BAP FINISHED!!!

Folks, I'm about as happy as one person can get right now!  As of 1:47pm today I put the very last stitch in my BAP on my lunch hour!!!  I can not believe I've finished it but I have! May I present my finished BAP!

Design: 2012 Antique Sampler
Designer:  Ellen Maurer-Stroh
Fabric: 40 ct. cream linen
Floss: DMC as charted
Stitching Started: 1/9/12

Stitching Finished: 12/5/12

I am in awe just looking at it.  This is my very first large sampler finish ever!  I can assure you this will not be the last either.  I couldn't be more pleased.  I've already got plans for the next one percolating.

December's "Assignment"

Started: 12/1/12

Finished: 12/5/12

This part was my "assignment" for December.  I worked ahead on the borders so I wouldn't have as much to do.  I knew this time of year would be busy and I'm so glad I did it.  It really helped!

I look at this sampler and I have so many memories stitched into each section.  I stitched the peacock at the Keepsakes Retreat in January.  Everyone who saw me stitching it went crazy over it!  I even inspired a couple people to want to stitch it too just by seeing my start!

In April I was so sick when I stitched the yellow bird.  My stitching helped me feel "normal" as much as I could feeling so bad.  I was so pleased to see that section done because it meant I was a third of the way done!

The easiest motif to stitch was the mushrooms in spite of having to switch out the colors in order for them to show up. I'm still pleased with my choices.   I can't imagine this sampler without them either.  I love them!  I also love to eat them but that's another story for another time.  LOL!

The most challenging parts were the top and bottom borders. I love how the top and bottom change direction. There are also a lot of color changes in those flowers and leaves.  There are four to five different greens in each leaf and five different colors in each flower!  Not conting the two different browns in the stems.  So that means there are 21 different colors in each repeat! 

Oh and the day I finished the dog, was a happy day too.  I remember when I started we didn't have our sweet girl, Shelby.  I chose this sampler because of the dog.  Maybe it was fate that we got our Shelby because I was subconsciously wishing for it.  I'll never know.

Then there were the butterflies that attracted me to this sampler too.  I remember stitching the first butterfly while on vacation with my honey for your anniversary in Newburg, New York!  I even stitched butterflies in the car as we traveled back home.  Oh yes, I did!

 I remember stitching the big cabbage roses and thinking they were just a big pink blob until I stood back from them. Wow, did that shading really work its magic on those roses!  They remind me of the roses that used to bloom near the porch of my childhood home.  Sweet, sweet memories!

There's just so much I love about this sampler!  I've said it from the beginning and I'll say it now, I've loved each and every stitch of the sampler.  Every. Single. One!

I'm also so glad I chose to stitch this on 40ct.  I wouldn't have wanted to stitch it on any other count.  I wouldn't have gotten the same effect if I had.  It really pops the colors and intensifies the stitches.  I've received so much positive feedback on that very choice too.

Since you know I love numbers, here are a few to chew on.  I worked on this sampler a total of approximately 81 days or so.  Some months I didn't work on it every day so that number might be off in reality.  The average amount of days it took to complete an assignment was 7.  It took longer to work on it in the months of June, October, and November.  I did a fair amount of traveling those months and didn't take the sampler with me.  Not too shabby, I'd say!

I really enjoyed the way this SAL was structured.  It really was freeing to be able to expect my "assignment" on the 1st of each month and then know that when I finished it up I could move onto other things without guilt.  It really worked for me.  It also motivated me too!

Thank you so much Ellen Maurer-Stroh for designing such a wonderful sampler and most of all for making it free too!

Thank you to all of you, my dear readers, for your constant encouragement and visits.  Also thanks to my peeps for being my cheerleaders too.  You all rock!

  IT'S DONE!!!!!

Doing the Snoopy dance,

The Inspired Stitcher

BAP Update November Edition

Started: 10/31/12

Finished: 11/11/12

As promised, here's the BAP update for November.  It's really starting to look like something now!  It's so hard for me to believe I've got one more "assignment" and this one will be complete.  I'm going to miss it.

November's "assignment"

This part is November's "assignment."  I did work ahead on the bottom border since I was on a roll with it.  It will save me time next month as my goal is to have this finished in time to show it off at the guild's Christmas party.

