January 09, 2011

10. Ann Rayner

Happy Sunday! It's cold and blustery here, and I can't think of a better thing to do than sit in the sunlight streaming into my family room and stitch. Later on we have some errands to run and we may have dinner out somewhere featuring a salad while actually sitting down in a restaurant, and not in a car--although--am I the only one who enjoys eating in my car? (Not while I'm blasting through traffic, but parked in the sun, watching the various other patrons coming and going while listening to the radio.) Anyway, in order to rev up our nutrition, I'm thinking of instituting an occasional salad photo featuring interesting salads with homemade dressings. Maybe that will spur me on to make the effort in the same way that posting pictures of my needlework progress actually drives that progress. I've had random cravings lately for grapefruit and for avocados (and not just the kind that come threaded on Gentle Art cards). Maybe we should each have a 15-salad challenge (not one a day, but occasionally)?

Meet Ann Rayner, by Threads Through Time. I purchased this chart some time ago, when the TTT charts were re-released. There are others that I mean to get to someday, should I live long enough. Other stitchers have recently stitched Ann (including Tanya and Kim), and I love the variations in the colors, which depend on the threads and fabric the stitcher chooses. Ann is charted for DMC, but I did a conversion mostly out of my stash, to AVAS. I'm using 40 count LL vintage buttercream. It's hard to tell from my sunny-day photo, but the fabric is pinker and yellower than this shows, and is nicely mottled.


The photo of this sampler from the 'net shows lots of red and a warmer palette. The photo on the chart (however blurry) shows lighter/brighter shades, so I'm headed toward bluer blues, pinker pinks, while keeping the intense reds. Slightly springier, especially considering the lambs at the bottom of the design.


Elvis says he's dressed for spring.


See you tomorrow!

25 comments:

Faye said...

You palette looks lovely on AR...I like the springy colors with the intense red......

Elvis rocks!! Take care, Faye

Catherine said...

Lovin' the colors! This is a beautiful piece and will be fun to watch your develop.

Elvis made me smile!!

Jan said...

Love the colors on AR. Very pretty. Maybe even as pretty as Elvis.

Siobhán said...

Zoinks! I need to stop looking at your blog. I want to start Ann SOOOOO badly, but need to get a few other things finished first. I'll be eagerly watching your progress!

Deb said...

That's a great start! I started her too but haven't gotten very far on her. You've really picked the best projects to work on for the challenge.

Giovanna said...

What a beauty, and a lovely start!

Robin (Samplerbird( said...

Ann is a beautiful sampler! I love all the detail. It is going to be one gorgeous finish! I need to add this one to my stash!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Yeah, you've started your Ann R. It's going to look spectacular in the color palette you've chosen.
Love Elvis' butt flower.

Alice said...

It's going to be gorgeous... love the cute little lambs.

Melissa said...

Well, Elvis certainly looks springy! He always makes me smile!

Love your Ann. Yeah, I gotta get her into my stash before she becomes OOP. I just love all the reds!

I've been watching all your new starts. You're amazing!

Michelle said...

I've been enjoying salads a lot too over the past week (with avocado no less!). I also enjoy eating in my car, just listening to the radio or an audiobook. Love your start on Ann - the colors are so pretty!

Margaret said...

You just keep picking the good ones! I'm loving your 15 so far! Ann's palette is beautiful! I've been trying to munch on red peppers dipped in hummus. I love hummus. :D

Bine said...

A beautiful start. I will check back often for progress pictures. A 15 salad challenge sounds like a great idea...pictures and recipes....yummy :)

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Cute flower Elvis! LOL! Lovely stitching for you my dear! It is a toupee alert here with snow coming!

Anonymous said...

Audrey will soon be on her way! Can you please email me your mailing address? divakittymom @ gmail.com

Karen said...

Very pretty! Hope you get a lot of stitching done.... stay warm!

Like the salad idea. Hubby and I are planning a salad night each week.... so much easier than cooking.

barbara said...

A salad a week sounds about right. I'd be all over that.

Love your conversion on this design. Gorgeous colors!!

Sue said...

I love this sampler, I've never seen it before. You've got a great start on it.

RG said...

That stitch project is HUGE! How will you ever finish all these? (Or - maybe that isn't the idea?)

Sure - Saturday Salads. The bunns will love them!

Elvis you weenie - get that awful plastic flower off your butt.

Cari said...

Oh my gosh....once again I am amazed at your selection and progress. Wonderful. Love the pic of Elvis too!!.

Brigitte said...

Both samplers, today's and yesterday's are wonderful. I definitely admire your choice of samplers.

woolwoman said...

Someone mentioned to me how awesome your 15 Challenge projects were looking - I've added your blog to my list. Love Ann - I have her in stash - I had not seen that whaling sampler by Elizabeth Taledo before - LOVE IT ! great choices - I'll be back often to check on you. Melody

Karen M said...

What a look Elvis is giving you!

Nicole said...

I LOVE Ann! I have it on back order right now. Can't wait to get it. Definitely a must start for 2011!

Kate said...

Looks like someone sneak out of the rabbit hutch and going out for a date (lol). Hey you really have a very powerful needle and always come up with a very beautiful project. I am already a follower of your projects and I am motivated by you really.