Whitman's Cloisonné Tin Sewing Kit - Finished!

This is going to be a quick one today.  I got the itch over the weekend to dig into the "box o'shame" aka the box where I keep my finished stitching waiting to be completed.  Good lawd, it's pitiful!  Shame is the correct word, I tell ya.  As some of you might know, I have kept an Excel sheet of all my starts and finishes since I took up stitching again in 2009.  This one was one of the oldest in the box!  Let's check it out.

Here's the outside.  I found the receipt inside the chart.  Can you believe I bought this back in 2005?!  Yes, four years before I even took up stitching again.  The receipt shows I bought the tin at the same time as the chart and linen.  Wow!

Design:  Whitman's Cloisonné Tin Sewing Kit

Designer:  Jane Timmers aka Fancy Work

Fabric: 32 ct. Sand Dune

Floss:  DMC as charted

Started:  5/24/10

Finished: 5/25/10

Completed: 8/21/16

To add to the "shame" it only took me six years to actually get around to finishing this project.  Oh that's just pathetic!  I guess it just had to "ripen."  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I liked that there were "how to" instructions for lining the tin included with the chart.  It was way easier than anticipated!  I'll definitely do that again on future tins.  I may even go back and do it for the ones I've already made too.

The back did not come charted.  I did that myself using the same motifs from the front and free-styling the initials.  Thankfully the letter "P" was already charted. I included a nickel to show the tiny size of the pincushion.  I just love tiny little things!

Overall, I'm really pleased with the way this turned out.  I'm mildly ashamed of myself that it took me this long to finish it though.  It really didn't take me that long to do.  Oh well, at least I can cross one off the list now.

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Well folks, thanks for stopping by to visit today.  I hope I've helped some of you feel better about your stitching.  I'm sure you all are much better at getting things done than I am.  Have a good rest of your week!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

What I've been working on...

I've had some requests to see my progress on a couple things so I thought I'd pop in and share.  The first one is Speak to the Earth.  Here's where we were when you last saw it.

As of 3/6/16

As of 5/12/16

Now the truth of the matter is that if I would just buckle down, I could realistically get this one done without too much trouble.  Um...yeah, I have no excuses.  Moving on...

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As of 3/6/16

Design: Pomegranate Pincushion

Designer: Hands on Designs

Fabric:  30 ct. Aztec Red

Floss:  As charted

Started:  1/1/16

Finished: 3/12/16

Completed: 3/26/16

Okay, this one I completely forgot I even finished it until I looked a couple posts back.  I'm a shameful blogger in more ways than one.  Ahem.   Seriously, I really enjoyed this finish and it wasn't nearly as difficult as one might imagine it to be.  I do have the linen and fabric to make the pocket...at some point.

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Design: From "Tokens of Love: Quaker Pinballs" book

Designer: Erica Uten

Fabric: 40 ct. Linen linen

Floss:  DMC 221

Started: 4/9/16

Finished: 4/30/16

Completed: 5/8/16

This one I made as a thank you for Mary Uhl Brooks who graciously shared the Quaker samplers with me at the Westtown School back in May.  I'll have to write more about that trip later.  Needless to say it was a morning I won't soon forget.  If you find yourself near Westtown, make plans to see the needlework.  You'll want to call in advance but it's very much worth it!

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As of 6/26/16

This one I'm calling a "do-over."  I'd started it originally who knows when, I'm thinking maybe 2011.  I could be wrong.

All I know is the fabric I'd originally used was definitely not made for cross stitch and I don't know what I was thinking.  I also don't know the designer on this or if there ever was one.  You see, I saw this in a friends sun room and fell in love.  She received it as a gift.  We don't know if it was a commercially made pillow or if someone actually stitched it.  All I knew was I loved it and charted it from the picture I took that day.

