tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46084650343884361802024-03-13T08:57:38.694-07:00Ruth's NeedleworkJust having fun with my needlework.California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-52473562949515670152018-05-22T15:00:00.000-07:002018-05-22T15:00:03.921-07:00I am Praysing the Needle!After admiring the Needle’s Prayse designs for years and actually kitting up one, I kitted up another (for a good reason) and got it going. <i>Virtue Outshines the Stars</i> has a copyright of 1984, which was in the early days of the current reproduction sampler movement. I’ve completed the top border of Queen Stitch flowers and the upper alphabet of Algerian Eyelet letters and numbers (including an ampersand!). There is a Queen Stitch in the middle of each grape. The colors are so soft and pretty. I’m stitching it on Zweigart cream 32-count Belfast linen and it’s taking up the full fat quarter of fabric.<br />
And it’s one of the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jillym53/100-legendary-samplers/" target="_blank">100 Legendary Samplers</a> made up some years ago, though I really think that list should be updated.<br />
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<img alt="What I’ve done so far." id="id_4ce1_1e0e_3206_cf87" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCGZL7MT2DA/WwRrQR2tX4I/AAAAAAAACQQ/MhbOmm8o850c_j5sbrmB0q1bgVnyiDSSgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 314px;" title="" tooltip="" /> <img alt="Queen Stitch flowers" id="id_6231_f4ae_8c02_d596" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-UFLHU7PJM/WwRrPsBqpCI/AAAAAAAACQE/J0evgr9qf08M9LPhVas2NaKlxEDPrAkZQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 128px;" title="" tooltip="" /> <img alt="Algerian Eyelet " id="id_975f_2bc_e861_fe05" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OeoAWSVUyv4/WwRrPvYE9eI/AAAAAAAACQI/mKOQ8AeRWR8LLXk87T3aoa9yNmvjoy7fQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 132px;" title="" tooltip="" /> <img alt="A Queen Stitching the middle of each grape" id="id_2674_f5f5_36bd_9665" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b_kEscR9zQg/WwRrP6pFf1I/AAAAAAAACQM/O1n8X2FJ0WYlCypuYQhvSaPrtcHdVQ9AgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 240px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Because of the age of my pattern, there was one funny little quirky problem. Do you see it?</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Yes, the original pattern was published in black and white. Notice the symbols on the flower. The inter stitches are all the same color. What about the outer stitches on the flower. What color are THEY supposed to be? Because they are right next to each other on the Color Code, I decided the designer meant 758 (the orientation on the next flower pulls that into play) and it looks good. But truthfully, we can change anything we like on our own pieces. </span><br />
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And why didn’t I start the pattern I’d already kitted up? It’s the Cranberry Sampler (also on the legendary sampler list above) kitted in silks, which means it has to go on scroll rods. I wanted a project I could do on a hoop, which means it has to be washed and ironed and that means cotton floss. A trip to Joann’s with a coupon and linen out of my stash and I was ready to start! I did have a recent conversation with a teacher recently about the washing silk thing and she told me that many silks will survive washing. She suggested that I test it by stitching some of each silk onto a piece of my fabric, wash and iron it as I normally do, and check for bleeding. She does that herself. This makes silk thread more attractive to me since I feel quite strongly about being able to wash my piece when I’m finished. Hmm....<br />
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California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-16149881241796873522017-12-11T19:50:00.001-08:002017-12-11T19:50:47.251-08:00Planning for 2018I have been making up a list of projects for this coming year. I’d like to say the list is firm but I know from experience that I’ll find new projects or get enamored of an existing project not listed so let’s call this list, hmm, “flexible.”<div><br><div>To Finish: </div><a href="http://www.threedles.com/04012016/Frames/threedles_frameset.html" id="id_62af_3999_724d_8596">Diamond Eyes</a> by Threedles. Kurdy Biggs loves geometric designs and includes lots of “Hilton” stitches.<div><a href="https://www.egausa.org/index.php/education/group-correspondence-courses/new/1057-more-than-a-rose" id="id_8e86_e48b_34c7_7f87">More Than a Rose</a> by Melinda Sherbring. This EGA Group Correspondence Course is one of the reasons EGA membership is worth every dime.<br></div><div><a href="https://www.egausa.org/index.php/events/national-seminars/seminar-2018/19-fp-tabs/1309-stitch-ambrosia-honey-with-us" id="id_921b_6222_f0c0_ce9a">Ambrosia Honey</a> is another EGA project SAL at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/486902244995324/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/486902244995324/</a></div><div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div>To Start:</div><div><i>Love and Laughter</i> by Amaryllis Artwork. I could find no trace of this online, I acquired this kit through as an EGA chapter project a few years ago and have wanted to start for a while.</div><div><a href="http://www.hankypankycrafts.com/angdrm.jpg" id="id_9f5c_7826_248b_8bbc">Angel of Dreams</a> by Hanky Panky Hardanger designs.<br></div><div><a href="http://www.beachcottagestitchers.com/catalog.php?item=7085" id="id_624b_7bcb_650d_ded5">Sampler Santa</a> by the Needle’s Notion.<br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’ll also be taking two workshops this year, one for <a href="https://psregaorg.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/star-dance-workshop.docx" id="id_6dd2_3952_a57c_5e35">Star Dance</a> by Margaret Bendig and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=terri+bay+nine+patch&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#imgrc=vnNOOs03UX9tAM:" id="id_7a83_d03_4b2e_b9af">Nine-Patch Tray</a> by Terri Bay, so that’s a lot! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m also the programs chair for Baldy View Chapter of the EGA, so I’ll be busy. In the meantime, I’m trying to finish up some projects to enter into the </span></div><a href="http://www.needleartistsbythesea.org/shorelinesstitchers.htm" id="id_8a5b_3ec0_cf2c_5e4d">Stitchers Showcase</a> this coming spring.California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-52263990115576096712017-02-17T22:41:00.001-08:002017-02-17T22:41:16.584-08:00And They Sinned by Examplar DamesIt's raining here in Southern California, one of those hard end-of-drought storms that part of the drought/fire/flood cycle here, so sitting in my recliner listening to the rain while I stitch is the definition of cozy.<div><br></div><div>I finished <i>Sampler au Bouquet</i> by Jardin Privé.</div><img id="id_92b8_ec47_53_d0e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b-RkmVg1OdI/WKfsh7fy2VI/AAAAAAAACOQ/mUAw0DRY3WE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 165px; height: auto;"> <img id="id_8e50_aaef_2405_e16f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kk5lyev-cQE/WKfsiaE0nyI/AAAAAAAACOU/EfRXhBUsMwI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 164px; height: auto;"> <img id="id_d50b_3a43_cd5a_515a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fLxyHAg7T7w/WKfsiegpNpI/AAAAAAAACOY/FnKxR1CvHzE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 163px; height: auto;"> <div><div>I found a paper maché barrel, painted and varnished it, stitched a line of eyelets on each end of the sampler, and laced it on with pearl cotton. I like the way it turned out!