Earth and Twigs Finished

Well I spent last week quilting, by hand, my Sue Spargo BOM.  Over the weekend I attached the binding.

Now waiting for this years

I used Valdani perle for the quilting and just outlined the applique.  Now just to add a pole sleeve and it will be ready for hanging.

Progress....

 Half way through and it is beginning to look like a quilt.

On this center blossom I did change things a bit.  I decided it deserved a bit fancier stitching.  So from a distance this one looks like its brothers and sisters but seeing as how it has the very fancy detached petals is just need more.  So threw in some pistal stitches and french knots.

Drizzling again, love this stitch, I just wish I could be more random in the lengths.

It's in the Bag

 I have adapted the handle from being two front and back to one side to side.  This allows me better stuffing ability!

 Just for fun I decided to do drizzle stitches on the closure button.

There is something about this leaf that just worked for me in it's simple form.

Wordless Wednesday and a finished doodle cloth

Tea berry sac continued

The main front is now complete. I found it hard not to do more embellishment but as this is to be a bag that will be used I really don't need too many bits sticking out.

Now I will have to get myself in gear and cutout the rest of the pieces.

Sue Spargo BOM Block 5

 This one has been like a double block.

The centre flower head is not yet sewn in place as we have been told to wait.

 The stems are looking better with the addition of their french knots.

 The drizzle stitches have been worked on whilst it was drizzling outside.  What else does on do on such a day?










I have moved the Owl Needlepoint into my sun room to work on so that is where I am headed after this.   I should have about two weeks before my next BOM arrives from Sue Spargo.

Totally Finished

This has been sat in my studio just waiting for it's binding. Well it finally got one.

Back from Williamsburg, VA

This was our third visit to Williamsburg.  There is something about the history and beauty that just keep drawing me back.

As always we go for Spring break but this time we hit the beauty motherloade.  The flowers and trees were amazing.

Driving around the area was just a picture with cherry blossom and dogwood trees.

 Here are my two girls in the gardens at Williamsburg.  I first made these dresses two years ago so I had to lengthen them.  Also a certain little lady wanted a bit of fuss on hers now so I added some lace around the neckline to match her sister's.  Don't you just love the Colonial foot wear?

 Tulips, bluebells anemone etc just my idea of perfection.  I will have to work on the bulbs in my own garden.

 Might just have to use this one as a Christmas card I love the setting with the little cottage to the rear.

 Some of these pictures may have to find a place on the walls of my house.

 The beach at Jamestown on a cool day.

 I will build a sandcastle!

 This was at Busch gardens and is just right for these two criminals!

 This was part of an amazing playground near the condos that we stay in.

 Oh and I did find time to finish the third block of my Sue Spargo BOM

 Checkout the woven picots, I just love the look for the center of the flower and even more of Sue's beloved bullions.

It is cool how a simple backstitch can make such a difference to a piece.

More Sue Spargo Stuff

 This the start of my Teaberry Sac by Sue Spargo.  My first change was the use of an upholstery fabric for the background.  This is part of my year long attempt to use what I have in my studio.

I have wanted to do this bag for years since seeing it done by a good friend.

Also aiming at making it more spring/summer like than the original. Hence the lime green.

 A naked block 3 from Sue's block of the month.

Just wait to see what she has us doing around the centre of the flower this month.

I think I will try it out on my new sampler cloth first. It is a stitch I've done before but not in multiples around the edge of a piece.

 Some of our merry band are not sure about appliqueing the inner curves on the cotton fabric.

I my case I have always snipped to the curve and when I get there take a few satin stitches.  This is why it is important to have a matching thread.

Love the use of the ribbons this month.  If like me they are going to have a cut end laying around for awhile there is a chance of unraveling so I used nail polish as it was hand. Otherwise Fray Check is the way to go.

Earth 'n Twigs Block 2

Leaf finished, as always I love the look that Sea Grass has when back stitched.

Now onto the flower head.

In the instructions it has us doing drizzle stitch first.  I chose to do the bullions first as otherwise I can see myself catching on the drizzle stitches all the time.

You may also notice that I'm missing one circle.  Mary who is in charge of this BOM for Sue Spargo is putting me a piece in the March package.

At the moment I'm torn between projects as I've started on the Cyberstitchers Halloween Treat today but also want to finish the heart.

Oh and before I forget Amanda and I went and got the Ultra Suede for the finishing of the Pretty Petals pin.

Yes and then there's the Lee kimono for Fiona's newly redecorated and floored bedroom.

Just When you Think.....

Just when you think you have finished a block Sue Spargo sends the next and with it instructions for a stitch addition to the previous month's block.

This time I am couching chenille down around the edge with wool.  Have to say it is very effective. 

I have pieced the background for this months block and traced my bits and bobs onto freezer paper so later when I finish my ironing I will get the bits ready.

Pomegranete Runner Finished

Binding done and now this is ready to take pride of place on my dining table.  Loved working on this both in the class last fall and then here and there whilst my girls do their various activities. 

It has produced many ohs and ars leaving me in danger of getting a very large head.  The other effect is that I have two new wool stitchers and a possible other who has never even seen my work.  I have decided to have a small group meeting at my house once a month.  My wish is to have both new and experienced stitchers so that more people learn the pleasure and relaxation that this type of project allows.

Teaching

Fun day with 4 ladies, one from Canada.  I decided to design a mug mat that involved a bit of regular applique, some wool applique and embelishment using embroidery.

Lynne at the head of the table has barely lifted a needle before, achieved wonderful things and is already thinking of what to add next to her heart.

Hope I have the name spelt right Johann is sitting to the left bottom.  MIL to Carmela top left.  Johann has sewn before and became our fast stitcher.  Even finished her mat before time.  She is visiting her DIL for a while so will have a special self made souveniour to take home to Canada.

Louise to the right also got stuck in and is thinking a sewing basket is in her future with a needlecase made by herself.

This a Johann with her mat.

Lynne with her process so far.  Next she intends to add a scattering of beads in the heart.