tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51474241049375409302024-03-13T19:10:28.502-04:00Cross Stitch Bobobitch MononitchTranslation: One Bohemian Bourgeois Gal Who Likes to Cross StitchRIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-18552794024720058922019-12-08T15:01:00.000-05:002019-12-08T15:01:49.679-05:00WIP small - Debbie Mumm's "Mini banner - Fall"Hello. Another one almost finished. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK435bHqW2fr0jFD-tnugBq8tM7EUGgLTSWlmAE7zQiDn-w3iCle4Gq7MhjrsWczh_9aNJxHXxRfj_834Siq1FVFTcEroRjQV2NJTU8C2yT-O8gKniVkGFU_0T4Cq47vqJ1PYO12v3RQg/s1600/20191208_144548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK435bHqW2fr0jFD-tnugBq8tM7EUGgLTSWlmAE7zQiDn-w3iCle4Gq7MhjrsWczh_9aNJxHXxRfj_834Siq1FVFTcEroRjQV2NJTU8C2yT-O8gKniVkGFU_0T4Cq47vqJ1PYO12v3RQg/s640/20191208_144548.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5jlQzJeP7J7Gxtw1wjmqdzc7lesD3XyWaYSxmC7YYm0VOTb5DoQ58OzrBcTlzXAB03KgKhXiJz95Yi06S_fUtvWtmmGYrx8ospd60PpICL5Ng_L-zcFIpcOBxozg_znBnuYCctuA3dQ/s1600/20191208_144600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5jlQzJeP7J7Gxtw1wjmqdzc7lesD3XyWaYSxmC7YYm0VOTb5DoQ58OzrBcTlzXAB03KgKhXiJz95Yi06S_fUtvWtmmGYrx8ospd60PpICL5Ng_L-zcFIpcOBxozg_znBnuYCctuA3dQ/s640/20191208_144600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-58394932233846609022018-07-21T10:30:00.000-04:002018-07-21T10:48:30.509-04:00Temp link update 1 - Mirabilia's Enchanted Mermaid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://cross-stitch-bobobitch-mononitch.blogspot.com/2015/08/wip-large-mirabilias-enchanted-mermaid.html">http://cross-stitch-bobobitch-mononitch.blogspot.com/2015/08/wip-large-mirabilias-enchanted-mermaid.html</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l9o9D-0bMkgPBPyKdn_8gexn6GvDFUo0tqQ___GGJt2biIbItw4ed3OGy66AMZ_kE_3JuX9AZODy1IJE98TNqZGjWpXiBe88fz0rNRWuPVUdplzLu9dk7vUcK6E1XZvJs9c1_vZuIK0/s1600/20180718_110506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l9o9D-0bMkgPBPyKdn_8gexn6GvDFUo0tqQ___GGJt2biIbItw4ed3OGy66AMZ_kE_3JuX9AZODy1IJE98TNqZGjWpXiBe88fz0rNRWuPVUdplzLu9dk7vUcK6E1XZvJs9c1_vZuIK0/s640/20180718_110506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-57228052092753191722018-07-14T09:30:00.000-04:002018-07-14T10:18:42.280-04:00Completed Cross Stitch – Dimensions Gold Collection Petites - “Amaryllis in Bloom”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ECfKFu1LaY0WDTeoFT4lpCMBzZczw2Bb3kaIj8tTA8Vv6MthymoJaSZ1SlG7f7unVlK7kAxh1MzgahRzyrh85ceDAfFCZziXIBzzJFODGXqXpEC6NMkCMjm2ZJyqjBTLR3gnxRJ-uRQ/s1600/20180714_091008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ECfKFu1LaY0WDTeoFT4lpCMBzZczw2Bb3kaIj8tTA8Vv6MthymoJaSZ1SlG7f7unVlK7kAxh1MzgahRzyrh85ceDAfFCZziXIBzzJFODGXqXpEC6NMkCMjm2ZJyqjBTLR3gnxRJ-uRQ/s640/20180714_091008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;">Although the white Amaryllis is the focus, I really liked this
design because it includes ivy.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;">I believe each picture is so unique and so different to each
person who views it.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">Now some of you may
love the Amaryllis way more than the ivy, or neither, or just like the
pot.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">When stitching, what matters is that you really enjoy the
picture you are creating because, in my opinion, you are putting in a lot of personal
hours to shape the finished product and take pride in the outcome right?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;">However, there have been several WIPs I’ve abandoned that were
failed experiments or I had too many frogging episodes (that’s where you keep
ripping out stitches incorrectly placed in the design).</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;">Do I regret leaving some work behind never to return?</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">Nope, not at all.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">And yes, I thought I would love the design
when I started but the process became arduous and dull.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">If you don’t love it, don’t do it.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">Enjoying the process could almost be more
important as the result.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">I say the same
thing when I go clothes shopping:</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">“do I
love it?” No?</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">Then don’t buy it.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">The cliched saying, “life is too short” holds
true for not loving what you are doing, buying, wearing, etc.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">By mentally performing the “do I love it?” self-check
you save yourself a lot of remorse.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: white;">It’s
okay to leave something behind if it doesn’t work for you because then there’s
room for something new, fantastic, and truly enjoyable.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #073763; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-3747575484706049102017-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:002017-01-28T12:39:50.211-05:00Completed Cross Stitch - Barbara Campagna for Stitch Notions "Lollipop Flowers"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3KFGr11SZcxD9mT6YXOrAI0-f-pFH7IgfGF8oMoauIlnJPyN9x5vWpPu4-E12g4Ge_VZYlsOlwS7WHRB0BgVCqXFnukVriIoKCrkvU7-2eMPXGsUx7ftaXLHcOOp5jxK5pUu5DG4vt0/s1600/Lollipop-flowers-final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3KFGr11SZcxD9mT6YXOrAI0-f-pFH7IgfGF8oMoauIlnJPyN9x5vWpPu4-E12g4Ge_VZYlsOlwS7WHRB0BgVCqXFnukVriIoKCrkvU7-2eMPXGsUx7ftaXLHcOOp5jxK5pUu5DG4vt0/s640/Lollipop-flowers-final2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Shape. Biomorphic shapes represent biological or
organic things. I really like these
Lollipop Flowers because of the exaggerated circles which still look natural on
top of the soft-edged rectangle backdrop.
They kind of look like fried egg flowers or futuristic mums.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Although the pattern
calls for DMC threads, instead of following the colours exactly, what I did was
find what threads I have on hand that is close to the model and
experiment. So far so good. I used 2 threads over 4 squares and a variety
of solids and overdyed ‘The Gentle Art’, ‘Weeks Dye Works’, and 'Crescent Colours' and I think it is
working out well. It looks like a have a
new and different picture which is a bit refreshing because I am not sure
exactly how it will end up. A bit of a
surprise I guess. Kind of cool!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Although it is hard to
see, I dyed the brown fabric with a slightly darker brown to see what kind of
effect of one colour on top of another.
