The Useful Needle

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2009-08-26T11:26:00.003-04:00

Today Reagan starts the first day of the fourth grade. She's in a new school (it's a beautiful facility!), and for the first time, she has to catch a bus. She was super excited this morning, and I hope that today lives up to her expectations.

Looks like we made it...

2009-08-24T15:37:00.005-04:00

It's been a month since the move and things are sort of settling down. Everthing has been unpacked and put away, and now we're working on the finishing touches to turn a house into a home. This means lots and lots of painting, and I'm doing it very, very slowly. I will post pics when the place is photo-worthy.

We really love our new digs and the new area. It's kind of rural, and there are lots of hiking trails and beaches to keep us and Bella busy. She especially loves going to the beach to roll around in the sand and to swim for sticks (the bigger the better!).

Last night I picked up my stitching for the first time since moving, and I hope to make it more of a regular thing. I am just dying to stitch something Halloweeny. I need another WIP like a need a hole in the head. Who cares, though?! I am so going to start something, like, tonight. Pictures coming soon!

A Flock of Birds

2009-07-01T07:59:00.003-04:00

Title: A Flock of Birds
Threads: DMC
Fabric: 40 count lambswool linen
Source: My Heart is True booklet -
Blackbird Designs & Nicoletta Farrauto
Designer: Alma Allan

Anna received the little sampler I made for her for the Blackbird Designs Exchange. As you can see, it looks very similar to the Prairie Schooler exchange below. Why mess with a good thing, right? This is one of my favourite things that I've finished so far, and I love almost everything about it. It came together wonderfully until the stuffing. It's a little lumpy looking. I didn't know how to make it look smoother, so I just gave up. Suggestions for stuffing techniques would be much appreciated.

I haven't been doing much in the way of stitching lately. This past month I've been crazy busy with house stuff. We sold our house (what a nightmare!) and bought a new one in Petawawa. They both close on July 24th. I'm so looking forward to that day! The impending move isn't the only thing keeping my occupied. Last weekend we picked up a new addition to our family.

Her name is Bella and she's a fourteen week-old Australian Cattle Dog. I haven't lived with a dog in quite some time, so it's been a bit of an adjustment. Bella is a little smelly, and requires maximum supervision and an incredible amount of exercise. However, she's surprisingly well behaved and (most importantly!) she's house-trained. Yay!

Exchanges!

2009-06-18T18:35:00.002-04:00

I'm so late posting photos of these exchange pieces that I received, but better late than never. I was very pleased to receive a beautiful bourse from Stacy for the Blackbird Designs Exchange and a wonderful hornbook/thread holder from Shay for the Prairie Schooler Year Long Exchange. Excellent work ladies, thank you!

Spring Sampler

2009-06-10T17:18:00.003-04:00

Title: Spring Sampler

Threads: DMC
Fabric: 28 count vintage country cream Cashel linen
Source: Spring Samplers PS booklet no. 60
Designer: The Prairie Schooler

Julianne, my Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange partner, received the piece I stitched for her. I stitched a portion of one of the Spring Samplers and finished it as a small pillow. I decided to add some lace banding to dress it up a bit and am thrilled with how it turned out. It was such a pleasure to stitch and finish!

Year Long Prairie Schooler Exchange

2009-05-08T17:10:00.003-04:00

It was a long time coming (due to a customs snafu), but well worth the wait. Tuula sent me a fantastically finished Prairie Schooler Santa. I love it. Thank you so much, Tuula, for the awesome Santa and the heatfelt letter!!

Petites Lettres Rouges

2009-04-27T15:44:00.009-04:00

Title: Petites Lettres Rouges
Threads: DMC 115
Fabric: 40 ct white Newcastle linen
Source: Blackbird Designs on-line freebie
Designer: Blackbird Designs

Are you tired of seeing this design yet? I finished this most excellent freebie last week, but between forgetting my camera in Montreal and trying to sort out my house, I haven't had much of an opportunity to post about it. Anywho, here it is, just in time to enter the contest. Due to one part busy and two parts lazy, the design is stitched as-is instead of personalized. I think the DMC variegated thread looks quite snazzy. I plan to finish it as an ornament for my red sampler Christmas tree.

For those of you wondering about my upcoming move, we found out that we will be moving to the Petawawa/Pembroke area some time in late July. Our house went on the market today. Hopefully it will sell quickly!

Hoppy Easter!

2009-04-12T01:02:00.006-04:00

For the past few years, about a week or two after Easter, Reagan has begged to make this little Easter bird nest treats made of melted chocolate and Shredded Wheat. Finally, she remembered to bug me before Easter, and here are the fruits of her labour:

And here are the fruits of my labour (and because I generally do not enjoy shopping, it truly was a labour):

This morning, bright and early, Reagan and I are off to Montréal and Dan is off to work. It's weird spending holidays with in-laws sans spouse. But I've packed plenty of magazines, a big ole book, a Twilight DVD, and of course a cross stitch project. I'm only going for an overnight visit, so surely I'll be able to keep myself busy.

Holy Mother-of-Pearl!

2009-04-08T18:05:00.012-04:00

Today was a super-duper mail day! I won a draw on Kim's Threadheads, Unite blog a couple of weeks ago, and the Canada Post guy left these gems in my box. They are all products by Kelmscott Designs. The scissors are called Little Gems, and they are teeny-tiny and very cute. The big heart is a thread minder made from mother-of-pearl, and the little hearts are thread rings also made from mother-of-pearl. I am so happy to be the lucky recipient of these fine Canadian needlework products. Thank you so much, Kim!

I also received the entire Twilight saga. I ordered it from Amazon.ca yesterday and selected the free shipping option. It came today. That is just crazy fast. It just so happens that I also picked up the Twilight DVD at Future Shop on my way home from work. You cannot even imagine how many hours of happiness I'm going to get from these things!

This has nothing to do with my super-duper mail day, but since Reagan was looking pretty spiffy for the Brownie Talent Show, I'd though I'd show her off a little.

Chilly's Gift

2009-04-07T19:41:00.005-04:00

Title: Chilly's Gift

Threads: DMC 221, 310, 407, 434, 729, blanc

Fabric: 28 ct tea-dyed Irish linen

Source: Stitchy Kitty on-line freebie

Designer: Michelle Lutzen

I know that we're well into April, but I'm still counting this as a March ornament finish. I don't normally stitch penguins for Christmas, (what the heck do penguins have to do with Christmas???) but I couldn't resist this widdle cutie-pie. If you've seen the original, then you'll know that I've changed the colours drastically. Not that there's anything wrong with the designer's colours, they're just not my style. I was a little disappointed that I didn't have a fancy schmancy button charm to use as Chilly's gift, but my husband pointed out that Chilly looks like he's nestled all snug in his bed. And a gift in bed would just be silly.

Cross Stitch Sampler

2009-04-02T16:25:00.010-04:00

Title: Cross Stitch Sampler
Threads: DMC 498
Fabric: 28 ct antique white Cashel linen
Source: On-line freebie
Designer: Marika Belfiori

Another ornament for my red and white sampler-themed Christmas tree is done. Woooot! I got a little fancy with the finishing this time around, and I'm quite pleased with the result. I recently bought hundreds of dollars worth of French needlework books (happy birthday to me!) that are chock-full of red sampler designs, so why do I still stitch freebies??

Thank you...

2009-03-31T21:32:00.003-04:00

I would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all those who left such supportive comments. It's comforting to know that people care, and I am truly grateful.

I haven't done much stitching lately, but I did manage to eke out two ornaments this month. Unfortunately, I still have to do the finishing on them. Blech. Hopefully, I'll bite the bullet and do that tomorrow after work. Photos coming soon, I promise.

