Our Neighborhood of Make Believe

my neighborhood comes home

2008-06-27T15:28:00.002+02:00

Hip, hip, hooray!! Thank you all so very (very!!) much for your beatiful stitching - and your friendship!!

Mine is HOME!!

2008-04-22T20:54:00.003+02:00

When the doorbell rang yesterday, I was thrilled to see that the postman had my RR from Rachael in his hands! I signed for it... and then enjoyed it! Thank you all sooo much! I hope to get some thank yous and gifties together for you all soon :-) I am debating between two ideas now for the center square...

Just one more RR still out there... and I hope its owner gets it soon too ;-)

Does anyone even read this blog any longer??

Welcome to my Seaside neighborhood!

2007-11-21T21:50:00.000+01:00

My entire neighborhood!
It's beautiful. I only know which one's are Veronica's, Carol's and Rachael's so I'm guessing on a few-so please let me know if I need to change anything. : ) I want to make you a little something, but I just can't seem to get it to look right in PSP7. I have a new program, so we'll see how that goes. Thanks everyone! (The photo on my blog is bigger than below)

Barbara's

Veronica's

Su's

Dianne's

Annemarie's

Rachael's

Carol's

Apologies to everyone

2007-10-29T14:02:00.000+01:00

Hi all, I am in the very deplorable position of having 3 NRR's in my possession . Dianne's- which is almost finished, Carol's and my own.
First of all apologies to Dianne for taking so long. The house is finished and I just have some landscaping to do.
I have picked out a house for Carol so that once I have mailed Dianne's RR I can get started on Carol's right away

AndI must say" Thank You" to everyone for all of your lovely work on my RR. I love it . I have thought a little about what I am going to put in the last two squars. I think I will make one a church- to justify some tombstones :-) and maybe a vegetable garden. I love so many of the details that you guys came up with. The mermaid and the whale , the texts, and the feel of blowing wind. Lovely.
Again my apologies to Dianne for being both late and rather lame in the communication department on this.

finally posted it today

2007-10-16T23:03:00.000+02:00

Hey Rachael, I just wanted to let you know that your NRR hit the Dutch post today and is underway to you in Germany. Let me know when it arrives? :D

It's heeeeeeeeere!

2007-10-12T15:29:00.000+02:00

Girls, I am over the moon: my Neighbourhood RR has finally found its way home, after roaming the planet for about two months!!!!! And I want to thank you all, from the bottom of my grateful heart, for all the work and effort and especially love you put into my neighbourhood. I cannot WAIT to finish my huge flower and stitch all your names in the corners. This Round Robin has been a joy from start to finish. Once it's completely finished, I will post a picture!

ra-ra Rachael!!

2007-10-10T20:08:00.000+02:00

Here it is, friends! Rachael's NRR!! It's all sealed up and ready to post to her tomorrow morning. Hooray!!

I wrote more on my blog about how much I've enjoyed this round robin ... you are such wonderful people, talented stitchers, and good friends! Thank you!!!!

Becky's Square on my RR

2007-09-30T03:48:00.001+02:00

I have some progress, at last, on my RR that I can share!! Many of you know Becky - such a sweetie! Becky volunteered to stitch Novia's block on my RR, and while Rachael was away in CA this summer, Su sent my RR to Becky... here is what Becky stitched for me. Isn't it sweet?

I am waiting for her to send this home to me, and then I will send it to Rachael. Rachael says she will finish it up when she returns from her trip to the US this fall... yay!!

This blog needed an entry, so here, at last, is one :-)

Finished neighbourhoods

2007-09-22T12:07:00.000+02:00

Has everyone got their NRR's home now? Have we got any more pictures to share? Our blog seems to have stopped come on girls haven't we any more to share?

Oh no!

2007-09-05T00:46:00.000+02:00

Someone, please console me! Gasp! I shipped An's RR home back on 8/17/07!!! Well, it is 9/4/07 and her RR is not there!!!!! Yes, it had to travel from NH, USA to The Netherlands, but that has typically taken a week or less (sometimes well less).. and now, her finished RR is where???..... USPS purgatory? Oh my! I feel terrible!!!

Coming Home

2007-08-17T04:59:00.001+02:00

I finished my square on An's RR tonight and now it is going to head home as soon as my DH can get to the post office tomorrow! I stitched several parts of Monkey Sampler by Midsummer Night Designs. I had to make a bunch of color changes as I know An is not a pastel lover, and the chart is really very pastel. I just had to stitch these monkeys for her! I have known what I wanted to stitch for her since this RR started, but I had to wait since I was last to get it :-)

And, here is how the whole thing looks now! I cannot wait to see what An adds - especially where she is going to add the elf in her block :-)

The RR will travel home in a well-worn purple mailer that was probably supplied by Dianne :-) The British customs sticker will not come off easily, so I put white stickers over it. Mike has made friends with our local postal staff, so he will have them just ignore the worn envelope and put the US customs form on top of the stickers - LOL!!

As for my RR, I sure hope to see mine someday soon too. BeckySC has it at the moment. She volunteered to stitch Novia's block for me. She is in the midst of a family crisis, so I told her to take her time with it. I emailed Rachael some bit ago to see if/when she wanted to work on mine... Rachael, are you out there?? Please email me - thanks!!

Hope everyone is enjoying the end of the summer now!

Just to let you know

2007-08-10T20:24:00.000+02:00

That Helen received her mum's NRR earlier this week for safe keeping. She's going to spruce it up as it was really folded into a small mailer.
Can't wait to see the other finishes. Carol is giving us some nice peeks at An's on her blog. I really like how hers looks next to mine-bosom buddies there. ; )

Presenting...

2007-07-28T23:22:00.000+02:00

...Castle ruins and barn cottage!

These are as mentioned Jane Greenoff designs. I hope you like them! Feel free to add to the scenery. I got a little stuck with what to add-I do like the animals (cows, a horse and a few chickens) and my little sign post that says 'tea' which is pointing in the direction of Carol's square. I had to keep things small because of the size of the structures. I believe this is nicer in person as I couldn't get a tight shot of the entire square so you can see all the detail. I like how the colors go with An's and the little house in the middle.
I will try to mail this Monday or Tuesday. Enjoy!
And thanks for the postcard-my inspiration for this square.

Soon and very soon...

2007-07-27T18:15:00.000+02:00

...Veronica's NRR will be finished! Yah! I'm just adding some finishing touches between the two structures that I have stitched. I really love Jean Greenhoff's designs as they are so delicate. I am hoping to post this to Veronica on Monday. ☺
Could Su or Helen ask Veronica if I could keep the postcard she enclosed? I already had Brian go to a little store in Lancaster County to pick out one (or two) to replace it. We collect postcards here. Thanks.
It's been an interesting and fun stitch and I feel like I have new lifetime pals in you ladies. I am planning to send you all a little artsy thing to thank you for your stitching.
Have fun with your last one too!

First completed Neighbourhood

2007-07-09T12:54:00.000+02:00

This is Veronica's stitching of the last 2 block on Su's NRR, it has been finished for a few weeks now but is only just on it's way to Su. We waited for the weather to brighten up a bit to do the photos seen as it was finished well ahead of time.

