Uncle Sam And George Say Cheese!

I have always adored this design. The last frame has always made me giggle. I began this on the day before the 4th of July, as a patriotic start. I knew that I would not have it finished in time. I really enjoyed working on this piece. I really do need to get the rest of this series. They stitch up very quickly and I really do think they are a hoot! 

Design: Flags and Friends (from the 2010 Photobooth series)

Designer: Marsha Worley and Elizabeth Newlin of Bent Creek

Fibers Used: DMC in 321, 612, 646, 729, 823, 839, 931, 950, 3371, 3864 and and 3865. Needle Necessities #1091 Independence Day (retired floss). 

Fabric Used: Belfast Linen in 32ct Vintage Country Mocha

Accouterments: Mill Hill beads in #40123 in Petite Cream and #42014 Petite Black seed beads

Stitchers' Notes: Substituted called for overdyed flosses for DMC. Stitched on in house fabric. Began Monday, July 3, 2017. Finished Tuesday, July 11, 2017. Eagle in the piece was nicknamed George, after George Washington, the very first President of the United States. Please note that this chart is not available for sale or trade. 

Time for me to be off. I need to get out the next project and clean up my stitching area. Hope everyone is having a fantastic week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Under Tall Pines Again

Not too long ago, the Hubmeister and I decided to go on another camping adventure. I looked around for an appropriate project to take along with me. Generally, as soon as we make base camp, we chill out for the rest of the day, as was this case this last time around. I began this project right before we started making s'mores, which are just lovely. And if you have not substituted Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, might I suggest you run, do not walk to your nearest campsite and partake of this nectar of the Gods:

And now that we all have gone into a sugar coma :P, here is my latest finish. I really like the way this one has turned out. I am keeping the kit as I plan on stitching this one a few more times. And probably with the perforated paper that was included! :D

Design: S'mores (MH18-4206)

Designer: Mill Hill

Fabric Used: 32ct Vintage Country Mocha Belfast linen

Fibers Used: DMC Embroidery Floss Art. 117 in 347, 433, 434, 436, 938, and Blanc. 

Accoutrements : Mill Hill beads #02058 Crayon White, #02068 Crayon Brown, #42028 (petite) Ginger, #12088 red channeled heart. 

Stitchers' Notes: Purchased at LNS. Substituted 32ct Vintage Country Mocha Belfast linen for the included Mill Hill perforated paper in 14 count PP3 antique brown. From the 2014 Mill Hill Harvest Collection of beaded kits. Finished Saturday, September 17, 2016.

Time for me to bolt for the door. Lots to do today. Hope everyone is having a great weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Labor Day Weekend Finish

Thank heavens it's September! We are having our first bit of cool evening weather this Labor Day weekend and I love it. This really is my favorite time of the year and I look forward to it every year, without fail. 

This latest finish is another project that I really have wanted to do for a long time now. I purchased it several years ago and finally got out the supplies to stitch it up. It went fairly quickly and I enjoyed changing out the flosses to what I had in stash. This, I think, will be another design that I keep as I can see myself stitching it several more times. 

Here are the fruits of my labors:  

Design: Halloween Tree: Spooky #TR187

Designer: The Trilogy 

Fabric Used: 32 count Belfast linen in Legacy  by Picture This Plus

Fibers Used: Carrie’s Creations in Hearts on Fire, The Gentle Art Sampler Threads in #1040 Black Crow, #0570 Bittersweet, #0470 Buttercrunch, #7015 Sarsaparilla,  SanMan Strands #048 Candy Corn,  Weeks Dye Works cotton floss in ##2237 Hazelnut, #2316 Iris, #2196 Scuppernong, #1091 Whitewash. 

Accouterments: Mill Hill beads #42014 Petite Black seed beads

Stitcher's Notes: SanMan Strands is a discontinued floss line. Left off buttons and wording. Converted some of the called for flosses to those in stash. Began Sunday, August 28, 2016. Finished Saturday, September 3, 2016.

