Marian Monogram Class...

I'm going to be taking another of Clara Warschauer's goldwork classes (Clara Stitching). I'm enrolled in her Marian Monogram course scheduled for Saturday, March 1st. This is a class collaboration with Ecclesiastical Sewing in Minnesota to create a bible cover. The course is free, and kits are available for the goldwork from Clara, while the bible fabrics can be purchased from Ecclesiastical Sewing. The bible cover pattern is free from them, too.

One of the new techniques I'll be learning is using thread for padding the monogram. I already have Clara's supply kit, and plan on using my own dupioni silk for my ground fabric. I'm really looking forward to learning more from Clara in this online course.

If you're interested in learning more, you can go to Clara's webpage HERE. Once there, read her information and follow her links to get to Ecclesiastical Sewing. I'd love for you to join us!

Class Day...

Today, I begin my morning with a Facebook live class that I'm teaching. At 10:30, I'll share the techniques for dyeing the plastic eggs we did last weekend. I'm looking forward to showing others how simple and fun this technique is.

This afternoon, I'm taking a new class with Clara of Clara Stitching. This class is the Northern Mockingbird Brooch. I pulled this image off her website so I could show you what we're learning. You know me...rather than complete it as a brooch, I'm going to finish this one the same way we did the Blue Tit - as a hanging ornament. That way, I can display it next to the other bird in my studio. 

You can see from Clara's drawing that this bird is waiting for its legs and feet, and then it will be beautifully finished.

I'm planning to just take notes today, but will begin the work on it soon. I have a few other important pieces in line ahead of it, and this will be a two-session course. The second session is next weekend, so I'll try to get something done before then.

It's going to be a busy day, and I still have final setup to get done before the class I'm teaching begins, so I'd better head to the studio. I hope you have something fun planned for this weekend! We can compare notes on Monday. Happy Weekend!

Every Koi Needs A Pond...

 

Don't you agree? I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday morning in search of a bud/fish bowl so I could create a miniature koi pond for my wee fish. I headed straight to the floral section and found not one, but three different sizes. I opted for the middle size, declaring it "just right".

I also found a jar of fine gravel (or coarse sand, if you prefer) to place in the bottom of my bowl, but was unable to find small plastic greens there. I ended up getting those in the fish section at PetSmart. Before I left HobLob, I grabbed the supplies to put resin into my fish pond rather than water. I paid for my purchases and scooted home.

 

The bowl looks cloudy because (apparently) the resin off-gasses as it cures. I was able to test rubbing it off, and it will, so once it's completely set, I'll clean the inside of my bowl before placing my koi on top of the "water".

I was thinking I should do one more layer of resin that would fill about half of what's left, but Handsome thinks this is enough. I probably should have turned the bowl so you can see that there's a clear area around the other side for me to lay my fish. This side is where most of the greenery sits. He thinks the fish will look good nestled in the water plants, as a live one might do. Is he right again? 

It will take at least forty eight hours before I'll even attempt to place the koi in the bowl. Before then it will be tacky, and I don't want it stuck permanently to the surface. I will want to be able to remove it from time to time. I'm not going to put a pin back on my koi, either. Instead, I'll just have a flat back on it so it can sit flat on the surface of the resin/water. 

I spent about an hour last night releasing my fish from the hoop and ground fabric. It's finished and just waiting to take it's place in its own pond. Once it's all done, I'll show it to you again so you can tell me what you think. Oh, and let me know if you think Handsome is right, or whether you think I should add about another inch of resin. If I'm going to, it will have to be done today.

My last class session for Clara's class is this afternoon. I can't wait to share my completed fish, as well as my finishing technique. I hope they like it! 

That Went Well...

 

I completed my Koi piece yesterday afternoon. It went faster than I expected, and I managed to take multiple "Tag" breaks, too! Every time I stood up to take a breather, I took Tag outside and we walked around for a while.  He sure liked the program, and I got a chance to stretch, too.

If you compare Clara's koi with mine, you can see where I chose to insert my own personality into it. I changed the fibers used on the top of the head, and I completely changed up the tail. I decided that the tail is actually a fin, too, so I gave it the same treatment as the side fins. 

I have to admit, I'm pretty chuffed over how it turned out, and now it's time to pick up the things I'll need for the way I want to finish it. Handsome and I are running out this morning just to look for supplies. 

Saturday is our finishing class, and as I said earlier, Clara asked for other finishing suggestions. I'm hoping that I'll be completely done by Saturday so I can show her how I finished mine. 

