Almost there!

I have finished all the cross stitches on Simple Gifts. I have to put in the wedding date above the family and do the backstitching and french knots. Then I have to decide whether to finish as a bell pull or frame it. 

It's still a little wrinkly as I just took it off the q-snaps but I couldn't wait to share.

Simple Gifts by Told In A Garden

Happy Stitching!!

Simple Gifts - 5th block

OMG Guys! I made a huge mistake on the 5th block.

I made a working copy of the pattern and there was a dark line on the copy where the fold in the pattern was located and I thought that was the bottom of the blue frame when I placed the people and now they are placed too low. :(

Simple Gifts by Told In A Garden, Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum

There is supposed to be some grass or bushes under them, but now there is a big space above them and the proportions aren't right. After fussing a bit I had an inspiration to include their wedding date and/or initials over the people. I think that will be sweet because they blended two families on the day they were wed and the people, to me, represent that. 

Since I was moving qsnaps and my husband was available to hold it open for me I took an 'in progress' shot. There is no backstitching or french knots.

Simple Gifts by Told In A Garden, Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum

Happy Stitching!

Haul from A Stitcher's Garden

I dropped my daughter at college in Rochester on August 20th and on my return home I stopped at A Stitcher's Garden located just outside of Syracuse. The store had a large selection, was well laid out by subject and new patterns, and there were lots of beautiful samples. My reception was very warm and welcoming. I felt like I was with old friends in no time. The proprietor was patient and very helpful. If you are ever out that way I think it's definitely worth a stop. 

I had no business buying any more projects. If I'm ever stuck in a winter-long blizzard I'll be all set.

Butterfly Garden by The Drawn Thread

Here is Butterfly Garden from Drawn Thread. There are specialty stitches and it looks like most of the pattern is 1 ply over two threads except for the butterflies which are 1 over 1. I'm very excited to start this project but I still have to find some Threadworx colors that the shop didn't have. I'm stitching it on 32ct Belfast Linen in Platinum which is a little lighter than the "Natural Undyed" the pattern called for, but it's still a warm color. I'm using all silks but there are DMC options for most of the thread.

Where Hearts Rest by Brenda Gervais

Next up is Where Hearts Rest by Brenda Gervais. I had seen this pattern a while back and liked it and was delighted to see it in the shop. It is kitted up as called for in the pattern: 36 count Dubloon by Picture This Plus and a bunch of lovely over dyed threads.

Random Threads by Erica Michaels Needleart Designs

I was very excited to discover this pattern. I have always loved the look of petit point and this is the first time I've ever stumbled across a pattern. It is stitched on 40 count silk gauze. I'm using The Gentle Art: Simply Shaker 'Parchment' and Sampler Threads 'Dark Chocolate' and 'Cinnamon'. I'll let you know how it goes!