Thursday, April 26, 2012

Coverlet Houses

Happy Thursday from a somewhat gloomy day in Arizona.  We like these rare days now and then.  My new release is called Coverlet Houses, and is available now.  Once again, my inspiration came from the antique woven coverlets that I wish I had a collection of.  I just love the look of them.  I stitched the pin keep first, and the idea to reverse the design followed.  The models are on 40ct. Bisque linen from Lakeside, with no over one stitching.  I tea-stained it for some aging.  Threads used were NPI silk in 128, 902, 976, and 993.  A conversion to DMC is provided.  Many thanks to The Twisted Stitcher, Vonna for the finishing of the pin keep.

I needed a  break from model stitching, and I have always loved this design from With Thy Needle and Thread.  I used 40ct Ale, and I confess to changing some of the colors.  It was fun to stitch something for my house for a change.

I so appreciate the well wishes and emails about my upcoming shoulder surgery.  It's fast approaching, and while I'm dreading it, I'm also anxious to get it over with.  I was really touched to hear from many who offered advice and encouragement...thank you. 

Monday, April 16, 2012

Stuff

My friend, Jen was in town last week.  We met up at the Attic, for a visit and lunch.  It was a fun day shopping, and admiring the beautiful models at the shop. 


My two favorite teams, the Coyotes and the Blackhawks are playing each other in the 1st round of the play-offs.  Being an Illinois native, the Hawks were my first love until hockey came to Phoenix.  We went to game two, and experienced the whiteout.  The teams are warming up in this photo, so the seats aren't full yet.  It's crazy seeing everyone dressed in all white.  I even saw a few people wearing wedding dresses  Sadly, we lost in OT, but the series has a long way to go.

I've spent some time this week organizing and piddling in the craft room.  So much of my time is spent in that room working, so I like to surround myself with things that inspire me, and make me happy. 

Occasionally, I'll get in a mood and think about eliminating the clutter.  The mood passes quickly though, and I end up adding more.
Yea, I have stuff.
Lots and lots of stuff, even functional stuff.
I see lots of red stuff...no surprise there.
I
Stuff here, stuff there...
stuff everywhere.
 Even odd stuff. 
At least now it's organized stuff.
 And when I feel the need to escape from all the stuff,
 there's always this spot to curl up and dream about new stuff.
          
  I have a new design to release within the next two weeks, and a new reproduction in the works.  I'll be having surgery on May 2nd for a full tear in my rotator cuff, so that may put a stop to my designing and stitching for awhile.  I have no clue how I tore it.  When I asked my surgeon how I could have done it, he replied "it's called life".  It's going to be a long, long summer if I can't hold a needle.