Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Ann Rayner is Finished

Hot off the scroll rods - here's Ann!  I just had a little bit more to do on her and decided to sit down and finish her up.  I love her!!   And I'm amazed at myself!!!  I finished this one up without pushing her aside half way through which is my Standard Operating Procedure because I always get bored.  I never finish anything up all at one time - something else is always calling me.  But I challenged myself (this was my Challenge piece for this year, after all) and to tell the truth, there wasn't a boring moment with Ann - some over ones that drove me nuts - I'm not a huge fan of those at all - but there nothing boring about her. (pictures are clickable)!!

Ann Rayner from Threads Thru Time
32 ct. Cafe Au Lait fabric
DMC threads

And some more pics - a little deviation from the called for hairdo's - I didn't want straight stitched hair so I improvised, and I changed the skin from white to DMC 950:


Some sheepies (those little ones were stinkers being that they were over one):


And another shot - just because - (because I'm so darned tickled that she's done):




I just love her.  I think that she'll look wonderful hanging above the Phebe quilt, don't you?  I know I'm being overly optimistic that I'll even finish that quilt, but I can see this hanging above the bed in the guest room when Phebe is finished.  But now I'm feeling stitcher's remorse.  I'm going to miss her and I don't know what to stitch next!!!   I guess I'll have to do some stash diving tonight.  Well, maybe not - I heard that little voice in my head that says I should go back to a WIP - darned that voice!!  Maybe I just won't listen (smile).

I had a wonderful surprise this week, too.  I won a giveaway on Jeanne's blog - Willow Tree Stitcher - a beautiful needlebook!!  The outside:


The inside:


Isn't it gorgeous?  I think it's beautiful and just love it and am so happy that I received it.  The stitching and finishing are both just exquisite!!!  Thank you Jeanne!

Well, this is short and sweet because dinner is brewing on the stove (well, not really - there is a chicken in the crock pot) but it's time to get everything else going.  Then I need a long walk.  I'm not used to sitting in the stitching chair during the day.  I've got a good case of stitch butt going on right now, so a long walk is definitely in order!!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

82 comments:

Daffycat said...

Ah, big congratulations, Deb! Well done on an awesome finish! I love the sheep so very much!

woolwoman said...

WOW Deb - YGG - that is so great you finished Ann - it is beautiful - After we "talked" about her - I really got the bug but so far have not been able to locate my chart - urghhh - Can't wait to see what framing you choose. Love the fact that you won Jeanne's giveaway - such a beautiful piece. Chicken in the crock pot - yum yum - enjoy Mel

BeckySC said...

Oh Deb...she is GORGEOUS!! BIG congratulations!!!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Yippee!!! She is absolutely gorgeous! You stitched her so quickly and so beautifully! I am just beyond excited to see this gorgeous sampler finished and can't wait to see her in person! You know I love everything about it - lots of red, a colonial looking couple, red, a beautiful alphabet, red houses, a floral border in red! and some darling animals!!! OMG, those sheep! Those little guys are to die for! I love everything about this - absolutely everything. I'm tempted to pull it out right now and start stitching it but I'll wait a while and just bask in the beauty of yours!

Well done, GF!!!!

Edgar said...

What a lovely finish!!! And a super Needle book!! Congrats!!!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Congrats on your finish. Your Ann R. looks wonderful. Lovely needle book too!

Carol said...

YAY!! Deb, Ann is absolutely gorgeous--good for you for sticking with her and finishing so quickly :)

I adore the parade of sheep--especially those tiny ones. Congratulations on a real beauty!

BrendaS said...

Deb --
WOO HOO! Congratulations -- Ann is a beauty. LOVE the colors and those little sheep are just precious! Can't wait to see how you framer her up.

Margaret said...

Yay! Ann is finished! And now I can look at yours and drool while I stitch on mine. :D See, there was no way I could have caught up to you! Love your prize from Jeanne too. Lucky you, winning that prize!

samplerlover said...

