steph's stitching

Shelley Tribbey Thanksgiving Angel

2012-02-27T04:00:00.001-08:00

As you last saw her

As she is now

Close-up of the apron bodice

Remember this girl who had languished in the garage for seven years? I could not match the dress or apron thread. I stripped her. I never really liked the apron and my stitching on the dress was horrible. I am going to do a modified cordurory stitch on the apron with cotton floss. I will do the dress the same but with more skill(I hope).

Tapestry Tent Nativity Stocking

2012-02-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Beautiful greenery around the shepherd and his flock.

Toe of the Nativity Stocking

This is stitched with three shades of green all loaded up on needles at the same time. I think I kept the pattern going in the right direction!

Tapestry Tent Nativity Stocking

2012-02-24T04:00:00.002-08:00

Gift of the magi

Still using Amy's stitch guide to complete the gift of the Blue Wiseman. The aqua and gold braid looking stitch down the left side is the trim on the sleeve of the gown. I wish I had a gown with gorgeous trim like that.

Swan Birthday Party

2012-02-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

The Swans met yesterday to celebrate another Swan getting older and better. Take a peek at what is going on in our world. All the finishing here was done by Kim Hollifield.

Pillow by Gretchen

Ornament by Donna

In progress by Marguerite

This is going to be a little doll when finished. You can see the head in the lower right corner.

Stand-up by Donna

Fantastic finishing by Kim Hollifield.

In progress by Gretchen

In progress by Lisa

Joseph in progress by Denise

Bunny House in progress by Lisa

Tapestry Tent Nativity Stocking

2012-02-22T03:10:00.000-08:00

Gift from the Magi

Out of curiousity, I timed myself to complete this one section. Four hours! I was watching the Australian Open, but the match wasn't that exciting. No wonder I never finish anything. I am the slowest stitcher in the world. Anyway, I love the way it turned out. Canvas from The Needle Works and stitch guide from Amy Bunger.

Tapestry Tent Nativity Stocking

2012-02-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Overview of area

Using Amy Bunger's stitch guide for this guy, I got his headdress and beard done. I love the headdress, but must admit it took me three tries to get the mantle correct. I have no idea why. I should have powdered his nose, but other than a little shine, I think he is devastatingly handsome.

Head of Blue Wiseman

Tapestry Tent Nativity Stocking

2012-02-20T03:17:00.000-08:00

Across the top

Green Wiseman

Overview

I started this stocking several hundred years ago and am not finished yet! When Amy Bunger used to travel, I sat with her at The Needle Works to get stitch ideas for this lovely. Years later, I still had not finished it and a complete guide became available from Amy's. I bought that and still didn't finish it. The time is now. This one is for me, so I am going to get after it.

Say Goodbye for now

2012-02-19T06:58:00.000-08:00

Fuzzy overview on Sunday morning

French knots instead of blue beads

I gave up on the bead hunt and went with French knots using three strands of silk. I like the way it turned out.

Details on the sleeve

I worked on this girl almost all day yesterday. All I had left to do was the black edging of her robe up by the collar. The Kreinik got a knot in it and I was defeated. I could not deal with the knot and the compensating. I put her down and picked up my basketweave pillow. I will finish her today and the next time you see her, she will be back from the finishers.

Progress on Painted Pony Queen of Hearts

2012-02-18T04:00:00.001-08:00

Other side of underskirt

Possible background stitch

Full view as of Friday afternoon

Edge across the bottom

I am never sure how to stitch these edges. Here is a sad looking satin stitch. I think I could do better.

Black bead in strap stitch

I didn't have a bead that matched the silk I used to basketweave the background of the underskirt. I thought I would give black a try. I like it.

Wing

I stitched some more after dinner. I stitched a Rhodes heart with Neon Rays. The wing stitch is an Alicia's lace variation. The diamond is Kreinik #8 and the upright stitch is Treasure Braid.

Crown

More done after dinner. I stitched the crown with Kreinik #8 using cross stitches and a red bead for the jewel.

