Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Happy Summer!!!

Greetings to you! Our weather this week has been nice and cool which I love. I've been seeing everyone's patriotic projects and I have 2 to share with you. And seems like the last few weeks I had been waiting for my supplies in the mail for the Elizabeth doll project and they all came in. I have all that to share with you as well. My Nannie will be 101yrs old this July 4th. Of course we will be with her celebrating :)
This project Beggars 4th I made in Honor of Nannie.

 Beggars 4th - Threadworks Primitives Designs
28ct Carolina Linen by Charles Craft

 Made a pocket for the backing.


The mail brought me a happy surprise package. I was expecting only a postcard from Hetti and this is what I received. Oh yes there was a postcard alright (hehe) and more. A beautiful blue and white fabric from the Neatherland's where Hetti is from. This incredible gorgeous red white and blue Dutch scarf is by a company called Vlisco. Vlisco is famous for its African dress designs that the ladies wear in Africa.
I absolutely LOVE it and just in time for our Patriotic celebrating! Thank you so much Hetti!
Hetti is the designer of the Delft Blue Tiles that I stitched and made into a pillow a few years back.

 Here's a better photo of the lovely scarf. I displayed it on a long sofa table because its so pretty.

Started and finished "In Full Glory" by Blackbird Designs
The fabric is 30ct Heroic by Picture This Plus

 I made this zipper pouch and needlebook and sent it to Hetti who was only expecting a postcard from me:)
She has received it and oh boy did I surprise her:) And yes I did include a postcard for Hetti - hehe.


 My half porcelain doll came in and I love it. Exactly what I ordered and I am thrilled. That's my silk duponi fabric that I will using for this project.

Boy where to begin. First off I had ordered a few new silk threads for this project. I didn't purchase the kit from the Attic in AZ. Well I already had the olive green Duponi silk fabric. I decided to use 32ct cream by Zweigart I think this will look pretty with the porcelain half doll.  For the threads - that's where I ordered a few (already had 2 of them) of Gloriana 12 strand silk threads.

I am so happy that I decided to test the thread because I had ordered #066A Highland Garden and it looked a bit dark. I started stitching the scissor pocket as a test. thank goodness I did.

As any chart I follow when stitching I proceeded to stitch (2 threads over 2 threads on 32ct) I started stitching the design at the top of the scissor pocket and stitched up and down. Then when I came to the sides I knew to stitch one flow of the design then to go back and stitch the other side to make use of the pretty variegated silk. When I looked back at the photo in the magazine I saw a different stitching flow that the designer used. I will get to that 2 photos down from here.

Elisabeth by GiuliaManfredini of Giulia Punti Antichi
scissor pocket - THIS WAS A TEST 

Then I discovered I misread the instructions. I had stitched 2 over 2 and should of been 1 over 2 threads.
No wonder I was going thru a lot of thread. Well that was my error.
The magazine says to use #066 - Highland Garden. But when I looked at the color online I thought it was too light compared with the photo in the magazine. SO I ordered #066A - Highland Garden which is in darker tones.
After stitching with #066A which is darker of than what was called for in the magazine I did order the #066 - Highland Garden. If you ordered the kit you will not have this dilemma.


Also I stitched one row at a time on the top of the design and followed thru all the way around till I reached the top second row.

Then I stitched the second row (below along the top) and followed again all the way around the design. If you are stitching this doll and look or study the photo you will see what I am describing.

I think this look is much prettier for the flow of the variegated color.

I am pleased with the #066 Highland Garden for the outer borders. And I also used Gloriana Florimell silk thread called Spanish Moss for the inner of the green leafs. More on this floss below.


Top - #066A Gloriana 7mm silk ribbon (ordered from Hedgehog online when their sale was going on). Yes I am going to use the ribbon even though its a bit dark.
Middle is the darker tones (not going to use for this project).
Bottom is the lighter and the one recommended in the magazine.

