April Showers bring....

SNOW! A minimum of 20" and still falling. This does not count the drifting which is preventing me from getting up my driveway even with the 4wheel drive. Normally I would be clam happy, but I was to go to Denver this weekend for a 2-day pilot class. Unable to manhandle our snow thrower, here I sit. Thankfully stitching really soothes my wounds. I did not shoot this photo in black and white, there is absolutely no color our there today except various shades of gray. End of next week predictions: high 70's! If you don't like the weather in Colorado, wait an hour. So they say.

AS IF!!!!!!!!

I needed to be making mischief in my stash closet. I have enough trouble keeping my wips in line as it is; never mind milling about in there. Some things just can't be helped. One half of my 2oo9 stitching projects are either finished or kitted and in project bags, waiting in place at my various stitching stations. Yet I browse around my stash, circling like a shark, until I whine, "Oh, I wanna stitch thaaat." "Well, you can't." blurts that little voice in the back of my head. "Well if I can't stitch it, can I touch it?" Again, the voice, "Now Madonna, you know all too well what touching leads too." And it did. Go away little voice, I'm just going to kit up these kute kanvases.

After all I resisted for several months, and I'm talkin' several as in at least 7 from date-o-purchase. Little voice, "But these are in your 2010 queue, not '09." "What are you doing?"

I was a Bluebird, Brownie and Girl Scout, can I help it if I'm bent on being prepared?

Talk to the hand!

Now then, I think I've chosen some fun threads, Whisper, Petite Very Velvet, Alpaca, to name a few. Yes fuzzy and furry are musts, especially for the tails. The tails are calling out to be somewhat bushy whereas the bodies should be more pettable. The canvases didn't come with stitch guides but I will refer to one of my many stitch books for choosing stitches. And of course I always welcome suggestions from you.

Boy am I pooped. That was quite an event. I circled, I chose, I kitted and now I've written about it. One step closer to starting a new project. Woo Hoo! My heart is racing. Oh no, not because of that, I won't start those for a while. My heart is racing because I have roasted turkey wings in the oven and a raging snow storm looming nearby. The eau de fowl wafting has made it back to my nostrils making it impossible to carry on here. Thank you for reading all the way through. You are my friends. :)

Rio I and II

The last of the three companion pieces to Rio Rincon are finally complete. I had to do a lot of experimenting on this one trying to cover all of those heavy black lines. Since scanning into the computer there are still a couple places that may need attention, but for the most part I am satisfied with it and ready to move on. Having said that I think I will outline the tee pee in black to be consistent with the the other canvas. Thank so much to those of you that commented and advised, I followed what you suggested and it saved me a lot of time. Notice the desert "UFO" in the center of the canvas is now a basket of flowers?

There are a few changes to this canvas too. I didn't want the heart shaped cloud to have the black outline so covered it with ribbon floss to match the sky. The photo actually picks up some of the black outline in the mesa that is more camouflaged in the actual piece. Camera's are funny that way, showing lots of lines and shadows and, in my case, adding pounds. :( I am glad to have finished these and will next show them framed.

It's Monday

Just dropping in to say hi and wish you all a happy week. It's sunny here today in Colorado, unlike yesterday's drizzly Easter Sunday. It was my husband's birthday and we planned a day at home having celebrated on Saturday with a day spent antiquing and dinner at a local Italian eatery. I was on the lookout for someones unappreciated and cast off needlepoint; always shocking to me when I find something in good shape and desirable. I only saw one thing worth considering, it was a rug approximately 3'x4' in size. Well executed in tent but framed! I felt it would have been better displayed as a rug as IMHO it was intended to be.

It was a depiction of a pair of King Charles Spaniels lying down cuddled. The background was pink, it had a nice border and the asking price was $500. No, I didn't consider it, for one thing besides it's price tag, the faces on the dogs were not executed very well. That is the kiss of death for me when considering buying anything that includes an animal face; it must have a realistic look or at least look endearing. Whereas these poor pooches had deer in headlamps expressions. But I embarked upon an Internet search to find this rug elsewhere to learn more about it. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't manufactured somewhere overseas because it looked like it was the work of a needlepointer. Anyway in my search I found this little website and thought you might enjoy bowsing around. No I meant to type bowsing. I am typing it in here because blogger doesn't seem to be accepting links today, so just in case here is the website: www.aileenannecollections.com/Decorative-Pillows_c_42.html



This week will be a busy one. I worked on my Rio Rincon companion piece exclusively but am no further along than I was in my previous post. I did a lot of frogging. And am now having a difficult time determining what this is supposed to be just above and centered over the words "what's this". I am perplexed by the somewhat rectangular/trapezoidal shape in the center there. I have the notion to just cover it up, but if you recognize what it's supposed to be I'll keep it in. Thanks in advance for your response.

In closing I wanted to let you know that I added a new section to my blog, located on the left entitled, "Enter at your own risk". It's a selection of tempting foodie blogs that I have found to be awesome, instructional and surf-worthy.

