If the crown fits...

Greetings from not so warm and not so sunny Arizona.  It's currently 58 degrees, and the dogs and I are all gathered around the heater in the craft room today.  This will be my last release for 2012.  It's called Queen of quite a lot.  The pin pillow measures 111w X 66h, and was stitched on 40ct. Legacy from Colorscapes Picture This Plus using NPI silk.  Threads needed are:  993, 414, 823, 448, 104, & 474 or DMC (conversion provided on chart) 310, 699, 797, 817, 3837, & 3852

The small pre-made tassels were found at JoAnn's.  The crown pins, I made.  I'm fairly certain I found the charms at Hobby Lobby.  I've had them awhile.  Anyway, I simply glued on to dressmaker pins.  Any jeweled pins would be cute.  Charts are being shipped this week. 

As the year comes to a close, I want to sincerely thank you for your support, kind words, and enthusiasm for my designs this past year and a half.  I feel so blessed to be able to do this as my "job"!

I know (because I hear the hints and outright demands, lol) that some of you are looking forward to the Rachel Howells sampler.  She is up first in 2013.

Our vet had an open house this weekend.  I couldn't resist taking these three to see Santa.  Poor little Scarlett was having none of it.  I couldn't get her to sit any closer for anything.  I wonder what they asked for?

A change of mind...

It's been a busy week filling orders for the Adam & Eve charts.  I've had a change of mind about one of the NPI to DMC conversion colors.  Originally, I thought 739 was a good subsitute for NPI 761.  After thinking about it, 3864 would be better, 739 is just a tad too light.  It's not always easy getting an exact match, but I do try.  I'm not sure why I went with that color, maybe my lighting was bad on charting day.  So, if you are planning to use DMC, please make a note.  The chart calls for 739.  If you're using silks, or your own conversion, there's no problem.

Off to create some wool goodies.  These two always make good company. 
Enjoy your weekend!

Adam and Eve

Charts have been finalized and are ready to ship.  I tried to think of a clever title, but for lack of anything better, it's simply Adam and Eve.  The linen is 40ct. vintage Lt. Examplar from Lakeside.  NPI's needed are: 225 (need 2 skeins), 529, 952, 761, 749, & 584.

Thank you for the sweet comments about my Christmas decor.  I appreciate you taking the time.

Time flies...

Can Christmas really be upon us?   I've just barely dried dishes from our Thanksgiving feast.  Well, time marches on, and it's time to decorate for the holidays.  I keep it simple.  We aren't blessed with a lot of storage, so less is more when putting it all away.

These orange and clove pomanders are my favorite thing to make each year.  Ahhh, they smell so good!  I'm headed to find some lemons and limes to make more this afternoon.  I wonder who was sitting around one day, and thought "hey, I think I'll stick some cloves in an orange". 

You might remember this stitched display from last year.  Newly added, are the mercury ornaments.  The sweet little oval silhouette box was a gift from a dear friend, and is one of my favorite things in the whole world.

These fellows are from Eldreth Pottery, and have a place of honor on top of the pie safe every year.  The beautiful strawberry was also a gift from another dear friend, and  is also one of my favorite things in the whole world!  You can't compare heartfelt or homemade things like this to all the commercial stuff out there.

My poor neglected sampler tree has seen no new activity this year.  There is such a small window of about a month when I actually feel like stitching anything for Christmas.  It's hard to get into the mood when it's 100+ degrees.

Another repeat display from last season.  Love the primitive feel of them.

Don't laugh, but it does get cold here in the desert.  Ok, maybe not enough to justify a stove like this, but it adds atmosphere.  It is so cozy to sip that first cup of coffee in front of it, with a dog or two curled beside.

Can't have enough greenery...even the gate from the picket fence gets adorned.

A small display in the guest bath.

Another repeat from last year.  I'm hoping Santa brings me a fishnet canopy for the bed this year...and pewter, lots and lots of pewter!

You didn't think I'd forget to show what's up next from my needle, did you?  The chart for this A&E reproduction/adaptation will be ready to ship in a few days.  I hope you like it. 

Apologies!

It seems like each new post starts with an apology for so long in between, but here I go again.  I seem to have less and less time these days.  I also took a trip to Myrtle Beach for the Pals retreat.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  Thank goodness there was no one named Sandy blowing up the coast.  This was my preferred outfit for my daily walks, and I was in heaven.  It was wonderful to see so many old friends, and meet new ones.  Here I am with Isabella from The Primitive Hare.  She couldn't have been nicer, and her designs are total drool worthy.  I wish I had taken more photos, but I didn't :(

Precious little stitching was accomplished there, but I designed this little pin pillow for the group.  I thought a few of the ladies were going to throw rotten tomatoes at me for it being over one!  I'm hoping that they will give it a try, at least. 

Once I returned home, I was happy to learn that the plantation shutters I had ordered were ready to be installed.  It was long wait for them, and they are so pretty.