It is almost too subtle. In fact, if I did not tell you about the dye, you probably may or may not have noticed. However, despite the failed dye
experience, the upside is that if you never experiment you will never learn
what works and what does not work (generally and catering to your own personal
tastes). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now, having said earlier about not following the pattern, I have
nothing against stitching the pattern exactly as suggested especially if you
have a kit because it would defeat the purpose of buying a kit. However, if you have your own fabric (no
matter what colour), separate floss (no matter what kind/colour), and some
intrigue and imagination you can create your own picture that is unique and
wholly individual that is not only a one-of-a-kind but a treasured piece from
the didactic experience (didactic = intending to teach).</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-77795334173457582992016-06-12T09:30:00.000-04:002016-06-12T09:37:49.164-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Crafty Like A Fox's "Spooky Friends/Fran and Frankie"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo4BYz9R_wl-6wfp5-fZa-j7ypG8uLob9Lz958GT4TPs3qqtEm_b3WDOPsZ4Qxm-K2ij5FhUYM1zRDIFNETPZB2LMRN4iPH1rJevDOWFHVyhT3mCH-eQjPSF7XD9o4ztkFyGoJdPYwzo/s1600/Final+-+Fran+%2526+Frankie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo4BYz9R_wl-6wfp5-fZa-j7ypG8uLob9Lz958GT4TPs3qqtEm_b3WDOPsZ4Qxm-K2ij5FhUYM1zRDIFNETPZB2LMRN4iPH1rJevDOWFHVyhT3mCH-eQjPSF7XD9o4ztkFyGoJdPYwzo/s640/Final+-+Fran+%2526+Frankie.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello fellow stitchy enthusiasts! It has been some time hasn't it? How are you? Me? Not bad thank you. There have been a few changes and sometimes the more things change the more they stay the same. I can tell you that I think this is truly, well.....true.<br />
<br />
Full-circle change back to sameness can be good or bad. Sorry if I seem a bit cryptic. I really do not mean to be because as I am writing this I am thinking about my recent sacrifices seeking change and found a lot of no change at the end of it. Wow. I feel satisfied yet at the same time am experiencing a little of 'now what-i-ness?' type-thinking going on. Have you ever felt the same or similar?<br />
<br />
You may be asking so what does what I just mentioned have anything to do with my cross stitch? Well, let me tell ya! :)<br />
<br />
One thing I really like about this picture is not only the design but the concept behind Frankenstein and his bride. Both had experienced something that transformed them from something inanimate to animated. In their case, it is electricity. So I am thinking, well, what kind of jolt is needed in my life to reinvigorate and re-animate my life? See where I'm going with this?<br />
<br />
With M. Ali's recent passing, one of his quotes really stood out to me where he said "<em>He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.</em>" Where does courage come from though? Do you get this kind of strength from other people? From yourself? Is courage about being different or trying different things? Jeez, I really do not know. Do you?<br />
<br />
This cross stitch fabric was dyed by me using Dylon dye on about 18-ct. Aida cloth, stitched 3 over 1, and specialty threads used: DMC Precious metal effects E317, DMC Antique effects 415, DMC S414, DMC S762, and Kreinik fine braid #8 101.RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-1562547673751675202016-02-28T18:30:00.000-05:002016-02-28T18:41:30.542-05:00Completed Cross Stitch – Lanarte’s “Art Nouveau” by Mucha-primrose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCvT0ytuma_xNayRFub2vmOHp2tPy9GKz52JfN1Dsj6BDbgk4-OZ7w_JCZ1n0PMA4uCRZEZrw2o4lWzK5gTcwNZs-SMPwaC9D5lADhLnoUzF5YCgpn992KeyZl4Kvd7NZJq6amR337AU/s1600/Mucha+Primrose+-+framed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCvT0ytuma_xNayRFub2vmOHp2tPy9GKz52JfN1Dsj6BDbgk4-OZ7w_JCZ1n0PMA4uCRZEZrw2o4lWzK5gTcwNZs-SMPwaC9D5lADhLnoUzF5YCgpn992KeyZl4Kvd7NZJq6amR337AU/s640/Mucha+Primrose+-+framed.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkauC_RJLbxROWe14o3374y_s_7avMvaybdUIch6_xuf8Y6VIc6U3S9xd3HuMBYjkCq9jfa2jHxrWN8jqRusCP3RD1c_ipA4u1qEtDhM7gRsLHxVXp1DgsUyIUfoRo0HHjOwAC1Ax8TAM/s1600/Completed+Mucha+Primrose+-+May+27-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkauC_RJLbxROWe14o3374y_s_7avMvaybdUIch6_xuf8Y6VIc6U3S9xd3HuMBYjkCq9jfa2jHxrWN8jqRusCP3RD1c_ipA4u1qEtDhM7gRsLHxVXp1DgsUyIUfoRo0HHjOwAC1Ax8TAM/s640/Completed+Mucha+Primrose+-+May+27-15.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alfonse Mucha is probably one of the most recognized Art Nouveau artists out there and has yet to be surpassed. Originally from the Czech Republic he lived from 1860-1939 and left behind a legacy of organically-styled paintings made for commercial advertising. <br /><br />His neoclassical look takes on a slightly ethereal style using long-haired females with shapely figures, flowing hair, billowing fabric and sensual flowers. Mucha’s feminine elements make his work ever so softly enchanting and also seems to draw in the viewer’s eyes into a fantastical world that only appears to exist for only for the briefest moment you are looking at the picture. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> His work is currently showcased in Prague at the Baroque Kaunický Palace. I have not been there and since I love Mucha’s work so much I hope to visit there one day soon. Are you an art gallery type of gal or guy? How many different places have you been to or are you overdue for a little culture and diversity?<br /><br />As far as fine art, I’ve been to the AGO in Toronto, ON; MOMA in NYC, NY; the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA; the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg; FL, and have seen M.C. Esher’s work in Acton, OH during a tour. I’m sure I’m missing a few from this list.<br /><br />As much as I love art and art galleries, and it would be awesome to visit them all I'd like to also make a personal pilgrimage to every planetarium out there. Planetariums seem to give more of an overall visual and audio experience than just a viewing experience (I mean, c’mon hey, there is only so much staring at paintings and sculptures one can do in a day right?) Visiting the Strasenburgh Planetarium was one of my best childhood memories growing up and I was very sad that Toronto closed the McLaughlin Planetarium many, many years ago. But I digress…..<br /><br />Here is a little trivia for you: if you have watched or still watch the sitcom "Three’s Company" from the 80s, there are a total of 3 Mucha paintings in the apartment (but only 2 are visible in the majority of the episodes and the third is...well, guess you'll have to keep an eye out won't you?). Do you know the name of the British sitcom that "Three's Company" is based on? And....can you spot the Muchas? :o)<br /><br />About the cross stitch: The fabric is 28-count white evenweave and the finished size is 9.45” x 23.62” and is part of Lanarte’s Classic Collection kit including all threads and one needle.</span></div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-20825825103412057242016-02-06T10:00:00.000-05:002016-02-06T10:28:17.383-05:00Completed Cross Stitch - Karen Marie Zabroski's "Seaside Cottages" for Sunset/Dimensions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl0kcgmcsTH23Rg34AqpoLomTnhPJiO4MbkVhSM3Bm9akw6vntYrcS7DKetfyayox7z3VrthWxXFp5xYSs28PFkopDw8VDdWiRidXvojlSVL5JuL17zHUthNKlJlmBdRszkc5KIJOPPI/s1600/Seaside+Cottages+framed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl0kcgmcsTH23Rg34AqpoLomTnhPJiO4MbkVhSM3Bm9akw6vntYrcS7DKetfyayox7z3VrthWxXFp5xYSs28PFkopDw8VDdWiRidXvojlSVL5JuL17zHUthNKlJlmBdRszkc5KIJOPPI/s640/Seaside+Cottages+framed.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjGClt8qvTh-WVjZX5bGLCPHQ5SKsuevJhyphenhyphenKgSLCK7o6-kGf-75ydZKQ0qIIlLjRFskzLoS5q-r9vxoW2icKOZWJ718vz85TlcRWpWo0Y6TiupQEUUOfJf__n_Rd4UCrDbdFVjdwqawI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjGClt8qvTh-WVjZX5bGLCPHQ5SKsuevJhyphenhyphenKgSLCK7o6-kGf-75ydZKQ0qIIlLjRFskzLoS5q-r9vxoW2icKOZWJ718vz85TlcRWpWo0Y6TiupQEUUOfJf__n_Rd4UCrDbdFVjdwqawI/s1600/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfKiY7jphH0FCHArV2LJtBz3eWkXzc3KMFeEEFtzNSPQb50Apt7m2W0Qhf_7DzKOtvhMsvT-aJY-8X_fExCMl8bvhImwmzE04nds5fDQwN2EuO43Lbcd93FNgrhza3gYo_5g33p8djNo/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfKiY7jphH0FCHArV2LJtBz3eWkXzc3KMFeEEFtzNSPQb50Apt7m2W0Qhf_7DzKOtvhMsvT-aJY-8X_fExCMl8bvhImwmzE04nds5fDQwN2EuO43Lbcd93FNgrhza3gYo_5g33p8djNo/s1600/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs0jweChwErw3yTfUaGD5oQobfQtBb_swEpgC9vBDv0UfCwd2e7IV6lA9ttLu6dthITkFYxG3up2JNfr9sjyd_heDWmi5O1Az7OOjOsHjKK4BD9wbBVylyd1W5PmtH4d74u6jqATuApU/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs0jweChwErw3yTfUaGD5oQobfQtBb_swEpgC9vBDv0UfCwd2e7IV6lA9ttLu6dthITkFYxG3up2JNfr9sjyd_heDWmi5O1Az7OOjOsHjKK4BD9wbBVylyd1W5PmtH4d74u6jqATuApU/s1600/003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUpHPflOw8ft4iqEgfoF47HYzlC50_McbV19w0eqoZ3O-gKNn1nEVmlSQgTdQX88sHCEW-a8Hq1bUXTaBSVc2fAfzzKhHSe0acBGOPzNmLLZ-f1h1_EN7B786w1VcVmRFX4l3OI6Z8YE/s1600/004.