Friday, September 12, 2014

Two Finishes!

I am one day late on posting my progress in the SAL I am doing with Ranae at the blog "Stitch by Stitch."  It has been so much fun doing a SAL with Ranae.  She is a great inspiration! Well, I thought I was finished yesterday afternoon and I looked over my design to take photos and post.  Guess what, I forgot 2 things.  I forgot one of the chimneys and the leaves at the end of the tree.  I had an appointment so I didn't have time to finish until last night and then I was too tired to post. So today, I am sharing the finished piece.  And Ranae, I am absolutely sure you will finish this week end!!!!!
My dear friend in Chicago who had knee replacement in July got her gift, so I will show you that project  as well.

 I absolutely love this design.  Some things you finish and like and then others are just special.  This is special to me.  I used the floss that was suggested but stitched on 32 ct. lambswool.  I like the natural look that linen gives the piece.

 My friend and I have a joke about using rats in Halloween decorating.  I don't and she does! So when I decided to do a piece for her, it had to have rats!  I made a few changes.  I gave the rats red eyes and the cat, green eyes.  I had trouble seeing the cat.  As I was stitching, my DH said ,"Oh , see the cat!"  I did not see it  at first!  I liked the way the cat looked so I decided he needed green eyes to show up better.  I also did not stitch on orange linen.  This was 28 ct. that I had in my stash.  I like the more subtle look the tan linen gave the piece.  I bought orange linen and then decided to was too bright.  The design came from the 2011 Just Cross Stitch Halloween Collection. The chart was called '"Knock Knock" designed by Marie Driskill of Blackberry Lane Designs. The frame is one you can put on a table or shelf.  I like this especially for holiday designs.
We are having a spell of beautiful days, sunny in the high 70's.  The only problem is that due to our lack of rain, we are on the high alert for fires.  I hope everyone one in Western Washington is very careful of fire this week-end.  Thanks for joining me and have a wonderful week-end!

24 comments:

  1. Your stitching on "Away We Ride" is beautiful!! Love your cat, rats and pumpkin, too. I love the green eyes!! I am sure your friend will love it.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Pam

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  2. Congrats on your two finishes! They are both great!

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  3. Love the green eyes, great projects.

    Catherine

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  4. Congrats on the finishes! I love "Away we Ride" as well.

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  5. I love love love the 'Away we Ride' and I will stitch it one day! I can see why it's special for you. Will you have it framed? I can't wait to see the frame you pick out.~~ Adding the green eyes was perfect for the cat. ~~

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  6. Both such lovely pieces, Barb! I am still slaving away on Christmas stockings for the twins and longing to be doing cross stitch again!
    I hope there are no fires in your neck of your Pacific Northwest woods - such a worry, and I share it with you.

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  7. A gorgeous finish and a lovely gift,I think your cat's green eyes are a brilliant idea.

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  8. Wow such a sweet finish and a very sweet gift too
    Big hugs dear xx

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  9. AWR turned out so cool.
    Great Pumpkin finish also, love the eyes.
    Wish I could send you some rain, that's all it's been doing here the past week.
    Hope you are safe from fires.
    Marilyn

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  10. Two great finishes Barb ! I think I need to stitch Away we ride ! It is fabulous !

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  11. Love them both Barb! Now your all set for Halloweeln.

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  12. Congrats on your finish of Away We Ride!! Looks fantastic!

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  13. I LOVE these both! It took me twice to find the cat - but its just lovely! Hopefully no fires happen this weekend. We are still cool and mostly cloudy but we are supposed to warm up and have a proper autumn. We all have walking pneumonia in our house so we are feeling sorry for ourselves! Have a good weekend!

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  14. Very nice SAL, you're ready for halloween:-))

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  15. Away We Ride is just great - the border really sets it off. I like your pumpkin/cat/rat stitch as well. It also took me a while to 'see' the cat - I think your mention of the green eyes helped to finally make it pop for me.

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  16. Hmm! I am just getting my Away We Ride together (still waiting on some threads) and you have finished! So, I have missed the SAL altogether! Oh well, I think as I have to wait for the threads that I will save it now for one of my 31 starts for the DUCJC2014. Your finish looks absolutely gorgeous and I love the one you stitched for your friend - the cat is awesome! hugs Kaye

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  17. A beautiful fun SAL finish
    I love the cats eyes peeking out

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  18. Congrats on both your finishes, they look great!

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  19. Wonderful finishes. It took me a second to see the cat, I had to look for the green eyes.

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  20. It's been fun following along with you and Ranae on your SAL, Barb--what a great finish!! And the other piece is darling, too. I didn't even see the cat until you mentioned the green eyes so I'd say that was a good call on your part :)

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  21. Congratulations on two wonderful finishes--I love Away We Ride, and the piece for your friend is so cute!!

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  22. Good idea to make the cat's eyes green! Just like my little Inky's eyes! Nice job!

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  23. Both your finishes are so great. Ready for Halloween? Your friend also must be with this fantastic gift from you.

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