Daffy's Stitchy Friends

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

WIP Wednesday

I've been hard at work on  The Finery of Nature. This is one HARD project to photograph! It is almost impossible to get a clear, in-focus picture with decent color. Out of two dozen photos this was the best and it's crap but you get the idea!


The little nest is taking shape. The yellow-gold looks odd without the earth colors surrounding it but it's nice to stitch a color that stands out as the foundation to count from. I doubt I'm even half through with this block since the nest is pretty solid with stitches. If you are wondering what the finished project looks like see my sidebar. The picture is a link to a larger photo but the kit is no longer available except on the secondhand market.

Keebles asked if I'm using a light box to help see? Yes, it's invaluable for stitching on dark fabric! What is a light box? It's a fluorescent light inside a translucent plastic box. The light shines up through  your fabric so you can see the holes easier. Here is a snap of mine:


The funny square shape under the fabric is the pattern. I know there are DIY lightbox instructions on the web but I have this one, Light Tracer 2. Actually, I stole this light box from my daughter,  Jessie ~ but since she left it in my basement...it was fair game, right?

Over the weekend, I found this in my mailbox: 


Isn't this a beautiful Christmas ornament? It was an RAK from Becky of The Stitchin' Post. Look at that carefully beaded edge...and that adorable wire hanger. I was so tickled to receive this and I can't wait for the holidays so I can hang it on my tree! Thank you, Becky!

TUSALers be aware that Friday is the new moon! I need to find time to add recent members to the list so if your name isn't on there yet...I will get to it ~ eventually!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!
xox

39 comments:

cucki said...

Beautiful stitching project and lovely RAK from Becky.
Hugs xxxx

TexWisGirl said...

that chickadee stitching is gorgeous! SO beautiful!

Friendship Crossing said...

Wow Sharon! That looks intense! But love how the colors 'pop' off the black fabric!
Nice gift!

smiles,
Tanya

P.S. love your new floss header! cute!

Barb said...

That's a very pretty WIP and a lovely ornament.

Bea said...

Your RAK is adorable - such a cute ornament.

And Finery of Nature looks fabulous. The colours just jump off that dark fabric. I really don't like stitching on dark fabric, but oh how I love the results.

Annette-California said...

Oh My Goodness Becky! Finery of Nature is STUNNING! Wow! Love how the colors stand out. Who is the designer? I see the name of the design but not the designer. Yes I think that is very nice of your daughter to leave the light box in your home. Its meant to be used:)
Lovely gift you received.
love Annette

Katy said...

I think your WIP looks beautiful! The colors just pop off of the black! And what an adorable RAK!

valerie said...

Gorgeous progress on Finery! I just love how the colors pop on the black. And such a sweet RAK from Becky! Lovely! Thanks for the TUSAL reminder. :)

Erica said...

Finery is a gorgeous piece! Working on black is touch, but it really looks like it will be worth it!
Love the RAK as well!

sharine said...

great stitching!

Margaret said...

I so love that WIPm-- so gorgeous! Nice RAK from Becky too!

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

Beautiful stitching I love that design. your light box is pretty cool!

Heather said...

Wow, those colours pop so well on the black fabric. And the light box is a great idea!

Virpi said...

Your stitching looks really pretty and so does also Becky's ornament.

Michelle said...

Beautiful WIP I think its going to look wonderful. Lovely RAK received x

butterfly said...

Love your Wip looks just beautiful.
Also love your header what a great idea.

Christine said...

Finery looks amazing, great little ornament RAK too

Annie said...

Love the colors on that dark fabric. You're lucky to have a lightbox and a good set-up like that. I've long since abandoned any attempts to stitch on dark fabric.

Cute little RAK. Nice gift to top off a day!

Vickie said...

Just beautiful! Such a nice gift too!

Annette said...

It's so beautifull on that black.. wonderfull.
Have fin with it!!

Puzzled Pickle said...

LOL. Don't worry Mom, I do all digital art now! Feel free to use the lightbox to your hearts content! :P The stitch is turning out beautifully, btw, can't wait to see it done! The colors are gorgeous on the black background.

Anonymous said...

The colours look fabulous on the dark fabric, but I don't envy you having to stitch it!
Lovely RAK, great edging technique...so neat too!

Lija Broka said...

Your stitching is looking good!

Carol said...

I love this more each time I see it, Sharon--what brilliant colors! Such a cute gift from Becky, too--I just love those beaded edges, even though they take forever to put together!

Mary Ann said...

I love your WIP--very pretty!! And, the RAK you received is lovely!

Deb said...

The photos look great from my angle, its rally taking shape and the finished product is beautiful I imagine yours is going to look just as lovely. I have a project waiting in the wings worked on black but I am waiting until I get a few more under my belt before I attempt it.

The ornament you received is sweet.

Catherine said...

What a beautiful project you are working in!
And such a sweet RAK too!

Anne said...

Finery of Nature is looking great so far and I can see that the light is helpful. I use a white towel when I stitch on black. Great RAK from Becky! Love her finish!!

Peggy Lee said...

Oh WOW!! I love this piece stitched on black linen! I tried to stitch on black before and I quickly realized how hard it was before I got to the third X! I just couldn't do it. I need one of those light boxes.

A very sweet gift from Becky. Love the holly.

:o)

Kathy A. said...

Beautiful project. You are so brave to stitch on black. I struggle so much with the dark colors.
I love your RAK from Becky. I had the priviledge to meet her this summer and she is a very sweet lady.

Julie said...

Beckys gift is beautiful.
This design is so vibrant and colourful.

Meari said...

Your WIP looks great!

Solstitches said...

What a stunning piece. The colours look so gorgeous on the black.
Lovely little ornament from Becky.
Margaret

The Maiden said...

This is the first time I have seen this pattern and I love it! The picture looks nice to me (they never capture the true beauty of the piece).

Joysze said...

If that picture is crap, you're going to need smelling salts handy if I saw it in person!! ;) Beyond stunning, is what it is!!

LOL! I like the way you think in regards to the light. ;)

Awww, cute ornie!!! I'm catching up on blog reading and am seeing all these cute christmas ornies popping up.

Anonymous said...

Finery of Nature is beautiful. Your photography efforts paid off wonderfully, too.

Patty C. said...

Beautiful progress & what a lovely RAK from Becky !!

Sandra said...

Your black piece is looking wonderful Sharon! I love ow the colors stand out.

You're right, a light box is a useful tool. I used to have a round table with a glass top, to stitch on dark fabrics I placed a lamp underneath! It was easier for me.

Lynn B said...

Ooooo, I love the Finery of Nature cross stitch, very pretty!