Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Summer Stitching

Hello Friends,

I want to thank everyone who left a comment on my last post, as well as those who emailed me. I asked for support and really appreciate the caring messages you sent me. The situation with my sister is still difficult, but I'm learning to deal with it more calmly.

It's hard to believe that we've passed the halfway point in the year. Summer is in full bloom here and today is our hottest day yet. Our day lilies are providing quite a show, but our hydrangea bushes have no buds at all. Sometimes they take a summer off and we get no blossoms. I miss that beautiful blue, but remain hopeful that they'll bloom later in the summer.



So here is a bit of what I've been up to creatively. I found this embroidery pattern on Pinterest and love the birds and flowers. This picture was taken when I began embroidering, but it is more than half finished now. I'm loving the meditativeness of hand stitching on my porch, and it's also fun when done in a group, accompanied by good conversation and laughter!


I began this owl in a class called "Stitch Yourself Happy", using a pattern provided by Amy, our instructor and also a good friend. I started out with a scallop design in the wings, then changed my mind, ripped out the stitches, and began randomly filling in with long stitches of different shades of brown and tan. I'm planning to square this off and put a plaid border on it. I'll share it when I do.


Here's the finished embroidery. 


A friend in the class chose the same pattern and we enjoyed comparing our different approaches!


And I've begun a new picture, which I'm working out in my head. It will involve flowers, beads and embroidery, and I hope to share it soon. Here's a little preview!


I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful month, wherever you are and whatever you're doing. I'm looking forward to catching up on blogs to see what you've been up to!! I'd love you to leave a comment here, if just to say hello.

                           

Here's wishing you a very good week.

Judy xo