Sabbatical

If I'm totally honest, I did not intend to take a 9 month sabbatical from blogging... It just happened.  Then, I wondered, if I really want to call it a sabbatical, shouldn't I just go and take off a full year?  After two seconds of consideration, I came to the conclusion that if I felt like blogging, I should blog.
Sooooooo...... Hellllooooooooo!  Life has been very full in 2016.  Having a baby in the family has given all of us great joy even though she lives a full nine hour drive away.  K1 (as I'll call her here) will be 14 months old tomorrow.

 Luckily, hubby and I have gotten to visit her five time since she was born and are always planning our next visit.  She's the sweetest thing. Ever.

On the stitching front, I have actually logged many stitching and beading (!) hours since my last post.  I won't try to catch up with this single post, but here is peek at my current WIP (a piano bench cover):

Ultimately, the bargello pattern will have five shades of red and four shades of grey, giving it a very OSU look.  It's all Paternayan yarn (two strands) on 13/14 ct. monocanvas.  This is the largest thing I've ever tried to stitch but it is very relaxing since the pattern is repetitious.

Next time, I'll share some of the beading I have finished this year.  Beading is NOT my 'thang' so to have three (actually four, but you'd have to ask my thieving sister about that) whole pieces completed within one year has me very chuffed.

Stitch Happy!

Easter Blessings

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Popping in quickly to wish everyone a very Happy Easter.  
***

Porcelain Egg
freebie from Rainbow Gallery


May your hearts (and baskets) runneth over...

Snowmageddon 2015

I feel like a cry baby when it comes to nasty weather since I see folks who have it so much worse on the evening news every night, but... today makes Day 5 that hubby and I have been snowed in.  Thank goodness I bought extra supplies at the grocery before it hit.  I normally think the warnings are excessive and consequently tend not to stock up like it's the end of the world.  Glad I did this time.  Thankfully, we have several more days worth of real food before I have to make shoelace soup.

With record low temps and snow deeper than the top of my boots, I'm staying put for yet another day...

And, even though I thought I had updated everything yesterday, I found a few things I forgot to share:

Fresh finish from last night.. seasonal freebie (so hard to resist, aren't they?) 

My new favorite scissors sheath, on the right:

The tin topper and scissors fob were completed by me eleven years ago (much to my dismay).  It is hard to believe it has been that long.  I always thought they needed a third piece to complete the set.  Two things hardly constitute a set, right?  But, the chart was only for the tin topper and fob.  So, a few weeks ago while browsing at the Stitch Niche in Lexington, I saw the ultrasuede scissors sheath (with plain white 18 ct. monocanvas insert).  The color of the suede immediately reminded me of my little bargello set.  I adapted the pattern to fit the sheath, and I'm totally pleased with the outcome.   Now it looks like a "set", yes? 

Speaking of sets... once upon a time, I bought this Fern Ridge "shear hospitality" felt pineapple kit.  Nearing the end of the blanket stitching around the fronds, I ran out of thread.  So with a good amount of mumbling, it was tucked away, out of sight... for years... Truthfully, I'm making an effort to finish a few UFOs from "way back", and this little guy was so close to being finished, it was one of my first UFO finishes of the year.

File this under "Just for Fun":

Pumpkin pinkeep

tiny felt ball mounted on oversized wooden button

And lastly, I'm just remembering to share the final finished pics of the Blackwork Band 
Sampler class I facilitated for my EGA chapter last fall.  Because I love color so much, it is hard for me to stick to black thread only for blackwork.  The design itself inspired the colors I selected.   Because I'm running out of wall space, I finished mine as a combination teabag/marking pin wallet.  This band sampler is part of the Petite Projects series from the Embroiderers' Guild of America which provides members with free small educational projects in varied techniques.  The cutwork nametag I shared yesterday is also an EGA Petite Project.  If memory serves me, I've completed four of the petite projects and am always glad I did.  You can learn a lot about a new-to-you technique in even a small project.

Blackwork Band Sampler

by Julie Fera

for The Embroiderers' Guild of America

And that's a wrap for this frigid Thursday friends.  Until next time, Stitch Happy!

