Wee Hours of the Night in a Las Vegas Hotel

I was so excited to see The Mother earlier this week, especially since she brought all of her fabric stash and cross stitch projects! Her last night here we ate takeout from Outback Steakhouse and talked about life and projects (I, of course snapped away with my camera phone)! Here is her progress on Ella (purple conversion) and Roses.

The fabric is a lovely green in person and I was shocked to see how LARGE she is! I stole a peak at the pattern, it has a wonderful flow to it and looks so fun to work on!

The Maiden

A Rose by any Other Name

In preparation for the Mother's visit I have dug out a long forgotten Mira so that I too may stitch a rose or two!

 

The Maiden 

Long distance posting

I was so excited about the Mother's new start that I had to share! While her computer is on the fritz, our phones thankfully are not! She will be here is a few days and I will get to see this beauty in person.

Damask Roses on 28ct Lugana Thornhaven (Hand dyed by Stephanie)

"I'm Obsessed with my new start!"



Firsts

Today I had many firsts: my first start of 2015 was also my first finish...

Moon and Spider Apple Cider by Needle Work Press

Stitched on 32ct ODL Cider by MMC Designs

and this was also my first time stitching on fabric I had dyed myself! I found it surprisingly gratifying as well as motivating to stitch on something I had created. 

 The night would not have been complete without homemade apple cider beef stew!

In an attempt to use only items that could be found in my home (fabric, fibers, etc.) here is my conversion from the original:

Kreinik 028 used instead of Treasure Braid PB32

Waterlily 244 instead of Weeks Dye Works 1259

DMC 469 instead of WDW 2201

Gentle Arts Gold Leaf 0420 instead of WDW 1225

 

Fall is officially in the air!

The Maiden

To Dye for!

 The Mother has inspired me to try my hand at dying fabric, and I could not be more excited with the results!!!

 Having no luck finding a yellow fabric for my next project, I decided this would be my first experiment...

 I wanted the fabric to look more like apple cider, so experiment number 2...

 Who knew I even remembered how to work this thing!?! Hahaha

 And finally, the finished pieces! I was in LOVE with both of these pieces of fabric, but after I slept on it I decided to go with the one on the left (I think it will showcase the silvery moon better!).

 Here is my start of Moon & Spider, Apple Cider by Needle Work Press (the fabric really is more yellow gold in person, I need a better camera than my phone!). Stitched on 32ct ODL "Cider" by MMC Designs (also known as The Maiden!)

 What is a girl to do while she waits for fabric to dye? Stitch of course! Here is my start of Raven Queen by Mirabilia

And Toby, who has decided my stitching spot is perfect for napping!

The Maiden 

Carpe Subscalpo!

Seize the Needle!

 

I was in a car accident back in December and due to several bulging discs and tares have been unable to stitch because of the pain. I was discharged from my Orthopedic today, for he believes I just need time to heal naturally after 6 months of physical therapy, and I asked with concern "should I not stitch, since it causes pain?" to which he replied:

"No, stitch and feed your soul"

Inspired, I raced to my LNS and picked up the last of the materials I needed to start Raven Queen by Mirabilia. The second this project came out I knew I would stitch it, a haunting sense of familiarity is embedded in the image and descriptive prose.

 The Mother spent a whole week in town for work last month, so every night was filled with great food, good company and of course stitching! I started Mermaid Verde using all materials from my stash and plan to stitch Mermaid Azure facing her on the same fabric.

 

While at the LNS I spied the new Halloween Magazine! 

A sneak peak at 2 of the patterns contained within...

Yes, this truly does feed my soul! 

Finally, a small update on the Shores of Hawk Run Hallow. I have picked this up for when I experience Mira fatigue!

The Maiden 

Undine

I am no longer under "Undine" by Mirabilia!

 

Stitched on 32ct ODL Carnival

 I felt like the beading went on and on, especially since I could not decide on whether to keep the bugle beads or substitute Kreinik. In the end I decided (with help from the Crone and her envious stash) to throw out both ideas and substitute star shaped beads instead! After placing the first few, I could see how they would tie the entire project together!

 My fabric may seem counterintuitive until you see the Jada Fire oil painting that hangs in my bathroom!

 The pictures really wash out the fabric, in person it has rich oranges and an iridescent sparkle!

I just love how the blue at the bottom of this fabric mimics water, there will be a weighted frame on this for sure! The Maiden