Matthew's Stocking

I haven't made a whole lot of progress on my daughter's stocking to justify a post.  So I've decided to show you the stocking I made for my son.  Both June McKnight and Terry Christopher helped me out with fiber and stitch selections.  The canvas was designed by Peter Ashe.  Hope you enjoy the photos...

Happy Stitching!

  

Halloween with Melissa Shirley

It wasn't so long ago when you would have been hard pressed to find a Halloween canvas.  Well, not anymore.  Halloween is second only to Christmas canvases and the margin is narrowing.  It's easy to see why - these Halloween canvases are so darn cute!  When I visited Melissa Shirley's studio, I fell in love with all her Halloween and fall themed canvases.  Here is a glimpse of what's available...

When you first enter Melissa's studio, you are greeted by this lovely cabinet filled with needlepoint.  (Who needs dishes! lol)

Hanging from a knob is this whimsical skull.  It was finished so that it could be filled with candy or other Halloween delights.

Isn't this adorable.  I love how the pumpkins just jump off the canvas.  I didn't notice this while I was there, but I think some of the pumpkins might be appliqued to the canvas.  At least that's how it looks in the picture.

This little guy just makes me smile.  It's a small canvas that would stitch up in a weekend. There are lots of different "monsters" available.  Imagine a row of them trick or treating across a shelf in your home....

This witch was fantastic!  Look at all the great stitches and fibers that were used.  I'm not sure what fiber was used for the straw sticking out of her hat, but it is really effective.  And the frog is the cutest.  His tongue is sticking out and looks three dimensional - maybe a picot stitch

On top of the cabinet, were these fun Halloween decorations.  The wooden stands look great and are a smart way to display needlepoint.  And doesn't everyone need a witch's house made of needlepoint?  I'm thinking that I do! 

Also on top of the cabinet was this great hat.

These two houses were not stitched, but I can just imagine how they would look all finished.  They are smaller than the larger houses that Melissa is known for, but just as cute.

This Indian maiden was one of my favorite canvases.  Here is a close up...

Everything about this canvas was just exquisite!  I think I definitely need to add this to my stash.

I have a few more photos to share with you, but they will have to wait until next time.  I need to get busy and get some stitching done.  Hope you have a great weekend.

Happy Stitching!

Melissa Shirley Field Trip

Recently, my LNS, 2 the Point, went on a "field trip" to Melissa Shirley's studio.  Well, at least that's what I told my husband.  It was actually a shop till you drop trip.  Terry Christopher, owner of 2 the Point,  organized the trip.  We took a cute little bus there, had a yummy lunch, and then a special chance to meet John Johannsen and tour his studio too!  Melissa and John - all in one day; I was in needlepoint heaven!

I think one of the best things about going to Melissa's studio (besides meeting Melissa - and yes, she really is a delight) was being inspired by all the finished pieces she had on display.  I took tons of photos and wanted to share some of the finishing that I saw.

These are one of Melissa's 12 Days of Christmas series.  I love how these were finished with the side detailing. Instead of being a flat ornament, these were about 1/2 inch thick with ribbon and beading detail.  I think the thickness added to the luxury of these ornaments.  Wouldn't it be nice to have all 12 on your Christmas tree?

Here is the partridge from the same series.  I just love the way he was stitched.  I do believe that there is a stitch guide available for all 12 ornaments.

Also finished in a similar fashion, were these beautiful angels.  These are a little thicker than the 12 Days of Christmas and have an adorable rickrack trim.  Towards the bottom of the picture is a pear which had at least an one inch gusset, so it could stand on it's own, as well as hang from a tree.

Here is a close up of the side.  Isn't it adorable?  I don't think I will finish an ornament flat ever again.

Doesn't everyone need a wreath filled with needlepoint ornaments?  My front door has a large glass insert, so when I hang our Christmas wreath outside, we see it's shadow from the inside.  I think I need a wreath just like this to hang inside the house.  This way my front door looks good from both sides. 

I love the gingham check ribbon.

Here is one more from this series.

Here is the last of the Christmas themed canvases.  When I first saw these canvases, I thought they were nice, but they didn't knock my socks off.  Well, let me tell you, these are beautiful in person!  They have definitely made it onto my must stitch list.  I love the shabby chic bases that the finisher used.  However, I think I will use a darker base for mine, so that it fits in with my home decor.

A big thank you to Melissa and Terry for making this trip possible.  I had such a great time, and did a little stash enhancing too!

I have more photos to share with you  Watch for my next post, when I share Melissa's fall themed canvases.
If you want to see any of the above canvases, visit Melissa's website.

Happy Stitching!
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Alexandra's Stocking

I've made good progress on my daughter's stocking.  Santa's suit is all done.  I just have his beard, face and gloves to complete.  I also think I need to add something extra to the boots.  Maybe some beads to look like  buttons laced with some Kreinik.  What do you think?

Yesterday, I went to my LNS, 2 the Point, and picked up some additional threads for the fireplace.  So I have plenty of stitching to keep me busy this weekend.

Happy Stitching!