tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315869772024-03-08T16:56:01.495+00:00Stitching StuffThis is going to be my attempt at keeping track of my WIP's. The idea is that I put up a picture of any WIP I've stitched on that day.
We'll see how it goes.Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.comBlogger465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-46211469752298377742023-05-07T02:19:00.003+01:002023-05-07T02:19:26.929+01:00SerpentineI got this one framed - a while back now, but I forgot to take a photo. I have now and here it is.
<p><a href="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9834 (2).JPEG" target="_blank"><img src="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9834 (2).JPEG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-41075272816976734052023-02-24T08:45:00.001+00:002023-02-24T08:45:12.857+00:00Guild ChallengeAt our guild Christmas party we were given a bag of bits and a challenge to use some of them in a piece of work to bring to the first meeting of the year. I can't remember if there was a size challenge, but we had to use some of the red fabric, some of the wool, and at least one bead, and we were allowed to add items from our stash. I decided to use only items from the bag (with the exception of some black thread) and came up with this:
<p><a href="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9575a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9575a.JPG" width=300></a></p>
My next task is to finish is properly so it can be put in the guild display with the others. And I also have to say there were some brilliant pieces done - some people really have the energy and creativity and skills to do amazing things.Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-52224167061958199652023-02-12T09:03:00.000+00:002023-02-12T09:03:00.175+00:00For the Love of ChocolateI started For the Love of Chocolate by Nancy Cucci on the 12th November 2022. It was a class with the Cyberpointers chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. Haven't got very far yet, but at least I'm stitching.
<p><a href="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9483.JPEG" target="_blank"><img src="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9483.JPEG" width=300></a></p>
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-76265587892468695062023-02-05T03:00:00.001+00:002023-02-05T03:00:00.180+00:00Steampunk ClocketLast year I was signed up to go to The Great Escape, and I was going to take Shirley Pygott's class Steampunk Clocket. The Great Escape was cancelled, but Shirley went ahead with the class in a new venue. So I started this piece on the 26th March 2022 and finished it on the 8th November 2022.
<p><a href="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9219.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9219.jpg" width=300></a></p>
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-84929090125433456932023-01-29T03:00:00.000+00:002023-01-29T03:00:00.196+00:00Tulip Scissor FobI made this Tulip Scissor Fob from Sue Hawkins as a gift for a friend. Finished 12th July 2022, started in April the same year.
<p><a href="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_8120.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_8120.JPG" width=300></a></p>
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-59896418739322340552023-01-22T03:01:00.000+00:002023-01-22T03:01:55.075+00:00Firebird/PheonixI had thought I'd just stop doing this blog since I wasn't making that many posts, so I tried just writing in a journal. Let's just say I'm even worse with pen and paper. So back to this blog. Maybe less talking though and just posting milestones. I'll also do only one piece per post
So here is Firebird by Riolis - finished on 9 October 2022 (wow I'm already so used to 2023 that I wrote 2023 first).
<p><a href="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9115.JPEG" target="_blank"><img src="https://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_9115.JPEG" width=300></a></p>
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-66599658353759333422021-02-26T21:35:00.002+00:002021-02-26T21:35:48.120+00:00Getting back on trackI'm starting to get back on track with my stitching. A stitching retreat in Wellington, a few visits to The Embroiderer and Ribbon Rose, a new project, a bunch of organising of my stash, and now I want to stitch everything in my stash and in the shop and everything else I see on the internet. Actually doing the stitching is still sometimes a bit of a challenge, but even that is improving.
Anyway - far more important - the new project. I picked this up and started it on the 17th of October last year. It is the Firebird/Pheonix from Riolis.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_5836.JPEG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_5836.JPEG" width=300></a></p>
Oh - and looking at the last couple of posts - I don't think I ever showed you my Queen's Crown from Amy Mitten. I started this a couple of years ago - before I got sick anyway - and haven't really stitched on it since I got sick, so it's basically just some outlines on the fabric at the moment. I really should get back to it. Maybe after Firebird is finished - although DD wants me to stitch her some wolves too - she rescued the pattern from my recent sale and found fabric and threads for it and basically told me to get moving (lol). I think perhaps the wolves for simple work, and taking places, and this for at home when my brain is working.