Time for an Update

Two months in between posts is probably too long, but honestly, I didn't plan it that way.  You see at Thanksgiving, the hubby and I found out we are going to be grandparents for the first time and I think our brains exploded.  We are thrilled beyond words and have been busy getting our lives ready for the new edition.  The parents-to-be live a full days drive away from us, so you know, we've had to kill our cats, sell our house and find new jobs in NC.  DON'T PANIC.. We haven't really killed the cats, sold our house nor moved to NC, but trust me, we thought about it.

At the parents request, hubby made a crib from gorgeous maple wood he selected from Ohio Amish country.  It is packed up and ready for us to deliver, so no pics for now.  Rest assured there will be plenty of pics later, when it has something beautiful inside it.

I've been pinning (Pinterest) baby things like a crazed grandmom-to-be, and have occasionally taken a break from pinning to actually make a few baby things like talc-free powder and adorable onesies.  We soon find out the gender of the baby and I expect to go into total Freak Out mode at that point.

Since December, my Embroiderers' Guild chapter has also been participating in a group correspondence class on bead fringes.  It's been quite the challenge so I'm pleased to be finished with mine ahead of schedule:

"Frenzy of Fringes"

Group Correspondence Course for members of

The Embroiderers' Guild of America

Here is a peek at the other stitching finishes I've managed these past few months:

Oak Island needlepoint oval ornament (gift)

EGA chapter monthly education programs (above and below)

(Bargello bulb   &   Cutwork nametag)

Another luggage tag gift for my real-life Sis (and Eastern Star sister)

I could not find any Eastern Star painted canvases on the internets, so I used a Google image and transferred the image from paper to canvas.  It wasn't as hard as I expected it to be, but it wasn't a piece of cake either.  I give Janet Perry of Napa Needlepoint and Nuts About Needlepoint credit for giving me the confidence to try my hand at this.  I participated in her Create Your Own Stitch Guide cyber-class last year and learned a ton about needlepoint.  Her e-classes are very affordable and she gives you a boatload of information.  It was a great way for me to try to understand more about needlepoint.  

The WIP of the Month is the Wedding square I hope to have finished and framed before May:

.......and I'll get right on that after I finish the Small of the Month (a freebie from Rainbow Gallery and Erica Michaels) "V is for Valentine".

So, until next time friends, I certainly hope you all are warm and safe, wherever you are!

All boxed up...

***

Sometimes I just can't leave well enough alone. 

In the case of my bargello Easter egg, I wasn't 100% happy with the finished product (not happy enough to have it framed) but I wasn't unhappy enough to pitch it in the garbage, so the question, "What should I do with that Easter egg?" rattled around in my poor little brain until I stumbled across an idea to use it to cover a storage box for some of my Easter decorations... 

I've had the box stuck away with a bunch of other boxes I can't bring myself to toss out. I know you know what I'm talking about.. It was pretty ugly but I loved the size and the fact that the lid was attached, so I've had it for several years, waiting for inspiration to strike.

Since I don't know when to stop, I pulled out some pretty Easter-y scrapbook paper and covered the ugly parts.  Then, I cut some stiff felt and made the compartment separators.  Finally, it needed some kind of closure, so I attached the pretty button and tasseled cord. 

It was great fun to make. 

Hope you are having fun with your stitching too!

                                             Hugs,

Playing catch up...(picture heavy)

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Hello Friends!  Hubby and I are just back from a last minute, very quick vacation cruise of the Mediterranean so I have a few vacation pics to post but first, I have a few stitching finishes to share!!!

I finished "The Rain Fell" and whisked it off to the framer so fast that I neglected to get a finished snap of it first.    :-(  

Don't worry though, I'll be sure to upload a couple upon its return..

I loved stitching and finishing the Royal Wedding Souvenir almost on time for the anniversary...

design by The Sampler Girl

Most of it is stitched with silks from stash.  I used a scrap piece of 35 ct. hand-dyed R&R linen.  It might just be my favorite fabric of all time to stitch on..

And, hot off the stretcher bars is this bargello Easter egg...

I love the bargello pattern and the overall size of the egg, but I'm not 100% sure about the colors I selected.  The yellow might be throwing the harmony off...  You think?  Plus, the thread coverage is a smidge on the thin side for my liking.  I might just have to do this one again in another colorway with a heavier weight perle cotton.  Next year???

