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Sunday, March 16, 2014

Travels with Frances

Hiya! True to the promise I made on last week's post, I'm back at updating the blog on a more regular basis.  So let me start by saying thank you again to all who stopped by for a look at Ann Grimshaw, especially those who took the time to leave a comment. Love it!

This has been a very busy week, with traveling for both work and pleasure.  My job requires a trip to the state legislature each March, so I spent a few nights in Tallahassee at the beginning of the week. Frances Eden, my ever-reliable traveling companion, made the trip too.


She made the same trip with me last year, where I passed the off hours putting in this little basket of blooms near the brick house.


I've stitched sporadically on Frances (mostly while traveling) through the year, not giving her too much thought in between trips.  But once her name assignation was done, I began to dislike the colors I'd used on those flowers.  With such a bright, extensive palette to use for her, the ones I'd stitched them with just looked too much like the same threads in the brick house. So I spent any stitching time I had in this year's Tallahassee visit taking last year's version out and restitching them in a brighter combination of purple iris, gold leaf and burnt orange.  Much nicer I think, don't you?

  
Tonight's stitching will involve getting the basket under the left side blooms stitched in and then moving on.  I've made myself a promise that Frances won't be put aside any longer  - she's earned some respect!  But that didn't stop me for gathering up all the necessary silks, linen and chart for an eventual start on my next SL extravaganza, Jane Atkinson


I'm very curious as to the linen choices made by those of you who've actually finished Jane?  I have a lovely piece of Legacy Oaten Scone in my stash that I thought really suited the silks perfectly, but it was unfortunately too short for Jane's dimensions.  The next option was a piece of vintage Light Exemplar, which is what the silks are sitting on in the picture.  After seeing all the colors on the Oaten Scone, this one looks a little bit peachy to my eye.  What do you think - be honest!  It's not too late to order something if necessary, as Jane won't be underway until Frances gets some justice.

Now, on to the "traveling for pleasure" part of my week....here's where it ended, at the north end of the Canaveral National Seashore.


The water temperatures were still too chilly for swimming,


but there was plenty of time for an early morning ramble  up the coastline.....

 

around the driftwood on the dunes....


....and back again.  Miles of protected shoreline with unspoiled sand, sky and surf, and very little else.


We didn't abandon civilization completely though!  After that long trek, it was off to JB's Fish Camp. our favorite Canaveral raw bar, for the Turtle Mound Sampler and a slice of Key Lime pie.  All this served up with cold beer and great live music.  My kind  of day!


Sure wish all my weeks could wrap up this way.  As always, thanks again for stopping by.  Here's wishing for another busy, beautiful week ahead.

12 comments:

blue star stitcher said...

I don't think it looks too peachy compared to the chart. And the turtle mound samplerlooks delicious. Glad you had a safe trip!

Von said...

Unfortunately, I don't think colors come across our monitors to make an informed opinion on the linen, but it looks good on mine. :) Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip to the beach!!

Barb said...

Your trip to the beach brought back many happy memories for me. Many years ago we lived in Lake Mary and that was the favorite beach of my DH and me. The kids preferred New Smyrna. Now on my monitor, the linen does appear a bit peachy. I'm not sure that is bad, only you can decide.

Merry Wind Farm said...

Hi, Mary, Two beautiful samplers, Frances and Jane. I have stitched them and love them both. Thanks for posting the beautiful beach photos, You have probably heard about the terrible winter we in the midwest have had, it looks gorgeous down there.
Melinda

Catherine said...

Beautiful stitches and photos!

Krista said...

Awesome beach pics! Nice to see up here in the Northeast where it is still cold... something to look forward to! Frances looks so nice with the bright colors. The Legacy Oaten Scone looks beautiful for Jane Atkinson. I still have yet to try Legacy linen, but everyone seems to love it!

Margaret said...

Frances is looking great! The flowers look nice with your changes. I loved stitching Jane Atkinson! I used a fabric from Sassy's Fabrics?? I can't remember the name of it. Your floss toss looks good though. Definitely get something you are happy with -- it's a big project so it's important! Love the sea pics. Oh I miss the ocean. That seafood -- yum!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Love both the girls! From what I can tell on my monitor, the linen looks good to me. Oh how I wish I were on that beach with you. Sigh!

Melissa said...

I love seeing your Frances Eden. Someone offered me the chart to stitch years ago. I don't know why I turned her down (too many things to stitch already?). So pretty.

I love the colours in Jane A too. I have never come across the Legacy Oaten Scone linen that you mentioned. Where do you buy it from if you don't mind my asking.

The photos of the seashore - I can hear the waves! The platter of seafood makes me hungry! yum.

Lynn said...

I thoroughly enjoyed your beach pictures! I was supposed to be in Cape Coral, Fla. with my Mom and sisters right now but didn't travel on account of my upcoming hip surgery. That seafood looks amazing!
Frances looks fabulous. I love how you changed up the colours in the flowers. Looks great!

woolwoman said...

Congrats on finishing Ann - I didn't make it around to share your joy - she's a beauty ! Love Frances Eden - I think I have her in my stash but oh sigh - Jane Atkinson has been on my "do it before I die" list. LOVE IT! I couldn't see the color very well but I say if you truly love the Oaten Scone - just order a big enough piece to do Jane. You will be living with JA for a very long time - best be totally satisfied with the choice of linen. I don't think I've ever seen a beach on our coast this deserted. Maybe it was one of those 47 degree days LOL - take care Mel

Marsha said...

Frances is so wonderful.. I can't wait to see more of her. I like the linen for Jane. It might be peachy but it looks great. Of course, YOU, have to look at it.