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_5837.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_5837.png" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-9823753208248501522020-03-29T07:41:00.000+01:002020-03-29T07:41:40.021+01:00Well that didn't go as planned...I had got back to my stitching, and was planning my monthly WIPocalypse posts when I got told I had cancer. Then followed surgery, chemotherapy that almost killed me (apparently it disagrees with me - once again I'm a strange outlier lol), and radiotherapy. Through it all God was with me as always, and although I've still got 10 years of tablet taking to go, the worst is over. <br />
<br />
Then just as I get back to work and start fitting back into my schedule, COVID-19 comes along and we're all in lockdown. I'm told my job is essential (guess they want to make sure the fuel keeps flowing so other more essential people can make it to their jobs), although at reduced hours as with lower demand less bits break meaning less fixing, so I'm still working instead of stitching.<br />
<br />
I was looking back over my WIPocalypse posts to see where I got to and what the heck I was doing, and I found my very first post where I listed three projects and said I'd update the list. Clearly that never happened. So I think I'll redo my list now. At least I can cross off two of the projects that were on there - Bargello Fun, and Beetle-wings and Bling. Allure though, poor thing, has had no love. This has not stopped me from adding to my 'projects to do' list.<br />
<br />
So now my top three projects to do are:<br />
<br />
1) Queen's Crown (Amy Mitten)<br />
2) Allure (Carolyn Mitchell)<br />
3) Red Square (Joni Stevenson)<br />
<br />
I think. I reserve the right to change my mind :)<br />
<br />
Plus of course I want to finish all my WIPs - hey, I heard that thump as you hit the ground laughing :)<br />
<br />
Now on to the interesting part - what I've been doing all this time. Well, as it turns out, not much (because chemotherapy...). BUT - I did get my piece that I'd been planning for this years Great Escape exhibition finished. Unfortunately Great Escape has been one of the many casualties of the virus, so poor Mr Peacock won't be on display for a while, if ever - I do hope I find another exhibition for him, but who knows - he was created for this one with its theme 'My View'. I have titled the piece 'Look At Me!' and I'm really pleased with how he turned out. So is the cat if his grooming of the feathers around the outside is any indication lol. (And sorry - I've just realised I didn't clean the mirrors before I took the photo).<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_0239a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_0239a.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
And while that was a big one to finish (so much so that I have decided designing isn't for me, I'd much rather stitch other peoples designs) it wasn't the only thing I did. While on reduced brain power and off work I started sorting my stash. I am still going, but I have seven (so far) boxes of items to trade. Then I have a huge pile of magazines and magazine pages that will be looking for a new home eventually - I'm hoping I can find someone near(ish)by in NZ who is willing to come and pick the lot up in one go - but I'll worry about sorting that out once I've finished sorting the magazines out (see all the empty boxes that used to have magazines in them).<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_0242a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_0242a.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-55615027881552124412019-07-06T23:02:00.000+01:002019-07-06T23:05:26.161+01:00June WIPocalypseMy June update starts with another finish - St Nicholas Cathedral from Mill Hill.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3132.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3132.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
So then I started on the Queen's Crown from Amy Mitten - I'm not far enough into that to take a photo yet as all that can really be seen so far is Amy's pattern on the fabric. But never fear - there will be photos in the future as I get more actually stitched. I've also done a bit more on the piece I'm designing myself - that's one slow process - it makes me really grateful for other people's patterns :)<br />
<br />
Yesterday I took a short 90 minute introductory needle felting class at Auckland's Woolfest Aftermath. Here is the little kitty head I made. It still needs work - but I think I got the basic idea down. Maybe now I'll get on with those projects that have been sitting on the shelf for a while (cue laughing).<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3131.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3131.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-7816245027948038192019-06-12T11:36:00.001+01:002019-06-13T06:56:15.197+01:00Some FinishesI finished the quilt top, and sent it off to my mother who finished it for me and gave it to the recipient. Thanks Mum :)<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3103.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3103.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
I also finished a beaded bug class with Julie Hennessy and the North Shore Embroidery Guild.<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3127a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3127a.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_4382.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_4382.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
I started a class at Great Escape with Anne Marie Moorhead called The Catnapper.<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_4379.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_4379.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
