I Have A List...

 

I have more than a few steps left to complete my Monarch butterfly, so I made a list. Thanks to my trusty notebook from my class with Owen, I have all his instructions from start to finish. I'm really glad, too, because there are a few steps I know I would have missed.

Once these steps are completed, my butterfly will be finished. 

I know I'll get back to my needle dancing soon, but these days I've been consumed with clearing out clutter. I've come a long way, too. I have boxes of things going away and already the spaces I've been working on feel lighter. I'm motivated to continue. 

The heat has broken (finally), so it's perfect for clearing, boxing and cleaning. I guess this is where farmers came up with "Make hay while the sun shines". (I know that's not completely appropriate, but I'm going with it, and I know you understand my usage.)

This afternoon is another classmate dinner. Another of our group has lost her husband, so I know some heavy-duty support will be in order. We'll have another group photograph taken, so I'll be sharing that tomorrow. See you then. I'm off for my morning cuppa.

Truthfully...

 

I haven't been stitching at all the past two days. I've been busy sending "stuff" on to new homes. Between my sisters and nieces, I've cleaned up an overstuffed buffet, china cabinet, and at least one cupboard. 

I have so many useful and nice things I don't use anymore that I decided to let them go. What I've pulled that they don't want will be donated. I have to say, it feels pretty great, too.

I'm not finished yet either, but I work tonight, so I'll take it easy today, and get back to it tomorrow. 

Now, about this picture of my butterfly... I'm sure you must be wondering what the white thing is next to it. I can tell you that when I was in Kentucky with Owen and my classmates, there were a lot of jokes about its appearance!

What you're looking at is actually off-white muslin, sewn into a tapered tube, filled with emery (it can be sand, too), and then sewn closed. This will actually be the body structure for my Monarch. 

When I finish stitching up the body "cover", it will actually encase the filled muslin piece. Before I can do that, I'll release my wing parts from the ground fabric so they can be attached and the wires imbedded inside that cover, too. 

You can imagine, it's going to be a bit futzy manipulating all those parts. I'm going to see if I can get a short video of that part of my process to share with you when I get to that stage.

I have a little tidying up to do this morning, so I'll close for now. I'll see you tomorrow! Have a great weekend, friends.

With A Bit Of Luck...

I completed more of the body for my Monarch. I should finish it today. I can't wait to show you what comes next!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow, so I can share more of my progress and how I wrap up this part of the project.

A Good Day To Be Indoors...

I managed to get a lot accomplished on my Monarch body yesterday. Only a few more segments to do until it's finished.

Today will start with my annual wellness check.(oh, joy)  Mid-day will allow me more time for needle dancing, and then work a few hours tonight. Another Friday already. sigh

Tomorrow is Craft Day, followed by a wedding reception for Marie's brother (Linda's son) who married in Colorado last month. I just love a celebration! 

Happy, Happy Weekend, friends. 

Home All Day...

No appointments today, so I'll be doing things here at home. I'll start by checking the bird feeders and cleaning the birdbaths so they have cool, fresh water. Next is to put in a load of laundry, and then im going to sit down to my needlework frame. 

It's hazy and smoky here from the Canadian fires, so even though it's a bit cooler, having the windows open isn't wise. I'm praying for safety for the wildlife and people to our north.

Our lawn is filled with wildflowers - Queen Anne's lace, chickory, clover, wild oregano, wood sorrel, bird's foot trefoil, and a few others - taking over our yard these days. They thrive (because of their deep roots) when grass browns due to lack of rain. When it doesn't rain, we don't mow because it just browns and stresses the grass. Between you and me, I love the riot of wildflowers taking over. I think wildlife does, too.

So for now, I'm the wild child walking barefoot through our yard, enjoying how Mother Nature takes over when we allow her time and space. I'll definitely be spending some time enjoying the display today.

Body Building...

I've begun work on the Monarch's body. I actually finished the segment in process above before I stopped for the day. Progress is slow when stitching primarily black on black. (Between you and me, it's hard to photograph, too!)

Saturday was difficult, but my niece and nephew celebrated their dad in a way that was touching and respectful. So many friends and family attended, and paid their respects to Mike and the life he lived. Thank you for the kind messages you left.

I'm looking at another busy week this week. I have a one year checkup for my knee replacement; work; one year follow-up on cardiac tests results pre-knee surgery; annual wellness check; craft day in Portage, followed by a wedding reception for Linda's son and his new bride. Sunday will definitely be a day of rest!

