July Artist Trading Cards Complete...

I completed the artist trading cards for Jan's Handmade Treasures swap group this month. I wanted to get them out before my surgery a week from now. The prompt for July is "Summertime", and I've been cogitating on this one since it was announced. As I usually do with anything that stumps me, I decided to sleep on it. For some reason, I always get my solutions in my sleep. This was no exception.

About two months ago, Jan came home to find that her and her husband's sweet old dog had passed away while they were at work. She came home to find she had just gone away on her bed and looked like she was sleeping. They were understandably upset, not only that their dog had passed, but there was some guilt that it happened while they were at work and she was alone. I tried to explain that perhaps that's what her pup wanted...to spare them. I also understood how they felt, as I would have felt the same. Their dog's name was Summer. 

So rather than come up with something that wouldn't resemble too closely last month's prompt: Beach, I came up with the idea to appropriately honor their dog. I found a photograph of her basking in the sun atop their picnic table in their backyard, and added touches of happy yellow to the rest of the card. Summer in happier times.

This month there were fourteen participants, so I printed out Summer's image and name on fabric, cut out sunny yellow batik, and added a daisy button. Gluing on the button was the last step after sewing all the other elements to my ground fabric. I added my signature sheet to the back, and finished by adding a label explaining the card to everyone as I slipped it into its envelope. I put them in the mailbox this morning and sent them on their way. I'm confident I'll hear from Jan when she opens hers in a couple days.

I have two pre-op appointments today, but then I'm getting back to my bluebirds. I'd really like to complete the embroidery this week. Then, I can choose fabric for the hanging. I probably won't assemble it until I'm well into my recuperation. I'm planning a little goldwork or woolwork as I heal. I've got most of the projects already chosen from the last time I thought I was going into surgery, so I'll just double check and make final decisions. I may just pull out a book to read, too. 

I'd better get ready to leave soon, so I'm going to enjoy a quiet cuppa and then get to my appointments. Thankfully, these are close to home and routine, so Handsome doesn't have to go along. I'll be taking up plenty of his free time with shuttling me to physical therapy after my surgery, so I'm glad to be able to give him a break ahead of all that. So, I'll sign off now and see you tomorrow!

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 46:4

 

A Celebration...

Today we'll be celebrating Granddaughter #2's high school graduation.

It's hard to believe she grew up so fast. 

When it seems like just yesterday, she was sitting on Grandpa's lap.

I'm going to try to recreate this photograph again with them today.

Congratulations, Granddaughter! Grandpa and I are so very proud of you.

I Like Dreaming...

Have you ever seen Chloe Giordano's embroidery? These are two of her books currently in my personal library. I'm completely smitten with her work, and love perusing through them books for inspiration...and a little instruction, too. I heartily subscribe to the "One is never too old to learn something new" philosophy. In addition, when I can't sit down to stitch, I love to dream about my next project(s). Chloe's books are a huge assist in that regard.

I've had this book longer than the other, and was inspired to create small ornaments that I gifted to a few friends a couple years ago. This hardcover book is 175 pages "short", and is filled with images, patterns, ideas, and instruction. I love looking through it, even if I'm not in the mood to read.

This book is newer to my collection. It's a softcover book, and has 191 pages, and is actually an updated version of the other book. She's added new insights and three new patterns. It's brimming with her sweet illustrations and needlework pieces.

Chloe Giordano is a British artist whose first interest was as an illustrator. She studied in England prior to discovering an interest in textile arts. From there, her attention turned to needlework as a way to add dimension and texture to her illustrations. Thus she is able to bring her drawings to life through needle and thread.

If you are interested in her books or her work, I'd suggest the updated version (this second book) as a way to learn more about thread painting, developing a color palette, and so much more. She starts the book by sharing her favorite tools and supplies, and moves from there into the actual techniques, subjects, and patterns. She's an excellent resource and instructor. You won't be disappointed. 

The "party" starts today with my echocardiogram. Next week will be an appointment to find out the results and get clearance from our cardiologist for the surgery. I have multiple other appointments next week, too...lab work, pre-op consult, and pre-op physical therapy (three times a week for six weeks, following the surgery!). Here's keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'm going to bury my nose in this book and keep my mind occupied. Our younger granddaughter also celebrates her high school graduation this weekend, so we'll be attending to cheer her accomplishments. We're really looking forward to that!

