Tuesday, August 30, 2011

"Two Red Birds" A Sampler Finish

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends I am so happy you enjoyed our visit to the Wharf.  It is a great place to just walk around   - to look in shops, and see some sites and also people watch.  It can get jammed packed  sometimes and then it is a lot less fun.  But, early in the day on a Sunday it was just great!!!
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I finished up my first "designed by me" Sampler - it is pretty conventional, and if I was starting over there are about a bazillion things I would change - but I did enjoy the whole process  - from design to colour choice to stitching.  I also have a new appreciation of the the design process and those designers out there cranking these things out - my hat is off to you!!!!  Well, here are some snaps.......



Part of the Challenge was to use at least two of the motifs given  - I used the alphabet (modified a bit) and the birds - I call this Sampler "Two Red Birds."  Not very original, but there you go.  Also we had to have it have a theme - I chose Fall -

I did chart a fence across the yard, but I didn't leave it as I felt that the piece was getting way too crowded.    Here is an overall shot....


 "Two Red Birds" by edgar
stitched on BoF 36ct Sandpiper, 
using WDW, GAST and HSH Over dyed Flosses

I had originally designed this to fit an older frame I already have.  But, after looking at it in the frame it really does not seem to fit - so this will go into the TBF  (to be framed) pile.  After I clean up the chart a bit and make a legible listing of the floss I plan to make the chart available for others to stitch.
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Over the weekend I also got busy baking, after finding some of this...

Now, you remember a while back I mentioned I couldn't find canned pumpkin anywhere - or nowhere in the city.  I have been on the constant look out for some and nobody has any at all.  So, I was at a Walgreen's on Saturday and thought I should go look in the food aisle and ba-da-bing there where these three cans - I scooped them up and off the the register I went.   They where pretty dusty so I am thinking they have been there for a while, but I was pretty happy about finding them.  I took a can and made this.....

 A super cake version of a recipe from Lisa called  "Pumpkin Bars."  I had to make a cake version as I didn't have the right sized pan - like I always say when life gives you lemons make a gin and tonic!!!  I is/was a super cake and was gobbled up quickly from the break room!! I'll get it up over on BB in the morning.
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I also wanted to mention a New Blogger out there - Benjamin - you can click HERE to go to his Blog.  It is all about his wife Charity, and super cute baby daughter and his hobbies - which include stitching!!!  They are a stitching couple!!!
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There you go sports fans.  Thanks again for stopping by and for taking the time to leave such nice comments!!

Take care,
edgar

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53 comments:

  1. TeresaAugust 30, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    You did a nice job on the samlper. Love the fall trees.
    Pumkin cake looks yummy.
    Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

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  2. JoyAugust 30, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    Love the sampler. You did a wonderful job (as always). The colors are really pretty and remind me of cooler times. My hat off to you sir.

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  3. JanAugust 30, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    WOW Edgar love the sampler... You're such a talented guy!!!

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  4. primitivebettysAugust 30, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Your sampler finished just beautifully & that cake sounds divine!

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  5. BrendaSAugust 30, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Edgar --
    LOVE your sampler! The colors are just great and FALL is my favorite time of the year. I would definitely be interested in buying the chart from you:))

    Your pumpkin cake looks scrumptous. I am so ready for all things Fall!

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  6. Laurie in IowaAugust 30, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Your sampler looks wonderful Your design is well balanced and I love the two red birds. IMO it's a perfect title for this piece. Congrats!

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  7. The Inspired StitcherAugust 30, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Oh Edgar, the sampler is awesome! I love the fall colors. I'm so in the fall mood right now. Hmmm...I may have to go get my can of pumpkin out and make something yummy too!

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  8. PennyAugust 30, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Great job on the sampler. Definitely one I would like to stitch. I see the possibility for a second career :) Another delicious looking dessert!

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  9. VickiAugust 30, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Great job on the sampler. Love the fall theme. I'm impressed with anyone who can design a pattern!

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  10. rionaAugust 30, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    I think your sampler is lovely. You'd never know it was a first effort. Looks quite professional to me. Currently, on my blog, you can see photos of a sampler that I have re-charted from the original to make it more my own style.

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  11. Carol RAugust 30, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    Edgar - what a wonderful sampler. It's well balanced with the perfect colour choice of fabric and threads - great 'fall' leaves. I love both the pretty alphabet and the border and I think you probably did right to leave out the 'fence' - sometimes more is less. Will there be more forays into the complex world of design?

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  12. BarbAugust 30, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Way to go Edgar!! Your sampler is great! Also, thanks for the mini trip to SF.

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  13. TraceyAugust 30, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    I love your sampler! Fall is my favorite season and I love stitching houses. :) and samplers! Your cake looks delicious- I love pumpkin too-can't wait for it to get cooler here so I can get in a 'fall mood' easier. lol Thanks for the heads up on the new blog- will go check it out!

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  14. Ann at Beadlework.August 30, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Well done Edgar, an excellent start to designing.

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  15. DonnaTNAugust 30, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Your sampler looks super! Congratulations on a successful foray outside your usual comfort zone. That cake looks super too. I read that after a couple of years of pumpkin shortage, this year is supposed have a good pumpkin harvest.

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  16. DebAugust 30, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    I think that you did a tremendous job on your sampler. It has all the right elements without being cutesy! Really well balanced and wonderful colors. You definitely did good!!

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  17. AnonymousAugust 30, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    I finally got DH in here to look at the boats at the pier. He was mesmerized and spent 20 minutes going over them. He said thanks for the great ship pictures.

    I am more impressed by your sampler. Great job.

    Mary in TN

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  18. ElisaAugust 30, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    I just LOVE that finish Edgar xx

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  19. Lisa SAugust 30, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE your sampler Edgar!! You did a fantastic job!!!
    So glad you liked the Pumpkin bars/cake recipe :)

    Hugs

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  20. Anja´s WunschpunschAugust 30, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    hello,

    your little sampler is very nice. I like the hagebutten-border. Sorry, I don´t know the english word for this flower/fruit.

    Greetings
    Anja

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  21. NancyAugust 30, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Your sampler is so pretty! The trees are gorgeous with those fall colors!

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  22. AnonymousAugust 30, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Great sampler, Edgar! I love it! The pumpkin cake looks delicious too! Hugs, Nancy D.

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  23. Peggy LeeAugust 30, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Oh WOW Edgar...your sampler is gorgeous and I can't believe how quickly you got it done! You should be so proud.

    I've been living out of a hotel with two stove top burners...looking at your cake makes me miss my oven SO MUCH!! I need to also make sure I have enough pumpkin stashed in my pantry.

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  24. Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich)August 30, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    I think your sampler looks great, Edgar! Love the colors and the chimneys on the house are wonderful!

    The cake looks delicious!!

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  25. Vonna PfeifferAugust 30, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    I think I could eat that whole cake!!!! Especially since I'm trying to eat only 1500 calories a day :) If I smell-o-puter I'd probably expire from the deliciousness of it! Ha ha ha...
    LOVE LOVE LOVE your sampler Edgar! Gorgeous!

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  26. BethAugust 30, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Hat's off to you Edgar! A very nice design and execution!

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  27. ChristieAugust 30, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Edgar, Your sampler is beautiul. You did a wonderful job. Congrats to you. The cake looks very yummy. ~~ Christie

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  28. MaggeeAugust 30, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    Congratulations on the finished Sampler, designed and stitched by YOU!! I like it lots--especially the trees and the red birds! I like all kinds of birds of late! Your color choices are wonderful--hope you share them when you share the pattern! Hugs!

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  29. SheilaAugust 30, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Your sampler looks beautiful, you did a great job. The cake looks very yummy, I have a can of pumpkin in the pantry. I need to find that recipe. LOL!!

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  30. DeborahAugust 30, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Edgar, you did a beautiful job! The sampler is wonderful. Love the colors.

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  31. DebbieSFLAugust 30, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Lovely sampler.

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  32. Patty C.August 30, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    Edgar - Your Sampler looks great !!!

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  33. MyraAugust 30, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    You did a fabulous job on your sampler Edgar. How can you go wrong when it has a red bird in it? :o)

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  34. Charity C.August 30, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Hey Edgar,
    I think your sampler turned out fabulous!! I love it and that cake looks too good. I wish I was there to try it. You always do a wonderful presentation on your cooking/baking.

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  35. CarrieAugust 30, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    You did a wonderful job. I think it looks great!

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  36. Stitching CatAugust 30, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Edgar, what a great job you did on your sampler! Pumpkin cake is one of my favs.

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  37. DottieAugust 30, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Yes, Edgar your sampler is just so lovely. You have absolutely caught the essence of Fall, you really can design!!
    Love the idea of a pumpkin cake and yours looks delicious.
    Dottie J.

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  38. CatherineAugust 30, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Job well done!! Your sampler looks fantastic!!

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  39. ~Judy~August 30, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    WOW Edgar! Amazing piece you designed. Surely it can't be your first!!?? Loving the looks of that pumpkin cake too! I adore anything pumpkin!!!

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  40. MelissaAugust 30, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Edgar, that is awesome! Congratulations on a beautiful design! I love the colours of the leaves on the tree. I guess you're thinking of Autumn already!

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  41. GabiAugust 30, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Beautiful sampler Edgar. You did a great job there.
    Your cake looks very tasty :)

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  42. mdgtjulieAugust 31, 2011 at 1:14 AM

    LOL, Edgar, I advertised Benjamin's blog as well. He seems like a nice guy!! I love the look of that cake. I may have to check out the recipe, and see if I can find some pumpkin. Your sampler looks very professional. I would never have guessed an amateur designed it. Grats on the finish too!!

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  43. KielrainAugust 31, 2011 at 3:13 AM

    Nice sampler. Love the colours.

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  44. EllenAugust 31, 2011 at 3:39 AM

    The sampler is beautiful, love it! I love Fall, the colors are gorgeous!

    The cake looks great, yum..yum..

    Hugs,

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  45. marlyAugust 31, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    I'm impressed. You created a great balanced design! So many nice details in the bottom area, great colors...well done.

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  46. SusanAugust 31, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    I would never have guessed that was a first attempt at designing - it's beautiful. You captured "fall" perfectly. Like the whole thing, but especially the border and trees. The cake looks delicious.

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  47. StitchinowlAugust 31, 2011 at 6:45 AM

    What a great sampler! I particularly love the trees. Well done.
    Carolyn

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  48. JoyAugust 31, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    I love the sampler as well. It's much better than anything I've ever done. You can always make another one later and make the improvements you wanted to make.

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  49. dixiesamplarAugust 31, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Wow, what a lovely sampler...you really are a wonderfully talented guy, Edgar!!

    You need to make that one available for the rest of us stitchers...I'd love to stitch it myself.

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  50. LynnSeptember 1, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    I'm really impressed with your sampler Edgar. Well done!! I give a lot of credit to designers. I've tried making some minor alterations to designs and have problems so I can't imagine creating my own. I love that you chose fall for your theme. It's a favorite of mine.
    Thanks for the pumpkin cake. I'm headed to a SAL this weekend at Kathy's of Kathy's Sit and Stitch. If I can find some pumpkin, these bars are going with me.

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  51. AnneSeptember 1, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Edgar, your sampler is gorgeous! I love all of it, from the alphabet to the border to the house!! Congrats! Perhaps you should try a new venture and start designing.....

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  52. AkilaSeptember 2, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    That is a very pretty sampler Edgar. Congratulations :)
    Wow, the cake looks delicious.

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  53. *Kountry*Porch*Primitives*September 4, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Great job!! I am almost finished stitching my piece for the challenge. Great use in colors...love it!! ~Kriss~

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Picking Up the Needle

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