Monday, March 28, 2011

I love color

I do.  I love color.  I find color is often what draws me to a sampler.  And with Ann Grant, that's certainly true.  To the extent that I couldn't tell you exactly what is in the sampler, only that it has amazing colors.  Here's where I am on Ann right now.


I was going to be brave and do the whole border, inner and outer, before tackling the inside.  But then I gave up.  Couldn't resist seeing what the inside looks like.


Eyelet letters go slowly, but they are pretty.


See the letter T?  It's hard to tell from the picture, but the fiber used for that letter (and the G too, I think) is a new favorite.  It's Gloriana Pecan, and has the most amazing shades in it.

I also managed to go to my LNS this past week with friends and pick up one piece of framing.  (More to come fairly soon from what I hear.)  Here's Hallow Eden.


Don't you love the frame?  I stitched it on 40ct River Willow with the called for fibers (except for one DMC color).

Busy week around here.  Let me just say that when I said the boy child could do the high school musical on top of SAT prep, preparing for the NYSSMA audition, the usual orchestra stuff, jazz, and of course school work (I'm probably forgetting something else) -- I must have had rocks in my head.  I'm having a nervous breakdown just worrying about him getting everything done.  Argh!  This week and next week are crazy busy, but then the musical will be done and that will help a bit.

Mia on the other hand.  Ah, the life of a cat.  One of her new favorite things to do is to pull the quilt down from the back of my stitching chair and settle in.


How can one resist that face?  She's such a sweetie!  But she's a definite "attack cat" when it comes to strangers.  lol!  She has a reputation, both with strangers to the house, and at the vet's.  Knowing that she's been that way since she was tiny reassures me that no matter what I did bringing her up, she would have been an attack cat.  But she's a sweetie under all that fierceness.

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I so enjoy being a part of the blogging community!  Hope you all have a wonderful week!

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

Margaret, Ann Grant is so beautiful! I love the pink and green in the border. You definitely are a very fast stitcher. Maybe you could give me some lessons and tips on how to make the needle fly!! Blessings to you from Kentucky - kelley

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Ann G. is beautiful Margaret. I couldn't agree with you more about the beauty of the colors in this sampler. One day, if my linen ever arrives, I'll get to stitch my own Ann G.
That little Mia sure knows how to make herself comfortable.
Sending positive thoughts and lots of energy to you and the boy child for the next couple of weeks. You'll both survive it!

Dona said...

Margaret, Ann is gorgeous! I enjoyed seeing your progress and noticed things about the sampler that I hadn't noticed before, like that inner border with the little flowers. I love color,too!

Mia is such a sweetie! And she has good taste in choosing your quilt!

Faye said...

Your frame is just perfect Margaret!!! And, I also love those colors in the sampler...I may just have to break down and get this one!! Great progress too btw.... Faye

Cathy B said...

Hi Margaret!

I love color too; it's so satisfying to stitch with color - a recent finish, BBD Winter Delivery, was somuch fun because the color of the linen - Cranberry Bog!

Your Ann Grant is really beautiful and the colors are magnificent. If I didn't have so many other irons in the fire I would have to start this one!

Gotta love that Mia! Your son will manage fine; based on everything you've written about him, he is a responsible and successful young man!

Have a great week!

Sherry said...

Ann is looking stunning. I love the pinks and I am not usually into pinks that much but they really make Ann spectacular. Your A&E piece is beautiful framed.

Love to Stitch said...

Your Ann is gorgeous. You are right about the colors in it, soft and beautiful. Any color from Gloriana is great, but Pecan makes a way into ALOT of my projects-- the color is exquisite. I am looking forward to more pics for sure.
Your new framed piece is great, the frame is perfect too :)

Bertie said...

Wow AG is large!!! I do like the different stitches and the colours. Agree that the border can wait,because I want to see the inside too LOL.
A gorgeous frame on Hallow Eden, love the linen colour:))
As for Mia, who would not want to be wrapped in that gorgeous quilt:))

Alisa said...

Ann Grant is lovely! I look forward to seeing this one progress. The colours are fantastic so far.

The Scarlett House said...

Oh no, just seeing your Ann start makes me want to start her. Bad...very bad! I just love that inner border with the red berry things. That is one gorgeous sampler. And I love how the framed A&E looks, too.

Edgar said...

AG is sooooo pretty!!! Love the framed A&E!!! Mia is just darling - so snuggly and warm - I know that face from the who-hounds!

Glenna said...

Talk about enablers! I love A. Grant, even though I've been saying I'd hold off. Those colors speak to me. What a wonderful frame you chose!

Annie Beez said...

Wow! So gorgeous@ I LOVE eyelet letters, and in the gloriana they are STUNNING!! Beautiful framing too!

BrendaS said...

Love your progress on Ann Grant. Such pretty colors.

Good luck to your son with all his activities. One day you will miss all that....

barbara said...

Whew, your son has a LOT going on (and you, too!). Good luck with it all.

Ann Grant is gorgeous. Wonderful colors. I may have to get myself a skein of that Pecan .... ;)

Nicole said...

