Spring For Rabbits

My latest finish is a break from my current WIP of the 1855 I Auguste Heidemrieg sampler. I wanted to stitch something Spring related and remembered that I had this freebie in my stash. It is one of those LNS freebies that I managed to pick up from somewhere. This stitched up in no time at all, and I really like the way that it turned out. This piece, like so many others that I have stitched, will likely be a mere bagatelle. I seem to be one of those people who enjoy the process of stitching more than stitching and 'finishing' anything. :)

At any rate, here is my latest finish:

Design: Spring For Rabbits

Designer: The Gentle Art Sampler Threads

Fabric Used: 36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White

Fibers Used: Au Ver a Soie Soie 100/3 Spun Silk in 124, 197, 312, 561, and 705.

Stitchers' Notes: Substituted called for GAST threads for in house Au Ver a Soie Soie 100/3 Spun Silk. Freebie from LNS purchase. Began Friday, February 10, 2017. Finished Sunday, February 12, 2017. 

Well, I must be off. Tons to do today. I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! 

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

A Late June Finish

This latest finish took rather longer than I had planned as this past Monday, June 12, 2016, my mother died of kidney failure due to complications of diabetes. I have not felt up to stitching, so this one sat until today. It took all of an hour to finish it up as I had gotten quite far along on the piece before I found out my mother had died. While I managed to finish it up, my heart simply wasn't in my stitching. The entire time finishing it up, I thought about how my mother was the one who inadvertently got me "into" cross stitch. (I will save that story for a future post). 

But, nevertheless, the stitching at least has been finished:

Design: July's Celebration

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric Used: 36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Collard Greens, Ivy League, Harvest, Indigo, Slate, Tree Trunk and Tulip

Stitcher's Notes: Began Thursday, June 9, 2016. Design featured on page 21 of the book A Fine Collection, by Blackbird Designs. Finished Monday, June 20, 2016.

As of Friday, June 10, 2016:

As of Monday, June 20, 2016:

I have the last part of the 2016 Tiny Round Robin to finish up. After that, I am seriously considering taking a break from stitching. My heart truly is not in it at this time. Time will tell, I suppose.

Hope everyone has a great week.

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

July's Celebration

My latest project is another one by Barb and Alma of Blackbird Designs. I wanted to stitch something patriotic, but I did not want to stitch anything with a house or an alphabet in the design. A bit of a tall order, especially since I am on the dreaded Stash Diet and I am confined to what is currently available to me. I then remembered this project. This one has been on the 'Why haven't I stitched this yet? I love this!' pile for quite some time. So, I thought I better get a move on and get on with it. It is stitching up quite quickly and I am really loving how it is turning out so far. 

At any rate, here is the pre-weekend update:

Design: July's Celebration

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric Used: 36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Collard Greens, Ivy League, Harvest, Indigo, Slate, Tree Trunk and Tulip

Stitcher's Notes: Began Thursday, June 9, 2016. Design featured on page 21 of the book A Fine Collection, by Blackbird Designs. 

As of Friday, June 10, 2016:

Time for me to go. Lots to do today before I get to the weekend. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

The Busy Little Bee

The bee, from her industry in the summer, eats honey all the winter.

    -Proverb

It seems as though this summer I am emulating the honey bee. Busy, busy, busy. And more likely as not to get busier as the summer progresses. I suppose this is a good thing, as if one does not labor to produce, one cannot complain of the lack of fruits thereof. I have managed to finish up a quick little piece, although, I do need to find a proper frame for it. I have something specific in mind, however, I am not willing to pay upwards of $100.00 to get it. Ah, well. I shall find what I need at some point. I suppose I can hold off until I find the right one. 

At any rate, here is my latest finish from Leaflet Silo:

Design: Kitchen Mixer

Designer: Hugs Are Fun

Fabric Used: 28 count Raw Linen/Silk blend (80% linen/20% silk) from Wichelt

Fibers Used:  DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in B5200, 310, 415, and 742

And there's more exciting news. I finally have a lap stand! Mine is courtesy of Pam Reid, via FlossTube. The materials were all of $11.00 at Home Depot. DH put it together for me this past Sunday, and I cannot wait to try it out. I have Lady Of The Flag in the snaps and ready to go. I am hoping for a wee bit of free time this upcoming weekend so I can get some time in on her. I think this is really going to work out for this project and others that are as large. 

New stash arrived today as well. I wanted to get this one before it went OOP and prices get out of hand. I am one of these folks that don't mind 'what the market will bear' prices on my hobby, however, if I can get it at at 'decent' price I am not going to complain! There are thirteen designs in this booklet by Barb and Alma of Blackbird Designs. I have some ideas that I am kicking around with these. I am really wanting to stitch on fall related pieces now as it is so hot here in the desert, but I am going to hold off for a while longer. 

I've decided that I want to do something patriotic, and this one has been on the 'Why haven't I stitched this yet? I love this!' pile for quite some time. It is called July Celebration and it is from the  Blackbird Designs book called A Fine Collection:

DH loves this one and I have already put the first stitches in. I am using Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Cinnamon Stick, Collard Greens, Ivy League, Harvest, Indigo, and Tulip. The fabric is 36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White. Should be good times! :)

Well, I best be off. Time's a wastin'. I hope everyone is having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C.  

2016 Hits The Halfway Mark

Well, almost! With four days left until June 1, it may as well be the halfway point. This year has simply flown by at the speed of light. Methinks the next half of the year is going to be even busier. I am hoping to finish more stitching goals, but I am not sure where I am going to find the time. I have only finished six projects from the Bin O'Shame so far this year. I had wanted to finish six more, to make it one per month. I suppose I should not be discouraged quite yet. After all, that's six project done that weren't finished before! :)

At any rate, here is the stitching breakdown so far:

 Bin O'Shame  projects completed: 6

Kit Mountain projects completed: 3

Leaflet Silo/Lending Library projects completed: 18

Total Number Of Stitched Projects: 27

:O

I know, I know! I can sit down now!  I really do not have anything to complain about, but goals are goals. :)

I managed to get this one finished up in time. I need to find the perfect frame for it this weekend. I hope there are some good sales going on right now. 

Design: French Country Bicycle

Designer: Judy Whitman for JBW Designs

Fabric: 36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in 3328, 761, 3713, 3011, 3012, 3013, 435, 341, 3855, 3854, 3042, 3746

Accouterments: Mill Hill beads size 11/0 in Pale Blue #62046.  Small blue bird glass Treasure by Mill Hill #12051. Gold tone bee charms by unknown manufacturer.

Stitchers' Notes: Began Monday, May 23, 2016. Finished Friday, May 27, 2016. Stitched for one of my favorite French cafés, Rosallie. 

As of Wednesday, May 25, 2016:




Stitching Finished Friday, May 27, 2016:

Time to go. It's Saturday, and the day is a wastin'. As we go full swing into Memorial Day weekend, please remember that while all gave some, some gave all. 

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

WIP Wednesday En Français

My latest start came about as it is a gift for someone. There is a bit of a time crunch but luckily, It is stitching up fairly quickly. This is another Leaflet Silo project and I am really enjoying it. I managed to have the foresight to purchase enough of the 36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White so that I can stitch this again, only this time for myself! :)

Well, here is where I am so far:

Design: French Country Bicycle

Designer: Judy Whitman for JBW Designs

Fabric: 36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in 3328, 761, 3713, 3011, 3012, 3013, 435, 341, 3855, 3854, 3042, 3746

I am hoping to have this finished by the weekend, so that I can get back to the  2016 Tiny Round Robin. The next part came in the other day, and I do need to get a move on :). 

Well, I had best be off. Lots to do today. Hope everyone is having a great week! :)


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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

A Wee Bit O' Somethin'

To tide me over while waiting on the mail. I was informed on Monday that the next part of the 2016 Tiny Round Robin was making its' way to me. Nothing was really grabbing me in the  Bin O'Shame or even in Kit Mountain. Then I remembered that I had this book and I have wanted to stitch all of the projects in the book. There are 10 total, so plenty to do. I thought that this was going to take me a fair amount of time to finish, but I began during the lunch hour today and with a few starts and stops finished at around 5:30 PM today. I will probably make this into an actual pin cushion. That is once I procure a sewing machine! :)

Well, at any rate, here is a tiny thing that I stitched. 

Design: Bluebird's Needles and Pins (from the book With Needle and Thread)

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric:  36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Babbling Brook, Carnation, Fern Frond, Rouge, Slate and Tree Trunk. 

