Cross Stitch – Page 45 – Feather Stitching

Christmas Ornaments, Cross Stitch, Home & Family TO BE FIXED, Val's Stuff, Works in Progress

Is it snowing outside?

13 August, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

Well, the weather will surely be changing because a miracle occurred in Chez Shackles over the last 24 hours! I managed to get my August ornie completed before the middle of the month … now I KNOW I’m not feeling well!!

“A Merry Kitty Klaus” by Val’s Stuff
from 2007 JCS Christmas Ornament issue
stitched on 32ct white Belfast linen
using Crescent Colours Sassy Brass and Cupid,
Olde Willow Shale, Wisper thread and DMC for the remainder

Went to the GP yesterday who confirmed my bugs are just a viral infection (which I’d already guessed) – I’m now loaded up with Buscopan for the griping stomach cramps and on orders for Panadol, fluids and rest … if that doesn’t work I have to go back to have blood tests, but I’m sure that’s all it is (which is the main reason I hadn’t bothered going to the GP before now). I was still pretty crook throughout the weekend, and definitely not my perky self (commented on a lot by colleagues at work, which didn’t do anything to help my mood, especially when someone drew a smiley face on a piece of paper and wrote “SMILE” on top for me … made me want to throttle them instead of smile! I’m terrible when I’m feeling ill, I just want to sit in a corner away from people until I get over it hmmm).

Still haven’t finished my needleroll, as I need to concentrate a bit on the buttonhole stitch banding etc, and don’t feel up to it yet … hopefully it won’t be long now before it is completed though. Now it’s time for me to jump in the car for another thrilling day at work (can you tell I’m really not in the mood right now?)!

Christmas Ornaments, Cross Stitch, Finishes, Heart in Hand Needleart, Works in Progress

A WIP and a finish

9 August, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

First up is my “In the Dark needleroll” – if I were to do this again (which I wouldn’t do) I would definitely make some changes! Firstly I think I would squish the wording up closer together and have it more centred, then I’d bring in the stars closer to the moon. The way this is designed when it is turned into a needleroll you won’t see the full wording and definitely won’t get to see the sparkly stars, which seems such a waste as they’re so lovely! Unfortunately by the time I worked that out I was too far into the stitching to be bothered unpicking everything. I think it would be much prettier that way, though (mind you, I haven’t done the finishing yet, so I could be wrong).

One change I did make, however, was to leave off the ‘smiley faces’ on the stars so it didn’t look quite so ‘juvenile’, and because of that I left off the bead ‘nose’ on the stars and just used the metallic braid. All-in-all not my most favourite piece to stitch, but I do like the finished product – the colours and the sparklies do look very very pretty in real life … my Mum kept ooh-ing and aah-ing over it throughout the stitching process 😉

It still isn’t finished, though – I need to find some beads to substitute for those listed in the chart, and I’ve decided to do the bargello and buttonstitch bands for the top and bottom hems … yesterday I’d decided to leave it and finish it with a normal hemstitched band, but today I’ve had a change of heart, so back on the Q-snaps it goes …

When I opted to leave the bead selection for the needleroll until today, I couldn’t just sit and do nothing, so here is a very quick ornie stitch that I managed to stitch up in a couple of hours last night.

“Christmas Peace” by Heart in Hand Needleart
stitched with recommended threads (GAST)
on 32ct opalescent Lugana by Silkweaver (the colour escapes me right now!)

This fabric is one of the worst fabrics I’ve ever stitched on in my life – I truly detest this fabric, both the colour and the feel of it. I bought this originally to stitch Chatelaine’s Egyptian Garden Mandala on it, and hated it, so unpicked what I’d done and started again on a hand-dyed linen instead. Unfortunately I was left with all this revolting fabric and I didn’t know what to do with it … my idea to use for ornies instead – truth is I still hate it, and think perhaps I should try dyeing it myself. The photo gives no idea of what the colour is actually like – it is almost peachy/apricot in colour, yuk!!