Lower right corner

I decided to stop just short of the corner since I really couldn't go any farther anyway.  I noticed on the big picture that all the corners are turned slightly differently so I have to wait until next month to see how this one goes.  It will be a snap to finish though.

Butterfly row

I also finally got to see the entire butterfly row finished!  As I've said, these butterflies and the dog were the two designs that drew me to this sampler.  They are so pretty!  I wish you could see them in person.

Completed bird

For all you bird lovers out there, here's a close up picture of the completed bird and part of that fantastic cabbage rose.  I didn't realize how much depth was in that rose until I'd finished stitching it and stood back from it.  I just love cabbage roses!

I'm not one to start things and just throw them to the side after a while.  No commitment issues here!  I just have to keep going on them.  I know I sound like a broken record but I really love this sampler and have from the very first stitch! I really am going to miss it when it is finished.

However, have no fear, I already have another one percolating in the wings.  I just have to choose which fabric I want to use and pull the threads.  So stay tuned dear readers because the fun is going to continue in 2013!

Well folks that's all I have for today!  I need to get crackin' on my last two ornaments and start seriously thinking about the upcoming holidays.  I hope your day is splendid!  Thanks for stopping by!


Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

BAP Update October Edition

 Started: 10/2/12

Finished: 10/19/12

I finally got my October "assignment" done for the EMS SAL.  Sorry for the wrinkles.  They really show up in what little light I have to work with today.  It's been overcast all day and looks as though it could rain at any minute.  Sounds like a good day to stay in and stitch to me!

 October's "assignment"

I love these butterflies!

The dog and these butterflies were the things that drew me to this sampler.  I've waited all year to get to stitch these butterflies.  I couldn't resist stitching the second one too even though it wasn't part of this month's assignment.  I love how the both of them turned out.  I can't wait to stitch the third one next month!

I know I must sound like a complete broken record, but I really do love this sampler.  Every single stitch of it has been a joy!  It makes me happy every time I look at it.  I can't wait to have it framed so I can enjoy it even more.

I'm on the home stretch with it now.  Only two more "assignments" to go and I will have completed it.  I can't believe we are winding down another year but the calendar on the wall says it's true.

You know what that means, marathon ornament stitching is soon to commence!  I've already picked out the four I know I have to stitch.  Have you started thinking about ornaments yet?  I'd love to know which ones are tickling your fancy this year!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.  I plan to get a good old fashioned case of numb butt this afternoon and I hope you get to as well!  Thanks for stopping by for a visit with me today.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Tiara Club Retreat Weekend

This past weekend was our annual Tiara Club Retreat weekend.  Yes, I've basically lived out of a suitcase for the past six weeks and I've loved every minute of it too.  I'm a self confessed travel nut!  Yep, it's true.

There are my Shepherd's Bush travel peeps and two of my Russellville retreat peeps sitting in the middle of the room.  We had so many folks come this year that we had tables set up in the middle!

Here's the view from my corner of the room!  See Senior Frog there in the lower right corner?  He went with me to this retreat.  He doesn't like to fly so he stayed home when I went to Utah.  LOL!

Here's the beautifully decorated fireplace in the dining hall!  Makes me want to get out those decorations I have yet to get out this season.  Guess it would help if I stayed home!

Here's our dessert from Friday night!  I looked forward to this all day long.  Let's have a moment with the apple dumpling and the cinnamon ice cream.  Okay?  This dessert is almost a religious experience.  I feel better now.  Moving on...

Let's look at some stitching!  These three were being worked on around me.  The first one was completed by my peep, Marsha!  You go girl!  The one in the middle was done by Stitchinpeanut, and the third was done by my peep, Christie.  Ladies, these are awesome!!!  It was so fun to see them side by side and done on different colored fabrics.

Speaking of progress and finishes, I made good progress on my BAP's October assignment!  I was able to get one of this month's butterflies done, some greenery and a start on another butterfly!  I've waited all year to stitch one of those butterflies.  It's even prettier in person!

I also got Lizzie Kate's Fall Squared started and finished!  Now I just need to complete it.  I'm percolating on how I want to do that.  Maybe I'll work on it this weekend.  We'll see...