My needlework has taken a backseat lately as I've been working on adopting a healthier lifestyle. I started Weight Watchers Online at the beginning of February, and so I've been cooking most meals from scratch to have more control over the point values. It's time consuming, but it's totally worth it. I've lost 16 pounds so far and only have 14 more to go. Yay! As soon as I started WW, I also started exercising daily. Up until this week I walked on my treadmill each day for 30 minutes, but on Monday I decided to kick it up a notch. Now I'm actually jogging for 30 minutes a day. Jogging! How awesome is that?!?

When I'm not working or cooking or exercising, I'm trying to get my house ready to sell. We're moving! My husband has been promoted and is being transferred to another job location in July. Unfortunately, we still don't know where we're going. I absolutely hate not knowing. It's driving me bananas. I am so looking forward to decorating a new house and having the summer off, though. It's going to be the summer of Leah. Sweet.

Anywho, that's what's up with me. If you don't see me until July, you'll know why. ;)

PS A special shout out goin' to Suzi G. It's nice to see you Suzi!! When are you going to start a blog? The world needs to see your aprons!

Gone

2009-03-22T13:00:00.002-04:00

Rosemary

1950-2009

My mum died last week. For many years she battled type 2 diabetes and all the things that go along with that, and just two years ago she suffered the first of several heart attacks. I knew the end was near, but it was still shocking and heartbreaking. I've never grieved like this before, and I'm kind of surprised by the profound sadness and anger I'm feeling. I hope it goes away soon.

If you do the math, you'll see that my mum was relatively young. She never really took her disease seriously, and in fact, she ignored her diagnoses for a decade. I wish she had quit smoking and adopted a healthful lifestyle years ago. I know it would have greatly extended her life or at least improved the quality of it. I'm not going to choose the same path that she did. I hope you won't either.

Fat Robin and Cat

2009-03-14T16:41:00.006-04:00

Title: Fat Robin and Cat
Threads: DMC 3858
Fabric: natural muslin
Source: primitivebettys on-line freebie
Designer: Betty Dekat

As soon as I discovered this wonderful freebie, I knew I had to stitch it. Because I had shrunk the pattern to about half of the original size, I got it stitched up in no time at all. I rubbed coffee grinds into the fabric to give it an aged, primitive look, and then I transformed it into a little stuffed pillow. You can see the backing fabric under the pillow in the photo. A big thanks goes out to Betty Dekat for being so generous.

Random Reagan

2009-03-08T17:37:00.010-04:00

For the benefit of family members that follow my blog, here is some Reagan-related randomness:

Carnage at the Canadian Museum of Nature

A Saturday Well Spent

Winnie Love

1999 Schooler Santa

2009-03-03T21:22:00.004-05:00

Title: 1999 Schooler Santa
Threads: DMC

Fabric: 36 count summer khaki Edinborough linen

Source: 1999 Santa card

Designer: The Prairie Schooler

So here is my second February ornament. I stitched it on 36 count fabric over two threads with one strand of floss, and the coverage, as you can see, isn't that great. A little disappointing, but oh well, it'll do. I used a Christmasy cotton plaid fabric for the back, and I'm very pleased with my finishing. My sewing skills seem to be improving. Yipee!

Noel

2009-03-03T20:39:00.003-05:00

Title: Noel
Threads: DMC 498
Fabric: 28 ct antique white Cashel linen
Source: On-line freebie
Designer: 123 Citrouille

Here is my first ornament finish for the month of February. Better late than never! I think it turned out just right. I absolutely love this design, and surprisingly, I'm not tired of red yet. The backing fabric is super soft cotton flannel. It's so soft and cuddly, I just want to pet it all day long.

Prairie Schooler Bookmark

2009-02-22T16:03:00.004-05:00

Title: Bookmark

Threads: DMC
Fabric: 28 count white Quaker cloth
Source: Prairie Schooler freebie card
Designer: The Prairie Schooler

I am completely amazed that my Prairie Schooler exchange piece has traveled from Quebec to South Carolina already. I mailed it on Monday! That's, like, less than a week. I sometimes don't get such fast service mailing to the next province. Anyway...I've always wanted to stitch one of the PS bookmark designs, but never really had a reason until just recently. I think it turned out not too badly, and my exchange partner, Bonnie, said she likes it. Everyone wins. Yay!

My Favorite Kitten

2009-02-15T16:20:00.004-05:00

Title: My Favorite Kitten Pinkeep

Threads: DMC

Fabric: 28 ct country mocha Cashel linen
Source: primitivebettys chart

Designer: Betty Dekat

I finished this little kitty over a week ago, but since I'm not overly impressed with my finishing skills, I was reluctant to show it off. The model pictured on the chart pack looks sooooo much better than mine. I have a really, really hard time sewing curves. I have no formal training on a sewing machine and it shows! My daughter thinks it's pretty spiffy though, so I'm going to make another one just for her. To reduce the curves, I'm going to sew it without the tail. I experienced some fraying of the linen when I turned the piece for stuffing, so on the next one I'm also going to use interfacing. Hopefully it'll turn out better.

Speaking of my daughter, I haven't posted a picture of her lately. Her she is (making a goofy face, as usual) posing just before going to her school's Valentine's Day dance.

I've finished my Prairie Schooler exchange piece, but I can't show you a picture yet. I'm going to mail it tomorrow, and I'm hoping it will arrive at its destination in a week or two. If all goes well, I'll have an ornie finish to show before then anyway. Until then...

keep on stitchin'!

Is that a cheesy closing or what?! Seriously, I need to come up with a closing. Otherwise, it's just awkward. Ya know?

Grille Gratuite 01

2009-02-01T15:55:00.002-05:00

Title: Grille Gratuite 01
Threads: DMC 816
Fabric: 28 ct white Quaker cloth

Source: On-line freebie
Designer: Claire Findlay

Although this ornament was finished in February, I'm claiming it as a January ornament. So there. I love how this piece turned out, but it was a major pain to stitch for two reasons. Firstly, I made a few counting errors. I don't normally fix those on spot samplers, but they were so obvious that I had to do something. And secondly, this design took a surprisingly long time to stitch. It's not that big, but it is a bit dense. It seemed like I worked on it forever, and I'm soooo glad it's done! The finishing is pretty bland because I have next to nothing in the way of finishing stash. No buttons, no ribbons, no rick rack, no cord, no piping, no backing fabrics. Woe is me. A trip to a fabric store is definitely in order!

Up next are my February ornaments and my Prairie Schooler exchange piece. Stay tuned!

Sampler Winter

2009-01-25T20:00:00.004-05:00

Title: Sampler Winter

Threads: DMC 918, 869, 3045, 3826, blanc

Fabric: 28 ct country mocha Cashel linen

Source: On-line freebie

Designer: Marika Belfiori

I signed up for the 2009 Christmas Challenge and low and behold, I have an ornament stitched and finished for the month of January during the month of January. Woohoo! And if I'm lucky I may even have another ornament finish this month. Next year I would like to have two Christmas trees with two distinct themes - a primitive tree and a red and white sampler tree. My goal is to stitch two ornaments a month so that I'll have plenty of ornaments for each tree.

During the holidays I saw Sampler Winter posted on a blog (sorry, I don't remember which one) and knew that I had to stitch it. It seems as though I simply cannot stitch a design using the recommended colours, so of course I chose some Prairie Schoolerish shades to match the existing colours found on my primitive tree. I also added lots of little snowflakes that I pinched from the first Limited Edition Prairie Schooler Santa. I'm thrilled with how it turned out!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-20T19:59:00.005-05:00

As you can see, my Christmas tree is finally picture-worthy (I think). I found some really cute little bird houses at Pier One Imports last night, and I just added them to the tree. I also just finished wrapping the last of my gifts. Phew! I'm glad that's done.

