Monday, June 21, 2010

Lucy and Betsy beat up on Jane......

Poor Jane.  Not only is she losing time because of summer and the kids being home, but now Lucy and Betsy are elbowing in on the action.  Only a bit done on poor Jane this week.


Oh, and I take it back.  Two of the colors, not just one, in the new skeins are horrible matches.  See the flower in the bottom left?  That's supposed to be the same color as the skin tone on Adam and Eve.


(The above pic is also the piddling amount I got done this week.)  I'm so glad this wasn't the color of the skein I used for A&E and the rest of the sampler.  It's sooo yellow!  Not sure if I should just try to replace the fill in color on the flower to a different color or just tolerate the glaring new color.  Opinions?

Here's one of the reasons why poor Jane has been neglected this week.  The Lucy Bag, from Attic 24.


I may have created a monster here.  I made the bottom much larger than called for.  We'll see if it's ridiculously so!  The color from about the second beige and light blue rings out are the sides of the bag instead of the bottom.  Boy, does it take a while to go all the way round!

The other thing that's taken away from poor Jane was a class my friend Kathy (no blog) and I took in NJ with Betsy Morgan, the Toy Chest Etui.  It was a two day class, Friday and Saturday.  The first day was dedicated to finishing our pre-stitched piece and the second day to going over the rest of the project.  Here's the class project.


(There are two more "toys" to the piece now than in the picture, one being included with the class and another being an optional kit to buy.  I bought it of course!)  Betsy was a fantastic teacher!  I don't know if you're like me, but whenever I go to a class where there's finishing, I get stressed out and feel like I have to keep up with the teacher and work quickly and and and....   you get the picture.  Well, with Betsy, it was easy -- or at least a lot easier -- to keep up with her than with other teachers.  Her instructions were wonderful, both spoken and written.  By the end of the first day, both Kathy and I had finished our pre-stitched pieces into little thimble holders -- a finished product!  We were both thrilled!




Isn't it cute?  And it's a little thing, just the perfect size to hold a thimble!  All of the smalls that go in the chest are supposed to be toys.  This is a ball and cup -- although there's no ball in reality.

The second day was going over instructions, doing some practice doodling; making a sampler Jacob's Ladder from skirtex, paper and tape; and making the little drumsticks that go on the waxer holder/drum.  And at the end of the day, Betsy showed us how she makes cording and tassels.  I'm so glad she did.  I've made cording before, but her method is sooooo much better!   And I've never made tassels, but now I feel like maybe I can do it!

All I can say is, if you have a chance to take a class from Betsy Morgan, go for it.  She's a great teacher, very laid back and relaxed, and is so clever with her finishing methods too!  And her class pieces are gorgeous!  Well worth it!  Thanks for a wonderful class, Betsy!  And thanks to Diane and the ladies who sponsored it!

Current plan is to get back to Jane and finish her up, throw in some rows of crochet on the bag once in a while, maybe a bit of quilting?  Maybe.  And once Jane is done, hopefully tackle the Toy Chest Etui!  I hope!  We'll see what happens.  lol!

In other news, just one more exam for the boy child to go, tomorrow.  Then he will be done for the year.  He's already gone into summer mode, which isn't a good thing.  Too bad this exam wasn't closer to the rest of the exams.  But today will be his last day of study, tomorrow he'll take the exam, and finis!   The girl child is busy with her friends and boyfriend and her internship.  Which is a good thing!

Thanks again for stopping by and saying hi!  I love to read your comments and visit with you all.  Have a great week!

41 comments:

Giovanna said...

Loooove that class set! Your thimble holder is just perfect, and the other pieces promise to be just as good. I can't see much wrong with the flower in Jane... but it's hard to say when you're seeing it on a screen and not irl.

Loraine said...

Oh Margaret! I am in love, beyond love with that darling set. You lucky girl to take such a fun class!
I think I would abandon all other projects to work on it!
Your sampler is looking great. Can't imagine that yellow of A&E, good thing you changed it!
Your crochet is looking fab to. You have such fun projects always!
Have a great day. I love seeing what your up to too.
Hugs.

Berit said...

I think Lucy bag IS probably shaping up to be a monster--perhaps a generous beach tote?

Jane looks great, and to me it seems you got an enormous amount done--You are just such a fast stitcher! :)

As for the "yellow" I'm not sure. I'd say live with it, but If I saw another photo in other light I might change my tune.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Oh good grief... that thimble holder is fabulous. I'm so glad that you and Kathy enjoyed the 2 day class. The project is fabulous and I'm looking forward to seeing more pieces finished.
I don't see anything wrong with the flower... I'm just glad you didn't run out of silk right in the middle of stitching A&E. There are so many colors in the border I think you'll be fine with that flower.

Kelly said...

