Monday, July 27, 2009

All things nautical



Time for another overdue blog update. Where does the time go!
Do you like the ocean?
I ask because nearly all of what I have to share today is cross stitch and quite a bit of it has a nautical theme.
My most recently finished project is Cape Cod Girls by the Primitive Needle.
This was done as a SAL together with a few friends. I think I might be the first to finish but that is because my piece is stitched on 40 ct fabric and I was having a bit of a struggle with it. I decided it wouldn't be a good idea to switch between the 40 ct and anything lower so I just soldiered on to the finish.
The threads are the recommended WDW and the fabric is Picture This Plus.
I had seen this finished on Siobhan's blog and liked the way she chose to fussy cut her thread to make the tentacles on one octopus green and the other one purple so I copied that idea. Thanks Siobhan :)



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Before I share any more stitching I just have to show you this little display cabinet in the shape of a rowing boat that Sheila bought for me. It is complete with a pair of oars and I just love it.

Upturned it's just perfect for displaying some of my ocean themed treasures. Actually, I'm laughing because my husband says it looks like a coffin LOL.
Ah well, we stitchers like to stitch tombstone angels and the like so I doubt if anyone will even care!


How cute is this?



The next thing I want to show you is the most beautiful sewing case that Brigitte made for me. Brigitte and I had arranged a private exchange last year and I was absolutely blown away when I opened the package and saw what she had stitched for me.
It's a sewing case with a garden/bunny theme by the French designer : L'atelier des fées brodeuses. The front and back of the case are densely stitched


Notice all the stitching on the roof of the house?
I just can't believe how much work went into this! Oh, and while I remember, you should be able to click any of the pictures to enlarge for a close up.



and there is even more stitching inside the case with the most adorable tiny fob which is attached to a shiny new pair of stork scissors.



Tucked inside the little pockets are some bunny buttons and inside the big pocket some gorgeous variegated Anchor threads.

As if all that was not enough Brigitte also sent fabric, two patterns, and a book which I am really looking forward to reading.


I have to say this was definitely one of my most favourite exchanges ever. I'm just thrilled with my new sewing case. Thank you so much Brigitte - you really spoiled me.


I've been trying to improve on my finishing skills lately. Here are some pictures of my latest challenge.

Maidens of the Sea by Ellen Chester of With My Needle was such a pleasure to stitch.
Sheila had stitched hers a while back and hadn't done anything with it so we got together for a couple of finishing days. Neither of us found it easy but we got there in the end and had great fun in the process.



The tiny fob is really cute



a back view of the case and fob



and a view of the indside of the case



Here are some pictures of another recent finishing challenge.
This is Blackbird Designs Buttons and Blooms and no, you're not seeing things there really are three of them!



Sheila stitched one and was scared to attempt the piped edging on the pillow so I finished hers as well as two of my own. This is the first time I'd attempted piping and I had a bit of a problem at the corners but I got there in the end.
The kits come with a little drawstring thread bag in Blackbird Designs At Waters Edge fabric - very pretty.






Staying with Barb and Alma's lovely designs here's a quick stitch that I finished in a couple of days. Small Token is stitched using the recommended Crescent Colours threads and 32 ct Light Examplar linen.


I coffee dyed the lace trim and used fabric from the Blackbird Designs Harvest Home line for the backing





I forgot to show a picture of this table runner in my last post. This is the Crossroads Tablerunner from the Charmed and Dangerous book by Heather Mulder Peterson using a Collection for the Cause charm pack. Not being an expert in quilting this is just machine quilted in the ditch.



The last four pictures were taken on a recent day out to Guadalest. It's one of my favourite places to go and usually only when we have visitors staying.Everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery and a look around the gift shops.







Phew! This is yet another long post.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and for staying with me to the end :) I have family coming out for the month of August and will be taking a longer blogging break than usual as I won't have time for sewing. I'll be back in September. Happy summer!

Margaret

46 comments:

hazel c UK said...

I am speechless Margaret everything is so wonderful I don't know how you managed to produce such beautiful work, you have certainly got a lot of patience and talent. I love anything to do with the sea. Brigitte's bunny pouch is adorable and I know her work is fabulous, so pleased you have Sheila as a friend so you can work together. Thank you for sharing such wonderful photos of were you visit.
Have fun with the family.
Love Hazel (UK)

Daffycat said...

Whoa! That is some excellent stitching! What a fantastic post, Margaret!

I really, really love the darling needlecase sent by Brigitte. I'd be a bit embarrassed to receive that because my own exchange wouldn't even come close! You lucky girl!