Take care and have a great week.

Herringbone Eyeglasses Case

So here is what the eyeglasses case looks like when all the stitching is done. For this case I used two skeins #5 DMC Perle in a bright gold and one skein in a medium turquoise. I also used one spool of #16 Kreinik Braid and the dark turquoise band was done with a small amount of Vineyard Silk. I think I may have devoted approximately 12 hours to the stitching but count on at least a half hour on the marking of the canvas and 2 hours for the hand finishing. The golden felt is what I will use as the lining. I would have preferred to have used a faux suede but since I'm snowed in today I'll use what I have on hand.

The next step is to cut even the sides and ends of the unstitched canvas and then either by machine or hand, stitch across the ends so that the stitches stay in place. I chose to use machine stitch here right up to the edges of the stitching. Once done the stitches will be secure.

At this point, I will cut the long strands hanging from the right hand side of the picture.
The reason that the strands are so long is because I used one full strand of Perle Coton for each row. In other words, once you removed the label from the Perle and untwist the thread into it's circle, cut the circle and one of those strands constitutes a full strand. Yes you could save on thread by cutting shorter strands, but you will waste time doing so.

Next I cut my lining to 12 1/4 length and laid it on top of the "right" side of the stitching. Stitching the ends together and then turning the piece in side out leave a nice turned under look.

Now comes the fun part. You have to fold the case in half, folding in all the selvages and start whip stitching the sides together catching the lining and covering any exposed canvas threads. It made sense to me to leave the top sides open a bit for easy access for my larger sunglasses.
I would like to mention that I enjoyed stitching this piece far more than I liked finishing it. I used #3 Perle Coton to whip the sides together and began with using a size 20 tapestry needle and finished everything off using a large eyed darning needle to go through all the layers.
Taa Daaaaaaaaaaa!

Finished or Nearly

These two little ornies are tippy-toeing off to the finishers. I surprised myself as to how quickly both of these fun projects worked up. Choosing, for the most part, non-strandable threads makes life a lot easier. I used things like Kreinik braids and Petite Very Velvet, perle coton.

The Chapter name tag is also done and so is the cuff bracelet. I won't show a photo of it since it's a gift for a close friend. Shhhhh, it's a surprise.

Making their way out of my queue closet are the three companions to Rio Rincon. One is completely stitched and the other two will soon be off the stretchers. My plan is to use the same framing choice used for Rio.

These will be matted and framed together. I've enjoyed stitching the Terry Medaris canvases but I am always at a quandary as to what to do with the heavy black outlining. Outlining doesn't seem right, nor does ignoring it. I would appreciate some advice on how to handle outlining as it is something that comes up from time to time and I always have trouble with it. These were no exception. In varying stages of completion I hope to have these to the framer by week's end or early next.

So, in part, this is what I've been up to lately. What's new at your zoo?

Meet Cozy Toe #7

I'm slightly behind on my Cozy Toe commitment for this year. You may recall that I did six of these in 2008 and I was hoping to get started sooner on this year's allotment of 6. Number 7 is going quickly as there aren't many threads to strip. The purple is Soie d'Alger and is such a dreamy silk to use. PFOS distributed the kits for this series and has used all very nice threads. I've enjoyed using most of them with one slight exception, Sprinkles. I love the effect it has but it's not as easy to use as the other options. To me it's almost like stitching with shiny raffia. I began stitching on this last night during our raging snowstorm we had in Colorado. Hope to finish this today or tomorrow. Number 7 Toes uses Kreinik Braid, Soie Silk, Rainbow Gallery's Flair and beads. These have been fun in between projects that are part of my '09 stitching queue. Thanks for visiting today.

I LOVE.....

.....surfing the net. I sometimes wonder where I would be today (as a person) if I had been introduced to the world via the Internet when I was a child, instead of in my 50's. Basics such as the type of things I would gravitate to wouldn't change, I like what I like, but being exposed to seemingly endless knowledge on any imaginable topic, surely would have and has changed my path.

Speaking of paths, I've been down a few new ones recently that I would like to share and hope you enjoy them as much as I did. If you knew me better you'd understand why I've chosen to begin with my adventure to

http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/

http://www.terrymillerdesigns.com/

http://lrderien.canalblog.com/

http://nuido.blogspot.com/

http://theslowstitcher.wordpress.com/

http://worldembroideries.blogspot.com/

http://www.bargelloarts.com/

http://www.veroniquedeluna.eu/z-qui-en.php

http://www.casacenina.fr/catalog/index.php?cPath=25

Please don't forget to come back and visit my blog albeit tame by comparison, you could never be more welcomed than here. Have fun!

On Monday night....

...at my local ANG Chapter meeting, I learned a fabulously fun way to stitch up an eyeglass case. I'm nearly halfway done with it and I feel like I just started. The class leader advised that these would be addictive and lucky for all my friends and family, she was right. Hmmmm, stocking stuffers or Mother's Day for the Godmother. I'm already daydreaming about new color schemes.

