29th January Project- Start

To start off, thanks to all of you who have been commenting on my blog- Isabella is getting quite the attention these days, isnt she going to be something?  There are some many of you wanting to stitch her, or who have pulled her out to continue working on her, or walked over to the finished sampler on the wall to gaze at her.  I encourage all of you to start her.  It is from the Sampler and Antique Needlework Magazine Summer 2010 issue, and there are some out there yet!!!  She isnt a large sampler, so it would be great in any count and if you are considering trying a smaller count, she would be a great example to start on.  But, Isabella had her day on Friday right? 
What about Anne Wells?  Who is Anne Wells?  I really have no idea who Anne is, but I think her sampler is darn cute.  Last night I started Birds of a Feather- Anne Wells.  It is an out of print pattern that I have had for a few years.  I chose Birds of a Feather Barn Owl 36ct Linen along with the called for WDW threads.  I know you are all shocked it is on 36ct--- do you know how stinken' cute she would be on 45??!!!!  But, I have all of this linen, and why not use it already.  Just because I am obsessed these days with 45, doesnt mean that the other gorgeous colors in larger counts have to take a back seat.  Besides, using the larger counts only makes room for more 40 and 45.  Not that 'space' is really an issue :)

I have almost the top half done, and it looks and is easy, just the counting in between the letters is frustrating, because they are all thrown all over the place and some are 10 spaces, others are 12 and some even 13.  I forget and have to recount several times-- which is the idea, but we were watching the tube and listening also distracts the voice in my head shouting 10. 10 already, dont you listen?  10!!!   I am not sure, so I re-count, yes 10.  You want it to be right!!!!!!  Like the rest of you, HATE ripping out. 
Everyone enjoying there weekend so far?  Almost February!!!  I am looking forward to it for sure :)  Have a great day.

11th January Project-Start

Wow, so many wonderful comments on my finish with yesterdays post-- I am SO excited.  I am happy to have 1 under my belt already for 2011.  Today I give you pics of my new start last night, Goode Huswife Quaker Friendship Sampler.  This pattern was re-released in the Vol 4 Goode Huswife Book of 10 must have quaker samplers.  I was thrilled to get this book last year, because of all the designs included that had been OOP for so long.  (PS, I didnt take this top pic, just borrowed it from the pattern)

Choosing 36ct R & R Linen with Gloriana Silk thread, so far my start is looking great.  I think the original was stitched on Sparrow, but I didnt have any on hand last night, and didnt really want to go digging at 8:30pm, so..... here it is.

Of course I am thrilled that the center motif matched up. But who isnt ever thrilled when that happens?!  LOL.

How many of you got snow yesterday?  I cant believe the amount of snow in the last few weeks people have been getting!!!!  Wow, at this rate we are going to have snow until spring.  But, look at the positive, if you are stuck at home, think of all the stitching you can get done-- we all know there isnt much chance of running out of stash right?!

Village is DONE!!!!!!!!

Ta-da, pressed and ready for viewing!!!! Complete Village of Hawk Run Hollow!!!! Finished on Sunday afternoon among stitching friends, what a great accomplishment, and to be with my friends, was even better!! I am THRILLED to have this one stitched and under my belt. I really enjoyed stitching this whole piece. As I thought of each block was a 'new' project. I kept the original colors that Kathy chose for this piece, and I am thrilled that I did. The colors are gorgeous!! 36ct Light Examplar Lakeside Linens, with 2 strands of NPI. Thanks for all the cheering on!!

I will post Pigalle pics tomorrow, as well as a another Long Dog piece I have started. Is everyone staying cool?! It is hot here, but no complaints from me :). Have a super day!

Block 12 progress

With every errand imaginable to run yesterday, I still came home and after my Husband grilled some fabulous pork chops, had a great spinach salad; I got in some stitching on Block 12. I know this is my favorite block, and I could hardly put it down. 'Want to go to bed, it is midnight.' Really, already??!! I suppose we better, morning sure comes fast! I wanted to share the progress right away. Hope to get some more done today.