The original was done on large count fabric.  I suspect from looking at my picture, it was Tula.  That's what I'm using now.  The peeps have given me such grief over this one since I usually like to work on 40 ct. and this is 10 ct.  What can I say, I liked the chunky look of the original and that's how I wanted this one to look as well.  I plan to finish it into a pillow too.  It's going pretty fast.

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I've also started and finished a couple other things but can't show them until after this weekend is over.  I'm going to try to have a finishing day real soon so I can clear out some of the backed up stuff in the box o'shame.  I'm sure you all have one of those too where finished stitching waits to be completed.  LOL!

I hope you've enjoyed this quick little check-in.  I really wanted to make sure I documented these things.  I really didn't realize how much I relied on this blog to help me remember the things I've stitched.  I've got some more catching up to do!  If you've read this far, thanks for still being here after my long absence!

More later,

The Inspired Stitcher

Shepherd's Bush - Gifts received and given

I wanted to do a separate post to share with you my peep gifts from the retreat.  I have such a talented group of friends and I want to honor that talent here.  As my longtime blog readers know, my peeps and I have a tradition of giving each other little gifties when we travel somewhere.  Check out the sweet thoughtful gifts we exchanged this time!

The bag was made by Marsha!  I love the button and pins fabric.  It also has a pocket on the back side of it complete with a super cute red button.  You know how I love red!  Each of our bags were different and the ones we chose were so perfect for each of us.

Starting on the left, the pocket with the Shepherd's Bush sheep was made by Evie.  She included some cute mini gifts inside and tied it up with the string on the side of the handle with a JABCO initial button.  I couldn't resist attaching it to my handle.

The necklace in the middle was made by Patti.  She stitched a different crown for each of us and customized the bead/buttons she put inside so each was a little different.  She also put an initial charm on each of ours.  These garnered much attention at the retreat.  Everyone wanted to know where we got them.  I think Patti was so proud everyone liked them.

Last but absolutely not least is this really awesome clip pouch Linda gave me.  Before the retreat she asked us all what our favorite colors were.  Now I know why!  She and I share a love of red and this is just perfect for me.  All the little gifties she put inside had a special meaning and she explained this as we pulled things out.  So super thoughtful.

Thank you, peeps from the bottom of my heart.  You girls mean the world to me and I'm honored to call each one of you dear friends!

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So what did I give them, you ask?  Well, I've been squirreling away things since last Christmas!  I forgot to get pictures of the two things I gave them that I didn't make but I'll tell you what they were.

I found these funny little frog shopping sacks.  The bag squished up inside the little frog face and you could stow it in your purse.  The other thing was a silicone lily pad wine stopper because I knew there would be wine involved at some point on our trip.  LOL!

 Design: Turkey from Autumn Alphabet

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Fabric: 28 ct. natural

Floss: DMC as charted (subbed 3863 for 3864

Started:  9/21/14

Finished:  9/28/14

Completed:  10/4/14

Then I stitched them all one of these!  I just couldn't resist.  I had so much fun making my exchange pincushion that I just had to make the peeps each a version of it as well.  Yes, I made myself one this time too.  I rarely do that and always wish I had afterward, I know.

I had such a ball beading the edges of them.  I really think it gives them a little sparkle and I do like a little bling now and then dontcha know.  Aren't they just too dang cute up there?!  I just love stitching for others and especially something that is a souvenir memento from a wonderful trip.

Thank you again peeps for a memorable time spent together in a beautiful place.  Love ya all!

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Well folks, I'm so glad you all have enjoyed these recap posts.  I enjoy writing them as much as you enjoy reading them.  I get to relive the trip all over along with you!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  Thank you so much for all your sweet comments.  I truly appreciate your visits.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Lizzie Kate Turkey

Last time I went to the Shepherd's Retreat in 2012, we did a philanthropy project through Heifer.org  This year we are doing the same.  Here's how it works...we each stitch a pincushion and bring $5 with us to the registration table.  The pincushions will be displayed at the banquet and we will receive our exchange that night as well.  The Shepherd's Bush girls match the money collected and we find out how many sheep our group will purchase this year.  Last time we were able to get 10 sheep!

