Good Grief, what haven't I done!

To understand why I've posted these fun fairies, you need to read Cyn's comment on my MAGIC projects. I wasn't going to put up any pictures, and now one of the 4 has already disappeared somehow. Cyberspace.Oh well here I am shaming myself, but I'm among friends, right? Since you asked, I pledged all 4. :0 Now before you go questioning my judgment or worse yet, my sanity, I really didn't think I would be able to finish these fluttering fairies in time for November's meeting. I planned on writing a check for them all along...."yes, that's the ticket," all along! I tried getting the Easter season done, but, alas, not this year. These not so little projects are very cute and you really do learn several techniques. I liked the materials used too; they're fun, I just have found other things I want to do. I am glad my good camera's memory stick was full otherwise you'd really get a gander at how these orphans haven't been in the most protective environment. I think these are from '03. Here's a thought: I could just stitch the central motif and matte the rest? Would that be cheating?By the way, if you need something to stitch, I'll pay the postage! As far as the other pledged projects, believe me, I've counted how many lines I have to stitch daily on that rooster to ensure completion! Don't ask! LOL! Wish me luck.

MAGIC: Producing results...

through mysterious sleight of hand influences or unexplained powers and the charms, spells and rituals so used. Hey, that sounds like what I need to help dwindle my 2008 UFO pile. Where do I sign up? In reality you and I know it will take more than a little abracadabra or even a miracle would be more likely to help plow through my stash of undone's. Or so I thought.

Last Fall our local EGA group was challenged to sign up for Barb Loftus' very inventive MAGIC program. MAGIC (My All Good Intentions Contract) was created as an incentive to help members reduce their ever expanding accumulation of UFO's.

Here's how it works. Members were asked to identify 3 projects they would like to finish and present them at our Chapter meeting. Yes, you had to stand up and pledge your intention (s). A paper contract was filled out for each project stating a self imposed dollar amount to be donated to the Chapter, if the UFO wasn't completed in one year's time. In our case, it was Fall 2007 to November 2008. The monies raised, if any (yeah, right, anyway), will be added to our Chapter's Outreach program funds. Members generously pledged several hundred dollars and it's now nearly August. Wonder how everyone is progressing?

As for me, well, I've completed the stitching on a kimono, after 7 years of picking up, putting down and ripping out, I'm glad it's done. Next up is the Rooster seen here in the blog Archives (July 3, Studio Time). Then I have a set of 4 canvases in varying stages of completion. These were from a class I had taken at an ANG seminar in NM, Four Season Fairies with Dorothy Lesher. I learned a lot in this class which is justifcation enough for being gentle with myself if I don't finish them. The main objective for taking classes is to learn, not to finish. Right? Right. I think I'll need to get my checkbook out for these. Well, that's okay, it's going to a very good cause.

Okay Chapter members, you know who you are; how are you doing?

It isn't as if I....

....need to go any further than my own stash closet to find a new project; however, as I was enjoying my first cup this morning I "tuned in" to PFOS for a little Christmas in July temptation. Look what I found: http://www.pfos.com/ChristmasClubs/Kelly%20Clarks%2012%20Days/KellyClarkTwelveDays1.HTM . Thank goodness I still have my Cozy Toes to work on and at least some semblance of constraint even though this particular club doesn't begin until January 2009....... Well this series is indeed extraordinary and I take no responsibility in the event of relapse. Anyway, I already have my 2009 projects lined up. OCD? Probably, but I think I'm just organized and motivated.

Here are two of the 2004 Cozy Caps series. I had PFOS finish these as I wanted to ensure that they turned out like their models. I found these after the series had ended and picked two favorites. After further investigation this morning I see there are a few more I "should" add.

Well, that's it for today, hope you're stitching something you love. Even just one line or one thread length daily will finish off those UFO's.

Finished!

Cozy Toes #7 is complete and ready for finishing. I am happy to report that I did not stab myself during the beading process; encouraging. Going on to #4 next.