Sheila said...

Your photography skills are amazing - all your stitching goodies look great in real life, and I don´t want to say they look even better on here, but you do take a great photo! That pouch from Brigitte is STUNNING - what a fabulous gift.
See you soon :)

Abby and Stephanie said...

A post certainly worth the wait. Your stitching projects are perfection and oh that darling house sewing case is lovely. What stunning views...mountains and turquoise water. Thanks so much for sharing.

Stina Blomgren said...

I love your cross stitches.. especially Blackbird Designs.. and these were so lovely!!! :o))
And I think I want to go to Spain!!! Lovely photos!!! :o)

Nancy said...

Everything is so GORGEOUS! If I was to comment on each item individually my comment would be longer than your post. You did an amazing job on everything you stitched and finished Margaret! Of course you know I love your nautical finishes. The boat Sheila gave you is wonderful. And, Brigitte's exchange gift is exquisite. You can see the care she puts into her stitched pieces. As always I enjoyed your lovely scenery! Everything is just breathtaking Margaret.

Margaret said...

Wow! What great finishes and exchanges! I love the photos too! Too much to comment on -- but a wonderful feast for the eyes!

angelasweby said...

Margaret,
Your post as every much as going to a banquet with a fabulous 10 course meal. I literally gorged myself on your amazing photos :>)
The Cape Cod girls made me really sad, only because I didn't like this design at first so didn't join the SAL. Now I've seen yours I'm just in awe. It's wonderful. I love the fussy cutting (can only guess what that means), and the colours. I think it's perfect on 40 count even if it's left you google eyed. Mermaids of the Sea is wonderful too and beautifully finished, as usual. All those accessories...wow. And talking of Wow, Britt's exchange is stunning. What a lot of beautiful detailed work. Is Monsieur planning on making rabbit pie with that little bunny he's holding, do you think :>) All the gifts from Britt are fantastic. What a successful exchange.
The BD's 3 little ornaments are beautiful. I just love the little bags, and your other pins and needle ornament is brilliant too. Lovely seeing your views to finish off with.
Enjoy your family 's visit. Hope it cools down a bit.
Best wishes A

Julia said...

Gosh, you have been a busy bee!

The sewing case that Brigitte made for you is lovely – so much work in it!

And I love your ‘Maidens of the Sea’ case and scissor fob and, of course, both of the Blackbird Designs projects are gorgeous.

Will be in touch soon, Julia:0)

Françoise said...

Everythings are so gorgeous!!!
like always !!!
So so lovely!!!

Thanks for sharing them with us
Françoise

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

A while between posts was well worth the wait. What beautiful finishes - awesome, really! Such beautiful eye candy. Thank you so much for sharing, Margaret - it was a treat!

Chookyblue...... said...

Maragaret you never cease to amaze me with all your stitching........it is all BEAUTIFUL..........
have a wonderful time with your family........

~Bren~ said...

Gorgeous, incredible, stunning, and breathtaking!! As always your work is perfection.
Have a wonderful time with your family!!!

Sandra said...

Margaret, everything you make looks absolutely perfect and I just love your Mermaid purse, I see you decided against the seahorse needle page in the end. I think your coffin is great, and a good place for displaying your mermaid collection. Your Cape Cod Girls looks amazing, but I wish she didn't have such a Cherie Blair mouth!! Love your BBD pincushions too, you are so talented.

Olga said...

So many pretty things! I love your nautical stitching and finishing!

Dovilė said...

excellent works:)I love your Maidens of the Sea, and the Blackbird Designs projects are perfect.

Anonymous said...

Margaret, you might not post often, but when you do...waooo !
The sea theme is perfect for summer, isn't it ? I love the boat display case. Very pretty and in tune too.
Plenty of lovely items to see in your post - I won't comment them one by one, it would be too long.
Only one word about Guadalest : this makes me pine for Spain (hopefully next year).
Thank you for your recent visit to my blog and leaving a nice comment.
Valérie

Anonymous said...

So many beautiful things, great photos.

Dorothy said...

Margaret, your work is wonderful, as always. The bunny sewing pouch made by Brigitte is exquisite, such detail!
Have a wonderful holiday with your daughter and family. I'll look forward to hearing aabout your adventures when you return in September.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello from Michigan Margaret. Oh, looking at your stitching is sooo inspirational. Love it all. Your stitching is the most beautiful I have ever seen. OH, can I come to "VISIT" too???????????????? VBG I will miss seeing your lovely things but have a great holiday with your family. Hugs Judy

jane said...

beautiful stitching and finishing Margaret - and I love the exchange gift from Brigitte.
I enjoyed seeing the pictures of Guadalest, we visited there when we were in Spain last year and I loved it - the scenery is just stunning. Makes me wish we were coming out this year, hopefully we will make it in the Spring.

staci said...

