Here's Father Christmas

Here's the second of my stitched and beaded Santas. This is Father Christmas, one of the Charmed Santa Faces from a Mill Hill kit. I introduced these last week and you can see that post here. Father Christmas is #MHCSF14. I have changed the colors of his hat from the pattern's suggestion of blue and purple. I just couldn't see putting a blue hat on Santa!!
I am having fun working on these Santas again this year, knowing that I will have a few of them on MY tree this time around. They are my evening project while "watching" TV. However, the beading is becoming increasingly difficult as Ollie has now discovered that beads are even more fun than threads. Hmmm, gotta come up with a new system that's "cat-proof"...
Next Friday I'll show you San Nicolo.

Piece,
Linda

Love is the light of Christmas.

What's your favourite Stitchery book?

I have quite a few reference books for Crazy Quilting and I like them all for different reasons. I thought I'd share two with you today which I feel are excellent resource books.

When you want to learn how to do a new stitch, you can't beat A-Z of Embroidery Stitches. It is published in Australia by Country Bumpkin Publications. It is without a doubt the best book I have seen as a teaching tool for learning embroidery stitches. What I really like about it is the fact that all illustrations are actual photos, and every step of making the stitch is shown, from start to completion. So, if you have gone wrong at some point, you can see exactly where, by comparing your work with the photos, step by step. There are over 80 stitches shown, many of them with several or more variations as well. It is an excellent book, I cannot recommend it enough, if you are looking for a good book to learn embroidery stitches from. There is an A-Z of Embroidery Stitches, Volume 2. I think it might be on my Christmas Wish List... There are a number of other books in Country Bumpkin's A-Z series as well - on Quilting, Knitting, Smocking, Stumpwork, Bullions, Crewel, Needlepoint, etc. etc. Worth checking out, for sure!

The other book I have been using a lot is Quilt Savvy - Embroidery Stitches by Joan Waldman. It is published by AQS (American Quilter's Society of Paducah KY). This is not a "How To" book, but rather an ideas book. There are 12 basic stitches which are shown with a number of variations and combinations. I love looking through this book when I'm wanting a new stitch variation. It is not in color, but the illustrations are very clear and easy to "read". There are over 100 pages of stitch variations and combinations! Wow! And you can see here, that there is a lot on each page.

I'm working away on my CQ stocking, and will have lots to show you next "CQ Monday".

Piece,

Linda

My soul is fed by needle and thread.

CQ Monday

I finally have a few pics to share with you of my CQ stocking. I have finally gotten back to it, and it feels good!! Alas, I have not accomplished as much as I had hoped this past week, but I find just getting started is the biggest hurdle. Once you have it out and all threads and supplies organized, then the rest comes more easily. I spent some time searching through supplies to find just the right beads, buttons, etc. which I want to use. Now that I have it "all together" it's easier to decide what to do on a particular seam. I often choose a particular seam treatment based on the embellishment I plan to use - beads or whatever. So I like to have it all "visible" while I work... That's a challenge when Ollie is around, as he seems to think I have it all there for HIM to play with... Hmmm, I'm sure he must have been a quilter or stitcher in his former life, as he seems to like all this stuff as much as I do!! He loves to run away with a ball of perle cotton or a skein of silk in his mouth...

Anyway.. here is what I've done in the last few (too brief) stitching episodes... I did the seam behind this tatted piece in a Chevron stitch, using a variegated cotton by Caron (Wildflowers), and added some straight stitches in a perle 12, detached chain stitches (or "lazy daisy") in a silk buttonhole twist and some small gold beads. I finished off the featherstitch which runs through the tatting with some tiny sequins and beads and added the "dangle" in the middle with beading. (Click on photos for a closer look)

I did this seam in a double featherstitch and added pearls. This thread is a variegated from Stef Francis, one of my favourites to work with. The seam below it is not quite finished yet but there's enough here for you to get the idea. I did a chain stitched "vine", added some leaves with detached chain, and am in the process of doing the French knots in Pearl Crown Rayon - two shades of rose, and an overdyed Silk Twist 8 by Eterna Silk. I think this will be one of my favourite "areas" once it's done.

