November 10, 2013

What I Need is a Nap

Greetings, all! Long time no see--I've been busy and then sick and then busy and a bunny was sick, so there hasn't been much time or will to post. We had an early bout of the flu here in spite of the fact that I got the flu shot. Perhaps it was for a different flu, or it didn't have quite long enough to work before I got sick. Then Elizabeth got an infection, and we went to visit the exotic vet early one morning. They kept her all day, which is good, because the vet is near my job, and I was going to have to stash her in the litigation work room all day (the lawyers would not have found a bunny in the work room to be amusing). She's on the mend and so am I, and I've even been able to stitch a bit again. I haven't been able to focus, and I didn't want to start something new (although I have purchased the new oval Scarlet Letter sampler), so I'm all over the place in my stash. I won't show you the half dozen projects I picked up and stitched a line or a motif and zippered back into their project bags.

Ann Smith: I've been working on this for a long time. There is a LOT of over-one in it. Tons and tons of over-one. But I've made a little progress, and I do love the design and the bright colors.
Here's how she'll look when she's done.
Lois Minshall by Threads of Gold: I like this sampler, I really do, but it's a tad boring. But I'm soldiering on with it.
Here's how Lois will look when she's completed. Frankly, both these samplers feel like work.
"Christmas Garden" by Blackbird Designs. I've switched to overdyed silks from the charted overdyed cottons. Love the design, but this feels like work too right now. I think I need a smaller design, something more Christmasy than this; something with snow and sparkle and bling and red birds or chickadees or snowmen. Something. Maybe a nap instead.
It has turned cold and windy here, and I've been clothes shopping a few times but haven't found anything I like much. I bought some black pants. I have a lot of black pants, but that's what I wear most days. I can't find a top I like. Why does everything seem so cheesey and cheap? I do not have time to knit myself a sweater, but that's what I'd like to do, so that it's exactly what I want. The stores do not seem to sell what I want. I do not want to wear glittery tops in the daytime. I do not want a sweater with big paste gems on it. I do not want to wear something loud. I want something dignified, understated and plain in a good fabric. I found myself lingering in the bedding section, though, looking at the nice flannel sheets and the flannel comforter cover over the soft down comforter. I should have bought those. I did get some new thick socks to wear inside boots though. They're attractive, but I don't think they're going to last. Why is everything constructed to be retired or thrown away after a season?
Elvis: "I'm about to have a nap in this box. You could lie down on that sofa over there. You seem cranky."
Off I go to make a chicken pot pie. (Then I might have a nap while it's baking) Happy week ahead!

16 comments:

Margaret said...

Love your stitching. What a bummer that you had the flu despite the flu shot. Ugh. And a sick bunny too. :( I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like I can't focus. It's awful. And yes, I hear you on sweaters too. I'm in the mood for a handknit sweater, but no way is that happening right now. lol!

Deborah said...

Hope you're. Feeling better. The samplers are beautiful even if they feel like work. I know what you mean about the clothes. My second career was a paralegal and glitter just doesn't go.

The Fab Furs said...

It's not fun for anyone to be ill. Re:shopping: I used to work in malls and loved to shop, now all I do are catalogs: Soft Surroundings for sweaters and Pendleton and Talbot for work clothes.

marly said...

Sounds like nothing is fun right now! Sorry you and bunhead were ill but glad you're recouping. Land's End clothing is more classic and well made. I like simple crew cotton sweaters and the women's are tight and short so I just bought several in small in JCP's men's department. Love them.

RG said...

Oh dear .. good that things coming back slowly but OK. ...

because ....

several of us are on our way for a pot pie dinner and an Elvis snuggle.

Very pretty stitchings.

Mouse said...

hahahah had a giggle at having the wee one at work ... munching away on some papers was all I could see ... good job she stayed at the vets ...
gorgeous progress on the samplers and sorry you have been feeling under the weather ... hope you got your nap :) love mouse xxxx
ps I have exact problem with getting nice stuff too .. that and I am wee bit rounder than I should be ...lol

Chris said...

So sorry that you guys have been sick. Hopefully you are done now for the season.
Gorgeous stitching.
Have a great week!

Cari said...

First of all Glenna, thank you for your kind comments on my blog about my darling Cee-Lo. That meant a lot to me.

I love all of your stitching. Your pieces are beautiful. I've been out of focus as well so I've tried to work on smaller pieces, or at least easier pieces with huge blocks of the same color !!

I'm glad your sweet bunny is feeling better and hope you stay well all winter long!! Hugs dear friend,

Cari

Melissa said...

Glenna, I love the pieces you are working on. I can't imagine they are boring.

I think you just need to rest up, that's all. Take care!

Karen said...

I can so relate to this post! I have a couple of BAPs that I truly love, but they are so big and unwieldy -- even on Q-Snaps -- that it's just a chore to get them out and stitch on them.

I'm with you on the clothing shopping. I've found that Lands End has classic shirts that are well-made; also, Orvis has shirts and sweaters that look like they are made for grown-ups and not -- dare I say it? -- teeny-boppers. I can occasionally find some nice business-casual style things at Christopher & Banks. Good luck!

Brigitte said...

Great progress on your samplers, they are so beautiful and I always love to see them.
My experience with flu shots is just the same. I had them twice in past years, and those were the years when I had the worst flu attacks. I hope that you are feeling fine again.

Tammy said...

Feel better soon Glenna! Your project is gorgeous and the bunny is adorable, as always!

Rachel said...

I hope you're fully recovered! Ann Smith is looking beautiful.

Love that sweet little bunny.

Faye said...

I am woefully behind on my blog reading.... But, I sure hope you are feeling better by now... Stitching photos are gorgeous, as usual..... I have the Christmas Garden kitted.. And I had to snicker out loud about your clothes shopping.... We are definitely thinking alike! It's either old lady style or loud glitter fad styles that are out there... I'm conservative, and I admit that filters into my wardrobe... I like to find classics that will stand the test of time... Good luck and I'll let you know if I find us a good store to shop at~

GiGi said...

I have been searching everywhere for the Peaceful Paradise chart since I saw this piece a few days ago! If Jennifer doesn't respond I would love to purchase it from you. Such a beautiful piece. I've just gotten back into cross stitching after a thirty year hiatus. ~Gigi S.

Unknown said...

nice post i'm also starting to learn. best non veg hotels in erode