Spring Teases and Stitching

An absolutely beautiful day here today...heading up to about 70 degrees with wall to wall sunshine and some breezes.  That is perfect in my book.  All the spring plants and trees are behind this year, but that's OK.  There is plenty of time for the hot weather.  Here is a picture of the little violas I have outside my front door in a rusty basket.  Do any of you call these Johnny Jump Ups?

I've had these out there for about a month now.  They, like me, like the cooler weather.

I have a couple of photos to share of two of Rose's finishes that gathered a boat load of ribbons at the recent Medina Needlework Show. A photo of a piece that Carol stitched. And a photo of my progress on Ann Bowers.

Anniversary Roses, or Briar Roses - Lauren Sauer.
This extra long sampler is absolutely beautiful,
and Rose's stitching of it is superb.
Obviously the judges thought so, too.

Blue Ribbon - I think that's the name of it - from Sherrie Jones - Patrick's Woods.
An amazing piece also finished superbly by Rose and
rewarded appropriately by the judges.

A really gorgeous biscornu stitched by Carol.
The pine cones were stitched for her by Rose in
detached buttonholes.
This one brought home one ribbon.

Here is my progress on Ann Bowers, the 2013 SAL from
Attic Needlework.  I am right on with the published stitching schedule.
A real victory for me.
I have a few more stitches to add and one correction,
and then I will move Ann up on the frame and
start work on an almost clean slate.
I'll miss seeing this,
but the colorful little wording and dividing lines
coming next really look fun.

This weekend I went up to Michigan with three stitching buddies and took Barbara Jackson's Looking for Lunch class, which is one of her pretty little stitched strawberries.  We had so much fun meeting up with other stitching friends for various activities over the weekend.

I did terrible in class, which is my usual M.O.  Worked on the berry yesterday, in the quiet of my own mind, and was able to do better and get things going properly.  Lots of Queen stitches, though.  They are not my strong suite, but I will get them in there one way or another!

Happy stitching, everyone.  Enjoy this day.

Bobbi

IHSW Photo Post - Part 2

Hi, Again -

Be sure to look at the post below this one, too.  Once again I could not get all the photos to be where I wanted them, so I broke it into two posts.

This post will be devoted to four of Rose's finishes.  She puts most of us to shame.  Without further ado, here are four photos of work from Rose, who we affectionately refer to as our OA (Over Achiever).

Here is Rose's version of the mystery sampler
from With thy Needle and Thread.
As you can see, she changed the birds to cardinals
partly because that is our State bird.
Nice going.

An older finish from Rose awaiting framing.
If anyone knows the name and designer,
please let us know.

Really cute finish of
Eileen Bennett's
Little Green Acorns Band Sampler.
This was a class last year
at WRSG.
You have to see this one in person to really
see how cute it came out.

Rose's annual Valentine for her hubby
awaiting framing.
This is from Drawn Thread.
Rose says it was a lot of fun to stitch.
Has all those different stitches in it
that DT is famous for.

Well, that's it for today.  On to the things that must get done like things for work, getting tax info organized, tidy up the place, etc.  Hoping to make some time for my own stitching later today...haven't had the chance to do any since last Sunday!

Have a wonderful stitching weekend everyone...still definitely stitching weather here in Ohio.  At least we don't have to feel guilty for not working in the yard!

Bobbi

IHSW Post - Better Late Than Never, I Hope

Hi, Everyone -

As promised I have some of the photos that I took at last weekend's gala get together at Rose's house.
It was a Hermit and Stitching Weekend extraordinaire...not sure about the hermit part!

Rose hosts these huge weekends for stitching three or four times a year, sometimes with a teacher, and sometimes just a stitch-in.  This St. Patrick's Day Weekend event was a stitch-in.

We had fun, did some stitching, did some un-stitching, ate too much (way too much green candy there...especially those green mint M&M's...yum), did a couple of little take home bead projects with the assistance of Diane and Sue, and just enjoyed each others' company.

The big announcement was regarding a big finish by Kim.  Unfortunately in all the fun and excitement, I didn't get a photo of her finish, so I'll keep that announcement until I can get a photo.

Here are some of the photos I have to share with you now.  I don't know the names of all of these pieces.  Feel free to comment and let me know if you recognize what they are.

