Stitch in the name of Love

Do you ever find yourself dragging on a stitching piece simply because it's not what you want to be doing at the moment?  It may be something you've promised to do for a loved one, and it's not your colors or style?
I always think to myself, this will be easy, not keeping it is no problem.  So what happens?  It sits in the box waiting for my attention.  I may have made a mistake, changed a color, or just had to alter the pattern.  Then it stalls...sitting patiently.  It doesn't help when the loved one seems to have lost interest in it also.  So what do you do?  I desperately need some advice.
On to the photos...I have two special best friends that have birthdays back to back.  So I had to make them some extra special birthday cards.  The first one is for my dear friend Marjorie...I used Graphic 45 paper so it was a snap to make.  I have to be careful not to make one like last years.  She loved it!!!

 This one was extra special as I wanted to use my never before used "Stitching" stamps.  However, I loved this paper and tried to incorporate it all in one.  My friend Mary loves red, and roses, so this paper was a must.  So I stamped the inside part.  Just perfect for a fellow stitcher!!!

Here is my "Hare" sampler that I started back in March.  It seems impossible that it has been that long.  I worked on it flying to Tulsa and had no problems at all.  However, coming home with a sore throat knocked me back off track.  I finally got the large rabbit fixed last week, and then did the Q and R.  They are off a little, then I had to measure to make sure I had enough fabric for the rest of it.  Luckily, after counting twice, I figured I do.  It comes with white buttons to sew on, but I don't know if I want to use them.  They are rather plain and I have access to much nicer ones.  What would you do?  The name is "The Rabbit Alphabet" by JBW Designs.  Here is the original.

Above is the alphabet dogs and cats that I am stuck on.  It didn't matter that she mixed up the dogs and cats, nor that she wanted different colors and beads.   What do I do to get back to it???

Hope you are having a happy stitching day!  Kathy

See what all you can do!

These cuties are the little ones that my friend Mary stitched while recuperating.  I promised to help her finish them.  I didn't realize how many she had finished....lol..but I only have one left of hers to do and about five of mine.  Here they are in no particular order.  Some are parts of charts, so if you need more info, let me know, ok?

Happy stitching, Kathy

Another Just Nan project all finished!!

It is a little late for Valentine's, but I had to show off my latest finish as I slightly altered this design.  Now I need to find just the right charm for the open part of the heart, and perhaps something else.  Anyway, I am glad to have this out of the to-do box.  Here is a close up of some of the detail work.

 My next french knot project is four pumpkin buttons.  I will make them with pin backs so I can wear them with whatever I like.  They will be a tiny 3/4" wide when finished.  Just too adorable for words.

More tomorrow, this gal is bushed.......
Happy stitching, Kathy

Fun time in the Summer....

I'm happy to say that my injured back is nearly healed and I managed to finish up a few pieces.  I couldn't really stitch much on pain medication, but managed to fill my time sorting some ribbons.  I have also been doing some cleaning and sorting out items of my stamping stash.  Putting a few things on Ebay was also on my list, and last night did two listings.  So I have made much progress in the past two weeks.  Azzy's trip was delayed so I will miss seeing her this Sunday.  Now to the finished pieces.
My Patriotic Santa had to be my favorite piece of all.

Back fabric.

 My exchange fob which I finally found a charm I liked for the middle, a gold sparkle fabric for backing.

I finally finished my french Knotted rug with overdyed silk threads. It was so enjoyable I couldn't stop until I was finished.  I plan to have it framed with an oval mat.

 Close up of threads.

Now I finished my friend Mary's silk ribbon initial but I don't want to show it until she has seen it.   Next I am going to work on some old baby shoes that I purchased last year.  I have two pair and a lefty single.  Since I received my new stash of ribbon, I have plenty to work with for a long while.

Happy stitching, Kathy

Welcome May Flowers!

Today was the first class of the Silk Ribbon Initials, and as promised, I am posting the CD album where you can order the whole alphabet.  It is $20, and called Home Arts Victorian Monograms...Patti has a website called ezhomearts.com, and her email is patti@ezhomearts.com  Check it out and order it directly from her.

If you need any more info, please do not hesitate to contact me.  All my students were totally awesome today, and we had a great time learning all the easy basic stitches.  Thanks, We, of the Needle in Brea for asking me to teach this class!!!  We have another full class on this Saturday.

I started another french knot piece, this one is by Teresa Layman and called Skipper's Roses. 2008. Finished size will be 6" x 4 1/4"....I am using silk floss, two strands.

Then I will finish my Just Nan's "Queen of the Needle" Sampler.  I have worked on it off and on, but really need to "frog" a few places, and get it back on track.
So hope you are having a great week, and happy stitching, Kathy

Another project finished!!!!

Back in Jan. I attended the "Road to California" Quilt show and bought the lap hoop set made by Morgan Quality Products.  I just love it and found it is perfect for doing my embroidery with french knots.  I bought a pattern called The Pumpkin Hill, and cannot find the designers name.  I have problems with my computer, so have not been using it as much.  The pattern was originally for wool hooking and this is what it looked like finished.  I did my thing

with french knots and loved how it came out.  Used my own colors and had a great time.  It only took me two months which is a record at my house.

My update on the Needlework show last Sat. hosted by the Seaside Stitchers.  There were over 300 entries and many many beautiful items to enjoy.  We could get up close and see every detail.  It was just wonderful and such a beautiful day near the beach.  Wish we could have taken photographs but understand the rules.  We were amazed to see the Silk Ribbon workmanship done by a lady that is now 101 years young.  I just wish we could have met her and chatted awhile.  The "boutique" was set up like a garage sale, most items being gently used or recycled.  It was fun to go thru all the boxes looking at charts, kits, floss, hoops, frames, you name it, it might have been there.  We scored lots of great buys, most being around 25 and 10 cents!!!!  Yes, it was fun....Well worth the drive there, and entry fee.
Happy Stitching, Kathy

Just a little needle and thread....

While trying to find all my missing needles, I decided to finally empty the old ragged red pincushion I have had for over forty years.  I thought I would find a few needles....but not this!!!!  Needless to say, I now have plenty!!!

  Hope you have a happy stitching day!

Kathy