I Couldn't Resist...

Brynwood Needleworks - Coming To America Kit

I don't usually purchase new charts these days. I still have hundreds that I love from my days as a shop owner. So many wonderful pieces, with not nearly enough time to work on them. However, when I see patriotic designs now, I look twice and decide whether or not I want to add them to my library. This kit was one such design.

This chart was designed by With Thy Needle & Thread, and I purchased it through Ye Olde Cross Stitchery in Bristol, PA. I believe this was a limited edition piece, so I consider myself fortunate to have found one. If you're interested, I suggest you order from this shop HERE. (Last I checked, there was only ONE left.)

The chart arrived in a sturdy box, and included additional items over and above the main chart. I'll need to add fabric and fibers, but I've got plenty of those things.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coming To America Kit Contents

When I checked inside the box, I found a little, magnetic, Pilgrim needle minder; a ring to hold my threads, and a second free chart called "Celebrate Harvest" by Brenda Gervais.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coming To America Kit Contents

There was also a card featuring an interesting history lesson, along with fabric that's been printed in an old ledger design; a bookplate to attach to the frame once the design has been stitched; and a ring card to hold the threads.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coming To America Kit Main Chart

This is the full cover image for the chart. I love it. While I know that it's commemorative of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, we also live a short ten miles from Plymouth, Wisconsin. Sister cities, many miles apart. Even so, I know that I'll stitch this design in the next year, and then frame it for the farmhouse.
 

Holly Berry Strawberry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Holly Berry Strawberry Design by Erica Michaels

 

I completed this commission on Sunday, and sent it on its way yesterday. My client requested that I fill it with lavender buds, so it smells heavenly. It was truly a pleasure to stitch this small design on 32 ct. linen, although I admit, I'm much more dependent on my lighted magnifier now than I used to be.

Today, I'm making two pieces for a client...one is a Corgi Clutch bag, and the other is a Kirby with dachshund fabric accents. I'm going to make two of those, so I have a second one to put in the shop. It's a cute design. 

I'll show you the completed pieces tomorrow. Then, I'll only have one more commission to complete before I get to this year's Grammie's Jammies. Off to the studio! The elves are calling!

One More Off The List...

I've been under a huge mound of UFOs since Christmas and I'm sure you've gathered by now that it was really weighing on me. Since the January 1st, and my decision to make FOCUS my word for the year, I've been having small victories nearly every day. Yesterday was another of those days.

I can't share all of the details because I'm not quite sure whether or not I'd be giving away a secret, but I received a message from someone I hadn't heard from in over twenty years! She was asking me to help finish this project. It's for the wedding of someone very special to her. All of the cross stitch had been done, but the backstitching intimidated the bejeebers out of her.

I told her she could send it to me, but that I wouldn't be able to stitch on it at all until the new year. I've actually been working on it on Tuesday evenings with the Paneras group, but I decided this weekend to just go ahead and finish it. Done. Done and Done!

Looking at the two photographs now, I can see where I've taken a few "liberties", but I only looked at the chart (not the picture) the entire time. I've done needlework for over forty years, but even I talked to myself while stitching it. I can completely see why it was handed off!

It will go in the mail today and be on its way back home. Another project from the "To Do" list to the "I'm Done" list! On to the next project...

A Cushion It Shall Be...

My squirrel is finished. That tiny one thread of floss over one thread of fine count linen...the size of two quarters...is finished. The pattern calls for it to become a scissors fob. Remember? (This post might jog your memory.) I finished the stitching waaayyy back in June, but just couldn't bring myself to make a scissors fob.

I've finally decided what I want to make with it. I'm going to make a pincushion similar to this one, purchased on a recent quilt shop expedition. The fabrics in the first photograph with the embroidery are the fabrics I'm going to use. Then, I'm going to add some "squirrely" accents. Acorns, perhaps. Oh! What about topping it with a squirrel? I'm going to have to go in search of the perfect little accent for the top!

I'll show you as soon as I'm finished. Another post for another day, but I wanted you to know that I hadn't completed (or abandoned) this project. If you have any ideas, I'm all ears!

My First Finished Biscornu...

It's finished. My very first biscornu...stitched in my own design. I used 28 ct. fabric, stitching over two threads. The design area is 34 stitches long by 34 stitches wide, and measures 2.42" square. (It rests in the palm of my hand.)

Whenever I try a technique for the first time, I always learn something. Now that it's finished, I've learned that:

• smaller is more difficult to assemble than larger,
• I should secure my corners in the exact center of the straight side prior to stitching them, to ensure they wind up in the right place,
• next time I'll use an uneven number of stitches so I can find the exact center of the straight side to position my corners,
• it would look tidier if I assembled the top and bottom pieces using a thread color that matches the fabric, 
• I must be sure to stuff the corners more carefully so that they are more defined,
• I'm definitely going to make more!

When I reviewed some of the other patterns available on the Internet, I found that many of them were at least 40 stitches square. A design that measures 49 stitches square would definitely be easier to assemble than my 34 stitch piece. Hence, my next biscornu will be larger. I'm going to have to be much happier with my assembly technique before I attempt to make smaller ones as lapel pins (which was my original plan!).

I have to share this one with you! Karen from Karen's Needlework emailed a photo of her biscornu to me. Isn't it gorgeous? I love it! Look how beautifully she made her join! I can see that I definitely need more practice. Thank you for sharing your work, Karen. Please be sure to visit her blog and tell her I sent you. She has lovely things over there!

If anyone else makes one, please send a photo and I'll be happy to share it (or send me a link to your blog and I'll send everyone over to have a look-see).

Sharing My Biscornu Progress...

You knew my first attempt at making a biscornu was going to involve acorns, didn't you? Of course, you did!

I chose five DMC cotton floss colors and just started stitching on 28 ct. antique white linen. This is my own design, but I haven't even put it to paper yet. I just started stranding floss and making x's. (I usually draw it out on graph paper first, but decided to just jump right in on this one.)

I like the way it looks lying flat like this. The design is 34 stitches square. I think next time, I'll make the sides an uneven number (33 or 35). I read in one of the tutorials that it might be easier to sew the two sides together if the number of stitches is uneven. We'll see. I promise to let you know how it goes stitching an even number of stitches together into the wonderfully wonky biscornu shape.

I'm happy with the design, and have already stitched the border for the back piece. I'll be putting it together today and then I'll take more pictures to share with you. Wish me luck!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on this project idea. I'm having more fun doing small projects this summer - not my usual fare, to be sure - and I'm so glad that some of you have either made these before, or are willing to give 'em a shot. If you do, please send me photos. I'd love to share them here for everyone else to see.

Biscornus...

Biscornu  - stitched by Deb of Artistic Needle

Are you familiar with the term "biscornu"? It's pronounced bis • core' • noo, and it's a French word. It's an eight-sided little cushion that can be made into a pincushion, pin, or perhaps even a little sachet. (You know I love pincushions, right?)

I was first exposed to these little pretties when I happened along The Floss Box (in my "Favorites" on my sidebar here). Not only does Emily stitch them, but she also offers patterns - either free or for a small fee. (They're worth it!) Emily designs the patterns for cross stitch or embroidery, so anyone can make them! I've even seen them on other sites made from wool fabric and they're beautiful.

Sampler Biscornu - stitched by Deb of Artistic Needle

After doing a little online research, I came across these beautiful examples, stitched by Deb of The Artistic Needle. You also know I love samplers right? This one is my favorite!!!

I'm going to have to try my hand at making these. They can be as large or small as I choose, so I can make them into nearly anything my heart desires. Wouldn't they be beautiful gifts?

If you're interested in learning more about these fascinating little gems, Violarium.com (here) has a fabulous tutorial. I'm sure by the end of this week, I'll have at least one to share with you!

I hope you have something new and creative to do this week. If so, I'd love it if you'd share it with me!

Feelin' Squirrely...

I'm feeling pretty "squirrely", but also darn proud of myself for finishing this teeny, tiny cross stitch piece. It's my friend, Maureen Appleton's design (The Heart's Content) and will become a scissors fob when I'm finished assembling it.

I wanted to photograph it next to a pair of earrings gifted me by one of my followers last fall. She asked that she remain anonymous, so I'll honor her wishes. Just know, my dear, that I wear them often and simply adore the sparkle of these pretty acorn earrings. Thank you again!
To give you a better idea of the size of this embroidery, I've photographed the squirrel next to a Canadian quarter. (It's the only shiny quarter I had in my wallet!) I never realized the Queen looks like she's scowling on the face of it. Sidetracked again. So, two quarters would pretty much hide all my hard work! You're impressed, aren't you? And it did it without a magnifier.

Well, I'm impressed with myself, and am happy to say that I don't think I'll tackle a one-over-one cross stitch piece on 26 ct. linen again any time soon. I'll make this one into my scissors fob and then just plop down and rest on my laurels for a while.

PS. While I was visiting Maureen's site, I found that she is offering the squirrel cross stitch design as a freebie. If you'd like to stitch this piece for yourself, just click here to download your own chart.

In Case You Were Wondering...

I spent a nice part of Sunday just sitting in a comfortable chair and stitching. I hadn't done this in a long, long time.

I selected a kit that I'd purchased in Williamsburg, VA the day I went shopping with Shell May. It's a Maureen Appleton (The Hearts Content) counted thread kit. If you're not familiar with Maureen or her work, I'll tell you that all of her designs are stitched with one thread of floss over one thread of linen. In this case, the linen is 26 ct. Glenshee. (That's 26 threads to the inch, if you're not a needleworker.)

Maureen is from Wisconsin, and she and I are friends. Although I haven't seen her in a long time, I am a huge fan of her stunning designs. Stitching "one over one" creates a level of detail that you really must see.
This is as far as I got on Sunday. I didn't need a magnifier, but it is easier to see what I'm doing in bright daylight. I will wait for another sunny day to progress on this piece. I do know that this sweet squirrel will make a lovely scissors fob once assembled and attached to my squirrel embroidery scissors (which came in the kit).
Additionally, the ladies (Judy and Sue) have selected their mug mats (from my Second Blog Birthday celebration), so I created or chose a few special things to go along with each of their mats and Target gift cards.
I sure hope they like what I've chosen for them! I managed to include items that fit the theme of the original mat they selected.

I haven't decided what I'll work on today. Tuesdays are busy with Soundsations rehearsals from 1-3 pm, and then getting together with the Books A Million girls in the evening. I think I'll just keep it simple...whatever I decide.

I hope you all have a creative and fun day today. See you tomorrow!

Memory Lane Monday - Stitches...

Welcome to Memory Lane Monday!

When I wrote my last Memory Lane Monday post, I hinted at what I planned to write about this month. All that changed last week, when I received an email that really touched my heart. I wrote back to the author and asked if I could share her message with you and she agreed. So, today most of my post will be written by Barb.

"Donna,

I don't have a blog & this is the first contact I've made of ANY kind in blogland. I thought maybe an e-mail would be ok. I have a story for Memory Lane Monday, should you choose to use it.

The memory is of a lovely shop we had for too short a time in a nearby town. Right from the sign over the door you were taken to a gentle whisper of time. The music in the shop was soft & restful and encouraged you to linger, and escape your day for awhile.The proprietress was friendly and welcoming even when you could see that maybe it wasn't her best day. She never showed it outright. She never looked down on a customer who couldn't maybe afford the very best of her wares, (need I say myself?) but, gave the same beautiful service to all. With your purchase she included a printed card punched with two tiny heart shapes - and a gold needle threaded through them. It made you feel appreciated no matter the size of your purchase. I still have several of them, unable to use them and to toss the cards.
This gracious lady went so far as to invite customers to what she called a "stitch in" (if I remember the name correctly), to her own home! She introduced us to her "handsome" husband and four-legged "children", and gave us a tour of her exquisite home. She then served us refreshments and conversation on top of it all! It was just a lovely time.
Yes Donna, the lady I speak of is you, as if you hadn't guessed. You and Stitches have crossed my mind so often. You are still both sorely missed. I knew you were selling your home and wondered where you ended up. It was a happy accident that I found your blog through another. I believe it was The Raspberry Rabbits.

I went back over your entire archives and see that, if anything you have only become more gracious over time. Anyone who has only met you through your writings and thinks you are very special, has no idea. Sorry if this is too long, but, I did want to thank you for lovely memories of a lovely shop and an even lovelier lady.

God Bless. Barb D."

Barb sent this current photo of herself for me to use today.

When I realized that Barb was referring to me, I started to cry. Her use of the word "proprietress" was my first clue, as that was the designation I used in all of my business references. It appeared on my storefront window, along with my business cards and advertising materials - including my needle cards, to which I affixed a single gold needle given as a thank you each time a customer made a purchase. Barb's reference to those needle cards was my second clue.

I opened Stitches in 1989, and spent a joyful eight years of my life meeting needleworkers who became good friends. Customers were greeted by red geraniums growing in my planters outside, and in the winter, we tried to keep the geranium theme alive inside. Classical music filled the shop, and there was always a cup of coffee, tea or hot cider and comfortable leather wing-back chairs to settle into. Customers were welcome to come and stitch anytime they felt the urge.

My memories are full of beautiful pieces completed by both novice and accomplished needleworkers. I loved teaching a new customer how to do counted cross stitch, and then see her glowing smile as she brought in the completed piece for me to see.
I also carried needlepoint, crewel embroidery and rug hooking (I still love those Claire Murray rugs and kits!) in my shop. There really is nothing quite like spending time in the company of women who share a passion for the needle arts.

The women who worked for - and with - me were friends I came to love. Beverly, Jan, Lori, Emily, Allison, Lisa and Grace to name a few. Laura (a grade school friend) became my shop manager and I love her more than a sister. We still keep in touch, for which I am very grateful. Grace was like a mother to me, and Lisa became my daughter-in-law. They loved our customers, and cared for the shop as though it were their own. No owner could ask for more.

To think that I had touched one customer's heart this way affects me deeply, and I can never adequately express all of my feelings. I am so grateful that Barb took the time to write to me and share her memories - memories that we both share.

Thank you, my friend. I look forward to reconnecting with you now that we've found each other again. God surely works in mysterious ways...and for that I'm forever grateful.

Thanks for joining me this Memory Lane Monday. I'll always put the date of the next Memory Lane Monday under the button in my sidebar. You're welcome to use the button on your blog, too.

Now it's your turn to share a tale or two. Please link back here (below) so that others can visit your blog, too.

Reflected Rabbits For You To Stitch...

I haven't created a new cross stitch design for a long while, or even stitched one for that matter! However, last week I was inspired to sit down with needle, thread and linen in hand to stitch something for a mug mat I wanted to make for my bunny girlfriend, Shell May.

Shell loves Valdani 3-strand cottons, and after using them, I now know what all the fuss is about. Valdani threads are fabulous! They have a wonderful hand (the way they feel and ease of stitching), and the color variety is extensive.
So, look closely and you'll be able to see the little, sitting bunnies that I designed into a border. (See their floppy ears and big rabbit feet?) You can stitch them singly, in pairs, or any combination. (I can just see Shell stitching away to make Reflected Rabbit borders on her pillowcases.)
This is the finished mat. She's already received it, but I promised to share the chart for my design. If you need to get a ball of Valdani, hop over to Shell's site. She sells them. (hmmm. "Shell sells floss thread by the seashore." Well, she doesn't live near the ocean, but there's a honking pond/lake in her neighborhood. Does that count?}

You can go to my Free Patterns/Tutorials link at the top of my blog to download the pattern with a photo. (Here's a link to the page. Just look at the Box.net widget - Below the acorn, located right under "Free Brynwood Pattern Downloads" title - and select the "Reflected Rabbits" folder. Once you click on that folder you'll be asked if you want to download the two pages. If you do, then go ahead and click "yes". Easy Peasy!)

Thanks, Shell for being my muse. I know this has me motivated to do more stitching, and perhaps a few new designs. I didn't realize how much I was missing it.

If you're inspired to stitch this design, I'd love to see what you do with it! It would even make a perfect, little bookmark for yourself or as a gift for a bunny-loving friend like mine!

Happy Stitching!