Guava Gems

2012-01-23T13:11:00.001-05:00

I have been working on several pieces and actually finished a couple of them. My stitching on Blueberries and Cream isn't going as fast as I would like, but it is moving along. I have both sides of the fob outlined and most of the name tag done. Need to finish the flowers and chart/stitch my name.
I managed to put together my scissor fob, so this piece is my first stitched and finished piece for 2012.

I also finished the stitching on Hinzeit's Folk Art Flowers.

In my stash are several personalized ornaments from M-Designs that I ordered several years ago. Two weekends past I started the first one. My hope is to have a family ornament tree one day. I am stitching this one with GAST Cherry Wine.

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

First Finish

2012-01-03T17:38:00.001-05:00

Day three of 2012!
2011 is over and I look forward to what the new year has in store. I hope that I will be able to complete a few projects this year. I have taken on the task of photographing my WIPs and making a list of my stash as I attempt to organize it all. The list so far is very long, and I don't think I have hit the half way point yet, so my goal is to limit my stash acquisition and concentrate on stitching/finishing stash on hand. I am almost done selecting my first focus projects. Several ornaments that were stitched last year need to be finished and a few projects resurfaced from stitching bags stashed here and there.
My fist finish for 2012 is a scissor fob from SharonV of The Purple Thread.

Scissor fob
Design: The Purple Thread

Happy New Year!
Gwen

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T17:42:00.001-05:00

Quick Hoilday Post

2011-12-29T19:29:00.001-05:00

This is the stitching I did on Christmas Day.

Christmas Bookmark

Fern Ridge Collection

Trying to sort my stash and decide what my first projects for 2012 will be. Do you have plans for your 2012 stitching? Are you joining a SAL (WIPocalypse, Theme-licious 2012, IHSW, etc.) stitching with a friend or on your own? Hoping you will be afforded the opportunity to reach your goals.

Gwen

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:57:00.001-05:00

Charmed Shuttle: Believe

Hinzeit

Linus Explains Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Believe

2011-12-12T14:57:00.001-05:00

Less that 2 weeks away from Christmas and I am still working on Believe. A crazy schedule and travel have slowed me down. If I skip the background, for now, I should be able to get it in the shuttle before the BIG day.

Charmed Shuttle: Beware, Blessings & Believe

Hinzeit

My Silk Pulled Thread Stitchery Set has been done for a couple of weeks now. I am very happy with the way it turned out. I will be deciding on my next UFO project soon. (Way to many choices.)

Silk Pulled Thread Stitchery

Moss Creek Designs

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

2011-11-15T21:15:00.001-05:00

I am making progress on my finishing on Silk Pulled Thread Stitchery, The needle book is almost done, I have to add the needlepages. The pincushion is next up.
This past weekend I started Believe, by Hinzeit. Looking forward to getting this done and mounted in the shuttle frame.

Shuttle
Beware, Blessing & Believe
Hinzeit
36ct Summer Khaki
DMC floss as charted

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

SPTS needleroll

2011-11-01T18:10:00.000-05:00

My latest stitching has been on the finishing of my SPTS pieces. Though I have been working on it for the past two weekends, only the needleroll is done. You may be wondering why it takes so long to finish a needleroll. This needleroll has a not so secret opening in the back. So the needleroll is padded, with a layer of batting to hold the needles, and lined. The opening, a good storage place for a thimble, is closed by a ribbon running through a series of buttonhole loops. All of this is hand stitched along with the usual withdrawing of threads, and hemstitching usually associated with needlerolls. Each end has a row of Antwerp Lace. I am not sure if my stitching does this needlelace technique justice, but I love the results so far.

Silk Pulled Thread Stitchery needleroll

Moss Creek Designs

EEK!

2011-10-05T18:40:00.000-05:00

Has it really been a month since I posted? Someone must be stealing my posts! Okay, I know they are not so interesting that anyone would steal them. Just can't believe that none of the pictures I took or the words in my head ever made it to the blog. Did manage to get some stitching done while on hiatus, Blackbird Designs' Autumn Song was pulled from the UFO pile and is almost complete. The piece is designed to be a box top with a needle keep to store inside. The top of the box is done, a few more hours and the needle keep will also be done. Need to make a decision about the finishing and weather to stitch the alphabet band.

Boxtop

needle keep in progress

I 'm still working on Silk Pulled Thread Stitchery, my progress pictures are eluding me right now (have to check around for the right sd card).

My finish for September was, EEK!. EEK! by Brightneedle will be finished as a pin. It is stitched on 32ct Dk. Expresso.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

UFO Sunday

2011-09-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for 2011 was to finish at least one UFO. Of course then the question was which one should I chose. With the current stack you would think that was an easy question to answer, but on the other hand maybe that is why UFO exist to begin with. What should I stitch on next? This weekend I pulled out Silk Thread Stitchery by Rae of Moss Creek Designs. I started this design many moons ago and promptly stitched the needle roll and portion of the scissor fob. The came the next project and the next ..... you get the picture. Anyway I now have all but one of the outer borders of the needlebook done. I started with the 4 sided stitch border then worked the amethyst border and the inside pulled stitch border. It feels good to finally make some progress on this one.

needlebook upper right-corner

A little hard to see the white on white, but all my borders are done except the outermost border.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Stitching for Falll

2011-08-29T19:06:00.000-05:00

My friend Jenny has started a new blog for fans and stitchers of Brightneedle designs. Stop by and visit or join if you have the time. This weekend I stitched up the first Brightneedle chart I have done in awhile. I was able to get the stitching done and hope to get to the finishing soon. I know that I have stitched Pretty in Pink at least once for an exchange, may have to stitch another for myself.

Pumpkin Flowers:

I did the finishing on my exchange piece, just need to attach some cord/trim to the the edge and it's ready to be mailed. And just in time too.

Last but not least, I had 2 small starts, one a Mill Hill ornament that I am stitching for a friend and the other a silk gauze piece. I finished my first silk gauze piece this year and just took the time this weekend to set up my next piece. I had to be very careful that I didn't cut my silk gauze while setting it up. Now I can just concentrate on the stitching. This piece, The Pumpkin Sampler by Threads Through Time has a black background. Hope I will be able to see well enough to do the background when I get to it. It may well have to be a daytime project when I get there.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the storm this past weekend. I am grateful for my friends, family, everyone that made it through with only a few minor inconveniences.

Gwen

Month Number 8

2011-08-24T17:38:00.002-05:00

I am in the dull drums of late summer. August is almost over, that kids are back in school, but it is still pretty hot here. A nice rain would be welcome to bring the temps down a little.

