Cedar Hill and Tiny Mouse

Been a rough, busy week here! In spite of it all, I managed to work on my Cedar Hill Summer Bouquet. 

I think she's turning out lovely. I am trying to let go of my perfectionist nature a bit. Perfection is the enemy of good. And perfection is the enemy of DONE. I still waver between my idea of perfection and good enough for me. In between is OK!

For instance, the directions on the piece said that doing one stitch at a time is the ONLY way to achieve the desired effect on the black eyed susans. Well I really loathe doing "xxxx", and much prefer "////", then making the full cross stitch on the way back to the left. And as you can see, they turned out lovely with really nice variegation! Good enough for me!

I started crocheting a little tiny mouse and have the head done. And seriously, her face just melts me! I won't be able to work on the rest of her for a bit, but she's going to be precious!

Let's see...my little granddog, Franklin, got neutered last week and boy oh boy, was he pitiful. Then at about 4am Friday morning, my father in law had to go to the hospital by ambulance with some breathing and heart issues. He soldiered on through, but needs some medication changed up and he should be good to go with maintenance of course! He will be 88 in June, and I think he's done quite well, especially after losing his wife last year. 

I hope everyone reading this is doing well! I'll be back soon with more updates!

Take care and get lots of stitching in!

Cedar Hill Update, Woodlawn, VMFA

Making good progress on my Summer Bouquet. It's been enjoyable so far, but I can tell you this: I have stitched with DMC 610 enough times to say it's my least favorite color to work with. It doesn't like to lay right. It's like it's twisted too much or shreds too much or something. I hate it! LOL

I'm working from right to left on this one because it's so long horizontally, and I don't want to risk dragging my hands and needle over the front and back while working on the far side. Going good so far!

My mom and I made it to Woodlawn last week and the exhibit was really nice! The weather was really pretty and we had a great time. We hit up In Stitches, where I did not buy even one new pattern. Unbelievable, right? Especially right after market when all the new stuff was in! I did however, get two pieces of new fabric. I got some PTP aida in Ancient and Ale. I got the ale because I wasn't sure I was going to keep stitching Summer Bouquet on linen but I am going to after all.

I've always wanted to do something on Ancient! Also picked up the Whisky I needed and mom was able to get a floss she needed too for something she has in mind.

Just a few things that struck my fancy while we were there. So much talent to view. I loved all the needlework quotes on the walls they had some years back, but they took all of it away. It really added to the space I thought!

Then my son and I went to the VA Museum of Fine Arts and wandered around before having a really nice lunch. A couple of things I could hardly stop looking at...

Just so beautiful! We had such a nice time. Then I got to spend a nice afternoon with my daughter in law having lunch and chatting. I took a couple days off from work to do these things and it was wonderful. I needed it and I loved connecting with all the people I love so much.

I will leave you here so I can go and stitch some more! I hope you are doing the same or at least enjoying yourselves in some way. 

See you soon with more updates!

Black Bunny is Done and New Start!

Black Bunny is done! Such a fun stitch and really pretty gothic type design and colors. Work was busy last week so it took me a bit longer than I anticipated. Quick stitch! 

Did this on 14 ct. Fiddler's Aida with all called for DMC flosses. I signed it with a light color floss from the design so it didn't take away anything.

OK, now I am so excited to start my next project. I've wanted to do this one for years. I have collected a few other of the Cedar Hill "bouquet" or floral projects. They are so pretty. That is one of the designers I really miss so much. This one is Summer Bouquet. I'm stitching it on 28 ct. Picture This Plus "Ale" linen. I think it'll look fabulous on that. 

This one uses all DMC save for one, which is for the Black Eyed Susans on the right of the design. That one uses WDW "Whiskey" which I hope I can find in a couple days when I go to the Woodlawn Exhibit. Mom and I always pop in to In Stitches, so I really hope they have it. I have plenty of time to order if they don't though.

The last two days have been beautiful here. I relish seeing the sun and blue sky after so much gloominess and drizzly rain. I hope wherever you are the weather is good and all is well. 

Take care of yourselves and make some time to stitch or do whatever soothes your soul. See you soon with an update on Summer Bouquet!