I'll be back tomorrow to show you my latest completion. Hint: This month's artist trading cards! See you then.

We Have A Date...

Vintage Baking Image via Internet

I baked yesterday to stock up for later this month. I made bread and tried a new recipe for molasses cookies - all while I was busy answering the phone all day with upcoming appointment dates.

Seems I have a surgery date - pending clearance from the cardiologist. Tomorrow is my echocardiogram. Then, I have a new pre-op physical therapy appointment; an appointment with the cardiologist to go over the echo results (and hopefully be cleared for surgery); another pre-op consult with the surgeon's office; all leading up to my surgery date the week of July 21st. It's going to get a little busy around here.

In the meantime, I'm going to be doing more baking; making a few "thaw, heat ,and serve" meals for the freezer; and a little more home prepping for when I'm recuperating. I'm not forgetting about my bluebirds, either. Working on the fence embroidery will keep my mind occupied as I get closer to the day of the operation. It's okay, though. I'm getting anxious to get this over with to let the healing begin. Waiting is the hardest part, I think.

Lots to do today, so I'm going to enjoy my morning cuppa and then set about my tasks. Have a great day, and I'll see you again tomorrow.

What A Difference An Hour (and a half) Makes...

Today I thought I'd share what my needlework looks like while I'm actually stitching. Most days, I anchor and trim all my threads before taking a photograph. This time, I wanted you to see how I juggle threads while I'm working on the piece(s).

For the fencing, I'm working with seven different thread colors. Most of the time, I don't have more than four needles active and in play. Every once in a while, though, all seven threaded needles will be anchored somewhere in the ground fabric. This photo shows four needles anchored as I work the base threads for my fencing.

I only worked on it for about one and a half hours yesterday, but even so, I think you can see the progress I made during that time.

I'll be back at my hoop today, in between half hour rises for my farmhouse bread baking. Once all the bread is done, I'll still have plenty of daylight to do more "fence work". I'd love to get as far as the first baby bird today. We'll see how I did tomorrow.

I've Got (A) Rhythm...

I've found my stitching rhythm for the fencing now, so I'm starting to make good progress. I only stitched for about two hours or so this time, as I was working on a few other home tasks. I can see where this will go a little faster now than when I began this part of the piece.

Of course, I'm sharing a closeup, too. I like that the stitching looks like it's undulating - much like you might find in the grain of an old piece of wood. I'll be back at it today, so we'll see how far I can get this time.

The weather isn't quite so ghastly hot now. In fact, it was downright perfect yesterday. We're in for more of the same today, with a slight chance for showers, so it will be just right for me to busy myself with my needlework. 

I hope you're enjoying the weather where you are. If you're in Texas, my heart is with all affected by the flooding. Such a tragedy, and there really are no sufficient words to cover how I and so many other are feeling. Continued prayers that more survivors are found. 

Such A Lovely Surprise...

Michi and Me

I know I told you that I had one more day of work last week on Saturday. It was a crazy busy day, and in addition it was wicked hot outside - even for this former Florida girl. The air conditioner could hardly keep up at the store. The a/c was set to 73º, and the thermostat registered 84º inside. I felt bad for the ladies in the kitchen, but they said they loved the heat. Truthfully, I was a sweaty mess.

Late afternoon, I had a line of people stopping for bags of ice, water and beer, and I happened to catch the face of one person in the crowd. I took care of my customers and when the line was gone, I noticed this face was with a group watching one of their own at one of the gambling machines. She was leaning again the wall, facing toward me. I said, "Are you Michele?"

She said yes, so I told her, "I used to live with your mom after high school." She came running over to me and I told her my name. You see we're friends on Facebook, but have never met in person. On top of that, her mom is now my step-sister since my mother married my friend's dad. 

Michi whooped and asked for a hug and it was quiet enough in the store that we could chat for a bit. I told her that I lived with her mom and another aunt in our first apartment, and when her aunt got married (I was her bridesmaid), then her mom and I got a different apartment together. 

