Arcadia: Jim Wurth, designer

Project: Arcadia

(6th of the series)

Designer: Jim Wurth

Series: Dodecagon ornaments

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photo: 1

Jim's Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DodecagonSeriesOrnaments/

Comments: This series was fun to stitch and I never knew from one ornament to the next what Jim would be sending me and I could hardly wait to get the next one.

Acorns and Oak Leaves: Janice Routley, designer

Project: Acorns and oak leaves

Designer: Janice Routley

Type of needlework: Metal Thread embroidery

Photos: 4

Embroiderers' Association of Canada GCC: http://www.eac.ca/

Sudberry Box: http://www.sudberry.com/

Comments: This is my first attempt at doing this sort of embroidery. It was not as hard as I thought it would be, but at the same time, working with metal thread is a slow process. You can't rush this. You need patience. Oaks are my very favorite trees and that ever since I was a youngster collecting leaves for some school homework assignments, so this design was just perfect for me for a new learning experience.

View from the back of the box showing what the box looks like

Rhapsody: Rosalie Wakefield, designer

Project: Rhapsody

Designer: Rosalie Wakefield

Type of needlework: Brazilian embroidery

Photos: 2

Free designs here  from the Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery Guild

BDEIG: http://www.brazilian-dimensional-embroidery.org/

Comments: Don't you all just love the dimensional aspect of brazilian embroidery? It is just so pretty and elegant. On the guild website they keep adding some new projects that we can all try. Of course we need to purchase the Edmar threads, which are the threads used when doing BE. I decided to finish mine as a little ornament and I put it on my Christmas tree each year. During the rest of the year I normally just hang it on my wall with others I have made through the years.

Twilight Angel: Gay Ann Rogers, designer

Project: Twilight Angel

Designer: Gay Ann Rogers

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photos: 5

Gay Ann's website: http://www.gayannrogers.com/site_2/Home_Page.html

Gay Ann's blog: http://gayannrogers.blogspot.com/

Gay Ann's Classroom at SNS: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SNS_GAR_Classroom/

Shining Needle Society: http://www.shiningneedlesociety.com/

Comments: This is a different project than what I normally stitch. I wanted to stitch this one for a very good friend of mine as she loved it very much. I have just given it to her for her birthday and she is having it framed. Can't wait to see how it will look and she promised me a good photo which I will add to this very post as soon as she emails me the photo(s).

 The only part of this project that I had been wondering about was the "hair", never having stitched any before, but it turned out easier than I thought it would be. It does need a bit of practice though and I am sure that the next time around, it will go smoother. In everything that we do, there is always that learning process that nobody can escape. We get better at it, the more we do and with Gay Ann, she has lots of designs that involves "hair", so should get plenty of practice.

Update March 5/2010: Just received some photos from my friend showing how she had Twilight Angel framed, so have added them at the end of this post. I think that the framing is just beautiful. Love it.

Update March 05/2010: 2 additional photos showing how my friend had Twilight angel framed.

Christmas remembered: Susan Johnson, designer

Project: Christmas remembered

(This project can still be purchased on Susan's website)

Designer: Susan Johnson

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photos: 4

Susan's new website: http://www.sj-designs.com/ 

Susan's old website: http://sj-designs.net/

Comments: This was such a fun project, easy and quick to stitch too. I  just love the little Christmas packages that I was able to purchase at the time as I stitched this project years ago. All I had to do is glue them to my stitched canvas. I normally have the framer put a glass over but not this one, so I was able to take some new photos to show details of this design. I love to have framed Christmas projects for the holidays.

Lady with a bouquet of flowers: Needle case

Project: Lady with a bouquet of flowers

(Needle case)

Designer: This is a silk print appliqué on fabric,

then embroidered and I have added silk ribbon flowers on both her hat and bouquet

and finally finished as a needle case

Type of needlework: Embroidery, appliqué and silk ribbon

Photo: 1

Comments: This project was created for a friend of mine in a period when I was into silk print and silk ribbon. I wanted to do something practical for her so turned it into a needlecase. I know that I can always use one more needlecase, same thing with pincushions too. I can never have too many of them.