I finished Pine Tree Hill and a cute tiny sewing case, that I have not taken a picture of yet. Maybe next time. I seriously need to get some finishing done if any of these stitched ornaments are going to be displayed this year. Time is running thorough the hour glass very quickly.

Right now I am working on and exchange piece that I have to mail out next week. The patten calls for just 2 colors, here are the materials I am using. The theme is a Fall Pyn Keepe.

Some of the seeds and plants that I planted have survived the summer heat. Just when I thought all was lost I spotted these visitors.

It's a little hard to see but there is a hummingbird getting some nectar from the flower on the right. I hope he will be back so that I can get a better picture.

Back to the stitching channel.

Until next time,

Gwen

2011-08-01T21:01:00.000-05:00

Well I am still ornament stitching. I have not stitching them in any particular order, my last start is, Pine Tree Hill, ornament # 6 for 2011 by Little House Needlework.
I have restitched the trees at least 2 times and still done have them in the right place, but this is my final version.

Pine Tree Hill
Little House Needleworks
Ornament Series 2011

I am not sure which one will be next but Ornament #7 arrived today. Yeah!

I stitched this initial pendant this week and did the finishing over weekend. It's a kit from an Italian designer that I got from The Attic when I was there earlier this year. Everything to complete the pendant was included in the kit except a backing.

design by Rovaris
(kit from The Attic)

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

3 Finishes

2011-07-15T08:57:00.000-05:00

Silent Night is stitched.

Silent Night
Little House Needleworks

2011 ornament series

Over the weekend I finished the stitching on my ornament, one more for the to-be-completed stack.

I also have 2 finishes that I promised to share eariler.

The Prairie Schooler
Autumn Leaves

The Prairie Schooler
Christmas Day

The pincushion was for the Seasonal Prairie Schooler Exchange and the ornament for the Perpetual Christmas Exchange on HoE.

Honoring the Fourth!

2011-07-05T18:56:00.001-05:00

I decided it was time to a finish so this past weekend I worked on a project that I almost forgot I had stitched. In honor of the Fourth, I pulled out My Country Sewing Set and set about finishing it. Everything has been stitched to awhile as you can tell by the date, it just needed to be assembled. The box is a limited edition Hershey Kiss tin that was available in 2007.

Lined Hershey Kiss tin

My Country Sewing Set
Fancy Work

There is one more piece of the set that I not attempted yet. It is an emery. The emery is a one inch pyramid that resembles a Hershey Kiss when complete. I will have to try that later when I can devote some more time to it.

Silent Night
Little House Needleworks
2011 Ornament series

My other stitching was on my ornament. I just need to finish the house and add some snow and it will be done.
Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

Road Trip

2011-06-28T20:26:00.000-05:00

I spent a wonderful 5 days with some stitching friends last week. Though it rained the entire time it did not deter us.

We visited a couple of quilt shops, Delectable Mountains in Vermont, and Webs a very nice yarn shop in Mass. Driving up from NY our first stop was Norton House, a very nice quilt store and the 1836 Country Store in Wilmington, VT. Norton House had a very nice fabrics and quilting accessories. Second stop on the list was Delectable Mountains.

Delectable Mountains is a treasure trove of silk, velvets, trims, buttons, scarfs, jewelry and linens. There was so much to see and experience that we could have spent the whole day there.

After lunch we started on our way to Webs.

Even those of the group that were not knitters spend some time in Webs admiring the large collection of yarns and accessories. The wide array of texture and color were enticing on a rainy day.

Friday and Saturday was a class with Jackie of It's Fine-ally Finished. It was a wonderful time. I feel privileged to be able to spend the time together and hope to see everyone next year.

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

Week 2

2011-06-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

Well here it is Thursday of Week 3 and my post is still sitting in post limbo. This is what I planned to publish earlier this week:

Another fabulous weekend of stitching! Sherri Jones was here to teach our guild on Friday and Saturday. We had a great time working on A Blue Ribbon Sewing Box and The Lounging Hare. BRSB was on Friday and one lucky stitcher went home with a completely finished box. Amy traveled all the way from MI with her pre-stiching and assembly done and was able to glue everything together during class. The rest of us hope to follow suite soon.

On Saturday we started the stitching onThe Lounging Hare. The accordion panels are small but offer a chance to try out some new stitches and techniques. I have already worked the lattice with upright cross tie downs on one panel and started the woven band on another.

Pockets for The Lounging Hare with thread pallet.

Gwen

A Stitcher's Gathering 2011

2011-06-07T22:02:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was my annual trip to A Stitcher's Gathering, ASG. The weekend started as usual with a trip to Attic Needleworks. The store is chock full of charts, fabric, fibers, scissors and of course numerous stitched samples. Eye candy galore!
The project a Schwalm Herb Garden Hope Chest includes a Pinkeep Doll and Needle Book. The Pinkeep Doll was the portion of the pre-stitching that we brought to class.

Front of doll dress with peahole hem and heart outlined and ready for the Schwalm filling.

Schwalm heart filled with the waffle stitch. Next step assemble the pinkeep.

One of the things I love best about ASG is the opportunity I have to see my friends. We live all over the country but for at least one weekend we are able to get together and spend time visiting, stitching and catching up. I look forward to it each year.
Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Gardening Indoors

2011-05-23T17:02:00.001-05:00

All of my gardening this past weekend was done with needle and thread. I have a class coming up that required some pre-stitching. Since the date was drawing near and I spend most of my stitching time working on this piece.

Unfortunately I can't seem to get a good picture of this. It looks much better IRL. There is to be a Schwalm worked heart in the area above the yellow flowers. I just need to work the outline and finish the back of the piece and I will be ready for class.

Mary these are for you. Finally seeing some improvement in the yard.

(Blogger is having it's way with the formatting and I don't want to fight today.)

See you soon!
Gwen

Back to stitching

2011-04-29T13:14:00.000-05:00

My decision to give my yard some curb appeal has taken a toll on my stitching. The last few weeks I have spent more time working on the yard than stitching. I checked this morning and some of the seeds I planted are sprouting so maybe I will be able to enjoy some of my work when the plants start blooming.

My big accomplishment is that I have stated my pre-stitchingon on Blue Ribbon Sewing Box. My guild
will be hosting Sherri Jones in June. She will be teaching Blue Ribbon Sewing Box and Lounging Hares. Sherri's classes are always fun and I am looking forward to another class with her. I hope I will persevere and walk in to class with all my stitching done. I started out with sides that will be attached to the pyramid box. Then I will move on to the smalls.