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR733T-mMkAK-6pityHI4tMap3hh9_VEbZRK4vvJ814lhzrrhtzq7VeXzfAUymVByqBiza4NBPi58MkN0NllYnQIrjavJbWAkw3j8Z2DA1ZZenb5hLGhXQ1yliDTN3w740T3ecPbiF_E8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR733T-mMkAK-6pityHI4tMap3hh9_VEbZRK4vvJ814lhzrrhtzq7VeXzfAUymVByqBiza4NBPi58MkN0NllYnQIrjavJbWAkw3j8Z2DA1ZZenb5hLGhXQ1yliDTN3w740T3ecPbiF_E8/s1600/005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Key West, Bahamas, opening scene (of Malibu) on Two and A Half Men as well as the lilting song spot of "By The Sea" in the movie Sweeney Todd. All of the aforementioned scenes features glimpses of cute cottages or handsome homes near the ocean front. Although in reality, it would be nice to own 11 islands like the magician David Copperfield and have as many fun sand huts as I want but, for now, this is all I can manage at the moment LOL :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What is really nice about this piece is that it captures the essence of the sun, sand and breeze with no hint of corporate, clock-driven, hectic "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" schedule and so far I have not found anything "too" about it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You've heard of the art form of "too-ism" right? No? Sure you have..."It's too hot outside"..."I'm too full"..."She's too (?)"..."He's too (?)"..."It's too spicy"..."Oh, I don't do it too often"..."It's too expensive"..."School's too hard"..."The mountain's too high"...etc. (Maybe that's why the game show "The Price is Right" has lasted beyond Bob Barker?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously though, it seems (to me) that if anything is "too" in either a minimizing or maximizing fashion we seem to re-direct our attention towards something or someone that is not "too" much of anything in order to seek a comfortable equilibrium (with the exception of excess and pleasure until the after-effects kick in and the "too" cycle starts all over again). We've alllllll been there! :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, as I was saying, this cross stitch project isn't too hard or too difficult and despite that it is a larger piece, it has been very enjoyable to work on (with the exception of the time that I ripped out a lot of correct stitches that I miscounted as a result of being too tired...yeah, that realization wasn't pretty :0))</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The finished piece will be 18" x 7" on 14-count white cotton Aida (22" x 11"). This is a kit, so all of the floss is provided along with an organizer and two needles. One for stitching and one for couching. What's couching? Just fancy stitching on top of already fancy stitching for artistic effect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As this work develops, you may notice a few details such as the light source (of the sun) seems to be of late afternoon (maybe 2-4 p.m.?) with a gentle wind travelling from west to east that you'll see compliment the direction of the sailboats, flying kite and swaying grasses.</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-67057116946852838692016-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:002016-01-23T09:25:39.858-05:00Completed Cross Stitch - Rose Calton's "Pig Pals" for Leisure Arts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02rip3B0pVloBgZCgtG6fSFRvBocp_ZMdw1vE3drQ1za0QIX-TLldBFdhFO2QnqNb_tHZboExygGL9isWG1UB1eIm4i3MiXpewKO_dtp-DM13e4sR1kj0oFrX6UAaUe-fRrTjy1YECZw/s1600/Pig+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02rip3B0pVloBgZCgtG6fSFRvBocp_ZMdw1vE3drQ1za0QIX-TLldBFdhFO2QnqNb_tHZboExygGL9isWG1UB1eIm4i3MiXpewKO_dtp-DM13e4sR1kj0oFrX6UAaUe-fRrTjy1YECZw/s640/Pig+1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpjXTIUIVsoMU8INI2uN9vKH_uRM1d6Z3HEasfpBtii4J_eKrkXBSmWjKyNOb4bB9PjShfL2o1BCuTv4Jvc8WpzKVEQIMSZiLXLv_0AekVutbtoZTN2jzGj6jzJubCKnOdmdo8GkVPvk/s1600/IMG_7557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpjXTIUIVsoMU8INI2uN9vKH_uRM1d6Z3HEasfpBtii4J_eKrkXBSmWjKyNOb4bB9PjShfL2o1BCuTv4Jvc8WpzKVEQIMSZiLXLv_0AekVutbtoZTN2jzGj6jzJubCKnOdmdo8GkVPvk/s1600/IMG_7557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpPc1RHk5Eusy19v-xy5HSV942an5UI13xxSf8cyog8aC59Vc5EyhQ5JA8P5NS4TUL4t5qVHtuSj8Dn4ypU_j6ovGduZVhFPvwHgi_Yis4gaRRi-rMyWjcwgv3cBYA3_00HjA7EU21dg/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpPc1RHk5Eusy19v-xy5HSV942an5UI13xxSf8cyog8aC59Vc5EyhQ5JA8P5NS4TUL4t5qVHtuSj8Dn4ypU_j6ovGduZVhFPvwHgi_Yis4gaRRi-rMyWjcwgv3cBYA3_00HjA7EU21dg/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Are pigs really that big of a deal around here? Like with March 1st coming up and being National Pig Day (USA midwest) and all....<br />
<br />
While I think about March 1st and why it has been declared a National Pig Day, I will have to piggyback this idea off of another while I put my pigs in a blanket in the oven. <br />
<br />
I wonder if my friend will like his birthday present of "101 Manly Uses for Bacon"? I put his present down next to my books of George Orwell's <u>Animal Farm</u>, E.B. White's <u>Charlotte's Web</u> and "The Three Little Pigs"to wrap up and send to him a little later.<br />
<br />
As I sit at the kitchen table and sip my coffee, I watch the neighbour's boys toss around the pigskin for a while. Then I go into the other room and turn on the TV for a bit and see all of Jerry Springer's guests hurl pig-phrased obscenities at each other for about a minute (which is all I can stand). <br />
<br />
Maybe I should clean up the house so it doesn't look like a pig sty even though I'd be happier than a pig in sh*t if I didn't and just sat around and ate like a pig though. Ah, so what if I become fat as a pig? Later, I'll just become a guinea pig and try a new diet next month or something.<br />
<br />
What's that loud noise outside? Oh, it's just someone on their HOG driving by, I guess that person is living pretty high off the hog if they can afford a motorcycle like a Harley Davidson. Meh, hogwash, those motorcycles aren't that expensive I guess.<br />
<br />
My friend 'so-and-so' is calling me and she tells me about squealing on her friend at school while she confesses that it's all really just hog slop. She says she has to go because she has to play a DVD for her kid about Winnie the Pooh and his pal Piglet. We finish talking and after the baking is done I decide to go hog wild and buy up a lot of left over chocolate from Valentine's Day. I changed into my Miss Piggy/Muppets sweater then put my hair up into pigtails and got into the car. <br />
<br />
While I'm driving to the store, I start to think about "This little piggy went to market..." I'm sitting at the light and I look over and see another car's passenger hamming it up by telling some animated story to her driver. I drive past a billboard promoting the movie Babe with the phrase in bold letters "That'll do pig, that'll do."<br />
<br />
After shopping, I'm waiting in line and take out my cell to watch some old Looney Tunes cartoons with Porky Pig. And of course, like a pig in a poke I give in to a few temptations of buying some magazines without really flipping through them first. As I leave the store I thought about that outfit I saw but thought if I bought it, it would make me look like I was making a silk purse out of a sow's ear because it wasn't my style. <br />
<br />
As I'm driving home, there is a lot of traffic because of the usual road hogs and I wanted to change into another lane but the other driver wouldn't let me in and let me know it by yelling out "in a pig's eye!"<br />
<br />
Once home, I put my spare change in my piggy bank and see my boyfriend is completely hogging the couch because he has a touch of the swine flu and is tired from bringing home the bacon. I'm wearing a sweater that is too hot so I'm sweating like a pig and take it off and after sitting down I realize that I just cannot figure out why March 1st is National Pig Day. Maybe when pigs fly it will come to me.RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-56168583021855463122015-08-04T13:01:00.000-04:002015-08-04T13:01:24.223-04:00WIP LARGE - Mirabilia's "Enchanted Mermaid"<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYNo9jOuPlNmfErMLrLBfeyKfPqwFLi6qEo25fbLd5eq1CAC6veFE5u3zuBIy1Hx9Nmk0073eZlar70wmtbHS0_lUHFD9aPSv3VjXmyA3ngfN6gpMBTeivdyfcAmDtpKYq_X3ejfuZso/s1600/Enchanted+Mermaid+update.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYNo9jOuPlNmfErMLrLBfeyKfPqwFLi6qEo25fbLd5eq1CAC6veFE5u3zuBIy1Hx9Nmk0073eZlar70wmtbHS0_lUHFD9aPSv3VjXmyA3ngfN6gpMBTeivdyfcAmDtpKYq_X3ejfuZso/s640/Enchanted+Mermaid+update.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH6pVUFD73rBRKlIUmfORrcT4tmWDgAorSsIJzx5wpfbdifPUlBbT1QEyMYg44qVKJ6VB6LkQhD8iYGEuaBp6WTwV8WYjoHCAA7q5VAbUEuVmE-edATyjmG1OylY1G16QDFpTAUyHqyw/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH6pVUFD73rBRKlIUmfORrcT4tmWDgAorSsIJzx5wpfbdifPUlBbT1QEyMYg44qVKJ6VB6LkQhD8iYGEuaBp6WTwV8WYjoHCAA7q5VAbUEuVmE-edATyjmG1OylY1G16QDFpTAUyHqyw/s640/IMG_0921.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYXy6LYV5CW0VHRLMynxhqwqt6OcNcK_dHMg4Y3aTiYHkbxhOekU8ho_B8g6Pdza-9vudzcBsRHHED_VgFPS2uKqgiCe9TVxyI9KJzBZINWjTXsPQGjuiXzzlQttUZWufKx62dcApr-Y/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYXy6LYV5CW0VHRLMynxhqwqt6OcNcK_dHMg4Y3aTiYHkbxhOekU8ho_B8g6Pdza-9vudzcBsRHHED_VgFPS2uKqgiCe9TVxyI9KJzBZINWjTXsPQGjuiXzzlQttUZWufKx62dcApr-Y/s640/IMG_0928.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6znGrVDUHiQ/UI1QC7Cb-0I/AAAAAAAAAPM/Vz-xYlpYzpI/s1600/275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6znGrVDUHiQ/UI1QC7Cb-0I/AAAAAAAAAPM/Vz-xYlpYzpI/s1600/275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7w7wrVeIi8/UJaGinfOWRI/AAAAAAAAAPk/MBmIvmE_89Y/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
