Finished and Framed At Home with Jane Austen sampler

At Home with Jane Austen

designed by The Sampler Girl

WIP in my stash for 3 years!

finished per instructions in packet using Crescent Colors and linen 

I finally put the rest of the stitches in this piece and framed it. The frame is from a clearance at Target. I loved the dark pink border. While the width was not perfect for it, the length certainly was!!!

Here are a few other pics. I could NOT get it without shadows which appear to be wrinkles in it.

Even in this pic I can see myself in the shadow. I decided to leave the glass in. 

This one will go on a sampler wall in one of the guest rooms.

I love the saying.

So, another one bites the dust!  About 40 more WIPS to go!

There is a patriotic one, still in lap frame from 3 years ago...........Battle Hymn of the Republic. I do think it's the time of year to work on finishing that one next.

We are still quite busy with our house hold projects this Summer and putting some new kitchen and bath flooring down. Still waiting for it on order. More on that as time comes.........

Here's hoping you are having a beautiful weekend, staying cool and at peace. ;-)

Jennifer

At Home with Jane sampler progress~~nearly finished WIP

 

Here is my progress on At Home With Jane Austen sampler designer The Sampler Girl.

 I've had this one in my basket for 4 years at least. Started on it, put it down, did a third, put it down. So I'm finishing this long WIP up very soon. I have one flower motif left and then the last band of purple flowers and it's done!!!!!!!

 

 

I so love Jane Austen.

 

 

 

And pinks are my favorite colors.

 

 

And my initial changed since I started it. That's how long it's been in my basket.

 

 

Home Sweet Home

 

Just wanted to share something I'm finishing up this weekend. I'm mixed on how to finish it because I can only afford a junkin' frame  .........and I can't find one.

So, I may finish it like the photo she has on the front and hang/display on the wall this way OR I have a frame that is bigger on the sides but the right length and put some pretty fabbie on the sides.

 

I used/am using Crescent Colors that are called for in the pattern. There is a DMC conversion but I like the overdyed effect.

I'm also using the linen called for in the pattern as well.

I believe it's 30ct.

 

So, I finished my Christmas shopping today, just a few items left and grocery shopping for the week. Feels good to be done.

Soon, to watch the Christmas Box movie with the Mr. cuddling by the fire.

We have some snack size ham, turkey, and 2 cheeses with crackers to nibble during the movie!

The last 2 gifts to mail will be late as they are to be mailed out Monday but I'm sure they will like them just as well!

 

Singing I'll be Home for Christmas,

Jennifer

 

Fall Shawls, Flowers and a Fine Gentleman

I haven't posted in so long I couldn't believe it~~~ but~~~ a few things I've been up to lately are:

~welcoming Fall in the North Georgia mountains!

~making Apple Cider again on cool evenings

~enjoying Mr. Darcy's sweet spirit, and feeling so blessed

~road trip to mom and dad's

~starting a new business for a second part-time job

~making a fire in the woodstove on cool evenings and mornings when we sip coffee together

~enjoying the back porch like a room of the house with this beautiful sunny cool weather

~trying new recipes

~knitting Christmas gifties and thank-you gifts

~attended a Joyce Meyer conference with Mr. Darcy, along with 90,000 other people (yup that is a correct count, it was BIG)--one word---INSPIRING

~reading some new, good books

~watching wildlife in the yard, including a flock of wild turkeys (5), tending to Thelma and Louie (yup, not Louise we found out) :), keeping a bear out of the trash, squirrels gathering acorns, and appreciating all the sunny days after such a season of rain this past Summer.

~and soooo much more~

I finished my Fall Shawl Ya'll and here are a few pics:

The colorway is one from Bernat and I can't remember it totally but this pic is much lighter than the actual color. It's dark burgundy. I used 2 large balls of yarn. For some reason my camera or the lighting is making it lighter.

{{{whispering}}} Abbie has a disclosure she wants me to tell you: White hair here or there is NOT from her at all! :P

 

more of the true color here.......................

I made it so that it would fold on the edges for a small collar effect.

 

I actually finished knitting this a couple of weeks ago but today, just getting to mending in the loose ends by hand. I didn't use a pattern, just knitted on some stitches for a set-up row and then increased KFTB on each end for................a very long time! Then I purled all stitches for 8 or so rows to make it curl for a collar and then BO.

It was a great TV, watch-the-Waltons knit project.

 

The camellias are blooming in the yard. They really get no attention at all so Mother Nature blessed us with several that I picked today for the dining room. A pop of bright pink, white, yellow and green with a lovely fragrance in the house.

