tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61330449797343051652024-03-13T16:27:32.492-07:00Along the Paths of Pins and NeedlesA Cross Stitch And Handcraft blogBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-64432756583130906692013-06-28T13:12:00.001-07:002013-06-29T08:12:07.678-07:00Wayward Woman Stitching-Blogger Tempted Back By New Prairie Schooler ReleasesYup...It's me! You're well, I hope?<br />
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Somehow, I was doing well with stitching but not with blogging for a long time, but the past two months or so there has been not much stitching either.<br />
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BUT! Today I randomly fired up Google Reader--which is sunsetting in just days *pours one out for Reader*--only to see this item headlining my updates--<b><a href="http://marykathryn.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/new-prairie-schoolers-4/">New Prairie Schoolers!</a> </b><br />
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These may be the three sweetest words I know--New... Prairie... Schoolers...<br />
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And they are GREAT this time. Right? RIGHT? What do you think of them? <i>You</i> think they are great, right? ALL of them! Which has never really happened for me.<br />
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Somehow, I like New PS Release even better than Market. I know! Crazy! But, somehow it became that way.<br />
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Why are they great?<br />
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• Shocked moon AND cracked-open orangey-lit door on brick house in the Mini Card!<br />
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• Another Halloween Yearly Santa-sized card--with Prim Needle/BoAF-ish cats!<br />
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• Lg. Halloween pattern: contains a small with wonderful kiddie revelers.<br />
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• Christmas Ornaments: Wonderful Euro-Swedish theme--is that a Dala horse I see!?!?<br />
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• This year's Santa: Now with Jaunty Boots, and CLOCKS! Even a Cuckoo clock!! (I have a thing for clocks. And Candles. Taper candles. With the little ring to hold using your finger. I'm not, however, drawing a hard line on sentences with verbs today.)<br />
I can't discern what those documents he is carrying are, though...<br />
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• Boo Moon: Okay, this MAY be the weak entry with some same-y items in comparison to past releases, but I think I'm digging the orange moon with Halloween Town skyline.<br />
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• Happy Christmas: The title. Also, "tiny long-coated Santa approaching house" ornament. :D<br />
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SO wanting these; but wondering if I have even remotely sufficient mojo!<br />
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Photos, Go!<br />
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I love baskets. And Roof-lurking cats. So, I added one. (I don't see this piece suffering that charted bird's loss...)</div>
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I made pincushion for use with my sewing machine/quilting during the Christmas season, while I was making gifts. The backing is a crisp blue seersucker. </div>
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A friend's moving family suddenly had an extra swing machine. It's all mechanical and about 30x better than my 3 y.o. Kenmore. Now, if only I could coax it to wind thread!</div>
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I continued piecing that quilt top--rather home stretch.</div>
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I rather like my workspace; yay drape-y quilt top! The iron was a birthday gift (November) from a dear friend. It's one of Panasonic's cordless models. I love Panasonic home goods, but it could be hotter. I adore the maneuverability.</div>
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Growing...</div>
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Blue, blue tiles!</div>
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St. Valentine's Day</div>
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A house with vines</div>
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A cast-iron teapot souvenir/birthday gift from<i> Mariage Frères</i>. The cord was a christmas gift. It was intended as a bracelet, but I do enjoy it as display dressing here. :)</div>
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A wild hair seized me and I decided just before New Year that I needed to tackle the Everest that is the PS Alphabet. I still need 2 or 3 of these to start...I wanted to prepare a special modified layout, with custom edits, but I need them all first before I can even plan it. Complicated!</div>
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They do look nice there upon my Fig Tree table-topper, no?</div>
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If you recall my yearly ornament project, here is "dedictated to 2008" all finished. I once stitched this for an exchange, and here is another for me! Love this Mary Garry design. </div>
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I was SO SATISFIED when I successfully added this fox. A very talented professional illustrator friend of mine saw this image and enthusiastically told me he'd use it for a color palette. I concur!</div>
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I love the crest-like nature of that center vine medallion/birds-in-flight.</div>
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Right-hand terminal reached!!</div>
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When These came out, I flipped my sh*t! So edgy! So awesome! So...so...so.</div>
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I finally treated myself to those braided kelmscotts I'd been coveting since their launch. Also, did you know that this blog's name is a reference to an old French version of LRRH? </div>
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LOVE IT. </div>
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I stitched it with the recommended PS Lambswool, which I almost never do. I Just wanted This. Piece. On. My. Wall. Now. Look at that corner-turning wolf! I may have shared some of my heart's fox-loving space with wolves due to this series. <3 p=""></3></div>
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Perching on my stitching shelf; I have it all finished and most of Three Pigs, too. And a few smalls. But, finishing? Hah!</div>
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<i>La bougie</i></div>
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Do you still remember I said I love them?</div>
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Thank you to everyone who has cared for me upon hearing of my troubles this past autumn and winter. </div>
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Things are better now, mostly. I'm sorry I wasn't able to let you know until now, and I think of you often and wish you are well. I do love my blogland friends.</div>
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<i>Until Soon,</i></div>
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<i>Berit</i></div>
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<br /><!--3-->Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-26259534527328689682013-01-21T18:51:00.000-08:002013-01-21T18:51:12.028-08:00Saturday's Stitching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's not Christmas Ornament finishing, but..."B"?</div>
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There's an ornament! :D And that's <i>Jenny Bean's Christmas Sampler. </i>And the wonderful red fox (and bunny) tote from Myra which I use to hold q-snaps when I am home.<br />
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"Be"!</div>
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I thought stitching myself a valentine was just the thing when I saw this early Saturday evening. </div>
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Design: <a href="http://primitivebettys.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-about-freebie-gift.html">"~* Be My Valentine Freebie *~"</a> by Primitive Betty's</div>
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Fabric: 36 ct. Days Gone By</div>
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Fiber: DMC 115 (of course)</div>
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If you feel like you'd better love yourself a little more, why not make one for yourself? </div>
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I want to finish it using some of that twisted cord made from DMC I see around the internets; but I don't know how to make it. Do you, dear reader? Or do you know a good tutorial? Does one need a tool to construct it?</div>
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THANK YOU for your wonderful comments and good wishes. I am doing my best to hang in there, still, and meanwhile trying not to over-succumb to the cold Marc brought home. I have hopes of making replies to your kind comments soon. ;)</div>
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<br />Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-16376982669397094502013-01-18T12:39:00.000-08:002013-01-18T12:39:16.398-08:00Photos from Here<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Notice: In retrospect; I almost can't recommend reading the content in the following blog post;<br />Perhaps you ought to consider simply enjoying the pictures? ~*</span><br />
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Astonishingly, and for various reasons perhaps not interesting to enumerate here, I've begun stitching on BBD's Mystery Sampler again. The idea is stitching as therapy in between finishing the I-did-not-realize-it-was-this-numerous pile of smalls I've accumulated. It is an entity large enough to require a name--perhaps "Legion, for it is many". I don't even know how many. Contemplating finding out, though...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw0cJb5pLi8/UPmQaxT_fqI/AAAAAAAACio/EFrtWwad5Bg/s1600/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw0cJb5pLi8/UPmQaxT_fqI/AAAAAAAACio/EFrtWwad5Bg/s400/IMG_1516.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I want to catalogue the progress in small increments; I want to see how amazed I can be by progress pics. Isn't that green nice?<br />
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Recently, I've received some wonderful foods from friends. My very good friend, Jen, who amazingly runs her family's restaurant, but rarely cooks, prepared this Lebanese desert for me for my birthday/Christmas. It's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knafeh">kanafeh</a>, and boy was it wonderful. It's beautiful, aromatic, so sweet yet so satisfying. Please try some if you get the chance!</div>
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This is an egg with cucumber sandwich Marc recently surprised me with, call it a "souvenir" of a trip he made with friends to the grocery store for the ingredients to make <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okonomiyaki">okonomiyaki</a>; It had been arranged that I was to prepare it for our friend group, but Did Not really want to shop then cook. A favorite food to look at and eat. I love that shade of yellow. </div>
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This is a new packaging method they've begun using; I adore the sticker. :)</div>
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fr. Prairie Schooler <i>Bk 151: Santas and Snowmen</i></div>
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Linen: 32 Ct. Sandstone by Wichelt</div>
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Fibers: Recommended DMC</div>
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(Notes: I imitated this finish out of admiration for those by <a href="http://stitchingdream.blogspot.com/">Carol</a> and <a href="http://gr8damesplace.blogspot.com/">Myra</a>)</div>
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A Prominent Project in my mind for over a year is a long-held plan to have a yearly ornament dedicated to The Family or Our Love. Also, to extend this retroactively to the first Christmas Marc and I spent together, which is 2005. I've only been stitching since about 2008, so that would be a backtrack of 3 years, but why not? But looking at the body of ornaments I've stitched for more-or-less this project, many were published AFTER the years I need to match with ornaments. </div>
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i.e., Am I in danger of opening a singularity if I put the date of 2006 on Plum Street Sampler's "Yuletide" (pub. JCS 2011?), and dedicate it to our love? At the very least it may be a violence to historical accuracy. I thought of adding the proper date of production (2012-2013), with a "ded.", but isn't that also used for "deceased" as well as "dedicated"? At least in public perception?</div>
