Cha Cha Cha...

I began my day of stitching by unstitching a section of my wing. I decided that I needed an intermediate color between the peachy gold and the monarch orange, so I had to surgically remove a large swath of black silk to get to the gold color spots near the top edge of the wing. Two steps forward. Once step back. Cha cha cha.

Once that was accomplished, I had to leave for a PT appointment. By the time I got home it was late afternoon. Plenty of time to return to my needlework.

This is how far I got before calling it quits for the night. I'm much happier with the color adjustment, and I'm looking forward to getting in a few more hours with needle and thread before I work later. I admit I was a bit enthusiastic about how much I could get done on my wing, so today, I'll just do what I can do and be happy with that.

It's hard to believe it's already Friday again. I hope you have a good one. 

Progress Has Been Made...

 

I was able to blissfully stitch the day away yesterday. You can see I made a little headway on my first wing, too! 

I'm quite happy with the way it looks, so I'll continue with the black, and will add the signature orange as well. Optimistic Me thinks I might even finish this wing today! Come back tomorrow if you want to see how much I did today.

Shopping Our Pantry...

 

After a (for me) long day of work, all I really want to do is make a cup of tea and put my feet up, but (thankfully), I don't live alone. 

I always make that cup of tea (right after I change clothes into something comfortable), but I know that making (or helping make) dinner is also on the agenda. So, if I don't bring dinner home with me, the next best thing is to shop my pantry. It's for times like these that my/our canning efforts seem so worthwhile.

Last night, all I had to do was thaw out a few frozen shrimp, boil fettuccini noodles, and heat a jar of the Alfredo sauce I canned last winter. Add a few heat n' serve rolls, and in less than a half hour, dinner was served.

It was delicious, too, thanks to the great recipes I've gleaned from the channels I follow on Facebook or Instagram. I'm so grateful for the women who unselfishly share their knowledge and recipes. That's why I'm always happy to share what I find.

Handsome did cleanup last night, so I thanked him and went to bed early. My plan today is to work more on my monarch. I'm looking forward to making some progress on the first wing. Plus, the restful act of putting needle and thread to fabric is just what I need. I'll share an update tomorrow  

Slow Start...

As you can see, there isn't much progress to share. I started stitching in the morning before we went to my appointment, but when we got back home and I looked at my work, I was less than happy with it. You know me. I took it all out and started over. This was all the progress I made on my second run at it. 

I'm working today, so I'll share something else tomorrow. I doubt I'll get any "after work" needle dancing in when I get back home. I'd better go now. See you later!

 

All the wings have been wired now. Next, I'll tape the ends down so they stay out of my way and don't catch threads as I work. Once I add a few directional lines to keep me on target, it will be time to bring out my threads.

I had a restful weekend, and hope you did, too. I'm relaxed,  refreshed, and ready for the week ahead. I'm hoping to get a lot accomplished. 

I have a PT appointment, and Handsome and I have to pick up some "supplies" for Carly. She surprised us with a heat cycle on Friday. This will be her last one. She's five, and after discussion with Mike (our trainer friend) who has retired, our source for breeding/puppy sales is no longer available. So, once she's finished this heat, we'll have her spayed. No more doggie diapers in her future. 

It's kind of bittersweet for me. I would have loved to have a litter of her puppies. We've bred, raised and trained hunting retrievers for about forty five years. Although I'm sure we'll always have dogs, Carly signals the end of our breeding programs. We're definitely ending on a high note with this girl.

Time to get moving. I'll see you again tomorrow. I hope you make it a great week!

Sunday Scripture - Mother's Day...

Proverbs 31:28

 

My Mother's Garden...

 

Brynwood Needleworks "My Mother's Garden" Sampler

I designed this sampler in 1992 to honor my mum. It names my British Nanny (grandmother), Mum, and then shows my name as next in line.

The verse on this sampler is:

"If you've a mother with silvery hair, Love one another and treat her with care.

And as you grow older, the least you can do, is to do unto Mother as she did for you."

This is a verse Mum often repeated when I was growing up, and seemed fitting for this sampler.

This is one of my designs being converted to a pdf format to list in my Etsy shop very soon. It seemed appropriate to share with you this weekend.

I wish all my friends who are moms, stepmoms, or moms by heart have a Happy Mother's Day weekend.

Almost...

I had a physical therapy appointment late morning, and Handsome took me out for lunch afterward. When we got home, I went into the studio with the best intentions, but I guess my appointment was more helpful than I thought. I lay down for just a bit, and woke up a couple hours later.

I did manage to prepare the components for my artist trading cards, but still need to assemble them. I don't have to be anywhere until late afternoon to work, so I'm going to finish them today. They'll definitely mail out tomorrow.

 

They're Overdue...

I knew from the start what I wanted to do for my "Compass" prompt for the April artist trading card swap. In fact, I was so settled in it that I set my subject...and promptly forgot to do it in April!

