patgeary

Moonlit Garden

April 6, 2015 By patgeary

When I first saw a picture of Moonlit Garden by Blackbird Designs posted as a stitched piece, I fell in love with the warm Autumn colors which are my favorites. I soon found it it was one of the much sought after out of print designs by Barb Adams and Alma Allen, the two women who are Blackbird Designs. I posted on the 123Stitch Message Board and looked on eBay but the price was always way to high. Once I joined the Fans of Blackbird Designs Facebook group, another stitcher offered to loan me the chart to stitch. I was ecstatic. It recently arrived in the mail along with Tulip Manor which I have already finished stitching. I ordered the floss and some fabric and now am ready to start.

Design size: 118w x134h
Recommended Fabric: 28ct or 30ct Broomstick Brown by R & R Reproductions

Floss Weeks Dye Works:

Straw 1121
Sweet Potato 2238
Havana 1230
Tiger’s Eye 1225
Chestnut 1269
Cognac 2242
Palomino 1232
Amber 1224

I chose to use the recommended floss but ordered a piece of 14ct "Sand Castle" Jobelan Aida 17” x 18” which allows 4” on each side.

Progress April 10, 2015

Moonlit Garden by Blackbird Designs.

Progress April 17, 2015

Moonlit Garden – Progress 4-17-2015

Finished April 30, 2015

Moonlit Garden by Blackbird Designs

Finished and Framed

Moonlit Garden by Blackbird Designs

Qsnap Cover a.k.a. Grime Guard Covers

March 27, 2015 By patgeary

I just this past year started using Qsnap frames to keep my fabric taut when stitching.

Q-Snap frames provide an alternative to traditional hoops and frames. Composed of PVC type tubes and corners, fabric can be draped over it and held in place by a "C"-shaped clamp on each side. ~ Is the Q-Snap Frame Better for Counted Cross Stitch?

I have various sizes of Qsnaps (both the name brand and those available from Michael’s Craft stores) that I use for the different sizes of fabric. You can also buy extensions to create even more sizes. You can try Making your own PVC lapstand by following these instructions.

Once you have placed your fabric within the Qsnap frame you can begin stitching BUT make sure you hands are clean to avoid getting stains on your fabric. Grime Gard Qsnap Covers can be used to keep your stitching clean and free of oils and other soiling. You can also tuck in the extra fabric to keep it out of your way while stitching with Q-snap frames. I have ordered the covers in various sizes to fit the frame configurations I use.

However, you may choose to make your own by following the tutorial written by Abbie’s Sewing & Stuff – Qsnap Cover a.k.a. Grime Guard Covers.

Tulip Manor by Blackbird Designs

March 19, 2015 By patgeary

Tulip Manor is another beautiful chart by the ladies from Blackbird Designs that is unfortunately out of print. So many of there charts are and go for such a high price on eBay that unless you are rich, you have no hope of winning the bid on them. Thankfully, there are stitchers who are willing to loan their original charts out so others have a chance to stitch them. I was luck enough to find another stitcher who was willing to loan Tulip Manor to me.

Fabric

The recommended fabric is 28ct Goldfinch from R & R Reproductions. I chose to use my favorite fabric to stitch on 28ct antique white Monaco.

Floss – Gentle Arts Sampler Thread and Weeks Dye Works

WDW Brick
WDW Peach
WDW Rum Raisin
GAST Flax
GAST Cornhusk
WDW Hibiscus
WDW Caper
WDW Bright Leaf
WDW Schneckley

NOTE: No DMC conversion is included

Progress March 24, 2015

Tulip Garden by Blackbird Designs

Finished March 28, 2015

Tulip Manor by Blackbird Designs

Now to mail it off to Jill Rensel for framing.

The beautiful finished piece by Jill and Amber.

Tulip Manor framed by Jill and Amber of Rensel Studios.

Photo to Cross Stitch

February 28, 2015 By patgeary

Quite often in the various cross stitch forums, the question comes up on how to convert a photo to cross stitch. The one that is recommended most often – and is free – is PIC 2 PAT

In three simple steps you will transform a picture into a beautiful cross stitch chart. The chart can be downloaded to your computer where you can print and store it. If you want to print the pattern again at a later date, there is no need to go to the website again, because the design is stored on locally on your computer.

So let’s get started.

Step 1: Select the photo you want to use. Pic 2 Pat can process almost all image formats. The maximum file size is 4 MB. By pressing the Browse button, you can browse through your pictures (on your computer) to find the correct file. For this example, I am going to use a color photo of my husband taken on his 100th birthday.

Click the Next button and your image will be loaded to the server.

