Saturday, September 19, 2009

Week Thirty-Eight: Pumpkin Patch









I almost gave up on this piece several times this week, but I'm glad I stuck with it. "Pumpkin Patch," from the September/October 1988 (yes, 1988--just a few years after I began cross stitching!) issue of "Just Cross Stitch" is done on 28 ct. Stormy Gray Jobelan. And yes, I stitched it "over one" again this week--I know, I know, I'm a glutton for punishment. I love how tiny and detailed everything looks now that it is finally finished. I used DMC threads for most of this piece, but for the scarecrow's coat, I used Needle Necessities fibers and tiny black beads for his buttons. The original coat was a bright blue, but I decided that the green looked a bit more autumn-like. This was a lot for me to finish in one week, so I plan on choosing something a bit less time-consuming for next week's project...


I also want to share with all of you creative and crafty bloggers out there, a new book I recently discovered. Part of my job as a librarian involves book selection--and guess what category of books I am in charge of choosing? The "740s"--well, for you Dewey Decimal challenged readers, that means I get to pick the drawing, antiques, interior decorating, craft, and needlework books! How lucky am I? I get to read reviews and then purchase some of the prettiest and most popular books in the library. Recently I added the book Blogging for Bliss: Crafting Your Own Online Journal by Tara Frey to the library's collection. What a delight this book is for anyone who has a creative bone in her/his body! Not only does the author describe the basics of blogging; she also delves into the more advanced (way too advanced for me yet!) realms of using Photoshop, HTML, and how to add all of those special little touches that make your blog a place readers want to return to. The "how-to" part of blogging is alternated with pages from real-life crafty blogs (although not one cross stitching blog, I'm sorry to say) that talk about the reasons the writers blog and give advice to new bloggers (like me). The entire book is a treat for the eyes and offers excellent and very helpful advice... Hopefully, you will be able to check out a copy for yourself at your local library...

Thank you all for your supportive comments and emails. I love hearing from each and every one of you. Enjoy the first week of autumn everyone...

12 comments:

Myra said...

Oh my goodness gracious! This is a delightful little piece. I just love the scarecrow and all the birds - I think you were right to change his coat to green, really matches the season.

Thanks for the book review. It looks like something I need to read, will have to look for it next trip to the library.

Hope your foot is feeling better every day! Have a great weekend.

Daffycat said...

Darling Autumn scene and I love the green scarecrow coat ~ beautiful stitching!

Neat book...I'll keep a look-out for it.

Siobhán said...

What a gorgeous little autumnal piece! Great job, Carol. Thanks for the heads up on the book--looks like something I'd be interested in!

Cindy's Stitching said...

I just love the scare crow. Love visiting each week. Thank you for the book selection.

Cindy- NY

Sweet Sue said...

Hi Carol, another beauty ~ good for you, and over one, you're quite adventuresome:)

Sweet Stitchin....

Viooltje (Violet) said...

Wow Boooootyfull!
:o)

Shari said...

I missed this blog post, as I was driving home that day!!!!! This pattern is just TOO ADORABLE!!!!!! Now, to go search my magazines & see if I have that one!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!

Meari said...

What a cute finish! Thanks for the thumbs up for the book. I may check to see if my library has it!

Ranae said...

What an adorable little autumn scene.
Sounds like you have a very interesting job.

Srinity said...

Thank you for visiting my blog. :) I love that Pumpkin Patch. I like your other finishes too. :)

Rachel S-H said...

That is a really pretty finish!Love it!

boysmum2 said...

what an awesome job to have, lucky you. Just look this up on Amazon, might just have to purchase this next year