Monday, February 28, 2011

Now what?

Yes, I'm in a now what phase.  Which means that I have to show you why I'm in a now what phase.  Here's Frances all completed.

Frances Eden by Handwork Samplers
40ct Vintage Examplar linen
DMC threads called for

I forgot all about the line of over one at the bottom while I was stitching.  I was thinking "just this one motif left and I'll be done!"  And then it hit me like a rock over the head.  Agh!  That over one line!!!!  ARRRGGGHHH!!!!!

But it's done.


See?  Here's the end of the line to prove it.


Why does over one have to take so much longer than anything else?  Ah well.  A&E and the angels were cheering me on.


Oh, and no, I didn't rip out the FE initials and redo them in eyelet stitch.  I suppose I still might.  But when both Laurie and Siobhan said they'd done theirs in straight cross stitch -- well, that was enough for me!

The other finish I have is that little knitting project I showed you last time.  It's a very simple 1x1 rib knit blanket -- or more of a throw actually.  Here's Mia modeling the throw very nicely.


It came out narrower than I would have liked, but I also haven't blocked it yet.  (Blocking advice anyone?)  I've never blocked anything in my life, believe it or not.  I've even finished a sweater or two.  Weird, huh?    Anyway, I used this amazing (and ridiculously expensive) yarn called Pixie Dust from Knit Collage.  I don't normally splurge on yarn like this, but for some reason I did with this.  (Sorry, father type!)   I did manage to get a bit of a discount on it, but only a bit.

Mia has a morbid fascination for this throw/yarn.  While I was knitting it, she was bent on eating some of the yarn.  (Not a good thing since that's what caused her emergency visit to the vet when she was a wee thing.)  After the throw was done, she was still attempting to nip pieces of the yarn off the blanket.  Recently, she's taken to sleeping near/on it.  And just now while I was typing this post, she did her kneading behavior on it!  I guess she loves it now.  lol!

Well, it's raining outside -- hopefully melting more of that snow that's still out there covering most of the ground.  I consider that a good excuse to stay inside and stitch.  Only problem is -- what to stitch next?  Hmmmmmmmm..........  

Well, this is what Mia is doing anyway.


Looks like a good thing to do to me!  

Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!  I always enjoy our visits.  Have a great week, everyone!  Here's hoping Spring is here and we've seen the last of that other S word.  :D

73 comments:

BeckySC said...

ABSOLUTELY stunning my friend!
Huge congratulations :) Amazing work as always :)
Have a lovely week :)
((hugs))

Kim said...

Fran is LOVELY !!! I just love this sampler...all that color! We won't speak of the over one...or the fact that I need to completely re-start her. Yours is GORGEOUS! And I love that throw! The yarn looks luxurious...as I'm sure Mia will attest!

Kajsa said...

Frances Eden are so pretty! Your stitching is always gorgeous so I'm not surprised.

Isabelle said...

My God Margaret, your new finished smapler is absolutely wonderful : I love these colors :-) And you Mia is always so cute !!
Have a great week,
Isa

Cari said...

Oh Margaret...Frances Eden is just beautiful...and such a fun sampler to study. Your work is stunning...as usual. Congratulations on a fabulous finish. I love Mia. She is just darling. I love the cats!! Warmest hugs.

Alisa said...

Frances Eden is stunning. I just love the colours in it. Congrats on the finish!

Giovanna said...

Great finish - congratulations!!

Annie said...

Gorgeous sampler. It's funny.. over-one goes much faster for me. I like not having to worry about the 2 threads lying side by side.

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations on your finish! Frances Eden looks wonderful! Mia is the perfect model for your knitting finish. She looks totally content. I don't block anything I don't have to block and I'd say a blanket/afghan would fall into the category of not needing to be blocked. If you want to though, you can. Just dunk it in some water (I generally add some Soak) for a while and then gently squeeze out the water. I then generally lay my object on a towel and then cover it with another one and pat it hard to get the excess out. Next lay it out on the floor and then stretch it out and pin it with loads of Tpins or blocking wires. I use the area under my ceiling fan and leave it on so it dries faster. You may have to play with it a bit to get a uniform shape.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Frances is FABulous!!! I say, leave the big FE as is - it looks great and I'm sure that Frances wouldn't mind in the least! I do love those wild colors - so bright, pretty and fun!