Handsome and I are going to take care of the dogs (and I'll take care of the cats), and we'll make our shopping plans over a cup of morning coffee. Then we'll be off on errands. If I get this done today, I'll share the results with you tomorrow.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun...

 

I just had to finish my koi's head yesterday. Then I added pearl purl to the fins and tail. I'll be filling in the fins and tail next, and then I'll be ready to add detail to the body. 

 

This is actually working out a bit faster than I expected, but I can say that I have approximately twelve hours into it so far. The eyes were especially fiddly. I'm only aware of how long I've been sitting once I try to get up. It takes me a few minutes to straighten up and wake up my legs. I think I need to set a little timer to remind me to get up, walk around, and air out Tag. We can both benefit from the break. Indeed, Time flies when you're having fun.

The Stitching Has Commenced...

 

It may look pretty bare so far, but believe me when I say I already have hour upon hour into my Koi at this point. I'm becoming more and more a perfectionist as I work on these pieces. The materials are not inexpensive, so there's that. More importantly, as this is a class in technique, I want to be able to show improvement from class assignment to class assignment.

All the padding was completed on Monday, and I did the body outline and details late day yesterday. Handsome and I had much needed hair appointments early afternoon, so that took a chunk out of the day, but there was still enough daylight for me to sit in front of the dining room windows to work on my little fish once we got back to the farmhouse. Besides, we both really needed those haircuts. 

 

It was humid enough yesterday - and I was baking a surprise batch of cookies for Handsome while he was at rehearsal - that my too-long locks curled up so much I looked like a high school gym teacher from the '70s. (You can laugh. Everyone does when I say that because we all had a gym teacher who had really curly hair, so everyone knows what I mean.) I'm back to a shorter style, although not as short as when we were in Florida. I feel like me again.

I'll be working on more of my fish today. My goal is to have all the needlework done by the next session on Saturday, so there's no time to dally. I best get back to it so I'm not rushing at the end. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I'll be back tomorrow to show you how far I got today.

Weekend Projects...

 

Session One (of two) for the latest Clara Warshauer (@clarastitching) class was Saturday afternoon. This project is to create a koi brooch, but Clara is looking for suggestions from her class on other ways to finish it. When it's finished, it's a bit larger than I'd wear a brooch, but I have a few other ideas in mind that I'll share later.

Our class was two and a half hours long, and they're Zoom classes so we get to meet other classmates and interact with Clara while she's teaching. She also records the sessions so that we can watch them later, if needed. Her classes are always fun, and two of the other students have goldwork certificates from the Royal School of Needlework, so I value their shared information, too.

Our second (and last) session for this class is next Saturday, and Clara would like to see our work at that time, so I will be stitching mine this week. She also encourages students to use their imaginations when assembling their own pieces, so you may see that mine will have a few variations when I get to that point. I only took notes on Saturday, so I'll be busy getting caught up, and will share my progress as I work on it.

Handsome and I did some more canning this weekend, too. The result of our labor is twelve half pint jars of pizza sauce, and eight pint jars, plus one twelve ounce jar of salsa. This time we used Mrs. Wage's Pizza Sauce Mix, but only half of the 5 tablespoons of sugar it called for.  The salsa is also a Mrs. Wage's mix that we've used before and love.

One thing I'm doing differently since learning it from my aunt, is that I'm not blanching and skinning the tomatoes prior to processing them. After washing and removing the stem and core, she cuts them into quarters and chops them up with her stick blender. While I have one, I chose to use my Cuisinart™ food processor instead. Once everything is chopped up, the skins just about disappear in the mix, and as they cook, the chopped tomato skins don't rise to the top as larger pieces usually might. They're well and truly incorporated into the tomatoes, saving so much extra time and effort. They also add just a bit more texture to the cooked tomatoes, which Handsome and I think is a plus. We'll continue to do them this way.

This week, in addition to my needlework assignment, we're planning to make applesauce. I still have canned mushrooms and canned potatoes on my list, but that won't likely happen this week. I'll be needle dancing instead.

I hope you're planning something that makes you happy for the next few days. If you're in the mood to share, I'd love to know all about what you'll be doing. 

I'm Taking Another Class...

I've learned many techniques from my friend, Clara Warschauer already, but I really wanted to take this class from her. I'll be learning more of her tricks during a two session Zoom class in September. 