I also managed to dye another piece of fabric yesterday. I love how it came out. I think I need to find a more primitive type design to stitch with this fabric. It turned out fairly dark, however, I do love the contrast with the lighter spots.

This is a 32 count Belfast linen, in a color that I am calling Dark Honey Ale:

Well, I had best be off. Time to clean up my stitchy area and find another fall/Halloween related project to stitch. I hope everyone is having a happy Labor Day weekend! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C.

Chicken Noodle Soup For The Stitchers' Soul

Am I the only one that turns to 'comfort stitching' when stressed out? There are certain designer that I find are the stitching equivalent to mac and cheese and meatloaf. Something homey and comforting, like a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup that your grandmother or your mom would make when you were feeling low. 

I have several designers that fall into this category. Blackbird Designs is just such a designer. With the advent of fall just around the corner (less than 4 days now!), this piece was just the ticket. I enjoyed the colors and especially getting back to my Legacy  by Picture This Plus, which I dearly love. 

At any rate, I did manage to finish the stitching up on this piece late last night. As consequence, I had to wait until today in order to take pictures, as Mr. Sun was visiting Japan at the time I finished. :) 

The stitching went fairly quickly. I will finish this into a pincushion, whenever I manage to procure a sewing machine. :)

Design: Pumpkin Blossom pincushion (Taken the book Autumn, Loose Feather collection 2011)

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric Used: 32 count Belfast linen in Legacy  by Picture This Plus

Fibers Used: Au Ver À Soie  Soie d'Alger in #4125 Marron (Brown) and #4236 Lion. Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Carrot Cake, Collard Greens, Old Crow, and Pumpkin Carriage.

Stitcher's Notes: Started on Friday, August 26, 2016. Finished on Saturday, August 27, 2016. Design featured on page 8 of the book Autumn, Loose Feather collection 2011 by Blackbird Designs. Left off border.

Time for me to bolt for the door. I need to decide what is next, the Pumpkin Blossom Sewing Box or part of the main design as a scissor fob or more likely, an ornament. 

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and I wish you all a happy week ahead! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Liked It So Nice

...that I stitched it twice. I know of a lot of folks who stitch something once and then never again. With some designs, I just cannot help myself and I feel compelled to stitch them over and over. The really cool thing about cross stitch is that you can change all sorts of things to make it truly yours. 

This next project was another loaner from Patricia G of the Fans of Blackbird Designs Facebook Group. It came with two charts, Spring's Notice and Savoir Faire. I have had Spring's Notice in my freebie collection for quite some time now, but I *really* wanted to stitch Savoir Faire. It had been somewhat very elusive until the Fans of Blackbird Designs Facebook Group and their Lending Library. This fantastic group of ladies has been a godsend and I am hoping to contribute to the Lending Library some time in the near future. 

At any rate, here are my stitching efforts for the week. I am pleased with the outcome.  I have a few ideas on how to finish these, but I must think about it some before I make my decision.

Design: Savoir Faire

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Version One: 

Fabric Used: 28 count natural linen of unknown manufacturer

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours  cotton floss in 12 grain, Amethyst, Brown Sugar, German Chocolate, Prickly Pear, Purple Pansy, Steamed Broccoli and Wasabi. 

Finished: Thursday, April 28, 2016

Stitcher's Notes: Stitched two over two. 

Version Two:

Fabric Used: 32 count white Belfast linen 

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours  cotton floss in Brown Sugar, Crushed Pineapple, Frozen Margarita, German Chocolate, Pink Champagne, Queen Bee and Spun Sugar. The Gentle Art Sampler Threads in #0191 Kiwi.

Stitcher's Notes: Stitched two over two. 

I am kind of sad to see this one leave me. I could see stitching this at least three more times! But, alas, the next stitcher is anxiously awaiting the charts, so I must bid it fare thee well. In the mean time, in between time, I will comb my usual haunts looking for a copy that I may add to my collection. Hooray for stitchy quests!