And I finished the gift I was stitching - His Name is Jesus from Joyful Expressions.<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3125.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3125.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
I'm almost finished Mill Hill's St Nicholas Cathedral.<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3129.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3129.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
And I got framed for the guild exhibition Mr Gecko, Flyways, Bargello Fun, and Hot Air Balloons.<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3124.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3124.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3120.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3120.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3121.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3121.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3122.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3122.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-3070461199280969302018-08-27T06:14:00.003+01:002018-08-27T06:18:27.011+01:00August Wipocalypse UpdateSorry - back to almost nothing this month. I'm still trying to catch up with myself after all the running around I've been doing for the last few months.<br />
<br />
After finishing Mr Gecko (Beetlewings and Bling) I have only stitched on a gift (which I'm not showing), and only thought about my piece for entry into the Great Escape exhibition (which I also won't be showing off until after). So no photos again this month - must try harder lol. Incidentally, if you didn't see Mr Gecko's finish last month - take a look - he really is stunning and I'm so pleased with how he turned out. The pictures really don't do him justice.<br />
<br />
I have also moved my sewing room around again - this time DH needed a computer space, so I put my sewing desk (all my stitching stayed where it was) upstairs in the bedroom where I'll get beautiful sunshine, and he's set his desk up where it was in the darker back room. I reckon that's a pretty good trade.Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-3460652777580291702018-08-16T12:09:00.000+01:002018-08-16T12:09:01.371+01:00July WipocalypseWhoops - I seem to have missed a couple of months there. Nevermind - I do at least have semi-good excuses. The last half of May and the first half of June I was doing an online course in Software Testing - trying to see what a new career might look like :) - although now my fixed term contract has been turned into a permanent job, so I may not have to worry about career changes for a bit. Then the rest of June I was madly scrambling to get myself sorted for July - finishing off my notes for the project I was leading for Cyberpointers, sorting out our trip down country for my Grandmothers 90th birthday, and sorting out my trip to the biannual ANZEG conference (Association of New Zealand Embroidery Guilds). So not much stitching in there, but a lot of other things going on.<br />
<br />
Finally last week, in the middle of writing this post, I had to take a trip to my other grandmothers funeral - it was good seeing family and getting to spend time with Mum and Dad, even if the reason for seeing them all was sad. But I'm back now, and trying hard to get back on track.<br />
<br />
Which brings us to July. July is exciting. First there was Bargello Fun, designed by Carol Algie Higginbotham - the chapter book project I led for the Cyberpointers chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. You may remember I was stitching it earlier in the year, but didn't feel I could share pictures until the meeting was over - well, now it is, so I can now show you the finished product.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3040.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3040.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
Then we have the biannual ANZEG conference and embroidery school. This was my first time at conference and I really enjoyed myself. Nelson is a lovely town right in the center of NZ (so yes, I walked to the center and took a photo to prove I was there). I took two classes - Folded Boxes from Gary Clarke, and Peacock Splendour from Maree Talbot. Unsurprisingly neither of these is finished.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3506.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3506.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3507a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3507a.JPG" width=300></a></p>The Center of New Zealand<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3061a.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3061a.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3537.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3537.JPG" width=300></a></p>Folded boxes - see how the pattern is on the back and we're stitching from the back to make the pattern on the front.<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3062.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3062.JPG" width=300></a></p>Her finished casket was just stunning - I'd love to do the whole thing one day, but realistically, don't think I would as it's not my favourite type of stitching so can't see myself spending that much time on it.<br />
<br />
And some photos from the gardens in Nelson - those textures and patterns...<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3545.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3545.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3547.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3547.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3578.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3578.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3583.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3583.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3585.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3585.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