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Here is the back; 2012 is the 8th Christmas we spent together--seems amazing! I have some more to say about this design--I actually stitched it 3x this holiday season!!--but will keep it for another time. My motto was definitely "finished is better than perfect" here--and one of the others which I gave as a gift; and even finished first is much more nicely done! I actually completed the finishing on this shortly after the new year.</div>
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fiber: DMC 4210</div>
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Linen: 32 ct. "Raw" by Zweigart</div>
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More New Year's finishing. I stitched this after falling deeply in love with BeckySC's version a few(?) years ago, and went ahead with knocking out the finishing so I could have it well in advance of Valentine's 2013. I don't recall any particulars about the design; it may be an old French Saijou piece.</div>
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I think I was testing changing the alphabet "joints"; do you see how they are different? Well, I can't recall where it is "safe" to frog anymore, and though I like the right side better, I also like the variation--calling it as "prim". This is a special piece in that it uses part of my first "real" piece of linen, and my at-the-time favorite DMC overdye. I feel that it is a bit of a time-capsule piece for me. </div>
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I love these buttons, though perhaps not on this piece, but I bought them an eon ago for this purpose and decided to forge ahead!! </div>
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The back, or "More Finished Is Better Than Perfect." </div>
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fr. Prairie Schooler <i>Bk. 143: Button Up</i></div>
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Fabric: 32 ct. Ivory by Wichelt</div>
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I have Autumn and Christmas Stitched goods a'plenty, and spring, too. Oddly, I have more "by me, for me, finished by me" for spring than any other season. The other seasons, who are well represented, lack finishing in comparison). But Winter? I had Not One winter finish. Because I'd tracked down a copy of OOP Prairie Schooler <i>Button Up </i>for a Christmas Present (More on that later), I was also able to stitch this little piece of goodness for me! </div>
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I have long wanted to add a white beaded edging to something, and here for these smalls was my chance--it just seems snowy to me in the best way!</div>
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Here's an in-progress shot to show off the "Winter" caption I added. I borrowed PS lettering from other charts. It does not show much, but I know it is there. Also in the background is a pincushion I made for myself to help with quilting/finishing while I was making some for gifts this Christmas. </div>
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Friends, Thank you for your indulgence today during your visit, and your friendship always. A few of you I very much owe emails/need to catch up with. My blog-reading is sporadic, my commenting non-existent. Generally, I want to say how much I have enjoyed your posts when I am able, and a particular mention--seeing <a href="http://ortsandends.blogspot.com/">Annemarie</a>'s return to blogging has treated me to a great and effervescent joy. :D :D :D Somehow, I have not been able to tell her so on her own blog yet, so saying it now here. Perhaps she'll even see it. If you by some odd circumstance aren't familiar with her fine blog--please visit. You are in for something special. </div>
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Oh, also--<a href="http://whilstirisnaps.blogspot.com/">Christina</a>, thank you for the special gift. It meant so much to me, I still don't know what to say. I am very sorry for this. </div>
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I do hope all is very well with every one of you. As for us, If you are able and willing, PLEASE send whatever good thoughts, prayers, etc. which you think appropriate our way. We particularly need Wisdom and Opportunities. </div>
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Love to Friends,</div>
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Berit</div>
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<br />Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-57862601647191907942012-10-02T15:02:00.000-07:002012-10-02T15:02:50.431-07:00Autumn Comes Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday I spent $5 at the local vegetable market to buy this little bevy of gourds. :)</span></div>
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This little green watermelon-y one with its over-long stem is my favorite.<br />
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Did I fool you with my laid out quilt block quarters? Only these three have now been sewn together--last time's "quilt" was just me deciding block placement by laying them out on top of my quilt-covered bed. My friend's mother let me use her Bernina--what an eye-opener that was. Want. </div>
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I think I need to use a walking foot though, because of how varied and scrappy all these fabrics are. (They are getting quite "stretched by the process of being sewn together. Also, two were sewed together in the wrong placement. The foreground block is definitely coming apart. I need to decide which way to iron my seams. Heh.<br />
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I love wip pictures which elevate materials and textures. :) Last time's PS WIP with scissors Christina sent to me in an exchange. I've changed the fibers, most notably the ground below the Haunted House.<br />
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Please Advise: When I started, I thought of using just black for a pen-and-ink illustration look. I then decided to add browns, but am still not sure about adding in the orange. I've basically decided to orange the windows with an overdyed silk, but...should I do it anywhere else? If the keys aren't orange, should they be brown or black? Should the owl legs be brown or black? Should I just make the windows with their black backstitch only and no orange glow at all???<br />
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I AM disappointed that Marc is only afraid of the orange-eyed owls, but I do like the limited palette. I need elves to stitch this for me again as-charted, perhaps.<br />
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Didn't think I'd stitched much while away, but "found" this on "Aoutline"'s linen. I loved this motif I stitched for Faye a while back for an Autumn exchange, so here is one for me. But, what to put in the center? :) (I realize I did stitch, and quite a bit more than this...watch this space?)</div>
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I though Lovely Autumn'd just begun, I got the Christmas Stitch Itch. :) This is from a leaflet I bought because it had a Huntsman Santa with Fox. Do my threads drive you crazy? Me, too. </div>
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I loathe clipping them while/after stitching, but I ENJOY doing it at the beginning of a stitching session. Thus, many "finished" pieces have little trail-y threads like this poking out of the front. Once or twice I've clipped them just for the purpose of shooting a blog photo for you (but not woven them in)--this is Not Allowed. :P</div>
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What else is on this "Linen No. 9"? Why, more PS! </div>
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And Kindred Spirits by Prim Needle! Bad! How are things to keep clean with such an M.O.? I tell myself larger works (like a BAP Quaker) do, but my mind is not satisfied. </div>
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I remember working hard to give this cat charming markings with the Belle Soie. Do you think I succeeded?</div>
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Another Away Stitch (with away waste knots, too!) This is a PS piece from the big Halloween book JCS put out last year, but I altered the colors and filled the background to match my favorite small (as seen in this post's first photo). So far, it is out all the time (though still unfinished!!) I need to stuff it (do I, though?) and finish the beaded edging. </div>
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Thank you everyone, for your visits last time and kind comments. I am quite surprised and touched, and happy to be able to talk with you again. </div>
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I am making a little extra time to integrate more visiting and commenting into my life, so I hope to see you at "your place" and talk with you again soon. </div>
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Berit<br />
<br />Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-79181560869713110422012-09-21T10:37:00.001-07:002012-09-21T10:37:32.835-07:00A Few Photos No. 01Hello, Everyone. Hoping all is well with you.
Today, I have a few photos from here. (i.e. Let's see if I remember how to do this!)
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_zZA11MV9_SACr3dB26QarjXQ_C8zyBH23iLYfUhMHZqUhI8-qsLritqNhXr4KzvdiKp5UX5G6SWUeMOq9t78AtxR5QtPR6exZ9L-55rUfe5sTFGFimhyphenhyphenb9dJyzSeokGBK2uUrXLViA/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_zZA11MV9_SACr3dB26QarjXQ_C8zyBH23iLYfUhMHZqUhI8-qsLritqNhXr4KzvdiKp5UX5G6SWUeMOq9t78AtxR5QtPR6exZ9L-55rUfe5sTFGFimhyphenhyphenb9dJyzSeokGBK2uUrXLViA/s320/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
Four quarters of a block from my 21st Century Bullseye Quilt--<a href="http://threadgatherer.blogspot.com/">Deb</a> inspired me to try this one--waiting to be sewn together.
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I made this using a layer cake I won from BBD in "Garden Party". I'm wondering if I'd like it better if I omitted the reds.
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I tried making Ina Garten's "<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/jam-thumbprint-cookies-recipe/index.html">Favorite Jam Thumbprint Cookies</a>". (She really did say they were her favorite. How many Jam Thumbprint cookie recipes are in your repertoire?) The bottoms came out rather burnt looking, but did not taste burnt. I added some crushed cardamom seeds to the vanilla extract which I soaked overnight. Make this with <i>Bonne Maman</i> jams! :D
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I started stitching Prairie Schooler <i>Whoo's There?</i> Halloween Card.
It is 1/2 on supposed-to-be-36-but-actually-42 count Barn Owl by Linens by Design (formerly produced by BoaF).
There were two of these Halloween cards released at the same time by PS (see <a href="http://www.prairieschooler.com/halloween/knock-knock.htm">other</a>), and I love both. I reluctantly started with this one because Marc is afraid of the wide-eyed owls. I am rather farther along now, and one night I was burning the midnight oil to "just finish a little more. just finish the owl-outline." If you from a portmanteau of the words "owl" and "outline", it is REALLY fun to say. "Aaooutline"
So, that is my new title for this piece.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfjxobALvP28tejvLhXLop456_hMk7XpYdY-rvjQ9meWt-36XkG4x3dsXAMA89CyBQuTSuz-X_UBL-E18RT9MOchRjOtmV_0FnIRxrOB0rbRxUhP-vpVbYUORP3wC4iBZ68dF1ZURJG0/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfjxobALvP28tejvLhXLop456_hMk7XpYdY-rvjQ9meWt-36XkG4x3dsXAMA89CyBQuTSuz-X_UBL-E18RT9MOchRjOtmV_0FnIRxrOB0rbRxUhP-vpVbYUORP3wC4iBZ68dF1ZURJG0/s320/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
I splurged on a new <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/vintage-ticking-stripe-shower-curtain/">ticking stripe shower curtain</a>. It is a linen/cotton combo, and I adore the french blue stripe with navy outline. (aoutline?)
Until next time,
my Best Wishes,
Berit
Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-85157908740026539092011-12-21T10:20:00.000-08:002011-12-21T10:37:26.299-08:00Before-Christmas Catch-Up!<center><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l1FAEPC8tlI/TvHxsPXnLGI/AAAAAAAACT8/6cc_K183Ifs/s400/1219010927a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Whew! It has been a while, so I will try to keep it to the photos! Just because it is my treasure, here is the birthday card Marc made for me in its perch with some of my other favorite treasures on my coffee table. Yes, That PS Halloween small is still out. :)<br /><br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aWnUUSuBjdc/TvHxwTgpAkI/AAAAAAAACUE/zwRK26ZeRIk/s400/1115011457a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />And here it is with the beautifully wrapped gift it accompanied. I adore this card because he drew it, and it uses the darling caricature of me which we developed a couple of years ago. (He rendered, I "art directed": "Okay, have a rabbit making tea. Yes, but the rabbit should be like an eggplant. LIke a waterskin. Yes, okay over here...") Additionally, it induces a neat bit of recursion in the form of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Droste_effect">Droste effect</a> when I hold the present. :D :D :D<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlKlKZhl-Ss/TvHx1G6xv3I/AAAAAAAACUM/JALUQ5yz4Ro/s400/1115011440a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />The darling paper, which is a gift in itself. It is a long story, but the gift inside is not a surprise, and is somewhat "owed". This makes the love and care he put into the packaging the REAL gift, and I adore it. He went above and beyond to order this wrapping paper; it is a good produced using motifs from one of my favorite comics, Ochibisan, which I spoke about <a href="http://pathofpinsandneedles.blogspot.com/2010/10/graffiti-jack.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bxboYC3TD1s/TvHx9C3BHpI/AAAAAAAACUU/HlZHuWMq4Io/s400/1219011011.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Inside the box? Why, it's <a href="http://www.mametsubu-ya.com/?pid=34084638">this mug</a>! There is also a blue version, which I also recently acquired. :) The food shown here is a green tea latte and okonomi <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senbei">senbei</a>.<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gO-DxMZ2oss/TvH65PBdjCI/AAAAAAAACUc/rSdQCxoyYfE/s400/birthdaycardfrChristina.jpg" /><br /><br />I was also blessed with other kind gifts. Wonderful <a href="http://whilstirisnaps.blogspot.com/">Christina</a> not only remembered my day, but sent me a pattern I had admired her finishes of! And, scissor charms, too! Thank you, Christina!<br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yVPECkvtIxc/TvH7ybxB55I/AAAAAAAACUs/E7hh7kcqm3g/s400/1219010926.jpg" /><br /><br />Meanwhile, I decided at the beginning of my birthday week that I would make the "Ultimate Gift" for myself--I would stitch The Chart: PS Fox & Grapes. (Do you have a "The Chart"?) Well, it was "ambitious", shall we say...I wonder if I will finish in the new year. It does have a lot of leaves!<br /><br />Myra must have really been on the same wavelength (Not that my Fox Mania isn't somewhat legendary)<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-00kjW00Kujk/TvH9ya9KEZI/AAAAAAAACVY/A_tySJ4DYMY/s400/1219010933.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />She sent me this amazing fox project bag! :o She said she got the fox fabric panel from etsy, and this mystic fox has really grown on me! It even has a rabbit! I like the co-ordinating black print she used; though multicolored the confetti dots remind me of pinhole constellations in a magical sky.<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A7FzdCb5dQM/TvH90mvqR_I/AAAAAAAACVg/BooldEAwGVM/s400/1219010932.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Here's a "batman snap" showing the scale and lining of this beautiful bag! About a week later I realized it even has green grapes!!!<br /><br />I caught quite a cold in November (Right before Thanksgiving; the guys had to make It All!), and I feel like I am still catching up even now! <br /><br /><br />Okay, On to Christmas! (Somewhat)<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urwPvcC9Qwo/TvISRAvs9TI/AAAAAAAACVs/NnVdd7fF26M/s400/1219010924.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />I promise to get some better tree shots, but I do like the light quality in this and seeing ornaments from my friends! Don't you just love The Tree? I adore tree pics on blogs. :)<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ADwveonsxg/TvIWNO3McsI/AAAAAAAACW0/KPgRJoDcxKY/s400/1219010928.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />The messy desk layout of all the ornaments I have stitched since the summer--there are 12! (Well, 2 were from last year). I am surprised and glad to have reached part of my goal--more on the goal as I get closer/organized on it.<br /><br />Some of these are officially for Becky SC's Ornament Challenge, and here follow closer pics of the ones I have worked on since I last blogged:<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iRtDfRWg9sI/TvIWSlxon8I/AAAAAAAACW8/OYj9Gh6UILI/s400/1219010928a.jpg" /><br /><br />fr. Prairie Schooler Bk. 151 "Santas and Snowmen"<br />worked in the recommended DMC<br /></center><br /><br /><br />With thanks to Myra for the loan of this OoP Chart! This was the "stitchin'-est" ornament in memory! Does anyone else "forget" that white or light stitching umn, has to be stitched when they are sizing up how much of a BAP a chart is?<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EWulHUtn0xA/TvIWUdCALcI/AAAAAAAACXE/73dVS_47cbk/s400/1219010929.jpg" /><br /><br />fr. Prairie Schooler Bk. 117 "Prairie Stars"<br />worked in the recommended DMC<br /></center><br /><br />I've been pining for this one since I saw Edgar stitch it a year or two ago.<br /><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G8BuFf2ZlKI/TvIWUTnlKmI/AAAAAAAACXI/hgczSvecTgI/s400/1219010929a.jpg" /><br /><br />Here is a Mary Garry Santa ornament which I previously stitched for an exchange; I need to get a few colors I am missing to finish up santa!<br /><br />Now, here is this week's WiP:<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eG00FjAgPPs/TvIWYJjQltI/AAAAAAAACXU/-TFuLUJ88s0/s400/1219010930.jpg" /><br /><br />Yup, I started PSS Yuletide! I think the overdyes really make this piece, and I am glad I bought the JCS this year! This is another one which has a goodly amount of stitching, but once you figure out how to "work" the townhouses they are a fun repeating motif. :D<br /><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cZd2XaO-nIM/TvIjgVCqV2I/AAAAAAAACXk/fvIJWXFUPPY/s400/1219010935a.jpg" /><br /><br />Also, I decided I had to have a <a href="http://whiterabbitexpress.com/">noro scarf</a> (as seen on <a href="http://www.nicolesneedlework.com/2011/10/slump.html">Nicole's Blog</a>).<br /><br />Here is my trial run (I cast on 29 stitches instead of 30-something), and only used 2 balls of yarn. Learning the rib stitch to make this was so irritating, but I was really satisfied when I did.<br /><br />Okay, friends, this is already overlong! I hope to be back soon with a shorter, stitching update type post. Just in case,<br /><br />Merry Christmas!!<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-78774707303454944032011-11-03T11:25:00.000-07:002011-11-03T11:58:36.175-07:00Christmas Ornament Challenge!I'm taking part in the 2011 followup to last year's Pumpkin Challenge, the <a href="http://christmasornamentchallenge2011.blogspot.com/">Christmas Ornament Challenge</a>! I thought it was a good opportunity to motivate myself to stitch an ornament I have been wanting on my tree for a few years, but never got around to stitching. More accurately, I stitched it for an exchange, but then it was LOST in the mail (Later UK Post reported it as Stolen, of all things) and I had to re-stitch. I can tell you, I stitched a different piece and I completely lost my mojo for stitching my own!<br /><br />So, yesterday I started, and today I finished up the last third of the pedestal and did the long stitches--hooray!<br /><br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CENsZG90kQ4/TrLdPqYYBOI/AAAAAAAACRw/CeK3NAUteSI/s400/1103011420.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />I don't have any info on this chart; I was inspired by <a href="http://www.anitalittlestitches.com/">Anita</a>'s finish of this, and wanted to make my own (I used the same thread as her version; I only remember that it is by Threadworx. It is stitched 1/1 on a 28 ct. evenweave; I THINK the color was called Mushroom. I looked around a bit, and I see it listed about halfway down<a href="http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?anno=2&hl=fr&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=fr&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://cenroussillon.wordpress.com/grilles-gratuites-fichiers-en-pdf/&usg=ALkJrhhArgfiTbjHdmj7rf8YLnKOnW0KZQ"> this page</a> as a 2008-2009 free chart.<br /><br />Anita is great to work with; just email her if you are interested and I bet she'll set you up!<br /><br />Too bad she doesn't sell Finishing Mojo; I think I can eek some out of The Challenge, however. ;)<br />Speaking of setting up, I want to thank everyone who responded to let me know about that PS Chart I asked after last time! I was pleased to learn that the chart, Bk. 63 "Christmas Traditions", also contains the other PS Christmas pattern my heart so pines for--even more than the one I asked about! It contains the verse "O Christmas Tree" and is loaded with rabbits. :D<br /><br />I am also happy (shocked, but happy) that <a href="http://stitchingupastorm.blogspot.com/">Sadie</a> was even willing to lend me her copy! :o So, thanks everybody and especially Sadie!<br /><br />...<br /><br />Considering this <a href="http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2011/08/stuffed-summer-squash-with-merguez.html">stuffed squash</a> for dinner; Chef John's recipes are on the whole easy and awesome; but I am still thinking, "Oh, if only this would make itself!"Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-64633343628549401282011-11-02T08:59:00.000-07:002011-11-02T09:21:11.207-07:00"November" finished already?!I just put the last three letters into this piece!<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HylVcRtKeTc/TrFpQfMFDCI/AAAAAAAACRI/P1gqIlePFeI/s400/1102011058.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />But, is it done? I put this one off because I was not sure about the word "nights". I don't think I like the "n", and the "g" looks like a digital display numeral"9". Also, I was pondering how to sign it. Now, I am pondering "if".<br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6hitj_hYOMM/TrFpTXTxDlI/AAAAAAAACRQ/eIA48QIYCno/s400/1102011059.jpg" /><br /><br /><center><br />fr. Prairie Schooler Bk No. 149 "November"<br />Fabric: 28ct. Purely Primitive linen by Silkweavers<br />Fibers: Mostly cotton overdye picked by me; some recommended DMC.<br /></center><br /><br />Moving on, "Have You Seen Me?":<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E6HTZIKH8nc/TrFrVgbgUII/AAAAAAAACRc/H_1KQTyOx-o/s400/IMG_2425.JPG" /><br /></center><br /><br />Saw this in my wanderings the other day, the stitcher said nothing more than that it was an old PS, and a favorite of the family, and that she stitched it in 1997. I only know that it is amazing, and probably OOP, and that I am perishing to know the title if nothing else! Any stitchers out there with any info? :D<br /><br /><br />Finally, because I am perishing for want of them, I share with you some Macarons from a City trip several weeks ago:<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dsHpR1XY0_g/TrFsQK_DurI/AAAAAAAACRk/h64nKyqGjRA/s400/1015011536.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Feast your eyes upon (from foreground L snaking around to foreground R): Rhubarb (filling too wet and smooshy), Cassis (my favorite!), Early Grey (Too Strong--I know, blasphemy), Pistachio, Lemon, Mocha, Apricot, and Lemon (Marc chose 4, and I chose 4; hence the Luscious Lemon Repetition.). <br /><br />Yes, these are from the same place from whence came the cast iron teapot of a recent post.<br /><br />Happy Mid-Week!<br /><br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-10160824742024159922011-10-31T13:09:00.000-07:002011-10-31T13:22:42.868-07:00A Hallowe'en Finish<span style="font-weight:bold;">Happy Halloween!</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t94dDWp1sSE/Tq8B9tLiPPI/AAAAAAAACQw/CHOhwYAks_Q/s400/1031011607a.jpg" /><br /><br /><center><br />Prairie Schooler Bk. 174 "Cats, Bats, & Witches" (Selected Elements)<br />Fabric: 32 ct. Ivory linen by Wichelt (Walnut-ink stained by me after stitching)<br />Fibers: DMC as charted excepting bright orange silk overdye.<br /></center><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DDzRC8RwCGw/Tq8CAZJ-05I/AAAAAAAACQ4/yXwywKJUwaM/s400/1031011607.jpg" /><br /><br />Falling Cat yowls, "Happy Yowl-o-We'eeeeen!"Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-25035148134589186242011-10-29T08:53:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:46:59.355-07:00A Merrie Hallowe'en~<blockquote>It's Snowing!</blockquote><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RbjBexkyITU/Tqwnp4IPS9I/AAAAAAAACQE/U4CRG9LglBc/s400/1029011147.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />These were taken about an hour ago, when it had just stared coming down. <br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CINJj6xEe_g/TqwnsLbj63I/AAAAAAAACQM/7Lhdyk9nWmc/s400/1029011132.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Beginning to accrue on the roof after only 5-10 minutes!