Author Archives: dmbstitch

Aug28

Silent Auction, Teacher Expo, Excursions, and Expo

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Yesterday was a non-stitching day. Originally I had signed up for the Frank Lloyd Wright by Bus tour through ANG but got a call a few weeks ago that it was canceled due to not enough participation. Luckily we found out through someone from California that we could do the same tour through the Chicago Architecture Foundation and it was actually cheaper than through ANG. So Joanne from CA, Heidi, and I caught a cab yesterday morning up (down?) Michigan Ave to the CAF. The bus took about 1/2 hour to get out to Oak Park during with a docent gave us some background on Frank Lloyd Wright, which was very interesting. In Oak Park, we first spent about an hour or so touring the inside of Wright's home and studio. As familiar as I thought I was with is designs, I was amazed at what he put into his home and studio – the openness, little nooks, high ceilings, interesting use of materials on the walls and floors, lighting techniques, and overall flow from room to room. Unfortunately, we we're not allowed to take pictures inside. We then spent an hour doing an outside walking tour of homes he's designed in the neighborhood. Several you weren't sure if they were his because they were deisned around old Victorians – they didn't tear down and rebuild the way we do today. We ended at the Unity Temple that he designed and incorporates the principles of Unitarianism. We then took the bus back to the CAF, which is across from Brant Park and Millenium Park.

Bean statue

Being such A beautiful day, Heidi and I walked back through the park ans saw the reflective Bean statue.

After a late lunch we decided to check out Navy Pier, which is an entertainment district about a mile from the hotel overlooking the lake. After dinner at Seasons52, which was fabulous, we headed to Expo. Expo is 2 hours at Seminar where about 25 or so vendors display and sell their wares! I have to say, it was a bit overwhelming! I did purchase 2 sets of Rare Earth magnets and almost bought several other items but decided to wait since many vendors did not take credit cards. I did get to say hi to Susie from Stitches From The heart where she had A La Mode on display, which is a new Jean Hilton release that they have a one-year exclusive right to. I had already ordered it from her (she told me it's probably waiting at home for me!) so it was wonderful to see it worked up – the photos don't do it justice!

Tuesday night was the silent auction. There were probably a hundred canvases plus charts plus finished pieces. I put a bid on several but was outbid even over my 2nd bid! You could tell the popular ones! Many canvases could have been purchased for as little as $5.

Monday night was the Teachers Expo, where the teachers display their work and the classes they offer. It was interestingly o see and talk to them about possible workshops for NJNA. We'll have to see!

Today, it's back to NJ for me. It's been a lot of fun – some minuses but mostly pluses. I'm looking forward to Myrtle Beach.

Happy stitching,

Diane

 

Aug27

Puzzle Pieces – day 3 and 4

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Yesterday we made great progress as we did sections 6 thru 9 and started on 10. I actually finished section 7 so I have 2 complete sections done! Having the basting of the sections made it so much easier to figure out where to start each section.

You can start to see some deeper oranges in these sections. Section 8 has several layers of Amadeus stitches with lots of bright colors. In section 10, we had to decide on what color crescents we wanted as there are 5 layers. Initially I was going to go with the blues and lavenders to balance with the right side. Then looking at the finished piece again today, I realized the balance of colors is more on the diagonal with the top and right being the blue and lavender and the bottom and left being more the bright oranges and green so I'm rethinking my color schemein the sections with options.

Day 3 results

I didn't do any additional stitching last night, which waas provably good to have a break. Today we worked through the corners of section 10. The photo shows even less done on that section than yesterday as I had gone with the lavender / blue color scheme there including the corners but decided the colors weren't working and, as I said, I realized the color balance In the pilot,so I tore it all out at he end of the day!

We also worked the rest of the sections including the center, which also has some choices to be made in terms of color. I decided to wait until I had other sections around it done to get the effect I ultimately want.


Day 4 progress

 

I have to say, I did learn a lot about overlaying and padding stitches in this class. I love the finished design and am looking forward to finishing this. It was the right level of challenge for me once I basted everything so I wasn't frustrated with my counting. I have to admit around 3:30 today, I panicked thinking my left side counts were all off. Luckily, I was mistaken although I know some had problems with their counting and were doing lots of ripping! Once the basting is in so you know where each section goes, the project is definitely a fun piece. There's lots of opportunities for color choices and the multi-layer stitches provide great dimension and effect.

I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of the class and met wonderful stitchers of all ages from all over the country. While I was sad to see the class end, I was also happy as I tend to have difficulty sitting still for so long!

Tomorrow, Heidi and I are doing the Frank Lloyd Wright bus tour for a change of pace.

Happy stitching,

Diane

 

Aug24

Puzzle Pieces – day 2

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I was so frustrated yesterday with having to redo sections because my counts were off, I finally started basting around the different sections last night after dinner! What a difference it made today for knowing where to begin each section. You can see the shapes off the different sections outlined below – lots of trapezoidal, rectangles, triangles with a square in the center. There are 14 sections In all so I still have a little basting to do.

