Russellville - day 1 & 2

I reluctantly came back from Russellville this past weekend.  We had such a great time at the retreat we really didn't want to come home.  We had the perfect day for traveling too.  Just look at the sunny sky and calm river!

Yep, we took the Ferry across into Kentucky again.  I never tire of this trip across the river.  This time we got to cross on the bigger ferry that holds 15 cars.  So much fun!

Our first stop of the day was at The Finishing Touch in Louisville.  One of the peeps didn't get to make the trip last time and hadn't visited the new location so of course we had to stop!

Here are the sweet ladies that were there working in the shop.  The lady on the right, Saundra, is the owner.  I just love this shop.  If you find yourself near Louisville, stop in to see them!

Of course there was stash to be purchased.  Here's the haul that just had to come home with me.  It's hard to tell from the picture but that's a piece of 30ct. Gunmetal linen.  I'm not sure what I'll do with it but I fell in love and had to have it.  I also love the little Chessie & Me Liberty kit and fell in love with the little Shepherd's Bush Sheep Freebie...had to have it! I'm looking forward to trying out the wool floss it called for and was lucky enough to get.  Stay tuned for that another time!

Yes, Señior made the trip again this year.  He and Fiona hadn't seen each other since January.  Needless to say she's still smitten.  Just look at her!  Yes, we got a little silly over the weekend.

We met up at the Breathitt House (more about the house in this post) and got the rooms set up while we were waiting for everyone to arrive.  Later on we had Pizza Hut pizza delivered and caught up with each other over dinner.  It's always fun to rekindle friendships after not having seen each other for a year!

~oOo~

Day two we started out with our group project.  This is the model Belinda stitched and over-dyed.  It's an old Anne Powell Ltd. design.  This is what we worked on the whole weekend with the exceptions of our special small projects.  More on those later.

Here's my stitching nest with my new start.  Notice the floss pile on the left.  Yes, those are the sampler colors! They are the brightest colors Belinda could come up with. 

Here's a closer look at the floss colors.  I wouldn't have ever believed they would tone down so much when over-dyed if I hadn't seen it done myself.  On Sunday, Belinda did a dyeing demonstration using the Blackbird Designs method so we could see how to do it on our own when we finished our stitching.

This was my progress at the retreats end.  The frog paid me a visit and I had to redo a couple parts but thankfully it stitches up rather quickly.  I actually like the undyed version a lot.  I think they are quite summery colors.  DH likes it and said the letters reminded him of flames.  LOL!

~oOo~

Every year we put our "show and tell" on the piano in the parlor.  This year we had so much, we spilled over onto the piano bench!  I didn't take note of who made what so I'll just leave you to enjoy the pictures.  Try not to drool too much on the keyboard.

 

 

 

You might recognize this bag from last year. It was our group project. We started working on the flower band and were to continue when we got home.  I, ahem, did not continue.  LOL!

 

However, my peep, Patti got hers done and brought it back this time. Bless her heart, she's an over-achiever and likes to put us slackers to shame.  LOL!  Seriously, though she did say she was really glad to be done with this project.  I know that feeling, I hear ya!  I'm sure some of you do too.

Speaking of projects,  this is what we did with the "L" I showed you earlier.  This turned out super cute and couldn't have been easier to do.  I can foresee myself stitching more of these.

This is and additional one my friend, Bobbi made.  I really like this design as well.  Yep, there are going to be more hearts stitched for sure.  I've got to have one like this.

This is the model for our optional group project.  We had a mini-class on how to make coin purses!

Remember the pre-stitching that was so mysterious.  Yep, we turned it into a coin purse!  This is the front of mine.

And this is the back.  It really wasn't all that hard to do.  A little fiddly, yes, but not hard.  There was plenty of gnashing of teeth during class but we all survived it.  My neighbor and I had no trouble at all and both of us can see possibilities for this finish.  Very cute!

~oOo~

 

Well folks, this post has become a long one so I'll save day three and four for next time.  I hope you've enjoyed going to Russellville with me today.  I appreciate your visit!  Have a wonderful day.

 

 

More next time,

 

The Inspired Stitcher

Hornbook Bestiary progress

I realized I hadn't posted an update for the Hornbook Bestiary lately.  You'll notice there has again been much progress made in a short span of time.  I really do get on a roll with this one.

 

Hornbook progress as of 5/6/13

 

Hornbook progress as of 5/18/13

 

As some of you so correctly guessed, I couldn't resist changing the dog on this one.  I just had to stitch it in black and white like my Shelby girl.  I deviated a bit from the charted placement of the spots and she turned out great!

 

Since I was on another roll with it, I went ahead and stitched in the second row's boxes and filled in the borders too.  I really should devote one day a week to this one.  I bet I'd get a lot done!

 

New Lokscroll Frame

 

You'll also notice I've switched from the Q-snaps to a Lokscroll Frame.  Once I'd made it across the first row of boxes, I noticed it was starting to warp a bit.  Since this is going to have a total of six rows of boxes and I'm going to spend some time on this,  I could only imagine the warping getting worse.  I decided I needed to try something different.

