BBD Union Forever and Summer Solstice!

A new start! Will wonders never cease? It feels so good to start on a new project. This has been in my stash forever, so I'm glad I dragged it out now.  Union Forever by Maggie Bonanomi of Blackbird Designs.

I tried to start this on a really cool piece of fabric by Picture this Plus. But it was 32 ct linen and my eyes were NOT having it. Luckily, I had a piece of 14 ct I dyed myself last year. It's kind of a toasted marshmallow color, but it shows up all the called for floss just perfectly. I think it's going to be really pretty! I've set a goal to stitch a little every day and if I have more time to devote, I'll do it. Strike while the iron is hot. And after this past year, I really plan to do that.

The next two weeks are going to be so hectic at my house. My wonderful kids are moving into their first place and my father in law is moving in here with us. All these changes at the same time are going to probably be stressful for all involved, but exciting too. The kids have long been looking forward to getting out on their own and I am having fun living vicariously through them as they begin their journey on this road!

Today is the Summer Solstice! Litha, Midsummer, whatever you may like to call it, it is a time for real reflection. I'm feeling it for sure! However you choose to celebrate, or acknowledge, make it a good day! The one day of the year that the light will overtake the darkness is kind of a magical thing!

I hope everyone had a great Father's Day and you're getting lots of stitching in, whether it be outside or inside. I really need to take advantage and stitch outside when the lighting is good! I need to get out in nature more. I've been missing it so much!

See you soon with another stitching update, and until then,

Pre-Vacation Project and Fabric Dyeing!

I finally figured out what to take on vacation with me. I chose Hurrah, by Pineberry Lane. I had gotten this last year I think, and had all the floss, but never ordered or picked up the fabric.

SOOOOOO, I did a little experiment and dyed my own fabric, and I called this one Stormy Sterling. Viola! Here is the beautiful fruit of my labor!

This turned out SO much better than I had anticipated. That dark shadow at the bottom is just that--a dark shadow. The shades are uniform throughout and I'm so pleased. Here is the project all together.

I'm going to stitch the "white"version that is on the front of the chart, as pictured. There is a blue and gray option on the back, which is also lovely, but I wanted that white dress and the pop of red. Something just simple and small enough to start and enjoy. I love having something every year that I begin on vacation. It's a nice tradition for me.....well, along with new stash I pick up along the way.

I think that's it for now. Time to get my checklist out and do the final push for vacation planning. We leave in less than 48 hours and the majority of packing gets done the day before.

Enjoy your upcoming weekend and week and have fun with Maynia, if you are participating!