things to show :-)

I'm so excited that a week after my last post, I actually have things to share.  :-)  I'm making good progress on my Shinning Needle crewel work class, Berry Thief.  I didn't think it would be very popular but I'm seeing an lot's of blogs.  I was hoping to be done with the stitching by now, but I've been busy doing other things at night and I haven't taken this one to work because of the size.  Crossing my fingers I can get a little more done this weekend.  I'm enjoying the crewel work.  This is the first stitching technique I learned when I was kid.  I was 11 or so when I taught myself with a kit my grandmother gave me.  Some sort of mushroom design if I recall.  In harvest gold and avocado green no doubt.  :-)  I wish I still had it, it would be good for a laugh.

 

I've also almost finished up Cherish Life from the Shepherd's Fold series by Shepherd's Bush.  This is one of the monthlies they released last year.  This will finish up as a needle book.  I also finished up the scissor bob last weekend and just need to get that one together also.  Super disappointed in just how much they are cutting corners these days with kits.  There is barely enough thread to finish each one and they are cutting really short lengths.  I like to stitch with a longer thread.  And the linen they put in the kits and in this one in particular only gives an extra inch all around.  I had to sew fabric around all four side just to get it in a hoop.  I understand the costs of stitching are rising and they need to be passed on, but an inch of extra linen?  Eight / nine inches of fiber?  I'm going to start on the needle roll next and will only have the ruler case and the big round one left. 

I moved some furniture around in my living room last weekend in a effort to make myself a comfortable place to stitch.  Since I moved into my house almost five years ago, I just haven't been able to find a place to sit and stitch that is just right.  I think I finally found it.  I have a large chair that seems to be working out well and I've been able to set up my frame holder and magnifying light in a workable position in view of the TV.  While I don't need the stand and extra lights for cross stitch, I really need it for my crewel work and stumpwork.  And I think my lack of a "correct" place has hindered me with my progress on some of my projects.  Only time will tell of course, but it's nice to have a stitching corner again with all my tools in arms reach and a light when I need it and where I can glance up at TV now and again. 

Thanks for all the kind words and emails about my Clancy.  It really warms my heart.  The nights are the hardest - the two of us had an evening routine that started when he was a puppy and because it's no longer there, I get sad every night I go to bed.  I would call Clancy to bed (not that I had too really) and he would wait for me at the foot of the bed to get into my place.  Then he would come up next to my head and make his bed for the night next to my pillow.  I would pet him for a little every night.  I always found it relaxing.  I still call him up at night and tell him I miss him.  I'm not sure I'll ever be able to stop.  :-(