June 06, 2010

Summer Sampler Sunday

The last few days have been very hot; this morning it was 90 degrees when I got into my car at 9 a.m. to go to Lowes for a propane tank exchange for the grill so that I could grill the chicken before we had the usual afternoon thunderstorm. I got the tank home without blowing up the car (always my worry as it rolls around in the trunk) and hooked up and BF got the grill cleaned as I got the chicken cleaned and cooked and sauced and everything put away just as the first rumbles of thunder were heard.

Because it was so typically a Southern-hot day, and I was sitting under the big ceiling fan stitching and thinking about when I lived in Chattanooga in an apartment that didn't have air conditioning, so we'd go after work and spend the evening at one lake or another and on the weekend head for the Smokies, where it generally was twenty degrees cooler among the streams and mountain laurel (although I despise camping--just despise it). But thinking about the smell of the Tennessee River (in those days not so pleasant--a mixture of mud and chemicals from the tannery although the river's been cleaned up a lot and there's even a big river aquarium to see now) made me think about stitching on Sarah McPhail, so I got her out and went to work today and won't be putting her away again anytime soon.



Ann Wallace and I are, I'm sorry to say, having "issues." You may remember that Ann is a re-start because I didn't really like the previous fabric. I don't like this fabric either, even though I like the color. It's too THICK, and I keep poking my needle-pushing finger with the eye-end of the needle, which hurts, and it's extra work to keep pushing that needle through thick fabric and realizing just how enormous the design is, so it's time to put it away for a little while and contemplate my options. I have sort of an itch to work on a patriotic or Americana-type sampler anyway. Take that, Ms. Difficult Ann Wallace and Your Miserable Fabric!


Here's a photo of Pink and Elvis just as the storm got rolling. They actually are unfazed by the thunder, but they snuggle all the time. The house is nice and cool, but even so, you'd think snuggling with Elvis and all his fuzziness would be hot on a summer afternoon, wouldn't you? And whoever mentioned that he needs his bangs trimmed is right--he looks a little like Cousin It.
Pink: "zzzzzzzzz."



Happy week ahead!

24 comments:

Karen said...

Glenna, your Sarah is beautiful. She's on my sampler "wish list" :-)

Margaret said...

I hope you've cooled off with the thunderstorms. We did -- it's gloriously cool outside now! Love your Sarah McPhail!! I really need to start her! Maybe after Jane..... Bummer about Ann Wallace. Don't you hate when you have fabric troubles?

Nancy said...

Sarah is so gorgeous! I don't blame you for not wanting to put it away.

Love that fluffy face!

Cari said...

I just love your blog and all your starts and stops! You are quite enabling girl!! Your samplers are all so beautiful!. Sarah McPhail colors are stunning. BEAUTIFUL... and I always love the bunnies!! Stay cool.... Hugs

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

We have had rain every afternoon this week. Sarah is so beautiful ! I just love the colors. Yes, Elvis may need his bangs cut. Our cocker Spaniel Rebel has to get her bangs cut alot too.

RG said...

Grilled chicken - yummmmmmmmmm.

Elvis does need a trim.

We had a couple young boys among the company here for the week end. They want a Lamborghini! $258,000. They have $120 saved up so far!

Annemarie said...

Wow, wow, wow, what a beautiful sampler Sarah is! You mean enabler, you!
Would you really consider re-re-starting Ann Walace? Brave woman!

I loved your description of hot summer days in the south. I've been to the Smokies once, and I desperately want to go back!

Aren't furry creatures the oddest? Mine snuggle up in the sun and my airco is on the blink!

Katrina said...

Sarah is gorgeous! But where's Catharine ;-).

Sorry you are having issues with Ann.

Giovanna said...

Both WIPs are gorgeous - but I'm sorry that you're having fabric issues. I hope you'll solve them without too much aggravation.

Daffycat said...

I wish my dog could take storm survival lessons with your buns. Thunder just freaks her out completely!

Gorgeous stitching, Glenna! It's always best to put a project away before it throughly pisses you off, right?

mainely stitching said...

BEAUTIFUL. I mean the bunnies, of course. Your stitching's pretty great, too. ;)

Stitch By Stitch said...

Fabric issues are just no fun and can certainly kill a project. Hang in there maybe the fabric will relax when it is handled a bit more. I hope it has cooled off, it hasn't here at all.

Nicole said...

Beautiful progress on both samplers Glenna. I'm so sorry that the thickness of the linen is bothering you though!! :( That's a bummer!!

carol fun said...

Oh I know that feeling of being so far into a project and still having issues with the fabric or the floss -- very frustrating. You do beautiful work and I love seeing your samplers.

Marjo said...

I love your samplers. Sarah is beautiful, such sweet colors. I can't wait to see your progress.

Siobhán said...

Glenna and Ann both look wonderful, Glenna! Sorry to hear that you're having issues with Ann. I hate it when the stitching doesn't flow.

Deb said...

Sarah is beautiful and I'm sorry that Ann is giving you such problems. She looks wonderful on that fabric, but if it's not fun to work on maybe you should switch out the fabric! :o(

the striped rose said...

Lovely samplers!

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Beautiful stitching my dear! LOL on elvis's bangs. I wonder how he sees where he is going?

MyLifesAStitch said...

Goodness I love Sarah... the beautiful flowers, and the ribbon... oh so pretty!

Ann Wallace - that really bites!! I've only had the fabric problem 2x in my very brief stitching career, but ugh! it's the worst, isn't it??

Hope your week is going well!

Erica said...

Thanks for your kind words on Mary Clark!
I enjoy your blog very much.
I completely understand how you feel about Ann Wallace. Sometimes when you put them away for awhile, and then bring it out later, it seem more doable somehow. You might not be enjoying her, but she certainly does look lovely!

lenna said...

Love, Love, Love your rabbits they are so cute. Love your stitching too. Isn't it a royal pain when you either don't like your fabric or thread? It makes it so hard to stitch your piece. But cutting it up into 1" squares is not an option is it? No, I did that once and never again. I really hated that piece.
I regress, your stitching is indeed awesome. You should be so proud. I think you have made a wise choice in buying stash and not a car.
I so enjoy visiting your blog it is always so much fun seeing your stitching and finding out what you say for your rabbits.
Come by and see me at http:// theflyingitchesneedle.blogspot.com
Keep up your beautiful stitching and God Bless ~
Lenna

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenna, I am so glad to see Sarah again. Such a lovely sampler and you should keep her out for awhile.
Sorry Ann is misbehaving. This is another lovely sampler. I remember seeing this many years ago in a Country Homes magazine.
That is funny you mention the smell of Tanneries. My family WERE Tanners for over 100 years. I know that smell so well lol. - Sandra, Sampler Lover - I am having problems with Blogger.

Kellie said...

Sarah and Anne are both absolutely beautiful. But stitching on difficult fabric and making your hands hurt is no fun. I am looking forward to seeing what patriotic sampler you start if you decide to start one. Have a great day!