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.

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!

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Slow Dancing...

Wonky wing feathers in progress

Jury's still out on this so far. My intent was to show both edges of each feather (with the rib shown) as they appeared in the photo from which I adapted this embroidery. I'm starting to think that perhaps I'm trying to be too literal and it's actually taking away from what I'm going for.

This was the first photo I shared when I planned my bluebird piece

Sooooo, I'm probably going to take out the gray stitching again. I plan to start at the wing tips this time and work my way down. Each feather should overlap, but in looking at an actual wing, the overlap should be to the top side of the wing, not underneath. I can accomplish that look as long as I start at the wing tip and work my way down. See the photos of the open wings for a visual explanation. Remember, you can click on an image to enlarge it.

Once I have the flight feathers done, I'll go back and stitch more of the little pin feathers (where the different grays appear on the top of the wing) and perhaps even make them a little fuzzy as they are on an actual bluebird. But, first things first.

I kind of knew this part of the piece was going to be a challenge, but I didn't expect that I'd be stitching and frogging about six times to get what I want. Even so, if it's not right I know the finished product would bug me. Instead, I'll stitch and frog until I'm completely happy with the look.

Not today, though. This is my last week of three full days, plus a dear friend passed away the Monday after Mother's Day and her funeral is Wednesday so family and friends can say goodbye. She was one of the ladies on the 50th class reunion planning committee. She was a beautiful soul, and she'll be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her...including me. I'll be working today, tomorrow and Friday from 9:30 - 4:30 (approximately) and the funeral will be Wednesday morning. The rest of the week is my own, so I'm going to do my best to focus on this piece.

I'll be sitting at the hoop and removing all those grey stitches first, and then I'll begin stitching as I have time this week. Perhaps by this time next week, at least one wing will be finished. I'm certainly going to try for that.

Time for me to get ready for work. I'll see you again tomorrow. Bluebird update then. Toodles!

Rex The River Otter...

Knowing this is my newest spoolie, I'm sure many of you were thinking I'd name this little guy "Steve" after the famous comic otter featured in many of my Saturday Silliness posts. But I was specifically asked by Handsome not to. (If you know, you know.) I honored his request and named my latest spool animal, "Rex the River Otter" instead.

I'd love to have a small snail, stone, or a wee crab in his paws, but until I find or create such a think, I'm going to leave him as is. No necktie. No vest or jacket. Just Rex au naturel.

What do you think? Does he look like an otter to you? He's a wee bit larger than my other spoolies, but not enough to require a larger spool. Feedback appreciated. 

I have another blissful day off today. Time for a bit of homekeeping, and then I'm going to work a bit more on my bluebirds. A little zen stitching before I go back to work tomorrow. aaaaahhhhhh

Spring In Wisconsin...

Spring has finally arrive at the farmhouse. All the trees and bushes have begun greening up, and the flowers are opening again. The most wonderful gift here is to see our old apple tree bloom and bless us with her fragrant, showy flowers each year. This year is no exception.

I was working on my spoolie last night, but am completely unhappy with the head shape for this animal, so I'm going to start over today. After two days of standing on my feet at work, all I want to do is give these old knees a rest. A little needle dancing (where I can just sit) is just what I need.

My plan is to rework and complete my spoolie today, and then I have this month's Artist Trading Cards to do. This month's theme is flowers, so I'm looking forward to creating something pretty and floral. 

I'll share whatever I complete today with you tomorrow. I'll also be able to do a little housekeeping around here tomorrow, too, after my "day of rest". As for today, I shall play.

Thinking About My Next Spoolie...

I'd planned to show you a finished spoolie today, but truthfully I ran out of gas when I got home. I brought dinner with me, so I changed out of my work duds while Handsome set up our dinner plates. I made salads to go with the rest of our meal, we ate, cleared dishes and I fell asleep in my chair before I could even begin my project. 

A few hours later, Handsome asked me how it was coming along, knowing full well I haven't even touched it. We'd been in the same room all evening so he was just teasing me.

These are the materials I've pulled together for the next spoolie. Any guesses? It's been mentioned and was added to my list. One hint: the thread on the wooden spool is meant to represent water. I know it's green. Green river water. Leave a comment to see if you can guess what it's going to be.

Another work day today. sigh Once I get through this seven hours or so, I'll have off until Friday. yay! See you tomorrow!

Rethinking and Reworking...

Well, I'm finally progressing on my bluebird wings! I've stitched and removed the stitching at least six times, but I'm finally happy with what I'm creating so I can move forward.

Then there's good news and not-so-good news. I managed to completely remove the ink mark from the fabric, so you'll notice that's gone.

When I'm stitching, I prefer to use a waste knot method. As you can see from this photograph, near the right edge of the image there's a knot with a tail. That's the waste knot. I stitch the knot from the front and then move to my stitching area, leave to little stab stitches where I know they'll end up covered, and then I'll eventually cut away the tail.

Well, I had three waste knots sitting together on top of the fabric after I'd stitched these feathers. When I went to remove them (by slightly lifting the knots off the fabric), I nicked a bit of fabric, leaving a tiny - but noticable - hole. It was unfortunate, however, not earth shattering. I pulled a thread from the ground fabric near the bottom edge, threaded my fine milliner's needle and rewove the thread over the hole until it's barely noticable. I know where it is, but unless I point it out, you may not be able to find it. (It won't be covered by the wing.)

So, I'll work on this as I'm able this week. I work today, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening. One employee less at the station, so we're all taking up the slack. I'm doing my part, too. I intend to stitch on my off days, now that I'm content with the feathers.