That wraps up the small seasonal pieces I wanted to get off my To Do list this year.  Currently, I'm working on a modern wedding sampler for my newly remarried cousin and his wife.  It should be finished in a week or so.  Then, I plan to dive head first into a Monet impressionist piece that I've had set aside for years.  It is Parliament at Sunset, if you've seen the painting.  I triple heart love it but it is pretty daunting.  I'm sure it will keep me busy for several months.

Now, as for the highlights of the cruise...

First stop:  Sicily where we were once again astonished by the natural beauty of Italy and the genuine character of the people..

Mount Etna

Port of Messina (Sicily)

from Taormina (Sicily, Italy)

Second stop:  Turkey (Ephesus) where we visited the Church and House of the Virgin Mary and celebrated mass.  Afterwards, we toured a rug making factory.  I particularly enjoyed watching the lady pictured below charting an antique pattern.

charting a rug pattern

Turkish rug weaving

an exquisite, small silk rug (placemat size)  

I would have loved to have brought home one or two small rugs but the ones I liked were thousands of dollars (of course).  So sadly, we left Turkey empty handed...


Third stop:  Athens, Greece where we climbed up to the Acropolis (what a hike!) and had the most magnificent views of Athens, and saw what's left of the Parthenon.  We also got to see the Olympic flame which was being transferred to the London Olympic committee the day we were there. 

looking down on Athens from the Acropolis

the Olympic flame with the Parthenon in background

Final stop:  The isle of Crete where we had a quick tour of a few houses of worship, central market, Old Harbour and an ancient monastery turned museum. 

Western Crete shoreline

150 year old Greek Orthodox church

Greek olives in central market

docked in Rome:  instead of rushing off the boat to the airport, hubby and I checked into a hotel and spent the day in Rome.  We revisited a few of the major sites that we saw last year (Trevi fountain, the Pantheon, etc.) but we also took the time to walk around inside a few of the most significant churches/basilicas in Rome (Santa Maria Maggorie, the Church of Louis of the French, and the Church of Saint Agnes in Agony).  Since it was Sunday, we were actually able to participate in several services.  It was an amazing day to end an amazing week.

Trevi Fountain

massive Caravaggio painting in the Church of Louis of the French

The trip was too quick and I'm dreading work tomorrow but it was nice while it lasted...

Here's hoping you all are finding time to stitch and making plans to enjoy Memorial Day weekend with family and friends.  I'll be in the laundry room if you need me...  :-)

The Box that Broke the Camel's Back

Once upon a time there was a beautiful 4 way bargello.  It wanted so badly to grace the top of a handsome wooden box.  It begged and pleaded with it's keeper until the keeper caved under the pressure and set out to make it's dream come true although she herself knew nothing about box making.  The Good Keeper trusted that the Powers that Rule the Universe would see how badly this little bargello wanted to be a box and clear all obstacles to help the box come into being.  After all, how hard could it be? Right?

Basic box elements:

A lid

A bottom

Optional box element:

A lining

Simple.

So, off to the framer the Keeper trotted with Beautiful Bargello in tow.  "Do you people make boxes?" she asked.  "Well no, but it sounds like it would be fun to try!" the answer came.  Why this answer inspired confidence in the Keeper, the story does not make clear but with the utmost optimism, she left Beautiful Bargello (and a large portion of her paycheck) with the nice frame people.  After no less than 3 mini-dramas later, she had the basic box elements; a lid and a bottom:

design by: Marion Scoular

Not exaaaaaaactly a box, like with hinges, a bottom and such, but....Keeper thought it was a good start.  Then she started really thinking about it.

Here's the short list of my problems:

#1) The lid is bigger, much bigger, than the bottom

#2) The bottom has a troublesome inset where it meets the lid

#3) The bottom has no bottom, makes for a lousy holder of stuff

#4) I have found the perfect (IMHO) fabric lining

#4 might have you scratching your head wondering why I'd call it a problem.  It is a problem because up until I found the perfect fabric, I could table this conundrum of mine.  Now?  Well.   Now, I have this perfectly perfect fabric lining, so I can't table the problems any more.  The fabric is driving this whole crazy bus now and it's heading for the Expressway.  You see?

