August 25, 2013

Blessings Be Thine

Hey, does everyone realize that Christmas is exactly four months from today? I was in a holiday frame of mind, so I went to TJ Maxx to scope out whether they have their Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff out yet and was disappointed to see that the only nod to the changing of the seasons was autumnal. Eh--pumpkins. But it's never too early to stitch Christmas designs, in my opinion. I'd still like to stitch some Christmas ornaments, but I did turn all that early Christmas spirit into a nice finish. By Blackbird Designs: "Blessings Be Thine." My stitching pal, Carol M, loaned me hers so I could stitch it. Thanks, Carol! I poked along slowly on the first half, and then in the last week, I was on fire to finish it. It is stitched on a piece of Lakeside in 40 count from my stash--an older, blotchier piece. There are only four colors in it; it was charted for overdyed cottons, and I substituted Belle Soie silks for the green, the red and the brown, and I used a very white mystery silk (probably white Silk n' Colors). (Pssst--I notice there's a chart of this on ebay right now...$7.99 and no bids yet)
I even stitched some on Blackbird Designs' "Agnes Platt." Again, I have substituted Belle Soie for the overdyed cottons. The effect is a little more vivid, but I prefer the look, and especially the feel of the silk.
I recently took out this project as well--I kitted it up about 5 years ago. I love the fabric (Lakeside in 40 count--I think vintage Meadow Rue), but I don't like the coverage of the cotton, so I'm going to pull it out and substitute Belle Soie. (There's one of these on ebay too--$5.00, one bid).
And I'm about to start this. Patricia loaned it to me to stitch when she heard I'd been unsuccessful at bidding on it in an ebay auction. Thanks so much, Patricia!
Please note the evil Kitten-Kitten, lying on the sampler.
Pink and Peaches say, "Blessings be Thine, and happy week!"

17 comments:

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations on your finish! I do love the vivid red and green. I too prefer to stitch with silk. It's just glides through the fabric. Lovely projects in waiting!

Anonymous said...

I'd forgotten how beautiful Peaches is, and I'm sure that Pink was subconsciously floating around my hindbrain when I fell in love with Arthur, my ruby-eyed NZ. :) Lovely stitching - and great substitutions! Life is short, IMHO, so we should stitch with silk every chance we get!

Catherine said...

Looks like you are on a fabulous BBD roll! I love their new designs from market!

Brigitte said...

Wow, you have some great BBD projects on the go. I should get out one of my BBds and stitch on it as well.

Annette-California said...

Blessing's be Thine is Beautiful. Those vivid colors are spectacular. Congrats on your finish, its Gorgeous. Love your selection of wips and what you plan to stitch, so pretty. love Annette

John'aLee said...

Ooh la la....just love your stitchin'!

Chris said...

Wonderful finish and other projects. I love seeing the fall things this time of year. Once back to school is put away. It seems that there is less now the stores keep their inventories tighter. Oh well. I still love to look.

Margaret said...

Love your finish -- the colors are gorgeous! Love all the other BBD pieces too! lol about Kitten-Kitten. Definitely a familiar occurrence for me!

Cari said...

Well Glenna, you've just had a great Blackbird week haven't you? I love their designs. And sweet Kitten-kitten, she's not evil, she loves your work !! Hugs to the bunnies too!! Have a great week!

Melissa said...

Ahhh, it's all about BBD on this post - great! Love Blessings be Thine and the colours you selected! Next, Agnes, I have her on my list but haven't even attempted to pull the materials together. Fun to see all the BBD pieces I love them!

Kitten Kitten looks so much like my Julius!

Jan said...

I like the Blessings!
Kitten-kitten better be careful. Peaches and Pink are good bunnies. I bet they don't lay on your samplers.
The picture on your header - where is that? I like it.

See you next week at Stitch Night?

valerie said...

Total BBD post! Congrats on your Blessings Be Thine finish!

Krista said...

Beautiful finish on Blessings!! Love that one, and great new start too!

RG said...

That's a pretty stitching for sure! I saw a snow man in Costco yesterday.

Bunnies and cat. Now what kind of nut would have those in the house???

Jennifer Stumpf said...

Great charts! I love your choices of silks & wish I was able to use them more often! There really is no good substitute.

Giovanna said...

Great BBD finish (it was one my first BBDs - old love of mine...) - congrats! Lovely WIPs and stitching plans too.

marly said...

Agnes is gorgeous. Striking. LOVE that border and its colors.