Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Blinded by the white...

Hello, hello! And how are all of my blogging buddies on this fine morning? Unfortunately, "fine morning" is simply wishful thinking on my part as it has been raining and raining for the past 24 hours here... Isn't it hard to believe that March is almost upon us? I can hardly wait for the grass to start greening up and for the first crocuses to peak through the soil. I really need a bit of spring color in my life right now--how about you? You see, I've been doing a lot of "snow" stitching lately--not exactly my favorite thing. Of all the colors, white seems to be the most difficult (and boring!) for me. Does anyone else feel that way? I don't know if it's the poor coverage or what, but it feels like a task rather than a joy...

Anyway, I'd like to share with you a big (for me!) finish... The Prairie Schooler February sampler. It is stitched on 40 ct. flax Newcastle with DMC thread and I'm so happy with how it turned out; it's such a cheerful  piece.

 Prairie Schooler February Sampler

You'll notice I made a few changes from the original (which you can see below). I substituted the pretty heart and doves for the groundhog in the upper right corner. Although the groundhog was cute (well as cute as any overgrown rodent with large yellow teeth can be!), I wanted the chart to be more about the other February holidays (Valentine's Day and President's Day) and there was already one tiny groundhog at the bottom merrily waving his American flag. The main change I made, though, was to the sun. In the original chart the sun is black (well, DMC 3371, which is nearly black!)... I mean, honestly, have you ever seen a sun that color in your life? If I had I would fear the world was ending! To me, the sun, as originally charted, looked ominous and a bit spider-like, so I used the same golden yellow that lit up the windows of the cabin for my sun and I'm  much happier with the look.


There are so many lovely details in this piece that commemorate American history. If you look closely you'll see the names of our most famous presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, along with their birth and death dates stitched into the snow. And don't you love that border of cherries and hearts? Who doesn't remember the story of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree and the countless "cherry-related" activities we did as children in elementary school? Well, it turns out that the whole "I cannot tell a lie" thing supposedly spoken by George as he confessed to chopping down the cherry tree was a myth! It all began with a man named Parson Mason Weems who invented that part of George's life as a way to teach children about telling the truth when he wrote an early biography of his life! Hmm...not very truthful on his part, was it? Oh, well... another childhood illusion shattered...

Prairie Schooler February Sampler

I  also have a small finish from January that I forgot to share with you last time. Again, there was a lot of white stitching involved!  I had such a hard time getting the white snowflakes to show up on the 28 ct. gray Monaco until I decided to use two threads of B5200 just for them (everything else is stitched with just one thread since I stitched it "over one)." I used the suggested overdyeds  and backed it with the pretty white on white fabric shown in the background. I really love the look of the Word Play series, but for some reason, I didn't love stitching it. I'm not sure why; being a librarian I love words, but I struggled with making myself sit down and finish it. I had planned to stitch the Word Play design for each month this year, but I don't think that is going to be happening. I'm sure I'll stitch them all eventually, just not this year.

January Word Play

Now, although that dainty white bow in the left corner looks very charming--it really wasn't part of my original finishing plan. I had a "little"--ahem--mishap when I was ironing my finished piece. You see, I had basted the thin white ric-rac on with red thread when I sewed my pillow together. After turning it right side out after sewing the pillow on my machine, I was giving it a quick pressing when all of a sudden this red blob appeared on the white--horrors!! All I can surmise is that some of the red thread that I had pulled out from the basting had stuck on the ironing board cover and the iron accidentally got too close to the synthetic ric rac and it melted the red thread right on to the white trim. Oh, I tried everything to remove it that I could think of--I even tried filing it with a nail file, but to no avail...The red was now a permanent part of my design!

 Never again will I use red thread to baste white trim!!

I was very proud of myself, though--I didn't freak out! Honestly.. I simply took a deep breath and tried to think of different ways to disguise my mistake. I thought a cute yo-yo would cover it up nicely, but I didn't have any fabric that looked just right with all of the colors in the design. I thought about buttons, but none of them seemed just right either... SO, one of my little bows came to the rescue! Oh, I could have taken the whole pillow apart and started over, but having already trimmed the seams, it would have been difficult. So, I went with the quick and easy approach, glued a bow on top of the red blob, and no one is the wiser. You wouldn't even have known about it if I hadn't told you, would you? Anyway, I'm very pleased with it and these little snow buddies seem to like their new friend in his miniature wagon, too...

