Monday, November 7, 2011

Cleaning up

This weekend was a clean-up weekend.  You know those projects that you're so close to being finished, but there's either a problem you don't feel like tackling, or you got disgusted with the project, or you just forgot about it?  I've been sorting through all my WIPs for my upcoming move, and I finally got down to the bottom of my basket.

I got one small project finished, so all the flosses could get filed back into the system.  Another project got enough progress that all it needs is filled in with one color, so yet more silks could get un-kitted.

Last thing was major.  I finished Birds of a Feather Happy Hearts Sampler back in 2008 (well really it was January 2 of 2009, but I'm saying it was a 2008 finish).  I was in a relationship at the time and totally in love with the guy.  Yep, I was an idiot and stitched our names on the sampler.  Not just stitched them, but charted the inside of the intertwined hearts with our names over 1 and then filled in around them.  You guess it, we broke up a few months later.

For years that sampler has sat in a pillowcase.  I totally loved it, except for our 2 names.  My mom tried to convince me to just leave it, arguing that we had some good times.  That's very true.  I have more good memories from that 9 month relationship than from my 2 year marriage.  Maybe that's why I still left his initials on the piece.  We actually still chat, so its not like I want to throw darts at a picture of him.  I got past that phase.

Anyway, this weekend I ripped out all that over 1 stitching, re-charted the 2 hearts, and re-stitched the inside of them.  I had to get this done before I leave Utah so I could get it into Jill for framing.  I had some very definite ideas of what I wanted done.  Think Venetian carnival style harlequin diamonds and small checkerboard.  You know Jill, she likes to layer things.  We had a blast today at her studio planning this one out.

Birds of a Feather Happy Hearts Sampler, stitched on 36 ct linen
with HDF silk
I was also able to get another ornament done for the Challenge.  Yep, more collages.  Almost as time-consuming as beaded edges.

Plum Street Samplers Yuletide ornament from the 2011 JCS ornament edition,
stitched on 36 ct linen with assorted overdyed cotton.

20 comments:

Chris said...

Beautiful finishes. I am so glad that you finished the BoaF piece it is so beautiful.
I love that ornament too! I am hoing to have to stitch that one!

Theresa said...

This BOAF piece is too gorgeous to be kept in a pillowcase!! I'm glad you made the changes and is going to get it framed.

The ornament is so cute!! I love the edge detail!!!

Lesleyanne said...

I am so pleased you were able to sort your BOAF piece to enable you to get it framed. Can't wait to see. Your ornament is gorgeous.

CATHI said...

Lovely ornament! Will have to stitch some of the kind, too. I am curious to see the framed BoaF...!

Cathi

cucki said...

hello dear, i love your finishes so much..beautiful finishes..
cute ornament.love xx

Siobhán said...

Oh, I love that BOAF design! It's one of my favorites of their designs. I can't wait to see how the framing turns out. Lovely ornament finish, too!

Christine said...

Your BOAF finish is stunning, great ornament too

Margaret said...

Oh gosh, so you're not going to be in Utah anymore? Just in terms of Jill Rensel and SB, that's sad. I hope you're happy where you're moving to.

I love your Happy Hearts finish! Good for you for getting it all reworked and finished and ready for Jill. It must be a pleasure to plan things out with her. I've only had the pleasure of having her frame my pieces and getting a lovely surprise. Love that ornament too!

Katrina said...

The BOAF piece is just so pretty!!!! In truth, I'd have unpicked and restitched too. Can't wait to see it framed, Jill is an amazing artist :-). I love the ornament you stitched too.

Laura said...

That is great that you fixed your BOAF piece! I have some stuff I stitched while in a doomed relationship and I really can't look at it.

Love, love, love your ornament!!! Especially the little touches on the back!!!

Michelle said...

Good for you! I really really need to do some cleaning out too. Far too many "almost there" projects that have been set aside. I am so happy you fixed your BOAF piece and are excited for framing now - it would have been a shame to let it never see the light of day. And I love the beaded edge and the back you added to the ornament. SO cute!!

Lois said...

Can't wait to see your BOAF piece framed. Glad that you were able to fix things so that it can be hanging on your wall soon. I stitched this one this year and just loved working on it. Love the ornament! This is one that caught my eye as soon as I flicked through the magazine. Have I managed to stitch it yet?!?!?!? No!

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

The BOAF Design is so cute !! I love it!

Myra said...

Gorgeous stitching Mindi. I can't wait to see what Jill does with the BOAF piece.

Penny said...

It's such a pretty sampler, I'm glad you changed the stitching and I know the framing will be gorgeous! I love your ornament and the finishing is so pretty.

Sally said...

Your BOAF is absolutely gorgeous. I'm so glad you got it all done so you can get it framed.

Love your ornament.

Ruth said...

Congrats on the clean-outs. I certainly don't envy you your movie, but I do envy the getting stuff done-- any the stitching-- Wow! I love the story about the sampler. I bet a lot of our stitching has little quirkly tales related to it--not as sad or as annoying as yours, but stories nonetheless.

valerie said...

Love the ornie! Makes me want to stitch faster so I can get to ornies this year.

I'm glad you made the modifications to Happy Hearts and that it's not hiding in a pillowcase anymore.

Lisa S said...

I am so glad I finally found your blog Mindi!!
I LOVE your BOAF sampler and I am happy you were able to make the name changes.
Love your ornament too!

blue star stitcher said...

That BOAF sampler is so unique, it didn't deserve to sit in a pillowcase so long! Good job finally getting it remedied.