Thursday, September 30, 2010

Seasons Progress #2



I have been working on Seasons so far this week. It seems every other project I have in the works needs something. I will get to the LNS tomorrow and then I'll be able to get back to work on everything else LOL!

I have completed the center square of Seasons. I added a bit of Kreinik #12 braid & I'm pleased with the result. This piece is lovely to work on and I'm finding it soothing!

I have been asked to post my colors as I go along. So far I have used:
Watercolours:
001 Sandstone, the lightest section
241 Shandoah, aqua
194 South Pacific, the darker blue-green
189 Gingersnap, brown
137 Copper, reddish brown
Plus, #12 Kreinik Braid 027
As I post each step, I will post any new colors. I can't give you all the colors in advance as I don't know for sure what I will use. I am working from stash!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Seasons by Amybear Needlepoints











I confess. I have started a new project. I know, I have lots going on already, but I wanted something to work on occasionally that had no requirements or deadlines! So I went to my stash of patterns, which is really getting out of hand LOL, and settled on Amybear Needlepoints' "Seasons". It is not a small project (design area 12"x12") but it is interesting, without being too difficult.

When I looked at the supply list I was delighted to find that it uses nothing but Watercolours! My favorite thread! Well, that did it. I cut a piece of Sandstone canvas and got it on stretchers. Then I dove into my drawer of Watercolours. Of course, I am changing all the colors, it'll have an aqua/turquoise/tan/rust theme. I know, you're soooo surprised! But that is what I have a lot of in my stash. I will have to buy a few skeins, but not much. I may add a little bit of Kreinik metallic braid, just for fun. I got a good start on the center block and it's lookin' good!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Mediterranean Tile, Progress #4


OK, the next step consisted of 24 "petals" in 2 shades of pearl cotton connected by a laid Kreinik metallic ribbon, just like the center but more of it. This part went relatively quickly once I got the hang of it! Next up are a bunch of Crescents & Jessicas. Be sure to check Jan's blog for her progress report!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Mystery Retreat Project Progress #7


Yesterday I completed the Left Side section on the Mystery Retreat project. I decided to leave the star in and added the Bargello. I think it turned out OK. the pattern had called for a kind of darning pattern in just one #4 strand of gold metallic. I thought that it would be much too light weight and not balanced with the rest of the piece. Only one more section to go!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Stitch of the Month 2010, September


Now I am caught up again with ANGs SOTM. Sept. was not hard, but it took awhile as the piece gets bigger! I love the little border stitch with the laid metallic couched with the Tied Oblong Cross. Very nice technique & it looks so pretty.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Mediterranean Tile, Progress #3


Steps 5 & 6 are now complete on my Mediterranean Tile. This is such a fun piece to stitch, although the 4-way Tent got a little tedious, especially the inside ones that are done in DMC rayon floss LOL! The Crescents in #12 pearl cotton went very quickly. I think the next section will go a little slower, so don't look for another update for 2-3 weeks! Don't forget to look at Jan's version too!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Mystery Retreat Project Progress #6



Here I am again, back in Las Vegas, and reasonably functional. I still have some organizing to do, but I can usually find things! It is still pretty warm, but not as bad as it was last month. It is pretty much in the mid to high 90s now.

Yesterday I started back to work on my Sunday Project, the 2009 Mystery Retreat Project. I got quite a bit done on the Left Center Section. The picture on the left is the detail of the section I'm working on. The picture on the right is the whole project to date, in case you forgot!

This section is my least favorite. There is another motif to do kind of in the middle of the Irregular Eyelets. Then I will have to decide what I want to do about the rest of it. I don't care for the center star - it looks squashed to me. I am considering trying to rework it & make it less squashed. After that, there's only some backstitching in a pattern & I think it is too light for the rest of the piece. I'm thinking of putting in some Bargello in a zig zag pattern instead. Stay tuned!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Travelling again

I will probably not post again for a week or so. We are heading back to Las Vegas. It is still kinda hot there, but not AS hot and will begin cooling down soon. I am looking forward to getting settled again. Everything is packed & we will be driving down tomorrow. The kitties know something is going on, but haven't figured out what yet LOL!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Mediterranean Tile, Progress #2


The next step in the Mediterranean Tile is complete. I think it is really pretty! This piece is worked entirely in pearl cottons, several weights, and Kreinik braids and ribbons. I have quite a bag full of Kreinik waiting in the wings! I love the Kreinik, so it is just plain fun to stitch. I'm using both DMC and Finca Pearls. Jan has finished this section too, so be sure to compare!