Melitastitches4fun's Blog

Well, I stitched & stitched to get this to my favorite framer, Dan, at Framers Workshop in Philadelphia on Friday. He’s always done my pieces – he has a great eye! And, he picked out a wonderful frame. One that I would not have gravitated to but that’s why I like him so much! I’ll post another picture once it’s framed because I can’t wait for you (&me) to see it really finished!

I’m very happy with the whole piece. Thanks again to David McCaskill for his guidance on threads & stitches.

I’ve got the background ready using 3 different overdyed thread colors. Occasionally, I even used just portions of threads to compliment the painted canvas which proved challenging. Now, I’m left with more of the green surrounding the petals & laying the dark thread on top & couching it. It is actually quite difficult to see in person where the dark thread should be placed – the pictures may actually help me figure out where to put the dark thread. I’m having a hard time photographing this piece – never seem to get the same amount of light. I’ll try outside daylight & see what happens.

The canvas is available on Fireside Stitchery’s website. They called it Daisy (PM3605).  It is from Dream House Ventures, Inc. It measures 11.75 w x 11.75 h inches. Search by PM3605 & only that one piece will come up in the results.

The whites on the sunflower are done. And, I have about half of the green surrounding them done & that stitch isn’t difficult but is more time-consuming. Sometimes is a good idea not to do all the fun stuff first. The abstract area is a tad more difficult because the canvas is dark & the threads are dark. Even with a good light, I prefer working on a lighter canvas. And, I’m working with an overdyed thread that I’m matching to the canvas as much as possible. So, I’m saving the toughest for last.

I just noticed my butterfly magnet in the upper right corner. It is not only pretty but it is a strong magnet. I got it at the Stitching Jubilee a year ago when it was at Valley Forge but not sure which seller.

I had a request from Ann to see the whole piece – happy to oblige. I have 3 & 1/2 petals left to do.

David McCaskill is coming into town this weekend for classes at Fireside Stitchery.  I’m looking forward to his tips/tricks class on Saturday.  I couldn’t attend when he spoke to our chapter in Nov 09 & everyone that went enjoyed it. And, this will be an expanded full-day version!

I am making good progress on the petals & have the first 6 done (the little one on the left counts as the first petal).  Once I got into a rhythm, the green began to fill in between the petals quicker.  For that area, David recommended using a skip tent stitch so that it would cover the holes from the back.  I had hoped to get all the petals done. We’ll see how it goes!

I got quite a bit of stitching done as we recorded our 2nd highest snowfall (28.5 inches) in Philly.  And, the only time on record that we have had more than 20 inches of snow in the same winter (Dec 23.2 inches)!  I’m originally from upstate NY & I love our occasional storms (as long as we have enterprising youths wanting to earn $ shoveling).

The center portion of the flower is finished. And, am looking forward to more stitching today!