The Peacock's Feather

SAL, Anyone - Part 2

It looks like there are a few stitchers interested in Merry Cox's designs!  Perhaps we could have a Merry Cox SAL?  Two designs were mentioned--a "Shaker Spool Holder" appeared in the Winter 2005 (#41) issue, and "Her Needles Safely Kept" from the Winter 2003 issue (#33).  I have never stitched any of  Merry's designs, but I am always drooling over other stitcher's MC finishes.  I would be happy to stitch either (I wonder if I could do them both?!).  The "Shaker Spool Holder" calls for 32 count Sandstone linen, Gloriana silk floss, NPI silk floss, and DMC linen embroidery floss. " Her Needles Safely Kept" calls for: 35 count Cafe Kona fabric, AVAS, Silk 'n Colors, and Gloriana silk.  The actual stitching really doesn't call for too many supplies, so I don't think this part will be terribly costly. 

I think we could each choose which design we want to stitch, and just work on our projects about the same time?  Perhaps we can start later on in April, so we can get other projects finished and order our materials?  I am open to any ideas or suggestions.  What does everyone think?  I am looking forward to this, it will be fun, and maybe it is just the impetus I need to actually stitch a Merry Cox design finally.  And of course anyone else who would like to join us is more than welcome to do so!  In case you need some Merry Cox inspiration, you can take a peek at Vero's Merry Cox album.  Lots of lovely designs...how can anyone resist?!

SAL Anyone?

There was a very nice post on Dani's blog last weekend.  It made me think about all the stitching friends I have meet over the internet.  I feel bad as I am not able to "make the rounds" daily and read what everyone else is up to and comment on their blogs, but I am trying to make more time to do so!  I know I always greatly appreciate it when others leave comments, or give help or suggestions when I am stuck on some particular project!  She also mentioned how much she enjoys doing little SALs with other stitchers.  I know in my recent wanderings I have noticed others who are also SAL-ing: Mercedes is working on SANQ's "Alphabet Samplings Book" with a few others, Von is working on the Drawn Thread "Spots" with a group, Merumo is SAL-ing with two French stitchers a sampler they chose when they took a Merry Cox class together.  I am sure there are many other SALs going on as well!  My Prairie Schooler monthly projects are actually the result of a SAL as well.  It started at the beginning of this year on a bulletin board, but there is not much interaction going on there.  This has made me wish I was in some sort of a SAL as well. I was wondering if there was any interest in starting a little SAL with me?  I don't really have a particular project in mind--maybe one of the new Drawn Thread designs?  A Carriage House Samplings design (she has some small ones)?  Merry Cox (something that has been printed in SANQ perhaps)?  Or some small project that has appeared in Fine Lines or SANQ?  There are so many things I would love to stitch, but really it is the comraderie that I would like.    It is just nice to know you are working on something at the same time others are and you can chat about it or share progress on your blogs once a week or so.  If anyone is interested, please let me know.  Otherwise I certainly have plenty to keep me busy alone or in a group!

More Winter in the Square

I am getting closer to finishing my "Winter in the Square".  I am ready to get it all stitched and move on to something new, though don't get me wrong--I have really enjoyed stitching this.  I have to say I am not happy with the way the dove looks, though.  I know I am always pretty critical about my work, but truly if you could see it up close, you would agree!  The beak just looks sort of funny.  I think it is my half stitches.  I usually make the half stitch first and then the little quarter stitch, and tuck it under the half stitch--if that makes sense.  But in this case the beak looks weird--too big or something.  I wonder of I tacked down the half stitch with the quarter stitch if it would look better?  I always thought I was making these stitches correctly, but now I am not so sure.  It is hard to tell sometimes when you are looking at the photo on the chart as it tends to be small and not show any good details (and this is the case with this design).  Any ideas?  I wonder if anyone else is stitching this, and I can see their work up close?  I have decided I will leave the doves to stitch until last.  If nothing else, once the little charm is attached, I think the eye will naturally go there first, so maybe the doves will just not be as noticeable--weird looking or not!

As for what is up next?  Yes, I am already thinking ahead.  I want to start my BOAF "Spring Garden", but I will need to wait on my floss.  So I think I will pull out the tombstone angel that I kitted up by Carriage House Samplings.  I also want to start "Petit Carnet d"Ouvrages", which is also all ready to begin (this one will be a long range project as I don't foresee myself getting that one done quickly at all).  First things first--must finish my little companion piece that will go with my exchange!

They're Here!

