SAL : Happy Camper Update

Here we are in March already and I am moving right along with my project. I am working on a small project called Happy Camper by Zweigart . This will be my 3rd posting. Last time it looked like this

I’ve gone back to my proven plan for working on her which is mornings, 9am with Perry Mason on the T.V. It’s working well. I am able to get some stitching in most days. I had to do a small bit of frogging once I realized I had made a mistake by the tire and undercarriage. Here is where I am now

I finished the tire and added the small back window and moved to the top. You can see the beginning of the awning for the door just starting.

We are feeling spring here although there’s been lots of rain and even snow. Daffies are up and blooming, the crocus are not far behind and my little happy camper is itching to get out onto the open road

Our next update is March 26 and I have to ask myself how is that possible? Three weeks is like three blinks and then we will be at the end of the month posting again.

I live in SAL time 🙂

Excited to visit the other members in this SAL – please join me for some beautiful Sunday eye candy.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, 

Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, 

AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen, Connie, Cindy, MaryMargaret

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL.

SAL: Trick Or Treat Update

Here we are at the end of another year and another three week check in on our project. I have continued working pretty steadily even with other holiday projects needing completion. ‘Perry’ has been my faithful companion as I work. Setting the time each day has really been helpful in getting this project worked on.

You may remember my last posting with the start of trick or treaters walking down the street. It certainly seemed odd to me. At first glance I realized my choice of aida cloth color was wrong. The white simply was lost. In fact after a good start I was disappointed with the over all choice from the get go. But that was behind me. Now what the heck was wrong with these kids out for treats besides the white thread being lost?

Of course, I had skipped a step, the row of homes came first. So out came the stitches, thankfully not too many of them and I started on the houses.

Here is where I am now. Much better 🙂

I need one more home, I need to add some more greenery (shrubs), perhaps a tree between the orange and red house or another home. I was thinking a bat and I’ll be ready to start on the kids. I was also thinking about putting this project into a ‘tea’ bath when I am done to darken the cloth. I am just feeling as this progresses that the cloth is all wrong. It should be dark and gloomy/spooky. Does anyone have any thoughts on that or an idea what I could use or do?

The year has come to an end. Our three week check ins have helped make this year seem to go by so quickly. Good riddens to 2020, I am not sad to see you end. I have accomplished so much with the encouragement of the group. It’s been so much fun to follow you all. You’ve not only encouraged me but inspired me.

Please check out what everyone else has been up to by clicking their names below. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday, local time. Our next updates will be posted on the 17th January 2021.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie, AJ, Jenny, Laura, Cathie, Linda, Helen

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL.

SAL: New Project Choice

Hi everyone ~ how does three weeks come and go so quickly?

I made a decision on my next project in the nick of time. I was wavering on what to start but I know some of you will be happy to see that my choice was the Halloween “Trick or Treat” cross stitch.

I was a little hesitant with this for a number of reasons. One reason was I didn’t have the right length of cloth to complete the whole picture. Another, I didn’t have the floss colors listed. Wanting to get started, I thought, hey I can eliminate, create, and alter as much as I want. Enough procrastinating, I’d give this a try get this project started…..

I don’t remember the exact details on the fabric I purchased at Joanns before Christmas. Pretty sure its an 18 count cotton Aida fabric in a neutral/beige. I will be using floss from my stash trying my best to match up the colors with the picture and thread list. I did a read through of the directions and seem pretty confident I can do this  🙂

I’ll see you all at our next posting and until then

Please enjoy the projects of the other participants by clicking on the links blow. We live all over the world so please allow for the time differences.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Carmela, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie, AJ, Jenny, Laura, Cathie, Linda, Helen

 

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL.

SAL Update: Ornamental Pumpkin 1

2019 wrapped up with the completion of the Cactus and Owl cross-stitch for my daughter in Okinawa, Japan. While I missed my Christmas gift deadline, she’s been boxed and mailed to welcome the new year. With light shadows and a bit crooked, here she is framed…..

 

2020 welcomed the new year with a decision on what I would start for my next project. In our last posting, I needed to make a decision on what to tackle next. I had two choices .

After some thought, I decided on the Ornamental Pumpkin. With quite a few other projects on the table I wanted something a little easier, mindless so to speak, to tackle.

The kit called for this to be stitched on 28 count ‘Goldspinner’ Luguana from Silkweaver. Finished this will measure 4 1/2″ x 5 5/8″, its not large and one of the reasons for my choice –

I looked into ordering the fabric but while at our local Joann’s, I picked a Charles Craft 11 count Aida cross stitch fabric in beige. I wafted between 11 and 14 but decided I wanted a really airy look. (I haven’t tackled a 28 count ever 🙂 

I was able to find all the recommended DMC threads that were recommended with the exception of 3 out of 10. It will be my color choice with those.

Here is my start 🙂

I began with the middle column, a little less than half way down.

 

A big welcome AJ to the group 🙂

Please also enjoy the latest SAL project updates from the rest of the group by clicking the links below. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday, local time. Our next updates will be posted on the 26th January 2020. If you would like to join with us, please contact Avis at the link below and she will walk you through.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley,Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie, AJ

SAL: Project Choice

 

Last posting of 2019 ~ I can hardly believe how quickly the year has passed. At my last posting I had finished ‘The Owl and Cactus’. Sadly it is still in the shop being framed. I had hoped to have this done and in the mail to my daughter, living in Okinawa (Military) for Christmas. That didn’t happen but something else did. My daughter surprised me the other day and I learned she is actually following the blog. I had no idea! In fact I said “you never comment and say nice job mom” lol ~ her surprise became my surprise.