I am officially on holidays for the next week. Woohoo! We had planned to leave for Montreal tomorrow, but it looks as though a big snow storm will be blowing through. That gives me an extra day to get my house in order and maybe sneak in an extra bit of shopping for stocking stuffers. And maybe, before we leave (keep your fingers and toes crossed) Canada Post will deliver the parcel of gifts my family sent.

I doubt I'll post anything while on vacation, but I hope to read lots of blogs. I may even leave some comments on your blog. So until then, may you have a safe and happy holiday!

Christmas Ornament Meme

2008-12-08T20:02:00.008-05:00

How many angel ornaments do you have hanging on your tree? 0

How many star ornaments do you have? 10 relatively large tin stars.

Do you have a theme tree, and if so, what is it? I'm a Christmas-tree-theme kinda gal. This year the theme is rustic/primitive. While the look of my primitive tree is taking a some time to grow on me, I think next year it will look even better. I hope to make many more Prairie Schooler Santas in the upcoming year. I'd also like to make primitve stuffed fabric snowmen.

How many Santa ornaments? 8 Prairie Schooler St. Nicks

How many ornaments were handmade by you or your children? I made the PS St. Nicks and Reagan and I made the cinnamon stick ornaments. So that's about 18 ornaments.

Are there any food ornaments on your tree? Yes, cinnamon sticks.

Are there any ornaments that betray your origins, i.e. where you're from? Ummm, no.

What's the oldest ornament on your tree? None of the ornaments are very old. In fact, many of them were bought a couple of weeks ago.

What ornament do you have that is the least likely to be hanging on someone else's tree? I'm sure the number of people out there who have Prairie Schooler St. Nicks on their trees is small. Very small.

And finally, do you have any new ornaments this year? Oh yes, lots and lots. The wooden skates, tin bells (and don't let the pic fool you, those bells are softball-sized), and jute-wrapped wire ornaments were all bought this year. The handmade cinnamon stick ornaments are also new this year.

I stole this meme from Anna's blog. Thanks Anna!

Celestial Santa

2008-12-07T08:11:00.006-05:00

Title: Celestial Santa

Threads: DMC

Fabric: 28 ct natural linen

Source: Heartstrings The Jolly Company leaflet AC-114

Designer: Pat Thode (The Artists Collection)

My mother-in-law requested a stitched Santa from me this year, and I was happy to oblige. Yesterday I gave her Celestial Santa, and she seemed to really like it. It was difficult to let it go, but I'm sure it will look fabulous in her home.

I put up my Christmas tree this week, and am slowly decorating for the holidays and wrapping gifts. I will post pics when everything is up to snuff.

I've been tagged...

2008-11-15T09:52:00.002-05:00

by MJ of The Sampler Stitcher. I must post six random things about myself. The rules are:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

So, six random things about me are:

1. I have really white teeth...thanks to Zoom!.
2. I hate (yes hate, I say!) seafood and most types of fish.
3. I was angry and depressed for weeks after finishing the last Harry Potter book. Why, oh why, did it have to end???
4. I still watch Seinfeld ~~everyday~~ every day. (Thanks, Anna).
5. I paid way too much for a Dyson, and deep down (don't tell my husband!) I don't think it was worth it.
6. I play indoor volleyball on Wednesday nights.

Christina
Cathey
Sabine
Nicole

I'll add two more later. ;)

Let It Snow

2008-10-28T20:39:00.007-04:00

Right this very moment it's snowing outside! Can you believe that?!? Although I'm a little freaked out by this, it is a great segue for my latest finish.

I started this design last year and got it finished right around the time that the 2008 limited edition kit arrived in my mailbox. As usual, I chose not to use the Crescent Color fibres that came with the kit. Not. My. Style. I simply cannot stitch a green snowman! I think the design looks much better with traditional Prairie Schooler colours.

Title: Let It Snow
Threads: DMC 221, 310, 356, 407, 501, 844, blanc
Fabric: 28 ct sage/summer khaki Jobelan
Source: PS limited edition kit
Designer: The Prairie Schooler

I hope to start the latest limited edition kit design soon, but first I have to spend all of my stitching time on a Pat Thode Santa that will be a before-Christmas-gift for my mother-in-law.

Quaker House

2008-10-06T20:04:00.005-04:00

Look who's back, back again...

I've been a little busy for the past, um, year or so, but I've decided to make more of an effort to post on my poor neglected blog. I'm a bit pressed for time, so I'll be posting in English only--apologies to the francophones. Anywho, without further ado, here is one of my latest finishes. I completed it during summer vacation in New Brunswick. I'm not totally in love with it. I probably shouldn't have used linen threads. The colours seem off to me. What do you think?

Title: Quaker House
Threads: DMC linen threads
Fabric: 28 count vintage country mocha Cashel linen
Source: With Needle & Thread
Designer: Blackbird Designs

Long overdue!

2008-01-12T18:58:00.001-05:00

Well, Christmas is officially over for me. I took my tree down...today. I was sad to see it go, :sniff:, but it was time. I had a wonderful Christmas. I read lots of books, played lots of cards,relaxed, ate, drank, and was merry. And most importantly, I became a Guitar Hero. Noël est officiellement finis pour moi. J'ai démonté mon arbre de Noël...aujourd'hui. J'étais triste de le voir partir, mais c'était le temps.

Now that the holiday rush is over for another year, it's time to get my life, including this blog, in order. So without further ado, here are some long, long, long overdue thanks and pics. Maintenant que les vacances sont terminé, c'est le temps de mettre ma vie et mon blogue en ordre. Alors, voici quelques photos and remerciements qui sont vraiment en retard.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I entered Susan's pay-it forward. She graciously sent me a beautifully stitched and finished biscornu, pictured above. Thank you so much, Susan! Il y a long temps, je me suis inscrite au "Donné au suivant" de Susan. Elle m'a aimablement envoyé un beau biscornu, illustré ci-dessus. Merci beaucoup, Susan!

Although Rachel was supposed to receive a little something handmade from me, she decided to make something for me. She sent me this delightful doorknob fob, and it showcases how talented she is as a stitcher and a finisher. A big thanks goes out to you, Rachel! Bien que Rachel était supposée de recevoir quelque chose de moi, elle a decidé de faire quelque chose pour moi. Elle m'a envoyé ce fabuleux coussinet qui démontre comment elle est douée. Un gros merci a toi, Rachel!

For those who joined my pay-it-forward, take heart, I will mail out your gifts this week. My apologies for being so incredibly late. Pour eux qui se sont inscrits au mon "Donné au suivant", je vais envoyé vos cadeaux cette semaine. Mes excuses pour être incroyablement en retard.

Is Anyone Still Reading?

2007-12-01T10:06:00.000-05:00

I apologize for disappearing for the past several months. Life got in the way...big time. Firstly, in February, I re-entered the workforce after a more than nine year hiatus. The hours and commute are loooong and have reduced my computer and stitching time drastically. Then in May, my husband left for a 6-month tour in Afghanistan. Being a single mom was difficult. What little time I had had for leisurely pursuits pretty much went the way of the dinosaur. But my life wasn't all drudgery--Reagan and I went to New Brunswick for a small summer holiday, and a few weeks after that, I met my husband in Paris for an incredible 3-week vacation.

My husband returned from Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago, making life much easier for me. I'm still working and commuting 11 hours a day, but now I have a bit of time to do "whatever". I hope to finish fixing up my blog and continue working on The Prairie Schooler's Dear Santa design. Progress pics will be posted soon...until then, au revoir!

