Wednesday, February 17, 2010

… a little stitching. . . a little rambling. . .


First of all. . .  how can we already be in the last half of February? Wasn't it just New Years? 

Whew.

Lately, I've been keeping myself busy in the studio. . .  I've had a couple of projects on-going, & as of today, one of them is 'officially' at the printers. . . all proofed & on it's printing way. . . & the other one - I'm making some great progress on. It's one of those that I've had in my head (& sketchbook) for a bit & I took the remaining stitchery with me on my trip to San Diego last week & got it all completed. . . so today I've been playing with the setting & the colors. (I love this part!)

This is the first of three versions of the design. This one is done in embroidery. I'm using Lecien's COSMO threads. (♥!) For this version, I'm mostly using what is now known as the 'Marble' line. . . they are softly variegated & I have a serious 'crush' on them. (LOVE!!!)  I got word (& a copy of the new colors!) that they are introducing a whole bunch of new colors to the line in May & will be re-naming the line 'Seasons'. I can hardly wait!

Can you see the color changes?  I just love how they bring a bit of a vintage look to the stitching.


Last evening I started the second 'version' of this new design . . . I'm doing it in wool! I love working with wool & haven't done it in way too long. . . & so I'm having a ball! 


I'm so happy to be back working in the studio. It feels perfect. Also for the last few days - the weather here has been close to perfect (in the 70's!) - & so I've had the windows & the slider wide open in the studio. Yesterday, I even sat in the doorway for a bit. . . as the sun was shining in & the warmth of it felt so wonderful. I realized, while sitting there (with Bailey - who had crawled into my lap), that I miss being outside. In the past few years - I've actually avoided being outside much - 'avoiding the sun' - I would tell myself. But, I feel so much better when I get myself outdoors.

So, I'll be getting a really good sunscreen & my plan is to get myself outside much more from now on. I also want to help Dad out more in the yard. He loves doing it - but it's getting to be a bit much for him to do it all these days. It will be good for me to learn all that he does in the yard as well. 

I also expect that my freckles will be 'sprouting' like they haven't for too many years. . . but actually. . . I kind of miss them.!

Hope you have a wonderful - sunny day!

♥  Bren

13 comments:

Oxford Impressions said...

I came across your blog today during my lunch hour. I enjoyed it and added it to my list of blogs I read everyday. I also became a follower on your blog today. I too have a Bichon and post about him frequently. They are the sweetest dogs of all. I also quilt and do many different sewing projects. Oh, and I am close to my dad as you are. It was a pleasure to meet you online today. Take care, Shaylynn

PamKittyMorning said...

The sun is lovely isn't it? I love the stitching, its all so pretty!

Unknown said...

The stitching is GORGEOUS! I love the design, and can't wait to see the other versions.

Nicole said...

Such beautiful embroidery!

Sparky said...

Oh Bren, the stitching is very vintage indeed. Gosh I love that you are bringing back many of our acquired skills of yesterday. It is the love of stitching that led me to quilts and I could not be happier. Of course having the likes of you, albeit with future freckles, just tickles me pink at the thought.
blessings madame samm
( just spoke with Jennnifer at Shabby, did you feel the butterfly kisses? )

In Between Stitches said...

The new quilt looks amazing..can't wait to see the finished results. I am itching to start a new project.

Sewn With Grace said...

Ooh, everything is so pretty! I inquired about the Cosmo thread at my local quilt shop and no one knew what I was talking about (scary). Can you tell me where I might be able to purchase some? Enjoy the sunshine, we are getting a fresh outpour of snow today!

Unknown said...

Great stitching and great weather go so well together! I love what you are working on.

Louise said...

Love those soft gentle new colors. Will look forward to the new book.
I feel there is no substitution for the real thing when it comes to sunshine..The Vitamin D capsule doesn't quite do it..

Quilted Quickies said...

Bren, this looks gorgeous!!! Looks like tons of stitchery!! Love, love, love it!!

Becky S. said...

Beautiful embroidery!!! I can't wait to see the finished quilt.

Samantha said...

Your projects are always soooo pretty. And I'm sooooo jealous of your weather- we still have PILES of snow, can't wait for spring! I don't remember what 70 degrees feels like.

Auntie Pami said...

Hi Bren,

You & Bailey really need to come north so you can teach me how to stitch & Bailey can show my husband how great little white dogs are!