Snooty Parrots Progress

My time spent with the Snooty Parrots (who have yet to appear) has been interesting to say the least.  Let's have a look at where we stand as of this past weekend.  But first a refresher...

Progress as of 3/10/14

 

Progress as of 4/25/14

 

Friday night I decided I really needed to just sit down and finish up April's assignment on the Snooty Parrots SAL.  I put the last apple in just before bedtime.  Then I folded it up and set it down on the end table.

Half fixed 4/27/14

Saturday morning I got up and the light was still a bit low in the living room where my stitching nest is situated.  When I looked over at Snooty in that light, I couldn't see Adam and Eve!  All I could see was their hair and leaves.  Oh my!

You see, I had to substitute my fabric for something else since I couldn't find the called for fabric and that started the whole ball rolling.  Up until this point the colors have all shown up just fine.  I knew I'd have to sub the called for color for A & E since it blended in too much.  I thought I'd chosen one that would stand out okay.  Nope, not so much!

So some self imposed frogging ensued.  If you look at Adam, he's stitched in DMC 950.  See how he practically disappears!  So I tried DMC 3771 on Eve.  Wow, what a difference!  She's got a better tan than he does that's for sure.  I liked it much better.

Finally fixed 4/28/14

So here's the happy couple with matching tans and the restitched apples on the upper branches of the tree.  I knew I'd better get this sorted out right now since there is more of this color later on in the sampler.  I sure wouldn't want to have to frog it later.  It was bad enough having to do it this time.  Sometimes you just have to use some trial and error before you hit on the right thing.

Hope everyone is having a good week so far.  The weekend is in sight now!  Woo Hoo!  Thanks for stopping by today.  I always enjoy your visits.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

P.S.  Jour de mai heureux! (Happy May Day!)

TUSAL - April

It's TUSAL Day!

(For those not familiar, click on the word TUSAL above or the link to the right.)

 

 

It's TUSAL time again (a day late)!  Finally spring has sprung in my neck of the woods.  I've never welcomed this season more than I have this year.  I've even taken my first motorcycle ride of the season.  I know it's spring when my honey wants to go for a ride.  I love all the flowers that have finally opened up too! 

 

 

Here's a look at this month's ORT pile.  The floss tag is one I made from this freebie offered by Sherri Jones of Patrick's Woods on her blog The Dandyhare.  If you are interested in my stitching details on this one, I posted about it here.

 

This month's contributors were:

 

Gift stitching x2 to be revealed later (Done)

"S is for Sheep" on the Hornbook Bestiary (Done)

"T is for Turkey" on the Hornbook Bestiary (Done)

"Snooty Parrots" by Barbara Ana Designs ( In Progress)

"Quaker Faith" by Little by Little Designs (In Progress)

"Name Tag Class" by La D Da (Needs Finishing)

"Snow Crystal Fob Kit" by Priaseworthy Stitches (Needs Finishing)

 

This month's pile has a lot of peach in it due to some self-imposed frogging I did over the weekend.  I had to sub a fabric color which in turn brought on a floss color sub that then prompted me to frog and sub again.  I think I've finally landed on a keeper though.  I'll share that in another post when I show you my update.

 

All in all it was a very productive stitching month.  I finally feel caught up again.  Just in time for May 1st.  LOL!  I hope your month was productive too.

 

 

More next time,

 

The Inspired Stitcher

Hornbook Bestiary Progress

It's been over a month since my last progress post on the Hornbook Bestiary.  I've made some signigicant progress.  I've now moved onto the next to the last row!  This post is going to be filled with pictures.  There's a lot to see!

Progress as of 3/23/14

 

Progress as of 3/27/14

 

Progress as of 3/29/14

 

I managed to finish "R is for Rabbit" while I was off sick and started row #5's boxes!  Only one more row to go!

 

As of 4/26/14

 

I started "S is for Sheep" on 3/29 and then put it aside to work on other things.

I decided this weekend I was going to finish it up.

 

As of 4/27/14

 

Then I got on a roll and decided to start "T is for Turkey" on Saturday after I finished the sheep.

I finished him up yesterday morning.

