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Tuesday 21 August 2012

IHSW

This last weekend was the monthly International Hermit & Stitch Weekend hosted by Joysze of Random Ramblings.  I take part every month but don't always do a specific blog post about it!

This weekend I pressed on with Papillon's Around the World in 80 Stitches (see TUSAL post for latest pic).  I have now completed all the outline for the 5 parts released so far, all the pale green backstitch and nearly all of the speciality stitches on Part 2.  However I have decided the pale green looks better in 2 strands so I have to go over that again with another strand!

I managed another small finish, a freebie from Gazette 94, three seasonal hearts.  I completed the Autumn and Spring Hearts in their relevant season and have now finished Summer and framed all three together.  There is a Winter Heart but it's a little different in style so I might make an ornie and display it alongside.  The frame came from QD, the glass is black with the heart shapes left clear.

Here is Summer:

Autumn:


Spring:


All three framed:


They were stitched on one piece of 36count evenweave using the recommended DMC except for the greens which I changed to use the same three shades on each design.  They had to be on 36count so they would fit the spaces in the frame.

As I finished these this afternoon I was left with a decision about what to stitch next.  I could have started making up an ornie for an exchange I'm doing or making an early start on September's Birthday cards or I could start something completely new.  Guess which I did?


This is being stitched over 1 on 28 count linen.  Bonus points for anyone who can identify the design!!  It's a popular one around the Blog-o-sphere so someone might recognise it.  The person who sent it to me will know for sure!

Finally, I got my eyes tested today, my "good" eye is minus 7.something and my "bad" eye is minus 8.something.  The optician asked me if I wanted vari-focals or reading glasses but I declined and explained I just hold my needlework very close to my face which means I can stitch on any count no matter how high.  If I had reading glasses I'd be restricted to 28 or maybe 32.  I just have to be careful of the needle stitching so close as I have scraped my nose with it before now!!

24 comments:

Karen said...

Lovely hearts! They look terrific in the frame.

No clue on the new start.

My eyes are -16 and -18. I've had one eye doctor say, "I've heard of that before, but never seen it." Thank goodness for hard contact lenses! :)

Katy said...

I love the hearts, they're adorable!

Anonymous said...

I love those hearts and the frame is perfect!

I am not sure which design your stitching but you have a good start.

My husband has always had to wear glasses because he can't see faraway. He is so lucky as he can take off his glasses to see the smallest print on anything. I wish I had eyes like that. I find that stitching on anything bigger than 18 count I have to wear two reading glasses. I may have to find out if they can make reading glasses stronger than the ones sold in the stores.

♥ Nia said...

Lovely hearts sweetie =)

cucki said...

Aww beautiful hearts.
Big hugs x

Christine said...

The hearts are lovely. I don't recognise your new start but I'm sure "Ed" will love it ;D
I took my finest stitching along to the opticians last time, and told him this was what I needed to see, so I now have my everyday "not walking into things" glasses and my stitching glasses (but I do sometimes put them on if I'm writing as well)

Julie said...

What a vibrant and colourful finish, the hearts are fabulous in that frame, super colour choices you made for them.

I've taken to using a clip on magnifier on the higher counts of fabric, works a treat and i can just have the 1 pair of specs.

Topcho said...

Love the hearts finish! At first the colour choice seemed a little bit weird for the seasons, but then, it's awesome!
Good luck not poking your nose! I don't have problems with the stitching (yet) but I can't see the board at school without glasses and always have to stuck at the front row, even when I just want to hide somewhere in the back of the room,lol!

Anonymous said...

Hello
Your hearts are lovely and I like the way you framed them.

I can't sew with my glasses on either and the thought of you holding the stitching close to your nose and catching it with the needle made me smile!

Holly x

The Crafty Princess said...

Hey there stunner!
The hearts look really cool framed I really like them.

OMG how close do you have to hold it that you get your nose. You poor thing! Maybe you can make a nose guard for your next project. I know you will make a beautiful one.

Alicia xo




Bea said...

The hearts are so colourful and make a beautiful group.

I also stitch without my glasses - it just works better. But I don't have to hold the fabric quite as close as you do.

Anne said...

Lovely hearts Jo!! The colours are so vibrant and what a great way to display them!! I can't guess what "ed" is from! LOL too many choices of what it can be!

Anonymous said...

LOVE guessing!! :D
I'd go for Home of a Needleworker.. it really looks like the same font, and the letters match.. :D

great frame for the hearts.. I really need to get some of these.. :D
happy xxx!

Kate said...

Lovely hearts and the frame is perfect for them.
I can't guess what your new start is.

Rhona said...

The hearts and frame are just perfect! Not good at guessing what the new start is!

Angi said...

What lovely stitching - yet again! I think I will make you my hero! Or who I want to be when I grow up! LOL!
You do such lovely work - and i have no clue on the new start, but what a great thing to have - a new start!!

Dani - tkdchick said...

Those hearts are spectacular!!!

Dani - tkdchick said...

Those hearts are spectacular!!!

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

Beautiful stitching.

Mii Stitch said...

I love the hearts, they are fun and the frame is just perfect!!
Very brave of you to use this count, just watch you nose & eyes ☺

Melissa said...

Great job with the hearts! They look great together :)

Unknown said...

Lovely hearts. Could your new one be a CCN ?

Anonymous said...

I love the hearts, the colours are so vibrant! :)

Joysze said...

YIKES!!! Don't poke at eye out when you're stitching either!!! ;)

Love how you framed up those hearts!!! Do you have a piccie of the winter ornie? :D