Butterfly Body...

I set up the fabric and design for the body for my Monarch yesterday.  I needed some lightweight black fabric for this, drawing from the materials we used in the RSN class Owen taught in Kentucky. 

Having nothing like that in my fabric room, I opted to "shop" my closet. I had just what I needed in a dress top that no longer fits me. (It's one of those "I'll get back into it someday" tops that has taken up space in my closet for the past twelve years or so.)

After I hooped a double layer of fabric, I had to draw my butterfly body. Owen had drawn the design on our fabric for our class. He never included the drawing in the size we actually used in our worksheets. He only had enlarged drawings with the stitch diagrams. 

However, I kept my practice needlework of the body done on calico fabric, so I cut out the embroidery and used it as a size template for my Monarch.

Once drawn, I got out my light box and white Clover pen to transfer the design to my fabric. My next step will be to tack the two layers of fabric together (with Gutterman thread) to prepare it for stitching with my silk threads. Then I'll be good to go.

Tomorrow is Mike's memorial service. Steve the Otter will be saying hi to add a little levity to an otherwise somber weekend. I'll add my Sunday Scripture, and will be back with you on Monday. 

Hug your loved ones. That's what we'll be doing.

Concert Night...

The Percussion Section

Handsome had a concert last night, but because there were expected storms, the venue changed from outdoor at the park to indoor. The sad part was that the indoor venue was half an hour from town, so there were only about forty people in the audience.

The Entire Band

The school gymnasium was really nice, and the music was so enjoyable. Everyone had front row seats, too. 

Handsome Hard At Work

The wild part was that we had no rain during the concert, but just about the time the percussion section, the music director, and a few others were getting ready to load all the chairs and percussion instruments into the band trailer, the thunder and lightning started.

By the time they were finished loading up, everyone was soaked. We drove home in heavy rain with quite the light show to boot! I remarked that it's been quite a while since we were out at night in inclement weather. We usually have the option to stay in - so we do! I was so relieved when we drove in the garage.

Even so, I'm awfully glad I went along. I was there to watch my husband do what he loves best...and it was a fun concert, too!

He has another concert tonight out of town. They're performing in a park under a shelter. I'm staying home for this one (it's nearly the same as last night's program), so I'll pray we have nice weather and he's not soaked when he gets home.

I'm going to be working on my butterfly, so I'll have an update for you tomorrow.

Many of us are already grandparents, but I loved this so much I needed to share it. For the entirety of my blogging experience, I've had a William Rutherford quote at the bottom of my main page. I'm sure you've seen it. 

This image aligns with Rutherford's quote and my own personal thoughts on the subject. Perhaps that's forms part of my creative imperative?

At any rate, if you don't yet have a skill that you can teach to someone younger, find someone older who is anxious to pass along their knowledge and learn from them. I can guarantee there are anxious teachers and students who will benefit.