Feather Stitching

Well, today is the day I officially start my Christmas ornament SAL – first time I’ve ever attempted to do an ornie, and looking forward to the challenge. I was originally going to stitch the MH stand-up Xmas tree, but realised I don’t have enough thread to finish it, so I may wait to start that one next month, and try a little ornament this week instead. I had to run out and buy a little MH ornament kit, ‘cos my ornie mags haven’t arrived yet … well, I couldn’t not start ‘something’ could I? That’s my excuse for another enabling trip – also checking out threads for my overseas exchange for the 2005 ornie issue.

Thanks for your comments on my basket of pincushions – I have to admit, I’ve wanted a display basket for ages … just didn’t have the impetus to finally finish the contents. It’s true, I am really glad I finally made the effort to get them completed – and I’m not going to let myself put off finishing that long again … in fact on Friday I have the remaining couple to finish off – and it’s my day off again, so there’s no excuse haha.

Gina e, if I still have the peacock chart, you’re more than welcome to it. I have to admit, that pincushion is my favourite one too – and the very first one I ever made. It was a small kit, but from the memory the chart showed the DMC thread numbers. Anyway, if I did still keep it, it’ll be in NZ still – but I’ll ask Mum to track it down among my folders (yeah, Mum, yet another thing for you to bring back with you when you visit haha). Sometimes lately, if it’s a freebie chart or something, I’ve been throwing it out after stitching it (shock, horror, I know!) – but I’m pretty sure I kept this one.

Sharlee, the hummingbird one was a Just Nan freebie chart – I’m trying to remember how I got that one … it might have been among a pile of freebie charts when I went to a XS festival in the States, in which case I got 3 sets with the classes I attended – otherwise it was just one I got given free with buying something else. I know in this case I definitely threw my chart out that I was stitching from – again, I’ll get Mum to try and hunt through my things at ‘home’, as I seem to remember those freebie charts were in a folder of finishing techniques from a class with Martha Beth Lewis, and I wouldn’t mind having those notes over here to learn from.

Anneke, you’re more than welcome to use my pincushion basket piccie on your blog. Thanks for asking .

My shifts this week allow me to have Fri/Sat off, which will be a nice change, as I’ve been working the last four weekends – although I’ve put my name down for overtime … have to be mad! Mind you, if it comes through, it’ll only be for 4 hours work, and I still have the rest of the day free. Overtime is pretty much non-existent at the moment, so any opportunity is fantastic – and now I’m living on my own my expenses have essentially tripled, so the extra few dollars is nice in the bank … and allows me a bit of personal spending (ie, stitching stash haha).

Hopefully today will see a lot of the people returned from Bali – Qantas put on extra planes just to get people back, which is really positive. I also realised when I got to work yesterday, ‘cos I hadn’t seen her before she flew out, that one of my best mates at work flew out on Thursday for Bali, so she’s one of the ones flying home early. Luckily she wasn’t in the area when the bombs hit, but still prefers to come back home – and who can blame them?

Well, today is a relatively overcast day in Melbourne – although the sun keeps trying to get through. I’m going to spend an hour stitching on my little ornament, which probably won’t make much of a dent, then have a bit of a walk before heading out to work. I have an exam at 9pm tonight (!!!) for a job application I’ve made. Usually I’m a ‘normal’ consultant for the airline call centre, but I act as a ‘reliever’ on the Supervisors Hotline – this is basically a help desk for the consultants to call when they get stuck, need technical help with the computer, help quoting fares/reissuing tickets, and just basically finding everything/answering all and sundry questions, we’re also the hotline for the airports etc worldwide when they need help, and also act as a ‘supervisor’ when complaint calls escalate to “I want to speak to a supervisor’ … it’s pretty full-on, and can be draining, but I generally love it. I love the coaching aspects of dealing with the staff, but dislike the complaints side (as I’m sure most people would) … but there has finally been a vacancy come free for a permanent Hotliner, and along with the 20-odd others, I’m applying. Even if I don’t get it, it’s all good experience … but I have to pass the exam first to even get through the interview stage. I think 9pm is a bit harsh for a difficult exam, but at least it’ll all be over today …

Rightio, off to stitch my ornie …

My free time today has been cut short – thanks to idiotic terrorist activity in Bali. What is wrong with the world today? I won’t start on a tirade … but it just amazes me how small factions of people can turn the world so much on its head, and destroy so many lives of ordinary, good people. Just got a call from work as the phones are inundated, asking us all if we can come into work early to help out – I’m already on a 3-11pm shift today, which is pretty tiring, so I’ve offered an extra 2 hours before I start – which means my free time today is gone … and only have time for a quick update to my blog.

I just wanted to say thanks again for all the comments you’ve been leaving – it’s really supportive, and lovely to come home to. Also thanks and “welcome” to the new readers – thanks for making yourselves known … it’s nice to grow the circle of blogging friendship.