This is what's up for the next release.  It's a sweet little A&E done mostly in red and green.  I'm going to consider my version as an adaption, instead of a reproduction.  There are some things that simply have to be changed a bit, like a totally wonky alphabet. 

The model is on Lakeside's vintage Lt. Examplar, with NPI silk.  It should be released in November.

And here's to my second apology.  The Camo Fudge that I used for Christmastide at Holly House was a golden brown with a hint of green color.  My piece wasn't from years gone by.  I know that there has been an issue with the Camo Fudge recently with it being much greener and darker.  According to Naomi at Stitches & Spice, it has something to do with the fact that it was dyed during a cold and wet period down under.  Obviously, I'm sure that you understand that it is out of my control, but I am sorry that it is so different in color. 

Lots of new!

Hello everyone!  It's September already and I can't believe that I'm so long between posting...again :(

Where in the world do the days go to?  I have been super busy as you can see. 

 Christmastide at Holly House has just been released.  The model was stitched on 40ct. Camofudge linen from Stitches & Spice with NPI silks and a couple of Belle Soies.

Colors needed are NPI 186, 208, 345, 348, 584, 588, 915, 962, 963, 964, 965, & 991B.  Belle Soies needed are Mudpie and Collard Greens.  I have included a conversion to DMC, but they will not produce the same effect as the overdyes.  Stitch count is 197w X 166h.

My other release is called No Quitter.  Models were stitched on 40ct. Ale from Colorscapes using GA Sampler Threads, Mulberry, Oatmeal, Flax, and of course,  Dk. Chocolate.  Chocolate drop button for fob is from Just Another Button Co., and is # 4527S.  Antique Red chenille is available through Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe.

My dear friend, Sandy had the idea to finish one into a wrap for a cookie jar.  Isn't that too cute and clever?  Sorry, directions for finishing the jar wrap are not included in with the chart, but it does show you the possibilities. 

 And here is my most precious new!  Granddaughter Remy Le was born on Sept. 7th.  She is the cutest little chunk.  I have joked that I want to paint her face orange, put a stem on top of her head, and call her Pumpkin!

The good new(s) is that I have one more session of physical therapy, and I am finished!!  I'm not 100% back to normal, but the progress since the manipulation has been enormous.  The scar on my arm isn't pretty, but it's mostly pain-free.  Now, I am looking forward to some cooler weather, stitching on the patio, and the PALS retreat in Myrtle Beach in Oct. 

Happy stitching!

A fun filled weekend!

Gosh, sorry so long between posting, but I have been a busy one.  I showed you my project for the Attic's Sampler Soiree that was held this past weekend.  Here are my kits all loaded up and ready to go.  I love playing with pretty paper and ephemera as much as I love stitching, so I had a lot of fun with this.  I went with a vintage garden theme since my project is called A Sampler Grows. 

Here is a sampling of some of the other projects.  I was able to finish the Lucet case from Priscilla's Pocket (shown in the box) in class. It was made with beautiful wool, blanket stitched, and so much fun to make.  Now to master making Lucet cording.  All of the projects were wonderful.  Plans are already being made to do this again next summer.

This group was having a great time.  I could hear the laughter all the way from my table.

Here is Linda Danielson from Samplers Remembered getting a little extra tutoring from Bunny Smith of Priscilla's Pocket.  It was good that Linda knew what to do because I sat next to her and copied off her. 

I had so much fun with this great group of ladies.  I look forward to the next time.

And here I am with Robert from A Gentleman's Samplings .  It was such a pleasure to meet him in person.  I have been a fan of his for some time.  He has stitched some of the most beautiful samplers, and is a truly nice guy.  He was the only male attendee, but was a good sport about the teasing he received.  I'm so glad you came, Robert!

I finally found time to frame Beans, Beans from Plum Street Samplers.  I love this design, and can't wait to hang it in the motor home this weekend.   

Here is a little glimpse of my next release.  It's called Christmastide at Holly House.  The release date will be sometime in September.  Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm using 40ct. Camofudge from Stitches and Spice.  The fibers are mostly NPI silks with a couple of Belle Soie. 

The shoulder is coming along better since the manipulation three weeks ago.  I'm still going to therapy three times a week, but hope to be finished with that before I head to Myrtle Beach in Oct.

Have a wonderful week of stitching!

I survived!

Hi everyone, it's been a week since I went through the dreaded manipulation procedure.  Looking back at my last post made me realize how scared and anxious I was about the whole thing.  It wasn't as bad in reality.  I got right back into physical therapy the next morning, and have been there practically everyday since.  There is some improvement, and some discomfort, too.  My therapist says that it's a "night and day difference".  I can't thank you enough for all of the comments wishing me well.  I am also grateful for the emails.  It was so comforting to know that others have been through this, and are now feeling fine.  I had no idea that a frozen shoulder was so common. 