Yay, you finished it. Ann is looking wonderful and she is worth all the headaches that she gave you. I also think that she will look wonderful with your Phebe quilt when you have her finished.

Love your needlebook. It is beautiful. I think I have this SB pattern in my collection. In fact I know I have. - Sandra.

JOLENE said...

Congrats on a stunning finish! Ann is so cheery and bright, love her, too. One more to check off your "done" list....woo hoo! Pretty little needlebook, you scored. Do you have the Phebe cross stitch chart? Let me know, I am curious. Wishing you a new set of singing needles with your next start or finish! Smiles....

Cari said...

Oh Miss Deb...Ann IS BEAUTIFUL!! I love all of the colors. She looks like she was a very enticing stitch. And yes...she'll look simply fabulous on the wall of the Phebe Quilt room!! LOL. Congratulations....wonderful accomplishment!! Hugs

Katrina said...

Just beautiful Deb, wonderful stitching!

Barbi said...

Wow Deb, that is an amazing finish. You should be very pleased with yourself! Just gorgeous!

Jonette said...

This is a beautiful sampler! Great job!

Andrea said...

OOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!
She's AMAZING Deb!!! I'm so proud of you for sticking to it with Ann, you've done a GORGEOUS outstanding job on her and you will be my inspiration when I start on mine :)
Amazingly beautiful, love it!!
xoxo

Jackie's Stitches said...

Deb, Ann Raynor is gorgeous! Congratulations on knocking your challenge piece out of the park!

I won Jeanne's other needlebook. Exquisite is definitely the right word to use - her finishing is AMAZING!

valerie said...

Woohoo! Congratulations on your finish! Ann looks amazing! And congrats on your win from Jeanne too!

Anonymous said...

Your Ann Raynor is beautiful. I just showed it to my mother and she said..."oooh, I like that one".
Well, I guess I will be looking for it at my LNS the next time I go.

Loraine said...

OHHHHH Deb!!! She is so pretty. Good for you for sitting down and getting her done. I love this sampler. I may have to stitch it one day! I love it when you can enjoy every stitch of a sampler. It doesn't happen often with me, but I do love it when it happens.
On to Mary Allen again? Let me know. I could pull her out at any time.
Love the needle book from Jeanne. How sweet is that? The finishing looks perfect.
Have a wonderful day! A big congratulations hug to you!

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Ann is beautiful! I like the changes you made. Ann will bring you many years of happiness!

Vickie said...

What a great job you did! Isn't it funny how we all are drawn to those adorable sheep?? :)

Kim said...

Deb it's beautiful!!! You did good! Congrats on the finish!!!!

Nancy said...

Congratulations on finishing Ann, she is beautiful!

doris said...

Woo hoo! Fabulous finish of a beautiful sampler. I can't wait to see a picture of her hanging above that quilt, and I know we will someday.

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful Deb!
I', also looking forward to seeing your quilt, youare so creative!
Lancy Rudd

MoonBeam said...

What a nice sampler finish. Nice work. Congratulations on your pretty needle book win, too.

Bobbi

Jenny said...

Congratulations Deb, Ann is simply beautiful. I love her...you certainly have a right to be proud! The colors are wonderful and the sheep are just precious! What an amazing finish.

Merry Wind Farm said...

Hi, Deb,
Love your Ann Rayner sampler. Can't wait to see her hanging on the wall. My poor Ann has been in a drawer ever since I finished her.
Melinda

lynda said...

What a beautiful sampler! I love the colrs in this piece and you have done a beautiful job! Congratulations!

Cathy B said...

Oh my gosh ... Ann is so beautiful! How wonderful that you finished her!

marly said...

Congratulations on such an amazing project. You did a beautiful job. Every time I see a photo of this sampler I notice more details. You hit the jackpot with that needlebook!!

Teresa S. said...

I didn't realize that Ann had such wonderful pink! She is delightful, congrats!
Looking forward to seeing what you pick next!

