It only took 4 years.....

....for me to finish a piece of needlework.

Here it is:



A close up of the top:



the middle:



and the bottom:



This is the Mystery sample, which concluded after 15 parts, in December 2006 in the Embroiderers Guild of America publication Needle Arts. And it is done. Finally. I started it in 2005. I guess I had a 7 year itch to get 'er done.

At some point I'll write about why I gave up needle work for 4 years. Tonight isn't the night.

Thanks for stopping by.

And the winner is.....

No first place finishes at the California State Fair this year. Can hardly wait to see who my competition was this time. I had 5 - 2nd place finishes and an Honorable Mention. I was also told that a couple didn't make the final cut. Live and learn. Here are the entries and the results:



Mini Mystery A, design by Martina Weber of Chatelaine Designs. 2nd Place.



Red Jewels from a kit that I can't find the label for at the moment - not selected. (Honestly, do they understand how difficult it is to knit I-cord with beads? I think not.)



Needle Nick, a kit from Lizzie*Kate. My most awesome finishing job to date. The judges were full of praise - 2nd Place.



Be Mine, a kit by Twisted Threads. 2nd Place



Norwegian Star, a traditional kit from Norway. 2nd Place



Playing Tour Guide - not selected.



Pansy Scissor Fob, a kit from The Heart's Content. Honorable Mention.



Mystic Light Shawl by Anna Dalvi - Comments from the judge: “Lovely. So many elements working together. Great finishing, blocking. Try a more complicated pattern to place higher. You can do it!” Try a more complicated pattern? I wonder what she considers complicated. 2nd Place

If a few of my comments sounded snarky, well, I guess I'm feeling a little snarky. Five second place finishes?!? Seriously? Fair opens in a few weeks. Need to do some scouting for next year. I want that damn bear! (Best in Show gets a Golden Bear Trophy.)

April Stitching

I caught the stitching bug again this month, and I managed to get a few things done.

Here we go...

Janlynn Mini Disney Kits



These are about 2 1/2" by 2 1/2" when they are finished. I have around 2 dozen kits. When they are done, I plan on making a wall quilt that I can use to display by Disney Pin Collection. I think it's going to be fabulous!

I also worked on something different.



This is an all over Smyrna Cross Stitch design in colors I'm not used to seeing in a Norwegian kit. It took me less than a week to complete, which made me very happy.

Last was Bent Creek's Big Zipper. I finished two more charts. I need to get back to this in the next week or so.



The griding was tremendously helpful when I was doing the border, but now that I'm working on the smaller sections, it's throwing me off. I matched the grid lines to the master pattern, and the grid lines are different on the smaller charts. Argh! I haven't screwed things up too badly thus far.

I have now officially completed more stitching charts than socks this year. That's the first time in 3 years that has happened. Maybe my stitching mojo is back. It certainly has been on a long vacation.

And then there was needlework

I took a break from knitting. I know - shock - she can resist the pointy sticks.



It's been a while since I posted an update on one of my needlework projects, because I haven't picked one up in a looong time. But if I want to have something to compete with at State Fair this year, I better start being less monogamous. ;-)

The pattern for this part is in the picture, so you can appreciate scale. The pattern is 8.5 x 11 - that should give you an idea. And I'm working it in hand - no hoop, no stretcher bars. I'm doing it old school - like I did when I was a teenager. I was pretty proud of myself when I finished the Love Grows section. It's like riding a bicycle, almost.

Pink Heart - Heart in Hand

I love Heart in Hand designs. Cecelia Turner is a phenomenal designer, and I have done quite a few of her "heart" designs. I have a thing for hearts. The finished size on this is approximately 2" x 2". I am also very happy to say that I have tried to do a little bit of stitching lately, and should have another piece done shortly.

As with knitting, working on something like this is a comfort to me, as it has been over the years. When I am working on these creations, my mind is occupied and not dwelling on less comforting thoughts and circumstances. It certainly is cheaper than therapy.

The Big Zipper in progress

I've hinted at the fact that I do needlework. These elusive creatures come out of hiding every once in a while and taunt me. Making clucking noises and whispering "chicken", I smack them down and show them who's boss.

And if you don't use a skill, you lose it. Nature vs. nurture. Woman vs. fiber.



Doesn't look like much, does it? This is called the Big Zipper, in seven parts, by Bent Creek. The finished dimensions are 21" x 21". I'm stitching in hand, and if you couldn't tell, the whole piece is gridded to match the chart. That took way too long. The finished piece can be found here.