I've used two shades of DMC #5 Perle Coton, one Krenik Braid #16 for a touch of sparkle, and the dark turquoise stripe is Vineyard Silk. Yippee no thread stipping! And using a large needle, #20 or #22 makes life very easy. It's stitched on 14 count Interlock so the needle opens up the holes leading the way for the thread to ease through the canvas.

Giving credit where credit is due, the project book, "Herringbone Eyeglass Cases, Scissor Fobs and Bookmarks" [Copyright April 2001, March 2008, October 2008] by BJ Carola with Diane DeNardo is not new. In fact in their Dedication they remarked that the first 14-page instruction booklet was published in 1987. And "By 2002 the booklet had grown to 25 pages and this edition has over 30." It includes several variations of the Herringbone Stitch, mirrored, non-mirrored, etc., and has simple directions on how to construct the actual case.

Let's see, future combinations might be, apple green, black and cream; red, white and blue; monochromatic pale aqua with silver.......

Hope this inspires you to get started on yours; would love to know if you've already made one of these. And if you're looking, they make a great class project for your group. For ordering the booklet email iluvmcega@gmail.com and write Herringbone Booklet in the Subject line.

Thanks for visiting today. Have fun stitching.

Mile High Hi

Been working on a few smaller projects this week including a new nametag gifted to our ANG Chapter and created by Caela Tyler. Using floss and Access Commodities' Accentuate, a variety of fun stitches were used, and a new to me technique using a special ink stamp pad to enhance the shading of the sunset. Fun. I like this concept of using applied color to enhance the design and envision it becoming a regular part of my stitching repertoire. You might consider checking out VersaMark or Brilliance to learn more about these products. Or you can google these trade names to find other resources.

Denver's skyline is featured on the nametag, including an outline of the Rocky Mountains. What could be more fitting for Mile High Chapter? Caela's clever choice of stitches including Nobuko, Alicia Couching, Criss Cross Hungarian, Bullet and Dotted Swiss to name a few, made this little project both fun and educational. Oh, and the Burden stitch. Although this is a basic, laid thread filling stitch, I should have checked out one of my many (and apparently dusty) stitch books demonstrating how to do this stitch. But noooooooooo, I proceeded to stitch without first reviewing and ended up frogging....twice. It was in every sense of the worde the burden stitch. Directions Madonna, always read the directions first.

Happily this only needs to be mounted and finished. Yippee!

Finished the Biscornu, etc.

This is my first biscornu. I love these charming gems and have plans to do a bowl full of them. This one is the design of Janice Wood who presented it as a local ANG Chapter program. I was at first perplexed as to how to finish this 8-sided piece, but found instructions out there on the web and was able to do it on my own. Now that this and my local ANG Chapter's new nametag are done, I feel very tempted to begin something new. You know, new as in, hasn't been started yet. I am resisting a little though, thinking about a few things I've got waiting.

My gossipy geisha kitties canvas is still on the stretchers; I continue to mull over frogging the tabby's head and going kabuki. I did hear from the designer who was good enough to give me feedback and among the kind comments a valid point about the kitty head was made, "For me personally, I like what you did to the right cat's face as far as its realism, but not for this project. I think it is too distracting from the symmetry/cohesiveness of the whole." She is so right about that, I knew something was amiss and now I know what it is. So I'm dragging my feet about getting it framed. To frog or not to frog.

My main WIP right now is the Renaissance project. I have that all set up at one of my workstations and can work on it as time/inclination permits; I always have a Cozy Toe going as a take with me project and can stitch these in hand if I don't want to take a frame. And then one or two additional projects that I stitch on now and then, always reminding myself that even if I only stitch as much as one or two thread lengths per day, I am still accomplishing something and avoiding adding to my UFO pile.

Coming up this week I have a new ANG Chapter program, Herringbone Eyeglass Case and Scissor Fob. This looks like loads of fun and I'll ask if I can feature it on my blog. It uses 3 coordinating shades of # 5 perle coton and should work up very quickly. I'll play by the designer's rule to start, but this looks like a good "gift" project where I can use up some of my existing stash. I'm hoping to learn how to finish an eyeglass case too.

Last night I read the instructions booklet for Ginny Morrow's Town Square. I've seen this done and think it's beautiful and challenging. Not sure I'm up for challenging, but it is very different from other projects that I've been working on lately and tempting. I also think I may have it in my queue for this year. Will keep you posted, I suspect it could just be a passing fancy.

Thank you for visiting my blog today, I hope you have a wonderful week and are stitching something you love.

Kabuki and the Tabby?

Nearly finished. Couldn't put this down yesterday enjoying this little canvas immensely. But I was fairly bleary eyed by days end and now need to go back and tweak things. I sort of had a little trepidation about stitching Right kitty to look more realistic than Lefty. Maybe the two styles don't blend,etc. But that notion didn't really occur to me until I was nearly finished. Soooo I'm living with it for a while before removing it from the stretchers.

