Blocking!

Now, I know we will see alot of blocking during the NFL playoffs this afternoon, but this is not the kind of blocking I am talking about today! I'm talking about the kind of blocking you do to square up your stitching project.

I have completed the stitching on Sherri Jones' Garden Variety Long Pocket for a class I am taking from her in two weeks. In her instructions, she recommends blocking the pocket piece. This makes me nervous! I hesitate when it comes to spraying silk threads!

Well, I've taken the plunge! This morning I placed my piece face down, pinned it to my June Tailor Cut 'n Press Board and sprayed away! I am a tight stitcher. So, I know I will need to repeat this blocking several times!

Do you ever block your stitched pieces? Sherri didn't recommend ironing to a square position.

I'll keep you informed on how it turns out!

-Holly

2011 is going to be a "Blue Ribbon" Year!

Happy 2011! I welcome you with open arms! There are lots of exciting things that will happen in 2011 that I am looking forward to!

First, I am going to be taking two classes at A Gathering of Embroiderers (Jeannine's) in February. One is Sherri Jones' Blue Ribbon Sewing Box Class. This class is a finishing class. So, I am presently in the midst of pre-stitching. I have completed most of the pre-stitching...all but the needlebook. I have posted a picture of my progress. I am also going to be doing several scrimshaw pieces to go along with this project. I have finished the initial threadwinder. The second class I am taking at Jeannine's is her Mystery Class to celebrate her 20 years of her seminar. I'm told it is NOT a sampler. Several designers have put this together; Margriet Hogue, Catherine Theron, Catherine Jordan, Sherri Jones and others! I didn't hesitate signing up for the class because I know it will be awesome! How can you go wrong with all of those designers?

I am taking another class with Sherri Jones the first part of February. My guild, the Virginia Guild of Needlewomen is sponsoring it! Sherri will be teaching her "Garden Variety Long Pocket". This is also a pre-stitch class. Once I finish the needle book in her other class, I will switch over and start this one!

To top the year off, my daughter is getting married in October! I have lots of planning to do!

Like I said, it's going to be a Blue Ribbon Year!

-Holly

PS: Thank you Sharon S-B for the gentle nudge to post again!

'Tis a Small Gift

I just completed Erica Michaels' 'tis a small gift scissor fob! It has put me in the mood for the holidays! This little gem is going to Gentle Pursuits EGA Ornament Exchange this coming Saturday. We are having a nice holiday luncheon and ornament exchange. It is always a great time! I can't wait to see what ornament I get in the exchange!

This ornament is stitched on 30 count silk gauze using Gentle Arts Simply Wool! I love how it turned out!

Ho, Ho, Ho,! Happy "Holly"days,

-Holly

I just discovered.....

....this blog and on-line shop:

http://anitalittlestitches.blogspot.com/

Wow, she has some awesome scissors! I have just purchased some Christmas Scissors from her! I can't wait to get them!

If you know me, you know that I collect embroidery scissors! I have antique ones, vintage ones, Gingher Designer scissors, dovo scissors, petite scissors, etc! In a future post, I will give you a glimpse of my collection!

I love scissors!!!!!

-Holly

My Progress on Elizabeth J. M. Mears Sampler

I've enjoyed stitching on Elizabeth. I haven't made too much progress, but at least I can see how all the colors are melding together!

I'm stitching on 36 count, rather than 32 count that is called for on the pattern. I'm stitching on Lakeside Linen Vintage Examplar with the called for Needlepoint Inc. Silks:) Just lovely.

I understand Ellen Chester of With My Needle is doing this sampler as one of her Stitch-a-Longs for 2011. Great choice, Ellen!

Happy Stitches,

Holly

TGIF! It's finally feels like fall in the mid-atlantic!

Well, here in the mid-atlantic region it hasn't been feeling much like fall! We have been in the 80's all week! It has finally cooled off a bit and we have a frost warning for tonight! Alleluia!

Queenstown Samplers have come out with a new reproduction sampler - the Elizabeth J. M. Mears 1833 Sampler! What a looker! The sampler hails from Virginia, Accomack County on the Eastern Shore to be precise! I just recently purchased the sampler and the needlepoint silks needed to stitch it from Attic Needlework! I LOVE that store!

I plan to have a wall in my house dedicated to Virginia Samplers....I'm currently working on two, have finished one and I am about to start Miss Elizabeth Mears! The two I am working on are the Sarah McPhail and Anna Maria Clarke (the Richmond Sampler). The one I have completed is the Mary Pierce Sampler that hangs in Wilton House.

I about to start a pre-stitch on Sherri Jones' The Blue Ribbon Box and in about a month I will be doing a pre-stitch on her Long Pocket! I love her projects!!!!! She is an awesome designer...so very talented!

I just took a class from Betsy Morgan in September - The Mermaid Stitching Bag!

Do you think I am over projected? I do!

I just can't help myself! Do you ever feel that way?

The picture posted is the Elizabeth Mears Sampler.....

Until next time......

-Holly

Can you guess what I'm stitching?

I am stitching up a President's Mystery Project for my guild...the Virginia Guild of Needlewoman. It's based on an antique stitching small....can you guess what it is going to be?