I am happy to be sharing four new 1-inch circles with you. Three of them are keepers for me — one has the jury out just now. Click on images for a larger view. This particular design had me flummoxed when I first read through the directions. So much so that I skipped over it […]
Colonial Knot
Toned Down Sampler Part 17
I have completed three more 1″-circles on my Sue Spargo sampler. I admit that I’ve been picking up this project only during the evenings when I’m up for the level of concentration that it takes to do the work well. I do not like taking work out! And since I am almost done with the […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 15
I’ve shared an image of a Great Grey Heron that perched on top of the building next to us for an entire morning. It’s always wonderful to see these majestic birds! But on to the Toned Down Sampler and the 3 1″-circles I’ve just completed. The first circle is grounded by the Pistil Stitch in […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 14
We have managed to get through an ice storm which did a lot of damage in Portland and the surrounding areas and are back to having mild, light rain. We feel quite fortunate in not experiencing the loss of power or any damage to our property that so many others have. We were only inconvenienced […]
Toned-Down Sampler Part 11
As a preface to this posting I’d like to mention that the link for sending my posts out to subscribers has been disconnected for many months. I have just managed to get the link enabled again. That said, you have probably missed a few of my posts so you may want to check out older […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 9
I was away last week with friends for a needed change of scenery. As busy as I was kicking the sand and inspecting sand dollars, I did manage to stitch a few of the one-inch circles. For some reason not clear to me, the next circle makes me think of a layer cake with lots […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 7
Instead of the cat face design on Sue Spargo’s pattern, I chose a simple treatment using the Open Buttonhole Filler Stitch surrounded by Cast on Bullion Knot. The Buttonhole filler was very effectively used to create a basket for the second circle in the posting here. And I like it by itself filling the whole […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 6
I’ve been busy with a few other ‘extras’ this week so have just three of the circles to share with you this time. The first circle in the third row was a lot of fun, once I figured out sizing. The pattern illustrates 23 Tete de Boeuf stitches circling the outer edge with Bullion Knot […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 5
Oh my goodness! More cuteness abounds on this little circle of grey wool. Palestrina Knot surrounds the circle. Bullion Knot Stitch in alternating brown and yellow rows create the body of the bee; wings are created with Cast On Bullion Knot Stitch; Pistil Stitch provides antennae. Colonial Knots finish the circle. The wings are attached […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 4
Oh my! Give me some Very Berry wool, lime green pearl cotton couched down with matching berry pearl cotton, add some Double Cast On Stitch and, violà, a snail. Pretty darn cute. Click on images for a larger view. Next up: a basket brimming with flowers. I’ve had Spring on my mind now […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 3
There are just two stitches used on Circle #9: The Cast On Bullion Knot and the Colonial Knot. The pattern calls for 8 rows of the Cast On Bullion Knot but I could only squeeze on 6 rows and even with fewer rows you cannot see a smidge of the wool circle beneath. I like […]
Toned Down Sampler Part 2
Progress is happening, one circle at a time. Another new stitch for me which I like quite a bit. The Cast On Bullion Knot lends some serious panache as it circles a tight cluster of Colonial Knots. I love the depth created by these two stitches as well. Click on images for a larger view. […]
Hand Stitching Plus Toned Down Sampler Part 1
It’s been quite a while since I’ve been here sharing what I’m doing. I had begun to slow my pace of posting and then in September I tried to post but my website was in trouble. I have been working since then with a website designer to revamp my site and move it to a […]
Felted Wool: Leaf Within a Leaf
Another leaf design and some felted wool have called me. Selecting the materials is always the first thing. I selected the perle cotton threads that I wanted to use first. I was tempted to go with a strong color background but ultimately chose the very soft green on the right, even though the difference between […]
Soothing Hand Stitching Part 3
I am thoroughly enjoying this small hand-stitching project. The piece of felted wool is about 6″ square so it is easy to handle. I also see grand progress each time I sit down and pick up the needle. I’m using hand-dyed #8 pearl cotton from Laura Wasilowski. The first compartment of the leaf was stitched […]
Hand of the Artist
I was at Art Quilt Tahoe last week taking a class with Lorie McCown. Lorie is a fiber artist and a painter so she brings a lot to the table. She is keen on creating work that reveals the hand of the artist. Her work is created by layering fabric which is held together with […]
