Faded Glory Framed And A New Finish

It took almost two years to finally get this one framed. I had wanted to get this professionally framed, however, after doing some pricing, I could not justify the cost. I decided instead to frame the piece using a nice frame purchased either secondhand or from a shop. I finally found the perfect frame and today was spent getting it centered just so. It reminds me of the Victorian Mourning Frames that were used long ago. 

As the piece was both a gift for my father on his last birthday and had become a mourning piece, I think it is fitting. 

At any rate, here is the finished product:

Design: Faded Glory from Portrait of the Civil War Book #119 (an OOP booklet)

Designer: Jeanette Crews Designs

Fabric: 26 count undyed natural dirty linen

Fibers: DMC 347, 415, 762, 930, 931, and 3328

Stitchers' Notes: Frame by Green Tree Galley, Oklahoma City, OK. Frame is 10 by 8 inches. Frame #829135; PO W0178685. 

I really do think that it sets off the piece nicely. The piece is now on one of my bookshelves where I can see it every day.  

I also have a finish for today. It is not a patriotic piece, however, I did have a lot of fun stitching this design. I purchased the kit at 40% off the price, so that was nice. I also substituted the 18 count aida for linen as I did not like the way the aida was preconfigured to make it into a potpourri bag. There are three designs in the kit, and I chose my favorite one to stitch:

Design: Flowers and Butterflies Tulips (Kit #PN-0154964)

Designer: Vera Verachtert for Vervaco

Fabric:  36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in 445, 742, 946, 963, 957, 601, 600, 747, 157, 3838, 791, 211, 340, 333, 550, 907, and 906. 

Accoutrements : Mill Hill beads in #40252 Iris, #40479 White, and #42101 Purple. 

Stitchers' Notes: Converted kit floss to DMC colors. Substituted 36 count Edinburgh linen for the 18 count aida that was included in the kit. Will stitch remaining designs at a later date. 

I must be off. It's time for dinner and I need to clean up my stitching area in order to start my next project. I hope every has a Happy 4th of July!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Under The Wire

I have always been fascinated with the origin's of phrases and words. In this case, the expression 'under the wire', is believed to have originated from horse racing, where a wire was hung up over the finish line to help determine a winner. Thus, races that were extremely close could be described as "coming down to the wire," quite literally.

In my case, this means, I have managed to sneak in yet another completed stitched piece before the end of the month. After I had finished up the Easter Fairy, I went through  Kit Mountain,  Leaflet Silo and on with the Bin O'Shame again to see if anything was grabbing me. I decided to go ahead and bite the bullet and stitch this one up. I think this series has the distinction of being both in Kit Mountain and in the Bin O'Shame, simultaneously. The kit was purchased around 2003 or 2004 and had left to rot until I managed decided to get off of my duff and finish the stitching on the Winter Cat in July of 2015. This was followed by the Summer Cat in August of 2015 and then the Autumn Cat in September of 2015. I think very much like Christmas At Hawk Run Hollow, it is both UFO and finish at the same time. Schrödinger's projects, if you will. 

The Spring Cat was left to languish until now. I have no idea why. It is quite possible that I was just not 'into' the coloring of this cat. I really should have changed the coloring to that of my beloved and much missed Ozzy. I think it would have popped better on the fabric. Ah, well. As is my custom, a day late and a dollar short (any action that was taken too late and is too feeble to be of any use, for the curious :) ). 

At any rate, this series is now completed in its' entirety. I am thankful for that. Now, I need to find a frame that will show all of them off. I am thinking of just one frame for all four projects. This way, I can pop them in and out of the frame at will. I seem to be one of these stitchers that is more interested in making sure money is spent on stitching projects, rather than using money to complete them. :)

Design: Cats For All Seasons Spring Cat (4 of 4)

Designer: Nancy Javier and Barbara Finwall of Banar Designs

Fabric: 14 count khaki aida of unknown manufacturer

Fibers Used: Unknown as provided in the kit

Bling Used: Mill Hill beads #42014 Petite Black seed beads

Stitcher's Notes: Kits previously purchased around 2003 or 2004. Substituted beads for cat's eyes and nose. Left off wording at the bottom. Seasonal cat number four out of four. Series completed as of Tuesday, March 29, 2016. 

Finished Tuesday, March 29, 2016:

Well, time for me to go. I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

WIP Wednesday On Thursday

I really should not feel guilty about my lack of progress, but I do. It's been eight days since my last post, and honestly, I should have had this finished by now. Still in all, some progress is better than no progress. And I am actually a bit further along than what I had initially thought. I am not sure if it's a time, inclination or I am just flat out not into this one, but here it is and here I am. :)

At any rate, here it is. Number four's progress from the Bin O'Shame :

Design: Oriental Beauty

Designer: Julia Hawkins

Fabric: 28 count white Monaco

Fibers Used: Unknown as provided in the kit

Stitcher's Notes: Design taken from the September 2007 (Issue 190) UK Cross Stitcher magazine freebie kit. Kit began October 2007. Resumed stitching Sunday, January 17, 2016.