I found that I couldn't add a second set of photos where I wanted them on this post, so I will make two posts today.

This post is devoted to Kim H.'s beautiful work:

This beauty was stitched by Kim H.
She told me the name of it, but I didn't write it down,
so, of course, I don't remember.
Kim...or someone...please let us know the name
of this sampler and who published it.
Thanks.

A close up of the house from the above sampler.

A smaller finish from Kim H.
She has really been on a roll lately.
Again, let us know if you know the info on this one.

Kim's finish of the three part mystery sampler
of a couple of years ago
from With thy Needle and Thread,
with sheep according to Kim.
Nice finish.
I never got beyond part 1.

See you on post 2!

IHSW - Photos on the Way...Just Not Today!

Hi, Stitchers -

I am simply swamped this week.  I haven't had a chance to visit any of your blogs to see what happened over Hermit Weekend, let alone post my photos, etc.  I'm hoping to get this done tomorrow or Friday at the latest.

A little tease...we had "Hermit Weekend" x 18 on Saturday and x 15 on Sunday at Rose's house. 
I have lots of stitching pictures to share with you...just no time.

In the meantime, thanks to the couple of new followers to the blog, and continuing thanks to the ongoing followers.  I shall share the eye candy soon.

I hope all of you are having a nicer day than here in Cleveland.  Spring is starting with 28 degrees, and a forecast of 4 - 8 inches of snow by Friday morning.  I certainly won't complain, though, because we have missed most of those big winter storms this year - not too bad of a winter at all. 
I just can't let myself dwell on the fact that for about a week it has been 20 degrees below what is the expected normal for this point.

Onward to other things...be back soon.

Ann Bowers - My Way

I decided I'd better take a couple of photos of Ann Bowers...it's almost time to move her up on the stitching frame...a victory.

Ann Bowers from The Examplarery is the 2013 SAL at Attic Needlework.  I started stitching in mid January and have been pretty dedicated to her.  Unfortunately (for Ann) Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year SAL will be taking some time away from Ann, but I will not dessert her!

I think part of the reason why I have enjoyed stitching this piece so much is because she is in a Millennium Frame...one of those big ones from the UK.  Love it.  The fabric is so nice and taut and I have adjusted to stitching with the frame on my lap, although I am considering one of their floor stands.

Anyway, here is my version, only slightly changed, of Ann Bowers:

Fabric looks pretty washed out here.
It's that kind of day in Cleveland today.

A close up of my start on the first wide floral band.

I'm really disappointed in these photos; Ann looks prettier than this!

I can't remember what fabric she is on; I think I'm working on 36 count.  I really must start keeping a little book with this kind of information in it.  The silks are NPI.  I changed a couple of the colors from bright peachy rosy to the wine colors that you see, which makes me very happy.  When I complete this wide band I will be about one third of my way down.  She's a fun stitch.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

Bobbi

Anyone Working On A Scarlet Letter Sampler?

Are any of you working on a Scarlet Letter sampler,

have one in your WIPs, or thinking about stitching one soon?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions,

or even if you haven't thought of it,

why not consider joining in what has turned out to be a huge stitching event

here in blog land.

Check out Nicola's beautiful blog

Nicola, a very accomplished stitcher 

with a beautiful B&B in a beautiful setting 

and a beautiful blog...lots of eye candy here,

turned 50 this year, 

and has really found a way to celebrate!

Take a look at her blog and link to the two participation blogs shown.

The first one filled really quickly (100 participants).

The second (I was accepted into today) is filling fast.

There are drawings, shared information about stitching,

and, of course lots of eye candy and chatter from 

stitchers around the globe.

Are any of my followers participating?  

Please drop a line here
so I can specifically check out your work on the blogs.

If not, and if you can fit a Scarlet Letter sampler 

into your over crowded stitching schedule,

please check it all out and consider joining up.

Happy Stitching!

My Poor Neglected Blog

I feel guilty and sad for having neglected this blog for so long.  I hope to give her a fresh look soon and, of course, to begin posting on a regular basis again.

