October 04, 2009

Embellishments

Some progress on Sarah McPhail. In spite of my new stash, I'm having a hard time putting SP down. I'm working right now on adding the stem-stitched threads to embellish the bow. The stem-stitching is not exact in the way that cross-stitching is, so it's a tad anxiety-producing.

I did start Paradise Lost, but I'm not going to do much more until I order the three skeins of Gloriana that design calls for. Neither of my LNS's carries Gloriana--or the Belle Soie that the BBD Christmas cardinal suggests. I was going to substitute AVAS on the cardinal and then, as I looked at the photo, I realized I'd be missing out on the nice variegation, so I'll send for those fibers as well. In any case, I don't like to try to stitch around symbols that I don't have the thread for--I'm more likely to make a mistake.

This is a big season for fibers if you're stitching the new designs--lots of NPI. Fortunately I have most of that, and it's easy to get.


Fall is finally arriving here, although the days are still warm--in the 70s. The nights and mornings are chilly. The tomatoes are giving a last gasp, and we enjoyed a seasonal favorite last night for dinner: fried green tomatoes, since we have so many green ones on the vine that will get nipped if we have frost. I tried using a pink/unripe tomato as well, and it was actually tastier. The red tomatoes we are getting are smallish and taste...wistful. BF's mom, Nettie, who was from Nelson County, VA, taught me to make fried green tomatoes, and fried chicken. Nettie grew up in Schuyler along with Earl Hamner, Jr., who became famous for writing "The Waltons," the fictionalized feel-good television series about good old hard times during the depression. She used to laugh that Mr. Hamner had embellished a good bit, and that those hard times were just hard times--nothing good about them. Her mom died when she was 14, and as the oldest child of 10 siblings, she raised them all. She taught me a good bit about country and depression-era cooking that would make my cardiologist wince, but her recipes lend interest to our table when we occasionally make one of them. She died a few years ago, and I think the hard thing about growing older is the pang that attaches to certain events and rituals beyond even the missing face at the holiday table or the loss of the familiar voice on the phone.


Pink is helping himself to a towel which he will chew holes in. Bunny owners call this "bunny lace." "I'm embellishing it."

Happy week ahead!

17 comments:

Daffycat said...

Beautiful stitching! Oooo, it drives me nuts when I'm missing just one or two threads! All ready to stitch but ~ crap!

The tomatoes look incredible! Sad when fall comes and the garden goes. Love the story about your BF's mom ~ so sweet!

The Scarlett House said...

Gosh Glenna, I ALWAYS love your posts. What a great story about Nettie. I'm positive that I'd love fried green tomatoes, but I've never had them. I'm sure that she was right about the embellishment of those good old days. I love the antiques and simplicity of that time, but I'm sure it was far different than the Waltons.
Love SMcP. I may have to give in and get her. Are you going to do Sarah Woodham?

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

Beautiful, just beautiful!!

I love fried green tomatoes. I haven't cooked them in a while though.
Anything fried is good though LOL

Pink is so cute there. So, a little hardanger for your next project??? LOL LOL

Jennifer

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

The past nearly always looks better in retrospect.

Central Market has fried green tomatoes at their deli at certain times of the year, but I'm sure they can't compare to the homemade kind.

Ah, Pink. At least it's a towel and not the sofa ruffle. I have fringe on a rather pricey sofa to remember Tidbit by.

Margaret said...

Sarah's looking so pretty! Stem stitches and all! So is Paradise Lost. I want to start that piece. And Sarah Woodham too. :D And Sarah McPhail and --- never mind. lol! Now I know what fried green tomatoes look like. I've never known before.

mainely stitching said...

Oh, I absolutely LOVE fried green tomatoes. Green tomato relish (or is it salsa) is also wonderful. :)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Your stitching looks great, Glenna but ooooh, those fried, green tomatoes! Yummm... being a Virginian myself I can so relate to that kind of cooking. I'm sure it's why my cholesterol is high but mmmmm, once in a while - so worth it. I think you did Nettie proud - they look so GOOD!

Annemarie said...

I've had the extreme good fortune of tasting fried green tomatoes once, when I was in the States. Your pictures actually made my mouth water. Thanks. It's half past eleven in the evening here, what am I going to do now??

Love your stitching, as always. The stem stitches look beautiful. Very pretty sampler.

Melissa said...

Sarah is so pretty. I think she looks way better than the photo of the chart (as usually how these things work!). I look forward to seeing her progress and of course, that of Paradise Lost too.

Your tomatoes are making me hungry!

Have a wonderful week, Glenna!

RG said...

I remember - The Walton's bad times were not always so bad. Seems like I remember Merle Haggard was on the show once.

YUM!

Glad to see Pink is White again!

Goodnight Pink, Goodnight Elvis, goodnight everybody ..........

Siobhán said...

Your Sarah McP looks fab, Glenna! Love it! Great start on Paradise Lost, too. I haven't seen any charges on my visa yet for my market stash, yet I still run to check the mail each day. Sigh.

The fried green tomatoes... never had them but they're fried... they're tomatoes... I'm sure they're incredible!

Would you e-mail me privately? I have something to ask you. siobhan stitches AT g mail DOT com. Thanks!

Unknown said...

What cherished memories of Nettie you must have - to be so young and to be responsible for so many children when you are still a child yourself. I don't think kids today could handle that. Nelson County is close by and a beautiful area, does your BF still have family there? Your green tomatoes look delicious! I've never had fried tomatoes but I bet I would love them. My grandmother was from Kentucky and boy did she love to fry things!

Sarah is just beautiful and Paradise Lost - what fun to start stitching on it.

Isn't this weather gorgeous! I just love it!

Enjoy your week.

samplerlover said...

Hi Glenna,
I have heard of fried green tomatoes, but have never seen them. They look wonderful. I also love your story about yur BFs Mum. The depression years are such interesting times. My parents both grew up during that time and their stories were always fascinating.
Ah your Sarah is looking lovely. I am so glad that you started her again. - Sandra.

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

I chop up green tomatoes and orka and batter and fry together,,.. MMMMM. Pink Is tooo Cute !!!

Michelle said...

I've never had fried green tomatoes. They look delicious. I'll have to look for a recipe. I also got Paradise Lost and Garden of Eerie - couldn't resist them. Love how your Sarah is looking - beautiful. And the stem stitch will really give it a lovely texture.

Cindy F. said...

Wow! Beautiful stitching Glenna!!

and I've never had fried green tomatoes, but those are making me want some....NOW!!!...lol...

Great family story to pass on...along with awesome recipes:)

and sweet pic of Pink!!

Brigitte said...

Your projects look very good. Nice progress on them. And the tomatoes are so yummy.