Learned something new today

2012-02-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

I did not do any stitching today. I had my eyes dilated for my annual exam. I hate that. I was going for a mani/pedi, but ended up at home with a sick kid. What I did learn is that when you click on a picture on my blog, a larger, and sometimes clearer, image pops up. I am going to check that on other blogs right now.
I hope I will have something to show on Saturday morning. Please check back!

Painted Pony Queen of Hearts

2012-02-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am finally happy with the side of the underskirt. I used three strands of silk for the long stitches and Kreinik Size 8 for the cross stitches. I guess this is a byzantine variation.

Side of underskirt

Full view on Wednesday afternoon

Notice anything new? I changed the metallic thread on the whole canvas. The hearts on the dress and the strap stitch in the underskirt. They were two differents shades and neither one was right. This is Kreinik 002V. Also stitched the outline of the wings and the bar of the crown...

Late Wednesday post

2012-02-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

I will post some progress on the Painted Pony Queen of Hearts in the morning. How was your Valentine's Day? You will all be glad to know that I received Seasons 1,2, and 3 of The Big Bang Theory. It is the favorite show of the men who live here. Don't feel too sorry for me. I did receive a set of vintage Spode Blue Tower Salt and Pepper shakers. It is a special edition that has decorative painting on the top. I have been looking for a complete set for some time.

Doesn't she look grumpy?

2012-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Petei Queen of Hearts

This is another Queen of Hearts that I have. One of my fellow Swans gave this to me. I tried to stitch her like the model. I may not have succeeded entirely, but I do like the way she turned out.

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Shelley Tribbey Valentine's Day Angel

Headshot

I stitched this series of angels a long time ago for my daughter. The stitch guide is by David McCaskill and the kits were sent out by Needlenook of La Jolla. Hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day filled with love.

Progress on Painted Pony Queen of Hearts

2012-02-13T04:00:00.001-08:00

Red and white stripe

This picture is very dark, but I think you can see where I used three strands of silk in the red and the white across the front of the dress below the collar.

Left side of the hem

Right side of the hem

I used three strands of silk to tent the white and blue stitches. I used three strands of the red silk to satin stitch the hem of the skirt. I used #12 Kreinik to create the border around the blue and white.

Hair and eyes

Lastly, I gave her a hairdo. I satin stitched the hair following the painted canvas. I used four strands of floss. Not much time to work on her today, but got a few little odds and ends done in between chores. I did get some beads and they were too white for the silk. I am thinking about beading the hearts on her sleeve. I think the Queen of Hearts would have that.

A Little Progress on Painted Pony Queen of Hearts

2012-02-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Side of underskirt

Hardly any progress at all on this tiny area. I tried criss-cross hungarian and thought it looked too much like the diamond on the overcoat. I tried byzantine with smrynas and thought the stitch too big for the area. I tried the double stitch and thought it was too thick. This is a basic mosaic with variation. The mosaic stitch is three strands of silk and the row of stitches in between is the Neon Rays I used on the rhodes hearts in the white area. Still not sure I am satisfied. I hope I have time to work on it today.

Full view as of Sunday morning

When I got home from dinner last night, I was too cold and tired to stitch. I got in bed and started looking on the internet for charms for my Helowise canvas. I found a wonderful website called Susan Clarke Originals(susanclarkeoriginals.com). What a broad selection of buttons and charms. Before I knew it I had $100 worth of buttons and charms in my cart! If you are looking for little embellishments, I recommend it.

Progress on Painted Pony Queen of Hearts

2012-02-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Full view of where we stand

Underskirt

I used three strands of silk to basketweave the background. I used Neon Rays to do Rhodes Hearts. I used #8 Kreinik to do the strap stitches. I can't decide whether or not to put beads in the center or just stitch.

More of Stephanie's Nativities

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Baby Jesus

Joseph

Mary

This is a nativity set by Quail Run. The stitch guides are from Pocketful of Stitches in Lubbock, Texas.

Progress on Painted Pony Queen of Hearts

2012-02-09T04:00:00.001-08:00

How she looked when she arrived last Friday

And, yes, I have noticed the painting boo-boo on the heart in the left side of the wing. I will have to get out my white paint to fix it, but no open stitches on these wings. I think I can handle it.