Mia is a lovely model for your very pretty blanket! Love the colors and texture of that yarn.

I am waiting with baited breath to see what your next project is going to be!

Sherry said...

Stunning finish! You are so fast it puts my stitching to shame! Love the yarn you are using on the throw and obviously so does Mia!

I can't wait to see what you decide to start next!

Annie Beez said...

Wow I can't believe I just wrote you like a novel and then I lost the post! Well, suffice to say-Frances is gorgeous! How do you finish these so fast! I really admire your ability to focus and your stick-to-it-iveness!!And I love your throw! I have been trying to teach myself to knit this winter, but I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks! I hope you post when you block it, I would love to see how you do it! Congrats again-both are really beautiful finishes!

BrendaS said...

Frances Eden looks beautiful! Can't wait to see what you start next, I just know it will be something great:)))

Have a wonderful week.

Kim said...

Love Frances Eden!!! The unusual colors are so pretty together. You are such a fast stitcher, and all your work is beautiful! Can't wait to see what you will do next!!

The yarn you used for the throw is yummy! Mia looks like she is enjoying it very much!!!

woolwoman said...

margaret - I just love FE - the motifs are all so cute and childlike - the squatting bunnies make me laugh ! So many fun things to observe in this busy sampler - I hope to stitch it myself one day. The Kollage yarn worked up beautifully in the throw - Mia must think that blankie is all for her enjoyment and comfort. I would be worried about her sucking wool off it - it can be very dangerous for her to ingest it. I would not worry about blocking something that was not a garment and like you - I have made sweaters and so forth and not blocked - some purists will disagree but I don't feel it is always necessary - Can't wait to see what's next ???? Have a good week ! Mel

Glenna said...

What a beautiful throw, and Frances is equally yummy. I love the photo of Mia loving the yarn. Ooooo--I'm sure if you go through your stash, the "what next" will come to you. Kind of like post partum, in a way.

Tanya Willis Anderson said...

Gorgeous! Stunning! WOW! And that kitty is darling. Congrads ... now what is right? LOL Like a good book, hard to see what follows. Good luck!

Tanya

Michelle said...

Woohoo on finishing Frances! She is gorgeous. And why is it that over one takes so stinkin' long? Your throw/wrap is lovely - I love the color. And it looks so warm and cuddly. Wonder if Mia will share with me? Can't wait to see what you decide to stitch on next?

barbara said...

I think Mia has the right idea - that looks like a throw to cuddle up with and enjoy sweet dreams!

I can't believe you've finished this sampler already! It is gorgeous!

The Scarlett House said...

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! It's really awesome, M. Somehow those funky bright colors just work. I can't wait to see how you frame it. Another beauty for you.

Bertie said...

Wow Margaret another gorgeous sampler, congratulations:)) the colours are just fabulous.
Don't know anything about blocking, and looks like Mia doesn't care either, just let me sleep lol.
So what's next???

Erica said...

Oooh your sampler is beautiful! Love the colors.
The throw is beautiful too!
Oh course the cat hair will just add to the fiber content!

Teresa S. said...

I have enjoyed so much watching you work on Frances--Now I have her on order :) Congratulations on your finish!

Melissa said...

That blanket you knitted is beautiful. I love the colours. No wonder Mia loves it. I know it's scary when the cat eats something that shouldn't be eaten!

Congratulations on finishing Frances Eden. She's so pretty!

merumo said...

Congrats on your finish!! She is stunning and I'm sure she appreciates you didn't forget about the over one area at the bottom. lol I've been glued on my PC just looking at her. And of course, Mia cat is always a cute girl. I love her face with relaxing on her new knitted blanket. Can I join you with napping together? I enjoy knitting, too. lol But had to limit myself not going there this year as I'm busy with between stiching and quilting already...

Meriem said...

C'est magnifique, une très belle version.
Et votre chat est adorable :-)

Ranae said...

Wowza! What a stunning treasure you have completed. Congrats!!

Cathy Lloyd said...