<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yRyd2iFgEmA/Tqwnv_FRSVI/AAAAAAAACQU/mJG3o551Bis/s400/1029011133a.jpg" /><br /><br />I had Marc rush out to get these pics so that you can see our autumn color on the trees through the snow. Insane! It is still falling thick and fast an hour later. It is pretty warm, however, and I hope it melts off fast w/o stripping the trees. We are still at only 40-60% "gone" for our yearly turn-and-fall leaf show, and I don't want to endure extra weeks of barren trees this autumn! :(<br /><br />I may update later with pics of the snow-blanketed landscape if there is interest.<br /><br />A wonderful package arrived--a generous loan from Myra of an OOP PS that I really wanted to make an ornament (Or two!) from. She included a pretty scallop-edged fashion plate card AND best of all a fox-themed fabric bookmark which she made herself! She said it was just a little experiment, I say, "WoW!"<br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OzGd5WQH_OE/TqwlK84Uj4I/AAAAAAAACP0/YObXVfcZ-Ak/s400/1024011520.jpg" /><br /><br />A (clearer) view of the other side. Myra said that she printed this design onto special fabric and then made up the bkmark!<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s6Qsqz4BqLE/TqwlMuiH8SI/AAAAAAAACP8/07ECi3VrdP4/s400/1024011520a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Stacy Nash began selling walnut ink crystals, so I decided to take advantage because I have been wanting some for such a long time! Of course, I also had to get the sweetheart tree roll. something in this calls to me, though I don't know I will be making it into a roll! <br /><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Aw0GMQsD9o/Tqwi7lIjwuI/AAAAAAAACPk/OW2G80aGF8w/s400/1024011516.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />This is part of the Primitive Betty's pillow I have been working on; I love the whole design, but it was working up too big on that 28 count Antique Tan! So, I grabbed an element from here and there, and added a little pumpkin! It was fun doing the ink dye, I went dark on it because it is a a Halloween piece, and small enough to not be a big risk if I botched it. I also tried dyeing some of the trim I received last time (It is pretty blue for this piece), but I think it still needs another round! :)<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Zk-Jc6uOio/Tqwi9mLcwEI/AAAAAAAACPs/G2963EVrElM/s400/1029011146a.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hJSndmkPa8M/TqwqT5jRelI/AAAAAAAACQg/9vXoWB170JI/s400/1026011144.jpg" /><br /><br />To keep us (me) warm in our travels, here is a pic of the tea I had at <a href="http://macaroncafe.com/">Macaron Café</a> this week while in the city waiting for my medicine to be prepared. I was amazed when a $3 to-stay order of tea (<a href="http://www.mariagefreres.com/boutique/uk/ft+wedding-imperial+T950.html">Wedding Impérial</a> by Mariage Frères) yielded a 2.5-3 cup cast iron pot's serving! <br /><br />If it looks small, blame the barge of a cup the gave me to consume it from! Now, I really want a cast iron pot. (I want THIS cast iron pot.) lol. MF is my favorite tea house HANDS DOWN. This blend, however, is not. It is okay, but their standard French Breakfast Tea fills my desire for this type of taste better. <br /><br />They were out of their divine Cassis Macarons, but I was able to make do with a Rose and Litchee. :) After the Niçoise salad I ate, it actually didn't matter (Shocking, I know!)<br /><br />Well, I am off; Marc has planned a surprise for me this afternoon (Before you get jealous, let me tell you this is a First--and apology-related--but I am still so excited!) Wish me luck!<br /><br />With Spooky, Snowy Wishes to you,<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-4082392364938152852011-10-13T12:35:00.000-07:002011-10-13T14:18:09.281-07:00Yesterday's Three FinishesHow did I manage this? It is almost cheating, but technically true...<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1TdmoQ-6TE8/Tpc-B27cE7I/AAAAAAAACNg/Bb6w5bibOgk/s400/1013011505.jpg" /><br /><br />Day 11<br />fr. Prairie Schooler Bk. 127 "Santa's 12 Days of Christmas 9-12"<br />Fabric: 36 or 40 ct. Days Gone By<br />Fibers: Recommended DMC<br /></center><br /><br />Shown with Scissors for scale, here is M.F.H. Santa in all his gear on the field. The fox seems to be popping up; "You called?" or maybe "You Mad, Bro?" I did change the white to B5200 to make it show up better on the linen. I DID rip and replace the the red after reflecting on Vonna's advice particularly. It seems that life's trick is knowing what "moving on" in life means in each situation. I will say that I thought the previous red was prettier on the linen; too bad I don't know what color number it really was.<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7kHpdZmCh8w/Tpc-D-TssmI/AAAAAAAACNo/sHSgOY5neHw/s400/1013011506.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />I am beyond thrilled by this Autumnal Hunt themed Ornament. But...I couldn't figure out what the fox was doing. Their paws are actually white, so I though he was pointing. Is he telling the chasers to run the opposite direction from what the Huntsman is calling? That's awfully goofy for PS. After comparing the cover image, the graph, and mulling it over, suddenly I knew! <span style="font-style:italic;">That appendage is his brush!</span> Oh. <br /><br />I like the idea of fox hunting, though I only know reports of it as given by <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/r/rita_mae_brown.html">Rita Mae Brown</a>. She portrays it as a noble game which the fox naturally always wins, as he is so sly. Recognized American clubs never kill the fox. <br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8t5Sk6wCKWk/TpdDsZEb4fI/AAAAAAAACNw/T6a6gDJZbbA/s400/1013011502.jpg" /><br /><br />fr. Prairie Schooler Bk. 159 "Fall Fields"<br />Fabric: 28 ct. Wichelt Antique Tan (?)<br />Fibers: Recommended DMC<br /></center><br /><br />Have you seen this before from me? Well, I added in the ring around his eye, finally, so that now he doesn't look like some sort of soul-less carcass! :)<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N8WmS_XIKkY/TpdHGAJgcZI/AAAAAAAACN4/NZuFWOTS53o/s400/1013011504.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A Visit<br /></span>fr. Prairie Schooler Bk. 48 "A Christmas Visit"<br />Fabric: 28 ct. Wichelt Antique Tan (?)<br />Fibers: Recommended DMC<br /></center><br /><br />Though I am quite vocally sour about The disease of Early Christmas brought on by our American Marketing Machine, this one had me singing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jolly_Old_Saint_Nicholas">Jolly Old St. Nicholas</a> all week. Though I only know the first two sections, I somehow love this old song; perhaps one of the reasons is because aforementioned Machine hasn't worn it out for me. I can't recall the last time I heard this one; can you?<br /><br />The colors seem quite different from the model picture, particularly the chimney/window. This publication is from 1994 (eep) and I think perhaps the dye lots are that different now. I decided to just go as charted, however, because I fell in love with the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happy_stitcher/3087271673/">version seen</a> on Mary Katherine's blog. If possible, I'd like to find some green gingham ribbon just like this to finish this piece! :D<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MToj6XaFLv8/TpdHGx2iuRI/AAAAAAAACOA/M-bQrUwgtrY/s400/1013011504a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />This roof-haunting santa wound up with a bit of a smirk. :]<br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sY9izc_5npE/TpdMVRVHMPI/AAAAAAAACOM/2w4Pj7ONmFk/s400/1013011509.jpg" /><br /><br />I started this goody from Primitive Betty on big, big 28 count wichelt...and I don't like how huge it is. But...It looks so good in the picture that it makes me want to finish it rather than moving on as I had planned. Hurmn. I think this will be a good candidate for the walnut crystals I have on order from Stacy Nash. :) Maybe I will stick with the plan to make it a smaller pin pillow...but will I re-stitch the whole design after that? This calls for over-two stitching on 35 count, which I find tortuous! Even some tight 32 counts I hate to stitch over two. What do you think about the 35 or 36 count 2/2 practice?<br /><br />Speaking of my love for this pic, I almost love photos of stitching more than the real piece. (Does anyone else concur?)<br />Here are some Stitchy Still-Lifes; I just love this stuff when I see it in blogland!<br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g2MFbWg1ab8/TpdOLO5MQ5I/AAAAAAAACOc/Am1OK_L-Um4/s400/1013011500.jpg" /><br /><br />Three Culprits<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtExIYoJ2P0/TpdOM5nwxSI/AAAAAAAACOk/RCU4zbwl69A/s400/1013011502a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />I love the floss toss for Santa's Days! Why is only poor languishing JB in focus? I found the fill text I want to use for her, now I need to decide what image editing software I want to use for charting now that I have moved to my new computer. Any suggestions. I had macstitch and it was an abomination.<br /><br /><center>~*~</center><br /><br />Previously, I wrote that I was struggling to "Get My Autumn On", but I have been making strides:<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ouRvAzoOiNc/TpdP2LDQ3oI/AAAAAAAACO0/rXzYUWa0Pso/s400/1011011244.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Do you remember "My Tree"? It is one of the first in the neighborhood to turn its leaves and loose them, so I was happy to catch this photo recently.<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qfCFCN7rnug/TpdPzXe_cII/AAAAAAAACOs/-LJn0cnzNZc/s400/1007012308a.jpg" /><br /><br />I made <a href="http://video.about.com/homecooking/Oxtail-Stew.htm">Oxtail Ste</a>w twice last week! <a href="http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/">Chef John</a> is my modern american cooking source. I made this with a friend using his pressure cooker (50 min meat and etc., + 5 for the veg), and subbed thyme for the rosemary. We made it again adding Guinness and some mustard powder, and while both were good I would prefer Chef John's italian style with a pint for drinking! <br /><br />Oh, also! I did not add any potatoes but instead did roast veg (cauliflower, carrots, brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes) in the oven and served it in the same bowl. This is an amazingly delicious, incredibly healthy collagen-rich (woo-hoo; youthful skin!) way to eat red meat. A small amount of meat is incredibly satisfying. I really want a pressure cooker now!<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PP5FkGtj4qk/TpdP5FVOVjI/AAAAAAAACPA/uNlNiensthg/s400/1006011452a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />I love presents; especially giving and wrapping them! So, here is Edgar's Birthday Card.<br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sg744URretw/TpdP5EV_kKI/AAAAAAAACO8/PTx1ztDrxcQ/s400/1006011549.jpg" /><br /><br />And some of the two spliced together with a few already-wrapped packages in the background!<br /><br /><br /><br />...<br /><br />Thanks everyone, for your visits and comments! I am behind on reading last week's, so please excuse me while I catch up.<br /><br />Yours,<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-44045214086016055392011-09-30T06:04:00.000-07:002011-09-30T08:17:13.281-07:00Stash, Startitis, and Sweet Mail!I have these:<br /><br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AGlnIkz8Uu0/ToW-09f4CLI/AAAAAAAACMI/PeB0vQm_ThQ/s400/0930010832.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />This would be complete; but the top large snowflake at right is one stitch too high. I can't decide to change it because stitching on this 18 count aida with two threads was beyond punishment (Not a fan of the ol' Stab-and-Yank!) I picked up a piece of 35 count black linen that Nicole was clearing out, so now I am actually thinking of stitching another from this leaflet, Santa's Night.<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1BHn52nGjNk/ToXAiw7R2iI/AAAAAAAACMU/cuh2M59b4Q0/s400/0930010835.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Homespun Elegance's <span style="font-style:italic;">House on Pumpkin Hill</span>, from their A Halloween Year series. The spider and tiny cat need legs. And I need to learn how to do colonial knots for the tree. Wonder how they compare to french knots (which I am fine with.)<br /><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aOieEdcNdrw/ToXBgn-tdAI/AAAAAAAACMY/pq68JR7BKJ8/s400/0930010830a.jpg" /><br /><br />I even have this one; which I was supposed to Reveal to You All Finished this time on the blog. It lacks only the cat's body at Top Right. :/ <br /><br />These are only a few. November Nights (remember that PS?) is just as close. Jenny Bean Christmas needs only her words charted and snow and berries stitched. And the signature area added (okay, more to do on this one).<br /><br />...<br /><br />So, I started these:<br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E5ep2Jm3TjE/ToXCuUQh-sI/AAAAAAAACMg/V0npWk8VIxw/s400/0930010829.jpg" /><br /><br />Not sure I like the linen/thread combo I chose for this one. <br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O4Vl3iW0X3s/ToXDTHlX92I/AAAAAAAACMs/PGCuXMVYHAE/s400/0930010830.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Day 11 from Santa's 12 Days of Christmas. This is the second of the charts I chose from Kathy A's gift; an important one for me as I love (and want ALL the PS Foxes! :o)<br /><br />Stitched 1/2 on 36 count Days Gone By, this is an easy one due to to thread laying (non-existent) but a bit of a plodder due to small-size finish making the progress less appreciable. Also, I have run into a problem with Huntsman Santa's coat. It is supposed to be DMC 815. The last skein at the shop had the number tube shoved back on, and only one of the adjacent colors was in stock. I bought it anyway, and thought it looked dark at home. I went through my DMC stash to look for it, and did not find it, but DID find 814 and 816. I decided I thought the one I purchased fit in between them. So I went ahead with it. Yes, it looked too deep in comparison to the cover photo, BUT PS covers are generally washed out/yellowed up (as a former film processor, I call it the Kodak Effect!), so I wrote it off. But, when it was time to lay in the 902 browny pants, UHoh! They are pretty indistinguishable from The Coat. <br /><br />Should I: Frog, Find, and Change the coat? Frog the pants and choose a more brown color? I would obviously take the second choice, BUT the fox is supposed to Match Santa's coat, and I don't think want to make him this pseudo 815. Also, I think I want to stitch 1-3 more of this series. How much will it bother me if they are different in their Brightest Christmas Red. Since this is a Prairie Schooler Fox(!!!) Piece, I don't want to see only error and disappointment when I spy it on my tree. <br /><br />Ah, DMC; the low-hanging fruit of my childhood is now more rare than hens' teeth! The Michaels I went to for it (atrocious parking; never go there but in desperation) had less than half my list. Six facings of Blanc--ALL EMPTY. So, I inquired about the back room. Was told it was all out. "But Really?? No White?!?!?" "Okay, I'll (pretend to) check for you." Even my ONS has to be cajoled into selling me DMC. "Yes, I have it, but you should buy it from Michael's. Mine is 6X cents per skein. You really don't want to buy mine." Umn, yes. I do. That's why I asked for it. And I don't care if I have to spend an extra $2.47. Cost/Benefit reveals it as a bargain: Gas, fighting nightmare parking, never-my-complete-list-in-stock/Definitely Getting What I need. My kingdom for a skein of 815! (And 437, one of those 5200 whites... Oh, and there is the supplies for my new stash...)<br /><br />Thanks, friends, for listening to my DMC rant. I should also say that my ONS does totally send it to me, when pressed. <br /><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RWhyRsXvNwQ/ToXDUiIFLEI/AAAAAAAACMw/2C06IY3z33Y/s400/0930010835a.jpg" /><br /><br />Isn't this floss toss pretty, though? And I think this is a new record in away waste knots for me.<br /><br />The Stash:<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CEUDXH_I1JE/ToXOh1IWqcI/AAAAAAAACM4/jLzH7mLSK1E/s400/0930010825.jpg" /><br /><br />I am forever coveting "Hallows Eve" finishes, so I figured it was time. Mary Katherine's beautiful "A visit from St. Nicholas" still tempts me all these months after I first saw it. At first, I did not like this New PS Halloween, but when I saw it again on Kathy A's blog, I thought, "Okay, I do need this" I can envision some nice smalls made from it. :D I also bought a skein of GAST's new Otter Creek. It is lighter than I expected. <br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-69WIqlmpj0Q/ToXaWWWhioI/AAAAAAAACNE/A3lTkMx6oQE/s400/0930010828.jpg" /><br /><br />Perhaps best of all is this giveaway I won from <a href="http://atwistedstitcher.blogspot.com/">Marjorie</a>! She offered a Halloween Goodie to anyone who could guess the title and designer of her new Halloween Start! Of course, I knew right away that it was Primitive Needle's Ouja Board. :D I think of that piece as a sister piece to Kindred spirits. Thanks, Marjorie--the BBD pin pillow and finishing goodies will be enjoyed!<br /><br />Thanks for visiting and all your kind comments,<br />Berit<br /><br />P.S. Any other Downton Abbey Season 2 watchers out there? We are following it with avid interest over here.Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-83006108352296340562011-09-24T09:15:00.000-07:002011-09-24T10:28:39.697-07:00Autumn Comes Again~I am still acclimating myself to the concept that Summer is Over. <br /><br />Stitching PS Christmas Ornaments. Some of them are even for Autumn. :)<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--reyvXIr0cg/Tn4C6gG1U_I/AAAAAAAACLM/psPdP_ZcN4Y/s400/0808011458a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />First<br /><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--4O2V-KSV6M/Tn4C_XbwnII/AAAAAAAACLQ/nR2qi5xk98k/s400/0825010854.jpg" /><br /><br />Second:<br /><br />Shops (4 in5 of my experience) need to do a competent job labeling their linen counts. Though these two are the same linen, they are not the same size. I filled the background 1/2 for ease and looks. I even like the sparse primness of the stitchy black sky. :)<br /><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-la3EkbnR5BI/Tn4DDTBG9RI/AAAAAAAACLU/07UT53vcwaE/s400/0825010853.jpg" /><br /><br /><center><br />Motifs fr. Prairie Schooler Bk. 132 <span style="font-style:italic;">Autumn Leaves</span><br /><br />Fabric: Vintage Antique Ivory <br /><br />Fibers: DMC per chart<br /><br /></center><br /><br /><br />More fr. Prairie Schooler Bk. 150 <span style="font-style:italic;">December</span><br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p5HE0m9vPhI/Tn4IIZGYh2I/AAAAAAAACLg/JoS_-3qH7kM/s400/0805011452.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />I love this Little Dog. It is my second favorite resident of this book (after The Fireplace).<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o-pj1PZyhvY/Tn4IP5ZVOaI/AAAAAAAACLk/uV-0tUN0t-w/s400/0825010855.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />This Tannenbaum seems so Norwegian/european to me. Warm Black, yumm! I altered the border on this a bit. I also changed the tree's color to a cotton overdye (WDW kudzu, if memory serves.)<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NX_2tFNMRwQ/Tn4IRnJJ-JI/AAAAAAAACLo/DZ3imBwx_xs/s400/0825010854a.jpg" /><br /></center><br /> <br />Above as they stand now, with borders. I am planning to put "Merry Christmas" in the blank one using either French or German; can't decide. "Happy Holidays" seems like an over-PC Americanism that sticks out like a sore thumb in context of these designs. Fits neatly, however. :D These are worked on a neutral Wichelt (either 28 or 32). I did not always, but I do Love their stiff linen best! <br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jo3yOq1f4rE/Tn4LzRi21_I/AAAAAAAACLs/9wwC9nWpsk8/s400/0825010846.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />The wonderful <a href="http://kathyssitandstitch.blogspot.com/">Kathy A.</a> held a gift-cert giveaway in the spring which I won, and at length I settled on some stash! Yup, I got Prairie Schooler goods--Fox-Based ones I had been putting off forever! I want to collect all the PS Stitchy Foxes! :D The LK's were a bonus gift included by the <a href="http://www.knowledgeandneedles.com/">shop</a>.<br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cm8IIBk1tAY/Tn4L4fzGluI/AAAAAAAACLw/ecMdsbW1n-0/s400/0920011732.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />Fox and Pheasant! <3 <br /><br />I still need to buy the DMC to rim Reynard's eye. <br /><br /><br />Previously, on<span style="font-style:italic;"> Kindred Spirits</span>:<br /><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Upg8NUzTVJc/TfpY3jvI8hI/AAAAAAAACDc/YGlRx-0O2Gk/s400/0616011450.jpg" /><br /><br /><center><br /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Lx0OD0ahcS4/Tn4OambXZ0I/AAAAAAAACL0/Hie7bOxjFv4/s400/0823010845b.jpg" /><br /></center><br /><br />I am even further along after getting inspired seeing another stitcher's Prim Needle project. I swear, this is a lingerer. I really want it done and framed; but I don't think this is happening this year. Putting a bit of a crimp in my mojo for it. <br /><br />Next time I will show where I really am, as well as my new treasure (PS Santa's Night Ornament). <br /><br />Thanks to everyone, as always. Should you have any spare finishing mojo, please send it my way. No frogs Necessary, however. We already need to frog out the final snowflake of aforementioned Santa. :DBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-61908562966686487672011-07-29T12:10:00.001-07:002011-07-29T13:27:04.580-07:00Finish, Finish, & Finish-Finish(Does this title remind you of a "Pete and Repeat" joke as much as it does me?)<br /><br />What I've been up to (crafty-wise). :)<br /><br />Finished the quilting on:<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jOIcSO93_3I/TjMFnzP8kqI/AAAAAAAACIE/IekHI1gDnU4/s800/0729011451.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jOIcSO93_3I/TjMFnzP8kqI/AAAAAAAACIE/IekHI1gDnU4/s400/0729011451.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Fig Tree Quilts <br />Scrap Lab Table-Topper Quilt<br /></center><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ek8AKOxPwzk/TjMFsJ3RiHI/AAAAAAAACII/ttXMXwe_pns/s800/0729011451a.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ek8AKOxPwzk/TjMFsJ3RiHI/AAAAAAAACII/ttXMXwe_pns/s400/0729011451a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The angle of my shot exaggerates it, but some of the colored bands ARE definitely longer than the others. lol! Good thing they are my favorites. ;)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L8wc7DIyv94/TjMFtHwSBII/AAAAAAAACIM/KjcTWnKeVeQ/s800/0729011452.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L8wc7DIyv94/TjMFtHwSBII/AAAAAAAACIM/KjcTWnKeVeQ/s400/0729011452.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This is my first-ever quilt finish: Machine pieced, hand-quilted, turned-bound, washed and machine-dried. It really does get nice, scrunchy, and wonderfully quilty after drying. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IJWFgyMbLCU/TjMFt9qWWUI/AAAAAAAACIQ/FV8cGu3fclc/s800/0729011453.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IJWFgyMbLCU/TjMFt9qWWUI/AAAAAAAACIQ/FV8cGu3fclc/s400/0729011453.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WOuL6KmoXXY/TjMFvmU6J3I/AAAAAAAACIU/DH87Mxwy49k/s800/0729011453a.jpg"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WOuL6KmoXXY/TjMFvmU6J3I/AAAAAAAACIU/DH87Mxwy49k/s400/0729011453a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kF8kAvD60C8/TjMFw7Fn8EI/AAAAAAAACIY/QBIY43YnNts/s800/0729011454.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kF8kAvD60C8/TjMFw7Fn8EI/AAAAAAAACIY/QBIY43YnNts/s400/0729011454.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br /><blockquote>A Stitching Finish:<br /></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NfbX0frt_dY/TjMLFmTS8MI/AAAAAAAACIg/yd1LCor95cM/s800/0725011710.jpg"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NfbX0frt_dY/TjMLFmTS8MI/AAAAAAAACIg/yd1LCor95cM/s400/0725011710.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><center><br />Nighttime Hearth Motif from PSBk150 "December"<br />Linen: 28ct. Natural by Wichelt<br />Fiber:DMC to spec. <br /></center><br /><br />Usually, I consider stitching Christmas ornaments to be a pain, b/c there are only 50 I want NOW and I don't feel Christmassy stirrings in the slightest until after Thanksgiving. I do look forward to stitching an ornament alongside the tree however. I'm ALL ABOUT The Tree. So, I'm pretty happy to be on a bit of kick for it lately. I consider PS with its easy-to-read graphs and good ol' <br />DMC to be the ultimate comfort stitching. Otherwise, I can't say I find stitching particularly relaxing. I'm too excited to own what I'm making! <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ny_l0F0GBcU/TjMLJEKTPQI/AAAAAAAACIk/jth8YIQ2Ek4/s800/0729011458.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ny_l0F0GBcU/TjMLJEKTPQI/AAAAAAAACIk/jth8YIQ2Ek4/s400/0729011458.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />This needs ironing and finishing, now. I'm so excited b/c I know exactly what fabric to use...now if only I could decide HOW.<br /><br />Oh, P.S., I am SO excited about the new PS "Santa's Night"!!! I'd be stitching it right now if my order were in. :D But, what to do about the fabric??? The models us 18 ct. Aida to make them both small and black. How I wish Wichelt had a high-count black linen! What are you doing about the fabric choice? (All you other gotta-make-this-one stitchers.)<br /><br />"The Finish-Finish"<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tyCt7xUbSM8/TjMPLeidv4I/AAAAAAAACIw/2ER3FMrwXnI/s800/0729011455.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tyCt7xUbSM8/TjMPLeidv4I/AAAAAAAACIw/2ER3FMrwXnI/s400/0729011455.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Mary's Pin Pillow by Indigo Rose<br />Linen: Belfast Natural 32ct.<br />Fibers: DMC 4210 and AVAS unknown ruby color.