Step 2: Pic 2 Pat can generate cross stitch patterns from a few inches to several feet. Select your preferences for the brand of the floss you want to use (DMC, Anchor, Madeira, or Venus), the stitch count, and the desired size.

I chose DMC, 16 stitches per inch, and 5.7 by 8 inches. Click the next button.

Step 3: After pressing the Next button, Pic 2 Pat will show you a number of cross stitch patterns. You can select the pattern which best matches your wishes. The pictures are shown with the most colors used first down to the least number of colors used. In the case of the above image, I was offered 20 some pictures to choose from. The first one used 79 different colors, the last one used only 6 colors. I selected the one that used 79 colors.

You will be given the opportunity to save the chart to your computer. The chart will include a color picture, the actual chart, and the color list of floss you will need.

The color picture converted to cross stitch

The actual chart for stitching

Color Key for stitching.

All that is left is to select your fabric, gather your threads and begin stitching. Check out PIC 2 PAT and give it a try.

Seeds of Freedom by Silver Creek Samplers

February 23, 2015 By patgeary

Many of you know that my husband has been very involved with two Civil War Organizations. First, he was the Executive Director of Virginia’s Civil War Centennial Celebration and after that job ended, he went on to be the first Director of the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park.

When I first saw the chart, Seeds of Freedom by Silver Creek Samplers, I knew I wanted to stitch it for him. The recommended fabric was 32 ct. Golden Harvest Lugana from Silkweavers. I tried to order it but it was delayed for such a long period of time, I finally cancelled the order. I chose instead 16ct Chocolate Milk Aida from Hand Dyed Fabrics by Stephanie.

I am using the recommended floss which is a mixture of Weeks Dye Works and Gentle Arts Sampler Threads.

WDW Crimson #3860 (2 skeins)
WDW Citronella #2210
WDW Seaweed #2159
WDW Graphite #1154
WDW Pebble #1151
WDW Michael’s Navy #1309
WDW Grape Vine #1273
WDW Chestnut #1269
WDW Cocoa #1233
GAST Honeydew
GAST Onyx
GAST Grasshopper
GAST Chives
GAST Banker’s Grey (2 skeins)
GAST Wheat Fields
GAST Portabella
GAST Baked Clay

The Stitch count is 94 x 242.

Progress March 11, 2015

Seeds of Freedom by Blackbird Designs

Not even half way finished and already ran out of WDW Crimson so need to order more. I will make note of any that you need more than one of as I go along.

I had to move the QSnaps this morning so decided it was a good time to take a pix of my progress. The empty space needs Crimson to stitch so that will have to wait.

Seeds of Freedom by Silver Creek Samplers

Finished Stitching April 13, 2015

Seeds of Freedom by Silver Creek Samplers

And here it is framed.

Seeds of Freedom framed.

And to All a Good Night

February 15, 2015 By patgeary

And to All a Goodnight (Loose Feathers #11) is another beautiful design by Barb Adams and Alma Allen, the two ladies who are Blackbird Designs. It is another chart that is Out or Print and very difficult to find at a reasonable price. Another stitcher on the 123Stitch Message Board loaned it to me.

Stitch Count: 61w x 184
Recommended Fabric: 28ct or 30ct Dark Cappuccino by R & R Reproductions. I chose to use 16ct Lambswool Aida instead.

Recommended Floss:

GAST Sarsaparilla
GAST Cherry Bark
GAST Dried Thyme
GAST Brandy
WDW Oak
WDW Angel Hair
GAST Chamomile
GAST Raspberry Parfait
WDW Pelican Grey – I substituted DMC 645
WDW Carrot

Started Stitching: February 14 2015

Progress February 19, 2015

And To All A Goodnight by Blackbird Designs

Progress February 22, 2015

And to all a Goodnight by Blackbird Designs

I’m getting really tired of the color raspberry parfait and the bricks on the house BUT that part is finished. Still need to fill in between the bricks but almost there.

Finished stitching February 26, 2015

And To All A Goodnight by Blackbird Designs

Framed –

Evening Shades the Garden

January 18, 2015 By patgeary

Thanks to a fellow stitcher who was willing to loan me Evening Shades the Garden by Blackbird Designs, I am ready to stitch this OOP chart. Everything is assembled and ready to go.

The design area of the piece measures 105wx 93h. I am stitching it on 28ct antique white Monaco (my favorite fabric) with the recommended threads which are a combination of Gentle Arts Sampler threads and DMC.

GAST Old Blue Paint
GAST Pink Azalea
GAST Brandy
GAST Dried Thyme
GAST Raspberry Parfait
DMC 310
DMC 844

Started stitching January 18, 2015

Progress January 20, 2015

Evening Shades the Garden by Blackbird Designs

Progress as of January 26, 2014

Evening Shades the Garden.

