I have been following some very adorable posts by bloggers participating in the 39 squares project. The challenge is to join Amy Powers as she celebrates her 39th birthday by stitching your own sampler made of 39 1x1 embroidered squares. Even though I haven't embroidered since I was eleven years old, after viewing post after cute post I headed to Michaels to buy supplies and get started. My dear friend Claudia is already on square 15 so I have a little bit of catching up to do.
At "press time" I still don't know any fancy stitches but decided that if my first square was distinguishable as roses, I would join in. I apologize for dark photos -- even iPhoto isn't much help at brightening up pictures on this dark and rainy, flooded basement kind of day.
My 2nd square
My third. My plan is that even though my stitches are simple, if I add enough tones to my pictures they will appear full.
My entire fourth square was an attempt at a French knot, which as you can see did not happen! They are supposed to be wildflowers. Hmmm?
I thought the instructions made sense. (I've always loved this type of illustration.)
I refer to images of Cath Kidston flowers for ideas. I love how her roses are very simple and use varying shades of the same color, almost like a paint-by-numbers picture.
Paul Lynde
Now, how could I write a post about squares without mentioning the most famous Square? A little flashback for all of us children of the '60s and '70s! To see a list of participating not-so-secret squares, please visit Amy's 39 squares blog for the list at her sidebar.
I also have some exciting news to share. Let's just say I am anxiously awaiting the new issue of Romantic Homes magazine where my blog appears! Details to follow.
And, one more thing: Thank you so much for your input on my oilcloth decision. I have narrowed the choice down to two:
Happy Monday!
xo
elyse
34 comments:
Bravo, my friend! They look wonderful. You'll figure out the old French Knot - it took me a few lame attempts until I got it. (and it is still not consistent!) Cath Kidston flowers are a perfect idea.
Oh my gosh, I was just thinking of Paul Lynde the other day and how hysterically funny he was in that old center square. I miss those days - that show was a welcome diversion- Charlie Weaver, Rose Marie. My Mom and I always watched it together.
xoxo
Claudia
Your talents are endless. Love the squares that you are making:) Still can't decide on the oilcloth. Perhaps the one on the right looks more like you. Have a blessed day my friend!
I like the floral oilcloth for your room.
Well if you are joining the embroidered square challenge late , then maybe I will too. Will have to run and get the proper cloth tonight... I already have tons of floss. Guess I'd better got find out the actual rules for joining. And I will have a lot of catching up to do as well. I have had fun seeing what Claudia does every day.
what lovely delicate flowers you have done, a real treat for the eyes
ciao
joan in italy
You've done beautiful embroidery work. I wish I had know sooner to have joined in,I would have enjoyed it. And as a p.s. I like the oilcloth on the right..It's gorgeous..
Elyse, your sampler is going to be so pretty!! I love that you chose to do flowers. That is what I think of. The colors you are using are beautiful to!
Congratulation on getting in Romantic Homes! I bet you are a blog choice!! You deserve it, your blog is so inspiring!
I love both choices of oil cloth you have narrowed down to. I cant wait to see the final choice on your table :)
Hugs,
Amy
Oh Elyse, good for you. I've been following quite a few bloggers who are participating and keep thinking that I want to join in too.
Your flowers look lovely.
Have a fabulous day
cari b.
Super duper cute, Elyse! I've been seeing this project around, too. I'm glad you are able to join in!
Congrats on being in Romantic homes! ♥
oooh pick the oil cloth on the right. I love the combo of pink roses and an aquaey blue background. Ummm is aquaey a real word? Anyhoo thats my pic. Have a great day :)
Smoochies,
Kelli
Elyse, you are being far too modest...your stitching is adorable...just like you...speaking of which, congrats on your adorable blogs feature...i just saw that...hooray:) i voted for the floral oilcloth on your sidebar poll...paul lynde...LOL...too funny to see him here...
Oh this is soo sweeeet and lovely...your colours are perfect!
and I like that you've shown the entire layout! that is going to look brilliant!
congrats on the romantic homes...can't wait to hear more about that!!!!
ciao
OOhh I love the one on the right..but maybe the polka dot for long range decorating..whoo I'm glad it's you and not me !!lol
I love the square idea!!What a treasure this will be. I might start this for my grandchildren to have something from Nana.
