This last weekend I picked up Iris from the framer. The frame is darker than what I ordered, so we will see if it grows on my.
I ordered a brown frame, but this is more black. It is the correct number, perhaps they used a different color stain than the corner I chose. I will see how I like it after some time. There are also a couple of large beads in her hair that are turned sideways. That may bother me more than the frame. We shall see. In case you are seeing her for the first time, she is Iris from Nora Corbett, stitched on 16ct Aida from Fantasy Dyed Fabrics.
In my last post I told you I started the Mystery Sampler from Linens and Thread. I was stitching it in DMC 310 – black, but was not liking how I could see the fabric through the stitches. So after looking at (and buying) many different variegated threads, I found one that I liked with my fabric. So here is my new start on the sampler.
I could not get a good picture of the colors, but I am using Sullivans London Fog. Which is a gray/blue/purple thread. I have decided to add some solid accents, such as the dragon which I stitched in DMC 3888. The fabric is 16ct Aida Castleview from Silkweaver. I am really liking how this is working up. If you are interested in stitching this design, it is a Stitch A Long from Linens and Thread and it is FREE. The January and February parts are out now and a new section will be introduced the first of each month until the end of the year. Here is a closer picture:
I have also ordered yarn to start a temperature blanket and I am excited to get crocheting on that when the yarn arrives. More on that when I get it started. So what new project have you recently picked up or are dying to start?
My Time Stitching 
I love how your sampler is turning out, love the new colour too. I’m still working on the pillow piece that I’m doing, but I have made a lot of progress. I really want to start this tea set piece that I saw in one of my magazines, however with all my other projects I won’t be able to start it until I have finished my other started projects which includes the pillow piece, three cards for gifts, socks, a friend’s gift which I haven’t started yet, and another smaller piece I’m planning to make into a pillow. This I want to have all finished by the end of the year.
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Thank you, Ivyjade234. I am really enjoying the sampler. I am hoping to get the January and February sections done before March rolls around so I can get back to working on my WIP’s. Sounds like you have a lot to get done, too. I wish you all the best in tackling your list 🙂
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Oh thank you. I’m hoping I haven’t stretched myself out to far, but we will see.
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Your work is always amazingly glorious!! You have such skills!!
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Thank you, Marsha. You are so sweet to say that ❤ It is the designers that do all the work. I just stitch it as it is. It keeps me sane 😉
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Love Iris! I’m not one to speak since I understand how you feel 😅, but I’d try not to get too bothered by the frame color and the beads; she looks amazing overall anyway.
I like your sampler – you’re right, it looks better in the variegated thread, so great decision not to go with the black! ☺👍
I’ve never done a SAL before, and after seeing your earlier start, thought I could join in, but I’m lagging behind in my knitting projects and I so want to finish them. ☺ Maybe I’ll find something else at an appropriate time later…
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Thank you, Anita. I will try to ignore the beads and I think the frame is already growing on me. I am loving the variegated threads I chose for the Sampler and I am totally enjoying stitching it. If you really like this sampler, don’t forget to go to the website each month and print out the sections so that you have them for later. I am sure it is going to be an amazing piece. And you will catch a SAL when the time is right 😉 Have fun with your knitting projects.
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I love the new sampler. The colours you choose so far is so to my liking. Amazing.
Iris is stunning. And I think against a white wall or lighter wall the frame will be perfect. 🙂
Enjoy the upcoming weekend and happy crafting.
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Thank you, Joey. I am really happy with the variegated threads I have chosen. Much better than the black, though on the right count of fabric, black would look amazing too. The frame for Iris is already growing on me and I am hoping to get her hung on the wall in my craft room with the other 2 pixies that are there. The wall is pink, so I think the frame will be just fine. I hope you weekend is full of crafting, too.
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Good morning, I do love that thread. It is working, and you made the perfect choice.
Awesome to hear the frame is so pretty. I can sure it will be just perfect in your craft room.
