I've said it before....

Embroidery Project
It's All in the Details

Mollie Johnson's Wild Olive blog is a warm, welcoming, wonderfully creative spot to spend time in.
Her embroidery designs are fresh and interesting. I am totally hooked.

 Just now, I am taking her "All in the Details" embroidery project course online. The theme for the first week was Bits & Baubles. Back before Xmas, I mentioned that her "I Love Pumpkin Lattes" had inspired me to add embroidery to my creative repertoire (as well as begin my addiction to Starbucks). Well, now she has me adding beads and sequins to my work, and I like it.

 My first finished project for the class is this wreath. The only change I made to her pattern was to use less circles on a smaller wreath form, and to wrap the wreath form in red ribbon (which I had on hand) instead of red fabric (which I did not).  Also, I found the felt a bit floppy, so I hot glued card board to the back to them before attaching them to the wreath (OK so I made a few changes.  You know how I am.).   As you can see, this baby is already hanging on my front door (Yes, I know it needs painting (the door, not the wreath)).

Getting there....

Chrismahanakwanzadan

Right around Thanksgiving, I realized, to my horror, that Christmas was coming.   I am an early Christmas shopper, but an insane, last minute, scrambling, maker.   This year my plan was/is to make an ornament for everyone in Hubby's family along with a few for my friends and family.    Thanks to Wild Olive's inspiration, I did get an early start.   However, I quickly figured out that, at a couple of days each, the ornaments would take too long.   I chose another, this time simpler and of my own design.   Still, the going was slow.   Then, while working on my Chrismahanakwanzadan Wreath, I found the perfect solution.  

Peace & Goodwill

I am now making ornaments based on the peace dove that I made for the wreaths (found here).   Unfortunately, I dithered, started, stopped, and changed my mind so many times that once settled on a workable idea, I found myself with only seven days to finish the first twenty (assuming that we will mail out of town presents on the 15th).   Today is the 12th.  I have nine done with eleven to go.   Wish me luck.

It must seem that I don't knit anymore but, really, I am just doing a lot less of it.    The socks in my handbag are almost done (just the ribbed cuff to go), and I am about half way done with the bind off of my latest Shawl That Jazz (would be nice if I finished this in time for T2's performance tomorrow night).   I have lots of ideas for new cast ons but am trying to stay focused on those ornaments for the time being.

Enjoy the holidays even if the lead up makes you nutty.

Ooops, I did it again....

I Love Pumpkin Spice Latte 

Help, I've rediscovered embroidery and I can't stop.    Wild Olive should carry a surgeon general's warning.    Not only have I been working her designs but those same designs have inspired me to come up with some of my own.   I did a set of really cute coasters for the co-op (forgot to take pictures), and a couple of Xmas designs that will eventually be ornaments I can give as presents to our families (just waiting for the right Sizzix die to arrive).

Gentleman's Scarf

This scarf was begun as a Xmas gift for a dear family.    The pattern is eminently doable, but it does require attention that I can not give it while chatting with friends or, heaven forbid, watching a movie.   With the fine yarn, small needles and 4 false starts (I can be really picky), it has been very slow going.    I even gave serious consideration to ripping it out and running up a simple Shaker Rib scarf instead, but when it came time to do the deed, I could not bring myself to do it (Even barely begun, it looks lovely).   The new plan, is to keep working on it in the hopes of being done in time for his birthday.  Love a plan B.