Katrina – nice to see a ‘familiar face’ here. I’m pretty new to blogging, but really enjoying it so far – but have loads to learn re setups etc. Thanks also for your kind comments – and you’ve been added to my blog favourites … I was just in the middle of starting to read when I got my call from work – will read more when I get home and unwind 🙂

Karenv – I agree, the colours of Dena work pretty well. I was enjoying stitching it earlier before it became a UFO – I think I got fed up with the weaving of those darned metallic ribbons … but now I’ve finished the latest outer band I really love it again. Hopefully it won’t be too far off being finished – I might stitch this on Tuesday nights for a couple of weeks just to try and get it completed. Stitching Bits & Bobs have a 25% sale off at the moment, and I’m soooooo tempted to get the Summer into Autumn kit that’s sitting there … yours has just tempted me way too much LOL.

Nicole – I love your Bingo analogy about my UFO system … sometimes, though, you dread having THAT number come up ‘cos you hate stitching on it. I have to admit, though, I’m seriously thinking of ditching any UFO’s that make me feel that bad, eg my bullion rose facecloth. What’s the point of stitching something that doesn’t give pleasure – and in fact gives you a feeling of dread every time you think about it.

I have to say, I agree with a previous comment, that you could give the finished items to a charity – and that’s probably what I’m going to do with the Stoney Creek Resting Place piece … it’ll never grace my walls, but it would be a shame to throw it out. I gave it’s face a good wash in Orvus, and a lot of the marks have come out – hopefully by the time that area is stitched, it will take the focus away from the marks – time will tell, anyway.

I also love the Lizzie Kate “Boo” – and very tempted to buy it one day. I’m not a huge LK fan, but this one really catches my eye and says “stitch me!”. I laughed when you mentioned the basket full of needlerolls … I’m just finishing the stitching on my very first one to add to the basket – might have to take you up on the suggestion and many oodles more haha.

Erin – as I commented on your own blog, your Spring Peepers is gorgeous … I really love the green thread for the backstitched frogs – much better than the original gold that I used.

Jenna/Beckysc – thanks so much for your kind comments as always.

Cathy – nice to see another new face. I have to admit, I’m new to canvaswork too, and only attempted a couple of pieces – mainly just small pieces in tent stitch. Dena is my most ambitious one, though, and I’m enjoying trying out different stitches and threads – a couple are now in my ‘dislike intently’ category, though! LOL. I’m on the Mystery Sampler board too (EGA) … but haven’t started yet hmmm.

Lelia – I went on a hunt for Patricks Woods charts and found some lovely ones … I think I’m going to end up adding some more to my wishlist even if I never stitch them haha. I have to say I LOVE the idea of adding a button or something to cover the cord joins – very cunning idea!! Now I know why people add tassels etc when they’re not going to hang up … just to cover up teehee.

Sorry this is just a quick ‘catch up’ mainly to answer peoples comments – and apologies if I’ve forgotten to answer any comments or missed anyone out – but gotta dash and get ready for work now – looks like it’s going to be a busy night, unfortunately … more unfortunate for those families that are being affected. For people out there who have been affected by such dire events as this new Bali bombing, and the recent hurricanes, my thoughts are with you all … Sometimes it’s good to keep these events in mind, to see what so many have lost and are coping with – it helps to keep your own private trials and tribulations in perspective …

Dena 

For some reason I can’t upload a photo either by blogger upload, or by using Hello/Picasa … mutter mutter mutter. I’ve never tried adding a ‘link’ on here before, but I’ll try and see if it works, just in case anyone’s interested in seeing it – and I’ll try and upload it again tomorrow. Here is today’s version of Dena.

I really need to learn more about this technology on blogging … for the life of me I still can’t work out how to insert photos into the side bar etc either hmmmm.

Today has been a fantastic day stitching-wise, but a shocking day housework-wise … what I should have been doing on my day off is my housework for the week – but instead the needle won over the vacuum cleaner haha. Oh well, such is life – luckily I only have to answer to myself when the chores don’t get done 🙂

I have to admit, I am now putting aside “Dena” – I only have the final band to go now, but it includes yet more of that dastardly thread weaving, and I think I’ve faced all the weaving I can for this week! Never mind, if it’s really well behaved this week, I might bring it back out on Tuesday night for UFO night again and have another small attack at it. Unless something else takes my eye – I’m so easily distracted by my many projects underway haha.

Thank you to everyone that has been leaving comments on my blog – it is so gratefully received … I can’t believe how many wonderful needlewomen I’ve met in such a short time of blogging. After living on my own for the first time, I don’t feel a lack of company at all – I come home to lots of chatting and camaraderie from yourselves and other online groups I belong to, and it’s really wonderful fun. In answer to some of your comments:

Karenv – Glad to hear my UFO plan might be of interest to you. I have to admit, some weeks it took me a lot of personal drive to actually stitch some of the ‘horrible’ ones, but even if you put just one thread into the fabric over the night, it’s one step closer to finishing 🙂 And I still can’t believe that Summer Into Autumn chart is from The Drawn Thread … I’ve been checking out online sources today to track it down. Enabling is great!

