Sunday, July 31, 2011

Finished Fran's Angel

I finished the wings with the three different threads--blending filament, cord, and silk.  Then I tied the gold bow under her chin.  Last, I used gold Purl, stretched it out and couched it in place with gold silk.  Last, I ran
downstairs into the frame stash and found the perfect one for this angel.  She is finished and going in the gift bag for my sister!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

The second cardinal

This is the second of three cardinals that I am doing by Charley Harper.  This one is 5.5 wide by 17.75 long and is also on 14 count.  He is the next new item adding into the rotation.  I started at the top and using the same Splendor 976 and two strands, am doing the brick stitch over 2 threads.  He was painted by Treglown Designs.  His description is Cool Cardinal, so I will call him  that as well. The card that came with it from Treglown Designs says "Zero with a hundred percent probability is cool, man, cool, even when you're wearing your red flannels.  Air traffic's grounded, feeding station's socked in.  You can't stuff your gizzard in a blizzard, so how do you survive?  Hunker up and sit it out, rationing your reserves, moderating your metabolism.  to put it another way, when there's snow on the roof, how do you keep a fire in the furnace?  Cool it, man."  Charley Harper, 1974. 

LOL, and he does have an attitude doesn't he?

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Time to add into the rotation


If you know me, you know I stitch on rotations for the most part.  Having finished Brrrddd Bath, and started Bernadette the witch, I decided to start adding back to the rotations.  Bernadette is going to be a fast stitch and I have the other cardinals to go with the first Charley Harper, which you will see soon, but.....I decided to add in The Snowbird.  This exquisite design is by Dorthy Lesher.  I bought is a few years ago from a gal who was downsizing her stash on one of the lists.  It is a line drawn canvas on 14 x 18 blue Congress cloth.  The fabulous fibers are Soie d Alger, Accentuate and more and the kit is all packed as you see above.  Very well thought out presentation.  I know this will take a while to work as there is beautiful detail and lovely patterns throughout the design.  Grab the coffee!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Two & Three

I did step two and three on the cape.  Step two was to add lines of black Ribbon Floss around the purple Scotch stitches. Step three was to add green Kreinik 1/8 ribbon cross at the intersections.  One more step to go.  It is storming up big time so off the computer I go!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Starting the cape

I started Bernadette's cape!  It is a multi layered creation starting with the Scotch stitch in purple ribbon floss.
She is acquiring more personality as I go!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Framed and ready to go!

Gifts of Love by Sharon G is framed and ready to be delivered for my sister's birthday.  A matching blue mat and simple gold frame set off the elegance of this design.  Happy Birthday to you!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sequins and Beads

I finally decided about the square snowflakes!  I did not like any of the stitches for the square snowflakes!  I went to Hobby Lobby and bought some iridescent stars and round sequins.  After trying both, I used the round one and secured them with an iridescent bead as well.  I think they fit with the modernistic look of the rest of the canvas.  The final item was to add the round black beads for his eyes.  Adding this one to the finished list!

Friday, July 22, 2011

A witches hat

I finished filling in all the black ribbon and then went back and filled in all the spaces with purple ribbon floss.  It is a bit hard to see but it is there!  Next up will be her hat band.
Thanks for all the great ideas for the snowflakes, and I tried something else today and did not like it either.....still cogitating.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

While I am cogitating

Okay, I worked a few more of the leaves on the cardinal  and still am cogitating on the square snowflakes.  Jane suggested adding longer threads outside the squares and or beads.  I had thought of both of those too.  I just don't like the look of the square Rhodes snowflake so I decided to put it aside for a day and work on Bernadette while considering some alternatives.  So, Bernadette's hat is worked in double stitch and the upright cross stitches are done in black Ribbon Floss.  As you can see, that is working up pretty quick!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Starting the snow

Well, I don't think any of us want snow, but it sure is hot and humid everywhere!  Working on the snow on the bottom leaves was a bit refreshing just looking at the white Frosty Rays 217.  I am using the Nobuko stitch and doing a lot of compensating to fit the shapes.  I did one snowflake to the left of the pedestal in a square Rhodes, but am not sure I like it.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

He is all done!

