Thursday, February 25, 2010

Back to Ann

So, I've been switching back and forth between Sarah Woodham and Ann Rayner this week. I'm trying to give them equal time. They are a such a contrast in colors with Ann being so bright and perky, while Sarah is more muted and subdued. Whenever that hot pink gets to me, it's back to Sarah. I'm really anxious to wrap both of these girls up. There's always so much that I want to stitch that I can get anxiety just thinking about it.

It has been a few months since I've picked up the paintbrush. Too many distractions that included visiting relatives, the holidays, and of course, Henry. My paint would dry out each time I had to get up and go see what he was chewing on. Ruby and Scarlett are lousy babysitters. They like to look all innocent when Henry is being bad. I think they secretly enjoy it when he's in trouble, which is often. I did get these three sets done, and they'll be in my Etsy later.

I wish my photos were better. I love these drab colors, and since I've always loved penny rugs, that was my inspiration.

Are these tulips? I'm not sure.

This set has a different needle case. I sponged and antiqued it, and
there's a matching sheep on the cap. You should be able to click on each photo for a closer look.
Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are.

27 comments:

Margaret said...

Your Ann is so spectacular! OMG! I really have to stitch this one! I hear you on stitcher's anxiety. I'm feeling the same way . There are just way too many pieces i want to stitch! Sigh. I need more time in the day....

I love your new needlework sets! That penny rug one is mahvelous! And the tulip one too -- yes, it's a tulip. I love tulips!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Oh my....this sampler is awesome, you always make it seem so....effortless. It is just beautiful! And I know all about anxiety about stitching that had me up and out of bed twice this week at 1 a.m. I didn't sleep at all Tuesday to Wednesday due to stitch anxiety...and cleaning illness too...if I can't fall asleet (or in this case stay asleep) I worry, worry about - I have to do this, this needs cleaned, I wish I could get this finished....and by that time, I might as well get up.

LOVE your stitching painted sets...gorgeous!

Deb said...

Your Ann is just fantastic. You know that it was your WIP that may be buy this one, don't you? You've made such great progress since the last picture that I've seen. I know what you mean about the stitcher's anxiety. I just picked a few small things to stitch up because I feel like I'm not getting any of the larger ones done (I think I have ADD on the big ones).

And your dogs sound just like children - watching the younger one get into trouble and snickering the whole time because they know there's going to be trouble and they're not the ones that caused it! LOL

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Ann is beyond gorgeous, Tanya! I LOVE it! I may have to order it - I want to do another "biggie" and this may be it.... I just can't decide and they take me so long to finish but then, they'll never get done if I don't get started!

Your new sets are really pretty - I especially like the antiqued needle case.

Siobhán said...

Tanya, wow!!! Ann is SO gorgeous. I have the chart... I might just have to jump in and get started. I also need to start Sarah. Gulp.

Great job on the needlework sets! You're a woman of many talents.

We need more pics of Henry and his big sisters!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Ann is gorgeous Tanya! I love your Sarah too... it has to be difficult choosing which one to stitch.
Your new sets are lovely too... don't know how you accomplish so much!
I'd love to see more snaps of bad boy Henry and his older sisters.

Unknown said...

Tanya, you're so close to finishing and she is absolutely beautiful. I plan to order her this next week, will you share your NPI conversion with me? I want to order threads when I order the chart. This is such a beautiful piece - you always choose well.

I love your little needlework sets - will you be doing any of the larger accessory sets anytime soon? Henry will need to behave an allow you some painting time.

Enjoy your week.

Glenna said...

Wonderful needle sets--I treasure mine! Now I want more! I feel you on the anxiety--so many things to stitch.

Melissa said...

Awesome! Ann is really gorgeous. It's such a big piece, no wonder you want to get it done and onto something else now!

Your needlework sets are beautiful!

Sherry said...

Ann is just beautiful. The colors are so bright and happy. I agree about aniety when I think of all I want to do.

Your new painted sets are lovely. I like penny rugs alot too.

MyLifesAStitch said...

I just love love love Ann! The colors are fantastic!! Can't wait to see her all finished and in the "to frame" pile! :)

Too funny about the girls enjoying it when Henry is in trouble, lol! Almost like they're enjoying the contrast and the ability to look so angelic, lol! Too cute... more pics please?

Tanya said...

Your Ann is beautiful!!! I really like you needlework sets.

Unknown said...

oh, my goodness... i just went through your photo gallery! I LOVE everything you've stitched!!! LOL...
just absolutely everything. I adore how your new wips are going... just beautiful. and i love your dogs! I've wanted a boston for a long time... i have a 1/2boston... his mom was one... his dad... well.. a pomeranian... ya i know, but he is the best dog ever! you'll have to look at his pictures on my blog! lol
anyways keep stitchin... i'm lovin the progress!!!

Brigitte said...

Ohhh, Ann Raynor is such a beaty. And soon you'll be able to happy dance with her.
Your needlework sets are fantastic. I particularly love the one with the blue tulips - must be the longing for seeing flowers in the garden.

Nicole said...

Beautiful progress on Ann Tanya!! I love it!! Your new sets are so pretty too! :)

Alice said...

Ann is definately my favourite and I did spot the peacock! Its a lovely bright and happy sampler. Great progress on both. Your new etsy sets are so cute. I adore the last one with the little sheep. One always has your little favourite. Enjoy your boy and all his energy. They grow up so fast.
Alice
xxx

woolwoman said...

Ann is just stunning - I love the bright colors for a change up - but I realize when you are a dark girl like so many of us - it's gets glaring after a while. Your WIP was my inspiration for ordering - I did not realize these were still available until I saw Jean's newsletter. YIPPEE - just what I need - another big sampler.LOL - thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on my rugs - I seem to be doing more hooking right now than stitching - Mel

Karoline said...

Ann is looking stunning, great progress

Michelle said...

Ann is amazing!!! No wonder you love her so. And I think it's great you're switching back and forth with Sarah. You'll have two finishes back to back!! Your new painted sets are gorgeous! The penny rug one is my favorite, but the other two are fantastic as well. Love the antiqued look on the sheep needlecase. One of these days I'll have to bug you for an A&E set.

Katrina said...

Love your Ann and your new needlework sets are so, so pretty. Glad you are finding time to paint :-).

Katrina said...

Love your Ann and your new needlework sets are so, so pretty. Glad you are finding time to paint :-).

mainely stitching said...

I just love your sampler!!!!!!!!!

Dona said...

Really, Ann is gorgeous and every time I look at your work on it, I want to start it.

I'm glad you're painting again. The rulers and needle cases are treasures.

Poor Henry! It's tough living for a little brother with two older sisters!

Bertie said...

Am glad to see your painted pieces again, they are just gorgeous and I do use mine and the needle case.

Gorgeous sampler, love it when it is full of motifs.

Kellie said...

You always stitch the most beautiful samplers, and Ann Rayner is no exception. :)

Your painted sets are gorgeous too. :)

Valerie said...

Your girls are beautiful! Isn't it fun to have two working at the same time? It's kinda like having two friends come by a different times! I see a finish in your future very soon!

Your painting is just lovely! So delicate...I am quite envious! I have always enjoyed painting but I just don't have a steady enough hand for it. Thanks for sharing!

Oh, and thanks for the kind comments about Richmond Sampler. I have not forgotten to find out if the chart will be available for you...hopefully you too can experience the joy of all those queen stitches! Happy Stitching!

Desiree said...

the penny rug ruler is beyond wonderful! clever, practical and beautiful. and right up my alley since I love penny rugs. :) so glad to have found your blog - I look forward to more! in all good cheer, desiree
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