I commented this weekend to friends that I was "running fast"/juggling and they replied "so what's new?". Guess a lot of my life is like that. Just so long as I remember what is important -- friends and family, I guess I'm doing okay.
Shortly after my last post, I received a call from my cousin that her husband had died and they were having a memorial. Would I come? So off to Beaverton for the weekend. It was way better than I expected as a visit. We will see if the seeds that were planted are fruitful.
Came back to do my EGA local chapter meeting. Fun needlepoint stuff with wierd threads. Sometimes you just need to do something different!
City wide garage sale on the 29th - whew! Put out lots of stuff and lots went away. We excavated in the storage lockers and brought home about 2 dozen boxes of stuff. Some of the china I knew I wanted or is slated to go to various people - it is all washed and cleaned now. The other stuff was washed and put out for sale. Enough stuff went away that we packed down with one less box. Still no nibbles on the furniture (sigh). Will try to do another garage sale in Oct to make more stuff go away.
Put together my computer "slide" show of "Thread of Time: A Look at Needlework Throughout History". Had to put a cap at 1650 forward in order to do justice to the prior time pieces. It ran about 1 hr 15 min and I did some shortening as we moved through the presentation. Learned enough about powerpoint to do the presentation and then purchased a projector to do the presentation. Figured since I hope to do the show several times in the next year or so that it would pay for itself.
Then off to my Regional EGA weekend set of meetings - finance, board, Presidents, and Regional. Did lots of info collection to prep for the training I'm doing at the February meeting.
Missed GWW as it was opposite the EGA weekend of meetings. Will miss October Crown next year as it is opposite the EGA weekend of meetings and it is the weekend that if all goes as planned I would become Regional Director - presuming they still want me after the Feb presentation. Might be able to do GWW next year. I enjoyed the classes the last time we went.
Spent this last week catching up and having a house guest. We played a bit and then cooked like crazy in prep for Oct Crown -- 18 lamb hand pies, 24 chicken and leek hand pies and 20 apple handpies. We bought foccacia at the farmers market and Anne bought some yummy bread. We had lots of food and unfortunately lots came home. We ate well.
It rained on Friday - not bad but enough that everything was damp/wet. It stopped early evening and Saturday and Sunday were dry.
Friday evening, Will squired to Brion of Bellatrix. It was awesome!
The fighting was great. There were around 80 fighters in the list and only one unbelted was asked to cross over to the belted ranks to even the fields. The one unbelted was a woman whose partner won fighting for her. Did the needleworkers meeting. Did the Arachne's Web meeting. Presented the Kneeling carpets -- lots of awed sounds. Now to do the history of them for the history website. Received a Grant of Arms for the project. It is very nice to have one's work appreciated.
Meanwhile -- painting on our house will begin this week. This weekend we are supposed to do a Garagae Sale. Next week is my EGA meeting and all my ornaments for the fundraiser need to be finished -- 5 button/bead felt tree ornaments are embellishd, 2 of 3 of the needlepoint ornaments are stitched. Need to finish prepping for the 3 day CQ weekend - need to get at least 4 squares stitched and embellished.
Plus goldwork -- while Linn is here she is teaching a goldwork class down in San Jose. There are still slots open for it -- November 24. A lady contacted me since she was interested in goldwork. I told her Linn might be able to do a class and it seems to be happening.
So yes I am running fast. I'll post photos of the ornaments and the blocks in the upcoming weeks.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Fun Upcoming Workshop
Actually for me it will be a fun 2 weeks. My mentor Linn Skinner will be coming to the San Francisco Bay Area. Since she is here we are a taking advantage of her presence and scheduling workshops and classes.
First up is a workshop on making Artists Trading Cards (ATCs). Full details of the workshop can be found here . It is play time!!!
Then we are off to a medieval feast and then a stitching afternoon. We get to relax for a couple days and then it is Thanksgiving. We are doing the full feast with all the trimmings.
Then Linn will be doing a class at Always Quilting on some lesser know Victorian Crazy Quilt Stitches - tentatively set for Nov 23 in the afternoon. Then on the following Tuesday, Linn is giving a lecture/slide show & look at examples on 19th C. School Room Samplers.
It will be full few days with lots of stitching and laughs.
First up is a workshop on making Artists Trading Cards (ATCs). Full details of the workshop can be found here . It is play time!!!
Then we are off to a medieval feast and then a stitching afternoon. We get to relax for a couple days and then it is Thanksgiving. We are doing the full feast with all the trimmings.
Then Linn will be doing a class at Always Quilting on some lesser know Victorian Crazy Quilt Stitches - tentatively set for Nov 23 in the afternoon. Then on the following Tuesday, Linn is giving a lecture/slide show & look at examples on 19th C. School Room Samplers.
