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Monday, August 25, 2008

Stitching Progress

Progress since my last true stitching post. See, there IS more to my blog than just me whining on about things that usually are out of my control.

I've stitched sporatically over the last month, mainly because my work life spilled over into my personal life and my personal life got equally as crazy. But true to form, stitching provided me with a respite from the nuttiness of my job, my house and my family (when they've irritated me).

Apologies for the quality of the pictures, they are not as dark as they seem on your monitor. It's a combination of my tremendous digital camera and the lighting in the living room.

First of all is Blackbird Designs, Where My Heart Blooms. I'm working on the house now. It's a good car project because the linen is 30 count and fairly open weave so with my cheater glasses, I can stitch while the DH and I drive somewhere (usually to see Mike).



And a finish!!! This is also a Blackbird Designs pattern from the book Trix or Treat. called Merry Hallowe'en.

I started it in 2005 (!!) and the only thing I had to stitch on it was the word Hallowe'en. So yesterday, I spent the better part of 3 hours finishing it up. I have the frame so let's see if I can frame it before Halloween. It's stitched on some no name fabric with Weeks Dye Works cotton in Mascara. I was really unhappy with the thread, it was stiff and kinky. It knotted up terribly and would not lay flat even when I dampened the floss. I think that was the reason it took me so long to finish this little piece up. It didn't live up to the expectation of an easy stitch!

Prairie Schooler, Autumn Leaves. Stitched over one with DMC on 28 count Lambswool evenweave.

I am working on it as part of a stitching challenge for the month of August with the Prairie Schooler BB. I also started this in (gasp!) 2005 right after the pattern was released. I was part of an SAL with Patti and Cathy. They finished their samplers and I, true to form, bring up the rear. I love how it's coming out but I can't work on it for very long because over one and my eyes don't seem to get along for an extended period. I'd like to finish it before the end of September to be able to display till the end of Autumn. Yeah, right!

Another Blackbird Designs, Blessings and Kind Wishes. This is a gift for a far away dear friend. I am working it on the recommended fabric with the recommended thread. So far, I am enjoying stitching it. The Weeks thread isn't behaving any better than it did on Merry Hallowe'en. Does anyone else have this problem with overdyed cotton fibers?

Lastly is my Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler. I must be in the mood to work on her. Don't know why really.


So there you have it! I have been stitching when time and energy has allowed. I hope you like my progress and I welcome all feedback. Now, please excuse me, today is a vacation day and I intend to sit in my favorite spot cross stitching the majority of the day away.

Thanks for dropping by!

15 comments:

staci said...

Love all of your stitching! And I'm drooling over your PS...I don't have any of the PS fall patterns, and I am super tempted to place an order!!!

I find WDW to be the worst at twisting and knotting~~so frustrating!

Jane said...

I love the autumn sampler. Admired it many times, but have never got round to stitching it. Happy stitching

Karoline said...

They're all looking lovely Joanie, sorry to read that you've had a bad dose of 'life'

Jeanne said...

Great progress Joanie. I agree with Staci- I've found that WDW seems a lot stiffer to the touch and tends to knot up more for me than some of the other overdyes like GAST or Crescent Colours. I am being more picky about where I use the overdyes too as I don't like the 'striped' effect if the stitching area is big. Hazel (http://quietlystitching.blogspot.com/) is setting up an SAL for Beatrix Potter to start in January - if you're not done by then, come over and join!

Jackie in UK said...

Beautiful stitching, as always, Joanie! :-) I have the happy halloween stitched up and made into a pillow - I wish I'd framed mine though..... I have just started the halloween bird from the same book (can't remember the name offhand). I love that BBD halloween booklet! As for WDW thread I have loads of it but am not very keen to work with it these days. I find the same problem as you, it knots up all the time - grrr! ;-)

love,

Jackie x

Nancy said...

Wow, your stitching looks great! Glad to see the pics. I think that BBD Tricks or Treats is one of the best cross stitch leaflets/books out there. I have done several from that book time and time again.
Nancy

Unknown said...

Some very nice stitching in progress well done!

Casa Pearl said...

Holy Moley girl! You've been busy. Your PS puts met to shame - I need to get out that fabric I bought with you and start this, but I already cut fabric to do When Witches Go Riding.... wanna join me? Ahhahahahah!

samplerlover said...

Hi Joanie, I love your photo's. You have done some lovely work.
I still love Beatrix. Might get mine out and do a bit.
Stitching in the car is something I have never got the hang off. I tried once but I ended up in a great mess LOL. Hope you have a lovely week - Sandra.

Sherry said...

I have to get that PS design now!! I love it! And your BBD design is looking wonderful!

Dani - tkdchick said...

All of your projects are wonderful! Congratulations on your little finish. I'm glad you find solace in your stitching!!!

Aussie Stitcher said...

Can't help with your WDW, haven't used them before. Your wips are looking great.

Tama said...

Your projects look great - and congratulations on your finish! I've used the WDWs on a very small project once - I used Thread Heaven thread conditioner on them and they calmed right down. Maybe you could try that?

Debbies-English-Treasures said...

I`m asking to all the Bloggers to support our dear FRIEND Mandy!
Please do come over, and DO LEAVE A COMMENT!

Kisses
Debbie Moss

Thanks so much for your SUPPORT!

Theresa said...

Hi Joanie! I love the new look on your blog!
I finally got a google acct. so I can leave a comment...
the summer flew by, I hope you had a good one.
Your stitching looks great!
Theresa