A Slice Of Summer Finish

Well, that was sure quick! I had a lot of fun with this project and love stitching Waxing Moon pieces. They go so quick and turn out exceptionally well. 

Well, here it is! 

Design: A Slice Of Summer ( out of print)

Designer: Jacquelyn Fox of Waxing Moon Designs

Fabric Used: 28 count Carolina linen from Charles Craft in Sand

Fibers Used: Anchor six strand embroidery floss in 246. Crescent Colours  cotton floss in Hickory Sticks and Sunshine Girl.  The Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Hibiscus. Needle Necessities #1091 Independence Day (retired floss). 

Accouterments: Mill Hill beads in #42014 Petite Black seed beads. Gold bees of unknown manufacturer.

Stitchers' Notes: Design is OOP and retired due to the frame and buttons being no longer manufactured. Stitched with supplies in stash. Needle Minder by Puffin and Company 

Time for me to be off. Hope everyone is having a great week. Happy stitching!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

A Slice Of Summer

Howdy all! Hope everyone is staying cool in this heat. Temps have been quite warm here, and are expected to rise during the end of the week. I am not ready to start stitching on fall/Halloween designs as of yet, so I am continuing with summer themed stitching. 

This latest project is one that I have wanted to do for a very long time. It is discontinued as the frame is no longer being made, however, I do not let things like that stop me. I am sure I will find the appropriate finishing bits and bobs at some point and Bob's your uncle! Another actually finished finished! :D

At any rate, here is what is currently in the Q-Snaps:

Design: A Slice Of Summer ( out of print)

Designer: Jacquelyn Fox of Waxing Moon Designs

Fabric Used: 28 count Carolina linen from Charles Craft in Sand

Fibers Used: Anchor six strand embroidery floss in 246. Crescent Colours  cotton floss in Hickory Sticks and Sunshine Girl.  The Gentle Art Sampler Threads in Hibiscus. Needle Necessities #1091 Independence Day (retired floss). 

Accouterments: Mill Hill beads in #42014 Petite Black seed beads

Stitchers' Notes: Design is OOP and retired due to the frame and buttons being no longer manufactured. Stitched with supplies in stash. Needle Minder by Puffin and Company 

Time for me to be off. Lots of chores to do today and they aren't going to get accomplished by themselves. Hope everyone is having a great week. Happy stitching!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

First Finish Of 2018

Greetings, stitch fans! I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Mine was extra busy and jam packed as I am sure everyone else's was choc-a-block. 

It has taken me almost the entire month of January, but I have my first finish of 2018. It is a small finish, but it is a finish nonetheless. I am very happy that I have decided that I am only going to finish 12 projects this year. At this rate, I will be lucky to get the 12 per year unofficial goal obtained! 

Well, at any rate, here is the first finish of 2018!

Design: Let It Snow

Designer: Barbara Ana Astray Mendez of Barbara Ana Designs

Fabric Used: 28 count natural/raw opalescent Cashel linen by Zweigart 

Fibers Used: Anchor six strand embroidery floss in 02 and 103. Crescent Colours  cotton floss in Caterpillar and Pink Champagne. The Gentle Art Sampler Threads in 0570 Bittersweet, 7013 Green Apple, and 0880 Punchberry.

Accouterments: Mill Hill Magnifica beads in #10001 Ice. White pom pom from Joann Fabrics and Crafts. 

Stitchers' Notes: Substituted called for DMC for a conversion that I found many, many years ago. If I manage to remember where I found it, I will be happy to update this post in order to credit the stitcher that had the original piece. In the original conversion Cerise from Crescent Colours  cotton floss in was used, however, I substituted this substitution for Pink Champagne.  

Time for me to be off and away. I hope everyone is having a fantastic week. Happy stitching!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Uncle Sam And George Say Cheese!

I have always adored this design. The last frame has always made me giggle. I began this on the day before the 4th of July, as a patriotic start. I knew that I would not have it finished in time. I really enjoyed working on this piece. I really do need to get the rest of this series. They stitch up very quickly and I really do think they are a hoot! 

Design: Flags and Friends (from the 2010 Photobooth series)

Designer: Marsha Worley and Elizabeth Newlin of Bent Creek

Fibers Used: DMC in 321, 612, 646, 729, 823, 839, 931, 950, 3371, 3864 and and 3865. Needle Necessities #1091 Independence Day (retired floss). 

Fabric Used: Belfast Linen in 32ct Vintage Country Mocha

Accouterments: Mill Hill beads in #40123 in Petite Cream and #42014 Petite Black seed beads

Stitchers' Notes: Substituted called for overdyed flosses for DMC. Stitched on in house fabric. Began Monday, July 3, 2017. Finished Tuesday, July 11, 2017. Eagle in the piece was nicknamed George, after George Washington, the very first President of the United States. Please note that this chart is not available for sale or trade. 

