Monday, February 18, 2013

Mary Mccallester, Sweet Pea, and my Hart

If you subscribe to the Attic's newsletter, you might have spied a couple of pieces by Needlework Press which are going to be released at the Nashville market in March.  Yes, the big one is the model I was working on for so long.  It's Mary Mccallester.  (Keep in mind, my picture isn't great since it was taken before I sent it back to Vickie to be framed.)


Isn't she gorgeous?  I am so in love with her!  If you want to see Mary all pinned and wrinkle free, go to the link above and scroll till you find her.  Stitches used on Mary are cross stitch over one (verse and words) and two and rice stitch.

Needlework Press is also releasing a small piece, Sweet Pea. which I also stitched a long while ago.


It's sweet, isn't it?  :D

And no, I didn't stitch Mary Moteshed, the Attic's featured Sampler of the Month.  But I do love her!

Vickie, I hope you don't mind my showing the models off here.  (And no, I have no affiliation to the Attic.)

And now for the piece I'm currently stitching, The Hart.  It's coming along.  I'm finally stitching the fun parts.


I decided to stitch some of the grass to break it up since there is so much of it.


The lady reminds me of Queen Elizabeth II.  I think it's the nose.

I recently made a purchase of a nice bed for Mia -- and it's been a huge hit.  Mia sleeps in it almost exclusively, day and night.  She used to sleep right next to me at night, but now she prefers her bed.  It has a fleece lining, which she loves to knead.  And it has a surface under the lining which reflects her body heat back to her to keep her warm.


She even got right into it when it first arrived, despite it still being cold from outside!


Don't worry, I have since taken that tag off.  Mia is a happy cat!

From the beginning of the weekend, I was asking the Father Type if he had Monday off.  "I don't know....." was the constant answer.  I finally got him to check the calendar -- and yes, he has it off!!  So yay for three day weekends!

We finally bought a nice couch/bed for the sewing room/the girl child's former room.  It will be delivered on Wednesday.  I'm so excited!

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I hope everyone has a great week!  Happy President's Day to those in the US.


60 comments:

cucki said...

Wow I love all your stitching so much..super sweet..
Well done for stitching such lovely samplers..
Bug hugs x

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous!!!!

Vickie said...

Oh. My. Gosh. SQUEE!!! That last pic of Mia is sooooooo adorable. =)

Your stitching is so lovely. That deer and rabbit made me laugh. The rabbit looks like he is stalking someone. And the deer is looking at him like, "What is he DOING?" ;)

Nancy said...

Your sampler is gorgeous! I love the little Sweet Pea design - like you said it's very sweet. Kitty hugs to Mia! She looks so warm and comfortable in her new bed.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Beautiful model stitching! Do you ever stitch those large ones again for yourself?
Mia looks happily 'snug as a bug in a rug' doesn't she?
Enjoy your FT's day off!

BrendaS said...

Beautiful stitching Margaret! That model stitch was a HUGE task but the results are beautiful.

Nice progress on your WIP.

Mia looks so cozy in her new bed:)

Melissa said...

Oh I love that bed you got for Mia. She looks so contented in it. And now I notice the black spot on her back!

That's an awesome sampler that you stitched. It must've been fun with all those bright colours! The Hart is coming along nicely too!

enjoy your 3 day weekend together!

Terri said...

Had the stitching already been started on Mary McCallester when you received it? I'm trying to remember if it's a sampler I saw Meagan start. I hope it is because I loved the colors! LOL

Bless Mia's heart. She does look happy in her new bed. I love the quilt I see hanging over the back of the chair in the background of the last picture of her.

Laurie in Iowa said...

The model you stitched is gorgeous and I can't wait to get my hands on the chart. Emma wants me to stitch the Sweet Pea piece because I call her by the name Sweet Pea often and she thinks it's meant to be for her.
Love the bed you bought for little Mia. It sounds comfy and just right for a very particular kitty.
I can't believe how much you've stitched on the Hart piece since you last posted. I love that bunny... he looks as if he's been up to no good.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Ooooh we finally get to see your models! I can see why you were so excited to share them with us now. They are both wonderful.

Your Scarlet Letter is progressing nicely. That rabbit cracks me up.

Love Mia's new bed. Looks like she's thoroughly enjoying it too!

Anna van Schurman said...

The rabbit on the hart looks like he is sneaking off to commit crimes! Love the peas.

Krista said...

Lovely stitching on the models! So nice that you can finally share it with us. I love your Hart stitch. The lady also reminds me of the old English queens, love the ruffley collar! Mia looks so comfy cozy in her new bed, definitely weather for snuggling and staying warm! Have a great President's Day!

Karen said...

Lovely stitching! Great that Mia likes and uses her new bed! I wish my cats were that cooperative; when I buy them something new, they sniff it then just hop up on one of the dining room chairs. Sheesh! Happy President's Day back atcha!

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

All the stitching is so pretty! I really like that little sweet pea one!
I do believe that bed is a hit in Mia's eyes! That is one happy kitty!

Roberta said...

Your model stitching is amazing, where do you find the time??? As always just love photos of Mia and her new bed is just so cute - she is a cutie.

Erica said...

Oh my!
You certainly have been busy!

Mary is just stunning!
I love how the Hart is coming along too!
You must take a lot of vitamins! LOL!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

You always impress me with your stitching. I love seeing Mia and today's photos are extra cute.

Cari said...

Your model stitching is beautiful. An excellent execution as usual. Thanks for sharing. Your Hart sampler is coming along nicely too. I always love the fun parts...like the crazy nose, and I too stitch some of the 'green' parts as I go along on a big sampler.

Mia is all that !! Maybe she should be on TV in some cat commercials. Love the last pic. She is adorable !!

Deb said...

You're really making great progress on your sampler, and I do like the one that you did for Needleprint. I'm always amazed at what you stitch for yourself and are still able to get in model stitching!!

Mia looks so happy with her new bed.

Annie said...

Gorgeous model stitching!

The lady in the new piece looks like she dressed too warmly for the occasion! I always over-dress when it gets cold and have to move like a penguin with all my layers. I think this lady might like to shed that collar and few layers too! What a funky expression on her face!

Leneslines said...

Gorgeous samplers! She does look like Elizabeth. Must be the dress:) lucky Mia to get her own bed. Hope you don't miss having her sleeping in your bed:)

Evelyne said...

O, My Gosh,such an lovely picture of Mia in her new bed!!!
All your stitching is so beautiful!
I love "And my Hart" so much that I ordered that cart too.
You stitching now the most fun part. I think the red is a little boring at the end.
Hugs, Evelyne

Beth said...

Mia looks to be extremely content - and so she should be! I really like the crouching bunny on your sampler - he is a riot!

Ruth said...

lol I don't know that last picture makes me think that you've got a new version of the Cat in the Hat going. :)

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful stitching! You know it might be *your* fault how many things I think I need to buy! Such a bad influence. tsk tsk

Bertie said...

Gorgeous this big big sampler, I do wonder sometimes if you stitch in your sleep Margaret!! The peas look so nice too.
Nice progerss on the Hart, love that deer:)
Looks like Mia is not coming out of her bed ever again!!

Anne said...

Oh my gosh! Those photos of Mia are the cutest ever! Her new cat bed looks so cozy as does she lying in it!! Wow that sampler is beautiful!! I love the little animals in this one. That sweet pea design is something I would stitch! Lots of great new designs coming out at the Nashville Market! Sigh...more stuff to tempt me!! Love your Hart progress. It looks like a fun design to stitch!!

Nicola said...

Mary is on my to buy list. I adore the border Margaret. You have made amazing progress on The Hart, you must be so pleased.

Mia looks so regal looking out from her snug bed.

Keeper of the Crowes said...

What an amazing job, Margaret. Both your samplers are beautiul and Sweet Pea is just that, sweet!!! So glad that Mia loves her new bed. It looks just perfect for her!!

Annette-California said...

Amazing!!! Mary is gorgeous, Oh my I am amazed all the stitching you are able to get done. I am going back to look at Mary again:) The colors are so pretty. Silk right? I cracked up laughing at Vickie's comment to you about the rabbit and deer - too funny. The colors in the queens dress are fun and bright:) Lovely progress and again its looking beautiful. Mia is so very cute.
love Annette

HollyXSing said...

That, Mia...what a cutie-pie!

I love your model stitching!

Keep up the beautiful owrk,

-Holly in VA

woolwoman said...

I thought when I saw the Mary McCallester that was the mystery sampler you'd been stitching - it is so wonderful ! Mias so cute in her new bed. I bet she loves it. Glad there is a 3 day around your house. I had to laugh when I saw your Hart progress - it's taken me 3 or 4 years to get that far along - yours looks great! I think it's an enjoyable stitch. Hope you have a good week - Mel

Stitch Wizard said...

Margaret you just did the most beautiful job on Mary!! So so pretty!! I love all of the photos here!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

Kevin said...

Your stitching is gorgeous. That model you posted at the top (Mary M) is outstanding! I definitely will be keeping my eyes out for that Nashville release!
Also LOVE the HART sampler. Amazing!

P.J. said...

Beautiful work lady. The Hart is a bit of a curious piece. Love Mia's bed where did you find it? I know my Chewie would dig one of those. I love the deep sides. Great for these cold Maine days.

Faye said...

Your model stitch is fantastic Margaret!!!! I love that unique border..... And, The Hart is moving along swiftly for you..... You have made a ton of progress..... Turbo needles up there in snow country!!! Ms Mia looks right at home in her cute girls bed!

Linda said...

Oh my. I can't believe how fast you stitch. If I could stitch that fast I wouldn't have any UFO's. lol Great pics of Mia. The model stitching is gorgeous. Congrats on doing an awesome job.

