Completed Cross Stitch - Barbara Campagna for Stitch Notions "Lollipop Flowers"

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.

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!

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). 

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).

Completed Cross Stitch - Linda K. Powell's "Live Each Day with a Happy Heart"

 

 

This is a very old pattern that I found through eBay that was originally published in the '80s.

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!

I hope you enjoy this completed work and look up Linda's artwork (and yes, dyed this fabric myself too).

Please click on the picture for a close up.

Completed Cross Stitch - Dimensions' "Butterfly Vignette" - The Gold Collection - Petites

 

 

 

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.

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)

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. 

Completed Cross Stitch - Gloria and Pat's "The Grizzly Bear" - Endangered Young'uns

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*

Completed Cross Stitch - Gloria and Pat's "The Lion" - Endangered Young'uns

Gloria & Pat's "The Lion". I "smooshed" this into a wee little frame myself. I have no clue how to frame or stretch cross stitch. Michael's was looking for a part-time framer and the last time I dropped off some items to get framed they asked me if I wanted a job and told me they would teach me. Since I work full-time, I wasn't jumping up and down with joy to work an extra two days a week but in hindsight...I would have learned something very useful I need..doh!

Completed Cross Stitch - Gloria and Pat's "The Wolf" - Endangered Young'uns

Ah! Another G & Pat design...  The interesting thing about this dyed fabric is that I thought it was way too dark the first time I set it and bleached it light and was ready to toss it because I felt I kept messing it up.

I held on to the fabric and experimented putting this design on it. It didn't come out too bad except I wish I would have moved the moon more into the dark part of the fabric.

What do you think?