Time for me to be off. I need to get out the next project and clean up my stitching area. Hope everyone is having a fantastic week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

It's Been Awhile

Happy Saturday to you all! I know it's been a while, almost a month and a half since I last posted. I haven't felt really up to stitching a whole lot. I do not know if it is a combination of stress, fatigue, or just stitching burnout, the end result is the same. I suppose it does not matter a great deal, as I have stitched a grand total of 111 pieces the last two years. That is a great deal of stitching! I have made my unofficial yearly goal of 12 projects, so I am just coasting at this point. Then again too, the weather where we are has been unseasonably chilly. It's quite difficult to get 'into' stitching mermaids and other summer themed projects when the low is almost in the 30's at night in the middle of May! :O

I have tried off and on to stitch, but nothing has 'clicked'. It just felt like going through the motions. I remembered that I had this project that I purchased on the secondary market some time ago. I have seen quite a number of recent finishes of this piece and it looked like it did not take too long to stitch, so I thought I would give it a try. The color combination used is the same one that I used in the Summer In Bloom taken from the book Maria Selby Humphrey - 1831 piece that I finished up a couple of years ago. I really do love the way the colors harmonize together. The funny thing is, I purchased the silks on clearance and only purchased them because I loved the colors and the feel of the silk! :)

At any rate, here is my latest finish. I need to find some nice buttons for the upper right hand corner, but otherwise, it is completed. 

Design: Buttons and Blooms

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric Used: 28 count white linen of unknown manufacturer

Fibers Used: Au Ver a Soie Soie 100/3 Spun Silk in 124, 126, 197, 312, 663, and 705. Kreinik silk serica thread in Light Charcoal, #8073. 

Stitchers' Notes: Substituted called for GAST and WDW threads for in house Au Ver a Soie Soie 100/3 Spun Silk and Kreinik silk serica thread. Shop chart exclusive for Elegant Stitch. Began Friday, May 12, 2017. Finished Saturday, May 13, 2017. Please note that the chart is not for sale/trade. 

Welp, it's time for me to bolt for the door. I hope everyone has a great weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Three For Three In Time For Finish Friday

And that makes three for me. I decided to keep on my roll of stitching from the Dans Mon Jardin book by Véronique Enginger of Les Brodeuses Parisiennes. I just adore this book. I love the way the designs stitch up and I love the fact that they are elegant and quick to stitch. I am sure that some of the designs will take longer than others, but that's true of pretty much any hobby, yes? 

Design: Les étiquettes des bocaux (Jar Labels): Clothespin with Flowers from the book Dans Mon Jardin

Designer: Véronique Enginger of Les Brodeuses Parisiennes

Fabric Used:  28 count Cashel linen of unknown manufacturer

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 as called for: B5200, 151, 210, 535, 552, 676, 677, 729, 747, 3011, and 3348. 

Stitchers' Notes: Book purchased February 2017 in Japan Town, San Francisco, CA. Teacup jar label first project of three. Began Thursday, March 2, 2017. Finished Friday, March 10, 2017. Design number three of three. 

I have already visited our local Michael's and unfortunately, I am unable to locate more of the frames that I used on the first design in this series. I will have to drop 20 and punt, but I am sure I will be able to find something quite complementary. 

Time for me to be off. I need to clean up my stitching area and get started on the next project. 

Happy weekend to you all! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Two Of Three On Finish Friday

This little guy was stitched up a lot quicker than I thought it was going to be stitched up! I began this one right after I had hung up the finish from yesterday afternoon. I had a good bit completed before I went to bed and I managed to finish this piece just a bit ago. I need to get to Michael's to see if they have the same frame or something similar, as I have a feeling that the last one in the series, the clothespin with flowers, will go just as quickly. 

Well, here it is, in all its' spring time glory: 

Design: Les étiquettes des bocaux (Jar Labels) Yellow Teabag from the book Dans Mon Jardin

Designer: Véronique Enginger of Les Brodeuses Parisiennes

Fabric Used:  28 count Cashel linen of unknown manufacturer

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 as called for: 151, 471, 535, 676, 677, 734, 3011, 3012, 3348 and 3688. 

Stitchers' Notes: Book purchased February 2017 in Japan Town, San Francisco, CA. Teacup jar label first project of three. Began Thursday, March 2, 2017. Finished Friday, March 3, 2017. Design number two of three. 

Off I go to start on the last of this series. I have really enjoyed stitching these beautiful designs. 