The block on the far right is a Pub in Su's neighbourhood and it looks very much like a real one in her actual village in Cumbria. The basis of the design is from a book by Jane Greenoff adapted by Veronica with little extas, it has a beer- garden to the front and a pond area outside.
The block to the left is a cumbrian house with railings made of wrought iron as this is something that Mark makes. This design idea was taken from a row of houses that were in a recent edition of Country Cross-Stitch magazine. All of the threads were DMC with colours Veronica chose, to make it look like where Susan lives and has added little details of things close to Su's heart like the greenhouse and bee hives and there is a little snail a robin and 2 blackbirds. There are ducks and sheep and a cat for Tasha the Pub has even got a name...The Cross Keys which used to be an old haunt of Susans when she still lived at home :)

Below you can see the whole Neighbourhood finished and I think you will all agree that it looks pretty amazing.
To re-cap on who has added what .....

TOP ROW
Left corner is Barbara's Stitching
Middle is Carol's Stitching
Right Corner is Dianne's stitching

MIDDLE ROW
Left Annemarie's stitching
Middle & Right Su's own stitching

BOTTOM ROW
Left is Rachael's stitching
Middle & Right Veronica's stitching

Veronica has asked me to say that she has thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this RR and is a bit sad it is coming to an end as you have all been such a great bunch of ladies to do this with...saying that she is very much looking forward to seeing the finished result of her own and all of your other lovely neighbourhoods :)

Happy stitching!!

Rachael's is here!

2007-06-28T11:17:00.000+02:00

But I haven't opened it yet. Too much to do ... and the temptation is too strong to start it now... LOL!!

Veronica's arrived today!

2007-06-27T18:43:00.000+02:00

It's so pretty-very nice everyone! I'm really impressed by the pond area-love it! It really looks like a quaint English town. Can't wait to get stitching on my last NRR. It really won't be long for everyone now.

I actually picked out two patterns from Castles and Cottages a book by Jane Greenoff. I was a bit stumped until I looked at the postcard Veronica enclosed. I had the book set aside anyway! I will give you a hint-what I chose will also go nicely with the middle design and Barbara's. I had to hand pick the DMC as I wasn't sure what colors were listed in the book. This will allow me to get to a bit more creative too. I have a few stitches in this piece already.

Rachael's Seaside and Lighthouse Neighbourhood

2007-06-25T15:00:00.001+02:00

You hadn't given up on me, I hope? I'm still here, I'm still stitching, and what's more, I've enjoyed every single stitch I put into this RR; I think it looks nice (that's a first), and I've learned a couple of new tricks as well. First, let me show you a picture of the block I stitched for Rachael:

It's 'Seaside Cottage' by Elizabeth's Designs, with a little addition (the lady with the umbrella) by L'Atelier du Pic Vert. The lady was stitched over-one. In order to prevent the fabric from going all funny - what with all the specialty stitches going on - I got myself a Q-snap frame. Now, normally, I hate all sorts of aides when it comes to stitching, but I must say Q-snaps are an invention to be applauded. Not only did the fabric not go funny, I was able to stitch with both hands while the frame was resting on my lap and the table, to make the stitching go super fast as well. I thought it would be a struggle to stitch with both my left and my right hand, but it immediately felt the most natural thing in the world. So thank you, Rachael, not only for the pleasure of stitching something to go in your lovely neighbourhood, but also for, unwittingly, introducing me to super fast, cramp-free stitching!

Here's the full picture of Rachael's neighbourhood so far. I will send this to Barbara tomorrow.

And now for the final Neighbourhood. And what a neighbourhood. I think Barbara's must be my favourite so far. There's one lilttle hitch, though. You kind ladies only left me the lower middle block to work on, and it seems impossible to find a suitable design to fit in between your colourful, patchwork hills and meadows... Wish me luck!

safe and sound but not of mind

2007-06-23T20:17:00.000+02:00

We made it to California. It took us about 28 hours- don't ask- you really don't want to know. Now I need to send Veronica's RR to Dianne , but I forgot the adress. Once again , don't ask, and I don't have access to my home computer. So if someone would be so kind as to send me Dianne's address, I will take care of that asap.To my regular email address- any of them- would be fine. Thanks so much. I belive Dianne is away for a couple of days.

Annemarie's RR is Here!

2007-06-21T00:37:00.002+02:00

Hi Ladies,
Annemarie's RR is safe and sound in New Hampshire! Thanks Su! I have known all along what I want to stitch on it, so that is half the battle - LOL!

This is my third attempt to post this message, silly Blogger!!!

I am alive

2007-06-12T10:07:00.000+02:00

Sorry , My internet died. Not the internet into the house . The kids still have internet- just poor me doesn't have internet. I am writting from the library, from their very slow computers with German keyboards. I shouldn't complain though, at least they work. If mine doesnät get fixed soon , I will get the kids to set me up something on one of their computers. Then I can get on a couple times a day.

Dianne- May I mail Veronica's RR to you on the 23rd? We are flying on the 22nd and then I can put it into the mail from California the next day. This would be a big help for me if it is okay. If I ever get my internet back , I will post a picture. I will take one in any case. I am not finished , but getting there.

Somewhere I also lost a week. I thought we were flying in two and a half weeks and that I could take to dog to my girlfriend in a week and a half and that I had tons of time to get my hair done etc.. Yesterday I realised that the 22nd is only a week and a half away. I know have appointments for all important stuff and just have to slog my way through. If I can bring the Americans anything from this end please let me know . I still neeed to hit the shops at least once.

Barbara's RR is ready to fly to Annemarie

2007-06-11T05:24:00.001+02:00

Earlier today, I finished my block on Barbara's RR. I decided, after quite a bit of contemplation, to stitch the right hand side of Hopeful by Carriage House Samplings for her. I know CHS is Barbara's favorite designer, and the design made me think of a New England farmhouse... also quite a dear concept to Barbara... it was such fun to stitch!

And... isn't this nice?? This is Barbara's RR as it looks now. It is all packed up and I am giving it to Mike to post to Annemarie in the morning. In a few short days, it's world journey will end as it returns to The Netherlands again :-)

Thanks, Barbara, for this wonderful opportunity to stitch for you!

Watch this space....

2007-06-10T08:29:00.001+02:00

... Barbara's RR will be appearing here shortly :-)

Hugs,
Carol

So I was just thinking...

2007-05-23T12:25:00.000+02:00

We are almost near the end of this awesome project. I think (and I'd like your thoughts) that the last person to stitch before the owner should not show it until the owner has it in her accepting hands. Like let it be a surprise at the end. I feel mine has been a surprise for you. I can't wait! I miss my seashore house and community. Is this a good idea? Then we can post or the owner can post a grand photo of the finished piece.

Silly Question...but I have to ask it....!!

2007-05-01T02:11:00.000+02:00

Um, when is our next mailing date? I am lost on that right now! Thanks :-)

Annemaries NRR

2007-04-27T20:33:00.000+02:00

Our Neighbourhood RR is nearing its finish now and I have just finished stitching Annemaries which has been great fun for me.
The house is by Brightneedle as is the tree, its from the lovely pattern 'I spy', if you look carefully you can see the wackiness in the designs of the house and tree, I really love this one. I of course changed the house colours totally. The wee goat at the front is from CHS - 'Hopeful', I have him chewing hay (my own addition). The dog I just made up as all the other bits and bobs on it, apart from the birds which I took from I spy as well.

