September 15, 2013

Peaceful Paradise(s)

Happy Sunday, all! I have devoted a lot of time to Peaceful Paradise since I last posted. I am hopeful that I can finish it prior to the if-you-want-it-by-Christmas framing deadline at the shop, which is October 26. Actually, I would love to finish it up this month, as there are a couple of things I'd like to finish by the end of the year, and a couple of new large pieces that I'd like to start. I have moved several large pieces out of my project baskets this year. Believe it or not, I have not bought anything new from market; we shop ladies are asked not to storm the spinners and nab all the best charts ahead of the regular customers, so I have been waiting my turn. It is a good thing, because I've had a chance to look everything over and decide what I most want to stitch.
Here's a close-up of the top section; I'm really happy with it. The words are fun and easy; no over-one stitching on this chart.
And the bottom left. This photo is the truest color of the fabric.
As a little palate-cleanser after all that PP stitching, I started Stacy Nash's "Butternut Tavern." I will probably frame it rather than do the pillow, because even on 40 count, it's large-ish--about 7x10 inches.
Here's my start, stitching on Lakeside from my stash (mystery color), using the called-for Gentle Arts threads.
Two weeks ago at Stitch Night, Carol M. presented me with these two fun charts:
And a beautiful hand-stitched fob. I love it--beautifully stitched and finished! Thank you so much, Carol!
It has been very quiet at work lately, so I have had some time to cruise the house listings for New England. Primarily I am looking for historic properties with samplers displayed--as you can imagine, there don't seem to be many sampler lovers out there. So sad! Not even in places like Strawberry Banke, the captains' homes in coastal Maine and Massachusetts, not even the Vineyard and Nantucket. Sadly, even with high-end properties, there's just the same-old same-old of granite and stainless and tile and hardwood and various awful colors of paint. Most of the artwork--if there is any--is pretty bland. Most of it is a yawn; there are very few surprises.
Except for this notable property. It's a beautifully redone home in Sandwich, Mass. Built originally in 1860. It has an Elizabethan formal garden in the back and the front overlooks a lovely New England pond with a working gristmill. Very pleasing. Are you getting a mental picture of what the inside looks like probably?
SURPRISE!
This is the dining room. I love the painting, although Tom said he thinks it would be disturbing to have to look at bare buttocks during a meal.
The living room. I love the unadorned windows, the furniture and the two paintings. I like especially the placement of the lights; that would work really well for displaying a sampler collection, don't you think?
And this--I love the sculpture. She is a nod to the period of the home, don't you think? If you want to see more photos of this home (I'm picturing my samplers hanging in here--it doesn't matter that the home is contemporary), here's the link:
I ran across this photo when I was searching for one to use; this is when Pink and Elvis were still friends, before they broke up over Peaches' preference for Pink.
Things are pretty peaceful here as well; I have a pot of spaghetti sauce with green peppers and hot Italian sausage bubbling on the stove, the air is dry and cool and the sun's out. I'm about to go out for my evening walk and will come home to supper and an evening with more stitching. Happy week!

11 comments:

Kaisievic said...

Oh, I love Peaceful Paradise - but I did a quick google search and the pattern seems to be out of print? Would that be right - maybe I will try eBay.
Lovely your new start and the sweet fob which Carol made for you and the two new designs, too.

That house is so gorgeous - outside and in!

marly said...

Sounds like a perfectly comfortable day. Anytime spaghetti sauce and sausage are involved, it's a good day. What a jolt entering that house!

Margaret said...

Your Peaceful Paradise is gorgeous! Yet another I need to stitch. I love that house -- so beautiful! Love the modern next to the old.

Cari said...

Oh your Peaceful Paradise is simply stunning. Your work is amazing. I love that house too. Perfect for me with the charming outside, and the clean, contemporary lines inside. Just my style. Hugs to you and the sweet bunnies.

Karen said...

Peaceful Paradise is soooo pretty! I love the colors in it.

Wow, the inside of that house is a bit of a shock -- sure doesn't seem to go with the outside!

Chris said...

Great progress and what nice gifts from your friends. I love your Stacy Nash start, her borders are wonderful.
That house is surprising.

Crafty Green Poet said...

The pincushion is lovely!

Poor Elvis, does he not have friends now?

Melissa said...

Peaceful Paradise is looking great! You're so close ... but there always seems to be loads more stitching than we'd like, isn't there? Keeping my fingers crossed that you can have it done and framed for Christmas.

Lovely gifts from Carol. That house is beautiful. The interior is very different than I'd expected too.

valerie said...

Wow, that house is gorgeous! And I love the furniture! You've made great progress on Peaceful Paradise. I hope that you make your deadline. Pretty gift from Carol!

RG said...

Elvis ... spaghetti sauce bubbling away. Elvis ... spaghetti sauce bubbling away. Choices. Decisions.

Oh what the heck. I'll take them both.

(That is some house. Who cleans hoses like that?)

Jennifer Stumpf said...

Oooh, that lovely Peaceful Paradise. I can't wait to stitch it! Love pics of your bunny. :-) So cute!