Here's another finish I was particularly proud to see and say I stitched a part of it!  See those acorns?  Remember when I posted this?  Our friend Pat was able to come to the retreat and brought the sampler we made for her!

Attending the retreat was a huge thing considering she's recovered from a stroke and uterine cancer this year!  You should have seen the huge smile on her face when she was showing off this sampler.  I'm so proud of her and happy she was able to be there with us!!!  Thanks to Pat's sister, Barb, for bringing her!

Speaking of Barb, this is the biscornu she made for the retreat exchange and I won it!!!  It's so very me!  Just look at those acorns and I love that little owl!  The best part, she got mine!  What are the chances?!  Here's a picture of mine.  I love when things like that happen.

I wasn't able to take pictures of all of the exchange pieces this year but I did get a picture of this cutie made by my buddy, Paula and won by my buddy, Meem!  Paula stitched this all over one and it is amazing!  Paula does such beautiful work!

Before we departed on Sunday, we snapped this picture of the "Russellville Girls."  The two girls on the right (the one in black/red and the one wearing pink) drove 4 hours to come to the retreat!

Usually I only get to see them in Russellville in the summer so it was a real treat to get to spend time with them this past weekend.  Waves to my Russellville peeps!

***

Well folks, that's all I've got today!  I don't plan to go anywhere else this month but I am traveling the first of next month so there will be a full report from that event later.

I'm glad you took the time to visit with me today.  Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great day!

Until next time,


The Inspired Stitcher

BAP Update September Edition

 Started: 9/1/12

Finished: 9/9/12

Hi all!  Did you miss me?  I've got lots to tell since we last visited.  First, here's my progress on the EMS SAL.  I can hardly believe I'm at the bottom edge already.  It is really coming together now.

  September's "assignment"

This is a close up of the berries and pansy row.  Love that pansy!

 Here's a close up of the rose basket corner and the beginning of the bottom border.

I worked on this while driving along in the car last week!  Yes, I stitched 40ct. without magnification while riding down the freeway.

You see, my honey and I just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary on Friday!  We decided to make a week of it by taking a road trip to upstate New York and Pennsylvania.  It was a wonderful trip and I'm sad to see it end.  We saw so many awesome things and had a super great time together.

I'll have more pictures to share and tales to tell later.  For now I'm still collecting my thoughts and easing back into the everyday.  I can tell you I visited three great stitch shops on our grand adventure (waves to Molly and Beth at the Strawberry Sampler.  The close up of the rose basket is for you, Beth!)

A huge thanks goes out to all who gave me suggestions on things to do and places to go.  Thanks also for stopping by today.  I always enjoy our visits together.

More later,

The Inspired Stitcher

BAP Update August Edition

Started: 8/1/12

Finished: 8/4/12

Well folks, I'm two thirds of the way finished with my BAP.  It is really looking good if I do say so myself!  This month's assignment went just as quick as last month's did.  It helped that I worked ahead a bit too.

August's "assignment"

This month all I had to do was finish up the blue flowers, add the berry sprig, and finish up the white flower border.  I had the cherries and the bluebells already finished.  I can't decide what's my favorite part of this month's work.

Here's a close up of the blue flowers and the berries.  The berries remind me of hawthorn berries and the tiny blue flowers look like forget-me-knots.

The white flowers kind of look like the hawthorn flower too.  That cherry border is just so sweet.  I do like cherries both as a motif and to eat!

Since you all know what a floss nerd I am, here's an updated floss box pic.  You'll notice I "out grew" my original box.  I'm up to 72 different colors in this project!  This month I added two new ones.  I've got room for my spare greens in this box and a couple extra compartments for even more colors.  I'm anticipating more to come next month. 

I'm already anxiously awaiting next month's "assignment."  I love the rose basket and I'm going to finally get to stitch the butterflies or at least part of one.  That's another motif in this design that drew me to it.  I can hardly wait!  I'm still as much in love with this project as ever!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far!  I know I am.  Thanks for stopping by to see my progress.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

BAP Update July Edition

Started:  7/1/12

Finished:  7/4/12

I think this is a first for me!  Two posts in the same day!  Since I've pretty much done nothing but stitch all day today I was able to get my July "assignment" done on the EMS SAL.  This month it was a quick stitch!

