Friday, October 22, 2010

*~'Tis Near Halloween~*

...And it is. :)

Et Finis!





"When Witches Go Riding"
Designer: Prairie Schooler (signature and date charted by me)
Linen: Pilgrim Brown 28ct. by R&R
Fibers: CC and WDW


This might be the biggest thing I've ever finished....Yes, it is. :)



Remember the Moon Question? I decided to fill, and in the same color (WDW Honeysuckle). I think the variegation is spot-on for a harvesty moon. Still ruminating over the idea of making a small with that snazzy checkerboard moon, however.



Though I love those stars, I re-charted the area for the date. I just couldn't see my way to breaking the perimeter of the design.



My little over-one signature. It was even fun to stitch. I know I'd like to frame this one, but it's just not in the cards right now. I didn't iron yet as I'm not sure what to do with it; I'm thinking of ways to temporarily tack it to something to make a hanging so I can enjoy it this season. :)




"Halloween Fright" Freebie
Designer: La Chatelaine (I think)
Linen: 32 ct. Sparrow from Linens by Design (formerly a BoaF product)
Fibers: DMC and Belle Soie Lasagne


I've been hoarding this freebie for a long time (and the Sparrow Linen, too), so when I heard that Myra was having a birthday in September (and I didn't participate in a Halloween Exchange, and we're both Halloween Nuts, and it has little black cats all over it (like her Ziggy) and we both love purple, and she's been going all-out with ornaments for her tree this year...) and, well, the cosmos aligned and I decided to stitch this for her. How I held my breath each time she blogged that it wouldn't be about this design! In the end, it was more of an "Early Halloween Goodie" than a Birthday present, though.

I took about 40 shots of it without being able to get a single decent one. In the end, I threw it up on my bookshelf in front of a comic series about little witches. I do like this photo best, but that might just be because I like my books so much (I DO love my books.) Seriously. Please check Myra's blog for amazing pictures. There's some really fun homespun on the back, I promise it's worth it.

I wedged a little pumpkin into the signature at the back--wonder if this will count for Becky's GPC!? :D :D :D

Meanwhile, Kathy A. was touched by Marc's Plight (otherwise known as the Second Cold War Against the Canadian Goose), and sent him some provisions from The Motherland to sustain him in the fight.



Coffee Crisp! :D And, a lovely Halloween thread from Carrie's Creation (my first). I love the part where the gradation shifts from orange to purple...now what to stitch.

Marc said that the CC were "really fresh" and that the bag seemed endless; the more he took out the more there were to take out. I told him that was good, because I ate so many before he returned home to take possession that I feared for the first bag's life and had to hide it in a drawer to still my pilfering paws.

He completely enjoyed them and they held out until just a few days ago--thanks again, Kathy!

...

Speaking of "Thanks", I owe MORE of them. I thought I had photos, but as I don't it'll keep for next time, but I won an amazing giveaway from Robin and Myra sent me an amazing Hallowe'en box stuffed full of goodies AND a stitched piece! By Homespun Elegance! (Bet that got your attention. ;)

Also, I really need to thank you for all your prayers, good thoughts, and friendships. Still having a bit of tough times here, and my stitching, blogging, and even blog-visiting mojo are flagging a bit as a result, but I've missed you guys and am looking forward to being able to participate more. :) I even had a small Hallowe'en Giveaway planned, but while I finished the stitching (Oh, maybe even in August) I haven't done the finishing yet. :/ It might have to be a "Halloween at Christmas" giveaway at this rate! lol! I know you true fans won't mind; to everyone else, my apologies. Best-laid plans and all that. :)

With hopes that everyone is enjoying wonderful Autumn Stitches and Crisp (not Frigid like here today!) weather, I remain

Yours,
Berit

32 comments:

Unknown said...

Ah Berit...a woman after my own heart...I am working PS WWGR also! I love your finish, and now I will have to really step up the stitchin', LOL. I changed my colors to overdyed as well, but I am stitching it over one on some hand-dyed linen. Did you see the companion design "Pumpkin Patch"? I am going to stitch it also, on the same fabric and using the same threads. I am really loving your piece too...

And the little Halloween pillow os adorable...you always hav ethe nicest finishes around!

Checkout my Halloween giveaway...ends 30 Oct.

HAPPY STITCHIN'
Terri

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic finish! I like how the moon turned out and love your over one siggie :) Great gift for Myra too!

Jackie's Stitches said...

It's a gorgeous finish! Your photography is just beautiful! Love the moon, love your personalization and your stitching.

Katrina said...

Gorgeous finish!!! Love it :-). The fabric is wonderful too.

BeckySC said...

Oh friend...you almost made me run and pull out my WWGR chart and start it...but alas I am sticking with my current WIP's for a few days! I just LOVE it! You did a fantastic job!! Big congratulations :)
AND as you know I already think your gift for Myra is WONDERFUL :)
Have a lovely weekend!
((hugs))

Margaret said...

Beautiful finishes! I hope things get better for you soon.

Marjorie said...

I love your finishes! And nothing wrong with a Halloween giveaway after Halloween as far as I am concerned. I too will be stitching Halloween well into November!

Bonnie said...

I love your Prairie Schooler finish. I love the overdyed colors and your choice of fabric. Toad a ly awesome.