I'll do my best to get a bit of needle dancing in this week, and I'm also working on wool pincushion patterns and an ATC tutorial. Just thinking about all this makes me want to take a nap. Rest assured, I'll sleep well at night. Better get busy now. My doctor's appointment is an hour away. I don't want to be late!

Butterfly Body...

I set up the fabric and design for the body for my Monarch yesterday.  I needed some lightweight black fabric for this, drawing from the materials we used in the RSN class Owen taught in Kentucky. 

Having nothing like that in my fabric room, I opted to "shop" my closet. I had just what I needed in a dress top that no longer fits me. (It's one of those "I'll get back into it someday" tops that has taken up space in my closet for the past twelve years or so.)

After I hooped a double layer of fabric, I had to draw my butterfly body. Owen had drawn the design on our fabric for our class. He never included the drawing in the size we actually used in our worksheets. He only had enlarged drawings with the stitch diagrams. 

However, I kept my practice needlework of the body done on calico fabric, so I cut out the embroidery and used it as a size template for my Monarch.

Once drawn, I got out my light box and white Clover pen to transfer the design to my fabric. My next step will be to tack the two layers of fabric together (with Gutterman thread) to prepare it for stitching with my silk threads. Then I'll be good to go.

Tomorrow is Mike's memorial service. Steve the Otter will be saying hi to add a little levity to an otherwise somber weekend. I'll add my Sunday Scripture, and will be back with you on Monday. 

Hug your loved ones. That's what we'll be doing.

This Part's Done...

I finished them late last night! When I look at them from a distance, I can see that they really do resemble a Monarch's  wings. Can I be just a wee bit chuffed?

I'm going to draw and set up my hoop for the body next, but not quite yet. My plans for yesterday were delayed due to weather, so I'm going to see my sister and niece today instead. 

I'm taking goodies and plan to visit all afternoon, so my project will have to wait (for a little while). I'll share the next phase when I start it. I'm going to get my things together for my road trip now. Later, 'gator!

So Close...

I'm nearly there! Once I complete this part, I'll choose the fabric for the Monarch's body and draw it onto the fabric so I can stitch it. 

I still have a body from the class I took with Owen to use as the padding, which will cut out that step, but I'll still need to stitch the cover for it. 

I best not get ahead of myself, though. First things first, and right now, I'd better get ready for work so I'm not late.

Can you believe it's the last day of June already? We're half way through the year, and I still have so much to do!

 

I'm Getting There...

I managed to do a little needle dancing over the weekend, too.  I actually did the right top edge of the upper wing twice! 

You see, I'd thought I'd completed the area with the rusty red color until I stood back and assessed it. In fact, it looked as though the wing might belong to a different butterfly. You know what that meant, right. 

After I'd frogged all that area, I went back to redraw it. Then I began again...and was much happier with the results. Now I can proceed toward finishing this wing part, and I'll have more to share with it very soon. 

Well, not tomorrow actually, because I'm working today. I'll see you tomorrow though. Have a great day!

Teeny Tiny Stitches...

...take time.

Well, I got a last minute request to work today from one of my coworkers. I had PT in the morning, so I told her I'd only be able to help if I could start at noon. She worked from ten until noon, and I got there as soon as I could after my appointment. 

That meant no stitching all day, but I did manage a few hours while Handsome was at band rehearsal. I drew a few changes on the fabric to coordinate with the other upper wing. I'll be able to look at the other wing as I work this one. The markings don't have to match, but I try to get them close.

I'll be working my regular shift today, so I'll see what I can do after I get back home. I'll definitely be ready for a little needle dancing by then.

Three Done. One To Go...

It was a busy weekend at the farmhouse. I baked bread and rolls, we did some work in the yard, and I completed the third wing part for my butterfly.

I have PT this morning, but when I get home, I'll be starting the last wing part. I have a quieter week this week, so I'll have more stitching time. I'm hoping to finish the last wing part and then work on the body for my Monarch. 

I also decided to participate in the artist trading card swap for this month. The prompt is "key". I have my idea, so all I have to do is execute my vision. I'll do those this week, too, so I can mail them out.

Here's hoping we all have a creative and happy week. I'll be back tomorrow .

 

My Views Yesterday...

I was making great progress, as I sat in my favorite stitching spot. This wing part will be completed soon.

I take frequent "stretch" breaks for the benefit of my legs, back, and hands. Sometimes I get up and make a cuppa tea (or grab a snack), and other times, I stretch in place and check to see what's going on outside our dining room windows.

Yesterday, I was looking out the window more frequently because we had storms rolling through and it got really windy and rainy. I noticed movement in one of the dark tracks you can see in the field. At first I thought I was seeing deer because of white tail flashes. I was wrong.