I'll leave you a picture of Annemaries NRR so far. I'm sure that you'll agree with me that its looking good!

Bid farewell to Su's NRR

2007-04-18T21:15:00.000+02:00

Just to let you know that Su's NRR was mailed by global priority this afternoon. It's in a boring global priority envelope Veronica, with the fancier envelope inside it. I bet you'll be as excited as Su is to see it. Enjoy!

For Su...gonna be on it's way soon!!

2007-04-13T23:49:00.000+02:00

This is from The Prairie Schooler-part of their village series. Brian(h) and Sean(s) had a say in this one, believe it or not! I had a few patterns picked out and they liked the white church because they said it needed a little more white in the neighborhood. I gave the neighborhood a The Prairie Schooler sun (see his face!) as it's such a cheerful place. I guess I'll post this to Veronica next week so she can add her special touch to her daughter's piece.

Carol, it is now finished...

2007-04-03T13:46:00.000+02:00

I hope you like this block that I have stitched for your neighbourhood, I have added a few details in the garden that you have said you would like from the info that came with this. I put in the quilt and a birdhouse complete with a wee money spider dangling from the edge ;-) The reason is, I saw one on my own birdtable yesterday while I was gardening, mine is now living underneath the birdhouse. I have put in some bees and two cats, one of them sunning himself and the other has a crafty eye on a blackbird in the garden. I have wrote all the details in your booklet for you to read.

The picture below gives the full view of the neighbourhood to date, I have very much enjoyed stitching this block for you.

Best wishes
Veronica

I will be handing this to Su this week!

Carol, not only has it arrived...

2007-03-26T14:50:00.000+02:00

...a start has been made as well. The basis for this block I am doing for you is from a French Design by Les Grilles De Maryse and is Spring Cottage....I thought that was quite aptly named for the time of year I am stitching it. I have quite a few ideas ready in my mind for additions to the garden area but I thought I would show you the start. The colours blend in really well with what has already been stitched on your Neighbourhood. This picture actually shows the colour of your linen nicely.

Happy stitching ladies, see you all again here soon
Veronica

Checking in on my RR...

2007-03-25T07:15:00.000+02:00

Does anyone know if my RR has arrived with Veronica yet?

Su's is here!

2007-03-24T20:23:00.000+01:00

We were just about to leave for an early dinner when the mailman pulled in the driveway and I signed for Su's NRR. I was so excited to get it and check it out. It's so pretty and I love all your special touches. When we got home from dinner and had birthday cake, I pulled out charts. I narrowed it down to two The Prairie Schoolers and the guys liked the white church! So that will be the chosen one if I don't hear different. Su, if you'd rather have a golden brown barn , let me know. I think the church will be sweet as you have a stitch shop and this is something different too.

and I sent an email

2007-03-24T10:13:00.000+01:00

to Dianne and Annemarie to let them know that Dianne's NRR has arrived here. It's also gorgeous. It looks so different IRL! I've been toying with the idea of using one of Dianne's patterns rather than the one I'd saved out to do. But I can't start till after my exam next month....

Barbara's RR

2007-03-24T05:41:00.001+01:00

Ooops, ladies - forgot to tell you! Barbara's RR arrived from Su a few days ago - wow, it is gorgeous!!

Rachael's RR

2007-03-23T13:32:00.000+01:00

Rachael, just a short message that your RR turned up at my doorstep this morning. I had such fun reading the little notebook and admiring all the gorgeous stitching. I'm telling you, we should stop taking pictures, because they never do the real thing justice. This one is another beauty, and I'm going to have a hard time finding something that fits and suits the rest, but it's going to be fun!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Veronica's RR

2007-03-21T20:07:00.000+01:00

Just want to let Barbara know that Veronica's RR showed up safe and sound this morning. It's beautiful and I am already sorting charts although I probably won't get around to stitching until Michael has come and gone.

Dianne's neighbourhood

2007-03-19T15:52:00.000+01:00

Well, my dears, I'm sure you thought I had vanished from this sweet earth altogether, or at the very least had given up on all things stitchy. Nothing, however, is further from the truth. Dianne's RR is finished - or at least, my block is. And the reason I didn't finish it sooner was because at the last moment I decided the garden needed some... flowers. I don't know what it is with me and my obsessive compulsion to stitch flowers in other people's gardens, but there you go. The flowers in this particular neighbourhood are made with French knots. Hundreds of them. I have holes in my fingers and knots (French or otherwise is hard to determine) in my eye muscles, but Dianne, you have a garden.

Although Dianne added some lovely charts with even lovelier houses and cottages, and I was perfectly happy to stitch any of those, I noticed a little something in her questionnaire that sent my little grey cells spinning. Within minutes, I had found the perfect chart in my own stash, and it was so perfect that I did not feel the need to elaborate or make huge alterations. For the other ladies and visitors to this blog who want to see a picture of the entire block: after all these years online I still suffer from digibetes and the intricacies of adding a link to my Webshots album proved too much for me. If you want to see a picture, go to Webshots and search for anvladar. Click the 2007 album, and the picture should be there. For Dianne: here's your sneak peek. Hope you like it!

Rachael's RR is ready to go

2007-03-18T05:52:00.000+01:00

The buzzer has rung (two days ago) and my time with Rachael's RR has expired. Time to close my test booklet and put my pencil down! Here it is - finished it tonight, LATE! I hope Rachael likes it! In the end I used charts from:
Liz Turner Diehl - Light House Summer Garden
Brightneedle - Blue Moon, Nantucket Sampler, Nine-Patch Village, Finger Lakes Sampler and Good Morning Good Evening
Just Nan - Barnabee's Quest
Elizabeth's Designs - Nature's Alphabet
Drawn Thread - Moon Hill School Sampler

I am no designer, but I gave it my best shot!

And above, a peek at the sampler in its entirety as of tonight! Annemarie, Mike will post this straight off to you on Monday, so get ready to watch for it!

Whew! Finished!

Su's RR

2007-03-17T11:44:00.000+01:00

Well, here are some more crooked pictures of Su's R, but finished this time. I did stitch my name down there Su. Any way , I hope you like what yoou can see. Dianne - I put it into the mail this morning. They say about 5 days but I don't know if that is working days or includes weekends. It is in the last of my "American " envelopes. Colorful stripes with silhouettes of men playing horns. LOL . Not subtle , but not easy to overlook either.

I am very slow

2007-03-16T17:22:00.000+01:00

Sorry Dianne- I thought that today was the 15th , but I see that it was yesterday. I should have Su's RR finished this evening and I will try and get it into the post tomorrow. I will let you know when I have actually put it in the post. I only have to finish the windows and stitch my name and country. I know it's a lame excuse because I still would have been late , but only one day and not two.

Carols RR winging to England

2007-03-15T04:25:00.000+01:00

Just a quick note for Veronica to watch for a yellow envelope with hearts on it from me. I mailed it off Tuesday afternoon. I was told I should have used a global priority envelope, but my pal Diana put a huge global p label on the front. I'm sure it will be there by the weekend-crossing fingers.

ready to fly

2007-03-14T20:59:00.000+01:00

Actually, I don't know if the post flies between the Netherlands and Germany or if it goes via a surface route, but however it travels, Veronica's NRR is heading that way tommorrow. I do hope Veronica likes it. I think it blends well with her central block, but I feel uncertain because this is very different from my usual style of stitching.

