Finishes and Framing

Have had a couple of finishes the past two weeks.


I finished the Good Things project from Lizzie Kate.  I made some changes in the border and the items in the corners.  The pattern calls for the top left to be a heart and the bottom right to be flowers of some kind, so I changed them both to spools.  Or my interpretation of spools!  It suits me better.  This was a very quick stitch.  I used a fabric that I practiced dying.  I used mostly the Weeks Dye Works thread as called out on the pattern.  I used some threads I dyed myself for the spools just because I had them.

I just used a 5x7 frame I had hanging around.  Nothing spectacular.


Also finished the Chatelaine Mini Mandala 06.  I just loved this project as you know if you have been following me.  It is so amazing to me that someone can design such incredibly lovely things.  All the beads and such makes this piece really sparkle.  Almost makes me want to get a camera than can do it justice.

The project took about 72 hours of stitching and I am amazed that I enjoyed it so much.  Even the beading, which was a little tedious was enjoyable.  I am glad it is finished, but I miss working on it.  Crazy.

I framed it myself for the time being.  I want to keep it from dust and dirt until I can get it matted.  I did use a spacer between the piece and the glass to help with the preponderance of beads and crystals.

I am still working on and enjoying Gardens of London; a large Chatelaine Mandala.

A great mix of different kinds of needlework.  Mostly cross stitch with specialty stitches and embroidery stitches mixed in.  The vines of flowers are especially tedious for me.  The placement is difficult for me as I am not that good at counting on linen.  Still enjoying it, however, even if I do have a long, long way to go.  This project also has lots of beading (those are the large blank spaces  you see) but I am waiting to do all of it once all the stitching is done.  Maybe. 

I am getting projects kitted and ready to get on the road at the end or the month (hopefully).  There is some spring weather to the East of us so I am not sure yet when we will actually head out.  I am doing the packing in my head these nights so sleep alludes me!  I must be ready to go.

I am going to miss all my "stash" but I think I am taking enough kitted projects to last me a couple of years so I should be OK!