Gwen

Monday Blahs

2011-03-28T14:43:00.000-05:00

I had great and lofty plans for working in the yard this morning then stitching all afternoon, but the weather has been yucky since Saturday. We have had thunderstorms and some rain all weekend long. It should have been a good day to just sit and stitch but I have a case of the blahs and haven't done much today. Hopefully this post with help me shake this off and get some work done.

Last week I finished Block 1 of AHRH.

Also worked some more on Beyond My Heart.

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

The Promise of Spring

2011-03-22T18:55:00.000-05:00

I was without internet service for a week and then had to travel out of town so my postings have been slower that usual. I do have a few things to share as I get back to a routine. While I was away I continued to work on my ornaments. I have several Little House Needleworks 2010 ornaments that I am working on. My first finish was He's a Flake.

He's A Flake - LHN

The next one I tackled was All is Calm. Like a number of other stitchers I changed the colors of the houses. They look more like Christmas to me now, everything else was as charted.

All is Calm - LHN

While Autumn is one of my favorite seasons, and I am enjoying AHRH, on the first day of Spring I was seduced into starting another project. I tried to resist but failed, the colors of new blooms and the sounds of birds singing were calling to me. My new start is Beyond My Heart by Blackbird Designs.

Beyond My Heart - Blackbird Designs

I got a restless working on the mortar for the house in Block 1 and started Block 4, so I am still not done with Block 1 yet, but here is my progress so far on AHRH.

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow - Carriage House Samplings

Hope that you are enjoying your stitching and the weather in your part of the world.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Pineapples and Reindeers

2011-02-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

My first sampler of the year is finished. Yeah! Okay, Okay it's only 1-1/4x2 inches, but I am celebrating just the same. Not only is it my first sampler of the year it's also my first silk gauze finish.

The Pineapple Sampler:

I'm still not sure how I will frame it. I am trying to decide if I should mat it or not.

Erin posted on HoE that she had received her ornament so now I can share a picture.

The Reindeer Christmas is by Earth Threads. The pattern is from the 2000 annual ornament kit. I stitched Erin's on 32ct Lambswool with the recommended fibers and substituted an "E" for the tree button in the center block.

I made the tuck pillow following this tutorial on Focus on Finishing. Lots of great finishing ideas and tutorials here, stop by and take a look. Thanks Anne S.

I got in a few more hours on AHRH last week and also worked on some ornaments. I should be have some pictures to share in the next post. Until then.....

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

January Roundup

2011-02-02T19:21:00.000-05:00

It's already the 2nd of February! WOW!!! I didn't get as far along as planned in January, however, I did make some progress.

AHRH: Still need to complete the roof and siding of the house.

The Pineapple Sampler: Working away at the background. I am almost half-way there.

My ornaments for the month: I completed a Sekas ornament for the local library Christmas tree. It was stitched on gold perforated paper. (no photo, I forgot to take picture) The second ornament was for an exchange on HoE that is being hosted by CarolS. The theme of this exchange was reindeers. Each piece has to contain at least one reindeer. Since it's an exchange piece I can only show a teaser. Don't adjust your focus/glasses the picture is very fuzzy. Just noticed it on the preview, sorry. I will have a much better picture and details after my partner receives it.

Need to get busy, only 26 more stitching days this month and I have not picked up a needle yet.
Happy Stitching,

Gwen

Week 2

2011-01-17T16:32:00.003-05:00

While digging thorough a basket of ~~stuff~~ precious stash I found this Shepherd's Bush Kit, Watercolor Heart. It was a quick stitch and I was able to finish it in a couple of days. The kit included the hand painted mat by Jill Rensel. Now all I have to do is find a suitable frame. Michael's had a buy-one-get-one-free sale on frames last week. I picked up a frame that I hope to use for The Pineapple Sampler, but I didn't find anything of my SB piece. I also checked Hobby Lobby when I was there on Thursday but no luck there either. I will have to keep checking or find another option.

Week 2 Progress report:

The Pineapple Sampler

I finished stitching the design on my silk gauze and started on the background.

AHRH
Still working on my house. All the windows are in, need to complete the roof and siding.

Wishing you joy in stitching,

Gwen

First Week's Progress

2011-01-10T16:28:00.000-05:00

Have you stitched on silk gauze lately? Who knew it could be so much fun! I have several kits in my stash, and may have started 1 or 2 many years ago before my floor lamp/magnifier. This is the first time I have really had fun stitching on silk gauze. There is hope that some of those kits in my stash will make to the top of the pile and on the walls. Here is my progress on The Pineapple Sampler from Threads Through Time.

My other New Year start was AHRH. I have also made progress on Block 1.

Last but not least I have stitched a portion of the JBW design The Shoe Shopper on their pre-finished shoe bag. Trying to get my hands into the area to be stitched has not been fun, so I have opted just to stitch the shoe for my shoe shopping DSis. This will be part of her B-day present. I can't believe I have something done ahead of time. Okay, okay I admit I started this in Dec, 2009 (it was originally to be a B-day present in 2010) got frustrated and put it away until now.

Many stitches and lots of finishes,

Gwen

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T13:36:00.000-05:00

Hope you had a good time over the holidays and had some time to get some stitching done. Did you start a new project for the New Year? A lot of stitchers start a new project each year, a lot of stitchers have avowed to make this the year of finishes/stitching their stash etc.. Where do you stand? I double dipped. I would really like to finish more this year than I did last year (especially things already in my stash), but I also succumbed and started 2 new projects on the First. My new projects are Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow (AHRH), Carriage House Samplings and The Pineapple Sampler by Threads Through Time.

I want to spend at least 1 hour per day stitching. I don't have any hard and fast rules about a rotation, but if I stitch 1 hour or 1 strand, I will make progress and be closer to a finish.

So let the stitching begin:

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow
40ct Sand Dune
NPI

Pineapple Sampler, The
40ct silk gauze
DMC

Wishing you joy in your stitching!

Gwen

Last Ornament of 2010

2010-12-25T12:07:00.000-05:00

"I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem! Luke 2:10

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

What a Coincidence

2010-12-07T20:06:00.000-05:00

Got a minute? Let me tell about my recent exchanges:

I took part in two exchanges on Hooked on Exchanging last month, a Christmas Ornament (any type of ornament) and a Christmas Smalls Exchange (something Christmas related but not an ornament). When I got the name of my exchange partners I had to smile. I had exchanged with this stitcher on another blog in the past and although the Christmas Ornament Exchange and the Christmas Smalls Exchange were hosted by the different moderators on the board I got the same name from each of them, Becky K. Now from past experience I knew that Becky loves reindeers and has a lovely collection of reindeer ornaments so I set out to find something she didn't already have. My choices were Prancer by JBW Designs from the 2004 JCS ornament issue and the pinkeep from Just Add Tinsel by Blue Ribbon Designs.