I worked on the second repeat (twice this) and then made a mistake and couldn't save it so had to pull all out and started over! I do love this. It was a freebie on the internet. Will make a large chunky lace scarf in colorway of Redwood.

Sometimes starting over is not a bad thing. I look at it as giving me another chance to learn again and pay more attention when I should be~

 

Admiring Abbie's long hair on her tail. She is so funny but smart, smart and more smart.

 

 

And admiring Mr. Darcy as he is blessed now with a new job! So proud of him. One fine gentleman!

 

 

 

And enjoying some fun days, free-spirited.

 

I love October. Always have. The leaves will be turning their colors soon, the cool nights will get even cooler, and the knitting needles will be moving a lot faster! Hubbie and I have been very blessed.

 

 

 

Mum's the word!

 

 

The back porch is our most-loved spot here at the homestead. It's not perfect but just right for us.

 

 

Miss Abbie is enjoying the chaise. Yup, she is shedding like crazy.

Where's Waldo?

 

I hope you have been having some blessed days as well. I will be writing much sooner. I needed a lil' break on writing but I so love to read and write.

 

Till our needles click again,

Jennifer

 

Progress on At Home with Jane Austen designer, The Sampler Girl. My hopes to finish this one if I can, by the weekend and get it framed in a special way.

ok, bye for now...........stay cool!

My Progress

This week we certainly have felt a tinge of Fall in the air, with a couple of days of 65 as the high temp. The sun comes and goes and still with a good bit of rain. I suspect that we have an early leaf changing season this year with all the cloudy days. Whenever it does, I stand in awe of the colors, the many, many colors, of the beautiful trees that blanket the North Georgia mountains. Nature puts on a show usually here by mid October and along with living on a few miles from a touristy, Alpine village, I can be thankful for the Oktoberfest and festivities it brings yearly! This year is the centennial with fireworks and local history events. I hope to be able to attend some of it and get some pics!

 

On the topic of home, the progress I've made with the Jane Austen design here is slow this week but still going into the third section near the bottom. This is At Home with Jane Austen, designer The Sampler Girl, a WIP for 3 years now, hopefully to become a framed sampler in the next week.

 

 

 

I just love the names of Crescent Color threads! I'm beginning to work with Creeping Jenny at the bottom for a larger flower band section now.

I hope that Mr. Darcy and myself will watch a good movie in the next few so I can make more progress (popcorn included) :P

 

Oh how working with Creeping Jenny reminds me of all the weeds that have grown around our homestead this summer, encouraged by hard rains. Before I moved here the weed (to me it is) was called Creeping Charlie. Then I found out later, people call it Creeping Jenny. Let me tell you that stuff grows a foot over night it seems!

 

I have enjoyed working with all the colors in this sampler. I so needed something cheery and bright lately and this has helped alot. Thank you Tanya Anderson!

 

I also have almost finished my burgandy-red shawl I'm knitting. I call it My Shawl Ya'll.

I've got to a place though this week, and couldn't correct my error and so a visit to Ms. Bonnie, a GREAT knitter is in line this week, possibly tomorrow to get me back on track.

The cool evenings are encouraging me to get this finished.

 

I wore to church the soft, muted pink one I made today, the first shawl I ever made in fact, and always get compliments on it. I made several mistakes but only two that seemed unable to correct so I put buttons and crochet pieces sewn over the areas and make it work! Sometimes it's the imperfections that make a piece unique. It's a great feeling to be able to accept them as part of life.

 

I finished a sampler in honor of the Prince's birth this week. It's a very long band sampler and will be 3rd in line to the throne........just joking, third in line to my sewing basket as I want to do a small freebie one from Liberty House Primitives blog and then get back on track with my own design of Downton Abbey which is quite large but the colors are beautiful!

 

So, I pulled the 2 simple colors at random to do a quick stitch this week. I had already printed off the freebie from the site. There are a few more I wish I could stitch as well, about love.

 

 

On her site you will find, just as most designers request, that you do not sell or kit her freebies.

 

 

Sassy Brass and a DMC color in darker blue

 

This is where you can find your copy of this freebie:

 

Enjoy her beautiful music on this page as you browse:

 

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/23063186

 

The pattern is the last one on the list.

 

I will have to say that it's just my humble opinion, but I think Nancy from Liberty House Primitives has THE best freebie samplers on the internet, from any designer. I have also bought things in the past from her ebay shop and believe me, you will not be dissapointed with your package and order. Her kindness makes the world of difference. You can tell she shines the light of Christ and that genuine kindness and care makes the difference and is very transparent. 