It will be full few days with lots of stitching and laughs.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Introspection - warning not my usual post
For those who are not aware, today is the eve of Rosh Hashonah - the Jewish New Year. It is said that between Rosh Hashonah and Yom Kippur, those who will live are written into the book of life. On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the book is sealed. For some this is a time for redressing old wrongs and for some this includes ensuring that all bills are paid, jobs are done or plans are set up, etc. Whatever this means it includes introspection at the very least.
For me this is a wierd time of year. On Sept 12, 1948 my parents were married. Both have now died. Sept 21st is my birthday and being in my 50's I can't help but wonder whether I've done well with my life -- spent my time here in ways that add value -- and of course what I should change in the coming year.
This year is a bit different as I am spending lots of time on family history (working with a biographer) and emptying the 2nd of 3 storage lockers. I keep getting swamped with memories. Usually this happens later in the year over the holidays.
The holiday season (November & December) is a very poignant time for me. I am an only child. My parents are gone, as are their parents and siblings. Nearly all of them either had birthdays or passed away during November/December.
In addition, most of the people who knew me and my family, have passed on as well. Over the past few years I have made some new and wonderful friends - but they don't know my past life. As time passes it matters less, but there are still moments.
The grief lessens, but does not pass completely. I grow stronger in lots of different ways, but I am very definitely NOT the same person I was 10 years ago. I am fortunate that my husband loves me and we have continued to grow together. My life is good. I am fortunate in my true friends.
I will continue to play/work in my various organizations, but not to the same level as before. I will not give my whole heart for it has been broken too many times. I will give my energies, but only when I know they will be appreciated. I will continue to value myself and perhaps even more than before.
Some have seen this as a lack of humility -- so be it! As a person I do not think I am better/more valuable, but in various aspects I am better qualified, or knowledgeable. I don't need others to validate my worth as an individual although I find I want their respect. If others can't see the distinction, then I can no longer waste time and energy on them. I am strong enough to walk my own path.
I truly believe in the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I will try to set aside past negative experiences and move forward on my path. I can only change me. I want my life to be positive and will work it make it so.
For me this is a wierd time of year. On Sept 12, 1948 my parents were married. Both have now died. Sept 21st is my birthday and being in my 50's I can't help but wonder whether I've done well with my life -- spent my time here in ways that add value -- and of course what I should change in the coming year.
This year is a bit different as I am spending lots of time on family history (working with a biographer) and emptying the 2nd of 3 storage lockers. I keep getting swamped with memories. Usually this happens later in the year over the holidays.
The holiday season (November & December) is a very poignant time for me. I am an only child. My parents are gone, as are their parents and siblings. Nearly all of them either had birthdays or passed away during November/December.
In addition, most of the people who knew me and my family, have passed on as well. Over the past few years I have made some new and wonderful friends - but they don't know my past life. As time passes it matters less, but there are still moments.
The grief lessens, but does not pass completely. I grow stronger in lots of different ways, but I am very definitely NOT the same person I was 10 years ago. I am fortunate that my husband loves me and we have continued to grow together. My life is good. I am fortunate in my true friends.
I will continue to play/work in my various organizations, but not to the same level as before. I will not give my whole heart for it has been broken too many times. I will give my energies, but only when I know they will be appreciated. I will continue to value myself and perhaps even more than before.
Some have seen this as a lack of humility -- so be it! As a person I do not think I am better/more valuable, but in various aspects I am better qualified, or knowledgeable. I don't need others to validate my worth as an individual although I find I want their respect. If others can't see the distinction, then I can no longer waste time and energy on them. I am strong enough to walk my own path.
I truly believe in the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I will try to set aside past negative experiences and move forward on my path. I can only change me. I want my life to be positive and will work it make it so.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Crazy Quilting and more
Some of you know that Sharon Boggins is coming to the US next year. HURRAH! Our SF Bay Area will be one of her stops. To ensure that anyone who wants to take her classes has the necessary prerequisites, the shop Always Quilting and I are putting on a CQ Retreat weekend. The shop wanted something to display so I worked madly and put together the front panel for a hussif (Victorian sewing roll). It still needs some more embellishment, but I didn't want the example to be tooooooo challenging to newbie CQ people. So consider these to be "in process" pics. The piece is set for a finished size of 25" long and 8" wide.
Next up, is to do 4 to 6 blocks - 8" blocks with the set of agreed upon stitches. I have 3 patterns the shop made in their EQ6 program from which I'll make card pattern pieces. Since we will give these to the students, I had better test them out first. Then I'll do a couple blocks freeform. The shop also gave me an advance pack of fat quarters for the new Kaufman fabrics designed by Judith Montano Baker. I also purchased some silks from the JMB collection from Treenway silks. I have some additional threads I'll probably add in, but at least the base will have a predetermined set of color matches.