Block 11

One of the best days so far this summer was yesterday. An entire day of stitching, from 10 am- 12 midnight. Yes you read correctly, midnight. Stitching outside on a beautiful warm summer day (no sweater this time), with some of the Best friends a gal could ask for. So much laughing, and carrying on. The day wouldnt be complete without a little enabling from Kim, Jenifer and Ink Circles. Many of us are adding a few nice things to our stash, that is for sure. 45ct anyone? Sign me up! Me too!! Me too!! So much fun!! We are kids in a candy shop. We took a nice lunch break and stitched more. Then just before supper, a whole bunch of us took a 'drinking' break, and polished off a few refreshing pitchers of Ruby beer. YUM!! Thanks Sherry for ordering it! It certainly is always delicious. Can't wait for another round-- Tasha, Kim, Peggy, Sherry, Barb, Jenifer- again next week?! Jeannine you will have to come with us too :)

Barb and Lynn had their 'PEACE' projects with them, and they are really cruising, having completed almost the top 2 left pages, I am very inspired to work on mine, and I could be picking it up in the very near future. Absolutely exquisite. It is hard to describe the beauty, and fine detail in this piece, it is like fine lace.

As you can see from my posted pics, Block 11 is complete!!!! I finished it earlier today, and didnt have time to post because we went to a fabulous BBQ, and hung out with more relatives I havent seen in such a long time-- since last summer!! Lots more gatherings this summer- dinner, dancing and lots more visiting look like the menu. Another boat ride will also be an order! I just love it, the weather was fabulous and the ribs my Husband cooked up were terrific!! Did I mention corn on the cob!!??!!! Anyway, Block11.... (so easily distracted!) I was able to stitch a ton yesturday on block 11, and around 11 pm, ran out of #293 NPI for the bottom left bush, so a bit disappointed that I might not finish it, both Jeannine and Barb offered to look in their stash, to see what they had. This morning, and after a much needed night of sleep, I got up and found what I needed- the right dyelot, and finished this puppy up. YEAH! I am back from the BBQ and well into Block 12. I am sooo excited to stitch this block, I am glad I waited till the end to start it, instead of jumping the gun. I will post pics this week--- Hopefully I will be done with Village!!!!

Block 10

What relaxing couple of days.... Sunday was cool, cloudy and finally rain. Yuck. I cant believe it is summer, with a sweater on? Today was a bit better, overcast in the morning, the sun broke through some and warmed up a bit. But besides the weather, it has been a great couple of stitching days. I am off to another great week. Finished Block 10 of Village, and have started Block 11 already!! I am getting so close to finishing this piece, I can hardly wait. The question already on my mind, is 'What is going to be next'? Can you imagine? I have a few ideas, besides stitching on Mary W., you will just have to wait and see!

Block 9 is done!

The last post for June is very exciting! I completed Block 9 yesterday, among other things...(the cleaning crew didnt come again over the weekend, so I had to do the work myself LOL!) I didnt know what to expect when stitching this block, looking at the picture, and looking at the pattern, it is always a nice surprise. The 3-d effect is terrific with the minimal backstitching. You can almost hear the horses walking down the street, past the refreshing fountain!

Today, I thought I would start block 12, but might 'block out' 10, 11 & 12, so that I can just stitch inside. That would be an easy thing to complete for sure. It is nice to see that all 12 will fit on the fabric too, not that I doubted that it would, (a few gals I showed my WIP asked, are you sure???!!!) but at this point, it wouldnt matter much; I would be LIVID though if it didnt! Yes, the correct size linen is the whole battle!

I was on target to get this piece done this month, but as you can see, that is far from happening! There is always next month. Stay tuned!!!

Block 9 start

A great start to BLOCK 9 yesterday!!!! I am thrilled to get it underway. I am happy to get the words done....interesting enough, the words are so easy I shouldnt complain about stitching them, but do. I like the colors in this block, so far the people on the bottom are really cute, and seamed to come alive now that they have been stitched. I hope to complete this block today, so that maybe I can start the Cemetery tomorrow??!!!!