This is my (reboot) newest gigantic WIP. Mirabilia's "Enchanted Mermaid". I started it in Spring, 2012 but really didn't work on it over the summer, well, because it was summer! This is my second attempted Mirabilia piece. The first was "Winter Queen" but I abandoned it. The reason I gave up was that I was still more of a novice back then but have built up more experience and confidence leading up to this pattern. This one, though, I cannot wait to see finished with all of the fancy treasure beads and seed beads, etc. I dyed the fabric but really kept it super light though....I was afraid of ruining it. Since I am back in University full time now, I can only limit my cross stitch time while I am listening to audiobooks for school to maximize my time. <em></em></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-65913213799899363602015-06-20T17:00:00.000-04:002015-06-20T18:55:54.915-04:00Completed Cross Stitch – “Wicked Night” by Isabella Abbiati for The Primitive Hare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmi5IEYnf761eSCePRuejriScxXxvFBFVDQcb4glmIHUOTxfA6MC71uIcuocsF2A0sVEekXee0eWjSjAvzrtfk3pMK6W9odsgTbiwwCzym1qbyULdYwYxjULZfznp8neCoXKzLVhPpyI/s1600/WN1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmi5IEYnf761eSCePRuejriScxXxvFBFVDQcb4glmIHUOTxfA6MC71uIcuocsF2A0sVEekXee0eWjSjAvzrtfk3pMK6W9odsgTbiwwCzym1qbyULdYwYxjULZfznp8neCoXKzLVhPpyI/s640/WN1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqhoMhK1kEV8_7kHMJtn0z_-bgevoYKFjXXEyxZ3__pqC_3c_p3PGoqazgU7YZc3Ajlray5Bp14hHcz-hF5zxWQ_LY44vHNiufltShogrxJHaiON2-MrJaLwGXV30f7Lw_OT6a-cbdzU/s1600/WN2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqhoMhK1kEV8_7kHMJtn0z_-bgevoYKFjXXEyxZ3__pqC_3c_p3PGoqazgU7YZc3Ajlray5Bp14hHcz-hF5zxWQ_LY44vHNiufltShogrxJHaiON2-MrJaLwGXV30f7Lw_OT6a-cbdzU/s640/WN2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This piece is
stitched on a 28-count Ivory-coloured Lugana cloth, dyed with Dylon’s Velvet
Black and stitched with one thread over one. The dyed piece's dappled effect reminded me of the moon’s surface at a magnified
level and I found the pattern to match after the dye experiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you are
not entirely familiar with your different cloth types for stitching just yet, Lugana
cloth is an evenweave fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evenweave
looks like a piece of graph paper and Lugana is a smaller version of Aida
cloth, which is a larger evenweave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
nice thing about working with an evenweave fabric is that it provides an easier
way to count your stitching against the pattern, allow for overall stress-free stitch
placement, and nice uniformity.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What makes
Lugana different than Aida is not only the size difference (Aida is typically
14, 16, 18, or 22) and Lugana has a higher count such as 25 or 28 but there is also
a texture and dye-ability difference which I will get into in a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But what do
all these numbers mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, just like
your computer monitor or TV, the more squares or dots per inch means a higher
or stronger resolution and the less squares per inch means, well, it looks more
blocky the bigger it gets (Minecraft is a good model).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of micro (small) vs. macro (big).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, for example, in this piece there are 28 stitches
per one inch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pattern size is 77H x
163W.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H = height and W = width.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">By doing a
little math, you can figure out how big or small your work will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, let’s divide 77 into 28 and 163 into
28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember we are still working in
inches, so the design will be 2.75”H and 5.82”W on a piece of 28-count Lugana
cloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The size of the cloth I am using
is 5” x 14” which is important to know as you need to have an extra few inches
around your design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t have a
few extra inches of fabric around your design, you run the risk of it
unravelling or making it hard to stitch and/or frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See how it works?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s called scalability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Getting back
to the graph paper example, it would translate to 28 squares per inch and in
the case of a TV or computer monitor 28 dots or pixels per inch (dpi or ppi).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So, why isn’t
there an Aida cloth that has a 25 or 28 count then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the ingredients used to make the
cloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aida is made out of 100% cotton
which is of course good right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is but
only to a degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cotton fibers are
too large to work with after a 22-count and the evenweave openings look more
like pinholes instead of uniform squares making it very difficult to work with
as far as stitching may go.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In order to
get around this problem, Lugana cloth reduces the amount of the cotton blend
and increases an intermingling of part viscose rayon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The combination is roughly a 50/50 split give
or take a 1%-2% difference between the blends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Viscose is plant fiber and viscous rayon is plant fiber that goes
through an additional chemical process to smooth out the fibers a bit more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With smoother and more refined fiber, smaller
weaves can be achieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overall
texture between Lugana and Aida is smoother/flatter versus slightly coarser and
raised fibers respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As you may have
already guessed, plant fiber and cotton fiber absorb water and/or dye
differently which definitely has an impact on your specific or experimental dye
job of creating artistic-looking cloth for the background of your work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cotton will absorb liquid more quickly and
rayon will slightly repel liquid before absorption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picking out the right cloth is a combination
of personal preference and technical requirement for the piece you wish to
wonderfully create and both fabrics are lovely to work with in their own special
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-36704052798582058252015-06-10T12:00:00.000-04:002015-06-10T12:28:03.321-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - "Seasonal Fantasies - Autumn" by Katrina Farabaugh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qWxF12SLrtEe4A5LSZwyU0v-HY7N6VZGBXdjT6IDyZarHyUsGCSpmsLY5Kjcx390FsXP7qbKLyDQUTD8g0NPiIEvQKhOJpiyrmpM7Z5UpjRBGfWZynLCWeMxS5FiBibaJ41KB420J5A/s1600/SF-Autumn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qWxF12SLrtEe4A5LSZwyU0v-HY7N6VZGBXdjT6IDyZarHyUsGCSpmsLY5Kjcx390FsXP7qbKLyDQUTD8g0NPiIEvQKhOJpiyrmpM7Z5UpjRBGfWZynLCWeMxS5FiBibaJ41KB420J5A/s640/SF-Autumn1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuaN1WfsW4WbV4ldyfxyIWH69ZsbLg2fS2gNZpYoCOxatrNB8Kbpw9d305CUOJqBcCtlrhQOaQktO27VL8QGu2LA-1mRP24kTJSc8B10cz0nocbyyh5FoqfLZDC7rmrxva43TBqNGKUg/s1600/SF-Autumn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuaN1WfsW4WbV4ldyfxyIWH69ZsbLg2fS2gNZpYoCOxatrNB8Kbpw9d305CUOJqBcCtlrhQOaQktO27VL8QGu2LA-1mRP24kTJSc8B10cz0nocbyyh5FoqfLZDC7rmrxva43TBqNGKUg/s640/SF-Autumn2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYOji35AHTNKqAgM-_l5p_x1kp118ABywrBLl5LfMUv7_e_ch8R_zQdgtuexJrscsNvvIOJEGf3yELLywBRrbABOsbtO6FdWp3YhL6dMmytrU9c5dOH8n6l2m355CCHMoT-4BExy4Gc0/s1600/SF-Autumn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYOji35AHTNKqAgM-_l5p_x1kp118ABywrBLl5LfMUv7_e_ch8R_zQdgtuexJrscsNvvIOJEGf3yELLywBRrbABOsbtO6FdWp3YhL6dMmytrU9c5dOH8n6l2m355CCHMoT-4BExy4Gc0/s640/SF-Autumn3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a few of us begin to move from the Spring of our lives into the next season, sometimes we just start to…change and change without prior warning. Hey! What's up with that???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now you may or may not be thinking that this solely relates to age but I believe that there could be more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe the 'more' is a cross-pollination of thoughts and ideas made from your own eye and ear observations, or others’ opinions massaging and assaulting you, or your own positive and negative experiences producing a different hybrid flowering of your own perceptions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or how about this: it is the accumulation of life struggles that instead looks like a savings account built by pennies of experience locked away somewhere to be drawn from at a later and more convenient time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But if you're more favourable to the maturity thing, I know I’ve come across several people younger and older than me that are more insightful than someone double in age from me or themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s fascinating what triggers a transitional shift that touches off a new period of where we think we are and where we believe we are going.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where are you in your life right now? No, seriously, where ARE you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me? It appears that my life is taking shape based on the late Charles Bukowski's prose. I recently withdrew my application from a potential government-based position after 14 weeks into the process and remain on the cusp of finishing my degree and have 5 courses left (one full-time term). Five doesn't sound like a lot but please believe me when I say it's the equivalent of two full-time jobs (and without pay).