 January Word Play

Earlier this month, I was the lucky winner of a giveaway held by Vickie at A Stitcher's Story in honor of her 200+  followers. Vickie makes the most adorable bottlecap pincushions. Just look at this little beauty in winter blue filled with Vickie's handmade pins. I had admired them on Vickie's blog, but had no idea just how tiny they truly are until this one showed up at my house. She also sent a cute pen with the word "Stitch" stitched onto black fabric and inserted into the pen's casing--what a great idea. A charming sampler rounded out the giveaway goodies. Thank you so very much, Vickie--I am just thrilled with each and every gift!

Giveaway win from Vickie

And from my sweet friend, Catherine at Bramblewood Stitches, came a little surprise on a day when I really needed a smile. I arrived home from my last visit to my parents and found a very sweet card with the prettiest decorated pins waiting for me. I really must learn how to make these pins that you all are making. They look like such fun! The card you sent is so "me," Catherine--I think it will be a perfect one to frame for my sunroom. Thank you again for your friendship and for your thoughtfulness!

RAK from Catherine

This month has been crazy-busy at work with four of the seven librarians in our department on vacation for almost two weeks. The three of us poor souls trying to cover a reference desk that is open 69 hours a week has been exhausting. If you work with the public you know exactly what I mean!! 99% of the people are great, but there are always a few who nothing will satisfy. So, as you can imagine, I'm more than ready for March to arrive and for my work schedule to return to my normal  days a week. Hopefully, I'll be a bit more productive in my stitching next month, too...

Thank you all for stopping by today--I really appreciate your visit. And I want to give my newest followers a warm welcome--so glad you've found my blog. I'm still trying to come up with a little something for my 1000+ follower giveaway so stay tuned! Enjoy your day, my friends. Bye for now...

96 comments:

Annie said...

Very nice mods on the PS piece. I like the original as well, but you really gave it some nice touches.

The words are so cute. I always say I've stitched my last snowman because of the white, but I also always succumb when I see another cute one!

I have lots of designs that I had to use a button or charm to cover a spot. I consider it a challenge when that happens, not a problem!

Nice fun gifts. You have a good mail person!

Libby said...

Your finishes are wonderful. Your creative streak shows!

Hope work settles down. I guess it makes the winter go fast but I imagine you don't have any trouble filling your time.

Pam

Mavi. said...

Carol worked with public and I know what hablas.Enhorabuena for your gifts are beautiful. I really like your embroidery and appreciate the changes I think it's much more rewarding a golden sun.
Fixed issue where the red spot perfectly with tie, a very nice cushion.
Here is very cold.
Many kisses

Kate said...

You're always such an interesting read, Carol. All your pieces are quite lovely. I rather like the January word play and you did a fantastic 'cover up' .... I'm sure we've all done our share of cover ups. That's a beautiful card from Catherine. I, too have difficulty (actually a lot of difficulty) with stitching white so I tend to avoid it as much as I can. Enjoy your shorter work week when it happens.

♥ Nia said...

Over here it's so cold =( no rain this last couple of days but very veryyyyy cold! Can't wait for Spring to arrive!! :p

Wow! Beautiful piece sweetie :) Congrats on your finish!!
Well done, I really like you changes, looks much prettier than the original (that sun!! what is that? lol)

Your January pillow looks lovely! Even with the red detail ;) heheheh ohhh we learn it our mistakes!
Good thing it was on the side, no one can even see it! Only you know ;)
Happens to the best of us :D heheheh

Hugs to you sweetie!!

Manka said...

Hi Carol. I love all your finishes .
Your Prairie Schooler sampler turned out beautifully , I like your changes :)

hugs

Manka

Maggee said...

February Prairie Schooler looks wonderful! Your version is very very nice! And I sure do like the way you trimmed the January Word Play! We sure wouldn't have known about the red blob if you hadn't shared about it--looks lovely! Congrats on the win! Hugs!

Catherine said...

I love your changes to the PS piece ~ and if you hadn't shown us the "oops", we never would have known! And your wordplay finish is adorable! Aren't Vickie's pincushions so sweet! I'm so glad you enjoyed your surprise and the card. Hope that things settle down at work for you soon!

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Beautiful post, Carol! Love all your delightful counted cross stitching.

