Here I Am!

Hello out there in stitcher's blog land! It's been a while and even now I only have progress to report today, no photos. I have been feverishly working to complete the stitching on my Rooster project, Marnie Ritter's beautiful Renaissance piece, and a second cuff bracelet. My goal is to have the stitching done on these pieces completed before Thanksgiving. I have a commitment to do so to myself of course, but formally to one of the Chapter's I belong to that has their finished projects challenge coming up.

I began writing this post a few weeks ago and have since finished the bracelet and the rooster. WOOO HOOO! Happy dance now in progress. Both of these projects were stitched primarily in basketweave with specialty threads and, because of the size and heavy painting on the rooster canvas, my fingers feel totally abused.  Progress on Renaissance continues to be my main focus, I have all the full diamonds completed leaving only the half diamonds. I have not obtained permission from Marnie to post a progress photo at this time, but hope in the future it will be okay. You can view her photo here; keep in mind that if you're interested she will be teaching this piece at ANG's 2010 Seminar in Columbus, OH next Fall. Once Renaissance is finished I will return to stitching Caela Tyler's Red Kerchief piece, which is also in line for completion by the end of the year. I wish you could find an opportunity to stitch Caela's most unique design at Calloway in January.

That will conclude my WIP's for 2009 therefore freeing up some space on the queue for 2010. But what about my 2009 list of projects?  Ahh yes, that telltale list looming over there on the right side of this blog. I can only say that I did not begin most of the projects slated for 2009 but I did manage to finish several things that were not in queue. I will soon have my 2010 goals set which may or may not include things from '09. This is always a fun ritual for me; deciding upon which fabulous projects I plan to stitch in the coming year.

It's good to visit with you a little today.....and also give my stitching fingers a rest.  Oh by the way, where did they hide the spellcheck feature on blogspot?  See you soon.

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.