A Few Finishes

I haven't posted finishes for a while, mainly because I haven't had many finishes :)  This was my first finish of 2015 (only because I didn't quite get it done in 2014).  It's "Mildred''s Garden House" by Blackbird Designs.  Although I have to call it Daisy's Garden House since I personalized it with my great-grandmother's name and date she was married.

This one is a sampler from Chessie and Me designed especially for a workshop for the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild. 

This one I started last summer since it was small enough to take on a motorcycle trip back east.  It's "Bloomin' Alphabet" from La-D-Da.

Happy Stitching!

My Cute Pumpkin

Is this little guy adorable or what?  It's made from wool roving and was the October project at the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild.  I missed the October meeting but caught up in November.  It's hard to tell how small it is even with the pins in it.  Here's a photo with a thimble.

I've seen these done in white and they're beautiful. I have some white roving in my stash somewhere.  I can't wait to make another one to add to my pincushion shelf :)

Until next time, happy stitching!

Sherri

M.A.G.I.C.

Magic, you ask?  M.A.G.I.C. stands for My Annual Good Intentions Contract and is a program of the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild.  So, being new to the guild and a glutton for punishment, I signed up.  Here's how it goes: before the beginning of the year, fill out a form and list up to 5 projects that you would like to complete by the end of the year.  The "contracts" are held by the MAGIC coordinator and for each listed project that you complete, you get your name in a drawing for a free year membership in the guild.

Okay, so I think I may have overestimated what I could accomplish *grin*.  Here's a rundown of the projects I listed on my MAGIC form and the status:

1. My Stitching Chair Necessaire - is the one I'm most likely to complete.  This started out as a stitch along on the Legacy Embroidery Guild back in 2007 and I quickly let it turn into a UFO.  However, I took it with me on some stitching retreats this year and am getting pretty close.

2. Long Dog Mystery Sampler - was published in the Gift of Stitching Magazine (also in 2007).  I immediately gathered the materials and started.  Guess what?  It became a UFO not long after the 2nd of 4 parts came out!  I actually have been working on it, though.  Here's how it looks right now:

3. Preamble Flag Sampler - is my oldest UFO that was started in 2004.  I put in about 10 hours this year but need a lot more.  The lettering in white is done in smyrna crosses over 2.  Tedious!

4. Hannah Mary Manley sampler - is an antique sampler I own that I've been charting for reproduction.  This is the sampler that inspired my freebie pincushion (pattern here).  I've picked out the fabric, chosen the brand of silks to use, and have most of the charting done.  I even have a model stitcher anxious to do the stitching. I think I can get the chart finished and the materials off to my model stitcher by the end of the year.  Here's a sneak peek at a section of the chart:

5. Noel Stitcher's Stocking - is from the Gift of Stitching 2009 Christmas Ornament issue.  I figured I should add a smaller project to the list and I want to do some of these for exchanges.  The stocking ornament is stuffed with a pincushion and needlebook.   Here's the pic from the magazine and the thread and fabrics I've chosen to use.

These goals are daunting enough.  Now add in the fact that I am currently sick of cross stitching!  I can't believe I'm saying that but it's true.  So I'm taking a little break to concentrate on some beading and needlepoint.  Hopefully, I'll be back to the cross stitch soon.  Wish me luck . . .

Amy Mitten and Bella

Tax season is still keeping me pretty busy.  Today I split my time between house cleaning and catching up on my blog reading.  Yes, the blog reading was the most fun part!  My stitching blog friends have been so busy with wonderful projects.

I got to baby sit for Bella (my new grandpuppy) a few days last week.  We had a great time!  Here she is laying in my lap while I worked.  I didn't want her to leave!

On March 6th and 7th, the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild hosted Amy Mitten for a mystery sampler workshop.  She designed the sampler and the mystery especially for the guild.  I really enjoyed hearing the 10 chapters of the mystery as she revealed the 10 parts of the sampler over the two days.  I'll post more about the sampler as I stitch each section.  Here's a bit of a sneak peek from her model:  the tudor rose at the top of the sampler with the detached petals.  I loved learning how to make these.

I got just a few shots of Amy teaching and the room we were in.  You can tell my empty spot by the Mighty Bright Floor lamp.  I was so glad I decided to carry it along.  It really helps on 40ct linen.

One of the best parts was the display of samplers that Amy brought.  Her designs are all so beautiful and I love how she dyes the fabrics to give her pieces that wonderful antique look.  I'll leave you to drool.  Enjoy!

Just A Little Bit Of Stitching

I can honestly say that I have been stitching some. My main focus has been sewing draperies for the living room. I've completed three of the five double panels but I'm not showing any pictures until they're all done.

My blog is decorated for Christmas now, next I'll start on my house. Assuming I can figure out where all the decorations were packed!

Anyway, here's some of what I've been stitching on:


This fabulous ornament was designed by Gloria Moore (Milady's Needle) exclusively for the Tudor Rose Sampler Guild. It's stitched on 40ct linen with Vikki Clayton silks. I loved stitching this!! I have it mounted and just need to attached the twisted cord and hang it on the tree.


Speaking of the sampler guild, here is one version of the official nametag. I have plenty of time to chart and stitch my name before the next meeting.

I'm finally reaching the home stretch on My Big Toe's The Wedding. I did the charting on the center section this morning, so the whole thing should be finished soon. Funny thing, though. It's supposed to be square. I pulled an identified piece of fabric from my stash thinking it was a standard 40 count, but on closer inspection it's more like 38/40. I have no idea where it came from!

BTW, today is the last day to enter the drawing for my giveaway of the Red Is The Rose sampler. Click on this link for details and to enter: http://berripatch.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-newest-design-and-my-first-giveaway.html

Happy stitching!