There was more, but I won't bore you with the entire conversation. Suffice it to say, we had a lovely, albeit short, conversation. Before they all left, I asked one of the guys to take a picture of us together...step-aunt and niece. It really was a lovely visit.

While I don't have an especially great memory for names, I almost never forget a face. In this case, I put the name and face together because I follow her posts. She's had major health issues in the past decade, and I spent many moments praying for her. She's a sweet young woman and I'm so happy that we finally met in person. 

I posted our photograph on FB with some of the same story, and her mama commented, so she knows I saw one of her daughters. A cousin also commented that she couldn't believe I knew so many of her family prior to our families being joined through marriage. Mum hasn't seen my post yet, but I guarantee she'll comment when she does.

After Michi left, I looked at the clock to find I only had about an hour of work left. We got busy again and the rest of the day flew by as quickly as the rest of my shift. I'm now off the schedule for another two weeks. 

I'm expecting to hear from the surgical scheduler this week to set a date for my knee replacement. I the meantime, I'm going to get some housekeeping done around the farmhouse, and get that fencing stitched for my bluebirds. This girl's got goals! See you tomorrow.

Sunday Scripture...

Exodus 14:14 via salvagediving.com

 

Fencing Is Under Way...

This is what I have to show for five hours of needle dancing. I admit, there was more, but I didn't like it, so I took it out. This was what I accomplished on Thursday.

Add another four hours Friday and this is the result so far. I don't know if it looks like old fencing with lichen on it to you, but it seems right to me. This is about half the height of the fencing board I'll be stitching, so I can't even imagine how many hours it will take to complete. I'm working with a total of seven different colors in long and short stitch to get this effect. I anchored and cut the long threads to take this photograph for you.

I'm working today, so I'll get back to it tomorrow. This will be my last shift for the foreseeable future. I'm not on the next schedule, and should have a surgery date by the end of next week. I'm going to relax and enjoy the time off, starting tomorrow night. I hope you're enjoying the holiday weekend, too. I'll share more progress on this on Monday.

Happy Independence Day...

Happy Independence Day, America!

 

Dance With Me...

Except for the feet which will be stitched after I've completed their perch, my birds are done!!! I'm tickled with how the tail finished, and how the birds all look together. It was Handsome's idea to hold the embroidery at an angle to show the dimension here...and his hands are holding the hoop.

I will begin work on the fencing today, and can't wait to show you what I have in mind. I work again on Saturday to cover for someone who quit last week, but then I'm off the schedule for another two weeks. To tell the truth, I don't mind one bit. 

I'm planning to finish the work on this during my down time, and then go forward with the finishing (turning it into a wall hanging). I'm going to start auditioning fabrics for the quilted portion now that I have the birds done. I'll probably share with you, too, for input. I have some gorgeous Japanese fabrics that might be perfect for this, so that's where I'll look first.

Yesterday was a long day, and my legs just won't settle down. This must be what restless leg syndrome is like, but I know it's because of the pain. I hate taking medicines, but I relented last night so I could sleep. They don't really help, but I keep telling myself to go with the flow. Seriously, surgery can't come soon enough now that we've got a viable plan. Until then, I'm planning to keep my mind and hands busy to keep my attention off my legs. I'll share more needlework progress tomorrow!

Tail WIP...

I began work on this in the morning, and then had to stop after about four hours to get to my new doctor appointment. (Yes. This is all I accomplished in four hours.) I did a little more when we got back home, but decided to leave the rest for daylight.

I've begun with the outline for the legs, but what's shown will be the padding for the actual stitching to give the legs and feet dimension. I'll pad them out a bit more, but just needed to get the placement before I completed the feathers.

I'm at work interpreting again this morning, so after I get home (and take a nap) I'll work on it again. I'm happy with the progress so far, though.

About my doctor's appointment...seems my little voice (and Handsome) came through again. In conversation with this doctor, it seems that my "knee parts" would not have done well with a repair procedure. Osteoarthritis is already causing bone issues, and the meniscus - if successfully repaired - would have failed again soon without a viable anchor. Considering the recuperation for the repair would have been 6-8 weeks non-weight bearing, it would have all been for nothing in the long run.