I started the day with a run along the river and a stop at Starbucks on the way back. What a great way to get some fresh air before 7 hours of stitching.

Puzzle Pieces - day 2

Today we focused on sections 4 and 5. Section 4 has Rhodes, scotch, and Byzantine stitches. I loved Jackie's suggestion on the Rhodes to add a final stitch that is the same as 1-2; it gives a nice definition to the stitch. Section 5 is fabulous but complex. We began by doing padding sections where we had to watch the stitch counts and placements. Once that was done, we did 4 Hilton triangles – one in each corner – that overlap each other. Once again, getting the stitch counts correct was critical. We then filled the center with 2 triangular Rhodes. I actually finished the section as you can see. It is dramatic!

The camaraderie in the class is wonderful, especially as we all curse having to pull out and redo sections and get knots in the loooooooong thread required for the Hilton triangles. I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

The evening was filled with the Opening Banquet. Afterwards, I took another walk down and along the river enjoying the city at night.

Chicago at night

Now I have to finish basting the remaining sections so I'm ready for tomorrow. I'm also looking forward to the Exhibition since those who already stopped by it were ecstatic with praise for the work displayed.

 

Aug24

Dinner at Weber Grill

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After a quick trip to the grocery store for a few snack items of both the liquid and solid types, Heidi and I decided we wanted burgers for dinner. We both thought we'd passed a place in one direction from the hotel but couldn't find anything. Coming back toward the hotel, we found a restaurant that looked promising only to find it had at least an hour wait (of course, it's Saturday night in the city!). I had seen Weber Grill (yes, as in Weber grills) by the grocery store and we were able to get 2 seats immediately at the chef's bar where we could see them cooking at the grills. Burgers were absolutely delicious. I am glad though I got the 1/3 lb and NOT the 1/2 lb one!

The chefs at Weber Grill

 

 

Aug23

Puzzle Pieces – First Day Progress

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I just came back from 6 hours working on Puzzle Pieces by Jackie Murawski. I loved the colors and the fact that there were a lot of multiple layer stitches in this piece, not to mention the geometrics. There are supposed to be 24 people in the class but one woman broke her arm recently so had to cancel (but still paid for the piece so she could get it to do on her own!) and one had to leave at lunchtime due to a family emergency. So there are 22 of us from all over the US.

Jackie handed out the canvas, which I was pleasantly surprised to find was sparkly! She then handed out these wonderful boxes containing our threads, a container for orts, and portable laying tools. There are lots of interesting fibers which I'll talk about another day!

 

Here's what the piece is supposed to look like when finished.

Puzzle Pieces Design Finished

Today we worked on 3 sections (middle leftmost on above design , the trapezoid above it, and the trapezoid with the crescents ). As you can see, I didn't make much progress! I did a lot of ripping out as the counts have to be exact and I would be off by one, so I'd have to start over!

 

My progress at end of day one!

I have lots of work ahead of me tonight and may baste so that I can get the next sections tomorrow correct! The class is exactly the challenge I was looking for, but by the end of the day, I needed a break before tackling it again tonight.

I'll see if I can get some class pictures tomorrow.

 

Aug19

Prep for seminar

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Sue C was kind enough to host a luncheon for those of us who will be attending the seminar in Chicago. Those who will be attending Sue made a wonderful lunch of Cobb Salad, biscuits, and cantaloupe followed by an outstanding peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream.

Seminar prep luncheon participants

The attendees for the lunch, all of whom will be attending seminar, are Sue C, Jill W, Dee, Carol, Susan H, Rosie, Heidi, and Diane. We're all getting excited!

 

Aug18

Needlework shop on North Shore of Long Island

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My husband and I spent the weekend of August 8-10 on the north shore of Long Island. The primary purpose of the weekend was a “pour and pedal” adventure where you bike to 3 different wineries in the area as well as an historic site and a farm stand. We had a beautiful day to be outside and enjoy the wineries. The wine wasn’t too bad either!

After spending 6 or 7 hours biking the area and drinking lots of wine and having a wonderful lunch overlooking one of the vineyards, not to mention being outside in the sun and fresh air, we decided on the way back to our hotel that we needed a snack! While there’s not a lot of shopping in the area, we were on a street in Mattituck, NY with 2 blocks of shops and he saw a candy shop which would satisfy his craving! As we parked the car and walked toward the candy store, I noticed a needlework store which I just had to go see what they had! Altman’s Needle &Fiber Arts is a cute shop on Love Lane that has all kinds of needle arts – needlepoint, cross stitch, knitting, crochet, and quilting – as well as gift items. Just browsing the small shop was fun! I bought a stitch and zip glasses case which I’ve been eyeing for some time and they had quite a few of the stitch and zip kits. I was too tired to really look at canvases although they did have some fun ones and you know my love of painted canvases!

