Happy 2014 - First Post for Year

Happy 2014....

Stitching has been moving along but not as fast as I see others have done.  I got a UFO project done early last month as part of a challenge project for the Lake Michigan Sampler guild.  We had to sign up for a UFO project that we would get completed by year end.  I had hoped to take it in to have framed before the next meeting but I did not get that accomplished.  So, here is a shot of my wrinkled La-D-Da Margaret Cottam project.

I had stashed it away somewhere in the middle of Part 2.  The challenge really helped me push to getting it done.  Now I cannot wait to have it framed.

On Thanksgiving weekend I started Hibernation Day by Heartstring Samplery.  I cannot put this one down and have been working on it as much as I could during the holiday.  I really love the colors on this one.

I am getting close to the bottom and past the longest stitching area - the houses.  I did not use the color fabric called for and did find something else to substitute with.  Pictures just cannot show you the true color affect.

During 2013 I took three more classes from Ellen Chester.  So, now I have three more class projects to add to my stash.  The Lady's Worke Box project from 2012 is all stitched.  Now I need to sit down and do the finishing.....  I have been meeting monthly with the other class attendees so that we can keep pushing each other along.  This has been very helpful.  Just hope the snow stops so that I can make the January meeting.

Here is another project that I added to my stash from Ellen's class.

This is a limited edition called A Petit Sampling Etui.  She got together with a few other designers to create this project.  There is another one that was from a prior year called A Noble Pursuit.  I do have that one also and really should do it first since I have it kitted.

I went to Inspired Needle's retreat this past October and need to show you a few pictures that I took.

Kim - Rita and I missed not seeing you.  We did keep you around..... (Kim is the stick figure)

Here is Anna with her finish.  Guess what, the Designer - Jan Alexander was here also.  What a great way to celebrate a finish.

Here are a couple more projects that ladies got done and even finished at the retreat. 

Hope your holidays were safe and warm.  Enjoy the rest of the winter stitching.  

Weekend Stitching

Due to the heat wave I have been spending more time this past week stitching.  On Saturday morning I went to House Of Stitches in LaPorte to work on our past October project by Ellen Chester called "A Lady's Worke Box".  I really love how this project is coming together.

Here are a couple of the pieces that I have finished stitching and the progress on the house that will be on the front of the finished box.  This project is amazing and I cannot wait to get it done.  But, I have to say that I am also very excited to take two more classes this October from Ellen Chester.  Linda from House of Stitches is having Ellen Chester back to teach two more of her teaching projects.  Please use this link www.houseofstitches.com to House of Stitches and click on events.  Linda has several more spots available and I can promise you it will be a great weekend.  The other plus is Linda's shop is just down the road from the retreat and her inventory is AMAZING.  So, think about it and come join us.

I am also busy working on two online classes.  The first one is from Amy Mitten called "Needleworker's Pocketbook".  Here is my progress.

This is a very detailed project and has been hard to put down.  I am trying to rotate thru my projects so that each one I have to get done this year will be accomplished.

My other online class is "Buttons A Bounty" by Jackie Du Plessis.  Sorry, no progress to share yet since I just got started today.  Maybe with my next post you will see more.

Recently I was able to find a pattern from a friend of a design that is out of print.  It is "A Patriot's Sampler" by MidSummer Night Designs.  I saw this design on display at Attic Needlework's shop last January and have been trying to find.  I was lucky to find someone from my local shop that had the pattern.  Thank you Teresa, I am truly enjoying this pattern!!!!!!

Again, I am truly hoping that after you read my blog today you will go over to House Of Stitches and sign up for the Ellen Chester Retreat.  Note, you can also sign up for one of the two days if that fits your schedule better.  Reach out to your stitching buddies and make sure they take a look at these beautiful projects and sign up.

Well, time to stitch before heading to bed.  More to come of my rotationaly projects.