I have no idea what will be stitched next … nothing is screaming at me right now … I had the day off yesterday due to feeling crappy, so Mum and I sat in my bedroom and stitched all day – today I woke up with my mind turning about work issues, so perhaps I’ll go in tomorrow and try to get some work done, as obviously it’s preying on my mind under the surface hmmm. I’ll see how I feel when I wake up in the morning … in the meantime it’s time to go stash diving for a new project I guess … or perhaps I should have a day at the sewing machine … or perhaps I should just have a day off … oh, so many choices 😉

Cross Stitch, Works in Progress

New WIP

7 August, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

Thanks for all the lovely comments about my Lanarte finishes – they will eventually be framed with a mid-blue frame of some sort, but I’m not sure whether to frame them individually, or together in one frame …

My latest WIP is something I’ve had sitting kitted up in my stash for a long time – and seeing as I’d bought all the Kreiniks especially for this piece I thought I’d better justify the cost and hurry up and stitch it up. I didn’t get too much done last night, but this is the result of 2 hours stitching and TV viewing with Mum:

The design is “In the Dark needleroll” by Designs by Lena Rose, and is being stitched on Abracadabra 28ct opalescent lugana by Silkweaver. I really like the Silk n Colors used in the border – 977 Sherbert, it’s so delicate, pretty and girly (unlike me LOL). Hopefully I’ll manage to get it finished by the end of this weekend, as there isn’t really a ‘huge’ amount of stitching to be done on it … but then again, that could be famous last words!!

Cross Stitch, Finishes, Lanarte, Sea Life

Lanarte – Sea Life finished

5 August, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

I put the finishing touches to the final part of the Lanarte Small Sea Life series while Mum and I sat watching an hour of TV tonight. I really love the colours of this series – and adore the little fishing net at the bottom of this piece.

“Small Sea Life #1” by Lanarte
stitched on 32ct white Belfast linen
with DMC cotton floss

Here’s a quick shot of all four together:

Not entirely sure what I’ll start stitching next – it’s likely to be a needleroll that’s been kitted up for forever and a day … I’ll be working late hours yet again this week, so will only get an hour in each night if I’m lucky (if I’m awake enough to concentrate on it when I get home!).

Cross Stitch, Finishes, Lanarte, Sea Life

Lanarte finish – part 3

4 August, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

We had a stressful day on Saturday thanks to spending a couple of hours with a technician from Harvey Norman … during that time the internet also decided to spit the dummy and our wireless connection stopped working, which was necessary for the technician’s visit. After a few frazzled hours we managed to send the technician on his way, and we settled down for a few hours stitching – then yesterday I spent the day in my PJ’s and we stitched all day.

I managed to finish off the third part of my Lanarte Sea Life series, and decided I was so close to getting this set finished, I thought I might as well just keep on stitching the final part as well. I just have 4 little backstitched seagulls left to stitch before the whole series is finished … Here is the first one finished from the weekend:

“Small Sea Life #2” by Lanarte
stitched on 32ct white Belfast linen
using DMC cotton floss

Hopefully I can get the seagulls finished tonight, which means there will be another finish photo very very soon.

Christmas Ornaments, Cross Stitch, Finishes, Full Circle Designs

July Christmas ornie

30 July, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

Just a really quick post as I’m really dead on my feet – I didn’t get home from work until 8.50pm … isn’t it nice to see my work has slowed down a bit? Hmmmph …

Anyway I’ve made what feels like a superhuman effort to stitch my Christmas ornie for this month, and the final bit of backstitching went in tonight during my hour’s ‘home time’.

“The Decorator” by Full Circle Designs
from 2007 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament issue
stitched on 28ct mystery linen (rue green maybe?)
using DMC plus Carrie’s Thread (Gold Glow) for the hat trim

Cross Stitch, Finishes, scissor pockets, Stitching Smalls, The Cat's Whiskers

Alyssum Scissor Pocket

28 July, 20089 August, 2024 Anne S

My stitching mojo seems to have deserted me over the last week or so (in fact every kind of mojo has, I think, including my blogging mojo) – I’ve been too tired to do much at all, but I forced myself to put the needle to fabric yesterday and put the finishing touches into my scissor pocket.

