Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Ordination Milestone

This weekend we spent in Dubuque celebrating my father's 70th anniversary of his ordination.  We had a celebratory dinner Saturday evening at the Olive Garden, then church Sunday morning, followed by brunch.  The brunch was well attended, and speakers came from the Seminary, from the Synod, and the pastor shared greetings and a certificate from the Bishop.  I shared some thoughts about what it was like to grow up in this preacher's family, and lots of pictures were taken.

I had stitched some napkin rings for my sister-in-law's sister.  She had given me a tub full of DMC floss at Easter time, and had seemed taken with the napkin rings I had stitched for my brother and sister-in-law.  Unfortunately, I neglected to take a photo of the initial napkin rings, but here are the ones I gave to Nancy.


How many grocery bags does one need

I'm currently working on two on-line classes.  One is called "Daisy Chains" by Laura J. Perin.  You should recognize her name by now, she's one of my favorite designers.  I love the colors, all yellow and green, very spring-like.
Two sessions completed - halfway done
I've also started work on "18th Century Sampler" by SJ Designs.  I have struggled getting started on this one.  I first tried tone-on-tone gray, and decided that was way too blah.  Then I tried light pink on wine-colored fabric, that seemed way too glaring.  Then, another student posted a photo using overdyed  threads, and the light bulb went on.  I had initially discounted using overdyes as distracting from the lacy effect of the stitches, but the other student's work was inspiration enough.  I know have the very first block done (many more to come).  And I think, rather than distracting, the overdyed thread actually enhances the lacy stitches.

First square done

First row of five squares done
The chuckle for the day occurred at the grocery store.  I had stopped by for a loaf of bread, and picked up some Twizzlers licorice, a small box of Good and Plenty candies, and a single serving of a desert.  Yes, I know, not much of a balanced diet.  Anyway, as I was checking out, the cashier asked if it was OK if she put all the items in one bag.  What?  Why would I need multiple bags for four very small and lightweight items?

What is the process involved in fiddle renting

I have signed up for an online course sponsored by the EGA.  It's called "Creating Beaded Gardens," taught by Nancy Eha.  It starts with creating a crazy quilt block, and then using beads to create a spider web and spider, vines and leaves, and assorted flowers.  I haven't actually started working on this yet, but have enjoyed watching other stitchers post photos of their progress.

One student, after seeing a bunch of different photos, left the post that all the quilt blocks were so very "fiddle rent."  I think her auto-correct got the best of her on that one!

Anyway, the reason I'm not working on creating my beaded garden is that I've been working on a number of other projects.

First is a piece I found on the "Stash Unload" Facebook page.  It brought a smile to my face when I saw it.  It's called "The Sampler Sampler" by Brightneedle Charted Designs.  I've stitched lots and lots of samplers over the years, but until now, not a Sampler of Samplers.



Second, is a piece I am doing for my pastor.  It's a Lizzie Kate design, "Time for God."  I'll be making this into a bell pull.


And my most recent completion, another Lizzie Kate design, "My To Do List."