I managed two finishes this week in between wrapping presents and generally getting ready for the holidays. Fortunately, Nora has taken over the responsibility for much of the decorating around the house so I didn’t have as much to do this year. I did get to bake some cookies this year – probably the first time in at least a dozen years. I did also manage some stitching in between the festivities! As a result I have two finishes under my belt.
The first is A Different View, our 2014 Stitch-of-the-Month project, by Kurdy Biggs. I added Swarovski crystal bicones and Mill Hill crystal bugle beads. I opted for the crystal as I really didn’t want to try to figure out how to distribute various colored beads in the design. I am pleased with the outcome – just enough bling without being too overwhelming.
This is the overall result followed by some close-ups of the individual octagons.
I had a great time stitching this piece – the stitches were challenging and picking my own colors was a great experience.
My second finish was Alicia, a Tony Minieri design, that Gone Stitching in Bergenfield offered as a class entitled “Time to Make the Donuts”. I didn’t get the connection until it was pointed out that the colorway designated as the original reminded everyone of Dunkin Donuts (duh!). It reminds me of Rainbow Sherbet and so the piece will be designated for summer display. I did not manipulate the Watercolours too much – just a bit around the outside row so that I got a pretty good distribution of colors.
I am now trying to get my temporary stitching room (aka the guest bedroom) somewhat organized. I will be starting a new class at The Edwardian Needle in early January – Tony Minieri’s Out of Africa as well as our Serengeti project later in the month. And I have a large project for a gift in late May that I must finish. So I need to get canvases, threads and instructions into project bags so that I can easily find them. I think that will occupy me for the next few days.
I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year!
NJNA is Blogging! 
I am so impressed with your diligence over the holidays. You and Sue C. are stitching up a storm. I am lucky to finish an ornament for my grandson which I hope to finish stitching tonight. Then hopefully finish it by the end of the year. I have spent a lot of time reading books to him, chasing balls and finding puzzle pieces underfoot. It is a joyful confusion down here, which doesn’t lead to much stitching. Happy New Year to you all.
You are inspiring to us all, Linda. Your “A Different View” is breathtaking. You did an excellent job of choosing colors and balancing the colors throughout the different octagons. I have to admit that I did not think of Dunkin Donits when I saw your second piece but Rainbow Sherbet is a perfect description of that beauty. If only work did not get in the way, just think of all you would complete!
Sue