Yesterday I received my ornament from Nicole. The piece she stitched for me ........?

Prancer
JBW Designs
2004 JCS
25ct Lugana over 1

I loved the design so much I had already started to stitch one for me. Now I have my very own, Prancer, wonderfully stitched, finished and ready to hang thanks to Nicole.

So what of my smalls exchange piece you ask? I received from Aubree and she stitched me a Christmas Tin.

This design was making it's way to the top of my to-be-stitched pile, (which is very high esp. with Christmas projects) so when it appeared in my mailbox, stitched and finished by Aubree I was very excited. Thank you very much Aubree and Nicole.

Coincidences the same exchange partner for 2 different exchanges, receiving the same design that I had stitched and one that I planned to stitch... Oh, did I mention that both of the stitchers I received from live in Canada?

Thanks for stopping by, come back and visit soon.

Gwen

SMSS... Some More Seasonal Stitching

2010-11-25T11:57:00.000-05:00

Just popping in to wish everyone,
Happy Thansgiving

I have completed 2 additional Fall pieces that I want to share.:

Jack O Lantern

JCS 2010 Halloween issue

By the Full Moon

JCS 2010 Halloween issue

Now it's time to move on to some Christmas pieces.

Have a Blessed Day.

Gwen

SSS....Some Seasonal Stitching

2010-11-11T11:59:00.000-05:00

Looking at the date of my last post and the calender I see that I have missed a whole month. It is hard to believe that November is not only here, but it is almost half over. Can the Christmas season be far behind?
In October I started some seasonal stitching.Moonlit Garden, BBD is the sampler that I chose to work on. I also completed the stitching on a few ornaments. Not wanting them to land on the pile of
stitched-but-not-finished, I have spent at least an hour each day this week on finishing.

My Seasonal Ornaments:

Pumpkin Stack

Finished with a felt back and ribbon hanger.

A Time To Reap

Plum Pudding NeedArt

Hopefully I will get some Christmas stitching done before the big day. Where oh where did the year and all my good intentions go?

Until next time,

Gwen

Pumpkin Stack

2010-09-29T19:10:00.000-05:00

Autumn/Fall is finally here. Well at least in the mornings. Our afternoons still feel like summer, though not the 100 and 90+ degrees we had earlier. Wonder of wonders we actually had some rain this week, it's been months since we had any.

My stitching has been extremely slow going but I did manage to stitch an Autumn ornament.

Pumpkin Stack

Chessie & Me Kit

I left off the outside border for now as I have not decided how I will finish it.
Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Ornament Post-It.

2010-09-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to show my latest ornament.

"Red House in Winter" from Little House Needleworks series "All Dolled Up". Used recommended fabric and fibers except subbed 3865 for 712.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

For the Birds

2010-08-31T18:49:00.000-05:00

The title of this post was the name of the latest exchange I took part in. The exchange was hosted by Hooked on Exchanging. Within the guidelines each stitcher's creation had to have a bird somewhere in the design.

My piece for Suzanne turned out to be something on her wish list. Pumpkin Blossom from Blackbird Designs. I used the recommended fabric and fibers and finished it as a pillow.

From Lillie I received this pinkeep/scissor holder stitched from Prairie Schooler book #24. The whole this is finished with a lovely batik fabric on the front and back.

Until next time,

Gwen

2010-08-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

While summer is almost over here, the temps are still in the 90's and not a drop of rain in sight. I have spend most of the time indoors trying to avoid heat index of 100+. I wish my fingers would move faster so I could get more stitching done.

The stitching for Lady Jane's Garden is done. Yeah! Now on to the assembly of the pinkeep. In anticipation of Fall and some cooler weather I have been working on 2 small pieces. Both pieces have an acorn and use wonderful fall colors. I hope to have them completed soon and have some pictures to share. I have one exchange piece that landed in customs lockup. I hope that it will be released soon.

Until next time,

Gwen

Lady Jane's Garden pt. 2

2010-07-11T20:08:00.001-05:00

My carrier arrived home on Thursday. I was very relieved when I opened the box and there was no damage to its precious cargo. I am waiting on some ribbon to embellish the carrier lining but in the meantime here is my progress so far.

Spool holder

Inside carrier

Spool holder inside carrier.

Just one more piece to compete ...............

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Lady Jane"s Garden pt. 1

2010-06-29T17:30:00.001-05:00

Do you attend a stitching event and dive right in and get as much stitching/finishing done as possible or do you just sit in class and take notes waiting to get back to your cozy stitching nook to stitch or do the finishing? I am usually in the latter category. This past weekend I had an opportunity to switch gears. I spend 2 days working on a project and got more done in class than ever before. I am very excited to have accomplished as much as I did.

A group of friends and I met to work on Lady Jane's Garden and LePetit Trianon. I spent the two days working on Lady Jane's Garden and came away with a lined carrier and several of the smalls completed. Thanks to Jackie and a wonderful group of talented and encouraging friends I have a project that is 90% complete.

Scissor fob, floss holder and pinkeep for Lady Jane's
Garden.

( I had to mail my carrier home so I will be sitting on pins and needles until it arrives.)
Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Back from a short Hiatus.

2010-06-13T14:07:00.000-05:00

I have spend the last few months pre-stitching for classes and while I still don't have a finished project to show, I have had fun and learned a lot. The first class I took was Hare Pyns with Sherri Jones. Lots and lots of stitching but oh so worth it. The project is just beautiful, but still a W.I.P.

Two weekends ago some friends and I made our annual trip to AZ to attend A Stitcher's Gathering. This usually warrants at least one trip to The Attic Needleworks and this year was no different. We spent a few hours shopping, visiting, shopping, enabling, and shopping (you get the picture) with Jeana and her staff. We left there with more stash and lighter wallets to prepare for our class. Thanks Jean, April and Sandy for your hospitality we love visiting your store each year.

Rae Iverson of Moss Creek Designs the organizer/host of A Stitcher's Gathering has designed a fan etui Live Long with Joy. Armed with our pre-stitching our goal was to stitch the dragonfly and work on the construction of the case. During class we used 5 weights of gold threads to make a gold gilted dragonfly to adorn the fan etui. Threads used were Smooth Purl, Pearl Purl, Passing Thread Gilt Sylke Twist and Tambour Thread. This was my first time working with these threads. For a first attempt I am very pleased with my dragonfly.

Dragonfly taking flight from the branch of a mulberry tree.

