Aren’t these lovely?
19 Apr 2012 3 Comments
Cheryl sent these two for finishing – aren’t they gorgeous?
WIP to UFO to FO – Oakhaven Owl SAL 2011
14 Mar 2012 3 Comments
in cross stitch, Oakhaven Designs
When last we saw the Owl SAL piece, I had stalled after stitching the June installment. Somehow changing that hat to a Canadian version was just impossible at that time. So it languished at this stage:
Then came the year of the WIPapocalypse, and I decided it had to get finished. So here are:
July 
complete with Canadian hat
August 
and I backstitched his eyes in white so I could see them
September 
I absolutely love these leaves!
October 
I am enchanted by the bat and the moon
November 
and yes, December!! 
Another UFO bites the dust! 
I did double stitch the border between each owl, as the single strand got lost in the fabric color. Now to find the perfect finish. Thanks so much to Tonia at Oakhaven Designs! I do think that January and October are my faves, but August is rather quirky, and I like him too!
Knitting, Knitting, Knitting
12 Feb 2012 2 Comments
keep on knitting, knitting, knitting. I feel a bit like Dori of Finding Nemo fame! Loads of knitting finishes at the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 have gone unreported. Time to change that!
Shall we start with socks?
These Simple Skyp Socks http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-skyp-socks were knit with 6 ply Opal yarn and while the stripes are the main feature, the pattern provided a nice break in the ribbing. I will be using this pattern again!
How about a pair of Frosted Cable Socks http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/121-15-knitted-socks-with-cables-in-karisma ? I modified the pattern a bit, but am happy with the way this pair turned out. They were knit with Schoeller+Stahl Fortissima Colori Disco Socka. Gotta love the yarn names – lol! 
And this lovely pair of Gillyweed socks http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gillyweed-socks used up a couple of balls of Patons Stretch yarn. Definately a different yarn to knit with and I love the pattern texture!
The Brioche Scarf http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reversible-cabled-brioche-stitch-scarf, Rib Cloche hat and Brioche hat http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brioche-hat-2 were all knit with 2 skeins of Malabrigo worsted weight wool. These are so soft and warm!
And finally, I have been busy knitting baby things in an attempt to utilize some of the cone yarn that I have stashed in the basement. All of these were knit using the same two cones – one a no label cream color, the other a Spindlecraft by Bouquet cone in the Dreamland colorway. Do I know anyone having a baby? Why no, but what does that matter?
This Bobbles Blanket is from a vintage Leisure Arts leaflet, while the dishcloth bunny is a free pattern here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bunny-blanket-buddy—knit
and the little Flour Sack hat is here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flour-sack That one is simply too cute! I am working on a kimono to use up the last bits of the Dreamland yarn, and then this baby set will be put away until there is a need 
Flat Ornament Tucks For Sale
06 Feb 2012 1 Comment
Flat Ornament Tucks must be the easiest method for finishing off small ornaments! I just made up a bundle for an online friend who is planning a number of pay it forward gifts this year, and thought that I would offer some custom finishing of a different sort for every one.
This is how it works. Request a color or pattern, and I will sort thru my fabric stash, pull some likely candidates, and send you a pic via Webshots. You choose the colors and the size of the tuck. The tucks pictured in the top photo have a 2.5 inch square opening (4.5 inches square) total, while the ones on the bottom are 2.5 inches by 3 inches (4.5 inches by 5 inches total). A neutral lining is sewn in – you can see the white lining framed by the patterned fabric. A cording or ribbon that matches the fabric completes the tuck. All you have to do is put a small stitch in each corner of your stitched ornament thru the lining, and you are all done!
Tucks are $3.50 each – or 3 for $10 US. Postage is extra – I mailed these 15 tucks to the US for $3.90. Payment via Paypal or gift certificate to the ONS of my choice. Leave a comment if you are interested
Last Stitchy Finishes for January, and a ???
30 Jan 2012 1 Comment
in Carriage House alphabet book
Here are two pages of the Carriage House Samplings book that is one of my WIPs this year:
Just 6 more letters to go, and this one will be all finished stitching wise! Many thanks to all the ladies who helped out!