The threads called for in the magazine for this project are Gloriana Threads Florimell which is a type of silk.
For the fun of it (and because I had no idea what this thread was) I ordered one in Spanish Moss. I learned that this silk has more of a high sheen and is a bit thicker. So as when stitching on 32ct which really should be stitched 2 over 2 threads, you only need one strand. I did stitch with this in the above photo.

Here is my doll and I decided to go with the left side which is the lighter color #066 Highland Garden
Gloriana 12strand silk.

 I finished the test scissor pocket. So far I think it will be fine. 

Now I only started out to test #066 Highland Garden silk thread to see if I liked it on the border of the dress. Well stitching with silk thread is such a pleasure and doesn't knot on me so my progress seemed to have moved fast. I think this is the last 2 days worth. I took this photo just now and should have waited till morning. But then life happens and I wasn't sure if I would get this post done:)
Now for our SAL on this project I know that those who are participating I don't think you have received your kits yet. I will be starting another start and putting this aside till we all can be stitching this together.
But now I think I have all I need for this project and I don;t have to order more supplies for it. So I am set.
Geez I had to shop 5 different times online & wait for the orders to come in (that was fun mail) and one trip to Hobby Lobby for the linen (had a coupon too).
Looking forward to our SAL and for anyone who would like to join us.
I hope your enjoying the summer and are getting to stitch lots! thank you for visiting me!!!
With Love and my Appreciation - Annette

38 comments:

Justine said...

What lovely patriotic fabrics! I look forward to seeing your progress on the doll. I've never seen anything like her before. Happy birthday Nannie!

Ali said...

Firstly I hope your Nannie has a fabulous birthday celebration when it comes! Love your patriotic stitching and those materials from your friend Hetti are gorgeous I am very envious. Love the progress pics on your doll project those variegated silks are lovely and what a difference stitching with one thread over two makes! You have lots of wonderful projects on the go and I am looking forward to reading about their progress.
Ali

gracie said...

I am still waiting for the kit supplies from The Attic...your progress is wonderful. Eventually I will be stitching this also!

Lulu said...

I love your 4th of July piece! I have been to a Vlisco showroom in Africa and they have truly beautiful fabrics. Can't wait to follow the gorgeous doll you are stitching :)

Lee said...

You have done well with your July the 4th projects.
there will be a lot of happy stitching working on your doll look forward to seeing the progress

Marilyn said...

Happy B-Day to your Nannie!!
Beggar's 4th turned out so nice, love the pocket on the back.
The scarf you received is gorgeous!
Good start on your Porcelain Doll piece, can't wait to see it progress.
Marilyn

Jackie's Stitches said...

Such an adventure! I loved reading about your process !

Vickie said...

I am working on Patriotic stitching too. :) Yours are wonderful, especially In Full Glory!
Wow, a lot of work already into the doll. So great!

Lisa V said...

Lots of projects to keep you busy. The porcelain doll one looks very interesting and a very unusual finish.

Tricia T said...

Your stitching is just lovely and what a sweet surprise from Hetti! The scarf is gorgeous! I'm still enjoying my project bags and I think of you every time I use them!!! : )

The Inspired Stitcher said...

What a fun post. I love seeing the patriotic stitching that's showing up right now too. I'm going to look forward to watching your progress on the doll project. Have a good week!

dixiesamplar said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANNIE!! 101 years old...that is amazing!!

Oh my goodness Annette...you have certainly been a busy stitcher lately, and I am loving all your sweet pictures. That doll is going to be stunning...and your Beggars 4th and Full Glory finishes are to die for!!

What wonderful goodies you and Hetti exchanged too...aren't stitching friends the best??

Can't wait to see your SAL finish...

Anne said...

Wow your Nannie is 101!!!amazing!! Lovely patriotic finish. The pouch in the back is very functional. I need to remember to do that sometimes!! Lovely start on your porcelain doll so far. Good to test things first when you spend so much on silks. I like the 1 over 2 myself . Hugs!!!

Beth said...

Beggars 4th is a perfect tribute for your Nannie. You have some really amazing stitching going on!

Annie said...

