Filed under: Pooh Doing Nothing
“Sing Ho! For the life of a Bear!” Winnie the Pooh
I enjoy a smaller project because I like the variety of working on more projects & the sense of accomplishment upon completion. Now, it’s off to the finisher for Pooh. And, for me, back to Sun Flowers & Pieces of Eight because I can’t sit & do nothing!!
Filed under: General comments
I finally figured out how to change the top banner! So, until I decide on a personalized one, I’ll pick this in honor of our record-breaking snowfalls this winter.
Filed under: Pieces of Eight
These are 3 of the octagons that’ll I’ll finish for individual gifts. They are a bit out of order because I picked the designs I liked best. And, a couple are repeats but I am using different threads.
Octagon F, Spratshead with Woven Spider & outer spratshead, is one of the repeats. But, I am using Rachel instead of Watercolours which gives it even more of a raised effect.
Octagon H, Eight Pointed Star, I added a bead to embellish the center.
Octagon S, Waffle & Milanese, is also a repeat of Octagon C but I am using Rachel & 2 Kreinik threads (different weights) instead of Fine Velour, Kreinik, & Watercolours (as was seen in Octagon C).
Filed under: Pieces of Eight
More on ‘Pieces of Eight’ by Gayle Bicknell. Still using my own stash.
For Octagon D, Rhodes & Scotch, I added a long straight stitch between each Rhodes unit using 2 threads & added beads in between each Rhodes unit on the outside edges & in the center.
For Octagon E, Satin & Rhodes, I didn’t use any beads because Kreinik metallic threads were enough embellishment in a small piece.
For Octagon F, Spratshead with Woven Spider, I added beads at the end of the spokes of the Woven Spider.
Octagon D Octagon E Octagon F
Filed under: Pieces of Eight
This year’s Chapter project is ‘Pieces of Eight’ by Gayle Bicknell. This was presented originally in Needlepoint Now in 4 installments (Sep/Oct 1999; Jan/Feb 2000; Mar/Apr 2000; May/Jun 2000; Jul/Aug 2000).
I and several others are selecting to complete the project in smaller pieces. For example, I am making napkin ring holders (with 3 octagons each) and the rest are being made into individual pieces to mount, frame, and given as gifts. Mostly, we’re using our own stash. And, we’re doing 3 octagons per monthly meeting & taking turns being the ‘teacher’ (who stitches in advance of the meeting to answer any questions & give any helpful tips). So far, only Octagon B has proven difficult.
For Octagon A, Heart Amadeus, I added an Outer Sprats Head using 1 thread & I added beads in the 8 halves of the tops of the hearts.
For Octagon B, Walneto Variation, I added beads in the middle of the center squares near the borders.
For Octagon C, Waffle & Milanese, I added beads in the center of each Milanese unit.
Octagon A Octagon B Octagon C
Filed under: Exodus Breastplate
In 2009, I participated in Michele Robert’s CyberWorkshop called “The Exodus Breastplate” . As usual with an ANG course, the project was facinating & the responsiveness of Michele was timely. The history & research presented on the biblical references & jewels was interesting & so extensive. I made a mistake (again) on one of the jewels, I turned the canvas upside down. By the time I figured it out, it was too late to unstitch. So, mine is now unique! We got enough thread to do this design several times over!! I look forward to using both the blending technique & jewel stitches in another project I have in mind.
Filed under: ANG Stitch of the Month, 2010
For Area A, I had intended on using Splendor S888 (a very dark gray) until I found DMC Floche (310 black) in my stash. I used just 1 strand to allow more of the 24 Karats to show. Although black on black doesn’t show up very well. I loved learning about turning the corner so crisply!
And, I found some more light gray threads. So, instead of blending DMC Metallic floss (silver) with Splendor (S891), I used 3 strands of DMC floche (762) on four outer groups. I really liked the Snow (09) with that but I only had enough for 4 of the 5 groups. So, I used DMC floche (blanc) on the center group with Kreinik 1/16” ribbon (032).
And, all together:
Filed under: Sun Flower with David McCaskill at Fireside Stitchery
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!
Filed under: Snowflakes
”Snowflakes” was a kit I purchased at a store or through a catalog – not sure which – but it is copyrighted. So, I can’t copy anything for anyone. I don’t know how to contact the designer (Marjorie Gosz) or if the company (Spinnerin Yarn Co., Inc.) still exists.
The design was stamped or printed on 50% rayon /50% polyester fabric. The trees were made using white 100% rayon textured yarn worked in a straight stitch of various lengths. It required a large needle (~3” long with a huge eye – not sure of the size #) & gentle pulling through the fabric. The snowflakes used white cotton floss also worked in a straight stitch of various lengths. Along the bottom are a few stem stitches. I used all 6 strands of the floss that I didn’t separate before using b/c I hadn’t heard about separating threads & the kit didn’t say to do that – so I didn’t.
Simple can be stunning.
Filed under: Snowflakes
In honor of this snowfall, I’m posting ‘Snowflakes’, a piece designed by Marjorie Gosz. It was a kit from Spinnerin Yarn Co., Inc. I completed it years ago and gave it to a dear a friend, Dottie, who lives in the Poconos now. Ironically, we’ll get more snowflakes here in Philly than she’ll get! It’s really coming down.
I am pleased to find that I had saved the directions that came with the kit. If I ever reorganize, I probably wouldn’t be able to find anything in my piles. I wonder what else I saved? And, as much fun as it is going through all this, it’s a better snowbound weekend to stay inside, keeping warm, being safe, and stitching!
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