Happy Halloween. These were created by my DH and DDs at a pumpkin carving party (the birdhouse is not ours). On the left is the traumatic brain injury pumpkin, in the middle is the picking his nose with his tongue pumpkin, and on the right is the cannibal pumpkin. They were a hit in the neighbourhood. On to the stitching.
Here is Christine's sampler.
And here is Jenny's. I've been staring at them regularly thinking about what I shall do. I'm teaching an Assisi work class on Nov. 13 and I've been having so much fun researching the history and finding patterns for the information and pattern brochure that will go with the class, so at first I was thinking only of Assisi bands, but now I'm not sure. And I was contemplating moving outside the starting colour schemes, but again, I'm not sure yet. I won't decide until after I've taught my class, but in the meantime, I've been pulling out various skeins and laying them over the samplers to decide on colours. I think that has shown me that a traditional Assisi band won't really work but an overdyed thread might. The think is, I've found this really great pomegranate pattern in an old book from my grandmother that I am dying to use, so I'll have to contemplate further.
Don't you find that contemplation is a big part of the process. I've had projects change completely during the contemplation phase, which is usually a good thing. I've thought out problems and colours and stitches and generally I'm happy with the final product. Case in point for not thinking things through is the stumpwork thistle I'm working on now which I'll add to my blog shortly but here it is for you- and I welcome comments. I picked a person for the December ornament exchange who like thistles and so I based this on the design on a scissor fob I stitched a couple of years ago. The problem is, not only have I not quite got it balanced, but this is a 5 inch hoop and I think even 4 inches is too big for an ornament. But except for the balance, I do like it so far, I just think a bud needs to be added.
So, do I keep this as a box top for myself, or as a gift, and try to stitch something smaller? Or do I try something completely different? Or do I just go for a big ornament?
BTW, as I've mentioned before, please excuse my lack of posting. I am keeping up with reading your blogs and messages, and I'm keeping up with my stitching, but my out of the house workload has increased considerably this fall. I'm actually quite excited by the work challenges and my projects have been well received professionally, but I do find it cuts into my computer time. I'm also finding that getting up every day before 6 am to get my older DD to high school before going to work means that I'm quite tired by 10 pm, so right now (10:40 pm) I'm seeing sort of fuzzy type. I've never been one to work well with less than 8 hours of sleep.
4 comments:
Margaret, I LOOVVVEE the pumpkins!! You certainly have some great holiday celebrations in USA don't you? Mind you, some cub scouts, girl guides and school groups organise groups of "trick or treaters" here too, but first letterbox drop potential
"customers" so they are prepared with wrapped treats. Now as to my sampler, I'd like to see some complementary colours like orange and apricot, even lemon yellow used along the way, so go for it. I think a band of Assisi would be really interesting on mine if you could find a smallish motif to feature. I'm happy for you to do whatever your heart desires, just remember to leave an inch or so after KTJ's work so I can have a couple of options when it gets back to me and I'll be really happy.
Hooroo,
Christine.
You are so right about the contemplation time. It is sensible to live with a piece for a while until it becomes clear just what would be best.
Wish I could think quickly enough to give some suggestions for the samplers. Like you I need time to consider.
I do like the thistle you have started. You are right, it does need a bud. I am sure your friend will love it. Too big for an ornament? Perhaps, but then it could be an embellishment on a bag......... Beautiful work.
Those pumpkins are such fun!
Hi, I really love your thistle a whole lot...where did you find the pattern for it. How long did it take you to make the thistle. I am so intriqued. I was in Scotland visiting the home of my ancestors...and I so loved it and anything that had to do with Scotland...especially thistles.
Sherry
I agree that another bud would give the piece a more complete look. The work you have done is awesome. How did you do the flowers on the thistles?
Janie
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