazine and can confirm that for me, that would be just peachy. And if anyone knows of anyone that's willing to part with the magazine or even just that chart, please let me know. Thanks so much! :)


Well, I best be off for now. My Tea Time magazine came in today, so I'm off to get a cuppa and read this gorgeous holiday issue and drool over all of the lovely china and linens they picture in it. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

Spooky Sunday SAL & Sneaking In Another Start

Stitched up the latest part of the Sunday Spooky SAL that is going on over at my beloved SanMan Originals message board. I always enjoy these mystery stitch alongs, as they always turn out so cute and I always have a lot of fun swapping out the threads and fabric. I will be very sad to see it come to an end.


At any rate, here's the SAL as it stands right now:




Design: Sunday Spooky SAL


Designer: SanMan Originals


Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism


Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in Black, White, 234, 536, 633, 3224, and 4122.

Aaaaannndddd, me being me, I got in another quick finish last night. I've wanted to do this one for a while now, but never got around to it. It was pretty quick, although I didn't have a Soie d' Alger conversion for the Avocado that the chart called for, so I substituted a pretty pale gold instead. I like the way it looks against the dark fabric.


At any rate, here it is:


Design: At Plimoth


Designer: The Sampler Girl


Fabric: R& R Reproductions 30 count overdyed linen in Witches' Teeth


Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in 1836, 2242, and 4145. Gumnut Yarns Stars silk floss in Ecru, from the Hazelnut line in 991.

Well, I best be off. I have a lot of stuff I need to do before I go into work. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

A Harvest Sampler & Apple Butter

Got a lot more done on my Harvest Sampler yesterday. Had to stop when it got dark out, as my head was beginning to hurt a bit. I picked up a really cute CEC freebie to stitch and I finished it during The West Wing last night.

Here are the updates:


The WIP:


Design: Harvest Sampler as featured in the Fall/Winter 1996 Holiday Crafts magazine by Better Homes and Gardens


Designer: Linda Reeves of La Broderie


Fabric: 28 count Cashel linen by Zweigart in Summer Khaki .


Fibers Used: DMC Flower Thread in 2400, 2433, 2434, 2613, 2782, 2898. Caron Collection Wildflowers thread in Fiesta and Marigold.

The Finish:

Design: Apple Butter freebie


Designer: Cross Eyed Cricket


Fabric: R& R Reproductions 30 count overdyed linen in Witches' Teeth


Fibers: DMC in White, 309, 353, 644, 745, 815, 840, 3346, 3348, 3855, 3865, and 3866.

Well, I best be off. I have pumpkin bread baking in the oven ATM, and it smells like it's almost done. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

Quaker Acorns And A Harvest Sampler Reboot

Managed to finish up the Quaker Acorn yesterday in the early afternoon, and decided to do a reboot of a chart I stitched back in 1996. It took some time in gathering the supplies, as I planned on using all of the original materials and one of the types of threads used is DMC Flower Thread which ceased being produced back in 2003, if I recall correctly. But I managed to find everything that I needed, including having won the magazine it was in twice on Ebay. The first one never showed up and the seller promptly refunded the money and I had to wait on another one to come up for auction. I got lucky and found one for even cheaper than the one I paid before! Yay!


At any rate, enough of my babbling...on with the show! :D



Design: Quaker Acorn


Designer: The Workbasket


Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds


Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed silk in Harvest

Now, for the Harvest Sampler:


Design: Harvest Sampler as featured in the Fall/Winter 1996 Holiday Crafts magazine by Better Homes and Gardens


Designer: Linda Reeves of La Broderie


Fabric: 28 count Cashel linen by Zweigart in Summer Khaki .


Fibers Used: DMC Flower Thread in 2400, 2433, 2434, 2613, 2782, 2898. Caron Collection Wildflowers thread in Fiesta and Marigold.

Here is what the sampler looks like as I stitched it back in 1996:

This sampler was the first design where I not only stitched things I was unfamiliar in stitching, but it also only took three days to complete and it was also the first design where I dared to change the color of the threads used. This version used DMC cotton threads in 400, 433, 434, 613, 782 and 898. I also used the original DMC variegated threads in 61 and 115. I also recall arguing with the framer as to the frame and the matting that was used. She had selected a different frame and mat, however, I chose the one that ultimately wound up being used, the burnished gold frame and a cranberry red velvet mat. I have the piece hanging up all year in my 'permanent collection' (as they say in museums), as I love it so much. One of these days, I will have to go around and take pictures of the pieces I keep up all the time. There are quite a few of them! :)


Well, I best be off. I have some things to do today before I get to sit on my butt and stitch all day and watch Murder, She Wrote . Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

Quaker Acorn update

Been stitching up a storm on my Quaker Acorn. I am hoping to finish it either today or tomorrow at the latest. I have today and tomorrow off and all my chores are done, so all I have to do is cook occasionally and stitch. I try to have all of my chores such as cleaning the house and errands run *before* I have any time off. My time off is precious and I really do not want to spend it doing tedious chores such as grocery shopping and dusting!