I also removed some stiching I had done before that I've been mulling over and decided it just had to go. I found a beautiful wide sheer ribbon to cover that area, still considering whether it is "just right"...? So you can just see a bit of it at bottom of photo. I'll show you a closeup once that area is done for good! A woman is allowed to change her mind, right?

That's all for today. Be sure to check out my friend Gail M to see what she is showing today for CQ Monday...

Piece,

Linda

Old stitchers never die.... they just get tied up in knots, come unravelled... and rip away!

Starting the Christmas Countdown...

Now that Remembrance Day is past, it's time to start thinking about Christmas preparations. I start gradually getting out decorations anytime after Nov. 11, and begin working ( if I haven't already started) on stitching ornaments and making gifts. A number of years ago I picked up some Mill Hill kits for cross-stitched and beaded old fashioned Santas. I have made probably beteween 60 and 70 of these over the last 8 years or so, and given every single one away! So - this year I have promised myself, no one gets one until I have one of each design for my own tree. So I'm sharing the first one with you today - and each Friday for the next few weeks, I'll show you another.
This first one is my favourite to do; I think I could almost stitch it without the pattern! He is called Saint Nick. He is 4.5" tall, and 2" wide at the widest part of his beard. Each Santa face is stitched on perforated paper, then beaded. I finish them by ironing a light or medium weight fusible interfacing to the back - this covers all the little thread ends, and just makes for a neater back. Then I trim away the excess paper, glue the hat to the head with a hot glue gun and add a thread hanger. Each one takes roughly 8 - 9 hours total. I'd hate to add up the hours I have spent on these over the years! It would scare me, I'm sure, but I enjoy working on something when I sit down in the evenings to "watch" TV. Plus I love giving special friends something I have made myself...
These kits may still be found in some needlework shops- or at least they could be ordered. The series is called "Charmed Santa Face" (1999) and there are 6 in this particular series. Saint Nick is # MHCSF18. Next Friday I'll show you Father Christmas.

Piece,
Linda

Family is the best part of Christmas.

Remembrance Day...

November 11. Remembrance Day. Veterans Day. Armistice Day. Whatever you call it the purpose is the same: to remember those who fought and died so that we could be free, and to honor those who survived. I found this little poem on the Internet (no mention of the author) and I like it's message. As you remember the fallen today, take a moment to also think of the veterans who are still with us, and say a prayer for those who are currently serving overseas in Afghanistan, or as peacekeepers elsewhere.



They Survived


When you pin that poppy on,
And remember those who died,
Remember too, the men who fought
Beside them, and survived.

They came home to start again
But struggled with their mind
To forget the horror of the days
And the Hell they left behind.

Wounded though they did not bleed
They cried for close friends lost,
But fought on bravely, for they knew
Freedom was worth the cost.

Though they are old and scarred for life,
They suffered for us all,
And in their dreams, the battles rage
And fallen comrades call.

So, when you hear that honor roll
The names of those who died,
Remember too the men who fought
Beside them, and survived.


Peace,
Linda


Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory. ~ George Patton

Back to Stitchin'....

Last Monday my friend Gail M issued a "challenge " of sorts- in hopes it would get both of us moving on Crazy Quilting again. Although I was away at the Retreat, I told her I would join in, although I wouldn't have anything to show before today. We both have CQ stockings we want to get back to; they have been (not so patiently?) awaiting our return...

So today I know Gail is waiting to see what I have to show. Well, perhaps I have failed the "CQ Challenge", but I do have some stitching to share. I had started this Herringbone Sampler and really wanted to finish it before I actually started back at the stocking. So here you go- this is another in my series of samplers to explore CQ stitches, showing variations, combinations and permutations of a basic stitch... Click on the photo for a closer look. I use these Samplers in my classes to help students see there are many different possibilities once you learn how to do the basic stitch. Often when I have a class, there is a wide range of skill levels. Much of my time is usually spent with the beginners helping them learn the basic stitches. These samplers help the more experienced students take their stitching to another level, by showing them lots of ideas for expansion on the basic stitch. So often you can layer, stack and combine sitches for a totally different look. The use of different colors of threads, mixing solids and variegateds, and using different weights of threads will add interest and variety.

