Old Army slogan

Found a magnet for my darling. It says, "I've already been all that I can be." Now at first I just thought this was humorous. (And fortunately so did he.) But I've ruminating on this and realized that it can actually be insulting. To say that you've already hit the heights, and nothing will be greater - isn't that one of the defining moments of a mid-life crisis. After 18 years in the Army, we now are contemplating what to do once he retires.

It would be pretty funny if he ditched me for a young, blond bimbette and red sportscar...

Now that's far away from stitching topics. Been doing the hum-drum this morning. Dermatologist with my daughter, grocery shopping, laundry. It's time to leave to meet some neighbors for a morning get together.

Maybe I need to make a companion magnet. "Go away. Can't you see I'm an Army of one?"

Lalalala.....

Hey, I'm getting educated

Wow. Being new at this whole blogging enterprise, I've got quite a learning curve to cover. Notice that I have figured out how to add links, including a link to my e-mail. I will slowly be linking to other needleworkers' blogs. Freakin' cool.

I was going to take today to drive (remember I'm not in paradise...) to a LNS in Jersey. But I see they are closed on Wednesdays. Oh well. Next choice is an even longer drive into Connecticut. I've got quite a collection of unframed items that need attention, one of which is especially needed to complete a wall arrangement. (Finally painted that wall last week. Three walls painted in the living room, one to go...but I've got a 7' by 10' foot entertainment center on that wall and need assistance in the moving phase. So I'm not doing that today.)

Guess something is telling me to stay at home. And stitch.

time passing

Circumstances beyond my control have kept me off the 'net for a few days...
But I did finish the stitching on my scissor case. Sat on the front porch in the sun on Sunday morning drying my hair naturally and did the plait stitching that anchors the ribbon. We are supposed to be finishing this piece at October's meeting. But I may just assemble it on my own. Directions seem fairly straightforward.

Recently picked up my "Home of the Free" by Twisted Threads. This over one piece is stitched on 28 ct Riviera Gingham, a cream/blue linen by Graziano. My house is done, and I've started on the lettering. I did change the threads on this one, and am working with Needlepoint Silks. The picture on the Twisted Threads website does not do it justice. I am trying to decide how to frame this piece. I am not fond of how they did it on the chart...

knots, not naughty knots

Well, I did the French knots on back side of my scissor case and started doing the majority of them on the front side. The front has something like 138 of them. I just had to stop and count after stitching about 10 of them. Smooth sailing for the most part.

Now I need to go play with my stitching software. Need to design a West Point related Christmas ornament. I was doodling the Army "A" but think it wouldn't too much fun stitching all black and a little bit of gold several times. Will have to ruminate on this one.

TLAP

Don't forget.
September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Avast ye maties!

Just practicing...

Stitching and Football

Thanks to watching the Black Knights of Army on Saturday and the Patriots on Sunday, I've nearly finished the stitching on my scissor case. I've got about 100 or so French knots to go.

Having participated in an informal poll, I know that a lot of stitchers hate French knots with a passion. And will do anything to avoid them. Frankly, I only hate the ones that don't knot properly. Then you've got this lovely mess to try and unpick, which is extremely frustrating. May as well cut out the entire thread and start over. Having participated in the candlewicking craze of the 1970s, I've had plenty of French knot experience.

Now let's use our psychic energy to keep Hurricaine Isabel out at sea.

After the Meetings

There is something about sitting at an EGA meeting with others who get as excited by fibers, fabrics, and such that just thrills me.

This is especially true because I chose the title Needleworker Not In Paradise because I've got no local needlework stores.

Being an Army wife I've had the pleasure of shopping some of the best needlework stores. In the past, when I was in need of inspiration, I would just go shopping. Browsing stacks of charts, admiring fabric, covetting silk floss, was all I needed to start my fingers flying on my own projects. Not having this option is painful.
Which makes those monthly EGA meetings even more important.
The talent and dedication of these stitchers is overwhelming.

This month we are working on a canvas scissors case. It's not a project I would have chosen to do on my own. But it's highly enjoyable to stretch and try new things. Now, a hardanger piece would really challenge me. There is something about cutting threads that always takes me out of my comfort zone.

Here's to finding inspiration. Whereever it may come. May it visit you often.

Bad Blogger

I want desperately to faithfully post here. But it has been a tough start to the new school year at our house. We all dealing with the unexpected loss of a dedicated, smart, athletic, and handsome 19 year-old who we grew close to in the past year. I know I am grieving and depressed. I pick up my stitching and can only concentrate for five minutes before I put it back down. Time. I know I need time.

A new month and a new adventure. Brought here by my habit of lurking on RCTN. It's a gray and dreary day, not conducive to stitching at all. Even the cats have gone back to sleep and it's only 8:32 a.m.

As for the stitching, I am all encompassing. There is little that I won't (or haven't) attempt(ed) at least once. But samplers are a big passion. I am committed right now to my Agnes Scott sampler and should try to make some progress if I can get out of today's funk. I would like to finish my current band by next week's EGA meeting.