<br><div> </div></div><div>A few weeks ago I started stitching on <i>And They Sinned</i> by Examplar Dames. I'm stitching it on Flax Fields 36-count linen with the recommended Gentle Art Sampler Threads. Here's what I've done so far. I'm really enjoying this!</div><div><img id="id_6330_185d_c5e_a8d5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VMnMW_mcTxg/WKfsi0A8B3I/AAAAAAAACOc/cldEmhKYaVw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 960px; height: auto;"> </div></div><div id="_blog_touch_end_br_for_reorient"><br></div><div id="_blog_touch_end_br_for_reorient"><br></div>California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-13048594683044849822016-02-12T20:22:00.000-08:002016-02-12T20:22:09.206-08:00Progress on Sampler Au Bouquet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiJ-ItKMiPU/Vr6rxP8Ue2I/AAAAAAAACLc/qbK061AY6Go/s1600/Sampler%2Baux%2BBouquet%2Ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiJ-ItKMiPU/Vr6rxP8Ue2I/AAAAAAAACLc/qbK061AY6Go/s400/Sampler%2Baux%2BBouquet%2Ball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sampler au Bouquet by Jardin Privé is being stitched by a group on Facebook. It's officially part of my rotation along with the Butterfly, but I'm liking this so much that I'm pretty much just stitching this. So much for a rotation plan. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 23</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 12</td></tr>
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have a start on the alphabet on the right side and those lovely dark
pink flowers. Another stitcher on the SAL is doing her piece on
hardanger and the colors really pop much more than on my linen.<br />
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I got interested in this project because of two finishing photos that
people found on the web. They are both so pretty. Remember, click on a
photo to see it larger. It's so fun seeing different finishing
techniques. It really comes down to using a handle.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiuxr7Wd90A/Vr6uO5DQSnI/AAAAAAAACLo/r853bhIHL20/s1600/sampler%2Bau%2Bgarden%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiuxr7Wd90A/Vr6uO5DQSnI/AAAAAAAACLo/r853bhIHL20/s320/sampler%2Bau%2Bgarden%2B1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
This finished piece is from <a href="http://carpentrasbrode.over-blog.com/article-sampler-aux-bouquets-101508974.html" target="_blank">http://carpentrasbrode.over-blog.com/article-sampler-aux-bouquets-101508974.html</a><br />
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So pretty, so pretty. Imagine this with a glass handle, or even a big 'ole glass doorknob kind of thing.<br />
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This is really great, too. More stitching for the lid, but a beautifully done piece. Like a shaker box done just right.<br />
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Back to stitching!<br />
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California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-39492883118406401162016-01-14T14:43:00.001-08:002016-01-14T14:55:51.703-08:00Butterfly Band 1 and setupI am trying to do some posting using an app on my iPad, and I've just discovered that it does NOT do well with photos, so sometimes my posts are a bit awkward-looking. Oh well.<br />
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I have finished my band 1 on my Butterfly, also known as the Heritage Sampler Club from Nordic Needle.<br />
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It's really pretty! I've photographed it against a black background so that you can see that I've done a pretty good job of not carrying threads. And that little hanging thing from the leaf on the left branch is a butterfly chrysalis. Click on the photo to make the photo bigger.<br />
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Here it is photographed against a white background. When I was nearly finished with the right branch, I realized that both sides didn't match and I couldn't find the mistake. I ended up ripping out that entire side, basting along both sides for reference, and then stitching the right side NOT from the chart but by mirroring the left side. It turned out that there were two problems. I had made an error, but the chart for the right side also has an extra backstitch on one of the stems, essentially doubling my error.<br />
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Here is a picture of that coral knot edging on the butterfly. First the outline is backstitched and then restitched with a series of knots for extra texture. It is these little extras that give needlework dimension. Because of the twist in the thread, I had a terrible time working out of the body toward the right or clockwise. I just couldn't avoid bad knots. I found that working counter-clockwise was much better.<br />
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I also realized that I didn't talk about my setup for this project.<br />
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First, I chose a roller frame because, unlike stretcher bars, I only have a small section of the project to deal with at any time. I usually don't bother to lace the fabric to the sides but Linda Driskell tells you to do so. When doing pulled thread work, keeping the fabric under both vertical and horizontal tension allows for a better, more consistent pull of your stitching thread and better control of the fabric thread distortion, which is how you get that pretty lace appearance on the butterfly.<br />
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First Linda had me run a basting stitch down the center of the fabric. This is a symmetrical design so having that center line will be really helpful. I then basted another line down a few inches to set the top of the design.<br />
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I then used the velcro attachment roller bars from American Dream Products because it is really fast and easy to get the fabric straight. I used pearl cotton to lace up the sides. I don't have drum-tight tension at all but it is an even tension in both directions.<br />
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<br />California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-72765545992191179912016-01-05T19:14:00.001-08:002016-02-12T19:51:02.255-08:00First Time in RotationI have decided to concentrate on the Heirloom Sampler Club aka Butterfly and the Sampler au Bouquet 2016 SAL. I started the SAL a few days early since I had a whole night waiting in the hospital for my daughter to have a beautiful baby boy, Aaron.<img alt="" id="id_e5b1_2b8_e78f_e96b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7-4DOuVmg4/VoyF98-AMSI/AAAAAAAACH8/Wwdg_eRmuVQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" title="" /><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Anyway, on January 1st, this is what my Sampler au Bouquet looked like this:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Today it looks like this:</span><br />
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The designer has you stitch the initials of your name in a lighter pink.