I really like this doctor. He answered all our questions thoroughly, and is confident a replacement will serve me 25-30 years. Our plan is to do the injured leg first, and the other one about twelve weeks later. He expects full recovery and a return to my former mobility...pain-free. Plus, this procedure will have me up and walking the same day. Of course, there will be initial pain, physical therapy, and work on my part, but then I'll be good to go.

We're going to wait to schedule surgery until after my echocardiogram on the 11th, so we have a safe "go ahead" from the cardiologist. I should get a call from the scheduler this week. I'll pick a date as close to that as possible. I'm tired of walking like a penguin in pain, and now I can see a real bright future for my mobility.

In the meantime, I'm going to finish a few projects, and get my head in a healing mindset. I've got this!

We're Gonna Shake Some Tail Feathers...

I stayed with this yesterday until I completed the wing! There was some frogging, but in the end, I won! The last bluebird wing is finished.

Next will be to complete the tail, legs and feet. I'll do this and then it will be time to move on to the fence post. I have my appointment with the new orthopedist today, but there will still be plenty of time to stitch. We'll see how much I can accomplish and I'll share that soon.

Happy July!!

Spanish and English...

Donna, Juan and Kim

I was up at 5 and at work by 5:30 Sunday morning. It was Juan's first day of work. Juan recently married Kim's friend and was hired to work in our kitchen. (Kim is the daughter of dear friends, and my direct boss.) Juan's from the Dominican Republic, and we weren't sure how fluent he is in English, so Kim asked me to come in to translate, if necessary. It was definitely worth getting up early to be a participant.

Juan speaks some English and he's working hard to learn more. While I was able to converse with him in Spanish, he actually requested that we speak as much English as possible to help him learn. I happily obliged, but told him if he didn't understand or had questions, we could lapse into Spanish at will. I also confided in him that I'd enjoy speaking Spanish with him to improve my skills.

He's enthusiastic about his new job, and has requested days with double shifts. Kim is pretty darn excited about his willingness to work, as well as how hard he works when he's clocked in. We can see already that he's going to be a dream employee.

When I got home, Handsome asked me if I'm ready to work at the United Nations as an interpreter now. I told him I'll pass, but gosh! I sure had fun. I've been asked to come back on Wednesday for a few hours in the event I'm again needed to translate. I'll be there!

It's going to be a busy week. My doctor's appointment on Tuesday; work on Wednesday; and then work again on Saturday to fill in for a cashier who handed in her resignation. I'll know more about my regular schedule once I have an idea of a new surgery date. I'm just going to keep it simple for now. My legs are thanking me for the consideration, I know.

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 41:13 - Web Image

 

Saturday Silliness...

 

June Classmate Dinner...

Front row: Jay, Bruce, Deb, Mary, and Lisa Back Row: Janet, Brad, Cal, Donna and John

My "social butterfly" day began with lunch with Mum, Stepdad and Handsome. Our lunch was delicious and we had a nice visit, in spite of the fact that the restaurant was a bit noisy. In the bustle, I neglected to take their photo (bad blogger!), but we did have a lovely time.

I ran a few errands in town, rather than drive back home, but the time passed quickly, and before I knew it, I was due for my classmate dinner date. We chose Thursday this month, thinking more people could show, but the weather forecast warned of bad weather, so folks cancelled to avoid being caught outdoors. As it turned out, the weather was just fine and the restaurant was much quieter than on Wednesdays (when they offer half-price pizza). Our core group showed up, with Lisa joining us this month. I certainly didn't order much to eat, having recently finished lunch!

I was on my way home by 5:30 or so, and spent the rest of the evening with Handsome. It was a fun day with all the visiting! We're scheduled for another Thursday next month, and perhaps those who stayed home yesterday will join us in July. 

It's Friday again! I have an appointment this morning with my primary care provider to start the next process for my knees. Then, I'm going to slide into the weekend with nary a care! Who knows what I'll be doing. I'll let you know tomorrow.

I Could Have Danced All Night...