You are making great progress Margaret!! You inspire me to keep going!! Love your Hallow Eden - the frame is perfect and Mia is so sweet!!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Margaret, oh my goodness, I so can relate to what you are saying about the running of the boy child every which way. I didn't sleep 3 nights last week (not kidding) because I was having panic attacks...I was....and it wasn't over my stuff, it was over how was I going to get everyone, everywhere for their stuff the next 8 weeks....come on summer break!
Anyway, I thank God for my stitching...and I know you do too, because look at that stunner Miss Ann...gorgeous work, as always! And your Eden...GORGEOUS! I do love that frame!
Hugs and love...and keep treading water :)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

You are making lightening fast progress (as you always do) and she is just stunning! I love the colors in this one and will definitely start it one day. Until then, I'll just admire yours and all the others that are stitching her as well!

Deborah said...

I agree, Margaret, the colors in Ann are beautiful and I look forward to your progress. Love Hallow Eden.

valerie said...

Your Ann G is coming along gorgeously! I just love the colors and the eyelets! I know many people don't like eyelets but I think they are so pretty. Your Guarding Eden is a stunner all framed up! Good luck to you and DS during this hectic time...try not to stress too much. It'll turn out fine!

Deb said...

It looks fantastic Margaret! I can't believe you did so much of the border. Those things make me want to pull my hair out. And now I want to get back to mine!! Soon, very soon! But aren't the colors in this piece just to dye for? You've made such good progress.

And I love your frame on Hallow's Eden. It's just perfect!!

And you crack me up saying that you're having a nervous breakdown making sure that everything gets done. I'll tell you, us mom's worry about everything don't we. Meanwhile, the person we're worrying about is as cool as a cucumber.

And Mia is a sweetie. You just have to smile looking at her face.

Cari said...

Wow oh WOW....your Ann Grant is lovely. I think the eyelet letters are just over the top beautiful!! Your work is something to look at Margaret. Love your framed piece too! Excellent !! And, my personal favorite, why Mia of course. She's such a DOLL. Hugs and have a great week!!

marylin said...

hi this sampler will be beautiful! just start a true wonder! I am always impressed by your timeliness! you're a pro!
thank you also to be faithful to my blog I am very happy!
all my dear friends

Ellen said...

Ann is certainly gorgegous!1 You certainly know how to pick incredible samplers to stitch.

Your frame on the other piece is wonderful!!

Michelle said...

Ann is gorgeous! I will have to check out Pecan. I *think* I've used it before. Your Hallow Eden looks amazing framed also. Love that fabric color!

Teresa S. said...

Loving your progress on Ann Grant! And the frame on Hallow Eden is just perfect. Congrats!

Siobhán said...

Oh my gosh, I love your progress on Ann! She looks fantastic. I love the frame for Hallow Eden, too!

Ranae said...

Ann is looking totally fabulous, love the alphabet
Mia is so cute

Littlebit said...

Oh, Margaret, I LOVE your Ann Grant and the colors! Wow! You have really made progress!
Mia is darling..
Your Hallow Eden is perfect! LOVE the frame you chose. I must stitch that one up.

Carol said...

You always select the most lovely samplers to stitch, Margaret, and Ann Grant is certainly a beauty :)

I do love that frame, too--great choice.

I don't know how these kids make it through high school these days with their crazy schedules. We never did nearly that much did we? I'm sure he'll handle everything beautifully!

sampler lover said...

Hi Margaret, great progress on Ann. She is a stunner isn't she.
Another beautiful framed piece. The frame goes so well with this one.
Yes, our children end up with so much on their plates these days. I am sure that we never had all this pressure on us - Sandra.

Laura said...

Ann Grant is something else!!!! Gorgeous in every way!!! How exciting to work on it!!!!

Mia looks so cute!!!!

Karen said...

Your sampler is so pretty! Love your framed piece...the frame definitely suits it.

Love your kitty too.... would love to stay curled up under a quilt all day!!!!

happy stitching....

Catherine said...

Margaret,
I am toally smitten with Ann! Your frame choice is perfect for HallowEden - love it!
I'm watching my boys juggle their activities - and I know it will be harder as they get older!

Cathy Lloyd said...

Ann is stunning! I would just love to hang out with you once while you are stitching just to watch a woman with flying needles! Your Mia is so sweet! Enjoy the time with the boy child!

Melissa said...

The Attack Cat! I love it, and she looks so sweet and innocent in the photo! ;-)

Love your Ann Grant! I know I will enjoy stitching her one day.

Your Hallow Eden is great! The frame is perfect.

Good luck with the concert!

Anonymous said...

Your Ann Grant is lovely. The border is extremely beautiful. Those tiny eyelet letters...WOW!!! What patience you have! The Hallo Eden finish is framed beautifully. Lucky you to have such pretty pieces.

marly said...

Really nice frame, sweet kitty, beautiful stitches, fabulous colors! It's so nice to see closeups rather than a chart's thumbnail on a website. Can't wait to watch this progress.