I did not get the name of the woman who waited on me or any pictures since my brain was only half there! However, there were several women in the shop and they were all super-nice and chatty! It was wonderful to find such a cute shop in a small, out-of-the-way place.

Aug8

July SOTM

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With the August SOTM coming up, I realized I hadn’t posted last month’s progress!  Five of us gathered at Diane’s house in Pittstown for the July SOTM.  While it was quite a drive for some, all made it with just a few missed turns!

As usual, we had great conversation to go along with the cursing of trying to figure out what we were doing.  We had quite a few discussions about what octagon we really had done or were doing (such confusion!) as well as what the stitch guide was really saying about the double fans!  We also had lots of thoughts on where a stitch was to go as well as what threads people were using in different situations.  It was interesting to note the different effect that resulted in the different colorways.  For instance, Dee’s and Diane’s top octagon are the same yet the effect is totally different.  As we’ve been saying, this is quite a challenging, although fun, piece for most of us that we probably would have put in the UFO pile if we weren’t doing it as a group.  Here’s to the power of peer pressure and comaradarie!

Below is our progress at the end of the day.  As you can see, some of us (like me!) are a bit further behind than others!

July SOTM

On to August……

May28

My Weekend Stitching Accomplishments

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My husband and I went to our Adirondack cabin for Memorial Day weekend.  While we did have to do the season opening chores, like putting out the swim raft and dock and mulching the paths, I also decided to set some stitching goals for the weekend.  I had 4 goals, one for each of the projects I’m “currently” working – A Different View, my block for the Family Garden project in honor of Barbara Davis, my Ort Box with a Twist, and a Snowmen stocking for my daughter’s boyfriend. 

Since I’m way behind on “A DIfferent VIew”, I wanted to at least get the octagon outlines stitched.  I was having a terrible time counting correctly and keeping the canvas taut.  I completed 2 3/4 and finally decided the stretcher bars had to go as one pair of them just wouldn’t stay tight.  I’d had the same problem with that pair on last year’s SOTM and solved it by putting small brads into the corners to keep it tight; however, this year it just wasn’t working!  So I put it aside until yesterday when I was in New Hope and stopped at The Gazebo to pick up 2 pairs of 16″ Evertites.  I remounted it and hope to have the octagon outlines and borders done for next month’s SOTM meeting.

My goal on the Barbara Davis project was to complete my block, which I did (yeah!).    This is an interesting project since it is mainly cross-stitch on 24 count canvas.  By working from outside in, I was able to complete it without miscounting!  I had forgotten the fun of seeing a picture come to life with counted cross-stitch since so many of my counted projects have been more geometrics.

My 3rd project was to complete at least one block of my Ort Box, which I did!   I know it’s only one but I was able to play with my fibers and decide what I wanted to do at least for the pockets.  I have more than what the project calls for although I’m not sure there’s enough of some so I’m playing!  Hopefully, now it will go a lot quicker.

My last project was to put in the first stitches on the Snowmen stocking.  This is an inexpensive painted canvas from Dimensions that came with floss to be done in basketweave or continental.  I decided I liked the stocking but wanted to use different fibers and stitches so I’ve been doing some planning and buying different possible threads, especially pearl cotton and some metallics.  I had an idea for one of the scarves and it seems to be working okay.  I’m doing a scotch in a pearl overdye offset with a scotch/woven combination in different colors of pearl cotton with a metallic center.  It’s coming out with an interesting effect.  Once again, it’s a challenge to design a stitch guide for a painted canvas; however, it’s a nice opportunity when combined with doing charted designs.

It felt good to accomplish my stitching goals although I didn’t get as much reading done as usual!  I did get some of the chores done around the house and got to sit in the sun when it was out!  Overall, it was a successful weekend!

May12

SOTM, May

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Following up to Rosie and Sue C’s posts, I thought I’d comment on mine.  I was going to pick my own threads or use stash, but time got away from me and I figured out I wasn’t going to get my threads and canvas purchased in time for the May gathering.  So going against my norm, I decided to do the Koral Kiss colorway as is – canvas and threads!  Of course by the time I ordered and got my canvas and threads, I only had time to mount the canvas on the stretcher bars before Saturday.  I LOVE the color of my canvas!  I was surprised with the colors of my threads so I’m curious to see how they’ll work out.

Even using the defined colorway, I had to decide whether I was going to cut the overdye used for the octagon outlines by aligning the colors or just cut randomly; I went with the random!!  Once I started the first octagon outline, I got 3/4 done when I realized I’d made a counting mistake and had to rip it all out!  Fortunately, I could learn from how others proceeded with their borders once I get to that.  I’m looking forward to getting to the octagons which look full of fun and interesting stitches.