Carre d' Abeilles by Jardin Prive...DONE!!!

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Sides A-G & H-M

Pins gifted to me by my buddy Pam S.!

Sides N-U & V-Z

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Design: Carre d' Abeilles

Designer: Jardin Prive

Fabric: 40 ct. Cream

Floss: DMC as charted

Started: 1/1/12

Finished: 4/20/12

Completed: 4/24/12

I'm so thrilled to share this finish with you today!  As you can see from the dates, this was my January 1st start.  It took me a bit longer than it probably should have due to several unexpected events in my life this year.  However, I was determined to keep at it until it was done and I'm so happy I did.

I fell in love with this one the minute I saw it and knew it was one I just HAD to stitch!  I got lucky last fall when I visited The Strawberry Sampler that they had the pattern!  I was over the moon when I saw it there that day.

This is a French chart and most all of the instructions are written in French.  I was able to figure out the backstitch colors and the finishing without too much trouble.  Thank goodness I read French better than I speak it! 

This is the second mattress style finish for me and I really like the way this one went together. I can definitely foresee myself doing this finish again!

You'll notice in the picture there are little backstitched letters just outside the main backstitches.  Those are there to aide in putting it together!  I wasn't going to stitch them but decided that the designer put them on the chart for a reason so I went with it.  I'm so glad I did!  They made the finishing so easy!

You'll also notice that sides H-M and V-Z are oriented vertically instead of horizontally like the other two sides.  I didn't understand that upon first glance.  Turns out the designer's reasoning is that not all fabrics are woven the same vertically and horizontally so by stitching them this way you get even tension when putting the pieces together.

It reminded me of the "grain" on quilt fabric.  It really does make a difference in quilting and I get where this designer is coming from for that reason.  I wonder if this person has a quilting/sewing background?  Hmmm...thoughts to ponder!

I stuffed this one with quite a few layers of quilt batting and used a really stiff interfacing to make sure the sides didn't bow out but would stay fairly crisp.  I think it worked like a charm!

Overall, this is probably one of the most enjoyable stitches I've done in a while.  I love the little bee skep and the shading on the bees.  I also love the pinks and greens together...one of my favorite color combinations.  I will definitely stitch more from Jardin Prive given the opportunity.

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On an unrelated note, I received an unexpected stitching related gift from a colleague today I want to share but I'll save it for another day! Stay tuned!

Thanks to all for stopping by today and welcome to my new followers.  You all just make my day with your visits.  Truly!

More later,

The Inspired Stitcher

Progress is being made

Carre d'Abeilles - Jardin Prive

as of 1/20/12

Carre d'Abeilles - Jardin Prive

as of 1/25/12

Here's my progress on my bees.  I've been stitching on this during my lunch hour only this week.  This week it's been my sanity saver.  Nuff' said!  I actually finished the second side strip today at lunch but was too lazy to take its picture.

Blue Ribbon Sewing Box - Patrick's Woods

as of 1/5/12

Blue Ribbon Sewing Box - Patrick's Woods

as of 1/25/12

This one I worked on quite a bit last weekend and have stitched a couple nights this week on it.  I think I'll finish it up pretty soon.  I really seem to get speeding along on this one when I pick it up.  I can't wait to see this one all put together!

I Sigh Not for Beauty - C Street Samplerworks

as of 1/20/12

I Sigh Not for Beauty - C Street Samplerworks

as of 1/25/12

Last but not least is Beauty.  The house is almost done!  I worked on her last Wednesday night at the guild's stitch-in and again last night at my monthly Stitch n'Bitch night at my house.

Funny thing about Stitch n'Bitch, we started out as a UFO (UnFinished Objects)group that was a splinter group from the local quilt guild.  Well, one thing then another happened and the four of us that have continued to meet broke away from the group.  We decided we enjoyed our nights together too much to stop meeting so now we just take turns hosting in each other's houses.

Some nights everyone is quilting and some nights it's a grab bag.  Last night there was one who finished the binding on a quilt she's been working on for four years.  Another finished her lunchtime cross stitch project (no it wasn't me) and the other was ripping apart some quilt blocks she'd gotten in an exchange because none of them were the same size.  Me, I worked on building a house!

Oh and we solved the problems of the world while eating M's too!  You just gotta love your girlfriends.  Laughter is so very good for the soul!  I hope you've laughed today even if it's at yourself.  Thanks for visiting with me today!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Stitchaway Retreat

Hey all!  I'm back as promised with a proper post about the retreat last weekend.  I can not believe we have blown through another week already.  I guess having a holiday on Monday might have helped it speed by!  So let's get to it...go grab a cup of tea, this is going to be a long post!

Here's where we spent the weekend!  Can you see the steam coming out of the chimney on the left side of the lodge?  Yep, it was really really cold this past weekend and we even had some flurries too.  None of this mattered because we were all tucked away in the stitch room cozy as can be!

Here are the gifts the LNS gave us!  See that big strawberry on the right, our hostess made us all one of these!  Can you believe that?!  It's just too cool especially since I collect strawberry emerys.  I have a basket full of them.  Somehow I don't think this big one is going to fit in the basket.  LOL!

In the back is a frame, chart and all the floss plus the beads for a Lizzie Kate design.  The box next to it is pretty cool too (see below).  The three charts and thread winder in the front were a gift from Rosewood Manor!