For flowers, I've used waterlilies for a change. And some roses for the hares to hop through. My critters include a wild duck in the pond, a very fuzzy sheep, and two happy, hopping hares.

I have so enjoyed looking at the pictures of where Veronica's from. I really would love to go there someday. :)

Su's Neighborhood

2007-03-13T17:41:00.000+01:00

Hi Guys!! Yes, I am alive and kicking- if weakly :-) I am actually feeling better and have been stitching like a mad woman on Su's neighborhood. Here is an "in progress" picture - Sorry it is so crooked. There is still a bit to do on the house and windows - to make them look "alive". The bottom left , half finished, bit is going to be a little lake with a duck and there will be more flowers and possibly some pumpkins and sheep. The right hand tree has peaches in it that are hard to see. When I make the next photo I will try and have better light. I am quite pleased with the way this is turning out. When I chose it I didn't realize that there was quite so much satin stitch.

Carol's Neighborhood of cottages

2007-03-12T17:52:00.000+01:00

It does have that cottage feel to it! : )
I hope you like the finished square Carol. I added a kitten (let's say it's a kitten to be more in prospective with the lilies there) and the hummingbird. I had to change the original pattern near the bottom-that's what I call a rose tree. (I graduated from Rose Tree Media School district-paying homage to the old homestead). There were 42 colors used!

update on Veronica's neighborhood

2007-03-09T09:02:00.000+01:00

Veronica included a letter and picture-postcard to describe a little bit about the part of England she's from because she'd like it if her neighborhood included some elements from the region. Well, I fell in love. I looked up as many images as I could find on the Internet and set about adding on to her center square with what I "learned" online. The main design is taken from a very old book of patterns from Gertie Wandel, but I'm only using that pattern in so far as it works with what Veronica started. I'm bringing the hills down lower and the pond up higher to make the houses above and below blend in a bit more. It's been fun! I know that the block doesn't look like much yet, but it's practically done in my mind now that the basic structures are there. ;) I hope Veronica likes it so far! As for me, I want to take a holiday over in her corner of the world!

Update-it's coming along

2007-02-27T21:07:00.001+01:00

I was posting a WIP to my blog and decided to update this page too. Carol, your cottage is coming along! I have to mainly finish the area to the left, finish the tree and add a kitty. It had a lot of color changes-I knew that, but it blends in so nicely with what you ladies did already. I see completion by the middle of March.

Barbaras Neighbourhood

2007-02-13T13:21:00.000+01:00

Here's my small part of Barbaras neighbourhood. The house is by the 'Irish Hare' and taken from the chart Love thy neighbour. I of course changed all of the house colours to tone in with Barbs neighbourhood. The tree and squirrel are an adaption from Sheepish Designs 'Betsy' The fence and birdhouse is from Prairie Schooler 'A prairie village II' The flowers/butterfly are my own as I wanted them to kinda tone in with Barbs as I wanted to link our gardens together. The wee bird, I shamelessly copied from Barbara so that he followed on from her little chubby birds. I enjoyed stitching all this for you, it just flowed as I was creating my part.

I thought that Barbara might like to see how her neighbourhood is looking so I took a picture of the whole piece - I think its looking great. Only 2 more to go now and we will be finished.

Veronica's Neighbourhood

2007-02-07T12:30:00.000+01:00

I know I'm awfully late with posting this, and I know Barbara is probably already halfway with her block on this one, but I thought I'd tell you a bit about what I stitched for Veronica anyway. First of all: here's the picture of my block

The very perceptive amongst you will have noticed that this house is based (in the loosest possible way) on Elizabeth Design's Shepherd Cottage. I mirrored the design though, so Su's garden next to mine would flow into each other, and the size of my house would make more sense next to Su's. I didn't much care for the original colour scheme though, and noticed that the orid=ginal looked very much like the house Veronica had stitched herself. So I thought and pondered and wondered, until I walked past my own 'Geurige Kruidentuin' sampler at home, and noticed the fantastic colour scheme, and the similarity between the two houses. So I used that colour scheme for this cottage. The fence is part of the ED design too, but the quilt is by Jeremiah Junction (Veronica said she likes quilts). I got rid of the hills in the design and just stitched a row of trees. The birdhouse is from House nr. 3 of the CHS The houses of Hawk Run Hollow. The wee animals are from Abbey Lane's 'All Things' sampler. The squirrel is done in petit point, because I hate stitching over-one, and it would have been too big over-two. The flowers sprung from my imagination. Pathetic, I know, but I really did my best! Here's Veronica's RR so far:

Don't worry, the fabric hasn't actually gone all funny! I had the fabric hanging from the back of a chair, and it went all crooked.

Anyway, I hope you like it, Veronica. Good luck Barbara!

Annemaries next block is finished

2007-02-04T15:40:00.000+01:00

I am doing the posting for Veronica and I am happy to present to you the finished block for Annemarie and I know some details this time...

The house and fence are from LHN Daisy Lane Cottage, the large flower is from Brittercup which was in a British Magazine, the little boy JBW, the tree and lean- to are from De Fil En Aiguille (French magazine) , the sheep are Cross Eyed Cricket from Herdsmans Cottage, flowerpots are from British designer Helen Philips (from a book), the owl and bike are from a very old sampler book Veronica has, the bird is from her own imagination as is the grass and I think the remaining details although no offence meant to any designer if I have that wrong!

I know Veronica did struggle with trying to get this to the 'Wacky' theme Annmarie wants for her neighbouhood, but says to let you know Annemarie that she has done her best effort for you :-) and she really hopes you like it! I think the small weave of the linen was a bit of a struggle on the eyes as well so 1/1 had to be discounted.

This picture (sorry it is small but blogger wouldn't upload the big picture for me) below is of the full Neighbouhood up to now which I think is looking great and really taking shape !! As a reminder the blocks up to now have been stitched by...

Middle Row Left...........Annemaries own
Middle Row Right........Dianne
Bottom Row Left..........Rachel
Bottom Row Middle.....Barbara
Bottom Row Right.......Veronica

Get your needle at the ready Su as this is heading your way soon.

Su's RR has arrived

2007-02-03T10:49:00.000+01:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that Su's RR has arrived. The postman tried to deliver it yesterday ,but I was, as usual , at the Dr. I hopped over to the post office this morning and picked it up. It is really lovely- Fun to see am RR that looks like it might be finished in the forseeable future.
the second reason for this post is just to test and see if I can :-)

Have a lovely weekend!!!

Carol's English cottage

2007-02-02T01:05:00.000+01:00

The thatched roof and brick chimney are complete. This will have lots of florals in the front as a typical English garden usually does (correct Su and Veronica?) I believe the tall purples there are lupines. Next to the chimney is the beginning of a tree. When I saw the three completed squares at the top, I knew this was the one for Carol's NRR. This is in the middle on the bottom row.

Apologies

2007-01-31T18:15:00.000+01:00

Hi Ladies,
It has been brought to my attention that at least a couple of you in this RR have been experiencing hurt feelings because I have begun to set up some new RR groups. I did this because several of my friends wanted to be in one. I sent out email invites to stitchers that I thought might be interested and who I knew did not have a ton on their plates right now. Apparently, I did the wrong thing. I did not want anyone's feelings hurt, and I am truly sorry to anyone who does have hurt feelings. It is fun to have neighborhoods stitched by different stitchers, but you all have been wonderful and certainly are not meant to be excluded.

