When I saw this needlework pattern, I knew that I had to have it and modify it to fit the gift I planned. My son and daughter-in-law have overnight guests at their home nearly every weekend. And she adores sunflowers. In her guest room she always has small vases of sunflowers or sunflower-like flowers. The pattern words said “Sunflower Inn.” So I modified it by adding the line to say “Mike and Mich’s Sunflower Inn.” I can’t wait to give it to them. Of course it still needs framing, but at least the stitching is done. This is a “Little House Needleworks” pattern appropriately named Sunflower Inn. I stitched it on 32 ct Belfast cream linen with DMC and Weeks Dye Works threads. It worked up fairly quickly and I am delighted with the result. I am quite sure that the Christmas surprise will be a special one.
My photos of needlework never seem to come out with true colors. Do any of you photographers out there have some suggestions for me and my point and shoot camera? I usually lay my pieces on a black velvet board to take the photos. I have tried a couple of the different settings on the camera but can’t seem to get just the right one. I have an Olympus 1010. I’d appreciate any advice anyone can give.
Here’s a closeup of one of the little sunflowers. I love it. Well…on to the next project.
Averyclaire 
Jane
Nov 05, 2009 @ 03:04:59
Sunflowers are such a cheerful flower. This is beautiful and I am sure they will love it. Look forward to seeing what your new project is
maggy
Nov 05, 2009 @ 03:54:41
Sunflower in french tournesol are beautiful flowers, as beautiful as your cross-stitch.
What will be your next work ?
Marjorie
Nov 05, 2009 @ 14:41:40
Hi: I try to take my pictures in daylight. Not necessarily direct sun but at a window or outdoors. That helps a lot with color. I also try to use a neutral background (I bought some greyish and beigy fabric yardage to use–sometimes grey works and sometimes beige) so the camera’s sensors don’t generally have a ton of contrast to deal with between my object and the background.
And then I color correct in Photoshop when necessary. My camera has a setting for correcting for incandescent light, but I’ve never figured it out.
If you are already shooting in daylight, I’m not sure I have any good suggestions. Different cameras have different “casts,” which is a way to say that all of the photos tend to come out more blue or red than what our eyes see.
Hope this helps. Marjorie
nanouanne
Nov 06, 2009 @ 01:36:30
You are a very gifteed needle worker. This piece is very lovely and well done. No doubt it will be appreciated as a season gift…I just hope your daughter does not visit your blog…LOL
To anyone who wants to see another masterpiece she worked, go and visit my blog here: http://www.anneprunet.fr you will see a wonderful Biscornu, you can click on the pic to enlarge and see all the tiny stitches. Many thanks again!
About you pictures, as said above, you will always have the best result with daylight and outside. I prefer to take photos on a white background. But sometimes I have to work with the software sold with the camera to correct and have the colors as close as possible to the original.
Doris
Nov 06, 2009 @ 09:29:19
beautiful stitching!, abput the photos,maybe the sunlight help. still,is a beutiful stitching.
Annie
Nov 11, 2009 @ 11:17:48
This was such a clever idea and your stitching is beautiful. I have the same issues with color. Things always look so much prettier in person. The camera really has a mind of its own sometimes.
I’ve made my way here from Stitchin’ Fingers. You do some lovely work. I’ll be back often.
Jacquelynne
Nov 29, 2009 @ 21:27:06
Very cute project. I’m sure the recipients will just love it!