In case anyone is wondering, I do my CQ embroidering using Qsnaps. I find that they work better on square/rectangular things. I like being able to see all/most of what I am working on to avoid working myself into a corner/block.
However, I can't get started on the blocks until next week. We are off this weekend to an invitational only tournament. It promises to be hot - 90-100 all weekend (nights in the mid-60's). Haven't figured what project I'll take with me. The site has a red clay dirt so I don't think I'll take the lace (LOL). I have some alpaca in a reddish color - the whole fleece, that needs spinning so maybe that will be an idea. For now, off to finish the 2nd chair cover and to unearth ALL the banners -- 2 for the pavilion, 2 for the field decoration poles, 2 for the feast hall. Wish we had a new gambeson and fighting over tunic for Will. Oh well, next time.
Next up, is to do 4 to 6 blocks - 8" blocks with the set of agreed upon stitches. I have 3 patterns the shop made in their EQ6 program from which I'll make card pattern pieces. Since we will give these to the students, I had better test them out first. Then I'll do a couple blocks freeform. The shop also gave me an advance pack of fat quarters for the new Kaufman fabrics designed by Judith Montano Baker. I also purchased some silks from the JMB collection from Treenway silks. I have some additional threads I'll probably add in, but at least the base will have a predetermined set of color matches.
In case anyone is wondering, I do my CQ embroidering using Qsnaps. I find that they work better on square/rectangular things. I like being able to see all/most of what I am working on to avoid working myself into a corner/block.
However, I can't get started on the blocks until next week. We are off this weekend to an invitational only tournament. It promises to be hot - 90-100 all weekend (nights in the mid-60's). Haven't figured what project I'll take with me. The site has a red clay dirt so I don't think I'll take the lace (LOL). I have some alpaca in a reddish color - the whole fleece, that needs spinning so maybe that will be an idea. For now, off to finish the 2nd chair cover and to unearth ALL the banners -- 2 for the pavilion, 2 for the field decoration poles, 2 for the feast hall. Wish we had a new gambeson and fighting over tunic for Will. Oh well, next time.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Pictures as Promised
Whew!!! Stopping for a quick break to fulfill the promise made a few posts ago.
For June Crown I made lanyards on some awls as thank-yous to the ladies who did the embroidery for the Kneeling Carpets. Each is done on the muradai rather than fingerloop braiding. I could get a more even tension and it gave me practice for kumihimo.
As a gift to our current Queen, Kaaren, some of us did bits of embroidery to go on her persian coat. I was assigned a rose. We were given the threads, fabric premarked, and complete discretion on stitches. I did the outlines in stem/outline stitch, filled with chain for the petals, a version of leaf for the leaves, outline for the accents, and beads for the center. I also whipped the outer petals with gold thread. It reads pretty well for a piece approximately 4" in diameter. It must have been okay since it was placed on the center front right panel top -- just under where a belt would be placed.
At A&S I turned into Her Majesty Kaaren the gift bag for Pennsic. Our giftee was Atenvelt. I was assured by Their Majesties that the bag would be a point of contention for the recipients (as in which Majesty would get to keep the bag). I can only hope so --- LOL! It is made of heavy blue wool with gold wool applique. It was large enough for a 4" binder. I did the applique accents in black silk. Other accents are in gold and blue wool threads.
More on my latest project anon.
For June Crown I made lanyards on some awls as thank-yous to the ladies who did the embroidery for the Kneeling Carpets. Each is done on the muradai rather than fingerloop braiding. I could get a more even tension and it gave me practice for kumihimo.
As a gift to our current Queen, Kaaren, some of us did bits of embroidery to go on her persian coat. I was assigned a rose. We were given the threads, fabric premarked, and complete discretion on stitches. I did the outlines in stem/outline stitch, filled with chain for the petals, a version of leaf for the leaves, outline for the accents, and beads for the center. I also whipped the outer petals with gold thread. It reads pretty well for a piece approximately 4" in diameter. It must have been okay since it was placed on the center front right panel top -- just under where a belt would be placed.
At A&S I turned into Her Majesty Kaaren the gift bag for Pennsic. Our giftee was Atenvelt. I was assured by Their Majesties that the bag would be a point of contention for the recipients (as in which Majesty would get to keep the bag). I can only hope so --- LOL! It is made of heavy blue wool with gold wool applique. It was large enough for a 4" binder. I did the applique accents in black silk. Other accents are in gold and blue wool threads.
More on my latest project anon.
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