Love your FE!!! So colorful...I hate that over-one stuff too, and mine never seem to look that great... Love your throw...and of course little Mia. What a sweet fur baby! Enjoy your inside day and the opportunity you have to finger your stash and pick something new! :)

Melanie said...

Gorgeous sampler!!! Congrats on finishing!!!

Does the yarn have acrylic in it? I can't remember if you posted what was in it. I only ask because if it has a goodly amount of acrylic, it can't really be blocked. That only works for natural fibers. I block all my wool stuff though because it just FEELS better after a little washy-washy in the sink. Looser, softer, more drapey, etc. Not so uptight, you know? lol Just a little soak in cold water in the sink, can even use a bit of liquid hand soap if you want. Rinse it, gently squeeze it out (no twisting), place it in between some towels, roll it up and squeeze it out some more, then lay it out to dry. You can pin it out if you want it to have a certain shape but it probably won't need that. I usually only pin lacey things. Hope this helps!

KarenV said...

Frances Eden looks fabulous Margaret, congratulations on another huge, stunning finish!

robindefender said...

Congrats on your finish! I love this beautiful sampler. And your little cat is such a sweetie!

valerie said...

Wow! Congratulations on your Frances Eden finish. It looks wonderful. I love your little knitted throw too. Mia def. seems to like it! lol

Natalia said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely, Margaret !!! I can't wait to see how you frame it.
Nice yarn on the blanket... Mia certainly loves it !!! As for blocking, all I do is just put the blanket on a flat surface and spray it with water, then just let it dry. I hope this helps !!

Deb said...

Woo Hoo Margaret - just love those funky colors in Frances! You are so speedy I can't believe it!!! Now what are you going to start or is there nothing in the stash box tempting you? LOL

I remember my cat doing that kneeding thing. I had a terry cloth bathrobe that he would search for just so that he could kneed it and then he'd fall asleep on it. It was his favorite!!

sampler lover said...

Hi Margaret, congratulations on finishing another beautiful sampler. I love all the angels on this one. It is as if Angels were watching over you. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next - Sandra.

Mary said...

Congratulations Margaret on another stunning finish. Frances Eden looks superb and such an accomplishment. I look forward to seeing your next project.
Your knitted throw looks lovely too and obviously very snuggly for Mia.

Ruth said...

Congratulations on fine finishes all over -- I must say I both envy Mia nad resent her... afterall, I'm at work and there's nothing worht kneading here.

Laura said...

Congrats on that huge finish!!!! It is so gorgeous! The angles on this piece are really delightful.

Mia is so adorable! I love when cats knead on blankets!

Laurie in Iowa said...

LOL... that was so sweet of you to knit that beautiful throw for little Mia. At least she shows her appreciation!
Your Frances E. looks fabulous. Congrats on your finish.

Katrina said...

Woohoo congrats on the finish. Frances is gorgeous!!!! And love the knitted piece, cute pics of Mia.

Love to Stitch said...

You are simply an incredible stitcher!!!! Choosing such gorgeous samplers and powering them out. Another outstanding finish Margaret!! Cant wait to see what is next!!!!!!!!

Karen said...

OMG...what a fabulous finish! Looks like this is a the "now what" phase is a good one to be in!

Can't wait to see what is next.

LiahonaGirl said...

Wow! Absolutely gorgeous Margaret! A beautiful finish of another wonderful sampler.
Nancy

Catherine said...

Another fabulous finish!
Mia looks so sweet!

Littlebit said...

OMG, Margaret!! You always, always amaze me with how you turn out these HUGE samplers!!! Congratulations!!! It's absolutely beautiful, and I can't WAIT to see what you decide to work on next.

Sylvia said...

Amazing.... FE is so beautiful!!
Your throw looks yummy and its obvious that Mia has claimed it as her own - she looks so comfy and cozy!

Can't wait to see what you start next... Susan Rambo... Ann Grant....??

Siobhán said...

I can't wait to see what you choose to work on next, Margaret! Great finish!! Frances looks great. I considered it a gift from God when I discovered a break in my thread on the linen right where the over one would have gone, so I had to skip it.