 

 

Here's a closer look at the two latest additions.  I'm certainly getting better at whipping through these squares.  Two in a weekend!  Now I'm halfway through this row and soon to be onto the final row.

I can hardly wait!

 

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Well folks, we are all caught up on the Hornbook.  This wasn't the only stitching I did this weekend.  Nope, I worked on the Snooty Parrots and made some more progress on my Quaker challenge too.  I'll update you on them later.  Hope everyone has a good week!  Thanks for stopping by.

 

More soon,

 

The Inspired Stitcher

Secret Stitcher

I came home Friday to a rather large box waiting for me.  I knew I wasn't expecting anything.  Hmm...who could it have come from?  Then I opened it and knew!

My Secret Stitcher sent me an Easter box just in time for the holiday!  Just look at all these beautiful goodies!  I love everything.  The roses are little note cards and the spool is blue braided ribbon.  Then there is the cute bunny floss pallet.  Lets have a closer look.

Here's a closer look at this precious duck holding three juicy silk flosses!  The colors are Cake, Fresh Raspberries and Petticoat Blue.  I just love Belle Soie silks.  They are so soft just like the sweet duck holding them.  Yes, the duck came out of the box just like that too!  So sweet!

Does my Secret Stitcher know me or what?!  These chocolates are to die for.  Yes, there are some left but I did have to try them right away.

See this book, it's really a box!  Let's have a look inside.  There's wonderfulness in there!

Check this out!  My favorite needles and this amazing pin cushion! Oh. My. Goodness.  Just look at that pin keep!!!  We have to look at that closer.

This is my favorite thing in the whole box!  I am just in awe.  I wish you all could see this in person.  It is just exquisite!  It has a nice weight to it and I love the colors.  Aren't those pins just too dang cute too!

I recognize it as a Blackbird Designs piece.  It's called "Topiary in Bloom."  I've had my eye on it for a while and now I have a super special one.   I have this displayed where I can see it while I stitch. Thank you so much, Secret Stitcher!!!

Secret Stitcher, you spoiled me rotten this time.  I appreciate everything you sent me and especially the pin keep.  To think you took that much time to make me something this beautiful, I am humbled!  Thank you doesn't even seem to cover it.

~*~*~*~

Thanks for stopping by today and allowing me to share.  I'm truly one lucky girl!  I hope you all have a good week.


Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Happy Easter

 

 

Wishing you a joyous Easter!

 

 

The Inspired Stitcher

KSSG Weekend - day 2

Sunday was a big day for us.  We got up early and went to Palm Sunday services followed by a Panera breakfast.  Then on to the Kindred Spirits guild meeting!  I always enjoy going to this guild's meetings.  Everyone is so welcoming and inspiring.  Such a talented group!

One of my favorite parts of a guild meeting is always the Show and Tell.   There was so much to see this time that they had to go get another table to display it all.

Here are three pinkeep drums from Saturday's class already completed!  How about those turbo stitchers?!

 

I just about went nuts when I saw this one being shown.  This is the sampler that caused such a stir on Facebook recently.  It's called Speak to the Earth by Sandy Orton.  It's owner told us because of the power of the internet and the huge demand, it will be reprinted by Donna Kooler Designs soon!  Keep a "heads up" for this one.  It's amazing in person!

 

Since we were hosting Lori Markovic from La D Da, several folks brought their stitched and finished pieces to share.  What a treat!

I see Margaret Cottam up there!  She's on my "to stitch someday" list.

 



Here are some other charming pieces.  What's that tiny white circle there?

It's the treasure I alluded to yesterday.  I found this tiny child's teacup with a parrot handle at the antiques store.  The minute I spotted it I knew exactly who would love it.  It had Terri's name all over it.  She's coordinating the Snooty Parrots SAL that I'm stitching.  Isn't it just too cute?!  I couldn't pass it up.

Here we are together with Terri holding the cup.  See how tiny it is!  It's always fun to meet another blogger in person.  Terri and I always have the best visits when we get to see each other.  I really wish we lived closer.  We could get into so much trouble together.

 

Here's Lori's trunk show display without Terri and I in front of it.  Just look at all that wonderfulness.  Everything is so pretty.

 

I couldn't resist the Spring Hare.  I've seen several folks stitch it and it's so cute in person.

