August 30, 2009

Needles Afire

My needle has been in overdrive this past week. School's out until the 8th of September, and I intend to use every unencumbered moment of time until then stitching (when I'm not actually at work). I am headed to Cape Cod next weekend and I'm making a short list of projects to bring (carry-on only--imagine the heartbreak of putting your needlework in checked luggage and having the bag never turn up). I'm still debating whether to head up to the Brimfield Antique Show and catch the Antique Textile Show next Sunday. On the one hand, I'm sure it will be amazing and fun, but I don't really need the temptation to buy--I've just spent $475 for books for next semester, and I really need to buy a couple of tires for my car. It's also a couple hours out of my way, total, and I could spend the time enjoying the Cape instead of drooling over old embroidery and mangle cloths and samplers and turn-of-the-century dresses... Hmmmm--guess I'll decide once the plane lands in Providence.

I'm looking forward to the trip. The slow pace of life at my parents' house sometimes makes me itchy, but I should have plenty of chance to stitch, and I'm taking a couple of books along: appropriately, "That Old Cape Magic" by Richard Russo, and an interesting book I got at the used book store: "The Republic of Suffering--Death and the American Civil War" which deals with the logistics and sheer difficulty of burying the Civil War dead. The First and Second battles of Bull Run were both fought in the summer (just down the road from here) a year apart, and since the bodies couldn't be put in the ground during battle, they lay in the heat for days until they could be buried. Even after everyone was buried, the stench stuck around for months. I'm looking forward to time for reading--I hardly ever read anything longer than a magazine or newspaper article during the semester.

Progress on Alphabetissimo. Really coming down the home stretch on this one. This fabric from Picture This Plus is my favorite fabric ever, both in color and in perfect texture. Yesterday I visited the LNS and bought new fabric (34 ct Legacy Linen in Devonshire Cream) to restart Sarah McPhail.

And I started this! It is "Frances Eden" by Handwork (I love Handwork samplers). Note that although there is a verse, there are no alphabets! I have done quite enough alphabets lately.

I'm doing it on a white Lakeside 32 count instead of a cream colored fabric. And I've substituted AVAS from my stash for the called-for DMC fibers. I got lucky and had all the suitable colors. This is my progress as of Friday night.

And as of this morning.

Cocktail of the week: gin and tonic with lime. Mmmmm. Perfect when it's hot.

Off I go to the grocery store to get something for dinner. Maybe something to go with a dinner salad! Here are a couple of buns enjoying their own salad from the farmer's market. Pink isn't in the picture because oddly, he's not a huge fan of salad.
Peaches: "I'm watching my waistline." By the way, G-Bun is on runningbun.com enjoying a carrot. She looks ever so much better.

Happy week!

25 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

I'm sooooo jealous that you're off to the Cape!

And Cadbury says he'll take Pink's share of the salad please. :)

Marjo said...

Love all your stitching. I love the colors in the Alphabet and I just got the same sampler for my someday to do pile. Love your color choices. I agree with the carry on only for the stitching...make sure you take your scissors out. Have fun and enjoy the cape, the quiet and a good book to read and of course a stitch or two.

Jan said...

Gosh what a wonderful holiday you will have, Glenna!!

I do so love the bunny pic...a bunny doesn't like salad? Sounds like my kitty that doesn't like tuna....weird but loving creatures we have!

Your stitching is amazing!!! Wow, and you have once again got me excited about Frances Eden, I love that sampler and will love your updated pics!!

Enjoy your last week of freedom, before hitting the textbooks!

Daffycat said...

Have an awesome trip, Glenna.

Wonderful stitching progress and your new start looks fab.

The bunnies look happy with their salad. It does look tasty!

Tammy said...

Beautiful buns and gorgeous stitching! I'm going to have to take your advice and visit the cape in October. I have always wanted to do a fall New England type vacation!! (How'd ya know?) All your stitching is gorgeous and I'm going to HAVE to get that book about burying the Civil War dead. Heading to Amazon right now to stuff it in my ever growing wish list!

Margaret said...