Last night I attended my ANG Chapter meeting. The program was a witchy Halloween canvas by Mile High Princess, complete with custom stitch guide created for ANG by Mary Lou Kidder of Diversions. Julie Storick taught the 16+ patterned stitches for this piece intended to be finished as a box. It is a darling project and I regret not participating. Suffice to say we cannot do everything we desire to in this life and that includes stitching projects.

The Chapter has a Show & Tell segment each month which is one of my favorite aspects of any meeting as I am always inspired by the work of others. Some Chapters have one meeting annually devoted to Show and Tell, I like monthly better.

I showed a piece designed by Leigh. Didn't come with a stitch guide but since the piece was small it wasn't too bad deciding which stitch to put where. The eyelashes were created by looping Kreinik cord in and out of the upper half of the eyelid, then snipping the loops and unraveling the plys. It was fun, stitching was completed earlier this year. As it was lying around waiting to be sent off to the finisher when I decided to take matters into my own hand and actually made it into a pillow.

It was fun putting it together although I do not recommend using the fringe used around the perimeter, it tangles, gets caught on everything and slowed the whole process down.

About finishing. I have done my share and most of the time I am disappointed. I certainly appreciate the labor involved and actually do believe the expense can be worth it. I have had my finishing disappointments even at reputable places, so I am never sure which route to take when it comes to finishing. Framing, I have no expertise or knowledge so I always farm that out. I am still contemplating finishing a kimono myself. The fabric is purchased but I haven't found any instructions on finishing these. Mine is the 10x12" version and is to be hung on a stand instead of framing. I am looking for suggestions, advice or recommendations. Thanks for stopping by today, hope you're stitching something new!

Made progress

on Cozy Toes #7 yesterday. The Saturday morning stitch group arrived and since they hadn't been to my home before I had a great time taking them on a brief tour. But the best kind of tour in my opinion is self guided. Now you can do that with trusted friends, non-judgemental friends that is. We also had a show and tell where finished items were given a well deserved ogle with ensuing ooooooohs and ahhhhhhhhhhs! Truthfully, talent abounds in this group, awe inspiring talent. I wish I could show you some of their exquisite projects; whether complete or in progress it is not possible as some are going to be taught at NAN, ANG or EGA and these gems are not mine to share. But be on the lookout in future posts where I will alert when they become available.

You may recall in an earlier post I referred to the turbo stitcher? Well G, we'll call her, was also at breakfast, creating a breeze with her needle motion. I will ask her if she'll let me post a photo of the piece she was working on, breathtaking! In fact, I will seek to showcase her talent on this blog; if she agrees you will be in for a fabu treat! Stay tuned. I mentioned I did make some progress on my stocking. Quick stitching with tent or diagonal mosaic. I changed from using Flair to Perle #5, call me lazy, it's okay. I get easily annoyed with all the twisting that seems to occur when I use the flat ribbons as they persist in defying my laying tool. Moistening may help, I'm not all that familiar with which threads can or cannot be moistened. Next, completing the lower half which includes sewing on a few beads. Hmmm, where are my band-aids?

STITCHIN' WITH MY PEEPS

No, not those marshmallow things. My peeps, as in people, are in this case, my stitching friends. This Saturday is my turn to host our local ANG stitch group for breakfast and stitching. There are 11 of us that get together once a month at a member's home. I love this little group, I learn so much and it's a good time to just be together stitching. We are all very diverse and stitch at different levels. These are the times that I will visit in my happy memory bank years from now.

One of the best things is getting a tour of the hostess' stitched pieces, stash collection, stitching stations, etc. Fun. I'll only have 7 this time as it's Summer and people are gone or otherwise engaged. I will be working on one of my Cozy Toes from PFOS canvas of the month club. They're small and work up quickly with all the threads and stitch guide provided. This club subscription was a gift from my daughter Julie, who really knows how to treat her mom.

This is stocking #7 out of 12. The canvases are small and to keep the cost of the kits down, PFOS consolidates the various threads used throughout all 12 canvases. I like that. They also used a wonderful variety of threads and patterns to keep it interesting.