Well, it is time to be off. I need to clean up my stitching area and do the coffee and blog thing. I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Blackbird Designs Weekend Project Finish

It's really odd how things work out. On Friday, just before lunch, I received another pattern from the Blackbird Designs Lending Library. This time it was another quick project that I managed to get finished in about two and a half days. I finished it so quickly, I fear I am going to have to take a few days off from stitching, as my hands and arms are starting to hurt. I'm literally stitching my hands off! I really should try and pace myself better. 

Dh had to work overnight this weekend as it was his turn, so I concentrated on this one. It was stitched during a binge session of Midsomer Murders on Netflix. Not quite my beloved Hercule Poirot  but then again, there is no one quite like Monsieur Hercule Poirot , non? 


At any rate, here are my efforts:

Design: Pumpkin Blossom Pinkeep (Loose Feather #4). Chart is long out of print and retired. 

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric:  32 count Cashel linen in Legacy  by Picture This Plus

Fibers Used: Crescent Colours Belle Soie silk in Carrot Cake, Collard Greens, Harvest, Ivy League, Old Crow, Pumpkin Carriage, and Slate.

Beads Used: Mill Hill beads in #03049 Rich Red

Stitcher's Notes: Chart on loan from Patricia G of the Fans of Blackbird Designs Facebook Group. Replaced the cotton embroidery floss for silks. Left off initials. Changed beading to reflect bittersweet. Changed from needlecase to sampler. Horizontal arrangement based off of the vertical arrangement by Kimberly Young Hart. Used actual needle in place of stitched one due to space issues. Began Friday, March 18, 2016. Finished Monday, March 21, 2016. 

Well, I had best be off. Time to do the needful. Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

St. Patrick's Shamrock Leap Day Finish

I am so glad that I chose this latest project from Leaflet Silo. The green is very nice against the fabric, and I love the uniqueness of the design. I am not sure how I will finish it, but I am thinking of perhaps a no sew finish. 

Well, at any rate, here is the latest project stitched up:

 Design:  St. Patricks Shamrock (freebie)

Designer: Brooke Nolan of Brooke's Books

Fabric Used: 32 count Belfast linen in Vintage Country Cream

Fibers Used: Au Ver À Soie  Soie d'Alger in #234 Vert Fin

Stitcher's Notes: Began Wednesday, February 24, 2016. Finished Monday, February 29, 2016. Stitched one strand of floss over two fabric threads. Freebie found on Page One of the freebies pages on the Brooke's Books website. It is located towards the bottom of the page. 


Wednesday, February 24, 2016:

Finished Monday, February 29, 2016:

Well, I had best be off. Time to clean up the stitching area and choose something else. I hope everyone is having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

And The Winner Is....

...Leaflet Silo! Woohoo! I took the night of from stitching last night to get my area cleaned up from Jardin Mythique's finish. As I was watching The Soprano's again, I went through  Kit Mountain,  Leaflet Silo and on with the Bin O'Shame again to see if anything was grabbing me. Nothing was, so I decided to sleep on it. 

When I woke up, I had the urge to stitch something in the shamrock manner. I have very little in the way of anything in the shamrock manner, so I thought with it being March very soon, now is a good time. I went perusing leisurely through my hoard collection and remembered I had this one. I've always loved it, but never got around to stitching it. I then remembered a specific green that I had. Once I pulled the silk thread that I wanted to use, I found the perfect fabric for it. Et voilà! A new start is born, lol!

At any rate, here is what I chose:

 Design:  St. Patricks Shamrock (freebie)

Designer: Brooke Nolan of Brooke's Books

Fabric Used: 32 count Belfast linen in Vintage Country Cream

Fibers Used: Au Ver À Soie  Soie d'Alger in #234 Vert Fin

Stitcher's Notes: Began Wednesday, February 24, 2016. Stitched one strand of floss over two fabric threads. Freebie found on Page One of the freebies pages on the Brooke's Books website. It is located towards the bottom of the page. 


Wednesday, February 24, 2016:

Time to bolt for the door. This isn't going to stitch itself after all, haha! I hope everyone is having a great week!