“Alyssum Scissor Pocket” by The Cat’s Whiskers
Stitched on 32ct Blue Ice hand-dyed linen by Country Stitch
using Dinky Dyes silk from the kit

I have to say I think the silk colour is a strange choice for these scissors, as there is more turquoise blue than the greeney-blue of this silk – I was actually tempted to replace the silk, but then I thought it would be a waste of money, so I just bit the bullet and started stitching … It may not be the perfect match for the scissors, but I still really love it 🙂

I also made a start on this month’s Christmas ornie late last night, but I may not get it finished by the deadline of Thursday – will give it a go, though.

Just a short post, as I need to finish getting ready for work.

Cross Stitch, Gifts TO BE FIXED, scissor fobs, Stash

Stitching-free home

21 July, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

Unfortunately work has been frantic for a change … I was on my own again for the latter half of last week, and as per normal when that happens dramas abound ho-hum. Anyway, I was so shattered over the weekend, which is my normal stitching haven time, I didn’t even pick up a needle, and haven’t done so for almost a week. Instead I moved the furniture around in my bedroom, in readiness for more unpacking and getting more ‘settled’, and probably helped get a bit of tired frustration out of my system.

My secondment at work is coming to an end in November, which is a worrying close 4 months away now – I’m so settled in Sydney I really don’t want to go back to Melbourne (although I miss some friends in Melbourne dearly – hi Sharon and Tannia especially!!) … but I guess I have to go where they tell me to go. I just have my fingers crossed that my secondment gets extended. Mind you with redundancies occurring around the place I should probably be happy to continue to have a job wherever I end up in November!

Even though I don’t have any physical stitching to share (I haven’t even managed to get my scissor keeper finished, and that is SUCH a quick stitch!) … I do have some wonderful mail to share instead.

Firstly thanks so much to Coral for a really awesome trade – I definitely got the best part of the deal, and truly love this design! I hadn’t looked at it too seriously until I saw it stitched up last year, and then loved it. Thanks again Coral for offering the trade, it’s just wonderful! 🙂

Then I had a recent mad stash splurge from Nordic Needle – I only wanted to buy a Dololly for Mum, but they were the only online store that I could find that sold it … here’s a piccie of it – Mum chose the turtle design, which wouldn’t have been my first choice, but when it arrived I have to admit I think they’re quite gorgeous! 🙂

Seeing as NN charge USD15 just for handling charges PLUS the postage costs, I figured I might as well make the most of it and ordered a few more items that are really difficult/expensive in Aussie … here’s the entire haul – unfortunately I stuffed up the order for Mill Hill Treasures as I miscounted the packets needed (these are pretty much all for the Enchanted Mermaid by Mirabilia). I was very restrained and only bought one chart (Reflecting Pools by Laura J Perin – a canvaswork design) – I still have a number of items on backorder from Dragonfly Dreams (charts and threads), so I tried to stick to just needlework tools and things I can’t buy here. It’s hard to see from the photo what everything is, so I’ll list it: The Laura J Perin design; JCS ornament preview issue; Mill Hill colour chart; fabric for TW’s Tropical Dream (off-white, unfortunately, as they didn’t have the bone colour); 32ct vintage mocha Belfast linen; Flossaway bags (can never have enough of those!); a beading box to trial it for MH beads; needlework awl; laying tool; pair of Seaford scissors (for What a Hoot! scissor keeper); Star de-tailor; 18ct eggshell mono canvas.

Last, but certainly not least, is the absolutely gorgeous gift that Susan sent me recently – I just realised this morning that I hadn’t posted a piccie of it online yet, so I decided to rectify that oversight. I’m sure you can tell why I adore it so much … such a CUTE little duckie!!!!! I just love, love, love it to death 😀

The last photo I have to share is purely for Mum’s benefit … but you might find the hanging display in the background of interest – I bought this hanger from Berrima when Mum was visiting, thinking it would be great to hang my scissor and fob collection until I can afford to get a proper glass display cabinet … I think it’s quite fun having them all hung up (although a couple of pairs are still missing ‘cos they’re currently in use). The only fobs I’ve stitched myself are on the far left hook – all the others are treasured gifts or exchanges … I love every single one of them! As you can see, I was still catching up on season 2 of Supernatural last night! 😉