I like that! I only stitched a few hours but I got quite a bit done.</div>
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So I now have to switch over to the Butterfly for a bit. Here is what I have done so far: </div>
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The piece is mounted on a 16-inch scroll frame and laced up the sides to create a consistent tension on the fabric both side to side sad up and down. The butterfly is outlined with a back stitch and then highlighted with coral knots on the top. I like the effect and will try for a better photo later. This piece took a fair amount of time to set up but it will look really great when it's completed. </div>
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Here is the project photo from Nirdic Needle. </div>
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I should be completing the second band by now but you can see that I'm behind. That's why I've decided to commit to a rotation this year. I love, love, love to start new projects but then I start another one and then another one and the older ones that I still love disappear into the WIP pile. The first half of each month is for the Butterfly and the second half for the Sampler au Bouquet to stay on task. Let this be the year of completion!</div>
California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-29909616149637128932015-12-26T22:00:00.001-08:002016-01-02T23:19:02.444-08:00What's the plan for 2016?It's usually better to have a plan. Going by my stash, my plan is to stitch 24 hours per day for 365 days.<br />
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My stash is a big fat liar.</div>
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My sadly genuine plan is to start a formal rotation on the pieces I want to complete this year. So what would I like to finish?</div>
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Tanya Berlin's Hapsburg Lace Sampler</div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I'</span>m working on this for my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.baldyviewega.blogspot.com" id="id_7e5_3ad3_7dc1_327c" target="_blank">EGA</a> project using Old Gold Valdani pearl cotton on black canvas.</div>
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Linda Driskell's 1994 sampler club</div>
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This is through Nordic Needle as <a href="http://www.nordicneedle.com/prod/CLUB16.html" id="id_c3e5_a0ca_ea38_ecca">Heirloom Sampler Club</a> and so far it's pretty fun. I took one of Linda's last classes through the now-defunct CATS stitching seminars and she was a wonderful teacher. I just received part 3 but I'm only about 1/2 way finished with part 1, so I've got to get hot on this.</div>
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Threedle's Cathedral</div>
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Holy smokes this is beautiful! I just acquired this chart and the colors and threads are amazing!</div>
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Marbek Nativity</div>
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Ive been working on this on and off for years. I've got the main portion of the bottom central panel nearly done. The challenge of this is actually the size. It's on a big scroll frame and it's awkward to stitch. It's best on that type of frame because I can't wash it, do it will be slow going but it is pretty.</div>
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Jardin Privé Sampler au Bouquet 2016 Facebook SAL</div>
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I am looking forward to this.</div>
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Classic White Runner Kit from Nordic Needle</div>
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I've been working on this, again, for a few years. It's not hard but I stitch on it then move to something else.</div>
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Beaded Christmas Ornaments</div>
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I found a beaded ornament pattern and want to make more. They are beautiful and easy, a relaxing break from other kinds of needlework.</div>
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I'm looking forward to a very good year.<br />
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California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-57193052027622070242015-12-26T20:58:00.001-08:002015-12-26T22:11:13.161-08:00Stockings 2015Merry Christmas!<br />
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My kids came over for presents and dinner. Presents include a filled stocking. It's become part of becoming part of the family. I had Shane's stocking stitched last year but didn't get it finished until this past summer.. Here is a picture of all our stockings.</div>
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<img alt="" height="480" id="id_89e0_b7e2_437e_c7ac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iwamJeJAQO4/Vn9v9ZLOk5I/AAAAAAAACFw/DZIVZqqMt0Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" title="" width="640" />Jonathan and Shane's stockings are cross stitch and the others are felt except for mine from childhood. </div>
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California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-6221757414313948022015-10-21T16:43:00.001-07:002015-10-21T16:43:16.003-07:00Kumihimo FunI went to the <a href="http://quiltcraftsew.com/index.html" target="_blank">quilt show at the Pomona Fairgrounds</a> recently and saw a booth, Kumihimo with Margo. I'm sure that every crafter in the world is shocked SHOCKED that I had purchased a project from this same business 18 months ago and had put it away, unstarted, in a drawer. I know, I'm the only one on Earth that's ever done this.<br />
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I'm so ashamed.<br />
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Anyway, kumihimo is a braiding technique that lets you create a cord from a minimum of 8 warps or individual threads up to, well, any multiple of 4 that will fit on your disk. The foam disks sold just about everywhere usually have 32 slots which easily fits 28 warps. Adjusting the pattern of warp colors let you create intricate braided cords. But why would you want to make your own braid? Well, we make twisted cord all the time for trimming pieces. A tightly-braided cord would be much more durable for something like a scissor fob or neck strap. It is an additional technique we can utilize to make our handwork genuinely hand-worked.<br />
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I had purchased a 16-warp bracelet set up from Margo's shop, consulted the three books I'd also purchased, and I finally got it started.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS4OApBLWKQ/VigVvttV_uI/AAAAAAAACCs/DfQdeQEShAI/s1600/DSC_0395%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS4OApBLWKQ/VigVvttV_uI/AAAAAAAACCs/DfQdeQEShAI/s400/DSC_0395%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My disk set up with 16 warps</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS4OApBLWKQ/VigVvttV_uI/AAAAAAAACCs/DfQdeQEShAI/s1600/DSC_0395%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f28y3r8Mf8o/VigVszpEFJI/AAAAAAAACCc/tUDymoA5yMY/s1600/DSC_0394%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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You can see the threads that were part of this project. The warps were already tied together when I bought them, but I think that they are a Rainbow Gallery threads, a red ribbon, a green ribbon, a gold metallic, and a silver metallic. The braid has a weight on the bottom to keep the tension consistent and works up really fast. The braid measured about 10 inches when finished and took maybe 1 1/2 hours to complete. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my braid with a skein of floss for size comparison.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison for length.</td></tr>
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I eagerly dove back into my
kumihimo books for more information on what I could use to make a
kumihimo braid. I kept seeing Rattail mentioned. Yes, genuine Rattail is
a copyrighted product made in the USA from rayon while most of the big
box stores carry a copy made from nylon made in China, but how different
could it really be? I hurried down to Hobby Lobby and found some satin
cord in the fabric department. I bought four colors to made an 8-warp
braid for Halloween since the cords were so thick I really didn't want to work with 16 warps of this stuff.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set up, ready to start my satin-cord braid.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Look at the cover of this book. Aren't those lovely braids? Many of the braids in this book are made of satin cord using 8 warps. I knew that I would have a beautiful braid too.<br />
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I got something very different.<br />
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I did not get beautiful.<br />
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I got ugly. Really ugly.<br />
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This braid is about 18 inches long and big and thick. I mean dog leash thick. It turns out that that cheap whopper satin cord, at least what's sold in the Hobby Lobby trim department, is too big and rough for a really lovely cord.<br />
