My fingers are really itching to start my Maggie canvas, but I know that this Needle Deeva Easter Egg House canvas is sort of on a deadline. Not a tough deadline, but there is a specific time when it needs to be completed, whisked off to Elizabeth so she can work her magic for a photo shoot in Needlepoint Now, stitch guide to be written and then be ready for the finishers.

I have finally decided on my threads for the lower part of the house which is a combination of Soie d’Alger, Splendor and Dinky Dyes. Dinky Dyes you say? It is a wonderful Australian hand-dyed silk in the most amazing colors. Actually the name Dinky Dyes is a play on words of dinky die meaning genuine or the real thing. There are silks, perle cottons and silk ribbons in their line with numerous colors, many of which are named for native Australian things. Some of the color names that I am using are hibiscus and warratah. The latter being a gorgeous plant indigenous to Australia that you can see here.

I am enjoying working with the Dinky Dyes very much and I would love to acquire more for the stash. I think that I saw them listed as a vendor for the Baltimore TNNA show next month, so I will need to pay them a visit!

Speaking of stitching with overdyes and there are others in this canvas that I have enjoyed stitching with just as much. There is Gloriana Hydrangea for the sky, which is such a great sky color; Gentle Art Sampler Threads for the grass and a little ThreadworX for the roof of the house. I have some overdye silk ribbons to work in among the flowers with beads and flosses, but maybe might need a little class time with Susan or Brenda to inspire me!

My stitching assistants were hard at work last night. and until next time…keep on stitching