A Mysterious Tiny Stitching Sampler Framed and Birthday Box Goodies

Making a final box of handmades for a special friend's birthday. 

I unfortunately couldn't attend her special 90th party as it was in June when I was having complications after my shoulder surgery. However, she knows I am sending her a gift. And I hope to see her soon when I am able.

 Her daughter and I were very close, like sisters growing up.

We reconnected the week of daddy's funeral and I was so glad we did. I miss the family alot.

Her mother was like a second momma to me growing up. She had all the attributes I would strive for in being a momma. She listened many times on her front porch and we would talk for hours.

She baked the best cakes I've ever eaten in my life. She was just as much a friend with a listening ear after school and at that time I so needed.

She was truthful, gave much needed wisdom throughout my teen years and the nicest ever. Her and her husband had 5 children. The first 4 boys and then a girl.

Her daughter was a bit younger than me but we grew up together like sisters.

I felt so honored to be invited to her 90th birthday party. I was so disappointed I couldn't make the 4 hour drive.

I still am in contact with her daughter again and we just started talking like we never had lost connection. I guess you could say she is one of Kindred Spirits.

I knitted these up at different times.

Today while rambling through my finishes but not yet "finished" in my stitching studio, I found a tiny one over one sampler I made in 2011. I can't remember the designer. Maybe one of you can jog my memory so I can give credit where credit is due.

I wish I also knew the fabric because it's a very pretty muted deep red.

I think it was supposed to be a pin keep because the other side of the pin keep I finished with the year 2011 (when my vision was better) was on the back also finished.

So I got a new frame from my stitching stash that I've had a while. It's about 2 x 3 in and framed it.

I thought it would be sweet to add to her box.

I have a knit scarf for the Fall and Winter, some local Shea butter soaps, 2 of the silk/bamboo facial cloths for the bath, and one all cotton dishcloth for the kitchen.

I tied them with sweet ribbon from my studio.

And added this framed piece I hope she will like.

I thought the frame was perfect. I believe this frame I got from Hobby Lobby for storage for finishes like this.

On the home front

Mr. Darcy and I have had a busy 10 or more days. About 2 weeks ago went to the eye doctor and had pain in my left one with glaucoma and a corneal problem. To make a long story short, I've been through 2 amniotic tissue transplants from 3 donors.

I had to go every day since then to the doctor for them to check it.

The second one placed because the area was not completely healed on Thursday.

This one didn't do well at all. My body I guess rejected it. By Thursday night hubby was calling the eye doc after hours and he drove from his house 2 hours away and met us at the clinic at 9pm. I had the most pain ever and couldn't tolerate any light at all without feeling like having electric shocks. Even sunglasses didn't help. I developed uveitis evidently. He removed the disc but had a hard time. My cornea was swollen and not getting oxygen. To a dark room with dilating drops twice a day for past 3 days until tomorrow. Also oral antibiotics, steroid eye drops (couldn't be helped even though making glaucoma not good), and dilating drops twice a day.

For the last 2 days, following all the medications and steroid drops, it's getting much, much better.

I can see the computer better with UV glasses though.

I'm so not a person to just lie down in a dark room but I had to.

I'm so glad I'm better. I hope tomorrow's visit I can stop dilating my eyes twice a day.

That is the second uveitis flare I've had. It's pretty much an autoimmune reaction. Was told to eliminate anything or anyone stressful 2 weeks ago when this started.

Working on that!

I hope to mail off this box tomorrow and get a good report from the eye doc.

I will probably he said have to go to a corneal specialist in Atlanta again for a check.

I think the worse part is losing vision in my left eye to be legally blind in it.

I'm so thankful I have 2 eyes.

Mr. Darcy has planned a much needed vacay for us soon. Hotel is booked.  He thinks I need a reprieve from alot of things happening at one time in the past year. 

I can't say I don't agree.

Just will make sure I pack a hat, sunglasses and my vitamins for energy!!!!!

I hope you are having a good Sunday and a healthy one.

I'm still listening to audio books all Ann of Green Gables. Audio version came in handy this past week.

To all my kindred spirits,

Jennifer

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

The Scarlett Letter Sampler Finished and Framed

This week I finished up the Antique Alphabet Sampler by The Scarlett Letter. I enjoyed the color and variety of the silks that were in the package.

 So one more WIP completed from my stash!

 

 

The measurements the sampler called for did not turn out to be the ones on linen but it's all good!

 

 

 

 

The Antique Alphabet Sampler

designer, The Scarlett Letter

 

25 count unbleached linen

silk thread supplied in kit

stitched 1 over 1 as directions in kit

 

I framed this myself with hubbie's help as well. This frame I had in my stash, found once in a junkin' store and contained a very old black and white photo of a young man dressed in late 18th century clothing. He was quite dapper! It was not until I peeled the paper off and removed the old wire they had for hanging that I saw a name and date.

