BLOGGUS INTERRUPTUS

First, I didn't want one more day to pass without saying hello and offering up an apology for being away so long. I also want you to know that I've truly missed connecting with you and it has been most assuredly my loss. I thought I was ready to come back before, but you know how when you go back to work too soon before you're completely over what ails you? And then things come back with a vengeance? Well that is what I did in my last post, I came back too soon. I wasn't done doing, fixing, figuring, healing, helping, ruminating and there was a fair amount of sulking too.

Anyway, lately it's been all about life's distractions and how I deal with them. Seems if I do not believe I can take the time to fully concentrate on writing my blog or stitch, it doesn't happen. Does that ever happen to you? I've had slumps before but this is ridiculous. I usually finish whatever I start, but I have brought out 3 or 4 stitching projects recently which are now holed up lifeless in a bag somewhere. Well, both blogging and stitching require a certain amount of creative inspiration to even get started, at least for me anyway, and that seems to be missing here. Blah blah blah, I know, I hear you  but it's true....at least here in Mamby-pambyland, USA where I've been spending most of my time lately.

My daughter wisely advises, "Get over yourself, power through it." And she's right, there have been many good things that have happened too. But I laugh and assure her that at 61 my "powering my way through it" days are in the rear view. Not interested. LOL! Not that I can't. Oh, I can still power my way though things such as dusting this house within an inch of it's life, it's the abstract things that cause all the difficulty when life interrupts.  A product of the 1960's philosophy, "If it feels good do it" I've added, "if it doesn't, don't."  I can hear Dr. Phil now, "How's that workin' for ya?"  I'm not sure, but thankfully I'm not a basket-case just yet and I've not lost my sense of humor either. I'll find my way back, you'll see.

In the meantime, if you're still here, thank you! I've missed your company and our get-togethers so much and look forward to congregating back here again.  Sending you and yours my sincerest best wishes that all good things come your way in the new year. I'm looking forward to it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!

Returned, reactivated, renovated (I wish) and revitalized!

More like resurrected. O...M....G.....after all this time, she's still showing photos of anything and everything except the things this blog is supposed to be about.... stitching. What's with her anyway? Good question. I don't have a thing to show you as far as my stitching is concerned really; I've not been stitching. I'm perturbed about this because how does one get back stitching time lost? One doesn't. Well I just wanted you to know that I am still committed to my blog and thank you for sticking with me. Now my sensibilities tell me to stop now, don't drone on....but that's so unlike me to stick with my sensibilities. So here's your chance to escape otherwise, let the droning begin!

Since I don't have stitching to show you today I'm hoping it's okay with you that I share a few photos of my walk this morning. Albeit just up to the top of our driveway, it's a trek. The photo on the right shows me just about at the top of the driveway; looking forward and just beyond my shadow is a right angle turn that descends towards our house on right. This turn wreaks havoc with getting out on heavy snow days...so I just stay home. Fine by me most of the time. I often take my camera with me wherever I go in hopes something extraordinary should appear. Or maybe I might need proof that I actually did see a bear or mountain lion foot print. I saw no such things today, but I'm still in awe of what I do see everyday in the way of mother nature.

We don't have a lot of huge trees out here but we do have what is termed scrub oaks, which is mostly what you see in my photos today. The leaves are exactly like an oak tree and so are the acorns. They are the first to turn color in the Fall and the last to leaf in the Spring as they are very susceptible to freezing temps. They are prolific out here and even though I think they are technically a bush, they grow tall. In the upper left shot I'm standing in the driveway and can barely see the top of our house; lower left shot from further up the drive shows just how tall these "bushes" can get. They're always full of birds too; look closely you can see the Rockies beginning to collect snow. It's been so warm here. At least 10 degrees above average.

I always have a wonderful view of our neighbor horses and barn. They have two beauties, Yampa and Bailey. We do not have horses, I'd never do that to a horse.

There's something very comforting to me about the Fall of the year with it's warm contrasting colors, pumpkins and corn shocks, homecoming and making preparations for Winter.  All the elements to inspire gratitude for everything and everyone that surrounds my world.  I've missed you guys. I've been wondering just exactly what I wanted to say today on my first day back. I have a tale of woe but one not worth telling. I'm just so glad you're here reading....at least I hope you made it down this far. 

