Good Morning!

Since we visited last I have acquired a total new hip!  This is what I consider my first major surgery so I am treading new ground here.

I made sure I had my stitching supplies all in order to bring to the hospital with me so I wouldn't be bored.  (I don't watch TV that much.)  I never  thought I'd be too drunk to stitch!  So I think I have managed to catch up on my sleep!

It was nice while in the waiting room to see so many doing needlework.  I saw knitting and crocheting  as well as my needlepoint.

However, I went to op room at noon, in my hospital room at 4 pm. and home in front of the fireplace at 5pm next day.  This seems weird to me!

My body/mind has not caught up with this 21st century technology!  I thought you were to go in, get pampered like crazy for a few days,then come home and get pampered some more. Well, I certainly am pampered at home so I got that part right.  I wasn't in the hospital long enough to get pampered.  LOL

This has certainly been a new adventure in my life.  And I am already tired from just writing this little bit . . . . so more later.

Remember to Stitch with a Smile!

Sandy

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!  Today's the Day!

Today we sent out Lesson 1 of the Mod Ornaments Online Mystery Class.  I am very happy that we are at this point.  I know lots of people are anxiously waiting to begin this class - but none as anxious as I have been!

I am having fun stitching this design by Eye Candy!  I still have a few things to get stitched before I can call it finished, but the biggest majority of it is done and I love how it is looking.

Lesson 1 covers Ornaments 2 and 9 of the design and begins the green 'beads' on the background strings.  We're starting off with fairly simple stitches and techniques to get warmed up.  I plan to keep my students busy and out of trouble until next month when Lesson 2 is posted - LOL!

Here are peeks at No. 2,  No. 9 and part of a bead string finished.  

Those of you who missed the boat on the class, never fear, the next Online Mystery is going to be just as beautiful and exciting.  Keep watching for more news to develop!

In the meanwhile, stitch with a smile!

Sandy

Needlepoint Now and Mod Ornaments in the Final Stages of Kick Off!

Looks like the Nov/Dec issue of Needlepoint Now is starting to hit the mailboxes!  It is such a great magazine!  And this month is especially special because one of my stitched models for Leigh Designs is on the back cover.  Merry Mistletoe is in Leigh's Russian Santa series.  His stitch guide is between the covers so be sure to explore and notice all the other wonderful projects along the way!

I am so excited that it is finally getting time to kick off the Mod Ornaments Online Mystery Class! I am anxious to share what I have been doing with everyone. It has been awhile in the works but it has been worth it from my end because it has given so many more the opportunity to participate.  We have a great group - many of whom are new to me and new to the idea of an online class.

It is so fun to watch a new project come to life.  Each lesson adds new bling!  Some in the form of threads.  Some in the form of beads.  Some in the form of mirrors. And, some in the form of Swarovski  crystals.  Wow!  I have stood my work piece on the hearth beside my recliner so I can view it as I work on other projects and ponder my next move for Miss Mod.  I continue to love it more and more.  And, I see different reflective plays as I move it or myself in the chair.  It gets more exciting as each piece of the puzzle is added.

Today I shared the thread list with the participants!  What fun they are going to have playing with all the great threads.  But just seeing all the colors and textures in a pile (I'm messy so my threads are in a pile) is wonderful.  It makes you want to jump in and just start stitching with everyone of them. At times like this I wish I had 8 arms like Jane Woods and Sharon Quick must have considering their productivity.

I will be sad when the actual stitching on this piece is over.  It has been such a joy to do.  Look at how bright and cheerful it is.  How can you not be happy when working on this wonderful Eye Candy Design?

Never fear however!  Another Online Mystery Class  anxiously awaits my attention.  It is beautiful and colorful in its own way too.  Not as much bling but great textures, colors and techniques. Keep visiting for more news about this exciting new class. Official registration for this upcoming class will start in December.   Registration will be open from December 1, 2014 through February 15, 2015.

So stay tuned as we follow the Mod Ornaments Class and start preparing for the next Online Mystery Class.

Until next time have a beautiful day and remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

Day of the Dead . . .

I understand that the celebration for the Day of the Dead is from Oct. 31 through November 2nd.  In light of this (assuming that is correct) I am sharing a picture of the completed Mystery Class project Yolanda.  Tapestry Fair is the distributor of this wonderful canvas that is a rendering of the painting by Manuel Salas.  She was so much fun with all her beads and unique threads such as Silken Straw. Picture doesn't show it but this gal has plenty of bling and shine!

I remember a couple of years ago specifically telling Cassie Prescott when she was selecting canvases to have me do stitch guides for and present at TNNA market that I would NOT do those dead people. You gotta remember that I was raised in the mountains of West Virginia and I do not recall ever being introduced to the Day of the Dead traditions.  I just thought it was a weird thing that people loved skeletons.  Little did I know!  Finally this canvas piqued my interest and I did some research.  What a beautiful tradition.  I had no idea.  Such a respectful way to honor those loved ones that have passed on.  

Writing this brings back childhood memories of what we did in the mountains and how I recall in my adult years after leaving home (home was up a 'holler') that others thought we were weird.  At home we have family cemeteries that were up on a hill somewhere.  (We called them hills, you local guys would call them mountains - mountains are aplenty in WV but my personal experience  did not involve cemeteries there.)  Anyway, on Memorial Day we, family members, would pack food - and there was always lots of food  and we would trudge to the cemetery with hoes, picks, clippers, shovels and the like.  We spent the entire day cleaning the  cemetery.  We would take breaks to eat, play, nap and reacquaint with cousins, aunts and uncles we did not see on a regular basis. There were always preachers (and I mean PREACHERs who, as a child, scared the liven' you know what out of you), and there were always singers.  Oh the glorious gospel song fests that came from those gatherings!

So, I apologize for my ignorance of the beautiful meaning behind the Day of the Dead celebrations.  And I certainly meant no disrespect.  I did not have the knowledge at the time to appreciate the meaning and representations of this 'Day of the Dead' tradition.  And I marvel at the fact that we continue to learn no matter how old we get if we can just keep an open mind. 

John Waddell, a fellow teacher, is currently in Mexico and has been posting some fantastic pictures of the goings on while they are there during this celebration.  How colorful and joyful it must be to be there and participate in the surroundings of all the beauty, music, food, costumes, etc.  Thanks for sharing John.

Okay, back to reality - it is snowing here in Kentucky and I am not ready for that!

So I will get back to work and doing what I love.  Hope you too have the opportunity today to stitch with a smile and just ponder (we did that in the country too)!

Sandy