:) Carolyn

marly said...

You turned a nice design into a MUCH nicer design with your changes to PS. My whites are frustrating too and honestly, I didn't know about B5200 until recently. Thanks for showing us that even excellent finishers can have a mishap!!

Gillie said...

Mm, black sun, no! Do agree about the public, most of the WFM customers were lovely but a a few, oh my word! Love the stitching, sorry the word play wasn't quite the thing. Hugsx

Vickie said...

So glad you are happy Carol!
What beautiful projects this month. Still quite a bit of stitching for you having worked so much!! One more day of February to go! ;)

Giovanna said...

Those are great changes to your February sampler, well done. And I admire you for not freaking out on the red blotch - great solution! All of your stitching is just beautiful.

Carolyn said...

Oh, I love your February PS finish, and the change to the heart and doves is just perfect! I love your Word Play finish as well. Good save!

Great giveaway win and RAK! Enjoy your day, and hopefully sunny, warm weather will be there soon. :)

Melody said...

Carol, your recent stitches are wonderful! I too, like the word play series, but I have not stitched any of them... I do like yours stitched on the blue fabric.

I have also stitched the February PS piece. Need to get it framed...

Hope things get back to normal for you at work soon. We had a snow day closure yesterday, so I had a guilty pleasure day of stitching.

Margaret said...

Wow! 3 people to cover a job usually covered by 7? Yikes! I can imagine you're exhausted! Hope you get back to normal schedule soon.

Love your PS finish -- the changes you made are perfect! I love that heart so much that you put in! And a black sun?! Yay for yellow. lol! Love your January Wordplay too. The ribbon does a nice job hiding the red stain. (I've had that sort of thing happen to me too!) Nice prize and RAK too!

Christina said...

Great job on your finishes. Love the changes you made. What very lovely prizes and gifts you received.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your PS finish looks great! Lovely prize and RAK. I do hope it stops raining for you soon.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your February PS finish, Carol! I love the changes you made especially with the sun. Your finished January word play looks fabulous. Way to go! Nice gifts you have received!

Robin in Virginia

Vinniey said...

I love your January Word Play's finish! Creative way to cover up the red stain. I also love the changes you've made on the PS February piece. Beautiful heart motif and doves; Lovely!! Beautiful card from Catherine and those little pins are too cute! :) Happy stitching! {{{Hugs}}}

AnaCristina said...

Hi Carol!
The white is the most difficult for me too!

:-)

Tricia T said...

Congrats on 1000+ followers, Carol! Wow! Your PS sampler is wonderful. I really like the changes that you made. I'm afraid I didn't realize that there was a sun on the original. I thought it was a black cloud until I looked closely! Great job fixing your Word Play. I have had a few charts like that - ones that I was sure I'd love, but I just didnt enjoy stitching. It did turn out cute, though! I'm glad you finished it!

I hope you have a chance to "breathe" again soon, once you get back to your normal work schedule!! Take care!

Tricia



Keeper of the Crowes said...

I love all the changes you made! Your Word Play is adorable. I really like it on that fabric. And, the little rick rack detail is so cute.

Julie said...

Your finishes are beautiful and I love the changes you made to the PS design. I like your version better:) Nice job!

BrendaS said...

Carol -- Beautiful PS finish! I love the changes you made -- makes it much more cheerful:)

Your wordplay looks lovely with the white rick-rack and no one is the wiser about the little "mishap"

I hope it stops raining for you. Spring will be here before you know it (I hope)

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Nice creative fix you came up with! I hope March settles down for you workwise. It does tend to crip the stitching time. Great job on the finishes! You go girl!

Bekca said...

Congratulations on your wonderful PS finish, I love the alterations you've made. And good for you, making the best of your slip up. I certainly wouldn't have noticed if it hadn't been pointed out, the finished pillow looks gorgeous. I hope work calms down for you soon. It was real chaos at Cath Kidston over Christmas but I'm back to normal shifts now and I definitely prefer it :)
Hope you're having a lovely week, best wishes.

Mary said...

Hi Carol,
I love the changes you have made to the PS...so cheerful indeed!

Word Play is adorable with the rick-rack and bow. I think we can all relate to those mishaps. Fortunately, it was a tiny one and well covered. Hurray!

Hopefully your work schedule and weather will improve soon.

Spring is on the way.....hang in there, my friend :)

HUGS

Carolyn NC said...

