Something Big

Typically I stitch on "smalls" but I have started something BIG.  My collection of Heaven and Earth Designs totals 5.  I did start Wintery Heirloom back in 2009 but have done very little stitching on it.  Recently, I decided to stitch this design...

Heaven & Earth Designs

Design: A Moment To Cherish

Designer: Jane Wooster Scott

And in one week here is what I managed to complete...

Given the size of the design (18 x 22) I have not stitched very much.  It's only been a week and I am finding it difficult to stay on task!  With each stitch I find myself am thinking: 

What other projects I could start?

Have I messed up?

When will I finish this?

Will I finish this?

I must be crazy!

I discovered a few gadgets that are helping to make this a more enjoyable stitching experience.  The first is the Easy Count Guideline thread...

When you grid your fabric with the red nylon thread it allows you to easily locate the exact point to stitch on the fabric. It really is instrumental in keeping you stitching faster and more accurate. Since the thread is nylon there is no chance of splitting the guideline threads with the needle.  A must have, especially when stitching any of the HAED.  Click HERE for a video demonstration.

The second is this View Stick Magnifier which clips directly to your pattern...

When I purchased the HAED I probably should have paid a bit more for the EXTRA LARGE printed version! Wow, the print is quite small on these patterns but the stick magnifier is helping.

The last is this Storage Clipboard from Staples...

Not only does it hold my pattern but it also opens up allowing me to store my supplies in the 9.5" x 12" storage area.

I just love it! 

Today I headed to the post office where I found Amy's wonderful Halloween Ornament in my box. She stitched this cute little Prairie Schooler owl...

2014 HOE Halloween Ornament round #3

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Design: Heads Up

Fabric: 28 count Lambswool Linen using DMC

Stitched by: Amy V-M

The eyes make him so adorable.  Thank you, Amy!!!

  Thanks for stopping by and...

Until Next time ~ remember:

"Never wish that life where easier, wish that you were better"

Jim Rohn

It's So Small

So very, very small and so darn cute!!!  I love stitching over one.  I love the finished look but it can be hard on my eyes.  

This is what I stitched for Karen K. for the HOE Halloween Ornament round #3.  I snapped this picture as I was stitching the tiny cording...

Once I completed the stitching I decided to finish it into an actual lined stocking.    For a moment I did fear *messing up* and possibly destroying the stitched piece. Fortunately, I do not mind working *small* and it was not difficult.

2014 HOE Halloween Ornament Round #3

Designer: BBD

Design: Tis Halloween

Stitched for: Karen K.

Given the size of the stocking I needed a small scale print for the backing/lining and was able to pull this piece from my quilting stash. The tiny cording was made using black pearl cotton #12. Despite the size it all went together quite easily and, as I stated earlier, it is so darn cute!

Thanks for stopping by and...

Until Next time ~ remember:

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it but that it is too low and we reach it."

Michelangelo

A Few Exciting Finds

Last weekend my husband and I spent time searching for *treasures* in some Antique stores.  I am always on the look out for items that I can re-purpose; things that I can use in my cross-stitch finishing. Here are a few items that I scored...

Wooden Pipe Holder

My plan is to re-purpose the Pipe Holder and use as a Scissor Caddy.  I have already purchased a wooden lid for the center jar, which was missing.  Now I need to select a design to stitch and cover the lid with it.  

Vintage Wooden Butter Paddles

I love these little butter paddles (8 3/4 x 2 1/2).  The rectangular section measuring 4 1/4 x 2 1/2 so I need to find a small design to fit that area.   I am sure in my overflowing stash I will come up with something.  I will either drill a small hole in the handle or purchase 2 small stands to display them.  

My next great find: 1934 hand turned wooden frames (8 1/2 x 7 3/4) with the opening measuring 5 x 3 3/8" ~ Again, I want to use these for finishing.  Any suggestions on designs to stitch?

1934 Pedestal Frames ~ Hand Turned

I must confess that I did purchase another flower frog.  Saying that almost makes me feel as if I have an addiction that I struggle to break. I swore that I would not buy another one unless it was unique but when I saw a bunch, in excellent condition, sitting on a table for $1.00 each it was hard to pass up. 

Kate R. sent me this HOE Halloween Ornament. I love the design...

2014 HOE Halloween #3 

Designer: Blue Ribbon Designs

Design: Boo Mansion

JCS Halloween Issue

Stitched by: Kate R.

I have *tagged* a number of designs from the various JCS Halloween Issues that I want to stitch, including this one.  Thank you, Kate for stitching it for me!

Thanks for stopping by and...

Until Next time ~ remember:

"Have the courage to say no.
Have the courage to face the truth.
Do the right thing because it is right.
These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity."

W. Clement Stone