I went to my Grandparents house yesterday for a nice Sunday visit, and I wanted to take some pictures of these cookie cutters (?)/ a mold of some sort that she has in the kitchen. They are very heavy and are about 12 inches tall. Curious if ANYONE knows anything about these, or knows what they are 'called'. Is there a series of these? No one really knows how old they are, but they seem to have been hanging there forever. I would be so appreciative for any help on finding out any info on these. Grandma doesnt remember where they came from, Holland maybe?

Well, I better get stitching. Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Slow start on Block 8

Almost another week has gone by, and I haven't really got any stitching done. Shame on me!!!! What is going on?? Lots of things I guess, and I have a good start on block 8, but that is it. Also, the linen color has been figured out, and it is Lt. Examplar from Lakeside (36ct). I hope to get back into the swing of things later next week. But, it is always nice to keep in touch, even though I like to post more often, better late then never! Either way, I am excited to stitch this piece :).

Block 7

It has been a few days, and I know this is a fairly easy block..... I have been so busy this week and having so much fun, I havent had much time for stitching. By the time I get back home, I can hardly keep my eyes open and want to crawl into the bed so fast!!!! Block 7 is officially finished. Yeah!! I have started block 8, but not enough to show & make a big deal over. Maybe in another few days. I promise Kim, I will try to post more regular, LOL!! I did start a new project I just got, Sampler Cove Sirin Jaidee. I will stitch a bit more on it and then show you. I am very excited about it though, of course a new conversion into Belle Soie!!!!!!

I am now Halfway!

As you can see, I found some time yesterday to get block 4 done. This one being a very special block, and I am excited to see it stitched! I don't like back stitching, ( I think this is another good reason why I like the primitive look cross stitch patterns) but with the minimal amount that I have to stitch in this piece, I am all together thrilled with the life that it brings! Look at the curtain tie-backs, and the dogs tongues!! It is amazing the 3-d effect right? I am officially halfway on VoHRH. YEAH! I have already pulled the colors for block 7, and I am ready to go. I wonder if I will go in order.... I am very excited for block 12.

Block 4

For those of you just tuning in, This is the start of 'The Village of Hawk Run Hollow' by Carriage House Samplings, block 4. I am stitching it on 36ct lakeside linen (not sure of the exact color) with NPI, 2 strands over 2. I love the look of the 2 strands on 36ct, very full. I love silk! The colors in the picture (as you all know) dont do this piece justice, or any piece for that matter. I pull the colors for each square as I am going off my ring and I am always anxious to see what colors are going to be used where and for what! It doesnt take much to excite me.... :)

We have a wedding to go to this weekend, and I am trying to see what I can do about scheduling time in today for some stitching. At least I already know what I am going to wear, that is a HUGE help!!

I just love reading your comments and appreciate them so much. So funny too, LOL!! Thank you!

Block 6

What do you think of my floating horses?! I really like stitching fireplaces, I love the depth & the texture the colors give the design. Alot of color changing, which slows the stitching down, even though I have 8 needles stuffed into the arm of the couch!!!

Village of Hawk Run Hollow

I started block 6 last night, and this is how far I got. I am excited to work on this piece again, it has been forever. I want to get this one done before I start Shores, just so I can keep them 'seperate' in my brain :). I am trying to figure out what color linen I am using, I do know that it is 36ct lakeside, but that is it. I am sure I can get some help on the color in a few days. I better get back to stitching!!!!

Meet Ida Mae, She is all done!

I have had such a blast stitching Miss Ida Mae (as my friend Brandy calls her!). Such a fun piece and it is nice to switch it up a bit. I think the colors are terrific. She is a wonderful addition to our home!

Ida Mae

I have seen Ida being stitched on a few blogs, and decided I too, had to have her on my blog. Last night seemed like the perfect night to start stitching because of all the blackbirds in the yard. I am using 36ct Vintage Autumn Gold and NPI. She stitches up rather quickly, she should be done this weekend! Unfortunately, the color of the linen is shown best on the very top picture. Her little dress is soo Super Cute!!!

CHS Village of Hawk Run Hollow

This is Carriage House Samplings The Village of Hawk Run Hollow. I am using 36 ct Lakeside linen, although I am not sure what specific color. Using what the design calls for, Needlepoint Silk Threads. I love the colors, so it was an easy choice not to change them!! Each square is like starting a new project, and we all know we like starting new projects!