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
Beautiful stitching project and lovely RAK from Becky.
ReplyDeleteHugs xxxx
that chickadee stitching is gorgeous! SO beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow Sharon! That looks intense! But love how the colors 'pop' off the black fabric!
ReplyDeleteNice gift!
smiles,
Tanya
P.S. love your new floss header! cute!
That's a very pretty WIP and a lovely ornament.
ReplyDeleteYour RAK is adorable - such a cute ornament.
ReplyDeleteAnd 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.
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:)
ReplyDeleteLovely gift you received.
love Annette
I think your WIP looks beautiful! The colors just pop off of the black! And what an adorable RAK!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous 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. :)
ReplyDeleteFinery is a gorgeous piece! Working on black is touch, but it really looks like it will be worth it!
ReplyDeleteLove the RAK as well!
great stitching!
ReplyDeleteI so love that WIPm-- so gorgeous! Nice RAK from Becky too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful stitching I love that design. your light box is pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteWow, those colours pop so well on the black fabric. And the light box is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteYour stitching looks really pretty and so does also Becky's ornament.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful WIP I think its going to look wonderful. Lovely RAK received x
ReplyDeleteLove your Wip looks just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAlso love your header what a great idea.
Finery looks amazing, great little ornament RAK too
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteCute little RAK. Nice gift to top off a day!
Just beautiful! Such a nice gift too!
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautifull on that black.. wonderfull.
ReplyDeleteHave fin with it!!
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.
ReplyDeleteThe colours look fabulous on the dark fabric, but I don't envy you having to stitch it!
ReplyDeleteLovely RAK, great edging technique...so neat too!
Your stitching is looking good!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI love your WIP--very pretty!! And, the RAK you received is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteThe ornament you received is sweet.
What a beautiful project you are working in!
ReplyDeleteAnd such a sweet RAK too!
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!!
ReplyDeleteOh 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.
ReplyDeleteA very sweet gift from Becky. Love the holly.
:o)
Beautiful project. You are so brave to stitch on black. I struggle so much with the dark colors.
ReplyDeleteI love your RAK from Becky. I had the priviledge to meet her this summer and she is a very sweet lady.
Beckys gift is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis design is so vibrant and colourful.
Your WIP looks great!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning piece. The colours look so gorgeous on the black.
ReplyDeleteLovely little ornament from Becky.
Margaret
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).
ReplyDeleteIf that picture is crap, you're going to need smelling salts handy if I saw it in person!! ;) Beyond stunning, is what it is!!
ReplyDeleteLOL! 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.
Finery of Nature is beautiful. Your photography efforts paid off wonderfully, too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful progress & what a lovely RAK from Becky !!
ReplyDeleteYour black piece is looking wonderful Sharon! I love ow the colors stand out.
ReplyDeleteYou'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.
Ooooo, I love the Finery of Nature cross stitch, very pretty!
ReplyDelete