Survey Time

This is a study out of MIT. They NEEEEEED people to take the survey so please log in - click below. I won't spoil it for you, but for those of us who are interested in human interaction, I think you will find the study interesting and I'm very curious about the results. The larger the pool, the better. Thanks for your time.

They Liked It!

It seems they like the project I've been working on. I didn't want to announce the project until I was sure it would be sufficiently done in time to enter the competition. The competition was Underpinnings and I won (big grin) with the project although it is not quite finished (2nd hose needs lace and foot).

The project was/is a pair of hosen (stockings). The idea came from Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlocked by Janet Arnold. They show a pair of 16th C. Italian Linen Hose with embroidery.
While I did win in a field of 7, it feels really good because all the judges were very hard and I received high scores. (Happy dance)

The ladies who did the fabulous rose pouches also like the bookmarks. I managed to finish them after the entry was submitted (and yes I was sewing until the last minute) and after the meeting. Saturday was very busy.

We topped it off with a nice quiet dinner with friends. I cooked lamb with artichokes, couscous (and rice for the none-gluten people), gilded garbanzos (saffron), and one lady made a fabulous custard pie with almond milk and dates. It was a long day after a long week, but rewarding.

Now off to do my column, prep for the 2 classes I am teaching at A&S (buttons and Voided Work), and maybe another entry or 2. Who knows :) I have 25 days after all. That does include, a garage sale, getting things posted to ebay, my local EGA Board meeting at my home, by husband's birthday party/BBQ (looks like 25 people), and hosting visiting family. July will be busy.

The Process of Creative Thought

Several months ago I offered to create thank-yous for the people who are doing major projects for the Guild. I had seen and ordered silver bookmarks and wanted to do some sort of beaded tassel thingie as the decoration. Bought the bookmarks. I buy beads that fit the medieval bead look- feel - profile whenever I see good ones, so I have a stash. Then came the hard part -- the decision of what to design for the tassel thingie.

Looked at the single large bead with thread tassel. Looked at the several beads on a cord of various types with knot or no knots between. Looked at beads on a ribbon - actually lots of different ribbon styles. Finally settled on a style after lots of experimentation.

Managed to make 8 yesterday. Broke 5 #24 needles (used to thread the ribbon through the beads) in the process. Need to do 18 by Friday. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute (grin). I'll take a picture and post it of the total batch.

For now back to sewing -- yes it is also due Friday.

Explanations Not Excuses

Got back from the trip. Had cases lined up to do immediately. Then decompression. Been running fast ever since.

Yes I'm stitching, but I'm going to keep it a secret until it is finished. Then I'll share all. Needless to say it took time to research. Time to decide on the design. Time to plan the stitches and threads. Since I haven't had a lot of extra time, I've been fitting it in here and there. Fortunately (or unfortunately) it has been pledge break time on PBS. There have been some good programs to keep me company when I could find the time to stitch.

Still not all caught up from the trip. It is hard to regain the reins of so many desparate activities. Need to followup on all the (it seems like the proverbial 20 million) little things that make up daily life. Really need to get stuff back up on ebay. My store items either expired or sold while I was away. Need to finish planning my next column on historic cross stitch. Proofed the one submitted last. Hope the picture is good enough for you all to see the marvelous detail and effect of the metallic threads. It was really difficult to get a good clear picture. Need to prep for the next garage sale. I promised the husband that we would be able to park in the garage this winter......

Bought some wonderful wool and cotton threads. Wish I had time to do more inkle weaving. Managed to get one afternoon to sit and knit with a friend. I had forgotten so much (well it has been nearly 40 years since I knitted) and I needed a primer. It was a lovely relaxing afternoon -- very civilized.

Need to blog more. Need to prep for June Crown -- I'm giving a dinner party with all medieval/renaissance foods. Need to finish the beaded thank-yous for the 18 people in the Guild who are doing Rose Pouches for Pennsic. Need to get out the invites for the husband's birthday bash in July. Lots to do!