I just wanted to briefly tell you about the fun day we had yesterday...Carol and I traveled up to Perrysburg Ohio to spend the day with some stitching friends.  We stitched, gabbed, laughed, and laughed some more.  We took a break to walk across the street for lunch.  Following that half of us walked into town a couple of blocks (Perrysburg was having their Winter Festival).  Lots of ice carvings either finished or in progress.  We stopped into Thrush's Bakery/Baking Store and then went on to Yarn Cravin', a wonderful yarn shop.  Both will merit return visits in the future.

I have been knitting scarves since my trip to Woodstock, VT in October.  Thus, I felt it necessary to replenish my stock yesterday.  Here are the beautiful pastel yarns I picked up at Yarn Cravin' (I already had the spring pastel wools).

I couldn't resist.

A bunch of us have been knitting the ruffled scarves from a Liberty Wool publication.  The four skeins on the right are more Liberty Wools.

Here is a photo of the LW scarf I knitted for my daughter for Christmas.  (obviously all rolled up)

She and I both agree that wearing a little soft wool around your neck on some of these blustery winter days feels quite comfy and luxurious.

Stitching - I am working on the 2013 SAL from Attic Needlework entitled The Ann Bowers Sampler from The Examplarery.  I am right on the stitching schedule, so feel good about my start.  I am enjoying Ann very much, as well as stitching for the first time using my wooden frame from England.  More on both of those in the near future.

I hope to hear from some of you...I know I have neglected everything online for months (except Pinterest!!).

Take care, keep cozy and warm, and I will be back soon.

Bobbi

Little Green Acorns Band Sampler Class

Saturday twenty-six of us from Western Reserve Sampler Guild took a class with Eileen Bennett, The Sampler House, from Michigan.  Her sampler this time was Little Green Acorns Band Sampler.  Perfect timing for getting in an acorn mood.  We had a delightful day with the class, a wonderful pot luck lunch, and dinner after at Macaroni Grille for those interested.  A perfect way to spend yet another 95 degree day!

A photo of the cover sheet for the design pack.
I really should have taken a photo of the actual sampler!

Ms. Bennett getting us started on the project.

Counting and proper placement is serious stuff!

I told you counting was serious stuff!

We had so much fun with Kim and Karlyn at our table.
Lots of laughs and fun conversation.
So glad they trekked in for the class.

I had a couple other photos from the restaurant, but a couple were too close for comfort, and blogger won't let me put the other where I want it.

Super fun day.  Thanks to the Program Committee and all who made this such a memorable time.

Bountiful August Blessings

This is our batch of food for Week Nine of our summer harvest from Fresh Fork Market.

Everything is so fresh and photogenic.

What a blessing this is,
and especially after reading the sad news this morning 

that half of America's counties are now considered disaster areas, 

as a result of the extreme heat and drought conditions this summer.

So sad.

Our Patriotic Small Challenge

Saturday was the reveal date of our patriotic smalls, a challenge that was given a little over a year ago after seeing endless photos of really cute patriotic designs made into small pillows, pin cushions, etc. on ever so many stitchers' blogs.


I didn't take nearly as many photos as I should have, but here is what I have to share:

Here we are just getting started Saturday morning.

Rose bought these at a recent button show.
She repaired and repainted the frame
and has this display looking good again.

Here is Sandy's basket full of goodies.  Nice work, Sandy.

Linda's basket.  The picture doesn't do it justice.
Don't you love the little black bird and the strawberries?
I'd like to stitch those.

Carol's basket.
I think she should give us a class
on how to make those cube frames.

Toni's basket.
Toni and I are a lot alike...big ideas, smaller output!
But we have fun...

My basket.
I like how the pillow with the lace came out.
Rose helped me get that going.  Thanks!

Rose's basket.

Another view of Rose's basket.
She procrastinated until the end...
and then was completing a finish a day.
She and Linda are our group OAs.
(Over Achievers, as we affectionately call them.)

Both Linda and Rose were awarded a bag of small prizes for the challenge.


Terri couldn't come, but did stop by with mug rugs for all.  I'll post a picture of those another day.
Linda made snapper bags for all out of patriotic fabrics.  I'll post a photo of mine another day, too.
Should have taken a photo of all eight of them.  Linda has been having fun with her new serger.
Terri has been having fun with her new sewing machine!  We benefited!


