Number 26, Terri Patterson!! Terri, since you left your email address, I will contact you for your mailing address and get these lovely garden samplers shipped off to you. Enjoy!!
I have been away all weekend helping my sister pack and move her household. We were so busy that I really didn't have time to think about the contest or internet availability to check its status. Which was probably for the best, otherwise I would have continually checked on it to see what new comments had been posted. So, when I had a break on Saturday and checked my blog from my phone, I was so happy with your responses and the increase to my followers!! Thank you all for spreading the word and entering the contest, I greatly appreciate it!! I was so excited to see all of the people that were discovering my designs for the first time. That is satisfying as well, because I love designing needlework and sharing my artistic vision with all of you. Last night after we returned home, I started to look at all of your blogs as well, it is gratifying and inspiring to see what we all accomplish with needle and thread. On that note, I would like to add a stitchers gallery to my blog, so when you have completed stitching one of my pieces, please send me a photo and I will share it with others.
The sun is shining at my house this morning and it looks like a perfect Spring day is in order. I need to get busy, as I have started stitching both of those new samplers that I recently designed. I hope you will love them. I will post a few snippets later this week as I get a bit more stitched on them.
Keep Stitching!
Beth
Monday, April 8, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Blog Contest!!!
Okay, here we go with my first blog contest! I think you can guess from the photo what the prize is... the complete set of my Garden Series. I love these little samplers and they are so much fun to stitch. The motifs are very versatile as well and can be used in a number of applications. If you have been following my blog for sometime, you will have seen how I used the center motif of Autumn Garden to create a necklace for my sister-in-law. Here is a quick link to that post in case you missed it. All four samplers are stitched on 30 count Ligonier Latte from R & R Reproductions with over-dyed floss from The Gentle Art.
So, what do you have to do to enter this contest? I would like you to recommend my blog to one of your stitching buddies to follow. Then just leave your name in the comment section of this post and I will choose a winner using a random number generator. You have until next Sunday, April 7th to post and I will choose a winner on Monday morning. I can't think of a nicer way to start a Monday morning than finding out you are the winner of these lovely charts.
Good luck and Happy Stitching!
Beth
Friday, March 29, 2013
Quaker Cross Free-bee
Hi Friends!
I hope Spring is finally starting to show itself in your area. I actually have some flowers starting to peak out in my flower bed. It is a very encouraging sign. Now if we can just get the mercury in the thermometer to go up a bit, we will be great. I usually don't mind winter, but for some reason this year it was starting to "get" to me. Perhaps it had something to do with March being colder than January?? The design above is Quaker Cross, very appropriate stitching for this weekend. I gave this chart to shops at the Nashville Market as a free-bee to pass onto their customers. So, if your shop bought from me at the Market, you should be seeing this chart at some point. I stitched it with Bellagio Red #240 from Gloriana Threads on 40 count linen. (The linen was an un-named piece in my stash, I have no idea what it is.) This floss, Tudor Silk, was created especially for working on higher count linen. It was lovely to work with!! I used two strands to stitch over two linen threads and the coverage was perfect. I then finished the piece into a little scissor pocket.
I hope you all have a very blessed Easter!
All my Best,
Beth
p.s. Be watching the blog next week for my first Blog Contest!!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Happy Spring and Nashville Postlude
Hi Stitching Friends!
Spring has finally arrived, even though we had snow swirling through the air again this morning. Ugh! I know I have been remiss in blogging about my Nashville releases, so I apologize for that. Nashville this year was bittersweet for me. It was wonderful in that my daughter Laura accompanied me and we had a great time together. We antiqued, indulged our love of old houses and stitched together, not to mention all of the chat time we enjoyed. The sad part of Nashville was that my father passed away while I was there. It was difficult knowing that I couldn't be there for his last hours and knowing what awaited us at the end of our journey home. So needless to say, life has been a bit hectic for me the last few weeks. But I have also taken some quiet time to work on new designs. I have two new samplers that were bursting to come out of my head and onto paper. I even have a companion piece for the one all stitched. They have sort of taken priority in my release schedule, so you will be seeing them most likely in May or June.
