Monday, March 26, 2012

40 count, here I come! And a late TUSAL report

Yay, Jane Pattison is finished!  I can go back to 40ct!

Jane Pattison by Shakespeare's Peddler
32ct vintage Navy Bean
Gentle Art Simply Wool fibers called for



Isn't she pretty?


Various blogging friends were asking how I like the wools.  Well, they were a nice change.  Definitely thicker than silks or cottons, but thinner than knitting wool.  You have to use shorter lengths, like you do with Belle Soie or Gloriana -- since the wool tends to fray on the end in the needle.  But it stands up fairly well in general.  The red does show a bit of fuzz as one stitches that I could do without, but nothing serious and no bleeding onto the fabric at all.  And yes, it's thick enough that one can't use a higher count than 32ct fabric.  35 or 36ct would probably be too tight a fit.  Overall I enjoyed the experience, but I'm not running out to use them again unless they are called for in a design.  Then I suppose I might consider it.  You also have to keep in mind that I don't have a large overdyed cotton stash -- if I had had all the overdyed equivalents of cotton in my stash, I might not have gone for the wools.    But I'm glad I tried them.  They really do give the piece a special look, don't you think?

Loraine and I agreed to do a very small part of our Toy Chest SAL this time around.  So here's the button box lid.


Fascinating, right?  :D

Also, I'm late for my TUSAL for the month.  Totally slipped my mind last week.  Here it is.


The wools take up more space than the other fibers.  lol!

I was naughty and bought a few things recently.  Marly was selling some sweet sampler boxes, and I couldn't resist getting a set.


Pretty, right?  And they're just so nice!  Love them!

And have I shown you my stitching wallet collection recently?  Bought a new one the other day from Natalia at Stitching-4-Joy.


I'm so happy to have the ones with the French General and BBD Blueberry Crumble fabrics!  I love them all though.

Mia was enjoying the weather so much last week.  (It's become chilly again this week, so no more open windows for now.)


This was the first time I've seen the silly thing sleep in the window.  lol!  She loved the sunshine!

The college acceptances have started coming in.  The boy child has been accepted to 6 colleges so far!  (He applied to a lot of colleges.  lol!)  And the best news is that two of them were high on his list too, especially one of them.  We are still waiting to hear from that music college he's interested in.  If he gets accepted there, a tough decision is ahead.  Fingers crossed!

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I so appreciate your comments and really enjoy visiting with blogging friends.  I hope you all have a great week!


74 comments:

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Your Jane Pattison is lovely. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about stitching with the wools. I am being asked to stitch with them but have such a huge collection of fibers I cannot think about starting another line.

Miss Mia is too funny, but certainly looks relaxed. Callie Mae loves to bird watch from the window.

Congratulations to the Boy Child and his acceptance--fingers crossed he gets an acceptance letter from the college of his choice.

Krista said...

You have been busy! Your Jane Pattison is gorgeous! I love the look of it with the wools, I think I will give it a go with them too.
Marly's boxes are so lovely, love the ones you picked out. And, I have a wallet from Natalia on order, can't wait now after seeing all of yours. They are so pretty.
Miss Mia looks so happy, sunbathing in the window :)
Have a happy day!

BrendaS said...

Jane looks wonderful Margaret! Your needles are always smokin' :)))

Nice boxes and pouches you have there. I can see why you couldn't resist.

Congratulations and good luck to your son. Sounds like some big decisions are in his future...

Deb said...

Oh my! Jane Pattison turned out beautifully!!! Simply gorgeous! I do like the texture the wool provides. Congrats to your son for all those acceptances! That is quite an achievement!

Karoline said...

Jane is gorgeous, congratulations

Congratulations to the boy child on his college acceptances, hope he gets the one he wants

Katrina said...

Love Jane Pattison!!!!! I am going to stitch her on the cottons but I do like how the wools look. Sweet kitty pictures and congrats to your son :-).

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Jane P. is gorgeous. Congrats on getting her stitched up so quickly. I enjoy stitching with the wool as a change of pace from stitching on the higher count linens. I'm looking forward to starting my Jane soon.
Marly does wonderful boxes and I'm glad you scored a set.

Anonymous said...

Margaret, Jane Pattison is so beautiful!!! I love how she turned out. Thanks for sharing your photo! Hugs from Kentucky - kelley

Anonymous said...

gorgeous sampler

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

The finish is wonderful! So beautiful. Sylvia Joy has been spending a lot of time enjoying open windows like Mia. Congratulations are in order for your son too! huggles.

Erica said...

