Monday, April 9, 2012

showing off some model stitching, and continued blahs

A blogging friend pointed out to me that I hadn't shown any of my model stitching despite talking about doing model stitching.  So I thought I would remedy that situation.

I did show off one of the models I worked on -- Brother's Keeper by Plum Street Samplers.  


(Thanks again for the pic, Paulette!)

But I haven't shown off any of the stitching I've done for Vickie Jennett of Needlework Press.  So here goes.

First I stitched some pieces for a symposium at the Attic in Mesa, Arizona that Vickie offered as part of her class to the attendees.  



(Yes, I stitched the same piece twice but with different letters/words.)

These were both based on a piece that was later released at Nashville market, The Alsap Family Record Sampler.  (No, I didn't stitch the model for that.)


I also stitched a little piece that I believe was offered as a freebie at Nashville market.


(No, I didn't do any of the finishing on any of these pieces.  :D  )

And finally, I stitched this piece which was also released at Nashville.


The latest model I've stitched I can't show off yet since it hasn't been released yet.  But when it is, I will try to show it to you.

My stitching blahs continue.  I tried to start a new piece.  In fact, I tried twice.  First, I tried the Jenny Bean Sampler from Scarlet Letter.  I do love this one, but I just can't deal with the dark, almost black fabric right now.  Then I tried starting Dona Dorothea Gazano y Garcia, also by the Scarlet Letter.  I got a bit farther with it, but I'm just not enjoying it right now.


Ugh.


Hopefully I'll get back to these someday, but not for now.  My friend Katrina suggested one or two other pieces to try so that's what I'm going to try next.  The stitching blahs have hit hard!

We did have a nice Easter dinner yesterday, but sadly the girl child couldn't come home.  She's working hard on her senior thesis, poor thing.  Here's the spread.


Yum yum!  Since the father type had baked some Cadbury Mini Egg Blondies a day or two before,  that was our dessert.  Thanks again to Katrina for pointing out the recipe.  So good!

The boy child is still trying to decide on which college to go to.  It's down to this college that he really likes or the music college he really likes.  Tough decision -- he's deciding between two very different experiences.  I hope he decides soon......

Here's something fun for you to watch if you're interested.  This indie group, OK Go, has inspired the boy child quite a bit recently.  They are really creative!  I especially recommend the Needing/Getting video.  And apparently this video was quite a sensation a while ago, Here It Goes Again.  Love it!  And yes, somehow things like this are a part of the boy child's decision making process.  Hard to explain.  :D

Mia seemed to sleep a lot for Easter.  Here she is with the boy child's Easter basket of goodies.


Here she is later in the day.  Can you see her?  lol!


Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I love to visit with you all!  I hope everyone has a great week!

72 comments:

BrendaS said...

Margaret --
Your model stitching is gorgeous as is your new start. I SO understand about the "blahs". Sometimes you just need to find the piece that "sings" to you and that you can hardly wait to work on. I hope you find something soon.

Looks like you had a very nice Easter dinner and little Mia looks so cute with just her paw peeking out.

Have a great week and hopefully you get your stitching mojo back. I always enjoy seeing what you are working on.

krayolakris said...

Thanks for sharing your models, Margaret! The horizontal Spanish/Mexican samplers are a favorite of mine. Those You Tube videos are addictive, aren't they? Mia is her usual charming self! Have a great week!

Beth said...

Your model for Paulette is lovely and I like the one you did "Twice but differently". I hope you are able to find something to spark your stitching interest soon. Sometimes it's just best to step back and take a short break. It is after all supposed to be FUN!

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Margaret your stitching is gorgeous!!! So happy to see your Pomegranate Study finish, since that is next in my rotation. I think the Sona Dorothea Gazano y Garcia piece is so interesting. I hope you'll pick it up again and show us your progress. So love seeing all of your finishes.
Linda

Anonymous said...

such beautiful stitches!

robindefender said...

Love the models that you worked on! sorry that the blahs are still around! Hope you find something to break through soon.

Bertie said...

Gorgeous stitching Margaret, PSS must be so pleased with you!! The class piece looks wonderful, love the bag you made out of it.
Jenny Bean is lovely, such large samplers but I hear in your voice you need a break from them -) LOL.
Food looks good, Mia looks happy and good she doesn't touch the egg basket!!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your model stitching looks wonderful as does your new start. I'm in love with the checkerboard deer on the sampler. I hope one day you'll get back to it... is such a great sampler.
So sorry to hear about your stitching blahs... no fun!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Wonderful model stitching, Margaret! I wonder if your blahs have to do with needing to get so much mandatory stitching done that temporarily, the joy of pleasure stitching is gone? I hate stitching to a deadline (but then, I don't stitch nearly as fast as you seem to) so model stitching would be no fun at all for me.
I love the checkerboard deer on Sona Dorothea Gazano y Garcia! Hope you find something you LOVE to work on very soon!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

I love your stitching ..... beautiful samplers ...

bisous de France

Mugwump Woolies said...

