Tuesday, May 29, 2012

sweet berry stitchery



Back in late winter I started this sweet cross stitch piece* in hopes of spring and summer.   The berries and the blossoms drew me in very quickly!  (In the middle of winter, berries and blossoms are a very good marketing technique.)   I used to work at a strawberry field when I was in high school and so I have this special place in my heart for berries.  I like them freshly picked and warm from the sun.      
This cross stitch piece called for Weeks Dye Works embroidery floss and this was my first time using them.  The Weeks Dye Works flosses are over dyed flosses and they have a variation in color that runs throughout them.  They add a lot of interest with the variations in colors but they are a bit pricey so I just purchased only the threads that I thought would make the biggest impact like on the berries and the bird.  Since the leaves had so many colors in them, I used some WDW floss and some DMC floss.

I really enjoyed working on this cross stitch piece.  It was fun with all of the bright colors and I was able to finish it off just in time for berry season.
The finished piece ended up being an odd size.  I really didn't want to go with the expense of ordering a custom built frame and my framer (my husband) was way too busy to build me a frame any time soon, so I set off for Joann's with a coupon in hand.   Thankfully I found a 10 X 10 shadow box and was able to paint it to match.  I sewed Ric Rac around the outside of the piece to give it some definition.  (it looked lost in the frame without it)  I like how it turned out and I guess trying to work within my framing budget forced me to try something new and I really like the end result.
Now, we need to head to the berry patch and pick us some nice ripe strawberries!  They'll be gone before we know it.  Thankfully, I'll be enjoying my cross stitch all summer long.

* The cross stitch pattern is by Bonnie Sullivan of All Through the Night.


15 comments:

Kristyn Knits said...

what a sweet, sweet project. having a connection to the subject makes the story even better. I'll be with you in spirit as you pick your berries. xoxo

Evelyne said...

What a gorgeous cross stitch and I love the way you've incorporated the rick rack as the border - very clever!

Gracie Saylor said...

Beautiful work, and the framing choice seems just right, to me.
It is still a bit chilly near Portland, OR, but you prompted me to remember some of the great warm sunny days I went berry picking with my little ones who munched more than they put in their buckets and put some in their pockets for later(:

sara said...

I love this, it's so beautiful and summery, and the lovely way you framed it with the ric-rac edging is fab. x

Larissa said...

Love the colors on the bird and your perfect little cross stitches. Great idea to add the rick rack - totally made the whole piece come alive! All the berry farms near us are no longer in operation - may have to drive nearly two hours this year - but I have the feeling it will all be worth it! Have a great rest of the week!

Anonymous said...

That cross-stitch is just so beautiful! Our warm weather has disappeared but the strawberry growers here are producing the sweetest strawberries in their polytunnels so all is well.

Leslie said...

This is so adorable. I love the colors and the frame and the sweet ric rac! What a great idea. The frame really makes it pop.

From All Stitched Up said...

I love it! The ric rack is the perfect border! I think I need some strawberry shortcake.

Tonya Gunn said...

Your work is always so beautiful Lisa! I would really like to maybe give knitting a break soon and make a bit of time for embroidery - you have inspired me.
blessings,
Tonya

Gloria said...

That really turned out very sweet! I love the ric-rack border you added. Perfect to display for the Summer season...:)

Happy day to you!

xoxo...Gloria

Tracy said...

It's so lovely, Lisa! And I love the addition of the rickrack! The framing worked great. Framing is so pricey, so it's always great to come up with new ideas for showcasing a special piece. Your cross stitch is wonderful--love the colors! It's berry season now, and we're enjoying the early strawberries...mmm... :o) We're just back from our trip the US. Great to catch up here with you. ((HUGS))

Heather said...

That looks amazing! I love cross stitch, but it has been forever since I have done any. You inspired me :).

Mary said...

Lovely! Once upon a season I too picked strawberries at an orchard. One of my first jobs.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

I love how that turned out. The shadow box worked perfectly and the rickrack is a perfect "mat" for it :). What a great new piece for warmer weather!

Yarny Days said...

This is so pretty. Very summery.