Our friend Jodi came for lunch and gave us some instruction in zentangle, her new passion.  She is going to Rhode Island next month to become a certified teacher.  I should have taken some photos of her work...it is amazing.  The only photo I took was of our class creations.  I'll try to do better next time!  I haven't gotten to the point where it is fun and relaxing, as opposed to slightly stressful.  That's me!

We had a fun pot luck lunch.  Toni was nice enough to cook hot dogs on the grill...and finished about 30 seconds before a HUGE downpour began.  Boy did we need that rain.  We had some delicious fresh Ohio sweet corn and a wonderful selection of other summer goodies.  A couple hours later we made some hand churned vanilla ice cream (thanks Linda) with a variety of toppings.  Carol made a peach and brown sugar topping that was excellent.  And, of course, there's nothing like a jar of Smucker's Hot Fudge Sauce when vanilla ice cream is involved.


It was such a fun day.  Time with valued stitching friends really rocks!  

Beautiful Butterflies...And A Winner!

Here are two photos that Rose (no blog) took in her backyard.  Beautiful butterflies against a beautiful background.  Unfortunately the yellow swallowtail appears to have met up with some bad luck along the way, but is still magnificent.

Absolutely gorgeous.  Thanks for sharing these.

And now on to our Winner of the Day....

as you can see below,

the winner of my first blog giveaway is.....

Charlene in SC.

Congratulations, Charlene.

If you will email me your address,

and be sure to let me know if you already have any 

Widgets & Wool designs so I don't send you any duplicates, 

I will put a package together in a couple of days 

and get it in the mail to you.

Thanks to all who signed as followers and who entered the drawing.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend

and found some time to stitch!

Three More Days to Enter

Hi, Stitchers -

Three more days to enter my first blog drawing.  I will have some of my local stitching friends here Sunday afternoon, so one of them will be pulling the name of the winner.

Good luck to all who enter, and thanks for visiting and following.

Pictures soon...of different things.

My First Blog Giveaway

Hi, Stitching Friends!

I am finally announcing my first giveaway.  I am celebrating several things:  this little blog now has over 60 followers; I am another year older; temperatures in the upper 90's are leaving tomorrow; and life is good!

A month or so ago I wanted to have a giveaway with strawberries as the theme.  Don't you love strawberries...stitched and otherwise?

Then a more important theme attracted my attention.  This giveaway will include four patterns from Widgets and Wool.  I know many of you are familiar with this company because I have seen some of your stitched projects on your blogs.  The company is comprised of a grandmother, a mother, and a granddaughter.  What a wonderful, family oriented way to share a common interest.  I want to give this family some extra recognition and some extra TLC during a difficult time.

The four patterns that I chose will reflect the seasons of the year...and of life.  The designs are fairly quick stitches, most of which can be made into little pillows if you chose.  I think we all like to pick up some quick projects as a break from the larger designs that we tackle.  I will throw in some fun extra surprises, too.

To enter the giveaway, you must be a follower of this blog and of my BlackBird Designs blog, which you can find here:  http://obbdg.blogspot.com .  Also, you must post a comment on this post on this blog only.  Deadline for commenting is noon EDT USA on Sunday, July 15, 2012.


I will choose the winner of this giveaway on Sunday, July 15th.  Some friends will be coming over for stitching that day...an early get together for IHSW (see button at top of blog), since most of us are busy the weekend of the 20th - 22nd.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.  Stay cool and keep stitching!  And thank you for visiting my modest, sometimes neglected blogs!

Bobbi

No Time for Hermits

We didn't get together for some good old hermit stitching this past weekend.  Seems that most of my hermit buddies were busy with stitch classes out of town, or out of town company, or Fathers' Day events.  I'll try to check on your weekend activities over the next couple of days.

I have been busy purging stuff out of my messy, overcrowded office in order to finally have my desk and office things in one part of the room and my sewing machine cabinet, etc. in the other part.  I have accomplished about sixty percent of what needs to be done.  Unfortunately my dining room is currently full of files that need to be gone through and reduced before being put back into the relocated file cabinet.

Isn't it amazing how relocating some pieces can disrupt so many different rooms?  There is light at the end of the tunnel, though, which is very exciting.  Stitching and some quilt blocks are right around the corner.