Je m'excuse d'être absente pendant les derniers plusieurs mois. La vie a été devenue folle. En février j'ai obtenu un travail à temps plein, et en mai mon mari est parti pour travailler en Afghanistan pendant six mois. Alors, je n'avais presque plus de temps pour jouer sur l'ordi et pour faire de la broderie. Mais ma vie n'était pas toute la servitude--Reagan et moi sommes allés au Nouveau Brunswick pour faire une petite vacation d'été et quelques semaines plus tard, j'ai rencontré mon mari à Paris pour faire une vacation incroyable de trois semaines.

Mon mari est retourné d'Afghanistan il y a deux semaines. Maintenant ma vie est plus simple, et j'ai un peu de temps juste pour moi. J'espère continuer d'embellir mon blogue et de travailler sur Dear Santa, un kit du Prairie Schooler. Les photos de progrès seront ici bientôt.

Watch this space.

2007-04-21T12:03:00.000-04:00

Lo, How a Rose

2007-01-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

Title: Lo, How a Rose

Threads: DMC

Fabric: 32 count cream linen

Source: BH&G A Cross Stitch Christmas: Celebrations in Stitches (2001)

Designer: Brightneedle

It's a month late, but I've finally finished Lo How a Rose by Brightneedle. I had originally intended to transform it into a cushion, but now I think I will like it better framed. C'est un mois en retard, mais j'ai finalement fini Lo, How a Rose par Brightneedle. Originalement, j'avais eu l'intention de le transformer en coussin, mais maintenant je pense que je l'aimerai mieux encadré.

Les Fleurs

2007-01-04T13:01:00.000-05:00

Title: Untitled
Threads: DMC
Fabric: 28 count country Quaker cloth
Source: Mains et Merveilles: Point de Croix no. 23
Designer: Valérie Lejeune

Here is a cute design that I stitched for Fabienne, my husband's aunt, for Christmas. I like it so much that I think I'll stitch one for myself. Voici un joli modèle que j'ai brodé pour Fabienne, la tante de mon mari, pour Noël. Je l'aime tellement que je pense que je broderai un pour moi-même.

Updates

2007-01-04T08:36:00.000-05:00

First of all, thank you for all the lovely comments! Merci de tous les beaux commentaires!

Now on to the updates...there is still no snow, only I'm not so broken up about it now. In fact, this is turning out to be the best "winter" ever. Les mises à jour... il ya toujours aucune neige, mais maintenant ça ne me fait pas de la peine. En fait, ceci s'avère être le meilleur "hiver" de tous.

You can probably guess by looking at the photo above why I was charged so much for shipping. Wow. Unbelievable. A bubble wrap envelope would have sufficed. Oh well, that's life. On the bright side, the book arrived (in very good condition!) just before Christmas and I absolutely love it. Probablement, tu peut deviner en regardant la photo en haut pourquoi j'ai été chargé tellement pour l'expédition de mon livre. Incroyable. Une enveloppe de bulle aurait suffi. C'est la vie. Mais, le livre est arrivé (en très bonne condition!) juste avant Noël et je l'aime absolument.

The bank has not yet reimbursed me for the money stolen from my account, but they have assured me that they will. Hundreds of people in my city were affected, and, thankfully, the idiots responsible for this have been apprehended and charged. La banque ne m'a pas encore remboursé pour l'argent volé de mon compte, mais ils m'ont assuré qu'ils le feront. Des centaines de personnes dans ma ville ont été affectées, et, heureusement, les idiots responsables de ceci ont été appréhendées et chargées.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-21T03:07:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit, but it's difficult. First of all there's no snow. Secondly, I was a victim of debit card fraud--some degenerate moron stole $1000 from me this past weekend. And finally, I'm disheartened that an on-line needlework shop charged me $18.30 USD to ship a book from Connecticut to Quebec. Bah humbug! J'essaie d'entrer dans l'esprit de Noël, mais il est difficile. D'abord de tous il n'y a aucune neige. Deuxièmement, j'étais une victime de fraude de carte de débit -- un idiot dégénéré a volé $1000 de moi ce week-end passé. Et en conclusion, il me décourage qu'un magasin en ligne de broderie m'a chargé $18.30 USD pour embarquer un livre du Connecticut au Québec.

On a positive note, I'm finished Christmas decorating and shopping, and I thought I'd share some photos with you. See? I'm not a total Scrooge. ;) Sur une note positive, mes decorations et magasinage de Noël sont finis, et j'ai pensé que je partagerais quelques photos avec vous.

Prairie Schooler Christmas Exchange

2006-12-09T10:58:00.000-05:00

Wendy had my name in the Prairie Schooler ezboard ornament exchange, and I recently received a beautiful Prairie Schooler banner from her. The designs are from Christmas Day (book no. 134). She really went above and beyond the call of duty! I love oversize elements on my tree, so the banner fits in perfectly. Thank you, Wendy! Wendy a eu mon nom dans l'échange d'ornement d'ezboard Prairie Schooler, et j'ai récemment reçu une belle bannière Prairie Schooler d'elle. Les modèles viennent du Christmas Day (book no. 134). Elle est vraiment allée au-dessus et au delà de l'appel du devoir! J'aime les éléments surdimensionnés sur mon arbre, alors la bannière lui convient parfaitement. Merci, Wendy!

Still not dead.

2006-12-09T08:29:00.000-05:00

About a month ago I wrote that I hope to update my blog at least once a week...famous last words. Well, I will try not to say that anymore because obviously I'm not capable of updating regularly. Environ il y a un mois j'ai écrit j'espère mettre à jour mon blog au moins une fois par semaine. J'essayerai de ne pas dire cela plus parce qu'évidemment je ne suis pas capable de la mise à jour régulièrement.

Although I've been occupied with school, I have had time to work on some gifts. I don't want to spoil the suprises, so I won't be able to show you them until after Christmas. However, since Wendy has received it, I can show you the ornament I made for her for the Prairie Schooler ezboard ornament exchange. In the photo above is a Prairie Schooler design from Nutcrackers (book no. 59). I stitched it with one strand of DMC floss over two threads 40 ct Kiwi Illusions kiwi (1/2 strength) linen. Bien que j'aie été occupé avec l'école, j'ai eu le temps pour travailler à quelques cadeaux. Je ne veux pas gâcher les suprises, alors je ne pourrai pas te les montrer avant Noël. Cependant, puisque Wendy l'a reçu, je peux te montrer l'ornement que j'ai fait pour elle pour l'échange d'ornement de l'ezboard de Prairie Schooler. Dans la photo en haut est un modèle de Prairie Schooler de Nutcrackers (book no. 59). Je l'ai brodé avec un fil de DMC sur deux fils de lin 40 ct Kiwi Illusions kiwi (1/2 strength).

Pay it Forward

2006-11-11T11:04:00.000-05:00

Edited to add: Velda, Lisa, Kath, and Cathey, I need your snail mail addresses. Please use the "Contact me" link to the right. Thanks!

I have to admit that I've never seen the movie "Pay it Forward" thanks to a couple of scathing reviews by Entertainment Weekly's Lisa Schwarzbaum, and because it's simply not my kind of movie. However, I love the idea of giving and receiving handmade stuff and have joined Susan's "Pay it Forward". So, the first five people to respond to this post in the comments section will receive, within the next 6 months, a super-duper crafty-thingy made by me. Please leave your e-mail address so that I may contact you. Je dois admettre que je n'ai vu ni le film "Un monde meilleur" ni l'emmission "Donné au suivant"--ce n'est pas mon genre de divertissement. Mais, j'aime l'idée de donner et de recevoir des cadeaux faits à mains, alors je me suis inscrite au "Donné au suivant" de Susan. Ainsi, les cinq premières personnes à répondre à cette poste à la section commentaires vont recevoir, dans les 6 mois suivants, quelque chose super beau faite par moi. Laisse ton adresse de courriel pour que je puisse te contacter, s'il te plait.

