Fall Squared Progress

I've spent part of about three evenings working on Fall Squared and have nearly completed it.  I wanted a quick stitch, and I got it! Some of you would probably have finished this in one evening, but I suspect your eyes are younger and better than mine.

The pumpkin on the left has to come out as I miscounted, and if you look closely, you can see where I removed a leaf in the upper right of that same pumpkin.  Then I'll be done!  I'm not yet certain how to finish it, although I'm thinking about a pinkeep.  My favorite site for finishing techniques is Focus on Finishing.

I ended up changing four of the DMC colors in the design.  One I didn't have, two I just didn't like, and the fourth was because the original didn't show up on the fabric.  I wish I could have used the Weeks threads called for, but not only did I not have most of them, but buying supplies isn't in the budget right now.  I'm pleased with the (almost) finished design!

Time Out

Am I the only stitcher who quickly becomes bored with a design when the time comes to stitch long rows of the same color?  I'm afraid I haven't put many stitches into Grace and Anthony's wedding sampler over the past few weeks for that very reason. 

Fearing this might happen, I picked up two small charts when Sarah and I visited our LNS several months ago.  Fall Squared by Lizzie Kate is the one I've decided to tackle. I am hoping this will get me over the hump and back to the sampler.

Wedding Sampler

The mystery sampler I've been working on is I Am My Beloved's by Janlynn.  Anthony and Grace chose this design from many I showed them.  They liked the beautiful Scripture verse from Song of Solomon 6:3, which is repeated along the outside of the design, as well as written in Hebrew in the middle. 

The stitching on this design is intense:  nearly every square is stitched.  I am not at all pleased with the thread in the kit; it seems cheap, frays easily, and is thin.  I should have gone with my instinct to substitute DMC floss!  I have started using thread conditioner, and it seems to be helping.  The fabric is an 18-count Aida.  That is abating with time as the fabric gets scrunched.  I decided to use my scroll frame (the particular one I have fits into the groove in my lap stand), which leaves both my hands free.

Here are some shots of my progress: 

 

  

My stitching friend said I ought to tell Grace and Anthony that they cannot get married until I finish their sampler.  Somehow, I don't think they would like that . . . 

Engagement Card

 I've known for some time that Anthony was going to propose to Grace, so I was able to make an engagement card in advance.

Supplies:

Spellbinders Shapeabilities: Fleur de Lis Pendant

Spellbinders Shapeabilities Ribbon Tag

Half pearls, ribbon (adhered with vellum tape)

"Congratulations" stamp

The Answer

He asked.

She said "yes".

The wedding is to be May 29, 2010!

Shhhh . . .

I have a secret.  But I can't let you in on it yet!  I'm hoping it won't be long until I can share my secret with you.  Meanwhile, I'll keep stitching and paper crafting, and writing draft posts to share with all of you when I'm able.

Happy crafting!

Two Great Deals

Following my doctor's appointment today, I did a bit of shopping, which included a quick trip to JoAnn's.  I'm learning to check the clearance section, which in our store is rather hidden.  Today, I found a Sizzix die for $1.97.

 

I  think I could cut the top and bottom scrolls off and use them separately, too.

Then, over in the die cutting area, I found this:

This is the Sizzix alphabet, Red Tag Sale.  It was also on clearance for - are you ready? - $9.99!!  The interesting thing about the alphabet set is that Sarah and I were looking at some other ones when we went to A.C. Moore on Saturday, but they were higher priced, and we weren't sure about the size of the letters.  I'm glad that I passed on them!