 

There are slightly rusty nails that held the picture in. I actually used them again to hold in the sampler on a board piece.

 

The frame has one ding in it and also 2 of the joints are not tightly flush but this is what you get with vintage frames and to me it adds character.

I often wonder when I find such items, who the person was, was he a local or did the framed picture migrate from estate auctions to the junkin' store from states away?

I had the picture but misplaced it and I'm sure it's somewhere in my stitching space.

 

 

The rest of the frame has been well preserved. If this young man, who appeared to be no older than 25 years old, was truly born and died in the years written, the frame would date to be mid 18th century.

 I paid 2.00 for the frame. I'm glad I can repurpose this with a small sampler.

 

Something right off that also told me later this frame was old was the odd dimensions. It is not a true to size 5 x 7 but more like 4 3/4 x 6 3/8.

I know that frames can be made to fit certain pieces individually but there was quite a bit of space around him in the picture.

All in all, I like the walnut wood and will treasure it on my sampler wall in the family room.

 

 

I have one from the Scarlett Letter on the far left bottom that is actually part 1 of a two part sampler. I already have the matching frame for the second sampler and had started it long ago. When I complete this one, I will need to rearrange my sampler wall in this room a bit.

 

 

This is the next WIP in my stash I picked up. The NPI silks are gorgeous for this coverlet piece. This one is designed by The Scarlett HOUSE........a different designer than above.

I miss counted 2 threads off to start the head of the bird so I am frogging out back to the neck and restarting, hoping to get the count right. Just 2 threads off would have put it off in appearance.

 

 

This one when finished will most likely be framed very similarly as above in the picture.

 

 

Abbie is finally getting some peaceful time.

 

 This week has been a real chaotic time but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank heavens for homeowners insurance but OMG at the deductible and at such a bad time... (really when is a good time LOL)

The pipe that burst is cleaned all up. The hammers and machines that sound like jets have ceased, just for a little bit. The new flooring for the kitchen will be on order tomorrow but will take a week to come in. This project has propelled my sweet hubbie and I to be able to do some re arranging in the house for our needs and more practical.

The kitchen island although very useful 10 years ago with teenagers at the time, now is going to the utility room in the basement for storage of linens, quilts, and the big counter top for folding.

The wood table that really was an eye sore in the basement will be repurposed with a little oil based painting and cutting down the legs to a picnic area outside looking over the mountains on the property. My DH will build benches for it.

The kitchen will have a large braid rug with our table for cozy eating for 2, 4 or 8 actually.

And on and on with re-establishing our home to fit our basic needs.

 

I think all in all it will be more functional. The guest bedrooms will be also rearranged for better function. We also will have some painting to do maybe in the kitchen cupboards.

 

Feathering the nest is quite a job but as long as love is in the home, it's worth every bit and we feel so blessed to have a home.

 

Hope your weekend is a good one.

 

Jennifer

 

 

The Ribbon is Changed for a Royal Baby Boy!

Yesterday was very exciting for the world to find out a Royal baby was born a prince! So the green ribbon on the new release Anticipation sampler is changed to vintage blue lace.

  

Welcome, little bundle of joy!

If you would like a digital copy, this is available now in the Etsy shoppe, Feathersinthenest!

I also have completed a baby giftie project for another baby boy due in 3 weeks.

The Basketweave stitch on the left. The "All Washed Up" pattern from Ravelry (free pattern) in the middle top, and a garter stitch on the right.

I really enjoyed the pattern, "All Washed Up". The designer is Jill Arnusch.

Very soft, I Love This Cotton by Hobby Lobby in the colorway Aqua used.

On to finish 2 other projects today, along with housecleaning and such today. It started out bright and sunny this morning but now gray and looking like rain. Again. I've never seen so much rain in one Summer in my life.

Well certainly appears to be a good stitching and reading day so methinks I need to hurry and get the chores done so I can kick back and relax with the needles and watch the Royal news.

I have started planning menus for a week; therefore helping to reduce costs when I go grocery shopping for the week. So far, working well. Do you have a homestead menu for the week?  Does it save money?

Looking at the laundry, I think I need a laundry menu plan each day. :0

Just to leave a note of encouragement for today~~~~~~~

Till later,
Jennifer

Finished Quaker and Work on Design for DV Awareness

 

 

Doing Right quaker freebie

 

designer~Liberty House Primitives and Needlework

 

DMC 3750 antique blue

28 ct Antique Autumn Gold linen

 

 

 

 

This piece was a fun finish!

 

 

 

I completely frogged this one above and stitched the motif again as the count was off.

 

 

 

 

I picked up a fat quarter of Confederate fabric, calico at the quilt store. The DMC color matches the dark navy perfectly.

 

 

 

and made into a simple cupboard primitive piece, in fact the first for the old Hoosier cabinet refinished this Summer

 

 

 

 

I pulled out one of my own designs that needs a little bit of finishing and another band or two.

