Counting on Needlework

Coming up in September (19-27) we have the Panhandle South Plains Fair  in Lubbock, Texas. I have had one piece framed and have done finishing work on a few others so far.  I plan to exhibit these pieces in the cross stitch category.  It would be nice to win a ribbon, of course.   Another way to look at it is:  Who will I inspire by showing my work?  Who will want to learn this or that technique of stitching or finishing?  Who will want to create their own designs?  Who will teach and inspire someone else? First up is my Assisi-style embroidery.  I created this embroidery as part of my journey in EGA 's master craftsman in counted thread embroidery program.  I adapted some patterns from the book Here Be Drolleries by Nancy Spies of Arelate Studio and added some designs of my own to create my design of a "peaceable kingdom".  You can find Arelate Studio designs now at 1884 Stitchery . I have finished a couple of small cushions m...

Yes, it's been a while since I made a blog post.  I am now retired from my day job.  I plan to share stitching and knitting with you again since I have more time.  I cannot promise eloquent compositions, but there will be at least photos and explanations to enjoy. This is the completed sewing box. The second photo shows the lid removed.  You can see the tray I created so that there are two levels to the interior.  The big button in the center is the "handle" to remove the tray.   The third photo show the tray removed with the pin cushion nestled in the bottom of the sewing box.  That striped edge encircling the bottom is what holds up the tray when it is inserted. Thank you for looking!

Here are some of the items I worked on over Memorial weekend.  I have to be in the mood to do finishing work and was happy to get these two items done. The first is a thimble purse to be worn as a necklace.  The design is by With Thy Needle and Thread .  The pattern came with the purse frame.  I used a scrap of 40 count linen and overdyed threads I had on hand.  It is stitched with one strand of floss over two threads of linen.  It is lined with a coordinating cotton print fabric.  The pattern suggests using waxed hemp cord for the necklace, but I thought a chain would be more comfortable.  As you can see, the purse from the closure to the bottom measures about three inches.  I like the tree and the scattered alphabet.  And, yes, I put a thimble inside. The other finished project is a small sewing set by Little House Needleworks from the pattern called Fresh from the Garden.  The quilted sewing case and pincushion are pres...