Seven Weeks Post-Op...

Honestly, I keep trying to do something creative...anything. I don't know if it's the meds, healing, or just laziness, but I can't seem to focus on needle and thread right now. If you know me, either in person or through my posts, you know this isn't like me at all.

So, I hope you'll indulge me while I attempt to figure this out. I'm able to do needed things like baking bread, or canning fresh local produce while it's available, but I keep trying to get back to what my heart knows I love; my mind knows I love; but my body is just holding me back right now.

Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I've stopped all the painkillers, thinking they might be the culprit, and I'm adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to our menu. I'm open to any and all ideas.

Playing With Wool...

Handsome thinks I should make another spoolie, so I've pulled out my supplies and will attempt a wee puffin today. I've pulled wool colors and will work on the pattern pieces to see if I can get the shapes right. I saw the cutest image of a puffin standing on one leg, so I'm going to attempt to recreate that. We'll see.

We're running a couple errands first thing this morning, and then I'm going to sit down with my wools to see if I can pull this one off. I hope so. I do love these quirky, little birds.

Guess What I've Started...

During the course of my physical therapy sessions with Jenna, I've learned that she's engaged and they're planning a wedding next year. With that in mind, can you guess what I've started working on for her? 

I know that I'll have it completed well before our last session together the end of September, but I wanted to pull colors and at least set up the project long before then, so I have plenty of time to pace myself. 

I didn't do much else yesterday. I did pull thirteen one-gallon bags of frozen San Marzano tomatoes and organized them on trays (still in the bags) to thaw. Once they're ready, I'll start the homemade Rotel™ and salsa. I decided it was best to save up my energy, because that's going to be a marathon canning session once I get started...most likely tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'm going to continue my needlework pursuits and see what I can get done today. I'll share more tomorrow.

Have You Seen My Mojo?...

 

In the meantime, reading needlework magazines, tutorials, watching videos, and sorting through projects will have to suffice. Soon. Very soon.

I'd love to know what you're working on these days!

We Have Clearance, Clarence...

If you're ever offered a recreational, chemically-induced stress test, take a hard pass. That's what I had yesterday. The first IV injection was easy. The second came with warnings of "possible shortness of breath, chest pains, headache, dizziness or fainting, or nausea". I thought to myself, "I'm not going to get any of those. I'm not a hypochondriac." Didn't matter, as I had no control over it. I got every. single. one.  Good thing I was lying down.  

The tech told me beforehand the antidote for that injection was caffeine. (Guess that's why they said I couldn't have any for at least 24 hours before the test.) He asked me first whether I'd prefer pepsi, coffee or hot chocolate. Guess which one I chose. (Hint: chocolate) As soon as they completed the test, he handed me a steamy cup of delicious hot coco. All my symptoms calmed almost immediately, and by the time I was ready to leave, there was just the faintest hint of a headache. Before Handsome and I turned for home, he stopped at a Kwik Trip and grabbed coffee for each of us. By the time we drove up the driveway, my head was clear again. (Small blessings)

I went inside the house, changed clothes and spent the next half hour napping in the sun. Then I came in for a little needle therapy. I mostly stitched my base colors, and plan to go back at it today with the other shading. Or, I may continue with all the base and go back in later to do the shading at one time. We'll see. If all goes well, I'm hoping to make serious headway on the fencing though.

I didn't find out until late afternoon, but the cardiologist reviewed all yesterday's tests and cleared me for surgery. So, I'm now good to go for my new knee next week. What a relief! I'll be able to relax a bit more over the weekend now that I know. 

There are a few things I need to do prior to Monday. I'll bake some more bread for the freezer, and probably do a couple loads of laundry. But mostly, I plan to stitch. I'm not going to stress over finishing the fence. If I don't get it done, I'll have it waiting for me once I'm feeling more myself post-op. We'll see how far I get, and I'll let you have a peek on Monday.

Definitely having my morning cuppa today, though! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. See you later.

Flying Colors...

That's what it looks like around here while I'm needle dancing with these threads. As I said earlier, I have at least four - and sometimes up to seven - needles loaded and in play at any given time. I think I got quite a bit done yesterday.

You may chuckle to know this, but I had to take a few extra breaks from time to time yesterday, because I got such a restful rhythm going that I nearly dozed off as I stitched. Pathetic, right? sigh

This is the closeup view of the fencing so far. I'm nearly a third of the way finished on the top piece, so I still have a way to go. I'm not giving up. I'm still working toward my weekend deadline. Call me the "little engine that could". (I think I can. I think I can...) More tomorrow...

More Fence...

I did manage to work on my fencing yesterday! This is how far I am now. I'm saving the birds' feet and legs for last, but did enough basic lines to mark off where they would be when I get back to them. 

I'll be working on this again today as I work toward my self-imposed weekend deadline. You know how I am when I set a goal. We'll see if I make it this time. Wish me luck!

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. 

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!!

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.

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!

On A Wing...

Today's photograph shows my progress on the bluebird wings. The difference is about six hours' worth of needle dancing. I still have more to do, but I thought you'd like to see where it stands right now.

I have pre-op appointments today, but I plan to sit back at my needlework frame once I'm back home. I'd like to get a little more done before the weekend. 