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since making the firm decision of going back to university FT in 2012, please believe me when I tell you that I hit every xylophone bar of different emotions between the academic process and the strain of sacrifice for the illusion or real security of a greater good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The range moved back and forth from happiness, satisfaction, frustration, exasperation, feeling fed up/beat up, renewed, defeated, broken, healed, "jailed" and "on parole" (from school terms of course and not the penal system), feeling successful, feeling like a failure, satisfied, scared, euphoric, depressed, feeling invisible to feeling seen and recognized, losing self-esteem, gaining insight, and all at the same time it's as if I ran a marathon while standing still for the last few years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During school, I lost one of my pets due to long-term illness, and for a while almost lost a parent too for similar reasons. No amount of care, compassion, or support will ever completely stall the status of someone's else life or death situation. It's a different season that sits just outside the regular calendar (for all of us I guess..).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So maybe you're in the same situation as me where you may be parachuting down from some remote point and the ground is now coming into focus but are unsure which direction you should head into once you land.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After school is complete I would love to move somewhere new and start a unique and different life (been researching 1-2 states in particular). It seems that I have already done and experienced everything I can where I am now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I have never been much of a mover from home to home (no really, I should change my name to Stonehenge ha ha). I feel terrified to make a huge change on my own and yet all the while worry about the regret from letting fear take the lead keeping my life on ice and do nothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever felt this way? Do you know anyone with or without regrets over life changes? Is there anything that makes you feel fearful that you want to get past?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A small note about the cross stitch, I dyed the linen piece with green, yellow, and blue RIT dye using brush strokes and the fabric count is between 28-32 pt.</span>RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-14690327767156406712015-01-01T07:38:00.000-05:002016-01-23T09:21:37.388-05:00Completed Cross Stitch - R. Ivan's "Alice"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoPhfWQ-20KMx3B25MskGEctKQ2X4v8rSqUn9K2k-wK1koMvcRpyYyuiihX3P4Iwm3WSr17_N-9pfX0_ixrglKlryp71ywnzqeiXhnEpZUg0uyHsN1z5pBuhcPAcP2TmzRliy8Xb2Nb0/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoPhfWQ-20KMx3B25MskGEctKQ2X4v8rSqUn9K2k-wK1koMvcRpyYyuiihX3P4Iwm3WSr17_N-9pfX0_ixrglKlryp71ywnzqeiXhnEpZUg0uyHsN1z5pBuhcPAcP2TmzRliy8Xb2Nb0/s1600/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkh6tWpllkxBefru5fCUoc2g-d_bNifhZMxmTNn53yjka1whUDzM_YL8omsotzWoqOSbddOdG9n8o6LK3JMxvcoZU3-DJwWggK7c47aQto6C2j44hYVSuFtmVqBh2XF1X5Do-WsuYbM8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkh6tWpllkxBefru5fCUoc2g-d_bNifhZMxmTNn53yjka1whUDzM_YL8omsotzWoqOSbddOdG9n8o6LK3JMxvcoZU3-DJwWggK7c47aQto6C2j44hYVSuFtmVqBh2XF1X5Do-WsuYbM8/s1600/005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAR1SGxEdxvOea1SKM2m9JiUJ9UDSMMwZY0-m32vbubMLWflRoCSd0fTsgu5BOulsOClj46HNiK8MXPv3mB_wxTPj0G2UyQxKKcEJQ4Sxu8BwQNFwNnA0uDJAmi295wj1SBWYRrYFo50/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAR1SGxEdxvOea1SKM2m9JiUJ9UDSMMwZY0-m32vbubMLWflRoCSd0fTsgu5BOulsOClj46HNiK8MXPv3mB_wxTPj0G2UyQxKKcEJQ4Sxu8BwQNFwNnA0uDJAmi295wj1SBWYRrYFo50/s1600/007.JPG" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideLrOB3jRjrhNxUtJYS1GM5ixGZltljKPqcSwTg0qInnCjrfr8QidnJ-_P80hzqSgT1dhKPqtZoxIcNKzUetmSpDibRYMtZiWjMWi-vJ1WqUvI-jSHbV3I6alDmpGFout0BWbX3w3m38/s1600/Alice+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideLrOB3jRjrhNxUtJYS1GM5ixGZltljKPqcSwTg0qInnCjrfr8QidnJ-_P80hzqSgT1dhKPqtZoxIcNKzUetmSpDibRYMtZiWjMWi-vJ1WqUvI-jSHbV3I6alDmpGFout0BWbX3w3m38/s640/Alice+1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Iconography. You know who this is without me giving any "deets" (details) which I think is kind of cool actually. </div>
<br />
That is the beauty in seeing an image and understanding who or what it represents and all of its associations without an explicit explanation. If you have ever read a Dan Brown book: think Robert Langdon.<br />
<br />
This is my first experimental design (I have a gran<br />
d total of 2 btw) that has ever made it to cross stitch completion and I am glad it is still a "back burner" thing because it is very, very time consuming and frankly not very easy LOL. <br />
<br />
There is a lot of agony that comes from finalizing details and design (fashion designers unite and groan all together!) ha ha.<br />
<br />
As an example, for those of you who know your shoes, I was hemming and hawing over whether to add socks to be sported with the Mary Janes. Am I right? Small, yet important detail. <br />
<br />
But the main reason that I wanted to post this is that I wanted to show now matter how a small an idea or big of a desire anyone has, you can make it real and it does not have to be perfect on the first go. <br />
<br />
Now this may apply to you differently and in your own way but whatever your dreams are, start small and try and take some steps to make it real and see how it goes. You can always change your mind :-) But challenges are good (e.g. "ahem"...linen vs. aida/evenweave.."ahem").<br />
<br />
So, this micro cross stitch is just that....very tiny (1.5" high) and at the time of making it (at night) it was a little tricky to see good placement for back stitching (Ottlite was too far away). <br />
<br />
Although I did not mark this remnant, I believe this is a 22-count Aida cloth that I cut up from a larger bolt and experimented with green RIT dye (I still have to try Kool-Aid, coffee and tea and see the different outcomes).<br />
<br />
Instead of dipping it in a wash, I just used a paint brush and painted from the bottom up and also from side to side in one application.<br />
<br />
So hey, now I can say I have designed and "published" my first cross stitch picture. I can't wait to hear about and see some of the steps that you are taking in your life for your desires to come true too!RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-4017655489175448602014-02-07T22:39:00.000-05:002014-11-03T08:22:24.639-05:00Completed Cross Stitch - Luli's "Stella"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga69qTRGLt4udxojFVRUOMCTFsD0gt9N_bcAeuZd2GftjaIZ35rQhGJ5T6up8cJT76WiQ6PbHMADjWPSxymaPqS_G4sgcvda_ATLKe1Ul84x0tqKJol5RUWWpSUyljwuLjNKzH5vu_m_U/s1600/IMG_0164.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga69qTRGLt4udxojFVRUOMCTFsD0gt9N_bcAeuZd2GftjaIZ35rQhGJ5T6up8cJT76WiQ6PbHMADjWPSxymaPqS_G4sgcvda_ATLKe1Ul84x0tqKJol5RUWWpSUyljwuLjNKzH5vu_m_U/s1600/IMG_0164.CR2" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
***<br />
First, I just wanted to take the time to thank you. You, yes you, sitting there right now reading this--you are awesome! Thank you for all of your kind words, support, encouragement and whether we have exchanged any words or not, I appreciate your precious time that you take to look at the completed cross stitch pictures and WIPs on this blog.<br />
Thank you for being here.<br />
***<br />
<br />
We all need something to look up to don't we?<br />
<br />
For some it is hope, for some it is a special person or even someone looking up to their own reflection in the mirror and being either his or her own best inspiration.<br />
<br />
I could not tell you the last time I just literally looked up and kept my head up to look up and around. Maybe my last vacation sightseeing?? But day-to-day? Not sure about if you do the same as me but I think I'm either looking straight ahead or down....a lot. A few examples would be like when I'm reading, watching TV, cross stitching, and I was going to say driving but I guess you have to look up at the signals but I was thinking more along the lines of looking up towards the sky.<br />
<br />
Some people who come to mind that look up a lot are astronomers (hopefully not at the sun), rock climbers, bird watchers or hey even UFO enthusiasts right? There really isn't too much that I can think of that makes most people look up very much really (I could insert a Godzilla or Superman joke here but I won't..haha).<br />
<br />
But getting back to hope I guess for every positive there is a negative right? The song by the band The Trews called "Hope and Ruin" comes to mind reminding listeners of this (pretty good song but I'm not a fan of the music video despite part of it being filmed here in Toronto though).<br />
<br />
Is hope a disease that keeps us perpetually ill with want or desire that may or may not come to fruition? or is hope that inner drive which gives each day new meaning that feeds a perpetual and renewable interest in life?<br />
<br />
One thing that I believe may be true (from my communication studies): // if you hold your head up your mind and spirit will perk and follow the same trajectory \\ Please try it sometime soon? :-)<br />
<br />