 

Miss Abigail today said Sundays are for for nap-times................and she is the sweetest furbaby.

 

 

A mother’s love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,

 it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking.

 

~~~~~Helen Steiner Rice

 

 

A GREAT big thanks to all who made orders this week as I usually get those out in 3 days. Tomorrow is mail day, so I hope you like it and it gets to you very soon.

I hope to have more designs put in digital format for your instant reception upon payment with Paypal. Thanks for being so patient with me. I really do appreciate it.

 

Jennifer

 

My Progress on At Home with Jane Austen sampler

Yesterday was not such a good day. I had alot of heart problems but feeling better today. I think I slept or rested in bed more than being up.

This morning, Mr. Darcy made his famous French Toast and is the sweetest to me ever. His love is such a blessing. His faith is never-ending.

 

 This morning I finished the house on the sampler and now starting a frame on the right of the house.

 

The pic looks a little distorted because I just took it out of my frame. Also after finishing half the house I figured out that I made the windows at the top too short. This was the joining of 2 pages and sometimes its hard for me to make the transition. I decided not to frog all that out and that houses can have small and large windows! :)

 

At Home with Jane Austen, designer The Sampler Girl

Stitched with 30 ct Weeks Dye linen in Linen (yes that's the name of the color)

 

I am using the suggested Crescent Colors for the threads.

So, I'm about 2/3 of the way done with this band sampler.

 

The day is full of errands to run but not too bad. The sun just came out and I hope it stays out but I hear there is rain forecasted the whole week. I have never in my life seen so much rain in a Summer.

 

Our Sunday school teacher this past Sunday asked the class to raise our hands if we thought that this year we had more rain days since last year. I and alot of others did.

He said, nope. He researched and last year up until August 9th we had 113 days of rain as well as the same for this year.

However...........................the number of INCHES of rain last year was 39 and this year 67 for the same bracket of time so the amount definitely is almost doubled of what is usual.

The previous summer to that we had 29 inches.

 

That's for this neck of the woods. Have you all had rain where you are alot this Summer?

 

Last night, Mr. Darcy and I were out and could get just a faint hint of Fall air here in the North Ga mountains. Just a hint. Reminded me of going to the ball games and about the 3rd game could feel the nip in the air.

 

We have a dry creek in the back of the property and when it's raining so much it flows like a river. Actually, quite pretty to see out the window.

 

On the homefront, I can't believe I'm living out the last 2 weeks of a half-century since birth!!!

Yup, I will be reaching the big 5-0 soon. One lady asked me not to tell anyone but I really  have never been ashamed of my age. It's just a fact and I'm just thankful I have lived this long to tell you!

 

I have learned through many years to lean on the promises of God. He made us and knew us even before we were born. The Bible says He knitted us in the womb.  That by itself is amazing!

 

I find these scripture to be very important in daily life:

 

Isaiah 43:4 You are precious and honored in my sight and ........I love you.

 

Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

Phil. 4: 12 I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

 

Psalm 73:26 God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

 

I Peter 5: 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

 

Deut. 31:6 The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

 

Luke 18:27 What is impossible with man is possible with God.

 

Phil. 4: 13 I have strength for all thngs in Christ who empowers me.

 

2 Cor. 12: 9 My grace is sufficent for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

 

and the most important to me through all these years is:

 

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, submit to him and He will make your paths straight.

 

Bottom line is:

 

You are special. You matter. Your maker knows you.

 

However, He has also given us free will and part of life is using discernment to know the difference from His will and our own free will.

 

Life is hard many times and there are so many times of blessed joy!

But I know if I follow His will and not my own, he will make the paths straight and take care of me through the remainder of my years on Earth and those that choose to walk with me on this journey whether for a short time or forever know where my heart is.

 

This morning I hope you are content, peaceful, hopeful and know God loves you.

 

Till later,

Jennifer

Finishing my Wips!

Cleaning out and moving stash provided me the opportunity to see the many WIPS I have and the importance of finishing them. I needed some cheery colors so when I saw this WIP, At Home with Jane Austen, designed by The Sampler Girl, I pulled the bright colors and started where I left off......on the house.

and then I spent an hour on raising the roof in CC Tartan Plaid.....................

 

I'm eager to get with this one again today.

 

 Also knitted alot, in fact so much that my 32 in cord was bunched and packed so  I had to get a 47 inch and 60 in interchangeable cable in case for My Fall Shawl Ya'll. Yup that's the name.

