Dare to Fly is another project by Silver Creek Samplers. I’m stitching it on Summer Sky Aida using the recommended floss – Weeks Dye Works and Gentle Art Sampler threads. Stitch count is 144×71.

I started stitching this on August 15 2014. Below is my progress as of August 23rd.

Progress as of August 29, 2014

Dare to Fly by Silver Creek Samplers as of 8/29-14.

Finished stitching August 31, 2014

UPDATE – June 27, 2022 Now I can enjoy this one finished as a drum. The trim was some really thin Lady Dot chenille trim made into twisted cording.

When I first saw this chart, I Love You to the Moon and Back by Waxing Moon Designs, it made me think of my oldest son, Frank and his wife, Alana and what they always said to each other. Frank lost his battle with cancer on December 28, 2011. He had just turned fifty. I decided to stitch it for Alana in his memory and in appreciation of the care she gave him during that final year. The suggested fabric was a hand-dyed linen that was a dark blue. Aida fabric was also offered in that same color. I ordered a piece and tried to stitch but had such difficult seeing the holes, I had to change to a lighter shade of blue. I also chose to use DMC floss rather than the Crescent Colors suggested. I also ordered the button that goes in the upper left hand corner.

Again someone on the 123Stitch Message Board loaned me the chart. While the lighter shade of blue was easier to stitch, my old eyes still had a difficult time.

As you can see by the picture shown above, I decided to personalize the finished piece with Alana and Frank’s names stitched below the verse. I tried various frames with the piece but could not really make up my mind and was not real happy with how any of them looked. I had seen some of the finishing techniques on the message board done by ClaudiaB and decided to give her a try. I sent her the piece and told her I wanted it finished as a cube. This style of finishing was entirely new to me but I loved the finished piece. See what you think.

I have mailed it to my daughter-in-law and hope she is as happy with it as I am.

When I first saw a photo of A Little Love by Lizzie Kate, I knew it was the perfect project to stitch for my husband’s 100th birthday. I did not want to order the kit because I do not like stitching on linen so posted to the 123Stitch Message Board. Someone on the Board had just finished stitching it and was willing to sell me just the chart for $5 which included postage. Rather than use the recommended floss, I chose to use DMC because I already had all the colors on hand. I ordered the small flower button that had been a part of the kit and I already had some small rose colored beads. For the fabric I chose a piece of 28 ct antique white probably lugana but not sure since it came from another kit. It was a fairly quick stitch but I had to work on it at night after Jim was in bed so he would not see it.

Pictured below the background is actually white although it does not look like it.  I normally stretch and frame my own work but since this is for a very special man on a very special occasion, I am sending it off to Jill Rensel to work her magic on. I’ll post a picture once I get it back.

The finished piece framed by Rensel Studios I will give it to Jim as soon as it is delivered rather than wait for his birthday.

A Little Love framed by Jill Rensel

Progress 1-9-2014

I received this chart as a freebie a number of years ago when I placed an order for Sunshine and Sunflowers from Janlynn. It has been languishing in my stash basket since then. I asked my youngest son, Michael if he would like me to stitch it for him. “Yes,” he says. With a stitch count of 100W x 295H I knew it might be a fairly large size. Rather than use 14 ct which was what was recommended, I decided to use 16 ct antique white Aida which I ordered from my favorite source 123Stitch.com. The finished size of just the design area would be 6 1/4” by 18 1/2”

Little did I realize how many shades of gray were used. Ten shades for just the top left part of his ear!! But it is going to be beautiful when finished.

Started stitching: Jan 6, 2014.

Wolf Pack 1-20-2014

I’ve gotten a lot more stitched since I last posted my progress.

Wolf Pack as of March 14, 2014

Progress as of April 11, 2014

Wolf Pack as of April 11, 2014.

Progress as of May 19, 2014

Wolf Pack Progress – May 19 2014

Progress as of June 27, 2014
Wolf #3 is now being stitched!

Wolf Pack Progress as of June 27, 2014

Progress as of August 8, 2014

Wolf Pack Progress as of Aug 8

Progress as of August 23 2014

The Wolf Pack

Progress September 26, 2014 – Working on the 4th and final wolf. Thank Goodness there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I put the final stitches in last night. Or at least I thought they were the final stitches. After taking the picture, I realized that I forgot the back stitching on the last wolf’s ear. Once it dries, I’ll do that then it will be ready for framing. My son will be very happy to have it hanging in his room.

The Wolf Pack finished 11/18/2014

February 10, 2015 – Finished and framed. Right now it is only pinned to the foam core. I still need to lace it and add the spacers and glass.

The Wolf Pack framed

The frame I used is from Graphic Dimensions – EWC8 Black Frame EconoWood Classics Collection.

It’s finished and framed. The Lark Sparrow from the Crossed Wing Collection was stitched as a companion piece for the Meadowlark. It was stitched on ivory 28 count Jobelen, double matted and framed. While I finished the actual stitching last year, I am just now getting it framed. Framed, it measures 17 3/8″ x 15 7/8″ The mats are two shades of green and the frame is a toffee color.