All Hallows' Eve Finish On 9/11

My latest finish came about today as I have managed to misjudge how much fabric was available to me. As consequence, only the middle portion of this project was stitched. I did not feel like stitching the alphabet, as it was over one. I'd like to say that it is because I did not feel like stitching over one, however, it's really just sheer laziness on my part. 

Well, at any rate, here is my only finish thus far in the month of September 2017:

Design: All Hallows' Eve

Designer: Linda Lautenschlager of Chessie and Me

Fabric: 36 count Vintage Pearled Barley by Lakeside Linens

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Attic Tea, Eiffel Tower, Herb Garden, Lasagne, Old Crow, Teddy Bear, Tortoise Shell, Vanilla Pudding,  Weathered Vine, and Wheatgrass. 

Stitchers' Notes: Began Tuesday, August 22, 2017. Finished Monday, September 11, 2017. All materials pulled from stash. Substituted the called for 36 count Vintage Meadow Rue for the 36 count Vintage Pearled Barley by Lakeside Linens. Stitched with the called fro Belle Soie silks from Crescent Colours. 

As of Thursday, August 24, 2017:

As of Monday, September 11, 2017:

I must go for now. I need to clean up my stitching area and figure out what to stitch next. I hope everyone is having a great week so far. 

8:46 am.

9:03 am.

9:37 am.

10:07 am.

Never, ever forget.

---

Respectfully submitted,

C. 

A New Fall Start With Chessie And Me

I culled this project from Leaflet Silo late last night as I gave up on trying to stitch on Ana again. This makes the third time that I have attempted to stitch on this project. No wonder that she has wound up in the Bin O'Shame! 

I have ripped out a good portion of the stitching on her that I have done so far. And I am not even going to discuss the use of symbols that are almost alike. Ana has symbols that are solid squares and diamonds next to one another. This would not be an issue, however, the chart is printed on that stupid and unnecessary ivory paper and the printing is somewhat small. It is also printed as one large chart, which is awkward as hell trying to stitch from as it takes up a great deal of room. Having to be well rested, heavily caffeinated, and having to constantly check the chart versus the stitching is somewhat annoying. I should not have to carbo load to stitch a chart, ya know? I stitch to relax and she has been anything but relaxing. 

I decided to drop twenty and punt after about 6 hours of stitching on Ana. I am trying to stitch from stash and this latest start already had the floss purchased for it. I pulled the fabric from another project and got out the Q-Snaps. I have wanted to stitch this one for quite some time now. I have held off on stitching fall related projects, as last year, I began in mid July and was burned out by October. Fall for this establishment does not end until the day after Thanksgiving. That's quite a lot of time to not be stitching on my favorite themes of fall and Halloween!

Well, at any rate, here is my humble start on the first project of the fall/halloween season:

Design: All Hallows' Eve

Designer: Linda Lautenschlager of Chessie and Me

Fabric: 36 count Vintage Pearled Barley by Lakeside Linens

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Attic Tea, Eiffel Tower, Herb Garden, Lasagne, Old Crow, Teddy Bear, Tortoise Shell, Vanilla Pudding,  Weathered Vine, and Wheatgrass. 

Stitchers' Notes: Began Tuesday, August 22, 2017. All materials pulled from stash. Substituted the called for 36 count Vintage Meadow Rue for the 36 count Vintage Pearled Barley by Lakeside Linens. Stitched with the called fro Belle Soie silks from Crescent Colours. 

Well, I must be off. No rest for the wicked and all. I hope everyone is having a great week.

Happy Stitching!

---

Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Second Bin' O'Shame Finish For 2017!

Woohoo! Finally managed to power through this one. It is also my second finish from the infamous Bin O'Shame. I am quite pleased with the way that it turned out. I really do prefer this design on the 28 count Cashel linen in Water Lily instead of the original pink that I had chosen. It would have been way too much pink, IMO!

Well, at any rate, here it is in all its' glory: 

Design: Strawberries and Cream 

Designer: Casey Buonaugurio (retired)

Fabric Used: 28 count Cashel linen in Water Lily

Fibers Used:  DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in B5200, 225, 321, 351, 743, 815, 937, 986, 988 and 3706. 

Accouterments: Mill Hill beads in #00128 Crayon Yellow, #03049 Rich Red, and #42014 Petite Black beads

Stitcher's Notes: Began Monday, April 11, 2016. Design featured in the February 2006 issue of The Cross Stitcher, a now defunct US magazine. Design featured on page 36. Substituted called for fabric for 28  count Cashel linen in Water Lily. Substituted gingham band and strawberry flower and leaves for wording. Pink gingham band free formed by me. 

