We've been clearing out some storage spaces here. Lots of pitching going on. I saved this little canvas boat bag from the last load. (Big blue Ikea bags are awesome collecting bags for the church!) Polka dots. Add a little orange and it's perfect, but perfect for what? I've got a million bags!
So I justified the Keep by giving it a job and now it's my current stitch bag - the right size to grab and go when I'm rushing out the door. This week, my mom had cataract surgery and we've been at the hospital and doctor's offices daily with pre-op testing, the surgery, and now post-op follow-up. Amazing how they have improved that procedure! It all went very well and she's doing great. But thank heavens for the stitch bag!
Among other things, I'm working on Jane's birthday gift. Isn't her Ben sweet? I just stretched the tail and filled the silhouette to make a black lab. How we all loved that dear old dog!
I saved the roof for the surgical waiting room. Changing colors and stitch patterns keeps it interesting. When I finished that first row of feather stitch in brownish-red, it was kind of bland so I chose another pinkish-red and went back over it in the opposite direction. I'd never done that before, but I love the way it looks. Those little asterisk stars are stitch favorites too.
And French knots- adore those. Just the thing for Jane. Her maiden name was Cherry!
(I have a little trick to share with those. Sometimes the thread tangles as you are pulling it through the thread wraps to complete the stitch. Place your left thumb lightly over the stitch as you pull through. For some reason, that little bit of tension keeps the action smooth. No tangles or unexpected knots.)
Do you have a favorite stitch? Any little tricks to share?
Love seeing the second version of Barney Park. Isn't it great that the same canvas can change with different colors and stitches? I loved stitching mine. And Rosie's Posies is almost finished!
Posted by: Lee | July 07, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Oops! Josie's Garden. :)
Posted by: Lee | July 07, 2011 at 10:08 AM
i don't have
a favorite stitch...
quite honestly i
am a novice stitcher,
pretty untrained
and messy, to boot.
but i love having
a stitch bag to take
everywhere with me!
totally keeps
me sane at tennis
and soccer and swimming
and...
you are so inspiring!
Posted by: miss lynn | July 07, 2011 at 01:05 PM
So glad all went well for your Mom. It's amazing what that surgery has done for so many. My favorite stitch, hmmm, I love lazy daisy. Your sampler is looking so sweet especially in that cute bag. Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | July 07, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Love to see your work..I too am a novice and seeing all your decorative stitches is amazing!
Posted by: colleen | July 07, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Hello Charlotte,
I love it! And yes...in part it's because you stitched this cute dog...I have to admit...:o)
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | July 07, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Love your new version of Barnaby Park. Glad your mom is alright. Isn't it amazing how much can be accomplished during those few stolen moments in between appointments and waiting?
My favorite stitch is probably the back stitch, boring I know but it brings out so much in a picture.Thank you for all of your inspiration!
Take care! Teah
Posted by: Teah Barrow | July 08, 2011 at 12:05 AM
Your current project is adorable & inspiring! :)
Posted by: claire | July 08, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Charlotte, your blog has inspired me to learn how to stitch. Are there any books you'd recommend or places here in Saint Louis that will help me learn the basics? I'd love to be able to make one of your designs!
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 08, 2011 at 11:01 AM
so happy your mom made out well! my mother had the same surgery last year and did swimmingly as well...here's a tip i learned from my alabama stitch book...maybe not new to others but has made a huge difference to me...before stitching with any thread, "love" it...thread your needle, then gently pull your thread between your thumb and pointer from needle to ends several times...this little action untangles the thread before it has a chance to tangle making it so much easier to work with...somthing about the oil in your fingers...it really works!
Posted by: sharon from farm and fru fru | July 08, 2011 at 08:15 PM
Oh Charlotte! How sweet this stitching is. Love the French knot cherries!
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | July 08, 2011 at 08:58 PM
That is one of your best, Charlotte.]=
I am so glad you hear your mom is doing well.
Hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Susan Reaney | July 09, 2011 at 02:03 AM