Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Long Overdue Post

It's been a busy couple of months with work and other things going on; I just haven't had time to post much. Blogging always takes a back seat to actual stitching (I'm sure you understand!) Consequently, I have a few updates for you.

Let's start with a finish that I had at the end of March. I took a break from the Crazy Challenge and stitched up this BBD Reward of Merit that came out at market. I thoroughly enjoyed every stitch! The fabric is 30ct R&R Irish Creme, the fibers are what the pattern called for. Check out the edging - it's the new "Fudge" colored hand dyed chenille from R&R!


Blackbird Designs - Gathering Basket


30ct R&R Irish Creme, Crescent Colors


Another finish happened just last night! This was another market piece that I started a couple of weeks ago. I had hoped to get it finished in time for last weekend's retreat, but it didn't happen. Those who were there with me know how I toiled over which thread colors to use for the medallions that kind of blend in with the fabric. This design is called Quaker Stitches and it is from Jeanette Douglas Designs. I stitched it on 32 count LL Vintage Sand Dune and purchased the threadpack that was offered by JDD. The thread colors that seem to disappear on the fabric are stitched with Belle Soie Baquette. For about two weeks (and three trips to my LNS) I went back and forth trying alternate colors - BS Vanilla Pudding, BS Scarecrow, BS Her Crown. The Vanilla Pudding stood out too much, the Scarecrow not enough. I had almost settled on Her Crown, a yellowish gold silk (you can see it in the photo below at the top of the design.)


At the retreat this past weekend I had the opportunity to see the finished piece with the original colors and it was gorgeous! Jeanette shared with me that she agonized over that color too, but in the end she stuck with Baguette because it was not uncommon for the Quakers to use a color that was similar to the fabric color. I finished this piece last night and I used Baguette for those final medallions! The picture below is a little dark, but hopefully you can still appreciate how beautiful this piece is! (The colors in the photo above are more accurate!)



Jeanette Douglas Designs - Quaker Stitches


32ct LL Vintage Sand Dune, Assorted Silks


I have been working on other challenge pieces; the next two are going to receive all of my attention for the next couple weeks as I'd like to finish them. Here's my progress on Poppy Maye Russell from Heartstring Samplery. The alphabet is taking a long time to finish!

Here's an updated photo on Happy Hearts Sampler from BOAF. I have my thread situation figured out with this one too, so look for some changes next time I snap a photo of this one! The retreat this past weekend was wonderful! Jeanette Douglas is so genuine - it was fun to meet her. I have pictures and stories to tell; watch for that update tomorrow. I think I have rambled on enough for one day! Thanks for stopping by!

22 comments:

Katrina said...

She is wonderful!!!! I have taken two classes with her and loved both of them.

Fun, fun, fun stitching pictures too :-). You've got a lot done!

Margaret said...

What beautiful stitching you've been doing! I love the Quaker JD piece! Love your Harvest Basket finish too. I'm going to have to see if I can find some of that chenille trim. Thanks for telling us the color you used! Love your WIPs as well!

Blu said...

Lovely finishes! Gathering Basket is very pretty!

Great progress on your WIPs.

Nancy said...

You HAVE been busily stitching! Love the Quaker piece, it is beautiful.

Yvonne..... said...

Beautiful stitching pieces. I know I am on a hunt for some of that chenille trim. Please don't keep us in suspense too long on retreat details = LOL!

Von said...

Look at all those projects, even finished ones!! :D
Congrats, Cathy! Looking forward to your retreat report.

valerie said...

Beautiful finishes and wips! Love the BBD pincushion finish!

barbara said...

Oh, Cathy, everything is so lovely! Great that you enjoyed the retreat! :D

Bekca said...

Thank you for sharing your lovely projects. Can't wait to see the pics from the retreat, happy stitching to you.

Hazel said...

Lovely finishes. xx

Michele said...

What lovely finishes! That trim is yummy :) Must find some :)

Laurie in Iowa said...

You've been busy and finished some lovely pieces. Congrats!

Lelia said...

Wonderful stitching!

looking forward to the pics + post of the workshop ; )

Sue said...

Love all of your stitching and your finishes are great

Diana said...

I really like your quaker finish from the retreat last weekend! I'm still waiting to find out if I am in A or B for the fall retreat.

CJ said...

Love the Quaker Stitches. TFS.

CJ

Sally said...

Beautiful finishes and WIP. That Jeannette Douglas Quaker piece is simply beautiful.

Gabi said...

Gathering Basket is looking fantastic. And I'm totally drooling over your Quaker piece.

TeresaB said...

Some great finishes! Love your Quaker, I'm going to have to put that one on my wish list now. And both of your WIPs look lovely as well.

Siobhán said...

Beautiful finishes and WIPs!! I need to do that Gathering Basket--yours turned out so cute!

Karoline said...

Your finishes are gorgeous and your wips look great

Lynn said...

I love your JD Quaker! I've been eyeing that BBD for some time now. I think I'll just have to go ahead and order it! Now I'm off to check out your retreat photos.