As Promised, More From Last Weekend

As promised, here are more photos that I took at the big stitching bash at Rose's last weekend:

I think this sampler was one that Rhonda stitched and had framed.
If I'm incorrect on this, please, someone, let me know and I will edit my post.
Beautiful stitching finished in a great frame.

This is one of those absolutely wonderful over one designs
from Maureen Appleton.
It is totally awesome in person.
I think this was stitched by Joan.
Again, if this isn't correct, please let me know.
I can't check with Rose today.
Love this...and the frame.

Totally sweet little purse and shoe combo.
I'm in trouble again...
I think these belong to Joann
but were stitched by Joan.
Please tell me if I am wrong,
and I will correct.

The sweet little spring design from
Widgets & Wool
stitched by Pat.
This is on my to do list.

Another cute little stitch by Little House
stitched by Pat.
Makes me want to sing every time I see this!

Pat made this pin cube...and the pins.
Really pretty.

More from Rhonda.
This is the Eileen O'Brien Sampler
that was published in Antique Sampler and Needlework.
I focused in on the diamond row because
Linda talked Rhonda into adding some
texture and interest in the piece
by stitching the diamonds in Rhodes stitches.
Rhonda liked to remind us that this meant
521 Rhodes stitches!
I think it was worth it.
They really stand out and look great,
don't they?

An older piece stitched by Rose
that still needs to be put together.
This is a design from Lauren Sauer - Brooch Receiver.
Beautiful, and aren't those buttons perfect
lily of the valley?

Sandy's Twelve Days from Victoria Sampler.
She is leading this project in the WRSG
Christmas in July 2013 SAL.
Right on schedule, Sandy.

Here is Toni's start on BBD's Christmas Garden.
She is leading this project in the WRSG
Christmas in July 2013 SAL.
Maybe a little behind schedule?
Me too!

We had many laughs, too much food (we didn't even need to order in on Sunday, just feasted again on what was brought and grilled on Saturday), a lot of wonderful stitching projects to dream of doing ourselves, and great girl time together.  Thanks, Rose, for hosting, and for everyone who participated.  Great memories.

Have You Tangled Yet?

Have any of you tried Zentangle yet?

If you don't know about it, just google...it is everywhere.

My friend Jodi first mentioned it to me

and when I saw it I wanted to try it, but had no confidence.

Jodi is a natural.  She created amazing designs 

without even taking a class.  

I am not a natural.

I have no natural artistic talent.

But I had fun at the class I took last night, 

free at our local public library,

and I wasn't stressed while doing it, 

like I thought I would be.

I can see some tension in my strokes 

but am pleased with what came out 

when first putting pen to paper.

It is supposed to be meditative doodling,

beneficial in many ways.

I'm looking forward to working on another tile 

at my leisure and on my own.

A Fun Way to Start the Month of June

Rose had one of her spectacular weekend gatherings 

to start off June in memorable fashion.  

There were 24 of us on Saturday
(don't know how she keeps her sanity) 

and about 15 on Sunday.

This is photo heavy, but, alas, not with projects that I have stitched!  

I will post part today and part tomorrow.  

Enjoy...

This is Ginny's work.
I should have put the usual dime in the photo
for size reference.
This is one of the Erica Michael's
silk gauze designs.
It is teeny, tiny and SWEET!
Alas, also a little blurry in the photo...sorry.

Ginny's EM finish.
Her WIP was shown on this blog three weeks ago.
Ginny has been busy.
Isn't this just the sweetest?
Love it.

A little kitty from Carol.  Cute.
I wonder how many pins have been sold
since they came up with these little projects!

Amazing pieces from Diane.
This was from several years ago,
as you can see,
at a seminar in Cape Cod.
C.A. Wells designed this grouping.
Beautiful work, Diane.

A closer view of some of Diane's work.

Ellen Chester's Fruit of the Vine Sampler.
Stitched by Linda, aka
Stitcher Extraordinaire!

Partial close up.

Part of the Fruit of the Vine grouping
that Linda decided to make into an etui.
I think she said it was designed as a huswif.
I should have taken a photo of the inside, too.

As noted, I will post more photos tomorrow.
I simply must get some work done this morning.

Wishing everyone a beautiful beginning
of the first week in June 2012...ready or not!

Thanks for visiting, and, I hope, commenting!  Happy stitching.