That said, if any of the ladies in this current RR do want to join a new one, you are more than welcome! I have openings and would love to have you. Just let me know!

welcome to the new blogger - pull up a chair and sit a spell

2007-01-29T22:31:00.000+01:00

Well, here we are. I hope no needles or skeins of floss were lost during the move from the old to the new Blogger platforms. I forgot to tell you all to buckle up and hold on tight. ;)

I believe that most of us have our NRR for this round (sorry, Rachael, it should arrive this week) and that we are aware of the March 15th deadline to keep us on schedule. If you are having problems with the deadline, please discuss it with the person to whom you post - life does go on in spite of our stitchy plans, and I believe we are all pretty flexible and understanding of that fact.

We should all give a big round of applause to Carol, who has begun not ONE new neighborhood round robin, but THREE. Though she hastened to say she was only actually doing the stitching in one. Somewhere out there in blogland is a new blog for this massive undertaking - hopefully once the needles start flying, she'll share the address so we can watch a whole lot of new neighborhoods take shape.

I would like to say a great big thank you to everyone for keeping up with the NRR so far - some of us have had some serious shake-ups since this project started, and most of us have experienced some unexpected and unpleasant 'bumps of life'. These neighborhoods are not just patterns copied down with needle and floss, but bits of our lives - the happy and the sad - and when they come home to us and hang proudly in our houses, they will be a constant reminder of the friends we love and the trials we've weathered together.

Carol's NRR arrived on this chilly day!

2007-01-26T16:42:00.000+01:00

We are having the coldest weather here that we've had in two years. My poor mailman didn't have heat in his truck, but at least Carol's NRR is safe and sound in my cozy house. I already have a design picked out. When I saw all your lovely gardens surrounding your quaint houses, that is what I'm going for too! I found a 17 yr old design in one of my favorite magazines-Cross Stitch and Country Crafts. It's a little cottage with lots of garden in the front! It has lots of colors, so it will be fun and challenging to stitch. I'll get started on it as soon as I round up all the colors.
Have a warm weekend.
PS-I fear the next time I log in Blogger will make me move to beta. ; )

Rachael's RR has arrived!

2007-01-24T05:31:00.000+01:00

Rachael's RR is now safely here in NH! I put a photo of it in my own blog tonight - so you can peek at it over there if you like :-)

success!

2007-01-19T10:44:00.000+01:00

I finally peeled Rowen off my lap yesterday to put her to bed. Because of the awful wind storms we were having across the country, dog training class was cancelled and I was able to get right to work on Su's neighborhood and it is now complete - other than stitching my name on it. I know my house is rather large compared to Carol's so I've tried to gently unite them by using the same color for the grass and by stitching a bird flying over our blocks. Niek says I should've carried the checkered grass pattern over onto Carol's block, but I didn't feel quite right about that. If Su wants to do something like that later, the DMC green I used (which seems to be the same Carol used) is 3362.

The house and tree are from The Village of Hawk Run Hollow (block 4). The stuff on the right side is mostly from my imagination, though the bird feeder is taken from The Cross Stitch Bible. My lupins didn't photograph well - they are in subtle shades of dusty rose and look pretty nice IRL.

I was terrified of messing Su's neighborhood up, but she has assured me that she likes the block. Thanks, Su! This will start its voyage to Rachael today.

Dianne's RR is flying to the Netherlands!

2007-01-17T19:51:00.000+01:00

Dianne's RR was posted yesterday :-)

And, a little funny for you! One of my clients showed me this - all moms can relate, I am sure!

Rachaels RR is on its way.....

2007-01-15T17:21:00.000+01:00

.....to Carol this afternoon. I have enjoyed stitching this one very much and I hope that Rachael likes what I have chosen for her (it was nice to hear from you the other day too Rachael). The design of the house is Bluebird Cottage by Elizabeth Designs (with loads of adaptions) and the rest of the garden are taken from various Elizabeth Designs charts. I picked my own colours for the house and garden to match in with the colours of Rachaels RR and with the colours of the coastal houses and summer gardens round where I live.

Note from Rachael

2007-01-14T18:15:00.000+01:00

I was so happy to hear from one of our pals Rachael. Thanks so much for getting in touch with us all. We think about you all the time. Please drop by here or one of our blogs and say 'hi'.

Dianne's RR is (finally) finished

2007-01-14T00:03:00.000+01:00

Here is the little sneak peek of what I stitched on Dianne's RR. I finished it today watching the AFC (football) playoff game. I will put a photo of how her whole RR looks into my Yahoo album tonight, and you can access seeing it through my blog... click on 2006 finishes in my sidebar - that simply takes you to my Yahoo albums... then click on 2007 Cross Stitch in there. I will put that in once the football game is over, so give me an hour or two :-)

I will post this to Annemarie as soon as I can. Monday is a postal holiday here, and there is snow/ice forecasted for Tuesday AM. So.... probably Wednesday to Annemarie (who says she is not in any hurry to get it) -

I hope the RR gets back on track soon - it would be great if the whole thing could end this year? Seems like it is going too slowly now. Anyone have pictures to show of any of the ones they just finished??

Annemarie's NNR winging to England

2007-01-06T02:39:00.000+01:00

It's coming home-almost! Just a few more and it will be back to the states and then the Netherlands. I didn't do global as I had it all set in a new spiffy purple envelope and the woman said I'd have to repackage it (I think she was wrong)-I think it will be fine. Have fun with this one Veronica, Su and Carol. : )

unnatural lighting

2007-01-05T00:34:00.000+01:00

Hmm. I've done a lot of tweaking to try to accurately show the colors, but the end result is still a bit 'blah'. Blame it on the indoor lighting - but at well after midnight, there's not much of the natural stuff available. LOL!

I was a little mixed up earlier and thought I was stitching on Veronica's NRR, but Annemarie set me straight: This is Su's! Su, I love your linen. What is it? Anyway, I had a hard time picking out the design for this one - it seems to get harder as more houses are stitched. The balance between what your own style is, what will look good with the houses already in place .... I hope Su's not freaking out about it being too dark. The colors do look good with the other houses!

to migrate or not to migrate

2007-01-04T12:32:00.000+01:00

Okay, I've heard from almost everyone now regarding the question of migration - thank you all for your very prompt replies!

We have two people who ask that the blog NOT be migrated. Two people say they aren't against the migration (but they don't actually *want* it, either.) One person has not replied. Carol is the only one who actually wants to change to the new Blogger version at this point. Unless other people change their minds and actually want me to migrate, I am not going to do anything at this point. I hope this is okay with everyone. If not, please contact me.

We're off for a long weekend as of tomorrow. Niek rented us a weekend house with a sauna - a big luxury, but it works wonders for my sinus/allergy ailments. I can hardly wait!

A question about our blog...

2007-01-03T05:28:00.000+01:00

I was wondering who in our group owns/runs this blog - and is she considering updating to the new Blogger? I cannot update mine as I get a message telling me that "one or more" of my blogs cannot be updated... that must be this one... I would like to update, but if the owner of this one doesn't want to, I will respect that. Just wondering, want to see if I can solve my dilemma.

