Betty Rings' Collection is Online for the upcoming Auction

For those interested, the online catalog for Betty Ring's upcoming sampler auction is available online at Sothebys.

What a truly beautiful collection of samplers!

Robin

2012 WIPocalypse

Have you heard of the 2012 WIPocalypse Challenge? 

I have joined it in the hope of being able

to turn some of my works in progress into completions in 2012. 

The rules are simple,

I think it will be a lot of fun to be in this group,

and you are rewarded for posting each month

by receiving a chance at a giveaway drawing to be held 1/1/2013. 

It's not too late to join. 

Would love to see you over there.

In case the link above does not work, go to:

http://measi.net/measiblog/2011/08/28/4814/

More Congratulations for Robin!

Congratulations, Robin, on having the current front page sampler for the Yahoo group, thesamplerlife.

I need clarification - is this your original design?  You are awesome!  Busy, busy, busy.

Bobbi

Vintage Samplers

Hey, Robin -
You seem to be away from your computer this weekend. You weren't by any chance up at Whalen Auctions buying old samplers were you? Just learned that they had a pretty nice assortment that were auctioned yesterday...and not cheap!

Just askin'.

Happy Thanksgiving

This is my mind's view of the quintessential
Thanksgiving Day
from days gone by.
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone.

Happy Birthday, Robin

Hi, Robin-

Everyone here at Tuesday night stitching wants to wish you a very Happy Birthday!!
You've got a big weekend for sure. Enjoy...

Robin, Lauren, Sue, Shirley, Rose, Toni, and Bobbi

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Robin

Our Little Stitched Greeting for Carol

Lenore, Rose, Toni, and I stitched this little pillow
with the pretty message for Carol;

Toni did the beautiful finishing.

We all were finally able to get together yesterday
and we presented it to Carol.

She was moved.  We enjoyed doing it for her.

It's a Country Cottage design if I remember correctly.

Thistle Threads Online Casket Class next year

Hi,
I thought I would post the casket class link in case anyone is interested.
http://www.thistle-threads.com/casket

What I am working on

Beautiful job Rose on Lauren's sampler. I too am awaiting on the La D Da sampler.

I have been busy charting a new sampler. I don't know how I found time to do the charting with everything....yes I do I stayed up to 3:00 a.m. a couple nights. I also started my basting for the Sherri Jones class next March.

Haven't had the opportunity to paint the frame LZ's husband did such a nice job on.

Also just signed up for Tricia of Thistle Threads online class for the casket next year. She always does such a nice job.
Back to my dissertation.....

Robin

Long Time No Talk

OK, it's time to try to bring this blog alive again.

So, Loose Feathers and La D Da were late...
what else is everyone working on?

I finally started Loose Feathers Autumn,

but don't have enough stitched to bother with a photo yet. 

Will do soon. 

I kept reading that apparently the La D Da part 1
was going to ship on Halloween,

so I would think we'd be hearing soon that this has arrived.

Some of us got to see the Erica Michaels trunk show. 

All I can say is
that several of those cute, teeny, tiny designs went home with us. 

I can hardly wait to see some of those completed.  I hope my eyes hold out!

Robin, what are you up to? 

It's been pretty quiet down in Minerva...what's going on with you, LZ. 

You're probably busy as a bee down there.
Has anyone else completed Birds of a Feather?
Has anyone painted their BoF frame?

Rose has finished Lauren's Anniversary Roses sampler.  It is magnificent. 

Shown below are a couple of photos of that long, beautiful piece.

Any Autumn pieces in the work with anyone?

Here are the photos from Rose's Anniversary Roses sampler:



The very end....
It was great fun that a bunch of us were with Rose
to celebrate the completion of this magnificent piece,
including Lauren, who created the sampler.

Eye candy!





What's Everyone Working On?

Hi, Gals. Isn't this October weather just the greatest?

What's everyone working on? I was hoping to be half way through Summer Loose Feathers part 2, but obviously that isn't happening. This will probably hit the shops at the same time that the La D Da part 1 hits. I was so hoping to be able to keep current on those. Oh well.

In addition to the usual WIP stash I have going, I am working on the October Word Play from With thy Needle and Thread. It's a simple little quickie that I will make into a pillow. I have to stitch fast, so I can start the November design in a timely fashion. I'm just using my own color choices, so it's not a big investment. I'll post pix next week.

Let us know what you're working on. Would love to see some photos of any finished - or not- Chocolat pieces (especially that darling little bunny)- or anything else that you are stitching on. I haven't done any more on my Birds of a Feather, even though I now have the frame for it. Bad.

