"I'm working on Victoria Sampler's Heirloom Christmas. It's currently trapped in my floor stand downstairs, so the only time I can work on it is in daylight (it's next to the best window in the house, and I refuse to haul my stitching lamp up and down everyday). I'm stitching along with several other members of the Hoosier Stitchers, an Internet group I joined only a few monthsÊbeforeÊmoving to Nebraska. I don't know if I'd have ever gotten the thing out of my stash because the directions are a little frightening (at least for someone who has next to no experience in hardanger and drawn thread work). It's great to know there's a support system out there, and I've already put out the call for help a couple times with great results. I'm very excited that I'll finally get to meet a few of these wonderful ladies when I get to attend one of their stitch-ins in May, and we can all see how we're coming along with our projects. I've made a few fiber changes so far just to suit my personal preference in color and/or thread type, but I'm pleased with it so far. The tree made me a little crazy, and it's not perfect, but it's unique to me, and I like that." --Laurie G.
"Now that the sun is staying up later ... time to settle back into the stitching chair and work on Nature's Alphabet by Elizabeth's Designs. I'm quite certain I purchased the pattern and supplies from you last spring. I have 17 letters finished. I worked on it quite a bit last summer as I was recovering from surgery.... We have a few trees in our yard and in the afternoons I would stitch, while my daughters (ages 13 and 15) would read. I enjoyed the stitching and the time with my girls." --Susan W.
"I always have several projects going at once. Here are some of the things I am working on at this time. Shepherd's Bush Easter Treat bag and Easter Needleroll. I didn't get either one done in time for Easter, but if I keep working on them, I will have them done for next year! 1890 House Sampler from Chessie & Me. I went to a camp and she was the teacher. It is a cute sampler and the camp was a lot of fun. Gingham Check needlepoint scissors case. This is a class our guild did at our monthly meeting. A Lady's Sampler Slipper and Purse. This is also from a class that we had Tricia Wilson Nguyen come to as a traveling teacher. She is an incredible person and a wonderful teacher!! The last thing I am working on at this time is Time and Seasons sampler by Moira Blackburn. This sampler is done in just cross stitch, but I decided to change it and I am adding a bunch of different stitches to make it more exciting. I still have a long way to go on it. Basically I just have the large outside border done so far. I really do like this sampler though. I guess that just about wraps it up." --Amy B.
"I am currently working on last year's Christmas present for my best girlfriend. Carolyn and I have Christmas in July at the beach every year. It makes it easier with all the hustle and bustle around Christmas and then we don't have to rush our projects. We are doing it this year over the 4th of July so there will be lots of fireworks outside as well as inside. Because I just know she is going to love her handmade gift. Her main gift will be "Spring Gathering" by Homespun Elegance. I really enjoy doing the Homespun Elegance charts. The finished piece is always really nice. I've got it almost complete. Plus I have a lot of those little gadgets that stitchers just can't seem to be without for her." --Marilyn S.
"My world is centered on Spring Queen by Mirabila. I have been working on her since 08/2002. I hope to finish her by the 2-yr. mark. The shading is what is so amazing. You work on these funny looking "blobs" of color and ask yourself "why"? Then I cruise by the stand and am shocked by the way that they do in fact make the gown look as if someone is sitting in it (her face has been rolled up for sometime now. I'm sure it will be like meeting a new friend when I unroll her) I am however sick of looking at all shades of yellow. I took a break from her last night and did a little ornament just because it was green and red. Like all of my giant girls she is going away when I finish her. My grandmother gets this one. I figure if I keep them in the family, I should get them back someday." --Gabrielle A.
It's so much fun to read about what everybody else is up to. I hope you have a nice big project for summer, and a small one for running around with. I also hope you have time for what makes you happy this summer. Have a good month! :)
© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com