Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Big Reveal

This time last year I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first lesson for the Melissa Shirley Christmas Banner that was being offered as a Home Study by Amy Bunger. It arrived right on time the first week of November and I couldn't wait to get it onto the stretcher bars and put in the first stitches. Fast forward to the middle of June this year when I put in the final stitches. It was such a wonderful project from beginning to end. Melissa Shirley designed a beautiful, elegant canvas and Amy Bunger brought it to life with fabulous stitch combinations and an abundance of beads and huge variety of threads. In August, I sent the stitched banner out to Marlene's in San Francisco for finishing. It arrived home this week!


I couldn't be more pleased with and proud of the finished product! Marlene did a spectacular job with the finishing. I told them I wanted a simple, but elegant finish and that is exactly what they gave me. The sides and back are finished in an ivory silk. The sides and top are accented with two ribbons - one wide, striped green ribbon and a gold ribbon on top of that. I had asked for a ribbon bow on top but the one that Marlene used is even more beautiful than I imagined. The bow is the perfect tailored finish to this piece.


For once, I thought ahead and requested that they embroider my initials and the dates on the back. The lettering and numbers are embroidered in a taupe thread. Just perfect! You can also see the green and gold cording that was used on all sides.


As soon as I unwrapped the banner from the box, I knew that my little "point and shoot" Nikon would not be able to do any photo of it justice. So I headed out to a photographer's studio for some professional pictures. It was worth spending a few more dollars to have this piece photographed correctly!

Thanks for sticking with me week after week as I stitched and documented my progress. Seven months of stitching and blogging was worth it when I see the finished banner. Now, I am eagerly anticipating Amy's next Home Study (I skipped the Thanksgiving House). She has given us a few hints but I still can't figure out what it might be. Stay tuned....

Tucked into the box with the Christmas Banner were a few more finished treats - Halloween ornaments!



That's a Kelly Clark Halloween apple and three NeedleDeeva Creepy Characters that you see. In all of the excitement of the package arriving from Marlene's this week, I forgot to take a picture of the other finish that arrived the same day - the Frog's Breath Bottle. It's a very cute finished piece and I'll show you a picture next week.

I finished another stripe on the Give Thanks canvas this week and started a new Kelly Clark Heritage Series Christmas ornament. I also started another Christmas project that I haven't told you about.  It arrived this week as well. I'll show you some pictures next week of all three of these projects.

It was a big week for needlepoint at my house with all six finished pieces arriving on the same day. That won't happen again for quite a while! Time to get back to some more stitching so I'll see you next week.

Have a great week ahead!


14 comments:

  1. Melinda, your finished pieces are stunning.

    Glad you took time to have them professionally photographed. (I am spoiled because I use Pat's photo equipment and layouts all the time... Business Visuals.)

    It is fun to see the finished Creeps, too. With your permission, I would like to use your photo of the Creeps on the black feather wreath. I will add your name to the photo credit. I am collecting photos of the finished Creeps for a Needlepoint Study Hall blog posting.

    Congratulations on all of your success.

    Hugs, Robin

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    1. Robin - of course you can use the photos! If you think they are a little on the dark side (so to speak!), I can try getting a better picture of them. I really do love what you did with these canvases. They are so much fun to stitch!

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  2. Congratulations! They look wonderful! I hope you allow Robin to feature your Creeps. They are, well, creepy! LOL

    Amy's going to be so proud of you....

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    1. Thanks, Jane! Robin can use my photos anytime she likes! She did such a wonderful job with the stitch guides.

      I think Amy is very happy with the final Christmas banner. Again, another wonderful stitch guide from Amy!

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  3. Hi Melinda,
    Just word sums is up MAGNIFCENT!!!!
    It is truly a masterpiece

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    1. Thanks, Linda, for letting me share my initial excitement over the banner's arrival. You're a great stitching friend!

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  4. Your Christmas banner is stunning! There are 4 creative geniuses at work on that piece, the designer Melissa; the stitch guide designer Amy; the finisher Marlene and the stitcher you! I love reading your blog each week because your stitching is truly inspirational in its perfection. You have created an heirloom. Enjoy!

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  5. The Christmas Banner is gorgeous! I love the understated but incredibly elegant finishing. It highlights your wonderful stitching. You must be so proud.

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  6. You have created an heirloom piece that will be treasured for generations to come. Exquisite!

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  7. Absolutely you have outdone yourself! Just beautiful and it will make the holiday decorating very special this year!

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  8. Exquisite! I'd leave it out all year long. It's just breathtaking. Congrats!

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  9. your christmas banner is stunning - beautiful finishing and I love the personalization on the back - very understated. How nice that your "cool" ornaments will be featured by Robin. You are one busy lady - can't wait to see what's next. Enjoy! Melody

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  10. Gorgeous Work and Finishing, Melinda! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. What a great week for you. It all looks fantastic. I can't believe I only have to wait two days for your next post. Can't wait to see what comes next!

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