Design: Turkey from Autumn Alphabet

Designer: Lizzie Kate

Fabric: 28 ct. natural

Floss: DMC as charted (subbed 3863 for 3864)

Started: 8/17/14

Finished: 8/17/14

Completed:  9/14/14

I took this picture on my bookshelf to give you an idea of size.  It's a little one.  The turkey part is about 2" square.  I am so inspired by Carol's finishes that I had to try to finish this one similarly.  After the fact, I wish I had put my city and state on it somewhere but done is done.  I'm pleased with the result. 

Here's a clearer picture so you can get a better idea of the true colors.  So if any of you are going to the retreat, you could be the lucky owner of this little cutie.  I'd love to know if any of my readers are going to be there!  Let me know in the comments.  Maybe we could meet up somehow.  Wouldn't that be fun?!

I hope everyone has a wonderful fall weekend!  I'm going to kick mine off with dinner and stitching with some of my peeps.  Several of whom are going with me to the retreat!  Fun will be had by all tonight.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Lemonade from lemons

Ever have a burst of creativity when you least expect it?  Well, that happened to me last night.  I was rooting around in my stash for something else and ran across some wooden thread spools I'd saved from my Granny's sewing basket.  Then it hit me!  Check this out.

 

A little back story, I had stitched this heart at Stitchaway for a covered button scissor fob.  Only I cut the fabric too small and it wouldn't work.  Of course, I couldn't throw it away since my peep, Marsha gave me the pretty red silk floss to stitch it.  So there it sat in my stash.

 

Then I saw the spools!  Ah-ha!  I knew instantly what I wanted to do with this tiny piece of stitchery.  I'd turn it into a small make-do pincushion on top of one of my Granny's spools.  This little cutie only stands about 1 1/2 inches tall or about 4 cm.

 

To hide where I attached it to the top of the spool, I twisted up some DMC that matched the silk and glued it in place.  Ta-da!  A special little pincushion was born.  It's special to me because Marsha gave me the silk and I reused my dearly departed Granny's spool to combine into a cute place to park my needles!

 

So there you have it!  I just had to share my little brainstorm with you in hopes it might inspired you to try this with some little bit of stitchery you've got hanging around. This would make a great gift for a stitching buddy.  Hmm...I may have just come up with another idea!  LOL!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!


Until next time,


The Inspired Stitcher


P.S.  Just for fun, if you are interested in learning more about old wooden spools, here are a couple good links to go check out:

Thread Spool Sizes and Shapes chart
Vintage Thread Chart
Thread labels (there are three pages so click next at the bottom of the page)

I'm back...

Did you miss me?  I'm finally collecting my thoughts after the Shepherd's Bush Retreat.  Wow, what a week it was too!  I have so many things I want to share.  It was an amazing week and I had so much fun.  It was hard to come back to reality!

Speaking of coming back, here's what was waiting for me from across the pond. It's a gift from Mouse over at Tales of a Stitching Mouse!  A while back Mouse posted a picture and I was the first one to correctly guess what it was. You have to go see.

She was so sweet to send me this lovely package complete with a huge hunk of beautiful Victorian Motto floss, some yummy herbal tea and the most perfectly stitched pin cushion I've ever seen!  Oh yes, Bentley sent Shelby some biscuits to try too.

Just check this little cutie out!  It is just so very me!  She said the design came from a British cross stitch magazine and I dearly love it!  It is just so perfectly stitched and stuffed firmly just like I like them.  I simply can't quit admiring it.  Thank you so much, Mouse!  I will treasure this precious gift always!

 

Look at that lovely tea color.  Mouse said if I didn't like it I could use it to dye fabric.  Hmmm...I don't think any fabric is going to get to touch this tea.  It's way too yummy!  Excuse the dusty keyboard.  I see the cleaning fairy didn't come while I was away.  LOL!