Let's see - where to start? I'm so with you..I'm completely ready for spring (is it tomorrow?) and I hate stitching lots of white. Just waiting to get dirty no matter what you do!
Love your PS finish and changes - very fitting! You r pillow is adorable, red and all :) And what a lovely mail day for you!

Carolyn NC said...

Oops - important note...love the catchy title - who can forget Mannfred Mann??

cucki said...

Your finishes are wonderful...so sweet..
I hope the weather het better soon..
Big hugs x

Friendship Crossing said...

Hi Carol,
I love the way you changed out the PS piece ~looks way better your way! :))
I am super in awe of your Jan. Word Play and LOVE it on that fabric even better. Clever of you to think of adding that bow!! I may have to 'borrow' your idea and stitch mine that way!

Super sweet goodies you rec'd!

Hugs,
Tanya

Shannon Meyer said...

I'm not much on stitching with white either. It's the coverage issue with me. I love your January Word Play. I've stitched that one as well. And I agree that the sun in the PS piece needed to be changed, yours looks lovely!!

Rachel S-H said...

It's funny how charts are not nearly as charming in the cover shots as they are when someone stitches them as beautifully as you do.

LoriU said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LoriU said...

(NOTE: I deleted my previous comment because I forgot to ask something)

OMG I LOVE THAT JANUARY WORD PLAY FINISH!!! The thread colors are so perfect on the grey fabric, and the finishing is exquisite (even with the little red oops!)

Congratulations on your finishes! I think I might have the chart in my stash and now I have to go look....

Did you use DMC flosses for the Word Play?

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Always a pleasure to drop by and settle in for a read from one of my favorite bloggers! I love your PS finish...and your modifications, perfect! :)
I adore your little Word Play finish...(got all of them too haven't stitched a one of them)...
You have lovely friends that spoil you! Wonderful treasures to behold!

Katherine said...

I love your changes - where did you get cute heart and doves chart? Or did you chart it yourself? I LOVE PS charts, but have been flummoxed over several where the sun is done in "black" 3371. I just don't get it and your change is great! Thanks for sharing

priscilla said...

Wonderful finishes Carol ! My favorite is The January word play Love it and the way you finished it !
Hope you don't have to work so much so we can see more of your pretty things :)
Hope the rain stops!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

I love every one of your changes on PS February! You're so thoughtful and creative -- and that bow is just the trick. Do you think the Word Plays take too long to stitch, or you've got other plans? I want to do them, too, but haven't started a one yet. I'm always happy for your RAOKs - you truly deserve them! Now that we've had a little snow, I'm ready for spring, too!

Quiltsmiles said...

What lovely changes to the PS and I love both your pieces. It's always a creative spark when trying to outsmart an accident, great choice with yours. You know, if you didn't say anything, no one would have known but thanks for sharing.
Sorry to hear work has been more stressful lately. You'd think working in a library that days would be easier but when dealing with the public I know exactly what you mean. Keep smiling! Jane

Christina said...

Urgh, I too dislike stitching with white. It just doesn't seem to have the same quality as the rest of the DMC colours.
A black sun? Hmmm, not sure about that one either. I'm so pleased you replaced it with a sunny sun.
I'm afraid I had a bit of a chuckle when you mentioned that you'd tried filing the annoying red mark - that is SO something that I'd try to do! But I think it was a blessing in disguise because that bow you've used is so cute!
The pins from Catherine are beautiful. When I receive gifts as lovely as that I never want to use them. I just put them away in a drawer and gaze lovingly at them every now and again!

Melanie said...

Raining here too today, I'm afraid. :(

That's a fabulous 'big' finish. It really comes across as 'February' with the changes you made too. (And who knew groundhogs were so patriotic? lol)

Don't tell anyone else but I think that is the prettiest Word Play finish I've seen yet out in the blogsphere. (Not that the others aren't nice too though!!) That's too bad you didn't really enjoy stitching on it. I can't imagine what you would do with the rest of them.

Here's to a quieter March at work for you!! :)

Barbi said...

Love the stitching Carol, as usual, and the bow is a perfect disguise! I really love those wordplay designs. I was planning on doing the same thing, one a month...but eek! Now Im not so sure!

Bertie said...

Love the PS sampler, looks wonderful! The wordplay ornament is lovely, nice colour linen!