Stitcher's Notes: One day start and finish on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Leaflet Silo finish. Stitched used were full cross stitch and Algerian eyelet. Unfortunately, this book is not for sale or trade. 

Welp, time to be off. I need to clean up my stitching area and think about the next project to work on while I await the arrival of the next installment of the 2016 Tiny Round Robin. 

Hope everyone is having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

A Sampler In Two Excerpts

At least for this latest finish. I have always thought that one of the coolest things about my hobby is that one could take a design, change a few things, and have something completely different. This is the case for these latest finishes. It is another loaner chart from the Blackbird Designs Lending Library. 

After seeing someone's recent finish, I really, really wanted to stitch the tulips in the basket for some reason. I did not want to stitch the house, as I am bored with stitching houses, but I really do love the rest of the elements in this piece. So, I decided to stitch this in two parts. Tulips on one piece, and the alphabet and the willow tree on another. It's taken a wee bit of shifting things around, but I am very pleased with how this turned out. I will have to be on the lookout for this on sale somewhere. I could see stitching the tulips again and again!


And here it is. My version of Willow House. Although, since it's minus the house, it should just be the Willow Sampler! :)

Design: Willow House Sampler. Chart is long out of print and retired. 

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric:  36 count Edinburgh linen in Antique White

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Babbling Brook, Carnation, Fern Frond, Indigo, Malted Milk, Old Crow, Rouge, Tree Trunk and Tulip. Au Ver À Soie  Soie d'Alger in Blanc. Gloriana Threads  12 strand French silk floss in #024 Blueberry (Lot: T8/776). Au Ver a Soie Soie 100/3 Spun Silk in #561 Taupe.

Beads Used: Mill Hill beads size 15/0 in #40252 Iris

Stitcher's Notes: Chart on loan from Patricia G of the Blackbird Designs Lending Library Facebook Group. Replaced the cotton embroidery floss for silks. Left off initials. Left out house. Began Friday, May 13, 2016. Finished Monday, May 16, 2016. 


Excerpt One:

Excerpt Two:

Time to bolt for the door. I need to get my stitching area cleaned up and then figure out what to stitch next. I suppose I really should get back to the Strawberries and Cream Sampler, but I am just not into it. Mayhap the time has come to visit with a mermaid again. :)

I bid you all peace and happy week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

1905 Sampler Part Five Update

Simone de Jong of Atelier Soed Idee  uploaded part five of her 1905 Sampler earlier this evening my time, so I stopped working on the newest UFO I pulled out of the Bin O' Shame and got to this. It stitched up VERY quickly, as had the other parts. I am totally loving how this is turning out. 


Here's what I have so far:



Design: 1905 Sampler

Designer: Simone de Jong of Atelier Soed Idee


Fabric Used: Zweigart 36 count Edinburgh Linen in Antique White


Fiber Used: Caron Collection Waterlilies silk in Cherry Cordial 



Stitcher's Notes: Stitched one strand of Caron Collection Waterlilies silk in Cherry Cordial over two threads of 36 count Edinburgh Linen in Antique White.

Well, I best be off. Really tired tonight and I need to get ready for work tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

1905 Sampler Part Three Update

Managed to finish up part three of Atelier Soed Idee's 1905 Sampler that was released today. This is really stitching up fast and I already cannot wait for the next part. 


Here is my piece so far:


Design: 1905 Sampler


Designer: Simone de Jong of Atelier Soed Idee


Fabric Used: Zweigart 36 count Edinburgh Linen in Antique White


Fiber Used: Caron Collection Waterlilies silk in Cherry Cordial 



Stitcher's Notes: Stitched one strand of Caron Collection Waterlilies silk in Cherry Cordial over two threads of 36 count Edinburgh Linen in Antique White.

Well, I best be off. It's kinda late here and I need to get to bed. If I do not make it back before the New Year, I wish you all the happiest of New Years! :)



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Respectfully submitted,


C. 

1905 Sampler Part Two Update

Part two of Simone de Jong of Atelier Soed Idee's 1905 Sampler was released today (my time) so I printed it out and went at it. I am a bit worried as I did not start the sampler in the correct spot and now I may not have enough fabric. Le sigh. I will worry about it when the time comes, however, I am probably going to have to tweak the design a bit. Of course, this also means that I will probably change the date and the initials on it :). 