Long armed cross on the edging of her robe

This stitch along the edge of her robe looks very thick and luxurious. Exactly how a queen's robe should look.

Quilted look to the coat

I used #8 Kreinik for the hearts, four strands of NPI silk for the basketweaving of the coat, and Neon Rays to create the diamond pattern. I think I will bead the intersections if I can find the right color of bead. It looks true blue here but is really almost turquoise.

Swans met today

2012-02-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Melissa Shirley Angel in progress by D

Finish by Marguerite

In progress by Marguerite

Needlekeeper by Kim-Lift the grapes and there is felt to attach needle to

Tooth Fairy pillow by Denise

Tooth pillow #2 by Denise

Donna's stocking

Close-up of the snow on Donna's stocking

Joseph's robe by Denise

Melissa Shirley's Girl Bunny by Lisa

In progress by Gretchen

Twins sleeping in progress by E

Easter House in progress by Lisa

The incredible crown by Michelle

3-D Needlepoint House bought by Lisa

The Swans met today at The Needle Works. Many works in progress and one finish. Of course, almost no Swan meeting goes by without a purchase. Lisa got the adorable Needlepoint Store that will be 3-D when stitched and assembled. It was a fun day.
P.S. I am still stitching on secret project for my daughter while at The Needle Works. Check in tomorrow for progress on the Painted Pony Queen of Hearts.

Swan ornaments through the years

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Patriotic Santa

Skiing Santa

Frosty the Snowman

Shelley Tribbey skate

More Swan ornaments that were stitched and given in years gone by. I hope you enjoy them. I love them all.

Colleen made me do it

2012-02-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Acorn from Melissa Shirley

Snap tray by Carol Eix

I stopped by The Needle Works this afternoon for a couple of threads. Look what Colleen made me buy! Just kidding. When I saw the acorn on Melissa Shirley's website, I instantly emailed Colleen at market to order me one. I like anything with a tree of life motif. The snap tray is to help me get organized and do it in a cute way. I hope I don't go off the rails tomorrow when the Swans get together.

Swan ornaments through the years

2012-02-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

Painted Pony Angel called Need to Needlepoint

Snowman

Fly Fishing Santa

Counted thread by Kim

Here are some more Swan ornaments from years gone by. I stitched the top one and I chose the threads and stitches. It is called Need to Needlepoint by Painted Pony. I found it at The Needle Works. So perfect for my friend and probably for anyone looking at this blog.

Look what I found

2012-02-06T04:00:00.001-08:00

Shelley Tribbey Thanksgiving Angel

I found this girl in a box in my garage. I packed that box SEVEN years ago when I moved. Poor thing. She is back out in the light of day just in time for the Super Bowl.

Filling the table

Here is what I did during the Super Bowl. I finished all the bounty across the bottom. I went as far as I could on her apron, but ran out of thread.

Post Super Bowl picture

I also finished up the leaves in the header of grapevines. See the large gap on the right side of the dress? I don't remember why I didn't finish it, but there is no thread in the bag. Maybe that is why. I sure hope the color is the same or I will be ripping it out. That will be a lot of trouble, but it wouldn't be a travesty to remove that loose encroaching gobelin I did 10 years ago. Those little brown things at the bottom are going to be painted out and the white tablecloth stitched in. She'll be good for Thanksgiving 2012!

Love John the Mailman

2012-02-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

Recommended by Amy to mark on canvases

Painted Pony Queen of Hearts

Line drawn canvas

I recently got on Facebook so I could see what the kids are up to in college. Wow! That is a whole other blog. The good news is that Amy's Golden Strand is on Facebook. I saw a teaser for new items from Market. I was up bright and early the next morning. This is what I found and John the mailman delivered them to me. Love that!

Kelly Clark's Baby Jesus

2012-02-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Baby Jesus in raw form

Nailheads in the middle and border at the bottom

Close-up of Baby Jesus

This is Kelly Clark's Baby Jesus stitched by me using Amy Bunger's stitch guide. It is three dimensional when put together. Can't wait for that!