Everything looks great. The toy chest is adorable. I don't think the thread color is a big issues, at least in the picture. These samplers are so big with so many motifs, I don't think dye lot difference is that big of deal unless they are used in the same motif.

Cari said...

Jane is beautiful Margaret. Don't fret too much over the color. The sampler is STUNNING. My personal favorite....THE TOY CHEST... now that is some piece of work. I love, love, love it. You did such a great job finishing. And isn't it wonderful to have a great teacher? I'll keep Betsy's name in mind and if I see any classes...I'll be sure to sign up for one. Good job. And crocheting away on the Lucy Bag. Girl you are one talented chick!! Congratulations on all your accomplishments!! BIG Hugs

Katrina said...

Love the toy chest pieces, they are gorgeous and the thimble is too cute.

Jane is gorgeous. I hate when I have dyelot issues.

Melanie said...

What a great set!!

valerie said...

Wow, that Betsy Morgan project is amazing...looks like to much fun and the ball and cup thingie is cute. I remember playing with those types of toys as a kid. I was terrible at that one! LOL

Jane is looking great! It doesn't seem like the flower stands out from the rest despite the dyelot issue. I think it's fine but good that A&E are in the "right color". Good progress on Lucy too!

woolwoman said...

Hi Margaret - I had Betsy at ASG in Arizona several years ago - she was a nice lady - she showed her ideas and maybe a piece or two of that toy chest etui at that point in time - good for you - what an excellent job you did and so great you enjoyed the class, project and teacher.
Jane looks smashing - don't pull out the flower - it doesn't make any difference and certainly is not glaring - no one would ever know if you didn't point it out. I'm glad you are enjoying the crochet project. great summer projects and colors. Have fun! Mel

KarenV said...

That class piece is amazing! It looks like a lot of fun to do :) The thimble holder is really cute and I love the toy chest.

Jane is continuing to look amazing despite the lack of time. I'm not sure about the flower - it's difficult to tell on screen - but wait until you've done a bit more around the border. It might blend in a bit more once there's more stitching in.

Annemarie said...

Ooh, if that chest were mine, I'd be toying with it all day. No chance of Jane getting finished! But you're nearly done, woman! Go for it! I actually think the flower looks fine.
Love the bag... can't help it!

Alice said...

What fun you have had with the lessons Margaret. Love your crochet piece. On the photo the A&E flower with the yellow colour looks fine, but you will know whether you like it or not. I had no idea the colours can have so many shade variations. Nice progress.
Alice
xxx

Siobhán said...

That class set is SO fantastic, Margaret! Great job on the thimble holder--it is so neat. Jane looks fab, as does the bag. I love those colors! Good luck to your son with his final exam. I know exactly what you mean about the kids being in summer mode! LOL

Deb said...

That class is so fantastic. Something similar was being offered by our Guild (I don't know if it's the same thing or not, but the little tools look the same) and I passed by it! Probably a bad move because I'm drooling all over your piece.

And you'll get back to Jane soon. Sometimes we get into other things - like crocheting! Your bag looks great - such great colors - even if you made it a little bit big. The good thing about crochet - it's easy to rip out without losing your place.

Cathy Lloyd said...

Glad you took a class from Betsy! We've had her twice in Swans and I loved her classes both times! I hosted her at my house and she was very fun to have around! I've stitching and finished her Spanish Sampler Etui, and have 3 other kits of hers yet to do. Happy you had fun, and enjoy Ms. Jane!

Marjorie said...

Typical girls...get a group of more than 2 of them together and the fur starts to fly. Love your crochet!

Michelle said...

Your class piece is stunning! I'm so glad you had fun. Jane is looking fabulous - I think the color is fine for the flower. You might step back away from it and see if it bothers you when you look at the overall piece, but I think it's fine. Love your crochet piece too - wow!

Juels said...

Hi Margaret! The Toy Chest Etui is adorable. It is hard to stay focused when you have so many options isn't it? And they do sort of get our name and sing to us now and then to cme take them up. Since you said the color was glaring on Jane (which is gorgeous and close to being completed), if it bothers you or will continue to each time you look at it, change it. Those dyelot problems are a pain when we end up with not having enough.

Good luck to your son.

Liz said...

What a gorgeous little set Margaret and like the majority, I don't see anything wrong with the flower. I guess it's one of those things that only you can see and it will come down to whether it's going to haunt you or not? The Lucy bag is looking good, can I just say that if you're going to be carrying it to make the handles wider! I'm thinking I'm going to have to take mine off and redo them or pad them, when the bag gets heavy it digs in if the handles are narrow!! I know, don't put so much in it....LOL!
Lizzie
xxx

Karen said...

I think the flower looks okay in the picture, but of course what it looks like in real life is probably a different thing! Maybe stitch in a little more around it and see if that makes it something you can live with?

Jackie's Stitches said...

I miss the long days of summer when I was a kid. It's a fantastic time of year for kids!

