Pretty Petal Pin

Stitching all done.  Almost ran out of the Crystal Braid I used for the center and one set of petals.

For anyone out there who is doing this piece please don't trace petal sets as close together as I did!  As I finish my own work it is not a major problem.

I need to find some ultra suede to back the petals with and then I will photograph the method I intend to use. 

First the piece needs to be left for at least 48 hours on the stretcher bars.  This helps avoid the need for blocking.

Layer One done, two started

 I have started to think about the finishing for this and also how I will use it.

It is supposed to be a pin but for me it is too large.  Could end up on one of my work boxes or baskets.

Totally love how this stitch is working out, however it is slow going compared to the previous layer.

Andrew at it again

After a week or so break super do it your selfer is at it again. While je is waiting for more hardwood flooring to be delivered he decides to give Fiona her Asian bedroom.

So its bye bye little girl pink and hello taupe (yes this was the choice of our 10 year old)

Now I have to get her quilt top I made a while ago onto the longarm.

Today as luck would have it I have also managed to pickup a Lee kimono in red with a crane from http://stitchingdestashing.blogspot.com

Pretty Petal Pin - Started

This usually piece is by Toni Gerdes and was presented to us at Cyberstitchers Chapter of ANG. 

I choose not to use the listed threads as I've been looking for an excuse to try Hyla's High Cotton.

This is a stranded thread that is thicker than DMC/Anchor.  Has 5 strands for some reason.  It is a bit like using multiply strands of a fine perle.  I  think this is a thread I will start to collect.

I am also using a canvas that I purchased in a bundle and really don't care for.  In the future it may get used for a project with my girls.

Going to Fiona's self defense class now and the little one (Amanda) has asked if she can bring her needlepoint with us to do.  Needlework is catching in this household.

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.

Student and teacher

Of her own bat my Fiona decided it was time to teacher Amanda how to do needlepoint.  She found an old Dora plastic canvas she hadn't done and they were off.

Amanda is of to a wonderful start and in her second session managed to thread her own needle and undo a mistake she'd made.
I always think that first recognising a mistake and then undo it is the start to understanding any new task.

As I speak Fiona is helping Amanda with her piano practise, it does have to be said that is trying her patience some what.

Last night we took them to see our local ice hockey team and Fiona was lucky enough to get a rise on the Zamboni.  She said she felt like a celebrity.

Iris and Butterfly Complete

 Framed this as a gift for a friend who as yet has not received one of my pieces so it is about time.

Very pleased with the end result and think the frame is perfect.  It is off the shelf from JoAnn Fabrics. 

After I took these photos I discovered I'd left a piece of thread on the back ground near the butterfly but that is now removed.

The butterfly is not done per the instructions because of making a mistake when doing the background and allowing it to passover the butterfly.


The class was though the ANG Cyber Chapter and is the first I've done with them. 

I will hopefully get going on last months project in the next week or two.  It is a beautiful 3D flower pin.