STITCHED!

This might have been the quickest project in memory--yay! Instant gratification, almost. The bells were stitched in three strands of Mori silk, with shading done at the stitchers discretion. Then large and loose French Knots in the silver metallic for the clappers.  Isn't this design different? I can't wait to get it finished into an ornie. Did you notice the adorable needle minder above the heart? A Christmas gift from our local ANG Chapter, I think mine is hello kitty. Perfect! Hours logged for last evenings session: 2. Total stitching time: 8 hours.

Moving right along...

last night I finished filling in the center section. I loved using the Silk 'n Colors Royalty for the main pattern. Silks rule! Then in between are various colors of Accentuate, and burgandy silk for the flowers. Pearl beads were included in the kit, but I decided to change it up and use some lushous (OH NO I DIDN'T...that would be luscious, Madonna. BTW, I noticed it on my own) lavender and turquoise pearlized beads. Truth be known, the pearls included in the kit have gone missing. :( I should check between the cushions of my stitching throne but I'm afraid of what else I might discover.....a hairbrush, empty pistachio shells, my first husband! Just kidding, I've only been married once; but if I had been married before.......

Back to the task at hand, the center design is flanked by a braided pattern stitched in a gold metallic. And the vertical lines on either side serve as the underlayment for the next pattern and are stitched in an overdyed metallic. Stitched this through one taped episode of "Young and the Restless", two "Criminal Minds" reruns and the local news. Total hours logged, 3.5.

Latte goin on round here!

"Come on over baby, whole lotta stitch'n going on" or at least there will be once I remove myself from the office chair to the easy chair. Wish you could come over, there is so much to talk about such as I'd love to know what you're working on, what you're dreaming of working on and....and whatever you like.

Today is the first day of the second year of my blog. I can't believe that year went so quickly....if only I'd stayed on my treadmill as religiously. I noticed I went over 7000 visits, that's amazing to me and I am so grateful that along with the knack to create stuff we are all so very curious. Thank you for visiting today and everyday you give me a little of your time. I raise my coffee cup full of Starbuck's new limited edition, "Arabian Mocha Sanani". Doesn't this sound tempting, full body, bramble fruit, cocoa, clove spice? Add a little cream and voila you have a treat worth splurging on. Part of my Mother's Day gift from DD. Also got a new stove top popcorn popper, you know the kind that you twirl the kernels around in. Plus teensy tiny popcorn to pop. This is my 4th said popper, I just wear them out. It's a family trait, my sister is the same way. Hi Margie!

I've had visitor's over the past week but now that everyone is back in their respective corners of the world and my husband is in NM for a few weeks, I've cleared the decks and have gotten down to some serious stitching. Have what I call my two major projects to concentrate on. I'm about halfway finished with Marnie Ritter's Renaissance and it is so beautiful. I know there are many Marnie Ritter fans out there and encourage you to get your hands and needle on this project if you like variety, explosions of color and sparkly! I love sparkly. I have thoroughly enjoyed stitching this piece and am anxious to get back to it. Her creation is indeed a masterpiece.

Speaking of masterworks, Caela Tyler's interpretation of Monet's Red Kerchief is well underway and taking front seat right now. It involves two canvases, a foreground which is nearly complete and a background (so to speak) which is waiting at the moment. Techniques galore and so very different from anything I've stitched before and I cannot wait until I have my very own Monet hanging on the wall. When I finish these two, well I will have something won't I.

Perhaps the most exciting thing on my mind is what's next! I get to choose, and you know how we like choosing new projects. Excitement. The only limitation is I must stay within the confines of a) my 2009 stitching queue and b)my stash closet. I can do that, I think. Will keep you posted. :) Love that, "Keep you posted" of course I will, this is a blog.

Even though I could sit and visit here until the cow's come home, I better get a mooove on. Oh, I'm still waiting for the call that BBB and Red Kitty are ready to be picked up. Here kitty, kitty, kitty.

"All in good time, my pretty

all in good time." Cackled the wicked witch of the West. I've been wanting to get back to the gossipy kitties but haven't had the chance. Too much computer? Maybe, but I am also working on a major project designed and taught by Marnie Ritter.


This was one of my "hopefuls" as listed in my '09 stitching queue. I lucked out and happen to be stitching her Renaissance beauty. Learning a number of different stitches, including beading and the use of specialty threads, make this a fabulously fun project, as is the teacher (vying for teachers pet?...you betcha!). Under her expert tutelage along with her written instructions it's moving along very quickly. A somewhat involved piece, in other words not something I can mindlessly stitch away on while riding in a car, etc., I am always anxious to get back to whenever I have to put it down...like to go to bed or some other stitching interrupting event. Take a look here and see for yourself this awe-inspiring canvas created by an exceptional teacher. http://www.callawaygardens.com/callaway/info/things.needlearts.coursedescriptions.aspx


Another dream come true, I've lucked out and will be stitching a second project listed on my "hopefuls" queue. This time it's Caela Tyler's interpretation of a Monet painting, "Red Kerchief." OMG, this is an extraordinary piece using new (to me) techniques and a variety of stitches. I would describe it as two-dimensional and really quite unique. I am so looking forward to the opportunity to stitch this creative project by a truly remarkable and gifted teacher. Caela will be teaching this at the upcoming ANG National Seminar this Fall, you can see it here http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-09/classes/2day/22930.php --quick get a tissue, you'll be drooling! Better yet, sign up for the class!


Talk about getting carried away. I really got ahead of myself, by several months in fact. You must admit for a canvas worker these are very exciting projects.


Back to my beloved furry geisha. Next up I will finish the background areas and the details on their faces. I am currently working on the hair ornaments too and finally their furry heads. What you won't see...I got their ears waaaaaaaaaaay too pink. Lookin' more like bunny ears. Frog frog :) Don't forget, the kitties are the creation of Patt and Lee Designs. These and many more adorable canvases can be found at http://www.pattandleedesigns.com/. Go for it!



Before signing off today, I wanted to let you know that the second half of the Golden Reminiscence program I was leading finished up last night at my local ANG Chapter. It was a fabulous class with everyone making a lot of progress. We tried something new and used a "breakout" room for the class and it made all the difference. No distractions, excellent camaraderie and much progress in a very relaxed setting. I know this was a good experience for me and I am anxiously awaiting to see the final versions. There were about 15 there last night and one had already completed it and it was beautiful! Congratulations Vicki S., how about a picture? Everyone did their own thing as far as colorway and jewel embellishment. Fun.


Thanks again for visiting, see you soon.