Berit said...

Loving HallowEden!

Mia definitely has that "you don't want to see what'll happen to you if you cross me and my blanket-stealing ways" look, lol! I'm sure she's a sweetie, though--we've seen dozens of evidentiary photos to back it up! (Wow, did I make up a word there or what?!)

TeresaB said...

Love, love, LOVE your Ann Grant. I'm with you the colors are just fantastic! The more I see of this one the more I think it should be on my list of projects I'd like to do...sometime.

And I adore the frame you picked out for HallowEden! Looks perfect. Great finish.

I'm exhausted thinking about what you and the boy child have to do in the coming weeks. That's some schedule! I do remember being that young and full of energy though, it was nice while it lasted. LOL!

Varla Lee said...

I love that colour too, it makes our spring more fresh! Pink is lovely. I like the frame too, your little sampler in that frame seems so "antique", very elegant. And the cat... ha! We have two things in common: musician teenagers and lovely friends!! That's why i also adore your blog. Hugs, Varla.

Kathy Ellen said...

Oh Margaret.... Your Ann Grant sampler is coming along beautifully, and the colours are so soft and lovely. The alphabet letters are incredible!
Love "Hallow Eden" too, and the frame is just perfect for it!
I remember when all four of our children were in the annual school musicals, plus dancing lessons, sports, etc. It was always a crazy time at our house, but now that the nest is empty, I kind of miss those years when they were growing up. We sure wouldn't have the energy to keep up with those schedules of the past, which is why God has blessed us with grandchildren. We can play with them and love and hug them to pieces, and then their own Mommies and Daddies can take over, when all of our energy is spent:) Life is a wonderful journey!

Melanie said...

Love your start! I don't blame you for moving on to the middle. I'd need that 'hit' too, it is exciting when you see it start to grow. The colors are just divine in this piece. Very pretty!

woolwoman said...

yes yes I do LOVE the frame on Hallow Eden - it is just perfect. Ann's colors remind me somewhat of Elizabeth Savilles - pretty bright spring colors which we all need right now I think. Mia is just too cute and quite a spoiled little princess I think. Mel

Natalia said...

Margaret, I love, love, love Ann Grant !!! The colors are absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to start mine ! I have to have some self control, though and wait until I finish my Spanish Mystery Sampler ! LOL !

I love your framed piece too and Mia, just as cute as always :-)

Sylvia said...

Ann is just so stunning - I love the colors in her as well.

HallowEden's framing is perfect - its such a fun sampler.

Oh Mia, I always love to see a picture of her- she is a hoot.

Lois said...

Ann is looking fantastic! Love the colours. Wonderful frame for your Hallow Eden - perfect! Good luck to the boy child for all his commitments!

Giovanna said...

Ann is so pretty! Great framing on the A&E piece too.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm sure the boy child has everything under control! It will still be a busy April for everyone it sounds like.

Ann Grant is beautiful! The letters are particularly incredible.

Mia is a cutie and no one can fault her fondness for a quilt!

Caroline said...

WOW! Ann Grant is gorgeous! Can't wait to see more progress on this one. Sorry to hear about the craziness of your son's schedule - it'll be over soon. Hey - it'll keep him out of trouble. At least you don't have a beginner oboe player in your house..... joking - Sarah is doing surprisingly well. Love the photo of Mia - what a life!!

Paulette said...

Margaret,
Ann G. is gorgeous!!! Absolutely beautiful... Mia is such a lovely feline, and I LOVE that picture of her! You should frame it! :) I wish your DS lots of luck with his ambitious schedule!

Paulette

Katrina said...

Ann is gorgeous and I absolutely love the frame you picked for Hallow Eden, gorgeous.

Cute Mia pictures too ;-).

krayolakris said...

Oh, after seeing your Ann Grant I think I have to order it! Gorgeous! Little Mia probably has to be an attack cat; she's sooo pretty she'd been swarming with suitors otherwise.

merumo said...

Hi Mia! Are you a little upset as your mama is being busy playing with Ann lately? lol A&E sampler is looking farbulous in such a gorgeous frame! I looooove Ann Grant, too. I can't believe you are making such great progress on her. She must be really fun playing with!

Alma Allen said...

Wow! Love the Ann Grant. The colors are wonderful. Bet it is a fun stitch.

the striped rose said...

You have made amazing progress on Ann! I do love that alphabet! Hallow Eden looks great too!

David said...

Ann grant is going to be absolutely beautiful.

Isabelle said...

I love the colors of your new Sampler Margaret : so joyful !!
Your Mia is always so cute!

Karoline said...

Ann Grant is gorgeous, I'm loving seeing everyone's wips.

Great framing on Hallow Eden

Rhona said...

Love the colours on the Ann, they are just wonderful! Lovely stitching.

Ziggyeor said...

Whoo hoo beautiful work! Aww on the kitty.

Happy Belated B-day to your boy!

Isabelle said...

Oh !! Mia looks so confortable in your quilt and so happy with your boy child:-)
You have made a great work on your Sampler and it is looking very nice:-))