January is around the corner

2006-12-29T21:32:00.000+01:00

I'm getting itchy to send Annemarie's on to Veronica. I have a email to Su, but if Lena-lou sees this first, maybe she can ask her mum if I can go ahead and mail it. How about the rest of you? Were you able to give the NRR a little thought lately? ; )

Barbaras RR...so far

2006-11-09T13:24:00.000+01:00

I'm doing the blog posting for Veronica and above you can see the block she has stitched for Barbara. I have had it at my house for a couple of weeks to photograph for Mum but Dianne had just put hers on. I wanted her lovely block for Annemarie to stay at the top for a while so have left doing this until today :-)) I have just realised I don't know who the design is by!! I will ask Veronica later and edit this to put some more details in.

Below is a full shot of Barbaras RR up to date with Barbaras (Centre), Rachels (bottom left), Diannes (Top middle) and Veronicas(bottom right) stitched blocks done.

Looking good isn't it!!

Annemarie's RR so far...

2006-10-28T13:50:00.000+02:00

I was going to wait until the next mailing to post, but I figure you all will be posting your updates between now and then. My close-up is a little blurry, but the whole thing photographed fine. Sorry you see my quilt underneath-I had to stand on the bed to take this shot. My 'wacky' part-I made a bee swarm in the shape of a 'P' for 'Pelle'. : ) I added a little yellow to those white flowers in the front as you said you had whitish-yellow roses. And like Barbara, I made the bird blue thinking of making it the bluebird of happiness, twice over for you! I hope you like what you are seeing Annemarie as I think it's turning out sweet. I have to say I love the beekeep-it's so petite and cute.

Would anyone mind

2006-10-18T19:11:00.000+02:00

If we moved the posting date backwards until January 15th, what with everyones other commitments, it would be a shame to rush this one because we moved the date forward to allow for Christmas posting, if we waited til after Christmas to post that would probably be better.
Let me know what you all think.

check in

2006-10-11T08:41:00.001+02:00

With only a month and a of couple of days till our next mailing date, I'm wondering how everyone else is doing with the NRRs. Honestly, I have only looked at Su's since it arrived - I've been totally out straight with charity and exchange projects. Is anyone else faring better?

A peek at Annemarie's NRR

2006-10-02T18:23:00.000+02:00

This is a week's worth of stitching! I am taking it slow as I'm not use to tiny counts. I once did a charity square on 18 ct and it took me forevah (it was worth it though)! I know the garden will be the crowning glory to this little house. It's a Prairie Schooler-G is for garden. I changed the house from brown to gold. Then the frames around the windows and door didn't show up as well, so I backstitched them-good idea. I can't wait to get to the garden!

Want to see Dianne's RR??

2006-09-26T05:37:00.000+02:00

Please let me know if you want me to email you a photo of Dianne's RR - we know Dianne does not want to see it yet, but Barbara has asked for an emailed photo - anyone else want one? I will take a photo tomorrow (it is my bedtime now) and email it to anyone who wants it! Just leave a comment here :-)

Dianne's RR Arrived

2006-09-25T22:45:00.000+02:00

Dianne's RR has arrived in New Hampshire, a brief stop back in the States.... it is lovely. I am quite nervous, though, about this linen. It is a very loose weave, very transparent. Possibly a 25 ct linen? Dianne, how big are your blocks (how many stitches each??) - I will need to find a pattern that will fit on the low count linen. I fear the one I have had put aside for this RR for months now will be too big - thanks!

My RR

2006-09-25T16:18:00.000+02:00

I am a little confused-nothing new. Who has my RR ? Su?

Annemarie's NRR tour stop

2006-09-22T16:39:00.000+02:00

I signed for a rather battered envelope and I thank goodness the contents were in wonderful shape. Wonder what went on in that plane? I think it's just charming and I have quite a task ahead of me chosing the perfect whimiscal building. I photographed Rachael's sweet square for all to see. The rain cloud is adorable (wish you could see it better). And the specialty stitches are lovely too. My mom is here and she loved the NRR too.
Have a great weekend!

Su's RR is in my hands now!

2006-09-19T10:45:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone! Su's RR made the trip safely from Maastricht to Gouda and I'm looking at it now. Let me tell you, the pictures just don't do it justice - it's really gorgeous, with lots of delicate details and a very harmonious color palette. I will do my best to restrain myself and not stitch a bunch of birds flying around at the top of my block, because (as Annemarie pointed out) no one else has. I'm not quite sure what I'll do on this one, though I do have a couple of ideas bubbling. I need to finish up some other deadline-stitching first....

My house for Su is finished

2006-09-16T14:15:00.000+02:00

We've been busy posting in this Blog again, haven't we? That's good. It means we can all look forward to a new house to stitch! As you may have gathered I've missed the deadline, because I had a very long visit from the frog. Still, I think I finished it pretty quickly. Barbara, I'll post this to you on Monday!

For Su's house I chose 'Black Crow Cottage' by Elizabeth's Designs as a basis. The house, the hill, the fence, the black crows and the small tree on the right are all part of that design. I just loved the colours of this house, and they blended so beautifully with the colours Su had already used. The blue/green plants in the garden are from Elizabeth's Designs' 'Woodland Cottage'. The tree on the left is from Carriage House Sampling's 'The Village of Hawk Run Hollow', Block 2. The bunny sprung from my own imagination (Su gave me some bunny charts once, so I thought it would be appropriate to add one). The roses are Jane Greenoff's, but I can't remember the title of the book, and I'm too lazy to run downstairs to check.
I wanted our gardens to merge, so I extended the path Su started. The intention was to make it disappear behind the hill, but it may look to some people as if my house has a private walkway up to the Needlework shop. Which is fine with me :o)
I had a lot of trouble leaving the top of my block blank, but I forced myself to do so anyway, beacuse that's what Su and Carol did as well, and adding more would have disturbed the balance.

I really enjoyed stitching this house for you, Su! I hope you like it!

RR posted

2006-09-16T12:18:00.000+02:00

I posted Annemarie's RR this morning. I wanted to do it yesterday,but I had to wait for the handy man . In the afternoon I was invited to go with a neighbor to Osnabruck to the "Nadel &Faden" Which translates to "Needle & Thread" , It is a largish needlearts show. They have booths from stores all over Germay. I bouoght a few charts and some needles and sock yarn. Anyway- Dianne, watch for the envelope in 5 to 7 days . You will, of course, have to sign for it.
hope everyone ejoys their weekend!

Posted to Carol

2006-09-15T17:26:00.000+02:00

Just to let you know I have posted out Diannes RR to Carol today.

Veronica's RR has arrived!

2006-09-15T15:16:00.000+02:00

Hey ladies, and especially Carol, just a quick note to say that Veronica's RR has arrived in Maastricht. Phew, what lovely stitching! My hands are trembling already...

Annemarie's RR

2006-09-14T21:02:00.000+02:00

Sorry I have been so out of touch again. Those that read my blog know that I have a pinched nerve in my back and some problems with my left arm, - Makes me very slow. LOL
Anyway- unless I get some wild idea tomorrow morning, Annemarie's RR is finished. I am having issues with my camera so I don't have a picture to post right now. I will take one in the morning and if Patrick can fix my problem I will post it. Otherwise, maybe Diane can post one when she recieves it.
I can give a little teaser for Annemarie. The something "wacky" is a friendly little rain squall. I hope you like it .
I will post when I get it in the mail.

