First Needlepoint Finish 2020 - Two Cabins

It's back from the framers and I loved stitching it.   I figure I'd share the finish after framing was done with all the information shared at the same time.

Designed by Nancy's Needle and the stitching started on December 23, 2019 would you believe it was finished on January 12, 2020 (it's a first for me tracking the start and the finish dates of a project - I probably will continue doing this).
Stitched on 20 Count Mono Canvas as instructed with the called for threads using a #22 Tapestry needle with one strand of:

Snow 09 - Silver 
Watercolours  063 - Black Forest

Watercolours  083 - Pine Forest

Watercolours  136 - Cedar

Watercolours  137 - Copper

Watercolours  159 - Silver Blue

Watercolours  196 - Sable

#5 Perle Cotton 4045 - Evergreen Forest

#5 Perle Cotton 4140 - Driftwood

#12 Tapestry Braid 3203 - Cat's Eye

DMC Floss #310 - Black - 2 strands used with #26 needle

Stitched with the called for Stitches:

Slanted Gobelin

Bargello Tuck (securing tail ends of threads)

Mosaic Stitch

Long Stitch

Horizontal Straight Stitch 

Overall I enjoyed this project and it was easy for me to focus on.
I'll be gone for about a month visiting with my Mom.
TTFN,

Jane

Forty Diamonds Finished!

Finally...... the Forty Diamonds Quilt is done - DONE.

84" x 102"

Made of batiks with a Minky backing

Quilted with Superior Lava,  #210 Coconut thread for both the top and bottom threads

 

 

Notice this is being done free hand. 
Disregard the old lady's hands, who in the world is she anyway?

Continued quilting with my version of a feathered Fat Comma (coined by me) and the whole kit and caboodle is quilted.   Started out by marking the squares and had such a time marking them that I ended up just quilting by free motion quilting. 

Not too bad if I do say so. 

Used the Quilter's Tips for the first time too for quilting and found them helpful.  Would you believe my nails broke through two of them already so they don't last long but at least my hands weren't overheated and clammy while quilting, a huge plus in my book.  If you remember this quilt was already in our Quilt show in 2013 but the only quilting I did was to echo the sashings for the show.  I know, How Embarrassing!  I will never do that to myself again....EVER!  Only two more quilts that need more quilting now.  Think I'll pick up the Tweet Camping next when I return from the quilt retreat I'll be attending shortly.


 

 

Note to self: When using minky, it's directional so make sure to keep the nap in mind if a back needs piecing together. 

 

When bringing the grandchildren to school this neighbor's property inspired me to stop.

The front of my home this am: About 3 more inches of that white crap.  It's Pretty, but am tired of this color and am thinking of some lovely green would be perfect right now. 












Their Mom had one of her early days so they went out to follow rabbits tracks while Meme made their pancakes. 
This is our back yard at 6:30  am.  I did take a couple of photos of the grandchildren out there too, but they were all too blurry so I deleted them. 


And yes Susan, this isn't a park but our back yard. We do appreciate it and love its' beauty when we rest since we're home gardeners and like to garden and landscape our turf.  We just don't care about mowing it all come summer since it takes about 4 hours+ to do with the trimming and we're not talking about the weeding yet.   We own a couple of waterfront acres in the Adirondacks, our slice of heaven (and sweat).   Notice the patio bar set lined up and waiting  under the eaves? 


Patience please patio stuff, not yet..... but soon....I hope.



Next on the agenda will be to use the hot tub.   It's close to 40 degrees outside  right now at 5 pm and besides being a really long day it'll be wonderful to de-stress.  I really don't know why I work myself up so over the quilting of my projects like I do.  TTFN....
Jane

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 81st Birthday!!!

 

Wishing my Mom a wonderful Birthday!  Mom, You rock and I love you so much.  Many times through our travels I always feel so blessed to be your daughter.  You are an amazing women, friend and Mom. 

 

Thank you for being you and sharing yourself so graceously while doing it so well.  I've been paying attention and hope I can do as well with my life.   

PS:  And did you notice I actually told every one how old you really are? 

lol  Evil aren't I?

Last weeks items:

1. Flowers stitched onto Lil Miss Shabby
2. 2 threads sewn onto Scaredy Sheep fob- did 6! 
3. Start the knitting the slouchy hat (Need to purchase some knitting needles, I have everyother size but these!)  Didn't do this but changed it up and did start knitting a dishrag!   Just could't find the required circular needle.
4. Label PGD#1 advent calendar - DONE!  Elfie, the elf on the shelf loves it too and actually sat in one of the advent pockets a couple of times now.  McKenna did an excellent job on her advent calendar and I hope she enjoys it for many years to come though she generously give it to her Mom for Christmas.

The list of four I wrote out didn't get totally done, only two of the items were done and the one I changed did get started so not too bad attending to three especially since I've been sick again with the yearly bronchitis, sinus, ear and asthma situation.  Both DH and I are wondering when we'll need to move south for our health.  Each year it's getting more difficult for my lungs.  SO I'm on antibiotics, steroids and more steroid inhalers besides the nebulizer treatments.  Never realized when I was sick how difficult my breathing was until my lungs started opening back up.  Can I say how nice it is to breath! 

 

So this weeks list of Four are:

1. Flowers stitched onto Lil Miss Shabby
2. 2 more threads on Shephards Bush scaredy sheep
3. Finish the completed CXS Santa and reindeer as a balsam pillow to hang in the master bedroom
4. Finish knitting dish rag with the wrap over technique every 5 rows.

 Meatloaf for dinner and while thats cooking will make up some spaghetti sauce to freeze for a

quick dinner another night.  Of course I need to start with my Christmas cards and

go downstairs to find some more decorating items for the kitchen. 

 

 

It's so beautiful outside with it snowing.   DH is plowing the driveway and the Christmas carols are playing. 

At least that bitter cold is now insulated with the 8 inches of snow covering our area. 

Enjoy your day.

 

Jane