The Peacock's Feather

I'm Weak...New Stash...

Okay, I admit it.  I'm weak...oh so weak.  I broke down and ordered a few wee things.  You may be seeing a few other wee things as they arrive in the mail.  In my defense, one order was using my frequent buyers card coupon from Shakespeare's Peddler.  That one will be coming later, though.

So here is my haul.  I ordered a fat quarter of 32 count Lambswool (my favorite), 32 count black Belfast linen (I have some ideas of possible Autumn projects), two smaller pieces of RR Reproductions Black Sheep Black.  This is for the Sheepish Design shown (already in my stash-not a new purchase) Scarry Wabbit.  I am thinking ahead on that one.  I also ordered two overdyed colors that the chart calls for.  I should have some of the other colors, otherwise I will just use DMC.  And I broke down and ordered This Too Shall Pass II (as I just finished the first one, this is my reward for getting I completely done), and finally Ghoul Train by Prairie Moon.  This is a new designer to me.  I love these folksy designs.  And I love Halloween designs, so I couldn't pass this one up!  Really I could have been much, much worse, but this still added up!  So much for my June budget.  Good thing I will be starting fresh in July!

I have a glue/finishing question.  There has been some discussion on the Legacy board about using glue to finish your needlework.  When, if ever do you use glue?  I would prefer never to use it, but I have seen designs that call for glue in the finishing instructions.  I have a particular design in mind that is a Christmas ornament, and it calls for glue.  I started it last year, but I didn't finish it in part due to the instructions calling for glue.  There must be some other way to make it look good with just a thread and needle.  Any thoughts on this?   

Lovely fabric

Yesterday I was going through my fabric bins, and I dug out some fabric I bought a while back that I think is very pretty.  I would love to learn cartonnage, and as I was looking through some old SANQ magazines, I noticed that there are some instructions for needlebooks, which use fabric.  I might be able to learn just enough to make something small.  I think the needlebook was for a Merry Cox design, and it gave a list of supplies and a few diagrams.  If nothing else, I can always use this fabric for finishing as well. 

I like it when fabric comes grouped together in fat quarters, as it is then ready to go as a set and I don't have to worry about mixing and matching.  Of course the problem with stripes and checks is you have to make sure you cut and sew straight!!

Isn't this fabric fun?  I am not sure what I will use it for.  Today Vero posted a photo of a gorgeous needlebook she made that has lovely fabric inside that is a map of Paris.  There is too much tempting, and fun fabric out there.  I have been trying to not even look as I want so many things I see.  At least quilting fabric is a bit cheaper than linen!

I may need some fabric for finishing when I get my exhange projects all stitched up.  I completely changed my mind on my sampler house exchange choice.  I had a chart all picked out and even started stitching, but I had to change floss colors, and in the end I didn't like the new colors.  So now I have two more charts picked out.  I need to see what fabric I have and then decide once again.  I am working away on my other exchange which has a summer theme!  At least that one is working out!

Finally, a little enabling.  I had seen some of these designs on the HNG website, but not all of them.  I want.....way too many things.  I had heard of Thistle Threads, but I didn't realize they had so many very lovely kits!!  I want the Lady's Sampler Slipper and Burse, and the French Monogram set....well, other things as well...but to start off anyway!  It looks as though some even come with a CD with finishing instructions!  Hmmm....

Island of Unfinished Projects...

Since it feels so great to completely finish a project, I decided to go through my bin and see what else was in there that is done stitching-wise, but still in limbo in terms of how it will be "finished".  I have a variety of things, some of which I want to frame, some I want to make into pillows or cushions, and the little bunny I want to make into a fob.  That would be the easiest and wouldn't take to long to do.  I have one Christmas ornament in there.  And there are a couple that I don't have any plans for (I like them, but maybe not enough to display...).  The all red heart I have the materials all ready to go to get it finished as well. 

As I get a larger collection of needlework ornaments and accessories and larger projects, my problem now is how to display them.  At the moment I have a shelf in my bedroom where all my gifts are.  Of course framed works are not too hard as I still have plenty of wall space.  I want to buy an enclosed curio cabinet.  I saw a wonderful one in another stitcher's album that is very narrow with glass doors, and I would love to have something like that.  They could all be displayed, but would be away from the elements so to speak.  I will have to keep my eyes out for something suitable. And as always I wish I could redecorate my little computer room (where all my stitching stash is also kept)...

Many thanks to the nice comments that were left for my scissor cases.  I am still very excited about them.  I think my finishing abilities have vastly improved since I began, and I cringe a bit when I think of some of the gifts I must have sent out when I was just starting to stitch on linen.  It really helps to work on these kits that have great finishing instructions, as I just keep learning little techniques that help whatever I am making look more neat and attractive.  Now I need to think about some of the projects in my bin...and how I can finish them! 

Really Finished!

This is how I spent the majority of my afternoon.  I had today off from work, and after getting errands done in the morning (Vero one of your magazines is winging its way to you now!), I pulled out all my stuff to work on getting some things really finished.  I am very bad about putting stuff in a plastic bin rather than taking it to be framed or finishing it myself.