This gift comes with strings attached. Your obligation is to post a similar type of offer on your blog. Ce cadeau vient avec une condition. Ton obligation est de posté un offre similaire sur ton blogue.

Low, How a Rose - Part 2

2006-11-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago, Virginia asked if I had finished Low, How a Rose. This is embarrassing, but despite my intention to finish it in a month, I am still working on it. It will be finished in time for Christmas. Seriously, it will. No, really, I mean it this time. Il ya a plusieurs semaines, Virginia a demandé si j'avais fini Low, How A Rose. C'est embarrassant, mais malgré mon intention de le finir dans un mois, je travaille toujours à lui. Il sera fini pour Noël. Je suis vraiment serieuse cette fois.

Marquoir ABC Ancien...Progress?

2006-11-04T13:05:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned below, I haven't had much free time lately; hence, I've stitched very little. To the left you can see my meager progress on the Marquoir ABC Ancien Bleu & Rouge. At this rate, I will finish it in about 10 years. I'm stitching it with one thread of DMC 3721 over two threads of 45 count white Carrick Linen. The fabric is very fine and very gauzy. It took some major getting used to, but I've come to not hate it...more or less. I've found it extremely important to stitch meticulously on this fabric to avoid any red showing through from the back. If you're brave or crazy and would like to try it, you can find the fabric here. Comme j'ai mentionné ci-dessous, je n'ai pas eu beaucoup d'heure libre récemment ; par conséquent, j'ai brodé très peu. Vers la gauche vous pouvez voir mon progrès maigre sur le Marquoir ABC Ancien Bleu et Rouge. À ce vitesse je le finirai en environ 10 ans. Je le brode avec un fil de DMC 3721 sur deux fils de 45 count lin Carrick blanc. Le tissu est très fin et très léger. Il a fallu que je m'habitue, mais j'ai appris à ne pas le détester... plus ou moins. J'ai trouvé extrêmement important de broder méticuleusement sur ce tissu pour éviter l'apparence rouge à travers du dos. Si vous êtes braves ou fous et voudraient l'essayer, vous pouvez trouver le tissu ici.

I'm baaaaack!

2006-11-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not dead, I swear! As usual, October was an insanely busy month for me. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Halloween, in addition to the regular daily grind, severely cut in to my blogging time. Now that things have slowed down somewhat, I hope to update my blog at least once a week. A big thank you to those who inquired about me--it's nice to know that I was missed. Je ne suis pas morte, je le jure ! Comme d'habitude, octobre était un mois très, très occupé pour moi. Les anniversaires, l'Action de grâces, et l'Halloween, en plus de la routine quotidienne régulière, ont sévèrement réduit mon temps. Maintenant que la vie a ralenti légèrement, j'espère mettre à jour mon blog au moins une fois par semaine. Un grand merci à ceux qui se sont enquis au sujet de moi -- il fait bon de savoir que j'ai été manqué.

Here are a couple of photos of Reagan, who recently celebrated her 7th birthday. She had scary Halloween-themed party and the girls particularly loved the bugs on the cake! I was supposed to make Reagan a bat costume for Halloween, but as you can see in the photo, that didn't happen. She was a witch...again. I've finally come to terms with the fact that I possess neither the talent nor the discpline to actually make fancy costumes. I just can't bear to buy costumes either. So Reagan can look forward to many years of dressing up as a witch, ghost, vampire, hobo, gypsy... Voici un couple de photos de Reagan qui a récemment célébré son 7ème anniversaire. Elle a eu une fête d'Halloween pour son anniversaire et les filles ont beaucoup aimé les bebittes sur le gâteau! Je devais faire un costume de chauvre-souris pour Reagan à l'Halloween, mais comme vous pouvez voir dans la photo, ça n'a pas marché. Elle était une sorcière... encore. J'ai finalement accepté que je ne possède ni le talent ni le discpline pour faire les costumes chics. Et je refuse de les acheter. Alors Reagan peut s'attendre à beaucoup d'années à se déguiser en sorcière, fantôme, vampire, hobo, bohémien...

The Proper Stitch

2006-09-13T08:59:00.000-04:00

I had coveted The Proper Stitch, the infamous out-of-print book by Darleen O'Steen, for years and had resigned myself to never owning it because eBay bidders had consistently pushed the price of it up to around $300. Way, way out of my league. Good news--it is finally being re-released! It's coming out in November and I've already pre-ordered it from Wyndham Needleworks. It should arrive just in time for the holidays. A Festivus miracle! J'avais convoité The Proper Stitch, l'infâme livre épuisé de Darleen O'Steen, pour des années et je m'étais résignée à ne jamais le posséder parce que les soumissionnaires de eBay avaient régulièrement poussé le prix de lui jusqu'à environs 300 $. Trop haut pour mon budget. Bonnes nouvelles--il sera sur le marché en novembre et je l'ai déjà commandé à l'avance de Wyndham Needleworks.

Frises Rouges Band Sampler

2006-09-11T15:56:00.000-04:00

Title: Frises Rouges Band Sampler
Theme: red bands
Threads: DMC 815 & 816
Fabric: 30 count cream linen
Source: Répertoire de frises by Valérie Lejeune
Stitchers: Leah, Linda, Kathye, Holly, Jacque, Velda

Last week I was delighted to receive my band sampler round robin. A big thanks goes out to the ladies from the Cross Stitch Crazy ezboard. You did a wonderful job! La semaine dernière j'ai été enchanté de recevoir mon round robin marquoir de frise. Un grand merci aux dames de l'ezboard Cross Stitch Crazy. Vous avez fait un travail merveilleux!

Oh so pretty

2006-09-11T15:34:00.000-04:00

Reagan was given the cutest fashion accessory this weekend. As you can see in the photo below, she looks very cool in a crocheted skirt (it's supposed to be worn over jeans) handmade by Céline, her great-aunt. Merci Céline! Reagan a été donné l'accessoire de mode le plus mignon ce week-end. Comme vous pouvez voir dans la photo ci-dessous, elle est très cool dans une jupe au crochet (elle doit être portée au-dessus de jeans) fait à la main par Céline, sa grand-tante. Merci Céline!

Halloween Costume

2006-09-03T15:35:00.000-04:00

Since it's been rainy and cold this weekend, I've been in the mood for Halloween stitching. This little kitty was a quick stitch, and he looked so cute that I immediately "finished" him (a rare feat). The design is Halloween Costume, an old Birds of a Feather freebie, and is stitched with three strands of DMC over two threads of 20 count khaki Lugana. Puisqu'il est été pluvieux et froid ce week-end, j'ai eu l'envie de broder des modèles de Halloween. J'ai brodé ce petit minou assez rapidement, et il était si mignon que je l'ait "fini" immédiatement (un exploit rare). Le modèle est Halloween Costume, un vieux freebie de Birds of a Feather, et est brodé avec trois fils de DMC sur deux fils de 20 count khaki Lugana.

SBQ - Stow & Show

2006-09-01T16:06:00.001-04:00

Q. What do you keep your WIPs and other stitching supplies in when traveling? Dans quoi mettez-vous vos WIPs et autre approvisionnements de broderie en voyageant?

A. I use a DMC travel bag. I usually travel with at least two WIPs (I need options!), and so I bought some velcro-close binder pouches to keep each project separate. It's a nifty system. J'utilise un sac de voyage de DMC. Je voyage habituellement avec au moins deux WIPs (j'ai besoin d'options!), ainsi j'en ai acheté des poches de reliure avec la fermeture au Velcro pour maintenir chaque projet séparé. C'est un système astucieux.

