Suz: Back to Stitching

Hi everyone! It's been quite a while since I've posted here. I'm getting a bit healthier, so I thought I'd show the last 2 posts from the Tuesday Stitchers blog, where I've been posting weekly.

Now that our family has returned to Australia ( we had a wonderful whirlwind time!!)  there's been opportunities for more embroidery, painting and creating.
Two weeks ago at our Guild meeting, we painted on fabric and then began to embroider the painted designs.

 The first test painting produced this cathedral windows design. I'll add some stitching in a variegated thread.

I used a stencil to create this painted design, too, and began adding thread as soon as the paint was dry. I really like the movement in this piece, and plan to use it to make either a bag or a book cover.

 The following week, I received a blank dishtowel to stitch for the upcoming Fiber Fest. I used an old iron-on stencil and added two roosters to the dishtowel.
I used my fabric paints to add colour.

The two roosters are similar, but not exactly the same.

Adding a variegated red Valdani thread makes the design pop.









I finished both roosters on the tea towel.

Rooster #1

Rooster #2
The tea towel is now ironed and bagged ready for the Fiber Fest.

Then I completed the stitching on the flying plant. I may add a bit more colour, perhaps in a red- orange.

Now I added more paint to this piece with some fabric paint markers. Add a bit of outline stitch variation in a variegated pink floss and this is the result:
On the left is the original stencil painting in one shade of a greyed pink. This was done in a dry-brush technique.
 As you look from left to right, you can see the different stages of painting with the markers.
I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks with all the stitching completed.

Next in the pile for stitching:
Two initials await needle and thread. They may become wee pin cushions.

I hope to get back to my wrapping cloth pieces soon, but there are a few projects I've been working on that must remain secret for now.

This sunset was outside my kitchen window a couple days ago. I love the warm glow!

Hope you've had a fun and creative week.

Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz

October Wanes

I finished my rendition of the StitchMAP turtle. I wanted to create a soft background that simulated water, without taking any focus from the turtle. I think the turtle's batik fabric married well with the blue and green thread. It was perfect for adding a bit of colour and dimension to the turtle and his shell.  Does it look as though he's breaching the waves to gulp a deep breath?

Black crystals (with blue and green tones) were added for his eyes.


















The weather has switched to colder temperatures with more frosty nights, and rain for most of the last week. The trees are losing their colourful cloaks.
As October comes to an end, so too do the warm days of autumn. Even the oak leaves are mottled and coloured.

 I picked up Wrapping Cloth piece #12

I added a strip of lace on the right,  with drizzles poking through

More french knots down the center, and piece #12 will be finished!

 Stitching began on the newest Wedding Piece with a pretty venice lace floral and several rows of buttonhole lace

Stumpwork leaves in the works for the wedding piece. I'm not sure I like the variegated leaf. Perhaps an ecru leaf with pale green veins and edging might look better?  You can just see the fine wire peeking out the stem bottom......

This brilliant sky greeted me a few evenings ago. It looks as though it's on fire........

We've had at least three frosts in the last few weeks, Yet, this clematis is still blooming! Maybe it doesn't realize it's autumn?


That's it for this week.

I hope you've had a fun, creative week.

Hugs from Suz.


Thanks for visiting. Hugs from Suz

"June is Bustin' Out All Over"

So go the words to the song, and so goes my garden. The phlox is dancing on the breezes, the peonies bursting forth into bloom, and the poppy buds are fat.

purple and white

such a vibrant colour

pale, blush peony looks so delicate

subtle hints of pink

 a purple iris?
I like the sparks of blue.

poppies ready to explode into colour

This shot shows just how overgrown the gardens have become. I am slowly digging everything out, section by section and fighting with the bindweed. It's everywhere.... sigh.

I have discovered plants hiding beneath others and some hidden by weeds and grasses

This wee bed was covered in vines that grew over the windows, blocking air and sunlight. While vines look very romantic, they are not good for brick, and so we removed them. Now there is more light and fresh air in the house.

Since this bed is shady for most of the day, I moved some hostas there.
Some of our favourite rocks from the lake house edge the bed.

ah, the lettuce is growing well, and it won't be long now until we're munching mesclun salads.

On the stitching front, I have added more to the wedding piece, although progress is slow.

 There will be more leaves and bullions, as well as flower clusters

I've begun adding another branch to the right side, and it's almost ready for the weaving portion of the casalguidi stitch.

















Sunday night gave a beautiful sunset out my 'studio' window.

Is that a weird moon, or what?


Actually, it's a reflection of the ceiling light in the window, but I think it looks  really interesting.

I turned the light off.

What nice colours!



I hope you've had a week filled with colour and creativity.


Thanks for visiting.

Hugs from Suz

Fiery Sunset

Where we live, surrounded by granite hills and towering trees, we seldom see sunsets.
The other night, we had a fine show that lasted for almost ten minutes. I wanted to share these 3 pics with you.

It looked as though the forest was on fire!

such a variety of colours

What a glorious ten minutes!
Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz