I finished LHNs Pear Tree ornament from the "All Dolled Up" series yesterday. I don't have a beading needle so the beads haven't been added. This goes off to the drawer with the other ornament I've finished stitching until I'm ready to do the final finishing. The only complaint I have about this series is that the ornaments are bigger than I'd like. I'm on auto ship from Drema at NeedleCraft Corner for the pattern and fabric (which is nice because you get all the extras too). I might call and see if she can offer a larger count fabric for next year.
I also finished another Stitchers Garden block. This one and the block before are 2 of my favorites. I'm finding that I really like using buttons in my quilting. Yo-yos not so much.
The lesson this month was making pintucks with Bernina foot #31. We didn't use the cording as demonstrated in the video I linked. It was fun and easy! I made mine really close together. A double needle was also used for the background. The pink thread is darker than I'd have liked but it really isn't as glaring in person as it photographs and once the quilt is finished it will be a non-issue.
I've been working on re-establishing an exercise routine and for the past 4 weeks I've exercised at least 3 days per week. It's dropped below 90 here so I've been trying to exercise outside as much as possible. I'm doing it but beginning to think all the hype about endorphins is an urban legend. I really envy those of you that enjoy exercising and hope one day I can say the same!
Posts
36 comments:
I don't enjoy exercising either ;) I love your ornament finish and the quilt block is very pretty!
Hang in there, Jackie! I'm proof that one day down the road you won't exercise and you'll MISS IT!
I DO look forward to my gym days now. I NEVER thought I would say that. In the beginning I had to DRAG myself there.
Your projects are beautiful. I love the pinks on the tulip quilt piece. Very pretty.
Love your ornament. I guess it's 28 count over 2? I like a higher count also.
The block is gorgeous! You really are making good use of the features on your machine.
And hooray for your exercise program! The endorphins will kick in eventually, never fear!
I like the pintuck idea. I may have to "borrow" it!
I can't believe how long I have not visited your blog!
Missed so much. You have been working on some great projects! I love your machine appliquéing! The stem of the flower is just beautiful.
Mmmm and I love the twin needle stitching. What a good idea.
Your doggies are so cute! I'm glad Cody is doing fine again.
Have a lovely weekend!
I love your ornament -- that's my favorite I think of the ornaments. I agree about the fabric size. If I stitch them, I'll use 40ct or something. :D Love your quilt block as well! And good for you for exercising. I need to get back into that now that the school year has started. I'm like you -- no endorphins for me. I just get that when I shop. lol!
All your stitching is beautiful! I especially like the texture of the heart, though everything is gorgeous. Congrats on keeping up your exercise routine for 4 months! You are sure to feel better about it soon.
Endorphins - HA!! What are those? I haven't found them either.
If you don't have a beading needle but you have a #28 tapestry needle, that would work for beads. I use a size 28 needle for beading all the time because I hate stabbing myself with the stupid beading one.
Your ornie and block look great!
What a pretty ornament, congrats! And as a non-quilter, I'm completely in awe of your quilting skills, wow!
Your Stitcher's Garden block is so nice! The pintucking with pink thread adds dimension and interest - I like it. Also your blanket stitch on those tight curves looks well done. I'd say you've learned a lot of good lessons through this series.
I feel the same way about exercising. I ran for years - maybe I had some endorphine moments... I don't know - and all it accomplished was to pound away the cartilage in my right knee. Someday I'll need a replace. If I'd only known, I would never have done all that jogging. Hope your walking makes you feel better.
Oh, Jackie, how adorable, both the cross stitch and your block. How cute the buttons make it!!
wow, you are learning so many fun techniques and your block is looking fabulous. Are the leaves reverse applique? You might have said and sorry to ask?
I love this block as well!!! It is so cheerful!!!
Your Pear Tree turned out perfect! Were you able to find that fabric? Be sure to let me know.
I love playing with the stitches on my Pfaff 4.0 too...I love what you did!
Micki
Drema is the best. She always subs bigger count fabric for me because I refuse to stitch on anything tiny anymore. It annoys me. BTW, your ornament is gorgeous.
Another gorgeous block with fascinating stitch work. I love it!
I also finished stitching "Pear Tree" a few months ago and I agree, these ornaments are very large. Certainly too large to hang on my tree. I have it tucked away in my drawer as I'm not really sure how I want to 'finish' it. Regardless of size, they're still all lovely don't you think? :o)
Love those pears! Such a cute Christmas idea!
Jackie, I love your two finishes and I am also finding I like buttons in my stitchery blocks. I just started doing stitched blocks while I was unable to work at my sewing machine and I am loving it. As for the endorphins after exercise, well, I notice a higher level of energy and I'm in a really good mood after I have done an hour of aggressive water aerobics, including a lot of pull ups and swimming but that was after I got into the routine for several months. Initially I just felt worn out, LOL. But, I've been away from it for 3 months now so I'll be starting all over when the doc releases me back to normal activity.
Oh, as Dee said...I had been exercising long enough on a regular basis that when I had to stop, I really missed it. If I hadn't been recovering from surgery, I think I would have been climbing the walls. Now...I'm not to anxious to start again. LOL!
I wish I could enjoy exercising as well. Love your stitching...
The quilt block is gorgeous. I like your pear tree also and am totally with you about those flipping endorphins - I think someone else must be getting mine cos I've never experienced that "rush".
You really do beautiful work. I love seeing all the details...great photo. Don't expect that "rush" while working out, you really have to go long and far to experience it (from what I've heard). Keep working out...it's good for the mind and body (I'm sure your husband can testify to that ;D).
Your Pear Tree is lovely, and even though this is small it did take some time to stitch, at least mine did! If you don't have a beading needle just try a small sewing needle. That is what I use for my beads.
Gorgeous quilt block! Have an enjoyable weekend!
Your ornament looks so pretty, Jackie! Try stitching these over one on 28 count--they end up being perfectly sized. It really isn't hard--in fact I think I stitch faster over one!
Good for you on the exercising--those endorphins are what keep me going many days! If I don't exercise nearly every day, I have trouble sleeping...
Me either...but I do it cuz I want to be around to annoy my husband as long as possible :)
Your finish is beautiful, and your quilt block is so gorgeous...I love the tulip quilt colors!
Hugs
Ma TK
Jackie, your quilt block is absolutely beautiful!
I am with you on the higher count for the ornament, but it is just because I prefer stitching on it. Nice work.
Sometimes my exercise is like a good dose of medicine, taking away all the aches! Hang in there. It does a body good ;)
Oh, your block is beautiful. I love the pinks and your stitching is wonderful. Great job!
Your little ornament is cute too. You are really working.
I try to enjoy exercise because I need to. The enjoyment is not there yet but who knows, one of these years it might come. I try to exercise 3 times a week too but my crafts get in the way!
Your ornament is lovely Jackie and I love your quilt block.
I used to exercise reguarly. In fact I was rather obsessed if I'm honest. In the last few years I haven't bothered as much and I suffered for it. Late last year we bought a Wii Fit Plus and it's so much fun! I don't actually feel like I'm exercising and I use it at least 3 days a week.
Cross stitch is something I've only tried once when I was much younger and it was not my forte then. I do think it's so beautiful though! Your new quilt block is beautiful! good for you on the exercise. I certainly need to be doing that myself. I do always feel better when I'm exercising even if I don't loose any weight while doing so.
I love your quilt block, gorgeous!
and congrats on another ornament finish. I am looking forward to see all your ornaments completed.
You are doing great with your exercise routine. I do walks mostly this summer but now weather has cool off and rainy almost everyday, i am glad my Zumba class starts tomorrow. Really looking forward to get back at it once a week. This will be my second year to attend the class-quite expensive but its worth it.
Yes! Finishes are a good thing. I love your Stitchers Garden block - it's gorgeous.
I've started exercising again too and so far I am enjoying it, but I'll be glad when the weather turns a bit cooler.
congratulations on your ornament finish Jackie - it is darling and I hope you enjoy stitching some more of the series. Your quilt block is another beauty - that sampler quilt is going to be wonderful. Did you visit Cinnamon this weekend? How did the first class go? Hope you have a good work week Mel
You are a recipient of an award. Go pick it up at my blog.
Great job on the ornament, Jackie! Love the quilt block, too.
Good for you with the exercising. I am trying to get back into it, too, but I'll be honest--I HATE exercising. Which is probably why I look the way I do, LOL. I've been trying to walk a bit further each day, including up large hills. Yesterday I came home with a large bug in the front of my hair to show for my efforts. LOL
Your Stitchers Garden block is amazing, I can see why it's one of your favorites. I agree, the buttons are adorable and add so much!
Post a Comment