Q. How do you share your finished pieces with others? Do you frame them, scan and/or photograph them, or do you have another method that you would like to share? Comment partagez-vous vos projets finis avec d'autres ? Est-ce que vous les encadrez, les scannez et/ou les photographiez?

A. I take digital photos of all my finished projects and then upload them to my blog and my on-line gallery. I rarely frame or display my projects in my home. Someday I would like to make a scrapbook with "real" photos of my work. Je prends les photos numériques de tous mes projets finis et puis les télécharge à mon blog et à mon galerie. Je rarement encadre ou montre mes projets dans ma maison. Un jour je voudrais faire un album avec les "vraies" photos de mon travail.

Horns up, baby!

2006-08-31T09:29:00.001-04:00

This past week has been crazy! I've been preparing Reagan for her first day of the first grade. As you can see in the photo below, she's stoked about going back to school. Cette semaine passée a été folle! J'avais préparé Reagan pour son premier jour de sa première année. Comme vous pouvez voir dans la photo ci-dessous, elle est très contente de retourner à l'école.

I should have lots of time to fill you in on my stitching updates before I return to school next week. Stay tuned. Je devrais avoir beaucoup de temps pour vous mettre à jour concernant mes broderies avant que je revienne à l'école la semaine prochaine. Restez à l'écoute.

Dear Santa...

2006-08-22T19:08:00.001-04:00

Title: Dear Santa...
Threads: DMC 221, 310, 356, 407, 501, 844, blanc
Fabric: 28 ct sage/summer khaki Jobelan
Source: PS limited edition kit
Designer: The Prairie Schooler

I just finished putting the final touches on the 2006 limited edition Santa by The Prairie Schooler. The kit came with Crescent Colours overdyed threads and raw natural Cashel linen, but I used DMC and sage Jobelan. I also modified the face so that backstitching was not needed to define it. I really did not like how the model (you can see it here) looked! I think my version, and I may be a little biased, is pretty cute. Je viens de finir de mettre les touches finales sur le Père Noël édition limitée 2006 de The Prairie Schooler. Le kit est venu avec les fils dégradés Crescent Colours et la toile de Cashel raw natural, mais j'ai utilisé DMC et Jobelan sage. J'ai aussi modifié le visage pour que les points arrières n'aient pas été nécessaire pour le définir. Je n'ai vraiment pas aimé à quoi le modèle (vous pouvez le voir ici) a ressemblé! Je pense que ma version, et je peux être un peu biaisée, est très mignonne.

Fabric Woes

2006-08-15T09:34:00.001-04:00

It seems that the 45 count Fine Linen that I had intended to use for the Marquoir stitch-along has been discontinued. Crap. I was counting on that for two reasons: it was inexpensive and it had lots of tiny holes. So now I'm scambling to find something else that I can get fairly quickly at a reasonable price. I'll keep you posted. ;) Il semble que la toile 45 count Fine Linen dont j'avais eu l'intention d'employer pour le Marquoir broder-ensemble a été discontinuée. Merde. Je comptais sur celui pour deux raisons: elle était peu coûteuse et elle avait beaucoup, beaucoup de trous minuscules. Maintenant je me bouscule pour trouver autre chose qui je peux atteindre assez rapidement à un prix raisonnable. Je vous mettrai à jour ;)

In the meantime, here is a sneak peek of the first four parts of the Marquoir ABC Ancien Bleu & Rouge stitched by Carrine with DMC 3768 and 833. It's beautiful, Carrine! En attendant, voici un coup d'oeil des quatre premières parties du Marquoir ABC Ancien Bleu et Rouge brodés par Carrine avec DMC 3768 et 833. Il est beau, Carrine!

I Heart Garage Sales!

2006-08-13T15:49:00.001-04:00

A few times a summer I scour the town for garage sales in search of novels to feed my insatiable appetite for intrigue, thrills, and horror. I managed to find only three books, all by James Grisham, but I stumbled upon the find of the summer--a new (to me) headboard, footboard, and frame for Reagan's bed. All that for only $17! Yipee!! It sure beats the heck out of the horrible MDF platform bed she had before. Plusieurs fois par été je parcours des ventes de garages à la recherche des romans pour alimenter mon appétit insatiable pour l'intrigue, les tressaillements, et l'horreur. J'ai trouver seulment trois livres, tous par James Grisham, mais j'ai trébuché sur la trouvaille de l'été -- un nouveau (à moi) ensemble de lit (tête, pied, et armature) pour Reagan. Tout ça pour seulement 17$! Yipee!! Il est beaucoup plus joli que l'horrible lit de plateforme MDF qu'elle avait avant.

A Prairie Schooler Spot

2006-08-08T11:22:00.002-04:00

Title: A Prairie Schooler Spot

Theme: Praire Schooler motifs

Threads: DMC

Fabric: 28 count waterlily Jobelan

Source: various Prairie Schooler booklets

Stitchers: Amanda, Christine, Kevin, Leah

I started this Round Robin in March of this year with some friends from The Prairie Schooler ezboard. How do you like the fruit of our labour? I think it looks smashing! Thank you Amanda, Christine, and Kevin! J'ai commencé ce Round Robin en mars de cette année avec quelques amis de l'ezboard The Prairie Schooler. Comment vous aiment le fruit de notre travail? Je pense qu'il semble sensationnel! Merci Amanda, Christine, et Kevin!

Here is a photo of Kevin's RR, and his theme is A Prairie Garden (book no. 35). I stitched the block in the lower right-hand corner (I think it's an iris). It's really beautiful, Kevin! Voici une photo du RR de Kevin, et son thème est A Prairie Garden (livre numéro 35). J'ai brodé le bloc dans le coin droit inférieur (je pense que c'est un iris). Il est vraiment beau, Kevin !

Marquoir ABC Ancien Bleu & Rouge

2006-08-03T10:09:00.002-04:00

Psst. Have you seen this yet? It's another beautiful (free!) project offered by Carinne and Gigi, two of the designers of Quaker à 6 Mains. This wonderful (and huge!) stitch along will start on September 16, 2006. It will be divided into sixteen parts that will be offered over the course of 16 months. The design size will be 491 by 665 stitches, so you're going to need a massive piece of fabric! Psst. Avez-vous déjà vu ceci? C'est un autre beau projet (gratuit!) offert par Carinne et Gigi, deux des créatrices du Quaker à 6 Mains. Ce merveilleux (et énorme!) broder ensemble commencera le 16 septembre 2006. Il sera divisé en seize parties qui seront offertes pendant 16 mois. La taille de la broderie sera 491 par 665 points, alors vous allez avoir besoin d'un morceau massif de toile!

If you would like to participate in the project too, you can find more information about it here at Carinne's website. Carinne requests that we link to her home page rather than the project page. Because it may be a little confusing for those who don't read French, I'll guide you through it. Scroll down, click Plan du site, and then click PLAN GRILLES GRATUITES. Next, select SURPRISES Mystères offertes sur longue période, and finally, choose Marquoir Abc ancien. Si vous voudriez participer au projet aussi, vous pouvez trouver plus d'informations ici au site Web de Carinne.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Carinne and Gigi for their generosity. And thank you Carinne for allowing me to show photos of this gorgeous design on my blog! Je voudrais prendre cette occasion pour remercier Carinne et Gigi de leur générosité. Et merci Carinne de me permettre de montrer des photos de ce modèle magnifique sur mon blog!

*Update for English speaking stitchers*, I've translated the pertinent details from the project page:

These patterns are offered to you graciously so that you can download and stitch them. Any reproduction on another site is prohibited. Thank you for your understanding.