In stitches,

Gwen

First Day of Spring

2010-03-19T17:43:00.000-05:00

The First Day of Spring will be here in my neck of the woods in less that 6 hours. I can hardly wait. This winter has been loooooooooooong and I for one am ready for it to be over.

Since my last post many moons ago, I have finished stitching a couple of small pieces, but no pictures to share right now. I hope to remedy that soon. In the meantime here is a picture I received from a friend that shows the promise of Spring arriving in her hometown.

Close up of blossoms

Ornamental Pear trees in bloom.
(Thanks DixieM)

For your Easter Basket: Easter Eggs

Until next time,

Gwen

As January Closes

2010-01-31T16:35:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for 2010 is to working on completing some of my projects, so I have been trying to work on my finishing at least once per week. Here are the results of some of my efforts.

It's Fine-ally Finshed: Pineapple Treat Pinkeep
Make it-Take it Kit from Celebration of Needlework

Back with scissors.

It's Fine-ally Finished: Merry Christmas Ornament Make It-Take It kit stitched on linen banding.

This finish was for an exchange on the Legacy BB. My partner Nancy has posted that she has received it so I can post pictures now.

Each participant in the exchange was to stitch a Quaker inspired motif and finish any way you desired. I stitched a motif from Quaker Trifles by R&R in WDW Deep Sea. The larger motif is on the front and the smaller on the back. This needlebook is hinged with ribbon so that the neddlebook can be opened from the left or right without the needlepage falling out. While I remembered to a picture of the outside I forgot to get a picture of the inside. I will try to get a picture the next time I make one of these.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

The Reasons ....

2010-01-10T19:08:00.015-05:00

I am very excited! Why you may ask? I finished my first projects for 2010!

Reason #1
Between Christmas and New Years, I stitched 3 small projects from It's Fine-ally Finished. Well on Saturday I put Rip-It together and here he is:
..
Closed ................................................................... Open
Rip-It Kit
It's Fine-ally Finished.

Inside the case is a seam ripper for the times when you have to rip-it, rip-it , rip-it ... I had fun stitching Mr. Frogger, but I hope I will not be needing his services very often. The inside front cover also holds a needle page. As you may have noticed mine is missing, it has taken me a couple of days, okay 3 0r 4 days to locate one of my 2 scallop scissors. I just found a pair today and now my needlepage is ready to be attached.

Reason #2
I have increased my stitched ornaments by 4! Here are 4 ornaments that have been in my to-be-finished pile for awhile. A friend at stitch-in on Friday was kind enough to hold my perle cotton for me while I made twisted cord. On Saturday and Sunday I finished attaching the cord to my ornaments.

Reason #3
I a also very excited to receive this pinkeep from Michele from Haven and Earth Designs. We took part in a Quaker themed exchange on Legacy BB and she stitched me a wonderful pinkeep. It is stitched one over one! Thank you very much Michele!

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Ushering in a New Decade

2009-12-31T18:22:00.005-05:00

Since Christmas I have finished the stitching on three smalls. I am sure that is a record for me! They are all by Jackie du Plessis of It's Fine-ally Finished. The first is a Christmas Ornament stitched on linen banding. This was not a left over from 2009 Christmas projects, I actually started and finished the stitching after 25th Dec.. I am claiming this as my first ornament for 2010. The second piece is Pineapple Treat, a pinkeep Round Robin project, from Celebration of Needlework 2008 NH, and the finally Rip-It a keeper of pins, needles and a seam ripper.

Happy New Year!

It's Raining It's Pouring ..............

2009-12-13T11:28:00.009-05:00

It has been raining here for two days straight. I am ready for some sunshine. Yesterday I was in the dull drums and although I stayed in all day I didn't get much done. This morning I was determined not to have a repeat of yesterday so I resolved to finish this ornament. It is a stocking that I plan to donate to the Christmas Tree in the Cath Lab at one of the local hospitals. Here is the result: I hope that the ornaments that we have donated will bring some cheer to the staff, patients or anyone that is visiting a patient there.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Merry Christmas!

Nov: Off the Assembly Line

2009-11-23T18:30:00.007-05:00

Here is a sneak peak at my latest finish.
.

This is a portion of the project I stitched for Round 4 on the Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange. I mailed it off today and will post the full picture after my partner receives it.

Over the weekend I manged to complete a few ornaments:

Left: Believe (freebie from The Sampler Girl) finished as a small pillow ornament.
Middle: Nutcracker (from an old cross stitch magazine)
Right: Renne de Noel (Valarie) (freebie) finished as a humbug ornament.

Today after I returned from the post office I had this beautiful ornament waiting for me.

PS Chart #25 Up On the House Top
32ct Vintage Sand Dune
recommended DMC
This was stitched for me by Edgar. It is beautifully stitched and finished. It has a wonderful ruffled plaid ribbon for the finished edge and the hanger. A wonderful addition to my collection. Thank you Edgar, your work is appreciated and it will be cherished.

Thanks for stopping by,
(Here is Susan's YLPS #4 as promised. I know it's late, I just don't know how the time slips by so fast)

Gwen

Happy Thanksgiving!

(edited to add picture)

Frog infestation

2009-11-10T16:14:00.010-05:00

I hoped to be sharing my finish of Softly Walk over the weekend. I found out that my project had a frog infestation. I had miscounted the placement of my verse, the two lines started running together so I had to rip it.. rip it.... I finally got the verse restitched on Sunday, but I have not been able to get a good picture. Since the time change, when I get home the lighting is bad or not existent. It seems to get dark by 5PM now. 'How to finish the piece?' is the question that I have to decide. I have seen several different treatments of this piece from framing to pillows and they all looking like good choices. I have 2 pieces of left over fabric that may work for a pillow back and piping.
Decisions .... decisions ..... I guess this will be my first project for Halloween 2010.

Something Wicked: Vonna's, The Attic's, Corine's, Gandja's

Softly Walk is finally finished:

Softly Walk
La-D-Da
This week I will be working on an exchange project and finishing some ornaments that have been languishing on the finishing pile for way to long.

Love and Stitches,

Gwen

edited to add link

Treats not Trix

2009-10-31T17:20:00.007-05:00

Last weekend I attended ASG at Hilton Head, South Carolina. This is one of my favorite retreats each year. Our classes this year centered around a nautical theme. Rae Iverson of Moss Creek Designs was our hostess and teacher, along with Jackie du Plessis of It's Fine-ally Finished, and Marcy Pumphret of Scrimshaw by Marcy. I must say, I approached Marcy's class with intimidation. How could someone with no artistic ability enjoy or get anything from this mere 4 hour block of time? Well, I am here to tell that I not only survived but I had a great time. Marcy is a very patient and gracious teacher. She made us all believe in our ability to at least try the the technique and each person left class with a greater appreciation for the art of scrimshaw and each piece that we own or hope to collect in the future.
Jackie's piece for this year was The Ship to Shore Etui ( sailboat with pinkeep and needlebook sails, scissor holder and option scrim anchor) and Rae's piece was a Fish Purse Etui. Both pieces are just stunning. It will be hard to decide which to stitch first.

This week I finished stitching Softly Walk, tonight I will be working on Something Wicked. I was almost able to get it done but, I need another couple of hours to finish the verse and put in the border.

Gwen

Progress Report

2009-10-18T19:34:00.007-05:00

I have been stitching on Softly Walk, I am not finished it yet. I finished the bottom border and I'm working on the flowers on each side, but I don't have a recent picture. I started working on Something Wicked and made some progress on Friday night and Sat. I wouldn't get much stitching done this week, but I hope to have it done before the 31st.

Something Wicked
La-D-Da
35ct Havanna
DMC

My most recent finish is a beaded project. I have had this in my stash for awhile and finally finished Frizzed. This project is by Fern Ridge Collection and was originally meant to be a necklace, but I made mine a pin.

Frizzled
Fern Ridge Collection

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Halloween stitching

2009-09-29T16:27:00.005-05:00

I have finished a few Halloween pieces. The first two are Mill Hill Autumn Harvest Kits.

Wanda's Hat .............................. Magical Spell

The kits were designed to be pins, but I covered the back of each with sticky back felt, added a hanger and made them into ornaments.

I was looking through my stash and found this kit from Shepherd's Bush and decided to finally stitch it. I put the finishing touches on it last night.

Halloween Treat Bag
Shepherd's Bush Kit

On Saturday I received this needleroll from April. We took part in the HoE Blog Fall Needleroll Exchange. April stitched a LK Flip It and turned it into a needleroll. Tom Turkey is at home with my other needlerolls. Thank you April! April has been stitching up a storm stop by and take a look.

November Stamp
Lizzie Kate Flip It

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Softly Walk

2009-09-20T17:47:00.007-05:00

I started this a few weeks ago and thought I would have finished it by now. No such luck. The skein of GAST Fudge Ripple (recommended by chart) that I have looks to brown for a rose color. I didn't want a dead rose on my sampler, so I went through my thread stash looking for a substitute and came up with 2 very different dye lots of Clover (an good example of how dye lots can differ) and an other choice Antique Rose. The Antique Rose may be to close to the Old Red Paint to offer enough contrast. While I am making up my mind I have jumped to the bottom portion of Softly Walk by La-D-Da. Hopefully by the time I get that all stitched I would have make a choice about the rose.

As promised, here is a picture of the lovely box I received from DixieM.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Sharing

2009-09-14T17:02:00.008-05:00

I received several stitched items that are too cool to keep to myself. So I would like to take this opportunity to share them with you.

Th first picture is the package I received from a fellow stitcher Karol on Stitching Blogger's Birthday Club exchange. Each participant stitches an item and sends it to their exchange partner along with any extras if desired. The idea is to have the package arrive on or before the big day. Who doesn't love being remembered? The needleroll Karol stitched for me is the Stitcher's Roll from Shepherd's Bush. The inscription reads: 'A needle thin, Be placed herein, Can stitch & hem, Darn sew & mend.'

Stitcher's Roll
Shepherd's Bush kit

The second set of pictures are of a Midsummer Night Designs piece that is a needlebook with 2 self lined stitching pockets. The Remember Me Stitching Pocket was made for me by my dear friend CarolB, who usually breaks into a sweat at the thought of using the sewing machine. She has gotten a lot more comfortable at the sewing machine recently, and is well in her way to conquering her fear altogether. She did a wonderful job on the stitching and finishing.

A Stitcher's Pocket
Midsummer Night Designs

I also received a beautifully lined box with a stitched lid from another dear friend DixieM. Hopefully I will get home in time to take a decent picture and post it later this week.

Thank you ladies for sharing your wonderful talent with me. I wish my camera skills were better and could really do justice to these pieces.

Gwen

Thank You!

2009-09-08T17:30:00.004-05:00

I celebrated my birthday over weekend. I just want to take the time to say:

Thank you!

to all my friends who thought of me, called, sent a card or a gift. Please know that I value your friendships very much. I am looking forward to the next 365 days.

Blessings to you all,

Gwen

Wow and WOW!

2009-09-05T16:58:00.007-05:00

First off Wow! Has it really been that long since my last post? It seems that I have made several but, I guess I thought about them but never sat down in front of the computer and actually did any typing.

Anyway, I have to take the time for my next WOW! I have been taking part in the Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchanges, for round three RebeccaM got my name and I received the most beautiful scissor holder/needlebook. The pictures just do not do it justice, I love it.

Front ........................................ Back

Inside

This is really a WOW!! Rebecca's stitching and finishing is great. She also shared with me that the wool used on the inside of the piece is from a suit coat that she has recycled. How coo is that!
Thank you, Rebecca I will treasure this always.

More to share later, Gwen

Fall must be on the way .............

2009-08-08T18:06:00.006-05:00

School buses are running, the kids are back in school. Fall must be on the way. I am trying out a new background to reflect the coming changes.

CarolS has received her birthday present so now I can show you what I sent for her. We have exchanged before so I knew that she likes autumn and cats. I made her a mattress pinkeep and I was able to find some things from her wish list.

Pinkeep for CarolS
Pattern: Quaker Trifles of Affection,
Fiber: CC Cappuccino

Last week I finished my Tavern Welcome, since I already had the frame, I thought I would frame it this weekend. Well today has not been as productive as I thought it would be. I just could not get into a groove. Anyway here it is with the frame that I will be using.

Pattern adaptation: Carriage House Samplings Tavern Signs
Fabric: 40ct Palomino
Fibers: suggested DMC

Until next time,

Gwen

Tiny Steps

2009-08-03T10:30:00.007-05:00

I made some progress in my stitching last week. On Friday I was able to stitch with my Friday Stitch-In group. I had not been able to attend for several weeks. It was nice to see everyone there and to catch up on the happenings and latest projects. I worked on BBD Loose Feathers #35 and got the top border and the alphabet for the pin keep started.

On Friday evening it was time to work some more on my 'Tavern Welcome'.

On Saturday I decided to tackle some finishing. I started work on some ornaments that have been lavishing in the finishing pile. I wasn't able to complete them, but here is my start.

I hope to have a new finish soon and also some assembled ornaments this month.