I will also remove a few of left kitties whiskers......looking like a little hormone overload with just too many whiskers. Will just remove about half of them and think that should do it. Have a few missed stitches here and there and will make corrections as I view the enlarged photo. But for the most part the geisha are done.

I do like the change made to the right background area. The lower half filled with dark teal was too much and looked like I just stopped stitching. I'm not going to fill it in as I do like the openness but thought I might add another symbol or two. Still mulling, I'll think of something. There's openwork and then there's open work. If I do leave it unstitched, I'll have to choose just the right color of mounting board. Think the unusual (IMHO) contrasting background colors on the original canvas may have thrown me off a bit; I like it, but it is a bit unconventional for such a rule follower. Then again, this style is often seen in Asian art.

Jane, thank you for your comments! I have kept the Santa's Beard for Lefty's paw and neckline and think you are totally right. I love getting feedback because in most art forms, even the written word, you look at something so long you end up looking right past it anticipating what you are seeing or reading. Does that make sense? Anyway, thank you all for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. BTW, I'm thinking of black framing for this piece. It's a gift and DD wants it to be framed instead of a pillow or other finishing.

Since you asked about it, I was more concerned about the interlock canvas in the beginning but as usual with me there was much ado about nothing. After spending many hours with this canvas, I can say that I do notice a big difference between interlock and mono; but there really wasn't much downside to it. It's inflexible, paint image seems much lighter and the canvas is much less sturdy than mono. But again it was much less expensive....about half the price. You really have to make your own determination on it's quality, but if I can't find something on mono, I would buy interlock again.

Why don't I write.....

when I have pen in hand and thoughts of you? I fell back into the mindset that I needed photographs to post and I haven't taken any that did justice to the stitching I've been doing. On the other hand, perhaps the photos projected the exact image they found. Alas, I will swallow my pride and share. So "left" kitty is on her way to being completed, lookin' like a kabuki, I fear. I used Whisper, two strands and worked in a random gobelin stitch on the horizontal. Still working out the shading. Outlining is done with a tweedy Burmilana overdye, which by the way is a dream to work with. Lefty's paw was done in Santa's Beard as an experiment. Santa's Beard is much thicker and glossier than Whisper. A little too thick I think. Since my last post I have completed the hair ornament and decided to use more beads.

Right kitty will have a little different look than Lefty; different color, different stitch and perhaps a different thread. Although I do have a lovely tanish color of Whisper in my stash. Tempting.

Other changes include Right kitty's obi, looks better in person and I am also trying something different on the right background area. I'm imagining it as a Japanese floor screen. Truthfully, the dark teal filling in Father B's Mongolian stitch was a bit too dominant, at least to my eye, to fill it in all the way; ultimately I'm pretty sure I'll remove the filling stitches altogether leaving just the pattern.



Here they are together. In the lower left area of this photo you can see the beginning of the second half of the yellow background stitch, using an overdye which has deepened the color. Think the deeper color blends better with the intensity of the geisha. This piece is going quickly, it just doesn't seem like it because haven't spent that much time on it this week.

I am making beautiful progress on Renaissance. There are so many clever stitches and wonderful threads used it is a joy to stitch. Nothing tedious here. I also saw (in real life) a project Marnie will teach at ANG's National Seminar in August, entitled "In the Mood" in Red. The photograph http://needlepoint.org/Seminar-09/classes/3day/33019.php does not capture the glorious colors used in the exquisite piece. Nor does it depict the beauty of the various embellishments used including a striking metal pagoda charm. Beautiful.

In closing today I am leaving you with a photo I took this morning. My kitty Tbear, aka today, mad boy puff puff. He is perturbed because he has a boo boo near his hoo hoo and must wear this soft tu tu around his neck. Seems to be saying, "What are you lookin' at?" Paparazzi....they're everywhere!

"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.

Shanghai in Pink and Orange!

Decided to continue using Father B's Oriental stitches. This time I used the Shanghai Stitch for the kitty kimono on the right. The body of the kimono is stitched in Amy's Burmilana, 2 strands; an overdyed silk, 4 strands, to outline the flowers; for the kimono edges I wanted something fairly shiny so I used J.L Walsh Silk and Wool; the cumber bun was padded and stitched in Frosty Rays .

I also used Kreinik #16 in Pink and Orangy Gold to fill in between the flower petals. Didn't plan on doing any more basketweave or tent but filling in a small outlined design doesn't leave too many options.

Started stitching on the background, using 1 strand of yellow Burmilana with Father B's background stitch should make this go fairly quickly. I have a little clean up to do, missed a stitch here and there (nothing like the camera to show that) but I wanted to get a picture posted. This canvas continues to be a lot of fun to stitch and, therefore, is keeping me from working on my other projects. Thanks so much for visiting today, hope you're stitching something you love!

To Evertite or Not to Evertite, etc.