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Here are my first 2 cords next to each other. First, the spiral on the big 8-warp is there, just not well defined. Also, though it uses half the warps of the first braid, it's really big and thick. Not what I was thinking at all. You can even see the differences between the way the materials lay without being braided. Softer and smaller materials really did make a smaller, softer, and more elegant braid.<br />
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So back I went to Hobby Lobby. I didn't want to spend much money on my braid since I wanted to make a simple braid to use for a Halloween necklace. I found some #3 crochet cotton on sale in a Halloween variegated color. I combined that with some #5 black pearl cotton, some #16 gold braid from Kreinik, and some 1/8" satin ribbon and made this braid. I played with the variegated aspect a bit and ended up with a fun cord.<br />
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Some end caps, a clasp, and a bat pendant and some beads and I have my custom-made Halloween necklace.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The variegated color smoothly changes around the cord. I did that on purpose.</td></tr>
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All in all, I spent maybe two afternoons on all of this including shopping time, so it really is something you can learn and complete pretty quickly. I can't stitch in the car but I could easily do kumihimo. And of course I did an online search and found lots of patterns you can make by changing the colors and number of warps. Adding beads brings a new dimension to a project. </div>
California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-54833349446981014652015-09-13T15:52:00.000-07:002015-09-13T15:52:18.098-07:00My name is Ruth, and I am a needlework addictI posted the other <a href="http://ruthsneedlework.blogspot.com/2015/09/back-in-ventura.html" target="_blank">day</a> about Tanja Berlin's Hapsburg Lace Sampler I'm doing through my EGA chapter. I write my chapter blog and <a href="http://baldyviewega.blogspot.com/2015/07/june-meeting-and-some-stitch-in-photos.html" target="_blank">here</a> is more information about our project. What I did find interesting in my research and a bit of asking around is this tidbit: Hapsburg Lace is a made-up technique. It sounds historical, but it's not at all. It was just the name of a chart.<br />
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I am an addict, and like so many addicts I promote temperance or outright abstention. But I AM an addict. This is why one evening I bought this on, I think, Amazon. Because I...must...OWN...IT!<br />
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Yes, this is a nice fresh scan of the chart that appears to have started it all. Like so many older charts, the analog photo isn't really very good at all even if it is enlarged substantially.<br />
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So let me give you some details from the charts inside. The model was stitched on tan canvas. If you take a little peek at the enlarged photo THROUGH the lacy band stitches, you will see tan. So where did the red come from? All that color is little multi-direction tent (aka 4-way continental) stitches in a floss to match your ribbon color. Again, enlarge the photo and you can see the pink ribbon.<br />
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Here is a scan of the inside front cover. I wanted you to see the designers' names, Carol Costello and Jinell Ibey. A quick google search shows some nice photos of designs attributed to either or both of them. In fact, you can still order some of Fancy Work & Fantasies designs <a href="http://store.apneedlearts.com/fawofa.html" target="_blank">here.</a> As you can also see, this was published in 1980, fairly early in the counted thread revival in the late 20th century. Back then there was no graphic software available for designers so everything including the layout diagram was hand drawn. See kids, you DO use geometry after high school!<br />
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The design is divided into six separate ribbons comprising five separate little samplers (#4 and #6 are the same). Each stitched ribbon incorporates a length of colored satin ribbon that can coordinate with those tent stitches. All the ribbons are stitched with #5 and #8 pearl cotton in ecru on 14-count mono canvas. And it does have to be done on mono canvas, because you have some pulled work on this. Congress cloth is too closely woven for the fabric threads to displace well. Linen would be too soft as the stiff canvas is really what makes this pop. The basic stitches used are those tent stitches, various eyelets, smyrnas, and french knots over the tent stitches to make those corner roses.<br />
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So I have to say I really like this technique. <a href="http://www.berlinembroidery.com/hapsburglace.htm#maze" target="_blank">Tanja Berlin</a> took this idea and really ran with it, creating some fun pieces that introduced a whole lot of stitchers to an idea that came out of a couple of Southern California needleworkers in 1980. Google "Hapsburg Lace" and click on "images" for more fun pictures. <br />
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Now, how do you take a project from 1980 and modernize it up? Because 2015 - 1980 = styles have changed.<br />
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<a href="http://embroiderersact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Hapsburg-Lace-in-Progress-stitched-by-Jan-Hure-300x234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://embroiderersact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Hapsburg-Lace-in-Progress-stitched-by-Jan-Hure-300x234.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is a photo I found on an Australian website. Jan Hure is the name of the needleworker. You can see that she has combined an overdyed pearl cotton in the middle with a solid color for the edges. Nice. She changed out the rose colors and it look like she didn't use the tent stitch background.<br />
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Remember, click on a picture to enlarge it.<br />
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<a href="http://embroiderersact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Detail-2-from-Hapsburg-Lace-in-Progress-stitched-by-Jan-Hure-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://embroiderersact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Detail-2-from-Hapsburg-Lace-in-Progress-stitched-by-Jan-Hure-300x225.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://embroiderersact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Detail-1-of-Hapsburg-Lace-in-Progress-stitched-by-Jan-Hure-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://embroiderersact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Detail-1-of-Hapsburg-Lace-in-Progress-stitched-by-Jan-Hure-300x225.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>You could use a brilliant varied overdye as the accent floss, or add some metallic thread as part of the ribbon design or even in place of the satin ribbon. Stitching it on 18-count with #8 and #12 pearl cotton (like Tanja does) would make it smaller and a bit more modern. Also, why stick with a rose in the corner if you could add a bug or a skull? Initials are always good too. Why do all the stitched ribbons have to be the same color?<br />
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And for goodness sake, don't assume you have to finish the pillow like the chart's photo. Really, I promise you, it's okay. <br />
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Check out my EGA blog link above and see what Yvonne did to bump up her project. More photos of our chapter project will be added as I see more finished work.<br />
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Now, it's not likely that I'm going to actually stitch this guy. (Though to confess I DO happen to have some white 14-count canvas in my stash and some pearl cotton that would be just great for this. What a coincidence!) My addiction is often satisfied just by ownership of the pattern. I am like a dragon hoarding not gold but lots of paper covered with strange little runes.<br />