These are Clara's goldwork fish in the photo, but we'll only be doing one. Hers shown here are finished as a framed piece, however what we'll do in the class will be to create a brooch. I'm really looking forward to the class, as well as showing you my finished Koi fish brooch at the end of the class.

I baked and canned yesterday, and will finish up pears today. The weather has cooled down so it's comfortable for working in the kitchen, and the warmer weather has helped ripen more tomatoes. What I didn't turn into salsa yesterday, I froze to make pizza sauce at a later date.

It's going to be a busy, busy week next week, so I'm trying to get ahead while I can. I'll tell you more about all that very soon. Have a great weekend!

Time For Me To Fly...

 

 

This is my completed goldwork Blue Tit from Clara's workshop.  I shared a short video on Instagram, so if you'd like to see it closeup - and also see the back - just click HERE. I've hung this in my studio for now with my cardinal and robin wall quilts. (Which reminds me, I should start work on the bluebirds soon.)

I hoped you liked following along as I created this piece. I'll be working on the red roses strawberry sachet today. Handsome has to have a procedure done, so I'll stitch while I wait. I'll show you how far I get with that piece tomorrow. Have a great day!

Goldwork Progress...

I completed all the goldwork on my class project on Tuesday, so I'm ready for the next and last class session on Saturday. Part of this assignment was to make the legs and feet, so I've finished them, too.

I forwarded this photograph to my teacher, Clara and she said it looks great, so I'm happy. One of the wonderful things about taking these classes is learning the new techniques and becoming comfortable with a new skill. I'm already looking forward to incorporating some of them into designs of my own.

Saturday will be my last session on this project. I have a nest with eggs to yet create, and then we'll be receiving finishing instructions to create the ornament. I can't wait to share the completed project with you next week!

 

Embroidery Progress...

 

 

Whew! This part was harder than it looked. I did the goldwork on the belly of my wee bird yesterday. The class was great, and really, Clara made this part look almost effortless. Have I got a lot more practice to perfect this technique!

 

One thing I learned is that it's easier to see the thread against the gold if I'm not in bright light. I found shading my work with my hand helped me find the previous threads so that I could create the brick pattern required when couching down the vintage Japanese gold and gilt twist threads. Apparently, my new magnifier "glasses" weren't much help in my quest for stitch perfection. I'm not sharing a closeup because it shows all my wonky "less than perfect" stitches. I'll just remind myself that this is my first attempt at that technique, and I'll get better with practice.

The next step is to create the feathers on the upper wing, which I'll begin this week. First, I have to go around the inside of the wing with a green purl, and then the feathers will be created using small flat sequins. This part is going to be fun!

I'll share more when I finish the wing. After that, I'll make the separate feet for my little bird. Then I'll be ready for the final class next Saturday! Tag will see you tomorrow, and I'll be back Wednesday. We'll see how much I can accomplish between now and then.

My Garden Update...

 

Everything is growing well as of today. In the bed in the foreground (from left to right): marigolds, one green pepper plant, basil (grown from seed), a whole row of green peppers, a row of roma tomatoes, and more marigolds. I'm going to plant a row of garlic between the tomatoes and peppers this week, too.

 

In the far raised bed I have more marigolds, bush beans (from seed), and Early Girl tomatoes. It's interesting that the romas already have little tomatoes setting on them, but not on the Early Girl plants. hmmm 

In the stock tank, I have marigolds on the ends, English daisies in the pots (I have to clean out the kitchen garden so I can plant them over there), peas, and radishes (both from seed). I'm going to run cord from the tall plant hanger down to the ground so the peas will have something to climb.

I need to get the weed eater into the enclosure to knock down the grass. I'm looking to find a mat material (like rugs) that our younger daughter-in-law placed in her garden to keep the weeds down and have a tidy surface for walking around my garden beds. Otherwise, I'm contemplating a base of plastic or cardboard, covered with pea gravel.

 

 

Next to the garage/storage building I have leaf lettuce, onions, and garlic growing in the raised stock waterer. I have more onions growing in bags further down the line, and the honeysuckle transplanted from the old front porch location is loving this spot where it can climb the short section of fencing. I need to tidy up around it this weekend. 

 

I have an old Radio Flyer wagon nestled under it, and Claudette loves sleeping in its shade. Now that it's blooming, the hummingbirds are likely to visit it, so I need to make it a little lot less convenient for her to "watch" them while they sip from the blossoms.