So, where to begin?  Do I have the lid reframed smaller?  Do I turn the box bottom upside down so the inset is on the bottom? (BTW, I don't like the looks of it upside down)  Do I drop back and punt?  Do I drop it in the nearest river and start from scratch? 

How do I get myself into these pickles?

I hope to spend some quality time pondering these and other mysteries of the Universe this weekend.  Hope you find some time to stitch too! 

Happy Weekend Friends!

What I'm wondering is...

Many moons ago, I had a standing weekly meeting with a practical stranger to discuss some very personal things.  He was what we would call, "A Professional".  Much needed at the time and well worth every penny, or so I thought.  

One day we had the following conversation:

Him: What do you do for fun?

Me:  I stitch.

Him:  What do you mean?

Me:  I make things with needle and thread.

Him:   Really?  That kind of surprises me.  Why don't you bring some things next time to show me.

Me:  Okay, I will!

The following week, I bring a couple of small, well-selected and favorite things for show and tell:

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Him:  Now what would you call this?
Me:  Well, this is a hardanger doily.  And this is a scissors fob.  You attach it to your embroidery scissors for decoration.
Him:  I see.
Me:  I have about 100 hours in that doily.
Him:  Looks like you are finding a wonderful way to re-live your childhood.
Me:  silent but thinking:  WHAT?!?!?!?!  Buddy, have you been listening to me AT ALL about my so-called "childhood".  Why on Earth would I want to re-live it?!  MAN, have YOU been a WASTE of good money.  And what child do you know that can make Celtic knots in cutwork?!?!!?

I didn't visit him much after that day.  I didn't break up with him though, he actually fired me because I had become too "well adjusted".  Ha!  I had him fooled!

But, the reason I'm sharing this exchange with you is because it really got me wondering.  Is there some connection between being artsy-crafty in adulthood and having a short or non-existant childhood? 

What say you?  Don't be shy...

WIP...R.I.P.

Now for the hard part. To frame or not to frame? I'm thinking box top. Patience is NOT one of my vitures (if you haven't figured that out already), so I'll have to fight the urge to rush this up to the framers, in order to allow myself the time to find a custom box maker. I say custom because wouldn't you know, the design is 5 and a little x 5 and a little more. Not 5x5, or even 5.25 x 5.25. Oh well. It's good to have so many stitching friends, for many reasons, but in this case, one of my BSFFs has already given me a lead on one such woodworker. I'll give a call next week and see what we can work out.

Must. Wait. Do. Not. Frame. Yet. Where's my hypnotist when I need him?

Wounded Warrier

Okay, I promise I'll never put socks on the dog again and laugh with side-splitting gusto and she attempts to walk around the living room. My new found sympathy does not stem from some enlightened sense of what is right and wrong in the world, but from trying to stitch with a bandaged finger today! Wow, what a PITA! I couldn't feel the canvas, thread OR needle. How's that for a trifecta? And right in the middle of such a great "hell with everything else, I'm close to finishing this baby" roll. So, now sportsfans, I'm afraid it will be Christmas evening before I get the chance to cuddle back up to my new favorite WIP because I can actually hear the fat man rounding the corner now and I've yet to make the first list or consider what to feed the "fam" next week.

Wonder which of my unsuspecting WIPs will be next...? AAAhhhhha ha ha hhaa hhhaaaaa

Until then, Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

the upside?

I guess if there is an upside to being away from home AND not able to sleep, it's being able to turn on the light and stitch for a few pre-dawn hours. Here's last night's progress on the 4 way bargello.

new WIP

Look at me, getting cocky. I guess I must think that just because I've finished one UFO/extended WIP (the wine bag) this year, I might as well knock out another. I kinda feel like Rocky Balboa, or whoever sang "Mama said knock you out!" I'm ON A ROLLLLLL sportsfans and actually ignoring all those pesky holiday responsibilities with ease. Who says therapy is a waste of money? Of course, when one is out of town, one feels like there is no tomorrow and is capable of stitching for two, three hours straight. Sadly, there is a tomorrow and I'll be packing tomorrow night in order to fly home Friday. Then, I'm sure my little bubble "O'fantasy" will be burst by the many prickly holiday responsibilities awaiting me. But, for now, I leave you with my latest UFO/WIP status report (Marion Scoular, 4 way bargello, peacock design):