This completed stitched piece was made just after spending almost a week at the hospital with one of my dogs (he is doing great now and is back home) and it gave me pause to reflect on just how precious the things that we love in each of our lives just really are. It inspired the choice of this cross stitch subject.<br />
<br />
Details regarding this piece are as follows: finished size = 5" x 7", stitched over 2 threads on a 32 count linen with DMC B5200 and DMC 816.RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-35273769917325326642014-02-03T11:49:00.000-05:002015-06-22T17:50:15.609-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Lanarte's "Nibbling Beechnuts"<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3ynjMJGzL7_CBBMkgS0w4vnHYjgh3unCtZOTYCU2O4cD_zsRuiDJsV9v9uFiPBrM9EfWHDgIOLiQX_uJBjFesecfP0w6O-7-1-_F5LouguoHzFK18WRb0Ru7D8bALiXFNY9iegMmOw4/s1600/Nibbling+Beechnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3ynjMJGzL7_CBBMkgS0w4vnHYjgh3unCtZOTYCU2O4cD_zsRuiDJsV9v9uFiPBrM9EfWHDgIOLiQX_uJBjFesecfP0w6O-7-1-_F5LouguoHzFK18WRb0Ru7D8bALiXFNY9iegMmOw4/s640/Nibbling+Beechnuts.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0IF8Gis6IMv1vyLxN6xUJDkNqygRVmSKXmRD15sR_TKbOWwdyMVAj9M8zY0b-EAKyo0rdUkFMUhB5kmcOr9fhPwRAlfxqJQRxamT1S096KVY1QTtH1he6jlrVybYsfEBl8Pu1TC4PiI1/s1600/024.JPG"></a>This is my latest big project finish. This was a kit.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I started it on October 10, 2010 and worked on it on and off until completing it on October 12, 2011.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I was very determined to finish it by the one year mark as I forgot that so much time has passed on my WIP that I 'whipped' myself into gear and made it my #1 goal to finish it and here it is.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Here's how I encouraged myself: listening to "The Help" and the first 2 Harry Potter books on audiobook formats.... You're so busy listening to the wonderful stories that you keep cross stitching just to keep listening!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
My latest thing is to put a start date on my patterns so that I can see how long I have been working on it because time passes so quickly that it is easy to forget when I first start a project and especially if I have a few on the go.</div>
<div>
</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-54326448472807811562013-12-17T07:30:00.000-05:002014-09-03T10:52:35.462-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Charley Harper's "Cool Cardinal"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1XU8FV9YjWI6yOA1BnMJcYSbjNy4e3_qKVh7FrLHAymXyabnXeI7pA56Yo5yKmL4tGxdqHus_XndTWDyEmmh0hcxqu-KSCwCcMN23H8-zwyKwNgoVxVHxQouVkAVlMwrXul-6f9DxRk/s1600/IMG_7372+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1XU8FV9YjWI6yOA1BnMJcYSbjNy4e3_qKVh7FrLHAymXyabnXeI7pA56Yo5yKmL4tGxdqHus_XndTWDyEmmh0hcxqu-KSCwCcMN23H8-zwyKwNgoVxVHxQouVkAVlMwrXul-6f9DxRk/s1600/IMG_7372+(2).JPG" height="640" width="330" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFJjdcIY22fwJSC8RJnsS5lyyj-23n02RGLFWPqObgGTgHPw50KAvXjfcBd3Ke1Mz3DXGaJDuUjr9md4mxU9kB87erLaLa0tBGYRIwK5ta8Wkj7beEBpRtB6992EPYplvBwbaGY-faos/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFJjdcIY22fwJSC8RJnsS5lyyj-23n02RGLFWPqObgGTgHPw50KAvXjfcBd3Ke1Mz3DXGaJDuUjr9md4mxU9kB87erLaLa0tBGYRIwK5ta8Wkj7beEBpRtB6992EPYplvBwbaGY-faos/s1600/011.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9UGSMohE0lpOFc2xXoN_CDi7joYsbNFaQRPQJpVMhNJhNxCnyIfTee-JceLmRTQV72gJlWTyKxEzzMhDKofj_EyIsQpGpsXgJofmM_T6E2PJNhr68mCwz5yz0BnUCDGeRyGDG_hNS7I/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9UGSMohE0lpOFc2xXoN_CDi7joYsbNFaQRPQJpVMhNJhNxCnyIfTee-JceLmRTQV72gJlWTyKxEzzMhDKofj_EyIsQpGpsXgJofmM_T6E2PJNhr68mCwz5yz0BnUCDGeRyGDG_hNS7I/s1600/012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-0Tbl0rbP-TNh4z59clTXhtTlJ8PznaRp2dypiEJU4djGUrQ8jRKUwLfc9zbB9Il2_zlVXmP8DYj8JCChYb3fphp_ysdsv3ofopt7Z4bLamO01JyaqzP2v1aiAOYMhDrcEZKeNpEfi0/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-0Tbl0rbP-TNh4z59clTXhtTlJ8PznaRp2dypiEJU4djGUrQ8jRKUwLfc9zbB9Il2_zlVXmP8DYj8JCChYb3fphp_ysdsv3ofopt7Z4bLamO01JyaqzP2v1aiAOYMhDrcEZKeNpEfi0/s1600/010.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The American Modernist nature artist, Charley Harper, has a minimalist style that has definitely stood the test of time. He has worked with the Audubon Society, various zoos and even the Ford Motor Company and his active years appear to be about the 1950s to 1970s.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the reasons I point out that his work is timeless is that just for one example "Cool Cardinal" was originally released in 1974; the hand-drawn cross stitch pattern from KD Artistry, Inc. (for Puckerbrush) is from 1985 and finally, here it is again in 2013 in thread and fabric form.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Here is my list of random information bits about this latest completed work:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finished size: 15.25" x 4.25"</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Linen 28 or 32 count, possibly Monster Mash from Picture This Plus</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
DMC white used not DMC B5200; DMC white is more yellow and B5200 is more blue (brighter white) - I only had white on-hand at the time (maybe B5200 might have been too overpowering)</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Used 3 strands instead of 2</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Would not recommend linen for geometrical work</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kreinik Metallics #032 blending filament used with white (really adds a delicateness to the snow and keeps the overall work from looking too flat or heavy because of the bold colours and lines)</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Would not recommend this pattern for beginners - too hard to understand some of the instructions</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Discovered a new technique from this pattern: the use of interchanging double and single lines of backstitching for effect (that was really cool...no pun LOL)</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Snowflakes got a little tedious to work on at times</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And lastly, one time I looked up from this work and saw a cardinal sitting outside my windowsill...awwww</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have added a picture of the Kreinik blending filament to show the iridescence because unfortunately it does not seem to show up through the photographs (sorry, I tried several times with natural and artificial light).</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-54917797105831112592013-11-02T13:08:00.000-04:002014-09-03T07:09:47.257-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Aliolka’s “Red Fox and Grapes”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LlefX6n2ggRfi2o71ZFaRBViBikou0y_QF6j0-N2b2BvunC9THeD1e-JPVgLyIMHf9z55hatoKPgfevXPAa4QEPycUVh66sonKm0_ucs5rWO7dirzTq5WB1SsWOR4nW_9NxhOzoCIwI/s1600/Red+Fox+and+Grapes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LlefX6n2ggRfi2o71ZFaRBViBikou0y_QF6j0-N2b2BvunC9THeD1e-JPVgLyIMHf9z55hatoKPgfevXPAa4QEPycUVh66sonKm0_ucs5rWO7dirzTq5WB1SsWOR4nW_9NxhOzoCIwI/s1600/Red+Fox+and+Grapes.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX6fKqLFWs3RE-bAlzR-1QBVtGU_nc7IhzlQBTZph0BzTcjTTua1Sh70qZ1bnXr0wk8QcsFihorqgH9DG6vteXHOve_pXzBK3JFLmr-yTSahnoU_Z4O2NYyq3kZN1Y6mzdjn0ZMTDOd8/s1600/Red+Fox+and+Grapes+-+no+flash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX6fKqLFWs3RE-bAlzR-1QBVtGU_nc7IhzlQBTZph0BzTcjTTua1Sh70qZ1bnXr0wk8QcsFihorqgH9DG6vteXHOve_pXzBK3JFLmr-yTSahnoU_Z4O2NYyq3kZN1Y6mzdjn0ZMTDOd8/s1600/Red+Fox+and+Grapes+-+no+flash.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yinka Shonibare’s use of Dutch wax cotton fabric in his “How
to Blow Up Two Heads at Once (Ladies)” 2006 was the inspiration for the background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of my favourite pieces from Art
History this year (Thank you Professor S. M.!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Dutch colonists first learned about Indonesian Batik in
the Dutch East Indies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process is putting
hot wax on cool fabric to transform plain cloth into patterned cloth through a wax-resistant
dye technique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dutch wax fabric became
popular in West Africa and became to be associated with the bold print designs
you still see common today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dye is soaked
into the fabric where there is no wax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The wax gets melted off, the process is repeated until the layers of
colour and design are desired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I did just the same but got a little lazy (meaning I had
no design in mind) and impatient to try this out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a medium sized candle, waited about 10
seconds after lighting the wick and just poured whatever candle wax drippings
would melt fast enough onto the 22-count Hardanger grey cotton fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The wax looked like a bunch of little ugly blobs and I
thought to myself, “uh oh…maybe this isn’t going to turn out like I
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be my ‘test and throw
away’ piece then”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In keeping with the Dutch wax boldness, I vamped up the
