Friday, January 18, 2013

Photos from Here

Notice: In retrospect; I almost can't recommend reading the content in the following blog post;
Perhaps you ought to consider simply enjoying the pictures?  ~*


Astonishingly, and for various reasons perhaps not interesting to enumerate here, I've begun stitching on BBD's Mystery Sampler again. The idea is stitching as therapy in between finishing the I-did-not-realize-it-was-this-numerous pile of smalls I've accumulated. It is an entity large enough to require a name--perhaps "Legion, for it is many". I don't even know how many. Contemplating finding out, though...



I want to catalogue the progress in small increments; I want to see how amazed I can be by progress pics. Isn't that green nice?


Recently, I've received some wonderful foods from friends. My very good friend, Jen, who amazingly runs her family's restaurant, but rarely cooks, prepared this Lebanese desert for me for my birthday/Christmas. It's kanafeh, and boy was it wonderful. It's beautiful, aromatic, so sweet yet so satisfying. Please try some if you get the chance!


This is an egg with cucumber sandwich Marc recently surprised me with, call it a "souvenir" of a trip he made with friends to the grocery store for the ingredients to make okonomiyaki; It had been arranged that I was to prepare it for our friend group, but Did Not really want to shop then cook. A favorite food to look at and eat. I love that shade of yellow. 


This is a new packaging method they've begun using; I adore the sticker. :)


fr. Prairie Schooler Bk 151: Santas and Snowmen

Linen: 32 Ct. Sandstone by Wichelt
Fibers: Recommended DMC
(Notes: I imitated this finish out of admiration for those by Carol and Myra)

A Prominent Project in my mind for over a year is a long-held plan to have a yearly ornament dedicated to The Family or Our Love. Also, to extend this retroactively to the first Christmas Marc and I spent together, which is 2005. I've only been stitching since about 2008, so that would be a backtrack of 3 years, but why not? But looking at the body of ornaments I've stitched for more-or-less this project, many were published AFTER the years I need to match with ornaments. 
i.e., Am I in danger of opening a singularity if I put the date of 2006 on Plum Street Sampler's "Yuletide" (pub. JCS 2011?), and dedicate it to our love? At the very least it may be a violence to historical accuracy. I thought of adding the proper date of production (2012-2013), with a "ded.", but isn't that also used for "deceased" as well as "dedicated"? At least in public perception?


Here is the back; 2012 is the 8th Christmas we spent together--seems amazing! I have some more to say about this design--I actually stitched it 3x this holiday season!!--but will keep it for another time. My motto was definitely "finished is better than perfect" here--and one of the others which I gave as a gift; and even finished first is much more nicely done! I actually completed the finishing on this shortly after the new year.


fiber: DMC 4210
Linen: 32 ct. "Raw" by Zweigart


More New Year's finishing. I stitched this after falling deeply in love with BeckySC's version a few(?) years ago, and went ahead with knocking out the finishing so I could have it well in advance of Valentine's 2013. I don't recall any particulars about the design; it may be an old French Saijou piece.
I think I was testing changing the alphabet "joints"; do you see how they are different? Well, I can't recall where it is "safe" to frog anymore, and though I like the right side better, I also like the variation--calling it as "prim". This is a special piece in that it uses part of my first "real" piece of linen, and my at-the-time favorite DMC overdye. I feel that it is a bit of a time-capsule piece for me. 


I love these buttons, though perhaps not on this piece, but I bought them an eon ago for this purpose and decided to forge ahead!! 


The back, or "More Finished Is Better Than Perfect." 


fr. Prairie Schooler Bk. 143: Button Up
Fabric: 32 ct. Ivory by Wichelt
Fibers: Recommended DMC

I have Autumn and Christmas Stitched goods a'plenty, and spring, too. Oddly, I have more "by me, for me, finished by me" for spring than any other season. The other seasons, who are well represented, lack finishing in comparison). But Winter? I had Not One winter finish. Because I'd tracked down a copy of OOP Prairie Schooler Button Up for a Christmas Present (More on that later), I was also able to stitch this little piece of goodness for me! 



I have long wanted to add a white beaded edging to something, and here for these smalls was my chance--it just seems snowy to me in the best way!


Here's an in-progress shot to show off the "Winter" caption I added. I borrowed PS lettering from other charts. It does not show much, but I know it is there. Also in the background is a pincushion I made for myself to help with quilting/finishing while I was making some for gifts this Christmas. 

Friends, Thank you for your indulgence today during your visit, and your friendship always. A few of you I very much owe emails/need to catch up with. My blog-reading is sporadic, my commenting non-existent. Generally, I want to say how much I have enjoyed your posts when I am able, and a particular mention--seeing Annemarie's return to blogging has treated me to a great and effervescent joy. :D :D :D Somehow, I have not been able to tell her so on her own blog yet, so saying it now here. Perhaps she'll even see it. If you by some odd circumstance aren't familiar with her fine blog--please visit. You are in for something special. 

Oh, also--Christina, thank you for the special gift. It meant so much to me, I still don't know what to say. I am very sorry for this. 

I do hope all is very well with every one of you. As for us, If you are able and willing, PLEASE send whatever good thoughts, prayers, etc. which you think appropriate our way. We particularly need Wisdom and Opportunities. 

Love to Friends,
Berit



12 comments:

Tricia T said...

Berit, those are two of THE CUTEST PS finishes I have ever seen! I'm so glad you shared them!!!

Tricia

Margaret said...

Well I loved all the pictures, and the words too. I will definitely send prayers and good thoughts for you. I hope everything is ok.

Giovanna said...

It's so nice to see you post again (and yes, i was also very pleased that Annemarie popped up again). You stitched some wonderful smalls, and the BBD Mystery is gorgeous. Have a great weekend.

Katrina said...

Sweet little finishes and I love, love, love your mystery sampler. Makes me want to get mine out :-).

Jackie's Stitches said...

I love your finishes! I'd love to know how you got that bow tied so perfectly. I'm bow challenged! You're quite talented with finishing (as well as stitching), they're all exquisite!

Deb said...

Your finishes are beautiful Berit!! I love how you finish them off. I can't finish anything worth a darned, but seeing your things give me some inspiration to try.

Prayers to you. I hope that everything is and will be okay.

Myra said...

I am so happy to see a post from you! All of your finishes look wonderful but you know I am partial to those PS ornaments. :o)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Lovely post, Berit with such beautiful finishes and starts, too. Sending prayers that all is well!

Shirlee said...

Those finishes are wonderful! I really enjoyed seeing all your handwork!

Catherine said...

So good to see your post of lovely stitches! Your finishes are great!! Sending hugs and prayers!

Kathy Ellen said...

Lovely start on BBD's Mystery Sampler...love the green colours.

Wonderful finishes and great photos of your PS pieces. I love the hearts you have sewn on that sweet Valentines pillow.

Blessings for a wonderful weekend!

Carol said...

It's always so enjoyable to see a post from you, Berit :) That PS snowman is adorable and I know both Myra and I are honored that we could inspire it!! And I LOVE the Winter caption you've added to your darling beaded PS piece--will have to borrow that idea from you some day. I do hope all goes well for you in the future--sounds like you have a few worries on your shoulders...