Finally (I think, hopefully I haven't missed anything) is an update on Beetlewings and Bling. The best update of all too. It's finished!!!!<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_0203.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_0203.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3085.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3085.JPG" width=300></a></p>(one trying to show the 3D shape)<br />
<br />
Oh - and the other project I'm looking at starting is a knitting one. I visiting Woolfest at the end of May and purchased 8 balls of the deliciously soft Bohemia Gothic wool from Outlaw Yarn, in a beautiful wine colour. It's 45% Polwarth, 45% Alpaca, and 10% Possum. I did have a pattern in mind when I purchased it, but now I'm not sure if it's the right wool for it, so I'm still browsing patterns and thinking.<br />
<br />
Just to finish off I'll give you some photos from the bottom of the South Island - after Grandma's funeral we did a little bit of sightseeing so I'll share some of it with you.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3648.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3648.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3718.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3718.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3732.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3732.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3768.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3768.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3817.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3817.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3875.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3875.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3859.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3859.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3936.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3936.JPG" width=300></a></p><p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3977.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3977.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
In sorting these photos I discovered I've developed a very bad habit of putting my finger over the lens. In my defense, on the boat I was trying not to drop the phone - there would have been no retrieving it from the bottom of Milford Sound. And as always (at least in my case) the reality is so much better than the photos.Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-47075709128923426502018-04-30T08:15:00.000+01:002018-04-30T08:16:43.773+01:00April WIPocalypse UpdateHere we have Beetlewings. He's looking really good, except that he doesn't photograph very well (at least with my skills). I had hoped to have him finished, but oh well, there is always next month.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3058.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3058.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
I've also started on the gift I planned, but I'm not showing that one off here.<br />
<br />
And - don't faint - but I finally pulled out the quilt top I was doing for DD, only she's too old for it now, so I'll do it for my niece instead. Hopefully I'll finish it before she's too old for it too. Although I have got further than I remembered, so there is that :)<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3059.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3059.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-89691746655174397312018-04-06T07:13:00.000+01:002018-04-06T07:21:41.308+01:00March WIPocalypse update - with photos even!!!!I finally have some pieces I can photograph for you. Ok, so the first one isn't much - I didn't get anywhere near as far as I wanted on Allure (I blame work and chores for getting in the way of prime stitching time :) ). But progress on my class that I took at the weekend is going great. So I've put Allure to the side for now and want to finish Beetlewings, Beads and Bling first.<br />
<br />
I've also decided that when I get a chance I'm going to add a new list to the side of my blog - all my WIPs and finished projects listed by designer - because I was trying to find the name of a design this afternoon and it took a long time scrolling through the list to find it. It would have been much quicker if I could have gone straight to that designer. But that's a project for another day and will probably just go underneath the lists already there, not replace them or anything. Not that that is probably of much interest to anybody but me :)<br />
<br />
So onto the important things: Stitching!!!<br />
<br />
Allure (Carolyn Mitchell):<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3048.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3048.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
I haven't got very far, but I think once I get going properly it will go quite quick. The class is only up to lesson 2 as well, so I'm not too far behind (says me hopefully).<br />
<br />
Beetle-wings and Bling (Julie Clemett):<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3042.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3042.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
My class piece from The Great Escape. Doesn't s/he look good? (I still haven't made up my mind whether this is a girl lizard or a boy lizard, and their name keeps changing too). I'm hoping to get this finished quite quickly - I'm going to concentrate on this until it's finished I think.<br />
<br />
I've already put in my registration for next years Great Escape - my number one choice is The Catnapper.<br />
<br />