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California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-3286188676942111832015-09-12T12:47:00.001-07:002015-09-12T12:47:16.170-07:00Back in VenturaWow, I really thought I'd posted in the past several months. My good intentions really count for absolutely nothing. That explains my diet attempts.<div><br></div><div>Sheesh.</div><div><br></div><div>I have finished some things over the past YEAR since I last posted and will get some photos and descriptions up when I get back home. Yup, I'm back at the timeshare in Ventura California. It is so nice and quiet here. It is supposed to be my personal stitching retreat so here's what I've got.</div><div><img id="id_978d_1181_30e1_75f1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-er65jIQsrhs/VfSBQqjp2HI/AAAAAAAACBo/GbSPs0w6w1c/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 416px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>This is the Hapsburg Lace Sampler by Tanja Berlin. My </div><a href="www.baldyviewega.blogspot.com" id="id_76e6_1ff1_37c1_74c3">EGA chapter Baldy View</a> is stitching this as our chapter project. <div><br></div><div>As you can see, I did not clean up for the photo. Also, that gum container is to store my pearl cotton balls to they don't go careening around the room. I finally can justify loving gum. I chose to stitch my project in colors favored by the designer. It is spun gold Valdani pearl cotton on black 18-count canvas. The canvas edge isn't taped because I wanted to get started and didn't have the right kind of tape so now it is getting ragged and rough. If I was using floss or God forbid silk or a twitchy thread it would be a problem but I think it is acceptable with the pearl. It is working up really pretty. It has a lot of eyelets and even on what she calls double cross stitches and what everyone else calls smyrnas, you need to really pull to get a good neat look. The white towel serves as a contrast so I can see the black canvas threads.</div><div><br></div><div>While I was here, I made a trip to </div><a href="http://www.athreadgarden.com/athreadgarden.com/Home.html" id="id_3647_1119_a612_46f4">A Thread Garden</a> in Camarillo. The shop has a good collection of Rainbow Gallery threads, Kreinik threads, and many other lines, but most importantly they have the entire color line of Presencia cotton threads, both the floss and the pearl. I don't know about the size 3, but they have the pearl in 5, 8, 12, and an amazing 16! This way, if you want to convert a design using pearl from 18-count canvas to 24-count congress, you can still use pearl cotton. And it is in a wonderful color range as well. The threads are long-staple Egyptian cotton. With other line cutting back on their pearl lines, having a good source of pearl colors here in Southern California is absolutely delightful.<div><div><div><div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div>California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-12058508433987551472014-09-03T22:41:00.001-07:002014-09-03T22:41:52.674-07:00Done With the Stocking Stitching<p dir="ltr">Here is the stocking and some detail pictures. It has been washed and pressed. I still have to attach the reindeer harness and some beads, but it is oh so close to done.</p>
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So here it is:<div><img id="id_58d8_51a9_e4c6_3aea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c31Nw_D0z9k/U_kzcLlFlPI/AAAAAAAAB8k/BoPUYJ0mBN0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 725px; height: 542px;"><br></div><div>Looking pretty good! It's a Dimensions kit from 1996 called "Here Comes Santa Claus." I still have to make and attach the cording for the reins and Santa's whip plus attach the few beads. I'm also changing the threads that will accent the sleigh. </div><div><br></div><div>Here is the kit photo so that you can see the sleigh details as designed.</div><div><img id="id_4047_fcb5_e897_2bc1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qSarjYGwZSU/U_kzf3q-FdI/AAAAAAAAB8s/-OMUhf6oksI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 725px; height: 542px;"><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>The kit calls for some gold thread mixed with gold metallic for the shiny metal sleigh trim and just gold thread for the dull trim on the back. Instead, I will be using DMC Memory Thread. I think this will look better.</div></div><div><img id="id_a2f6_61e8_6e73_693f" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dEPQ9CGFUjg/U_kzh_4lV8I/AAAAAAAAB80/JhNjrAylZ58/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 704px; height: 705px;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I've never used Memory Thread before and I'm looking forward to playing with it.</div><div><br></div>California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-48021478449020604952014-05-10T19:00:00.001-07:002014-05-10T19:00:03.452-07:00A piece for Shane"Yes, Mom, I know it's been awhile since I called..." Sorry for the long break. Between a bit of family upset, a minor illness, and a whole lot of lassitude, I'm back in the blogging chair. The metaphorical blogging chair, that is.<div><br></div><div><img id="id_18c0_4bce_f502_5932" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KuoAPp4KrPU/U27Zb8A9OsI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/qL6fVh0rMtU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 710px; height: 530px;"></div><div>Here is the result of about four days of work on a piece for Shane. Who is Shane, you ask? My daughter's fiancé! I have to get this done for him because everyone in the family MUST have one. I'm not going to tell you what it is yet though I'm sure it's fairly obvious, especially if you look through my blog history.</div><div><br></div><div>It's actually from a Dimensions kit from 1996. I've become so used to over-dyed floss these past few years that I'd forgotten about "blended floss." Some designers use the entire palette of floss colors of DMC or Anchor. Some, like the Silver Lining's Marc Saastrad use DMC and </div><div>Anchor combined to create a palette of over 700 colors. But back in the 80's and 90's, we did a lot of "blended floss." Take strands of different colors and put them together in your needle to create a third color. The large rounded object in my photo (just for fun, let's call it "the moon") is done with two strands of yellow floss and three strands of pale brown. In real life, it looks a bit like straw. The rest of this round "moon" will be stitched with only five strands of yellow. This creates a texture I wouldn't get with a single color and a uniformity I wouldn't get with over dyed floss. I really need to remember this trick. You'd think that doing it in half crosses would go faster but I have to constantly check on the tension of all five threads in each stitch.</div><div><br></div><div>In more news, the Shoreline Stitchers Showcase here in Southern California was held last month. I entered four pieces. I was a bit frustrated that I had so little to choose from but I just haven't gotten a lot completed recently. Some years it seems like I get nothing completed and then other years lots of big projects get completed. This was not a period of high completion. Sigh.<img id="id_74b5_c178_2998_6836" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IXUsX_88dqI/U27ZcA9aakI/AAAAAAAAB6U/7MmXvz_CP98/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 710px; height: 530px;"></div><div>This is Jonathan's stocking. It is an all-over cross stitch design and took a second place ribbon. I love this design.</div><div><img id="id_329c_1b48_472b_878d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N_BWy3ja72c/U27ZoCxA-gI/AAAAAAAAB68/1AneWMKq4O8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 710px; height: 530px;"></div><div>Here is Jonathan and Michal's wedding sampler that won a first place blue ribbon. Again, you can't see it in the photos, but the designer called for the bells to use a whole lotta blending filament, gold in the gold areas and white in the white areas. This made the bells look metallic. </div><div><img id="id_22b3_e9a8_3228_10e6" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nH3i3x-Ik1Q/U27Zhq8lbLI/AAAAAAAAB6g/o5eHXNRsxts/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 710px; height: 530px;"></div><div>My Around the World in 80 Stitches box won a second place. Not bad for something I was considering throwing out.</div><div><img id="id_60e1_852b_3c32_5293" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-25L4bW3_mKE/U27Zl29V73I/AAAAAAAAB6s/G_EJKZNIWeg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 710px; height: 530px;"></div><div>Here are my Gingerbread House ornaments stitched on perforated paper and with lots and lots of beads.</div><div><img id="id_8430_c2c7_912c_ef45" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-quWXFSdrMvk/U27Zmdks4II/AAAAAAAAB6w/RemueckCX8Y/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 691px; height: 516.0632911392405px;"></div><div>And here are the backs.</div>California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-73222171432684415562013-07-31T11:19:00.001-07:002013-07-31T11:19:13.715-07:00Mixed Metals Peyote CuffSo I'm spending a few days in Ventura on a personal stitching retreat. It's great to have serious uninterrupted time to stitch. This next project was a fund raiser from the Pacific Southwest Region EGA last year. <div><img id="id_fd46_144e_c167_920b" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yzos-gbUAik/UflVH7S3TrI/AAAAAAAAB5s/d5r-1gMWMWo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 725px; height: 542px; "></div><div>It's called "Corrugated Mixed Metals Color Ribbon Peyote Cuff" designed by Sand Fibers by Carol Dean Sharpe. I've got another inch or so and the bead weaving will be done. Size 11 Delica beads and size 11 Toho beads are used to get this great texture. I went to Creative Castle and picked up a clasp for it yesterday so I should have a second piece completed on this retreat. Yippee!</div><div><br></div><div>Today is the opening day for the Ventura County Fair. I'm going over to check out the needlework and other craft entries. More yippee!</div>California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-81471849780805894762013-07-30T09:05:00.001-07:002013-07-30T09:05:56.923-07:00The Winner's CircleI was privileged to participate in a pilot class for a beaded project. When a designer has a new teaching project, they hold a pilot class to make sure that the supplies and written directions for future classes are correct. Carolyn Sherman has designed a necklace she will be teaching at the EGA national seminar in Louisville and it is just lovely.<div><img id="id_aa8d_916d_b4f_7935" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGb2fVTUQBI/UffkYnfRSFI/AAAAAAAAB5c/NQCdjjwb_C8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" title="" style="margin: 4px; width: 725px; height: 542px; "></div><div>It is called "Winners Circle." I haven't done much beading but her class was great and I was able to complete the piece on my own. I thought that that big ring was beaded around a plastic shaper or something. Nope, it's just bead weaving with needle and thread. Once again, I am awed by the creativity of a designer. I've seen the components this necklace uses but would never NEVER have imagined using them this way. Her seminar students are in for a real treat. </div>California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-51188093170048633052013-06-17T11:18:00.000-07:002013-06-17T11:18:47.128-07:00White Hardanger RunnerI really like hardanger. I remember the first time I saw it. It was on a <a href="http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/ts_l.html" target="_blank">Teresa Wentzler design.</a> I wondered how it was done. I asked about classes at my local needlework shop but couldn't find anyone to teach me. I bought a book but it left out some super-basic information, like should I use a hoop, or how tight to pull the stitches, or how to cut the threads without completely messing up the piece. And what if you cut the wrong thread, then what? Fortunately the old CATS seminars were still making their way around the country and I was able to take a class from Linda Driskell. What a wonderful lady!<br />