I have the design in my stash but like you say it is a BIG project and I certainly don't need to start another one.

Natalia said...

Hi there... I found your blog through Blacksheep's Bit of the Web. I like your When Witches Go Riding, but I must admit that my favorite is the freebie, I love the way the colors look on that fabric !!

Christina said...

Oooohhh, you've have left me itching to get started on WWGR Berit! I am in a quandary however about the moon...I did so love the checkerboard effect, do I try it or not???
I'm going to stitch the witch from the chart first before I tackle WWGR. I'm through with ruching borders though, I ruched an exchange piece this morning and the thread snapped twice...aaahhh.
I'm on a mission now to purchase Pumpkin Patch. Everywhere seems to have sold out. Do let me know if you see it when browsing the net won't you?! The jury's still out on Sweeping Cobwebs, just can't decide if I like it or not.
The weather has turned bitterly cold here overnight. DH is in the process of installing new radiators so that's making things a bit more bearable!

Sharlotte said...

I just ove your When Witches Go Riding finish Berit!! Just fantastic! I like your Halloween Fright as well.

Riet said...

Oh I love your PS sampler so much. Halloween is a nice subject to stitch.
Have a nice weekend, Riet

Myra said...

And it is fabulous! Though not as fabulous as the little ornie you made me in my eyes. ;o) Your stitching is just gorgeous. Oh the woes of a Halloween lover - I want to stitch them all. LOL at Kathy feeling sorry for Marc. Doncha know I failed to get a pic of the HE piece I sent to you. Sooo, when you get around to it would you please send me a picture too. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Jennifer said...

I with you on that lack of finishing mojo. I've had a project for a personal exchange that I finished stitching back in the middle of August. I didn't need it "finished" unitl the end of last month. Well, it's still not "finished". Hrumph! Maybe this weekend......or maybe not! LOL!
Maybe we should be each other's inspiration!

Deb said...

What a wonderful finish Berit. I think that is one of my favorite Halloween Designs!! Love Halloween Fright too - I know that Myra is going to love it!

Deborah said...

Love When Witches Go Riding. It looks fantastic. I saw the ornie you made for Myra on her blog and just loved it.

Melissa Price said...

Berit, your "When Witches Go Riding" turned out fabulous!!! I simply adore it... the pattern, the colors. Such a wonderful combination. I'm glad you're feeling a little better this week. I know what it's like to lose your mojo. Happens around here far too often. Blessings!

Blu said...

Love the PS finish! The mottliness (?) of the moon is very cool.
I should really get mine framed...

That was such a cool ornie you sent to Myra.

I've never heard of Canada being referred to as The Motherland! That's Russia! (The Fatherland is Germany). Canada is just The Great White North regardless of season. lol~
And I had no idea that Coffee Crisp was Canada-only. I wonder what other candies are jealously guarded?

carol fun said...

Such lovely Halloween finishes - the thread in the moon and the eyes of the cats and jack-o-lanterns just glows! Hang in there and hope you have a happy weekend that includes stitching!

Kathy A. said...

Love "When Witches". It is such a wonderful representation of this time of year and it is beautifully stitched. I'm glad Marc enjoyed his treat. He will have to wait till the spring before there are any more - off to AZ for the winter next week.
Take care and I hope things are better real soon.

АннеттА said...

Вау! Классные работы к предстоящему празднику! Создают нужную атмосферу!

Brigitte said...

Oh, so gorgeous. Prairie Schooler is always very special.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful finish! Congratulations.

Lynn said...

Your PS finish is fantastic! I love how you stitched the moon. It looks great.
The ornament for Myra is very cute. The beaded edges and tassels on it are a nice touch!
Isn't Kathy a sweetheart? Coffee Crisps as soooooo good!

Sally said...

What a fantastic PS finish! Love it!

Love the ornament for Myra. I just had to do a search and find this freebie as it's so cute!

staci said...

Love your Halloween finishes Berit...they both turned out wonderfully! I've never seen that freebie before, I love the fabric you used with it.

Sadie said...

WONDERFUL!
Oh Berit, what a beautiful finish! I love all the little colour changes and your signature.
It would be lovely if you could display it somehow. I'm sure you will think of something.
Love the ornament you stitched for Myra, I am sure she will cherish it.
It is a good job that you have some self restraint, if those sweets had landed on my door there would be none left when Stuart got home from work! ;-D

Andrea said...

A wonderful PS finish. Love it!

Siobhán said...

Oooh, I love your finish! I need to do that one for next Halloween. I love PS's Halloween stuff. :) Great exchange piece, too!

Mrs. Love said...

I've had this chart for years and almost immediately after purchasing it I began questioning it....I do not like the charted colors!! Today I discovered your version on Pinterest and now it's suddenly a must-stitch!! Can you please share your color conversions? Thank you and congratulations on a wonderful finish!! :)

Sally said...

Hi Berit! I also recently discovered your gorgeous finish with WDW and CC, and am dying to know what other colors you used beside honeysuckle.
Thank you and am so glad to have discovered your blog!

Josie0602 said...

Love your PS When Witches Go Riding. It has been on my wish list for a long time. I cannot find the pattern though....loved seeing yours finished! So beautiful!

Tracy