 

Frisco, CO

In contrast, this photo was taken in Frisco...a suburb of Breckenridge! I had to add this in because it's my seaway into the next onslaught of jibber-jabber. The elevation at my house is around 6300 ft; this is at about 9000 ft. and was taken about a month ago, and I assure you things look dramatically different now. We were up there for my birthday, just for the day tooling around in the fresh air; it's only about an hour and half from home. Had a great relaxing day. I didn't buy beads at Luna's or even go to Sara's needlepoint shop-what up with that, something was amiss. Not really, I just kept in mind that I haven't been stitching so....



So now that I brought up my birthday... check this gift out from an amazing friend. The beautiful lady that sent this to me came into my life over 20 years ago at my very first ANG meeting! Can't believe she's put up with all my nonsense all of these years...maybe it's because she lives on one side of the country and I live on the other? Probably. She is so thoughtful (and mindful about my stitch choice challenges) that my very own Tony Minieri stitch guide is also included. These are a series of clip on birds available. There's tail feathers and everything from http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/, I hope I can do it justice.

I also received this wonderful fall baking dish from a childhood friend, and I do mean childhood. I have known her since I was born, our parents were best friends and I don't mind reminding her that she is 9 days my senior! Happy Birthday! Howya holding up? This pottery http://www.packercreekpottery.com/ is located in the teensie town from whence we sprang! She still lives there. Isn't this amazing. My parents escaped moved to Arizona before my first birthday.

Then another childhood friend, from Arizona, with whom I spent every holiday in memory during childhood has painted this portrait in my likeness. I say in my likeness because there's not one wrinkle, line or any of my chins showing.  Love it, love you too Karen. Readers beware, apparently when I glom on to you, you're affixed for life! lol

 My family's gift will not be shown here today except for the box. AAHHHHHHHH!

So you've finally reached the end of today's post. I feel so grateful you're here, thank you.





So where the heck is the stitching?

And what have you been doing? Well for one thing I have company coming this week and I've been cleaning, putting away my stuff so the entire house doesn't look like a goat has exploded (contents strewn everywhere, you get the idea). My sister is coming for a visit from Arizona. Everything I don't get done by today is going to fall into the category of "Hi Sis, how'd ya like to help me reorganize the.... pantry.....stash closet.....kitchen cabinets....maybe dust?" That in part is where I've been, but I've done some other things too. Made a quick trip up to Breckenridge, visited Sara's Needlepoint and found a few necessities, buzzed into the Luna's bead store, found a few more necessities. I've kitted up several fun projects. That takes time. And I worked on my local chapter website. That takes time.  Attended a board meeting. Napped (no not at the meeting, but soon thereafter). There's only so many hours in the day and stitching has taken a back seat, sniff sniff. But I'm getting real ready to start something soon.

Since I don't have anything stitchy related today, maybe you'd like to meet the fur-bearing member of our family, the Bear.


Hello, my name is Teddy and I'm 12 years old. Cute too. When my mother is stitching and not paying attention to my needs, I usually go over to my toy basket. It smells just like catnip. Welcome to my world.

Yin and Yang aka Bright and Dark

The first thing I should say is that the photograph does not do justice to this canvas. Sometimes my pictures are wonderful, other times....not so much. I need a class in this too I suppose. I know my camera is quality and not the problem.

This is my first SharonG endeavor. Have you ever stitched a SharonG painted canvas? They are among the very best I've seen for stitch painting. I could not have been more pleased. None of this, should I put this stitch here or does it go there; this was perfectly painted making it easy for me. In addition, Sharon's stitch guide was most comprehensive including large and easy to read diagrams. Her instructions were thorough and easily understood.  Well done Sharon, thank you. Before I proceed, further I want to mention that any inaccuracies in the stitching or changes made were strictly of my own doing-whether intentional or not. lol

As for stitches, many were "layered" or composites of several stitches used together. This is the only way I know how to explain it. It looks complicated but in the end isn't because you do each "layer" in steps. I loved the Windowpane Scotch variation 2 in the black areas and especially enjoyed the Laid Bamboo border. It is fabulous for a border application; you use lots of 1/16" ribbon because each row has two lengths of ribbon in one hole, sort of padding the stitch when it is couched down. I liked it and will use it again.

