Thursday, October 15, 2009

IS IT FALL YET????

Well you would answer NO if you lived in northeast florida. We've had record high temps for over a week however today - the weather seems cooler - it's dreary and cloudy and some much needed rain is predicted.I could not wait for falling temperatures so I went ahead and put out a few things for Halloween that I wanted to share with you.
Here is a photo of my first rug - it is by no means perfect but I love to drag it out every Halloween and remember where I started with rug hooking 10 years ago. It was not my first attempt but was the first thing I finished.
Here is a another shot of how I have it displayed in my living room on a retro glass and chrome table (how 70's) along with a Longaberger basket filled with decorative gourds and minature pumpkins. The little scarecrow gourd ( wish I could remember the name of this awesome family owned company who puts out these gourds) has a light inside but I don't hook it up unless I have company.
I know I've already shown a photo of my wonderful Susannah Goose that DF Henrietta stitched for me as a housewarming gift. It is from the JCS Halloween issue last fall and is stitched on 40ct vintage pear linen with the called for NPS in the frame that was shown in the mag. It is another beautiful design by Kathy Barrick of CHS. I LOVE it and moved it to a more prominent spot for fall enjoyment. The Mirabilia Trick or Treat Fairy was stitched by my dad - I don't think I've shown you that before - it was from the Cross Stitch and Needlecraft mag from last fall and he stitched it on the called for linen with the called for threads. He does lots of Mirabilia pieces and when I asked him about stitching this one for me - he said "piece of cake" and cranked it out in about 5 weeks. Lois at Elegant Stitch did the finishing - I wanted something different besides framing and I did not think the shape of the design was condusive for a cushion or pillow so I suggested the cube - Lois thought it was awfully big for a cube but I think it turned out awesome and I gave her creative freedom with the colors and I think she did an great job with it and I love it every time I look at it. Of course the little box is a Liberty Hill piece - I have SO many - I'm not quite sure which one it is - I was hoping the newest piece would be out by this time so it could be displayed in this spot but I don't think anyone has them yet and I have it pre-ordered but nothing yet.

I am busy stitching - I finished the BBD Souvenir de France - I sent it for finishing and will hopefully show a photo next post. I will (I WILL) also have a WIP photo to show you of the Scarlet Sampler I have been working on. Wanted to get this big motif finished before I take a photo.

I have been knitting a lot but jumping from this to that - whatever catches my fancy - I started an awesome new shawl and I should be able to show a WIP of that one too in my next post. It is simple but very pretty. I am participating in a shawl challenge on the Loopy Ewe - I would encourage any of you who don't have a LYS and don't already know about Sheri and her gang at the Loopy Ewe to check it out - What a fun shop with great customer service and she keeps you so connected with her blog. You can also take a look from the blogs I read section on the sidebar. She suggested this Multnomah shawl in one of her posts and I LOVE it - I am doing a worsted weight hand dyed yarn so mine will be a little bigger than the one pictured. However I also ordered some fabulous fingering weight yarn from Loopy to do another shawl. Shawls are great for Florida - we can actually use them - you put them on in the morning when you leave the house and it's chilly and by 3pm when it is 85 again - you can throw them off and carry them home.

Thanks for all your kind posts and emails about Jody - he is not a fictional character but a real person. He still looks so young even with the touches of gray and I think I am doing all the aging. Hard to believe we've been together almost 30 years. Several of my friends were so inspired by the Savannah post we are already planning another trip in November. WHEEEEE - Thanks again for your comments and for reading my ramblings - I do so enjoy hearing from each of you and reading your blogs keeps us all connected. Hope fall has come to your area and you are able to get out this weekend and enjoy a fall festival or a walk thru the park.

12 comments:

Cari said...

Geeze Melody - your father does Beautiful WORK!! Love the design he stitched for you, and I know you know you are truly blessed to have such a great Dad!! Lois did an excellent job on the finishing. Way too much fun.

I to am looking forward to cooler weather here in Central FLA. And, looking forward to seeing your shawl. Have a great fall weekend!!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Mel ~ I'd gladly send you some cooler temps from northern Ohio. It is rainy and cold and miserable here, but I did hear we are supposed to get into the 60's next week. Oh, that will feel so good!
Your first rug is wonderful and so are the cross stitch pieces. I wish the pictures would enlarge so that I could see them better.
I'm anxious to see some more of your WIP.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Jan said...

I love this post, Mel!! Your pics are fantastic and I love how you have things displayed. So cool. And your dad's stitching is so admirable, lucky you to have him help feed your need for needlework finishes to display!

It is freezing here in Indian, want me to blow on you? LOL Will be lucky to have a high of 40 today and through the following week. And as for the night time lows, well that is frigid!!

Jean in Georgia said...

Wow. All your stuff is so kewl. And your dad's stitching is such a special treasure!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Melody - You are a woman of many talents. Your rug is beautiful. How lucky you are to have such a talented father.

Thanks for visiting my blog - Corgi Cottage.

I've added you to my Blog List.

Jackie's Stitches said...

WOW! Love the rug and the stitching! I love your dad's "piece of cake" comment!

Isn't it just too hot? I'm ready to throw open my windows and have a cool breeze. In Florida though, we have to make our own fall and you've done a fantastic job of it!

Deb said...

I love your first finished rug! And your father does beautiful work! I think it's wonderful when men find enjoyment in what are normally considered "women's" crafts! I'm sure that he was tickled to do that for you. And if you're looking for some cool weather, just head up to these parts of the country. In the 30's - a little early but at least no snow!!!

And BTW, you made me - yes, you - pull out some Noro yarn I had hanging around and I'm going to make a scarf. You've inspired me with all your great projects!

Loraine said...

Wow! I love your Dad's talents. How nice he was to stitch the fairy for you. I think it turned out beautifully!
What is the sampler above the fairy on the wall? It is really cute as well.

Hope all is well. BTW I need your address because I made you a needle case, and haven't been able to get it from Terri!
Take Care!

Karoline said...

Your autumn decorations look lovely. Your fathers stitching is gorgeous.

Marjo said...

Everything is so beautiful.

Margaret said...

Oh I love your first rug! It's perfect for this time of year too! And your other pictures -- so wonderfully gorgeous! I had to laugh about Jody being fictional. I really was happy to see a picture of him in your last post. It's so fun to connect faces with names. :D BTW, I didn't know Lois did finishing. Do you think she would finish CHS stockings??

Margaret said...

Oh! I forgot to say that I just got my Tombstone cupboard from Liberty Hill in the mail over the weekend!! Yay!