Graduations

Yesterday we had graduations, followed by a wine reception, followed by going to the pub.... I celebrated with the students (as you do) and as a result was ever so slightly tipsy by the time I got home. Didn't stop me from stitching though. Progress was slow, not because of prior alcohol intake but because I was watching the highlights of the world cup football matches. So yet again I have to report that I haven't finished that corner on "tree of hope" but I have managed to get most of the top branches of the tree complete. I've come to the conclusion that I instinctively want to stitch with the lovely rich silk fibres rather than the usual stranded cotton. I'm on holiday for two weeks so I'll be able to do lots and lots of stitching.

I've added a promote button for a list I've started on Yahoo groups. I know that there are lots of groups on Yahoo for needleworkers, but I have problems with some of them for various reasons. Firstly, yes it's really great to see various finishes and to know how projects are going along, but then to get 100 "wow that's lovely" posts followed by 100 "thanks" posts is a little too much. Secondly, I don't like being told off when I complain about my husband complaining about my stash - sometimes even the most loving husband is anything but darling. I also don't like being in environments were one religion of another is being given preference, if I wanted people to offer me prayers I'd join a Christian list, if I wanted energy sending I join a pagan list etc. There are a lot of lists out there that encourage practices that are in breach of copyright and I really don't approve of that either.

Anyway if you want a list where you can vent about disasters with people who understand please think about joining the list. I've made it easy for you by putting a link in the sidebar on the left.

I work at a University and tomorrow I'm going to be so rushed off my feet with the exam board that I decided tonight I was just going to put my feet up and stitch. Remember I was going to finish the torso and arm of "Rose", well all I can say is that this is the piece I was stitching. Trouble is I spent the time stitching more of the skirt. One of these days I will stitch to the plan. "Tree of Hope" is coming along nicely. All the special stitches in the top edge of the frame have been completed. The left top corner has been completed with the exception of the beadwork and I've done a bit more of the top right corner.

There is one other major problem. Martina Weber of Chatelaine has given the preview of the next online class, due to start in September and I've signed up already. I know I'm a masochist but the design is wonderful as can be seen on the bulletin board here. I want the materials list so I can get everything ready to start.

Bookmark - Finished Piece

Bookmark - Finished Piece
Originally uploaded by Rathgild.

A short happy dance for this little finish. I need to get a tassle for the bottom and sew on the felt backing.

Detail of Corner Scrollwork - 15 June 2006

Detail of Corner Scrollwork - 15 June 2006
Originally uploaded by Rathgild.

Here's a closer look at the top left corner of "Tree of Hope". There are still a few little bits to complete on this - a couple of special stitches, a little bit of back stitching in gold braid and some beading. I'm determined that I will complete this and the other top corner by the end of the month and I will, if only I could stop stitching the tree!

Tree of Hope for New Orleans - 15 June 2006

Tree of Hope for New Orleans - 15 June 2006
Originally uploaded by Rathgild.

This is the "Tree of Hope" that is trying to take me away from "Rose of Sharon". The threads are really lovely and the varigated silk that is used for the Rhodes stitches in the border is absolutely stunning. By the end of the month I want to have the top right scrollwork as complete as the top left and the top edge of the frame complete. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

So much for the targets!

I've stitched quite a bit of the "Tree of Hope" but only a very small amount of the "Rose of Sharon". I'm on a tight schedule with "Rose", but "Tree" is more satisfying to stitch right now. Last night I didn't do any stitching as I was too tired after work, but earlier, during my lunch break, I did about half of the backstitch on the Celtic jewel bookmark. Hopefully, I can complete that during today's lunch break. Tonight I'll take photos of the current work and post them up.

GOALS FOR JUNE

As I'm getting tardy with what I stitch and when, I've decide to set myself some goals, so here goes

1. Stitch "Rose of Sharon" 3 days a week (complete torso, head and top of arch) Failed miserably
2. Stitch "Tree of Hope" 2 days a week (complete top corner motifs) Failed but did a whole lot of the tree
3. Finish "Celtic Jewel" bookmark Done
4. Stitch "Chalk and Cheese" 1 day a week (alt with 5) (finish one mouse completely) Only just failed
5. Stitch "Scoot" 1 day a week (alt with 4) complete patchwork in top right corner) Failed miserably

That seems to be enough to be going on with. As we go though the boxes that are still to be unpacked after the move I'm finding other UFO's so I'll be getting those bundled together and adding them to the rotation.