Hex Symbol Easel Finishing Class

In October, I attended a finishing class at The Counted Needle in Bloomington, IL.  The project was to make an easel for needlework so you can make items to be displayed on a fireplace, dresser or other flat surface.  In my case, that is a great solution to being out of wall space.  Also saves the cost of framing.  The class was taught by Sue Hillis and was a lot of fun.  

Heirloom Stitching Sampler

Today, I picked up my framed stitching piece, Heirloom Stitching Sampler, designed by Victoria Sampler.  I just love their patterns.  They are so much fun to do.  Reading their patterns takes patience, but usually they are not difficult.  One thing that I love about them is that they are perfect for introducing a person to specialty stitching without being overwhelming.  I wish that I could get a picture without the reflection of me in it, but don't know how to do that.  I suppose leaving glass off would have worked for that, but I want it protected by the museum glass.  Kelly Rippy, owner of The Counted Needle did an awesome job of framing it.  Now I am faced with the dilemma of what to do next because I am out of wall space in my house.  

The Toy Gatherer

I actually stitched The Toy Gatherer way back in 1995.  I had Sue, the shopowner, who was located in the old Illinois Soldiers Sailors Home campus to frame it for me.  When I got it back it was framed on the literal center, rather than taking into consideration the breakouts which would have given it a more centered appearance.  When I got it home and unwrapped it, I was so disappointed to find out that the visual center method had not been used.  But I didn't warn Sue about it in advance.  After all, she was a professional, and I didn't feel I should be telling he how to do her job.  When I had picked it up at the shop, she told me that she was retiring and the shop was for sale. She had cancer and would be having some heavy rounds of chemo.  Anyway, even though it was off center, I hung it in a prominent place in my family room and every time I headed up the steps, I would say to myself, that really doesn't look right.  What stopped me from getting it taken care of right then?  I just felt bad that she had cancer and I also didn't know exactly where to take it at that time in Bloomington-Normal, IL to find someone who was really experienced at framing needlework and more definitively, allowing for breakouts.  I have since heard that Sue actually passed away.  Finally, 21 years later, I decided that I really needed to do something about it  I had my friend Kelly Rippy, the owner of The Counted Needle in Bloomington, IL, re-frame it for me and she did a fabulous job.   And yes, it took me another year to post it on my blog.  My bad.  

As far as I know, the pattern is still available.  It was a wait for them to make the custom mat and a little pricey, but worth it.

I have also revised my thoughts about things.  If you know that what you want might take a little extra treatment, for example, adjustments for breakouts, say so in advance.  It might prevent disappointment.  If the framer acts uncooperative, just find someone else.   Also, another thing I do when getting all pictures and needlework framed is ask for hinged D-rings and a wire rather than a sawtooth treatment, regardless of the size.  No one has refused to do this treatment for me and I really appreciate it.  It makes it easier to keep the piece level.  

Autumn Biscornu

I finally stitched one of those cute little biscornus a while back, the Autumn Biscornu by Barbara Ana Designs Just so you know, biscornu translates "skewed", "quirky" or "irregular" from French.  I think the literal translation from French actually is "two-horned."  Many Americans think the translation means biscuit, but I think that is more of a popular usage rather than what it actually translates.  Pronounced in English as bis-core-new, it results in an eight-sided cushion.  I did discover these things while making it:

1. When backstitching the outside border (to be used for joining), I took it out of the hoop.  Otherwise, I pulled the backstitches too tightly, even when I didn't mean to so.  I did try placing a pin under each stitch as I made it (in the hoop), but I discovered then it was too loose.
2. Turn each corner so that it faces you when stitching.  This will mean that the top threads (and for that matter the bottom threads) of the crosses will run in different directions in each quarter of the design.  
3. Count the threads mathematically to find the center in each of the sides, where you need to start the join and where you need to match corners to centers.  Some of my friends just folded the material to find the half, but I think they got lucky.  It is much more precise to count threads.  If your design has an uneven number of stitches on the side of the design, the center stitch will have two joining stitches in it.  Evenweaves will be easier to handle, but it can be done on unevens.  
4. If you pull too hard when whipping the corner stitches, the biscornu will not have defined point as corners.  I actually pulled about every three whipstitches to tighten it up at a good tension.  
5. Stuff completely but don't overstuff.  Add the button or bead in the center.  It should make a definite indentation.
6. If you use fabric that is finer than 28 count (over 2), it will be much more difficult to work properly.  
7. If you are using overdyed thread or any thread with variation in color, be sure to cross each stitch as you go.  

Makes a great pincushion.  :-)

Progress on Farm at Wildlife Prairie Park

Progress on Farm at Wildlife Prairie Park - 03/24/13                           

378 x 255 = 96390 total  half cross stitches on piece
5 hours
3 square inches
300 stitches
96390 - 300 = 96090  still to stitch at end of day 03/24/13

Progress at the end of Sunday 03/31/13:

Progress at end of Sundya 04/20/13:

Items stitched for a round robin.

This apple was done to represent Independence Day and done over two threads.

This basket of flowers was stitched to represent May Day.  I don't think anyone gives May baskets any more, do they?

Snowy Friend

Snowy Friend is a little basket that plays Frosty the Snowman from the lid.  It was designed by Lorri Birmingham and is no longer available through her.  It was a fun piece.  And one of the few things about winter that I like.