As of Wednesday, January 20, 2016:

As of Thursday, January 28, 2016:

Well, gang. I hate to post and run, but I have a ton of stuff to do today. I hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

WIP Wednesday Report For January 20, 2016

Looking at the pictures, I am a bit farther along on my latest WIP than I gave myself credit. I am not as far along as I would like, but then again, not everything is a one day start and finish, yea? Work has been super busy and I have been trying to get back on the FitBit dime, so there is that. Still in all, some progress is better than no progress. 

At any rate, here it is. Number four's progress from the Bin O'Shame :

Design: Oriental Beauty

Designer: Julia Hawkins

Fabric: 28 count white Monaco

Fibers Used: Unknown as provided in the kit

Stitcher's Notes: Design taken from the September 2007 (Issue 190) UK Cross Stitcher magazine freebie kit. Kit began October 2007. Resumed stitching Sunday, January 17, 2016.

As of Sunday, January 17, 2016:

As of Wednesday, January 20, 2016:

Time for me to bolt for the door. I hope everyone is having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

The Return Of The Oriental Beauty

I decided to pick this project back up, which has languished for quite some time. It was culled from the Bin O'Shame projects. This is another long term project that has been left to sit. Although this one is not as old as my last project, nine years is old enough, methinks. I am quite happy to continue this trend of stitching from my Bin O'Shame stash. It makes me feel quite accomplished and industrious. 

At any rate, here it is. Number four from the Bin O'Shame :

Design: Oriental Beauty

Designer: Julia Hawkins

Fabric: 28 count white Monaco

Fibers Used: Unknown as provided in the kit

Stitcher's Notes: Design taken from the September 2007 (Issue 190) UK Cross Stitcher magazine. Kit began October 2007. Resumed stitching Sunday, January 17, 2016.

As of Sunday, January 17, 2016:

Once I have completed this one, I will be a third of the way through my unofficial goal of 12 finishes for the year, all of them coming from the Bin O'Shame. Cause for a small happy dance, no? :)

Time for me to be off. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Overnight Shift Weekend Finish

I am so happy this one is finished. While it went quite quickly, I didn't really enjoy stitching it. The symbols that were used were a bit confusing, so I wasn't able to rip through it as quickly as I could have. Still in all, it *is* finished, and that is all that matters. 

Design: Antique Roses (greeting card kit)

Designer: Hallmark

Fabric Used: Unknown 16 count. The nearest approximation is Stoney Point by Wichelt

Fibers Used: Unknown as provided in the kit. It is probable that it is DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 

Stitcher's Notes: Kit included in a birthday card for mom. Card purchased in Virginia in either 1995 or 1996 at a Hallmark Gold Crown store. Returned to the project on Thursday, January 14, 2016. 

As of Friday, January 15, 2016:

Finished Sunday, January 17, 2016:

It is a bit overcast today, so the picture is not as nice as I would like it. The fabric is actually the exact color in the first picture. It's more of a seafoam green, rather than the sage color in the finish picture. DH remarked on the very Victorian feel to it. I think once I get my sewing machine, this one will be turned into a small pillow. I am picturing lots of lace and things. 

Well, I had best be off. A headache has now set in and I am in need of a nap. I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

First World Stitcher Problems

One of the downsides to having only one hobby is the accumulation of so. much. stuff! over a very long period of time. Occasionally, I love to paw through it to see what I have. It's like shopping at home without having to change out of your jammies :D. 

And then there is the flip side of the coin. Where one runs into abandoned projects that are so old that they can be carbon dated. It is really not fun when it is a kit and there are no DMC numbers involved. Which is frustrating. The good news is, I had the foresight to purchase a second one of these because I was terrified that I was going to run out of floss. Even pre-internet days, word had gotten around that the floss amounts in kits was not so great! 

Here it is. Number three from the Bin O'Shame projects and another 20+ year UFO at that!

Design: Antique Roses (greeting card kit)

Designer: Hallmark

Fabric Used: Unknown 16 count. The nearest approximation is Stoney Point by Wichelt

Fibers Used: Unknown as provided in the kit. It is probable that it is DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 

Stitcher's Notes: Kit included in a birthday card for mom. Card purchased in Virginia in either 1995 or 1996 at a Hallmark Gold Crown store. Returned to the project on Thursday, January 14, 2016. 

