E is for Embroidery - Prairie Schooler

Design: Part of E is for Embroidery 

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Chart: D*E*F (Book 99)

Threads: DMC as charted

Fabric: 28 count evenweave, cream

Backing fabric: A's, Bees and Dandelion Seeds fabric from Red Rooster.

I stitched this for Jayne over on the Year Round Prairie Schooler Exchange blog whilst listening to the cricket back in September. I jokingly said it really should be called 'A is for Ashes' because England managed to win whilst I completed this!

I stitched it pretty much as charted, apart from not filling in behind the 'E' - I think it looks too heavy on little pieces.

The backing fabric is one of my favourites. I see that there are quilt patterns specially for this range - I may have to invest...

Woodland Exchange Received!

I think this exchange from the USA had wings, because it arrived Thursday morning, having only been posted on Monday! Unfortunately, I've been tied up with work and Uni stuff to post pictures before now, but I have been using and admiring my gifts!

Stacy made both these fabulous items for me - a needlebook/beading wallet and a scissor case.

The design is by The Drawn Thread, one of my favourite designers, and is called Four Fat Friends (freebie available here)

The backing fabrics perfectly match the design, and are in some of my favourite colours, and the cord is handmade to match too.

Opening up the pouch, there are some little pockets which are just the right size for a packet of needles, and Stacy included some Piecemaker needles - my first packet of these very famous necessities!

But wait, there's more ...

Open another flap and there is a non-slip surface for putting beads on so that they are easily accessible when embellishing stitching! And it works great - I used it when I was adding beads to one of my current WIPs and it's so much easier than juggling with my bead caddy!

And can you see the little quilted bird? Here's a close up:

There's a tree pattern quilted into the back of the pouch too, but I couldn't get a good photo of that :o/

Thank you Stacy so much for such a wonderful, thoughtful and creative gift!I'm amazed at the attention to detail in your stitching and finishing. I hope you had as much fun making it as I will using it!

Crazy Exchange - To Virpi

This is the scissor fob/ornament I sent to Virpi. It was stitched using Anchor Multicolours Perle in a hardanger style design, although there wasn't any cutting involved! I finished it using the "Drawn Thread" method, and hid the seams with ricrac braid. The tassel is made from threads pulled from the leftover fabric. I added some DMC threads, a couple of buttons and a couple of heart charms - I never really know how much to add, but I try not to go over the top due to postal charges!

Schoolhouse Needleroll - Shepherd's Bush

Firstly, a quick thank you to each and every one of you who leaves comments - they are all appreciated! If you haven't done so already, do think about signing up for my first round of "Pay It Forwards" - there's a spot left!

This is my schoolhouse needleroll finally made up after all the anguish of the red colour running - it doesn't look too bad although really close inspection will still show a pink tinge around the apples! I couldn't find a small enough bell charm for the schoolhouse, so it is silent for now. However, I think it's quite appropriate - I was reading a local history booklet about the history of my primary school, and it mentioned there that our school bell was stolen one night - I'd forgotten that! It was a bit of a nine day wonder in the village - it was a very small place! - and instead of being called in from break and lunch by the bell, the teachers had to use whistles. It just wasn't the same!

Tartan Thistles - Textile Heritage

When I finished this, I was unsure about making it into the needlebook sugessted by the kit manufacturers. In the end, I opted for the much simpler pincushion, and I'm pleased with the result.

Acorn Scissor Case - Lizzie*Kate

I love this little scissors case - it's so cheerful and warm looking! I forgive it for being a pain to stitch - stitching over one on a pre-finished item isn't fun, let me tell you! I don't really like stitching over one these days anyway, and having to manipulate the fabric around to get to where you wanted to put in the needle - erk!

Anyway, I think it turned out nicely in the end, and this will be on my scissors now until mid December!

If anyone would like the chart, just say so in the comments box!

Design Details

Fabric: 28 count linen, cream
Threads: Various over dyed threads
Designer: Linda Ebright
Chart Details: Acorn Scissors Case - Lizzie*Kate (c) 2004 (discontinued kit)
Stitch Count: 34H x 20V
Stitches Used: Cross Stitch
Threads Used: Gentle Arts Sampler Threads: Maple Syrup, Nutmeg, unknown bit of purple, Burnt Orange. Minnamurra: 250. The Dye Is Cast: Pumpkin Patch. Weekes Dye Works: Pistachio Nut. Cross stitch in two strands over two.
Embellishments: Two small round buttons, brass acorn charm.
Modifications Made: Own choice of threads.

I Will Finish This Project - Jo Verso

I haven't posted for a while because life has got very busy - the new semester at University has started, and I have a heavy class schedule this time. Add to that a series of performance workshops, some family stuff and medical appointments and there's just not a lot of time left!

I've finally got round to uploading some finishes, and this is the first one. I think I stitched it about 2001/2002 and it's taken from Quick & Easy Cross Stitch - a design by the late Jo Verso. you can't see very clearly from the picture, but the motto is "I will finish this project before I start another one" - a worthy sentiment, but not one I adhere to very well! :o)

I appliqued the piece onto some strong ticking in a matching colour (thanks sis for the fabric!) and made it into a little duffel bag - it's big enough to take an A4 size chart and materials.