Linda

Mary said...

Margaret, you're always so industrious! Love all 3 projects.

Looks like you've found the perfect nest for Miss Mia.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Your needles have been smoking--The Hart gets better and better--love the border and the lady (yes, she does look like the queen)

The border on Mary McCallester is very interesting.

Mia--she is a hoot! Cats are so entertaining, whatever would we do without them

Ranae said...

Mary is gorgeous
I think your the perfect stitcher to stitch the model
You'll be done with the Hart sampler before you know it
I love the queens dress
Mia fits cozy in her new bed

Kathy said...

Your model stitching is lovely. As is your Hart Sampler! You really have made great progress on that. And, Mia looks so comfy in her new bed. Enjoy the long weekend with hubby!

Dot said...

Oh wow! Mary Mccallester is breathtakingly beautiful.

Mia's bed does look so cozy. Glad to see she loves it so much.

Siobhán said...

I just LOVE Mary Mccallester!! What a fabulous sampler. Sweet Pea is too cute, as is your own little sweet pea in her new bed. ;) Nice progress on your sampler! I think the animals go well with AAWFAA, don't you think?

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

merveilleuses vos photos !!!
bravo pour vos samplers superbes ! bisous mon amie !

Chris said...

OOOH!!!! She is gorgeous. I am so glad that you can finially share with us. I love the cow.
Hart is looking great.I know that Mia is loving her new bed. have a great week!

Dona said...

Margaret, I'm so glad Mia loves her new bed. She's so cute in it!

Mary Mccallester is beautifully stitched! The cow is so cute.

Great progress on The Hart, and she does look somewhat like QE II.

Can't wait to see your new couch/bed! New furniture is always exciting!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

The Sampler you stitched is just gorgeous to the maximum Margaret! And Sweet Peas ain't shabby either! Stunning work as usual! Your WIP...makes me weep with jealousy too! LOL! But in a really GOOD WAY!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Beautiful stitching as always! How exciting to be able to stitch models.

I love how Mia took instantly to her bed. She looks all warm and cozy in there.

marly said...

Oh Margaret you did such a beautiful job on Mary. What a border! Love that last photo of Mia and so glad she loves her little bed. How sweet!

Debby said...

Wow! What a lot of stitching have you done! I'ts beautiful!
And Mia is happy with her one little bed.

Greetings from Debby

Carol said...

Gorgeous model stitching, Margaret (I almost put "Mia" in instead of Margaret!!)

How cozy Mia looks in her new little bed... I always used to love it when my old cat jumped on top of me and began "kneading"--I miss that so much!

Mugwump Woolies said...

Beautiful, Margaret...you are a Master Stitcher! Love the Sweet Pea...gorgeous greens there!
Mia looks so comfy and cozy!
Robyn

donnacrafts said...

Just outstanding. Beautiful samplers and your work, as always, is perfect.

Donna

Merry Wind Farm said...

Hi, Margaret,
Mary is so beautiful, and looks like a fun stitch. After the designer takes the pictures, will you get to keep her? I just got an e-mail from Traditional Stitches, and they have it, as I'm sure all the stores will. When I read their description, I especially like that it says charted for DMC. I get so aggravated when designers only chart for specialty threads without a conversion, as that makes it more costly, and usually I just skip it. This one is definitely a "buy". Also love cute little Mia in her new comfy bed. My kittens kneed at their beds, and nurse them too, you can hear their little lips go smack, smack, smack.

Melinda

Melody said...

Margaret, your stitching is amazing as always! The Hart piece is going to be lovely.

What a lucky Mia to get such a nice bed! I am glad she likes it so much. You never know how they are going to react to something new like that. I can't get over how much she resembles our male cat, Simon. They could be siblings.

How exciting to get new furniture! Good for you.

Sherry :o) said...

Oh Margaret how absolutely stunning Mary is! Your other pieces are true to your normal stitching...awesome. Mia looks very comfy & cozy. Be sure to show us your new couch.

Catherine said...

Wow! Great projects you got to take part in! Aawww....Mia looks so comfy in her bed! I think I need to find a big enough bed for Panzer ~ he's quite the bed hog!

Dawn said...

I can see the queens nose ;-)
The samplers are beyond beautiful!! as is Mia of course.
Always LOVE to see what your stitching on - hey, where are the pin cushion(s)?

Melissa said...

Mia is adorable and she's gotten so big! She looks like she loves her new bed. Where the Hart Lives is gorgeous!

Scrap said...

oh my Gosh ! this is very very MAGNIFIQUE !
I love your sampler !

Wanda said...

Oh Margaret, the sampler is stunning! Mia looks like she loves her new bed! We just bought two new beds for our cats and they love them so much, we feel like they have deserted us...well, it might be the birds they get to watch outside while they are on them.
The Hart is gorgeous. Thanks as always for sharing, Wanda