I’ll be sure to post the framed finish before I send it off.

Before moving on to my next project for this SAL, I finished up a few gift giving projects I had started. A cross stitched greetings card for my favorite uncle and a bunch of lavender infused 3.5 sachet pillows. Bagged in baggies to let their fragrance steep 🙂

 

Now to decide on my next project for the SAL

I thought I should get a jump on projects for next fall because considering how fast this year went by ….

The first is this Pumpkin cross stitch.

The second choice is this absolutely adorable “Trick or Treat” Victoria Sampler

Notice the bottom section ~ Hardanger, I knew I should joined in when Kathy (below) hosted her Hardanger stitch along ~ darn it ~ this just might determine my choice.

To everyone ~ I wish you lots of great projects, good health and lots of laughter in the coming year.

This stitch-a-long is organised by Avis, we post our progress on our chosen project every three weeks, please follow the links to see what every one else is stitching.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie

 

 

Trying My Hand At Smalls

Smalls; I first heard the word used by fellow crafter Margaret who is linked in with the Hand Quilt Along group I joined a little over a year ago. She is an amazing seamstress, quilter, cross stitcher, crafter in general. She lives in Yorkshire, UK and not only does she craft but also hikes her countryside and takes me on amazing journeys crisscrossing her gorgeous country. You can learn about Margaret here:     https://thecraftycreek.com/about/

As I said, I had never heard the word smalls or associated it with tiny cross stitch creations until I began following Margaret’s blog. Please stop in and take a look at May’s beauty’s created by Margaret.

https://thecraftycreek.com/2019/05/02/cross-stitch-smalls-for-may/

I had picked up a small cross-stitched sampler in a ‘goodness gracious awful frame’ at my local Goodwill some time back. I instantly removed it from the frame, throwing it away before thinking I would wish I had taken a picture of it for you (before and after shot)  I had just thought I would replace the frame with something simple and natural to bring out the beauty of the artists work. May’s inspirations by Margaret changed my mind and I quickly went to work. With the front already stitched – and beautifully, I used one of the leftover quilt block squares I had from ‘Velma’s Quilt’ for my backing.

Velma’s Quilt 

My very first small measuring 4 1/2″ X 6″

A quick look at youtube for a refresher on crochet borders completed this. I can see how I should have used a matching thread to the yarn instead of using the peach thread matching the backing.

I think it’s still adorable and will make a sweet gift to go along with a birthday card.

I see “smalls” in my future!

 

SAL Update Post

Work on my project has been ongoing and I am feeling like I have really made some progress since picking up this cross-stitch to continue with it. Here is where I was last time we posted. I had begun outlining which I will continue to do as I go.

Here I am now

 

I finished up with some more outlining and started on the second dog.

Barbara Lavallee is one of my favorite artists. I was so surprised when I had found a cross stitch featuring one of her paintings. My plan was for this to be a Christmas gift for a daughter who had moved to Alaska last year. Christmas 2018 came and went but this year….with the encouragement from this SAL, I’m planning on a 2019 finish!

 

Please click the names below to see what all the other members have been up to in the last three weeks. We live all over the world so you may need to allow for time differences. Posting takes place every third Sunday, local time. Our next updates will be posted on the 28th April 2019. If you would like to join please contact Avis at the link below and she will walk you through it. 

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Catherine, Deborah, Connie, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon

To be or not to be; an 1862 sampler. Couldn’t be or could it? That is the question.

A trip to our local Goodwill always finds me checking in to three sections, bedding for vintage quilts, linens for anything embroidered and funky fun, and the picture frame section for old lost photo’s, interesting pictures  and handcrafted picture items.

Yesterday did not let me down with a find I am questioning and asking for help from all my blogging stitching friends ~

I found this beautiful sampler. I was first attracted to the muted colors of olive green or gray and black stitching on the brown background. The frame is not that old and the backing has been done professionally. It is in heavy black paper. Not that flimsey brown wrapping paper. The wiring seems to be quite new, redone?

I must admit it wasn’t until I got her home that I noticed the date ‘1862’

There are no other markings. This close up is interesting. The aida fabric almost looks like ratan fibers to me. Is that even possible? More and most importantly could this possibly be from 1862? That just doesn’t seem possible. It is in pristine condition.

I was wondering if there could be clues with the stitching style or color pallate with this piece. Looking for help and direction with identifying this sampler.

There Is No Place Like Home

Starting a new year is usually steeped in anticipation and excitement for what is in store, what lies ahead. This year was no exception. I am excited to continue with the T Block quilt along, improving my flying geese skills, possibly finishing Wishing You Good Will and starting the tulip quilt top along with continuing with a few other started projects but…

On January 1st I was determined to find my parents wedding album for that one certain picture I wanted to frame.

Instead of finding the wedding picture, at the bottom of the huge steamer trunk I found three cross stitch samplers I didn’t remember seeing before, but I must have. Only one had the makers initials and date.

Eighty three years old, done by C.L., 1935 ~ who was C.L. ? I had an idea. I have quite a few things in our home that belonged to my husbands first wife who passed quite young (may her memory be a blessing) Questioning him on her parents names, I learned her mother was Kathleen Loen. I had the L and a little digging with Ancestry I discovered Kathleen’s mother was Clara Loen born 1904 in Washington. This had to be hers. She was thirty one when she did this and I can imagine how proud she must have felt to have this hanging in her home.

Mystery easily solved and I have started the new year with a priceless memory from the past. She is no longer at the bottom of the trunk!

Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home.

 

©, 2019, copyright, Sharon Haimowitz-Civitano. All rights reserved.