Handsome grabbed our binoculars and we realized I'd been watching two foxes playing with each other. Even as it started to rain, they continued running up and down the right side, chasing each other. It was adorable! 

Coincidentally, I'd also seen gophers running around in our yard, and had really just been wishing we had foxes.

I hope they're denning nearby, because those gophers are digging holes in our yard. You can just imagine how that could harm Bella or Carly if they stepped in a hole while running around. They could do catastrophic damage to a leg or foot.

I think these critters might be the perfect meals for the foxes, and a much better alternative to us trying to get rid of them (the gophers, not the foxes). I think we need to put up a sign saying, "Foxes Welcome". In the meantime, I hope they'll continue to hang out nearby!

Working On Wing Part Three...

Even though my orange silk thread arrived, I need to work my way up to those areas first. I made great progress when I worked on my third wing part over the weekend, and am expecting to complete it soon.

I have PT mid-afternoon today, so I'm baking cinnamon rolls to take with me for the therapy department personnel. I'm hoping to do more needle dancing when I get back home.

I also work tomorrow, and I'll be doing more canning in a few days, so I'm looking forward to a fun-filled, productive week. Come along, and I'll happily share it all with you!

I'm Back In Business...

My order arrived right on time, so I'll be able to continue work on my Monarch butterfly.

The best part is that there was no discernible difference in color. Great news considering I purchased my threads in 2019!

I've been taking it easy the past couple days because my shoulder and arm have been giving me grief. That's why I've been going to physical therapy. We've determined nothing is torn - and thankfully, my shoulder joint looks great in the xrays - but some days it still hurts like the dickens, and no medicines help. So, on those days, I rest. 

The strangest thing is that it never hurt the days I was busy canning, or the day after, so the amount of activity isn't necessarily the culprit. Yesterday was a good day again, so needle dancing won't be an issue, and neither will work for a few hours tonight.

No time to feel sorry for myself. Now that my thread arrived, it's time to get busy again! Happy Weekend!

 

I'll Be Canning Today...

 

Good news is that I've completed half my butterfly wing parts. Bad news is that the two orange threads on the card are all I have left until my reorder arrives.

I could certainly begin stitching the next to wing parts with the other colors I'm using, but I'm going to do some canning today instead.

I'm going to pressure can chicken vegetable soup, chicken fajita meat, plain chicken, and canned onions. I can accomplish all that sooner than stitching, for sure. I'll show you tomorrow.

Happy June, Everyone!

A Wee Bit More...

It wasn't much, but I managed to start on the oranges yesterday. In reassessing my raw materials, I've realized that there's no way my remaining Kreinik Au Ver A Soi- Soi d'Alger color 614 skein (my main orange) will last for the remaining wings. So, last night I went online and purchased more to make sure I have what I need. Now I can rest easy, knowing I won't run out. 

I'll continue on this wing today, and then move to the next one while I wait for my order to arrive from Colorado. I'm hoping it doesn't take too long.

I work later today, so after I refill the bird feeders and feed the girls, (and enjoy a hot cuppa), I'll be seated back at my hoop for a while. Happy Friday, y'all!

 

Still Winging It...

I got in a bit more stitching yesterday. I sat down between loads of laundry, and enjoyed my dining room view while sheets dried on the line.

I'm working out all the edges and black sections now, and will again finish with the monarch oranges. Perhaps I'll get to that today after this morning's PT session. (I'm sure hoping so.)

What is especially fun is stitching these colors as I watch at least a half dozen Baltimore orioles (same coloration) flying past the windows to the grape jelly feeders I fill daily for them. I'll try to get a few photos of them soon.

 

More Progress Has Been Made...

First Upper Monarch Wing Completed

I managed quite a bit of needle dancing over the holiday weekend. We had one rainy day that was made for stitching, and I finished this wing part that day. I'm so pleased to see it done and now waiting for the other parts to come alive.

Beginning Work On First Lower Wing

In fact, I even got a healthy start on the first lower wing! This all happened before Monday when I spend all day in the kitchen. (I baked four loaves of bread, and a half dozen hamburger buns.)

I also mixed, froze, and vacuum-sealed thirty four fresh rhubarb scones for sharing and later consumption. Lastly, I made rhubarb custard pie in a long baking dish which finished baking at midnight! I went to bed shortly after that, but not before Handsome tried it and gave it his seal of approval. (He did stay up later than I did.)

I worked my shift yesterday, and I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I changed clothes when I got home, and took a two hour nap. 

Today is going to be a "take it easy" day. I'm going to play it by ear. See you tomorrow!