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
Oh I do love looking into your world, Judy. Your art always brings a smile and a deep sigh of gratitude for being able to know you. (Coincidentally, my hydrangeas, pink when they choose to bloom, are blooming better this summer than in all the time I've been here.)
ReplyDeleteGot to say the background fabric of your floral work in progress is stunning. Please share progress reports… I learn so much from seeing them. Can't wait to see the finished piece.
I'm so grateful you have your creativity to bring you some calm in the storms of your present life. Bless you.
Your owl is the cutest. I'm glad you are working on new creative challenges to keep your spirits up. We took Jacob to watch fireworks for the first time on Sunday. It was magical to see his face lit up in delight.
ReplyDeleteHello Judy! I am glad things are settling down with your sister a little. Just know that you are doing the best that you can possibly do for her. That is all you can do. It is lovely to see all the stitching you have been up to and I like the different ways in which the owl was stitched too! That is a very pretty flower in the bottom photo. Enjoy your weekend. x
ReplyDeleteforgot to mention how much I love your header!
ReplyDeleteYour fingers tell stories:)
ReplyDeleteAnd your eyes find the magic.
Thanks for sharing, Judy:)
-Jennifer
What fun! I love your owl. I wish I could embrace embroidering. I do so love embroidery, but I've never been able to get comfortable with the act of it. I know I'd get better with practice, but I don't really like the fact that my clumsiness draws blood (and bleeding on your piece isn't so good). I hope you'll share the finished birds and flowers, too. Such a sweet design!
ReplyDeleteAnd I look forward to seeing the progress on your new flowery picture, too.
Queen Anne's Lace is one of my favorites and I just noticed a little plant growing tall at the edge of the lawn where I didn't reach it with the lawn mower.
Hope your week was lovely!
Hi Judy,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that you are healing yourself with creativity. I love to embroider but I haven't for years. As a child, I would spend a large part of each summer with an embroidery project. It is so relaxing. I hope to pick it up again one day when the madness passes.
Since we are closing down our office in 3 months and also plan to sell our home after that, I have been gradually weeding out things that will not be moving with us. It is a slow process but I think it will be easier to make the transitions if it is done previous to our transitions.We are looking forward to our future with excitement and some trepidation.
I love the new picture you are starting. Can hardly wait to see the finished product.
Love, Julie