Petite Square Bargello

I'm working on some new Bargello designs for my website. This Petite Square is quick & easy to stitch up. It is all in Silk & Ivory except for the lightest pink which is Fyre Werks. I'm going to stitch up another colorway, with an overdyed thread, before finishing up the instructions. I hope to have this ready in a couple of weeks.

Ringing in the New Year Progress #2

I do work on several things at once! Besides the Mystery Retreat project on weekends, during the week I'm working on this Ringing in the New Year project as well as a Bargello or two. Ringing now has a completed center and I have started on the outer square. Got the 2 ribbony things done, they aren't exactly the same, don't know why but I can't see that it matters! Started the background which is similar to the background of diamond, same thread, different stitch. Got one Jessica in, maybe tomorrow I'll do some more of those.

Mystery Retreat Project Progress

Some of you may remember that I went to a Mystery Retreat last summer here in Las Vegas. It was great fun and the project is super, but huge! This project is now my weekend project. I am planning to work on it on Sundays, and sometimes Saturdays. The Mystery Project has 5 sections, each designed by a different designer. I started working on the top section last weekend and yesterday I completed that section. This top section was designed & taught by Patricia Hartman. It didn't quite fit on the scanner, but it is mostly there, just cut off a little of the left side (which is just like the right side). I had to make a few changes as I messed up the positioning of one of the stitch patterns: The Herringbone down the center was supposed to be offset - not right in the middle! But the middle is where it was, it was really pretty, and I didn't want to take it out. So I just made necessary adjustments to the other patterns. I also changed the Bargello areas on either side because those areas were too small now to work right with the intended pattern. I think it turned out pretty though!

Ringing in the New Year

I've been working on Karen Anthony's "Ringing in the New Year" which she presented through ANGs CyberChapter during the January meeting. I decided to stitch it on Red canvas, since I had some, and use just red & silver metallics. I put in more "fireworks" than Karen did! I wanted a little more "solid" look, so I am filling in the background with a light coverage version of the Pavillion stitch, using just one strand of Needle Necessities overdyed floss. It's looking OK so far.

Double Up Finished!

Finally! Double Up is finished! As you can see, I connected the triangles to make the piece an octagon. Then I filled the resulting spaces with Criss Cross Hungarian to match the background of the center square. This idea came from one of the other Pilot Stitchers, thanks Michelle! I am quite pleased with the result & proud to have completed this challenging project.

Stitch-of-the-Month Framed

I picked up my 2009 SOTM from the framers last weekend. Finally got it photographed yesterday. I am so pleased with the way it turned out with the Perfect Frame! The frame is metal and matches the rust in the piece just right. It is now hanging in DH's office, at his request.

I've created a monster!

I have a good friend here in Vegas who is a long time cross-stitcher. Always eager for converts, I convinced her to try needlepoint. Oh boy! She's hooked! This piece is her very first needlepoint! Is it gorgeous or what? This is a Laura Perin design, "Celtic Knots". Perin's colorway looks like the picture below. Some difference huh? Certainly demonstrates how much different colors and the way it's presented can change a piece. Good job, Pat! Now all we have to do is pick the next project out of the 10-15 she wants to do!

New Kitty

This is KC. We got her from the animal shelter last week. Isn't she gorgeous? She is 18 months old & appears to be a Maine Coon/Persian mix. She is very sweet and loves people. She is very calm. Sweet Pea isn't too sure about her, but they are beginning to get along.
ADDITIONAL INFO: KC has developed an upper respiratory infection (common with shelter kitties) and we had to isolate her to, hopefully, prevent Sweet Pea from getting it. KC will be fine, she is getting antibiotics & lots of love.

Double Up Progress Report #8

Double Up is back to the top of the heap! I have been working on it again & hope to persevere & finish it quickly now. The Jessica band is finished, lot's of Jessicas! Then I quickly completed the "Angel Wings" band. Now I have to complete the little border below the Angel Wings. Then I will decide what to do. I will be filling in some areas that Ro intended to be left blank. One of the other Pilot Stitchers did that & I really liked what she did, so I'm going to do something similar.

More ORNAMENTS

I have completed 2 more ornaments. The green one has a dangle from the bottom & will make a nice Xmas ornament. The pastel one will be kitted with instructions for the Stitcher's Retreat here in Las Vegas in April. I think it turned out really pretty and Spring-like. The one I did earlier, with the eyelets, we decided was not as appealing.

ANNOUNCING NEW WEBSITE!!

I'm so excited! My website is up and running! I hope you will check it out:
WWW.LIZARTNEEDLEPOINT.COM
There are currently 3 new designs (one Bargello & 2 needlepoints) plus a FREE design that you can download and print from the website. Pictures of the new designs have been added to the slide show "Preview Patterns" on the right side bar of this Blog. Please check out my website and let me know what you think!