Merry March

Happy March! So why am I merry? Firstly, because it is March, and we're that much closer to spring! Secondly, March is roaring in like a lion, with storms expected all over Ontario again today. Even though I'm not looking forward to the storm,  and more snow, maybe the remainder of March will be lamb-like?........ Well, I can hope, can't I?
On the stitching front, I've made some progress on the crewel project. Considering the number of times I've pierced myself with the needle, maybe that should be cruel project, instead? lol

I'm pleased with how it's coming along, and with the colour choices I've made. 

More buttonhole lace was added in several places,

and now this wrapping cloth piece is finished! yay!

The new piece is already tacked.

I've even begun the titivations with a frill and some bullions.

 Last weekend was all about colour as I used my fabric paints to define some vibrant, and some subtle, laces for upcoming projects.

It was an experiment, and I'm very pleased with the results!

I especially like the soft, mottled look of these pieces.

some of my favourites

 More colour was happening on the back porch as I tried my hand at snow dyeing for the first time.

Don't the colours look wonderfully rich?

It got cold again so the snow hasn't all melted.  I think I'll have to bring the tub inside for the process to finish. I'll post the results next time.

My amaryllis has bloomed ( I was late re-potting it) with 2 flowers on the stalk, and cheers up the living-room, even though the snow can be seen through the window behind it. 
My red amaryllis should be in bloom soon.

I was drawn to the window this morning by a rumble of raucous sounds. These young starlings were fighting over the suet!  I'm happy it's finally being eaten.


I hope you've had a creative and fun-filled week.
Thanks for visiting. Hugs from Suz

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

Back for a Moment.........

It seems as though it's been a long time since my last post, but now it's near the end of September, and I thought I would bring you up to date.
Unfortunately, I have been ill since my last blog entry in May with a flare-up of one of my autoimmune diseases. Thankfully, I am starting to improve, but I need to focus on getting well and getting stronger. To that end, I've decided to postpone returning to blogging, except for posting my stitching progress once a week at this group blog.  ( You can see my stitching progress here )
I would like to thank all of you for being here and supporting me in my blog ramblings over the last 5 years. I've surely missed the wonderful blogland fellowship during my recent absence, and I wish you all continued success in your endeavours and good health. I'm not sure when I'll return to blogging, but I know that I'll miss you. Thank you.

Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz

 

Musings in May

Hi everyone! You may remember that I finished the Wedding Piece #2. Then, I realized I had forgotten to sign and date my embroidery!  Arrrrgh.  Mary Anne advised me to not only do that, but also to record the who, what, why, where, and when on a separate paper to include with the stitchery. So I shall include a card with the gift, as well as a card on archival paper, to include all the information. It will be hidden between the frame and the backing paper. Thanks MA for your wonderful advice!

The name is on the bottom right corner of the embroidery. Did you notice that it's all done in Bullion stitch?
Can you find the year?

The gelli print fabric has been embroidered, cut, and stitched with buttonhole stitch.
I'm saving the other pieces for another project.
I created some tatted tassels with the same thread used to embroider the fabric.

Then I added a jewel to each tassel.
This bookmark is on its way to DGD Jewel in Australia.

I hope she likes it.
(the colour is a little off in this photo)




This month brings with it several challenges. I shall be writing a course, teaching two e-courses through StitchMAP, and  taking a new course with Karen Ruane. As well, I hope to finish some work on hand, and do some special stitching that so far is only in the planning stages.  Then there are the gardens to get planted and into shape.
Also, we may be having visitors this spring/summer/autumn coming all the way from Australia. I don't know, yet, but I'm excited at the prospect.
 We are now into the third month of renovations in the house, and I think the noise, dust, and lack of privacy is taking a toll........So, I've decided to go dark for the spring and summer. No blog posts (except a stitching post here)  and no blog comments. I'm hoping that this blog break will allow for some spirit refreshing, revitalizing, and rejuvenation!
I'd like to express my appreciation to every one of my followers who have read and responded to any of my blatherings about my creations with paper, paint, needle and thread. Thanks so much for being here! I know I'll miss you and all your wonderful creations.
May you have a wonderful and safe summer!
Thanks so much for visiting.
See you in September.
Hugs from Suz







 

May Middle

We've had some blustery weather, so I grabbed the camera to capture some photos of the gardens before the wind and rain destroyed all the flowers.

 crabapple? tree

creeping phlox

trilliums under the maple trees

miniature iris

vinca

the last of the magnolia flowers

the lilac is just beginning to open

 I found this robin's egg after the storm, lying intact in the grass. I searched for the nest, so I could return the egg to its home, but, sadly, could not find it.






I'm not usually into sewing clothes for myself, but when I couldn't find satin pj's anywhere, I decided to make my own. I like the satin because it allows movement in the bedding. In summer we have cotton sheets, but other times of the year we use flannelette or jersey sheets. Have you ever tried to roll over wearing flannelette pj's on flannelette sheets? The sheets move with you, and the blankets, too. DH doesn't like losing his bedding every time I roll over........  ;-)

So, satin slides and the sheets stay in place. Well, unless I grab them and hold on when I roll over............but that never happens...........umm, right?
Luckily, stretch satin was on sale at my local fabric store. yay! Not being an accomplished seamstress, I spent the whole weekend and Monday sewing and frogging my new pj's. The top is done, and the bottoms just need the elastic and hems. 

Such soft and subdued colours............DH is afraid they may keep him awake at night.....lol........The neckline, cuffs and hem are trimmed in pink to match the pink of the material, so, of course, the pj bottoms had to be pink, too, right? 
They only had fuschia........bright, shiny, fuschia................... I shall be colourfully comfortable.

I hope you've had a colourful and creative week.

Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz

 

Marvelous May

Why is May so marvelous? First, spring has arrived! Second, the Gelli print fabric is almost finished! Third, Wedding Piece #2 is finished!! Yay! and Fourth, I've been gardening and planting vegetables. Fifth, I've been playing with paint, and some ink.
So, May is beginning in a marvelous way.
In the garden this week:

these beauties shot through the eart in the last couple of days to add some happy colour to the garden beds

I love the variety of colour on one plant!

the gelli print fabric is colourful, too

 some areas have an overlap of the pattern, which has made the embroidery a bit confusing..........

 

 I had the need to play with some paint

I put the brush away, and used a credit card for the rest of the painting.

Lots of soft wave action.....


A friend spotted something in the water.......

Look!  A sea turtle!

Wow, how did that happen?!

Magical.

The basement bathroom is finished, and I grabbed a few of the tile pieces left in a bucket. After washing, a thin layer of rubbing alcohol was applied, and then I added some inks.
white tiles......

I love the bubble action.

This is a brown floor tile.

I got in trouble using the tile pieces......they might be needed for the upstairs bathroom, which is now in renovations..........I'll have to wait and see if there are any tiles left over when that bathroom is finished. Then, maybe I can play some more......... ;-)

Wedding Piece #2 is finished, and damp stretched!
Once upon a summer's night, two people declared their love and shared their wedding vows beneath a glowing super moon, surrounded by family and friends, all standing amid a beautiful winery. Pink roses flanked each row of grape vines, their soft scent perfuming the air. The grapes were not yet ripe, but glowed in the moonlight with the promise of a bountiful yield.

Does it look balanced to you?

shown with the ruler

now it needs to be mounted and is awaiting the frame DH is making

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

Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz