Tiny Mitten

I am working on a couple of large projects, so I needed a small one that I could finish quickly for a bit of instant gratification. Last year, when Linda & I and our daughters went to Fireside Stitchery, my daughter & I signed up for their Tiny Mittens & Socks club. So far, we've received 10, and my daughter did one; I've finished seven. There are two still to come and two in the stash. These have been fun to do, as each comes with threads, a very well written stitch guide and a couple of photos of the completed project for reference. I've actually finished all of them myself, having learned how to do this at an excellent class I took in Syracuse with Pat Mazu (big wave to my friends from the ANG Lake Effect Chapter!)

As I hope you can see, there are well chosen stitches on the mitten. There was some diagonal cashmere, diagonal mosaic, backstitch, cross stitches. van dyke, & a little beading. I've acually learned a lot doing this club, particularly about stitch selection. These canvases have very small areas to cover; despite that, there is little compensation. Stitches were carefully selected to fit into the counted areas. Impressive!

Tonight--if I can fight off this cold--back to the mantle.

D

Completed Purse

Here is a picture of my completed purse. Tomorrow I will take to my LNS to be sent out for finishing. It was a very long six weeks. After the second week, I was going crazy doing straight basketweave.

I am now going to start my January Sophisticated Sock. Am looking forward to doing decorative stitches.

Will post pictures of my progress.

Linda

Limoge Box

I was working on this limoge box a few months ago, but couldn't post the finished product as it was a gift and didn't want to ruin the surprise just in case the recipient wandered over to this blog! So here it is.....

The inside is finished in pretty lavender raw silk. There are tons of french knots, some Parisian stitch...scotch stitch too. And, tent stitch to rest the eyes!

STITCH Designed by Ruth Schmuff

Here is my completed canvas. Stitch was not only designed by Ruth but she also wrote the stitch guide. I just love working from Ruth's stitch guides. They are just a pleasure to stitch.

Ruth and I have put our heads together and came up with an absolutely fabulous idea for the finishing of Stitch. I will give you one hint. The feet for the finishing will be antique spools of thread. My friend, Kathy, offered them to me and I just could not turn her down. I have such wonderful friends. Now you will just have to sit back and wait just like me to see the finished product.

Linda

My "Stitch" Box

Linda asked me to post a photo of my completed Raymond Crawford "Stitch" canvas, which I had inserted into a beautiful HP Designs black lacquer box. The stitch guide was one of the best I've worked with, by Ruth Schmuff. The guide was very precise with diagrams of stitches and hints about where to be extra careful in counting. I keep this box in my family room, although I don't actually keep any stitching items inside it.....I use it to hold scented tea candles for my many candle holders (I mostly use tea candles around the house because of the kittens; I get the lovely scents with a small flame that stays inside the candle holder).

Present Project

I am presently working on a Clara Wells' handbag. The bag comes with two canvases. The front and back are identical to each other. Denise and I decided that we did not want to stitch two of the same canvases - so we decided to split the bag. We also felt that the bag will wear better having one side in leather rather than needlepoint.

I am stitching mine with three ply of impressions. The bag is stitched in basketweave and is taking what seems forever to finish. I have been working it for about two weeks and figure I have another week or two before it is finished.

It will be finished in navy leather with a detachable shoulder strap. I want the bag lined in hot pink. The same color as the bottom of the bag.

Linda

Raymond Crawford Stitching Canvas

Attached is a photo of my completed Stitch Canvas. The stitch guide for this canvas was done by Ruth Schmuff. Ruth's stitch guide and thread selection for this canvas was just a pleasure to stitch.

I am going to have my canvas mounted in a large box that my carpenter is making me so that I can store all my current projects. This should help me keep my sewing room better organized. I will post a picture of the completed canvas and box once it is back from the framer.

Denise also stitched this canvas and has it also in a box. Her box is a table top box. I will ask her to post a picture of it for you to see.

Linda