choice of dye to red RIT and purple Kool-Aid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here is the list of my steps:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Wax drippings (drops of dots)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Red RIT dye dip #1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Melt wax off<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Light bleach wash in the centre of the fabric<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Second round of wax drippings (side-to-side splashes
this time) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Grape Kool-Aid dip #2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Melt wax off<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Red RIT dye dip #3, just the edges of the fabric<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The final product is what you see through no pre-planning
just experimentation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cross stitch subject is based on Aesop’s fable of “The
Fox and Grapes” but is inspired from me not getting into my desired program
earlier this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is short summary of the fable:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fox wanted to get some juicy grapes, couldn’t
reach them and because he couldn’t reach them, figured they were probably sour
anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I did not get into the program, I figured that I
probably would not have liked it anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe I am right, maybe I am wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I got over my “sour grapes” and am still pursuing my
degree because it is still my #1 goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
should I give up over one wee minor setback despite my new fuzzy situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever felt the same way about an
obstruction? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I k-n-o-w that one day after I grow and learn a little more,
my reach will extend far enough to grasp my “juicy grapes” and they won’t be
sour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span></span></span></div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-25227779033342115492013-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-18T08:40:01.557-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Barbara Baatz Hillman's "Hummingbird Banquet"<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5gob0BAAj26cd7OEiAwX-an6JFiHYGWDSsK7BB32zUInrbpv5V2jaWSLhCvZo9q1lUk4ZRiVhMT6z9senXr08bKWz8hf-QcXglHJYYjeE_ziS2UieirbbpkLNNJ7wBZYKN8TYZ835-U/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5gob0BAAj26cd7OEiAwX-an6JFiHYGWDSsK7BB32zUInrbpv5V2jaWSLhCvZo9q1lUk4ZRiVhMT6z9senXr08bKWz8hf-QcXglHJYYjeE_ziS2UieirbbpkLNNJ7wBZYKN8TYZ835-U/s1600/002.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJMJE65gtDEghPuPdjzKv60nPIc7oQHKzJAvdp2QfmCz-ogAC8NT2ElH1g_IbRPoZAnQfwvqSESbmLMlWKrW_1r66YhixMBXJLizAHBwRTxSkckCd3qdbxEl2Sj8JRnWV0trxdCQDHIJv/s1600/020.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
</div>
<div>
A-ha! Searching has finally paid off in locating the proper name of this design and designer. Never give up I say. Nev---ahhh!<br />
<br />
So after this yet another awesome "search and successful" pattern name find, I got to thinking about a couple of things about what makes us who we are. <br />
<br />
Do you ever wonder sometimes (in theory) if you had a previous life or who you might be related to based on your own likes, skills and dislikes? <br />
<br />
If not, then maybe do you ever wonder if you were adopted because you may be extremely different than your parents? For example, the way my parents think vs. the way I think sometimes I wonder...was I switched at birth?<br />
<br />
Well, for me, since giving it some thought today I wonder if I was Miss Marple's and Sherlock Holmes' theoretical 'love child' secretly adopted by Philip Marlowe. Because since I love to investigate, analyze, search and search again, check for correctness, have drive and determination and above all, curiosity, here we are. So, who's (I'm curious now!)...who's adopted 'love child' would you be? :-)<br />
<br />
So, just a few brief words about this pattern. The colours are so bright and I love the little details. What first attracted me to this picture was the water droplets, then hummingbird then flower. At the time I found the pattern, I was in awe over the realism. This design is at least 10 years old and still looks great. <br />
<br />
From memory, I believe this is a 28-count evenweave and if I were to do it all over again, I would have dabbled in a light-blue dyed background to emulate the sky.</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-79110760410068575312013-08-25T12:00:00.000-04:002013-08-31T08:31:45.570-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Linda K. Powell's "Live Each Day with a Happy Heart"<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqOORXyX5Qn3UolnsBsta9K-5fPIKRDqpqjZUVVn8-aA8eXd5HjPUK9WbZb0S7IU0gkxvNvhdxYFDQPMvfW76dfXVbwCzD92-pzzu7Kj7m2yC7jYtRnfucd00G6DqI8lO7rOsuUjlDho/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqOORXyX5Qn3UolnsBsta9K-5fPIKRDqpqjZUVVn8-aA8eXd5HjPUK9WbZb0S7IU0gkxvNvhdxYFDQPMvfW76dfXVbwCzD92-pzzu7Kj7m2yC7jYtRnfucd00G6DqI8lO7rOsuUjlDho/s1600/015.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVspjcNTjHiXji68GbmVZ4zdVkTvkThtpo_jU0Tg-LwAKmMb_WzSiIfz1OnIXp6L3JcqEDwHawxr67g8_gvLjWYLBXNbASoJu-buV8iPrSpsuh8lRmU4u2C_lPri81M-EUAwH238JSovY/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVspjcNTjHiXji68GbmVZ4zdVkTvkThtpo_jU0Tg-LwAKmMb_WzSiIfz1OnIXp6L3JcqEDwHawxr67g8_gvLjWYLBXNbASoJu-buV8iPrSpsuh8lRmU4u2C_lPri81M-EUAwH238JSovY/s1600/008.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
This is a very old pattern that I found through eBay that was originally published in the '80s.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Do I mind admitting that I have the hugest crush on Linda K. Powell's artwork? No, not at all. But I am very sad that such a wonderful animal artist died at such a young age. Not fair! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I hope you enjoy this completed work and look up Linda's artwork (and yes, dyed this fabric myself too).<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please click on the picture for a close up.</span></strong></div>
<div>
</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-12067509807529485362013-08-16T07:45:00.000-04:002014-09-03T07:15:46.359-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Plaid Bucilla's 'So Girly!' series "Forever Friends"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mARH4qK_ByyRRyfGij8zOFnBwYzo5pLTSwj8YycgprpDCZD-_92uyLDc7rfkNMv8THPBBdOYC1WRxtIBhnSISwpUpJjSKwjHOl3BKEedwuMq1WmfKmNx7ZXcnn_QQt7i1j2LArWu9vc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mARH4qK_ByyRRyfGij8zOFnBwYzo5pLTSwj8YycgprpDCZD-_92uyLDc7rfkNMv8THPBBdOYC1WRxtIBhnSISwpUpJjSKwjHOl3BKEedwuMq1WmfKmNx7ZXcnn_QQt7i1j2LArWu9vc/s1600/004.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2fUW828X8mnZHpq66XtxgAbgG_GN7gQdMpBl5ka2LBIFajqSMPN5XhUpcnaNi6ugY3n2rvR-pknBW2JqqYmwz9_gZOT6TUQIlGeUAzvst5Xnldck-l9aKxrx-xy86Joia2sMkftj5FI/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2fUW828X8mnZHpq66XtxgAbgG_GN7gQdMpBl5ka2LBIFajqSMPN5XhUpcnaNi6ugY3n2rvR-pknBW2JqqYmwz9_gZOT6TUQIlGeUAzvst5Xnldck-l9aKxrx-xy86Joia2sMkftj5FI/s1600/006.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcmb6MOXG2vCJ1ITea6r6d2HWv_kvLO3TY-wJ54H69uuOAks5qCQvlrqfdMfMiUFyTjJw6WOsDknn7Spw1pHKO5BgIvbnWmvRasj28VEOgRR0pVVQzjKJ1sNmS2_BGfeSyHhjGIqIdfg/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcmb6MOXG2vCJ1ITea6r6d2HWv_kvLO3TY-wJ54H69uuOAks5qCQvlrqfdMfMiUFyTjJw6WOsDknn7Spw1pHKO5BgIvbnWmvRasj28VEOgRR0pVVQzjKJ1sNmS2_BGfeSyHhjGIqIdfg/s1600/007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This finished piece is from a kit complete with stitching essentials (micro scissors, 3 needles, a threader and floss organizer - bonus!!).<br />
<br />
The finished size is 4" x 7.75" on 14-count Aida cloth (100% cotton). The original white packaged cloth was hand-dyed by me with my handy dandy RIT dye: denim. I ever so lightly bleached out the centre to give it a little brightness in the middle to highlight the subject. I made the mistake of snapping a Q-Snap frame onto the freshly dyed and iron-dried cloth too quickly...I probably should have waited a day for proper drying.<br />
<br />
A girl and her dog...it is a little hard to pinpoint and articulate the special association from the day-to-day interactions that form those bonds; however, if you are an animal lover and your pet has either feathers, scales, chitin or fur, you probably already have experienced that special unspoken connection for yourself. <br />
<br />
But getting back to cross stitch though I noticed that there are few and far between pictures of a girl and her dog with the exception of a female socialite pictured with a pampered pooch here and there. I know that typically females are associated with cats and males with dogs but hey, what's in a pet stereotype right?<br />
<br />
