Getting Organized

I sat down and pulled threads for the ornaments I picked up at Peacock Alley tonight. I have several fibers from the stash, but am picking up a couple of colors that I wanted for all but one of them. These will be several smaller projects over the next couple of months. I figure each of the ornaments will take a few days to stitch.
I also worked on the next project you will see. However, the battery needed charging on the camera so I don't have a photo for you. I have started a new line drawn canvas my mom did for me. It is an interpretation she used to paint, and I will post a photo for you tomorrow.

An Octagon by Kick Back & Stitch

Since I love geometric charts, I could not resist when the LNS got in the line of Kick Back and Stitch patterns. This particular one is what is pictured on the pattern and there are five or six other colorways in the directions. This was also stitched in the car. DH likes to drive and I like to stitch or read, so I can get a lot done on the longer trips.

Answering questions: I am not sure which one of the new little projects I will do first. I need to gather thoughts and ideas as to how I will be working them, but I will let you know.
Summer Dream is at the framers. It is going to be a very simple gold frame with a black interior to show off the piece.
I will be starting the next piece in progress shortly. I am still getting my fiber decisions made.
Yes, I will be doing more stumpwork, but not the next one or two pieces.

New Projects

We went to visit my family in Michigan last week. Of course I had to visit the LNS while there to get a couple of skeins of floss to finish a project. My sister, her husband, and my niece all came inside and had a ball looking around while I picked up my two skeins of floss. They found a rug I could stitch, and lots of other goodies! LOL So, instead I convinced them I would be happy to stitch them small ornaments! Niece Sara will get the sheep box, Sister Karen will get the Jody Holly design ornament, Great Niece Kailyn will get the pink princess purse, and Great Nephew Peyton will get the penguin stocking. These will be lots of fun!

Another Loretta Spears Design

This is one of the ornaments that Loretta Spears designed under Needle Adventures. It is worked with Needle Necessities on some rows. Other rows have two strands of Accentuate blended with the Needle Necessities. I did the ornament in the car on our recent trip and will be backing it with white velvet and adding some pink trim. I will post the completed piece after I pick up the trim!

Summer Dream is finished!

Here is my finished piece! I have attached all the elements by inserting the wires through to the back. Most of them are then twisted and then stitched to the back to keep them stable.
I hope you have enjoyed watching this piece develop. I encourage you to try stumpwork and highly endorse Luan Callery's instructions. She has made this piece a joy to stitch!

Cutting out the stumpwork

I have been cutting out all the stumpwork pieces. Each piece has to be cut close to the buttonhole stitch so there are no fabric whiskers showing. I use my Hardanger scissors and cut very slowly and carefully as close to the edge as I can. Here are all the components ready to attach to the piece.

The Lily has Stamens!

Aren't these wonderful?? I have never done anything like this before! I thought they were going to be bullion stitches, but I was wrong! I started by using one strand of thread folded in half through the needle. I came up from the back and then twisted the needle until it was very tightly wrapped. Next I folded that in half and it twisted back on itself. Then the needle goes back in the fiber and gently pulled the thread down and voila! Stamens that are free like the ones in a lily. Luan, you are very clever!
Gail: The piece does not use a lot of thread to complete the different features. I was very surprised!
Cyn: Since we are so close to being done, you will have to wait a couple more days for a full picture as I want to show the closeups of all the individual components! Be patient, my dear, the end is in sight! LOL