Stitched by Hand

My Sweet Cream Dream quilt is finished, and I even accomplished the embroidered label. While it shows that this was my first time hand stitching a label on a quilt, I'm happy with the end result. Just don't look too close :)





Some of the letters are a little wonky, but overall not terribly embarrassing. It definitely looks better from a distance.

I also finished my cheater's cross stitch project. This is another project that I think is a "close but not quite" candidate. The colors were not blue enough to really make it look like Irises. It was good practice thought, and definitely got me back in the swing of doing things by hand (without a machine).

My stitches turned out pretty even, and overall I like it. A little grandma, but that's not a huge surprise for those who know me ;) For my next "nightstand" project I'm going to make baby 2 a crocheted quilt.

Happy sewing,

Janice

Cheaters Cross Stitch

After finishing the Victorian Lavender bookmark, my eyes were crossing a bit from reading the pattern. Counting those tiny squares late at night...not recommended.

So, for my next hand stitching project I decided on something easier. WAY easier :) It's so easy it's kinda like cheating. But it is a nice little no thought project that is perfect for right before bed. It's called Stitch & Zip. The one I am currently working on happens to be a glasses case.


The zipper and back are already attached, all you need to do is the needlework and VOILA! Instant project :)

There is no pattern to read, you simply cross stitch the corresponding thread color where it is printed on the design. The kit comes complete with thread (or floss) and a needle. Seriously, brain dead, but like I said, perfect for when you don't want to have to concentrate too hard.

Here are some pics of my progress...



Interested? They range from around $12.00 to $36.00 depending on the size of the kit. They even make them for your Kindle or i pad. Here is one online source for them http://www.onlinestitchkits.com, there are some beautiful patterns, as well as some grandma-ish ones... Its a great easy way to try your hand at something new :)

Happy Sewing,

Janice

Cross stitch bookmark

I finished the Victorian lavender bookmark last night, and was really surprised at how quickly it came together. As per the instructions, I inserted a piece of card stock between the felt and the design, the result was great! The card stock really helped stretch the piece out so everything ended up even and straight. Here are a few pics of the finished project:


Quilt top still in progress, I have been thinking of my next hand-stitching project. I'm going back and forth between doing a felt pillow based on this super cute owl lunch box, or attempting some embroidery for the first time. Anna Maria Horner has some beautiful patterns I would love to have a go at...


I'm enjoying the hand sewing so much, I'm making it a goal to keep a constant hand stitching work-in-progress on my nightstand, it is much more relaxing to go to bed to that, instead of a blaring TV...

Happy sewing,

Janice

Back in the stitch of things

Back from Hawaii, and coming from Phoenix, the 80-90 degree weather was a pleasant and and welcome break from the heat! Phoenix reached record breaking highs while we were gone, yuck. Here is one of my favorite pics, first time at the beach, playing in the sand :) It took a little while for the Howard Hughes Syndrome to wear off when he would come over every time sand got on his hands, and ask to be wiped off. By the end of the trip he was trying to bury himself in it!


On to more crafty things. I didn't bring anything to work on this vacation, and about 2/3 of the way through, my fingers were getting itchy... So the first thing I picked up when we got home was an abandoned cross stitch...

Eventually this will be stalks of lavender tied with a bow. I am embarrassed to say this has been sitting gathering dust since 2007... In digging this relic up, I also found a finished cross stitch project, a Scottish Highland Cow. He is about 3" square, and I have no idea what to do with him. I was thinking of maybe creating a patchwork pillow with the cow in the center...or maybe putting him in a frame?
Once I finish my lavender stalks, I want to try my hand at some embroidery, as well as working with felt. Anna Maria Horner has some cute patters of and owl and a table scarf, as well as the Purl Bee's Apple Coasters.

I have my current quilt all laid out, I'm hoping to finish piecing the top this week, and quilt it over the weekend :) I'll post pics as soon as I'm finished with it.

Happy sewing,

Janice