I have an appointment this morning, but as soon as I get home, I'm going into the studio and I'm not coming out until the ATCs are finished and ready to mail. I'll share photos tomorrow.

 

Lazy Bones...

Man, these girls sure have landed in high cotton. They have a human who feeds them, cleans their litter box, and makes sure all their needs are met. 

This is a frequent view around here. Claudette on her throne, and Crystal not far away. They look so comfy, I often wish there was room there for me. (Not really, but you get the idea.)

Work went particularly well yesterday. We were really busy, and by the time I got back home, I just wanted to relax the rest of the evening. I took a cue from the little girls.

Today's another day. I harvested some rhubarb before dark last night because we were warned about freezing temps overnight. I'm going to make a dish of rhubarb crisp and a batch of rhubarb scones. 

I'm going to wire the lower wings for my Monarch, too. I'll be back tomorrow to share what I get accomplished!

Enough of This...

Sister, Jan hosted a ZenDoodle session yesterday afternoon. It looked like fun, so I thought I'd give it a go. Don't look too close. It's a mess.

I sent a message to her and asked, "Is this supposed to be fun?" She laughed.

I admitted that perhaps I was too hasty in my assessment so I'd try the second design. No. I was right the first time. The second one was even harder than the first, and I'd only drawn on half my page!

I finished the rest of the page with the relaxing doodle I've done since junior high school. Once I'd covered the page, I declared that ZenDoodle was in no way "zen" for me. I'm going to stick to needlework, thanks.

It's Tuesday, so I'll be leaving for work soon. Have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow.

Wiring My Wings...

I completed the wire edges for the upper wings over the weekend. Next, I'll cover the wires for the lower wings and attach them to the fabric. The wires are kept long and taped to the side during the stitching of the wings because the wires will be attached to the butterfly body when all the stitching is done.

I'm sharing this closeup to show you how the covered wires are stitched to the ground fabric. 

The top of the buttonhole stitch faces the inside of the design. The actual wire sits just outside the drawn wing, and the buttonhole area sits right on the drawn line.

I then sew down through the buttonhole stitch using one strand of black thread. Once all four wing sections are attached, I'll be ready to start the next phase. I'll share all completed wired wings before I begin the stitching.

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 41:10

 

Saturday Silliness...

Every time!!

Covering Wires...

I'm sharing photos I took in Kentucky at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). Owen is showing how to cover the wires using a buttonhole stitch.

The wires are anchored with tape, and and then using a tapestry needle and three strands of floss, the proscribed length of wire is covered with buttonhole stitch.

This photo shows how the stitches build along the wire, which is continued only until enough wire is covered to outline the corresponding wing part. I'll share that process next.

 

I Took The Day Off...

By the time I finished work on Tuesday, I was spent. Handsome took me out for dinner, and we had a relaxing night at home.

Handsome had an early appointment, so I was just getting ready to take Bella and Carly out when he got home. I made coffee and he went to get the girls. Carly was sick overnight, and we had an awful mess to clean up. Poor girl. She almost acted embarrassed. I guess she partied too much for her birthday.

After making coffee, I made rice for her and she went on special rations for the rest of the day. Handsome gave her a much-needed and appreciated bath. It took a while to clean her kennel and the room (we tossed the rug that was under the kennels), and I lamented the fact that we don't have an actual kennel building on this property. It was so much easier to just hose down messes! lol

After all that, we had our coffee, and all my motivation had vanished. We hovered over Carly the rest of the day, and the best I could muster was to clean off one of my work tables in the studio, and then make dinner for us. 

I was an "airhead" for the majority of the day, so there's nothing butterfly-related to share. Tomorrow will be different. I'll share the first step to creating my Monarch wings next time you visit. See you then!

 

Fixin' To Start...

 

Well, I drew my design and transferred it onto my fabric. Now I'm ready to begin the process of creating the components for my regal stumpwork Monarch butterfly.

My question to you is, "Would you like me to chronicle each step, or show you stages where I make more progress?".

Understand, this isn't going to be a "quickie" project. Thread painting the wings (just as I do with my birds) takes me more than a minute. I'll also take breaks to work on other smaller projects along the way.

Please let me know how you'd like me to share this process...detailed or in stages of completion. I'm happy either way, but I don't ever want to bore you, so I'd appreciate the feedback.

You're Important...

Gone too soon. I miss you, Krisann.

 

Happy Birthday, Carly!...

Liljegren's Suncoast Carly

Happy Sixth Birthday, Carly! Six sure looks great on you. You're a source of laughter and pride in our household, and we're so glad we get to share our corner of the world with you.  

Carly Puppy

From the moment we chose you, we knew you were something special, and every day you prove us right. 

We love you bunches, and will make today extra special for you, Carlita Puppita Mamacita (Mom's nickname for you)! 

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 91:11

 

Okay, You Win...

I've been saving images of Monarch butterflies (among other things) in my "inspiration" binder since Lexington. Yesterday, I pulled them out of the binder, and took the silk thread assortment out of my silk thread cabinet. Yes. I have a cabinet full of only silks. (It's actually a jewelry chest, and I'll share a post about that another time.)

I'll be setting up the components for this project over the weekend, and you'll get the first peek at my Monarch butterfly beginnings on Monday.

I'm excited to share my progress with you, but as the comments said, you may find me working on the goldfinches, too. I'm making no promises one way or the other. You'll have to stay tuned to find out. 

Happy Weekend!

 

Perhaps A Monarch Next?...

Butterflies of North America 

You may recall when I learned stumpwork from tutor, Owen Davies from The Royal School of Needlework. My project then was a Red Spotted Purple Butterfly. He chose to teach it because a contingency of tutors from the RSN had come to Kentucky for our classes, and that butterfly was Kentucky's state butterfly.

Before it was time for everyone to pack up and leave, Owen and a number of students went to a wonderful, local needlework shop together. While there, he helped me choose all the silk threads I would need to stitch a Monarch butterfly.

I've found myself thinking about Owen lately. He passed away a year after returning home to the UK from the states, so when I stitch my Monarch, it will be in his honor.

I'd been planning to start my fourth Seasonal Birds (goldfinches) next, but the idea of doing the butterfly won't leave me alone  I think I need to stitch it. 

What do you think? Goldfinches or a silk Monarch? Let me know in the comments.

 

April Classmate Dinner...

Back row-Janet, Bruce, Deb B., Lisa, Donna and Cal. Front row-Deb N., Max, Dan and John

We had a nice-sized group this month. Couples who'd been on vacation returned, and as usual, the conversation was spirited and lively. A fun time was had by all.

We decided to change the day next month to accommodate schedules of our regulars, and give others who may be busy on Wednesdays the opportunity to join us. We'll see how that works out.

 

Tasty Beets...

I told you yesterday I canned beets  I bought them through Azure Standard, a source for organic and healthy products. I've been happy with everything I've received from them.

Once you set up an account, you can scroll through their selections, add to your shopping cart, and then you're advised of your last date to order to be included in the delivery. Your order isn't charged until that date, so you're free to go back and add or delete items from your shopping cart until that date. Prior to the cutoff date, you choose to either pick up at a location near you, or have the order shipped for an additional charge. My pickup is within 10 miles of home and close to the highway, so it's really convenient.

Monthly delivery trucks bring the orders to the drop off location, and you should be there within fifteen minutes or so (whatever the coordinator says) to get your order. I'm usually on my way back home with my order within ten minutes of the truck arriving.

They offer bulk quantities, as well as smaller packaging, fresh or frozen items, lots of pantry staples, household products, and health and beauty items. You might be surprised!

If you're interested in learning more about Azure Standard, or would like to place an order to try it out, you can use my link HERE. There are no signup or membership fees, and you're under no obligation to place orders every month. If you try it, I'd love to know what you think.

Busy Monday...

 

Cracker Toffee

I got a lot done yesterday. I baked a loaf of bread and a half dozen hamburger buns. I canned five pounds of organic beets I purchased from Azure Standard, and I made a tray of cracker toffee. 

I call the candy "cracker toffee" because the base is saltines. (I have also made this with a Graham cracker base, which is the same technique and equally tasty.) The second layer is a simple boiled mixture of butter and brown sugar poured and spread out over the crackers. Once that's been in a 400° oven for seven minutes, it's topped with chocolate chips. Once melted, the chocolate is spread over the toffee and topped with pecan pieces. It's not difficult, and no candy thermometer is needed.

Beets are out of the canner and were under cover overnight. I'll clean the sealed jars before going to work. I'd better get cracking!

April Craft Day...

L-r: Linda P, Me, Sara, Adrienne and Marie

Our monthly craft day was this past Saturday. We had a fun project using vintage doilies to make cute sheep. As always, each participant's personality showed through.

My Project

My piece is symbolic for Jesus as the shepherd in the story of the shepherd who left his flock to find the lone, lost sheep. 

Marie brought a crafting paper book with hymns on them. I was singing each of them in my head as I paged through to find the perfect one for my theme. It became the base of my piece. 

The butterfly symbolizes God/Jesus and the shepherd, so when I added the heart to my sheep, I used the material from one of the extra butterflies to create the heart. My final touch was the tag that says, "He left the many to save the one."

Once I completed mine, I knew it would be my Mother's Day gift to my mum. I had plans to stop at her and my stepdad's before I went home from Portage, so I asked her if she want her gift early, or if she wanted to wait. Of course, she wanted it early. 

She loved it, and before I left, she'd put it on the wall. She liked the symbolism, too, when I explained it to her. In fact, just as I had, she started singing the hymn (out loud) when she saw it. My gift this year was a home run!

It's another busy week. Bread day today, work tomorrow, classmate dinner (already) on Wednesday, lunch with Mom Grace's daughter (Sis Deb), and work again on Friday. 

In between, I'll be making this month's artist trading cards, and adding more items to my shop. Like I said, it's going to be a busy week. See you tomorrow.