 The July section

I'm really glad to have this one done so early in the month since I leave for the Russellville retreat next week.  I know I'll have things I want to stitch once I get home!  We'll also have projects to stitch on while we are there too. 

I finally got to finish the part of this sampler that inspired me to stitch it in the first place!  Isn't she wonderful?!  I just love that expressive face.  She really does remind me so much of my sweetie pie, Shelby!  So cute!

I love these flowers too!  They remind me of the wild roses that used to grow along the edge of the woods behind the house where I grew up.  I just love the shading in them.  This whole sampler is just filled with lots of wonderful shading!  It truly makes the designs seem so realistic!

I know I keep saying it but I really do love this sampler!  I wouldn't change a thing about it either.  I love each and every part.  Stitching on it has been such a pleasure.  I am seriously going to miss spending time with it when I'm done.

 Before we go, Shelby says "Hello, everyone!"

Well that's it from here!  I hope everyone has a good rest of the week and a good upcoming weekend.  I'm looking forward to seeing the peeps at the stitch-in and catching up with everyone's holiday happenings.


Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

BAP Update June Edition

Ever have a project that you enjoy stitching so much you don't want to see it end?  Yeah, this is one of those for me.  I realized while stitching this month's assignment that I'm half way through already!  What?  No!  So I decided that this month I wasn't going to speed through the stitching but rather take my time and enjoy each and every "x."

There's just something about this one that really speaks to my soul.  I'm not sure what it is really.  Maybe it's the designs or maybe it's the colors.  I can't put my finger on it really.  I just know I have loved this sampler from the first moment I saw it way back in December and I love it even more now that I'm working on it.

Just look at the beginning of this sweet pup!  This is the reason I chose to stitch this in the first place.  It reminded me of my sweet departed Haley.  Now it reminds me of my Shelby girl!  Such an expressive face.

I love this little viola and rose bud bouquet.  Violas are just such happy flowers!  Can you believe there are seven different colors in those flowers?!  Yep, it's true!  That's what makes them so realistic and have such depth to them.  These are perfect!

Thank you to all who took the time to visit with me and share my progress.  Also welcome to my new followers and thanks to all who leave me comments or send me an email.  You make this blogging thing a whole lot of fun!


Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

BAP Update May Edition

It's time for another BAP update!  I can't believe it's that time again already.  In keeping with my post from last month I'll begin by showing you where we left off in April.

April's Progress

I began this month's assignment on Tuesday and finished it up today!   I know I've said it before but I simply love this piece.  I can't wait for the 1st to get here each month so I can download the new assignment and get stitching.  Have you ever had a design just grab you like that?

 Mushrooms with the called for colors

Before I show you the overall picture I have to tell you about the challenge I ran into on Tuesday.  Since I'm working on cream colored fabric, I had to do some futzing to make the mushroom's stem show up.  The called for ecru colored floss just disappeared when I started stitching it.  I'm pretty pleased with the floss swap I came up with for these mushrooms!

 Ah, much better with my colors!

Here's the May assignment up close.  Don't those mushrooms look much better with my color changes?!  I think so!  Actually, those mushrooms are my favorite part of this design right now.  I'm sure I'll have another favorite part next month.  LOL!

 May's Progress

Here's the overall picture.  As you can tell I've done quite a bit of stitching on this since you last saw it.  I decided to go ahead and stitch the bluebells as far as I could go with them to save time later.  Aren't they pretty?!

I wish you all could see this sampler in person.  The shading in it is just fantastic!  The pictures just really don't do it justice.  It's really subtle and quite effective!

Someone asked me last month how big this sampler would be when finished.  Right now the dimensions of what I have stitched are 10 1/2" high by 14 1/4" wide using 40ct.  I know it will most likely be closer to 11 inches once I get the bottom border stitched later this year.

I can't wait for June's assignment!  I'm really having fun with this one. I am truly enjoying each and every stitch of it.  I'm going to miss this one when I'm done!

***

Thank you all for visiting with me and watching the progress of this sampler as it grows.  I hope you all are having a good stitchy weekend.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher