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A little blog about my big loves; family, friends, stitching and yep, chocolate!

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Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Goode Huswife - Tulip Garden

Dear friends,

     We are having the most beautiful weather here in SE Michigan!  Finally.  Friday was breezy and cool enough that we could open the windows, air out the house and sleep without air conditioning.  Yesterday, almost the same but temps were going up so we did turn on the air to sleep.  It (the AC) is still on today but it is a lovely day outside and such a nice break from the oppressive heat.  I hope you're surviving the heat, wherever you are.

     I finished The Goode Huswife, Tulip Garden earlier in the week and just couldn't be happier with how it turned out.  This is one of my favorite GH charts.  It is stitched on 30 count, WDW Straw, over one with the called for DMC threads.  When I get the companion chart stitched, I'll get them framed to hang together.


I also got a bit of a start on Susan Rambo but have already frogged a bit, as well.  I didn't like the dark green that was charted (it looked way darker than the pic on the cover), so I swapped it for another green and I'm still not sure about that either.  Normally, I stitch with one thread when working on 36 count.  But, part of what appealed to me about this chart was the bulkiness of the look of the threads 
(can you see that in the magazine picture?).  
So, I'm stitching it with two threads.  
We'll see - I hope it doesn't end up looking TOO bulky.


Not much else going on around here.  I have managed to stay on my feet and haven't had any falls of late, so that's good, although it doesn't make for a very interesting blog post!  I am continuing to run - jog is really more like it, and managed to get in a 4 mile run yesterday with no incidents.  

Oh, I did have a great mid-week break this past week.  On Wednesday, my best pals Sheila, Lisa, Linda and I all took off work and went to the opening day of the Ann Arbor Art Fair.  It is one of the oldest and largest art fairs around and has something for everybody, in all price ranges!  I picked up a couple of things but before I show you that, let me show you some pics of some of the things I found fascinating.

3D painting and sculpture.

 Reminds me of scenes from silent films.

Bronze sculpture

Mosaic tile work - LOVeD this: 


Kinetic sculpture - around $10,000.  Yep, 10 thousand dollars.

This one was about 10 feet tall (maybe more) and was, I think, $18,000.00
 So pretty - every piece just spun in the wind - hand blown glass and steel
Beautiful!

 Everything from trendy and modern to folky, found object art:


 Loved the raven.

More simplistic ravens that were still a bit pricey - $200, I think.
Pottery:

Found object art - loved these!

  

This was, perhaps, the most interesting thing I saw.  It was taken from a letter, in a Christmas card that was written by a prostitute to her former boyfriend or "john" and was embroidered.  When we saw this, on the first day, it had already sold.  I hope you'll be able to click on it to read it.




To give you an idea:
"Charlie, I'm pregnant.  Living on Ninth Street above the Dirty Bookstore on Euclid Avenue.  Stopped taking dope.  Quit drinking whiskey.   My old man plays trombone, works down at the track.  Says that he loves me and though it's not his baby, says that he'll raise him up just like his own son.  Gave me a ring worn by his mother.  He takes me out dancing every Saturday night.  Hey, Charlie, I think about you every time I pass the filling station on account of all the grease you used to use in your hair.  I still have that record, Little Anthony and the Imperials but someone stole my record player.  Now how do you like that?  Charlie, I almost went crazy when Mario got busted, I went back to Omaha to visit my folks.  Everyone I used to know is either dead or in prison.  I came back to Minneapolis, this time I think I'm gonna stay.  Hey, Charlie I think I'm happy for the first time.  I wish I had all the money we used to spend on dope I'd buy a used car lot....




What did I buy?
This dragon fly necklace made from silver-plate demitasse spoons.
Lynda told us about one of the artists that she always likes to see and when she was describing her work, I said it sounded like an artist I had "pinned" on Pinterest.  
Sure enough, it was!

Here's a not so good picture of me and the darling artist and her husband .  You may recognize the bird necklace hanging in the background - I know I've pinned that one, too.
She is from England and was just a doll - called everyone "love" and was just too cute for words - personality plus!
Visit her website here~.  If you sign up for her email notifications, you'll get notices of sales and free shipping at Christmas.  She said she only sends one email a month so you won't get inundated.  I wanted to buy so many pieces and had such a hard time deciding.  next purchase may be a big flower ring!

The other thing I bought was a birdhouse for my husband's sister in law, for her birthday.  She loves purple, is extremely hard to buy for, and loves her garden so I hope she'll like it.  The artist said you could leave it out all year long.
The top is a little crooked - just hung it up quickly for a picture.



That's it for this Sunday, my friends.  I hope you have a good week ahead!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for all your sweet comments.  I especially appreciated all the wonderful comments about the chair my mom covered for me.  She was tickled that you all liked it and I thank you for helping to make her feel so good (as you always do me)!