Sharlee – Wasn’t that thunder and lightning amazing? I have to admit, when I first left work I spoke to my ex-flatmate who was on late shift, and was telling him what I was about to drive towards. He thought it was fantastic … um, no, I kept telling him – I was wetting myself all the way home driving into it, I hate driving in that sort of weather … I don’t mind it when I’m tucked up safely indoors and can try to ignore it’s happening! My mate ate his words later, though, as the storm hit the eastern ‘burbs and knocked out all their power … ended up frying one of the fuses, and their fridge/freezer has been out of action all night – yikes! Re my stitching, every now and then I’m disciplined … but mostly I chucked the rule books out the window, and just stitch what I feel like 🙂 It will be nice to clear out some old UFO’s though …

Beckysc – Thanks heaps for your comments about Dena – I have to admit since I finished the thread weaving this arvo, she started looking a bit brighter in my eyes as well.

Jenna – You certainly can take the full blame for getting me to order the 2004 JCS ornie issue … shame on you haha. I can’t wait to see the other ornaments in there – I’ve never made one before, and looking forward to other enticements in both that issue and the 2005 one 🙂

Cathymk – I have to say I was suitably impressed with the grab bag from Country Stitch. Which FOTM did you order? I ordered the plain fabrics initially, but I’m wondering whether I should change to the hand-dyeds … I really like the ones I got in the grab bag … hmmm decisions decisions!

Lelia – I’ll have to check out the other Patrick’s Woods designs – that threadwinder case pattern sounds intriguing … I’ve still got my original DMC threads on floss bobbins, but eventually replacing them with the new plastic holders that hold the full skein (the name escapes me at the moment … Gold concept??). Yippee, more enabling coming up – gotta love it!

Well, better hit the hay for the night – have made myself promise not to spend all night on the computer for a change. Instead I’ve been stitching, which is positive – and I have one more DVD to watch before I get to sleep … my best mate used to call my bedroom in the old flat “Shackbuster”, ‘cos I have so many movies at home it was like a Blockbuster video hire store in there! I love stitching to movies – it just plays in the background, and I look up every now and then when changing threads. I also love talking books for the same reason – I love reading, and that means I can ‘read’ and stitch at the same time … great time management, and kills two birds with one stone.

About 3 years ago I designated Tuesday night as “UFO night” – originally I had a numerical list of all my unfinished stitching projects. I got serious and numbered tiddlywink discs with the same list of numbers – on Tuesday night each week I drew a number out of the ‘barrel’, and whatever project had that number, that was the one I had to stitch on that night. I figure this was the only way I could force myself to stitch those UFO’s I’d come to detest. Well, it worked OK for a while, and I managed to even finish a couple of UFO’s that way, but I’ve pretty much fallen off the UFO wagon over the last 2 years since moving to Aussie.

Last night I decided to reinstate the tradition – but instead of drawing a number out of the barrel, I opted instead to actually choose which UFO I wanted to work on. In this case I picked out my old canvaswork piece called “Dena” by Orna Willis. No sooner had I pinned the canvas to the frame, and clamped it into the floor stand, and started reading the chart, than I remembered why this became a UFO in the first place … loads and loads of ‘weaving’ of threads … yuck!! Anyway, I figured I couldn’t back out now … I was already sat in my recliner ready to stitch – I just had to bite the bullet and get on with it! In actual fact, I eventually got into a rhythm, and finished one band, and got part-way through another one. I figure I’m going to continue stitching this one for another night or two – it would be lovely to get this one finished and out of the way before I start my Christmas SAL next week. And I seem to be on a roll stitching-wise, so I might as well strike while the iron’s hot, so to speak!

And what better weather to sit and stitch to … driving home tonight the sky was lit up amazingly by lightning – and on the last street before reaching home it started pelting the car with hail, and you couldn’t see two feet in front of you thanks to the torrential downpour! I only have a few paces to walk between my carpark and the building, and in such a short space of time I managed to get a thorough drenching – unbelievable! Mind you, it seems to have eased off now, and is undoubtedly terrorising some other part of Melbourne with its energy.

One other great thing happened tonight – I recently rejoined Ebay just to find a copy of the 2004 JCS Ornament issue … well today I actually won my first ever bid from a UK supplier, so hopefully my copy will soon be winging it’s way across the oceans. After seeing The Sweetheart Tree’s ornament in another blog, I really really wanted to stitch it … I had no choice but to track it down and buy it! LOL. And hopefully I’ll soon be completing another exchange for the 2005 JCS issue … plus today is officially my Friday – tomorrow is the weekend for me – the day just doesn’t get any better than this! 🙂