Enjoy October...my favorite month!

Birds of a Feather - Framed

Shown is Linda's Birds of a Feather sampler
in the beautiful frame made by her husband. 

They make a great team, don't they?

I'll let Linda tell you about the frame in a comment when she has a chance.

Congratulations on a complete completion! 

Beautiful.




 

More Little Temptations

With thy Needle and Thread is coming out with twelve little monthly quick stitch patterns. October will be available in a week or so. The others are due the first of each preceding month.

I just ordered October - my favorite month. Will decide on the others when I see the cost.

Just thought you'd like to know...

More Info on La D Da Mystery Sampler

For those of you who haven't seen the Attic Needlework Newsletter (I doubt that this means anyone who will read this), here is some additional information on La D Da's Margaret Cottam Sampler:

Three part, beginning in mid October, then in November and December.  The bottom section will be first.  DON'T FORGET TO START AT THE BOTTOM!!  Size is 170W x 200H.  It is stitched on Weeks 30 count cocoa, but of course that is up to you.  The pattern calls for 8 skeins of WDW; the colors won't be announced before the sampler's release.  Attic will choose silk overdyes once they know the threads.

FYI Attic will cut the fabric in the following sizes, so you can begin looking through your stash to see what you have that might work:  30/32 count, 17.5 x 19.5"; 35/36 count, 15.5 x 17.5"; 40 count, 13.5 x 16".  Can't we ever stitch things that will fit on smaller bars?

I hope the next BBD LF segment comes early enough that I can finish that before La D Da shows up in October.  These gals know how to suck us in, don't they?!

Happy stitching.

Mystery Sampler from La D Da

As noted in the previous post,

it seems a bunch of us are in the mood for yet another three part mystery sampler SAL. 

Carol is ordering now and, as with the previous two,

would like to know if you are interested in the threads and fabric too.  http://www.thecraftyewe.net/new_at_the_ewe.html

I currently have the Birds of a Feather still in progress 

I am awaiting the second part

of the BBD Summer Loose Feathers mystery,

due out in September sometime.

Why not start another...part one won't be out until October.

Sounds like good timing to me.

I think it looks like it will be autumn colors. 

The sampler was inspired by an early 1800's piece

stitched by Margaret Cottam, age 9.

Idea for next project for group

I was wondering if we wanted to continue this group with a new sampler project with La- D - DA?
It is a three part sampler series. Just an idea.


http://www.traditionalstitches.com/p_La-D-Da+Margaret+Cottam+Sampler+Club.html

Robin

Birds of a Feather - Red Variety

Here are a couple of photos of our third finish - Rose's cardinals, designed and colors chosen by her.  Wonderful, as always.  Contratulations, Rose.  Remember, "Imitation is the dearest form of flattery!"




Beautifully captured Cardinals - Ohio's State Bird

 



Details of her little house with an original roof.
I noticed Rose liked to design her own home exteriors
while stitching Anniversaries of the Heart.
Nice finish.
The color isn't the greatest in this photo.

 

Third Finish

We have at least three finishes now. Rose has completed her mystery...and found cardinals in her tree. I'll try to post a picture of it in a couple of days.

The other day at The Ewe we saw one of the Birds of a Feather samplers all stretched and pinned and ready to be framed. It really looked nice. I asked to see the chosen frame, just for the heck of it, but it hand't come in yet.

Cardinals

Here are Rose's cardinals up close and personal.  I think she did a great job, and I'm definitely going to put these in my sampler.  Thanks for doing the hard part, Rose.  Nice job.

Another Finish

We have another finish!!  Linda has finished her piece also.  Love the darker hill.  And check out her wooly sheep!

Nice going, Linda.

My Finished Mystery Sampler

Here is a quick pic of the finished sampler. The sun is not out today--so it is a little dark. I really enjoyed doing this. Back to grading papers from my students.

Robin
P.S. Linda, now to get started on the pre-stitching of the Hare....

Cardinals for Me

I have just found a photo of a sampler done by a cardinal lover who has changed the birds on her piece. I like how it looks, and have pretty much decided to do the same. Maybe I'll get back to this project now.

Do you like the cardinals?
http://gr8damesplace.blogspot.com/

Part 3

Just to confirm, Carol picked up everyone's Part 3 today. With the exception of Lenore's, everyone else's should be in hand by Thursday. Happy stitching!

B

Finished Thru Part 2?

Part 3 is due this week. Who is ready? I know Robin and Rose are ready. Shirley and Sue are well into part 2. I've turned out to be the cheerleader right now, as I haven't even finished Part 1 yet. Oh dear.