Oh - and I found a picture of this little Mill Hill kit on the camera - it doesn't appear that I've shown this to you before. OK, full disclosure - I didn't stitch it. I picked it up prestitched at the guild auction one year, and I finally put it together back in November. Found the instructions - it's called Everygreen Stocking and it's from their Charmed Stocking range.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3018.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3018.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-35003721688593877402018-03-07T04:15:00.001+00:002018-03-07T04:15:42.757+00:00February WIPocalypse UpdateIt's that time again, where I tell you I didn't achieve much. Except that this time I can say I finished the piece I'll be leading for Cyberpointers. Whoohoo - although I'm still not going to show a photo of it. I finished that on Saturday evening, and have been moving furniture around and finding the bits to set up Allure and Beads, Bling, and Beetlewings. I think I have everything together now, and only one piece of furniture left to move, so hopefully I can get started on setting both of them up, and on the actual stitching for Allure tonight.<br />
<br />
Then maybe next month (or earlier) I might even have photos for you again.<br />
<br />
On the other hand maybe not as many as you might want, as I also had a brilliant idea for a gift over the weekend, and if I start stitching that too I won't be showing it on here until it's been given (and hopefully the recipient also thinks it's a brilliant idea).Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-6427161626043445592018-02-04T04:10:00.001+00:002018-02-04T04:10:15.719+00:00January Wipocalypse updateWell, not much to report here. I have finished section two of my piece for Cyberpointers. And I have had notification that my kit has reached my US postal address, so will soon be winging its way to NZ and I should have that within the next two weeks - a deadline for finishing the Cyberpointers piece perhaps? Unlikely to happen as this section seems to be the most time consuming, but hey, you never know.<br />
<br />
I am also halfway through sorting my craft room - we moved in September to a house with a spare bedroom. The original plan was to have a spare bedroom with some sort of fold up bed so the room could serve duel purpose. But it turned out that the fourth bedroom was really too small for that sort of thing (especially as it has one corner cut off on an angle, and too small for a office (we have a computer and a desk each, so we need a little bit more room than the normal home office - so our dining room does double duty, as it has done for the last few houses - good thing we only have a small dining table).<br />
<br />
Anyway, after discussion we decided I could turn the fourth room into my craft/sewing room. So for the first few months it was just the dumping ground for stuff we wanted to get out of the way while we rearranged other rooms. But once those were mostly done, or at least looked presentable, at Christmas I pulled everything out of the room and started setting it up. I got my nice IKEA pine table from where it had been stored at my PIL's, and set it up - I am still looking for the screws to hold the extension flap on, but the main part is done. But that was half the room taken up. Then I managed to squeeze three IKEA Billy bookshelves in there - two were English Billys so they are a bit narrower than the US ones and fitted in the angled wall corner. The other is a deep US one, which fits 64L and 84L Really Useful Boxes perfectly - I've mostly used smaller ones though as handling the larger ones can get awkward sometimes. Then I put my chest of drawers with all the quilting fabric in there and the room is pretty well full. And I still have two pieces of furniture I should be fitting in there somehow.<br />
<br />
That was the easy part - now I'm on the hard part of sorting stuff and where it should all go. Again, I've done all the easy bits, and have a shelf of WIPs in the wardrobe. The larger Billy has fabric and thread, and the smaller ones all my books and charts. We won't mention the extra boxes of charts and kits that just have to sit on the floor until I can sort and cull my collection. Or the boxes of magazine pages (I've even got rid of most of the magazine and only kept the patterns I liked and I've still got piles) that are stuffed under the desk until I can figure out what to do there. So now I just have random things to deal with - unfortunately there is still way too much of that and I'm going to slow. I blame work for getting in the way of fun things.Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-56154012381012968402018-01-21T09:14:00.000+00:002018-01-21T09:17:05.616+00:00Joining the WIPocalypseI found a new group to join. OK, so I've been aware of their existence for a while, but I didn't really do much except read a few blogs here and there. Well, now I've decided to join in. Hopefully it'll help me get through a few more WIP's and start blogging a bit more again.<br />
<br />
The info for the group is <a href="http://measi.net/measiblog/wipocalypse_main/2018-wipocalypse-info-page/">here</a><br />
<br />
But basically it's a monthly check-in to see what progress you've made on your WIPs (new or old), and a way to encourage each other. So I'm going to try it, and I'm going to see if I can make some progress.<br />
<br />
Therefore - in the spirit of the WIPocalypse I'm going to list the top three projects I'd like to finish. I don't want to list more than that as then I'll be switching the list around so often it'll do my head in. But as I finish one project I'll add another to the bottom of the list. That should hopefully keep me on track, while still allowing me lots of room to change my mind about what I want to do.<br />
<br />
1. The piece I'm leading for Cyberpointers at the July meeting. There won't be photos of this until after the meeting, as although it's a chapter book project and so not secret or anything, I just don't feel right posting it since I am doing it for an event. Good news though - it naturally divides into three parts, and I am almost finished the second part.<br />
<br />