Gwen

Yoo Hoo......

2009-07-27T20:12:00.009-05:00

I started a new project on Friday. I am using Tavern Signs by Carriage House Samplings to stitch a welcome sign for DS. I am using 40ct Palomino and stitching with the suggested DMC fibers.

I got 2 projects back from the framers last week!

A is for Acorn by Hillside Sampler and Where My Heart Blooms by Blackbird Designs.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Fourth of July update

2009-07-04T16:03:00.006-05:00

Happy Fourth everyone, Hope you are having a great day.

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited to NY to take a class with Jackie of It's Fine-ally Finished. Jackie taught Hands to Work, Hearts to God. This is a super project with Jackie's flare for beautiful and functional smalls. During class we worked on the lining for the Shaker carrier and started finishing the pieces that we had pre-stitched. I need to finish some hand stitching on my liner then it will be done. My lyre waxer pocket is done (middle left of 2nd picture on IFF site) and now I am working on the thread pail (gold piece upper right in 2nd picture on IFF site). Hope to have some pictures to share soon.

I do have 2 things that I finished on Friday night. One is my BBD Stocking that I started last month:

BBD: Winter Carnation
Fabric: 28 ct Coffee/tea dyed a la Vonna
Fibers: per pattern

and the second is a Mill Hill Kit that I did in honor of The Fourth of July.

Mill Hill: Flag Star
Perforated paper
Fibers and beads from kit.

Here is a link for a freebie chart if you would like to get started on your patriotic stitching: Quaker 4th of July , Thank you Aury.

Hope everyone is having a safe Fourth.
Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

Oh Happy Day!

2009-06-17T16:29:00.010-05:00

My two exchange pieces have arrived. I mailed them both on the same day. One went to Canada and the other to the UK. From the acknowledgment of the recipients they arrived on the same day on at least within a day of each other. An other wonder of the postal system.

Here is the Prairie Schooler that I stitched for Angela. Angela plans to stitch Prairie Schooler Santas for her Christmas tree this year so I thought I would stitch one to add to her collection.

Prairie Schooler Santa
stitched on 28ct fabric from stash
Fibers: recommended DMC

The exchange for LegacyBB Quaker Quarterly Exchange was to use black/grays to stitch a Quaker/Quaker inspired design. I stitched this pinkeep for Patti and a added some pins with black Swarovski crystals for the pin heads. (I forgot to take a picture of the pins.)

Pinkeep for Patti
Pattern: Quaker Trifles of Affection, Crown & Thistle
Fabric: Silvery Moon
Fiber: CC Noir

My Prairie Schooler Exchange from Rosalie : YLPS Exchange Round 2

Last but my no means least my QQE from Mercedes. Mercedes and I have been partnered on several exchanges and it is always a treat to receive from Mercedes, this time was not exception.

Thanks for all you good thoughts,
Gwen

Stalking and prepping........

2009-06-14T16:50:00.008-05:00

Stalking:
Well I have spent most of the weekend stalking a couple of blogs and BBs checking to see if 2 exchanges pieces that I mailed have arrived. So far no luck! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will arrive this week.
Since my exchange pieces have not arrived yet, the only picture I can share right now is my Star Pouch. This is a La-D-Da pattern that was first released as kit. Now I think it is only available as a chart. I wanted to continue the patter on the back of the pouch so I have stitched the outline on the area that will be the back. Now to decide if I want to add my initial or something else in that open area. This is now on the top of the to-be-finished pile.

A Star Pouch Kit
La-D-Da
Stitched with recommended fabric and fibers

Prepping:
I spent part of Saturday morning cutting out matboard to assemble some ornaments. The pile is getting very high. In the next couple of weeks I hope to put together my Star Pouch, and some ornaments. I am getting the matboard, lining fabric, embellishments, etc. ready so that I can spend an entire day on finishing.

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

Summer is here

2009-06-06T12:03:00.005-05:00

Well not officially. Summer will be here on the 20 or 21 of June depending on your location in the Northern hemisphere. Where has the first half of the year gone? One of my bright spots of this summer will be in my stitching basket. Here is a pinkeep that I received from Rosalie as part of the Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange.

Pinkeep
PS leaflet #138

Thank you Rosalie for the your wonderful stitching and finishing.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

Three more finishes

2009-05-16T23:32:00.008-05:00

I have been away from blogging for a few weeks. For now, I will just share some projects that I have finished stitching.

First up is the Traveling Stitcher, LHN.

Second is BBD's, Sampler Stocking. It is the first ornament I have stitched in a couple of months, so I was very happy to get it done. Hopefully I can get back to stitching one ornament per month.

I see from her blog that Annette has received the bookmark I stitched for her. This was a part of HoE Bookmark Exchange.

I have had a couple of family emergencies in the past couple of weeks and now some issues with appliances at my home. I hope that things will settle down and get back to normal soon, need to get my stitching rhythm back.

Happy Stitching, Thanks for stopping by.

Gwen

Mr Rabbit is done

2009-04-19T18:13:00.006-05:00

I finished stitching Easter Parade on Good Friday. I was not able to post my finish or get my pillow made because I was out of town. I will have to make a trip to the fabric store to find some suitable fabric and ribbon for the pillow I have in mind.

Since my return home I have been trying to catch up on my stitching and my blog reading. Not an easy task with so many wonderful and creative stitchers sharing their work. Here are two that you may have missed. Alma Allen of Blackbird Designs is having a contest on her blog. The contest ends on the 27th April so all your nimble fingered, turbo stitchers may still have time to participate. Check out the details here.

Nina is also having a giveaway on her blog. Be sure to check it out.

Here is my entry.

These are the ones I could find today, some are still hiding with their favorite project.

Happy stitching everyone!
Gwen

Soo close

2009-04-06T16:45:00.003-05:00

My goal was to have this done by Easter. I am not quite there yet, but I hope I will be able to finish the stitching by the end of the week. I am missing just a few motifs and the eyelets to define Mr Rabbit.

Thanks for stopping by,
Easter Blessings

Gwen

Hopping Along

2009-03-29T20:12:00.008-05:00

I didn't get much stitching done last week, but during Let's Stitch's SAT I got in a good bit of progress on Easter Parade. I had to frog the lower portion of my bunny's silhouette that I stitched a week ago. My stitching was off by a couple of rows. I finished the bag for the flowers then restitched Mr Bunny. On Sunday I moved on to the border and the last flower.

Since I finished the stitching on WMHB I rewarded myself with a new start. I stitched the first row of motifs on A Star Pouch by La-D-Da. I was able to get one of the kits so it is being stitched with the required fabric and fibers.