And here is my question – does anyone know where these designs came from? They look like they were a UK design, given the backstitching over the legs of the stitches. I found the pieces already stitched, so I have no idea where they originated.
They are a bit fuzzy in the pic, but aren’t they cute???
edited to add: I love the internet! A stitching friend found them for me – these penguins were from a Dimensions kit called Penguin Parade!
January has Flown By
29 Jan 2012 1 Comment
in Carriage House alphabet book, ornaments, quilt, The Cricket Collection
like yarn on my knitting needles, and floss onto fabric! Somehow January always seems in a hurry to be done! That must mean I have been busy, busy, busy!
I started the month with my Christmas Ornament – this kit was a lovely gift from a good friend, and I enjoyed both the stitching and the finishing. Here is Christmas in Virginia – A Needle Book Ornament (c) Willing Hands Needlework Design by Betsy Morgan.
I love the star button on the cording at the top!
Then there was the Halloween ornament for January – which doubled as a birthday gift for my DD who adores Jack Skellington.
This pattern was given to me by a friend and is (c) KyotiJess on Etsy. I stitched it over 1 on a 32 ct evenweave.
The last stitching finish for January is Niece by Marriage (c) The Cricket Collection – another in my line of mittens:
The colors in this mitten really appeal to me! I subbed a pale blue for the white mitten background, as I stitched on white evenweave.
I am making progress on the CHS alphabet book too – I have stitched 5 more letters, so there are 7 to go in this WIP!
And finally, while attempting to clear off my work table, I came across the flannel fabric that I bought 4 years ago to make a quilt for my DD. Rather than putting it away, I spent 2 hours cutting blocks, borders and the binding. It does not look like much now, but I hope to finish the top this coming month.
Wanted: Stoney Creek Cross Stitch Collection Magazine July Aug 1997
19 Jan 2012 1 Comment
I am trying to complete my collection of Stoney Creek magazines – this is the only one I cannot find: July/Aug 1997 –
I am willing to pay a reasonable price plus shipping, or can trade stash or finishing work. Hope someone can help!
Kitty Bliss!
17 Jan 2012 2 Comments
in knitting
After knitting felted loafers for the menfolk in the house 
I thought the kitties needed something knitted just for them. After scouring Ravelry, I found the Kitty Pi bed by Wendy Johnson of http://wendyknits.net/. Check this out!
It was knit with Fisherman’s Wool and Patons Classic Wool – 1 of each wool for the bed, 3 strands for the rim. Felting took a long time, and I dried it stretched out on a large wicker basket.
This Seems to be the Year
08 Jan 2012 3 Comments
in Chatelaine Waterlily Pond Quilt, Oakhaven Designs
that everyone is focussing on wip’s! While I am not formally joining Measi’s wip apocalypsehttp://measi.net/measiblog/category/stitching/wip-progress/ I do have a few pieces that I would love to finish this coming year. Here we go:
The first piece is from the OWL SAL at Oakhaven Designs. Tonia offered the free designs each month on her yahoo group – I stalled out in July when I realized that I would prefer a Canadian flag on the owl’s hat! I plan on getting this fun piece done soon!
And this will be a book, based upon Carriage House Samplings Alphabet pieces. This one went around Canada, the US and parts of Europe as an RR selection. Just a few more letters and I am all set.
And this beauty is my longest standing wip/ufo – Chatelaine’s waterlily quilt. I did a few more squares in 2011, but I am not quite at the halfway point yet.
I am also going to be stitching christmas ornaments, halloween ornaments, and Cricket Collection mittens…. stay tuned for further pics!
2011 Maryse SAL Finish
04 Jan 2012 3 Comments
in Maryse
Isn’t this something? This lovely SAL began in January 2011, and I finished the last square and the center village in December. It was a delight to stitch and see the squares fill in! Maryse is offering a new SAL for 2012 if you are interested – check out her blog at http://grillesdemaryse.canablog.com/
