SAL updated

The stitching part of our SAL is finished and all there is left is the finishing. I've completed mine, put the top into a pincushion box and sewed up the fob--even attached the scissors. It makes a cute little table top set. Adana is thinking of making her box top into a needle roll, and I think that will look great. She was to work on her fob tonight. I'm hoping to get a picture of her set soon. Until then, here is mine.

What is the quarter all about? We're doing an estimated size difference. I worked mine on 40 count lambswool linen, and Adana worked on 32 count. We wanted to find out how much of a difference it made, using two counts.

Drawn Thread SAL with Adana

This is my progress thus far. Had to wait for the fabric to arrive since I don't keep a stock of 40 count. This is Lambswool, and I love working on it. The 40 count is a bit hard to see but looks so lovely. I'm using Vikki Clayton silks, which Adana shared with me, and they are a joy to work with. I'm hoping to finish the Lady's Necessaire tonight, and maybe even get a start on the matching fob.

This is not my usual kind of project. I keep very much to working Shepherd's Bush projects, the colors, the visual impact of them. Doing this was Adana's idea, and a great one it was. We all need to expand our experiences, do new things, try out new fibers and fabrics. Now, if I could only find the Lady's Necessaire box to complete the project.

A New Look

Isn't my new page lovely? Deb has been helping me get it looking like I want it. She's done a ton of work, teaching me to post links, and add images.

Why did I choose this type of heading? To me, the picture represents the open road--the place where I'm happiest. He drives our truck--and let me tell you, when I start talking, he can't leave the room or turn the television on. I have his complete attention along with the road. Over the years, we have talked so many things out. Like having a private therapist, on retainer, available at all hours. Imagine a closet, with two chairs, maybe six feet wide. Not much lighting. The hum of the road under your feet. Music playing softly in the background. What else is there to do but talk and listen?

Our newest truck isn't set up for two people, so I've been staying home and keeping the fires burning. I've managed to get a lot of stitching done, (and spent a lot on stitching supplies at the same time) and now its time to turn my thoughts to stitching for Christmas. My good friend Adana made me a lovely decorated box for my birthday and it is such a wonderful work of art, I'm thinking of trying my hand at a few as gifts. I have four sisters who, I think, are getting bored with stitched pictures to hang on their walls. This idea would enable me to still stitch for them, while choosing a small chart that fits them perfectly. When I find my camera, I'll take a picture of Adana's gem and show it here. Thank you Adana. I love it.

Maybe I'll go do a bit of house cleaning, and reward myself with some stitching tonight. Have a great day all, and try to keep cool.

If you have been reading this, you must wonder about the Summer band sampler I was working on. It is finished now, but still waiting the charms. Here is what it looks like without the charms. My scanner doesn't work well with the linen, but I think the project turned out well.

Meet two special people

Here they are, two of my most favorite people, my grandchildren Robert and Katie. Still missing pictures of three other grandkids but I'll add them later.

July 13, 2006

Got that sampler finished, finally. Still have charms to attach but have to get them first. It was an enjoyable stitch, I've always liked Elizabeth's Designs.

Spent the morning emailing with a friend, you know who you are. Was able to share a memory that needed sharing.

I am hoping that writing in this blog will help me over some of the hurdles of life, and learn how to express myself better. I find myself, at this point in my life, a bit vulnerable to my feelings. I'm hoping to get over that soon--please Lord.

Tonight is UFO night on the SBBB and I'm going to force myself to work on a project my sister wants me to do, and that I hate working on. If I can give it my all one night a week, it might get done in time for Christmas. that would thrill her no end.

Why do I hate this project so much? The entire thing is done in sampler threads, which means working individual stitches through out the entirety of the project. That wouldn't be too bad, if there were solid areas of stitching. Think bricks, tons of bricks, each about 6 stitches and those 6 stitches are three different colors. So, a lot of jumping around to do. Or a lot of starting and stopping. Takes forever to see any kind of progress. I'll just grit my teeth and work on it tonight. Maybe I'll start scanning it and let the reader see if they can find the progress week to week.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

After spending the afternoon either cleaning or emailing friends, I am going to spend the evening stitching. I have many projects in the works, but tonight, I'm trying to finish a gift for a friend. Working on Summer Band Sampler by Elizabeth Foster of Elizabeth's Designs.

I am finding this project to be quite enjoyable and I'm hoping for a finish tonight.