Hugs my friends,
Be well,
Peace,
Terri

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad you had fun at the show! Isn't it amazing to see such a variety of works of art? Your dragonfly necklace is lovely! Like the birdhouse!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Robin in Virginia

Giovanna said...

Congrats on the great little finish! And nice start on Susan R. Thanks for sharing your picture of the art show - lovely buys.

Sherry :o) said...

Love that fair now that I don't have to work it with my mom! Nice finish too!

If your thread it too bulky with two threads, try the trick - stitch with one thread, cross first leg one time, second leg (or the top cross) two times. So you will stitch three times for each 'x'.

Merry Wind Farm said...

Hi, Terri,
What a wonderful post! Your tulip garden turned out great, and you photographed it so nicely! And all the pictures of the art fair ...wow...that dragonfly necklace is to die for. The lilies behind it are so pretty, they look like Stargazers to me. Glad you had some nice, cool weather, wish we did.
Melinda

Teresa said...

Bellissimo ricamo e le foto incantevoli, complimenti per il tuo blog.
Teresa

Jackie's Stitches said...

There was some amazing pieces at the art show. I'm always curious as to whether or not the pricey items sell at something like that.

Your GH piece is gorgeous! I came on the stitching scene after GH quit so I have just a couple of GH charts.

Sleeping with the windows open weather sounds heavenly. We're months aways from that - probably at least 4. I long for the cooler months!

BrendaS said...

Beautiful finish Terri. Very nice pic's of the Ann Arbor Art Fair. A great variety of things. Love the necklace you got!

Have a great Sunday:)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great show!

Your GH piece is beautiful and your new start is looking pretty too!

Margaret said...

Tulip Garden looks wonderful! I have a feeling you'll be switching lots of threads out on Susan Rambo. Whoever did the conversion didn't follow the colors of the original very well at all in places. I wish I'd realized that earlier on when I stitched it. Oh well. Love seeing the show you went to -- looks so wonderful! Love what you bought, both for yourself and for your DH's SiL!

Cari said...

Oh my gosh....my personal favorite would have to be the embroidered letter to Charlie. That was quite amazing. Wow.

The Art Fair looked like so much fun. Couldn't you be there for days and spend a gazillion bucks?? Thanks for sharing the pics.

Hugs dear friend.

Mylene said...

Hi terri, i always visiting your blog, lovely pictures of you all at the show.
Have a lovely week.

Ann said...

Love your Tulip Garden finish--and really enjoyed seeing the artworks. My daughter would love the dragonfly necklace--I will definitely visit the artist's site. Thanks for the enabling . . .I think . . .

Karen said...

Love your finish! That letter was just too funny....

happy stitching...

Anna van Schurman said...

I love those found art angels. I'm guessing since you didn't buy one I wouldn't have been able to afford it! That stitched piece is amazing.

Joy said...

Wow!! Neat stuff!! I do enjoy seeing how folks use different mediums. How cool to meet an artist you admire! Congrats on your finish & looking forward to seeing its partner.

Barb said...

Hi Terri, Your finish is great! I do love the things you bought at the art fair. It looks like that was a very interesting one.

Anonymous said...

Your Tulip Garden is just beautiful! I love the authoritativeness of the man standing between the flowers. The mosaic work is amazing, isn't it?

Carol said...

What a great finish, Terri! I just love that handsome gentlemen flanked by the pair of larger than life tulips...

That embroidered letter is a hoot--you just never know what some people consider art, do you?

Glad you got a couple of cute things, too!

Kathy said...

Thank you for sharing the picutres from the art show - I loved it!!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Oh I love your pictures !!! Very beautiful moment for me my dear

have a good day amitiés de FRANCE

Christine said...

Great finish on the Tulip Garden.
The Art show looks wondeful, I particularly like the steampunk looking mechanical bird, and the spoon jewellery is stunning

Chris said...

Wonderful post Terri!
Tulip Garden is so pretty. I love the colors and the font of the year.
Your Susan Rambo start looks great.
What a wonderful day out with your friends. The pics of all the pieces are wonderful.
Have a great week!

Annie said...

The Tulip Garden is such a great finish. Hope the 2 thread thing works for the sampler. If it's too bulky, it might not be so much fun to stitch. But I'm sure you'll work it out.

Looks like a wonderful Art Show. So much fun when the weather cooperates! And you managed to pick up a couple a very nice items.

Katrina said...

What a sweet finish and gorgeous necklace!!!! I love it and fun, fun art show too!!!!

Siobhán said...

I love your finish!! Isn't that such a fun piece?! Though, when I stitched it (or the companion, I forget which), I was sure it would be much larger. Stupid me never looked at the measurements. It's such a nice piece, though. Nice start on Susan Rambo! I have that one to do--love it!

The necklace is so pretty--that fair looks like a lot of fun!

Roberta said...

What a fun day - art show and craft show are so much fun to do.

Penny said...