Kelly Clark's Joseph

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Beautiful border at the bottom

Full view of Joseph

Clever Amy with her stitch for the lantern

Handsome-You can see why Mary fell for him

This is Kelly Clark's Joseph with stitch guide by Amy Bunger. I have not mastered the final stitch for his staff. Will try, try, again. I may need professional assistance. Other than a few stitches around his neck, I think he is about finished.

Nativity background

2012-02-02T04:00:00.002-08:00

Kelly Clark's Creche

This is the upper left hand corner. Amy's interpretation of the night sky is amazing. It has four layers and I think the results speak for themselves. This was one of Amy Bunger's Home Study projects from last year I believe. It is still available on her website amybunger.com.

Swans met today

2012-02-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

Boy Bunny Hat by Elizabeth

Show and Tell from Denise

In progress by Gretchen

In progress by Marguerite

In progress by Kim

Finish by Gretchen

Finish by Donna

Finish by Marguerite

Finish by Donna

Petei Santa finish by Gretchen

The Swans met today, but our fun was cut short by the smell of gas at The Needle Works. We had to evacuate! I still managed to get a fair amount of pics for you to enjoy. Where is Stephanie's stuff? I am working on something for my daughter and she MIGHT look at my blog. Happy Stitching!

Nativities for 2012

2012-02-01T04:00:00.002-08:00

Mary

Incredible Star

If you have followed my blog at all, you know that I collect nativities. Here is what I am working on for 2012...Kelly Clark's Nativity with stitch guides by Amy Bunger. It was Amy's Home Study a couple of years ago. You can view them all on her website. This past year the Home Study included the background for this set. It is absolutely awesome. More to follow.

More 2011 Swan ornaments

2012-01-31T03:27:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous-Looks like a Faberge Egg

Guess who this was for?

Santa

Cruise Ship for our big time cruiser

Here are some more of the ornaments given and received at the 2011 Swan Christmas Party. I can hardly wait until next year.

Lisa's ornaments through the years

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

These are the ornaments that Lisa has received from the Swan Christmas exchange. See the one with the Swan motif? You might also take note of the scissor fob. Each of us received one of those all made by Kim! Hope you enjoy it all.

Melissa Shirley's Bunny Boy by Lisa

2012-01-29T04:00:00.002-08:00

Full front

Upper back

Beautiful face

Full view of the back

Details of the back

Most beautiful bottom ever

Three of the Swans have stitched this fellow. This is Lisa's interpretation. He is even more stunning to see. You have to look at the pictures many hours before you will see all the stunning details. The finishing was done by Kim Hollifield. Look and enjoy!

Lisa's Bunny Boy from Melissa Shirley

2012-01-28T04:00:00.001-08:00

Bunny from Melissa Shirley

This is only a preview of fantastic things to come. Three of the Swans have stitched this handsome fellow. This is Lisa's interpretation. Isn't he a looker? Over the weekend, we are going to try and get some more photos so you can see all of him. He's one of those guys whose backside looks as good as his front.

Melissa Shirley's Cream Farmhouse

2012-01-27T04:00:00.001-08:00

Entire canvas

Finished product! Isn't she gorgeous?

Melissa Shirley's Cream Farmhouse

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Middle of canvas

We have called it the Yellow Farmhouse ever since I bought it at The Needle Works. Didn't Amy do the most fabulous job on the stitch guide? I just love everything about this piece! The stitch guide is available on Amy' s website(amybunger.com).

Swans are stitching and buying

2012-01-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

Witch by Melissa Shirley

Crown by Michelle

Petei Santa

Clementine Hunter canvas

Back of bunny girl

Bunny Girl Hat back

Bird by Melissa Shirley

Nativity Scene by Shelley Tribbey

The Swans got together today at The Needle Works. Colleen is home safe and sound from market. Sounds like lots of wonderful things will be coming to the store soon. The above canvases are ones we are working on except the Nativity Scene which was a purchase! One of us is always buying something. Got to keep it real!

Melissa Shirley's Cream Farmhouse

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Lower left hand corner

Hope you are still interested. The best is yet to come.

Melissa Shirley's Cream Farmhouse

2012-01-24T04:00:00.001-08:00

Upper left hand corner

This is the upper left hand corner. I know it is a little crooked, but that is the camera operator not the canvas.