I got to spend time needle dancing today. I added more feathers to my bird's last wing, but I still have more to do. It entails a lot of close work, so I need to take frequent breaks for my eyes and for my legs. If I sit too long, I have difficulty getting up. Right now, I'm standing about every half hour. sigh I'm not complaining, because any stitching is better than no stitching, right?

Today will be the rescheduled lunch with Mum and my stepdad. They had to change our date because of doctor appointments for my stepdad. So, I'll pick them up for an early lunch today and we'll meet Handsome at the restaurant, as he has a few things he needs to do after, too.

Later, I'll meet up with with old classmates for our monthly dinner. We changed it to a Thursday this month because we got word that some people can't make it on Wednesdays. We'll see if it makes a difference in our attendance. I'll share a photo of the gang tomorrow.

I'd better go for now. I have a few things to do before we leave. I hope you have something fun planned today, too! See you later.

Gratitude...

Even though the discomfort pain continues in my knees, I'm grateful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

I spent most of the day on the telephone setting up appointments and waiting for call-backs. By dinnertime, I had three new dates on my schedule. One with my primary care provider, another for an echocardiogram, and the last for a consultation with a new orthopedist who is in the same office as my last one. I needed to change doctors, as the one I was originally scheduled to perform my repair surgery does not do replacements. 

My appointment with the new one will be to discuss whether or not I can do a partial replacement (less recuperation), or if a full replacement is needed. Either way, both of those surgeries will allow me to walk on both legs post-op, and my non-surgical leg is still reminding me that it's a necessary route.

There was no needlework yesterday, but it is on my agenda for today. Since installing the floor air conditioner unit in the dining room, I've lost my favorite stitching spot, so I need to come up with a new place to spread out with lots of light. I may just bring everything back up to the studio, which is okay, too.

What's on your agenda? I'd love to chat about something besides my knees. The hazard of getting...more mature...is that you tend to focus on the aches and pains, or the doctor's appointments. I really don't want to be that old woman. So, help a girl out here. Tell me about something fun in your world right now. Please.

A Different Point of View...

Over the time I've been working on this piece, more than a few have mentioned that it looks like my birds are coming right up off the fabric. I thought today, I'd give you a different view of my bluebirds. This is the nature of stumpwork embroidery. It's meant to be dimensional.

When I designed this embroidery, I first drew out the design onto paper, then traced it onto my ground fabric. Once that was done, I needed to decide which areas I wanted to elevate. As the bird with the babies is in the foreground, I wanted them to have more dimension than the bird in flight, so they would appear closer.

In stumpwork, the dimension is accomplished with padding, so once I decided on those areas, I stitched down felt, leaving an area I could stuff. When I was happy with the padded area, I closed the opening in the felt and went on to the next piece.

The bird in flight is coming in for a landing behind the other four birds, so I wanted to try to convey that in my work. I did want the bird to have dimension, but I wanted the head to appear closer as it's landing, so I added more padding to the head than to the rest of the body and wings. The rest of the effect is in my stitching and choice of colors.

You've seen my butterfly (the class project from the Royal School of Needlework) as well as my religious hearts, my bridal hearts, my corgi pin, my koi fish, my bird ornaments, and my frogs. Once they were completed, they were released from the ground fabric and finished as pieces to be worn or in some other way displayed, but not flat. I could actually do the same with these individual elements (birds) if I chose, but they're meant to be part of a wall hanging, so they'll stay "grounded". (Funny to use that term when one of them is flying.)

So, do my photographs help explain my process, and the meaning of stumpwork for you? Of course, I still have more to do, but I'm slowly working toward finishing the last bird and starting on the fence post. I'm also contemplating the fabrics and colors I'll use for the quilted portion of the piece. This is, by far, the most elaborate seasonal hanging I've done to date. I'll get there, but slow and steady wins the race.

I'm also contemplating teaching a stumpwork class later this summer. It would be a basic pin that could be taught to all levels of needleworker. What would you think about that?

I've already begun my scheduling with doctors, too. My first appointment will be Friday. My "supportive knee" is continuing to tell me I've made the right decision, so I'm more settled even than before about my choice. I'll absolutely share updates, but I want to focus on needlework for a while. More stitching today. See you tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Mum...

Mum  2025

 

Happy 88th, Mum!

I hope you have a great day.