I'm definitely an Evertite convert, but lately I've been buzzing around the Internet and not stitching. Well except in the evening. My current small project is a new name tag for one of the local chapter's of ANG. Yes, Caela Tyler has been at it again and has designed another terrific piece for the Chapter. I'll post a photo when it's finished. My heart is really telling me to get back to the gossipy kitties. So much for my rotation scheme. Now on to the Evertite's...

There's been some discussion on one of the needlework lists I belong to about the Evertite stretcher bars. I was just curious how everyone feels about using them now that they've been on the market for a while now. I posed that question and have had a good response of positive opinions on the use of Evertite's.

Personally I love using them and feel they are well worth their cost especially for larger projects. Not having to remove my canvas from the stretchers in order to tighten it is not only time saving, but better for the canvas IMHO; less handling is always better. I do have a minor issue using them with certain lap frames, however. Not all, my System 4 frames and stands accommodate the Evertite's just fine.

I've posted some photos in an effort to explain the problem I have using them on my K's creations lap frames and stands. Below and right you can see how the frame slants up as I tighten the clamp. I can get it tight enough to stay, the problem is when I need to reposition the frame.

What happens is the clamp slants enough to put pressure on the long bolts making it a major struggle to move the flat pieces of the clamp up or down. This is demonstrated below left. Even if I hold the frame flush with the inside of the clamp, as I gently tighten down, the flat pieces move.


This photo shows the size differences between the Evertites and other stretcher bars. It also demonstrates how the bolt gets slanted making it nearly impossible to adjust the clamp up and down in order to remove the stretchers.
By writing about this I hope for one of two things, A) I learn that I am not alone in my struggle; and or B) there is a solution or suggestion one or more of you have to help.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks for stopping by today.

One Kute Kitty Kimono Down

Worked off and on this week on the first Geisha kimono. I was warned by those in the know about the fraying and thread damage that might take place on an interlock canvas. I experimented and found that I needed to take out all the perle coton used in the outline of the Ming stitch. It frayed and fuzzed up more than usual. So out it came and was replaced by a Kreinik Braid overdyed metallic. I like the look much better. The packaging on the overdye identifies this thread as Needle Necessities Kreinik #12 overdyed. I didn't know these companies were affiliated. But that's just me not paying much attention. Anyway I was surprised when I saw that.

The overdyed floss I used for the fill didn't seem to be harmed. There was a lot of tent stitching and I don't plan on using tent again for anything of significant size on this piece....or any for that matter in the near future.

The trim on the collar and sleeve is stitched in the diagonal satin stitch using Vineyard Silk Shimmer. It seemed to handle adequately the roughness of the canvas, using a slightly larger needle than what is called for has helped to ease the threads through the holes. The very edge of the sleeve was couched using Kreinik gold braid. The Pure Palette's Soy Luster solids were used for the cumber bun which was stitched in the Cashmere stitch.

Though I am very tempted to jump up to the hair ornaments, (imagination running wild) alas I know better to wait to do any beading last; the next section to be stitched will be the other kimono. Looking forward to this too actually. Haven't even thought about the background/walls at this point.

I am thinking very strongly about reading up on project rotation as it has occurred to me that I may enjoy jumping around with my projects. I don't want to lose my "mo jo" on any one project but I can at least try to see if it suits my stitching style. I know rotating projects is very popular on many of the blogs I read. I do jump around a bit, but it's not organized rotation. It's more spur of the moment jumping, I think what some stitchers do is most definitely organized.

Thank you for taking time to visit my blog today. I am so grateful for your company.

As promised

I'm including a photo of my progress on my gossiping geisha. I never know if I should put an "s" on the end of geisha to indicate more than one. Sidebar: Think it's a carry over from my days living in the South where most, if not all would typically omit the "s" as in your change is 35 cent! Drove me crazy. Put the "s" on there already.
Anyway I've decided to use various Oriental Diaper Patterns for the kitties kimonos. I felt it was a lost opportunity not to utilize these wonderful stitches on my previous two Asian pieces and hope to make up for it here. Beginning with The Ming Stitch taken from "Father B's Book of Stitches," first I outlined with DMC Perle Coton and then filled with 4 strands of overdyed floss. Deciding against basketweave and instead using continental or tent stitch to fill in each individual "medallion." It seems to work better that way allowing more pattern control of the overydye. Dr. Bob recommends the fill be either one color and texture or if more than one color is desired, to use 4 different colors to fill in a contrasting outline. I chose the overdye with a contrasting outline.

In a previous post I mentioned that the canvas was painted on interlock instead of mono. I was warned that interlock can be a little rough on threads. So far the overdye is working beautifully, but the Perle Coton needs to be a shorter length as it seems to easily fray. So shorter strands is the key here. In addition, I did think the interlock was more difficult to put on stretchers as it has no give whatsoever. I am using Evertite's so once the canvas was attached it was easy enough to tighten to satisfactory taughtness. Other than that I haven't come across any other issues using the interlock, but will keep you posted. Thanks for stopping by today.