The Iris: Susan Portra, designer

Project: The Iris: A Stylized Interpretation

(1991)

Designer: Susan Portra

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photos: 2

Comments: This is one of the first project I did when I learn to do needlepoint. I liked the project but was not all that enthusiastic about doing it in the beige colors that were displayed, so asked for some help in selecting some colors that were more to my liking and I ended up with the above stitched project. Since I  had not a lot of experience at the time, I have to say that I found it rather challenging. It went into my UFO pile for a while and after getting myself more experience, I took it out and finished it. It is one of my favorite piece.

(Susan Portra's photo showing original colors)

Hearts & Flowers: Jim Wurth, designer

Project: Hearts & Flowers

(5th of the series)

Designer: Jim Wurth

Series: Dodecagon ornaments

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photo: 1

Jim's Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DodecagonSeriesOrnaments/

Comments: I just love this design. It would be perfect for Valentine. It was so much fun stitching this one. It is one of my favorite in the series, but I have many favorites in this series as each one is unique.

Laying tool case: Carole Lake, designer

Project: Laying tool case (Glitzy Accessories)

Designer: Carole Lake

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photo: 2

Carole's website: http://www.carolelake.com/

Comments: I think this is just such a nice little case for my laying tool when I am not using it. On the photo below you can see the back of the case with the flap that goes upfront to close it which is clearly visible on the photo above.

Teddy Bear

Project: Teddy Bear

Designer: Unknown

Type of needlework: Blackwork

Photos: 2

Design coming from a book: "The New Anchor Book of Blackwork: Techniques & Designs"

Comments: I have always thought that blackwork was so pretty and I wanted to try it with some project that would not be too difficult. I purchased the book shown below and saw that little bear. It hit a note with me and I decided that this was going to be my first blackwork project and I must say that I had lots of fun stitching it and wanted to do more blackwork projects after this.

Anasazi Song: Carole Lake, designer

Project: Anasazi Song

Designer: Carole Lake

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photos: 6

Carole's website: http://www.carolelake.com/

Comments: The colors are the first thing that drew me to this project and then the design. I loved the combination and decided that I wanted to stitch it. This is a quick stitch. The section that took the longest, and everything is relative here, is the outer border as I needed to use a laying tool. It is at the framer as I am writing this. As soon as I get it back I will take some photos and add them on this very post as I want to keep everything together.

UPDATE March 10, 2010: Just heard back from my framer and Anasazi Song was ready for pick-up. Have included two photos, one was taken in a very lighted aread with lights on and the other one without any lights, just telling you so that you take it into consideration when viewing the two photos and see some light color differences.

Photo above taken with lots of lighting

Photo taken without any special lighting

Fabric vase with silk ribbon flowers

Project: Fabric vase with silk ribbon flowers

Designer: Vase shape was from a group project - the flower arrangement is my own

and is completely different from the original project

Type of needlework: Appliqué and Silk ribbon embroidery

Photos: 2

Comments: This project was done when I was co-owner of Crazy Quilt International, a yahoo group, at the request of a very good friend of mine, as I had never done any in my life. Had some idea as to what it was, but  no more.

This project has nothing to do with crazy quilting, but was just something that some of us decided to do together. Someone came up with a few shapes for the vase and I selected the one above and then she added a few flowers inside the vase. I thought that it needed more flowers than that and I kept adding and adding to end up with the above very full vase.

 It was a bit like eating chocolate, hard to stop once we get going. This has been finished as a pillow. I need to do more silk ribbon embroidery as this is great fun and I know of some very well designed projects that I can purchase and do. Need to put that on my list of things to do.

My best friend finished this as a pillow for me.

Update: March 9, 2010: Just found a photograph showing the finishing.

Emerald & Gold Mini Stocking: Kaitlyn Marie Designs

Project: Emerald & Gold Mini Stocking

(Fancy That, 1994)

Designer: Kaitlyn Marie Designs

Type of needlework: Needlepoint & Beading

Photo: 1

Comments: When I saw this little stocking, I just fell in love with it, but wondered if I could actually stitch this as I was just beginning learning needlepoint and it looked challenging and all those beads. Had never done any beading before, but with some help, I got it done and had it finished for me.

I just adore it and it goes on my Christmas tree each year.

