D.E.S.I.G.N - Jeannette Douglass

Are you tired of hearing me talk about Jeannette yet?  (lol)

Most of this post is for the D.E.S.I.G.N. series hosted by a number of great ladies I've gotten to know. Check out information about the SAL and the lovely group of ladies at their shared site:
https://sites.google.com/site/nccinternationalheadquarters/design

D.E.S.I.G.N. Series Post

What project are you talking about this month?
I am starting a new project from Jeannette Douglass that is for my personal library and from her very popular "Time Take to" series. After meeting Jeannette in March I have been inspired to stitch her pieces so much more than even before!

Have you stitched a project by this designer before?Yes, I completed Take Time for Friends (see below) as a gift a couple Christmases ago. It was a dream to stitch and the thread pack was invaluable to get the silks and other specialty threads for a reasonable price.

Would you buy/stitch a design by this designer again? Why/Why not?
Definitely! For one, Jeannette is an amazing woman! Two, her designs are so unlike any others. The combination of cross stitch and specialty stitches makes her projects very interesting for intermediate to advanced stitchers.

What made you choose this particular design/designer?
I'm a broken record now, but meeting her really was a huge inspiration.
I've had this pattern for many years now and have a spot for it in my basement library corner. The library is not in it's own room sadly, but still an improvement over the library wall of my childhood bedroom. My Mom wouldn't let me replace my bed with books. :)

Did you notice anything that distinguished this designer from others?
Her thread packs really make affording her designs so much easier. You don't have to buy full skeins of silks, or other specialty threads. I also enjoy that she's not a huge fan of pink or girly colors. I am also not a big fan of the typical color palette many designers use for cross stitch. I swear we are like two peas in a pod when it comes to tastes and likes!


The Previous Finish
For those newer to my blog, to the right, is my previously completed "Take Time for Friends" that was a Christmas gift for a friend. Final finishing was into a little pillow (that I actually finished myself).

As you can see in the "friends" design there are dozens of different types of stitches and different things happening. From one over one; to the standard two over two stitches, to bargello, diamond and long stitches it's really very fun and different. The 'M' and 'L' are my initials as per Jeannette's design to put you own initials in the piece.

Vacation
DH and I are on stay-cation this coming week. Got some house, yard, stuffs to take care of. I am starting Jeannette's piece above; as well as starting another piece that I'm excited to share later this week! The other new start is even DH approved! He always gives input if I ask but usually doesn't care what I'm working on. In this case he helped pick it out and everything!
Happy stitching!

Dragons Framed - No Ribbons

Note: An email has been sent to all SfS2015-B participants. If you do not receive this welcome email please contact me at stitchfromstash@gmail.com

The Framing
Well as requested I have here is the framing that we did on Dragons. Chosen by my Uncle (whom is the recipient of Dragons). Here it is in a simple green with cream matting and brown/black wood frame:

No Ribbons
Well, at the Calgary Stampede Western Arts & Crafts Showcase I got nothing for ribbons or prizes. I'm not too surprised. No one in the local community knows who 'judges' these pieces and so most of us in town just enter to support the exhibition as opposed to win anything. If we all don't know who judges then there is a good chance it's not any of our top crafters in the area. Or so our theory goes on why they select some odd items to win ribbons.
The overall first place in all needlework categories is an amazing embroidery piece that I'm very pleased won the top cash prize. As for the others... well they are no more special than must but glad to still see stitchers entering at least. :)

Like I said, not surprised or upset. I know that my 7.5 years of effort and investment into the piece is a great feat and it doesn't diminish the value of Dragons in my mind at all. And I know my Uncle and his family don't care about the ribbons (though it may have been a slightly more exciting story to tell to their visitors I suppose).

Went on after looking at artwork to walk the midway at the Stampede with my friend that came with me and her 4-month old. Ate some mini-donuts (mmmmm!!!) and that was about that.

Coming Up
It's a weird week as I work all week but no one really 'works' during Stampede week here in town. DH and I are going to two rock shows this week so that will take all my energy away from me I'm sure. However, Monarch is still stitching up nicely, put some beads into it the other night.
Working on dividing threads for new Jeannette Douglass start. Should have that ready to go for next post. :)

Thanks for all your overwhelmingly lovely comments on Dragons last month!!! 
Happy Stitching! 
Mel.

June SFS2015-A Update & New Start

Well it's halfway. I lost the Stitch from Stash budget challenge wayyyy back in March but did have 2 months of no spending which is quite impressive for me.
And yet I couldn't extend it to June. After finishing Dragons I felt like I *had* to get a couple new things. So took advantage of some eBay deals.
Spent: $22.50 
Earned: $20.00 (1 page finish on Dragons) 

So I guess I'm really out $2.50 of budget with my 'earned' amount which isn't so bad.

New Start - Monarch Butterfly

Following the finish of Dragons I wanted something simple and easy so I started a Mill Hill design on perforated paper called Winged Monarch. Only done some stitching so far but did sort beads and love all the great bright summer colors in this little project.
These kits really are fantastic and perfect for really chilling out and stitching. Besides for the price they are also a great deal in my opinion. :)
I think Mill Hill just released their Halloween line which is dangerous for me...

  

Coming up
- Dragons framed and competition results!!! (results Thursday, except post Friday)
- New Jeanette Douglass start!!
- Second half year of Stitch from Stash!

Happy Stitching!
Mel