Have a great weekend, everybody! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Jar Labels En Française

Some time ago, my husband and I went to go visit with his grandfather. He lives in the Bay Area and is a lovely old gentleman. I have never really had a grandfather, so it was nice to see him and visit with him. As a special treat, my husband took me to Japan Town, which is a section of San Francisco and one of my favorite areas to visit. There is a lot of shopping and good food to be had there. There is a bookstore within Japan Town, where I picked up a French book of cross stitch. Honest to God :) ! The book is by Véronique Enginger of Les Brodeuses Parisiennes. I picked it out as the colors are gorgeous and the artwork is simply stunning. The style is quite French and I love it. While the book is printed in Japanese, fortunately, I am fluent in Stitching, so I am able to at least read and comprehend the stitching parts of it. The book is called 'Dans Mon Jardin' and it reminds me of spring and summer:

I think that with all the cold and snow we are having, I was feeling the need for warmer temps and flowers. 

It was very difficult to choose which project I was going to begin stitching. I spent quite a bit of time waffling between all of them. I simply could not decide! However, with DH's help, I decided to begin with three smaller designs, that were designed to be together. I have already decided to frame them all separately after I stitch all of them. They will hang in our kitchen when completed. 

Design: Les étiquettes des bocaux (Jar Labels) from the book Dans Mon Jardin

Designer: Véronique Enginger of Les Brodeuses Parisiennes

Fabric Used:  28 count Cashel linen of unknown manufacturer

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 as called for: B5200, 535, 676, 734, 747, 3011, 3012, 3760, and 3766. 

Stitchers' Notes: Book purchased February 2017 in Japan Town, San Francisco, CA. Teacup jar label first project of three. Began Thursday, February 23, 2017. Finished Thursday, March 2, 2017. Frame purchased on clearance at Michael's. 

Well, time for me to be off. It's on to the next project! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

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Respectfully submitted, 

C. 

A Finish On Finish Friday the 13th!

My latest finish is from the design collection of Carol Ridyard of iStitch Designs. I have stitched several of her designs but for whatever reason have not done so in some time. I really do like the way this one turned out. I love stitching her pieces as the stitcher may customize the piece how they see fit. They also stitch up quickly and easily, which is also nice. Please be sure to check out her online blog store. Her prices are reasonable and the turn around time for receiving your charts is less than 24 hours. 

Well, at any rate, here is my latest finish for 2017. Number two out of 12! :)

Design: Sew Bands

Designer: Carol Ridyard of iStitch Designs

Fabric Used: 28 count white Cashel linen from Zweigart

Fiber Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Tulip

Stitchers' Notes: Project number two of twelve for 2017. Began Monday. January 9, 2017. Finished Friday, January 13, 2017. 

Well, I best be off. Tons to do tonight. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Hot Off The Q-Snaps

I finished this latest piece up just moments ago. It took exactly a week to finish the stitching. It probably would have taken only a few days to complete, but I was not in a hurry and just stitched when I felt like it. The stitching however, has been completed just moments ago and I am pleased with the outcome. 

Design: Sampler 69b

Designer: Ria Lanser of Stofnest Designs 

Fabric Used: 36 count Edinburgh linen by Hand Dyed Fibers in 

Xenops 5315 (equivalent to DMC 762, very pale grey)

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow

Stitcher's Notes: Both the chart and the designer are retired. Began Wednesday, December 7, 2016. Finished Wednesday, December 14, 2016. 

Finished Wednesday, December 14, 2016:

Well, I had best be off. I need to figure out what, if anything, will be my next project. I suppose I should really stitch something more in line with the season. But alas, my holiday stitching apathy is continuing unabated. Hopefully, this ceases at the soonest possible moment.

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season and I hope you all are having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Wanted: Mojo

Because I seem to have lost mine. I was terribly excited to start the much anticipated Noel 2009 by A Mon Ami Pierre. However, when I went to start the project, everything just sort of fell flat. I could not get into the project at all. I am terribly disappointed in this turn of events, as I was so looking forward to the project. These things happen I suppose, but it sure is rotten when it does happen. 

I have taken to cleaning out my stitching area again and getting things organized as well as decorating for the holiday season. In doing so, I came across a freebie design that I have had for quite some time. It reminded me of the Vierlanden samplers. Vierlanden is an marshy area south east of Hamburg, Germany where these distinct samplers were made. The name dates back to 1556 and refers to the four parishes Curslack , Kirchwerder , Neuengamme and Altengamme that are identical to the present districts. Most of them were made in the first half of the 1800's although there are a few from the late 1700's. All contain similar geometric motifs and flowering plants in urns. The motifs were stitched on various household linens. 

