Calico Sampler No. 3 is Released

Hi Friends!

For all of you out there eagerly awaiting the next installment of Calico Sampler, it is out! I mailed the charts to both Hoffman and Norden and also the many shops on my automatic program last Saturday. So, you should be finding it in your local needlework shop and on the distributor's "what's new" listings. I must say, this sampler is not growing old on me at all. I love each row as I create and stitch it. The next line, J-K-L, is all designed and I hope to stitch the model this weekend.

Here is a look at the complete sampler so far.



I have had many emails from stitchers about how much they are enjoying the sampler. One stitcher I thought had a marvelous idea. She is stitching the letters of her initials in darker colors, so that they will stand out more. A great way to personalize the sampler!!

Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition

I viewed the spectacular needlework exhibition at Woodlawn Plantation two weeks ago. If you live within driving distance, I would completely recommend it to you. Although the show is in it's 49th year, I had never been there before. It is so inspiring and the needlework showcased is incredible. Do try to get there if you can. Needlework in a historic home, what more could you ask for! Here is a link with more information for you. The show runs until 10 June. http://woodlawn1805.org/49th-annual-needlework-exhibition/

And once you are reinvigorated from Woodlawn, stop in at In Stitches in Alexandria, VA. It is literally a hop, skip and a jump from Woodlawn. A wonderful shop, chock full of cross-stitch and needlepoint supplies from fibers, to fabric, canvases, you name it, it is there, including charts from Summer House Stitche Workes. ;)

Happy Stitching!
Beth

p.s. Punishment for not posting for a month is that Blogger has updated its interface. While most seems to be the same as it was, the way I posted photos is not, so please bear with me, I will try to fix this code as soon as I can.

Calico Sampler No. 2 & Seasons in Stitches

Hi Friends!

A little sneak peak of the next row of Calico Sampler. I am picking up the charts this afternoon from the printers, so they will soon be on their way to shops. The photo above is the entire sampler so far, with two rows completed.

This photo is just of D, E & F, which is Calico Sampler No. 2. This row adds two new Gentle Arts threads to the palatte, Carriage Black and Heirloom Gold. Fabric is Weeks Dye Works 3o ct. Straw and I am stitching over 2 threads. I just love how this sampler is progressing. The colors compliment each other well and create a relaxed look. The borders that accompany each letter are so fun, I am imagining all sorts of little uses for them, such as bookmarks, curtain tiebacks, etc. And then there are the letters themselves. The calligraphic alphabet is so fanciful! Be looking for Calico Sampler No. 2 soon at your local needlework shop.

This little ditty is my contribution to TNNA's Seasons in Stitches collaborative project. The free-bee charts were distributed to shop owners at the Phoenix Winter Show in January and at the Nashville show in February. Thought you would enjoy a photo of the finished piece. I finished mine into a scissor pocket, using fabrics from Moda.

Happy Spring!

Beth

Calico Sampler Stitch Count

Hi All!

I neglected to include the overall stitch count for the finished Calico Sampler on the leaflet, that is all nine parts of the series. It is 146 x 470. My model is stitched on 30 count Weeks Dye Works Straw linen. I hope this helps as you are preparing your fabric.

All my best,

Beth

Back Home Again

Hi Friends!

Well, this morning we are back on the road again headed home. It has been an incredible market, I am still in awe of the response that I received. The air here in Nashville was just full of excitement for the needlework world. I am so rejuvenated, that my mind is a whirl from ideas swirling around. A great big thank you to all of the shops that supported me. It was grand to meet all of you and I hope the alliances that we formed will only grow stronger with time. For all of you stitchers, I hope you are excited, because new Summer House Stitche Workes charts are on their way to you.

All my Best,

Beth

We're Here!

and all ready to go. The room is set up, charts are bagged and we are just waiting for 7pm for the Early Bird sales to start. Here are a few pics of the displays.

The first is of the window display. I have had a lot of people stop and check out Sylvania, so I think she will be very popular this weekend.

Next is the main display, where the bulk of my designs are.

And the third display on the tv stand. I can't wait to go out and visit the other exhibitors and also to visit with shop owners.

More to come as Nashville unfolds...

All my Best,

Beth

Nashville Preview

Hi Friends!

Here are my new releases for the upcoming Nashville Market!

The first is Sylvania, which you had a little snippet of previously. I absolutely adore this folky design. A lucky shop owner will be taking her home, as I am raffling off the model at the show.

Next is Spring Garden. A continuation of my seasonal garden series. The model is stitched on 30ct. Ligonier Latte from R & R Reproductions with floss from The Gentle Art.

The third new release is the first installment in my 2012 Sampler, Calico Sampler. It will be presented in nine leaflets, three letters in each leaflet. It features a wonderful calligraphic alphabet enhanced with a different border on each letter. A little on the primitive side, but that is what makes a great sampler. Stitched on Weeks Dye Works Straw linen with floss from The Gentle Art.

Just in time for Spring, I will have a fun little free-bee chart for all shops that purchase from me at the show. And a special preview of my design Symphonic Romance that will be featured in the June 2012 issue of Just CrossStitch. So, if you are a shop owner, come enjoy the new designs and some Hersheys chocolate in suite #415.

Lastly, I have to share a photo of my special kitty, Lego. While I have been running around the house like a mad woman for the last month, he can enjoy his little naps. Isn't he just a darling...

Can't wait to see you in Nashville!!

Beth

Nashville Sneak Peek ~ Sylvania

Hi Friends!

I am so excited to be exhibiting at my first Nashville Market this month. Getting ready for it has completely taken over my life. I will have three new releases and will give you a preview in the coming days as the model stitching is finished up and they are framed. Here is a little sneak peek of Sylvania, the first of a collaboration with Brenda Kocher from Brenda Kocher Designs. We decided we wanted to design a few pieces that had a similar theme and chose Baltimore Album quilts as our inspiration. Our series is entitled Baltimore Brides and Sylvania is my first contribution. She is a fun gal, a bit whimsical and is most at home in a woodland grove. From a design point of view, she is a study in monochromism, using a wide variety of greens. She is stitched on 28 count Doubloon linen from Picture This Plus using DMC floss. I can't wait to fully introduce you, but she is waiting for a frame, which I will not get to until tomorrow. The frame is an East Side Mouldings This Old House in Parlour Green.

It is funny how the design process sometimes works for me, I kept playing around with several ideas for this piece and nothing was working. I was starting to panic (just a little), But once everything came together I was so excited with the design that I dropped everything else I was working on to stitch Sylvania. She also went through quite a few names, but I finally decided on Sylvania. Be watching for more updates.

I have to get back to stitching...

All my Best,

Beth