Antique Blue & Red Alphabet Sampler Free Stitch-Along offered by Gigi R. & Carinne, modeled after old designs and the private collection of Gigi. Launching September 16, 2006.

To post information regarding these free designs on blogs, forums, etc., please link to the index page of this site and not directly to the project page:

http://users.skynet.be/bk236098/CARINNE/

The sampler will be divided into 16 parts and will be spread out over a period of sixteen months. This will allow all interested stitchers to stitch it without being rushed.

Design size (all 16 parts) = 491 X 665 stitches

Fabric size:

35.07”w x 47.50”h on 14 count fabric (over 2 on 28 count)
30.69”w x 41.56”h on 16 count fabric (over 2 on 32 count)
27.28”w x 36.94”h on 18 count fabric (over 2 on 36 count)
24.55”w x 33.25”h on 20 count fabric (over 2 on 40 count)
22.32”w x 30.23”h on 22 count fabric (over 2 on 45 count)

For the fabric it is necessary for you to add a minimum of 2-3 inches to each side (for framing or finishing).

Information regarding number of stitches:

Blue = 42860 stitches
Red = 17287 stitches
Total = 60147 stitches

The sampler will have full stitches only, so there will be no problem with stitching it over one.

The red line on the diagram is not to be stitched, it is to delimit the parts and for you to find your place more easily. Please do not grid the fabric before the project starts as each part is a different size.

Important : Do not stitch the borders beforehand, but as each part comes out. Otherwise, you may not be correct at the end, and you may have to frog some of your work.

The stitching of the sampler is to be started in the left corner.

The colours on the pattern offered are given as a suggestion only, it is up to you to select colours that suit you. The colours used in the model are: blue – DMC 798 and red – DMC 815.

Information regarding fibre usage based on 6 strand 8m skein (approximate values):

14 count (over 2 on 28 count) = 19 skeins of blue & 8 skeins of red
16 count (over 2 on 32 count) = 18 skeins of blue & 7 skeins of red
18 count (over 2 on 36 count) = 15 skeins of blue & 6 skeins of red
20 count (over 2 on 40 count) = 14 skeins of blue & 6 skeins of red

Happy stitching, Gigi and Carinne!

Lanarte Little Animals

2006-08-02T14:44:00.002-04:00

It probably seems like I've dropped off the face of the Earth. Well, I haven't. I've been busy reading. And lately, its been very, very hot. Hence, I'm not doing much stitching. I did manage to finish my portion of my new RR. The theme is Lanarte Little Animals. Isn't that little hen cute? Il semble probablement comme j'ai disparu. Je n'ai pas. J'ai été occupé avec la lecture. Aussi, ces jours ci il fait très, très chaud. Par conséquent, je ne brode pas beaucoup. Quand même, j'ai réussi à finir ma partie de mon nouveau RR. Le thème est les petits animaux de Lanarte. Cette petite poule, n'est-elle pas mignonne?

Lo, How a Rose - Part 1

2006-07-14T14:28:00.001-04:00

Because I don't have enough projects on the go (big fat lie!), I've started a new one. This design is called Lo, How a Rose by Brightneedle. Fortunately for me, this Brightneedle has a reasonable amount of colours. I hope to stitch it in four parts and finish it within a month. We'll see about that. Parce que je n'ai pas assez de travaille en marche (grand mensonge!), j'ai commencé un nouveau projet. Cette modèle s'appelle Lo, How a Rose de Brightneedle. Heureusement pour moi, ce Brightneedle a une quantité raisonnable de couleurs. J'espère le broder dans quatre parties et le finir dans un mois. On va voir.

The Tooth Fairy Cometh

2006-07-10T20:38:00.003-04:00

For the past year, with a mixture of curiosity and envy, Reagan has watched her peers lose their teeth. Her best friend, who is seven months younger, has already lost four. No fair! Today, with a little help from Papa, Reagan is officially no longer a baby. And she's two dollars richer to boot! Pendant la dernière année, avec un mélange de curiosité et d'envie, Reagan l'a observée des pairs perdre leurs dents. Son meilleure amie, qui est sept mois plus jeune, a déjà perdu quatre. Pas juste! Aujourd'hui, avec une peu d'aide de papa, Reagan n'est plus un bébé. Elle est deux dollars plus riche en plus!

SBQ - Stitching Mishaps

2006-07-09T13:07:00.001-04:00

Q. What is the biggest mishap you have had with your stitching material (i.e. spillages)? Quel est le plus grand malheur que tu as eu avec ta toile?

A. I usually spill coffee on my work, but I don't worry about mishaps because I always wash the fabric once the project is finished. However, my daughter once wrote on my fabric with an orange highlighter. That was a bit stressful! Pinesol saved the day though. Je renverse habituellement le café sur mon travail, mais je ne m'inquiète pas des malheurs parce que je lave toujours ma toile une fois que le projet est fini. Cependant, une fois ma fille a écrit sur mon tissu avec un souligneur orange. C'était un peu stressant! Mais Pinesol a sauvé le jour.

The Sampler Sampler

2006-07-07T09:53:00.001-04:00

Title: The Sampler Sampler
Threads: DMC & Anchor
Fabric: 40 ct white Newcastle linen
Source: Brightneedle book no. 37
Designer: Brightneedle

I started this design at least a year ago, possibly more. I had originally planned to stitch a block a week and finish it in nine weeks. Ha! I quickly realized that this was an unpleasant project that might never be finished. Why was it so unpleasant? 28 colours! DMC and Anchor! Never. Again. J'ai commencé cette modèle au moins il y a une année, probablement plus. Originalement, j'avais projeté de broder un bloc par semaine et le finir en neuf semaines. Ha! Je me suis rapidement rendu compte que c'était un projet désagréable que je pourrais ne jamais finir. Pourquoi était-il si désagréable? 28 couleurs! DMC et Anchor! Plus. Jamais.

St. Nicholas II

2006-07-05T23:04:00.001-04:00

I started these Santas about a year ago and finished stitching them tonight. The easy part is over. Now I'm facing the arduous task of making them into ornaments for my Christmas tree. Eek! Wish me luck. J'ai commencé ces Père Noël il y a une année et j'ai fini de les broder ce soir. La partie facile est faite. Maintenant je fais face au laborieux tâche de les transformer en des ornements pour mon arbre de Noël. Eek! Souhaitez-moi bonne chance.



		Title: St. Nicholas II Threads: DMC Fabric: 20 ct new khaki Lugana Source: The Prairie Schooler book no. 36 Designer: The Prairie Schooler

SBQ - Stitched Charts

2006-06-29T13:16:00.000-04:00

Q. What do you do with your charts once you've stitched them? Do you keep
them or dispose of them? If you keep them, do you organize them in a
way that is different from the way you keep your unstitched charts? Que faites-vous avec vos diagrammes une fois que vous les avez brodés? Est-ce que vous les gardez ou vous débarassez d'eux? Si vous les gardez, les organisez-vous d'une manière dont est différent de la manière que vous maintenez vos autre diagrammes?

A. I usually trade charts that I've already stitched. I only keep The Prairie Schooler designs, as well as designs that come from books and magazines. I organize them in the same manner as all my other charts. Habituellement je fais un échange avec un autre brodeuse pour me débarasser des diagrammes que j'ai déjà brodés. Je garde seulement les diagrammes de The Prairie Schooler et ceux qui viennent des livres et des revues. Je les organise de la même manière que tous mes autres diagrammes.