Now onto those new releases. First up, because I really want to feel "springy" is Mistress Mary. She is more on the lines of a traditional sampler, but with a little twist. Fabric yo-yos embellish the garden as the prize flowers. In case you are unsure about making yo-yos, instructions are included in the chart. Don't worry if your first one isn't perfect, but once you get the hang of it, yo-yo making can be quite a stitching addiction. I think I have enough to make at least a dresser scarf. One other point of note about yo-yos, I was recently reading about early Pennsylvania German samplers and one of their usual features is corners decorated with "silk rosettes." Well, these rosettes looked like yo-yos to me, so I guess it is fitting that this PA German descendant is still using them in her needlework.
Mistress Mary is stitched on 35 ct. Weeks Dye Works Cornsilk linen. This is a new linen color for Weeks and I love it!! Mistress Mary was etched into the fibers of the piece that was sent to me. She wasn't even in my Nashville line up until I gazed into that fabric. I used floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks. Stitches include cross stitch, Algerian Eye and Herringbone stitch. The main part of the sampler is stitched over two linen threads and the verse is stitched over one.
The verse is the nursery rhyme that we all know and love, Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary. The date of 1744 is the year the nursery rhyme was first published in England, so it has been entertaining children for quite some time.
Next up is Corona. I introduced you to her back in February. She was my contribution to The Great Model Giveaway that was held at Market this year.
Corona was won by Bobbie of Stitching Bits and Bobs in Plainwell, Michigan. Bobbie was thrilled to win her and I was thrilled that she went to such a loving home! So, if you are in the Plainwell, MI area, go check out Corona.
Symphonic Romance is such a special design. I created it for my oldest son, Shane and his bride, Mackenzie, as their wedding sampler. I cut the center of out of theirs and added their wedding photo, of course, I stitched it in their wedding colors. This version showcases a lovely monogram, each letter of the alphabet is included and charted for your personalization. It is stitched on 36 count Edinburgh Light Sand linen from Zweigart using Gloriana's Topiary silk floss and Fried Pickles from Hand Dyed Fibers. The gorgeous frame is from Priscilla's Pocket
And lastly, the much anticipated addition to the Founders of Freedom series, Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator.
I have had so many emails as to when Lincoln would be designed, that I really couldn't wait any longer. It is also very timely, as we are currently commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The Great Emancipator features a snippet from The Gettysburg Address and is stitched on 28 count Sandstone/Tea-dyed linen from Wichelt with DMC floss. And another great frame from Priscilla's Pocket. I just sat and stared at this frame when I took it out of the box!!
And a close up look at the silhouette.
That about wraps things up. I know one little posting has turned into an entire epistle. I will leave you with an image of my Dad that I took last March when I was caring for him for a few weeks. My Dad suffered from Alzheimer's for at least the last 10 years. As I am sure many of you know, it is a horrible disease and takes a little more of you each day, until nothing is left. I can't imagine how horrible it is to not remember events in your life, but most of all the people that make up your life. I am so thankful that my father is now at peace. He was 77 years old.
Enjoy the Spring!
Beth
Spring has finally arrived, even though we had snow swirling through the air again this morning. Ugh! I know I have been remiss in blogging about my Nashville releases, so I apologize for that. Nashville this year was bittersweet for me. It was wonderful in that my daughter Laura accompanied me and we had a great time together. We antiqued, indulged our love of old houses and stitched together, not to mention all of the chat time we enjoyed. The sad part of Nashville was that my father passed away while I was there. It was difficult knowing that I couldn't be there for his last hours and knowing what awaited us at the end of our journey home. So needless to say, life has been a bit hectic for me the last few weeks. But I have also taken some quiet time to work on new designs. I have two new samplers that were bursting to come out of my head and onto paper. I even have a companion piece for the one all stitched. They have sort of taken priority in my release schedule, so you will be seeing them most likely in May or June.
