Cheep Cheep and a two questions

Hello Friends --
I hope you are all enjoyng a nice weekend.  It's cold here in Chicago but the sun is shining and the sky is a beautiful blue.

This week I finished this punch needle design by With Thy Needle and Thread.  It's called Cheep, Cheep.  It's stuffed and I put some plastic pellets in the bottom to give it some weight to stand up.

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 Last week I talked about starting a new project but I've decided to finish Heirloom Stitching Sampler first.  I've tried to take some pictures of the whole project but it's so long so I've included a couple of  pictures of the sections so that you can see it better.  I only have about 4 bands left before I get to the bottom hardanger section YEAH!!!  I've really enjoyed stitching this and I know it will look great framed and hanging on my wall.

 Here is the top half:

Bottom half: 

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 I also got out my Easter tree and some of the beaded ornaments that I made years ago.  I think it looks kinds of cute.  I have to keep it in a place where my cats won't bother it:))))))

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Now I have a couple of questions for you.  First one -- when you stitch a large project do you use qsnaps, scroll rods or stitch in hand?  The reason I'm asking is that I've always used qsnaps if the finished design will fit inside the qsnap, if not then I will use scroll rods.  However, Ann Grant (which is a sampler that I would like to be my next start) is HUGE.  It won't work for qsnaps and if I use scroll rods they would be about 24" long., very cumbersome to hold and stitch.  I've never used smaller qsnaps and then moved them around my stitching because I'm worried that my stitches will get crushed and ruined.  Does anyone have any clever ideas?  I am not an in-hand stitcher because I like the tension you get with a frame.  I would appreciate any suggestions you may have.

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Second questions -- I have about 300+ cross stitch patterns that I no longer want.  Most of them are old designs (80's and 90's) that are just not my style anymore.  There are lots of Stoney Creek, Alma Lynn, Leisure Arts, Cross My Heart and many more.  Is anyone interested in some of these?  If there is a certain pattern you are looking for or would just like a bunch of patterns, please let me know.  I'm looking to GIVE these away NOT SELL them. 

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world.  I hope you all have a great week and find time to do some stitching:)))

BrendaS

A Couple of Finishes

Hello Friends --
It's been a very busy couple of weeks at work and I had a very bad cold but things are looking up and we're in the home stretch with the end of tax season in sight.  With all that I was able to finish a couple of things. 

The first being this LHN Needlebook.  I decided to put my finished stitching on the cover rather than the inside so that you could enjoy it more.  Very cute stitch and super-fast finishing:)))

 And of course I had a punch finish as well.  This is a new design by With Thy Needle and Thread.  This is also coming out in a couple of weeks in cross stitch too!  Isn't that great?  I just LOVE Brenda's designs. 

I've ordered quite a bit of stash in the last couple of weeks and am debating about starting something new -- Ann Grant (beautiful silk threads and gorgeous linen) or Plenty and Grace (Belle Soie silks which are absolutely scrumptuous).  I can't decide but I should probably finish my Heirloom Stitching Sampler by Victoria Sampler since I'm about 2/3 done and I really don't want another big WIP, but those samplers are sure calling my name (LOL).  We'll see.....

Also, have you seen Vonna's new start?  LOVE IT!!!  Maybe I'll start that one....  So many things to stitch and so little time!

Have a great week everyone and THANK YOU so much for visiting my little corner of the world.  I so appreciate all the comments that you take the time to leave. 

BrendaS

Something to Share

Hello Friends --
I have a couple of finishes to share with you this week.  The first one is a Blackbird Designs pincushion which was one of the class pieces from the Silver Needle last July 2010.  It's now in BBD's new book - A Stitcher's Journey.  I just love this little house and the little cardboard box it sits in.  You can't see it in the picture but the box is painted, sanded  and waxed to make it look old. 

 I also punched this design by With Thy Needle and Thread.  I think it's called Land of Liberty. 

I just received my order from Country Stitches and I got a couple of their new Spring punch designs and can't wait to get punching!  Brenda Gervais does such a good job of designing.  LOVE all of her stuff. 

Work has been CRAZY busy and I've been stressed to the max.  Not sleeping at night and picking my fingers during the day (bad habit, I know).  I am hoping that this week will be better and I'm glad to be home today to recharge the old batteries:)))))

I did sign up for the Silver Needle retreat in July.  I'm also taking 3 additional finishing classes from Mona Bost.  It will be stitcher's heaven for a few days in July:)))  Again, if anyone is going please let me know.  It's a great time and you won't be disappointed, I promise!!!

Have a great week.

BrendaS