 

Here's Lori and I together.  Lori was the best teacher.  She made sure to come to everyone's table and check in with us while we were putting our nametags together.  She's got the best sense of humor too.  We were all giggling and carrying on.  If you get the chance to take class with her, do it.  You'll have a ball!

Here's my almost finished name tag.  Lori gave us all a handful of these tiny binder clips to use instead of pins.  I have to say, these things are great!  You need to get yourself some.  All I need to do now is some hand sewing.  Although, I'm still thinking I might swap out the wool I bought for the backing.  We'll see how ambitious I get.  LOL!

Well folks, there you have it.  My weekend adventure was so much fun!  I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  My travel companions made it even more special and fun.  We had a blast!  I love getting together with my northern stitching sisters too.  I'm looking forward to seeing them next month for the guild auction.  Terri has details over at her blog.

Thanks for visiting and leaving me such sweet comments.  I'm glad you enjoy my ramblings.  Have a great weekend everyone!


Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

KSSG Weekend - day 1

This past weekend I road tripped with two of my peeps to Michigan for the KSSG guild meeting and class with Lori Markovic of La D Da!  We decided to go up the day before class and shop our way there.  Oh what fun we had!

Our first destination was downtown Troy, Ohio.  We could have easily spent more time here.  The downtown area has a bunch of unique little shops and I love the roundabout in the center of town seen above.  We don't have many of these here in the states.

We got to town a little early so we decided to eat breakfast in this darling 50's diner.  Yep, a real diner!!  This place was full of regulars and the food was amazing.  We got lots of tips from the locals about where to go and what to check out.  If you are ever here, definitely stop in for a bite.

This is what actually brought us to Troy.  In The Patch Designs' new home!  They used to be in Piqua but moved here about six months ago.  What a charming store!

I just loved this quilt hanging in the center room.  Look at all the juicy wool on the mantle!  They specialize in hand dyed wools and will be launching hand dyed wool floss soon too! 

We had a great visit with the owner, Phyllis. She told us she dyes all the wool in house, as in literally in the house.  Check out her dye kitchen!  See those four pots on the stove, she was dying fabric as we were visiting!  I want this kitchen.  Oh my, how pretty!  Now that's my kind of "work space."

I couldn't resist taking these pretties home with me.  The large piece may end up being part of my La D Da name tag and the "Curlers" are a new product Phyllis just launched.  I loved the sweet spring colors.  I have no idea what I'll do with them.  I just had to have them.

Photo credit

 

Our next stop was a new-to-me cross stitch shop called The Craft Gallery.  They've actually been in business for 30+ years.  They too have recently changed locations.  I was so excited to be there and get shopping that I forgot to take any pictures inside.    The owners obviously have a passion for what they do and welcomed us like we were family.  That kind of customer service is rare these days!

Here's what jumped into my hands at this stop.  I've been looking for that Rovaris kit for a while now and was so thrilled to find one there.  They actually had two so if you are looking for one they might still have it.  The floss is what I'll stitch on the Rovaris kit.  I picked up the two Little by Little charts to go with my current Quaker stitch.  The Praiseworthy Stitches kit was one I wanted from the spring Market.

I started it in the hotel later that night and finished it in the car on the way home the next day.  I should have put something in there for size reference.  This thing is tiny!  Those squares are about two inches square.  Now I just have to do the beading.  Maybe this weekend.

Our last stop was at Jeffrey's Antiques just off the highway near Findlay.  To say this place is huge is an understatement!  We only got through the south wing before we closed the place down.  I practiced restrain in there.  I only came away with two carnival glass buttons (the ones on the cards).  I picked up the mother of pearl star at the Craft Gallery.  I'm powerless to resist a pretty button.  There were plenty of other things that tempted me, that's for sure.  I picked up another special treasure in there but you'll have to wait till tomorrow to see it.

After closing down the antique store, we ventured up the road a bit for dinner and then on to the hotel for the night.  We had a big day in store for us on Sunday!  I'll tell you more about that tomorrow as this post has gotten long today.

I hope everyone is having a good week so far.  Happy camel day to all!  Thanks for stopping by today.


More next time,

The Inspired Stitcher