Cindy from Tx
Hi Elyse,
This project is such a fun idea all around...for the stitchers and the droolers! You're off to a wonderful start...I love the colors you're using and the theme that you've chosen.
Paul Lynde...he was sooo funny! That was a funny show-you never knew what to expect!
Can't wait to get my Romantic Homes. Congratulations on being featured!
Joyce
Your squares are BEAUTIFUL! I was so excited when I saw that you had joined 39 squares! It's been a really fun project!
Hugs,
Jill
Beautiful squares, Elyse! You're almost making me feel like pulling out my needlework bag! Great idea to use Cath Kiddston images for your inspiration!
Your narrowed-down oildcloth choices are great ones--good luck! (Maybe you need them both...I'm just sayin'...!)
Hi-Back again! My May Romantic Homes came today and there you were!!! Well, not YOU exactly, but your sweet peg dolls and petite boxes and your sweet dishes. So now 100's of people will be flocking here so I thought I should pop in again to say YAY for you...
Joyce
OMG! Your squares are the prettiest thing I've seen!! Amazing for not having sewed since you were 11....but then, that's not that many years ago. teehee!
I keep looking at everyone's squares, and thinking about joining in, but haven't started yet. You're making it really hard now! Of course, my embroidery skills were never as good as yours.
Can't wait to see the rest of your beautiful squares!
We are "neighbors" on page 12 of the June issue of Romantic Homes magazine :-) What fun!! I got my copies last week {customer's who buy from my website (www.casualcottagechic.com) receive a recent copy of RH with their orders :-)It's a great issue, as always. And your clothespins (pegs) are lined up like little soldiers. And your creative blue matchboxes, treasures to the eye!
xo,
Cheryl
Oops, we are in the May 2010 issue...just too exciting!!
These are just lovely - glad you are joining in
Hi Elyse,
I'm so happy you decided to join the 39 squares project. Your stitching is adorable and I can see the resemblance to Cath Kidson's flowers. Keep up the good work!
xo
jeanne
Hi, Elyse,
I am loving your squares, each one so pretty and unique! Congratulations on being featured in Romantic Homes!! I look forward to reading it. Have a lovely week! Vicki
I think this looks like such a fun project...yours in going to be so cute!
Rene'
You are amazingly talented! Your embroideries are gorgeous.
I also love Cath Kidston! I have several of her books ; )
Hi! I was roaming around and found myself here...and I'm so happy I did! Your blog is so pretty and your needlework is just lovely. I have a friend who's working on one of these little box embroideries also! Such a great idea! ... Paul Lynde, he was such a hoot! I miss those days. So nice to "meet" you! ;) Paulette
Keep going Elyse...you are doing good!
Love your squares!! Very CK!! I think I would take the green floral one of the oil cloths!
Your embroidery is wonderful, Elyse!!! I have gone back and forth on joining in w/ this project...
And eeeeeeeeeeeeep! RH! Congrats!!!
:) I'll be back for the details!
Zuzu
Your little sampler is going to be precious when you finish it all. I cross-stitch but haven't done embroidery since I was a preteen. Congrats on your pretty blog being recognized. So well-deserved. I love the colors of the oilcloth on the right (a little darker but the same color green as my bedroom walls). But the one on the left is fun too. Wishing you a day of beauty and blessings! Tammy :)
Oh how I love your sweet squares..I use to crossstitch all the time! That French Knot always gave me trouble!! xoxo Have a great week.
That is some beautiful needlework! I cant wait to see the finished project. Hope you have some sunshine soon!
polka dots!
i love your squares, really. so pretty and perfect. so you!
verification word" pinking!
Totally addicted to polka dots here :) Welcome to the 39 squares group! I joined in late too, but am just plugging away at my one per day, and will finish when I turn 39...perfect! Just a note on French Knots....try Colonial Knots instead. I find they sit nicer, are easier to do, and just give a nicer effect :)
My oh my, what a gorgeous blog you have! I love Cath Kidston and I'm just mad about vintage florals! I've been so busy designing, I've hardly done any sewing this week... you've inspired me!
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