It's been quite a while since I've shared a needlework update. Far too long actually, as I have been stitching behind the scenes (so to speak) at least on occasion. I've only finished one small project and have been working on a few others. And now I'm getting ready to start one more. First, these two small pillows are finishes from a few years ago. It seemed only fitting to resurrect the photo for today's holiday!
Here is my little spring finish. The designer is one of my favorites, Prairie Schooler, and the motifs are taken from a chart called "Signs of Spring". It's fairly small but for some reason it took me ages to complete. I think it was all the white filling in of the rabbits as I am not fond of working with white floss.
And the flip side of the pin cushion. The finishing is actually called a mattress pin cushion for the shape and flatness of the sides.
All four sides have a carrot on the edge.
And one more close up--I stitched and finished it all by hand. The only 'problem', or I should say really challenge was stitching together those corners. The seam allowance needs to be tucked inside and the points where the corners match up tend to be very bulky and hard to work with. But I am pleased with how it turned out. This is one of my favorite ways to finish smaller projects.
So I realize that February is long gone, but I only very recently started working on this pincushion (yes, another one--I am fond of pincushions). And at the rate I work, there is every chance I might not even be able to finish it before then (though I will try and be optimistic). It is called "Endless Hearts" by the designer Threadwork Primitives.
I like that this is a simple design that uses only two colors. There is a lot of repetition, which might be tedious, but for some reason really isn't. It's a relaxing design to work on and the linen is just as I like it--fairly stiff and easy to work on in hand. The linen thread count is also not so very tiny making it hard to see to count the threads (I'm afraid I am going to need proper glasses soon). I've been working on it a little every day.
Remember these two? I'm almost finished with them! And the girl even has hair and a face (though I see I need to stitch in her eyes). Another relaxing project that I should finish fairly soon. Like my books, there is limited stitching time and several projects on the go at once.
And one more! I will be starting this Just Nan design, "8 Point Star Garden" as soon as my supplies come in the mail. I have a few of the flosses and one of the linen colors, but need to kit up the rest. I bought this with my State Fair in mind, but I have a feeling I am being overly optimistic in thinking I could possibly finish in time (the Fair is in August).
But I still love the design and will start stitching as soon as I can anyway. According to the chart this pincushion is inspired by a style popular in the 1800s.
"Eight stitched squares are folded into triangles, sewn along the edges, stuffed, and then connected in a circle to form the uniquely-shaped cushion. When viewed from the top or bottom, you can see the 8 point star."
Pretty cool, don't you think? Maybe I'll have lots of bursts of energy working on this one. Maybe I can schedule some afternoons off from work? Maybe I'll start stitching this weekend!