Trial of earring design

I’ve been watching the flyers for the department stores to keep track of what the trend in jewelry styles are in my neck of the woods. It seems to me that the fad of super big earrings is waning for the styles I gravitate to. A recent trip to the mall reinforced that notion. So, I spent a few hours looking over my stash of doodads and findings and beads and patterns. I have several ideas I like the thought of. One of them is a pattern Georgia found on a site from Russia. earring number 7
At least I remember it was Russia. If someone remembers differently, please let me know.

earring number 7 from Freetatting.com

Transitions, family, and my newest adventure.

I was watching a bit of a Nature show on TV the other day. Several ducklings, just 2 days old, were leaving the nest in a tree trunk to join their mother on a small lake. Great entertainment. And a bit close to real life right now.
My son has touched down for a few moments as he transitions to college life from military life. We are marveling at how capable he is in his independence. We’re trying not to meddle, just support with a question or two and lots of listening. I’ve even shared a few stories of my transition time from teen to adult life.
The roughest part of it for me has been keeping some semblance of calm for my two very neurotic cats. They are just not good hosts to my son’s cat. Fortunately, they are all used to being indoors and in small places. Mostly, the females just hiss and spit and swipe without contact. So, there has been no fur flying. Yet….. Could be interesting at Christmas…….

Sacred Threads journey begun

I picked up my canvas for Sacred Threads. It’s gorgeous. Here’s a pic of the design as painted by  Candace Designs.

Canvas #3 by Candace Designs

I can’t wait to get started, but I have a couple of tatting projects I’d like to finish first. Besides, I need to learn how to needlepoint to this level; a block M in acrylic knitting yarn isn’t even close to the technique needed for this. I do love a challenge though!

a box for me

I got mail! A box, actually!!

Several months ago, I submitted a name for Barb at HandyHands. She thought my idea was just right. Not too goofy, not too mundane, but just right! Thank you!! Here’s what my brain thought looked like a lovely garden of herbs:

Herbal Garden

It was in the box that arrived yesterday along with a collection of size 40 thread.

 

 All for me to play with…… I can’t wait!!!

Celtic cross

I love sitting in on the Monday class that AKTatter monitors. I’ve learned a lot. Found a ton of good patterns. Discovered tatters from all over the world. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to talk tatting.

Celtic Cross by Yvonne Reypa

This pattern discussed during was a recent class. I am always intrigued with “celtic” patterns and how the chains weave. With this cross, the weaving is done with rings; a bigger challenge. After sitting in on the discussion and looking at what others have said about the pattern, I attempted my version. The thread is size 10 Manuela. I felt like I was always one DS away from a mistake that would be hard to correct, but I think I’ve got it.

I think this will end up on a blanket a friend is knitting. Don’t know yet. We’ll see……..

Is it November....already??????

November 3, 2012

Where did October go????

Well, my time in October ended up spent on helping. Not a bad activity. The opportunities were presented, after discussing them with those to whom I’m responsible, and a bit of prayer, I plunged in. I won’t bore you with the detail; lots of sorting, donating, and other tedious tasks. I will mention 2 activities I’ve been helping with:

Relocating my son. He’s leaving Active Duty and continuing with his college courses. I’d forgotten what 2000 lbs. of household goods looks like on a moving van. I‘m excited for him. He is an intelligent, talented young man who has a lot to give to the world. He has learned much, and will learn more.

Sacred Thread ministry at St. Andrew’s. There’s a set of special stained glass windows in the church. If you’re not close enough to drop by, you can get a feel for them in this photo: http://www.st-andrews-saratoga.org/about-us/take-a-look-around/ . The building isn’t that old, but the church is vibrant. It sounds holy. It looks holy. You can pray there in silence, in song, in color. A group of stitchers has created needlepoint kneelers that have been used for years. Recently, a more portable, flexible set was added to the collection. The process has spawned a growing ministry. To stitch our faith in yarn and canvas.

That’s a long explanation to my activities for this group. I mostly do clerical tasks. I’ve not stitched needlepoint in many, many years. I’m more comfortable with a shuttle to tat. But, when the interest to help grows from 5-6 stitchers to 50, help for the mundane tasks is needed…..desperately. It’s been exciting to see this group gets started with the canvases. They even convinced me to try one. With over 200 chairs to stitch and get mounted, many hands will be a help. I know it is another item for my calendar, but it is a worthy task.

I’m still bouncing around ideas for the People Look East design. I had fun coming up with a snowflake design. It doesn’t exactly work as it’s designed right now. When I get it tweaked, I’ll post it. Meanwhile, I’m working on a cute bee pattern. The designer is not keen on me posting a picture yet. I promise I’ll keep track of the file though!