Happy Birthday to your Nanny! What a great pillow to stitch for the occasion.

Hetti and you are filled with surprises! Glad to see she is up to participating in these activities again.

Love that BBD design... my favorite of their recent releases.

And what fun to do that doll project! Really unusual.

Giovanna said...

Very pretty finishes, congrats! Well done on getting the stitching just right on the doll's costume.

Mary Ann said...

First, a very Happy Birthday to your Nannie!

Your patriotic finishes are fabulous, and I'm going to look forward to watching your progress on the doll project!!

Margaret said...

Love all your finishes and your new projects! What a trial and error process you went through with the doll project! Happy birthday to your Nannie!

Linda said...

Awesome new start Annette. Great finish and exchange gifts.

Linda

Anonymous said...

I love the red white and blue fabrics!

Barb said...

Both of your patriotic design are perfect for this time of year.The doll project is so interesting. It will be fun watching it progress.

Teresa S. said...

Where to start! I didn't even know there was a 066A! And truthfully, I really like the darker, richer tones. Love the photo with the two tries together and the doll in between.

I did get the florimell and will be using one strand over 2. I'll post a photo when I get that far.
One question-where did you get the dupioni silk?

I'm still waiting on the navy bean linen before I can officially start with the SAL.
But I have a scrap of it in my misc drawer that I can use for the little pocket. So I might go ahead and start that.
Onwards and upwards! :)

Andrea said...

Happy Birthday to your Nannie ... 101. :) Love your gifts bith sent and received. Looking forward to seeing progress on your doll.

KimM said...

Love your post - you HAVE been busy! Lovely stitching - and the doll is so pretty - can hardly wait to see her all done up.
xxx

Melissa said...

Your patriotic stitching are lovely. That's a great gift from Hettie and a lovely gift you've sent in return.

I look forward to seeing progress on your doll!

CalamityJr said...

All your pictures are beautiful. But the more I see Begger's 4th, the more I think I'm going to have to get that pattern! Thanks for sharing

Penny said...

Your doll is going to be beautiful! The work you have done so far is so pretty. Wonderful finishes, too! What a lovely gift you received from Hetti and I love what you made for her ~ very pretty. :)

Frances said...

All of your stitching is gorgeous, but I absolutely love your patriotic finishes!!! SO cute and beautifully done! Congrats to Nannie on the 101st--that is quite wonderful! I even had a "Nannie" myself--she's been gone a long time, but I fondly remember her and loved calling her Nannie!! Sweet!

Anonymous said...

Hello

A lovely finish and your doll looks like she will be beautiful!
Happy birthday to your Nannie.
Happy weekend.

Shebafudge said...

This is just going to look amazing. I can't wait to watch your progress on it. Any chance of a list of other bloggers that are participating so I can watch their progress to please?

Carol said...

Such great finishes and WIPs, Annette! I had hoped to start Beggars 4th this month, but it doesn't look like I'll get to it--your finish turned out great! And how sweet of you to surprise Hettie with the project pouch and needlebook :)

Enjoy your summer, Annette--hope you get lots of time to stitch!

Brigitte said...

Two great patriotic finishes. The little pillow with pocket on the back is looking wonderful.
Oh my, this doll project will be a real adventure. And you made a great test start on it. I will be following the real start and your progress on it. And maybe detect some others who also share this project on their blogs.

Shirlee said...

Beautiful stitching my friend : )

Karoline said...

Great start on your new project and your finishes are lovely

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Love your patriotic stitches! I have the little BBD one and I must get to it! Yours is wonderful! Great gifts both given and received
I can't wait to see the progress on your doll! I"m so tempted....

stitchersanon said...

Well, for the life of me I can't work out how I only just found your blog..what an amazing post. 1 over 1 is something I havent dared try yet..though I have fabric a waiting lol. A great post!

Lelia said...

Oh my! You have accomplished A LOT of needlework. [I adore the BBD patriotic piece, may even need to purchase that one!]

Dani - tkdchick said...

Such beautiful work!!!