Margaret,
Beautiful job on Jane! I think the wools look lovely here. I think the slight "fuzziness" gives it a 3-D type effect. Beautiful.
I have done crewel before but never used wool in a sampler. I usually give my samplers a quick dip to tighten up the holes. I am not so sure I would do that with the wool.
After seeing Jane, I would definitely consider the wool if it was called for though.

Kristen said...

Holy moly, Margaret, another finish?! You must stitch in your sleep!! It's beautiful - you always do an amazing job.

Congrats to the boy child!

ROSELLA69 said...

STUPENDO,COME TUTTO QUELLO CHE CREATE UN ABBRACCIO.

Annie said...

I'm continually amazed at how productive your are! That is just a gorgeous finish. Hurts my eyes to even think about 40 ct! Hard for me to imagine your longing for it!

Congrats on all those college acceptances. Hope the music one comes through too.

Cari said...

Jane is BEAUTIFUL Margaret. Once again your needles have been moving just like a sewing machine!! I'll have to try the wools one of these days. Love the boxes and sewing wallets too. Isn't it fun to spoil yourself with the things you love?? My cats love the sunshine too. Mia is a sweetheart. Congratulations on the acceptance letters for your son as well. Hope your college wishes come true. Hugs dear friend....

Mouse said...

wooo hooo .. gorgeous finish and it does look fab with the wool fibres ...
Mia looks very content in the sun shine ... Bentley is doing the same thing here at the mouse house were it is gorgeous atm ....
ooooo well done on the acceptances and paws are crossed he gets the one he wants :) love mouse xxxxx

Kathy Ellen said...

When I saw Jane Pattison, it truly took my breath away! It is gorgeous, and I think that stitching with the wools gives it a really rich look.

I love your wonderful new sampler boxes, and that beautiful new stitching wallet too. Just had to take a peek at some more of the designs for them....they're really nice. As always, Mia is the 'Star' of the show, sunning herself!

Ruth said...

Wow -- Jane is LOVELY. Thanks for the report on the wool. I've not xsed with it and I was wondering how it would handle.... now I know. :)

Love the button-- it is quite cute and you are to be commended to being productive. :)... and for excellent shopping.

Michelle said...

Jane is gorgeous! I'm so glad you decided to use the wools. I'm so excited to stitch mine now. All I need is fabric. And it looks like you have a very happy sunshine kitty - Romeo just loved sleeping in the window in the sunshine. Congrats on the college acceptances - that is fantastic!! What's next up to stitch?

Beth said...

So pretty - love the colors and wools!

BeckySC said...

It's simply stunning, Margaret. Congratulations.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the wool. I haven't tried it.

Congrats to Boy Child. What an exciting time in his life this is. Oh the choices!

Nicola said...

Well done to the Boy Child on his acceptances. I do hope that he gets an acceptance from the music college. A nerve wracking time for parents.

Jane is beautiful and I was interested to read your views on using wool.

It would be hard to resist Marly's boxes.

Carol said...

That's great that your son has received so many acceptance letters so far, Margaret--he must be thrilled! And I can tell you are "just a little" proud, yourself :)

Jane is so, so pretty--well done... Love the boxes from Marly and the wallet from Natalia. It's nice that you're supporting other stitchers in their endeavors...

Give Miss Mia a little pat :)

Penny said...

Jane is beautiful! Love your sampler boxes and your pretty collection of wallets. Mia looks like she picked a perfect spot for enjoying the sun. :)
Great news on the college acceptances! Hope he gets the one he is most interested in.

Myriam said...

Jane is beautiful!Congratulations for your son...and crossed fingers!!!!
Mia, you get a tan??
You are so lovely!!!!!!!!!

Giovanna said...

Congrats on the finish, she's gorgeous!

Zlata said...

Another beautiful finish!!! Looks very gently and pastel! )))
I'm waiting for your new start! It's always very interesting to see, what next!? )))

Ellen said...

Another beautiful sampler to grace your home!

Best wishes to your son as he continues to receive letters of acceptance and then makes the difficult decision where he'll go next year.

Glenna said...

Jane P is lovely, especially the pinks. I handled the wool fibers in the LNS and thought "nah, not for me, I don't think" so I'm glad to read your review. Since I'm such a silk fan, I think I'll sit this one out (so rare!) Hi, Mia!

Lanie said...

Margaret, Jane is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your experience with the "wools". Always good to try something a little different. Don't you love Marly's boxes!! I've admired them on her blog. Congratulations to your son. I hope he gets accepted at all his top choices and has to make that "difficult decision"! :)

Jean said...

