Tuesday, August 25, 2009

A Start and a Finish

It’s still hot and humid here and according to the weather forecast, it’s going to remain that way until the weekend.  I tried working in the gardens yesterday but the mosquitoes were brutal because of the high humidity,  so I retreated indoors after a short time.  Now I’m not complaining as that gave me time to finish one project and begin another.

I started on a Cinderberry Stitches pattern about a week ago and I managed to complete it over the weekend.  It is a mini quilt or wall hanging called A Christmas WishDSCN0911I changed some things,  added a few different elements and jazzed it up with some red glass beads.  Just for a change, I hand quilted around the perimeter of the design only rather than travel through the middle as I normally do.  This is going to be a swap gift.

Then Mary from Quilt Hollow sent me this awesome freebie x-stitch sampler that she found in her blog travels.

DSCN0910 You may find the link to the pattern here.

I started stitching this on Sunday night and worked on it yesterday as well.

DSCN0909I think this will compliment my Fall decorating quite well.  I’ll wait til it’s done before I decide whether to frame it or make it into a little pillow.

DSCN0913So these are my latest starts and finishes.   Have you been able to set aside some time to work on your favorite projects?

I’m happiest when my hands are busy and I’ve got some great surprises planned for you all starting in September, so stay tuned!

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

26 comments:

Nima said...

wow...i love your quit...beautiful finishing

Abby and Stephanie said...

Beautiful beginning and ending! Daytime I sew. Evening I crochet (dishcloths) or work on binding. I really need to learn to do more than a dishcloth! I have yummy yarns waiting to become granny squares.

Karen said...

Both of your projects look great. I've seen that sampler around blogland - love it and your well on your way to getting that baby done before fall. We've been blessed with hardly any brutal humid days this summer, well heck what summer, lol, that's been a bit nonexistent this year.

Hugs - Karen

Rumi said...

You got some fast fingers there Missy! You sure can get alot done in a small space of time! Looks lovely!

Darlene said...

Beautiful stitching - love your Christmas stitchery and sweet x-stitch project. Enjoy, my friend.

ranette said...

I just love Cinderberry Stitches and you've done a wonderful job on your little quilt!

LADY BEVERLY said...

Wow you have been a busy little stitcher lately - your work is lovely! Thank you for the pattern also.

Happy stitching!

Bev

Anonymous said...

Love the little quilt -- that striped fabric really does the trick to set it off. If you got all that done just yesterday, you really work fast!

Anonymous said...

Oh...I'm glad you liked that one! But then...I figured as much when I gave you the head's up!

The Rabbit Factory said...

Just started my first small cross stitch project myself. Liking it alot.

Julie said...

more beautiful work. your swap partner will be thrilled i'm sure!
and that sampler is going to be just stunning when finished.
so pleased the x stitch bug has bitten you!
huge hugs,
julie xox

Karen said...

Surprises coming! My mind is going wild with what it could be.

You do very nice stitching. What is the redwork stitchery sitting on in the photo. The quilting on it is wonderful.

Carrie P. said...

Your Christmas wall hanging is sweet. Love the stripe fabric. It looks like a candy cane. And I see you enjoying doing some more cross stitch. Very nice of Mary to sen you a pattern.

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

That sampler is great. Love the design and can't wait to see yours all finished!!

We get cooler air Thursday. I can hardly wait!!

hugs, Linda

Stina Blomgren said...

Ohh.. Love it.. thanks for the link... a nice fire and some stitching later on.. that sound cozy... hmmm.. will have that in mind when the Autumn winds starts howling outside...:o)) Good luck with yours!!!

Sherri said...

Oh, I so love your Cinderberry Stitches project! Are you a Stitcher's Angel?

Micki said...

I love your stitching and your choice of projects!
Micki

Janet said...

Nice new header Kaaren and you are doing some nice projects there. I love the sampler.

dotti white said...

Kaaren....you are so amazing and you continue to inspire me! I love your new blog design!

Mel said...

I love the Christmas embroidery project! I have a similar one from the same designers I made a couple of years ago.

Candace said...

I love your little Christmas Wish, Kaaren - gosh - it's getting to be almost that time again!
Cheers!

Brenda said...

I love them both! The XMAs tree is great. I need to learn how to keep my lines straight. I do love embroidery but mine is sooo bad, LOL! Yours is awesome. Can't wait to see the crow! B=)

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

You did a beautiful job on the cinderberry stitchery--I just traced of one of hers --the Christmas one with the mice--already did one--but gave it away on blog site for a drawing--time now to do one for myself--also love the cross stitch sampler you have started--and you say you have a "surprise" in Sept--is it Sept yet????? a siggy partner--hugs,just,Di

Susan said...

Can't stop you now!!! X-stitching really is a great "travel" and "quick pick up" project to have on hand.

I too must always have something to work on and pick up quickly between preparing meals, waiting for appointments, in the evenings and so forth.

Cathi said...

Your stitchery is fabulous. I absolutely love the sampler you've started -- thanks for the link!! What type and count of fabric are you using for the sampler?

Karla said...

I absolutely love your site...you make it so interesting...I'm friends with Marty Mason and I saw your site on there and checked it out.........you are now on my favorites.

Have a happy Fall season

Karla in Louisiana
cmgs@att.net
I downloaded your "Memories in Lancastor County" Maybe I can put it in a quilt one day.