At any rate, here is what I have so far on my Quaker Acorn:




Design: Quaker Acorn


Designer: The Workbasket


Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds


Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed silk in Harvest

As I was posting this the latest SanMan Originals newsletter came out and as always, I have found not only something to purchase, but Sandy always includes a cute freebie. This one is so cute I've already printed it out and I am probably going to have to suspend stitching the Quaker Acorn today to stitch this one up, LOL!


Well, I best be off. I need to go pull some threads and fabric. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

Leaves finish

Managed to finish up Leaves last night. It was a quick and fun stitch. I picked the Quaker Acorn freebie back up, however, not much progress was made due to it being late and my eyes were tired.

At any rate, here's my finish:



Design: Leaves from the Winter Circle leaflet #142


Designer: Cross Eyed Cricket


Fabric: 28 count Glasgow linen in raw


Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 310, 500, 502, 677, 730, 902, 918, 3013, 3721, 3826, and 3828.

Well, I best be off. Hope everyone is having an awesome week! :)


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

CEC Leaves and SMO Spooky Sunday SAL updates

Been working on my two projects the last few days. I am hoping to have the Cross Eyed Cricket finished within the next day or two. I do not have a whole lot left to stitch on it, and then I will pick the Quaker Acorn back up and try and get that one completed. I have a band sampler set aside as the next start, and I may do that really soon. :P


At any rate, here's my progress so far:


WIP #1:

Design: Leaves from the Winter Circle leaflet #142


Designer: Cross Eyed Cricket


Fabric: 28 count Glasgow linen in raw


Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art 117 in 310, 500, 502, 677, 730, 902, 918, 3013, 3721, 3826, and 3828.

WIP #2:

Design: Sunday Spooky SAL


Designer: SanMan Originals


Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism


Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in Black, White and 521.

Well, I best be off. I have to work today and I have some chores to attend to before I leave. Hope everyone has a great day today! :)


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Respectfully submitted,

C.

SanMan Originals Witchy Hat finish

Had a one day start and finish. I really love stitching Sandy's designs. I changed the placement of the spider a bit and even used a different charm altogether on my version. The pattern came from Sandy's Secret Shop and it came with the tuck and the buttons. I have set the buttons that were used aside and used a silver spider charm instead. In the original, the spider was supposed to hang off the star and there was a pumpkin button that was attached to the hat, but I like the way mine turned out. At any rate, enough of my blathering and on with the show! :)



Design: Witchy Hat (Secret Shop purchase. Please note that these charts are not for sale or trade.).


Designer: SanMan Originals


Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism


Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss and Kreinik Japan threads in #001J Silver.

Well, at any rate, I need to go. I have some chores to attend to today. Hope all is well with everyone! :)


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

Spooky SAL and Quaker Acorn updates

Picked up the Quaker Acorn Quaker Acorn freebie back up again the other day and it's going quite quickly. I am really enjoying everything that I've been working on here lately. I just wish I could win the lottery and stitch all day. I certainly need to, given the amount of stash I have, LOL! :)


At any rate, here's the updates:




Design: Quaker Acorn


Designer: The Workbasket


Fabric: 32 count linen in Golden Maple by Fleur de Luce Hand Dyeds


Fiber Used: Crescent Colours hand dyed silk in Harvest

I stopped stitching the Acorn long enough to get the first part of the new SAL that Sandy has over at SanMan Originals . I haven't stitched up one of Sandy's pieces in quite some time and this one promises to be uber cute and quick. Each part is released on Sunday, beginning with this past Sunday, the 9th of October. I converted the DMC's to Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger as I stitched last year's Ghostly Quaker in the same Soie d'Alger. I love, love, LOVE stitching with the AVS Soie d'Alger and it seems to go quite well with Sandy's designs.


At any rate, here is the first part. Please note that the design is for members only and it is a no share chart.


Design: Sunday Spooky SAL


Designer: SanMan Originals


Fabric: 32 count Cashel linen in Periwinkle Prism


Fibers: Au Ver a Soie Soie d' Alger 7-strand silk floss in Black.

Well, I best be off. I have gingerbread in the oven and it smells like it's almost finished. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)


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Respectfully submitted,


C.

Christmas Tea

Yes, I know it's a wee bit early and yes, I know I haven't finished the others as of yet. But this one was calling my name and I thought if I started it, it would shut up and go away, but alas, it simply will NOT leave me be. It is a super fun stitch and it's going very, very quickly. Hopefully, this means I will be back to my regularly scheduled program :P!


At any rate, here is what I have so far:


Design: Christmas Tea


Designer: Paulette Stewart for Plum Street Samplers


Fabric: 32 count Belfast linen in pearl grey


Fibers: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Collard Greens, Cranberry, Noir and Vanilla Pudding

Well, I best be off. The Devils season opener is in an hour or so, and I don't want to miss out! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!


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Respectfully submitted,


C.