Monrovia: Jim Wurth, designer

Project: Monrovia

(4th of the series)

Designer: Jim Wurth

Series: Dodecagon ornaments

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photo: 1

Jim's Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DodecagonSeriesOrnaments/

Comments: There are only two ornaments in this series that have a similar feel to them. This one called "Monrovia" and the other one is called "Arcadia". The colors used are mainly metallic gold and silver with some white.

The outline of all these ornaments is exactly the same and uses exactly the same stitches but different colors and threads.

They are called "Dodecagon" as each ornament has 12 sides and all are 5 inches in diameter.

Windows into my Heart: Ruthmarie Hofmann, designer

Project: Windows into my heart

(2004 ANG CyberWorkshop)

Designer: Ruthmarie Hofmann

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photos: 3

Comments: I am so glad that I have finally completed the stitching on this project as there was so many roadblocks for me.

 First the two choice of colors offered to us as kit were not the colors that the original was stitched with and I had fallen in love with the original colors as they were a big part of my decision making for deciding to do this project, so that was a big disappointment from the start. Apparently some of the colors were just not available anymore and the designer had to select other colors. Then I had a problem with the canvas. The design was originally stitched in a certain canvas count and mine was different and I had not realized it so I ended up short and had to make compromises that I really did not care to make.

I was so disappointed at one point that I just put it aside and it took me years before I took it out again. The thing is that I really love this design and something in me wanted it done  no matter what. Once I took it out, I just went ahead and did the best I could with what I had in hand. To me this will never be as pretty as the original colors, but I am happy that I got it done.

Update: March 9, 2010:    This is the photo that I had seen about the project and I just felt in love with it. The thread colors are much lighter, softer and the box is covered with a fabric that looks a bit like white or off-white. I just loved the elegance of it. The fabric that came with the kit was of some red/purple color and I did not feel comfortable using it and ended up framing mine.

I never usually stitch the same project twice as I feel that there are so many great designs out there that there is really no need to do so, but if I could somehow manage to find everything needed to replicate it, I would in an instant. I remember the beads were also a problem as they had been discontinued.

Morris Impressions: Ann Caswell, designer

Project: Morris Impressions

Designer: Ann Caswell

Type of needlework: Bargello

Photos: 2

Pattern found in Piecework magazine, Jan/Feb 1999, pp 18 - 20

Free pattern at the Caron Collection HERE

Comments: I first saw this design in the magazine and loved it. Later on, I saw the exact same thing online and have included the link above. The issue of this magazine is probably not available anymore anyway and there is absolutely no differences in the instructions between the two, exact same thing.

The colors and the threads used for this project are just so yummy, at least to me. I truly enjoyed stitching it, though I needed to be very careful with the counting and I think if I remember correctly that there were some little errors between the stitched photo and the diagrams. It has been a while so I can't remember exactly what they were, but I was very careful to check both before stitching any portions of the design, which is good advice for any projects.

This project was finished as a little decorative pillow, something I could have done, but selected instead to have it framed. If I were to redo it again, I think that I would go for the pillow.

The Drawn-thread Needlebook: Sharon Cohen, designer

Project: The Drawn-Thread Needlebook

(1995)

Designer: Sharon Cohen

(The Nostalgic Needle)

Type of needlework: Drawn thread

Photos: 2

Sharon's website: http://www.nostalgicneedledesigns.com/

Comments: My very first attempt to drawn thread and I must say that I just loved it. This is great fun to do. Of course the Fleurs de Lys is a symbol special to the "french" part in me, being French Canadian.

This is not a difficult project though when it is your first time, you need to be vigilant as not to make any mistakes. It was suggested to me that I finish it as little decorative pillow instead of the needlebook originally finished below. I think that both finishes looks great.

(Photo of the needlebook included with the instructions)

Bargello Symphony: Loretta Spears, designer

Project: Bargello Symphony

(Mystery #8)

Designer: Loretta Spears

Type of Needlework: Bargello

Photos: 2

This design can also be seen on ANG website

Comments: Loretta Spears! I love her designs. I am normally the kind of person who do NOT want to do any mystery projects as I like to see what it will look like when done. I would hate to put time, efforts and money into something that I will end up wondering why in the world I have stitched that. I had seen this project on the ANG website (link above) and I just loved it. Having this photograph was a big help guiding me with my first mystery.