 

Forever Hope

 

I am going to add these buttons when finished to accent.

As October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, I thought it best to try to finish designing and stitching a model. I already had the rustic black frame for the past 2 years, so I"m eager to finish this one.

 

 

 

More pics to come as I work on this one again.

 

The colors blend several purple shades, as well as gold shades.

 

This design has a special place in my heart.

 

The pattern will be for sale when completed. More to come!

 

Well, time for bed now to get some sleep and get readied for another day in these mountains.

I hope to get some really good Fall photos this weekend if the weather permits.

 

Till later,

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

Mr.Darcey Finished

Mr. Darcy sampler designer The Sampler Girl

just finished and framed by me

to add to the sampler wall.....well one of them.

This was a very cute little design. I loved it and will treasure it as it has much meaning to me.

Looks like midnight finishes are starting back up.

Looks like I haven't adjusted to the time change.

Looks like I'm having more fun that I should, but heck, life is short!

Till later to see what I take with on the trip,

Jennifer

Sunday in reflection-colonial times

Some stitched Colonial Williamsburg houses. Stitched by me 30 years ago and still has a place in my heart.

Heading out to DC this week and planning and packing! Last year actually breezed by Colonial Williamsburg and I want to go one day to spend a whole lot longer than I did last time.

Colonial times were just plain simpler. Men were men, ladies were ladies. Simple blessings in life were treasured more.

Even though we don't dress like this nowadays, we can still hold some of the simplicity in our hearts forever.

I like to go to the big cities once a year. It reminds me of fortunate I am to live in a slower paced world.

It refreshes my views on most anything watching the city lights and the busy taxi fly by.

I will be sharing with you some pics of my adventures this week so stay tuned.

In Stitches shop is definitely on my list of places to go.

I can't wait to see in person all the new designs from Nashville this year.!!!!!!

Happy Sunday to you!

Keys to My Heart ~~ The Brave Heart

The Brave Heart

Keys to My Heart series

designed by Feathers in the Nest

copyright 2011

using Gentle Art Fragrant Roses and Brethren Blue on 32 count antique ivory linen

Matthew Brandon is the name in 1986, on one cool September night, to give to my son. He was born almost exactly 1 year after I delivered my deceased son, Aaron, who died at birth.  I picked out the named Matthew as it means "a gift from God" and I felt truly blessed.

 There are many meanings depicted in research for the name Brandon, which is of Irish origin. The one that I really didn't realize would become his passion and who he is, ironically, is the Irish meaning, "Brave Prince".

And that is his strength.

There is personal meaning designed in this sampler.

I think so much of the military is focused on spouses, and they DO need alot of support through war.

From my experience, the military does not address the concerns of mothers of soldiers enough in this area of the country, which I hope I see changed in my lifetime.

During his Afghanistan tour, there were many emotional ups and downs for all extended and immediate family members, as was to be expected by all. I remember rubbing my palms raw at the community send-off ceremony. And honestly, I don't think he is or was mature enough to understand. He will though one day when he has his own. He will.

A Lieutenant called our home during this time for other information from us out of the blue. We talked and exchanged concerns and with the help of the chaplain, who had the kindest heart in the world and I owe alot to him........finally, I expressed it in one sentence. Of course, they hear mothers who are concerned and honestly, the helplessness of it is in need of some attention.

I said in complete random to this highly honorable man, "Sir, you have to remember, you wouldn't have this soldier without his mother/me giving him life."

 Of course, I realize that I have left out fathers in this and did not on purpose as they too, wring their hands and worry and try to support and stay strong.

But, I'm speaking from my heart and where these keys will stay forever regardless of a given situation.

~~~From every moutainside,

Let freedom ring

 from Our Country Tis of Thee

Finished a RAK!!!!!

Stitching Friends

design by Debbie Draper Designs

freebie  pattern I have had in my "freebie pattern drawer" for a very long time!

Sending this out as a RAK this week.

I was gifted myself with the linen from amongst MANY linens from Ma Teakettle and I can't remember the name of it  or can find the label (sorry) but I think it's 32 count antique ivory

I used almost entire skein of Crescent Colors Belle Soie silk in Blue Lagoon which was ALSO gifted awhile back from Jennifer at Confessions of a Serial Starter so I put these gifts to me together to send out this week as a RAK. Gifts that keep giving!  ;)

I wish I could stitch many many of them to all. It's a very cute design and I need to go through my freebie folder more often!

I plan to put buttons on the top corners with ribbon to hang which will not take long.

The backing fabbie I had from a fat quarter in my fabric cabinet.

Well, better get busy on finishing Pepsi's sampler and then picking out which ones to take on my trip next week. Oh yeah, and laundry.......I completely forgot about that today. LOL

It's about to storm big here as I hear thunder and see lightening in a distance getting closer. Abbie is absolutely having a panic attack by me right now so

till later,

Jennifer