Be back soon.
Gwen

Traveling to a Finish

2009-03-23T19:35:00.006-05:00

My Traveling Stitcher, LHN is almost finished. I have decided to change the color to the stitcher's dress (I am really not a pink kind of girl). The pink for the blossoms is very pale and doesn't show up very well on my fabric do I think I will change this to blue as well. I hope I will be able to finish it this weekend.

I have been working on Blackbird Designs, Where My Heart Blooms for the last few weeks and I finally have a finish.

Gwen

My Weekend Stitcing

2009-03-16T19:00:00.008-05:00

My stitching over the weekend was divided between 3 projects, Where My Heart Blooms, Traveling Stitcher and Easter Parade. Yes, I have started yet another project. EP was on my wish list ever since I saw it stitched. Dyeing to Stitch had the chart and I was able to get it there along with the fibers I needed. I hope to have it done in time for Easter and finish as a pillow.

My exchange piece has made its way to Becky. I am so happy that it arrived safely. Red is Becky's favorite color so I stitched this for her.

Both designs are from the Ackworth Pattern Book. They are stitched in DMC 815.

I took part in a Christmas Ornament Exchange on HoE blog. This is my ornament. It took the long way from South America. Thank you Janaina! This now my first finished ornament for 2009.

Happy Stitching,

Gwen

Polar Opposites

2009-03-10T17:26:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was on the opposite spectrum from the one prior. The temperatures were in the 70's to low 80's. Could this be the same place that had snow on the ground the previous Sunday? Yes, this is just another reminder for how crazy the weather can be in GA.

I started my weekend looking forward to a finish on WMHB, but it was not to be. I was able to get a few stitches in, but I was way too tired for the amount of stitching I hoped to accomplish. On Saturday I made a 4 hour trip out of town (2 hours each way), then came back and tried to run some errands I had been putting off. Do you see a trend yet? On Sunday the dreaded loss of an hour to DST and I am totally out of whack.

One of the bright spots of the weekend was an exchange that I received. It is a wonderful purple pinkeep from Darla. We both took part in the Quarker Quarterly Exchange on Legacy BB.

Isn't it lovely! It is soo pretty IRL, it is stitched on 32ct white Lugana with WDW "Peoria Purple". I love it. Thank you Darla!

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

Snowy Progress

2009-03-02T19:18:00.006-05:00

I thought I would use this opportunity to check out Blogger's video upload. This was shot on Sunday using my digital camera. Most of the snow was melted and things were back to normal by Monday midday.

It took awhile to upload but, it was a very user friendly process.

Now for some some stitching news. I did make much progress on Quaker Garden. I am working with 2 shades of green right now. When I get some color on the piece I will post a picture. This is my progress thus far on Traveling Stitcher, LHN.

Thanks for stopping by,
Gwen

In like a Lion

2009-03-02T00:50:00.007-05:00

March 1st and most of town woke up to snow! Yes snow in the south and only 19 days before the start of Spring.

I spent the day indoors and got some stitching done. I was able to put a few stitches in on Quaker Garden and my most recent start Traveling Stitcher by Little House Needleworks.

Stay warm and happy stitches,
Gwen

Is it over already?

2009-02-27T11:46:00.005-05:00

Where has February gone already? I know that it is the shortest month of the year but....... is it really the 27th already?

I took two trips this month which have really thrown me off my schedule (such as it was). I had a blast visiting with friends to celebrate a fellow stitcher's birthday. I lined a Whitman Salmangundi tin for her and made a magic neeedlebook, strawberry emery and a waxer for her box. Unfortunately I can only show you a picture of the box. I forgot to take pictures of the finished box with the smalls.

This month was the first exchange for the Year Long Prairie Schooler group hosted by BeckySC. This is the exchange piece that I stitched for BeckyK. BeckyK is stitching deer/reindeer ornaments this year for her Christmas tree so I stitched this PS freebie for her.

I used some fabric from my stash and the DMC called for but, I substituted Mill Hill beads for the holly berries.

Yesterday I received my PS exchange piece from Conny. My pinkeep traveled all the way from the Netherlands. It is just lovely, Conny did a great job.

Come back and visit soon.
Gwen

A no picture update..........

2009-02-09T23:50:00.006-05:00

My stitching time last week was limited, but I was able to work on WMHB. I have almost finished the house. I should be able to get that done this week. On Sunday I restarted my Quaker Garden. I started this last month as a SAL with QI. I measured according to the margins my OLS recommended, but I noticed that the first motif was off. On Sunday, my chosen day to stitch on QG, I flipped my fabric remeasured and started over. I will frog my first motif later, I just wanted to get going again and not get too far behind. I think I am on the right track now.

I have been working on my exchange piece for Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange. I finally completed the stitching and put it together tonight I just need to add a bow and hanger. It will be in the mail tomorrow. I hope I don't forget to take a picture.

Well last,but not least I am working on a birthday present for a friend. I have a few more days to complete the last piece for this project.

Check back later I should have some pictures soon.
Thanks for stopping by,

Gwen

January ....

2009-02-01T18:36:00.008-05:00

has come and gone. During the month I was able to complete the stitching on A is for Acorn. I will be attaching the button soon then on to the framer. My other completions for January were:

Freebie: Four Little Hearts - Indigo Rose

Valentine Exchange HoE

Freebie: Renne de Noel (Valarie)
Fiber: CC Roasted Chestnut

Snowflake 2007 - Heritage Series - JCS 2007
Fabric: 32ct Millennium Blue

I am continuing to work on WMHB. I would like to complete the house this week.

Gwen

January progress...........

2009-01-26T16:56:00.007-05:00

I had a couple of finishes already this month. I mailed my first exchange of the year off to its new owner today. I also finished my first ornament.

Snowflake 2007 - Heritage Series
JSC 2007
Fabric: 32ct Millenium Blue Belfast
Fibers: DMC blanc
Beads: Mill Hill
I am a bit behind on my ornament starts already. My goal is to get at least one done each month so it's not too bad, but I hope to have a Christmas ornament done by Friday to fulfill my Seasonal Ornament SAL (SO SAL).

I am very close to a finish on a piece from my friend Chris. I want to get it done this week as well. I just need to add one more squirrel, the date, and a button and A is For Acorn, Hillside Samplings will done and ready for the framer.
(I have stitched some more on this since the picture.)

Last week during the Let's Stitch SAT I worked on Lettres "G", here is my progress.
Letters "G" - Gigi R

I was able to get some stitches in on Where My Heart Blooms and a new start on Sunday with Quaker Inspired. So all in all this has been a very good month for stitching.

Gwen