New Designs Coming This Summer

Hi Everyone!
It seems like time is flying by and I can't keep up with all the projects that I have going!  After my retirement last October, one of my goals was to increase the number of designs that I put out.  I thought, I did about 6-7 year when I was working full time so it should be easy to double that..... I started out with a bang and then slowly other things seem to take me away from my stitching.  How did I do all the the things I did when I was working?  Beats me! I guess I'm slower now! ;)

Anyway, I've picked my needle and thread back up and have quite a few projects coming down the lane.  I do have to tell you, I now have a model stitcher who helps me.  Her name is Donna Ennis and she is from Florida.  We have developed our system of how to get things back and forth to each other and I am so happy to have her helping me.  She is a beautiful stitcher and fast too!

So what's coming up...Well I now have a candle box from Lone Elm Lane.  If you don't know who they are by now, they make the most beautiful wooden boxes and frames for stitchers.  I chose the candle box because I liked the slide lid and compartments.  My design is almost finished and should be out soon.  I chose the color paprika, so if you like it, let them know.

See here's my box ....no design yet.  Isn't it cute?

For those of you that were not able to get my "Tea For Two Kit" in early January, good news is I have published the chart and it will be available from Hoffman next week.  I was unable to locate more of the fabric that I used and the ribbon company went our of business!  But I am sure you will be able to find some coordinating fabric and ribbon in your stash.  Thank you for the e-mails about the chart...I heard you and it will be out soon.

I have three Colonial Christmas mini pillows in the works.  I know everyone likes to start their Christmas stitching early so they should be released in late June and early July!  It seems to me like Christmas was just here...

Also another design with a cute saying on it....and I have just finished my part 2 design for the Inspired Sampler Club.  It's not stitched...just designed!

I am also hoping to get my yearly Halloween design completed soon.  I have to tell you, I have projects on every table in my house and little studio.

Today I put away my needle and thread and painted.  A few years ago I distressed some paper mache boxes for myself and a couple of friends.  A new friend is in love with my Christmas box and asked if I would make one for her.  So today, I worked on it.

(In person these actually look red...my camera wants things to look burnt orange today!)

Her's says Tis the Season...mine are on the top.   These are so fun to make and they really don't take a lot of time.  I put them here because you really could put a needlework design on the top of them. IF you are looking for another summer project.  You can make them any color, any size and I use stencils for the words and some of mine have designs. I'm always looking for new places to put designs.  I have a bunch of framed pieces and a ton of pillows already!  The boxes are very sturdy.  Anyway there is never a dull moment around here!  

Hopefully, my next post I will have some pictures of finishes!  Have a great summer!

Gayle

Abby Rose Designs

A couple of things to show you this week... I gave you a peek last week of my new design for the Inspired Sampler Club but since Cathy has sent it out to the club members, I wanted to show you the entire piece.  If you would like to stitch it, you can contact Cathy at the Inspired Needle to get more information.  She has turned it into a kit with all the thread and the fabric you will need to complete it.

Since this is my first club, I am especially proud of Glad Hearts.  Jan Alexander, who did the first piece has called her's Everlasting Love.  What a great name!  It will be her turn again in a couple of months and then I will follow with "Thankful Hearts" just in time for fall stitching!

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Glad Hearts

This is my next piece which will probably be out next week through Hoffman!  I know I have completely skipped over summer stitching!  I designed Spring and Summer Pin Pillows in 2016 and promised a few of you that I would eventually get to the Autumn and Winter.  Winter is designed but still needs to be stitched.  I think you will like it though...it features some rich Christmas colors.  I am also thinking of my yearly Halloween design, with my beloved witch who has no name, but needs one.... Any ideas?  And then I  have 3 Christmas Ornaments in the works!  I now have a great model stitcher, Donna Ennis, from Florida who is now helping me get all of these things stitched! What a relief!  She stitched Glad Hearts for me...in record time!

Autumn Pin Pillow

Stay safe this Memorial Day Weekend!

Gayle
Abby Rose Designs

Happy Mother's Day!

                                                   

Happy Mother's Day to all My Stitching Friends!