Jane is beautiful, Mia looks beautiful in her sun.

Kellie said...

What a fun picture filled post! Jane is beautiful. I appreciate that you shared your opinions and reflections on the wool threads. I have a design that I want to stitch that calls for the wool threads. I have hesitated to order them because I have all of the over dyed equivalents. Your comments just made that decision easier. :) congrats to the boy child! How exciting for all of you (and a little bittersweet too for his parents, I suspect). The stitching wallets are beautiful. I love to see a kitty sleeping in the sun. It is such a peaceful scene.

Karen said...

Beautiful Jane!

Glad to see Mia enjoying the sunshine. My two love to snooze in the sun by the slider.

Cathy Lloyd said...

You are just simply amazing Margaret! Jane is so beautiful! I love those round boxes...lucky, lucky you... You don't suppose she has any more of those do you? LOL! Have a great week, my friend!

Melissa said...

Jane is beautiful! Maybe I'll get around to her one of these days! I know you are glad to get back to the 40ct!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations to your son with all of the college acceptance letters! That is all great news. I'm sure you're anxious to hear from the last schools so a final decision can be made.

Jane P looks great! I'm looking forward to seeing what you're up to next!

Elizabeth said...

Jane turned out wonderfully! Those colors are perfect for a little girls room, or a big girls room ;) Mia looks to be one happy cat in that sunshine.

Nicole said...

Congrats on another amazing finish, Margaret!! Jane turned out beautiful!!

P.J. said...

Congrats on the incoming acceptances, I am sure you are very proud. Mia is so cute in the window, our Chewie was a bit wild when opened the windows last week; this is nerdiest spring after a long winter. She loved it. More to come. Beautiful stitch work! Nice finish.

barbara said...

That is an utterly gorgeous finish. I got some wools as a gift years back and tried to use them, but they shredded and just drove me crazy.

How nice to hear that Marly's boxes are as great in real life as they look online!

marly said...

Jane is gorgeous. Such a different border. I purchased so much fabric to make my own stitching wallets and haven't yet, so I should just go buy one. Congratulations to the boy child!!
I'm glad you like your boxes.

Andrea said...

Oh my goodness, Jane is just so gorgeous!! I love it! Thanks for all the info on stitching with the wools, you really helped me so much. As you already know, I got the 36 ct. linen already, so will have to use the cottons, but that's ok, I have yours to admire if I need to see the wool version :)

Mia, what a doll she is. Kitties always seem to love sitting in windows. My neighbors cat always sits in the kitchen window...it's so big it fills up the whole windowsill, lol!

Congrats to your boy child, how wonderful for him and for his parents too ;-)

xoxo

Anne said...

Congrats on finishing Jane Pattison!!! She is a beauty! I will have to purchase her in the near future...when I'm done my other Jane :D Congrats to your son as well!! That's so wonderful he has been accepted into 6 colleges!!!! Both you and your husband must be so proud!! Lovely little Mia in a sunbeam...aren't cats sleeping in the sun the best thing to gaze upon!? Gorgeous boxes too! I'm off to check out her site as well as the stitching wallet lady!!

mdgtjulie said...

Wow, Margaret. Jane is HUGE. So, huge grats on the finish. I love the way the greens blend in the leaves on the big red flower (bottom left). Lovely. And grats to the boy child too. I hope he gets to go where he wanted (with scholarships). Mia is beautiful, as always. We've had nice weather here too. (I still have my windows open, and it's forty degrees. I do well in cold!!)

Sylvia said...

Jane is lovely!! I have the kit in my hot little hands - wish I could stitch as quickly as you though. LOL

You are right the wools are very nice.

Veronica said...

Gorgeous, just gorgeous, Margaret. Congratulations! Though I think the fabric is 32 count Navy Bean instead of 40 count ^.^ I had stitched with wool before on a SB design and I can't say I like it as much as silk.

Those sampler boxes are lovely and man, I gotta say, LOVE those stitching wallet. I really gotta make myself a few one of these days.

Great news on the college application. Congratulations to him. Hope he gets the college he wants.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Daffycat said...

This is such a wonderful finish, Margaret. Congratulations!

Mugwump Woolies said...

Margaret,
Your Jane is gorgeous! Love the wool! Congrats to your young man...hope he gets a nod from the music school. What will Mia do when her pal goes off into the world?
Beautiful boxes, too.
You amaze me with your "needle speed"!
Can't wait to see what's next.
Robyn

CJ in OK ;-) said...

Love your finish just beautiful. I may have to try these for myself. CJ in OK ;-)

Chris said...