Looking good on the stitching front! I love Frances Eden! She's of course in my todo pile. Your start looks great! Enjoy your time off till school starts -- also your time at the Cape. Let us know how you like That Old Cape Magic -- I was thinking of picking it up.

Crafty Green Poet said...

Elvis is adorable! Your stitching is lovely.

Needlearts Kelly said...

Enjoy your trip. Your Alphabetissimo is really lovely.

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

Your bunny rabbits are so cute eating there!

Jennifer
Feathers in the Nest

Deb said...

I hope that you have a wonderful time at the Cape. Your Alphabetissmo is looking wonderful and you're going to be done before you know it!

You'll have to let me know how the Richard Russo book is - I've read one or two of his and thoroughly enjoyed them.

And great new start on Frances Eden! How do you like the colors in this one. Pretty bright, isn't it. But you've made a great start and I can't wait to see more. Enjoy your trip!!

xeyedmary said...

Hey Glenna- I can see the needle smoke from here! I love your new piece- the colors are beautiful.
This article about Brimfield was in today's Boston Globe magazine:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/08/30/antiques_roadtrip/
I was reading it, saying to myself "I know someone mentioned Brimfield recently, but WHO???"
Enjoy your trip- you should be able to buy gas at the brand-name stations for $2.63/gallon, although the off brands in the Middleboro area are at $2.53. A LOT less than last year, yes? And construction on Rt.195 in Seekonk and/or Swansea and/or Fall River- there have been a ton of accidents recently- drive safely!

grace said...

Hope you have a great trip! Both your projects are looking great! I really love how Frances Eden is coming along! :)

michelle said...

You always doing stitching with such wonderful colors. Love the first piece.

Love to Stitch said...

Oooh I love Cape Cod! You are going to have a wonderful time I am sure. Which projects did you decide to take with you? Your Alphabetissimo is stunning, as well as your start on Frances Eden. White Linen is such a great idea! We often overlook the crisp white look. It is going to be incredible--and you are cruising on it too! Have a great week!

mainely stitching said...

I'd take some of that salad, too, please!

Unknown said...

Your needles have been flying - what great progress on your alphabet.

Visiting with your parents sounds so relaxing. I love to visit my in-laws for that very reason. I can sit all day and stitch if I want as they are very much homebodies. But if we go to visit my family, I am lucky if I find time to sleep :-)

Kellie said...

Have a great trip! That sounds very fun and relaxing. I love vacations where I get to read and stitch. :) Alphabetissimo looks fabulous. You will soon be finished with it. Frances Eden is also fantastic as well. I enjoy seeing the samplers that you choose as some of them are new to me.

d. moll, l.ac. said...

Interesting reading, we will expect a book report with the rabbits acting out salient passages. Have a great vacation! :~)

RG said...

A Bunny-Boy named Pink is not going to eat salad. He needs Carrots, Naners, a hunk of chard, etc ....

Oh boy .. have a fun trip.

AuntSuze said...

Both your wip are so pretty - love that handworke sampler too. Hope you have a great trip to the cape.

Siobhán said...

Yumm. I love G&Ts!

Fabulous stitching progress! Your Alphabetissimo is coming along so nicely. I stitched Frances Eden a few years ago and loved every second of it. It's a nice stitch with fun colors. I'll enjoy watching your progress!

Oh, the Cape. I am so jealous. Take pictures.

Enjoy your break--hope you get a serious case of Stitch Ass.

samplerlover said...

Hi Glenna,
Great start of Frances and you were lucky to have all the right threads for it.
Glad you are going to start Sarah McPhaill.
Sounds as if you are going to have a lovely break at Cape Cod. - Sandra.

Anonymous said...

Great progress on Alphabetissmo! What a lovely time of year to be in the Cape.

The Scarlett House said...

I want to be at the Cape, and I've always wanted to go to the Brimfield show, too. Have a wonderful, relaxing trip, Glenna.
I love Frances Eden...I feel myself being enabled. Can'r wait to see more of her AND Miss McPhail.

Loraine said...

I hope you have a wonderful trip this weekend, and get lots of stitching done!
I love the wonderful pictures of your stitching. You are a fast stitcher!
Take Care. How is Sail Away coming?