I had a good weekend, and happened upon a new LYS, need to write a post, but need pics first.
Have a great week and keep warm.
🙂
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Iris is so pretty all framed up.
Great progress on the SAL.
I’m still plugging along on WIPS.
Trying to clean some of them up before I start anything new.
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Thank you, Marilyn. I am totally enjoying the SAL Sampler. I will get back to my WIP’s when I get caught up or run out of thread as I the shop only had 1 skein of the variegated and I will have to wait another week or more for the rest to be sent to me. Good luck with your WIP’s. You are so dedicated!
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The framing is really lovely; however, if you are really bothered by the beads being askew, you could get them to put some raisers (?) between the material and the frame or have them put in a double or single mat, which would have the same effect.
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Thank you, Christine. There are spacers in the frame as the beads are quite large. The framer just didn’t make sure all beads were turned the correct way. I know they were all turned properly when I took it in. I am sure things get turned when she is pinning and such. I just wish that she would take the extra step to insure they are not turned before sealing it all up. I am not a fan of mats, so I usually don’t go that route. However, the JOY piece will be matted.
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Yes, it’s all in the detail. I am sure you will gain pleasure from the piece anyway. I am looking forward to seeing how Joy is framed. xxx
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Iris is absolutely stunning and I love that colour frame. I think it brings out the drama in the piece. I can’t see the problem with the beads but I know that once you can see something it’s hard to unsee it.
Love the new project and that floss colour is divine. It goes beautifully with the fabric 🙂
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Thank you for your sweet comment, Carole. The frame is growing on me. The beads, however, are a different matter. It is true that once you see something, you just can’t unsee it. I am going to try to overlook the beads in this one for now.
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I love your new color selection. I think variegated threads are definitely the way to go to make samplers more interesting. I like the frame on your Iris, but I know how that feels when you have a certain idea in your head and then it turns out different than you expected! The sideways bead would drive me nuts too. Have you heard about that Japanese concept where they intentionally leave a flaw in things? Something about the beauty in the imperfect. Maybe you can think about the sideways bead that way. 😉
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I agree, Fawn. Variegated floss is looking much better than the black I started with. I have run out of the 1 skein that I had of the Variegated floss, so now I have to wait until my order comes in to continue. The frame is growing on me, but the beads…I may just have to take it back in to be fixed. Not sure I can live with it. I’ll give it some more time. I will think about the Japanese way and see if it wears on me 😉
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Love your finishing.. And I see you are onto hat SAL.. I’ve yet chosen my colours and fabric yet.. And there are soooo many beautiful colours combination over FB.. Very hard decision. 😁😁😁
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Thank you, Angela ❤ I have finally made a final decision on the SAL, but if I were to study the facebook group, I would change my mind many times. I have finished page 1 of the first section with the only skein of floss I had. So now I have to wait for my order to come in. So sad to put it down! It is so relaxing to stitch. Can't wait to see what you come up with for yours. Good luck with your decision 😉
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Hi Ginny, Iris looks beautiful all framed up. My local picture framer once showed me a way to get a tiny piece of fluff out of my framed picture. He used a thin ruler with a tiny piece of sticking tape on the end then opened a narrow section of the tape on the back of the frame to allow the ruler in and out so he could grab the fluff. Maybe you could use a ruler or something to correct your beads. I love the new project you’ve started. The thread is gorgeous! I’ve just started a variegated Ink Circles project for the SAL with Claire and I’m very tempted to try this mystery one as well. thank you for sharing 🙂
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That sounds interesting, but I think I will just leave it for now. I would probably mess it up so bad it would have to be reframed anyway. So I am living with it 😉 I want to try an Ink Circles project some day. They look really cool. You will love the Mystery Sampler. I am so bummed I ran out of thread before my others came in. And I just found out that they are on backorder from the manufacturer, so no telling when I will get them in. It will be nice to get back to it when they do come in.
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