I stitched the body of the bird in Knotted Stitch using 5 strands of the red Splendor.  I also added the black eyes.....moving onto the snow and don't we just need that!!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Look closely

I did the base of the wings......I did 5 spokes out to the ribs using 5 strands of Splendor and then I wove over and under them to create each side of the bird wing base.  Then I did basketweave and completed the black and orange of his beak.  Jane said snow is in the forecast and it is true......but I will work the body first and then the snow areas.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

A little here

I have been able to sneak in a little stitching here and there.  I almost have the second wing done!  Just a few more ribs up toward the center top and the wings will be in.  Then, I will fill in around the outside of the wings with a few more of the brick stitches to complete the background.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Back to stitching

I finished all the spokes and T stitches on the right wing!  I will have to go back and do a few more Brick stitches around the edge but he looks spiffy so far!  LOL

Monday, July 11, 2011

She is looking

I started by stitching Bernadette's face and hands.  This is done in basketweave with six strands of floss.  Her eyes are a large cross stitch done with black ribbon floss. Her nose is an appropriate green metallic ribbon floss cross as well.  Her mouth and eyebrows are backstitched with black floss.  I loved doing the faces first so they look at me while I stitch and giggle at her!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

It is not the rest of the wing

No, it is not the rest of the wing on B-r-r-r-d bath for you tonight.  I did stitch some on it today, but not so much as to show you yet.  We have company  from out of town and the stitching had to get put aside.......sooooooo, here is what else I am up to.  This is a Mill Hill charted design that I bought from one of the sellers on my destashing blog!  My sister wants a happy witch for Halloween and this design is called Teenie Leenie.  However, we are going to call her Bernadette here to forward.  She is a line drawn canvas and just look at all the fun fibers she will have.  She is 4.5 x 8.5 on 18 count.

Friday, July 8, 2011

So what I did....

I am filling in the wing!  I am using three strands of Splendor in between the "ribs" with a T stitch so they look a bit lacy.  The "ribs" are worked in the same color of Splendor using four strands and a tent stitch!  both of these stitches go fast so I hope to get the rest of this wing done tomorrow!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Well, it's about time!

I finished the background around the outside!  Happy dancing here!  Both Jane and Beth picked up that I have not worked the Brick stitch in and around the wings and decided I was "up to something".....of course, I am!  Stay tuned....

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Down the middle

I completed the Brick Stitch over to the leaves, down the center and then started working over to the left.  One more day should knock out the rest of the Brick stitch near the edges.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The leaves

I finished the leaves on the top!  I also worked the background on the right almost over to the top leaves.  I am going to work more background next and get that filled in as close to the wings as I can....and yes, I have
turned the canvas and am working it "upside down" so I can reach it!  LOL

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Some of this n that

I worked on the background on the top right side and also worked a couple of the top leaves.  I alternated needles of threads so as not to get bored doing just one or the other!  LOL
Jane asked about the size of this piece and I apologize for not having included that before!  It is 12.5 inches across on 14 count. It is a large piece and it will be hung on my sun porch when I get it done.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Pedestal for the bath

The pedestal for the bath is finished.   I finished all of the Parisian stitching on the pedestal in the four strands of Splendor.  I know you are waiting for the snow on the bath and all the flakes and leaves but I will probably do it last.  I started working on the group of leaves at the top in the four strands of Splendor in stem stitch again and want to get those finished next.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Moving on

I finished the bowl of the bath!  I also started working the pedestal and am using the same four strands of Splendor but switched to the Parisian stitch and am also laying it.  The horizontal design of the Flemish Bond called for a vertical stitch to offset it and after several choices, I went with the Parisian.