We'll be setting up my temporary main level bedroom this weekend, and I'll definitely be bringing some of my needlework stuff downstairs. I want to have "spoolie supplies", plus a few other small projects available without having to crutch up the staircase. I'll otherwise treat this like a hotel, with clothes in a tote and small closet, and toiletries in our downstairs half bath. I'll figure out other details as I go. Of course, Handsome will be an invaluable help, too, but I won't ask him to do anything that requires going into the studio rooms. If I forget anything, it will just have to wait.

So, anyway, this is where I am with the last bluebird as of this morning. I'll share more pictures as I have more done, hopefully tomorrow! For now, I've gotta "fly". lol

Life Is Good...

Life Is Good

I'm home today and tomorrow morning. I have pre-op appointments in the afternnoon as we prepare for my surgery next week. I'm going to keep focused on the good things, and being on the other side of the procedure so the healing can commence. 

I'm going to stitch on my bluebirds today, and have plans for the puffin spoolie soon, too. Friday is my last day of work for a while, so I see lots of creative moments in my future. I'll be sharing bluebird updates tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

June Artist Trading Card - Beach...

My June Artist Trading Cards - Beach

 

I completed this month's artist trading cards so I can mail them out. The theme for June is BEACH, and this is my interpretation.

I began this set of cards using vintage jute webbing as my base. The image is one I've had in my computer for ages, and I'm sorry I don't know the name of the artist that created it. I've always loved it, and thought it was perfect for this theme. I added my own words, and finished it with a tiny, sterling silver starfish charm.

As always, I affixed my label to the back with all my information for the recipients. There were twelve this month, plus the one I keep for myself. Each is carefully tucked into a cello slip envelope, protected with card stock in the mailing envelope, stamped and ready to post.

My June Artist Trading Card Design Detail

Here's a closeup for you, so you can see all the details. I really had fun creating this one, and it will mail out to the recipients today. I can check this item off my To Do list, making my "Must Do" list shorter than before. That's a win for me, plus is was a creative item, so...Win/Win!

I'm working today, so I'll see what I feel like doing after I get home. Will she nap? Will she work on the bluebirds? Will she busy herself with something else? You'll have to check in tomorrow to find out. lol

Today is Friday the 13th. Are you superstitious? I'm not, but I'm not taking any chances. I'll be binding up my knee for work, being ever vigilant in my Explorer, and saying a prayer before I leave the house. That should cover me. Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

It's A Start...

I know it doesn't seem like much, but I did get a good start on the second wing. For those who are wondering, I'm using single strands of Anchor and DMC cotton floss for this entire project. Perhaps that's why it looks like less progress than one might expect.

I am enjoying this process again, and between the natural light coming in the windows and my trusty lighted magnifier, I can see every single stitch so they're placed as they should be. It just takes time, and I don't want to rush this.

I'm working today, so there won't be progress on this for a bit. I also have this month's ATCs on my list, and the prompt this month is "beach". Did I already tell you that? I can't remember. Anyway, I'm still thinking about how I want to create that on my cards. I'm hoping for a flash of inspiration, but it hasn't come yet.

I can't play today, so perhaps you'll tell me what you're working on so I can live vicariously through you? I'd love to know what keeps your creative juices flowing. Hoping you'll share so I have fun reading your comments. Off to work I go...

Wingin' It...

I completed the first wing on Sunday. I added a split stitch to indicate the rib on each feather. I really like how it turned out. I may still add some fringe treatment in the lighter section closest to the bird's body, because that would be the case on the real wing, but I'll do the other wing first and then decide.

I'm so glad I figured this out, because it was making me a little nuts. I know I was overthinking things, so once I identified that, it was easier to adjust and move forward. The second wing will go much faster now.

One big adjustment was that I decided to go to the topmost feather and work my way down. That way I was able to accomplish the effect of layered feathers (lying properly) much more easily. 

I'll likely work on the second wing more today. I'm trying to stay off my feet and wait for the surgery scheduler to call me so we can get the ball rolling on the meniscus repair. This project is a great way to keep my hands and mind occupied.

I'm actually getting anxious to finish the wings now so that I can proceed to finishing the rest of the flying bluebird, and then get to the fencing. I have something really fun planned for that, and can't wait to show you. First things first though.

I'm going to grab my morning cuppa, get a few tasks done around the house, and then I'm going to sit down to my needlework stand and stitch away the rest of the day. See you tomorrow!

Meet Thaddeus...

 

Guess who I finished yesterday? Yep. Thaddeus Badger, aka Tad. Tad is Theodore's brother. It's funny. Now I'm looking at the main photo of Tad and it looks like the feet on the badger on the ribbon on the spool are his legs. lol

I changed the vest color on this badger. They're brothers, but not twinsies, after all. He also has a pocket chain, but unlike Theodore, Thaddeus has a tail! (I can't believe I forgot to give Ted a tail.) 

Also, Ted lives with our younger daughter-in-love. He was her Birthday gift (which she said looked just like he stepped out of The Wind in the Willows). Tad will live here at the farmhouse with my other spoolies.

Now to decide which spool animal I'll tackle next. Elephant? Cow? Deer? Puffin? I don't know yet, but as soon as I finish the next one, you'll be next to know!

Happy Weekend, friends. Can you believe that Sunday will be June 1st?! I surely can't. I wonder what surprises this new month will hold? I can promise you, we'll find out together.