New threads for me were the Kreinik Japan thread. This stuff is so neat, it's construction looks like it is regular thread covered in a slick and shiny coat. It behaves somewhat like very fine cord, stiff yet flexible; here it was used for the outline of the dragonfly. The metallic looking colors are exceptionally effective. I believe this Japan thread is relatively new; I know I hadn't heard of it until this piece and I can see it being very useful in future projects. I don't recall ever using Gloriana Silk Floss previously and while I love Gloriana's wool threads, I didn't like the silk floss, perhaps that was because you only used a single strand and it seems to become too soft and didn't hold it's shape. Again I think using only one strand might have been the problem.

So there it is, overall and in general I thought this an enchanting project and I hope the recipient likes it. I have a few things to fix and neaten up and then I'll consider my options for finishing this one. As always, many thanks for stopping by today.

An astonishingly different day

I've only lived in Colorado for 10 years yet I remain amazed at the change in the weather patterns from one hour to the next. After yesterdays beautiful morning, we did get a little rain and wind in the afternoon. But nothing like what happened this afternoon noon. The view is just slightly to the north from yesterday's shot. Mother Nature at her most powerful is still beautiful, still inspiring but in a different way. Hopefully I'll get beyond the weather report and on to some stitching next time.

Today's Inspiration

I wake up early everyday. I mean early as in wee hours around (gulp) 4 am. I don't jump out of bed mind you, it's more of a period of contemplation, planning and considering my options. Oh sure, I have to filter out the ruminations of the previous day and I'm not always successful especially when it comes to forgetting about what went wrong; but eventually I get to the present day's activities.

I felt lucky today which is inspiration in and of itself. As sunrise began, coffee made, I check the weather and notice the sky looks particularly gorgeous even though dawn is just beginning--I think a new day, a fresh start. DH is out of town sweltering in the desert of southern NM and a decision is made to share this mornings beauty with him. Camera in hand, I poke my head out and think, you're in your nightie for the love of God. Too bad.

The header photo today was taken this morning from the deck outside my bedroom. The sun is actually rising behind me and my camera is pointing to the west; the colors reflecting the sunrise are beautiful and you can even see last night's full moon beginning it's decent behind the foothills of the Rockies. Inspiration found.

My day will not be without it's problems but I am ever mindful that whatever today's challenges I have started out inspired, and therefore accountable to make the very most of  my day. Fingers crossed that I do a good job. Heartfelt thanks for stopping by for a visit, you too are my inspiration.

Lay/Laying/Laid Threads

Whatever! Just want to get this little controversial grammatical point out of the way before I get started. For our purposes here and in the interest of the PG rating of my blog, it's laid. I referred to dictionary.com for confirmation and I'm still not positive. Lay, laying, laid? Why? Just wondering.

I've finished most of the beading on the black corner sections but cannot proceed placing the green beads because I don't have them. The vial has gone missing. I'm sure I purchased it with the other supplies; surely I didn't start this project without everything necessary to complete it. Surely not. Oh, now I remember. I was going to substitute the Sundance green #14's for a green I had in my stash because my LNS didn't have what I needed. Well green is green, I must have something I can use. Nope, not this green because it's Cactus Green, nothing at all like my Kelly or Christmas greens. Figures.

Back to the beads later. Moving on to the next step: couching braid around the Ying and the Yang circle. Basically working with a needle of #12 Kreinik gold braid, a separate needle of Kreinik gold blending filament and 3 magnets, I found the best place to start ( far left side of the photo-beginning 2 strands of the braid). Couching is a good thing. It's very easy to manipulate the outline of a design as long as you take your time. You can make a circle more round just by moving around the laid thread with your needle and couching it down at regular intervals. Couching and neatening, couching and neatening theoretically makes for a spiffy circle.

When there are two or more strands being laid, it's even easier because you can push the second strand close to the first moving it into the ideal position. This is where the magnets come in handy. Park your laying thread in the direction it's to go, the after couching, park the needle with the blending filament and repeat the process. The magnets do a good job of keeping your loose strands in place. I also work with a stand for this type of work keeping both hands busy.

