Filed under: ANG Stitch of the Month, 2010
The August SOTM eyelets are done but I can’t see what’s wrong with the second “incorrect” eyelet example. In the first “incorrect” example, I see it wraps around but the second looks the same as the correct one to me.
I was almost finished with the eyelets & then put it aside for the chapter newsletter, making the Kissing Pillow kits, & another project. I’ve been working on a baby gift but I can’t blog about because I don’t want the mom to see it. As soon as I finish the second one – for her too, then I can reveal them! Where does the time go? We’ll see how much of Sept I can get done – it looks like a lot of stitching.
Filed under: Soldier Kissing Pillows
The ANG MainLine Stitchers (PA) are beginning a new community service project, Soldier Family Kissing Pillows, for families of soldiers departing for service.
Over Labor Day weekend, I made up enough kits to make 300 pillows (I ran out of threads for the last few but had them done in no time after purchasing more threads). And, at our Sept meeting, I handed out materials to 12 of us who agreed to make 85 pillows. I had 6 free pretty purple bags with handles for folks agreeing to make 10 pillows & 12 clear plastic zipper bags for agreeing to do 5. After that, it’ll be boring ziplok bags. And, whoever stitches the most will get a special thank you gift.
This project is not about whether we are for or against war — it is about the loved ones left behind – especially the children. Stitching these pillows is a little something we can do to support our military and their families. The soldier kisses the pillow and gives one to each of his/her loved ones to hold onto until he/she returns from war. When this project began, it was for the children, but the mothers and wives requested them too. Then, the soldiers wanted one with everyone’s kisses on it to take with him/her off to war.
Unfortunately, not all soldiers return and so, some pillow recipients have died. Can you imagine how important that little pillow is to the family – it’s the last thing daddy or mommy gave them and it has their kiss on it. One chapter learned about a young soldier who was killed in Iraq. When his body arrived in the United States among his personal effects was a kissing pillow. It is believed he had it in his helmet when he was killed. His family placed it on top of the American Flag that draped his casket. The family contacted the chapter to express their gratitude – he died with all their kisses and that has given them comfort. Our military and their families have always and always will sacrifice for those of us remaining at home. Stitching these pillows will show our gratitude for their service.
The “kissing pillows” are small (4” x 4”) cross-stitched pillows that say “I LOVE YOU” with two red, white, & blue stars within a larger red heart. They work up quickly (2-3 hours). Once we have enough stitched, we’ll back them with fabrics in patriotic designs & stuff them.
P.S. I got great prices on the Aida & floss at http://www.createforless.com and the materials arrived promptly & in good condition. I highly recommend the site.
Donation, donate
This was another flea market find, the Yellow Rose. I love roses, it went with our bedroom colors, & I was fascinated by the simplicity of the stitching. I’m not sure what kind of stitching it is actually.
Our ANG Main Line Chapter is going to do the Soldier Family Kissing Pillows as our next community project. So, this is in honor of Geraldine (Jerry) Trappey) & her Yellow Rose Chapter of EGA. She has supplied the chart & supportive information for our efforts.
September’s flower basket seemed fine in cross-stitch. So, I stuck with the design except for the buttons. Enjoy the rest of the summer & last blooms!
Filed under: Melita's Other Completed Pieces
I just love a sunset. And, the way the flowers frame the scene really makes me feel like I am relaxing in a chair watching the sun set through a clearing.
This piece is a “vintage” no doubt (not dated although it may be from 1977) & is called “Days End” from Bucilla Needlepoint & is a 12″ x 15″ finished piece on a 12 mesh painted colored canvas. There is a variety of stitches including: continental, brick, leaf, straight, satin, back, and loose loop (for the cattail) using persian crewel yarn & floss.
Filed under: ANG Stitch of the Month, 2010
The piece is coming along nicely. I thought I was done & then realized I had all the Smyrna crosses to do. So, I am pleased to have finished July’s stitching although I am still playing catch up! At least I have started the August Eyelets in August. And, I think it’ll work up quickly.
Yesterday, I really enjoyed the weather & a relaxing afternoon outdoors at a riverfront bar, listening to a live band, watching baseball, eating & drinking with a bunch of friends. I have taken on a lot of projects, including project chair & newsletter for our chapter & haven’t been able to find time to stitch. But, I have almost everything in place for our Sept/Oct/Nov ANG Main Line chapter meetings except putting together the packets for the Soldier Kissing Pillows to distribute at those meetings. I’ll have time at my mom’s house over the Labor Day weekend to do that while my brother & husband golf. So, yesterday was a nice reward for my efforts. Today, I will get back to stitching as soon as I am done here!
Filed under: ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter
We are excited about this year’s band sampler’s project & the 2 speakers we welcome from the Delaware Valley Historical Sampler Guild! Choose from one of several samplers or make up your own design. Not enough time? Make a band bookmark! Or, contribute to 2 wonderful community service projects. Located 30 minutes from Center City Philadelphia & just 10 minutes from King of Prussia. We look forward to seeing you in Sept.
Sampler Project: Because the size and background of your sampler is a personal choice, instead of providing the canvas, this year, the chapter will provide a book that includes instruction for seven samplers, which you can use or customize as you wish. Additionally, November meeting attendees will also receive a copy of the Sampler & Antique Needlework magazine.
Community Service Projects: Revolutionary Regimental Flags, designed and coordinated by Marnie King, is now over 3 years old with the intent to donate it locally to a visitor center or museum. Marnie has almost completed the soldier and 9 of the completed flags she has received thus far. There are 8 more waiting completion. More flags could be drawn if anyone wants to contribute to this project. And, for our next community service project, we’re going to join a national effort to make Soldier Family Kissing Pillows for families of soldiers departing for service.
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 203 North Valley Forge Road, Devon, PA, on the second Monday of the month at 7:15 pm.
Posted on behalf of the ANG Main Line Stitchers Board
Filed under: Uncategorized
We spent some wonderful time in the Cooperstown area & stayed at a stunning B&B (http://www.brooksideinnatlaurens.com/) this past 4 days. Dave remodeled & Lori decorated a beautiful, comfy, & cozy large home into an inn which is located close to various locations and offer very reasonable prices. We really enjoyed ourselves by spending time in the Hall of Fame, the village of Cooperstown, & then browsing area stores in surrounding towns such as Oneonta.
I didn’t find any needlepoint in antique stores on this trip but this is a piece from a previous outing. I love looking. It is from the 40s & is a painted canvas with surface embroidery (mainly french knots & straight stitches) to enhance the picture. The B&B doesn’t look like this home but Dave & Lori made us feel like we were at “Home Sweet Home” with their hospitality.
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: Sun Flower with David McCaskill at Fireside Stitchery
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.
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