I wouldn't pull out the thread. It's a stunning piece and the coloring does not detract from the gorgeousness of this sampler.

jean said...

Your work is nothing short of stunning. You inspire me to get back to cross stitching.
I really need to be an octopus so I can patch and stitch at the same time.
Thanks so much for sharing

Sherry said...

I love what you did in class! Jane is just stunning! You must finish her up! I can't see any difference in the colors but you know we are always hardest on our own work than on other people's. Your crochet is really great! Are you sure you just learned!

Carol said...

Sounds like you not only had fun in class, but you learned so much, too, Margaret. Your little toy chest set is amazing--I've never seen anything like it. And what fun to watch your crocheted bag develop--love its bright colors...

Have a great week :)

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

OMG Margaret (and I don't say the Lord's name in vain lightly!!!!) The last time I checked in with you before our whirlwind life took over you were just starting this stitch and look at it now!!!! IT IS STUNNING! GLORIOUS! WONDERFUL! And doggone it...almost. finished!!!!! WOW...you are my idol :)

Then I see this toy chest etui and all the fabulous things you are going to stitch for it. Well words just don't translate into how great I think that is! WOW!

Julie M said...

What a beautiful project that toy chest is! I'll bet the class was a blast!

A & E are looking great and I don't think I would rip out the yellowish flower. I think it looks just fine.

Sherry :o) said...

Jane will survive and I think she is coming along beautifully (and faster than if she lived with me - LOL)! The Toy Chest is being offered at a EGA guild here this fall...I have one fellow member who took it somewhere else and I think she's finished the toys, but not the chest...really pretty, it is!

Lois said...

Love the toy chest, what a wonderful class to take. The little thimble holder is just gorgous. I say stitch a little more on Jane before deciding on the colour. It looks okay from the pics but I know that if it's catching your eye it may always. Dyelot issues can be such a pain.

Mary kelly said...

Jane is looking BEAUTIFUL - I love the vibrant colours. I don't find the flower out of place as it seems to match the flowers higher up on each side. The toy box is very special and I look forward to seeing it finished. Great work with your crochet too - you've done very well for a first effort.
Mary

Kajsa said...

I just love Jane, this is just such gorgeous sampler in vibrant colors. That class looked wonderful!

Karoline said...

The Betsy Morgan piece is gorgeous, I look forward to seeing the rest of the Etui.

Jane is looking gorgeous, nice progress

Lisa said...

Jane is wonderful, your class pieces are to die for, but my favorite is the Lucy bag! Be still my heart~all those wonderful colors! Can't wait to see the finished product. It sounds like it is shaping up to be a great summer all around!

Bertie said...

No Margaret, no opinions LOL, to me it looks fine!! Such fine stitching.

Do like your Betsy Morgan class and my friends will be interested in your story, BM will be in the UK next year and I will guide those who take the class to your blog. Love the Toy and look forward to the rest :-))

Stitch By Stitch said...

Margaret your toy chest is wonderful! I also love Jane! It's so fun to see what you are working on. You are such an accomplished stitcher!

marylin & poussy said...

Oh these colors are magnificent!! And your embroiderer's treasures I am on the ground it is too beautiful your blog is beautiful! Bravo my friend! Best regards marylin

Donna said...

Isn't Betsy wonderful? She's in my EGA chapter and she's always got something new and even more amazing in the works. I swear she doesn't sleep.

Dona said...

Margaret the toy chest is too cool! I love all of the pieces.

I also love the colors in the bag. Beautiful and bright!

Jeanne said...

Margaret - that sampler is just totally awesome, the color and vibrancy are really astounding. I've never heard of Betsy Morgan (where have I been?!) but that toy chest is an heirloom in the making for sure. The finishing work would scare me a bit but you just have to take your time and yours will be awesome I know!

Isabelle said...

Hi Margaret , what a lucky girl you are to take classes with great designer : I love your Toy Chest Etui : it is really adorable.
Jane is continuing to look amazing : please, don't be worry about the colors , I think your will sampler turn out awesome as well as the last ones : you always choose marvellous designs .
Wishing you a nice week,
Isabelle

Betsy Morgan said...

Hi Margaret!

Diane sent me a link to your blog - it's wonderful! Jane is GORGEOUS! That looks like a lot more stitching than the Toy Chest. You must have flying fingers.

Thanks for all of your kind words about the class and the Toy Chest! Thanks also to all of you for your comments and hello to Cathy Lloyd and the other ladies who have been in my classes!!

The weekend in New Jersey was fun for me too - what a great group of very competent stitchers - it made my job SO easy.

I can't wait to check out all of the links on your blog - I won't get any stitching done this evening.

All of those samplers at the top of your home page - did you stitch all of them????

The Hobby Horse is in the works - I'll let you know when it's available.

Hugs and stitches,
Betsy