This was a big project and it took me quite a bit of time stitching exclusively on it but the end result is just so incredibly beautiful. I bet you can tell that I just love it.

There was quite a bit of counting and I had to pay great attention to what I was doing but overall it was a pleasure to stitch it. I had been fortunate enough to be able to find the kit so my threads are the original ones.

Update: March 09/2010: Just found a photograph of Bargello Symphony before any framing had been done.

Poirot: Jim Wurth, designer

Project: Poirot

(3rd of the series)

Designer: Jim Wurth

Series: Dodecagon ornaments

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photo: 1

Jim's Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DodecagonSeriesOrnaments/

Edwina Gorey by The Sampler Needlework

Project: Edwina Gorey

Designer: Unknown

Type of needlework: Crewel embroidery

Photo: 1

Website: http://www.samplerneedlework.com/

(you need to call them, if interested, as this kit is not listed on their website)

Comments: Another project that I just love. This project has everything that I love and I have enjoyed every minute of it. The section that was the most fun for me was stitching her hair with bullions and I love the way it has turned out.

I love what it says about her on the instruction pamphlet:

Edwina Gorey:

 Our heroine reflects an earlier time when mourning samplers became the fashion. Her distress is still felt today but for a different reason. Her every fiber cries out. "but you don't understand, I can't do anymore!"

Her name owes a debt to Edward Gorey

Gem Storm, Marianne Frost, designer

Project: Gem Storm

Designer: Marianne Frost

Type of needlework: Bargello

Photos: 2

About Marianne's work: National Academy of needleArts & also ANG to only name a few places

Comments: This is a cyberclass I have taken with Marianne. I just love doing bargello and this project is no exception. This is just such a beautiful design with lovely colors.

I remember that some of the threads were a bit slippery and had to be very careful with them and also used a laying tool, but the end result was well worth all the efforts necessary to get there. Stitching the flowers were so much fun and it adds those spots of colors so necessary to make this design come to life. That was a wonderful experience and Marianne was very helpful too.

Periwinkle Pincushion: Jan Kerton, designer

Project: Periwinkle pincushion

Designer: Jan Kerton

Type of needlework: Embroidery

Photo: 1

Jan's project found in: Inspiration magazine issue #50

Basic tutorial for such pincushion can be found on the WhipUp blog

Comments: Now, I am such a big fan of Inspirations magazine. I think that this is one of the best, if not the best commercial magazine around for embroidery. The Australians sure  know what they are doing. The projects are absolutely fantastics.

I made this little pincushion for a friend as a thank you for all the things she had done for me. It was done in silk dupioni with silk ribbon flowers and lots and lots of bullions all around the side of it.

I have a feeling that she has not really used it but is keeping it as a little souvenir from me. Some things are almost too beautiful to really use them and with Inspirations that is often the case. Their designs are just gorgeous.

Mojave: Jim Wurth, designer

Project: Mojave
2nd of the series)

Designer: Jim Wurth

Series: Dodecagon ornaments

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photo: 1

Jim's Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DodecagonSeriesOrnaments/

Comments: This is another one of my favorite in this ornament series. I just love the colors. If I remember correctly, I stitched this one in record time.

Christmas Heirlooms called "Threads": Loretta Spears, designer

Project: Christmas Heirlooms "Threads"

(Needle Adventures - August 1993)

Designer: Loretta Spears

Type of needlework: Needlepoint

Photos: 2

Comments: From time to time I love to do a little project, something that I can do from start to finish in a few days. This is one of those projects. This is a Loretta Spears project from her Needle Adventures series that she published years ago. I love what she has done using a monochromatic theme. I think I used 5 different shades of red in different textures and it is all about mixing them indefinitely to come up with something similar and different at the same time.

It was a bit of a struggle to do the finishing on this cylindrical project and had to cheat a bit, but the outcome is not too bad. A professional finisher would have done a better job on this one, I have no doubt about that, but I like it just the same. Perfection is not always what it is cracked up to be. I often have to settle for "OK".