Is it too soon to start looking forward to February? I'm ready to put January behind me (and all this snow!). And it'll mean it's one month closer to spring! I decided to take advantage of the link Annemiek shared and have started stitching Piecework Magazine's freebie 'Quaker Heart'. Here are my first few stitches from last week.
And I made a little progress over the weekend. I am using my very favorite linen, Lambswool. I love the stiffness of the fabric (which is easy for me to work with) and how it becomes nice and soft/flexible with handling. I had a variety of colors set out to choose from but in the end I chose red as it seemed to look the best against the fabric. It is pretty predictable, so I might stitch another one using a different color. It depends on how fast the stitching goes, though it seems to work up pretty quickly.
And I've pulled out a couple of Valentine's Day charts, too. I am not overly fond of the actual holiday, which seems really commercialized, but I will admit to a fondness for Valentine's Day-related needlework designs. This is an older chart by Sheepish Designs called "Valentine Wabbit". I ordered my supplies--well, some of them. I need to read the materials' lists a bit more carefully. I didn't order enough beads/treasures, but I should still have enough materials to start work. And I am also missing a few floss colors and the ribbons (am not sure where I can order those). I think I may change the phrase in the heart--what's there seems a bit cutesy to me (or maybe I am feeling especially cranky this winter). Any ideas? I could just stitch 'love'---something simple.
I stitched "Valentine Holiday" by Birds of a Feather before, but I gave it away in an exchange. You can see a photo in my Picturetrail album in the 2005 Finishes section (scroll down). It's not a great photo as I used my scanner. This was before I owned my trusty little digital camera. I didn't use the fabric that was called for, but did I bother to note what I used? Of course not. This time around I am using the fabric as listed on the chart. It seems very red, but I am sure it will work just fine. I think I will start with this one. I am excited to finally stitch this for myself!
I'll still be working on my GH "Sampler Farm", but I really like having smaller projects on the go as well and being able to switch back and forth. ...And after these I will start thinking about some spring designs! But first things first!
Your heart is looking lovely :) I stitched that one a while back and was really pleased with how it turned out.
I misread the wording on the Wabbit heart as huv you (huh?!) I would definitely change it if you're not keen, personally I hate that mis-spelling of love.
Posted by: KarenV | January 26, 2010 at 02:48 AM
All darling projects but the BoaF is my absolute favorite. I just love the whimsy of that design!
Posted by: Terri (TerriBoog) | January 26, 2010 at 04:36 AM
You've made a great start on the Quaker heart already - look forward to seeing your BOAF start on the red fabric :D
Posted by: Anne S | January 26, 2010 at 05:21 AM
I love that Quaker heart - I stitched it a couple of years ago, but ended up giving it away. I might stitch it again for myself this time!
Posted by: Susan | January 26, 2010 at 06:43 AM
Love your choices for the Quaker heart and the other two charts are going to be cute as well! I need to go stash diving I think.....
Posted by: Patti | January 26, 2010 at 09:06 AM
Those are some great projects for February. I love the Quaker Heart and I'm so glad that you posted the link!!
Posted by: Debbie | January 26, 2010 at 09:41 AM
KarenV--Thanks! Personally I don't like love spelled luv either--it verges too much on the too cute. I'm not sure what I'll put, but I am sure I can fit in something different.
Terri--I also love their designs--they very much have this feel about them. I hope to start this one soon--maybe on the weekend.
AnneS--The Quaker seems to be stitching up quickly, which is nice. I've not stitched on red fabric for a long time--hopefully I can it okay, though 28 count should be easy.
Susan--I've given away so many of the little things I've loved, so it will be nice to keep this one for myself.
Patti--I love looking through my stash, though I am always picking out more than I know I have time to stitch!!
Debbie--Thanks. It's a nice freebie design and perfect for this time of year. And I was in the mood for something Quaker-ish, too!
Posted by: Danielle | January 26, 2010 at 09:46 PM
These are great designs for Valentine.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 28, 2010 at 07:07 PM
You have some great projects lined up Danielle. Isn't that quaker heart fun to do. I hope to get it finished over the weekend.
Posted by: Annemiek | January 29, 2010 at 12:29 AM
Suzanne--Thanks, I'm looking forward to stitching them!
Annemiek--I hope to get lots of stitching on it done this weekend, but I won't finish it. I've been working on another project this past week. I think I need to figure out a good rotation!
Posted by: Danielle | January 29, 2010 at 11:13 PM
I was wondering if you still had the Valentine Holiday chart by BOAF and might consider allowing me to borrow it. I am a very fast stitcher and would have it back in no time.
Amy Varnell-Miller
tangerinedream73@gmail.com
Posted by: Amy Varnell-Miller | March 06, 2011 at 02:00 PM