Ellen said...

February is gorgeous, love the changes! Love January Word Play too, so beautiful! I plan to stitch them eventually too ha ha!

Hope your work schedule gets back to normal so that you have more time to stitch!

Hugs,

Pam in IL said...

Love seeing your stitching! PS looks great and your changes are perfect. I have the word play series too, but have yet to stitch them. I really like the color Monaco you stitched it on. For me, stitching over one would cause me to dislike stitching it. I would much rather choose a higher count fabric and stitch over two.

As someone who works with the public when they are their angriest, I can totally relate to dealing with them.

[[[HUGS]]]

Trina said...

I just stumbled upon your blog and your latest finishes are just gorgeous! You do beautiful work and I will be visiting your blog many more times in the future! Hope you get a chance to catch my blog: Stitching Oz too.

Happy Stitching!

Ranae said...

I love the PS finish.
I will have to keep in mine to change the sun also, good call
I love your word play and you did a great job on covering that little mistake
Lovely things you received

Judy said...

Hi Carol--First i have to agree about white--my least favorite also. PS Feb. sampler is very nice with your changes..they fit perfectly in the design. Your tiny bow on the word play is the perfect fix to the red--darn..all that work. At least it was in an easlity covered spot. I have all the word plays "to do" someday. Your gifts are very nice. I make the pins, use super glue. If you find an alternative to super glue, let me know. Lastly, yep, working with the public is exactly as you said. Have a nice weekend..probably nore rain headed your way..we have it now.

Judy heartland stitcher

Peggy Lee said...

Wonderful gifts received. So sweet!
I love that sampler design and the changes you made to it are absolutely perfect! I agree with every one.
I think the bow is a beautiful addition!

Linda said...

Congrats on two more great finishes Carol. I love the pillow finish. Sorry about the red blob, but we wouldn't have known if you hadn't told us. Love the changes to PS February. I have it started. lol

Linda

Myra said...

Carol, I love how you changed up the PS piece - so much prettier in my opinion. I have the same problem with white floss and sometimes black as well. What is it about those colors?
Those word play pieces are so cute and I think your little bow is the perfect touch - mistake or no mistake.
Bring on Spring!

Barb said...

I love the changes you made to the Feb. PS design. I have done several of these and after seeing your , I think I'll do that one. I totally agree with you about white floss. I don't know why , but mine never looks nice and smooth. A black sun!!! No Way!! I wish for you an early spring!

Cindy's Stitching said...

They are so nice carol. White does get boring. I think we all need some spring. I am looking forward to spring this year.

Melissa said...

As usual your stitching is lovely but I am especially fond of that February sampler. I like the changes you made. The heart is definitely much more February than a rodent!

Lovely gifties!

Well, your "easy" schedule will be here soon and you can breathe a sigh of relief!

Beertje Zonn said...

Your Prairie Schooler sampler is beautiful!

Sonnja

Lisa said...

Wow two great finishes, I love them both :-)

Gabi said...

Great finishes! I love them. Yes, you are rigth, spring must come soon. Here in Germany we had only 80 hours with sun since November. Grrrr!
I really don't know how the sun looks like!!
Hugs from Germany

Christine said...

Great finishes, I love the Wordplay, and the changes you made to the PS are lovely.
I'm always unsure about the February one in that series because the words are quite different from the way I learned the poem as a child, I know it as February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again

Valma said...

wow =)
what a beautiful post
Your sampler is really beautiful and the changes you made are very great
I can't imagine a sampler like this one with French history :-/
I love how American people are patriotic , really, you have a beautiful history.
and your January pillow is so lovely
beautiful stitching, perfect fabric ric rac and bow
a red spot ? where is the red spot ?? =D
No, really lovely
I ordered a chart this week, it's a collection of 12 mini charts from Little house needlework. when I saw them I immediately thought of you =)
I hope I'll make the 12 !
will show you
big big hugs sweetie
here it's so cold.....
xxxx

Shari said...

great update once again....I love the changes you made on the PS design. I never noticed that sun, but I agree with your reasonings!!!!
Great gifts you received in the mail & so timely too!
Hey, tomorrow is March, so hope your schedule finds you home more!
BTW...that word play looks fantastic!! I love it!!!

Elia said...