Great job on the throw! LOL about Mia--are you sure you didn't knit some catnip into it?!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Whambango and Frances has left the building! Wow Margaret she's gorgeous top to bottom (I've been saying that a lot today looking at everyone's fantabulous finishes!)
Good going girl :) Now what IS next?! :)

Joy said...

I am in awe of your sampler and all the work! Just beautiful! Lovely throw too, Mia is such a sweet kitty.

Carol said...

Congratulations on another gorgeous sampler, Margaret!! Your stitching is so perfect and I can't wait to see what pops up next for you :)

Karoline said...

Frances is gorgeous, congratulations.

Your throw is lovely and well modelled by Mia

Paulette said...

Beautiful job, Margaret! I'm still at the halfway point! Love the blanket too... sweet Mia!

Paulette

krayolakris said...

FE is gorgeous! You don't need to change a thing! Mia looks so content, the dear little thing, but you do have to beware of her eating the fibers...bad for kitties. Can't wait to see what is next up on your needles!

Conny said...

Another beautiful sampler, the colours are lovely. Congrats on finishing this beauty.

t said...

Ohhhh swetie, that FE looks awesome, I love it and I'm wiling to see what you'll do next.
I'm not really a cat person but look at Mia with "her" brand new blanket, she looks so cute.

Tanya said...

I really like the colors on Frances. They are bright and cheery. Congratulations on a beautiful finish. I really like the throw too.

marylin said...

oh my God! already finished the colors are wonderful, your embroidery is wonderful what a wonderful sampler you can be proud of you my friend!
a good day for you

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! She's beautiful.

Caroline said...

Two finishes???? I don't think that's allowed - it makes the rest of us look bad.......

Beautiful Frances and I love the blanket as much as Mia - the yarn was totally worth the $.

Solstitches said...

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
However do you do it? You seem to stitch these big productions effortlessly and each one of them is just stunning. I'm just lost for words really.
I like your knitting project - lovely colour and it seems to suit Mia very well.
Margaret

Berit said...

Another Beauty!~

Great work! :D

Anonymous said...

Oh Me Oh My your Mia is so cute! :-)

Margaret said...

Beautiful sampler, it is hard to believe that one so young made the sampler. Your work is stunning. Our cat used to chew the wool when I was knitting too, forgot all about that until you mentioned it.

Susan said...

Margaret, I'm really behind on my blog reading. It was fun to read your last three posts and see Frances evolve. Congratulations on the finish! I don't think I would have frogged the initials either. They seem to make more of an impact in crossstitch.

Looking forward to seeing your next project!

Alma Allen said...

Hi Margaret,

Your Frances Eden is just stunning! You never cease to amaze me.
Your cat is so sweet too. No napping place is too good for her. Right?

stitches from wales said...

Hi my name is Pauline and I live in Wales UK I also used to do lots of x stitch and also was totally quilt addicted! these days I am more into knitting and crochet. would love to keep in touch.
www.StitchesFromWales.etsy

www.stitchesfromwales.com

Measi said...

Your sampler is GORGEOUS! Congrats on such lovely work.

Stitch By Stitch said...

WOW! WOW! WOW! What a beautiful piece! Congrats!!!

Hazel said...

Am I slow at commenting or what??? Good grief I must have missed it on my reader. Wowza wowza!! What a stunner. Love it and totally amazed by your patience esp on that over 1. Well done you. xx

Valerie said...

STUNNING! Another beautiful finish, Margaret! I don't know how you do it but I love watching! Now I am waiting with baited breath while you decided what to stitch next!

Brigitte said...

Oh my, Margaret, I could rave about this stunning piece. And I can't get enough of the colours, these wonderfully fancy colours of the threads and the fabric. A fantastic piece, congratulations!

TeresaB said...

Finally getting caught up on my blog reading and was so excited to see your finished Frances! Be-U-ti-FUL!!!! And you're now working on one of my favorites from this years Nashville Market, JB Creation which looks great too! Congrats on the finish.

Nicole said...

Sorry I am SO late to comment Margaret! Frances Eden turned out beautiful! I pulled mine out this weekend and I'm loving it!! Congrats on the finish!!