So this is my Show and Tell for today. I am going to get back at my stocking this week and if I make good progress in the next few days, I will share a photo or two with you before next Monday. You can see some of my other samplers here, here and here.

Piece,

Linda

If I stitch fast enough, does it count as an aerobic exercise?

Another successful Retreat

Another Guild annual Retreat has come and gone. What fun we had. When you get 32 quilters together for several days, not only is there lots of chatter and laughter, there is also much accomplished. We all look forward to this getaway all year long, knowing it will be good times with good friends and also an opportunity for some serious sewing time. To be able to devote three whole days to nothing but sewing, if one chooses, is pure bliss. No phone calls, no laundry, no meals, dishes or grocery shopping, what more could a gal ask for? Of course there is a Quilt Shop nearby so one can take a little shopping break if the mood hits...

As usual, this Retreat did not disappoint. The meals were great, the company was exceptional and the sewing projects were inspiring. The Show and Tell on the final night was amazing! We are lucky to have several members who are great entertainers, and they kept us in continual laughter. From Nurse Willa's offer to give us all our H1N1 shot with a huge syringe attached by hose to a gallon of green "vaxine", to Marg's poem about a sex change on our beloved "mascot" Annie, there was much merriment. Laughter truly must be the best medicine, because we all leave the Retreat feeling rejuvenated and several years younger.

It's always interesting to see the variety of projects that are being worked on. I hauled out a fall wallhanging that I had started at Retreat two years ago, and not touched since. I was pleased to get the top completed except for borders. Now I'm on a search for the perfect border fabrics. Some worked on UFO's as well (that's UnFinished Objects) while others started and finished completely new projects. There was everything from king-sized bed quilts to small wallhangings, I Spy, Quilt as you Go, paper-piecing, jellyroll projects from Bali Pops, projects from diecut kits and original works. Lois brought blocks she had sewn in Florida last winter and got both put together- one king-sized, the other a queen size I believe (shown at left and above). I still love a scrap quilt and these two were beauties. My buddy Sue worked on a diecut kit project- a very colorful version of Storm at Sea - I told her she'll have to name it "Sunset Storm".

There were bright batiks and pastel prints, fuzzy flannels and preprinted panels. Sewing machines hummed from early morning till late into the wee hours. Some got caught up on rest and others did not get near enough sleep. But we all came home happy.... happy to be a part of such a great group of talented friends and happy to be addicted to quilting!
You can see a few more Retreat photos here on our Guild Blog.

Piece,

Linda

Friends fill your life with joy, your soul with sunshine and your heart with love.

Happy Halloweeeeen

Hallowe'en has come and gone for another year. It's always a relief when the evening passes quietly and there don't seem to be many "hoodlums" about, causing trouble. We only get about a dozen trick-or-treaters at our door each year and it's fun to see their costumes. This year the "Cutie Pie" prize goes to the 4 year old twins who live just up the street- they were little princesses, aren't they cute?

The forecast rain held off , and it is mild yet extremely windy- it's actually warmer, at 10 pm, than it was all day... it's 18 C out right now!!

I have been working on a fall wallhanging this evening- pumpkins, sunflowers, maple leaves and flying geese. I'm hoping to get it pretty well finished up at the Retreat next week. We'll see...

I hope you all have had a safe and fun-filled Hallowe'en, and don't forget to turn back the clock tonight- an extra hour of shut eye..woohooooo

Piece,

Linda

The night is dark and the goblins are out,

The witches and black cats are prowling about.

And costumed creatures - the strangest I've seen

Are knocking on doors 'cause tonight's Hallowe'en!

Creepy Creatures....

I am so happy to tell you, I have finally finished all my outdoor work. It feels so good to know it's done for the year. All beds are now covered in thick leaf mulch and the chicken wire is on to hold it down in a windstorm! I raked and finished the last small area this afternoon. I always like to have this done before Hallowe'en night, as you never know who's roaming around. I'm just "in under the wire" this year! haha Now I can begin my hibernation - in my studio!! Yeah! I have spent some hours at my machine this week and it feels sooo good!! Next week is our Guild Annual Retreat so I am finishing up some little things for that- can't show you any pics right now, but check back on Monday- I'll show you one of the little projects (great for a Christmas idea) that all attendees will be receiving.

