Monday, September 15, 2014

Golfer Finished

We have had a good bit of rain lately.  So much that it is too wet to mow. 

Although the temperature has been mild it has been overcast and humid.  It is supposed to start heating up again this week, but so far there has been no sun.  All the better weather for stitching!

Finished the golfer.  It was the smaller of the WIPs (5x7) so it didn't take too long.  The backstitching is the kind that I avoid doing whenever possible.  It is all slanted, does not follow any definite line and just makes me crazy.  But it is done.  Hurray.  Just need to frame him and get him on the wall!

 
I still have several projects in the works to keep me busy.  And I am in the process of organizing two really challenging projects (challenging for me anyway) to stitch in the next couple of months.
 
I am going to attempt my first Heaven and Earth design.  It is one of their freebies off their website.  Their designs are quite complex and use a lot of color (90 to 100 different colors in some cases) and are done on very small count linen.  I have never used linen before. '
 
I will post my progress on the first one soon.  I am still getting it prepared. 
 
More as it happens!  Happy stitching.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Stash Organization

Since you asked for how I organize (and I use that term VERY loosely)....here it is.

Have been working on organizing the way too many projects and stash items that I have.  I cannot say it is working, but I am giving it a good try.

If you know me, you know that I never have ONE of anything.  I always get at least two of whatever it is.  And I tend to pick up things at thrift stores.   I cannot pass up bags of floss, scroll pieces, etc.  I also stock up when needles, thimbles, markers  and other supplies are on sale.   And, of course, there is not a notion out there that I won't try.  It is a sickness.

I am to embarrassed to show you a photo of all the kits I have accumulated that need to be done.  There are many!  I think I may go through a donate a few of them.

I do kits most of the time, so I end up with threads from different companies.  So, I separated the left over thread by manufacturer, Bucilla, Candamar, Dimensions, etc.   I picked up some plastic boxes at the thrift store recently, so I have used them to separate and label the leftover threads from various kits. 






I also recently picked up a sack of Sullivan thread.  I have been wanting to try it, but so far have not used it for a project.  Those threads have their own box so far.



Most of my stash threads are DMC, so I got floss bags and this cardboard box to put them in.  I am sure there is a better way, but this is working for me now.   I am working on an inventory system but that probably won't happen any time soon!








I have several plastic tote bags that I have picked up over the years that I use to throw extra supplies and notion items in them.
This is also very handy to take a project along when we are in the RV.  It zips closed so nothing will spill out of it, and it keep the project nice and clean.  Well, it would if I actually put the project in it...............


I have a DMC over the arm of the couch thing that I have used for years.  I have a smaller plastic tote that it fits in perfectly for traveling.   I have altered it somewhat.  I used a glue gun to attach the thread heaven to it.  I attached the top so it is on upside down.  That way it is handy and it fits perfectly back into its cap.  If I could figure out a way I would glue a magnet to it.  The glue gun did not work......the magnet was too strong, and when the scissors were stuck to it the glue didn't hold up!





And I still end up dropping my scissors on the floor, dropping a needle or two and constantly loosing my markers or pencils.  But, it is better!

Even with all this I never seem to be very organized when I am working on a project.  But, it gives me lots of toys to play with when I need a break from stitching!  And, of course, I am always on the look out for more ways to organize. 

I am working on a post about how I organize each project.  Can't imagine why anyone would be interested in that, but have had requests for it.  So stay tuned and happy stitching.

Friday, September 5, 2014

September WIP



September is proving to be a busy month, so I may not get much stitching done.  However, here are the projects that I have ready to go and/or in progress this month

The Santa Stocking:  I just can't seem to get back to finish this.  I probably need to grid the final portion and perhaps that will make it go a little faster.  Lots of small stitches and outlining.  I will probably frame it rather than make it into a stocking.  Will decide if I ever get it finished.



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The Cranes:  It is coming along nicely.  I have not yet really started using the metallic threads which I am sure will be a challenge.



The seascape:  This is a new project I just put on the scroll frame and organized the thread.  Have not even gridded the piece yet.



The Sepia Golfer:  Small project (5x7) and only has a few colors so it should go pretty quickly.


The Feasting Frenzy:  This is my test of the QSnap frames.  It is not bad and is really light weight to hold.  I work on it outside so I am also using the floss bags.  It is not as easy as having the thread on bobbins, but the threads should stay a little cleaner.

And one more.  Woodland gal.  It will take many months to complete this one!  It has lots of colors and is more complex than my previous projects.  It also has beadwork that goes on once it is finished.



These should keep me busy for a few weeks!  Since we are going to be back on the road in the RV in October, I will have plenty to work on while traveling.

It should be interesting to see how far along I get this month.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Not a Bad Day




 
Not much to report these days.  It is pretty quiet here.  It does seem to be cooler in the mornings lately and today we are getting a little bit of rain. 
 
Also, finished the Unicorn project.  Whew.  It was actually a fun project and I like all the detail on the unicorn.  

I have so many projects that I want to get done now that this one is finished.    Have a couple that are in progress. 

I would also like to do some seasonal stuff, Halloween, Christmas, etc., but I never seem to get to them, and I don't stitch fast enough...or should I say I don't start them soon enough!