Monday, April 17, 2017

April is Almost Over!

Time is flying this year!  Hard to believe the long hot days of summer are on the horizon.  Our winter has been mild and it's been dry.  Our state is already experiencing a lot of fires.

I have been so busy and I want to show that to you today.  I finished all of Hands on Designs Chalk Ornaments Part 1. The hardest part with working with the dark linen was simply getting started.  Once I had a couple of foundation rows completed, the rest went very smoothly.  Finishing by Vonna Pfeiffer/The Twisted Stitcher who is a great communicator in addition to being a fantastic finisher.
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Chalk Ornaments Part 1, Hands on Design
35 Count GunMetal, Weeks Dye Works
Called for Threads

My EGA Guild has a SAL each year.  This year it's Brenda Keyes for the linen SAL.  I chose Country House Sampler to stitch. I saw this stitched at Stitch and Frame Shop on a Natural Linen from Zweigart and loved it so I decided to give it a try.   I typically stitch on Lakeside Linen but I am really enjoying this fabric.  Here is a pic of my very small start.
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Country House Sampler, Brenda Keyes
40 Count Natural Linen from Zweigart
NPI Threads
Our guild educational opportunity in March was to make a small woven basket for our stitching supplies.  Here is my finished basket that I have not yet lined nor have I made the pincushion.  I'm thinking of staining it a darker color.  Making the basket was a ton of fun and almost everyone left with a finished basket.  The dowel in the basket handle can hold a spool of thread.
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Many of you know that we lost our beloved Cody and Kenzie over the last 2 years.  We've been extra busy lately because we decided to add a fur baby to our family again.  Murphy came to live with us in early March.  He's such a good (mostly) pup and we are totally in love with him!  He's a cairn terrier, the same breed as Cody and Kenzie, chosen because for some reason cairn terrier dander doesn't bother my allergies (I'm highly allergic to dogs).    
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I have been doing some sewing too and I have a knitting project to show you that needs blocking.  I'll be back soon sharing more about that.  In the meantime, may all your stitches be happy ones!

14 comments:

Marilyn said...

Love the chalk pieces, and your basket is so pretty.
Murphy is too cute. :)
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Love your ornaments, the basket is amazing, and looks like the sampler will be lovely. And the little guy...well he is adorable! You sure have been busy!

Vickie said...

Ahhhhhhhhh! Murphy! I LOVE him! Our Murphy is 13. ;)
What a great sampler. I am so impressed with your basket!

woolwoman said...

WOW - the chalk ornaments are wonderful Jackie ! lucky you getting Vonna to finish for you. Love your start on the BK sampler - it's so beautiful. Little Murph is darling - I see an imp behind those innocent eyes LOL ! enjoy every minute of your time doing what you love to do. Mel

Robin in Virginia said...

Your basket is darling, Jackie. You have a good start on your sampler by Brenda Keyes. Your ornament trio are super. What a sweet face Murphy has!

RJ said...

Hi Jackie...you have really been busy. I love your chalkboard stitches and the way Vonna finished them. I can't wait to see your lovely sampler finished. I'm sure it will be a beauty. Your basket is fabulous and love how the dowel will hold your threads. And little Murphy is adorable...what a sweet face!
My friend and I have started a new stitching blog and we would love for you to come visit. http://stitchingfriendsforever2.blogspot.com/ RJ and Mary

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Two years ago when we were down there I10 was closed for a time because of flooding...I'm sorry to hear its dry. I hope it rains soon!
Well you know I love your ornaments?! LOL!
And I adore that little basket and the new start looks stunning!
and your sweet poochie...look at that face :)
GO JACKIE GO!

ruthsplace said...

Such an adorable puppy! Love the chalk ornaments, I haven't seen stitching on black before and it's really effective. Your basket is lovely too.

Barb said...

Awesome basket...love the stitchery

Andrea said...

Wonderful ornaments. Your basket is super.
Murphy is just adorable, love the neckerchief!

Carol said...

Awww... a new pup to love! Murphy is so sweet--just look at that little face :) Adorable!

Love the ornaments--you and Vonna make a great team, Jackie. I need to get back to stitching those. I have all the charts, but have only done one so far. Oh, I guess I did do two--but gave them both away!

Your basket is beautiful and I can see many possibilities of how to use it. Love your Brenda Keye's start, too. I almost always use 40 ct. Zweigart--one of my favorites :)

Enjoy this last week of April!

Margaret said...

Look at that face! Murphy is adorable! So glad you have a new pup in your lives. Love your finishes. Wow, Vonna did a great job with the finish finishing. I envy you your basket class. Very cool! I took a couple of basket classes long ago and enjoyed them, but I don't think I'm a basket maker at heart. Love the Country House Sample -- it's a pretty one!

Karoline said...

Beautiful ornaments and the basket is lovely. Murphy looks a real cutie

Anonymous said...

Love the basket that you have made - and how gorgeous is your little dog!