Wednesday, June 6, 2012

And old finish


First off I want to thank everyone who entered my last giveaway and was sweet enough to leave comments about what stitching has meant to you.  I loved all of your answers and wasn't surprised to find out that they mirrored mine.  For years it was like I was a closet stitcher because no one else in my family stitched and none of my friends did either.  I felt very alone but not discouraged.  Now it seems that the needlework world has opened up and all of us closet stitchers no longer have to stitch alone.  We can go to our LNS or open up our computer and there is always someone there just waiting to talk with you about what you're working on.  For myself, it has given me the chance to try new things that I would of never seen or done otherwise.  Who knew there was such a thing as a Quaker sampler that you could stitch in one color....or all the different types and colors of threads.....or that there was such a thing as hand dyed linen that has more than one color in it.  I am still amazed about how our world has grown when it comes to needlework.
I'm working on Fallen Roses but I thought I would share something with you that I stitched more than 20 years ago.  It is a Carol Costello design called Shalimar and it is stitched on moss green 18ct. needlepoint canvas using a multitude of different fibers.  For example, I used DMC pearl cotton in all the fancy stitches in cream but the center square has silk, wool and cotton.  I have all of Carol's books and I'm not sure if they are still in print but if you ever get a chance to try one of her designs, you will love it.  

 Below is a close up of the center square and some of the specialty stitches used in the design.


Now I've said that sweet Vallie was going to a different groomer.....well today was the day.  She's a little put out with me as you can tell from the photos but she sure looks better.

I think in the above picture, she shows that she's really not back to feeling 100% better.  It's been raining here for days and we haven't been able to take as many walks as she would like so maybe that's got her a little depressed.  
I will post pictures of Fallen Roses soon and show you what I have gotten done.  I'm also working on a cowl for my daughter, Jenn which is just beautiful.  I love the yarn I'm using.  Also, yesterday I discovered a new yarn shop here in Orlando and I went nuts.  I will post pictures of the beautiful silks and wools I purchased.  
So many projects.....not enough time......
Blessings as always,
Barbara

12 comments:

Mindi said...

Vallie is looking very sweet! I remembered your story about how Vallie got injured with her last groomer, so I ended up buying a pair of clippers and taking care of Annie myself. She's so squirmy, I just knew it was a cut and nick fest waiting to happen if I took her someplace. She still looks a bit ragged in some spots, but I'm getting better, and much more humane than getting cut and nicked!

Barb said...

Your Shalimar is lovely Vallie is such an adorable little dog.

Karen said...

Your piece is beautiful! Hope your doggie is feeling better....

happy stitching...

Stitching Noni said...

Vallie, you look so pretty :o) I hope that the new groomer is lot nicer than the last one!!
Barbara, what a pretty design.
I totally agree with your comments... the whole world has changed for me as a stitcher over the last few years as well. Before I was also a closet stitcher - people's eye would glaze over if I mentioned stitching at work but now it doesn't matter because we can make contact with so many other lovely people with the same interests and even better be inspired and learn from these wonderful people who share their love of needlework and craft ;o)

Valma said...

What a great frame Barbara ! The stitching is great and it seems they were tiny stitches, very nice job !
bravo =)
I totally agree with you and Noni in her comment just above
we're now a team, a family and it totally changed my way of stitching or speaking about my hobby !
Poor Vallie, I can understand she is a little depressed ! all this rain again !! but I'm happy she feels better now, if she feels better you feel better and I'm happy =)
big hugs from France
xxx

dulcinella said...

Lovely project you did. Must have been quite a job. I'm happy to hear Vallie is doing a little bit better. She looks very cute, but seems a little sad. Hope she'll be totally healed very soon. It is nice to find all those lovely people and all of their wonderful projects.

Vickie said...

Mabel understands Vallie's discontent. She can't go for walks for quite some time, til the vet says it's okay. Vallie looks beautiful though.
I am so glad to have all of you. I have no friends or family that stitch. http://astitchersstory.blogspot.com/

Carol said...

Vallie has the most adorable face--tell her she is a very lovely girl :) Hope she feels 100% very soon, Barbara...

What a pretty piece--the different stitches and fibers must have made it very fun to stitch.

Bekca said...

Vallie is such a cutie! I look forward to seeing the lovely stash you found in the new shop Barbara.
Best wishes.

Jannie said...

Barbara - love all the goodies you've been showing. Really pretty. But my heart goes out to Vallie. Poor Baby & poor Mommmie. Hope she gets to feeling her old self soon. She's kinda had it rough here the last few months. Take care!

Catherine said...

What a sweet finish! And Vallie, what a sweet girl!

Mouse said...

awwww Vallie :) hope you start to feel a wee bit better soon Bentley wants to play .....

like your older piece ... isn't it amazing what modern technology has done for us stitchers :)
love mouse xxxx