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!