<br /></center><br /><br />Some of you may recall this as a biscornu I was working on in the early days of this blog. I finished the stitching in 2009, and only did the finishing recently. You see, I LOVE this biscornu pattern, and I love biscornu, and LOVE (or did at the time) love that DMC variations color...but i didn't love them all together as much... Until I tried putting it with these items in my display case. <3<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AYOXuTL4vUU/TjMPPNVMDUI/AAAAAAAACI0/JQqWFXOW4_8/s800/0729011456.jpg"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AYOXuTL4vUU/TjMPPNVMDUI/AAAAAAAACI0/JQqWFXOW4_8/s400/0729011456.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4jCBJYKSnT8/TjMPQcBtewI/AAAAAAAACI4/Jxhk0tD2kAU/s800/0729011455a.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4jCBJYKSnT8/TjMPQcBtewI/AAAAAAAACI4/Jxhk0tD2kAU/s400/0729011455a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wpsSla4aDJk/TjMPUhM2DoI/AAAAAAAACI8/qKlnH6YKPI4/s800/0729011456a.jpg"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wpsSla4aDJk/TjMPUhM2DoI/AAAAAAAACI8/qKlnH6YKPI4/s400/0729011456a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The spider web rosettes were really fun to make with silk! <br /><br /><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o5XOP0Ezq68/TjMPWWwU5BI/AAAAAAAACJA/BHYeqmHgMTU/s800/0729011454a.jpg"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o5XOP0Ezq68/TjMPWWwU5BI/AAAAAAAACJA/BHYeqmHgMTU/s400/0729011454a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A view with the door closed. You can see some of my "treasures" on the shelf above.<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FaYCy_taLv8/TjMPaeLtQXI/AAAAAAAACJE/qzH4eFKeVes/s800/0729011457.jpg"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FaYCy_taLv8/TjMPaeLtQXI/AAAAAAAACJE/qzH4eFKeVes/s400/0729011457.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />The Whole, recently reorganized to contain most of my tea implements which were just knocking around. You can see a teacup and saucer set is missing right below the biscornu; I need to wash it after my tea! (Yesterday's, shhh!)<br /><br />I'm not really a drunk, btw. Nope. Not even because my treasure cabinet is full of empty liquor bottles. That's because I'm a little crow! lol! I love shiny things, and things made of glass, and packaging and typography. The St. Germain and Domaine de Canton are pretty good ( I used them; the St. Germain is an elderflower liqueur--wonderful as a syrup with soda, yup! And in Whipped Cream, too. DdC...well...I bought it because it was from the same Co. and with a parallel dress...it was just meh. But it was great in hot chocolate all winter! lol! I loved the Sapphire bottle as a kid, and swiped this from a friend who can't live without his "GeeAndTee". It IS good with the St. Germain and Soda, however. <br /><br />Haven't convinced you, have I? Please, just check out the St. Germain bottle next time you're in a shop before sending them to take me away, m'kay? :D I still need to re-work this cabinet above the biscornu. <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAxXDohTPzw/TjMVKSmy-VI/AAAAAAAACJU/hlsCCXpbuLU/s288/0729011459.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAxXDohTPzw/TjMVKSmy-VI/AAAAAAAACJU/hlsCCXpbuLU/s288/0729011459.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />I'm also:<br /><br />• Woefully behind on Blog Reading<br />• Compiling the final kits for FenceCat's Hallowe'een; Thanks to everyone who picked one up! If you are still "on the fence" (lol!) I've only got enough supplies for 12 more. As far as I know this linen is disco, so once they are gone there will be no more. :(<br />• Breaking in a new computer<br /><br />Stay cool, enjoy your summer, and sink a few stitches into a project! :)<br /><br />Yours in Stitching,<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-49171828884745102372011-07-21T06:43:00.000-07:002011-07-21T08:13:06.581-07:00Scissors Case Giveaway Winners!Hello Everyone! Thanks to all the faces new and old who stopped by for my giveaway party! :D <br /><br />I do apologize that I'm getting these winners posted up late; it has been quite busy in me-land lately, but above all the ruckus was the arrival of my new computer late last week! I was SO overdue for an upgrade and transitioning to the new system is eating my computer time. In a good way, though. :D<br /><br />Without further ado, the Scissors Case Giveaway Results:<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y2xwbffDwhY/TgIQ1o6EdFI/AAAAAAAACEw/wlOjF3rckVE/s288/0622011148.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y2xwbffDwhY/TgIQ1o6EdFI/AAAAAAAACEw/wlOjF3rckVE/s288/0622011148.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />For the "Purchasers" Case, there were 5 people who bought a kit, and the winner is <span style="font-weight:bold;">Barbara Sturtz</span>! She will get first pick on the colorway (original blue or variant plum).<br /><br />For the "Partiers" Case, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Parsley</span> wins! She will receive the other case. :D <br /><br />...<br /><br />Ladies, I've emailed you to request shipping addresses.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who stopped by to enter and Special Thanks to my kit purchasers!!! You guys are the best!<br /><br />Berit<br /><br />P.S. Hope to see you soon with a small stitchy update!Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-90057503879433748462011-06-29T09:25:00.000-07:002011-06-29T09:25:00.787-07:00Announcing Jaunty Fox Designs!I am thrilled to finally begin publishing cross stitch design works with this first release, a freebie entitled<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Fence Cat's Hallowe'en! </span><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d09wwB4pfZw/TgoiEjctD3I/AAAAAAAAACs/iTXwbNol1cA/s800/0511010954.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d09wwB4pfZw/TgoiEjctD3I/AAAAAAAAACs/iTXwbNol1cA/s400/0511010954.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />The chart itself is free for download from <a href="http://jauntyfoxdesignsshop.blogspot.com/2011/06/fencecats-halloween-freebie-limited.html">The Fox Shop</a>.<br /><br />I hope everyone will love stitching this as much as I did and display it with Joy this Autumn. :D <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhispolewbEYfT4co1oATTqJg_YfZSgsa7FHzmuk-3F47L91rvkv0tO3kBRkbqaY4w6vNtSWe6nJyN85_iyfk3rBoNNHDhOakws1OheKTnk2iAmlWiqD8ACYhkIfrnHkncC_cPOVI8-3T8/s800/0329011116a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhispolewbEYfT4co1oATTqJg_YfZSgsa7FHzmuk-3F47L91rvkv0tO3kBRkbqaY4w6vNtSWe6nJyN85_iyfk3rBoNNHDhOakws1OheKTnk2iAmlWiqD8ACYhkIfrnHkncC_cPOVI8-3T8/s400/0329011116a.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />If you love the look of the model as much as I do, you're in luck because I had some extras and I'm compiling them into <a href="http://jauntyfoxdesignsshop.blogspot.com/2011/06/fencecats-halloween-freebie-limited.html">kits available here</a>.(Same post as above.) <br /><br />If you are "on the fence" about the kit because you hate fill-in stitching (like me), go ahead and get it! The properties of the materials along with a tip I'll share make this the easiest and most enjoyable fill you'll ever stitch! That orange silk is an overdye which glides along like paint; and indeed the color variation which turns up makes you feel like you're painting a beautiful impressionist painting. I had fun "Hiding" shapes in the background; rather like reverse cloud-watching. :) I think you'll find it a great way to cut loose and brush away your perfectionism; it's no-fail artistic stitching! <br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTH7QxqxNSrOvpCnB_vCA9zq0yJpAtBaj7hvK64u2sxk-oQvWKGd5XsV61_EnFOQK5W67G_C-uAxD3eNRy-YNe8kuWHAulUab68WU4wWlyaa-F7HKxOh_yZxQGZYY3OHQFnu2OW6oTi0/s640/FCatHalloween_CollageBar.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><center>...</center><br /><br />Now, on to the Release Party! <br /><br />I want to thank all my friends and readers for their support while developing this work; it has been a labor of love! Of course I'd love to give away as door prizes more of my own designs, but they aren't ready yet! Also, I really wanted to celebrate with something I made for you myself; So, I chose a Prairie Schooler pattern that reflects my love of scissors AND exact feelings about this launch project! (design from PS Bk 115 "Pins & Needles")<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y2xwbffDwhY/TgIQ1o6EdFI/AAAAAAAACEw/wlOjF3rckVE/s800/0622011148.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y2xwbffDwhY/TgIQ1o6EdFI/AAAAAAAACEw/wlOjF3rckVE/s400/0622011148.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />Both of these Scissor Cases (but not scissors) will be given away! <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How to Win:</span><br /><br />Case "A"<br /><blockquote><br />• Leave a comment on this post for 1 entry.<br /><br />• Post about Jaunty Fox Designs and this Giveaway Party in your own blog along with a link for +2 entries! </blockquote><br /><br />Case "B"<br /><br /><blockquote>• Purchase one of the LE Kits!<br /><br />• The winner of this pool gets first pick (Blue or Purple) on colorways, the remaining case will be the one given to the blog party! </blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Closing date for these giveaways is Friday, 15 July 2011.</span> A winner will be chosen from each pool and prizes shipped out! <br /><br /><br /><center>...</center><br /><br />Everyone, for everything, Thank You! More than I can say with words, Thank You! <br /><br />Yours,<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-23636507688874946762011-06-23T07:21:00.000-07:002011-06-23T07:29:10.160-07:00Preview-Next Time, Your Chance to Win!<center>...</center><br /><br /><blockquote>Coming Next Post is my <span style="font-style:italic;">Big Announcement</span> and your chance to <span style="font-style:italic;">Win</span> one of these scissor cases stitched and hand-finished by me. :D </blockquote><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9R8CZ33HqdE6HMVWGGwzWBnyVBa39y-Eza9-USaBATU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y2xwbffDwhY/TgIQ1o6EdFI/AAAAAAAACEw/wlOjF3rckVE/s400/0622011148.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />It is <span style="font-style:italic;">too</span> long since I've had a giveaway, and I am SO excited!<br /><br />Both cases (but not the scissors, sorry) will be given away, so please look forward to it and watch this space!~<br /><br /><center>...</center>Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-59356940478565423472011-06-17T13:26:00.000-07:002011-06-17T13:30:52.319-07:00Autumn Leaves Finished~<center><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yb_zqMY1gcw4aCYp90TuOpmNerzpejk1e_7yvMO-KmQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NzIOua0ZQso/Tfu4N59GsqI/AAAAAAAACD0/XtciMipET-8/s400/0617011622.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />Looking forward to it permanently joining these items! <br /><br />Enough play; now on to Trim Attachment! :D<br /><br />P.S. Do you think I need another brown bar above the "wind" at the top to echo the one beneath the grass?<br /><br />P.P.S. Is there anything better than an Autumnal Prairie Schooler piece?Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-48796634191503085032011-06-16T12:02:00.000-07:002011-06-16T12:37:04.128-07:00Whew! Springtime!I hope everyone's been well--I've been away from blogging (and often commenting too) for a couple of weeks now! I do miss it, but maybe you'll understand when you see some of my distractions:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xcHDVTtDwDzoxZENZFLeIZmNerzpejk1e_7yvMO-KmQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BkUTNqIc2BA/TfpVB7YEuTI/AAAAAAAACDU/KhjcAeTQdOk/s400/0615011830b.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />My progress on PS Bk 132 Autumn Leaves (Recommended Fibers on 32ct. Vintage Antique Ivory). I'm only planning to stitch this bottom vignette--so I'm almost done! This one gave some frogging trouble, but I kept picturing how good it would look grouped together with the Autumn PS goodies I've received from Edgar and Christina. :D I'm still not 100% on how much more to stitch--it COULD be finished now, right? ;)<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dEpu2IYRcbo6tn6LvlE8uCktuXHQntYU7Gv0NIotvc8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J_MoFgjNqj4/TfpX1bUVNUI/AAAAAAAACDY/STrvLHJRja8/s400/0616011448.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I do not even KNOW how to tell you how much quilting and un-quilting both hand and machine I've done on this piece. lol! I *think* I'm enjoying it, however. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that it isn't possible to finish the edges before machine quilting---perhaps a long-arm is required?<br /><br />It's quilted in the ditch up and down the aisles, and these two panels. (Which right now aren't "done", but maybe I'll decide they are. ;D) Not sure why the sun disappears when I try to photograph this item, lol!