Sunday, July 3, 2011

Celebrating the 4th of July!

Tomorrow, the 4th of July, is Independence Day in the United States. It was 235 years ago, in 1776, that our Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress paving the way for the formation of a new nation. Throughout the country there will be parades, picnics, fireworks, and concerts to celebrate our country's birthday. One of my favorite things to do on the 4th of July is to watch the Capitol 4th concert on Public TV.  Do you have favorite things you like to do?

It seems very fitting to today post these photos from Lisa P. of Oxford, Ohio of her Long May She Wave needlecase. Lisa took this class two weeks ago with a group of her friends here in Cincinnati.

Here is the front of Lisa's case.


And here is the back.


The next photo shows the entire case opened up to see both the outside front and back.


And here is a view of the inside.  Lisa followed my suggestion of changing the position of the pocket and the needlepage and pinkeep so that she could better see the darling scrimshaw ruler. That is why the inside of her case looks different from my model.


I'm not sure that those in the class two weeks ago really believed me when I told them that they could easily have this project completed in time for the 4th of July.  Lisa, who works full-time, has certainly proved that is indeed possible.

Lisa has been cross stitching for only a couple of years.  (She is an accomplished quilter.)  Lisa told me how much she enjoyed learning so many new stitches.  Lisa, I hope to be able to see your beautifully made case at the July Queen City Sampler Guild stitch-in.

This tiny project can fit easily in your hand, and yet it has 21 different stitches! Stitchers can chose if they want to stitch the 13-star flag like Lisa did or our current 50-star flag. In class, in addition to stitching on the project, participants get a brief history of the US flag and its evolution through the years.

Long May She Wave is a current class project and is not available through shops. The class is next scheduled to be taught for the Delaware Valley Historic Sampler Guild in April 2012.

6 comments:

Margaret said...

Happy 4th of July! I've always loved this project. So pretty!

Karyn said...

Happy 4th of July to you and yours, Ellen :)

I love Lisa's finish, it is just gorgeous! Another wonderful class with you :)

Hugs
Ma

Marilyn said...

Happy 4th to you Ellen.
Congrats to Lisa on a great finish, and to Ellen for a great design!
Marilyn

*Kountry*Porch*Primitives* said...

Hi Ellen, found your blog on Samplermakers...nice to follow along with another stitcher!! Come on over for a visit to mine as well :o) ~Kriss~

woolwoman said...

I have coveted this piece for SOOO long - maybe one day I will have it too. This gives me hope that I could accomplish it since a new stitcher did such a beautiful job.
Hope you had a great 4th - I know you are glad to be home. Cheers Melody

Robin said...

So excited about the next time you are teaching Long May She Wave. That's my guild! We are all thrilled you are coming and were just discussing in our meeting yesterday. Looks like I have incentive to assemble my etui! Hopefully I will be brave enough to attempt the finishing between now and April!