Time for me to grab my go cup and head out the door. I hope you have an exceptional week. I'm looking forward to doing my tasks so I can get back home to play. After all, isn't that the whole purpose of having a job? (Actually,  the quote I heard years ago is "You go to work to make money so you can do the things you love to do". Close enough.) See you tomorrow.

A Little Stitching...

I do have a little progress with my bluebird project to share with you today. I actually removed more of yesterday's stitching than I kept, but this is my bird in flight so far.

Imagine my dismay when I moved the floss bobbins to see this little, itty, bitty, pen mark on my fabric. grrrrrr I'll try removing it today, but if it won't come out without leaving a big stain, I'll stitch a bug over the ink. Even though I have a fix for it, I'm still not happy that it's there. Especially since I don't know how it magically appeared. When I'm not working on it, I always keep the hoop and embroidery covered to keep it clean. Oh, well. Water under the bridge. I'll deal with it once I know whether or not it can be safely removed.

I work today, so there'll be no needlework activity. Tomorrow is Craft Day. Whether or not I'll attend will be decided either late tonight or early tomorrow morning. Right this minute, I'm thinking I'll not be going, but we'll see how my work day goes. It's only two weeks yesterday that I had surgery, so I still get tired easily.

Either way, I'll have a new blog post for you in the morning. See you then!

On My List...

I made it!! Two full days in a row at work, I can still walk (well, kind of), and I'm still upright! Unfortunately, it also means I didn't get to do a single creative thing at home yesterday either. 

I'm sharing a photo of dog-themed fabrics today because I need to remind myself of a project I'll tackle and complete in May. Over forty years ago, I made a "retriever quilt" for Handsome...Have I written about this before? I can't remember, so forgive me if I (again) repeat myself. Anyway, that quilt, although still in one piece, has seen better days. 

I made it early in our relationship, and I'd never made a real quilt before then, even though I'd done a lot of sewing. It was a panel of repeating hunting dog heads that could be purchased by the yard. As Handsome is a tall guy, I purchased enough to make an adequately long lap quilt. All these years, anyone who covers up with it was guaranteed to fall fast asleep. It's actually a joke around our house. Happens every time!

Handsome has asked me to make a new quilt for him, but not a "fancy" quilted one. He wants it to have high loft fiberfill like the first one. (sigh), with light outline quilting. As I was unable to find any panels like the first one - I don't mean the same design, but something in a repeating block format - I'm going to have to do some piecing, but in keeping with the original, I'll only do outline quilting once I complete the top, so it's puffy like the first one.

So, here's my plan: First I'm going to finish the bluebirds, and then I'll tackle this quilt project. In between, in the evenings, I'll make more spoolies and work on patterns for spoolie kits. I'll work a couple days a week along with that. 

Oh, Judy asked in the comments where I worked, so I'll answer that here. I work at a local BP Station close to home. It's a gas station/restaurant/convenience store. I don't work in the kitchen, staying out front on the cash register and taking food orders. I prefer interacting with customers to slinging burgers, etc. We actually have really great food, and on Friday evenings, I answer the phone for a few hours taking orders for a Midwest tradition - Friday fish fry (and other food, too). I'm to the point where I recognize callers' voices, and know what their orders will be. It's quite nice, actually.

Today, I'll start by baking bread, but will be sitting at my embroidery hoop this afternoon to return to my bluebird project. I'll be back tomorrow - May 1st!!! Have a great day!

Loads of Spools...

I've acquired a few little spools for my spool animal projects. These two jars are loaded with them!! I put Otis in front of them so you have a size comparison. I'll be able to populate Noah's Ark with all the little animals I'll be able to create!

So, here's my thinking...There are only so many spoolies that will fit on my shelf, and after I complete all my first attempts (thinking prototypes), I could make more available for sale through my blog. I wouldn't list these on Etsy, only here. I could do oh, say, ten at a time and list them once a month or something. What do you think of that idea?

Next are two questions...I know that I usually have two to three hours in creating each one. What would you suggest would be a good price point? I'll tell you I'm thinking $39 each, including packaging and postage. Heck. Do you think anyone would even want to purchase them?

I'm interested in your thoughts on these matters. Please leave a note with suggestions in the comments today. It's okay to be honest. I asked, after all.

Tonight is the monthly classmate dinner, but I'll be taking it easy until then. Yesterday was tiring, but I'm not going to overdo it today. I don't work again until Friday, so I'll get lots of downtime in until then.

Thanks for contemplating my questions and leaving comments for me! Classmate dinner group photo tomorrow.

My Spoolie Shelf...

L-R: Ursa Polar Bear w/seal, Bella Labrador, King Scarface, Valentine Rabbit, Taylor Mouse, Otis Opossum, Spot the Dog, Sebastian Squirrel, and Daisy Skunk

I'm just leaving a quick post today. I'm going back to work this morning, and I want to give myself plenty of time.

Only two I've made aren't on this shelf...Theodore Badger and Henrietta Chicken, which were both gifted to special people. I will be making another of each for my shelf, though, so they will be represented.

I did rework King Scarface, adding more dark fur and fine tuning his facial features. I'm much happier with his look now.

I have no idea which animal I'll do next, but I am thinking on it. I also want to get back to the bluebirds, so there's that, too. 

I'm not sure how I'll do with work today. Handsome and I went out for breakfast and ran one quick errand. When we got home, I curled up on the sofa and slept for two hours. My boss offered to come in early for me today if I think I need it, but I'm going to try not to do that, but I asked Handsome to have something figured out for dinner, just in case I didn't have meal prep in me by the time we get home. 

I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. See you later!