Quite by several accidents, I find myself really liking this variation on the SOTM. I used a different color family for this portion of the outer border by accident than I think the directions called for. And, instead of stitching both inner & outer portions, I completed the outer portion first. The outer portion used even less couching than called for by alternating every other row – worked out perfectly: 4 in the longest thread, 3 in the next smaller, then 2, leaving 1 small cross stitch in the corners. I like how it looks in the darker thread with white showing through.
Filed under: Hilton Gems
I had hoped that the Hilton Gems would be an easy start to learning some of these techniques because they are small. And, I didn’t realize why the thread list I prepared differed from the one in CyberPointers Hilton-SIG Files. It’s because not all the threads recommended are still available. So, it’s not as easy a project as I expected.
However, Betsy at Fireside Stitchery helped me substitute. And, I picked up some extras to use as needed. I just love the colors although we rejected a couple that just didn’t seem to go.
So, I’ll list them gem by gem as they appear (from left to right) on my thread wraps (an exercise & tip from Mary Shipp’s Color class). The extras aren’t listed – I’m not sure I’ll use them all anyway yet.
Gem #1: 24 Karats K 11 Purple, Gold Rush 14 J43C Purple with Gold, Panache PN40 Beige, Gold Rush 14 208C Jade Multi, Flair F547 Pale Aqua, Fyre Werks FT19 Agua
Gem #2: Fyre Werks FT19 Agua, Panache PN 37 Teal, Gold Rush 14WG87C Aqua, Splendor S808 Med Purple, Frosty Rays Y028 Turquiose, Gold Rush 14 WG86C Lilac, Panache PN12 Deep Violet
Gem #3: Gold Rush 14 WG84C Deep Blue, Panache PN37 Teal, Frosty Rays Y054 Dark Periwinkle, Neon Rays N99 Deep Violet, 24 Karats K 11 Purple, Panache PN08 Bright Lilac, Gold Rush 14 WG85C Deep Purple
Gem #4: Frosty Rays Y054 Dark Periwinkle, Panache PN12 Deep Violet, Splendor S808 Med Purple, 24 Karats K 11 Purple, Fyre Werks FT19 Agua, Gold Rush 14 WG86C Lilac, Panache PN 37 Teal, Panache PN 11 Muted Lilac
The designs are free on http://www.rainbowgallery.com/freechartdownloads.cfm?ID=12
However, the pictures for Gems are not matching the designs (swap pics for 1 & 2). And, I can’t figure out what goes inside Gem 1 – seems like instructions are missing. I’ll seek help from CyberPointers Hilton-SIG. But, I’m not ready to start stitching yet anyway. I want to place these into one large piece. So, I need to figure out what stitch(es) & threads will be placed between them.
As I think more about these gems, I’ll tackle The Hilton Sampler as that is in line with our chapter’s project this year anyway.
Filed under: Tudor and Stuart Gold Master Class
Once I got into the rhythm of the Queen stitch, it moved along nicely. And, I am getting used to using a magnifying glass. Although, it does get warm being that close to the light. Glad I have a fan & AC. I have to give my 51 year old eyes a break though!
I also find the chart is aligned to threads more than holes. So, I have not figured out how to count to the next flower yet. I think I was tired & will try looking at it again when I am fresher.
Filed under: Tudor and Stuart Gold Master Class
Over the past weekend, I enjoyed an afternoon at the Winterthur. The tram took us on a tour of the grounds of the DuPont estate. There are some colors from flowers but the various green plantings are in abundance. The attention to details is amazing. For example, the lights along the walkway (left photo) are functional & ornamental. The reflecting pond (right photo) was originally a pool & the first in the US to be heated. At the far end (right photo), those 3 round grates are covering 3 huge speakers through which the guests could enjoy music as the lounge about the pool!
Moving indoors, nice small groups of 10 were given an hour tour of several rooms in the mansion. Then, we were free to walk the property, through the galleries & browse the Campbell Soup tureen collection. Their textiles are extensive, including samplers, needlepoint wall hangings, quilts, drapes, bathroom towels, chair covers, book covers, table cloths. Tailor-made tours are available at an extra charge.
chair and quilt (above)
sampler and table cloth (above)
And, of course, the Plimoth Jacket. It is stunning in person. Kept behind a plexiglass but in the middle of the floor so you can walk all around it. There is a brief video about the making of the jacket. Quite interesting. They even sewed over the seams – such attention to detail.
FYI: Winterthur didn’t mind pictures being taken of anything.
Filed under: Tudor and Stuart Gold Master Class
Filed under: Tudor and Stuart Gold Master Class
Betsy contacted Winterthur & they said, “You can use your own photos and post on a blog! Thanks so much for spreading the word, and also thanks so much for asking!” So, here are her photos of the jacket & a headpiece. Thanks for getting permission Betsy & providing the photos.
Filed under: Tudor and Stuart Gold Master Class
Melitastitches4fun's Blog 