Here is where I introduced a third needle of braid and then later separated it (on the right) sending it on it's merry way around the inner circle where additional rows of braid will be laid and couched to fill in.

I'm on my way, next stop-the either the outside border or dragonfly. But for now I think it's time for a siesta....I'll be lying (to be in a horizontal, recumbent, or prostrate position, as on a bed) down for a while and I'm not lying ( to speak falsely or utter untruth knowingly, as with intent to deceive) either. Just saying.

To Guide or not To Guide

Speaking of stitch guides I just wanted to write about them today adding in my two-cents to other cyberspace conversations. I have long since known my talents lie elsewhere when it came to deciding the right stitch for the right place. For instance, take the kimono on the left. I began this canvas without a stitch guide about 10 years ago. Back then my idea was to use as many different stitches and as many different threads as possible in one little canvas. The kimono demonstrates this concept better than anything else I've ever stitched. I disliked how this was turning out and must have stitched it 5 times over because I made so many faulty stitch decisions; so many that I put it down and didn't stitch anything for several years. A few years ago I finally finished it and made the kimono into a kimono and I vowed never to stop stitching again for any reason under my control but I was still gun shy when it came to making stitch decisions. For one thing the whole process is very time consuming, taking up precious stitching time,  I concluded  I was better off leaving it to the experts.

Then I found the canvas on the right which is testimony that perseverance in learning, observation and practice can break through even the hardest head. I fell in love with Patt and Lee Designs' canvas even though it didn't have a stitch guide at the time. I had to create my own if I wanted to stitch it. So I began flipping through all my stitch books and decided to let Father B's Book of Stitches guide my way. Years ago (like maybe 20) I stitched his Tale of the Chinese Plate and remembered there were 12 stitches recommended for Asian themes. I picked every stitch on the Geisha canvas and every thread too as I recall. I am so proud of this fact because I didn't think I would ever attempt doing it again, and it turned out I actually could choose stitches to my own satisfaction. Now I wonder if I should? I'm a stitcher. Even so, recently I was encouraged to expand beyond my reach. Who me?

Creating a stitch guide is an art form and while I feel more confident in my ability, the professionals (you know who you are Judy, Ann, Robin, Sharon, Amy et al) that have devoted much of their careers to designing painted canvas and charts have gained my attention and earned my respect. I'd have it no other way.  How about you out there, do you decide on your own stitches to your own satisfaction? And to the exclusion of using professional stitch guides? Sharon G has wisely pointed out that they are only "guides,' suggesting they can be used together with our own judgment. Not bad advice Sharon. As for me, I really like having a stitch guide, but I'll keep dabbling with stitches taking in what I can glean from you all and asking for advice along the way.

Wishing you all well this hot steamy weekend. Take good care 'til next time.

Dragonfly continued

Working right along I've made a few changes to the stitch suggestions-not that they needed to be changed-.but leave it to me to take advantage of an opportunity to finish sooner. The entire stitch guide consists of what I would term as lite stitches. This is wonderful and it really makes for quick work. On this particular section pictured left, I've decided to make it "really lite stitches" and have opted to eliminate the majority of the stitching inside each square outlined in gold Kreinik 1/16 ribbon.  I like it as-is so I'm going for it. There soon will be gold beads stitched in the center of each square and elsewhere to fill in. The unexpected yet welcome beading instruction in Sharon G's stitch guide gave me insight as to how to make your beads stay put, instead of flopping around. Seasoned beaders will know this, but it has changed the way I feel about how my beads look. First bring your threaded needle up (use a double thread) through the bead and down as if you're making a tent stitch, then bring your needle back up in the first hole and go over the bead separating the thread over the bead and sink the needle down through the second hole. Snug as a bug. Very nice Sharon, thank you for that extra instruction.

While I am pretty much keeping to Sharon's stitching order, I admit I decided to skip ahead to fill in the ladybug. I had the beading needle and thread already out and the beads too so I thought I may as well. : ) A rebellious charge am I.  Next are tent stitches in black Splendor, the long cross stitches using Kreinik braid in Dragonfly and then finish off the red beads on this black section. I'll do the gold beads tonight. It's coming together, I should be done, I've just had distractions this week.

It's been hot in Colorado and we've had quite a few what I call natty household issues to deal with this week so I've only been stitching at night. DH has been home for three weeks this month and I do things "slightly" differently around here when he's home - translate: I haven't made as much progress as I hoped to.

I did enjoy the company of many fellow stitchers as I recently had brunch with one of my favorite stitchy-mahjongg mavens; and lunch with another friend that bestowed upon me many of her books on beading. Heavenly perusing! Hmmm, eating and perusing with friends; two of life's more delightful pleasures. I also happened to be included in a fun evening of hors doeurves and lemon-ginger martunies martinis with several friends and visiting dignitaries of the stitchy world. I don't know how I ended up on the invite list but I had a great time.

Rambling coming to an end now. Thank you for stopping by today for a quick visit, it's always an honor. Hope you'll come back soon and don't be afraid to leave a comment if you're so inclined. See you soon.

Bead Play

Been devoting some time to organizing my beads today and it's not as easy as it looks. For one thing I think I spent more time looking at them than doing any actual organizing. I soon realized there are a number of things one should know in advance of hauling out one's bead stash. Such as don't underestimate the number of display containers needed to accommodate the different beads. And never forget to work on a level surface (not an overstuffed ottoman-trust me) preferably one with sides-like on a tray. It's also imperative that when transferring beads from a plastic bag or box into your brandy-spankin' new bead "receptacles" you do so with a miniature scoop or something flexible that allows for the necessary maneuvering to hit the container and not scatter all over. Not using the appropriate tool for this procedure has resulted in creating a large bead soup mix. Previously I mentioned ordering from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. I must say that the company is admirable; carrying a vast selection of beads and "whatnots" for creating bobbles. I know I've said this before, but until I really get familiar with most, if not all, aspects of bead buying it would be wise to do it in person. As an inexperienced beader my online purchases were made by color and shape, not understanding size is also a major consideration. That's not exactly true, of course I knew size mattered, I just didn't know the difference between size 6 and size 15. Many of the beads I ordered I had to return; thankfully FMG has a very liberal return policy. My selections were primarily too large for embellishing my needlework. Others were so small they could only be felt, not seen. Well barely! So now I will go out tomorrow and find more containers. I like the size of these and though I don't have anything labeled, I have all the excess safely tucked away with their identifying tags. Obviously I intend to keep them organized by color. That just works for me and it's wonderful to look at. Thanks for indulging me today while I slacked off from stitching to play a with my stash.

The Consensus is....

stitch surgery will be performed.   Morning is always the best time for surgery and this morning is no exception. It didn't take long at all once the first clip of the thread was made. I've tried to show you in the slideshow the steps taken. I decided to clip in the center of the cord needing to be removed and pulled each end to the side. Secured the ends and then inserted the new length of cord slipping my needle underneath the single strand of silk. This also proved easier than first thought. I went slowly and carefully and I am thrilled it turned out without creating any further problems. If you haven't done so previously, go to yesterday's post and read all the excellent comments including one from the designer, SharonG.

Many, many thanks for all words of wisdom and to all that encouraged me to go forth and fix this eye catching glitch on canvas. Moving on to the next section, see you soon.

Problem to Solve

The upper left blue background is complete laying a single strand of super thin metalic cord couched with a single strand of silk.  This delicate stitch creates texture while allowing the blue canvas to show through. I worked simultaneously with two threaded needles and 2 magnets; one parked while stitching with the other. There is a problem, unfortunately, and I would very much appreciate your opinions on this if you have the time.

The twisted two-ply antique gold cord (one very fine strand of black and one of gold) at some point became untwisted. In the larger photo on the right you can see where this happened about 1/3 down from the top of the photograph. I noticed this in the photograph however upon examining the actual stitching it is readily detectable as a shiny, more reflective strand of gold. Here is my delimma: do I attempt to remove the untwisted strand and replace it with a new, intact strand of cord? Or leave it as is?  I would think in order to "keep the peace" with the surrounding couched rows I would have to clip the unwanted strand in the center, pull each end to their respective side and tack down. Then carefully slide my threaded needle under the couching with the new cord and then securing the ends. What do you think?

I've begun stitching the tee stitch using one strand of silk in the lighter blue background area behind the dragonfly. Continuing on my way hoping to hear from you in the meanwhile. Thanks for visiting today, it's only going to reach the 60's here which is cool even for Colorado in July. Sending you best wishes for a peaceful day.

Dragonfly Up First

After mounting Dragonfly and Ladybug on the stretchers I started on the upper left blue area. A very long strand of antique gold cord is laid across the canvas and couched down diagonally, left to right, with one strand of Slate Gloriana silk. Do not end off the cord, instead bring it back across to the opposite side of the canvas and couch with the silk only this time stitching the diagonal in the opposite direction.  Then in about a half an hour the first row is done. I think this correct, it's late and I'm sleepy and will re-check in the daylight! I will see you back here when this first section is complete.

New Project Lined Up!

After the large Deco Cat I am quite ready to stitch something small. I have my ornaments for charity that I could finish but I'm really ready to dive into another new project. Besides, ornies make good inbetweeners. While sifting through my stash (my favorite pastime) I came across these delightfuls, a gift from DD for my birthday last year. We didn't purchase the thread at the time since I knew these would be going straight into my 2011 project queue.

Obviously that didn't happen since I'm blogging about this today. After receiving permission by Ms. Sharon G her very self to "blog along," I opened up what I thought was the stitch guide for the dragonfly-thinking I would incorporate the stitches and threads of dragonfly into butterfly and be resourceful for once I only purchased the one guide. Lo and behold Sharon G. included guides for both canvases!  In addition her guides are only spectacular with color images of the stitch diagrams, large print, tips, not to mention clear and concise. This could turn into a dream project.

I headed over to my LNS and found all the "ingredients" to get started.  Turns out that out of all my stash, the only things I had was a tube of Sundance beads and the 2 pairs of Evertites-I need 4 pairs because I want to stitch them simultaneously. This should be fun.

There's a Japan Thread by Kreinik that is so shiny and a perfect choice for its application here; I hadn't even heard of Japan Thread previously. I'll also be using Kreinik Cord, Ribbon and Braid. The beads are a minute size #14 and I am not even sure I have a beading needle small enough, these are tiny.

I think I'm already to get started, so let the games begin! Wishing you a HAPPY 4th weekend to all who celebrate. It's a mild day here in the Rockies and tomorrow's predicted temp for Denver is 80 glorious degrees. Which means I'll have a sweatshirt on for the fireworks. Fine by me. Hope you have a fun day planned filled with friends, family and outdoor fun. You know where I'll be.

First, pretend you're listening to.....

Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey". You know where it goes like this:
baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

 baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah,

taaaa daaaaaaaaaah

boom boom boom boom boom boom boom boom boom

He's done! But not finished, you know what I mean; The stitching is complete, finis, ich bin fertig. Aren't I brave to show you this before I've cleaned up all those loose ends? Oh well I am just excited about this piece and well, I have no shame.  It's not like you haven't seen them before, although I know there are many of you out there that I'm scaring. The next step here is to remove from the stretchers and give it a good zig zag a few times around the perimeter edge of the stitching, thusly, ensuring that none of the tie-offs move around.

Oh I think he is soooo cute. He's stepping right off the canvas with his pink toes and GPS aka tail. And he's a big fella. These are 18x18" Evertites. Ruth Schmuff has added her special touches to this project including the Sundance Designs drop beads on the bottom of the canvas. And....the ribbon.trees.....no regrets here, if you could see the texture that was achieved you'd understand why I'm not sorry about the ribbon. The Lorikeet used in the larger tall trees was a dream to use; it's soft yet sturdy. I just love it and will use it whenever suitable.

His larger than life face was first padded with a felt cutout, then stitched over with Burmilana, another favorite thread. His nose is several layers of Frosty Rays; I went vertically, then horizontally then vertically ensuring amply puffy pepto pink nose leather (that's what the professionals call it).  His body is stitched in nothing less than Vineyard Silk, naturally-like butta- for a smooth, shiny, regal coat.

The background was fun and fast! Using differing combinations of Gloriana and Sparkle Braid made the background both sparkly where it was supposed to and softer where it  wasn't. Just not on mine. I stitched it just the opposite of Ruth's directions, no not intentionally, on accident. But you'd never know.