Oh Margaret, I love that checkered critter! The whole piece is so pretty! All the models are lovely...you have the most beautiful stitch. Bet you will all feel better when the big decision is made. You certainly get much more done with the blahs than I ever would, even with copious amounts of caffeine!
Take good care my friend,
Robyn

Jenny said...

I feel with you - sometimes it is just nice to sit back and not touch a needle and thread for a few days!
You have so many beautiful finishes and models all stitched up. You deserve to take a break and just admire all your work - I know I do! :-)

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Your stitching model or your own is beautiful. Sorry you have the stitching blahs--I think I am having the same. Have started three new projects and cannot stick with any of them.

Lanie said...

Hi Margaret, oh the stitching blahs...I think that's how I acquired so many WIP's...going through spells when nothing seems quite right. You can always take a look in my stitching basket to see if something calls your name ;) I love your "Dona Dorothea". My grandmother who taught me to stitch was named "Dorothea" and everytime I see that design I think of her. One day I will stitch her to honor my "Gram".

Nancy said...

Wonderful model stitching! Sorry you have the stitching blahs...maybe you will feel better once boy child makes his decision.

Leneslines said...

I am sorry about the blah. I hate when that happens. For some reason, you still want to do crafts, just can't find something that is interesting enough. Hopefully it will pass, soon! Happy belated Easter to you and the family, including Mia.

Melissa said...

All your models are wonderful! Hope you find a project calling your name soon! Nothing worse than wanting to stitch but not wanting to stitch on the current WIP.

Dawn said...

The designers are licky to have you! Beautiful work.
Something will pop in and interst you...sometimes it just takes longer than we want ;-)
Thank you for always sharing such beautiful posts...and cute kitty toes!!

Deborah said...

What beautiful model stitching. I just love Paulette's piece. Just take a break,you will get the itch to stitch real soon.

Stitch Wizard said...

Your models really are beautiful Margaret! I went through these stitching blahs courtesy of 3 Stitches here in my area. Anyhow, I finally got rid of them and stitched my Sarah Elizabeth Brooks sampler first and now I am doing my Charlotte Clayton. It takes time but sometimes I think you just need to take a break. It is harder though if you have model deadlines to make but you will get through it I am sure!!

Stitch Wizard said...

Your models really are beautiful Margaret! I went through these stitching blahs courtesy of 3 Stitches here in my area. Anyhow, I finally got rid of them and stitched my Sarah Elizabeth Brooks sampler first and now I am doing my Charlotte Clayton. It takes time but sometimes I think you just need to take a break. It is harder though if you have model deadlines to make but you will get through it I am sure!!

Littlebit said...

I add my admiration to everyone else's on your model stitching..that Brother's Keeper is amazing..And you did it so quickly! Sorry about the stitching blahs, Margaret..maybe it is time to quilt a little?

Ruth said...

I'm so sorry about the blahs. That's the worst. especially because it comes with either the compulsion to buy stash til something speaks to you or the terror that the blahs might not go away and you'll be stuck with all this stash.... argh... makes me shiver just thinking about it.

Congrats on the beautiful models and on your lovely start -- may the spark of stitching madness come back to you--- soon!

Deb said...

Your model stitching is great Margaret! I don't know how you find time to do those things. About the blahs - I know them all too well. Maybe stash diving is the thing, although I do like what you have been working on a lot!

Mary said...

Your models are most impressive!

When I get the blahs, it's usually because I've been pushing a certainl project too hard, trying to get it done or overcoming a big goof. Maybe picking up something compeltely oput of character for you will be a change of pace?

Shame on you for posting the link to those blondies!! ;) If I find the Cadbury minis still on markdown next time I'm at the store, I will probably have no self control whatsoever.

Daffycat said...

Beautiful stitching, Margaret! I adore the tiny strawberry pinpillow.

LOL at Mia under the covers! Silly kitten!

valerie said...

Wonderful model stitching! It seems like you got a lot done in a short time. I'm in the midst of the blahs too...been too busy to make any real progress on anything. So when I have a free minute here and there, I've been organizing my DMC

Michelle said...

I think the blahs have been hitting a lot of us stitchers lately. I hope that your new new start keeps you interested and gets you over the hurdle! Your Easter dinner looks yummy!!!

Liz said...

well, I guess you can lose your stitching mojo just the same as my quilting mojo, mine's back now so I'm sure your's will follow soon too, love the blondie recipe and I just might have to try that even though Easter is over...
Lizzie
xxx

Solstitches said...