Well, here is what I have so far:


Design: 1905 Sampler



Designer: Simone de Jong of Atelier Soed Idee


Fabric Used: Zweigart 36 count Edinburgh Linen in Antique White


Fiber Used: Caron Collection Waterlilies silk in Cherry Cordial 



Stitcher's Notes: Stitched one strand of Caron Collection Waterlilies silk in Cherry Cordial over two threads of 36 count Edinburgh Linen in Antique White.

Well, I am off for now. I need to clean up my stitching area and read before bed. Hope you all are having a fantastic weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Down the rabbit hole...

Alice Kingsley: This is impossible.
The Mad Hatter: Only if you believe it is.



This latest start I am placing the blame squarely at the feet of Jules of A Fairy Princess Dreams In Stitches fame. She is an AVID Heaven and Earth Designs stitcher and she has right now about three in rotation, IIRC. So, due her her evil influence, yesterday, whilst guilessly plugging away at my Joy of Christmas UFO while I was at Stitcher's Paradise, I had to get up and take a break. I found myself in the fabric room looking at 18 count antique white aida . I had a clear picture of the design I wanted to do, but also what fabric I wanted to do it in. So, with Jule's and Cheryl's enabling encouragement, I found myself purchasing a quarter yard of the 18 count antique white aida and getting organized in my head what I wanted to do.


This has been an adventure so far, as when I got home, I realized that NONE of my DMC is of the same dye lot, let alone I did not have all the colors. 10,000 skeins of this crap and NONE of it matches, and that's WITH the stuff I have?! Arrrrggggghhhh!!! Thank God for Michael's with their current coupon for 20% off your total purchase!


At any rate, here is what I have so far. I have named her Elizabeth.


Design: All Hallow's Eve


Designer: Heaven and Earth Designs for Jessica Galbreath


Fabric 18 count aida in Antique White


Fibers: DMC

Here is what it's supposed to look like, eight pages of solid stitching later:

I was furiously texting Ms. Jules last night letting her know that I have now thoroughly taken a leave of my senses and was starting this thing last night and about losing the 'muchness' of life. I can picture her, in her chair with Alternative Reality in hand, smiling like the Cheshire Cat.


To which I say, Ches, you dog! :D



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Respectfully submitted,


C.

Atelier Soed Idee 1905 Sampler SAL start

 
Began a SAL yesterday that is being hosted by Simone de Jong of Atelier Soed Idee. It's a free SAL and the first part has already been released. There are a total of seven parts to this SAL and so far it's been a LOT of fun. It won't be up for long, as she's posted the following schedule for the release of all seven parts:

15 december: Deel 2, Part 2

29 december: Deel 3, Part 3

12 januari: Deel 4, deel 1 wordt verwijderd, Part 4, Part 1 will be removed.

26 januari: Deel 5, deel 2 wordt verwijderd, Part 5, Part 2 will be removed.

9 februari: Deel 6, deel 3 wordt verwijderd, Part 6, Part 3 will be removed.

23 februari: Deel 7, deel 4 wordt verwijderd, Part 7, Part 4 will be removed

9 maart: deel 5 wordt verwijderd, Part 5 will be removed

23 maart: deel 6 wordt verwijderd, Part 6 will be removed

6 april: deel 7 wordt verwijderd, Part 7 will be removed

I decided that this was going to be the piece that I tried to stitch on the piece of 36 count that I had picked up on a whim. I have no idea what possessed me to try out a fabric with this low a count, but I have been toying with the idea of stitching smaller counts. So far, there hasn't been any squinting on my part, which is a good sign, LOL! :)

Here is what I have so far:

Design: 1905 Sampler


Designer: Simone de Jong of Atelier Soed Idee


Fabric Used: Zweigart 36 count Edinburgh Linen in Antique White


Fiber Used: Caron Collection Waterlilies silk in Cherry Cordial 



Stitcher's Notes: Stitched one strand of Caron Collection Waterlilies silk in Cherry Cordial over two threads of 36 count Edinburgh Linen in Antique White.

I have left off the 1905 and the JHA initials so far as I am waffling between stitching the piece as is, or adding this years' date and my initials. The floss that I am using would NOT have been available in 1905 that I know of, however, it will be fun to do the research on that. :)

Well, I must be off. Need to get out another project to work on until part two comes out on the 15th :). Hope everyone is having a fantastic week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.