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First, Linda recommended that beginners especially use a hoop with the fabric held loosely. Most teachers recommend no hoop (or stitching in-hand) but Linda felt it helped to have something to hold onto. Tension in the kloster blocks (the stitches that actually stabilize the piece) need to be medium, firm enough to keep the background fabric in place and to lay consistently flat but not to distort the background fabric too much. Then we talked about using a "magic needle" to open up the thread areas to be cut and about "snugging up" our scissors to get the closest cut without damaging the stitching thread. We talked about weaving bars and doves eyes and picots and filling stitches. It was a great class. It also turned out to be her last. She was leaving the business to take care of her ailing husband. Linda was an important national teacher in the areas of pulled and drawn thread work and she did some great designs that are still available.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring designed by Lori Birmingham stitched by Ruth Plummer</td></tr>
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Ironically I never did finish Linda's class piece but I did feel more
confident about hardanger. The next year I took a class from Lori
Birmingham for this runner named "Spring."<br />
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And I actually finished it! <br />
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So on to my current piece. Here is the photo of the finished project from Nordic Needle's website. This runner calls for simply weaving the threads into bars to create the lace look without added elements like picots or doves eyes, making it a beginner level piece but, I think, very elegant. Hardanger looks delicate but is tough enough to be used for napkins or even towels. <br />
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I'm stitching this project in-hand. I don't feel the need to use a hoop for a project this size and I've gotten much better at evaluating my tension that when I was less experienced. It also lets me use a sewing motion instead of a stabbing motion, allowing me to stitch a whole lot faster.<br />
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Here's my piece so far. It's not quite as pretty as the final piece yet. The stitching consists of four elements: the satin stitch or kloster block stitches that make up the majority of the design outlines, the buttonhole stitch used to create a more secure edge, the satin-stitched floral motifs, and the woven bars. All the stitching needs to be done before I cut a single thread to begin the drawn thread work. You can fix it if you cut the wrong thread but it's much much easier to count carefully and not make that mistake in the first place!<br />
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Another challenge with hardanger is making sure I consistently stitch on the correct side! The left of this photo is the front of the piece and the right side is the back. If I don't look carefully it's easy for me to stitch on the wrong side. Then the frog is loose, calling me to rip-it, rip-it. I've already had to rip out an entire half because of a counting error I didn't catch so I don't want to rip out more of my work.<br />
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There are amazing photos of hardanger embroidery all over the web. Do a search and be inspired. <a href="http://www.nordicneedle.com/" target="_blank">Nordic Needle in Fargo, North Dakota</a> has a great website with lots of information and they have the best annual seminar ever! For those of us in Southern California, <a href="http://www.needlepointsltd.com/page/page/7040119.htm" target="_blank">Needlepoints Ltd. in Garden Grove</a> does offer classes in Hardanger on Thursday mornings though it looks like you can arrange private lessons as well.<br />
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<br />California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-18954465982256238272013-06-08T00:21:00.000-07:002013-06-17T11:34:57.825-07:00Limoges Box Giveaway<br />
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Kim at <a href="http://wisdomwithneedleandthread.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wisdom with Needle and Thread</a> makes these sweet little porcelain boxes and is giving one away.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YLREYywGbg/Ua0Dg9xUa2I/AAAAAAAAAKk/DzuwLnbj4Qc/s1600/100_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YLREYywGbg/Ua0Dg9xUa2I/AAAAAAAAAKk/DzuwLnbj4Qc/s400/100_0989.JPG" width="400" /></a>Like Kim, I too remember the frozen pot pies. They were 4/$1 when I was in college. I ate them so often I could actually tell the difference between the chicken, turkey, and beef pot pies at a glance. I wonder if that's why I prefer to cook from scratch today....<br />
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Go check out her blog. If you win the box, she'll put your initials on it for you.<br />
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As my dear daughter said when SHE was in college, "Swe-e-e-e-e-t."<br />
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If you like offers that include FREE shipping, Beach Cottage Stitchers is taking signups for the <a href="http://www.beachcottagestitchers.com/catalog.php?item=2590" target="_blank">Little House Needleworks Mystery Sampler</a>. Free shipping on the charts with Auto-ship. I really don't need another project. I have enough, I have ENOUGH.<br />
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But it sounds like so much fun. Darn it.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm still trying to get a new battery for my watch
before I finish stringing all the beads. And I've received the last
house for Santa's Village, the Christmas Tree Farm.<img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.countrycottageneedleworks.com/images/250_Christmas_Tree_Farm_Jpeg.jpg" width="364" /><br />
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The house and the roof are WDW threads that I purchased a few weeks ago for this. As I've said before, the designer posts the threads for the piece on the website before the chart is released. But can I find where I put them? Of course not. They must be tucked away in that magical "safe place" that's so safe even I can't find it. That spot is more secure than Fort Knox. Or perhaps it's in Area 51 and the aliens have my thread. Wouldn't you like to see THEIR stitching?<br />
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In the meantime, I've begun work on a new hardanger piece. This beginner level kit from <a href="http://www.nordicneedle.com/prod/K2157.html" target="_blank">Nordic Needle</a> is a white-on-white runner. Stitching the kloster blocks is quite soothing. This is how it should look when it's finished:<br />
<img align="left" alt="Classic White Runner Hardanger Kit" hspace="5" id="main_image" src="http://www.nordicneedle.com/Merchant2/graphics/products/K2157.jpg" /><br />
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Very pretty isn't it? It's counting but since it's stitched almost entirely with #8 white pearl cotton, I think that it will make a good piece to take on a trip. First I need to complete the inner part of the outer edge, if that makes sense. The very outside edge is done in buttonhole stitch to keep the edge stronger. The section just inside that is all kloster blocks which are essentially satin stitches. If I've counted correctly, the stitches will meet when I get all the way around. In the meantime I check to see if my stitches are lined up by tracing my needle across the piece. If I end up at the mirror image of my last stitches then I'm probably okay. California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-76686757246772618502013-06-03T03:00:00.000-07:002013-06-05T10:39:37.857-07:00Making Cluster BeadsI have a lot of projects to do. So of course I started a new one today.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKFMKYOycEo/UawY-vIKsFI/AAAAAAAAB3w/BKDKN3QOmkE/s1600/Patriotic+Watch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKFMKYOycEo/UawY-vIKsFI/AAAAAAAAB3w/BKDKN3QOmkE/s400/Patriotic+Watch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I picked up this kit from a clearance bin at the Black Sheep in Orlando back in 2010. I'd been interested in a few of the Mill Hill watch kits, this was a good price, and I like to have fun things for major holidays. I was gloating over my materials today for Darlene O'Steen's Cranberry Sampler when I ran across this in the same box. I've done a little beading but never this type. It looked like it would make up fairly fast, so I started it in the afternoon.<br />