I am also quite keen on stitching these samplers. The catch was, I did not feel like stitching a huge project. And most Vierlanden samplers are quite large. However, this design is not that large (approximately 100 by 100 stitches), and it is a monochrome. Traditionally, Vierlanden samplers are stitched with black thread on white fabric, however, there are some Vierlanden samplers that were stitched with whatever materials were available at the time of the stitchers' choosing. I chose this latest start as I had the materials available and it appealed to me. 

Well, at any rate, here is what I have so far: 

Design: Sampler 69b

Designer: Ria Lanser of Stofnest Designs 

Fabric Used: 36 count Edinburgh linen by Hand Dyed Fibers in 

Xenops 5315 (equivalent to DMC 762, very pale grey)

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow

Stitcher's Notes: Both the chart and the designer are retired. 

I am really taking my time with this one, as nothing holiday or winter related is really calling to me. I have almost decided that next year will be dedicated to cleaning up more of the Bin O'Shame projects and working on some of my HAEDs and larger projects. I haven't quite decided, however, this is where I am leaning so far. 

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

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Well, That Was Quick!

This project finish literally zoomed right on by. It went so fast, I almost didn't have time to enjoy it, haha! I love the color combination and I have several more planned for this piece. I think it would look lovely in a red floss and white/pale gray fabric combination. 

Well, at any rate, here it is! :)

Design: Simple Harvest (from the book With Needle and Thread)

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric:  28 count Cashel linen in Legacy  by Picture This Plus

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow.

Stitcher's Notes: Began Monday, November 14, 2016. Design on pages 14-15. Substituted the called for 32 count Old Towne Blend from R and R Reproductions and Waterlilies #139 Kelp for in house materials. Second project stitched from this book. Please note that this book is not for sale or trade. 


As of Tuesday, November 15, 2016:

Finished as of Thursday, November 17, 2016:

Time for me to bolt for the door. I need to get lunch ready and tidy up my stitching area. 

I hope everyone is having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Four And Twenty Blackbirds

...stitched in a year. Well, 11 to be precise. I find it amazing that so far this year, I have stitched a total of 11 designs from my Blackbird Designs library. 

After I finished my winter inspired finish, I decided that I needed to stitch something else. I am still not 'feeling' the return of the Autumn (Book Number 66, Autumn Samplers) from Prairie Schooler, so I decided that I wanted to do another Blackbird Designs piece. I really love stitching their designs and I spent quite a bit of time pawing through my BBD library in order to find the perfect one. In the end, I settled on a monochrome piece, which I do not think that they have a lot of that type of design. The fabric and the fibers that I am using are all 'in house' materials, as I did not feel like shopping for what was called for in the design. The scandal! :D

This one is stitching up so quickly, that I will probably be finished in a day or two. Then the hunt will be on for another project to stitch on. I will cross that stitch when I get to it, though! :)

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

Design: Simple Harvest (from the book With Needle and Thread)

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric:  28 count Cashel linen in Legacy  by Picture This Plus

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Old Crow.

Stitcher's Notes: Began Monday, November 14, 2016. Design on pages 14-15. Substituted the called for 32 count Old Towne Blend from R and R Reproductions and Waterlilies #139 Kelp for in house materials.
Unfortunately, this book is not for sale or trade. 

Time for me to be off. I should do a wee bit of housework, but I am just not feeling it. Stitching it is then! :)

I hope you all are having a great week. :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

A Winter Inspired Finish

My latest finish is a bit of a surprise to me. I had not planned on stitching anything else other than Autumn (Book Number 66, Autumn Samplers) from Prairie Schooler and a retired design by Jackye Derhay Renahy of A Mon Ami Pierre (Noel 2009 for the curious). However, in the past week, I have needed a break from the news and current world events. I decided to do something quick and easy and something I have wanted to stitch for a very long time. I am also happy that this project was culled from Kit Mountain. That's one less project in that bin for next year. Although, if I don't stop buying the Mill Hill kits, that won't be the case anymore, haha! :)

Well, at any rate, here is my latest finish:

Design:  Dreaming

Designer: Tonya Pappan of Oakhaven Designs

Fabric Used: 28 count Cashel Dwarf linen from Picture This Plus from their Crystal (opalescent) line

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in 775, 3756, 3841, and 3865

Accouterments: Mill Hill glass seed beads in size 11/0 #02010 Ice

Stitcher's Notes: Substituted called for 14 count blue Aida for 28 count Cashel Dwarf linen from Picture This Plus from their Crystal (opalescent) line. Design is a former freebie from the OakHaven Designs Yahoo Group. Chart is not able to be shared or distributed. Piece taken from Kit Mountain. Substituted Mill Hill glass seed beads for the called for DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in 310. Began Friday, November 11, 2016. Finished Sunday, November 13, 2016. 

Well, I had best be off. Tons to do today. I hope everyone had a great weekend. Happy week to you all! 

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Respectfully submitted,

C.