Here's Miss Shelby patiently waiting for her cookie from Bentley.  I missed my girl while I was gone.

Yep, she likes her cookie as much as I liked my tea!

Thank you again, Mouse!  I love everything you sent and Shelby says thank you to Bentley too.  It was a nice surprise to open when I got home.

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Thanks for stopping by today!  I'll be back later to tell you all about the retreat.  It's going to take several posts to catch you all up.  I don't think you'll mind though!

More later,

The Inspired Stitcher

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

Bottom

Sides A-G & H-M

Pins gifted to me by my buddy Pam S.!

Sides N-U & V-Z

Top

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

ABC Samplers...Done!

What a productive weekend I had!  I attended the Tiara Club stitch-in on Saturday and actually finished two things while I was there.  I was actually afraid I hadn't brought enough to stitch!  Imagine that?!  It felt good to get some things done.

Design:  ABC Samplers

Designer:  Unknown

Fabric:  32 ct. Raw Linen

Floss:  DMC 221 & 841

Started:  1/29/12

Finished and Completed:  3/24/12

This is one of the things I finished while there.  I've had it in the works for a while now but a few things got pushed in front of it so I'm just now getting around to getting it done.  The fabric pictured behind it is from French General and is the fabric I used for the backing.  There's not a single cross stitch in it either.  It was a lot of fun to do and it's just too dang cute for words.

My buddy Donna gifted me with the pattern.  She had stitched several of these for her best peeps for Christmas presents and of course I fell in love with it when I saw it.  I just HAD to stitch it.  Know what I mean?!  LOL!

The second thing I finished is for an exchange so I can't show it right now.  However once it's received I'll be sure to share it.  It's for the Blackbird Designs Exchange and I can't wait to send it to my partner.  I need to do the finishing yet.  I'm hoping she likes it.  I may have to stitch this one again for myself.

The third thing I finished this weekend is a birthday present for a dear friend I don't see that often.  I want to wait to show that until after she receives it.  I popped it in the mail to her today so hopefully she'll get it before the end of the week.

Well folks that's it from this end today.  I want to extend a warm welcome to my new followers and thank you all for your visits.  I hope everyone is having a good week so far!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Gifts given and received

I want to share a couple gifts I've stitched.  Since both the recipients have posted them to their respective blogs, I thought I'd share them here.  Mostly so I can remember when I stitched them.  I thought you might like to see them too.

Design:  “From Me to You”  from the Forget-Me-Nots chart (front)

Verse from #85 “More Friends” (back)

Designer:  Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 32 ct. Lambswool

Floss:  DMC as charted (verse 1 over 1)

Started:  8/9/11

Finished and Completed: 8/27/11

 First up is the pincushion I stitched for Jenny's birthday last month.  I know she has a fondness for birds and we share a love of Praire Schooler designs so this seemed to be the perfect fit. 

When I make gifts I often like to put the date and initials on the back. Since that information was charted on the front, I couldn't leave the back naked!  I found the verse on another Prairie Schooler chart and stitched it over one.


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Design:  Bee from #45 Garden Verses

Designer:  Prairie Schooler

Fabric:  28 ct. cream scrap

Floss:  DMC as charted

Started: 5/14/11

Finished and completed:  5/30/11

This one I originally made for myself but ended up gifting it to Marsha at the Tiara Retreat.  She had admired it when I brought it to a stitch-in this summer so I knew she liked it.


She and I have a "thing" for bees so I took if off my floss ring and gave it to her.  I had already started stitching another one for her but hadn't gotten it done yet so I just gave her this one.  I can always finish the other one for myself another day.  Now she has a floss tag too!

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I've also been remiss in thanking Jenny properly for these wonderful gifts.  I love it when the mailman bring surprises!  Don't you?


I had coveted both these as soon as I saw them and my sweet friend gifted them to me.  I will always think of you, Jenny, when I see them.  Thank you so very much!


I hope you've enjoyed your visit today.  Thank you for stopping by!


The Inspired Stitcher