A Different Type of Stitching

After all the historically focused stitching and deadline stitching of the last couple months, I am taking a short break. Yes I need to do my column which will be on Interlace, but I've got a couple weeks to get it done.

As you know I've been playing with quilting. Crazy quilting in particular. I am coordinating the visit of Sharon Boggins from In a Minute Ago when she comes to the San Francisco Bay Area in June 2008. As part of this I am working with a quilt shop - Always Quilting. Before Sharon's class we will need to have had a series of how to build a block classes, something the store does on a regular basis, and some basic embroidery classes. So some how I'm teaching basics for Redwork next week. To that end, I'm stitching a butterfly. I'm using some of the Dinky Dyes overdyed silk threads which are always a joy to use. I'm doing stem/outline stitch in single and double threads, satin stitch, and will do a bit of back stitch too. I'm thinking of doing a series of butterflys like a redwork quilt, but we will have to see if time permits.

I am also doing a teacher exchange with the smocking guild the following week. Need to redesign my basic blackwork handout and remind myself of its historical application to smocking (need that patter or is that blather).

Then as if I don't have enough on my plate, at the EGA region meeting our workshop coordinator handed out a "Petite Project" with a challenge to bring it back to the June meeting. It is pulled and drawnwork. The instructions are lousy, but I can figure out what they want done. She handed out Jobelin fabric and pearl cotton. I'm using the fabric (blech!), but since I had some of the Dinky Dyes cottons handy... I've had a series of nasty colds so stitching something brainless has been good therapy.

I am supposed to receive the pre-work for the England trip class in the next couple weeks as well. Then since my column deadline is while I'm away, I need to get that column done asap as well. Meanwhile back to writing up the instructions for joining the kneeling carpets. It should have been done last month, but it is hard to think with a head cold.

On a Valentine's note, my honey wants us to go to the Cyprian's Ball this weekend so he can "pick me up". Every one say "ahhhhhhh". Lots of waltzing, hope the head is clear by then.