PEAR - First Section Finished!

The first section of the pear is finished!  The diamonds show up much better now that they are filled in with a mix of thread colors....one of which is named Raspberry Custard.  Remember, the funny-looking  bottom will not be seen when the pear is finished and sitting on a shelf. 

Hopefully I will be able to get started on the other sections before I leave for Indian Wells, but if not, stitching will have to wait until my return on September 13th.  I don't take stitching with me on teaching trips anymore as there always seems to be so much else to do.  There are always meetings for the various organizations, plus the opening and closing banquets, teachers' showcase, merchandise night, etc.  And, there is the shop, bookstore and exhibit.....all to see.  So much to see and do and all in 8 days. 

I purchased a new, very lightweight, suitcase for this trip.  I was worried about trying to pack everything into one bag for this length of trip.  With the increased charges for overweight bags, I thought it was worth the investment.  Today I laid out everything for the trip....and ironed clothes....and it looks like I'll have plenty of room with at least 10 pounds to spare.  Hooray!  I'll give a report on how the bag worked and held up upon my return.   

I won't be taking my computer and don't plan to blog by email, so my next entry won't be for about two weeks.  But, if anyone needs to contact me about anything during that time, my email will be checked every day, and you will get a response. 

Wishing everyone a great two weeks!  And if you are going to Indian Wells, please look me up and say hi!  I'd love to see you!.

PEAR Update #1

I have not gotten as much stitching done the last few days as hoped but I did resolve a few design issues.  I wanted to transition the different areas as smoothly as possible, and feel like it's coming along.

It shouldn't take long  now to finish up this first section, draw  the continuation lines onto the other two parts and begin stitching the second one.  Now that the threads have mostly been chosen,  I have been trying to estimate the remaining yardage needed for the rest...... so I placed an order yesterday for some not-so-readily-available threads..........Sassa Lynne.  Otherwise, pretty soon I would be sitting here....waiting.  I'm using three of her overdyed #5 Perles and I really like them.   

The comments I have received have been very helpful.....thank you!   When trying something knew it really helps to get confirmation you might be going in the "right" direction.

By the end of this next weekend I'll, hopefully, have a partial second part to show.

Wishing everyone a great long weekend!

New PEAR Design

Well, Monday was shipping day for all the seminar kits......yippee!  And I've already received notification they all arrived safely.

Monday night I celebrated by doing nothing....just watching t.v.  But last night I was back to stitching....  this time on the bargello Pear design I began a month or so ago.  You can see this is bargello with a twist.  I like adding texture in the form of using lots of threads.  This time I've used, so far, Perle #3 and #5 cotton, Silk Perle in 15/2 and 30/2, and Soy Luster.  I also have a few skeins of he new Brocade Silk to try out on it. Oh, and this is 18 count Eggshell canvas. And below is also the palette I created for it (using Colourlovers again).

I have started with basic bargello patterns and then made them more free-form.  I am enjoying working with bargello in this fashion by trying to find the most representational .(hopefully) pattern. 

There will be three parts to this design as it will be a stand-up when finished.  The pattern might look a little funny to you at the bottom, but that is the base of the pear and it needs to be shaped like that to form the base. 

I'll keep you updated as it develops.  And I'll go back and change things....always happens.  Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!  Only two more until September rolls around.