Deborah said...

Congrats on the great finish! Ann is beautiful.

Laura said...

Sending a huge amount of congratulations your way! Ann Raynor is breathtaking! So glad you kept going! I usually quit everything halfway through so I know what an accomplishment this is. So happy for you!

Veronica said...

Oh my, your Ann Rayner is stunning! Congratulations on the finish. And on winning that beautiful needlebook too. I saw it on Jeanne's blog and really coveted it.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Sylvia said...

Whoo hooo Deb - congrats on your finish!!! She is absolutely gorgeous. I think you are right, she would look fabulous with Phebe. Have you gotten the first installment yet?

Nicola said...

That's a wonderful finish Deb, a really gorgeous sampler! The needlebook is delightful, a lovely gift to win.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

This is a beautiful sampler. You have the best taste.

Chris said...

Wonderful finish! The colors on this sampler are so bright and cheery. You did great just focusing on this one piece, it is so easy to get distracted.

Angie Burrett said...

Debbie, your finished work is just beautiful, no wonder you are feeling proud of yourself. Those tiny lambs will have been a challenge over one - my heart always sinks when I see that on a chart! Huge congratulations - now onto the next project!

Mouse said...

ooooooo doing a wee well done mouse wiggle for you .... she looks gorgeous and I like your adaptations to the hair and skin :)
your needlebook win is gorgeous and beautifully finished :)
can't wait to see what you decide to do next ... hope you enjoyed your walk :) love mouse xxxxx

Bertie said...

Wow she is beautiful, I can imagine you are tickled pink!! Now I can see why Margaret started her too! Congrats on your needlebook, it is truly gorgeous:))

Siobhán said...

Woohoo!! Congratulations on a gorgeous finish!! I love it. You go, girl! :) Nice giveaway win, too.

Sally said...

Wow, Deb, what a stunning finish. Ann is simply beautiful!

Congratulations on winning one of Jeanne's needlebooks. It is gorgeous.

Giovanna said...

Huge congrats on finishing this beauty - well done!

Me and My Stitches said...

Wow - you've been busy! I love this one - the colors are really beautiful. And what a lucky girl you are for winning that needle book - it looks gorgeous.

Melissa said...

Congratulations, Deb! That is truly stunning! I can see why you love Ann. Did you stitch 2 over 2 or 1 over 2 on your linen? She is in my stash and one day I hope to pull her out and stitch once I get some type of magnifier to help me with the over one's!

Lovely needlebook from Jeanne!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Oh Oh Oh quelle merveille mon amie ! very beautiful stitching !!!

merveilleux, bravo !!!

bisous de France

Penny said...

Congratulations, Deb!! Ann is beautiful! The colors are amazing.
Beautiful giveaway win too! :)

Katrina said...

Gorgeous finish, congrats!!! And very pretty giveaway too :-).

Moonpie primitives said...

All I can say is WOW!!!!!
You are amazing..
I love Ann Rayner she is absolutely
beautiful....
Enjoy you day,
Nancy

Dona said...

Deb, AR is gorgeous! Congratulations on finishing her! It's such a happy sampler.

Sweet needlebook, too.

Anonymous said...

Hello

I'm new to your blog.

Congratulations on your beautiful sampler finish!

I love your needlebook win too, the colours and design are lovely.

Jeanne said...

Congratulations Deb on finishing Ann Raynor!! She is GORGEOUS! I'm so impressed with you stitchers that get these big samplers done. I have AR on my wish list of patterns so it will go into my stash at some point. I tend to do things about 5 years after everyone else LOL. Just so much already in progress, kitted up, etc. I wish I could squeeze twice the hours into my days!

Again, kudos on the big finish and I'm so glad you are liking the needlebook. :-)

Mary said...

Deb, all of Ann is wonderful, but my very favorite part is Ann herself and her man. I love it that they are both as tall as their house! Congrats on a fabulous finish.

Ranae said...

A huge Congrats!
Ann is beautiful , I could look at it for hours
Pretty needlebook from Jeanne

Ellen said...

Congrats, Ann is gorgeous!

Beautiful needlebook from Jeanne!

Hugs,

Rugs and Pugs said...

Deb ~
Congrats! What a wonderful finish!
Hugs :)
Lauren

Kathy A. said...

Congratulations on a beautiful finish! It is a stunning piece. The colors are so wonderful.
And what a gorgeous needlebook. Lucky you!

Jeannine520 said...

Congratulations, it's super lovely. I'm happy to hear that it wasn't boring and easy to stay with it because I've got my chart linen and threads but have been stalling the start.

Susan said...

Congratulations on a beautiful finish.

Natalia said...

What a beautiful finish, Deb !!! Congratulations !!!! I've just added Ann to my list of "want to stitch"

Nancy M said...

Congrats on a wonderful finish and it sounds like it was a pleasure to stitch too and that helps! I don't do these type samplers but my SIL bought an older home built in 1890. Is there a way to find a sampler for that year? She might enjoy having a stitched piece from that era.

Supergoof said...

Ann is BEAUTIFUL!!!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

WOW, what a great finish!
It really is a lovely sampler, the colours are fantastic.
I'm sure it will have pride of place on your walls.
The Needlebook you received is lovely too.

Tanya said...

Your Ann is gorgeous!! What are you going to start next?

Anne said...

A big big congrats on finishing the splendid Ann Raynor Deb!!!! I love this sampler! The sheeps are so cute but I can see that doing all that 1 over 1 would drive you bonkers!!

Lovely needlebook you won too! It's perfect!!

Katrien said...

congrats on a gorgeous finish! And nice blog-winnings

Teresa said...

che meraviglioso lavoro, complimenti
teresa

Kathy Ellen said...

'Ann Rayner' is stunning! You must be pleased with your beautiful needlework on her!

The needlebook from Jeanne is absolutely lovely. You must have been so thrilled to receive it! Congratulations!

Blessings!

Brigitte said...

Oh my, oh my, what a stunning piece this is. She is so beautiful. And yes, the colours used on the sampler are very specila in a way and give the sampler a very bright and serene look. Great finish!

Karoline said...

Ann is gorgeous, congratulations

Catherine said...

Your finish is beautiful and want a sweet giveaway win ~ congrats!

Ruth said...

She's beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. You are more than allowed to preen ..... and share all the pics you want because we love them!

Oh, and if your little stitching imp calls you to a new piece, just cram the Voice of Reason reminding you how many WIPS you have into the silverware drawer and go to the other side of the house and stitch....on the new piece :)

Robin said...

Ann Rayner is fabulous! Beautiful job. Lucky girl too to win such a lovely needle book. Congrats on both!

Gabi said...

WOW Deb. Ann is looking stunning. So Love those colors. Congratulations with that fabulous finish. Curious what you've started meanwhile :)

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Un petit bonjour en passant ! ...

bisus de FRANCE

Sherry :o) said...

Wow - you made tons of progress since the posting earlier this month with the headless people. I love this sampler - it's is full of my fav color - red...and the strawberry bordedr is the sweetest! I have been watching this one on both your blog and Margarets! The baby sheep are so sweet and worth the fits, I think. If Ann is not at the framers, bring her to KSSG - I am determined to be there this month.

Bet you are getting ready for the return of your son soon, the college kiddos at work are just starting to trickle in, as well as my niece and couple neighbors...

Lynn said...

I'm a little late with my comment but I just had to tell you that I think you did a phenomenal job with Ann Raynor! It's an amazing piece and I think it will look awesome hung with the quilt.

Isabelle said...

Oh Deb, your Sampler is jsut gorgeous : what a nice work :-))
I ove it a lot.
I wish you a nice day,
Hugs,
Isa

Quiltingranny said...

Deb you do the most amazing work!