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!

 

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!

 

Another Box of Goodness...

Brynwood Needleworks - Anchor™ Stranded Cotton Floss Assortment

Oh, my goodness! Another box of needlework goodness arrived two days ago. The open box revealed more gorgeous, pastel-colored linens, a few other treasures, and...a nearly complete Anchor™ floss assortment, complete with Anchor's color card pamphlet. 

 

I've always been a huge fan of Anchor threads, so receiving this was a wonderful surprise. When I called my girlfriend to thank her, I learned there's more coming, so I was fairly giddy. As I'm going to be doing more needlework in the future, having these threads are a welcome addition to my studio. Now, all I need to do is figure out how I'm going to store them!

 

Grateful, Thankful & Blessed...

Brynwood Needleworks - Five Boxes of Stitchy Goodness

 

Not long ago, one of my online friends offered to gift me with linens to use for my current (and ongoing) embroideries. I told her I would be so grateful, and that I would definitely create something special for her in appreciation.

The mail carrier stopped at the farmhouse yesterday and handed me a box from that friend. I said "thank you" and turned for the house, when she stopped me and said there was more. Turns out there were five boxes total. I was stunned.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Box Full of Perle Cotton

 

I took the boxes up to my studio and opened them one by one. In addition to multiple boxes of beautiful linen, organza and silk fabrics, I opened this box to find it overflowing with perle cottons. So many balls of threads! Truthfully, I started to cry.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Box of Gorgeous Threads

Then I opened this box to find more beautiful threads, and yards and yards of vintage laces. Packed in the bottom of one of the boxes were a stack of needlework books, too. Have I ever told you how much I love needlework books? Oh, yes! 

One especially meaningful gift was tucked in with the rest. She has a friend who carves crosses from granite. I'll share that another day, because it's just that special.

 

I immediately sent a message to my friend to let her know that I'd received her generous gifts. Words can't convey just how much was included in the boxes, nor how I reacted when I saw the bounty she'd sent. I was a puddle of emotion.

I'm looking forward to creating something wonderful for her to express my everlasting gratitude. I've promised to respect her privacy as she'd like to remain anonymous, but God knows just how kind and generous she's been. I'll never be able to adequately express my thanks, but I'll do my best in the coming days and months. I'm truly grateful, thankful and blessed.

 

It's Been A Long, Long Time...

Brynwood Needleworks - Embroidery Threads

I can tell you the exact time I last went out shopping for embroidery threads. Sure, I've purchased a few specific assortments, but the last time I purchased threads in a shop was in Lexington, when my tutor, Owen and I went in search of silk threads for the butterfly from my RSN class. I can't believe that's already three years ago!

With all the flower bouquets I've been embroidering, I've been quickly using up a number of my favorite colors. I needed to get more. So, after Tag's vet appointment (Yes. He survived. lol), Handsome and I took him home, and went back out to run a few errands - including a stop to purchase more threads. 

By the time we got back home, it was time for airing and feeding the pups, me feeding Claudette, and then making dinner. I settled on a dish we hadn't made together in decades...egg foo yung...which takes time. (It was delicious, by the way.) Cleanup, letting the dogs out again, and then bedtime kept me from actually using any of the threads last night, so I'll be doing just that today. You know the drill. After coffee...