I did manage to get a piece finished.  This design from my pal, Paulette makes me laugh.  I love the girl standing on her head!  I used Days Gone By linen with the suggested thread.  I did make a minor change.  I changed the cat to a Boston Terrier.  Scarlett insisted!  We recently bought a bigger motor home, and I knew this would be perfect hanging in the kitchen area.  I have always wanted to stitch My Hometown from CHS, so I think that I'll start that next.  It will hang in the RV, too.  I'll have two new original designs coming out in August or Sept., then I'll tackle another reproduction. 

Are you all watching the Olympics?  I know some who have started new projects just for the occasion.  We stitchers are funny.  It doesn't take much to prompt a new start.  I love London, and have enjoyed seeing the sights.  I have to admit that the Opening Ceremony wasn't my favorite, but that's okay.  Our six year old granddaughter, Quinn has just been moved up to competition level in gymnastics.  She's the youngest one to be moved up at her club, and we are very proud of her.  She has practice for thirteen hours a week.  Talk about energy...that girl has it.  She never stands still.  She has her own balance beam in the unused living room, and it gets plenty of use.  Who knows?  Maybe 2024 will find me sitting at the Olympics watching her.

Woe is me...

This was the look on my face yesterday after I had an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon.  Here I am trudging along in physical therapy, thinking that I'm well on my rode to recovery.   It's getting easier to use my arm, and my shoulder feels more natural when it moves.  Well, it seems that the doctor was far less impressed with my progress, which lead me to looking like 

THIS!

I am having a very hard time lifting my arm straight up, and I should be doing that by now.  I have what they call a frozen shoulder.  I can raise my arm up just so far, and then it's like hitting a brick wall.  On Monday morning, I'm going back in for this lovely procedure:

" A manipulation is performed with the patient sedated under anesthesia, and the doctor moves the arm to break up adhesions caused by frozen shoulder. " 

All I can think of is scar tissue tearing.  There are YouTube videos which show how it's done.  Nope, I'm too chicken to watch them.  So, I've been doing whole lot of

THIS!

Wish me luck!

Say hello to Ann...

This post is going to be short on words, so I can finalize the chart for release.  After a little anxiety about whether I could hold my arm and shoulder at an angle long enough to put the billion pins in for mounting, I got her in the frame.  I was a little sore afterwards, but done is done.  She turned out pretty, I think.

I am hoping to have charts available next week sometime.  I hope you like her!

It's July already??

Hello everyone, thought it was time to show an update of Ann Priest 1841.  I've finished with all the over one, and just have a row of motifs across the top to go.  The frame is on order, so I'm anticipating the release for later in the month.  I am still smitten with the wee red alphabet, and even though it's tiny, it went very fast using a tent stitch.  I 've used Sampler Threads throughout on vintage Meadow Rue. 

I'm anxious to start the model for a new Christmas sampler design.  I've had the idea bouncing around inside of my head, and since it's too hot to venture very far, I was able to get it charted.  I think some thought I was crazy last year to design Jingle All The Way on Swamp, lol.  This time I'm using Camofudge.  Definitely not your traditional Christmas colors.

My friend, Bonnie just sent me a photo of her Coverlet Houses stitched on 48ct.  Yes, that's right...48ct!  She also stitched Coverlet Birds on 48.  She tells me that Houses is 5 3/8 w X 3h. 

She put in a request for more coverlet designs, and I'm quite sure there will be another one or several down the road.

It has been two months since my surgery, and while the healing progress is v-e-r-y slow, there is progress to report.  Each day enables me to raise my arm just a bit higher.  I have had a great deal of pain recently from all the physical therapy.  There's nothing to do, but continue to stretch and work hard.  I jokingly told my therapist that there's nothing he can do to hurt me that a glass of wine won't fix :) 

This little Uncle Sam is one of my favorite pieces of Eldreth Pottery. 

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Never an idle minute...

Hello all, hope you are enjoying summer.  We are certainly warming up here in the desert.  To avoid the heat, I have to get up earlier every morning to take my walk with Henry Blue.   He is practically waiting at the door with his leash in his mouth, so off we'll go.  Then I have to throw the ball for Ruby and Scarlett for their exercise.  In between my three visits a week to physical therapy, I am stitching away.  Here's another look at Ann Priest 1841.  I'm shooting for a late July release.  Did you notice the hive and buzzing bees?  It will be a good size sampler with a 297w  X 327h stitch count. 

 

Here is the antique Ann.  I was told that the sampler came from Wales, but I have no other information unfortunately.  Ann stitched her sampler on very fine linen.  I have tried counting the threads, and I always get 48 to 50 count.  The teeny red alphabet above the verse is less than 3 inches across, and only 1/8 high.  I have to admit that the alphabet is my favorite thing on it.

I am thrilled to be participating in the upcoming Summer Sampler Soiree at the Attic in August.  Here is the project that I designed for it.  The pin keep pillow has  some over one stitching, and a rice stitch checkered lawn.  It will be a wonderful weekend filled with fun projects, and a Saturday slumber party!  Don't let the heat scare you away, it will be nice and cool inside.  I hope to see you there.

In addition to getting all the supplies needed, there will be an added

surprise included!