Those deco looking leaves at the top used Gloriana's Duchess Silk and Silk Lame Braid. Ruth really knows how to choose threads.

For finishing, take a look at Ruth's creative framing here, adorable and very clever. I want a pillow. I have exactly what I want in mind and hope I am not too diappointed when I can't find it. Fingers crossed.

CONGRATULATIONS NCPAT OF NEEDLEARTNUT!

In celebration of ticking past the 20,000 mark on the blog counter, and in an attempt to show my gratitude to you as the first visitor to comment after reaching this milestone, I have a "thank you for visiting" stash giveaway for you. Sort of a stitcher's hospitality basket. I hope you'll send me your information soon so that I can get your gift off to you right away. I'm excited it was you Pat!

Silk RIbbon

Hi all,

Well I've calmed down and I learned a few things. First I practiced with my stash and canvas using a smaller sized ribbon, 4mm on 14ct because it is what I had available. The original materials used are 13ct canvas with sizes 7mm and 13mm ribbon.

Just using the smaller ribbon helped me to understand that ribbon size made a big difference in how everything looked. Plus I learned that ribbon isn't necessarily supposed to "lay" like threads; it's wider than the hole it's going through or coming out of and might not be smooth and flat, or even neat depending on the stitch and materials involved.

The photo on the left shows the stitch using smaller light colored ribbon. Lo and behold it laid neatly, cooperated and covered very nicely. Also in the photo is a sample sewn in the same stitch with the darker larger ribbon I had left. If you enlarge the photo you will see how bulky and puffy the larger ribbon looks and how easy it is to detect a mistake. I find the use of large ribbon isn't all that forgiving. But that could just be me looking through my "mag eyes". It didn't help either that I was expecting something completely different than I should have.

The effect of using the larger ribbons on this project was to look like leaves on a tree, large bulky leaves giving the tree dimension. The 7mm was used on the top two-thirds of the area and the 13mm was used on the bottom third. In addition, by my not pulling the ribbon far enough through in most cases and too far in others was also a problem leading to my frustration. And I was not watching my back which is why I got into trouble with the "wad" in the first place.

For me, this chosen stitch and ribbon is exactly what was needed for the so-called artichoke trees. I can't think of anything else that would have been as effective. No, it was just me jumping into something that needed more time and attention than it looked. Live and learn that's why we're here. So after all is said and done, I feel I must continue to practice and get more comfortable using ribbon techniques and then I'll finish up this fun and fabulous project. Thanks for stopping by again today, hope you have a wonderful week to enjoy in peace and good company.

I've made a

HOT MESS of things. Look at this wad (no other word) of silk ribbon nonsense. That (on left) is the back of this front (on right). I've been keeping this mess to myself and then just decided I had concealed it from you long enough. Time to come clean and share my misery. How thoughtful of me.

This is the final part of my cybermystery and what you see is the latest of a minimum of 5 attempts at filling in the last space on the project. The thread (River Silks Silk Ribbon) is beautiful, plentiful and all the other positive "ful"s you can think of. It's not sold in Colorado mind you, but it's readily available in other parts of the country. The problem is me. I've used up all but a scant yard of all 3 cards included in the kit; more than enough for most. The stitch, is very simple as in not complex. Go up at A, come down at B and pull until it starts to curl. Piece of cake. Not for me.

The photo on the right depicts my version of the Japanese Ribbon Stitch.  It starts out really nice and uniform, then I accidentally pull the ribbon too far through and that's it. Forget about making an attempt at correcting it, it just makes it worse. So I lived with the non-uniformity, accepting that after so many tries I'll just have to settle. Kept stitching and when I turned it over to bury my thread tail, I found what you see in the photo on the left. A big tangled mass refusing to come loose in any other way except by taking a pair of scissors to it. Hot mess.

So now I'm stuck until my thread arrives. Unable to work on this large piece over the past several weeks, and now that I'm back to normal again and able to proceed, it hasn't turn out so well. Sometimes the best laid plans, or stitches for that matter, just don't cooperate....and I had such high hopes for a finish.  Looking back, I should have taken a piece of canvas and ribbon from my stash and practice, practice, practice. Which is what I will do until my RS ribbon arrives. Thanks to a good friend advising me to hold the back of the stitch in place while stitching, I should have better luck. Meanwhile, I'm not going to ruin my weekend over it, I'm going to the fridge.....