<br /><br />Also, I want to thank everyone--quilters and non--who commented with advice and encouragement about my quilting foray. You guys are the best! :D <br /><br />Finally, a tinsy bit on Kindred Spirits:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ix0jSPkLlQiSN9qVXE2mvtY4gHTtSbzLvVkCAAt78d8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Upg8NUzTVJc/TfpY3jvI8hI/AAAAAAAACDc/YGlRx-0O2Gk/s400/0616011450.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />My orange floss came in (along with a pair of rabbit winders from Kelmscott and PS December), so I wanted to put in at least a little of it. Please excuse the waste knots!<br /><br /><center><br />...<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1yunP11mKw5_D3suVLk65qhE4Y0S5b60YZiHk2spEZ4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7LZQZ1V-Zlg/TfpZzaUR7_I/AAAAAAAACDg/-iTdtVmTaLk/s288/0616011447.jpg" height="216" width="288" /></a><br /><br /></center><br /><br />Finally, here's a sneak peek of what's REALLY been keeping me--you're looking at the trim I just finished making as the final part of trimming some GIVEAWAYS! Yup, I'm overdue to have some around here, so I decided the launch of my freebie and design line was a good chance! Please look forward to seeing what these belong to and your chances to win one soon!~<br /><br />Yours,<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-25306840084725547382011-05-29T09:05:00.000-07:002011-05-29T09:54:15.373-07:00More Kindred Spirits, Cooking, and a Quilting Conundrum<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Vy15q6tcGls8XnP81iJr7dY4gHTtSbzLvVkCAAt78d8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qd-x-GGRY80/TeJvYWl17DI/AAAAAAAACCE/OnCKOiRl_ow/s400/0527011037.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I forgot the chart when away from the house, but was still able to stitch--thank you border! :D Usually, I pack EVERYTHING but the Needle. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6fM5ldTCFNhsZ8cyaCN5mQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-blciB9wXLpY/TeJwcnX8HOI/AAAAAAAACCI/U9dVw18jYvg/s400/0527011247.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Out of season, but these steam-fried yams were so good! The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cookingwithdog#p/search/2/T7ParA5-qrc">recipe</a> calls for a black sesame garnish, but I used fresh-grated nutmeg and cinnamon instead. I glugged in a little extra oil, and they did come out too oily! As the recipe says, it REALLY only needs one tablespoon. They won't get too oily if you do over-use as the potatoes are surprisingly non-porous. <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_uR9PDWKPMNUjwsmTZfFwiktuXHQntYU7Gv0NIotvc8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EfwPzccDLyw/TeJzWFxIjqI/AAAAAAAACCQ/1wR2TVSPzGY/s400/0527011031.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I took the good advice of Myra, Nancy and others and tried making a little sample bit of finished machine quilting.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CG4WJcgGuGsNmmSHqRWm7iktuXHQntYU7Gv0NIotvc8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j7p_tnZjM4w/TeJza2u162I/AAAAAAAACCU/2m9x7qzdH3I/s400/0527011031a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I think I really need some supplies such as gloves for grip and a slide-facilitating plate to put down around the plate. It'd be even better if I had a sewing table which puts the plate on the level of the whole table. I could only have one if it folds up, however, due to space constraints. I hope they make one, but have doubts due to the likelihood of stability problems for a collapsible table. Do you, gentle readers, know of any?<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ohQ_Z-jjwj1_vrlDBWnctCktuXHQntYU7Gv0NIotvc8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TmmxnVmz0_Y/TeJzehGALSI/AAAAAAAACCY/0agwLl60deQ/s400/0527011031b.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />One side is muslin, and one cotton. The quality of the quilting is dubious and inconsistent, but it will hold and may make a decent needle roll. I told Marc my stars look scared. :)<br /><br />But, here's my real conundrum:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xmMFayYEd5IIVURVnZGQsSktuXHQntYU7Gv0NIotvc8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZUc1llaMSn8/TeJzlfd6FgI/AAAAAAAACCc/tKvoScnTyPU/s400/0529011136.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />This was the walking foot, which I tried in the hope of preventing this sort of thing from happening at the end of a row! :P<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WV1iO3JJHNQsa0mCRs0BaSktuXHQntYU7Gv0NIotvc8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-668192rjrCk/TeJzqFNgbbI/AAAAAAAACCg/bkc9Apilz7M/s400/0529011136a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Here's the ditch-quilting foot which helps you follow a line closely, and it's a little cinchy. It was my first attempt, but it was "off" enough to make me try the walking foot.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HjKU01MNkavzfCnJiDKOKiktuXHQntYU7Gv0NIotvc8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mY84P6do-Zs/TeJztWD-uBI/AAAAAAAACCk/QsVpLJz6Cqc/s400/0529011137.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Here's the other side of the seam; the problem here is less severe but can also be seen. <br /><br />Do I need more pins? Did I not iron the top flat enough and so it's too large for the base? I begin to see why a binding is put on at the end of a quilt. :) But, this little scrap-lab called for a turned finish to conserve fabric. I may just resort to hand-quilting, although I wanted to learn/use machine. <br /><br />Hope everyone's enjoying a fine and relaxing long weekend (US readers)!<br /><br />--BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-33876721417446060362011-05-25T11:40:00.000-07:002011-05-25T12:20:08.613-07:00A New Start and More Quilt!I've made a new start: <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b-GLgsIPC33ExyB6XNMGONY4gHTtSbzLvVkCAAt78d8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Td1Nd7-qLVI/AAAAAAAACBM/3zRJG0Ti4vA/s400/0525010840.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />"Kindred Spirits" <br />by <br />Primitive Needle<br /></center><br /><br />I'm using the recommended fibers and linen, though I may change the cat's eyes as they call for Belle Soie, but are the only use of that color in the piece. Do I really need to buy a whole skein of BS for 4 stitches? It's a yellow-green not suited to a monochrome piece, either. I am having SO much fun stitching the border--it's all I want to do! I wonder if I'll still love it so when I have to "re-do" it by filling in the orange, lol. <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z6twZDlgOUnLej0lKnQugSktuXHQntYU7Gv0NIotvc8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Td1OnH4i7CI/AAAAAAAACBU/UIZX5xTcGIw/s400/0524011748a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Squee! I was so thrilled when I "turned" this tabletop quilt--I think it looks SO good and I have to hunt to find the imperfections. You can see in the foreground where I need to blind-stitch the opening closed. I have a document (or is it a link?) saved to show how, but I use this stitch so infrequently that I always have to refer back to the tutorial when it's called for. <br /><br />I'm pretty nervous about doing the quilting, however. The open-toe darning foot I ordered arrived in the mail yesterday, but the instructions are quite sparse. I'm entirely unsure about how to attach it to the machine. Also, I should probably test it on a scrap first, but I don' wanna! :P I am so excited to have this done. I also feel anxious that I'll spoil the perfection I'm so admiring. lol! <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L_YUzMIOAzzZhw4f4pbYHA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Td1Q6gfRrlI/AAAAAAAACBg/mLsKuxreM8w/s400/0523011205.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />This potato salad was so good. It was included in the method for assembling a packed lunchbox shown <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_hbPLsZvvo">here</a>. I substituted peas for corn, however.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QputAiiSVqi6YlN7Scl28g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Td1RCl9pqDI/AAAAAAAACBk/eJVUx3_gVi4/s400/0522011151.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Recently I tried a new Menu item on our visit to Mitsuwa. This is Mapo Tofu "soup" with fried rice. The flavor was okay, but I found it to be over-starchy with the thick corn-thickened soup. The best part was the shredded daikon topped with mayo and seaweed salad. Yum! (seriously) The cup contains savory broth. <br /><br />Hope everyone's enjoying great weather and,<br /><br />See you soon~<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-45599633282694632542011-05-12T12:50:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:24:14.581-07:00Quilt Tops & Crochet<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qevvyQ0qtEK_mIOC33Fi76hE4Y0S5b60YZiHk2spEZ4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcw5PxxDa_I/AAAAAAAACAU/a8HDITaMgiA/s400/0512011456.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />My first quilt top, which was the first "Scrap Lab" offered by Fig Tree is finished! Now to buy a thin batt and umn, quilt it. Yikes. This is supposed to be "turned" (like a pillow) rather than have a binding. <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LD7b15Gnbmw71xAoBZjggahE4Y0S5b60YZiHk2spEZ4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcw5UXn6E1I/AAAAAAAACAY/7YQ5j1To5mM/s400/0512011502.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />At last I let myself try out making a few crochet edgings from a book I got a few Christmases ago. These have yet to be blocked. I love white crochet. :) So reminds me of eyelet lace.<br /><br />From the Bay of Evil, a rare treat for me~<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sTDt7aeFBstVPgPAdVdUOKhE4Y0S5b60YZiHk2spEZ4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcw5YSegOhI/AAAAAAAACAc/WWxeMfwlxMA/s400/0430011710.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />This is an animation cel of the cat Luna from the Sailor Moon anime. I just love it. I can't recall the last time I bought a piece of original art--FAR TOO LONG.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NFR6QGD1n9vX_FE2C5HuK6hE4Y0S5b60YZiHk2spEZ4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcw5cNY7mcI/AAAAAAAACAg/4I4FMpSzDMQ/s400/0430011734.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The cel is only the black cat; the other elements are on heavy stock and behind the cel.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dyfXFRbuUk3o501SevffYqhE4Y0S5b60YZiHk2spEZ4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcw5geTPp6I/AAAAAAAACAk/A5fgmKq0GyI/s400/0430011734a.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I'm so glad I treated myself, something I NEVER do. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vdsbVVutv4ire3H7Hl4vk6hE4Y0S5b60YZiHk2spEZ4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcw5j14L8dI/AAAAAAAACAo/9pBb57ocNe0/s400/0501011456.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Another Spring treat I forgot to show you last time; this is an avocado milkshake from the Vietnamese restaurant up the street. It may sound crazy, but if you love vanilla milkshake you'll at least like this!<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y_2UWvWxTRgKWCY5zdxiyKhE4Y0S5b60YZiHk2spEZ4?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcw5nwTYE9I/AAAAAAAACAs/-SjxDH5jFJI/s400/0501011502.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />This shot *almost* captures the soft green color. <br /><br />In other news the model for my first design is ALL FINISHED all that remains is to wrangle my working draft into something publishable. From my experience with MacStitch 2009, I would advise any interested party to never buy ANY iteration of that software. Not entirely objective considering I've only used one version, but there it stands.Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-762515521344417592011-05-08T10:55:00.000-07:002011-05-08T12:25:35.640-07:00Quilts & KylieLately I've been having fun with the <a href="http://figtreequilts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/04/introducing-scrap-lab.html">Scrap Lab Fig Tree recently introduced</a>...<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sQ_Gy4SCzh7lMHBhTDkp8Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TcbZ0fdROtI/AAAAAAAAB-k/QokOJBXD2Ps/s400/0429011625.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Some days (like the one on which these photos were shot) are dim, but with these fabrics it's ALWAYS spring in my studio!<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MXCDtjutO2s6-SJqSi2njw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TcbZ9sKpLnI/AAAAAAAAB-o/pZ2-2AWTX8s/s400/0502011525a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I'm making the table-top quilt Joanna showed because I like it and I've never pieced a quilt before. The directions are found in the Summer volume of BH&G's "Quilts & More" Magazine. (I'm planning to list my copy for sale when I finish jic anyone wants it/can't find it when I finish.)