So after my volunteer obligations this week I needed to get some hou... hou... housework done. And while a clean house is not mandatory, or even expected, I felt I should do at least a little dusting and fluff the pillows for my "peeps". So that is what I'll be doing for the remainder of the week. How about you, what are you doing?

FLORAL PROGRESS

I'm back from Seminar and enjoyed every minute of my stay in Denver. Even though I'm local I decided to stay at the hotel; was afraid I might miss something! Along with packing up the kitchen sink, I also brought along my cat, Tbear, aka, Half White Face or One Pink Toe. (Taken with camera phone in room, already claiming table)

Nothing like trying to duplicate the creature comforts of home. This is why I don't like to fly to my stitching events. And with the airlines charging for baggage, ugh. My compliments to those that fly with all their stitching paraphernalia, stands, lights, stash, oh and luggage, for they are brave and honorable souls. I also felt it necessary to bring my own 4-cup coffee maker. This hotel uses those coffee pod things in the room.....I think those are really meant for tea drinkers. There was a fridge for my half & half, making for a leisurely breakfast waiting for class to start. I love to stitch while on vacation. Time away from home, the bills, the daily grind allows for stitching well into the night and up before dawn to stitch before class...before breakfast! All in all it was a delightful 4 days.
Now on to project progress. As usual I stitched as much as I ripped out and someone happily pointed out that only good stitchers rip out. Oh? Well that's a relief, if that is the litmus test then I must be an expert. Although I do get their point and agree. The first day I worked on the Elsa William's floral. I have completed the basket and am pleased with the use of the Burden Stitch. I used 3 strands of Amy's Burmilana wool blend in two colors to cover the 14 ct. canvas. I also used 2 Burmilana and 1 strand Soy Silk to help shade and texture. I also used Medici wool for the flowers and NN Overdye for the long leaf. I am researching a stitch to do the oak leaf and the large tulip next. Any suggestions?

Thanks for stopping by today.

STUDIO TIME

with Caela! Okay, I am really excited. Next week at this time I will have the good fortune to be in the company of many fabulous needleartists. I'm attending the EGA Rocky Mountain Regional Seminar held in Denver. The class choices this year are fabulous and it is such a treat to have the Seminar held in my own back yard, so to speak.

As a member of the hosting Chapter I will have certain volunteer duties but the rest of my day will be spent with national needlestar Caela Tyler. I've opted to sign up for her Studio Time and plan on taking full advantage of her expertise and wisdom. Studio time is where you bring any stitching issues you may be having or canvas problems, etc. to an expert to help you work out solutions. I will be seeking her help in how to go about making either of these major canvas/thread investments the best they can be. The rooster is 14"x14" by CanvasWorks. It is a handsome canvas that my husband bought for me several years ago. I have been perplexed as to how to stitch it and have tried a few things here and there, just to give DH the impression that I am actively working on it. He is thrilled that I will soon have help and is imagining a light at the end of the tunnel.

This is the other canvas and I've been saving it for over 20 years! It's by Elsa Williams and originally came with her tapestry wool. Well I am so glad I held off doing this, can you imagine all the different thread and stitches that can be used now? It's fairly large but so light and airy I think it will work up fairly quickly. Don't you? I want an open back ground but will defer to Caela before making a final decision.

For those of you that know Caela's work you understand why I jumped at the chance to sign up for her Studio. Having viewed many of her finished works in person, all superlative adjectives worthy of a fine artist come to mind, but there is one thing that stands out to me. I am talking about what I refer to as her light handed touch.

When I first began stitching I believed that heavier thread and stitch usage would be more dramatic and, quite honestly, I was never really happy with the end results but didn't know why. After seeing Caela's exquisite work, so intricate, light, showing fine detail, I learned right away that this is a far more effective way to enhance the design. Unfortunately this style does not come naturally to me, but I'm learning and hoping for a little osmosis action to take place at Seminar. I'll keep you posted.