I forgot to take photos today while the sun was shining. I'm outside my regular schedule. Got thrown off by guy coming to pick up a freecycle desk and he called and wanted to come early. Okay.
But I picked up In the Midnight Hour from the framer yesterday and it looks fantastic. Pics tomorrow, I promise.
It looks so good that when I saw it hanging on the wall, my first thought was I didn't do that. It's going off to Woodlawn soon so I only get to enjoy it a few days.
My birthday present from Art on Demand at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. This is Evening Glow at Mono Lake, from Mono Mills by Chiura Obata done in 1930. Actually it's from my hubby. It arrived in the mail yesterday and as we are getting ready to rehang all artwork around the new furniture, he thought I should open it.
I was the only one in the family who saw this exhibit last spring. But the whole family once spent a wonderful spring break in camping in CA, including a day trip to Mono Lake. Great memories.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Winter Weather at Last
Even the new President got in on the weather yesterday:
"Can I make a comment that is unrelated to the economy very quickly? And it has to do with Washington," Obama told reporters ushered in to hear him talk to a group of chief executive officers about his stimulus package.
"My children's school was cancelled today -- Because of what? Some ice?" Obama said in mock outrage, sparking laughter from his guests.
"As my children pointed out, in Chicago school is never cancelled, in fact my 7-year-old pointed out that you'd go outside for recess.
"You wouldn't even stay indoors. We're going to have to try to apply some flinty Chicago toughness to this.
"I'm saying, when it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things."
It's quite obvious to me that the few winters he spent here as a Senator, he wasn't paying attention to things like school. Granted last winter, there was no snow. But the two years before that, there were snow days.
As a displaced New Englander, I feel his pain. And frustration. He should simply enjoy the fact that he will never have to deal with the stupidity that is drivers from southern climates driving in winter weather. Twenty plus years ago, we marvelled that two inches of snow could bring this region to a standstill. I think the public works types deal a bit better with it now. But still. It's so ridiculous to those of us who grew up with snow and ice and cold.
* * * * *
Can you believe that I've done no stitching for two days? Been busy rearranging furniture and putting things away in their new homes:
These are my Christmas presents. I had to wait a month past Christmas, but that's okay. China hutch and a sideboard that I believe the manufacturer referred to as a pantry cabinet. Now I need to rehang all framed items.
"Can I make a comment that is unrelated to the economy very quickly? And it has to do with Washington," Obama told reporters ushered in to hear him talk to a group of chief executive officers about his stimulus package.
"My children's school was cancelled today -- Because of what? Some ice?" Obama said in mock outrage, sparking laughter from his guests.
"As my children pointed out, in Chicago school is never cancelled, in fact my 7-year-old pointed out that you'd go outside for recess.
"You wouldn't even stay indoors. We're going to have to try to apply some flinty Chicago toughness to this.
"I'm saying, when it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things."
It's quite obvious to me that the few winters he spent here as a Senator, he wasn't paying attention to things like school. Granted last winter, there was no snow. But the two years before that, there were snow days.
As a displaced New Englander, I feel his pain. And frustration. He should simply enjoy the fact that he will never have to deal with the stupidity that is drivers from southern climates driving in winter weather. Twenty plus years ago, we marvelled that two inches of snow could bring this region to a standstill. I think the public works types deal a bit better with it now. But still. It's so ridiculous to those of us who grew up with snow and ice and cold.
* * * * *
Can you believe that I've done no stitching for two days? Been busy rearranging furniture and putting things away in their new homes:
These are my Christmas presents. I had to wait a month past Christmas, but that's okay. China hutch and a sideboard that I believe the manufacturer referred to as a pantry cabinet. Now I need to rehang all framed items.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Stupid Weather
It chooses today to snow. To actually snow here and stick. When DH is flying to Colorado and I felt free to go to Tuesday night stitch group which has already been canceled due to the snow. Guess I'll be stitching all by my lonesome tonight.
This one here isn't much help when it comes to stitching...no. Elvis would rather lie upside down and snore.
This one here isn't much help when it comes to stitching...no. Elvis would rather lie upside down and snore.
Monday, January 26, 2009
A Birthday that I Missed
I didn't really missed it. I just missed commenting here.