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2Ulgg7F7aRweowyDI5X3aw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TcbaEL5xV9I/AAAAAAAAB-s/K7EwBu2m2yY/s400/0502011526a.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />The print in center here is my favorite (though maybe not my favorite colourway). I'm also loving the overblown poppy print when it's cropped up tight like this--I love poppies and recently planted some seeds Edgar gave me for California poppies on my terrace. They are in containers and only planted a week ago--wonder if they'll sprout? :D<br /><br />Thanks to a kind friend, I was able to attend one of the performances of Kylie Minogue's Aprhodite tour. It was held in the city at the Hammerstein Ballroom. (We went to the second of three nights, Tuesday May 3rd.) I am <span style="font-style:italic;">such</span> a fan, so I cannot resist at least some comment here. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AtQ-TdyFG93MnRhCOb0UdQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TcbfyPyiWaI/AAAAAAAAB-0/xi7WTfJk0oo/s400/IMG_1569.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Kylie rose from the floor in a gorgeous gilt shell as the incarnation of Botticelli's famous Venus.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9xYrBd-XkoYMd0u2F4Ilyg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TcbgG7JnWsI/AAAAAAAAB-4/6WJzc8oJ5zQ/s400/IMG_1576.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Creating the necessary materials for this stage spectacle cost 25m. D&G is reported to have created all the costuming--not entirely sure about how much of the dancers' and backup singers' wardrobe they contributed.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cUkrFvDWSiJ8TJwRQPzemw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcbgmz6WWvI/AAAAAAAAB-8/-uUeS6O_riM/s400/IMG_1582.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Aprodite, which shares the name of the album it promotes, is Kylie's second tour in the US. I actually attended a performance of her first (For You, For Me) in Oct. 2009, but never mentioned it here because it proved a heart-wrenching experience. Our tickets were the closest to the stage available--general admission to the ballroom floor. While Kylie is much beloved overseas, here her small but devoted fanbase is quite homogeneously comprised of homosexuals. Which proved problematic for me, because....<br /><br />MEN ARE TALL! You've never been engulfed in a thick crowd until you've been stranded in a sea of unrelieved men. Tall, tall men! <br /><br />Oh! I saw Kylie for a grand total of 4 seconds as entered the stage from above that night...and the stage itself never. They were forever just beyond the reach of the eyes in my 5'4"-5" frame. <br /><br />This time, I made sure the tickets were in the small balcony! So, I did see the show! I also learned that though the balcony LOOKS close, an opera glass or other binocs are a necessary item. I'm so glad friend Tak took so many pics b/c I get to "see" the show again... up close! Marc saw a sign posted advising attendees that they consented to filming by being present, so I do hope this will be a video release. :D I also hope Ms. Minogue will tour here again. <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/snNhRNvaTJXehlrTiLdK0g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcbg1kAFCLI/AAAAAAAAB_A/5UmKXFch1Jc/s400/IMG_1590.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />These winged earpieces put me in mind of Valkyries and the PS2 game <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin_Sphere">Odin Sphere</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r3RTEtPmJOwOHRWoSl8slA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TcbhQSXM2TI/AAAAAAAAB_E/trT2H11Uimk/s400/IMG_1605.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />All of the music on Kylie's show is live--a band performs the music and backup singers sing accompaniment which was tracked on the album. No lip-sync with dance here!<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KWNbU3BXZm5p4lIFq1loww?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TcbqhvzHk3I/AAAAAAAAB_M/A1PcAgR24jc/s400/IMG_1701.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I do have quite a regard for this most famous of Kylie's Fine Assets. ;)<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rRLsdOtz5h-fg1lJLpZ9Lw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/Tcbq3XyvrCI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/cC2kolhMUsU/s400/IMG_1807.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The "Bathing Beauty" costume for the finale. <br /><br />Overall, I feel her shows have not been as "fun" as they were before her Showgirl tour and cancer battle, but I still beyond enjoyed it.<br /><br />Thanks for everything, readers--I so appreciate you and your comments, too. I feel that I must apologize for being somewhat absent online. I'm still "keeping on" and cooking up something good which I hope you'll enjoy. I had a few more "spring things" to put in this post, but will save for next time as it has run long already! Hope you saw something you enjoy! <br /><br />Yours,<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-61283018709939760972011-04-21T10:05:00.000-07:002011-04-21T10:52:17.584-07:00Two Spring Finishes!Last week I visited a nearby park to get some photos of the budding Cherry Trees:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/62Ta73iUn1_ewqpal_PKfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBkP8fqZfI/AAAAAAAAB88/5Bnf_jokR8o/s400/0414011735a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4bCuTGABQbp5AlDaU-rI1Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBkrdrIpjI/AAAAAAAAB9A/XIl0ouGqsSQ/s400/0414011736.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lEvXvR28OzTZgSWkuyxa_A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBkzuAkxjI/AAAAAAAAB9I/aBJVJsucFmM/s400/0414011736a.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vCSjEHu9bkoXFRxkFX8ABA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBk-2Ncd_I/AAAAAAAAB9Q/AGJZErIn6Sc/s400/0414011741.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KCQHA53l0n4-oNEhheXDnw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBlKw3xd_I/AAAAAAAAB9U/1m8wHEqz2-g/s400/0414011742.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Some not-so Spring-like lighting on these; but isn't that Spring after all?<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/msG3XbMI96vtA3zOxbG0XQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBmp1ZcLkI/AAAAAAAAB9c/JUxxt0zLaWs/s400/0418011144.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />This is a really delicious concoction: Lemon gelatin made with one cup hot water (and the zest and juice of one lemon) and after it cools to room temp you mix in another cup plus a few tablespoons extra of plain yogurt. I used half lowfat (1.5%) and half whole (3.5%) This is divine!~ And perfect for spring/summer.<br /><br />I had TWO FINISHES THIS WEEK! They were even on the same day! <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P8-gxd8emylSDKxO1tS_rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBp5dwUCyI/AAAAAAAAB9k/Evk_owKSV68/s400/0418011145.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />The Bunny Biscornu is now a rectangular pillow, and Sweet Bird's stitching is done!<br /><br />Yes, the Pomander balls are still there. I do love them, but they may need a trip to storage at least until the Summer. ;)<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MwNvV39mzgoSI-Xq3Fqu3A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBqAjt2pkI/AAAAAAAAB9o/8SG2P3cRbKs/s400/0418011145b.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I love the pearlised glass shank button I used for the cinch on this side. :)<br />I also thought the Clove Bits were fine at the time I took the photo, but...<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DiCnxqTs9hFwsl1fWzCN_Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBqI3dkzwI/AAAAAAAAB9s/O2dJNbDvV3Y/s400/0418011146.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The back is some seersucker I got in NYC. And the button from W***-M***. :D<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WoEXg6M_RFt8Ngd2VIiWXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBqQuN_ByI/AAAAAAAAB9w/xUE8tN8sXx0/s400/0418011146a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I used a blanket stitch to secure the seams before I whip-stitched the two sides together. I intended to take it out, and still could, but left it because I felt it gave a sweetly whimsical prim touch. <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZyiVKyyttBlb7DgdSGZCyg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TbBqY6HPEbI/AAAAAAAAB90/fJZXRK1vaoc/s400/0418011148.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Here is Sweet Bird, a spring freebie from The Sampler Girl, posted to her blog Spring 2010. I had a bit of a time picking fibers for it, but in the end I'm satisfied. <br /><br />Now I'm stitching on my November Prairie schooler! I am longing for a lighter stitch, BUT I ALSO want PS and don't want to add another WiP, so~<br /><br />I'm also working a bit on the Halloween freebie! I'm so nervous about it that I have to take it easy so I don't get overwhelmed. :P<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by, everyone!Berithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133044979734305165.post-69505549521643087412011-03-24T12:55:00.000-07:002011-03-24T13:39:57.671-07:00Stitching Tragedy and a Sneak Peek~*!Yesterday evening, I defrosted some cookie dough batter I'd made, sliced some Dove Dark, pressed the shards into the sliced dough, and baked:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9Zdyt5-Gg6zy8n3J7LmO4g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TYuiS5yqzuI/AAAAAAAAB7U/J1Y5JAFR1ls/s400/0323011959.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ga8pDnk3aCF1vfdOZKk-dA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TYuimpsTIrI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/rqwhzGK_xjI/s400/0323012002.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Mnn! Because they are "well-done", you can taste the fresh ginger I grated into the vanilla extract. <br /><br /><blockquote>Why I so-enjoyed those cookies:</blockquote><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-NbdH1nEt3Y4Z1ahI1Zmyg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TYum0SzAL_I/AAAAAAAAB7g/0s3vcF5U9Ac/s800/BunnyBiscornu_Not.jpg" height="270" width="360" /></a><br /><br />I have so little stitching mojo. Yet, I SO wanted to own this darling leaping rabbit biscornu. Ever since I saw the one Myra made, I've dreamed of having it. Now, I've pretty much learned that I don't like to stitch biscornu. Particularly Floss Box's Biscornu. They look small, but they are huge (don't laugh, all your Ann, Mary, Elizabeth stitchers. They're totally larger than they look finished, so that makes them big. ;) Also, it's the same thing 4x!! Whether I stitch each quadrant to completion for variety, or do the duplicate parts all in sequence for assembly-line efficiency, it's still a chore to slog through. Particularly for all those fiddly little color changes. (All you in the HaED Peanut Gallery can keep your opinions to yourself. :D). <br /><br />My point: This is most definitely not Process Stitching. Oh, no, it was all about the Destination. Which now can't be reached because IT'S NOT SQUARE! <br /><br />I checked it. Oh, yes. Because it came from an LNS who-shall-not-be-named who always sells me the wrong count of fabric. They are forever miss-marked. It SHOULD have been 32, but my check showed me that it was 28. I pondered, b/c I wanted the finished product smaller, but went ahead b/c the fabric was cute. BUT, I didn't check that it was square. :( Gah! <br /><br />Not sure what will become of these bunnies now. We shall see.<br /><br />Weather Report: When it isn't raining this week, it's snowing, and last night we even had hail and lightning! <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DYimwPSApEvpYxJbV4Kcvg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TYupa_GK3MI/AAAAAAAAB7o/tJqE8depTYI/s400/0324011538.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Yet today there's my favorite clear sky with puffy, fluffy cloud combination. :)<br /><br />These tracks on a neighboring roof keep getting washed away or snowed over, yet someone keeps making them again and again. :)<br /><br /><center>~***~</center><br /><br />Now, a sneak peek of my first design~<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aSFNUpzVfLQ_7wVHLRqxrw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_92ISRckPYlg/TYuqz4jOi8I/AAAAAAAAB7w/SWN8CzK1xAI/s400/0324011535.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">~"Fence-Cat's Hallowe'en"~</span><br /></center><br /><br />The colors are not quite showing true (the linen is more of a rich plummy brown), but enjoy, nonetheless! This will be a freebie design once I rustle up some interfacing, dye some trim and do some model-finishing!<br /><br />Happy Spring (and Halloween) All,<br />BeritBerithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02270446862298837353noreply@blogger.com33