October 17, 2006

Sampler and Fireplace Progress

Well, today has been a really busy and productive day. I managed about an hour on my sampler - although it does not look like I have done much, the backstitching on the geranium seems to have brought it to life ... I think it looks a bit more like a proper geranium, now :-D

Apart from stitching I spent a lot of today dashing back and forth from the local timber merchants getting some extra pieces of wood for the builders to complete the skirting board round the side of the fireplace. It was easier for me to nip out than them, mainly because I know the area well and also it meant that they could keep working LOL!

So .... here it is, TADAAAAA! I am super-happy with it - it is amazing what it has done to the room - it is a real focual point now. They finished at 3pm and I spent about 3 hours cleaning up all the brick dust etc. Although they worked very cleanly and put down dust sheets, it is amazing how the little bits of brick get underneath :-(
The mantelpiece is a piece of old weathered oak which my friend managed to get from a timber yard in the local area. When it was finished, I coated it with one layer of dark Oak matt varnish and as you can see it is really brought out the grain beautifully.

DH's squash racquet on the hearth is symbolic ... I just wanted to make sure he knows I am thinking of him and I hope he likes the fireplace as it had been our plan all along to build it.




10 comments:

Margaret said...

The new fireplace looks great and what a lovely touch to have Mike's racquet there.
Oh Alison, the backstitching really bringing your sampler to life. It is going to be beautiful.
Margaret

Unknown said...

The fireplace looks lovely Ali.

nela said...

Que bien me gusta.... y que vas a colocar la raqueta arriba? Ali de verda te gusto mi regalo, mira habla con San para que le expliques para que sirve el alfiler que va suelto, es que hoy tengo un dolor de cabeza, tengo la tension arterial en el cielo... y no se si le explique bien... un beso... me gusta esa chimenea... un beso... y me gusta tu jardin...

Von said...

Hurray for your new fireplace! It's a perfect focal point for the room. :D

Kitty Couture said...

Congrats on both, Ali! How moving to see your DH's racquet there... (((hugs)))

Stitch said...

Hi Ali! Excellent work on the seed sampler! It's coming along nicely! :) I can't wait to see the finished project! Hehe....what a lovely fireplace as well. My, aren't you the handy lady?? ;) You would probably be firing it up if you were here...it's getting quite chilly at nighttime. Brrr....and such a lovely sentiment to your hubby as well! I know you miss him...but it's good to know he'll always been on your mind and in your heart. :)

PS. A package of goodies is on it's way to you soon...once I get to the bookstore to buy one more magazine for you. :) *HUGS*

X Stitch X

Mayté Bermúdez-García said...

Wow, the backsitithing is bringint ot life those geraniums!

I love the new look of your fireplace, now looks more warm and classical. Sure Mike is always by your side , looking over you shoulder and wispering to your heart. He must to be very proud to see you going on and keeping him alive in your heart.

((A huge Hug for you, sweety))

Leeland said...

Ali, you and your friends have done a great job with this fireplace!
Your stitching looks great too, as ever...
Take care!

Margaret said...

Hi Ali,
You have been book tagged. Please check my blog of Nov 25.
Margaret

Margaret said...

Thanks so much for accepting Alison.
Margaret