Autumn Sampler by Prairie Schooler

An over-one excerpt from the OOP Prairie Schooler leaflet, finished with a bit of vintage lace and a leaf button. I made the box myself! This is an exchange for a partner that I really wanted to do something special for – knowing that she loves autumn and colorful leaves and such, this seemed like the perfect choice. I used the suggested DMC on 32 linen that I’m pretty sure is the suggested lambswool. (Note that the box is covered using some paper gifted to me by Stitch Bitch for my birthday.)

Blackbird Pie

This is a medley of design elements taken from the following Blackbird Designs patterns:

Petites Lettres Rouges
Stars and Stripes
Glad Tidings

I’ve stitched it in DMC on 35 ct linen from Vikki Clayton. It will be sent to someone else, so there’s space for personalization.

Flowers in May by Mary Garry

This design from the Seasonal Mementoes II leaflet is also called “As Welcome as the Flowers in May”. I’ve stitched it on a light, neutral 35 count linen by Vikki Clayton using most of the suggested threads (subbed out a few I couldn’t lay my hands on). I stitched two-over-two (or one-over-one) rather than the one-over-two usage suggested. I thought that made the design look too faded and difficult to see.

I added a strip of Moda fabric to the sides and laced the stitching over a padded mat board and popped it into the “window” of a small tea box that I had sanded, painted, and sanded again. I added a bit of flowery ric-rak around the edge to give it a more polished look.

June Berries by Blackbird Designs

This is one of the designs from the booklet, A Fine Collection. I’ve stitched it on a 35 ct cream (with a very  light celery tint) linen from HDF using the suggested fibers with the exception of the alphabet, which is done in GAST Woodsmoke (a very dark skein I had). I didn’t like the pinkness of the Cocoa that was suggested.

I’ve finished it as a tray insert for a wooden tray/basket that I painted and then sanded down to give it an antique look. Frankly, I’m thrilled with the outcome and it was hard to package it up to send away. Must do this finish again in the future!

2 finishes from Prairie Lodge, Prairie Schooler

I’ve finished a needlebook for round 2 of the PS Exchange. My exchange partner is also an avid fisherwoman, so I chose these designs to reflect her hobby and tried to finish off the project to look a little like a wicker tackle box. I hope she likes it! I used the called-for DMC and stitched on 35 ct Cream linen from HDF. This was a fun exchange to dream up for a very different sort of hobby.

Brightneedle “Mama Bird” pillow

From the April 2002 JCS, using my own color scheme. Stitched on 35 ct HDF Mushroom linen using HDF silks Ochre 4403, Imperial Green 3225, Yonder Blue 2215, Yonder Blue 2211, Brass Tacks 3451, Vetch Green 3239, Bear Brown, Castory, and some bits & pieces.

Finished as a lavender scented hanging pillow with a braided ribbon trim. Backside is done in a playful owl print.

Prim Sampler Bird

Made this for Su, for the Spring Seasonal Exchange. Stitched on 36 ct Silkweaver Solo using HDF silks Black Cherry, Enchantress, Black Iris, BeGrimed, Black Iris Bloom. Floral back of bird and lace wing are both vintage materials. Stuffed with wool rovings and magnolia potpourri.

Sow Dry, Set Wet

Stitched on low-count jute-like linen with DMC and OWS linen thread in a pastel palette because my exchange partner likes those colors.

Finished as a door knocker using some vintage lace.