Monday, April 18, 2016

The Traveling Stitcher Returns

Happy Monday, peeps and peepettes!

I am back from my finishing retreat in Modesto.  I had a great time!  There is something about hanging out with 25 other people that love to stitch as much as you do.  LOL  The retreat is led by Lois Bear from Elegant Stitch.  That woman has more artistic talent than anyone I have ever met. She can look at a project and give you five different ways to finish it.  She always says that we need to think outside of the box.  Well, she takes us out of the box and across the street!

I stitched, and sewed, and beaded, and stitched some more.  Here a few of my finished-finished projects.

These are both Little House Needlework patterns.  Look closely and you will see the teeny, tiny mini pom-poms.   These are hand-dyed by Lois as part of her Lady Dot line.  She also dyes silk ribbon and chenille.

                            

This is a pattern by Pineberry Lane.  This uses the Lady Dot hand-dyed silk ribbon in "vintage".



This is a close-up of the silk ribbon.  Isn't it beautiful?  Can you see the tiny beads?  It wasn't enough for Lois to suggest ruched ribbon, but then said that the only way to finish it was with beads.  LOL The ribbon took about an hour and a half to ruche, and then another hour to sew on the ribbon and add the beads. Did it take a long time?  Absolutely, but this finish was worth every minute!

Then I worked on my sampler.  Finally got one side of the vine done and half of the top.  Not bad for a couple of hours...


Back to reality this afternoon.  It was warmer than expected, so I was out watering as soon as I got home. I will close with some pictures of my roses.  Midnight Rose...a deep, deep red that turns almost purple the longer it is open.


George Burns...yellow with red accents. 


I also worked on my husband's scarf and my Giant's blanket.  And took a side trip to a yarn store.  I will save those pictures for next time. LOL

Have a wonderful week and be kind to one another.

14 comments:

  1. I've never been to a retreat before, but I would like to go to one some day. You sure got a lot accomplished! That ruched ribbon is divine--you did a great job. I have done it, but never with the beads--something I will have to think about!
    I love your beautiful roses!

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    1. Thank you! I had one of my table-mates help with the ribbon. It was easier than I thought, but very time consuming. I really do like the beads!

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  2. My goodness, you have the patience of a saint. Beautiful work.....I admire you for it.....I would be cross-eyed.

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    1. Thank you! And, I think the same about your weaving! LOL I am drawn to primitive stitching, so the ribbon was a little out of my realm. I was thinking of using red chenille, but that ribbon really adds to the piece.

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  3. Wow. Wow. Wow. The ruched silk ribbon with beads is sooooooooooo fantastic! LOVE that! And that Midnight Rose. Have a good week!

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    1. Thank you, Vickie. Each year I learn something different. I know that I will be using this technique again.

      And guess who has a flower stalk on their "grape" iris!! It should be any day now. LOL Just so you know, I am hand watering that little guy. LOL

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  4. Your finishes are awesome! Love that sampler you are working on, too. The roses are so lovely. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures. Welcome back sweet friend. :)

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    1. Thank you!! I love my roses and this is a bumper year. So nice to see flowers. Sigh.

      I am excited again about my sampler...it's been a while. LOL

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  5. I missed you but am so happy that you got away and obviously had a good time. So well earned! My gosh, aren't those finishes divine. Yes, I see the pom poms and yes the beads too. So beautiful. Finishing is really where I fall down on the job, so I am in awe. Love the roses esp. sweet since my poor daffodils haven't even opened yet.

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    1. Keep the faith...those daffodils will bloom soon!! Thank you for the compliment. I'm just happy to get something done. LOL

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  6. Oh my gosh a finishing class sounds wonderful, your finish's are lovely, I love the silk ribbon and beads so sweet.
    Beautiful floral pictures.

    Blessings
    Catherine

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    1. Thank you very much!! The ribbon and beads are my favorite. :-)

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  7. Oh Angela, this retreat must have been gorgeous. So much finishing. I love all your little pillow finishes. And this rushed ribbon edge with little beads is so beautiful. And you could even work some on your sampler. Great job!

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    1. Thank you! I look forward to this retreat every year. So much knowledge and talent in one room. I never leave without learning.

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