 

Last of all (for now) is the galvanized tank that was my dad's. I have chives gowing it it, but planted fennel today. I have to build a 2 x 4' base for this, I think, as the metal stand that I brought home with it is really rusting and falling apart. Alternatively, I may see if I can't locate an old stand lacking the basin. I'd really prefer that.

Well, that's my garden tour for now. Handsome actually would like to purchase another galvanized stock tank like the one inside my fenced area.We still have plenty of soil from our delivery, and I could use if for carrots and herbs this year. We just have to find another one like the one I have. Our local Fleet Farm is out of stock now. Perhaps another one of the stores close to us will have one? We'll see.

I have my second session with Clara today (@clarastitching), so I'm hoping to do a little more stitching on my goldwork bird this weekend. I'll update you on Monday. The weather is supposed to be nice all weekend, so I hope you have something fun planned for outdoors. We soak it in while we can!

Aspirations...

 

I shared my progress on my class project on Monday. I thought I'd share a photo of Clara's Bird (the nest was still in progress in this image).

You'll notice that my bird head is slightly different from hers. My bird's cheek is a bit smaller, and the crown and neck "feathers" flow in different directions than shown here. It's one of the wonderful things about needlework, in that we can always make adjustments to make it "ours".

I spent the day following up on insurance claims for our dear Bella, along with transcribing my needlework class notes. I'm going to get back to working on two goldwork hearts I set up a few weeks ago, and then I'm going to finally get to the Tudor Rose goldwork project from one of Clara's previous classes (ugh. I've never even started it.) When I was at the Primitive Gatherings "Purge and Splurge" event, I purchased a beautiful oak Sudberry lidded box. Would you believe it only cost me fifteen dollars? It's roughly 8" square and 2" tall. I'll show it to you soon. My intent is to mount the Tudor Rose on the lid once it's completed.

I admit, I have so many goldwork projects in mind now, that I may just stitch all summer. Won't that be wonderful? My projects will sparkle all winter! Just a little something to aspire to, and I hope you'll join me on my stitching journey. 

 

Little Bird...

 

I started another goldwork class last Saturday with Clara at Clara Stitching. This one is called "Blue Tit Goldwork". The first (of three) session was to begin the basic setup and then do the stitching on the head. I've learned to take notes and watch the process rather than try to stitch along with Clara during the Zoom classes. That way I don't miss any of her steps.

 

 

So, yesterday I sat down late morning and began to make my own little bird. I began by tracing the design onto my ground fabric, followed by cutting out all of the padding pieces. I then stitched them down, filling with padding as called for.

Once that was done, I set about doing the goldwork on the head. I completed this after midnight, having only stopped for tea, potty breaks, and dinner. I just couldn't set it aside until it was finished, although I admit I almost packed it in a few times trying to thread my #12 sharp needle. I could barely see the eye on that darn needle - even with my lighted magnifier! Each time, I reminded myself to lightly wax the thread, take a deep breath - and miraculously the thread went into the eye so I could continue stitching.

Now, I'll work on something else as I wait for Session Two next Saturday. This one is going to be a fun project and a different finishing technique. I can't wait to share more!

 

PS. This blog title is a song from Don Quixote (Man from La Mancha). lol

Immaculate Heart Brooch...

 

I completed the stitching and inserted the sword for my Immaculate Heart. When I finished that, I released it from the ground fabric and prepared it for the pin and backing. I'll do that today, now that the back of my needlework is properly prepped.

I've got more swords on their way in gold and silver, and already have a commission for another! I'm going to start on that one today or tomorrow so it's ready to finish when my swords arrive. In the meantime, HERE'S a link to the video I shared on my Instagram (and Facebook) page after I released it from the ground fabric and prepped it for the pin back. 

Today is the LAST day to enter my 14th BLOG ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY!!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER.

Remember, this link is the only one where your comments count toward the drawings.

Good Luck!!

 

 

Another Goldwork Class...

 
I took another goldwork class from Clara Warschauer (@clarastitching) over the weekend. This class is the Immaculate Heart Goldwork workshop. The pieces above were all stitched by my teacher. l-r: Immaculate Heart (in progress), a Sacred Heart (red), Immaculate Heart brooch (completed), and another heart (likely another Immaculate Heart) in pink. These are the models she shared with our Zoom class as she taught her students how to create our own.