Melissa Shirley's Cream Farmhouse

2012-01-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

Upper right hand corner

More of this beautiful piece...This is Melissa Shirley's Cream Farmhouse. I bought the canvas at The Needle Works and sent it to Amy Bunger for my Cooking Up a Canvas class last March. How much do you love the sky? I love it with every fiber of my needlepoint being. Keep checking the blog this week and all will be revealed.
P.S. This stitch guide is available through amybunger.com.

Tennis anyone?

2012-01-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

Tennis round by Painted Pony

It was 39F this morning at 8am when I was watching my son play tennis. The above round by Painted Pony was stitched for him, of course. More my kind of tennis. I chose the threads and stitches. Off to get some stitching and laundry done before the next match.

sneak peek

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Melissa Shirley's Cream Farmhouse

This is the lower right hand corner. The stitch guide is by Amy Bunger of Amy's Golden Strand in Memphis. Canvas from The Needle Works. More to come...

Village Scene by Ewe and Eye

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Overview

The hills in back are done in a little stitch called Slash and Dash.

Swan Birthday Party

2012-01-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

Set the table

Swan vase given to each of us by Evelyn

Set up stitching table

Swan bell given to each of us by Gretchen-Ring in case of a finish

Each month we celebrate birthdays. All is prepared and the Swans arrive....show and tell came first.

Stitching by Denise and finishing by Kim

The Swans have a delicious potluck lunch along with cake and presents. Then we settle down to stitch. Here is what some of us are working on.

Girl bunny front

Girl bunny back

Beautiful basketweave

Darling dachsund

& More Canvas

Party wraps up and we can't wait until next month!

Village Scene by Ewe and Eye

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Stone Barn

I love the stone barn. I am very satisfied with all the stitching except the yellow post inside the barn. No matter which way I take the long stitch, painted canvas shows. I think I will take it out and paint over the yellow on the canvas. Colleen suggested the diagonal Victorian step for the roof. I found the body of the barn stitch in that cute little green book called Stitch Landscape. The rest is just satin stitching and continental or tent. I'll keep working on it.

Village Scene by Ewe and Eye

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Left of the house

Right of the house

I chose this stitch and the thread for the grass around the house. It is from that wonderful book, Stitch Landscape. I love that book. I have used it so much in the short time that I have had it. I highly recommend it.

Village Scene by Ewe and Eye

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Village Scene Overview

Yellow house

I wish this wasn't so dark. I really must get a better camera. The house stitch is by Kimberly Smith of The Needle Works. Front door and trees on the sides are by Stephanie. You may notice dark shadows on either side of the front door. There are railings there that we are going to stitch on top. Colleen has a roof stitch, but I haven't tried it yet.

You are my sunshine

2012-01-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Custom ornament

A fellow Swan and her sister stitched six of these ornaments. Sadly, they had a dear friend die and the friend's favorite song was "You are My Sunshine". They gave each of her children and her sister an ornament. They also kept one each for themselves. What a tribute.

One more Swan work in progress

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Noel by Raymond Crawford

One of our relatively new Swans is working on this. I took a picture of it on Wednesday and when I downloaded it, it was sideways. Finally figured out how to turn it upright. Isn't it festive?

New Project!

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Village Scene by Karen Cruden for Ewe and Eye

My horrible photography skills do not do this canvas justice. Check it out on the Ewe and Eye website for a much better view. A fellow Swan and I are doing this together. We are brainstorming with Colleen Church, owner of The Needle Works. I loved The Lawnmowers so much I wanted to do another one.

Last of The Lawn Mowers for now

2012-01-12T04:00:00.001-08:00

I have one more area to stitch and then will be framing this beauty. I will post the finished product ASAP. The stitch guide is by Amy Bunger of Amy's Golden Strand in Memphis, Tennessee. It is available for purchase on her website.

Swans met today

2012-01-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

Joseph by Petei

Bird by Melissa Shirley

Bunny Girl by Melissa Shirley

12 Days by Melissa Shirley

Bushel and A Peck by??

The Swans got together at The Needle Works today. Here is some of what we are working on and in some cases, completed! Ring the bell!
P.S. I think the Swans like Melissa Shirley.