In early 2007

Woops! Make that early 2008...I agreed to lead a program for a local ANG Chapter. I was honored by the request and as usual immediately began working on the project. The project, Golden Reminiscence, designed by a very talented Carolyn Mitchell, is included in ANG's Chapter Project Book. This manual is a great resource utilized by Chapter Program Chairmen to bring to the membership new and appealing programs not otherwise available.

My renditions of Golden Rem are shown on my blog under 2008 finishes. Designed for needlepoint, this particular piece was created to showcase a piece of jewelry or other ornamental embellishment. I was looking forward to seeing what everyone brought in along with their own matching thread colorway. We had pieces of antique jewelry, a tiny dragonfly embedded in amber like glass, a brooch and many other fine ideas to feature on the finished canvas.

It has been a while since I had lead a program and though I wouldn't exactly say I was insecure, I will admit to stitching two pilot samples and then started a third a few days prior to the class. I made notes along the way of each subtle or not so subtle snafu I came upon; which by the way were few. But everyone has their own strength's and weakness' and I made note of those that were mine relative to Golden Rem. I always appreciate knowing what to look out for or any tip that helps improve my stitching.

So last evening was the first session of the 2-part class. There were 17 or so participants that had signed up though we had just shy of that number in attendance. I was acquainted with only about half of the class which surprised me, but happily so. This was a spirited group and I must say that I was inadequate to compete with the ancillary chatter taking place throughout the evening. It's funny how different the perspective when your leading a class vs. taking a class. As a student, you focus on the teacher (ideally) and your stitching; as the teacher you focus on everything, teaching, questions, individual needs, standing, and even the lively gab of students reuniting with old friends and making new.

The class was asked in advanced to have their needlepoint canvas mounted on stretchers and center marked so we could get to our stitching. Our charge for the night was to complete six stitches making up one quadrant of the center design. We got through four and, thankfully, the instruction booklet was totally adequate for this group to follow and complete the homework for next month. Though I do wish that we had more time, isn't that always the way? Thinking back I should have taken more control, like a school teacher, cutting down on the socializing of several. But that's part of the fun of sharing our hobby, we catch up and enjoy each other's company. It's just one of the inherent hazards of the adult classroom...or perhaps any classroom.

Most of the class stuck to the task at hand, for which I was grateful; I was, however, happy and at peace knowing this was not a class in how to achieve world peace or dismantle a nuclear device, thereby keeping the whole thing in perspective. Otherwise, I might have let it bother me when I was scolded for not kitting up the project, lessening the cost for each individual. Hey girl, I'm just the messenger. Never mind that each student was to choose their own colors based on their individual embellishment. Sheeesh.

But I do understand the need to economize these days and usually shop in my own stash. I did just that on my first rendering but followed the designer's selection on the second. I love shopping in my stash, but then again I also love shopping in my LNS stash too!:) Whatever works. We did keep the cost of this 2-part class down to $5.00 to cover the copying of the 20 page instruction booklet complete with page protectors and folder. Oh, for the copyright police, the copying and distribution is totally permissible for the exclusive purpose of using the design in a Chapter sponsored program. In the end I hope most felt it was a bargain.

So today I am relaxing a bit, blogging, checking emails, all the while secretly thinking of the next stitch to use on my gossiping geishas. Yes, I said next stitch.....I know, I know a picture will soon follow. I do want to thank you for listening to my verbiage this day. Thinking aloud mostly. Hope you're enjoying your stitching each and every day, including this one of historic precedent.

Biscornu #1

So what happened to my "mo"? I was waylaid by a cold or something like that. The whole family was ambushed by this thing just after Christmas. It came, it went, it resurfaced, now it's gone. Shoo! Scat! Amscray!

I've finished stitching the topside of the white on white biscornu. I've made some errors due to my lack of experience on 32ct anything and inadequate "big eyes" as I call them. Hmmmm, wonder why I can see the mistakes but not the chart correctly? Maybe I have a counting issue and am in denial. It could happen. I'll disguise these areas with a strategically placed bead or two. Next I will finish the back of this little pin pillow so I'll be ready for the finishing class this week.

Shhhh, in secret I put my gossiping geisha kitties on the stretchers. I've sort of moved this to the top of the queue. More later.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I was chatting with a friend about how inspiring and motivating it is to view the stitching of others. My friend has been fortunate enough to have visited several national needlework exhibits over the years, and I, about every 6 months or so, go into my collection of back issue's of NeedlepointNow and Needlepointer's for lots of rousing stitching stimulation.

I pull out the annual Exhibit issues and just ogle. Revel. Riveted for hours and then run to my stitching. I derive great joy from doing this. My issues go all the way back to the early days when the publications first started. It is great fun seeing how our craft has evolved in such a relatively short period of time to the fabulous industry it is today. For centuries needlepoint meant tent stitch and brown penelope. And then in the past 30 years, WOW! look at us now! Charmed, blessed, golden, whatever the expression it's marvelous to be a stitcher in the 21st century.