December mailing

2006-09-09T00:15:00.000+02:00

I was thinking about this and how it is not a good idea to mail things in the month of December because of the Christmas/holiday rush. We are told over at my charity stitching group to hold off mailing our squares until after the holidays. I would hate for one of our precious RRs to go missing. November or January is better. What do you think? Plus it gives you a little more time with #4 when you are busy doing holiday related activities if we wait until January.

Veronica's RR is finished

2006-09-08T04:58:00.000+02:00

I finished my block on Veronica's RR tonight, and Mike says he would be happy to post it off to Annemarie via GPM tomorrow for me. I loved doing my block for Veronica :-)

Others have written about what they stitched and why... I like that idea, so here is my info: The majority of this block uses the primary elements of The Tea Room by Country Cottage Needleworks. Veronica wrote in a note inside of her package that she and her husband often take walks in the countryside and stop at a tea room. Well, now I just knew I had to stitch a tea room! I knew I wanted this design, so I emailed a friend in Italy who had recently stitched this - I asked her if I could borrow her chart. She was busy and the response was a little bit slow, but then I saw the chart at my LNS, and scooped it right up. I think Veronica had also asked for a street lamp, and this chart happened to have one of those too.

But there was still a lot of block to fill... and I also believe she had asked us each to create a walkway from the house to the bottom of the block. That stymied me a little... I don't alter designs often! But tonight I put a little windy brick walkway in and then stared it for a bit.... I added another park bench (because that is my favorite element of the chart - and Veronica and her hubby need places to sit and relax!!)... and more of the pretty flower pots. What to add next? Well, this is an English countryside scene, and my DH who lived in the UK as a child (US Air Force brat) suggested bunnies. So, I dug out LHN's Morning Berries and it has cute bunnies. But, those bunnies would be the size of St. Bernard dogs in comparison to the park benches... so I stitched them over one.

Now, I am not totally overjoyed with how the bunnies are sitting on the fabric... I could not figure out the best placement for them... but I hope Veronica will still like them!

Heads up to Veronica, the walkway is stitched with Glissen Gloss Colorwash silk (the silk was purchased to do the brick walkways on my RR when it comes home) and the bunnies are stitched with Crescent Colours floss - these aren't colorfast, and I knew you would need to know that. I hope that is OK with you!!
Here is the best shot I could get of the entire RR - what a very, very huge piece of fabric this is! Isn't it a pretty RR so far??

OK Annemarie, start watching for this in 3-4 days now!

Veronica, thanks so much for letting me stitch on your RR :-)

Received Carol's RR

2006-08-29T08:37:00.000+02:00

I just wanted to let everyone know I received Carol's RR from Barbara. I was torn this morning, when it came, betwen opening the package and eating my breakfast! I had been to have my blood drawn and had not eaten or drunk anything, and my breakfast was just ready when the postman rang. I sat and stared at the package with hungry eyes while I stuffed my breakfast down. LOL. Then I ran and washed my hands so that I could unpack and view this lovely RR. Barbara, the bicycle and the bee hive are heavenly.
I still have to finish Annemarie's ,so I packed this one back up until I can give it all my attention.

BTW- I would have made the breakfast wait normally ,but I have to leave for work in a few minutes. I need all my strength to deal with all those teenagers plus - it's not allowed to eat in the library :-)

Where is everybody??

2006-08-26T05:21:00.000+02:00

With our next mailing date only three weeks away... where is everybody? There are no new updates posted. I worked on Veronica's again last week, but my update post is in my stitching blog.... everyone just having too much fun this summer? Hope everyone is well!

Progress on Veronica's RR

2006-07-31T07:03:00.000+02:00

I went back to work on Veronica's RR today, and now her tea room is growing :-) The building is not complete - there is one more part of the roof yet to add.... I loved breaking off and stitching the adorable little flower pots and the lamp post today.... I will add the tree and park bench... then have some ideas on how to fill in the rest of the block, as Veronica, I believe, wrote that she wants us each to add a path from the door down towards the bottom of the block... okey dokey :-)

I had a blast meeting Barb yesterday as she is here in New England visiting family - she is a sweetie :-) I did let her know her RR is safe with Veronica now - she extends her hellos to all!

Barbaras RR

2006-07-28T11:12:00.000+02:00

Hi ladies, Just to let you know Barbaras RR has arrived safely this morning to Veronica in the UK. Now she is itching to get started :-)) But grandchildren might get in the way for the next 2/3 weeks!

Barbara's NRR on the way to Veronica

2006-07-26T00:37:00.000+02:00

Just to let you know it went out global priority early this afternoon. Happy stitching!

Diannes RR

2006-07-19T23:31:00.000+02:00

Now I can't show you much of this at all, as Dianne wants her RR to be a secret til it gets back home to her and she just wants teaser pics, so I have obliged. So I can't give any details at all except to say I used one of Diannes charts for the house that she sent along.

If you want to see the RR in full you will have to visit my webshots album under neighbourhood RR - so Dianne no peeking in there.

Rachaels RR

2006-07-18T10:54:00.000+02:00

I am posting this for Veronica (Mum) to show Rachaels RR...this was finished sometime last week. The idea for this block came from a journey to a seaside town called Whitby and from Rachaels request for a seaside theme for her neighbourhood if at all possible. Several charts were used in creating this - Veronica has put all the details in the diary Rachael sent. Quite a few stitches were used on this xstitch of course, 1/1 xstitch, Satin Stitch, French Knots for the sea foam, Long Stitch for the boats rigging and back stitch. Veronica says she hopes you like it Rachael and to let you know she has thoroughly enjoyed stitching this piece for you :-)
The bottom picture shows all the stitching to date...Rachaels own in the middle, Diannes top left then Veronicas bottom left sorry the pic is full of shadows but this is a HUGE piece of linen.

I started Veronica's RR

2006-07-15T07:41:00.000+02:00

I started Veronica's RR tonight. I noticed in her note in the project envelope that she and her husband like to take walks in the countryside and sometimes stop at a tea house... so I am stitching her a tea house :-)

Sorry - Blogger is stubborn right now - had to use Photobucket...

Here it is!

2006-07-13T12:23:00.000+02:00

I had to stand on my bed to take this. ; )
I think the colors are coordinating so nicely with each other. Barb, I used your green floss for the pine tree. I wasn't sure what to do with the space under the tree and added some herbs from a Shepherd's Bush chart I am actually working on. Do you think it needs another herb? Do you like these here? I am up for suggestions. I thought 'the group of three' with the geese on the ground (with the herbs) looked like it may be enough.

Pretty much finished

2006-07-13T01:01:00.000+02:00

I really think I am! I wanted Sean's opinion and he thought I had 'just enough' even though I left some bare spots-not biggie ones, but a few. Of course Barbara you can add anything you want, but I think you'll like it. It's late here, but I wanted to let you know and to update our blog abit. I'll add a photo hopefully tomorrow. I really had fun with your piece. It's going to be a great neighborhood!

as requested

2006-07-02T21:56:00.000+02:00

Here's a picture of Carol's NRR with all three houses done in the top row (please overlook the rumples in the linen!). I think this neighborhood is off to a good start!

