Next project - Mystery Sampler!

I've decided that I will only actively work on a few projects at a time: one on stretcher bars or a frame, on "in hand" project and one to work on when going places like waiting for appointments or when DH is driving on trips.

Right now, the Irises piece is my "in hand" item. I've got a cute little Christmas stocking ornament of a triceratops for traveling. And my next framed piece will be - Tada! Gay Ann Rogers' Mystery Sampler I. Here is how far I made it before I quit stitching:

Found a Forgotten Stitch Piece!

When I went to get out my next project, I found a piece I finished ten years ago and had totally forgotten! I don't even remember what it was called, and only vaguely remember stitching it. Pretty nice, if I do say so myself, and I have no where to use it. Maybe if we build a house, it can go in the formal dining room.

Finished Windermere! Sad Story attached...

I finished Windermere this afternoon! The first needlework project I have completed in years - I had forgotten how great that feels!


WARNING - SAD STORY!

I would have finished it last night but while stitching on it, I kept hearing all sorts of noise outside. The crows were mobbing the red shouldered hawk who kept complaining about their harrassment. In the middle of this ruckus, there was another cry. I figured it was another kind of bird, especially since when I went out on the deck, it sounded as if it was up in the trees, traveling away.

Then the strange cry came from the other side of the house. When I went to look, Edmund, DH's cat was carrying some animal in his mouth. Then I realized he had a baby wild bunny that was kicking and screaming. I ran out and rescued the poor little guy. Called the Wildlife Rescue guys and they sent me to the animal hospital that does their work. Bunny was still alive when I dropped him off, but I am not sure he will make it. So sad.

This morning when I went out to feed the horses, there were blowflies outside - that usually means something's dead. So I wonder if there was more than one bunny and the hawk got the one I thought was in the trees. I don't want to look for any...

Needlework Progress

I'm back to stitching! Right now I am mainly working on two projects - Irises from a chart by Carolyn Meacham. I'm stitching it with DMC cotton floss on 24 count canvas. Mostly I have background and a little backstitching to finish.



















And the Windermere class project by Susan Reed. This is stitched on 18 count canvas with linen thread, Caron Waterlilies, Balger ribbon, beads and DMC floss. It has pulled thread bands alternating with stitched bands using some of Susan Reeds wonderful techniques. I have to stitch beads on Band 6 and some stitching and beading on Band 8 - then I will be finished!