I'm just using a basic Litroral pattern found on Ravelry for free.

 

It works with all garter stitch shawls with gradual increases after a row of 30 stitches. I like round, crescent shaped shawls better than pointy ones. I find this really is fast knitting.

 

So this is on the 47 inch cord. Can you believe this is only 1 skein of Bernat sale yarn for 2.97 at the end of the season last year, Joanne's Fabrics?

 

I probably will use another 1/2 one here or even may use the whole 2nd one.

 

 

 

 

When I first started knitting, I must have had an attraction to red yarn of any colorway.

I have several in my stash. I have another yarn that is Homespun and  will make a tweed like texture in a burgandy red that I would like to make as well.

 

Don't you just love Joanne's??? their coupons, their military discounts, and options. The only thing I don't like there is any of their circular needles. OMG, try one. The cord is so tangled.

I love the Knitter's Pride ones. They are made of Vermont Birch and laquered to a smooth finish wood needle. I like to get the interchangeable ones if I can and the cords are memory free and will not curl tight.

 

I also like the Dreamz because each size is color coded basically. I don't have a full set but I'm hoping Santa will bring me a Nova set in Knitter's Pride this year. Those are metal ones.

 

I can't believe Christmas is only 4 months away! So this is a busy time for all of us stitchers getting gifts made and ornies.

 

Speaking of ornies, I need to design one soon.

 

I hope you have a nice Saturday. The sun is out here and I'm sooooooooooo glad as we have had our share of rain gloomy days. But the contrast definitely helps me appreciate the sunshine more!

 

Ta ta for now,

Jennifer

Finished sampler~~ My Everything

Finally finished My Everything sampler by The Sampler Girl. DMC monochromatic in 355. Linen is unknown wool-like multi on natural color......what a description, right?  Well, this was a fun piece to stitch. I really like the stitching around it but when framed you can't see but just the top and bottom of it.

When framed in this frame I had in my stash for years, it almost ---almost fits. Even though it does cut off the letters in a couple of spots close, I believe I'm going to keep it framed in this one.

I've had this frame since 2003. I'm glad I can repurpose it with a sampler. It's Mr. Darcy-approved! :)

Till later,

Jennifer

Summer Homestead Happenings!

This week has flown by very quickly and boy, what a busy one! The homestead is getting a porch facelift!

Instead of paint this time that peels by the end of the season, decided to strip the entire wrap around porches, just the floors, and stain it with a barn red stain, not paint.

WHAT a job but so well worth it!

For the most part all done after 3 days but the edges and that will be done by the end of the week.

What a mess!

About 4 layers of paint--------gone. YAY!!!

lots of shadows but looks like new wood in real life here.

I can't wait for the barn red stain to go on. Thankfully, the sun has been staying out and no rain in the past few days.

Of course, looking off the side porch at this, with a cuppa helps too!

Miss Abbie is spoiled as she can be still. Once this week she actually dragged out her soiled potty paper in her pan and started folding it with herself and I guess she watched me do that so much, she was just helping and hinting that it needed changing. :P

She also has been thinking her doggie bed is her boyfriend and has been "intimate" with it ALOT!

Shocks me. I thought she was "fixed". She is definitely a personality of herself.

But all in all, the peace and contentment, good food, and Mother nature and Father time are healing and nurturing us through the Summer this year.

My stitching has been less lately but I did throw in a few more letters to My Everything designed by the Sampler Girl. Oh how I crave to stitch more and have many lined up projects when I have more than a few minutes here and there this Summer.

Red seems to be my "almost" favorite color of late.

A real close second to pink. :)

Of course, reading and writing is a love at heart as well. But Summer is just full of so many long daylight hours and things to do, especially around the homestead of late.

Good eats this week made from scratch are:

Peach cobbler

Fresh strawberry shortcake

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (made with leftover smoked chicken)

Fresh tomato sandwiches with Hellman's mayo and salt and pepper

Cold Peach Treat wine from Habersham Winery, local 

Bacon and egg breakfasts with lots of coffee

Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches, freshly toasted

Homegrown tomatoes just sliced up with fresh lettuce, salt and pepper

Hope your week is cruisin' along too with lots of Summer treats.

Miss Abbie has been doing a little training and she is definitely enjoying bacon treats as much as ever for rewards. She's my lump of sugga.

 The kitchen faucet finally pooped out and replaced with a more substantial and rustic faucet that I am lovin'.

Picked these twice now out of the yard and they last for almost a week in the house cut.

Every day gets a little brighter and this is a definite~~ good thing.

It's amazing what blooms given a nurturing environment!

( my aloe plant, it's growing like a weed right now)

Stay cool,

Jennifer