Hey Margaret!
I am hoping your son gets accepted at his first choice. It sounds like he has a lot of options. What an exciting time.
WOW!! I am loveing JAne. She is very pretty. I think the colors are lovely.
So who is next?
Hugs to you and sweet Mia!

Love to Stitch said...

Jane is fabulous-- Thanks for sharing your experience on the wools. Looking forward to seeing what you start next!

Sally said...

Your Jane Pattison is beautiful.

Congratulations to your son! I hope he gets the one he wants the most.

Cute photos of Mia:)

Bertie said...

Congratulations Margaret, a beauty! Oh I envy you stiching on 40ct, must try it again.
The boxes are wonderful, got some myself too:))
Mia looks comfortable on the ledge, I will send you some sun it's warm here for a change:)

Catherine said...

Beautiful finish! Love all of your goodies too!! Congrats to your son ~ it's good to have choices.

Dona said...

Pretty finish, Margaret! Your take on using wools was interesting, too.

Miss Kitty loves to sleep in the window, too!

Great new stitching wallets and sampler boxes. I know you will a lot of use out of them all.

Joy said...

Oh Margaret, you and your 40ct...envious, I am. What a beautiful finish!

My Annie has full access to my enclosed porch. She does allow me to be with her occasionally;)

Happy Day!

Patty C. said...

Beautiful Sampler - As always -
Love the stitching wallets ;)

Kerri said...

Congratulations all around! You on another lovely sampler and the boy child that has at least a few of his top choices to pick from. That is a relief but you knew he would do well!!

I did a small ornie with the GA wools and they were ok, but love some NPI or Vikki Clayton silks instead. The sampler is lovely and the border is very festive looking to me. Almost looks like ornaments on a Christmas tree.

Melissa said...

Cats and windows - a perfect pairing I think!

Love your Jane P - just beautiful!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Absolumemt merveilleux , verie beautiful !

I love your box bisous my freind

mary

valerie said...

OMGosh! What a gorgeous finish! I love it! She's been sitting in my cart for over a week. Maybe I should really think about hitting the order button! lol

Melody said...

Margaret, Congrats on the beautiful finish of Jane Pattison.

Our cats like Mia, enjoy sleeping in the windowsill also.

Good news on the college acceptance letters. Hope he gets the one is he looking for.

Debby said...

Ohh wow! She is stunning!! But i agreed, the smaller the stitches, the better!

Greetings from Debby

sheravery said...

Hi Margaret,
That sampler is GORGEOUS! I like the look of the wool- may give that a try, myself. 40 count?! Prefered?! Holy Hannah, I think I would go blind if I tried to use that all of the time. I have difficulties even using a magnifier with it. I must admit that I think it looks better than the lower counts. I envy your ability to consistently work with it.
Congrats to your son!

-Sherry-

Melanie said...

Love love love Jane! That's very interesting to hear about the wool thread. I've never used that before, which seems odd in hindsight, I guess, given how much I love knitting with wool. They look fabulous!

Natalia said...

I love Jane, Margaret !!! The colors of the wool are beautiful, thanks for letting us know what it feels like to stitch with them.
I love the sampler boxes. I've been admiring them for a while now and I would love to get at least a couple if I could figure out where to put them. LOL !!
Mia is as cute as always. Nice wallets too !!! :-)

Dawn said...

Great news on the college front!
Your project is beautiful - I need to do something with reds next!
Thanks for the wool tips.

Susan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan said...

Margaret, now that I'm on spring break, I'm catching up on reading posts. This one had a lot of news and I loved seeing your gorgeous Jane Pattison. I've got that on my wish list now.

I'm seriously tempted by the stitching wallets. Can never have too many things to hold my projects.

Congratulations to your son! I'm so glad he has gotten so many acceptances and hope he can make his decision easily.

Lois said...

Oh, Jane is fabulous!!! I haven't tried stitching with wools as yet so interesting to read your thoughts on them. Great news for your son and all his college acceptances.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Jane Pattison is fabulous!! Good luck to your son. I've been stitching on 40ct lately, and am enjoying it so much, it's going to be hard for me to move on to the next project in my rotation, which is 32 ct

Sherry :o) said...

Jane is absolutely beautiful, no - stunning! I love the flower on the right (the larger ones - three)...love the red. I have never worked with the wool...not sure if I would like it. I am a 40 ct gal too!

Happy birithday to your baby - my son turned 18 last summer - amazing how fast they grow!

Brigitte said...

Congratulations on this great finish. She looks just wonderful.
These boxes look fantastic!