Here is my finished scissor case.  Doing this has really been a confidence builder for me as this was the first accessory I have completed totally by hand.  I bought this kit last year, but I was a bit put off by the hand sewing that was in the instructions.  You have to sew in the batting, and then sew on the silk lining.  First off, just working with a silk lining was scary, though the dupioni is really great to work with.  Then it had to be laced up to close it, which wasn't as scary as the hand sewing.  And then finally the dreaded cording. 

Here is the flip side.  Everything stitched up perfectly.  I tend to ask a lot of questions in the various bulletin boards I visit, and I have gotten loads of great hints.  I guess really you just have to sit down and do it for it to really make sense. The cording I had to do more than once as it has been so long since I have used my little machine, but I am quite pleased on how it all turned out.  My niece was quite taken with my corder, so I taught her how to use it--she was having a good time!

Since I had all my finishing things pulled out, I decided to finally complete my Just Nan scissor case that I stitched last year.  It is from the Silver Needle.  This was a special piece only available from them for their 20th anniversary.  I stitched this last year, but I only partially finished it.  I used the sewing machine for this one.  I was really struggling with it.  Even today I didn't think it was going to turn out.  It is rather bulky and sewing it closed was really stressing me out.  So much for tiny stitches and all that.  Now I see why it calls for cording!  Thankfully it covers all my messy stitching to close the case!!

I didn't get the little fob stitched.  I do plan on working on that one.  It is stitched all over one, and I have had an aversion to over one stitching.  As it is not terribly large, though, I am going to get that done this summer as well.  It feels really good to get a couple of things completed.  Maybe now I won't have such a fear of finishing, and I hope to learn some other techniques as well.  I have already ordered (as my reward!) This Too Shall Pass II, which is a pinkeep!  And I have pulled out the Just Nan companion piece to this, And Many More, which is a needle case.  Tomorrow, though, I think I will work on my exchange projects, and I really want to get back to my John Foster sampler as well!

Finished!!

Finished with stitching that is!!  I have really enjoyed working on this one.  Oh so many smyrnas!!  Luckily I enjoy this stitch.  I just need to press it and add the button to the moon, and I will be ready to sew it up!  I decided to use my first initial--"D" rather than my last, and I stitched the year I started stitching (Vero--I hope you don't mind I am using your idea!!).  I just couldn't think what else would be appropriate.  I learned to stitch in high school, but I just did those little kits with Aida fabric.  I stopped once I was at university--I was just too busy and there was no where here really to buy supplies.  When I started working at the library in 1997, one of my coworkers got me hooked on stitching on linen, and well, the rest is history!  I started stitching again seriously in 1998.  It is so nice to complete stitching on something!  I also worked a bit on my Sampler House exchange project.  I have had to switch around some colors as they were too close to the fabric color and just blended in way too much.  I have the next couple of days off from work, so my goal is to finish sewing a couple of projects.  Fingers crosssed.  Though I make no promises, I hope to be able to show something *completed* this week (meaning all done!).  Now I am off to work on one of my exchange projects!

New Charts, New Accessories, Cool Bookmark, Life is Good

Yesterday in the mail I received this ad for the new Just Nan designs.  I always get these from Drema at Needlecraft Corner, one of my favorite online needlework stores.  What do you think of the frames?  It looks as though the openings are 2" x 2".  They could be very fun to work with on tiny projects or something stitched over one.  They are a nice little accessory that would be good to have on hand for exchanges or gifts!

It looks like you can even buy little charms to go on them as well.  Just Nan always comes up with unique ideas when designing.  I broke down (actually I never considered not ordering it!)  and pre-ordered her Halloween TricORTreat ort box from The Silver Needle (another favorite store...I have a few...).  This is an exclusive that she has done for The Silver Needle.  She also has an exclusive angel coming out for Needlecraft Corner as well!  Just Nan was one of the first cross stitch designers I chose to work on and I have loads of her charts, though I admit I have not been ordering as many lately as before.  Her large samplers and the house series are my favorites.  Eventually I will stitch these!!

Every Friday I like to read the weekly update that Lois posts on Elegant Stitch.  I found this designer that I was not familiar with: Prairie Moon.  I think these designs are great!  They are really funky and different.  I think I saw one of them on Karen's Blog.  I was ordering some fabric from ES (yes...another favorite...), and I ordered Ghoul Train as well.  Halloween is only four months off as you know!

I also discovered a Brightneedle sampler on Cecile's Blog that I had never seen before.  It is called Folk Alphabet Sampler.  This is right up my alley!  This will go on my wish list, and I am going to have to browse the website more now.  I only have a very few Brightneedle charts.  I think that as many of the designs are over one, I tend to not really look at anything new.  I am having a good experience, however, in my over one stitching on the IR Pinkeep, so maybe I may have to consider doing more over one in the future!

Finally, (sorry didn't plan on making this such a long post), I came across a lovely new stitched bookmark.  This Fourth of July bookmarker is by Lucy Lyons Willis of La Chatelaine Designs.  She has some lovely samplers (with lots of complicated looking cutowork!).  It looks as though Vikki Clayton has put together a silk pack for this design.  It looks as though it would be fun to stitch.  I wonder if it would get here before the Fourth of July.  There are so many tempting things out there....