The Lawn Mowers by Ewe and Eye

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Lawn Mowers by Ewe and Eye

I love, love, love this tree. I was petrified to stitch the trunk never having done this stitch before. I think it turned out pretty well for a first timer. I am using a stitch guide done by Amy Bunger at Amy's Golden Strand in Memphis, Tennessee. It is available on her website.

The Lawn Mowers by Ewe and Eye

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

The actual lawn mowers

I just can't get enough. I have enjoyed every minute of this piece. Amy's stitch guide is fantabulous. If you want to see the canvas in it's entirety, go to eweandeyeandfriends.com. Look for artists at the bottom of the page and click on Karen Cruden. This is The Lawn Mowers(EWE-259).

The Lawnmowers by Ewe and Eye

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

To the left of the barn

I went to Amy's last March for a Cooking Up a Canvas class. I was walking around looking at everyone's pieces. I came upon a very fine lady from Memphis who was putting the last stitches in to this canvas. She tells me that this is her canvas from her last class and she just needed to ask Amy a couple of questions. I almost wept with joy. I knew that meant I could buy the canvas and stitch guide right then and there. I did and I love it.

What is a piccote?

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Peacocks and Piccotes

Another counted thread project. I bought this chart when the Swans traveled to Williamsburg, VA. What fun that was. According to some knowledgeable person, piccote is Old English for carnation. That makes sense when you look at the piece. I love it. It is hanging in my TV room. The framing was done at Art, Inc. in San Antonio, Texas.

Swan meeting

2012-01-05T04:00:00.002-08:00

Yesterday the Swans got together for the first time in 2012. Here is what some of us are working on. Beautiful stitching if I do say so myself.

New Strain of Flu

2012-01-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

I received this email from a fellow Swan and I think everyone in Needlepoint Land should be aware of this development as it could spread:

"There is some indication that there is a new strain of the H1N1 Swine Flu ushering in the new year. It is the B1S1(buy one, stitch one) Swan Flu and it has hit Austin, Texas, hard. Bloggers beware: it is rumored that the flu can be spread via the internet. There is a new blog that has gone "viral", and it is believed that this is where it began.

Remedies include adequate stitching time every day, weekly visits to your local needlepoint shop, and frequent posts/visits to the blog where this all began. It appears that once you have gotten the B1S1 Swan flu, the blog will help keep it at bay.....

Purses, purses, purses

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Purses by Maggie

This picture does not do this canvas and the incredible stitching justice. I am sure you can tell that it is fabulous, but I wish you could all see it in person. It is breathtaking! It is a Maggie canvas stitched by a fellow Swan. She used a stitch guide created for her by Amy Bunger at Amy's Golden Strand in Memphis, Tennessee.

SMU Candy Cane

2012-01-03T04:00:00.001-08:00

You remember my SMU candy cane that I bought at The Needle Works sale? I started it Christmas night. Here is where we are so far.

Kelly Clark Creche using Amy Bunger stitch guide

2012-01-02T04:00:00.002-08:00

Threads for the grass

Stable window

New Year's Day I stitched the window of the stable. I chose to stitch the night sky as opposed to Amy's suggestion to paint the space to match the walls of the buildings behind the stable. Next, I am moving on to the grass. See all those luscious greens? They are for the grass. Can't wait!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

The Stitcher's Prayer

Happy New Year to you! I think I bought this chart in Williamsburg when the Swans went, but I am not sure. Wherever I saw it, I knew I had to have it. I think this is the prayer of all stitchers. It hangs where I can see it while stitching. The framing was done at Art, Inc. in San Antonio, Texas, by Bonnie. She is the best at framing needleart.

Garden of Eden

2011-12-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Adam and Eve

I did cross over and I liked it. This was my first effort at counted thread. It is from a chart that was in a magazine I bought at someplace I can't remember. I think it is very sweet. It is hung right by my computer desk.

Why don't I have more Snowmen

2011-12-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

Renaissance Snowman

I stitched this snowman from Renaissance a few years ago and I love him. Why haven't I stitched more? I wish I knew. The stitch guide was from Renaissance with some tweaking from Lavonne Collins at A Good Point!. Unfortunately, A Good Point! closed a few years back.