Rest of the Mystery Sampler posted

Hi Everyone,

Brenda has posted the final part of the sampler on her website. Can't wait to get the next part at: http://withthyneedleandthread.blogspot.com/

Robin

Robin's Part 2 of Mystery Sampler

Hi Everyone,
Here is a pic of the part 2. Not the best picture.
Robin

Bird Sightings

I had a chance to see a couple of the "mystery samplers" in progress yesterday at WRSG. The sightings included a couple of stitched Indigo Buntings, which I must say looked really nice with the tree/leaf colors. I really don't know what to do about the birds now, but I'm putting the cart before the horse, since I haven't even finished part one yet. I really hope to get back to this project this week.

I talked to a woman from Findlay yesterday. They have a group of eight over there who are getting together to stitch on this project. If any of you find us here, we'd love to hear about your progress and any related stories, and have you share photos if you would like.

Beautiful day today...like days in June should be. Enjoy!

Bobbi

WOW...Look at This!

One of us has been very busy stitching...

If you haven't read all the recent comments, can you guess who?

It's Robin!  Congratulations.

P.S.  Click on the picture to see her beautiful stitching up close.

Slow-Poke Checks In

Carol, thanks for picking up Part 2.

Bobbi, I know Sandy hasn't started yet, and I have yet to start the flowers (heck -- I haven't even closed up the framing row), so we aren't going to need them immediately. Are either of you comeing to hear Lorraine on the 25th? I know Sandy will be there (later), so she could get hers. Of course, I will be there -- I have to pick up Lorraine!

Rose's sampler looks lovely on the blog, but even better in person.

Of course, I voted to do the IB; at this point, I'll just be glad to get it done.

It's an Indigo Bunting!

The bird that has been peeking at us for a couple months from part two is an Indigo Bunting.  (See Brenda's blog for what that particular bird means to her.)  Looks kind of faded out for an I.B., but I guess that's the antique look of a faded sampler, and artistic license.  Will be interesting to see if we have any thread changes on that.

I forgot to call The Ewe to see if the patterns came in today.  Does anyone know?  Carol can pick them up tomorrow if they do come in by the time her hair appointment is over.

Our First "Official" Finish

Shown below are photos from our first "official" finish of Part 1 from...Rose.  Linda may have finished first, but since she forgot to bring her sampler to show us this weekend, we're not sure whether to believe her or not.  (Only kidding.)

Anyway here is Rose's sampler with an alternate linen choice and a few thread changes.



Rose's work.  Wish I could focus better!

 I got to see a few other starts this weekend.  Almost everyone in our group is off to at least a pretty good start.  Looking forward to receiving Part 2 next week.

Two Not Here Yet

I stopped at The Ewe this afternoon after having lunch in Brecksville. The patterns did not come in today. I left Rose's number with Bev in case they come in the mail tomorrow a.m.

I did, however, pick up half a truckload of things for Shirley, Sue, and Diane!

See most of you tomorrow.

Uh Oh

Part 2 of Birds of a Feather is shipping to the shops today.  How many of us will have completed Part 1 by the end of the week?  I know...it's not a race...but the dream of completing one part before another arrives still lives.  I've signed up for enough BOMs in my lifetime with that thought in mind, and it never happens.  This one might be "do-able" for me.  I know of a local that's ahead of me, who shall remain nameless, and I wouldn't bet against that quiet, thin one from the southeast of here.  She never ceases to amaze!

No matter how far you are...or aren't...I hope you pick it up and stitch on it when you are able and when the spirit moves.  I wonder how many of us, both in the US and around the world are stitching this piece...

Bobbi

I have started!!

I started stitching on my Birds of a Feather last week, and I am proud to say that I am on the third side. I did change the fabric to 40 count Vintage Meadow Rue, and have also changed a few of the colors in the small flowers - I forgot to pick up the Cappucino at Crafty Ewe last week. I have been doing a few strands of thread every evening while I catch up on the Casey Anthony trial, so that is why I have been making progress. I will try to post a photo next week with Bobbi's help.

The One with the Injured Wing

I hope this works! I'm posting from the dashboard.

Yes, I'm one of the lame ones who never posts. And lame in more ways than one! The cast came off last Monday, and physical therapy seems more painful than the break! But I have started! And I'm using the colors and fabric as supplied. I'm not overly adventurous as yet.

I started 3 inches down and 3 inches in because we have more than enough fabric. It seemed easier than counting. I'm just getting used to 40-count.