Now onto those new releases. First up, because I really want to feel "springy" is Mistress Mary. She is more on the lines of a traditional sampler, but with a little twist. Fabric yo-yos embellish the garden as the prize flowers. In case you are unsure about making yo-yos, instructions are included in the chart. Don't worry if your first one isn't perfect, but once you get the hang of it, yo-yo making can be quite a stitching addiction. I think I have enough to make at least a dresser scarf. One other point of note about yo-yos, I was recently reading about early Pennsylvania German samplers and one of their usual features is corners decorated with "silk rosettes." Well, these rosettes looked like yo-yos to me, so I guess it is fitting that this PA German descendant is still using them in her needlework.
Mistress Mary is stitched on 35 ct. Weeks Dye Works Cornsilk linen. This is a new linen color for Weeks and I love it!! Mistress Mary was etched into the fibers of the piece that was sent to me. She wasn't even in my Nashville line up until I gazed into that fabric. I used floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks. Stitches include cross stitch, Algerian Eye and Herringbone stitch. The main part of the sampler is stitched over two linen threads and the verse is stitched over one.
The verse is the nursery rhyme that we all know and love, Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary. The date of 1744 is the year the nursery rhyme was first published in England, so it has been entertaining children for quite some time.
Next up is Corona. I introduced you to her back in February. She was my contribution to The Great Model Giveaway that was held at Market this year.
Corona was won by Bobbie of Stitching Bits and Bobs in Plainwell, Michigan. Bobbie was thrilled to win her and I was thrilled that she went to such a loving home! So, if you are in the Plainwell, MI area, go check out Corona.
Symphonic Romance is such a special design. I created it for my oldest son, Shane and his bride, Mackenzie, as their wedding sampler. I cut the center of out of theirs and added their wedding photo, of course, I stitched it in their wedding colors. This version showcases a lovely monogram, each letter of the alphabet is included and charted for your personalization. It is stitched on 36 count Edinburgh Light Sand linen from Zweigart using Gloriana's Topiary silk floss and Fried Pickles from Hand Dyed Fibers. The gorgeous frame is from Priscilla's Pocket
And lastly, the much anticipated addition to the Founders of Freedom series, Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator.
I have had so many emails as to when Lincoln would be designed, that I really couldn't wait any longer. It is also very timely, as we are currently commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The Great Emancipator features a snippet from The Gettysburg Address and is stitched on 28 count Sandstone/Tea-dyed linen from Wichelt with DMC floss. And another great frame from Priscilla's Pocket. I just sat and stared at this frame when I took it out of the box!!
And a close up look at the silhouette.
That about wraps things up. I know one little posting has turned into an entire epistle. I will leave you with an image of my Dad that I took last March when I was caring for him for a few weeks. My Dad suffered from Alzheimer's for at least the last 10 years. As I am sure many of you know, it is a horrible disease and takes a little more of you each day, until nothing is left. I can't imagine how horrible it is to not remember events in your life, but most of all the people that make up your life. I am so thankful that my father is now at peace. He was 77 years old.
Enjoy the Spring!
Beth
Monday, February 11, 2013
Calico Sampler in Constant Stitcher's new book
I wanted to let you know about a new book that is coming out at the Nashville Market from Susan Sayers, The Constant Stitcher. It is called Fantastic Flat Finishes and the wonderful gift card pocket finishing of two Calico Sampler letters in the photo above is one of six finishes that will be featured. I love this finish! Susan made these for her nieces for Christmas. What a wonderful finish, I can't wait to see the other five in her new book. Be sure to look for it!!
In Stitches,
Beth
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Calico Sampler Numerals
Hi Friends!
Below is the chart to personalize the finish year on your Calico Sampler. When you pick up the last chart, you will see that it only includes the 1, 2 and 0, so you may be in need of a different number.
You should be able to pull this off the blog like you would any photo. Let me know if you have any issues. Please send me photos of your finished Calico Sampler, I would love to see your interpretations.
