...And the Second Finish

I finished the second blackwork piece from the recent Just Cross Stitch magazine (Sep/Oct 2009). You'll notice that I used long stitches instead of over 1 square for this one. I think I do like the way it turned out after all.

And here are a couple of pictures of the two pieces side-by-side.




















Now, I think I will purchase a double matted frame to put them in and display them in my home.

One Down...One to Go

I finished one of the Blackwork pieces this evening. It was very interesting to stitch this type of pattern. I am very pleased with the outcome.

Blackwork Ornaments

Well, my dad went into the hospital last night after having a few dizzy spells all day Sunday. Being a cardiac patient (4 bypasses at the end of Feb 2008), they wanted to keep him for observation. So, this morning I got together a couple of pieces of black Aida fabric to try my hand at blackwork. The latest issue of Just Cross Stitch (Sep/Oct 2009) has a couple of small patterns on pp. 58-59. I started one of the patterns and didn't really pay attention to detail - that is, I didn't stitch over 1 square at a time. Here is what I have so far on that one:

The other one I decided to do it the right way and am pleased with how it is turning out so far. Here is what I have:

I actually did make a couple of intentional changes to the patterns in the magazine. The first change is rather obvious. I didn't like the look of orange on white so I chose to use black Aida instead. Also, I am using DMC 971 instead of DMC 946 floss. It gives it more of a Halloween tone as well as allowing the stitching to stand out a bit more.

I think I will start the other one over and do it right!

Astral Lions

I have been working on this project a few hours a day and it is really starting to take shape! These pictures show how the right ear is beginning to form and some of the sky.

This picture is a view from an angle to give a different perspective.

Astral Progress

It's been a little while since I last posted an update. I have made some significant progress on Astral Lions and the pics are below.




















I am in between semesters at the moment and will be spending more time on this project until the 1st of October.

Progress on Astral Lion

I have returned to working on the Astral Lion over the past few days and thought I would share my progress to date.





This picture shows the actual color of the fabric I am working with. Because it is so bright, it is often difficult to work with and is a strain on the eyes. I am happy with the way it is turning out this time (as opposed to all the problems I had last time I tried working it)! I am hoping to have it completed by Christmas so I can give it to my niece.















Here is the pattern sheet with the areas marked in yellow that I have completed.

Mrs. Beasley

For the Poetry Challenge 2009 I wrote a poem about my cat, Mrs. Beasley. At this time I want to update my readers to the event of her untimely death. Recently, Beasley became extremely ill. All of her blood work came back normal, with the exception of a little toxicity. She was hospitalized for several days to receive IV fluids and antibiotics. After several days, I brought her home in hopes she would soon return to normal. Alas, she deteriorated even more. While the exact illness is unknown, it was hard to watch her health decline to a state where she could no longer walk or stand very well. I did the humane thing and took her to the vet to be taken care of. I have probably gone through all of the stages of grief, but am still so very sad that she is no longer with us. I miss her deeply, but I am thankful for the time we had together. Right now, I am trying to let my heart heal from her loss (and realized that I am still grieving the loss of Emerald; she died after 17 years last summer).

Mrs. Beasley

Some might think she’s a doll

Just by hearing her name

In reality, she’s a cat

Yet a doll just the same.

I went to adopt a new kitten

When I lost my dear old friend

(I had her for 17 years)

I had my heart set on another

But she chose us instead.

When the kennel was opened

She leaped out with a bound

I watched in amazement

With the bond that she found.

Mrs. Beasley is now

Just shy of a year

She’s fun and she’s playful

And has filled a void right here.

(On July 6, 2009, Mrs. Beasley succumbed to an unknown illness.

Rest in Peace Baby Girl!)

April 4, 2009 ~ Animal Poem