Cartonnage

Lately I have seen other stitchers working on cartonnage.  This is a cool book, with lots of lovely ideas, but my French is pretty nonexistant, so I am not sure if I could attempt something like this or not.  I hope eventually a project will show up in a needlework magazine here in the US or a designer will put something out in English.  Mercedes has made a lovely "Rabans" box (just scroll down a bit on her blog), and Annemiek has discovered this book (as well as some others that look quite interesting!!).  This really is a wonderful book, even if I can't read it!  It has loads of gorgeous color illustrations, graphs, and some line drawings to show how things are constructed somewhat.  It is a hardcover and well worth the money!

Even if I won't be attempting this just yet, I am lucky enough to have a needlecase in my collection!  Vero made this for my birthday!  It is perfectly made.  And maybe it is not as hard as it looks?  If nothing else, I don't think there is much sewing involved in this, so maybe it is really up my alley after all!

Specialty Stitches Close Up

Mercedes mentioned she would like a closer look at the motifs in the Indigo Rose Armchair Pinkeep, so I have scanned a few things a bit closer up.  This is a spider web rosette, which I really enjoyed stitching.  I have made spider web stitches slightly differently as well--woven through the top.  Both are quite nice.  I think the stitch is rather striking with the green stitching on the outside.  Each one has green leaves (which are also easy to make, though it was sometimes a bit hard to see the base linen thread when you stitch in the middle of each leaf "row".  The other stitch used was a double running stitch, but mine were probably more like back stitches as I am not sure I made the double running stitch correctly.  I figured, though, you can't see floss through the linen, and no one will see the backside of my stitching. 

The long rows are long arm cross stitches, and they are very easy to make and they go quite fast once you get going on them.  Otherwise everything is just cross stitches.  The colors are nice and rich, and if you were just making a pincushion, this would be a nice fast project really.  I just need to add my bullion, and fix the backstitching.  I try and work on it a bit each morning before I start work.  At the moment I am stitching the alphabet over one thread on the pockets.  Slowly but surely I will get there!

If you click on the photos you can see a slightly larger version of each picture.

Part I (Mostly) Done

Sorry--my scan appears to be a bit tilted, but you will get the idea.  I am more or less finished with the pincushion top.  As you can see, I have not yet done the bullion.  I am still working my way up to that one, I guess.  I do plan on making it, but I have plenty of other parts to work on first.  I stitched a running stitch, rather than a backstitch around it, so that will also need to be fixed (my excuse--I did this late Saturday night!).

I have moved on to the first pocket.  I am working on the over-one alphabet.  If you come by here often enough, you will know I am not terribly fond of over-one stitching, but this will be good practice.  I have only just begun, but I think it will be okay as long as I pay close attention.  This all looks very nice all stitched up and in person.  I will definitely have to pull out some of my IR charts some time in the future.  I have Ann Ryan all kitted up, and I think that would be fun to stitch (and no bullions that I know of!).

I think I have made my decisions on my upcoming exchanges in terms of patterns.  My Sampler House selection is a bit larger than I had thought to do, but as long as I start soon, I should be okay and finish in time.  I am also in a Summer themed swap, and I have decided on my chart there as well.  I have yet to get the name of my recipient for either swap yet, too!  I may be mentioning these projects, but I won't be able to share pictures until later on in the summer!  I have no doubt, however, that I will have plenty of other WIPs to talk about as well!

Nearly Finished

I actually got in some stitching time this weekend, and I made some progress on my This Too Shall Pass scissor case!  I only have three motifs left to stitch.  I think I am going to put my first initial in the middle.  I haven't decided what I am going to do about the dates.  I thought I might just put 20 on one side and 05 on the other.  I don't want to put the year I was born (I like to lie about my age--LOL!).  Vero put the year she started stitching, which is a cool idea.  I also think I saw someone put the year on one side and tiny motifs on the other, but now I don't remember who.  I would like to see that example again.  Any other ideas?  Then will come the scary part--finishing.  I have heard it is not too difficult.  You basically stitch the lining inside by hand, which is the part I am afraid of.  Two sides will be okay as they will be on the inside and not visible, but the other two will be visible on the top flap.  My hand sewing is not as neat and straight as I would like it to be.  I guess I will just try and make it as tiny as possible, so it won't be so noticeable.  Then it is whip stitched together, which should be okay.  I only wish the kit showed a picture of the seams up close--that is always the part I am nervous about.  I have a couple of days off next week, and I hope to get some projects completed (the finishing/sewing) over those two days. 

My Indigo Rose class project is coming along.  I have started stitching on the pockets.  If I can possibly get all the stitching done on this one as well, I will maybe get the finishing done on my days off--fingers crossed.  Otherwise I will get it done eventually! 

I think I have decided on a house to stitch for the Sampler House exchange on Legacy.  Thanks very much for the input!  I even have the floss and fabric for this particular house, so I can get started on it this week!  July will be here before we know it!