As of Thursday, July 13, 2017:

As of Sunday, July 16, 2017:

Well, time for me to be off. I need to clean up my stitching area and get started on a piece from the FB BBD Lending Library. This time around I have borrowed the out of print Be Kind and True:

I think I am going to stitch this in the same color palette that I chose for Summer In Bloom from the book Maria Selby Humphrey - 1831 book. Probably not on the same 48 count fabric, however, lol! 

Happy stitching! 

---

Respectfully submitted, 

C. 

A Year Later

And a *bit* closer to finishing this piece than I thought. I really do hate it when I am stitching a project that I am just not 'into'. This is how I get the ever popular Bin O'Shame came into being, for heavens' sake. And this project was a do over, no less. I really do not know what it is, but it's taking forever to finish this piece. Each row is seemingly simple, and yet, it is taking a lot longer than I thought it would. I am thinking all of the color changes are accounting for this issue. 

As it has been over a year since I last posted any progress on it, I think this now qualifies as Bin O'Shame status. I have decided to get this out and just get on with it until it is completed. I am hoping that posting frequent updates will spur me to finishing it!

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

Design: Strawberries and Cream 

Designer: Casey Buonaugurio (retired)

Fabric Used: 28 count Cashel linen in Water Lily

Fibers Used:  DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in B5200, 225, 321, 351, 743, 815, 937, 986, 988 and 3706. 

Accouterments: Mill Hill beads in #00128 Crayon Yellow, #03049 Rich Red, and #42014 Petite Black beads

Stitcher's Notes: Began Monday, April 11, 2016. Design featured in the February 2006 issue of The Cross Stitcher, a now defunct US magazine. Design featured on page 36. Substituted called for fabric for 28  count Cashel linen in Water Lily

As of Friday, April 15, 2016:

As of Thursday, July 13, 2017:

Well, I best be off. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Happy stitching! 

---

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!

---

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!

---

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. 

---

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! :)


---

Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Some Progress

...is better than no progress. This past week at work has been extraordinarily busy, so I have not gotten as far on this piece as I would have liked. However, I do have the weekend off this weekend and I should be able to make a lot more progress on it. I am really liking how the green is making the white show up quite nicely. I think this will be a very nice piece when it is completed. 

I have noticed that it is very difficult to take pictures where the fabric shows its' true colors. I will have to experiment with different times of day and lighting. 

At any rate, here is my usual pre-weekend update:

Design: Strawberries and Cream 

Designer: Casey Buonaugurio (retired)

Fabric Used: 28 count Cashel linen in Water Lily

Fibers Used:  DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in B5200, 225, 321, 351, 743, 815, 937, 986, 988 and 3706. 

Stitcher's Notes: Began Monday, April 11, 2016. Design featured in the February 2006 issue of The Cross Stitcher, a now defunct US magazine. Design featured on page 36. Substituted called for fabric for 28  count Cashel linen in Water Lily

As of Wednesday, April 13, 2016:

As of Friday, April 15, 2016:

Time for me to be off and away. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

---

Respectfully submitted,

C. 

WIP Wednesday Post For April 13, 2016

This latest start is from Kit Mountain. I have had it for quite some time now. I have always wanted to stitch this one, and yet never got around to it. I wanted to stitch it this year, as it has been sitting for a very, very long time. Only when I got around to stitching it, I decided that I didn't like the fabric that I had decided to use for it. Originally, I had chosen a 28 count Raspberry Lite joblean to stitch this on, but decided that the white was simply not going to show up very well. I then decided on a green, but then the question was which one? I eventually settled on a particular piece of 28 count Cashel linen in Water Lily that was purchased at my LNS this past weekend. After I had finished up Motifs Abécédaire 30 late Saturday night, I took Sunday off to rest my hands and arms. This one was started on Monday, and I am really loving the colors on this fabric. It fresh and 'Spring like'. I do not know why I generally associate strawberries with spring, as strawberries are typically at their peak in June. Which is definitely not spring! :)

At any rate, here is the newest start: 

Design: Strawberries and Cream 

Designer: Casey Buonaugurio (retired)

Fabric Used: 28 count Cashel linen in Water Lily

Fibers Used:  DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in B5200, 225, 321, 351, 743, 815, 937, 986, 988 and 3706. 

Stitcher's Notes: Began Monday, April 11, 2016. Design featured in the February 2006 issue of The Cross Stitcher, a now defunct US magazine. Design featured on page 36. Substituted called for fabric for 28  count Cashel linen in Water Lily

I need to bolt for the door. lots to do today, as is my custom. I hope everyone is having a great week!

---

Respectfully submitted,

C.