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Basically, you take bugle beads and seed beads and weave them into cluster beads. Then you string the cluster beads you just made onto clear elastic cord along with some bigger pony beads and crystal beads. You attach it all to the watch and wallah! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KT6Dmfu4FQ/UawY7Qf20yI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/J50BPejLnNI/s1600/Patriotic+Watch+Beads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KT6Dmfu4FQ/UawY7Qf20yI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/J50BPejLnNI/s320/Patriotic+Watch+Beads.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So you take the stuff on the left and turn it into the beads on the right. What I didn't realize was that the reason the little white seed beads were in two separate bags was because they were different beads! The difference was subtle but once I'd gotten going, very apparent. I made all three blue beads three times, the red ones twice, and I made a total of nine white beads but only ended up with six. But now I know how to make these little cluster beads.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVwbLApdaLk/UawY8s3PXkI/AAAAAAAAB3o/qM8aOPt0nlU/s1600/Patriotic+Watch+in+Process.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVwbLApdaLk/UawY8s3PXkI/AAAAAAAAB3o/qM8aOPt0nlU/s400/Patriotic+Watch+in+Process.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
So here's my bead mat (a square from those old velour blankets), my watch, crystal beads, nymo thread, and of course my beautiful Sajou scissors. They look like mother of pearl but they're actually plastic. Really beautiful plastic. And their long flexible blades turn out to be great for beading.<br />
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I'll work on the finishing up this watch in the next few days. First I have to replace the battery. Even when I bought it in 2010, it was so old the battery was kaput. I'll have to remember to pull out the stem before I store it to make the battery last longer. I used to think that patriotic jewelry was only good for Independence Day but I then realized that you can wear it for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Labor Day, Voting Day, and Veteran's Day so I should get some fair use out of this. California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-79875098724639952052013-06-02T02:00:00.000-07:002013-06-02T21:16:07.842-07:00Around the World in 80 Stitches UpdateI spent a lot of time working on Cleopatra's Cat and still didn't get the darn thing finished. As it was a group correspondence course for the EGA, I still sent it off for evaluation partially done. I enjoyed stitching it but also avoided it, just like homework in high school. Gee, I think I'm grown up and then wham! look I'm not.<br />
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Anyway, I'm trying to catch up on Papillon Creation's SAL Around the World in 80 Stitches. Part 12 (of the eventual 24 parts) was recently released. I'm working on part 8 right now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6edB4TC7sW0/Uakf9I_1bWI/AAAAAAAAB2o/0WUGsjey5I8/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6edB4TC7sW0/Uakf9I_1bWI/AAAAAAAAB2o/0WUGsjey5I8/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the greek crosses in the middle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four petals of drawn thread.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No drawn thread, just pearl cotton stitches.</td></tr>
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This has been a really enjoyable project for me. The stitch diagrams are excellent. Since choosing my colors, I've learned more about color values and would probably make some different choices, but I'm NOT going to restart this project again! Several months ago, my friend <a href="http://debbiescrossstitch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Debbie</a> told me about <a href="http://qsnaphuggies.com/" target="_blank">custom q-snap covers</a> she bought for her projects and I decided to get one for this. After all, IF I stay current with this project it'll take two full years so I bought one in fabric that goes with my project.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2nyXwm9Lj8/UakkeisGKjI/AAAAAAAAB3I/Tr017xvQOqw/s1600/ATW+Buddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2nyXwm9Lj8/UakkeisGKjI/AAAAAAAAB3I/Tr017xvQOqw/s400/ATW+Buddy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's handy
for controlling all that excess fabric. I also have one for my Flower
Power (another WIP I'd like very much to get finished). They're fun for
seasonal projects, too, like Halloween and Christmas since so many of us
stitch for those all year long. <br />
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I've also had a good long laugh at my page for my 2013 stitching goals. I was completely out of the running by March 1! Ha! But I still want to complete as many of my WIP's as I can. There is nothing more satisfying than getting a large project completed.California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-65077868221853161572013-06-01T11:44:00.001-07:002013-06-01T11:44:26.537-07:00Santa's VillageI've been working away on the Santa's Village piece from Cottage House.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DrmUqTcXX8/Uaka5DmhoPI/AAAAAAAAB1g/SE0tqHXSUn0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DrmUqTcXX8/Uaka5DmhoPI/AAAAAAAAB1g/SE0tqHXSUn0/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is everything I've done so far. I chose to stitch it on the suggested 32 count Wichelt Lambswool linen, though now I wish I'd gone with a frosty blue color. I'm also using the buttons and will attach them after the piece is washed and pressed.<br />
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Here are the individual buildings.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaGQ7sAujkY/UakbLlRHcYI/AAAAAAAAB1s/mi23rXNLHto/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaGQ7sAujkY/UakbLlRHcYI/AAAAAAAAB1s/mi23rXNLHto/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x_sxt9YFFc/UakbL7mSaAI/AAAAAAAAB10/6j3TmKiFHyk/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x_sxt9YFFc/UakbL7mSaAI/AAAAAAAAB10/6j3TmKiFHyk/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettia Place</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOoaq0vRrx4/UakbLeVCZoI/AAAAAAAAB1o/x1P1eUIs3jo/s200/005+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Pole Post Office</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfo7ondCq5M/UakbVPC450I/AAAAAAAAB2I/GFz5ydtYY-Q/s1600/008+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfo7ondCq5M/UakbVPC450I/AAAAAAAAB2I/GFz5ydtYY-Q/s200/008+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reindeer Stables-in process</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--GrlZdTtNdk/UakbVrFaYpI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/BeUO7XbNEXM/s1600/007+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--GrlZdTtNdk/UakbVrFaYpI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/BeUO7XbNEXM/s200/007+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's Stocking Store</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hipWgWx9aGo/UakbSuYrevI/AAAAAAAAB2A/befYGJtuzkA/s1600/006+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hipWgWx9aGo/UakbSuYrevI/AAAAAAAAB2A/befYGJtuzkA/s200/006+%25283%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Claus' Cookie Shop</td></tr>
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Each house requires one or two skeins of a specialty floss so I've been adding to my stash at a nice slow pace. The threads needed for the next house are posted on the Country Cottage Needleworks website before the chart is released so I have time to have it ready before I receive the chart. I'm getting monthly shipments from Beach Cottage Stitchers and am very happy with the service.California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-16314405244686152932013-05-31T13:49:00.001-07:002013-05-31T13:49:26.179-07:00Avoiding Injuries While StitchingNo, I haven't hurt myself. Not yet, anyway. I write the blog for my EGA chapter, Baldy View in Ontario, California. Our May meeting included a presentation by a physical therapist about how to avoid repetitive movement injuries while stitching. Some of you may find it useful. <br />
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<a href="http://baldyviewega.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://baldyviewega.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<span id="goog_1686079644"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1686079645"></span><br />California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-27773918143878921062013-04-23T15:54:00.001-07:002013-04-23T15:54:58.107-07:00Stitching on a Plane<p dir=ltr>I realized that I was a serious stitcher when I started spending more time planning what I'd stitch on my trip than what I'd wear. I'm on a trip now and here's what I chose to stitch on the plane.<br>