All my Best,
Beth
Below is the chart to personalize the finish year on your Calico Sampler. When you pick up the last chart, you will see that it only includes the 1, 2 and 0, so you may be in need of a different number.
You should be able to pull this off the blog like you would any photo. Let me know if you have any issues. Please send me photos of your finished Calico Sampler, I would love to see your interpretations.
All my Best,
Beth
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Happy February!!
Hi Friends!
Okay, I am a dismal failure at my New Year resolutions. One of them being that I was going to post to the blog twice a week. LOL. Here I am on the 5th of February and I am posting for the first time this year. Of course I have a ton of excuses why I haven't posted, but they are just that... So much for beating myself up, let me share with you some of what has been occupying my time.
First thing, Calico Sampler is complete!! I shipped charts to the shops on my automatic program and to the distributors the end of last week, so your shop should have it or be able to get it now. This has been such a wonderful project to design and work on, I hope you all agree. It is definitely an eye catcher. I will show you a photo of the entire sampler once I am able to take a good photo. I have taken several and I was not happy with the lighting on any of them. Add to that, the weather has not been great for setting the stage and giving me good lighting for the pic.
Now onto other stuff, I have been designing and stitching up a storm for the last couple of months, thanks in part to my sister who broke her foot and hasn't been mobile since 27 Dec. I will have four new releases for the Nashville Market on March 1-3. It was such an exhilarating experience last year, that I can't wait for this year. Three of the designs are stitched and just waiting for frames, but the fourth one has been my challenge. I think I have ripped as much as I have stitched and have gone back to the drawing board many times. I think I worked out the last kink yesterday and now I can really get moving on stitching. It is a good thing that linen is such a resilient fabric!! Here is a little sneak peak at one of the new market releases, her name is Corona and she is a cousin to Sylvania, whom I released at last year's Nashville market. She is stitched on 28 count Doubloon linen from Picture This Plus using DMC floss. She is just as friendly and fun as Sylvania and also inspired by Baltimore Album quilts.
Well, enough for now, I will share more in a few days. Well, that is my goal anyway. I am going to put it on my calendar and perhaps that will help!!
Stay warm and keep stitching,
Beth
Okay, I am a dismal failure at my New Year resolutions. One of them being that I was going to post to the blog twice a week. LOL. Here I am on the 5th of February and I am posting for the first time this year. Of course I have a ton of excuses why I haven't posted, but they are just that... So much for beating myself up, let me share with you some of what has been occupying my time.
First thing, Calico Sampler is complete!! I shipped charts to the shops on my automatic program and to the distributors the end of last week, so your shop should have it or be able to get it now. This has been such a wonderful project to design and work on, I hope you all agree. It is definitely an eye catcher. I will show you a photo of the entire sampler once I am able to take a good photo. I have taken several and I was not happy with the lighting on any of them. Add to that, the weather has not been great for setting the stage and giving me good lighting for the pic.
Now onto other stuff, I have been designing and stitching up a storm for the last couple of months, thanks in part to my sister who broke her foot and hasn't been mobile since 27 Dec. I will have four new releases for the Nashville Market on March 1-3. It was such an exhilarating experience last year, that I can't wait for this year. Three of the designs are stitched and just waiting for frames, but the fourth one has been my challenge. I think I have ripped as much as I have stitched and have gone back to the drawing board many times. I think I worked out the last kink yesterday and now I can really get moving on stitching. It is a good thing that linen is such a resilient fabric!! Here is a little sneak peak at one of the new market releases, her name is Corona and she is a cousin to Sylvania, whom I released at last year's Nashville market. She is stitched on 28 count Doubloon linen from Picture This Plus using DMC floss. She is just as friendly and fun as Sylvania and also inspired by Baltimore Album quilts.
Well, enough for now, I will share more in a few days. Well, that is my goal anyway. I am going to put it on my calendar and perhaps that will help!!
Stay warm and keep stitching,
Beth
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