Getting back to my gardens- I'm always a little sad to see the end of the gardening season come. While chopping down all my perennials, I'm making mental notes of what needs moving, splitting, etc. for next year. I guess it's true what they say about gardeners- we work all summer and dream all winter.... It's always fun to look ahead to next season and think about what you'll do differently, and also to think back over this season. There seeemed to be more failures this year than usual; I'm blaming that on the poor weather and lack of sunshine.

Part way through the summer, I treated myself to a new digital SLR camera, along with a zoom lens with macro capability. So I've had fun playing with it a bit. I still have lots to learn, but thought you might enjoy seeing some of the creepy creatures that visited my garden this season. There are many creepy crawlies that I hate to see (like lily beetles, slugs and earwiggies) but those pictured here were not so bad. In fact they were quite co-operative in posing.. :) Hope you have enjoyed viewing some of my gardening efforts through the summer. I'm already counting the days till next summer and gardening season again.....

And now, I will leave you with a little poem for Hallowe'en

Hallowe'en Wishes

Since this is the time for witches and bats,

Hallowe'en spirits and ghosts and cats,
Weird happenings and witches brew,
These are the things I wish for you:

May the only spirit you chance to meet

Be the spirit of love and warm friends sweet.

May the tricks that you are asked to do

Be a trick to help you gain a friend or two.

So, by tomorrow pick three friends sweet,

And give them all a Hallowe'en treat.

You only have one day, so hurry!

Leave a treat on the doorstep, then flee in a hurry!

~ Author unknown

Happy Halloweeeeeen

Linda

"Autumn is a second spring, where every leaf's a flower".

~Albert Camus

A great Christmas idea..

If you are looking for a great idea for a special child on your Christmas list, I have a suggestion. If you are anything like me, you would far rather give a child a book than yet another toy. I want to tell you of a new children's Christmas book, which hit the market about 10 days ago, titled "No Room - A Read-Aloud Story of Christmas". It is published by CCB Publishing of British Columbia, and the author and illustrator are both Maritimers, from Nova Scotia. The author is Peter Riddle, a retired Prof. from Acadia University, and the illustrator is a personal friend of mine, Shelley Hustins. Shelley, a small animal veterinarian, lives on a dairy farm just outside Wolfville with her husband and two children. Drawing is her life-long hobby and over 350 friends look forward to her hand drawn Christmas card each year. The three photos here show what a talented artist Shelley is. Above is the front cover, below are two illustrations from inside... (I do have permission from author and illustrator, by the way, to quote a verse and show these illustrations).
After seeing her collection of Christmas card drawings a few years ago, Peter Riddle approached Shelley and asked her if she would be interested in illustrating a children's book. After some thought, she agreed and it has been three years "in the making", as they say. Since seeing all the original drawings for the book this summer when we visited Shelley and Dana, we have been almost as excited about this whole project as they are!! We ordered 50 books from Shelley, received them this weekend and have only a few left.

The story is told in rhyme, and is appropriate for all ages. The family in the story (based on Shelley's family) discovers the rewards of kindness when a stray cat appears outside their home on a snowy Christmas Eve. The oldest boy wants to bring the cat in, but Father says no. "We haven't got room", Father said, "for another. We already have seven pets, and your brother". Before bedtime, Father reads the Christmas story to the family, telling of Mary and Joseph being turned away from the inn because there was no room. What happens next...well, you'll have to read it to see... With it's beautiful poetry and wonderful illustrations, No Room brings a message of kindness and compassion for readers of all ages. This book is bound to be a Christmas favourite, to be read year after year. I am proud to add it to my collection of children's Christmas books. It is already one of my favourites!

If you live in my local area and would like an autographed copy, let me know (as we'll be getting more in). The cost is $13.95. If you live further afield, you can order from Amazon, or, as we are hoping a number of bookstores will pick it up, you could "help the cause" by asking for it at your favourite local bookshop.....

Peace,
Linda

The best thing you can do for a child is get them hooked on books....