Merry Stitching

Normally today is a work day. I'm happy to have it off. Now I can enjoy my presents and continue my organization of stitchy things. My daughter made me feel better earlier this week, when she told me that she could find exactly what she was looking for in my studio when I was gone in November. Now if only I could do that myself.

One of my presents was from Cohana. 

On Sunday, I went into my closet with the hanging clothes, purses, sweaters and sweatshirts. Also my beading. I did a lot of bead sorting in 2023 when I was recovering from Covid-19. But this time I created labels and swapped things around. I will no longer be throwing sweaters up high and everything should stay more organized.

Also bought all three Whitney books. What a treasure! There will be hours lost perusing these. Well, not lost. But you know what I mean. 

Double Dagnabbit

 I finished my Dr. John ornament and forgot to take a photo. Silly, me.

That could be the last finish of 2024.

Am working on the Magical Santa now while Aunt Martha's bread is rising. Too bad I have to stop and make dinner. Salmon for Christmas Eve. 

Dag Nabbit

 

Can't believe I've forgotten to post here. The usual flurry of activity and I've lost track of time. 

Here's my Dr. John ornament from Jude.

We've had an EGA holiday party, a sampler guild holiday party, some shopping, some stitching, some framing, some presents both to give and to receive.

Meanwhile I need to create my WIPGO board for 2025. I thought I had plenty of time... 

Seaside Needlepoint

 In which I take the oldest granddaughter to the needlepoint store.

She picked a 13 Ct canvas, Am I The Drama?

The answer is yes. 

Also picked up a sugar cookie ornament and a golden retriever, too. 

Delay

Train trip to Florida was uneventful. Two hour drive to the kids' house was fine. 

Had a great week. Will add stitching update. 

Train ride home delayed. Just sitting here in the car in Sanford. Guess I should be stitching. 

 

It Doesn't Pay

 Apparently we made good time in the night because we arrived in Florida over an hour early. And here we sit waiting for an hour for people to arrive at work. Got some sleep, but not good sleep. I kept dreaming about floating on a cobblestone lined river.

My colors match pretty closely on this canvas. By viewing the back, you can see the progress.

This is an older canvas by Ann Brinkley, I believe that I picked at an EGA function. 

Sitting in a Railway Station

 Taking the auto train! 

Time to stitch

And we are moving! 

Ukulele

When we were in Hawaii in 2015, we got to visit the Kamaka ukulele factory. Had a tour with Fred, who was in his 90s. Charming and delightful. 

Bought this ornament at Needlepoint, Etc. Finally finished it five minutes ago. Happy to have a reminder of that wonderful trip. 

Why?

 Or why not? I haven't posted since mid-August. I don't why this happens. But once again, I'm back and will attempt to be better. 

Maybe a little catching up? Not tonight. Tonight we will start with current progress. 

One Transylvania ornament. I started it last October. All DMC floss except the black and white which are Silk Lame Braid. All tent stitch. 

Two Finishes

 Yesterday was a two finish day. One is a present, so I can't show it yet. 

But 9 years ago I was ordering a DMC color card directly from DMC and threw this kit into my cart. 

I discarded the thread and matched the colors to a rug we own. 

Stitching on wood is interesting. Not exactly pleasant. Hard to run under on the back. But anyway. It's finished. I just need to find a silk flower for my new vase. 

Took an Unintentional Break

 

Here are all the sides to my Presidents' Challenge.

Front, back, spine where I added the date. Interior. 

This little thing took over well over 100 hours.

Echoes of Elizabeth needle case by Gay Ann Rogers 

Challenge Done

 I finished my Challenge project last Friday. When I estimated that I had 30 hours to go, I was almost exactly right. No photos till after our meeting next Saturday.

I picked up another UFO. Janet Zickler Casey's Who Dat? Did two pieces of hers with NOVA ANG a long time ago. Moon Pie Kitty was finished long ago.

Almost There

Just a few more green stitches and then beads.

Construction here we come. 

A Little, ALot

A little bit of green. A little bit of gold. A lot of pearl and basketweave.

Pushing (and shopping)

Still pushing it on my Challenge project. 

Went to our local favorite cross stitch store this morning. 

Got the new Santas to add to my collection. 