One of the fascinating parts of the class for this Methodist gal, was Clara explaining the three heart symbols in the Roman Catholic church. The one I'm working on is the Immaculate Heart, symbolizing Mary (Jesus' mother), and she explained what the various elements of that heart mean.

The second is the Sacred Heart (red above), symbolizing Jesus. The cross, standing for the crucifixion, and the crown of thorns (stitched as a chain stitch above). The third cross - The Most Chaste Heart - represents Joseph. His bears symbols of tools and lilies. I'm planning to stitch all three because they're all so beautiful, as is their symbolism. I'll also be making a second pink Immaculate Heart, as my sister told me how much she loved it when she saw it yesterday.

The class was held at 7 pm Greenwich Mean Time (in London), so that was 2 pm Central Standard Time for me. The sun was shining, so it was a perfect day to set up my supplies near a bright window, and learn this technique.

It's actually very much like the Lucky Clover Brooch class I first took from her, so as I watched and participated in our Zoom class, I began stitching. By the time class was adjourned, I'd managed to complete this much of the piece. While she included kit materials for framing this piece mounted on navy fabric and placed in an oval frame, my plan is to turn this one into a brooch as she did hers.

I would have completed it yesterday had my hands not acted up, but my little sister also came for a really nice visit. I have an appointment today with the specialist about my hand (specifically my right index finger knuckle), and I'm really hoping to have some answers (and relief) soon. Even so, I'm planning to complete this piece in the next day or so...and I'll definitely be making more.

Don't forget to enter my Giveaway drawing HERE. Remember, you can enter every day between now and the 22nd. I'll announce winners on the 23rd. Good luck!

 

Framed...

My frames arrived from ACMS a couple days ago. The cool thing about these frames is that you can keep your needlework on the hoop (also from them), and it inserts right into the back of the frame. There's also a dust cover included for the back that can be personalized. (I'm thinking about doing that.)

If you're interested in seeing what their frames look like, HERE is the link to their website. They offer a wide variety of sizes and frame finishes. You can select from colors or stains. 

I'm still working on the strawberry, but hope to show you progress photos soon. I also have a few days of comment replies to catch up on. Sorry I've been lax in that regard. It's been a little crazy here, but I'll get to everyone today. Thanks for your patience. 

Fresh Flowers...

May I present to you my finished Goldwork Floral Wreath class piece. 

I promised to share a video showing how I stitched the leaves, but I hit the wall trying to do the recording yesterday. I decided I'd finish my class piece, and then show you how to stitch the leaves as a separate piece.

Now all I have to do is solve my recording problem (it's an operator issue...mine). As soon as I accomplish that, I'll be back to show you how the leaves are done.

For the moment, I'm going to celebrate completing this gorgeous design. Thanks to Clara Warschauer (@clarastitching) for offering this class, and for her skill in teaching the techniques. I feel much more comfortable moving forward with a few ideas I have for more goldwork embroideries.

Next I'll be finishing the embroidery on my "Everlasting" quilt top. What are you working on this week?

Sparkle Plenty...

 

I wanted to sit in the dining room to stitch yesterday to take full advantage of the natural light pouring into the farnhouse. Because of a curvature on the edge of our dining room table, I chose to set up my Lowrey floor stand instead of using my oak table stand.

First I set up my magnifier lamp, then my floor stand. All my supplies on a tv table next to me; Claudette purring at me as she slumbered on the chaise on the porch side of the window; and Tag sleeping at my feet. It was a perfect day to stitch, and I accomplished quite a lot. 

I only have one more blossom to do. Then I'll stitch the calyx on the three buds (the part at the base of each bud), the stems, and I'll keep one of the leaves to do with you next week.

I hope we have another day today, just like the one we enjoyed yesterday. That would be nice, indeed.

Back To My Project...

I've completed three stems now (of course, I've seen one gap I need to fill on the leaf), and I'm starting work on the fourth and final stem.

I'm waiting for an order from Amazon to get here, and then I've planned to do a recording of the stitch used on the leaves to share with you. I've ordered a stand that will both hold my cell phone (which I'll use for the video) and illuminate my embroidery as I work the stitch. I'm planning to do the video next Monday if my order comes on schedule. I'll let you know later in the week.

So, my plan is to get everything else done, leaving just the two leaves to work. As I stitch, I'm contemplating how I want to finish this piece. Do I want to mount it on a wooden box? Perhaps framed? Maybe I should put it into a wonderful framed hoop assembly I've recently discovered? I'll keep thinking on that while I'm working. Do you have any thoughts?