Project as of Thursday, January 14, 2016:

As of Friday, January 15, 2016:

I have the weekend which is good. I should be able to make some serious headway on this piece. Michelle Sayetta of Heaven and Earth Designs has issue another challenge on the official Heaven and Earth Designs Facebook group. This challenge is 1000 stitches in stair step stitching. The challenge begins today and runs until March. I did sign up for the challenge as the QS Evil Queen could stand some attention. However, I am not too entirely certain that I am going to enjoy this type of stitching as it leaves other blocks unstitched. I prefer to stitch all of one color whenever there are huge blocks of color. I think it will be annoying to have to go back and fill all that other stuff in. Still, in all, the point of the challenge is to think outside of the box and grow a bit as a stitcher. Even at my age, that's never a bad thing.

Well, I had best be off. It's time for breakfast and there are chores that need attention. I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Second Finish From The Bin O'Shame 2016

Well, that went quicker than I thought it was going to go. Not that I am complaining, mind you! I think I may have to try and track down the first two parts of this series. I really do love Sheila Hudson 's work and miss seeing her designs in the UK magazines. 

Without further ado, here is the second finish from the Bin O'Shame projects!

Design: William Morris Tile 

Designer: Sheila Hudson 

Fabric Used: 28 count black jobelan by Wichelt

Fibers Used:  DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117  in the called for colors

Stitcher's Notes: Design taken from the July 1996 UK Cross Stitcher magazine. Substituted the called for 28 count antique white jobelan for 28 count black jobelan by Wichelt as I wanted the piece to look like stained glass. Began the piece in August 1996.

As of Wednesday, January 13, 2016:

Finished Thursday, January 14, 2016:

I had best be off. Lots to do this afternoon. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! 

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

WIP Wednesday Two For The Show

I decided to continue with my grand plans for the Bin O'Shame projects in the year and picked up my latest WIP from said Bin O'Shame . I have had this current piece for almost 20 years, so yea, it's time I got off of my backside and got on with it. As I had lost the original DMC, I had to go out and purchase more in order to complete the project. Thankfully, there is not a huge difference in the dye lots. 20 years is an awfully long time in between dye lots!

Well, at any rate, here is where I am now:

Design: William Morris Tile 

Designer: Sheila Hudson 

Fabric Used: 28 count black jobelan by Wichelt

Fibers Used:  DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117  in the called for colors

Stitcher's Notes: Design taken from the July 1996 UK Cross Stitcher magazine. Substituted the called for 28 count antique white jobelan for 28 count black jobelan by Wichelt as I wanted the piece to look like stained glass. Began the piece in August 1996.

As of Sunday, January 10, 2016:

As of Wednesday, January 13, 2016:

I had best be off. Tons to do today. I hope everyone is having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Chip, Chip, Chipping Away

Well, I may as well ride the wave while I can. I really do love this feeling of accomplishment that I am getting every time I wrap up another one out of the Bin O'Shame. I feel very organized and productive now, instead of scattered and chaotic by having all of this stuff. Taking the time to sort through and see what I have and getting it situated was quite cathartic. I should do that more often, I think! :)

Well, at any rate, here is #32 from the Bin O'Shame.

Design: Christmas Chick

Designer: Valerie Pfeiffer for Heritage Stitchcraft 

Fabric Used:32 count Belfast linen in white opalescent

Fibers Used: DMC as called for in the chart

Stitcher's Notes: Unknown start date. Originally appeared in the World of Cross Stitching Issue #118 on page 22. Chart may now be purchased at 123 Stitch. 

Original Magazine:

As of Tuesday, August 25, 2015:

As of Wednesday, August 26, 2015:

Well, I had best be off. I need to clean up my area and put some stuff up. Happy mid-week to you all. And thank you for visiting! :)

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Respectfully submitted, 

C. 

Thrilling Thirty!

I can't believe I managed it, however, just a bit ago I managed to finish stitching the 30th project out of the Bin O'Shame.  The journey began Tuesday, February 24, 2015 and officially ended Saturday, July 25, 2015 with the finish of the flag that was stitched for my beloved father. I added 5 more projects on just to see fi I could finish them before the end of the year. The official goal of 25 having been met a mere 5 months after I started was none too shabby a showing. I figured 5 more could conceivably be finished in the remaining months and I am so happy that I was able to achieve that goal with this latest finish. 

Well, on with the show! :)

Design: Mandy Cat In Witches' Hat

Designer: Eileen Gurdak of Handblessings

Fabric Used: 40 count Newcastle linen in Crystal Meditation by Picture This Plus 

Fibers Used: Access Commodities Soie d'Alger  in Noir. Kreinik metallic thread blending filament #1 HL Silver and #003 Red. Caron Collection Waterlilies in #201 Budding Leaf (Dye Lot #CS201613).

Stitcher's Notes: Design is located on page 16 of the Just Cross Stitch Halloween Special Collectors' Issue. 

As Of Wednesday, July 29, 2015:

As Of Monday, August 10, 2015:

Well, I had best be off. I have to clean up my stitching area and then it will be dinner time. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.