Oh my goodness I am stunned to think that you're not only stitching on your own gorgeous projects but doing so much model stitching as well.
I honestly don't know how you do it but of course I'm glad you do so that we all get to see what you've been working on.
Everything is gorgeous and you are an inspiration.
Lovely family feast - shame your daughter was not able to be there.
I'm admiring the patchwork quilt. Did you make that as well?
Margaret

Mouse said...

lovely model stitching and had to laugh at the disclaimer didn't do the finishing hhehehe ...
hope the stitching funk comes back soon .... love that black and white zebra/horse ???

spotted mia ...lol
and hope the boy child decides soon too ..Paws crossed for the music college but then I am biased hehehe
love mouse xxxxx

Melody said...

Beautiful stitching as always, Margaret!

Hope you find a project that makes you 'stitch happy' soon. :)

Glad you had a nice Easter.

Krista said...

Lots of beautiful stitchings! You have been busy! I love that needlebook you did with the ABCs. And the Donna sampler looks really neat, with that cute checkered reindeer. Hope you find a project that inspires you.. all that you have here inspires me :)
Have a great week!

Penny said...

I understand the blahs. My interest in stitching doesn't seem to reach my fingers lately. :) I enjoyed seeing your model stitching and hope your blahs are short lived. Loved the videos and can't imagine the work of setting up something like that.
Looks like Mia is keeping one eye on the basket. :)

P.J. said...

Your model projects are fabulous! I understand the stitching blahs. I was sick for over a week, finished a mini hooked rug project and sparsely added to the grass on the hill for my BoaF mystery stitch. I don't even want to pick up a needle right now. Maybe it is the gray days of the drawn out days of winter up here.

Sherry :o) said...

Oh Margaret, your model stitching is so beautiful, as is your "for yourself" stitching. The one with the strawberries is with an order I currently and awaiting from The Attic! CAn't wait to do that - it looks like a quick stitch.

Glad to see you had a nice Easter dinner with your boys. Sad that your daughter couldn't be there but I fear that's part of the kiddos growing up.

Good luck with the school choices to your son!

Patty C. said...

Your stitching is beautiful -
Sorry about those Blah's - I hear they are fleeting ;)

Cathy B said...

Glad you had a nice Easter with your family Margaret. Hope your stitching mojo returns soon! How about the new sampler from Heartstring Samplery?

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

The stitching is so lovely and that Mia tickles me so!

Natalia said...

Thanks for showing us your model stitching, Margaret!! At the speed you stitch, I can understand how you are coveted by all those designers, and on top of that your stitching is beautiful :-) I hope you find that one piece to stitch that gets you out if that stitching blah.
Mia is as cute as always.

Veronica said...

That is quite a list of lovely model stitching. Oh, don't you just hate the stitching blahs? I hope it goes away soon.

Yummy Easter dinner. LOL at Mia hiding under the blanket.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Myriam said...

What lovely models!Mia looks happy and zen!!!!!!!! Miam.....It is a pity there are too many kilometers between Belgium and at home; I would have invited well myself!!!!( LOL)

Chris said...

Thanks MArgaret for posting pics of all the model stitching that you have done, it is a beautiful group of projects. I am sorry that you have the stitching Blahs, Isn't there another project in your stash that is calling to you?
I hope that your son will have a decision soon.
Hugs to you and Mia!

Glenna said...

I understand stitching blahs because I went through them too. Nothing suited. Now I'm roaring along--I think it's almost like my stitching spirit was refreshed by taking the break. Your model stitching is just lovely. I have the dark SL Jenny Bean and briefly started it, but on 40 count, it just drives me bonkers. Not enjoying it, so I'm not going to stitch it probably.

Carol said...

It must be fun getting to be the first to stitch all those pretty models, Margaret! Do you ever find / correct mistakes?

Try a small ornament or something for a quick fix for the stitching "blahs"--it can work wonders :)

Hang in there with your son's decision making process--I'm sure he'll choose whatever is best for him!!

Giovanna said...

Nice models! I hope you get over the blahs soon.

BeckySC said...

WOW!!! and WOW again. As always my friend your stitching is amazing!!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Love visiting to see, hear, and almost smell your posts! The blahs strike us all, I guess, once in a while. Maybe start light and small and build your way back up?

Anne said...

Oooh Margaret!! I love your model stitching!! I would hire you too if I designed anything@ LOL I hope the blahs go away and you can start stitching again with gusto!! Happy Easter and that dinner looks yummy! Sweet little Mia!

PS, my mom and I looked, drooled, over your samplers and pics of Mia yesterday! She's amazed at your work! I got the hello from Melissa!!

Hugs

Catherine said...

Great stitches! It must be hard to stitch some of the models and then have to send them off!

woolwoman said...

beautiful model stitching Margaret - I have stitched a few pieces on commission and I must say - I think it takes the joy out of it - for me anyway - I hope you lose your slump soon and find something you are really excited about stitching. Hope your DS makes the decision soon so the nail biting is over. Have a good rest of the week - Mel

barbara said...