January 18th. This would have been my grandmother's 100th birthday, but she died peacefully in her sleep three years ago. She's the person I wish most to emulate in my life. I think the word complaint was not in her vocabulary, even when she had reason for complaint. She always did what had to be done. Was always willing to smile along with you at the silly things in life. If she drove through freshly laid asphalt in a brand new white car, she didn't bitch and moan. She just got down on the ground and started removing the black stuff. She was an original when life hands you lemons, make lemonade kind of person. Having lived through the depression, she had a tremendous use it up, wear it out attitude. My grandfather died shortly after their 50th anniversary. She lived another 22 years and never remarried. Said all the old men wanted was either a nurse or a housekeeper and she wasn't interested in being either one. If there was something that needed to be done, she did it. Wallpaper hanging, moving stone walls, it didn't matter. She had a problem with idleness. If she sat still too long, she was apt to jump up and start rearranging the furniture. And her one of her biggest pleasures in life, was working outside. Not just gardening. She'd climb on the roof and clean out the gutters. She's also the person who taught me how to thread a needle, how to use a sewing machine (the old treadle version), how to knit, how to crochet. Because if she was sitting down, she had to have something in her hands. Sometimes it wasn't handiwork. Sometimes it was a book. I miss you, Gram, more every passing day.
January 18th. This would have been my grandmother's 100th birthday, but she died peacefully in her sleep three years ago. She's the person I wish most to emulate in my life. I think the word complaint was not in her vocabulary, even when she had reason for complaint. She always did what had to be done. Was always willing to smile along with you at the silly things in life. If she drove through freshly laid asphalt in a brand new white car, she didn't bitch and moan. She just got down on the ground and started removing the black stuff. She was an original when life hands you lemons, make lemonade kind of person. Having lived through the depression, she had a tremendous use it up, wear it out attitude. My grandfather died shortly after their 50th anniversary. She lived another 22 years and never remarried. Said all the old men wanted was either a nurse or a housekeeper and she wasn't interested in being either one. If there was something that needed to be done, she did it. Wallpaper hanging, moving stone walls, it didn't matter. She had a problem with idleness. If she sat still too long, she was apt to jump up and start rearranging the furniture. And her one of her biggest pleasures in life, was working outside. Not just gardening. She'd climb on the roof and clean out the gutters. She's also the person who taught me how to thread a needle, how to use a sewing machine (the old treadle version), how to knit, how to crochet. Because if she was sitting down, she had to have something in her hands. Sometimes it wasn't handiwork. Sometimes it was a book. I miss you, Gram, more every passing day.
Promised photo
Here's the dogwood handpainted canvas finish. I am very happy with my choices and feel confident I can attack my much larger canvas I bought at Needle Nook of La Jolla in 2007.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Last of the Books
Let's see if I can get through with all of them:
1) "Folk Designs from the Caucasus for Weaving and Needlework" by Lyatif Kerimov published in 1974. This is a Dover book with over 450 different designs from weaving from Azerbaijan. They are gridded in black and white. Only color illustration is the cover. I didn't know this book even existed. I wish I had known about a few years back when I created a mini-sampler to honor DH's year in the deserts of Kuwait.
2)Another Dover book - "Anne Orr's Charted Designs" from 1978. Silhouettes, flowers, alphabets all with that original Anne Orr touch.
3) "Flowers, Birds, and Unicorns: Medieval Needlepoint" by Candace Bahouth published in 1993. Birds, beasts, gardens, symbols and patterns. Twenty original patterns in tent stitch, which isn't much. But the book is beautifully photographed in and around the author's home in England.
4) "Cross-Stitch Techniques Projects Patterns Motifs" by Gloria Nicol published by the Potter Needlework Library. Patterns for bed linens, table linens, laundry bags, and other household items. All in color. I see she has books about candlemaking and many other crafts.
5) "Learn Needle Tatting Step-by-step" by Barbara Foster published in 1998. This book is still available in the latest Nordic Needle catalog. I've done the needle tatting demo thing a few years before starting this blog. Useful book. Good explanations.
6) "The Open Canvas" by Carolyn Ambuter published in 1982. Great diagrams, mostly black and white photos. She does/did things to canvas I wouldn't even have thought of doing.
That's my used book wrap up. Only took me a week. I finished my dogwood canvas on Friday and will post a photo tomorrow. Been trying to do some hardandger. I think I've frogged more than I've created. It's not that hard. But the single strand of Watercolours probably is a touch too thick for the 28ct fabric. But I love the colors and refuse to give up.
1) "Folk Designs from the Caucasus for Weaving and Needlework" by Lyatif Kerimov published in 1974. This is a Dover book with over 450 different designs from weaving from Azerbaijan. They are gridded in black and white. Only color illustration is the cover. I didn't know this book even existed. I wish I had known about a few years back when I created a mini-sampler to honor DH's year in the deserts of Kuwait.
2)Another Dover book - "Anne Orr's Charted Designs" from 1978. Silhouettes, flowers, alphabets all with that original Anne Orr touch.
3) "Flowers, Birds, and Unicorns: Medieval Needlepoint" by Candace Bahouth published in 1993. Birds, beasts, gardens, symbols and patterns. Twenty original patterns in tent stitch, which isn't much. But the book is beautifully photographed in and around the author's home in England.
4) "Cross-Stitch Techniques Projects Patterns Motifs" by Gloria Nicol published by the Potter Needlework Library. Patterns for bed linens, table linens, laundry bags, and other household items. All in color. I see she has books about candlemaking and many other crafts.
5) "Learn Needle Tatting Step-by-step" by Barbara Foster published in 1998. This book is still available in the latest Nordic Needle catalog. I've done the needle tatting demo thing a few years before starting this blog. Useful book. Good explanations.
6) "The Open Canvas" by Carolyn Ambuter published in 1982. Great diagrams, mostly black and white photos. She does/did things to canvas I wouldn't even have thought of doing.
That's my used book wrap up. Only took me a week. I finished my dogwood canvas on Friday and will post a photo tomorrow. Been trying to do some hardandger. I think I've frogged more than I've created. It's not that hard. But the single strand of Watercolours probably is a touch too thick for the 28ct fabric. But I love the colors and refuse to give up.
Friday, January 23, 2009
More Used Books
This morning we have for my eventual use and occasional perusal:
1) "Needlepoint from America's Great Quilt Designs" by Mary Kay Davis and Helen Giammattei published in 1974. This book has both color and black and white photos. There is a black and white photo of each pattern and then the stitch diagram on the facing page. It's divided into sections - Stars and Stripes, Nautical, Overall Patterns, Flowers, Leaves, and Trees, and Border and Background Stitches. I'm not a quilter. I had my flirtation with quilting decades ago and was taught by someone who insisted our first piece be made entirely by hand. But I do recognize patterns and will always appreciate fine quilts whenever and wherever I see them. That said, there are some recognizable to me patterns in this book. Actually it's kind of funny that I bought this as I always say that the canvas work quilt type patterns do not appeal to me. But I can see how bits and pieces may be useful.
2) "The Encyclopedia of Canvas Embroidery Stitch Patterns" by Katharine Ireys published in 1968, 1972. This is a book of hand drawn stitch diagrams with some black and white photos. There are 170 stitches diagrammed with illustrations of needle placement and which direction to stitch in. It's pretty gutsy calling something like this an encyclopedia, but for it's time I guess that's okay. I'm sure I can name any number of stitches that aren't included here, but I think this may be a solid reference book.
3) "Finishing and Mounting Your Needlepoint Pieces" by Katharine Ireys published in 1973. Anyone need to know how to make a typewriter cover? I thought not. Nor do I wish to make a cigarette case. But this book, though the illustrations of techniques are hand drawn, is an excellent reference for how to handle canvas finishing. Pillows, bellpulls, chair pads, neckties, tennis racket covers, bookends, chokers, etc. Home decor and personal accessories all neatly planned out for you when framing your finished piece isn't what you want.
I've got a few more days worth of books to go through and want to comment on the fact that many of them came from one lady. She wrote her name inside the books. And had obviously compiled quite a stitcher's library. Either she downsized or someone handling her estate brought the books to this used bookstore. And I'm grateful. They didn't just get tossed and will grace my bookshelves and have a second life. And maybe someday I'll pass them along to someone else. At which point they will truly be antiques.
In other stitching news:
I nearly finished the background on my dogwood canvas last night. I should have just kept plugging away but I didn't want to get sloppy. Will be doing border experimentation later today!
1) "Needlepoint from America's Great Quilt Designs" by Mary Kay Davis and Helen Giammattei published in 1974. This book has both color and black and white photos. There is a black and white photo of each pattern and then the stitch diagram on the facing page. It's divided into sections - Stars and Stripes, Nautical, Overall Patterns, Flowers, Leaves, and Trees, and Border and Background Stitches. I'm not a quilter. I had my flirtation with quilting decades ago and was taught by someone who insisted our first piece be made entirely by hand. But I do recognize patterns and will always appreciate fine quilts whenever and wherever I see them. That said, there are some recognizable to me patterns in this book. Actually it's kind of funny that I bought this as I always say that the canvas work quilt type patterns do not appeal to me. But I can see how bits and pieces may be useful.
2) "The Encyclopedia of Canvas Embroidery Stitch Patterns" by Katharine Ireys published in 1968, 1972. This is a book of hand drawn stitch diagrams with some black and white photos. There are 170 stitches diagrammed with illustrations of needle placement and which direction to stitch in. It's pretty gutsy calling something like this an encyclopedia, but for it's time I guess that's okay. I'm sure I can name any number of stitches that aren't included here, but I think this may be a solid reference book.
3) "Finishing and Mounting Your Needlepoint Pieces" by Katharine Ireys published in 1973. Anyone need to know how to make a typewriter cover? I thought not. Nor do I wish to make a cigarette case. But this book, though the illustrations of techniques are hand drawn, is an excellent reference for how to handle canvas finishing. Pillows, bellpulls, chair pads, neckties, tennis racket covers, bookends, chokers, etc. Home decor and personal accessories all neatly planned out for you when framing your finished piece isn't what you want.
I've got a few more days worth of books to go through and want to comment on the fact that many of them came from one lady. She wrote her name inside the books. And had obviously compiled quite a stitcher's library. Either she downsized or someone handling her estate brought the books to this used bookstore. And I'm grateful. They didn't just get tossed and will grace my bookshelves and have a second life. And maybe someday I'll pass them along to someone else. At which point they will truly be antiques.
In other stitching news:
I nearly finished the background on my dogwood canvas last night. I should have just kept plugging away but I didn't want to get sloppy. Will be doing border experimentation later today!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
First Three Books
1) "Pulled Thread Embroidery" by Moyra McNeill originally published in 1971. This is the Dover edition reprinted in 1993. For it's time this book has lots of great photos - all black and white. Stitch diagrams are drawn. Has some funky, artsy stuff. I'm saving this one for that later encounter I will have with pulled and drawn thread.
2) "Bargello Plus" by Mira Silverstein published in 1973. This book has both black and white and color photos and a beautiful peacock on the cover. Has a section on figuring out borders and miters for bargello work. I think this book may be very helpful in my near future.
3) "Four Way Bargello" by Dorothy Kaestner published in 1974. Has both color and black and white photos. I think the color ones are necessary for understanding the dimensional, kalidoscope effects of this technique. I was hoping that maybe there would be a bit about eight way, but no. This book is about to become my other new best friend.
I can see that I need to start cataloguing my books. Another project!
2) "Bargello Plus" by Mira Silverstein published in 1973. This book has both black and white and color photos and a beautiful peacock on the cover. Has a section on figuring out borders and miters for bargello work. I think this book may be very helpful in my near future.
3) "Four Way Bargello" by Dorothy Kaestner published in 1974. Has both color and black and white photos. I think the color ones are necessary for understanding the dimensional, kalidoscope effects of this technique. I was hoping that maybe there would be a bit about eight way, but no. This book is about to become my other new best friend.
I can see that I need to start cataloguing my books. Another project!
Ah Ha
In a great minds think alike moment, Coni suggested I use dark green as a border around my dogwood canvas. Guess what I got yesterday? A dark green variegated silk for the border.
I still need to detail the books, but my Mom called this morning and I am running way behind schedule. Will try to get back here later today.
I still need to detail the books, but my Mom called this morning and I am running way behind schedule. Will try to get back here later today.
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