                                                                
Tulips are one of my most favorite flowers so I'm sending you a bunch! I wish you the happiest day and hope you get to spend time with those you love the most!  Thanks to all who have enjoyed my designs!  There will be more to come in the future...just taking a much needed break right now!

Gayle, Abby Rose Designs

Glad Hearts Sneak Peek! An Inspired Sampler Club Project

Hello Everyone!

A few months ago it was my honor to receive an email from Cathy at the Inspired Needle and Jan from Tree of Life Samplings asking if I would be interested in designing for the Inspired Sampler Club.  Of course I said yes...I love samplers.  The first design by Jan has already been released but you can still join the club by contacting Cathy at the Inspired Needle at inspiredneedle.com.  The scheduled release dates are on Cathy's website.

My sampler is called "Glad Hearts" and here is a sneak peek.  I really enjoyed designing this piece and hope you like it too!  It is an exclusive piece and  the only way to get it is by calling Cathy.

Have a great week!

Gayle
Abby Rose Designs

Be Happy Update

Hi Everyone!
Hope you are enjoying your week!  I wanted to send this post out because several of you have emailed me regarding a color in the "Be Happy" design.

The GAST- Pebble is correct.  I think all of the blue in the photo put a blue cast on the block areas that were stitched with Pebble.  The model really does have the off-white color of GAST Pebble. 

So what I have told everyone is...if you like the blue look of the blocks you could use GAST-Aged Pewter and it would probably be very close to the color in the photo.

Sorry for any confusion!  I think I need more experience in the photo taking area!

Anyway!
Happy Easter....May it be a very blessed time for you and your family!

Gayle
Abby Rose Designs

A couple of new designs coming out in the next week.  First of all my last edition to my "Happy" series that I have been doing...not to say that I won't have another in the future if I hear another good happy quote ;).

Here is "I Think I'll Just Be Happy Today".  Isn't it funny that we don't often remind ourselves that we have a choice to be Happy each day.  I know, I forget too!

And the next is a design which was originally published in Primitive Punch and Needlework Magazine about a year and half ago.  I believe the issue is no longer printed.  I have had several requests to publish it so here it is.............

Enjoying the nice windy days...not too hot yet.  My little dog Coco and I have really enjoyed our evening walks.  My roses have already started to bloom.  Our bottle brush tree already has a million blooms.  It looks like it rained red petals.  

Hoping where ever you are...it is warm and almost Spring!

Good Sunday Everyone!
I'm always looking for ways to display my designs.  Don't get me wrong, I like framed pieces, and all kinds of smalls but sometimes I want something that can be displayed or useful.  I have always been a candle nut.  I have many candles! I like these primitive style taper candles and wanted to add a few to my ever growing candle collection but couldn't figure out what to do with them.  Although I like the primitive style decorating that has been around for a few years now and is very popular, my house is not decorated in that style.  So...I started looking around at Hobby Lobby ( I can spend a couple of hours in there just looking at every item, something I never had time to do when I was working full time) and wandered over to the unpainted wooden box isle... And there I spied it...a perfect container for my grubby candles.  A simple wooden box with a simple closure on the front, just the perfect width for taper candles.  Next to the paint isle.... another one of my other favorite things...and I found a perfect primitive red milk paint by Plaid.  I'm not advertising for them but for the price, this paint is great.  I've used a much more expensive brand and I think this one is just as good. I chose New England Red but they have several colors that I really liked... thinking....other projects!  I did follow all the directions ( I don't always do that...I get too excited when starting a project) and went through the proper steps. First I lightly sanded my box or should I say my husband lightly sanded my box! Then I applied a coat, let it dry, applied a second coat, let it dry and the next day I rubbed it well with the oil rub they suggest.  You don't have to do that but I wanted the darker color and it also seals it.

Here's my candle box!

The milk paint naturally made the worn -looking areas, which I like, you could probably give it third coat for a more solid paint job.

This is what it looks like inside.

I'm working on a design for the top of the box (that's it inside the box) and plan to line the bottom with some color coordinated wool to keep my candles protected and maybe something for the inside of the lid.  I will post again with a picture of my completed project.  This was a fun project and I already have my eye on a smaller box that would be great for a small design.

Have a great day!

Gayle