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Pre Overnight Shift Finish For Now

I've taken my time with this one for whatever reason. I think I have hit fall/Halloween stitching overload at this point. I am not sure if this latest finish is actually 'finished', as I think it may need something else. DH likes it the way it is, I think 'something' is needed. What I do not know, but there you have it! So, at this point, it is finished for now. 

Design: Creepy Cocktails

Designer: Pinoy Stitch 

Fabric Used: 32 count Cashel linen in Fog by Picture This Plus from their Crystal (opalescent) line.

Fibers Used:  DMC in 154, 164, 208, 209, 310, 327, 413, 414, 415, 444, 606, 741, 772, 907, 947, 3346, 3706, 3825, 3853 and B5200.

Beads Used: Mill Hill petite beads in #00275 Coral, #42010 Ice, #42027 Champagne.


Stitcher's Notes: Began Monday, October 12, 2015. As I did not place the wording correctly, the bowl full of eyeball snacks is in the words of the late, great Bob Ross, a 'happy accident'. 



As of Wednesday, October 14, 2015:

As of Friday, October 23, 2015:

I had best be off. I have a ton of stuff to do today before I do my overnight bunk. Happy weekend to you all! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

This Is Halloween, This Is Halloween! WIP Wednesday

Boys and girls of every age

Wouldn't you like to see something strange?

Come with us and you will see

This – our town of Halloween!

We are big fans of not only Halloween, but The Nightmare Before Christmas in this house. I love the tale of Jack and Sally. When I saw this latest start, I immediately imagined Jack Skellington and Sally ordering one up after a long night of frights on Halloween. This one is a lot of fun to stitch. 

Well, here is what I have so far:

Design: Creepy Cocktails

Designer: Pinoy Stitch 

Fabric Used: 32 count Cashel linen in Fog by Picture This Plus from their Crystal (opalescent) line.

Fibers Used:  DMC in 154, 164, 208, 209, 310, 327, 413, 414, 415, 444, 606, 741, 772, 907, 947, 3346, 3706, 3825, 3853 and B5200.

Beads Used: Mill Hill petite beads in #42010 Ice.


Stitcher's Notes: Began Monday, October 12, 2015.



As of Wednesday, October 14, 2015:

Well, I had best be off. Lots to do today and this isn't going to stitch itself, haha! Hope everyone is having a great week! :)

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Respectfully submitted,

C. 

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

However, in my case, I really am feeling lost. Ever since losing our beloved Ozzy earlier this month, I've really been at sixes and sevens.  Nothing has really appealed to me and I have even wandered off my recent Jardin Mythique start. DH and I took a couple of days off and did some things around the house. I wanted to start Deco Lady by Joan Elliott what was featured in Issue # 203 of Cross Stitch Crazy magazine to coincide with the arrival on Netflix of Season 3 of Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries. I got all of ten stitches in and wasn't feeling *any* of it. Last night, I got the urge to stitch on something fall/Halloween related. I couldn't bear to pick up Blessed Be by Plum Pudding Needleart again, so I went shopping in my stash and decided on this Blackbird Designs bonus chart instead. I was not digging on how the original looked, however, I thought it would be fun to turn it into a candy corn witch hat. We are big fans of the stuff in this establishment and generally have a bag around somewhere. It makes for a nice treat as you don't need much of it in order to satisfy a sweet tooth. 

Well, at any rate, here are my meager stitching efforts: 

Design: Witch's Hat Pincushion bonus design

Designer: Blackbird Designs

Fabric: 32 count Belfast linen in Legacy  by Picture This Plus

Fibers Used:  Access Commodities Soie d'Alger in Noir, Blanc Optique, 521, 633. 

Stitcher's Notes: Bonus design from the leaflet Midnight Ride. Leaflet is the first in the Sewing Box series, circa 2013. Approximate DMC equivalents are B5200, 310, 445 and 722. Stitched one floss thread over 2 fabric threads. 

I am not sure how I am going to finish this one. I was thinking I may actually try my hand at at no sew cube with this one, but I haven't quite decided yet. 

Well, I had best be off. I have some stuff to do and I need to clean up my stitching area. Hope everyone had a great weekend. 

Respectfully submitted, 

C.