Several ladies in my local guild have the Lokscroll frames and really sing their praises.  As much as I would have loved to have splurged on the Millennium frame, it's just not in the budget right now.  I'm not even sure how I'll get on with this one yet.  I've never worked with a scroll frame.  I'll let you know how I like it after I've logged some hours with it.  It just arrived last Friday. 

Well folks, that's all I've got for now.  Thanks for popping in for a peek.  I always appreciate your visits and comments.  I hope the rest of your week is splendid!


Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

A couple finishes

When I did the ORT report this month I realized I hadn't shared a couple finishes.  One of them being my finished Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild nametag.  I decided I wanted to get this done before I went to the Margriet Hogue class.  Besides, the guild was nice enough to give me a welcome packet with the pattern in it, the least I could do was stitch it up. 

Design: KSSG Nametag

Designer:  Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild

Fabric:  32 ct. Natural Light

Floss: DMC as charted

Started:  5/11/13

Finished:  5/14/13

Completed:  6/6/13

I like the sawtooth border on it and how it frames the design so well.  My first name isn't the same length as my last (under the post-it note) so I decided to add the two little hearts to balance it out.  I'm not sure what the hands with the flame symbolize.  I forgot to ask when I was at the meeting.  I also added the year in the lower right corner so I would always remember when I joined the guild and made the nametag.

It's been a while since I'd put twisted cord on the edge of a finish.  I like how it finishes off the edges so nicely.  I also decided to do a pocket on the back too.  I like having a place to put a note, money, business card, keys, etc.

I also decided to put a neck strap on it like you would see on the nametags they give you at conferences/seminars.  There are times when you just don't want to pin something to your sweater or shirt and this solves that problem.  Overall, I'm pleased with it.  I should make something like this to wear to the local guild too.

***

Design:  ???

Designer:  ???

Fabric: 28 ct. mystery linen

Floss:  WDW Linen

Started:  6/9/13

Finished:  6/13/13

Completed:  At the retreat

 

I know it's a bit hard to see in the picture, but I finished stitching the front and back pieces for the purse project some of us are going to do at the Russellville retreat.  The mystery fabric and floss were sent together with a page of motifs to choose from along with instructions to pick one and make sure to initial and date the back.  It's all very mysterious at this point.  I'll tell you more about it when I find out.

Speaking of the retreat, I had several people ask about this retreat.  It's a private gathering of far flung friends.  When I say "far flung" we truly are.  We have some that come from Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico and of course, Ohio.  We get together once a year for a long weekend together.  We eat, stitch, shop, stitch, eat, stitch and repeat for four glorious days!  We have a ball and have even been known to be a bit rowdy at times.  LOL!  I can't wait!

Well folks, I hope you all had a great weekend and have a wonderful week!  Thanks for visiting with me today.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Michigan weekend

Last weekend I took off Friday and road tripped to Michigan to take another class with the Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild.  Since class wasn't until Saturday morning, I decided to take my time getting there and made a couple stops along the way.

First stop was a return trip to In The Patch Designs.  I needed some wool for a huswife project I want to start soon.  Just look at all those yummy wools!

Here's the stash that came home with me from this stop.  I'm going to use the cream herringbone wool for the background and the two black fat quarters will be for the inside.  The pink was a "just because" purchase.  I'm sure you've done the same.  The tube is a glue stick the shop owner said she uses to adhere her applique pieces.  I've not used it before so it should be interesting to try it.

My second stop was actually just around the corner at Tapestry Angel.  The last time I was up that way this shop wasn't open for the day yet and we needed to keep moving.  I'm glad I got to visit this time around!

This shop is packed with wonderful things.  She has a very nice selection of all the over dyes and beads.  She even had the Gentle Arts wool floss!  There are lots of charts to tempt you and a nice variety of fabrics too.

Here's the shop cat, Meow with her pillow!  Isn't she sweet?  She kept giving me love the whole time I was there and even greeted me at the door.

Here's the stash that jumped into my hands at this stop.  I've had that Cricket chart on my wish list for a while now and I really wanted to find the fabric for the JBW Alphabet Hearts chart my secret stitcher sent me last time.  The flosses are for the JBW chart too.  The green fabric is for a WIP I picked up at a charity sale recently.  It was a good stop!

Our class was with Margriet Hogue who owns The Essamplaire in Alberta, Canada.  Our class piece was a Mexican sampler worked by Maria Antoni.  The picture above is the actual reproduced sampler!  I've wanted to do this one ever since I first saw it on Margriet's website.

Here are all the juicy silks that came in the kit!  I ended up filling three thread cards with them.  Oh swoon!

 

Here's Margriet telling us about a specific spot in the chart.  I am very impressed with her instructions and the chart.  It's all very detailed and she even gave us a color copy of the actual size stitched piece for later reference.  I'm sure this is going to be most helpful!

Here's the part I got done in class!

 

Here it is close up.  I got into a real rhythm once I got going on it.  I'm so pleased I got this section done.  Now I can just fill in the colors!   I have a feeling this is going to be a fun sampler to stitch!

Here's the trunk show Margriet brought with her!  Needless to say there were things I couldn't live without.  Besides, you've got to support the teacher...right?!  Just say yes and nod in agreement! LOL!

Here are a few I really liked.  This is Elizabeth Russell.  I loved these little squirrels.  They are so cute.

This is Isabella Carter Maclean-1799.  I really liked this one but someone had already grabbed the pattern for it.  I may have to order it online.  It's much prettier in person than the online picture.  Love the colors!

 

The same goes for the colors in this one called Elisabeth Timms-1730.  I was lucky enough to get one of these charts!  It is really lovely in person.  I love this rendition of the ten commandments too!  The chart says it's English. It's just so pretty!

Here's the rest of the new stash from the trunk show.  The second chart is called The Butterfly Spot Sampler - circa 1650 and it's also English.  It's worked mostly in queen stitches too.  I know, I just heard the collective groan from the peanut gallery.  Really, queen stitch isn't that bad!

The book is from the Netherlands and it's on Dutch orphanage samplers.  It even came with a large chart inside!  The little wooden thing beside the book looked like an acorn to me and well, you know me and acorns!

 

During each of the classes I've taken with this guild, they always give you a little souvenir from the guild to take home with you.  Isn't this the sweetest little jeweled mirror?  I love the decorated box and card too!  Such talent this group has!  I really enjoyed my time in class with Margriet.  It was a wonderful class!

***

 

Since I was already in town, I decided to stay another night and go to the guild meeting on Sunday afternoon.  Margriet gave a lecture on Rhode Island samplers that was really interesting.  I think I'll definitely be able to pick one out now if I see one.

Here's a peek a a couple show and tell pieces!  I really liked this Birds of a Feather Rooster!  My friend Linda has it hanging in her kitchen.

 

One of my classmates from the Barbara Jackson class got her strawberry done and brought it to share.  She also finished this sweet little slipper too!

 

The guild also had a completion ceremony for those that completed the Margaret Cottam sampler.  This one is done by someone we all know but I'm not going to spoil her reveal.  You'll have to wait for it to appear on her blog!  I know, the suspense of it all.  LOL!

***

 

So there you have it, the whole recap.  If you've stuck with me this far, thanks a bunch!  It was a fun trip and I always leave wishing I lived closer to my new friends.  It's such a wonderful guild!  I truly enjoyed each and every minute of the weekend.  I can't wait for my next visit!  Waves to Terri, Suzanne, Sara, Lynn, Tina, Nancy, Julie and all the KSSG gals!

 

Thank you all too for stopping by for a visit with me.  I hope you have a great rest of the week too.

 

 

Until next time,

 

The Inspired Stitcher

TUSAL June

Click the picture to learn more

I hope you are having a good start to the summer season so far!  It's time for another TUSAL.  There's been a fair amount of stitching going on since we last visited for the ORT report.  Let's have a look at that ORT pile.

Since it's now summer time I decided to let Splits, the flamingo in on the ORT picture this month.  Not too shabby a pile I'd say!   I see a good bit of sparkle in there and a whole bunch of  blue fuzzy stuff!  Let's see who contributed to all those orts!

"C" is for Cow on the Hornbook Bestiary (Done!)
"D" is for Dog on the Hornbook Bestiary (Done!)
"Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild" nametag (Done!)
"Tea" zipper pull designed by me (Done!)
"Heart to Heart" by By The Bay Needleart (Done!)
"To My Stitchin' Friend Dragonfly"fob freebie by xstitchhappy.com (Done!)
"Strawberry" by Lizzie Kate (Done!)
"Queen Bee" pocket watch necklace (Done!)
"Sweet Baby James Needle Purse" by Indigo Rose (in progress)

I'm really pleased with all that I've been able to accomplish this past month.  I've enjoyed stitching my bigger projects as well as sprinkling in some smaller ones.  I've also gotten a couple things off the "to stitch" list which is always a good feeling!

I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Russellville retreat too.  This will be my fourth year attending!  I guess I'm not a "newbie" anymore.  It actually feels like a reunion of stitching sisters now.  I'll be sure to give a full report afterward as always.  You know there will be stash enhancement...oh yes there will!

I noticed when doing my report that there are a couple things on there I haven't posted, namely the Hornbook update and the nametag. I'll be sure the get those in sometime next week. I've got a full weekend planned.  I hope you all have something fun to look forward to this coming weekend as well!  Keep on stitching and smiling!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher


P.S.  I found the Threads Through Time chart I was on the hunt for last month.  Thanks to all who helped me search for it and a special thanks to Nancy who found it!  I'm continually amazed by our stitching community.  You all rock!