More TCU

2011-12-28T04:00:00.001-08:00

Just trying to get a better pic. This one has the letters tent stitched and a padded continental on the bands surrounding the letters. Need more Fyre Werks to complete this.

TCU

Christmas night efforts

2011-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

We had our Christmas breakfast, we had our Christmas dinner, and after the dishwasher was started for the third time in 24 hours, I finally sat down to stitch. I could have finished the TCU ornament if I had not run out of thread. I picked up the SMU one and did a padded satin on the little red bars. I tent stitched SMU. You can't tell from the scan photos, but I did a T-stitch on the open space around the school initials. Simple, but I hope effective. I got these Dupree ornaments from The Needle Works during the sale.

Look what they got for Christmas

2011-12-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Painted Pony Texas Tech ornament

Painted Pony LSU ornament

These are a couple of ornaments that I have stitched for my neighbors. It just so happens that the couples on either side of me happened to have attended the same college. Meaning the husband and wife on one side are Red Raiders and the couple on the other side are LSU Tigers. The Tech ornament was given to me by a fellow Swan. I bought the LSU one at The Needle Works. I also did a SMU one for my mom who attended school there four million years ago.

Look what we got

2011-12-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

For my daughter

For my son

For my husband

I chose the threads and stitches for the SMU ornament. The Kelly Clark pears came with stitch guides and I think they are wonderful. Check out the twisted cord on the green pear. Kim ran a small thread of Kreinik bead through the cord and I think it is exquisite. As for me, I did not get the Quail Run nativity I wanted, but I did get a big wad of cash to spend any way I want. That opens up a whole world of possibilities! Both my kids went to The Needle Works and bought gift certificates as well. That is the best ever! How was your Christmas?

Merry Christmas from Mr. Bo

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Mr. Bo snuggled in

Mr. Bo and all this beautiful needlepoint belongs to one of my fellow Swans. Merry Christmas !

Late breaking post

2011-12-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

Chicago ornament sock

You are not going to believe this! My fellow Swan, Kim, had this stocking in the store on Wednesday of this week, mind you, unstitched and asking for ideas. It is stitched and finished as of this evening! Of course, she is a finisher, but come on! Isn't it cute?

Buying like crazy!

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

The Swans are not shy about buying canvases especially when they are on sale. Here is some of what we have bought at the sale going on at The Needle Works. See anything you like?
P.S. The sale ends today.

Kim's Swan ornaments through the years

2011-12-22T04:00:00.002-08:00

2011

2010

2009

One of my fellow stitchers, Kim, is a relatively new Swan. These are her ornaments through the years. 2009 is a Kelly Clark and it was chosen for her because of her new puppy. 2010 was designed by Kimberly Smith of The Needle Works. 2011 is Kelly Clark's Santa and Farm Friends which I purchased at The Needle Works during the sale last year. I chose the threads and stitches for my friend who happens to be an excellent finisher.

Rebecca Wood nativity set

2011-12-21T03:30:00.000-08:00

Joseph

Red camel

Green wiseman

Purple camel

Angel

Red wiseman

Green camel

Blue wiseman

Shepherd and his lamb

Mary and Baby Jesus

This is the third nativity set that I have stitched. I collect them and not just needlepoint. This is Rebecca Wood's mini nativity set from The French Knot in Fort Worth, Texas. And, yes, the stitch guides were done by Diana Bosworth.

Santas I Have Known

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Kathy Schenkel Santa

Blue Santa

The Kathy Schenkel Santa was so fun to stitch. He came with the stitch guide and worked up quickly. Blue Santa is an oldie, but a goodie. I bought him at The Needleworks. The stitch guide is by Sandra Riddell. I believe she is fixing to teach some classes at The Needleworks.

Melissa Shirley's Custer Santa stocking

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Overview

Loopies beard

A real lariat and green fringe on the gloves

A fancy Rhodes Heart on the saddlebag

Bunka brushed the buffalo at the bottom

This is Melissa Shirley's Custer Santa. I stitched two of these exactly alike. One for my son and one for my nephew. It is 13 count and I did these when they were little bitty boys. They are both fixing to drive! I bought the canvases at The Needleworks in Austin, Texas, and received all the stitch ideas from the girls who work there. Most especially from Colleen, the owner. Check out the one billion french knots on the chaps!

I was left out

2011-12-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

Sheep

This poor old sheep was left out when I posted my Petei Nativity set. He's kind of cute.

Mile High Nativity

2011-12-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

Shepherd

Mary

Camel

Joseph

Baby Jesus

Wiseman

These are Mile High canvases that are no longer available. The stitch guides were done by Lavonne Collins from A Good Point! Sadly, A Good Point closed some years back. This was the first nativity set that I stitched.

Petei Nativity

2011-12-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

Stable in the background

Shepherd

Purple Wiseman

Green Wiseman

Baby Jesus

Joseph

angel

Mary

Blue Wiseman

This was a series done by The French Knot in Fort Worth, Texas. The stitch guides were done by Diana Bosworth. You may have noticed that she is one of my favorites. This was my second nativity set to stitch.

Favorite family ornaments

2011-12-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Southwest Santa

Rebecca Wood Nativity ornament

Princess and Me Santa

For Kitty Sam

1999

I have stitched so many ornaments over the years. Many have been given as gifts. These are a few of the favorites that we kept. The Swan ornament was my first time to use any thread but Paternayan or Medici. Funnily enough, I stitched the Swan ornament before the SWANs were formed. Perhaps a premonition on my part?

Painted Pony Angels

2011-12-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

Nativity Angel

Winter Wonderland Angel

Both of these remain two of my favorites. The stitch guides were both done at The French Knot in Fort Worth, Texas. I believe that Diana Bosworth wrote the guides. Stitching by Steph, of course!

beads and other fun stuff

2011-12-11T06:58:00.001-08:00

Check out www.cornflowerbeadstand.com. They have many beads and other shiny stuff. Have a relaxing Sunday filled with stitching. Steph

SWAN ornaments through the years

2011-12-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Each year since we started our ornament exchange in 2007, I have received the most beautiful ornaments stitched by my dearest friends. If you are wondering about 2010, my wonderful friend stitched two for me. How lucky am I?

9/11 ornament

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

9/11 ornament

Shortly after 9/11 I found this ornament in a kit at The French Knot in Fort Worth, Texas. The stitch guide is by Diana Bosworth. I wanted something to remind me of the events of that day and I think this suits that purpose very well.

New York ornament

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

New York ornament

I stitched this Painted Pony travel round after my daughter and I visited New York. We always try to collect an ornament from each of our destinations. We did buy some ornaments while in New York, but I thought we should have a needlepoint one as well. I bought the canvas at The Needleworks in Austin, Texas. It is a great store with an endless supply of canvases and threads. The stitches and threads were selected by me.

Christmas Stocking for my daughter

2011-12-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

This is a Christmas stocking that I started for my daughter. Her original stocking was done completely in Paternayan wool with some straight gobelin stitches as my first effort at decorative stitching. That was nearly 18 years ago and I like to think that I have improved somewhat in the years since. Hence, the latest effort. This a Rebecca Wood stocking which I believe is called The North Pole. I bought it at The Needleworks here in Austn. The stitch guide is by Amy Bunger of Amy's Golden Strand in Memphis, Tennessee.

Welcome!

2011-12-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world of Steph's stitching! I am a fanatical needlepointer along with my group of stitching friends. We are the Society of Women Addicted to Needlepoint more commonly known as the Swans. And when we say addicted, we mean it! The above photo is of the 2010 Annual Swan Christmas Party. It is one of the highlights of my year. At the end of the party each year, we draw the name of a fellow Swan. This is done secretly. Over the course of the year you stitch an ornament for your fellow Swan. The fabric on the back of the ornament is monogrammed with the initials of the stitcher and the year.
On the first Wednesday of every December is the party with the giving of the ornaments. All packages are labelled with the recipient only. You open your package and are overwhelmed with the beautiful ornament. The next step is to guess your gift giver by the initials on the back. It is the best party ever. Can you see how happy we all are with our new ornaments?