Let the BAP begin!

***

Alright sports fans... today is a BIG day.  It is the day I put Stitch #1 into a BAP that I've been dying to sink my teeth into for years.  I've finally decided to let it wait no more.  Next week, I'm headed off to Kingsport TN for the EGA Regional seminar and only taking studio time so I should be able to dedicate at least three full days to this beauty.  The piece is straight-forward;  100% cross stitch, except it has about a bazillion color changes and the graph looks like confetti.  I guess that's what you get when you want to recreate an impressionist painting with needle and thread.

Here's the "AFTER" pic:

Wish me luck!

BAP Draft Day (conclusion)

Sportscaster #1: Welcome back stitchfans. We are joined by the Lady of the House now and believe she's ready to make the announcement. Let's listen in....


Lady: Good evening everyone. First let me say, WOW, I am blown away by the beautiful possibilities gathered here for my consideration. Each and every one of you are here for the same reason, to be lovingly stitched and cherished forever. As I look around the room, my heart is quickened to see those of you I have single handedly brought here. Some of you were easy to come by and some of you played hard to get, but rest assured, you are all equally loved. Additionally, my heart is warmed at the sight of those of you who were sent here by some sharp eyed, good intended scout. I love my scouts (aka Vera, Deb, Annette, Becky, Glory, Del, and the list goes on). They are the best in the business.


As you all know, it is not often that we have a ceremony such as we are enjoying tonight. Most often, I am woefully behind in every area of stitching like Christmas gifts/exchanges, friends and family birthday and baby gifts, EGA class work, chapter contributions, not to mention personal stitching. BUT, once in a blue moon, the seas part, the "Must Do" list is caught up and I have an opportunity to pull one of you up out of obscurity, into the light. But, before I do that, I'd like to thank each and every of you for your endless patience with me and immeasurable inspiration. Just knowing you are here brings me much joy!


The wonderfully deep pool of excellent candidates has made this selection one of the hardest I've ever made. Many factors have contributed to my decision, including the kind of projects I've recently worked, the length of time some of you have been waiting, and, of course, the quality of the subliminal messages you have been sending me.


So without further ado, it is my pleasure to name "Birds and Bamboo stained glass" as my 2009-2010 BAP!

Congratulations B&B.   But, before we go any further, let me make a couple of things perfectly clear...


Sportscaster #1: Uh-oh Gene. This can't be good.

Sportscaster #2: You can say that again Marv.


Lady: I have worked very hard this past year to finish several significant pieces that have required untold hours of concentrated stitching. And even though I have named my next BAP here tonight and very much look forward to working with you, I plan to complete several LBP*s between now and Christmas.   I trust you understand and will respect this decision. 


Sportscaster #1: Well there you have it, stitchfans. Birds and Bamboo will be our next BAP but looks like it will be weeks, perhaps months, before the first stitch will be in place.

Sportscaster #2:  Thanks for tuning in stitchfans. Until next time, remember to show your floss whose the boss and keep your thimbles nimble.



:-D



* LBP = Little Bitty Projects

BAP Draft Day

I recently discovered that whenever I'm nearing the completion of a BAP*, it sends "Wish You Were Here" postcards to all my other unstitched BAPs. I know this because they all get SOOOOO excited at the idea that THEY might be NEXT! From the point the postcards go out, it's all "choose me, pick me" to quote my BGAFF*, Meredith (Season Six premiere on 9/24 y'all). But the one-up-manship between them, I mean, it's the cutest thing ever! It starts slow and sneaky, like showing up in a three second snippet of a random dream. But it doesn't take long for the sneakiness to turn into outright brazeness and shamelessness, interrupting my work day, drive time, lunchtime, etc., until I'm drowning in a virtual tsunami of subliminal messages! I imagine, for them, it's a lot like NFL draft day......bless their hearts.

Here's how it plays out in my head:

Sportscaster #1: Gooooooood Evening Stitchfans and welcome to BAP Draft Day at Marnie Manor, where the air is electric with excitement and you can cut the tension with a knife!

Sportscaster #2: You said it Marv! The room is a-buzz with anticipation! I've never seen a better collection of PIGs, WIPs, UFOs, and virtual unknowns gathered in one place. The line-up of candidates is as long and impressive as the dessert table at a Baptist barbeque.

Sportscaster #1: I couldn't have put it better myself, Gene! The entire class of hopefuls have been struting and preening and frankly, couldn't look better than they do tonight! Any one of these characters would make an excellent first round pick. I don't know HOW anyone could choose just one among these outstanding contenders. But that IS what we are here for.....tell our listeners who you think is on the short list, Gene.

Sportscaster #2: Well Marv, I've lost count of the peacocks and pineapples roaming the room. We've got a strong contingency of WIPs making some noise in the parlor, but no one should count out the UFOs in the back of the room. It is pretty obvious though, the PIGs have come to play. I would say THEY are the team to beat. With that said, it's anybody's guess Marv.

Sportscaster #1: You said it Gene! It is anyone's guess - Will The Lady of the House go BIG or small, w i d e or TALL? We've heard rumors of a beaded fish, a legendary needlebook, a trio of wise men and beaucoup blackwork. Of course, who's to say she will put all her eggs in one basket, Gene? It's a well known fact that she needs more than one player to fill out her roster. Actually, we could speculate all night!

Sportscaster #2: Great point Marv. I can tell you that the scouts have been working overtime and earning their paychecks! The standouts gathered in this room represent the best this area has to offer but, at the same time, it's a very cosmopolitan, diverse group. In a nutshell, Marv, there's something here to suit everyone's taste!

Sportscaster #1: In-deed! But, the question remains......WHO WILL BE NEXT!?! We will have to live with the suspense a little while longer until the Lady of the House speaks. We have it on good authority that she has consulted with her advisors and is ready to make an announcment.

So stay tuned stitchfans...we'll be right back after these messages.


*BGAFF = Best Grey's Anatomy Friend Forever
*BAP = Big A$$ Project