Le Quaker à 6 Mains - Finished

2006-06-29T10:22:00.001-04:00

Title: Quaker à 6 Mains

Thread: DMC 816

Fabric: 40 ct Kiwi Illusions kiwi (1/4 strength) linen

Source: AMAP freebie / SANQ vol 21

Designers: Carrine, Jackye, Gigi R. / Ruth Anne Russell

It's finally finished! Yay! I'm really happy with how this mystery turned out. I wanted to wait to show the finished project all decked out in a super duper frame, but the super duper frame is taking longer than anticipated (more on that another day). You may have noticed that the alphabet looks a little different than that of the final installment of the mystery. No offense to the designers, but I wanted something a bit more substantial. Therefore, I used the alphabet from Ruth Anne Russell's Quaker Medallion Sampler found on pages 18 to 28 of volume 21 of Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly. A big thanks to all the designers involved in this project! Il est finalement fini ! Youpi! Je suis vraiment heureux avec la façon dont ce mystère s'est révélé. J'ai voulu attendre pour montrer le projet fini tout orné dans un super joli cadre, mais le super joli cadre prenant plus longtemps qu'est prévue (plus sur ça un autre jour). Vous avez pu avoir noté que l'alphabet semble différent que celui de la partie finale du mystère. Aucune offense aux créatrices, mais j'ai voulu quelque chose un peu plus substantiel. Par conséquent, j'ai utilisé l'alphabet du Quaker Medallion Sampler de Ruth Anne Russell trouvé aux pages 18 à 28 de volume 21 de Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly . Un gros merci à tous les créatrices impliqués dans ce projet !

Don't forget that this design is a freebie and if you'd like to stitch it too, you can download it here. N'oubliez pas que cette modèle est un grille gratuite et si vous voudriez le broder aussi, vous pouvez le télécharger ici.

Summer

2006-06-24T14:39:00.000-04:00

Summer has arrived and that means that my daughter Reagan and I are off for the summer. Yay! Since I have no stitching updates, I'll leave you with some recent pictures of Reagan already enjoying the season. I'd also like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all those who have left comments. They are very encouraging and I really appreciate them! L'été est arrivé et ça veut dire que ma fille Reagan et moi sont en vacances. Youpi! Puisque je n'ai aucune mise à jour concernant le point de croix, je vous laisserai avec quelques images récentes de Reagan appréciant déjà la saison. Je voudrais également saisir cette occasion de dire merci à tous ceux qui ont laissé des commentaires. Ils sont très encourageant et je les apprécie!

Alphabet Sampler

2006-06-16T00:32:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week the colours in Anne's Rose Sampler inspired me to finally stitch BHG's Alphabet Sampler, a freebie available here. Despite stitching it on a piece of cheap, yucky linen, I'm really happy with how out it turned out. My daughter is thrilled that it will soon be hanging in her bedroom. Plus tôt cette semaine les couleurs trouvés dans le Rose Sampler d'Anne m'ont inspiré de broder l'Alphabet Sampler de BHG, un grille gratuit disponible ici. Bien que je l'aie brodé sur un morceau de lin de mauvais qualité, je suis vraiment heureux de le produit fini. Ma fille est très contente qu'il accrochera bientôt dans sa chambre.

Prairie Birds - Wren

2006-06-16T00:11:00.001-04:00

I just finished working on the round robin of Christina from the Prairie Schooler ezboard. I stitched the wren from Prairie Birds, book no. 24. The design is stitched with DMC thread on 32 count antique ivory Belfast linen. It's official, I am so over Prairie Birds! ;) Je viens de finir de travailler sur le round robin de Christine de l'ezboard de The Prairie Schooler. J'ai brodé le roitelet de Prairie Birds (book no. 24). Le modèle est brodé avec le fil DMC sur le lin Belfast 32 count antique ivory. Il est officiel, les oiseaux PS et moi, nous avons rompu! ;)

Le Quaker à 6 Mains - Part 4

2006-06-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

It looks as though I've fallen a bit behind in this project. I was a little slow starting part four of this mystery stitch, and now I have only 10 days to stitch part five before the final installment is released. The race is on! Il parait que j'ai pris du retard dans ce projet. J'ai commencé lentement la quatrième partie du mystère, et maintenant j'ai seulement 10 jours pour broder la cinqième partie avant que la dernière soit sortie. La course commence!

SBQ - Backs & Stitching Spot

2006-06-09T17:46:00.001-04:00

Q. Vash is requesting pictures of the back of your stitching… are you brave enough to give this one a shot? Vash demande des images du dos de vos ouvrages...qui sont assez bravent pour l'essayer?

A. I'm usually pretty anal about the back of my work, although I have relaxed my standards a bit over the years. Here is a shot of the back of The Sampler Sampler. The back certainly doesn't look as good as the front, but it's not too shabby, if I do say so myself. Je suis habituellement particulière au sujet du dos de mon travail, bien que j'aie assouplie mes standards un peu au cours des années. Voici un image du dos de The Sampler Sampler. Le dos n'est pas aussi beau que l'avant, mais il n'est pas trop minable.

Q. Singular Stitches asks for "a pictorial tour of the special place that you go to create your wonderful stitched creations." Singular Stitches demande "une excursion imagée de l'endroit spécial où vous allez créer vos créations brodées merveilleuses."

A. I almost always stitch in the living room while I watch TV. I cozy up to my furry pillows close to the lamp, and spread myself and my stuff all over the sofa. Sweet. Very sweet. Je brode presque toujours dans le salon tandis que je regarde la télé.

When I'm not stitching, I store a couple of WIPs in a messanger bag (you can just see it peeking under the WIP shown in the first shot) and, when not in use, that is tucked away in the blanket box seen next to the chair in the third shot. The rest of my stash has its very own room--mon atelier de brodeuse. I hope to show you pictures of that someday soon. Quand je ne brode pas, je garde un couple de WIPs dans un sac de messager et quand il n'est pas utilisé, il est serré dans la grosse boîte à côté de la chaise dans la troisième image. Le reste de mon "stash" a sa propre pièce-- mon atelier de brodeuse. J'espère vous montrer des images de celle-la bientôt.

Prairie Birds - Cardinals

2006-05-28T20:50:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I finished working on the round robin of Amanda from the Prairie Schooler ezboard. I stitched the cardinals from Prairie Birds, book no. 24. The design is stitched with DMC thread on 32 count light mocha Belfast linen. Like most Prairie Schooler smalls, it was a quick and fun stitch. I hope she likes it! Il y a deux semaines j'ai fini de travailler sur le round robin d'Amanda de l'ezboard de The Prairie Schooler. J'ai brodé les cardinaux de Prairie Birds (book no. 24). Le modèle est brodé avec le fil DMC sur le lin Belfast 32 count light mocha. J'espère qu'elle l'aime !

Le Quaker à 6 Mains - Part 3

2006-04-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

If it seems like I have red on the brain, it's because I do! I love, love, love red samplers, and I can't get enough of this Belgian quaker. Isn't it beautiful? I just finished up the third part and am anxiously awaiting the release of the fourth. Factoring in the time difference between Canada and Belgium, I have only about three days to wait. ;) J'aime les marquoirs rouges et je ne peux pas obtenir assez de ce quaker belge. N'est-il pas beau ? Je viens de finir la troisième partie et j'attends impatiemment le dégagement du quatrième partie. Factorisant la différence de temps entre le Canada et la Belgique, j'ai seulement environ trois jours à attendre. ;)

Spot Sampler Round Robin

2006-03-05T16:26:00.002-05:00

Here is the long-awaited photo of my completed Spot Sampler RR from last year. It is stitched on 28 count golden tan Cashel linen with two strands of DMC floss over two threads of linen. The designs come from the book Alphabets, Motifs & Borders by Brenda Keyes. A big thanks goes out to Bonnie, Leanne, Lisa, Kathy, Sara, and Suzi from the Stitcher's Haven board.