2. I was going to put Heart/Echoes of Elizabeth here, but well, you know me and new projects. So I signed up for another class. It's a Cyberworkshop with ANG called Allure (about a third of the way down <a href="http://www.carolynmitchelldesigns.com/teaching-designs.php">this page</a>), and is supposed to start on Feb 1st. But due to me being on the other side of the world, and things being a bit snowy in the US, I don't have my kit yet, so I don't think I'll be starting it then - and of course I want to finish project 1 first anyway.<br />
<br />
3. And I'm guessing that will take me to March easily - whereupon I'm signed up for another workshop here in Auckland called the Embroiderers Great Escape and I'm doing a project called Beetlewings, Beads and Bling (class 4 in <a href="https://embroiderersgreatescape.com/workshops-2018/">the list</a>).<br />
<br />
What are the chances I'll actually finish all those three before the next shiny thing comes along and not get distracted?<br />
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-30667421147400249082017-11-03T08:27:00.000+00:002017-11-03T08:27:01.669+00:00Flyways finishFlyways is finished. OK, so I finished it a month ago, but it's still a finish.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3006.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_3006.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-46496019003923245332017-07-02T00:51:00.000+01:002017-07-02T00:51:47.176+01:00A finish and some framingI finished Hot Air Balloons. Maybe one day I'll sew some binding around the edge, but probably it will just go in the drawer with the other things.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2910.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2910.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
I framed Irresistible Iridescents (and it looks much better in real life)<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2908.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2908.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
And Desert Diamonds<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2907.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2907.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
And Winter Scenery. This one looks a bit funny as the picture was taken with it flat on a chair, but I've rotated the photo so you can see how it's supposed to hang to make the 'lollipop'<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2909.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2909.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-63955869504478962902017-01-03T00:01:00.000+00:002017-01-03T00:01:15.232+00:00Desert Diamonds and other progressI finally finished this class. I actually finished it back on the 13th of December, but I didn't get around to posting it on the blog. So here it is now.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2760.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2760.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2754.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2754.JPG" width=300></a></p>In the evening sun.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2757.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2757.JPG" width=300></a></p>Trying to be clever and get the stitches to show up - not sure it worked, but I still like the photo.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2753.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2753.JPG" width=300></a></p>Before it was finished, showing the difference between having the background and not having it.<br />
<br />
I also had a new year start (or two). I chose Echoes of Elizabeth by Gay Ann Rogers as it's been sitting in my stash calling to me for a while. And since I was doing that I also pulled out Heart of Elizabeth as the two go together. I don't have and aren't interested in the Portrait of Elizabeth, so I think these two are all I'll do of the Elizabeth pieces.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2765.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2765.JPG" width=300></a></p>Echoes of Elizabeth<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2764.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2764.JPG" width=300></a></p>Heart of Elizabeth<br />
<br />
I'm thinking I might finish the border on Echoes and then finish up the heart before returning to Echoes.<br />
<br />
There has also been more progress on Hot Air Balloons by Audlem Mill too. I'm hoping to have this finished before long, and then I'll work on the third old WIP I pulled out before choosing another group of three.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2767.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2767.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
And I started on the next (and last) round robin which should probably be the first thing I concentrate on stitching.<br />
<br />
Last of all, here's my finished by others, but not me yet, round robin :) I have a plan for the corners and borders, and then I guess I'll fill in any gaps that look obvious. But I could still change my mind on what I want to do.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2769.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2769.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-69484440282884675632016-09-29T02:55:00.000+01:002016-09-29T02:55:48.179+01:00Lambkin Hill (and a couple of others)A few weeks back I finished Lambkin Hill.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2734.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2734.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2739.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2739.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
Then I started and finished in a couple of days this little kit of a cat from Mill Hill.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2749.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2749.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