And on that note I’ll sign off for the night. It’s likely to be another busy week, so don’t expect too much from me online for the rest of the week … I’ll try to set some time aside this coming weekend to get the needle moving a small amount so I don’t forget how it works 😉

PS: Just got the latest newsletter from Karen at Dragonfly Dreams – check out the Scissoroo scissors on the home page … they ROCK!!!!! 😀

Bellpulls, Cross Stitch, Finishes, The Drawn Thread

Sunflowers galore!!!

13 July, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

I’ve had a lazy day sat in front of the goggle box today – no Christmas ornies completed, but I do have one other very happy dance! I’ve managed to finish off my Sunflower Sampler – I was surprised how long it’s taken me to get the final bands finished, but finally it’s off the scroll bars … that block roll will have a new resident for a while 🙂

Unfortunately the photos are grotty again, as it’s early evening and I can never get a good shot at night 😦

“Sunflower Sampler” by The Drawn Thread
stitched on 32ct Lambswool linen by Wichelt
using recommended threads (DMC and WDW)

Here are a few closer photos of the individual bands:

I think this very last ‘triangular’ band is my absolute favourite of the whole piece … followed by the house and birds.

I just love the beading accents on this piece, it really brings it to life a bit more 🙂

Now is the big decision what to stitch next … I have no major urges to start anything in particular, so goodness knows what I’ll come up with … I’d offer a poll to help make a decision, but WordPress won’t allow polls (one of the very few things that is annoying about WP – everything else I much prefer over Blogger). Never mind, I’m sure I’ll come up with something to stitch over the next week! 😉

Block roll, Cross Stitch, Finishes, Pauline's Needlework, pillows

It’s no wonder the weather has changed!

12 July, 200825 February, 2012 Anne S

I’ve been little Miss Homemaker on my time off … up early this morning (although still in my PJ’s now at lunchtime haha) I yanked the shower curtain off the rail and chopped about 3″ off the bottom, then turned up and stitched a new hem on the machine. Our shower curtain has needed a trim since we moved in in January, but 6 months later it is finally done. That means once Lisa and I have had our showers today it can go in the washing machine, and for once we won’t be tripping up on it in the bottom of the bath!

After finishing the shower curtain, I was all set to put a beef and red wine casserole mix into the slow cooker, but alas the meat still hasn’t defrosted yet, so a change in dinner plans tonight, I guess. What I did manage to get done, though, is my first ever flanged pillow – I think it’s WAY too over-stuffed, but I guess I’ll know better next time. All the same, I still think it turned out cute. If you’re interested in knowing what the design is, you’ll have to look back through previous posts – for obvious reasons I’m not re-posting that information now. I think I’ll have to re-do the girls’ hair ribbons, though, as they got a bit mutilated while I was turning the pillow inside-out.

I also managed to take some clearer shots of the Block Roll, including one of it opened up – half a dozen projects are now comfortably residing in the rolls, ready to have some more playmates once my needles get back into action again. (I’ll go back and replace the photos in the previous post as well.)

Updated to add: Thanks for the question, Joanne – the centre of the roll is a pool noodle cut into an 18″ length. I think I might make another longer one so that it’ll cater for my Mirabilia finishes (once I have done!). The white fabric is actually felt, which grips like glue onto whatever you place on it … not entirely sure how much I like that, but at least they won’t slip and slide while rolling it up! Each pool noodle will give you enough length for 3 block rolls, so it’s likely you’ll see another one or two popping up on the blog at some stage … especially as the noodles came in a pack of 3 as well! 😀

As for ‘what now?’ … I’m not entirely sure what I feel like doing – I know I have a whole bunch of ornies to be finish-finished, but I think I may have a break from finishing today and do a tiny bit of stitching on my Sunflower Sampler – hmmmm, perhaps I should have my shower and get dressed then decide … I really do need to get those ornies finished … hmmm …