Olympic Stitching Completed!

The Olympics are over and I finished up with this little freebie from La Soffitta called Freedom Pinkeep.  When I looked on her website for a link to the pattern, I couldn't find one.

Here is the website link if you would like to look.

 

Stitched on 32 ct natural linen.

 

I also bought this recent release from Blackbird Designs called English Garden Sewing Bag kit.  I think it is a limited release and have not seen it much of anywhere. In case you are interested,  I got mine from Country Sampler in Wisconsin.

 

 

I finished up this tote bag for a friend and am happy with how it turned out. She is a cat lover.

 

 Here is what I'm working on now-Barbara Jackson's Tea Time Basket.  There is a lot of over 1 stitching but I love how it is turning out.

 

DD#1 and I went to the Northwest Sampler Guild's Annual Tea on Sunday.  And guess who won a door prize?  Lucky me.  Aren't this tea pot and placemat a fantastic door prize?

Don't forget that my 4th blogoversary giveaway is still open until March 1st!  Please leave a comment on the previous post if interested in entering it!

Fourth Blogoversary!

I have been working away on my "Olympic" stitching. 

But I will admit that I have been struggling to work up some interest in the actual Olympics.  I don't like the US media coverage-too many commercials, too much time spent on foreign competitors and too little time on US competitors. 

 

So, I have been watching more Downton Abbey, Inspector Morse, Foyle's War, or my Murder She Wrote DVD's ---you get the idea.

 

Here is the latest stitching wise-

 

 

Finish #1-Glory House by Chessie & Me is finished! I even fixed the "S"

Finish #2  Let It Snow by Barbara Ana Designs

 

I love it! I put in 2014 instead of the year that was originally charted.  I stitched this on 32 ct. natural linen with 2 threads over two.  If I could go back and rethink this, I would have chosen 36 ct fabric and used one thread over two.  I think it would look more delicate and even more delightful if it was smaller.

Finish #3-Star Spangled Banner Sampler Pin Cushion by Kelmscott Designs

Finish #4-Stacy Nash Country Sampler's Freedom Needlebook kit

This design is larger than expected.  If I could do this one over, I would have stitched it in the middle of the provided 30 ct fabric and framed it.  Instead I stitched it on one end of the fabric so it can be folded over to finish into a needlebook.  It will be lovely anyway :)

I have several more patriotic stitches in my pile, but time for only one more.  I'll keep you posted on the one I pick.

Where does the time go?

I can't believe this is the fourth anniversary of my blog.

I spent one whole year thinking about starting a blog and wondering if anyone would be interested in my work. :)  I am happy to say that there was! I am very thankful for all my followers and the lovely comments that are left on my posts. 

 

So, to celebrate I have put together an eclectic giveaway- 

1. A stitching themed tin

2. 2 spools of ribbon-one Christmas plaid, one ladybugs

3. 2 fat quarters of fabric

4. Pack of size 24 tapestry needles

5. Blue needle case

6. Cinnabon candle

7. Snail tape measure

8. 2 Suzy's zoo Christmas ornament kits

9. 10 skeins of Special Edition GAST threads

10. 4 skeins of #5 pearl cotton-2 ecru, 2 white

 

It is very easy to enter-

1. Just leave a comment on this post

2. I will ship all over the world

3. . You must be a follower or become a follower.

4. No need to post on your blog unless you just want to.

5. I will draw for a winner on March 1, 2014.

 

That's it!

Good luck to all!

 

 

 

 

 

Olympic Update

 

Life is busy. 

Here is the latest-

 

My first afghan in over 20 years is finished! It is a simple double crochet with wool yarn.  And it is warm! GS wanted to learn how to crochet and he did about 5 of the double crochets in this :) I do want to learn a little more about crochet and maybe make a granny square afghan.

 

GD#1's stocking is finished! I love how fast Shepherd's Bush stockings stitch up. I did change the color of the sheep because the called-for color disappeared on my linen.  And I eliminated part of the vine at the top to make room for two additional bees.  

 

(Any idea why I'm getting ripple effects in my photos?)

 

 

 

Here is the latest on my New Years start.  It is an adorable Barbara Ana design called Let It Snow. I have several more of her designs in my stash.

 

Now, what to stitch for the Olympics?

I was feeling in a patriotic mood and came up with a pile of patriotic smalls that are languishing in my stash. If I don't finish them all during the Olympics, I'll pull them out and work on them again around July 4th.

 

Here is the current one I'm working on- 

Glory House

Chessie & Me

 

Even though the two initials are the same size, the S looks larger.  So I will go back and fix this. Please excuse the hoop marks.  This little kit came with silk threads :)

Old Flag Station

The Pinkeep

 

This kit was part of the Prim Sisters club from Country Sampler. I changed it up a little too. I made it "Grand Old Flag" instead of Old Flag Station. and I took the rabbit ears off the little dog.  Now the dog looks like my GS's new miniature dachshund (sp?) He noticed it right away.

 

What else is in my pile?  Well, my self-imposed size limit was both sides need to be under 100 stitches. Here is what I came up with-Plum Street's Betsy's House (98 x 90 stitches :), Stacy Nash's Freedom NeedleBook, and Kelmscott Designs Star Spangled Banner Sampler Pin Cushion. There are probably more that I haven't pulled out yet.

 

I've been listening to the Harry Potter books on CD while I stitch.  Even though I  read all the books when they came out, there is so much I have forgotten. They are just as enjoyable this time around.

 

Next post will be a giveaway to celebrate my 4th blogoversary!  Can't believe it has been that long!