Black Rose Bunny Finish

I finally managed to take some photos of my newest Pin-keep, "Black Rose Bunny." Last year I created this same piece with light Blue embroidery thread & a creamy white cross stitch Linen. This year I decided to try my hand at creating a fall version in darker colors.

I am quite happy with how it turned out...it has a more Primitive rustic feel to it. I used three strand Valdani variegated embroidery thread and Notforgotten Farm 28 Count Farmhouse Cross Stitch linen...Lori hand stains her linen and it has given my pin-keeps a lovely aged look.

I am also working on a series of Cross Stitched pieces that are

 going to be part of my Bittersweet Bunny series.

This grouping will include(if all goes well) a Running Bunny Pincushion, Needle-book & Scissors Fob...all to be put up for adoption as a set. I haven't offered a set in ages and I am having a lot of fun putting it together...stay tuned for more photos and a date for my Fall blog sale.

I got something special in the mail today...three wonderful bundles of antique fabric from France...sigh...I have wanted to do this for so long...so I decided to treat myself and I have to say that I am just tickled with everything I received.

An old grain sack with red cross stitched monograms, nubby hemp and linen, well worn striped cottons, and a floral fabric with raised pale designs as well as a lovely floral design. Lots of hand sewn mends and seams...perfect! I am thinking that I want to sew up a quilt for my bedroom or some curtains for my studio...maybe some of it will end up in a pinkeep.

I also found some time to dig out my old Fir cabinet...it looks almost as bad as the day I rescued it out of a mud puddle sitting in an abandoned lot...that was years ago and I still harbor a sweet spot for it...even though hubby said we should dump it..."NO WAY" was my reply! I made him  re-nail and tighten up a few spots...I cleaned up all the wood working dust and it is good to go...already have it sitting in my bedroom full of vintage rugs. It is so nice to be done all of our renovations...two years of hard work...now all the fun stuff can happen...like decorating. I hope to take some home decor photos to share with you in the coming months.

As for Little Jasper...he has fully recovered from his cold...as you can see he has been living in the lap of luxury...a pampered pooch for sure. Thank-you everyone  for your kind words and well wishes...Little Jasper is all better now!

Stitching up a Storm

Susan

Black Rose

I am supposed to be in Montreal right now enjoying a mini vacation with my husband. Not to be...Little Jasper had other plans and as always, he seems to have impeccable timing...just one month away from his Kennel cough booster shot he somehow managed to get sick with just that...Kennel cough.

Poor wee mite...I have been keeping him inside, wiping his wee nose every few minutes and making him soft food with lots of warm water...that plus a long acting antibiotic shot from the vet. I couldn't believe it...all I managed to pack was my dang underwear...We do love Jasper and we were very much relived that we noticed he was sick (((before))) we left to go on our trip. It would have been terrible for him to be sick and to stay in a kennel plus we would have exposed all those other pets to this illness. Our vet said this is the third case he has seen in the last few days...not good! So beware if you live on our Sunshine Coast...make sure your pets Kennel Cough shots are up to date.

Well...Dino is in Montreal attending his conference and I am in my studio working...I actually managed to get something made. I have been trying to complete a fall version of my "Rabbit in the Rose Garden" which I designed last year...picture below. I loved how it turned out and I just didn't have the heart to sell it. So this year I was determined to create ths same piece in fall colors...I just love the variations in this three strand Valdani floss...sepia, indigo and midnight black.

 

I hope to have this fall version of "Rabbit in the Rose Garden" finished soon as well as a few other pieces that will be fall themed ...maybe a few Halloween critters to. 

 

Last year I bought a huge sketch book to use for my patterns and design notes...now I can easily go back and look up each piece so that I can recreate them. I print out photos, attach little fabric swatches, cross stitch patterns etc etc...this plus lots of notes. I hope that it will become a real keep-sake which I can turn to years down the line...something to remind me off the things I have created.

And that wonderful husband of mine...look what he sent me...an absolutely beautiful bouquet that smells as heavenly as it looks...he felt so bad that I had to cancel my mini vacation to Montreal with him...you are a real sweetie honey and I loves you!!!

P.S. Jasper is feeling better...miss you!

Hugs Susan

Dog Days of Summer

Howdee strangers...been a good while since I've written a post...thought I had better high tail it in here and compose something before you's all furget about me.

Little Jasper says hello...he's been spending his days hiking and romping on the beach...roasting his wee body on my studio deck...and basically enjoying the dog days of summer.

 

As for me...I am in good spirits especially since we have finally finished renovating my studio. I moved my favorite chair to a cozy corner and have been spending some blissful hours working on my "Amherst Floral" Hooked Rug as well as completing some cross stitch projects that I have had on the go for months and months. I feel I can finally breath and relax as I slip into my old routine of creating and dreaming up new projects. I have made some preliminary sketches of some pieces that I hope to bring to fruition in the next while...so if all goes well you can expect a blog sale to take place early this fall.

The original "Amhearst Floral" hooked rug by John Filker above...

my rendition below. I am making good progress but still a long way to go...this is one large rug to hook! If you would like to order this pattern you can go to Blacksheepwooldesigns.com she has a huge selection of beautiful patterns to choose from. Lots of antique reproductions...

 

Little jasper seems to like the rug...he also wants to eat the rug...hence none of my rugs will be floor rugs LOL!

Yes...I AM cute...and a bit of a poser!

Cheerios

Susan