Yes, complaining seems to have had the magical effect!  Look what arrived after I just wondered when my INS might get more of the new Birds of a Feather charts in.  I know these are really different, but I just love these designs!  They both came with a special linen cut.  I plan on starting with "Spring Garden", which has linen called "Flamingo".  I need to pull out my overdyed floss and see what I have on hand.  The chart on the right is "Summer Garden" and came with "Parrot" linen.   I actually really like that the linen came with the charts as sometimes it is hard to find specialty linen and then you often have to buy a larger cut (which will cost more) rather than a custom cut.   Besides, BOAF linen is really hard to find these days anyway.  I hope to start this soon!

My March Pinkeep!

Last night I made my Prairie Schooler "March" design into a pinkeep.  As always I have problems making the bow at the top, but I am pretty pleased with how it turned out.  None of my greens actually completely match--the shamrocks are DMC 520, but the bow is a brighter green (not much of a selection at Michaels, I'm afraid), and the back is a green and tan check print, but the green is more olive.  It is only for me, though, so I am not too picky.  They colors aren't right next to each other anyway.  I also finished my exchange project.  It was my first time attempting what I made...I know I can improve on it with practice, but I hope the recipient likes it anyway. I am also planning on making a tiny fob to go with it, which I need to get done by Friday.  Everything else is ready to be mailed off.  Now I need to concentrate on the other two gifts I am stitching for next month and my "Winter in the Square" (time to complete that since it is now spring!).

Itching to Start...

I am ready to start something new.  Of course I need to finish my exchange project (which I hope to do the finishing on later this afternoon), as well as my pinkeep (ditto on the finishing).  I also really need to finish my "Winter in the Square".  I have so much completed that it would be a shame to set it aside now.  So I will set these by my bedside and hope to start them very soon.  I kitted up a new Carriage House Samplings design - "Tombstone Angel". (By the way have you seen the new tombstone angel pins that Kathy's daughter designed?).  I splurged and bought a fat quarter of Lakeside Linens Pearled Barley for it.  It seems like a nice neutral color, so I should have no problem using it up.  I also splurged and bought the NPI silks since it only called for a few. 

I already mentioned that I plan on stitching "Petit Carnet d'Ouvrages, Livre I".  When I ordered the chart I didn't realize that it is stitched over one thread--ugh.  Not my favorite thing.  It calls for 32 count Antique Ivory by Zweigart.  I hope I will not have problems stitching on this.  I am going to attempt it anyway--I think it is so lovely.  The floss is Gloriana Slate  Blue Luminescence.  Each stitched area is only 2-1/4" x 3-1/8", so really it is only a small stitched area. 

I also ordered Lakside Linens Palomino, which seems to be a new color used by several designers (which I will need for the "Tavern Signs" and "The Littles" by Hands to Work).  However my INS is out and it sounds like I have a bit of a wait ahead of me!  Oh well, it isn't as though I don't have anything else to stitch...I am also waiting on two new designs by Birds of a Feather that I ordered a while back.  Apparently my INS has not been able to get them from their distributor!!  So, I need to be patient.  It is always the anticipation in these situations as I will no doubt not start any of these projects right away!

And one more little item--did you hear that Drawn Thread is coming out with a couple more new charts?  Per the Elegant Stitch website:

"the new charts are called wayward garden which is a gorgeous sampler and english garden pocket which is a beautiful, bright and springy pocket that includes an exclusive jabc button and beads.  we are very excited about these...and there is also a reprint on what we thought were discontinued charts...but kindred spirits and american spot sampler will be available to everybody again - probably in about two weeks"

Just when you thought it was safe, eh?!  And a new Essy's Friends will be mailed out this week.  It is going to be a little needlebook--yay.  I hope the instructions are easy as I need to practice making one of these!  Hopefully tomorrow I can share my pinkeep!  The other project will have to wait until it arrives at its destination!

I Love Smalls

A surprise in the mail for me today!  Actually I knew it was coming, but I still get excited to get new stash!  I was very good as the order was for things I am giving as gifts either for birthdays or exchanges.  But I did break down and order something for myself as well!  This is by Homespun Elegance.  I love small designs.  Where was I for charts #1-6, as this is #7?  I guess I will have to check out the website.  She has some really lovely little designs.  I plan on stitching all three of these and must see what supplies I will need.  They only measure 2-1/3" x 3-1/8"--the perfect size for cushions or fobs!   And by the way--remember I mentioned that the little charm for my Just Nan "Spring in the Square" had a little defect?  My INS has sent a new one (no defects!), and I am returning the other one.  Also I received some new freebies and included was a design by Cherished Stitches called "March Scissor Fob", which is finished as a little eight corner pillow complete with tassle and cording to attach it to your favorite scissors!  A nice way to start the weekend!