Here's the box's inside.  Look at all that strawberry goodness.  Let me just tell you it smelled wonderful!!  See that pattern in there?  It goes with the floss and the buttons on the lid.

When it's stitched up, it will go on the lid like this.  Isn't that just too dang cute?!

Speaking of gifts, here's my gift from Bunny^Hop.  She made several of us felted baskets and filled them with goodies.  She knit this herself too!  I'm amazed since I do not knit.  See the tiny acorn button?  Love that!  Thank you so much sweetie!  It was so thoughtful of you to make these.  We miss seeing you too!

Here are some pictures of the "store" our hostess sets up for us in one of the conference rooms!  There were six trunk shows there!!!  There was Kathy Schmitz, Homespun Elegance (one of my faves), The Workbasket, Rosewood Manor, JBW Designs, and Designs by Lisa.

Just look at all this potential new stash!

Jenny actually took a bunch of close up pictures of the trunk shows.

Go pop over and see them but come right back!

Here's what came home with me.  There's no way I was getting out of there without spending those gift certificates.  There was just way too much temptation for me to resist dontcha know!

Check out my fancy new pink hot/cold mug!  Love that!  It's pink!!!!  I got some buttons from Rosewood Manor but I'm not going to use them for their intended purpose.  We'll see how my crazy idea for them pans out.  You'll have to stay tuned for it.  So here's what's in the haul:

Chessie & Me - Scarlet's Pincushion
Stitch Happy pink hot/cold mug
Homespun Elegance - H is for Halloween
Rosewood Manor - Bag o'buttons
Clip Bytes:  To Do/Joy

Here's a group pic of most of the peeps.  See Senior Frog?  He's hiding behind a light there.

Here are the other two peeps that escaped the above picture.  Betcha two didn't know I took that one.  I'm naughty like that!

There's Senior Frog keeping an eye on the M's.  You know we can't stitch without the M's and Senior Frog's ever watchful eye.  Thankfully he kept his friends away from us most all weekend.

There was plenty of silliness this weekend too.  Check out my buddy L.  Looks like P is sayin "what the heck?"

Here's some more silliness.  Marsha and I's attempt at a self portrait.  Just look at that photo bomber in the background.  We laughed so hard I thought the tears were going to run down our legs over that one!  That girl just cracks me up.

Believe it or not, we really did get some stitching done.  Here's proof!  Check out that house and those second floor windows.  I'm really glad I worked on this piece and made some visible progress.  I am just soooo close on this one I just can't stand it!

I really love the way this one is turning out too.  I actually finished the side piece but didn't get a picture of it.  It's become my lunch time stitch now but I may work on it this weekend.  We'll see.  Those bees just make me swoon and those pink flowers too!  Did I already say I love pink?  Um...yep I really do!

Here's the make it and take it we did on Sunday morning.  How stinkin' cute is this?  I just love it.

Here's where we made these little lovelys.  Yes, that is a real fire and it was really cozy sitting there making our strawberry's French knot seeds too!  It was a great way to wind up our strawberry themed weekend.  We were all sad to see it end but we are looking forward to next time.

Well folks, there you have it!  Thank you for reading down this far. Thank you so much for visiting with me today.  I appreciate each and every comment and email.   I hope you all have a great weekend.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

A new start and 2012 BAP Challenge

Design:  Carre d'Abeilles

Designer:  Jardin Prive

Fabric:  40 ct. Cream

Floss:  DMC as charted

Started:  1/1/12

I hope the new year has gotten off to a good start for everyone.  I wanted to share with you my New Year's Day new start.  It's Carre d' Abeilles by Jardin Prive!  I'm doing it on 40 ct cream 1 over 2.  I love the colors in this one and of course the bees!  I've not done a square mattress style finish yet so I'm looking forward to getting it to that point.

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I'm also getting caught up on some blog reading and ran across Becky Bee's 2012 BAP Challenge.  Becky is so good at inspiring us all to keep stitching.

The challenge is to start and finish at least one large sampler by the end of 2012.  It must not have been started before January 1, 2012 and must be done by December 31, 2012.  It also must be at least 10 x 12" or have a minimum stitch count of 175 x 200.  The size can differ if you stitch it over one just so long as the stitch count meets the requirements.

Those that complete their sampler will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate from an online shop of Becky's choosing.  She also asks that those participating send her updates whether by a blog link or an emailed picture.

Project 2012 - Antique Sampler by Ellen Maurer-Stroh

Here's the one I'm thinking of doing.  It reminds me of Berlin wool work which I've always admired.  This is an online SAL offered by Ellen Maurer-Stroh called Antique Sampler. 

I had actually been contemplating starting a BAP (Big Ass Project) since my visit with Jenny. She and I ran across this lovely while cruising the Internets for free charts. Imagine that?!

It is 292 x 220 stitches and depending on what count fabric I choose, it could be around 18.15 x 13.75" on 32 ct or 14.6 x 11" on 40 ct.  I haven't pulled anything yet since I just decided to do this like right this minute!  We'll see which way it goes depending on what's in the stash.

What have you started stitching for 2012?  Tell me about it in the comments or send me an email.  I'd love to hear about what's inspiring you right now!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher