New In My Library...

I just received two new books for my needlework library. They're both Elisabetta Sforza books, and wow! Talk about eye candy. These are the sorts of books you reach for for instruction and inspiration. They're filled with gorgeous examples of her handwork, and every single page is a treat.

Sea to Stitch is a guide to creating beautiful ocean-themed alphabet letters. There are waves and seashells of all sorts. I'm looking forward to practicing new techniques and trying to equal her impeccable skills.

A Flower Alphabet is even more wonderful than the first book of hers I own (In A Wheat Field), and I can't wait to create a few of these stunning floral alphabets. I'll definitely be attempting one soon. When I do, you know you'll be the first to know.

I'm making a special handbag for a little girl turning five this weekend. I'll be attending her Birthday party on Sunday, so today I sew. (Nothing like last minute, right? sigh) So, I guess I'd better close and get started. 

I hope you'll drop in for my Sunday Scripture tomorrow, and then I'll be back to chat on Monday. Happy Weekend!

Getting Started...

I contacted my niece (mom of the groom-to-be) to see if she knew what the colors would be in the bride's bouquet. She actually sent a photograph of what they've chosen, so I could pull colors to begin my embroidery. Some of these threads are silks, and the rest are cotton. There are also some embellishments I may or may not use. I'll decide once I get the needlework finished. 

I'd love to show you the photograph of the bouquet, but I can't do that at this point. I don't want to ruin the surprise for the wedding couple. I will share it with you later, after the piece is done - or after the wedding. Wouldn't it be best to show the bride carrying it? I think so, too.

After all the colors were selected, I pulled a beautiful piece of white linen as my ground fabric. It's actually a tight weave, but I've enlarged this to show the beginning of my embroidery work, so it looks more open than it actually is.

You know what I'll be doing all day today (while I also run back and forth to the washing machine and dryer...laundry day). We'll see just how much progress I can make. I don't work again until Friday evening, so I have a lot of time to sit and stitch. I want to make some good headway so you can get a feel for the finished piece. I'll have more to show you tomorrow.

Another Finished Project...

 

I completed stitching this piece yesterday, so now I can show it to you. I really loved working on this one, choosing colors with special meaning to the recipient. 

 

 

Most of the piece is stitched in bullion knots, as well as cast-on stitch, stem and feather stitches. Those bullion knots were the ones that gave my hands the most grief, but as I said on Monday, my trusty needlework pliers saved the day once again. In the end, I think it was worth every stitch, and I'm going to do it again.

                                                  

 

The embroidery fits perfectly into a 6" hoop frame, and I completely finished the back of the piece prior to enclosing it in the frame. I would usually have my Brynwood label on the back of the frame, but this piece is a wedding gift for a dear friend, so I signed my name to it.

I've decided I'm going to add the option to purchase alphabet embroideries in my Etsy shop, too. I'm working up a fair price right now, and then I'll add these photos to get started. Soon I'll do a few more pieces (I have more frames on order), and then add them to my shop as well.

I did make a video of this piece to share on Instagram, so just click HERE if you'd like to see both sides of it.

 

 

Today, Handsome and I are going to put our garden to bed for the winter. Once all the beds are cleaned out, I'm going to add amendments to the soil, and then plant garlic into one raised bed. I'll cover it with soil and hay to protect it. It will overwinter, and begin growing right away once the weather warms in the spring. I'm planting a hard neck variety so I'll be able to harvest garlic scapes for pesto, and then the bulbs will be ready to harvest mid-summer. My plan is to not need to purchase garlic in the store anymore. (Fingers crossed.)                             

 

Once that's all finished, I'll be tidying up the studio and then deciding what my next project will be. Of course, I have another little frog to create for the winner of the Gratitude Giveaway November 1st. If you haven't entered yet, please click the link in my sidebar for the details. Remember, you can enter every day (up to three times if you qualify), but all comments have to be left on that post to count.