I just love when you post! There's always so much to ooh and aah and drool over!!!

Andrea said...

Gorgeous work. You have been very busy indeed. Love all of the gifts too. You have blessed us with some wonderful photos too.

Julie said...

I love your long blog posts, the longer the better I think! So many inspirational projects. Thanks for the motivation once again.

Yuko said...

How gorgeous projects you had been working, Margaret!
Every pieces are so stunning, and as always your photos are so beautiful!!
I can't believe there is someone who is so talented like you, I really want to sit down next to you and see how you work on stitching and quilting!
Thanks for shareing your beautiful and wonderful workks, Margaret!

Karoline said...

They're all gorgeous Margaret, congratulations

Ellen Chester said...

Margaret,

All of your pieces are wonderful.

I would love for you to send me some photos of Maidens of the Sea for my blog.

Karen said...

As ever, your CCS is beautiful;) My oldest grand daughter, whom I just spent the past week wtih, loves mermaids...I'm sure she would love yours...enjoy your family time;)

Carol R said...

All I can say is 'wow' - such wonderful pieces! Especially love the BBD Small Token -the lace edging is perfect!

Just Me and My Shadow said...

Margaret, I am always in awe of your work. Everything is beautiful as always. You are very talented.

Chrissie

Tammy said...

My goodness, you put me to shame, lol! What gorgeous things and stitching! Cape Cod Girls is great, as is all your other work!

Deb said...

Dear Margaret, Your pieces are sooo beautiful. I'm a mermaid lover, too! And, you've inspired me today to get some mermaid stitching done.... Thanks! :]
Hugs,
Deb

Brigitte said...

Margaret, you're such an amazing stitcher, quilter and finisher. I was literally drooling over all the wonderful pieces you've stitched and finished lately. Whenever I come to your blog I see things that make me want to sit down immediately and stitch - or even finish something although finishing doesn't come to my mind in the first place, lol).
Sheila's little boat is so cute, just perfect for all your maritime themes. And the piped edging looks gorgeous. I'll look for some instructions and try it myself. It's such a nice alternative to other kinds of edging.
Thanks for sharing all these wonderful pictures.

Kit said...

Wow, you have gotten so much done. I like the nautical theme and the display case is so cute. Great pics thanks for sharing them.

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

Breathtaking stitching! I love the table runner too.
The mermaids are so cute and I just love the scissor fob!
You are so talented!

Jennifer
Feathers in the Nest

http://www.feathersinthenest.blogspot.com/

Rachel said...

These are so lovely. I just returned from the ocean (I live over 6 hours away) and seeing your work makes me a little heartsick. :)

Judith Tetley said...

Margaret your beautiful work takes my breath away. It is a joy to visit and view such delicate pieces.
Many Blessings
Judith from Australia
http://creativestudio10.blogspot.com

Sonda said...

I loved that whole post. What a joy to see all of your recent finishes.

Kim said...

Hey Margaret! I am happy to see that you are still "in stitches". Nice to catch up and good to see that you are doing well. I do like the boat and ore.

Dawn said...

I love your stitching it is just fabulous.....so neat and beautiful colors.... like the 'coffin' too.... he he... thnaks for visiting my blog too
Hugs from Australia
Dawn x x

Carol said...

Hello Margaret! I am so glad you visited my blog, because that enabled me to find yours. Oh you have so many lovely finishes to share...I can't even name a favorite. I'll be back to visit often :)

Patricia Lessell said...

I cannot believe I missed this wonderful posting of such wonderful things because I am always on the lookout for your posts. I love absolutely EVERYTHING. Can you please email me and let me know how you managed to finish BBD Pins and Needle pincushion with the lace insert and no stitches showing please? Lots of Love Patti xxx (p.s. better late than never I guess)

Christine said...

What a lovely post. I love it all but I think my favourites are the Buttons and Blooms pillows ... absolutely gorgeous.

Khris said...

Love the table runner Margaret. But then again what dont I love that you make...hugs Khris

Theresa said...

Everything is absolutely stunning. I'm a Blackbird Designs fan too - just awaiting a delivery of some linen so that I can begin stitching the little stockings. The view from your home is breathtaking.

MysteryKnitter said...

The stitched items look awesome!
And yes, that one thing does resemble a coffin, but one can also make it a boat. Or that's how it looks like with that oar.