I knew when I first moved to Colorado that I was going to be a very lucky stitcher indeed as our local ANG and EGA Chapter's are filled not only with talented stitchers, but with nationally renowned instructor's and designers; to whom many accolades have been attributed for years. Individuals who's work I have always admired, and those that I have recently met through and only through the mutual love of stitching, right here in my own back yard. Talk about striking it rich, there's gold in them thar hills! Golden nuggets like Tyler, Ritter, Goodman, Kerschner, to name but a few. All generous and giving of their talents and skills to those of us that struggle with what stitch goes where. There's also numerous talented stitchers not standing in the limelight, sitting right next to me (you know who you are), inspiring and giving me hope that I too one day may reach their level of execution. These are my friends, they support me, encourage me and never peer at the back of my work!

Perhaps the most prolific inspirational resource of all, the Internet. If you're reading this, you are familiar with what I'm talking about here. Talk about a domino effect. One site leading to another and another. It's endless, apparently. Below are links to inspiring blogs that were all found from visiting just one new blog in one afternoon. Enjoy!

http://yuks-behappy.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-mums-works-2.html

http://thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com/

http://carolsxsblog.blogspot.com/

http://judiromi.blogspot.com/

http://asamplerofstitches.blogspot.com/

http://caroliensstitches.blogspot.com/2009/01/skeelers-and-skates.html

http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2009/01/ok-were-rotating.html

White on White Biscornu

Cream on cream actually. I'm finally in a place where I can devote time to my stitching. The Christmas is put away, football is on the tube and we have 6 inches of new snow on the ground. This ANG Chapter project is one of the smallest designs I've ever stitched and am going at it with enthusiasm. First, one of my goals this year is to stitch several of these habit forming charmers. I find them totally fun projects that don't require a lot of dedicated time to complete. Yet you still enjoy a sense of accomplishment as you wrap up these darling little packages. A bowl full of biscornu is my goal!

This is also my first linen project. I've worked on aida for counted work, but never linen. I've been strictly a canvas worker but I'm doing pretty good using my miner's headgear and dazor light. It seems to be working up quickly; it's small and there is a lot of unstitched area compared to needlepoint.

I like starting out the new year with small sized projects, seeing a quick transformation from materials to achievements, and all the while providing inspiration to keep the "mo" going!

The Return of St. Basil Santa

Finally St. Basil Santa has returned. Actually I've had him for a few weeks but didn't want to post until I gave him to his new owner. I think he looks at home in a more whimsical setting, don't you? Thanks to Marie, the finisher, I think she did a nice job and I especially like the way she pleated the plaid moire fabric on the front of the pillow. What do you think? Much better than before? I think so. Glad this one is behind me.

Holidaytime surely.....

....separates the men from the boys. I don't know how my fellow blogmeister's do it. Keeping up with their blogs and preparing for all the trappings of the holidays; I didn't have time to read blogs, let alone post on my own. In fact I haven't been stitching either. I miss the blogs I follow and I am really missing stitching. But thanks to a wonderful friend reminding me that I had neglected my blog long enough and that Christmas was over with already, strongly suggesting "that was then, this is now!" and to get to gettin'! I'm finally back in the groove. Thank you Gloria!

See what I won on eBay. I let the first canvas listing get away from me and then the designer, Patt of Patt and Lee Designs, offered it again; this time on Interlock canvas instead of Deluxe Mono at a much reduced price. I hadn't planned on buying any more painted canvases for '09, but Jane of Chilly Hollow fame posted the eBay listing on her blog, which apparently is my hypnotic cue to check it out, I spied it and voila...MINE! Ya know, I've always heard she is the queen mother of enabler's and I do believe it to be true. Don't know what I'd do without all her good tips on what's available and where! Thank you Jane.

I am very anxious to get 2 Geisha Cats kitted up and placed on the queue. Not sure where it will land, but it's in for 2009. I don't think I've stitched on painted Interlock canvas before, it's definitely different from Deluxe Mono and the actual painting on the design seems much lighter. This is because the actual canvas threads are much thinner on Interlock, as explained by the artist. I'll give it a try and keep you posted on how it works up. I'm not sure if there will be any noticeable difference on the finished work, I hope not, or if I will choose my thread palette differently. These things will become apparent as I stitch, I'm sure. If any of you have any suggestions or experience with this I am most anxious to hear from you.

Currently I have 3 small projects I'm working on completing. One is a beautiful white on white biscornu and matching scissor fob created and taught by Janice Wood at my local ANG chapter. It's on linen, let's see where are my 5X magnifiers? The picture is of her finished piece, my in progress piece amounts to a needle on my needle minder ready and waiting. Then as a Holiday surprise, again by our local Chapter, we were presented with an ornament project designed by Caela Conn Tyler (scanned photo of her finished ornie at right). It's so delightful and is working up quickly. There is a hidden message in the design too! Thank you Caela and Mile High Chapter, ANG. Oh, and the third project from the Sept '06 issue of NeedlepointNow magazine. This very charming ornament, created by Pat Mazu, is quick and would already be finished had I not put it down to "do" Christmas!
Dare I say one of my New Year's resolutions is promising not to have a hick-up in my blogging; to plan ahead for such delays and always have something readable to publish. There, I've said it. Thank you to my readers for being patient with me, I will do my best to earn back your valuable time. Happy New Year everyone!

