Greetings.....it has finally been feeling like winter here...a couple minor snow storms and one larger ice "event". Snow I don't mind, ice, that's another story. Sadly,we had to postpone a party to celebrate my parents 70th anniversary and my Mom's 90th birthday. Weather and Covid both played a part and the "better to be safe than sorry" adage definitely came into play.
So, as a result, I have gotten a bit of finishing accomplished. I'll start with a piece I stitched back in 2017, ABC de la Brodeuse by Jardin Prive. I was on the hunt for the perfect bell pull and finally found it last year at Salty Yarns. It's an old Just Nan header and I'm not sure is available anymore...I got very lucky!!! This was stitched on a 27 count banding, over one with the called for colors. I backed it with the same banding for a perfect finish.
Next up is the Sew Advent 2021 SAL piece by iStitch Designs. This was done on a 28 ct linen banding over one with Gloriana and AVAS silks. I attached it to an old wooden sewing thread spool, painted green, and added the holly button on the top.
A little past the season is Autumn on the Delaware by The Purple Thread. This was a kit and Was stitched on 30 ct. Irish Cream linen with a combo of WDW and GAST threads...all which came in the kit.These are my colors!!!! It came with the finishing fabric...don't you love that plaid.....I added bow and acorn charm at the bottom.
This is a freebie from Lila's Studio called Tomato. I stitched this on gingham fabric, over two, with a combo of VMS, GAST and WDW fibers. I made it into a pincushion stuffed with sawdust. I really love the weight/feel of the sawdust..will have to hit my SIL up for some more.
Last, but definitely not least is my finish of Bee Contained by Betsy Morgan of Willing Hands Designs. This piece is very special to me as Betsy said my love of bees was the inspiration for it! I was humbled...and tickled to be so honored!!! Betsy is the best teacher and I am lucky to have a number of her projects...some finished...some patiently waiting to be brought to life. Sadly Betsy has retired, but she has been a huge influence in my stitching journey....from the time I first saw her Toy Chest in 2008 to this piece, which was my last class with her in 2019. This was stitched on 32 count Sunshower linen with 2 colors of Gloriana silk.
I have managed to get stitching in the evenings and this is what I'm working on:
Diligent by Needlework Press First Frost by Hands on Design
Denim Band Sampler SAL from iStitch Designs
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| Sampler in a Jar |
Okay, so this Sampler in a Jar idea came from a floss tube by Lori Holt. You stitch tiny sampler motifs on scrap pieces of fabric then use them on a button cover, then pop in a jar. My friend, Lisa, got me this jar for my birthday and I have started to "fill" it.....I have 4 buttons done so far (the bee was the first). The jar is about 8 inches tall , so a tough order to fill! But, it is fun to just pop one of these out periodically..they're quick to stitch and even quicker to "finish" We will see where this goes...not guaranteeing anything! :)
That's it for the stitching update. I've been making some soups, French Onion and Shrimp corn chowder.....Beef and Guiness stew is on the menu for today...nice warm, comfort food!!! I've been trying to but some Cincinnati Chili mix but everywhere seems to be out of stock. That is a go to"winter" food for us. A dear friend in Cincinnati is on the prowl for me, but their grocery stores are out too!!! I've been drinking a lot of hot chocolate in the mug my daughter made years ago. I started adding a tiny bit of ground salt and love the sweet/salty combo!
I'll be attending a virtual stitch in this Saturday morning with the DVHSG and hope to attend a local group, RVA Stitchers in the afternoon...weather permitting. I hope you have a warm, safe and comfy weekend with some time for relaxing stitching.
Thanks for stopping by and your "twisted threads" of friendship!
Stasi
ABC de la Brodeuse is so gorgeous Stasi! I like the way Sew Advent 2021 is finally finished. I truly like sawdust for filling pillows also.
ReplyDeleteSo many beautifully finished pieces, and yay for Salty Yarns coming to the rescue!
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful finishes, Stasi! Yes, this cold, snowy weather is good for something :) How wonderful that you inspired those beautiful bee pieces--I can imagine how special they are to you. The whole set is so sweet--each and every one is beautifully finished! Love the ABC finish, too, as well as the Sew Advent piece. That plaid on the autumn finish really is perfect! And the tomato pillow is cute as a button!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you can get together soon to celebrate your parents' 70th (!!!!!!!) anniversary and mom's 90th. Both very special occasions. I know you were disappointed, but, it's definitely better to err on the side of caution these days.
Have a great weekend--stay warm ♥
Gorgeous stitching as always Stasi, I love the sampler in a jar idea, I might have to give that some thought, I have loads of empty candle jars just looking for a purpose. What really whetted my appetite though was the sight of a display cabinet in one of the snaps, I would love to see more of that in a future post please.
ReplyDeleteThose band samplers are all so very pretty.
ReplyDeleteThat Bee jar is perfect for you!
I also started using sawdust, I like it.
Have a great weekend, & stay warm!
Marilyn
What beautiful finishes you have put together, Stasi! Neat idea for the sampler in the jar and your jar is so you! Your WIPs are looking good. I am sorry the 70th anniversary and the 90th birthday gathering was postponed, but better to play it very safe.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am a fan of the snow, I am not a fan of ice. Enjoy your virtual meet up today along with the in-person if you get there.
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!
Beautiful blog
ReplyDeleteStasi, Your posts are always filled with so much stitching beauty! It's hard to pick a favorite but I have to say the bee set is really special. Your finishing is just perfection. The button jar is an ambitious project. Maybe you can stitch something from every project you stitch to add to the jar. Benefit is that they will all be quick stitching and you can go through the jar down the road, pull out a button and then see if you can remember what project it goes with. It's a shame you had to miss the big celebrations but hopefully they can be postponed till things are safer. Too many people getting this new variant even with inoculations.
ReplyDeleteI like a shotglass full of Carolyn's Irish cream in my hot chocolate after I make our late night check on the horses. It's nice to come in from the cold for a treat! I will try adding the salt one time but I doubt it will sway me away from the Carolyns!! Stay warm!!
Great idea to back your ABC’s with the same banding. I always wonder if I should back similar pieces. I love your stitching and finish of SewAdvent. I will have to sign up next year! Love love the tomato freebie. I need to see if I have downloaded that pattern (like I need another!!). Bee Contained is beautiful here and in person too! I like your banding for your Demin Band. I am inspired to start the Sampler in a Jar buttons and have some 1 1/8 buttons on order. As always I am overwhelmed at all you get accomplished. So nice to see you at Super Bowl weekend. And yes! Find that Cincinnati Chili mix.
ReplyDelete