Hope your blahs end soon. Your model stitching knocks my socks off!

Teresa S. said...

I so admire how much stitching you get done! Not only beauties for yourself but models too! Wow!

Brigitte said...

Oh, such great model stitching. But I hope your stitching mojo will come back soon as there are so many wonderful samplers out there waiting for you to stitch them.

Katrina said...

Gorgeous models and I love Dona. Hope your blahs have passed now and the boy makes a decision soon ;-)!!!

Kellie said...

Your model stitching is beautiful! I love the Jenny Bean Sampler by Scarlett Letter. It's on my list to stitch someday. Hope you get out of your stitching blahs soon. Good luck to your son as he makes this important decision. It looks like Mia really enjoyed her Easter nap. :)

Melissa said...

Well, Margaret, all your stitching are lovely as usual! That little piece you stitched for the Attic symposium is very sweet.

As for your new start, sorry it's not catching your attention at the moment. I like the funky deer though!

I will go check out those videos, thank you!

Loraine said...

Love your model stitching! I have to get the Cain and Able piece. So great.
I hear you on the blahs, but hopefully you will find something that gets your juices pumping again.
I wish your son good luck with his decision and schooling. It is such a hard choice, but he is a smart kid, and will choose well I'm sure. Woohoo with your daughter finishing her thesis. I think that is amazing. :)
Have a good one!

Kathy Ellen said...

Now, I'm not a bit surprised to learn that you are a model stitcher, Margaret, because all of your stitching is so beautiful. I especially love the Plum Street sampler....it is really gorgeous!
Sorry that you are having the stitching blahs. I have had that happen from time to time, and find that stitching some smaller pieces for a while seems to help, while I wait to feel inspired to do something more challenging.

Blessings to you, Margaret!

Karoline said...

The models are all gorgeous, congratulations.

Very cute photo's of Mia!

Faye said...

Perhaps when I get your finishes back to you next week, it will help with the blahs....I know, we all get it and seems to go in streaks... You will move on.

My! You have been doing quite a bit of model stitching and they are all so lovely...That little freebie is just too cute!!

Take care and as always, I appreciate your visits....Faye

Faye said...

Perhaps when I get your finishes back to you next week, it will help with the blahs....I know, we all get it and seems to go in streaks... You will move on.

My! You have been doing quite a bit of model stitching and they are all so lovely...That little freebie is just too cute!!

Take care and as always, I appreciate your visits....Faye

Ivana said...

You have beautiful embroidery and cat!

Lois said...

Lovely model stitching Margaret! Sorry that the blahs have struck. Horrible when that happens and hopefully you'll find something that gets the enthusiasm going again soon.

Sally said...

Wow your model stitching is amazing Margaret. I love the PSS one.

I hope you manage to get out of your stitching blahs soon. I think we all go down that road once in a while.

Jeanne said...

Loved seeing all your stitching Margaret, you are so productive!!

It's okay to take a break now and then...maybe that's what you need to refresh your stitching mojo. :)

I know you'll be back soon with another fantastic finish to show us.

The French Bear said...

I can't image you having the blahs...even in your sleep you seem to be stitching!!! You're my idol, so I have faith that you be out of the blahs soon...don't take a year like me, lol. I seem to be lacking in the finishing dept. is there a group for people that start things? Ha ha...love Mia peeking out from the covers!!!!
I wish my child would have picked the music over computers but he didn't..so every once in awhile I get him to play for me so I can remember how wonderful it was when he was in high school and he rushed home to play the piano.......those were the days. Your Easter feast looks delicious!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
xxx

Melanie said...

Wonderful model stitching! Just gorgeous.
We all go through the blahs. It will pass. Maybe catch up on some reading in the meantime?

Valerie said...

What wonderful stitching, Margaret! I love "My Brother's Keeper" and added it to my stash as soon as it came out.

I know what you mean about "the blahs." They have been rampant around my house these past couple of months. I think it is because I am working on a piece that is...how should I say it...a pain. But I am going to get through it!

Glad you had a nice Easter! Love the pics of Mia! She is too cute!

doris said...

In a million years, I could never stitch models. I'm way, way too slow. Having to stitch something, rather than wanting to stitch it, would probably give me the blahs. I hope yours pass soon!

As always, I love your projects.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm just back from being out of town and was excited to see this post and your beautiful model stitching. Thank you for sharing it with us!

I saw in the post above that a college has been selected. Exciting times!

Kerri said...

I don't think I would enjoy model stitching. Just the pressure of pre-stitching the Amy Mitten class piece has reduced my enjoyment of the project, hopefully temporarily.

I am undecided about the Cain & Abel piece but love that little sheep and flower fob in the corner of the photo! Great job and happy belated Easter!