Catch-Up Post

Just like many other stitchers out in blogland, I think this year is just flying by.  I can hardly believe that this is my first post this year!  I have a lot of catching up to do.

First up are some pictures of some fabulous finishes by Claudia.  I sent these to her right before the holidays; and she sent them back to me in mid-January.  These pieces are just gorgeous!  I don't remember the names of many of these designs, but I will add details as I can.

This one is from the 2012 JCS Ornament issue.  It is Pomegranate Joy by Homespun Elegance.  I used the recommended fibers and some 36 ct. mystery linen.

This one is Paper Whites by Little House Needleworks.  I used HDF silk and 40 ct Porcelain Lakeside Linens.

This is Happy Holidays from County Cottage Needleworks.  I used the recommended fibers on a piece of 36 ct mystery linen.  I love the oval finishing and the twisted cord trim made from perle cotton.

This is Poinsettia House from Little House Needleworks, using the recommended fibers and some mystery 36 ct. linen.  I shamelessly copied the idea to change the words to "Tis the season" from a blogger.  Now I can't find the blog that was my inspiration, and so I can't thank the stitcher appropriately.  If she sees this, I hope she is flattered by the imitation.

 I am still working on the SAL, A Year in Cross Stitch.  This shows the design for the January block.

 Here is my January ornament.  It is the 2012 freebie from iStitch.  I used some HDF mystery floss and 36 ct. mystery linen.  Note the plain Jane finishing that I did myself.

 Here is my 2013 Valentine project.  It is the Tempting Tangles Quaker Valentine 2013 from the Wichelt site.  I used HDF Enchantress floss and some mystery linen.  I think I will make this into a small pillow.

Lastly, here is the Soweth Sampler by Birds of a Feather.  My stitching buddy Carol was kind enough to send this pattern to me  I used the recommended fibers and some 36 ct.mystery linen.

I also have been stitching on a couple of reproduction samplers - but will wait and take pictures next week.

We are still having cold weather - yet the daffodils are 3 -4 " tall and the camellia buds are fat.  I would say that I walk through the yard, eagerly looking for signs of spring; but around here it's more like slogging through the mud.  LOL

All else is quiet.  I am eagerly watching the Celebrations web site - they are posting pictures of classes.  I can hardly wait - it is my week of pure indulgence - I can just stitch to my heart's content.  This year I am also planning a trip to Paris in early April - can't wait!

Happy stitching, Margaret

All in a Day's Work

I have been a busy bee this afternoon - I finally tackled some of those projects in my stitched, but not finished pile. First off, I thought I should show you a picture of my helper - she keeps my stitching chair warm when I'm not in it. When I am stitching, she perches on the back of chair. Athena is posing with my January ornament, Evergreen by Elizabeth Foster. This is another of my all-time favorite designers. I used the recommended fibers, and a piece of LL Maritime White.

Here's a better photo:

Here is one of Laura Perin's Mystery Monday pieces - I think this is the second one. I was playing with color, and started with a Watercolor skein called Amethyst, and branched out with lilac and navy blue from there. It is backed with silk from Vikki Clayton in a rich purple - I think I like the back side as well as the front.

Here is Joy and Peace, by Little House Needleworks. I used the linen that came with the kit, supplemented by HDF silks.

Here is Peace by Homespun Sampler. I stitched this around Christmas time last year using HDF silks and a piece of scrap linen. It's a big piece, but charming nonetheless.

Here is Christmas Greetings, a freebie from iStitch. I think it is from 2010 - I don't know why I waited so long to stitch it. I used HDF silks and scrap linen.

I have also been working on Lavendar Blue, one of the 2012 SAL's by Angie at Magicas Putadas. Wow, there is a lot of stitching needed on that piece. I am almost done, and will post a picture here when I finish the first two parts.

We are having a fabulously warm winter here in Maryland. My camellias have big fat buds on them. I fear that they will have a rough time in February, only time will tell.

No other news to report. Happy stitching, everyone!

- Margaret