I also finally finished the finishing from the finishing class for standups on Charlie's First Landing. Really there was no reason for it to wait so long - all it needed was the cording tacked down (and DD did most of it for me - guess she got sick of waiting too).<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2744.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2744.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
After that I decided it was time to pull out some WIP's and try and finish them off before I get distracted by the next shiny thing. So I pulled out Desert Diamonds, Flyways, and Hot Air Balloons (which isn't really stitching anymore - I only need to glue the stuff that I forget the name of on all the lines).<br />
<br />
Oh - and a photo of Blackwork Cats framed<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2733.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2733.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-52907220063068223442016-08-03T08:48:00.000+01:002016-08-03T08:48:09.349+01:00Blackwork CatsI have finished Blackwork Cats by Tanja Berlin.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2416.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2416.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2417.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2417.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2418.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2418.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
Of course that also means I started a new piece - Lambkin Hill by Sakoran:<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2626.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2626.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
I also found a photo of another couple of RR's I did that I haven't shown you. The first I used pieces from both Just Nan and Dragon Dreams samplers. The second was a mixture of charts I found in my stash.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2097.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2097.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2098.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2098.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2198.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2198.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2197.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2197.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
And my daughters first piece - she started this at the age of 4 and it's taken her 7 years to do. Right on track I think :)<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2196.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2196.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-33074741327002323682016-05-25T06:14:00.000+01:002016-05-25T06:14:28.346+01:00Blackwork CatsMy blackwork cats are coming along. I've now finished two cats and am working on the third.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2090.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2090.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_1517.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_1517.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2091.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2091.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-83560439008820842552016-05-10T06:07:00.000+01:002016-05-10T06:08:52.683+01:00Beautiful Stripe Mini StockingAs I now have my stitching lamp and comfortable chair back I have set up my stitching area again and I'm off stitching.<br />
<br />
My first finish was Beautiful Stripe by Pat Mazu.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2075.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2075.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2072.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_2072.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
It's hard to see the bling, but there is bling :)<br />
Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586977.post-38850614100683742832016-05-05T08:40:00.000+01:002016-05-05T08:41:59.764+01:00Quilted table matsI have had the center fabric for these for quite a while, but apart from knowing I wanted to make something for my Uncle, I didn't know anything else. Eventually at the Houston Quilt Show I found a pattern for a octagonal table mat where the center fabric would be showcased - The Centerpiece Tablemat from Sweet Treasures/Terri Staats. Then I had to decide on the outside bits. The breakthrough happened at a quilt store in Nashville where I found the fabric with the train tracks. Once back in Austin I went to a local store and found the other fabrics. The blue and green were fairly easy to decide on, but the backing took a while. Eventually the shop assistant pulled out the brown one that reminded me of railcar sides and I was like 'yes, that's it', and because I'm lazy I folded it around the edges and sewed it down instead of using binding.<br />
<br />
The finished pattern size is a fat quarter I believe, but I didn't want to waste any of the blueprint fabric, so I made the center as big as I could on the fat quarter, so the final size is a bit bigger than the pattern says. And since I actually had a half yard, I decided to make two rather than return the remainder to languishing in the drawer.<br />
<br />
I aimed to finish them for Christmas but missed by a week, so they were finished at New Years weekend. Unfortunately they never then made it to the recipient until this week as on the Monday morning we were informed that we basically had two weeks to move back to NZ. So they got packed up and shipped with everything else. Finally being unpacked this week they were sent on their way.<br />
<br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_1521.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_1521.JPG" width=300></a></p><br />
<p><a href="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_1523.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="http://amanda.sixpinetrees.com/blogimages/IMG_1523.JPG" width=300></a></p>Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04074921625240603527noreply@blogger.com2