Saturday, February 28, 2009

Sizzle!




Well, this is another tin topper by Just Nan. The bottom photo is the part for the top of the tin. The other photo shows the front and back of the pin wheel which will fit inside the tin. When I heard about Sizzle - - it was released in the summer time, I was expecting fire works. Instead we got lady bugs. Go Figure.

Friday, February 27, 2009

The clock is ticking - -




I decided to add some back stitching to help things show up better. I love the little mouse with his party hat. Without the back stitching, he was just a gray blob.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Show and Tell time

Here is today's stitching update. I first stitched across the top and then I concentrated on the upper left corner. It sure looks like the backstitching will make a big difference.


This is a bit of a brag. I received this cane in the mail just the other day. I really wish the photo showed the color better as the wood on the main stick of the cane is a beautiful purple color! Purple poplar - who knew? The large dots in the handle are made with a wood called Purple Heart. (The creator certainly has my heart!) Across the top of the handle are small dots made with Pink Pearl wood. Under the two dots toward the back have magnets hidden underneath. This will allow me to pick up needles when I drop them. Wow - - he thought of everything. This cane was made by my son. I am thrilled and so proud of his new hobby.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Summer and Winter Samplers


This is the Summer Scrap Book Sampler that I stitched mid year 2008 and just recently got framed. This was the inspiration for starting Winter. Plus there is a photo of a bit more progress on Winter.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The start of something new


Recently I received the Summer Scrap Book Sampler project framed. Seeing that one done pushed me to start on the last of the four seasons. This is Winter Scrap Book Sampler project. I started in them middle at the top. This photo is after I spanned the top section.

I am hoping to post progress photos while I still have some other finishes and things to post. Hopefully it won't be too boring. I am basically a one project person. When I do big projects, I tend to stay with it except for perhaps a small detour.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Peppermint Twist Framed


I received this back from the framers. It is amazing to me that I started this in January and it is framed and ready to hang already. I am not sure where to hang this one. I suppose it should be in the Christmas room. I have several more of this type of sampler to do so maybe I should plan to hang a grouping.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Snow Finished

Finished and looking pretty. The little needle book is lined with wool and buttonhole stitched on. It wasn't too fussy to work with. I am getting quite a collection of these little tins.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Snow Part Two

Inside the Snow tin there will be a needle book. Here it is before finishing. Beads were used for some parts of the snow. It is so cute.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Snow!

This is the latest tin topper by Just Nan. This one is called Snow. It was a quick stitch. Most everyone is ready for spring so talking about snow is difficult. LOL. I am pleased to say I have seen some wonderful cardinals in our neck of the woods. Spring must be right around the corner.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Creepy


This is as far as I can go at this time. I have to wait for more charts to be issued. This will have to go on a back burner until further notice.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

eek!

I would say eek also if I had spiders raining down on me. LOL. I couldn't happen to a better creature - -the frog.......

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Monday, February 16, 2009

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Back to Stitching

This is going to be a long banner. Lizzie Kate created Boo Club and is releasing the sections two parts per chart. They can stitch individually or together like I am doing. This is the first two. I greatly dislike doing gingham checks in borders. I started the border doing cross stitch and the pulled it all out. This border is now done with smyra crosses. They go so much faster. I have six of these to do now and then will have to wait until more are released.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Open House Part Two































Here are a few more photos. Even I was overwhelmed when I saw it all laid out there. I did find two pieces that I definitely want framed. I have a few pieces that I want to try to make into sewing purses. There are four bird pieces that I have always wanted to make it into a kleenex box cover. It looks like I will have lots to do in that new craft room. LOL.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Open House Today




















I covered the couch with stitched pieces. Then I went to the dining room table and covered it with finished items. Little needle books, WhimZi framed pieces, chatelaines, jewelry, stitch purse with fob, sheath and needle book. The coffee table has all the mail arts on it.


Then I had to put even more stuff out in the bed rooms....... Of course all the pictures that hangs on the wall were all there. I then got two more framed pieces delivered today. Pics to follow.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The first of the tulip parade.

















This is the first two of eight tulips I have agreed to make into ornaments. They are quick to stitch and take a couple of hours to stitch. They make me think of spring.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

I am so incredibly LUCKY



































I received this mail art today from my friend. Can you believe the work on this? It takes my breath away just to gaze at it. This pattern was based on a chart by Victoria Sampler called Birds of a Feather. It appeared in the Gift of Stitching magazine late last year. As you can see, Lilian made my envelope into a floss tote. I just love it all. Lilian does beautiful work and has taken up specialty work with gusto. I am blown away.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Craft Room Update
















I forgot to get a photo before I started cleaning out this room. There was the folding table with the sewing machine. Then beside the file cabinet, there were two plastic roller carts with three drawers each. Three different levels and a difficult space to work in.






Then I had a counter top installed. One level all seven and half feet!!!! Yippee!!!!

Now the roller carts are under the counter. I have started settling in. This is a much more workable solution to my craft room. I am happy dancing.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Presto - - Change O



Netty Nightshade has one whole wall for a orange felt hat that serves as a needle book. There is the scissor wall with a scissors sheath. The scissors are tied on with cording and there are two ghosts protecting the scissors. The double pumpkin in the middle has a snap on the bottom so you can remove it. It is all made of felt and was fun to do. It is an impressive piece. I am glad to have it done. I guess I put about 20 hours of finishing in on this project.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Scream House Finished

















The Scream House is done. I am happy dancing for sure. After stitching each of the nine sections together, I spent a day or two finishing up the work. Tomorrow I will reveal the inside goodies. I showed this off recently at a stitch club and it is so much fun to watch faces as you allow it to open up. the top is held closed with the cording around the lower roof edge and the 'moon' shank button on the top.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

All framed up



Here are the Halloween ornaments after they were framed in their WhimZi frames. These frames a super quick and easy to work with.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Pretty Wicked



The Just Nan WhimZi project was from last year. I didn't use the recommended DMC colors since I had the silks out for all the other Halloween ornaments. So I substituted those instead.