I absolutely LOVE the colors! I can't wait to see how this turns out. And from the pictures posted so far, everyone's is going to be unique. I don't have a camera yet, so maybe when we get together someone can snap one showing my progress. I'm nowhere near where everyone else is, but c'mon, give me a break! Did I say that? LOL

Toni

Thanks

Thanks to the handful of you who voted in the poll.  Seems most that have started are using the Confederate Grey WDW fabric in the kit.  I have seen Rose's start on another fabric and it looks really nice, too.  We'll try to get a photo up of her start soon.  There's just so much going on right now!

(Hint - I know who I would bet on to be the first one around the border!)

Hope everyone is enjoying the more moderate weather.  It looks like a really nice start to the month of June.

I hope you can find some stitching time, too.  It's good for what ails you!  Be well.

This is a shot from Tuesday night, Mine is on the bottom, Bobbi's is on top. I am just now connecting the bottom edge then I will add the other colors.

My Border So Far

Well, I had hoped to get more stitching done on the border this week, but, as often happens, life took over!

Part Two will be out in two to two and a half weeks...I hope to get some stitching in this weekend.

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day 2011 Weekend everyone.

So far I have used the WDW specified

 and am happy with the results.

How many of you have started?  According to the handful that have participated in the poll, most of us are using the materials called for...at least so far.

It has been interesting for me to see four different starts on this and the various philosophies used when starting the project.

Wonder what comes next...and how big the stitched-over-one part will be!  I hope the over one part is lettering.  It seems like that would be easier to make sure you don't make a mistake.  I must say, though, that I'm not having a hard time seeing this fabric.  So far, so good.

B

Please Vote in the Poll

I know Robin is having some doubts as to whether she will use the WDW linen selected for this sampler. 
I almost switched to something lighter in color.  I know a couple of others have started on the WDW, but might be having second thoughts.  Please take take the poll to the right and let us know your feelings.

Also, I have sent an invitation to The Crafty Ewe to forward to the others who purchased this project from there to check out our blog and join if they would like.  I hope to get some new participants here soon.

Who has started stitching? 

Bobbi

Mystery Clue No. 1

Here is a picture of my kit to begin Birds of a Feather.  Unfortunately the photo is terrible...colors are washed out compared to the actual colors of the linen and some fibers.  All are much prettier than shown here.  I'm about to cut into my fabric and begin.

By the way, the initial description of this project mentioned 18 skeins of WDW.  There are now actually 19 skeins.  Those of us doing this on 40 count definitely will not need the 19.  Just thought I'd give you the heads up.  One color has two skeins, another has three.

Somehow my post about everyone's materials got deleted.  Here's the scoop in case you didn't see it:
Toni and Sandy - will pick up their own kits at The Ewe
Linda, Sue, and Diane -  Carol has yours in Canton...soon to be in your hands
Shirley - you can pick up your kit here Tuesday night
Rose and Lenore - I have your patterns here
Robin - Will be mailing yours

Here's my less than wonderful photo.  Hope to see lots from all of you as we progress.

Part One Is In Hand

Hi, flock members.

Carol and I hastily met at The Ewe this afternoon to pick up Part One of the Mystery for our members.

Toni and Sandy - we left yours at the shop for you to pick up at your leisure.

Linda, Sue, and Diane - Carol will be bringing your items to Canton on Friday.

Shirley -  I will have your kit for you on Tuesday evening.

Lenore and Rose - I have your patterns here.  Hope you didn't mind me picking them up for you.

Robin -  I have your kit.  Will try to mail tomorrow, but in all probability it will more than likely be Friday before I can get to that.

All I can say is the threads are beautiful - very rich looking against the linen.  I just figured I would change to a lighter color linen (like bisque!).  Most of you know how I am!  But, I'm actually thinking of using the suggested fabric and fibers.  Woman's prerogative to change her mind, however. (Is that spelled right???
I can't believe that is spelled right!)

I don't know whether I can put together a photo that shows the colors accurately at this point, with the fading evening light.  Besides, I am yearning just to take some time out and sit on the patio for a little.  I've been busy all day long.  I might just tease you until tomorrow.

I hope everyone had a chance for a little outdoor time today.  Beautiful.  I'm going to enjoy some now.

Be well.

Birds

No update on Birds of a Feather yet...I'll check with The Ewe later.

For those bird feeding enthusiasts (Rose and others)

if you haven't read Brenda's blog the past two days, be sure to check it out. 

Incredible pictures and lots of info. 

I'm going to try to get to Wild Birds Unlimited this afternoon, time allowing.

The link to Brenda's blog is in the right margin.

Enjoy the day.

Running Late

I just talked to Pat at The Crafty Ewe.  She checked with Norden this morning and the patterns, etc.
for The Ewe won't ship until tomorrow.  Bummer.  I was wondering what I am going to stitch on tomorrow night, so now I know what it won't be! My main projects are giving me a headache right now.  I went back to the small BBD projects from A Stitcher's Journey last night and decided I am in the mood for some more easy stuff until I figure out what to do about the birth sampler.

Just thought I'd give anyone who checks in here the heads up about what to expect.

Enjoy the day.  The real spring has arrived!

Happy Mother's Day

What Are You Working On?

What's everyone working on?  We'd like to hear about your current top two or three projects and how they are going.  Feel free to answer in a comment or in your own post.  Pictures would be great, too, for any adventurous ones out there!

I'm working on a self-designed birth sampler for Izzie.  I have hit a bump in the road, though, because I have decided I don't like the fabric I've been working on.  It's not the delicate fabric I used for my great niece's birth sampler, and the moon just isn't showing up at all.  I haven't decided what to do about it.

I started the Soar sampler from Brenda Gervais, but am really poking along on it.  Next week is the last week that photos will be shown in this SAL, and I doubt that I'll have enough finished to bother sending in.  Some have finished already.  They are really cute.  You can see them in today's post on her blog shown in the right margin.

I need to get back into BBD's Anniversaries of the Heart.  I have all the patterns now, but am six months behind!  This is one of my contract pieces for sampler guild, so I should get addicted to that piece again.

Sandy said she is working on her contract piece...I forget what it is.  Toni is in a cast, but I heard she did get a few stitches in.  Linda...what are you up to?  What five major projects have you finished since I saw you last?!  BTW, Linda...I saw your Mrs. Waddelow (?) on Ellen Chester's blog today.  I think that was my first visit to that blog.  The photos were nice, but didn't show all the true beauty of your project.

Let's see or hear what you are stitching!

By the Way

By the way...in case you are wondering and can't put your finger on it, I have written down that the size of this sampler will be 173 stitches x 190 stitches.

I talked to Carol at The Ewe this morning about something else.  She is just back from her adventures in Costa Rica and has some fun stories to tell.  I think she thought she was either on Survivor or The Amazing Race!  Anyway, she hasn't heard anything yet on shipment of the samplers, but I asked her to call me ASAP when she does.  It would be nice if they arrived Monday or Tuesday, so we could distribute some of them.

Rain, rain...go away...

Thanks Bobbi.

Thanks Bobbi for setting this blog up and picking up my parts. Look forward to working with everyone.

Robin

Blog Invitations Sent Out

Invitations have been sent to nine of you.  I thought I'd have a chance to explain what they were, but they were just sent out...I'm learning this part today!

I hope most or all of you will participate (see earlier post).

Let's Get Off to a Flying Start!

Hi, Gals -

We are getting close to the May 10th start of the Birds of a Feather Stitch ALong (SAL) from Brenda Gervais of With thy Needle and Thread.  I just emailed her and asked whether the first pattern would be in the shops by May 10.  She said that the distributor was working toward that goal, but, of course, actual dates might vary with shipping distances, etc.  It soulds like everything could be available at The Ewe on the 10th.

I told Robin that I will pick up her things and mail them to her.  Linda - Carol will bring your items to Canton for you.  I assume everyone else will pick up their own orders and/or pick up for friends, etc.  Let me know if I can help anyone.

This blog will be one that each of the eleven participants in our group will be able to post thoughts and photos to as we progress through this SAL.  It should be a fun summer project.

Posting isn't hard, but some of you will have a little learning to do.  If you don't already have a Google account, I would suggest opening one (don't forget to write down your password!).  You will need to load digital photos onto your computer, if you plan to post photos...and photos make everything more fun.  Again, this isn't difficult.  Maybe a nearby friend or relative can help you get started.  I'll try to help those that I see often.  In some cases, maybe a friend can post for you.  The more the merrier, so I hope I can motivate most of you to participate.

Our blog address will be http://stitchingwithfriends.blogspot.com/

To post to this blog, go to http://blogspot.com/ and our blog should come up.  Go to New Post.  Type what you would like to say.  To post a photo, hit the Insert Image button.  This will allow you to browse through the photos that you have loaded onto your computer and saved with a title so you can find them (!) and then follow the steps to post to the blog.  Once you are happy with what you have done, just click on Publish Post.

Some of you will know this.  Some of you might have a little trouble at first.  All of you can learn this!  It will be fun.  It will!

More soon. 

Bobbi