It's the Halloween Mantle from Bent Creek. It's on 18-count linen and stitched with pearl cotton so it's easy to see even in the inferior plane lightning. I need to finish up the witch portion and I'll be done. I'm thinking it will make a nice pillow.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7IHPhHBHIN4/UXa6wnhYeEI/AAAAAAAABuQ/oGIlUfraDsA/s1600/20130422_194643.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7IHPhHBHIN4/UXa6wnhYeEI/AAAAAAAABuQ/oGIlUfraDsA/s640/20130422_194643.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/--bY75RDii3g/UXa6yJx-9QI/AAAAAAAABuY/_hloKA1TFOY/s1600/20130422_194309.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/--bY75RDii3g/UXa6yJx-9QI/AAAAAAAABuY/_hloKA1TFOY/s640/20130422_194309.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fw3qEtIq76Q/UXa6z6PURYI/AAAAAAAABug/7oNOYzoOmN0/s1600/20130422_194426.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fw3qEtIq76Q/UXa6z6PURYI/AAAAAAAABug/7oNOYzoOmN0/s640/20130422_194426.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gOyLb5zQZ54/UXa610RJEsI/AAAAAAAABuo/DplafITEf7s/s1600/20130422_194438.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gOyLb5zQZ54/UXa610RJEsI/AAAAAAAABuo/DplafITEf7s/s640/20130422_194438.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-clcQ5wwEpn4/UXa63QNZLhI/AAAAAAAABuw/J-rODGqLSM8/s1600/20130422_194446.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-clcQ5wwEpn4/UXa63QNZLhI/AAAAAAAABuw/J-rODGqLSM8/s640/20130422_194446.jpg' /> </a> </div>California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-41210031518100708822013-04-18T16:50:00.000-07:002013-04-18T16:50:51.293-07:00Cleopatra's CatI have finally gotten back to working on my cat. If you looked at my stitching plans for 2013, you'd see that, in this fourth month of the year, I am about four months late.<br />
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Most stitchers would probably consider me right on schedule!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GruzQ1zhOso/UXB-fHMiMEI/AAAAAAAABt8/JrpuZ-9mAvU/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GruzQ1zhOso/UXB-fHMiMEI/AAAAAAAABt8/JrpuZ-9mAvU/s400/042.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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Here she is now. Cleopatra's Cat is a group correspondence course from the Embroiderers' Guild of America. She is charted for blue tones but I changed her over to red because I like red better and have a lot of it in my stash. I changed her eyes from gold to green.<br />
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The technique is called or'nue. It's a, get this, "laid filling stitch." Wha-a-a-t?<br />
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It works like this: you put down ("lay") metallic thread, then stitch over it to form the design. The original model was stitched on white-with-gold-metallic canvas. I used that same canvas, though it doesn't show up in the photos very well. And her face looks weird in this photo because I've only got part of the stitching done. She uses threads of wool, silk, cotton floss, pearl cotton, solid colors and over-dyes. She also uses just a little red metallic in addition to the gold thread.<br />
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Here is the original photo from the EGA website. <br />
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<a href="https://www.egausa.org/images/education/gcc_cleopatras_cat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.egausa.org/images/education/gcc_cleopatras_cat.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
You can see how different the design looks in a color change. <br />
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Here are a few close-up photos of the various sections. If you click on them, they should get bigger and show more detail. See the gold flecks on the canvas? It looks really pretty in real life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QDvUHyn7bw/UXB9eGeV-uI/AAAAAAAABtE/XUjWWNb8-vo/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QDvUHyn7bw/UXB9eGeV-uI/AAAAAAAABtE/XUjWWNb8-vo/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft little kitty feet.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcby2nPP7vw/UXB9wKhrnAI/AAAAAAAABts/dhhAKBxBmnc/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcby2nPP7vw/UXB9wKhrnAI/AAAAAAAABts/dhhAKBxBmnc/s200/052.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7sqszpX--Y/UXB9dyOwZDI/AAAAAAAABtA/mmBN1vIcsQg/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7sqszpX--Y/UXB9dyOwZDI/AAAAAAAABtA/mmBN1vIcsQg/s200/046.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is over-dyed floss and gold thread.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-8TMdZpYUI/UXB9mOIbN2I/AAAAAAAABtU/WTZQFGT5tJM/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-8TMdZpYUI/UXB9mOIbN2I/AAAAAAAABtU/WTZQFGT5tJM/s200/049.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8JfndJ8M0o/UXB9hBctUHI/AAAAAAAABtM/kO01XAAEn2g/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8JfndJ8M0o/UXB9hBctUHI/AAAAAAAABtM/kO01XAAEn2g/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eyes will have a metallic gold iris.</td></tr>
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Several of my EGA friends are doing this project also. We all made different choices. One stitched her on 24-count congress cloth instead of the 18-canvas, one stitched her on black canvas, etc. If I can, I'll get a photo of as many of the cats together as possible. Stitching with friends is just one of the many good things about being an EGA member.<br />
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I've been working on other projects as well. I still have to post my photos of Santa's Village from Cottage House Needleworks. I've also completed a cross-stitched quilt square for World of Charity Stitching. I'll get more photos up soon.<br />
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California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4608465034388436180.post-60920362590202793292013-03-04T14:45:00.001-08:002013-03-04T14:46:12.410-08:00Christmas in MarchI seem to have Christmas in my needlework right now. I signed up for the Santa's Village series from Country Cottage and am doing a SAL with a local group. I'll post pictures soon. I also just finished up four ornaments. The first three are a set of perforated paper gingerbread houses from the book "A Cross-Stitch Christmas: Handmade Holiday," and they have lots of beads.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZiHbe8jbdM/UTUetLKRKCI/AAAAAAAABfI/UQGThR5U0HM/s1600/Gingerbread+House+1.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZiHbe8jbdM/UTUetLKRKCI/AAAAAAAABfI/UQGThR5U0HM/s320/Gingerbread+House+1.2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojte4mi3ESE/UTUeok0fLcI/AAAAAAAABe4/pvWZGeDE4JM/s1600/Gingerbread+House+1.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojte4mi3ESE/UTUeok0fLcI/AAAAAAAABe4/pvWZGeDE4JM/s200/Gingerbread+House+1.1.JPG" width="200" /></a>Here is the first one. I added the Santa buttons for fun. I had three red bird buttons so each ornament got a bird.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvdikGhgStM/UTUetjNpmZI/AAAAAAAABfQ/IHW2MJzrgRU/s1600/Gingerbread+House+2.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvdikGhgStM/UTUetjNpmZI/AAAAAAAABfQ/IHW2MJzrgRU/s320/Gingerbread+House+2.1.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then there is this next little house. I opted for snowflakes on the roof. The bird is tucked on the back by the snowman.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQYbIR7RLYs/UTUes3YbheI/AAAAAAAABfE/cGlk1tPDYRo/s1600/Gingerbread+House+2.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQYbIR7RLYs/UTUes3YbheI/AAAAAAAABfE/cGlk1tPDYRo/s1600/Gingerbread+House+2.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQYbIR7RLYs/UTUes3YbheI/AAAAAAAABfE/cGlk1tPDYRo/s200/Gingerbread+House+2.2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vla1IC-fOok/UTUexnUm2dI/AAAAAAAABfg/Jxv1Df5PuIg/s1600/Gingerbread+House+3.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vla1IC-fOok/UTUexnUm2dI/AAAAAAAABfg/Jxv1Df5PuIg/s320/Gingerbread+House+3.1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvubRZu6mtY/UTUexC5Og4I/AAAAAAAABfc/a3Skz0aqyV0/s1600/Gingerbread+House+3.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvubRZu6mtY/UTUexC5Og4I/AAAAAAAABfc/a3Skz0aqyV0/s200/Gingerbread+House+3.2.JPG" width="200" /></a>This last one has a snowman button in the doorway on the front and it's little bird perched on the doorway. I have two different trees on the back. These little guys were more work than I'd anticipated but they were fun to make!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40qhTJ5ZrpU/UTUiBMFA77I/AAAAAAAABfo/laazodNQLT0/s1600/Ornament+Baldy+View+Christmas+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40qhTJ5ZrpU/UTUiBMFA77I/AAAAAAAABfo/laazodNQLT0/s400/Ornament+Baldy+View+Christmas+2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Then this ornament is actually a pattern from by EGA magazine of December 2011. My local EGA chapter, Baldy View, gave us all the materials for this as a gift. The kit even included precut cardstock, padding, and backing material. They even twisted up floss for the cording! Thanks, guys! It turned out really cute!<br />
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<br />California Housewifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02310047320693223969noreply@blogger.com5