BBBBABY IT'S CCCCOLD OUTSIDE!

Okay, I'm the last one to complain about Winter weather, but another night of record low temps is beginning to impede progress. Eight below in Denver last night and I'm beginning to view the outside thermometer like it's the bathroom scales, avoiding all eye contact if possible. Here in Colorado if we have sunshine and there's snow on the ground, it doesn't last long. At our elevations 32 degrees and sunny is sweater/shorts weather. Well it was sunny all day yesterday, not a cloud in the sky and the snow we received over the weekend...still here, not a flake out of place. High here at the house, 9. A perfect day to stay in and stitch, you say? Ever try stitching with mittens?

Didn't sleep a wink either; my cat was apparently busy morphing itself into a turban. Well at least I'm safe, warm and have all the essential food groups covered: coffee, cream, chocolate, bread and soup. Alone all day, sequestered with my stash. What else could anyone ask for? Thawed needles.

Meet the newest fur bearing members of the family.

So one of the reasons I've not had time to stitch recently is because, like everyone else, I've been attending to many other activities related to the Holidays...or not. I think I heard that addictions run in three's. I can attest to the validity of that; having stitching, mahjongg and Holiday Art's and Crafts fairs in my repertoire of habits, no hobbies. Beginning in the Fall and ending just about now, we go every weekend looking for treasurers. Admittedly, some things just seem to summon my attention and then there are other's that say, run like the wind! You know, one man's art form is another man's butter tub pocketbook!

I'm usually on the hunt for something handmade, or hand painted, definitely unusual. A few weeks ago, we happened upon a menagerie of unusual colors and proportions. Two "brothers" in particular, Fergi and Emory, were just begging to go home with us, so we adopted them. They are quite the charmers although I really don't think they are real brothers. Fergi hasn't seen the likes of a comb in many many many moons and continually casts a glance at Tweetie. Whereas, Emory keeps his lovely mohair impeccably groomed and begs for carrots. I think Emory is a snowshoe rabbit and Fergi, with his propensity for mice, is most likely a tomcat. I saw his sister, Grizabella, in a Broadway show, "Cats." Both have faces that only a mother could love and therefore, like many proud parents, I'm always willing to share a few photos. I think they're keepers.

Ornie Exchange Arrived!

It's 2 degrees outside, I haven't stirred out of the house since Saturday.

Snowed off and on all day Sunday. Denver was 18 below breaking all records. Then suddenly my phone rings, it's UPS, they have presents waiting at the top of my driveway. Too snowy, icy, frigid to venture down to the house, can I pick them up? Yes, I'll get them. Too cold and far to snowshoe up, even if I had snowshoes, but I know there's a treasure I've been waiting for and it's heeerrrreee. Where there's a will there's a way. Isn't it darling? This is from an ornament exchange I joined just this year. Look at all the other goodies that arrived with it. Thank you Margaret and Meg for all the extras, I didn't know what to expect and I am so pleased. Thank you so much. Here it is already on the tree. Doesn't it look nice and it fits right in.

I love everything and am looking forward to next year's exchange. Many thanks for sending such a lovely ornie and for surprising me with the charts, thread, card and chocolate!

Too busy to

stitch! Honesty, I haven't picked up a needle in 2 weeks it seems. There has been a flurry of activity here since before Thanksgiving and I just haven't made stitching the priority it needs to be. My blog has also suffered as it has been easy lately to just check emails and then log off. I have missed reading the blogs that I follow, checking progress and just staying connected in general. I cannot say that things will get better in the near future either.

Today I am able to post here because I am snowed in. We had another 10 or so inches of snow last night and this morning. I haven't even looked to see if my driveway is passable to check mail, etc. The finisher has mailed back my St. Basil Santa pillow and I'm dying to see if it's been delivered at the top of the drive. UPS and USPS have permission not to come down the driveway under these conditions. So I'll eventually venture up there.

I'm decorated for the Holidays and will start my baking, wrapping and finish stitching one last ornie. I hope to post a picture or two very soon.

I don't think I reported to you how the EGA MAGIC show went. You recall that last year we pledged to finish up 3 UFO's or WIP's otherwise we'd have to pay into our Outreach coffers the amount we pledged if we didn't complete the projects. Well this was an excellent incentive program, very few, if any had to pay into the program. Nearly everyone finished the number of projects they pledged to do. That was great. I know I finished at least 8 projects which was more than I pledged to do. It was great fun especially seeing all of the finished pieces. Some dating back to the '70's! Great! You can email me if you want more specifics on how this works.

Better get out the sleigh for an adventure. Hope you're day is filled with joy as you are getting ready for your holiday. Thanks for stopping by today.