Finished stitching January 29 2015

Evening Shades the Garden

And here it is framed.

Evening Shades the Garden framed.

Blessings Be Thine by Blackbird Designs

December 16, 2014 By patgeary

This is a much sought after pattern and when it appears on eBay goes for very high prices – $83. and $100. for the last two that sold. A very nice lady on the 123 Message Board gave it to me along with some fabric and her leftover floss. I will be passing it along once I have stitched it. You can read more about that here.

While I am using the recommended floss, I will switch out the white with a gold color since I am using 28ct antique white Monaco rather than the called for fabric.

Started Stitching: December 15 2014

Progress December 19th

Blessings Be Thine by Blackbird Designs

Last stitches added December 31 2014

Blessings Be Thine by Blackbird Designs completed 12.31.2014

Stitching last night I jiggled the sofa table and all of the tiny little beads went all over the table, the sofa, and the floor. After trying to get them all picked up. I decided it was best to quit for the night.

C;oseup View of the Mill Hill Beads #02012

And framed

Blessings Be Thine Framed.

Be Kind and True by Blackbird Designs

November 28, 2014 By patgeary

Be Kind and True is another of the out of print charts by Blackbird Designs. Shows up occasionally on eBay but for way more than I am willing to pay. So I borrowed it from one of the gals in the Fans of Blackbird Designs Facebook group. I ordered the recommended threads from an online store while they were on sale but got to impatient to chart stitching so decided to substitute the suggested DMC colors for those I did not already have on hand.

The suggested fabric is 35ct Marva’s Blend by R & R Reproductions. I chose instead to stitch the piece on 28ct Rose Monaco.

Suggested floss:

DMC 838
GAST Dried Thyme (DMC 937)
GAST Strawbonnet (DMC 3865)
WDW Caper (DMC 3021) – DMC 3021 almost identical to WDW Caper.
GAST Antique Rose (DMC 223) – Antique Rose is more of a rose color than DMC 223 which seems more mauve colored to me.
WDW Crimson (DMC 3802) – The DMC floss is a slight bit lighter in color but hardly noticeable.
GAST Woodrose (DMC 950 & 3064)
WDW Cherub (DMC 3774) – very good match
GAST Chamomile (DMC 372)
GAST Briar Rose (DMC 3726)
WDW Teal Frost (DMC 807) – The DMC is lighter and brighter than Teal Frost. Wish I had waited on this but am not going to pull it out and redo.

I started stitching this on Wednesday, November 26th and finished it on December 15th. 2014

Progress as of November 28, 2014

Be Kind and True by Blackbird Designs

Progress as of December 5, 2014

Be Kind and True by Blackbird Designs as of Dec 5th

Progress as of December 14th

Be Kind and True by Blackbird Designs as of Dec 14th

And the final piece, finished and ready to do something with. How to finish?

Be Kind and True – Finished!

February 23, 2015 – Just back from the finishers!

Be Kind and True by Blackbird Designs

Their Song by Blackbird Designs

October 31, 2014 By patgeary

When I first saw a picture of the finished piece Their Song by Blackbird Designs, I knew I wanted to stitch it. Trouble was it is another of the Out of Print charts and very difficult to find and expensive when you can find it. I added it to my wish list and went on to other things. On one of the Cross Stitch Facebook groups, someone mentioned a shop in Mesa Arizona (Attic Needlework) who might carry some of the OOP charts. I called them and Their Song was one of the charts she had along with Under the Sunlit Sky. I purchased both of them for $18 each plus shipping.

Their Song begins the 2007 Loose Feather patterns. It is #24 in the Loose Feathers series. I selected 28ct ivory Monaco to stitch the piece along with the recommended Weeks Dye Works floss. Design size is: 126w x 150h and measures 9 x 10 3/4 on 28ct.

I value my garden more for being full of blackbirds than of cherries, and very frankly give them fruit for their songs.

The verse that is part of the chart is by Joseph Addison (1672-1719), an English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician.

Recommended Floss Weeks Dye Works (5 yard skeins):

WDW Havana 1230 (you will need additional floss) DMC 610
WDW Pelican Gray 2201 DMC 3023
WDW Moss 2201 (you will need additional floss) DMC 580/730
WDW Olive 2211 DMC 732/733
WDW Red Rocks 2240 DMC 918
WDW Charcoal 1303 DMC 3021
WDW Aztec Red 2258 DMC 3831/221

I started stitching this piece on October 30, 2014.

Progress November 7, 2014

Their Song by Blackbird Designs 11-7-2014

Their Song Completed

Their Song by Blackbird Designs

And the final piece inserted in the frame.

Their Song by Blackbird Designs framed