"Needlepointers"

magazine arrived yesterday much to my delight. Normally I stop whatever I am doing and tear (figuratively speaking) through the issue ogling at the photographs and ads. Oh yes, I don’t miss a single ad; how else would I discover what stash I need? Except yesterday I didn’t get to it right away and I forgot about it! Well, it was lost in a relatively small stack of mail that shouldn’t have been delivered in the first place, i.e. newspaper fliers, aarp stuff, bills.

This morning as I “stumbled to the kitchen to pour myself a cup of ambition” I spied with my little eye the corner of said magazine peeking out from under the other stuff and voila! this morning’s entertainment revealed. Sudoku be off with you and take your eraser with you I have other fish to fry.

It's a stellar issue and while perusing I noticed an ad or blurb on a new stranded silk thread from Planet Earth, Silk Opal (somebody out there knows how to name a thread); brand new to me, never heard of the company. But it looks like something I would enjoy using and I'm sure I’ll soon be on the hunt and will let you know, if you haven't already tried it yourself and you could let me know. Then Zweigart  has new Congress cloth colors including Khaki, Spice, Merlot and Country Blue for future stash enhancement; it's on the list as I pride myself on keeping a cut of all colors on hand, just in case. Seeing these and an ad for Kreinik I remembered that recently I found, in limited quantity, a few colors of DMC’s Memory Thread and Kreinik’s Holographic braid. Both products are certainly wonderful to look at,  likewise to use I'm sure.

One thing leading to another and since I had my camera out I took photos of  my new threads and more beautiful beads that I ordered from Robin Atkins' website. Robin has a unique selection of beads and all those that are pictured here are from her.

In the next day or two I should be receiving a supply from Fire Mountain Gems on the advice from a thoughtful reader pointing out that she thought their catalog was the phone book when it arrived. I just checked it all out online and sure enough they had some pretty special beads that were hopelessly irresistible; especially when one is trying to build up one’s bead stash. That should do it for now with the beads.

Thank you for making it all the way down here; I have three ornaments that I want to show you that are on the verge of being finished and those will be up by tomorrow so I'll have some stitching to share then. See you soon.

Beads Glorious Beads

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to be drawn as one of the four winners of Robin Atkins giveaway of her first book, "One Bead at a Time" now out of print. It arrived and the obsession began. Many of you know that I've never been an avid beader, I loved the way beading embellished my stitching, but I've never been good at it. Didn't know how to choose, place or attach beads. Plus I was always stabbing my fingers with those thin needles.

That was then this is now. After reading my prize book and then purchasing the companion book, I was hooked. DD and I took a trip up to Frisco, CO to a bead shop that we had visited once before. Luna's Beads and Glass has more beads than you can poke a needle through. I nearly lost the nest egg, not because they are unusually expensive, but because there are so many temptations. I'm not good at resisting temptations either.

Luna's also offers a variety of classes. And as a cool coinkydink, I learned that Luna's shop owner has studied under Robin Atkins. Small world. I wanted to show you some of the fabulous gems I found. I went for color and shape since I don't have any particular project in mind. But I'll be ready once I decide.

Check out Robin's blog Bead Lust and get inspired. On her website, she also has beads for sale and other accessories like needles, beading thread and stuff like that. Beautiful stuff. Robin's books can also be purchased on her website. I used to think that most beads were used for jewelry making and that in large part is a true statement, but using your imagination to embellish your needlework, or create, of all things a bead journal, opens many possibilities for expression. It's all so fascinating and oozes of creativity. I'm just getting started on this odyssey and cannot wait to make something wonderful. Heart to Hands gives ideas on what type of project to start but also includes 20 different techniques for creating  forms, textures and even ruffles. Oooo a bead ruffle. BTW "One Bead at a Time" is now available as an eBook on Robin's website. Thank you once again for stopping by for a visit today, I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the wonderful beads available; I write as if this is something new but I know there are many bead artists out there that have been practicing this art for years, it's only new to me.