Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Gifted Gorgeousness & TUSAL - November/October

"GIFTED GORGEOUSNESS" is a monthly link party run by the wonderful Jo of Serendipitous Stitching, where we post about stitching gifts we have received or given, or indeed anything related to the word "gift". Link runs from the 15th until the end of the month. If you would like to find out more and maybe join up go HERE!

I was so busy in October ..... I completely ran out of time and missed posting. I was trying to complete my Improv quilt: “Portrait of a Polka Dot Lady”, for a 1st November reveal ..... I’ve never attempted Improv before, and found I’m too precise for this method, but I will finish her ..... soonish!

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Gifted Gorgeousness and TUSAL - November

Yay! I had a finish for Halloween/Fall!
I stitched this little owl, a freebie I'd seen over at Rhona's blog (with a link to the free pattern). Nice to stitch in only one colour, although a teeny bit hard on the eyes. I haven't quite decided how to fully finish off though!

Theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk

Not a very bright photo I'm afraid ..... the little specks of colour in my ORTS (above the owl) have mostly come from the Christmas stitching that I started as soon as I got the latest copy of CrossStitcher home! (not affiliated by the way!) 

Theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk
Oh, and the bits of yellow cotton came
from the little fob I made for my malore Mellor.

This next project is not a gift, well, not yet anyway!

After finishing the owl I went back to a little bit of embroidery I started w-a-y back ..... which will be a purse some day. I think I had boro stitching in mind, or something like that. I'm hoping the raw edges won't fray too much!

Theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk

Using some of my scraps.

Since I started writing this post my Christmas stitching has progressed somewhat (and now even more so, but no more photos at the moment!).

Theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk
Free gift from CrossStitcher issue 338
- Mrs Christmas

There was a second gift which can be ordered via CrossStitcher! A sample of DMC's new Étoile thread, with Aida (Antique White 10 x 8"), a pattern, and a size 24 tapestry needle, which then arrived within a couple of days. (Just pay postage - offer runs to 4 Dec or when stocks run out)

Yesterday I was reading a review of Étoile on Mary Corbet's blog, and this evening I started stitching this piece.

Étoile is a sparkly thread, looking slightly woolly, the strands appeared thinner than normal DMC but covered the fabric well, IMHO.

I thought the thread would catch on my fingers but so far I have managed to stitch without any catches or tangles.  I'd say my thread stitched in a similar way to ordinary stranded cotton.

It seems good so far to me! I'd say I like it!

Theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk

For this stitching I used 2 strands, cut shorter than usual at approximately 12" long.

Gifted Gorgeousness and TUSAL - October

And, Yay! A finish last month too, Seagulls and Stripes, but not FFO!

Theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk
This was a freebie from CrossStitcher 332

Oh and then I was working on my Elizabethan Nosegay too (which is a gift I received some years back) but you can find out what happened with this one over at Kitten Stitching and the Friday Frolics.

Theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk

Theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk


Thank you all for your lovely comments! Especially Gwen (of Texas Ranger) for her suggestions for my Polka Dot Lady art quilt. I haven't had a chance to use the sewing machine lately but I hope to get back to that very soon.

I hope you are keeping well and managing to find time to do lots of stitching!!!








Hugs,
Barbara xxx




18 comments:

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I have to ask - what's a malore? And I was happy to read your review of the Etoile thread - will have to keep my eye out for that one and give it a try too.

Celtic Thistle said...

Love the seagulls they wouldn't make a mess of my windows like the regular ones do :) The Elizabethan nosegay piece has such lovely colours too. You have a great mix of projects on the go

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

You have been very stitchy busy. Your projects are lovely. I have been pretty good about stitching something everyday lately. Right now I'm doing some mending favors, but hey, that's stitching too, isn't it? Yes, I thought so too.
xx, Carol

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Thanks for taking part in GG this month. Nice to see the Etoile thread in use. I am debating whether to get them for Christmas.

Lin said...

Lots of lovlies there Barbara. The sparkly thread looks useful and the seagull panel (I can hear my husband saying there are no such things as seagulls! LOL) looks great. What a shame about the edges of your sachet. If you are really worried you could try painting some diluted PVA around the edges to help prevent fraying. I would think your worst nightmare is going to be turning it through. Good luck! xx

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

You have got some lovely projects as always. I love the owl and nosegay and the seagulls are fun. Thank you for the sparkly thread review. It looks great. I'll be looking out for your Christmas stitching :)

Ariadne said...

Nice little ornaments and finishes you have here. Loved those seagulls. AriadnefromGreece!

rosey175 said...

I don't know what a mellor is either! It looks like an awl...? Or is it a person lol!

The seagulls are cute for being such sneaky guys. I fell like there aren't enough french fries in their beaks! G'luck on your nosegay too. I would do something like that... and then put it away never to be seen again so kudos for you for sticking with it!

Julie said...

The Etoile thread is stitching up nicely.
You've been busy with lots for us to see in this months GG

Elfie said...

I have enjoyed my rather belated visit. I love your owl, and the beautiful fabrics with their amazing colours.

Sheryl said...

Always busy with interesting projects. I love your owl design, thanks for the link. Our local needlework shop has just started to sell the Etoile threads but I haven´t bought any yet although this time of year is ideal for sparkly embroidery, yours looks lovely.

RJ said...

Barbara such pretty projects you are stitching up. Love your black owl. That came out great. So glad you stopped by to see us tonight. I added you to our sidebar and signed up to be a sidebar follower too. We are thrilled to follow your stitching. RJ@stitchingfriendsforever

Astrids dragon said...

Your owl looks great! Did you figure out how to finish it yet?
I like the way the Étoile looks, I think I need to go shopping!
Cute seagull finish!

Bethan said...

Etoile thread sounds interesting - I may have to hunt some down to try it! Your owl finish is gorgeous x

Birthe Marie said...

So pretty stitching projectsI I love the seagulls embroidery with all the fun details. :-)

handmade by amalia said...

Great makes, as always, Barbara. I think I'll pick the cross-stitch seagulls as my favorite. I'm not usually fond of them because of an unfortunate incident involving a rather pushy seagull, a bag of chips and me, but yours are so cute and seem to be quite innocent.
Amalia
xp

Pink Rose said...

Hi Barb wow lots of beautiful stitching ,you do such beautiful work my friend,i am also your newest follower ,hope you will follow me too,so glad you found my blog,hope you have a wonderful day Barb .

France Nadeau ❅ inspiration imagination creation said...

Beautiful owl! Being all in black is perfect!
Have a good week!