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Sunday, April 19, 2015

Headed South

Happy Sunday, happy mid-April.....happy finish to report!

Birds  in the Bower is finally done and is about to fly south to the framer's.  Did everyone hear me straining to get those last tiny stitches in last night?  It wasn't a pretty sight, but I'm pleased with the final result.


I do think I caused the black row of stitches at the very bottom to bleed a bit when I pressed it.  Can you see the shadows there?  I'm just not going to let them bother me though, because trying to fix it will probably only result in disaster.  Instead, I'll just choose to think of it as part of the overall charm of the piece.  How's that for rationalization?!  A few final details...


...and the bottom right, second time around.


All that over one on the right side was what had to be painstakingly  picked out and re-stitched a second time with the correct lines of the verse.  Enough to make me a little nutty, but sadly it probably won't be the last time!  I'm considering the possibility of a mat on this one, once it actually lands at the framer's.  Since it's not that large and isn't a reproduction, a mat might be a nice way to draw it all together inside a frame.  More than likely it will also depend on the frame molding I settle on. 

And for once, I have a new start on something not huge, in fact, almost a small!   I think I must still be dragging my feet on another rendezvous with Hannah Pepper.  But since it is the year of reckless abandon and  the urge to give this little sweetie its final due was so hard to resist, I decided not to fight with myself over it.  Does anyone remember these little "Remember the Ladies" sets Kreinik put out several years ago to market their Silk Mori?

 
 I'm fairly sure I collected most, if not all of them, then stacked them neatly in my stitching closet and put them out of mind.  When I'm honest with myself, I know it's because they all are fairly small projects and I didn't want to be stuck with a cute little piece of finished stitching and no hope of actually turning it into anything more than that.  Well, now there's Faye and hope has returned for them.  Check out my start.


As it turns out, the Milkpaint colors just glow on the linen, so it's been a thrill to have even this much of a beginning.  And since the Birds have flown the roost and are no longer in competition for my attention, I'm also hoping it won't be too much of a time sink that delays the eventual return to Hannah Pepper by a long shot.  Or who am I kidding...maybe that's exactly what I'm hoping for?!  Poor Hannah....

So that's how things are in my stitching world right now.  How are things in yours?

Oh yes, one more quick update...It's been a very long time since I've mentioned anything I've been listening to, but I've had the great pleasure recently of finishing an amazing audiobook.  Can I share?

The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver.   



This one could quite possible be the best book I've ever read.  I've had mixed feeling about the author's other works.  They're always beautifully crafted and thought provoking, but can occasionally get caught up in moralizing too heavily.  The Lacuna is Kingsolver at her finest - beautiful prose and imagery, a complex story that raises difficult questions and a historical setting with characters that are relevant to a current reader.  I have always been compelled by the art of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo    What a joy to meet them on a different level as central characters of the story.

As always, I'm hoping this finds you stitching and caught up with all the things and people you love.  Thanks for coming to visit!

11 comments:

StitchinByTheLake said...

Birds in the Bower is a stunning piece - can't wait to see it framed! blessings, marlene

Barb said...

Birds in the Bower is just beautiful. Whenever something like that small bleed happens to me, I think of the wise Shakers. They always put some little thing or error in their work so as not to offend God who is the only perfect thing in their beliefs! I would leave it and enjoy the piece! Thanks for the book suggestion.

Beth said...

Looking forward to seeing your birds framed. It is loveky. The silks in your new stitch just glow!

Marilyn said...

Birds turned out pretty.
I remember those Milkpaint kits, they're hard to find now as are any Mary Garry designs.
They are so pretty.
I wish she would re-release her designs.
Can't wait to see more of this one.
Marilyn

Margaret said...

Hooray on your finish! The bleeding, if that's what it is, hardly shows -- it looks great! Love your new start. I might have that tucked away somewhere too, but I'm not sure. I LOVED The Lacuna!!!!! What a great book! I also really liked her Poisonwood Bible from years ago.

llknbillburg said...

Congrats on your finish and your lovely new start! I have a few of those MP kits tucked away somewhere too. They are small and quick to stitch so your Hannah should get some love soon!! Laura

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Beautiful finish, it will look amazing framed.

Melissa said...

Congrats on the beautiful finish, Mary! That one had lots of colours! Looking forward to your next one. I have that kit in fact, somewhere.

Thanks for the audio book recommendation. I will look for it at my library.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Congrats, Mary! It turned out great. My favorite is still the tiny cardinal. I do remember these Milk Paint pieces. I actually have that very one and surprisingly enough I know where it is too. LOL!

woolwoman said...

hooray for a finish Mary ! yes I think you should always start anything you want ! enjoy this beautiful weather - Mel

Carol said...

Congratulations on a gorgeous finish, Mary! What a fun piece (of course your cardinal is my favorite bird!)...

I haven't read the book, but I so love audiobooks--will definitely look into this one :)

Hope things aren't too hot for you yet in FL (send some warmth up north, if they are!).