Pretty finish! And Susan Rambo is another pretty sampler - I look forward to seeing your progress! :) You came away from the art fair with some lovely things!

Loraine said...

Your sampler is just wonderful. Can't wait to see the matching pair looking at each other!
Looks like a wonderful time at the fair. Your necklace is fabulous. I think you look great too!
Have a great rest of the week. Hugs to you!

marly said...

Your Tulip Garden is wonderful. I don't remember seeing that design and am anxious to see the companion. Really enjoyed the photos of the art fair! Such creative people. I couldn't read the embroidery except for what you typed - so sad. I hope there was a happy ending and a healthy baby.

Annette-California said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time at the art show and you got to shop to:) Your newest project Susan Rambo looks like it will be another beauty.

Sally said...

Love your finish and lovely start on Susan.

Wow that fair looks like it was fantastic!

Julie M said...

Wow! There were some really cool things at the art fair! Loved the stitched piece!

Congrats on your finish, it's quite pretty!

Sally said...

Hello

Just found your blog.

Your Tulip Garden finish is great.
Your stitching on your blog is beautiful.
Your necklace is lovely.
The show looks great.

Karoline said...

Congratulations on finishing Tulip Garden, it's gorgeous and you've made a nice start on Susan.

The Art Show looked great, your necklace and the birdhouse are lovely

Zlata said...

Tulip Garden finish so nice!!!
And new start is great!

Catherine said...

Love that finish! And your new start ~ that's a stunning sampler!
Oh gosh, that art fair looks wonderful!! I've already been perusing that jewelry site ~ it's not easy to resist! ;)

valerie said...

Congratulations on your Tulip Garden finish! It will look great framed with the companion piece. Looks like the Art Faire was a ton of fun. So many wonderfully creative things. You picked out a great necklace! I can't wear anything other than gold so I think I've spared my pocketbook. Haven't spared it on a ton of other things! lol

Lois said...

Love your Tulip Garden finish and what a nice start on Susan. Love the necklace and what fun pieces at the art fair.

Patty C. said...

Tulip Garden is awesome !!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

I've seen works by this artist, too, and think they are beautiful. Like the one you chose. Love your Tulip Garden Man! Can't wait to see Her.

Anonymous said...

Hello

Just found your lovely blog.
Your stitching is beautiful.
The show looks amazing.
Lovely dragonfly necklace and birdhouse too.

Anne said...

Love your GH finish! It's very cute! Nice start too and I think using 2 threads will give it the bulk you want! That art show looks like is was so much fun to go and see!! What a pretty necklace you bought it looks great on you!

Solstitches said...

What a beautiful finish. I can't wait to see the companion.
Lovely pics of the things you saw at the art fair.
The letter is really something.
Margaret

merumo said...

Tulip Garden looks sooooo pretty and tiny! Wow!!! I like all of The Goode Huswife's patterns in such rich colors... I stitched Susan Rambo last year and I still remember I really enjoyed her a lot :) Can't wait to see your progress on her!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Joyeux anniversaire mon amie !


Je vous embrasse fort, Mary

Jan said...

Oh Terri....so much to look at and wow over, girl! I love that necklace for sure, such beauty!! And the birdhouse will be definite winner, I would love to have it hanging in my backyard! And that letter sampler? Totally amazing...curious as to how much it sold for.

Love your Tulip Garden finish, the colors are so vibrant! Hope you have oodles of time to stitch on the new start this week.

Brigitte said...

I love your little finish, it's so charming. And I'm already curious to see the companion piece.Goode Huswife designs are all so very special and it's a pity that they are so hard to find. So I always enjoy seeing her stitched pieces on some stitcjers' blogs.
Your new sampler looks very promising. I usually love the bulky look, too, and I often use tho strands when stitching on 36ct.
Good to know that your running has continued without further falls.

Patricia Lessell said...

I am so happy you had such fun at the show and bought the most awesome things! Sorry I've been missing for so long but I'm back now. Have missed you A LOT.
Lots of Love
P xxx

annie rippoll said...

A very beautiful blog Friendly

ANNIE

Anonymous said...

Hello

Your blog is lovely!

Beautiful GH finish!

That show looks brilliant and I love the dragonfly necklace!

Holly x

~Narita said...

Hi Terri,

i dont think you'd need to worry about the stitching looking too bulky with 2 threads. Thats a great look. Somewhere in my blog I did a gorgeous little piece on poly silk 32 ct. I used 2 threads OVER 1 so that it would look very dimentional.
http://thetwilightthread.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=32
(its Feb. 2011 if the link doesnt work)

pollux said...

Hello Terri ...
I'm very happy you see my blog ...I love your blog too ...I'm very sorry but my english is not very good ...
I'll come back ...
big bisouxxx de France
polluxxx

flamingo said...

Just adore GH Tulip Garden His and Hers, unfortunately still looking for charts. Your finish very lovely:)