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!

Queen Bee

My peep, Marsha gifted me with the chart and fabric for this little cutie a while back.  She and I both dearly love anything bees!  She and I made a pact to keep an eye out for it for each other.

Design: Queen Bee mini card freebie

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Fabric: 28 ct. even weave

Floss:  as charted (1 over 1)

Started:  4/29/13

Finished:  5/2/13

Completed:  5/29/13

The minute I saw it on the spring Market previews I knew exactly what how I wanted to finish it!   I had intended to complete this one sooner but it got lost in the shuffle that is my messy stitch room.  When I did some much needed sorting this past weekend it resurfaced so I finally got it finished.  It took me all of about five minuted to finish it up too.  Silly girl!

Here it is close up!  I ran across this pocket watch a while back and knew I'd find some thing to put in it.  This seemed to be the perfect chart when I laid eyes on it.

Here's the packaging in case you want to find one for yourself.  I found mine in the scrapbook aisle at the local Hobby Lobby.  I'm sure the online scrapbook shops probably have it as well.  I'd do a search for "Tim Holtz idea-ology pocket watch."

Just for fun, here's Marsha's version worked on the very same fabric stitched 2 over 2 and mine done 1 over 1.  I really find it interesting to see them side by side like this.  It really gives you perspective on how the size changes.

Thank you so much, Marsha for gifting me with this little cutie!  I'm so lucky to have a friend who shares the love of bees.  We enable each other quite often!  LOL!


Thanks for your visit with me today.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  I'm looking forward to mine.  It's going to be a busy one packed full of lots of fun!


Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Tea anyone?

I can now share what the sneak peek was all about last time.  I bet it will make more sense now.  As some of you may know, I'm a huge tea lover.  When I saw this pattern on Pinterest about a year ago, I just had to download the pdf!  Here it is in all it's cuteness with a little bit of stitching sprinkled in just because I could.

Design:  Teacup Pouch

Designer:  Patchwork Pottery

Fabric: Joann's bargain bin & 40ct. osnaburg for the tag

Floss:  DMC 632 & #12 Ecru perle

Started: 5/27/13

Finished: 5/27/13

Completed: 5/30/13

I lined it with the same fabric as the top of the cup.

The instructions said to ink or rubber stamp the word "Tea" on a piece of muslin.  I could have done that but since I have the skills to stitch one, I thought a stitched tag would be nicer.  I like the end result.

This is what the pattern looks like in case you are interested.  It also includes a pattern for a coffee mug and a hot chocolate mug.  I'm glad I finally took the time to make it up.  I can foresee myself making more of these too!


Thanks for stopping by today.  I've got another finish to share next time.  It's another one of my loves!  Stay tuned.


More next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Whole lotta stitchin' goin' on...

I hope everyone had a good long holiday weekend.  My needle saw lots of action.  I did some craft sewing over the holiday weekend.  I'm almost finished with that but I'll wait to share once it's completely done.  The tea lovers out there will like this one.  Here's a sneak peek!

Design:  "Tea"

Designer:  Me

Fabric: 40ct. osnaburg

Floss: DMC 632 (1 over 2)

Started:  5/20/13

Finished: 5/20/13

Completed:  Soon!

I decided to try stitching on osnaburg.  I wanted to get the look of an actual tea bag.  This is side one of two.  I really enjoyed the "hand" of this new-to-me fabric option.  Stay tuned for the finished piece!

Design: Heart to Heart

Designer:  By The Bay Needleart

Fabric: 28ct. cream evenweave

Floss:  WDW confetti (1 over 1)

Started:  5/20/13

Finished:  5/24/13

Completed:  At the retreat!

I got my pre-stitching homework done for the upcoming annual Russellville retreat. Belinda sent us the chart from By The Bay Needleart along with the fabric and her signature WDW confetti. I like how it turned out! I always enjoy stitching with the over-dyes. This one is especially fun!  I can't wait to see what she has us do with it.

Design:  Dragonfly fob freebie

Designer:  xstitchhappy.com

Fabric: 36ct. opalescent white

Floss: DMC as called for

Beads: Mill Hill 03055

Started: 5/24/13

Finished: 5/25/13

Completed: 5/28/13

This is one that's been on my "to stitch" list for quite sometime!  I decided I needed a quick little stitch for some instant gratification.  I really like how this one turned out with the sparkly fabric, beads, and the Light Effects floss.  If you've not tried the Light Effects, I recommend it.  I actually like it a bit better than Kreinik.  It seems more pliable.  I wish I could capture the sparkle better it's really blingy!  Love that!

Design:  Strawberry

Designer:  Lizzie Kate

Fabric: 28ct. WDW grey/straw gingham

Floss: as kitted

Beads: as kitted

Started:  5/25/13

Finished:  5/26/13

Completed: To be framed with the kitted frame

Speaking of quick stitches from the "to stitch" list, I also finished this one over the weekend.  I received this one two years ago at the Keepsakes retreat.  I just hadn't gotten around to stitching it yet.  This was the first time I'd used the gingham linen and I really enjoyed stitching on it.  I just love strawberries.  I'm really in the mood to stitch some more.  Sounds like I might need to go stash diving!

Well folks, I think we are all caught up for now.  I still have a couple things percolating on the burner to share.  I'll be back with more later.  I hope everyone has a good rest of the week.


More next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Four John Fosters

Last night was our monthly guild stitch-in.  There were four of us present who are participating in the John Foster project.  Bless their hearts, they humored me with a picture! Check out this awesomeness below.

From top left to right:  Mine, PW, LK, and PF on the frame!

 

I got tickled when I noticed we'd all worked ahead into the June installment area without know it. Each of us said we got on a roll doing this month's installment and we just kept going with it.  It's just that kind of project...a joy to stitch!

 

It was so fun to see the four of them side by side!  Our individual color choices really shine now.  In my humble opinion, this is what makes this kind of group project so special and wonderful.  You truly get to see the individual maker in all of them.

 

Each of us chose different floss conversions and made our own fabric choices.  Each one so distinct, yet so much the same.   Thank you for humoring me, dear friends and thanks to Ellen for inspiring us to stitch this project.  I just had to share this bit of wonderful with you all today. 

 

I know this is a shorter than usual post for me.  I'm at that point again with my ongoing projects where progress is being made but not enough to be noticeable in a photo.  I'll keep plugging along.  I'm also doing some exchange stitching right now and can't show that yet.  It's all good.  At least the needle is seeing some action and things are moving forward.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by and admiring my talented buddies' work.  I am truly lucky to have such friendships both in real life and through this blog!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher