So Much to do So Little Time to Stitch, But Wait there is more

Went to my local EGA yesterday. The class was smocking and even though I've taken classes decided to take another. Things are finally beginning to really make sense on the stitches - hurrah.

I opened my mouth and volunteered again (sigh). They desparately needed someone to do the set up for the local touring sewing/craft/quilting/embroidery expo. So I'll set up (with the wonderful husband - with strong back and car that can carry everything) and then go back the next day and sit table.

They also were taking sign ups for a Crazy Quilt Bargello Class with Beth Gardner and Susan Hulme. A 2 day class which uses bargello as a method for teaching color theory. I think I understand a lot about colors, but it never hurts to learn more. So went off to purchase the 40 DMC skeins it calls for, but couldn't find 3 (grump) even after hitting 3 stores. The class is either 18 ct or Congress Cloth. Since I have Congress Cloth at home, I'll use it even though every one else is using 18 ct. Also I have many of the colors in silk so may take some to substitute. It was very interesting picking out the colors - lots of "poison colors" in addition to the color runs. The class also calls for "a variety of metallics" so guess it is stash raiding time. Will have the husband put the fabric on the stretcher bars this weekend since they insist on using them. I much prefer to do needlepoint in hand and then do the blocking thing.

Also "volunteered" to be the back up teacher for the March meeting. They think they have someone, but no confirmation as yet. So thinking quick decided a voided work book mark would be just the thing - something people can have fun with, use, and finish in this life time. Now to design it just in case. I have commercial bookmarks at home that I pick up on spec for my blackwork classes. Prefer the 14 ct to the 18 ct for teaching beginners usually but will need to see what works best for the voided work. I'm thinking some of the leaf patterns out there would work well.

Our own Linn http://www.skinnersisters.com is the May class - one of her blackwork with metallic ornaments. I'm excited about her Thistle Sampler. Her Rose Sampler is one of my favorites, if I can only find the time to do it.

Still need to finish the Goldwork band and the accompanying blackwork band for my dress. Need to finish the Reticella napkin and do the class handout and model - April. Need to develop the Metal Thread Couching class on Coils and Tendrils - Oct Crown. Need to develop the 3 raised stitches class - Detached Buttonhole, Trellis and Hollie Point - Oct Collegium. Not to mention working on the stitch database - what stitch used how and when for the June Class. Think this will be a busy year.

Back from the Frozen North

We had a wonderful time in the very frozen north - Anchorage Alaska to be precise. The high when we were there was 0 degrees. Yes that is 0 degrees. Okay I'm exaggerating. I think it actually hit 8 degrees one day. Much too cold for this San Francisco native.

Good friends. Good food. Great bardics (sitting around singing songs, poems, etc.) Managed to infect 10 more people with my "goldwork" passion. All in all a good thing.

Came back to the stomach flu - not fun. No brain left and no energy for stitching. Maybe by this weekend I'll feel like stitching again.

A Change In Plans - Alaska here we come

Our medieval group has a big event in Anchorage next weekend. We have very good friends there and have been wanting to visit. So...husband managed to get the all clear for time off work and 2 hours later the plans were made to go to Alaska.

Having made that change, then sent email off to others who were asking if we were coming and said yes. Then I needed to make good on my offer to teach one of the ladies basic goldwork. Now it seems I'm teaching a class of 10 on Saturday. Time to look at the handout which is 2 years old and revise it.

I've been wanting to do a fun modern piece with metal thread and laidwork - an altoids tin topper. Started in on Thursday and have been working evenings on it. Might even have most of it done to take as a show piece. Not what I'm supposed to get done, but its fun!

Now off to prepare to pack - 3 medieval gowns with all the accoutrements plus regular clothes. Hi today is 19 degrees so need to haul out the cold weather gear.
Now is that one or 2 suitcases just for me for 6 days?

12th Night - whew... I Survived!!

Sew Prep Sew Prep... right up to the night before 12th Night. Of course neither the collar/cuffs nor the gold piece was finished, but we put them out for display anyway. Received lots of good feedback on them. Here is a pic of the goldwork taken on Thursday - Jan 2 before I fixed a couple mistakes and did a couple more rows.

Husband managed to put the cuffs together and put in the collar, but the shirt was not completed. The blackwork looks really good if I do say so when incorporated into the shirt.


Went to the hotel on Friday afternoon after cooking all Fri AM. Made 2 batches of chicken hand pies (recipes on website) and a medieval chickpea recipe that is good hot or cold. Bought bread and dessert since I had spent Thursday sewing. Really need to figure out that cloning thing or bi-location.

Fri eve was confirming that all the tables and arrangements were in place for Saturday's happenings and dinner with friends. Then back to the room for more sewing. Up early Saturday. Breakfast in room. Then take 6 loads of stuff down to the event. Thank heavens for the husband and luggage cart. Set up the various display tables and our feast table. The rest of Saturday is a bit of a blur - court, hosting friends, answering questions, answering more questions, encouraging people to compete in the days events, getting the competitions judged, making court presentations, and THEN the display/prize portion of the event. It all went well and was well received.

People liked my goodies (candles and bath salts). The surprising favorite was the "Fighter Soak" - epsom and other bath salts with eucalyptus oil. Received some lovely gifties in return. I'm sure I forgot to give something to someone so will take a few of the leftovers to the next couple events.

Sunday - drive home and unpack the car. Today I'm finally feeling alive again. Plan on doing more work on the gold this week and maybe the Reticella piece. Received some validation on the "takes bloody long" part of doing the Reticella piece. A friend is doing a 10" x 2" cutwork piece and experiencing the same.