The latest audiobooks that I covered recently (while I was baking and a few extensive walks with my dogs) have been Rick Riordan's "The Lightning Thief", "Sea of Monsters", John Grisham's "The Testament" and what really fueled me during this project was watching AMC's "Breaking Bad" series. I can see why that show is getting nearly perfect reviews but it is extremely graphic and not for everyone so if you are light-hearted and like gentler programs, you may want to bypass this series.RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-392284720114143472013-07-20T16:33:00.000-04:002014-09-03T07:14:40.842-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Dimensions' "Butterfly Vignette" - The Gold Collection - Petites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiSaIGmC9uA2VvOFNxkWCznKsxPuU905-nddxOYKBktzcsM5hEpPIefLE84c-3f4VaOA3eeqWupuud37ZXMFnlHA47OdVC6-_BQv860dhRW6wxVf97Vll1NhKfhigaiFMWmye947ZFoA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiSaIGmC9uA2VvOFNxkWCznKsxPuU905-nddxOYKBktzcsM5hEpPIefLE84c-3f4VaOA3eeqWupuud37ZXMFnlHA47OdVC6-_BQv860dhRW6wxVf97Vll1NhKfhigaiFMWmye947ZFoA/s1600/006.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Huzzah huzzah! Finally finished with a frame now! It is one thing to finish your cross stitch but to add the final touches of professional framing is such a great feeling of completion and goal reaching. For those of you who frame or use another end result for your work, you know what I mean. It is that restful, relaxing feeling of starting something and seeing it through to the end product.<br />
<br />
I am so happy with how this looks. Michael's did a fantastic job and I got this back in less than two weeks. You know it is so true when you visualize your goal you will reach it sooner than you think! I completely visualized this piece finished, framed and hung on the wall when I made the decision to restart this abandoned WIP and wanted it done....and here it is folks :0)<br />
<br />
Here is a list of the audiobooks that I listened to during this piece: John Grisham's "The Partner", Dan Brown's "Inferno", Cornelia Funke's "Inkheart", J. M. Barrie's "Peter Pan"and a few other various items. <br />
<br />
<br />RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-57181636459211915202013-07-02T06:55:00.000-04:002013-07-02T06:55:56.522-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Gloria and Pat's "The Grizzly Bear" - Endangered Young'uns<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF3Z1cBkeHa0Fb9LylVEHIp02OvyewcYVgchr7Uy2GU2mUF5CdP6xVdiKLCRysoya-cgNP0OIdgsNzd7bL5NmqYak6go98I0i17LPsEANofYvw8yrsWuNiAoGsOSboxyoO3JhU_ZquII/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF3Z1cBkeHa0Fb9LylVEHIp02OvyewcYVgchr7Uy2GU2mUF5CdP6xVdiKLCRysoya-cgNP0OIdgsNzd7bL5NmqYak6go98I0i17LPsEANofYvw8yrsWuNiAoGsOSboxyoO3JhU_ZquII/s1600/015.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another Gloria and Pat design, "The Grizzly Bear" and yup, I "smooshed" this one into a frame too! I have made about 3 other G & P designs in this series and gave them away as presents and never took a photo. Digital photography wasn't much of a reality at the time I made a lot of the gifts but I would love to see what I made again though....*sigh*</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-61904673491399663042013-07-01T13:00:00.000-04:002014-09-03T07:18:24.097-04:00Completed Cross Stich - Jamie Leigh's "Kitchen Patchwork"<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8b-_CSJXX2GBIP-4wihQhVIQYOVBndpJtRA-yrj96y7FPUCoIIFlJgg7tjyMly5kmZ0vtKDYN-VgbzoGH5-FIvdh4LQMwCBLb8z2k2MG7rQNoyTB0sKM06iBmqD-pN2x069uEdOg8wKc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8b-_CSJXX2GBIP-4wihQhVIQYOVBndpJtRA-yrj96y7FPUCoIIFlJgg7tjyMly5kmZ0vtKDYN-VgbzoGH5-FIvdh4LQMwCBLb8z2k2MG7rQNoyTB0sKM06iBmqD-pN2x069uEdOg8wKc/s1600/001.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1UrMt2PDwnyILZYZBEBhtwpcovnqITW0OEgdRqQvbl1ZK57FjLRMru614W_ntxZx1jFz7ZyusUYaMZbSz43rUQrAXVT9qAiLI9tlDA4jmfVfeTsiHwz3vNuNMga7DSJta5RY8Pov0_0/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1UrMt2PDwnyILZYZBEBhtwpcovnqITW0OEgdRqQvbl1ZK57FjLRMru614W_ntxZx1jFz7ZyusUYaMZbSz43rUQrAXVT9qAiLI9tlDA4jmfVfeTsiHwz3vNuNMga7DSJta5RY8Pov0_0/s1600/002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd2LTScBvhsItZYJCPHJxqV1wNhvrrXi6-xWJUUy0z3CNk6xraKKJBNLzTW-lmjwHwn6NDO96t6_mpKR0s7V657wpU2bGpi3lsO_vYRDRzaXIz1wJiYLolhoZZ570WWdIuLe9xgySXYE/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd2LTScBvhsItZYJCPHJxqV1wNhvrrXi6-xWJUUy0z3CNk6xraKKJBNLzTW-lmjwHwn6NDO96t6_mpKR0s7V657wpU2bGpi3lsO_vYRDRzaXIz1wJiYLolhoZZ570WWdIuLe9xgySXYE/s1600/026.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Frame view and close up view for you</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI9DqczjVCHFnynI39v6FWfbd5V5yEQF3xxAyL_dlG3_KGbAIJtuNaYPwMOuBBqZSqzeNKFV13CH0nv_DwakRnaf1XEO4ninycPHSH4hYPqtLcwCGCJbvWIFzeBX-CR3VRxWfu_duQds/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI9DqczjVCHFnynI39v6FWfbd5V5yEQF3xxAyL_dlG3_KGbAIJtuNaYPwMOuBBqZSqzeNKFV13CH0nv_DwakRnaf1XEO4ninycPHSH4hYPqtLcwCGCJbvWIFzeBX-CR3VRxWfu_duQds/s1600/025.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This picture does not do this completed pattern justice. I worked this over a very high count fabric. I think I made the mistake of using 2 threads instead of one which caused me to pull and tug at the fabric a lot. However, the colours came out strong and the framer did a great job too. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If you ever have a chance to try a symmetrical piece similar to this one, it is very refreshing to see the detail in the design come through the finished product. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I completed this over a weekend.</div>
<div>
</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-64583162404152424402013-06-29T09:08:00.001-04:002014-09-03T07:20:11.581-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Joan Elliot's "Thank you" card<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbPEdfqWQSfQr837yR9ZEoF_20h_Tf-MPxX6lRSGnvuy5UgeUWxwsDNDy15nN_YyjH8ZETQaLxScBFzP00bBxiPQNUs9VeTQN1qSyl42Vs0vtRaQp_I10AK5akI5hFfidBrK_NoRpS2g/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbPEdfqWQSfQr837yR9ZEoF_20h_Tf-MPxX6lRSGnvuy5UgeUWxwsDNDy15nN_YyjH8ZETQaLxScBFzP00bBxiPQNUs9VeTQN1qSyl42Vs0vtRaQp_I10AK5akI5hFfidBrK_NoRpS2g/s1600/001.JPG" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgC2h5CRjt4eU0uRGC1oV9HeZ9iej0jwij5KQIaF2szLhLOxjL5u73wWVBQFmwawf5WfOaph66JF5H9WooZQWPkLEr-LNUfQZO-k3NOly8dMGqhv5CoFbM6VZG08inB0YeInFzIuhgVI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgC2h5CRjt4eU0uRGC1oV9HeZ9iej0jwij5KQIaF2szLhLOxjL5u73wWVBQFmwawf5WfOaph66JF5H9WooZQWPkLEr-LNUfQZO-k3NOly8dMGqhv5CoFbM6VZG08inB0YeInFzIuhgVI/s1600/002.JPG" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is not too often that you come across a cross stitch thank you card but it is kind of nice when you do. The Chinese symbol means, "Benevolence" and relates to the concept of Feng Shui. This was a kit from Design Works.</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-20552625726925115252013-06-27T12:47:00.000-04:002014-09-03T07:22:56.126-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - Bunnies in clay pots<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNdNPyDUv7uzPSWn5rZdQgM93a-qUo1XYtdjv7HO_n7mMC0RjNTpstlDbqjvRlKlIosd1Szm7uwi8qGbJu8niArNFNXVpPfSCbdRytIS8j2ZITjQ5Cq1TGVzMD1dlz48gPRcC7x0u4-E/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNdNPyDUv7uzPSWn5rZdQgM93a-qUo1XYtdjv7HO_n7mMC0RjNTpstlDbqjvRlKlIosd1Szm7uwi8qGbJu8niArNFNXVpPfSCbdRytIS8j2ZITjQ5Cq1TGVzMD1dlz48gPRcC7x0u4-E/s1600/001.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9CbCV4UTR_KStGEAnXkvUB6uZtU-dzGSP2DMtLYhFYT6VCK6VmBtc7Hs93f5uqhJ2__OjbBwvJx8crU1SjB_AzhVQgBqz01TvFkcZP_CyQ1iu7RVIVFhZmv86cxEDoR0lDX-qd-XS4Pw/s1600/015.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<br />
Another great find out of a magazine. It seems I was into cross stitching bunnies for a while (please see "Think Spring" in this blog)...but aren't these little guys adorable???</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
By the time I finished the picture, I went to the "One of a Kind" Craft Show here in Toronto and found these great wooden tulips that match the tulips in the picture. Score!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wish I could tell you where I found this and the name of the pattern..but nope...sorry, you're out of luck...</div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please click on the picture for a close up.</span></strong></div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147424104937540930.post-58570067395236659192013-06-26T15:39:00.000-04:002014-11-01T10:39:13.632-04:00Completed Cross Stitch - "Swan Serenity" by Mike Vickery<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEmIj8Rv9ogOTQREUhlp0VlQgSpBiteRkTzkh_C5J0rbJXmxKIu8weQ9rD2O5v5kxjTdHTV461pj6YrHWMViSIM8QaCI8FC87vFZatpsdCDs27YL8JDLEscxHodiRbSHwNqMzcn4X2ug/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEmIj8Rv9ogOTQREUhlp0VlQgSpBiteRkTzkh_C5J0rbJXmxKIu8weQ9rD2O5v5kxjTdHTV461pj6YrHWMViSIM8QaCI8FC87vFZatpsdCDs27YL8JDLEscxHodiRbSHwNqMzcn4X2ug/s1600/027.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two views for you</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc69EgnO01rJrOIdAcsygvhq9YvcjbzSq2-08NoMzE5UPtpG9ojiu6-mevR6tD39oEaOEC9yYXNw8H9s-eXVG09oRYGyYJ3dqcryye-BcPjT_YQY6Plr5eMp8xfThRp5qkJSO02XReXHg/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc69EgnO01rJrOIdAcsygvhq9YvcjbzSq2-08NoMzE5UPtpG9ojiu6-mevR6tD39oEaOEC9yYXNw8H9s-eXVG09oRYGyYJ3dqcryye-BcPjT_YQY6Plr5eMp8xfThRp5qkJSO02XReXHg/s1600/028.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUOz_YUWJfc/TqCmRjgi7wI/AAAAAAAAADg/oKXFaK3AZHk/s1600/010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<br />
Oh this gorgeous scene with the black and white swans! I think I found this pattern in a magazine (and a friend helped me locate it recently, 1997 Cross Stitcher Magazine - February) and fell in love. I remember completing it (over 10 years ago...eek! 10!) but it sat unframed for the longest time. I dropped this work off at a framing store in a local mall and let them do whatever they wanted with the frame and mat. I think that the circle square combination is just fabulous!<br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
RIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00160963350141903503noreply@blogger.com0