Hallo,
You know I'm a fan of your work, because you have such good taste delicious and everything you do,
I congratulate you again like your first job, and the second I have a crush on him .. is very nice!
No matter the mistake, I did not see it, it's so beautiful ^ ^
You make the work of cross stitch work a delicacy!

Enjoy your gift, thank you for sharing this moment sweet,

a hug,

Siobhán said...

Congratulations on the finishes, Carol! I just love that PS February piece. I definitely want to stitch that monthly design, in addition to a few of the others. Nice finish on your With thy Needle piece!

BARBARA said...

Your stitching and finishing is outstanding and on 40 count no less! I love to see all the changes you make....it becomes so personal...beautiful work...Maureen's Mom

Julie M said...

Beautiful stitching! I agree about the sun color in the original PS. Much prefer your choice. Glad you were able to hide your oops and no one except the entire kingdom of blog will ever know!

You received some wonderful goodies. The pin cushion is adorable!

Julie said...

The PS is such a super finish, i dont think i could have lived with a black sun - how wrong!

For me white stitching doesn't sit right, especially when using 2 strands, they just seem to be all gappy and not lie flat, it seems to jump out at you when you look at it closely.

Super gifts you have received, and WOW 1,000 followers thats amazing, i dont have even a fifth of that lol.

I think you were great to show the little boo boo with the red, it shows others that event he most talented stitchers and finishers - and yes you are - have difficulties sometimes.

much love x

butterfly said...

WOW Carol you have been busy again with your wonderful stitching, it is always so beautiful and you always inspire me.
You did a great job hiding the red thread .
Lovely gifts , hugs.

Giovi's Creations said...

Oh! It’s rainy today here!(too much water) I only wanna be in my home, warm and protected :) Congrats for your (new) finish! I prefer “your” sun too ;) And I really love the cushion (white but beautiful!) I hope you get back quiet workdays. Hugs, Giovi

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

oh vraiment merveilleux ces modèles j'adore !!! bisous de FRANCE

passionfruitprincess said...

Here is getting a little warmer.
I love the changes you made on the sampler. The heart looks so sweet. And the sun looks a lot better than black!!! I also hate stitching white. I am doing a bit of that and it is a pain! What a cute little pillow and you fixed the boo boo so nicely. Such a cute design.
Hugs,
Ana Paula

Solstitches said...

Congratulations on your PS finish Carol. I love the changes you made to the design making it your own.
I agree that is a spooky looking sun!
Love the Word Play piece and I'm glad your little accident could be covered over. The white bow looks perfect.
Lovely blog win from Vickie and gift from Catherine..
Hugs,
Margaret

Mylene said...

PS design looks great!! as well as the ornament. Love how you finish it off. Hope you won't mind me using your idea..
Here's been dry but grey, haven't seen the sun for days now...still pretty cold.

Southpaw Stitcher said...

Love your Prairie Schooler and Word Play finishes, and all the pretties you received from your friends!

Michelle said...

Beautiful finishes xx

Annette said...

Her we had snow again.. 10 cm in some places, here only 2.. now it's all gone, and also rain takes that place
I love stitching white.. but it's my favorite color.. ;))))))

Love your header!!!

Great work on your Feb. sampler...
Sun black (very dark brown)????????
it isn't Halloween
I looked to your chart pices.. but I lobe your piece so much more.. the doves... beautifull.. the hearts also!!
You done a great job

What a cute design.. really great job on it!!
Your finish of it is so wonderfull..
I LOVE RICRAC!!!!
There is a monthly Srie of this???
You can do Jan-Ma-July-Sep-Nov. This year and the others necxt year.
It would look so great on you monthly bowl.

Ow NOOOOOO red threads on that beautifull white Ricrac???? Horrible!!
But good for you not freaking out!!
You bow is looking so great..
very well done !!

You jgot two lovely gifts.. very beautifull!!
Enjoy them!!


Hope March will bring beautifull weather, lovely peole and beautifull crafts..
Enjoy your time!!
Hope your visit with your perants went great!!
Hugssss

Nicky said...

Your finishes are beautiful Carol. I love the Word Play, it may not have been your favourite to stitch, but it was well worth the effort, and your finishing is perfect (nothing new there though!)

You have had a couple of sweet mail days too, must have been lovely to brighten your day.

Hope you are staying warm, Nicky x

Девушка с пяльцами said...

Beautiful finishes, Carol! I really enjoyed your new post!

valerie said...