Hope everyone has enjoyed a fine weekend and that our US-based stitchers are looking forward to a fun Fourth of July!

ta-da!

2006-06-30T21:49:00.000+02:00

Here is my block on Carol's neighborhood. I stitched it beside Annemarie's, so now the top row has been filled. I was so nervous about stitching this - terribly afraid I'd wreck it with my usual primitive style. Perspective? What the heck is that? I did a lot of frogging on this one, but I'm happy with how it came out and I hope Carol will be, too. I will try to get a picture that includes all three houses, but right now I was in a hurry to catch the last of the daylight outside.

So, where to begin with this? I started with the cottage, which is from Elizabeth's Designs, as is the smaller tree beside it. But I changed it so much that I don't know if even the designer would recognize it! The house is stitched in light silks that don't photograph well, but they do look very nice IRL. The tree is done in Danish flower threads. Then I decided that I wanted a bee hive and an orchard. The two kittens by the beehive are Hank and Jake, brother kitties that I had long ago & far away, in another life. Hank was white with some gray, and about as dumb as a living creature could be - but oh so sweet! Jake, his brother, was "black with black stripes" as Someone requested, and scared to death of his own shadow. Jake never learned to meow, but would instead bark at the birds outside our Boston brownstown window. There's a miniature herb garden with chamomile, marjoram, and lavender that I made up. The bike - very Dutch! - is from a French designer, as are those fabulous apple trees (which were not originally apple trees, but I changed them). The sheep and the romantic gate are from Shepherd's Bush.

Thanks, Carol, for trusting me (though I didn't exactly trust myself)!

A peek at Barbara's NRR

2006-06-26T22:26:00.000+02:00

I've been working on this diligently this last week. It's pretty, but simple. I have pulled about 6 other design books out for the space left around the church. Just wait and see. ; )

Annemarie's NRR

2006-06-22T07:18:00.000+02:00

I did get Annemarie's NRR in the mail yesterday. I unpacked it - and packed it right back up again to go into my suitcase. The detail is beautiful Barbara. I am going to try and finish this and mail it to Dianne while I am in CA.

i jumped right in!

2006-06-21T00:24:00.000+02:00

One thing I've learned in life is that if something intimidates me, procrastination is definately not the answer. (Which is not to say that I've always followed this bit of wisdom, but that's another story!) As I mentioned, I was pretty nervous about putting needle to linen with Carol's NRR. She and Annemarie have done such a lovely job with their exquisite, teeny, beautiful designs ... I felt a bit like a bull in the china shop, with my usual primitive "perspective exists to distort" attitude. I stayed up far too late last night pouring over patterns, printouts, pictures, and anything else I could lay my hands to. Even Niek was pulled away from his work several times to offer opinions. Finally we both decided that a sort of rough image of a cottage by Elizabeth's Designs should be the focal point. I went to bed wondering "but what else?". Before dropping off to sleep, I remembered this little design of a beehive and birdhouse in my (otherwise largely useless) Cross Stitching Bible. Aha. Sleep came for me.

Today I started stitching. I noticed that Carol and Annemarie were using GAST fibers as well as DMC so I assumed (and I hope I was right) that Carol was not one of those who wanted only DMC fibers so the linen could be washed.... I've used several silks (Vikki Clayton and Thread Gatherer). If I am wrong, Carol, and you do want to wash this, shoot me now. I mean, let me know and I'll just pick out the silks and re-stitch. LOL.

I hope you like this, Carol. I'm rather pleased with it so far. Check out those French knots - I can't believe that up till a few weeks ago, I couldn't make one of those to save my life. (Excuse the kind of weird colors - it's late night and I have only artificial lighting.)

Great news! Veronica's RR has arrived!

2006-06-20T22:47:00.000+02:00

It arrived today - woohoo! I hope Su or Lena-Lou will not mind letting Veronica it is safely here in New Hampshire :-)

The whys and wherefores of Carol's RR

2006-06-20T07:37:00.000+02:00

Thank you all for your kind, kind comments on my house in Carol's Neighbourhood. And a special thank you to Barbara, for taking a such a beautiful picture. You all know the problems I have with posting pictures, so I asked Barbara to take one. And now that I've seen it, I think I might have to ask her every time she receives an RR!
While I'm waiting for my son to -finally!- fall asleep after keeping me up all night, I thought I'd tell you a little about the designs I stitched on Carol's RR.
When I read in Carol's questionnaire that she wanted at least one cat in each of our blocks, I immediately thought of a Sheepish Designs freebie called 'Here, Kitty Kitty'. At first I was afraid (but then I'm always afraid of everything, aren't I?) that it might be a bit cheap to stitch a freebie, but I couldn't get it out of my head. One thing, though: I didn't like the surface of the house, which was meant to be blueish-grey, so I replaced it with a brick surface, inspired by - well, actually, quite shamelessly nicked from - Houses of Hawk Run Hollow house nr. 10. I put in a blue door, because it's my favourite DMC colour.
The trees then, which are taken from The Workbasket's 'Barnyard'. I know Carol likes The Workbasket, and so do I, so that wasn't very difficult. Then I built the fence, stitched the clouds (from 'The Shepherdess' by Homespun Elegance) and the birds (by The Drawn Thread), and put in some dainty flowers (from 'Fluffy Ewes' by Paw Printings). I was worried (yep, yet again) that my garden was more sort of a primitive garden and was too much of a contrast with Carol's beautiful garden, so I went a-ploughing through my charts and found these flowers.
And still there was something lacking, and I couldn't think what. Until I read Carol's post about her night-time visitor and suddenly it hit me: a bear! And I knew exactly which one. After checking in Carol's questionnaire that I wasn't adding something she wouldn't want, I dug up a design by Dixie Darlin', called 'Bear Mountain'. I have to say, this is a special design for me, and it's not just for Carol's benefit that I added the bear. When I was in the States two years ago, I saw a family of black bears (two adults and a baby) in the wild. We took pictures and were even able to film them. When I was at Dixie Darlin's in Pigeon Forge TN, I couldn't resist the Mountain Bear chart, and I'm very happy that I had the perfect excuse to share him.
Well, I'm sorry for this HUGE entry, but I really liked to read why Barbara stitched what she stitched on my RR, and I thought I'd steal her idea...
I would just like to say how much I'm enjoying this RR, and how much I enjoyed stitching this block on Carol's RR. Now on to Su's RR, which I'm looking forward to as well.
Off to the world of dreams.

oh my gosh, what am I going to do?

2006-06-19T15:11:00.000+02:00

The mailman obligingly brought Carol's neighborhood today. I was still at work, but he left it with my neighbor (who was very curious!) and I've since taken it outside to photograph how it looks so far. I'm happy with this picture, which shows up the subtleties of the gorgeous linen Carol chose. The exquisite stitching that has gone into this neighborhood is also evident. And leaves me wondering whatever am I going to stitch on it? As you've probably noticed, my tastes run more toward the primitive but that would ruin the beauty of this neighborhood. I'm going to go look at a French chart (that I had actually ordered for Novia's neighborhood) and a Chessie & Me chart in my stash ... they're ringing little bells in my head. I wish I had something by Elizabeth's Designs, which would fit in beautifully. Carol and Annemarie, I tip my hat to your skilfull stitching and design. And Carol, your "welcome packet" is so orderly and helpful - thanks!!