New Studio Workspace Wall

Just yesterday I finally finished finding new homes for everything in the shelving unit and work table wall.  Took a little doing...and of course things needed to be sorted through and reorganized. This wall is for all my needlework and other media books, etc. and mixed media supplies.  The other wall, which is stricting threads and needlework supplies, is yet to be redone.

The shelving unit is the largest Expedit from Ikea.  The table top attaches to it any where along the width, so I can change my mind about its location.  We also got two spots and a table lamp for my computer table.  But, my favorite is my new work chair.  It looks cool and is really comfortable. 

I've been using the work table for about a week and it's a good size for one project at 30" X 40".  Now all we need (for now) is the slightly smaller Expedit shelving unit for the other wall (to replace the existing shelves) and several bins which just fit the cubicles.  Then more organizing of course. 

This Friday through Sunday is our first Creative Stitchers Retreat!  I have been finishing up a few special items for it and am really looking forward to it!  But before that can happen my daughter and her husband are moving Wednesday.  We are not helping them this time on their actual "move day" but we will be driving up to Santa Rosa (about 60 miles away) the next day to help unpack.  They have been living about 5 miles away for a few years now.  It will be really hard to get used to having them further away, but I know they will like the climate much better....Pacifica is very foggy!  Also, several of their good friends live close by. 

I am back to stitching after a few weeks of working of kit preparation.  Three pieces are going to the framers tomorrow!! Then back to the Bargello Pear and planning for a new geometric design. 

I hope to post photos from the retreat early next week.  Have a great week!

New Stitchers Gallery

I couldn't wait to announce the first page in the new STITCHERS GALLERY:  Bargello Arrows. You probably saw the group picture which was posted yesterday.  The beautiful pillow below was stitched by Claire using rich ochres, chocolates, dark reds....with just a touch of soft blue.  Shown in the gallery are the pictures of all the Bargello Arrows projects I have photos of so far. They are all beautiful, but what a range of color and texture.  I hope to add few more over the next few months. 

Also, over the next few months I plan to add a few more pages of stitchers' works on several other designs.  I really love to see what stitchers have created.  So, if you have completed one of my designs,  I would love to hear from you ! 

BARGELLO ARROWS Guild Project

Well a lot has certainly happened during the time since my last entry!  The ANG Seminar in Indian Wells, CA was a lot of fun.....even though it was a little hot for me (over a 100 most days).  But the views were wonderful, the hotel was very nice, and everyone seemed to have a  great time!  I returned home this past Saturday night but have spent the past few days resting up. 

I'm sorry the coming hurricane was very worrying for many stitchers at seminar.  I know several people had to leave early and I know many flights and connections were questionable. From emails I have been receiving sounds like quite a few are still without power.  My father lives in northwest Houston and my brother-in-law lives in Galveston and we were relieved today when we finally made contact with both of them.   

My ANG guild meeting was yesterday and we took a group picture of some of the Bargello Arrows finished designs.  Seventeen participated in all but 10 were present AND brought there pieces for this shot.  Several groups are stitching the project currently or plan to stitch it in the near future.  So I thought it would be fun to show a few color  variations. The stitchers are (from left to right-back row): Barbara Allen, Cheryl Merrick, Susan Budge, Sharon LaRosa, me, Patricia Cockroft, and Chris Chrystal (that really is a vase....what a great idea).  Kneeling left to right: Claire Haldan, Gail Martin and Rita Clark.  

I took pictures of each pillow individually and will post those on a special page during this next week.  I will also try to get a few pictures of some of the missing pillows.  Everyone did a wonderful job! Congratulations to all....great color choices.

The stitching retreat is in a little over two weeks so back to work.  But tomorrow I'm looking forward to trip across the Bay Bridge to Ikea for the new shelves and work table for my stitching room.  Very exciting!  As soon as they are assembled and filled up I'll post a photo. 

I hope all of you and your families affected by the hurricanes are safe and that any damage suffered to your homes, etc. was minor.  You are in my thoughts.