Love your version of the PS February so much better! Yellow sun, hearts and doves. Congrats on a lovely finish! And I love your Word Play too but can understand being burnt out on stitching letters and lots of white. Lovely gifts from Catherine and Vickie! Hope you're getting some rest. I've been short staffed in the office too which is making my days busier!! Happy weekend!

Andrea said...

Oh the word play piece is just so wonderful. I love the use of the ric-rac and the sweet little bow. It was just meant to happen ... your little mishap ... so you could add the perfect finish. Of course I do love your PS finish but I do admire your finishing talents.

Anne said...

Love your stitching. You do such wonderful finishes. Great idea to change the sun, what's with that dark one!? Creative spirit is with you for sure. What a great idea to cover the little red! :) Anne

Kathy Ellen said...

Carol, I love the changes you made to the February Prairie Schooler Sampler. Now, honestly, I agree with you...why on earth would they have put a black moon in the design. Your changes make a wonderful difference and make the entire design pop with beauty. Love your January WordPlay pillow finish too, even with the little 'red oops'!

Blessings!

Kay said...

Beautiful finishes!!! I have changed things up as well in the past with what I stitched because in my opinion it would look better and it really does, who says you need to stick to the pattern directly?! Sometimes making small changes turn out to be better looking!

Shirley said...

Lovely stitching, as always. I prefer the hearts and doves too.
As for the sachet, there is no such thing as a mistake, just an embellishment opportunity.
Take care,
Shirley

Anne said...

Carol! Your stitching is marvelous and I'm so glad you stitched the sun yellow and not that brown black...so bizarre!! I find that stitching with white on a darker fabric to be easy but on light, it's a bit more difficult, unless I stitch in daylight! I love your fix to cover that red mark. So strange that happened! I just recently got some of the word plays and am debating on what fabric to use for them and if I will use the same fabric for all, or go a different route each month. Hmmm, strange that you didn't enjoy stitching it entirely. They look like they would be fun to stitch. We will see though! Congrats on your win from Vickie! I love her little felt pin cushions!! I need to make some pins too. They look like they are fun to put together!

Hugs

Anne

Lillie said...

Congrads on your finishes. As always beautifull stitching and finishing to admire.

Have a wonderfl weekend :)

Karoline said...

Both finishes are gorgeous, congratulations

Lynn B said...

Ooooo Carol I just love Prairie Schoolar Designs, they always look so gorgeous when finished.

Nancy M said...

Your changes are awesome, I bet PS would like to reprint the pattern using your colors and heart. They would probably sell more charts! I didn't like the groundhog in the corner at all and black sun??? What were they thinking? Your pillow with the red is perfect! Shari(who I met) is also stitching these and I'm very tempted....but haven't caved yet! Hope you are enjoying your 2 1/2 days now. You have a schedule like me!

Unknown said...

WOW ,,,the Prairie Scooler is fantastic..is total new for my
ciao Pat

Brigitte said...

Great, your Prairie Schooler finish! I think I would have changed the colour of the sun as well - it's definitely too dark on the chart, even for a winter sun. But PS stitching is always a pleasure for me, too - I love their designs without exception and their colours with just a few exceptions, lol.
I don't mind stitching snow, I have to admit that I love it although I hate the real white stuff.
Great your reaction after discovering the red colour on the white ric-rac. Covering it with something else - the perfect solution. But you always come up with great solutions for your small pillows.

Meari said...

Congrats on your finishes. Great idea to cover up the "oops".

Congrats, too, on your wins!

Jennifer M. said...

Love the Prairie Schooler finish. I like your changes. I think the black sun looks strange too and I would have chosen a yellow instead. Love the Word Play finish too. Very creative way of covering up your Oops! ;)

Jen

Dani - tkdchick said...

Carol, like you I am oh so tired of this grey, dark, dull winter we're having but then I've had the respite of a week in the sun and boy am I missing those sunny and hot days now!!!

As usual beautiful stitching and finishing! I just recently bought myself some more colours of 40ct fabric... must be having a hankering to start something on 40ct!!!! But alas there is too much on the go here already!

Tatkis said...

Adorable finishes!

Hugs,
Tatyana

Fiona said...

Great finishes. You are quite right, would never have noticed the red blob if you hadn't told me. What lovely gifts you recieved, the little pincushion is very pretty.