And found a new to me designer, Dirty Annie. Love, love, love! 

Echoes

Still plugging away at my Gay Ann piece.

Sunday morning

Last day. Only have till lunch time. 

I'm going to miss this place. 

I need to stitch the bottom of the scissor pocket and this part will be finished except for attachment. 

I am happy with the progress I made. And I got to watch my friends stitch on counted canvas, goldwork, whitework, cross stitch, reproduction samplers, Opus Anglicanum, and painted canvas. So many talented people. 

Day three

 One day, one project.

Only my Challenge project on Saturday. And the inside of the case is finished except for adding the scissor and needle holders. 

I probably still have 30 hours to go. 

Day Two

 After an hour of trying to center the diamond and not being able to by counting to 26 or 32,i gave up. By stitching the blackwork, I'll have more reference points. Echoes of Elizabeth. 

And an project from DMC. 

Sewing Wild Oats

 Thirteen of my guild members have retreated to Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia.

I finalized the contents of my stitching bag at 6:30 a.m. after some 3 in the morning thoughts. Yup. That's how I roll.

I started with a bit of construction. 

 

This is Kaye Judt's An Elegant Brooch from the 2018 Seminar in Louisville. Been stitched since 2018. Just needed construction. Way, way shinier than the photo.

Then I moved onto cross stitch for the rest of the day. Tomorrow, Echoes of Elizabeth. 

Packing for retreat

 Two weeks ago my stitching bag was packed for my guild retreat. This past weekend I unpacked it except for my President's Challenge piece.

I put away a stumpwork GCC that I'm just not feeling. I put away a new cross stitch star

t. I put away a new beaded bracelet. And a few other things.

I heard my friend, Donna, say this past weekend she's hoping to have three finishes. Finishes? 

Tomorrow I will repack the bag. So much for packing early.

Will this make the bag? 

Still Here

 Another little Mill Hill. Backed it with a hanger yesterday. 

Can Stitching Be a Hot Mess

 

"Sweet Nothings" is the name of the project (if I am remembering correctly) by JBW designs from 2000.

I started 20+ years ago in the wrong place, too close to the bottom of the banding. But somehow this floated to the top of the pile last week. 

Finished the stitching. Then screwed up the finishing three times. Lots of ripping out. It's wonky. But it's done. I could probably whip out another version quickly if I have more banding. 

It's so old, it's meant to hold actual photos. 

Medieval Embroidery

Thanks to my friend, Heather, I've taken my first class with Tanya Bentham. It's a little dragon. I've renamed mine and she's Marjorie, for the first lead singer for the Raylettes. I'm further along than this photo shows. Only need to stitch the head and embellish the neck and tail. 

Next month, a little bit of Opus Anglicanum. 

Yes. I already own all three of Tanya's books. And if you've interested in more I highly recommend following Tanya on Instagram. Her version of the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone is brilliant. 
 

What's Happening

 

 

My growing collection of Charland Designs small band samplers continues to increase. I've had this Welsh one for a long time. Started at least five years ago. 

Finally am determined to make real progress on it. As in get it done and framed this year. 

Waterlilies, pearl #8, and linen thread. Found a piece of Glenshee linen in my stash that's big enough. This one is number three, but I've got like thirty more. LOL

Another Oldie

 Loudoun Sampler Guild is currently working on Mary Wigham. I decided that I didn't need another Quaker. What I need is to finish one that is in progress.

Started at the beginning of 2008 as the design was published in the fall of 2007 in Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly. I changed the called for colors from silks to a selection of overdyed cottons in Crescent Colors and Gentle Arts. The linen is 32 ct Magnolia.

I would love to finish before the end of this year. 

What's in the Bag

 Today let's play a round of what's in my stitching bag.

A flamingo eyeglass case. Nearly complete. This has been my carry around project for nearly a year. I work on it at the nail salon while getting pedicures. And any other place without ideal lighting for stitching. 

My Gayla Elliot stitching girl. Slowly renovating the kitchen. I undyed her hair. She used to be a blonde. Still contemplating the floors.

I've got three Danji candy canes to stitch for the grandgirls. Nothing too exciting.

Lastly a tease. Local EGA friends know what this original piece is.

That's what's in my stitching bag right now.