Possibilities...

I pulled out my fabric bin and chose a few different colors for my "April" Prairie Schooler ornament.  Thanks for the color ideas, Joanie.  I don't generally use brighter colors, though I should.  I am never very daring when trying strong color combinations.  Unfortunately I don't have any yellows, though that sounded like a good idea.  The colors I decided might work (from left to right): cream (not sure if the white floss will blend in too much), mint green (a nice spring color), sand (actually I sort of like this color), and flax (yes, another neutral).  I need to take the fabric out of the plastics and see what the floss really looks like against them. 

I never quite know which colors are meant to work together.  I know some have warm tones and some cool tones and certain colors work together better than others, but I am pretty clueless as to the rules.  Does anyone  know which ones work best together?  I imagine it is better to use warmer linen colors with warmer floss colors.  The floss colors I will use for "April": pink, brown, white, light green, red, and dark green.  The bunny can be seen on the top row of the chart on the right.  I don't plan on starting this one until April, but it is nice to have everything ready to go.  I think I will buy some nice spring (patterned) fabric, and make this one into a pillow!  Hmm.  I wonder if I can finish each month into some different sort of accessory?  So far I have done a cushion with tassles, an eight corner pillow, and will do a pinkeep and a pillow.  That will leave eight more designs to go.  I could try a needlecase, and possibly a box top (though I don't think these will fit on any Altoid tins).  Perhaps a sweet bag.  Any other ideas? This is turning out to be a fun project--I am able to use different linen colors and try new finishing techniques!

March is finished!

Yesterday I had some extra unexpected stitching time before work and I was able to finish stitching "March" from the Prairie Schooler chart "A Prairie Year".  Does this mean I am actually somewhat caught up on at least one project??  I plan on finishing this as a pinkeep.  I need to dig through my fabric and see if I have anything green that will work.  Next month's design is a rabbit.  I want to choose a different color for my linen rather than my usual naturals/neutrals, and I had thought I would use white, but it appears that there is white in the design, so I will have to rethink that.  Now I need to concentrate on my exchange project, which has to be mailed out on the 30th!  I am nearly finished with the stitching. The finishing calls for felt rather than fabric.  I have lots of felt, so hopefully I can fudge the colors a bit as I was not able to find locally the actual colors that the chart called for.  I might try and also stitch a little fob as what I am making is sort of "different" and I hope the recipient is not disappointed with what I chose!  I have Monday off from work, so I hope to get lots done and everything in the mail on time!

Here It Is!

Here is my finished "February" eight corner pincushion!  I am quite happy with how it turned out!  I am so glad I got the urge to do some finishing this weekend.    It went very smoothly, and I think I have to say this is just about my favorite way to finish a small (at the moment anyway)!!

I took a few photos while I was working.  Here are the front and back of my pincushion.  I trimmed the fabric down to about 1/4" from the edge of the stitching.  Lambswool is nice to work with as it is fairly stiff and it doesn't seem to fray badly at all.

I use a combination of instructions for finishing, but since this is the second time around, it is getting much easier.  When I first saw these I thought they looked so complicated to make, but actually they are quite simple.  I have paper instructions from an Indigo Rose class, and I also refer to this website, which has excellent photos of how to finish one of these.  It is in French, but the photos are very self explanatory!  It is just a matter of meeting up the middle point of the back with the left edge of the front. You just then whip stitch the edges together.  As long as you have backstitched the correct number of stitches on each piece--it is really a piece of cake!

Here it is partially stitched.  The hardest part for me is turning those corners.  But once you get the hang of it and take it slowly, it is not really too hard.  I think I did make one little error with my whip stitching, but I fudged it a bit, and now I can't even tell where I made the mistake.

Here is another shot of the open end. When I had one side left open I filled it with fiberfill.  It is nice and fluffy.  Tessa mentioned using the little plastic pellets (thanks for the idea!).  I have used them in my smaller fobs, and they give it a nice weight. I think they would also work nicely for a cushion like this, especially this size (which is about 3" in diameter).  Finally I added my tassles.  Tassles are not really my favorite thing to make, and I had thought of just leaving it plain, but I am glad I took the extra time to make them.  I didn't use a button, since there is not really much room on the top side.  I actually like this puffy look!  So, finally a finish at last!  Now I am ready to make another one for an exchange I am hosting on the SBEBB!  I just have to decide on a pattern!