Thursday, January 8, 2015

Frigid January

Hello Stitching Friends 

Greetings from the deep freeze.  We had a high temperature yesterday of -5, and wind chills have been unspeakable.  The days prior to the very cold we received about 7" of snow.  So it hasn't been very hospitable here in the Midwest.

I have had some stitching time, and time to finish my current book and start another one.  I even unpacked the sewing machine I got for Christmas, read the instructions and got it threaded up successfully.  
I managed to sew up a simple pillow finish for the little owls I stitched for the anticipated baby in our family.  I'm impressed with the sewing machine.  It seems to have lots of nice features.  It isn't anything that was expensive.  I have to say I was shocked at some of the prices I saw for sewing machines when I was looking for one.  Many cost more than the first car I bought.  (Wow that makes me sound old). 

I've always felt rather inadequate at sewing skills.  But I usually can manage simple projects.  I need to spend some more time getting comfortable with this.

I still haven't received the necessary weeks dye works whitewash to finish the cardinal piece.  But I have been making good progress on the new start of January 1st.  I started the owls on December 30 or so and finished them on January 1.  Then I pulled this piece out of my stash.

So, here's where I left off last night

I had the leaves done under the bird on the left, but ended up frogging out the brown stem and leaves because they were off.  So I restitched the stem and the brown circle yesterday.  It has been a fun one to work on.  I have to admit there isn't anything better than stitching in bright sunlight streaming in the windows!  Wow!  I usually do most of my stitching in the evening by lamplight.  I do have a floor standing ott light for when I need it.  But, I have to say sunshine trumps it!  

Well, I had best be getting ready to head off to work. We've been closed some for the bad weather, so there's going to be lots to catch up on.  

Stay warm, and happy stitching!



14 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brrrr... that is horribly cold, Melody!! It was 0° when I woke up this morning and four hours later it is still only 1°--ridiculous! But, we have escaped most of the snow--only have about 3 inches.

    Your little owl pillow is adorable and your new start is lovely. Hope that whitewash thread arrives soon!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a lovely new start! What a cute owl pillow you created! What brand of sewing machine did you get?

    Stay warm!

    Robin in Virginia

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brrrr yes it is cold here 5 degrees this morning and a high of 25! The fibers on the linen of the LHN are beautiful--great stitching start

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the little owl pillow! What fiber did you stitch the owls with?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Brrrr... I am NOT a fan of cold weather! We have not had the impact as you and others have had, but it was 16 this morning, and I have stayed indoors! Love the little owls pillow--you did very well. Have fun with your new sewing machine--I am still getting used to mine. But I have high hopes! That LHN piece is coming along nicely... Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What sort of machine did you get? I love how it sort of looks retro in the picture! I think you did a fabulous job on your owls, they are darling!
    Love your new start too!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love how the owls came out! Glad you are enjoying your new sewing machine. Mine has been neglected of late. Love your new start -- it's beautiful! Stay warm. The temps here are cold enough for me -- can't imagine being as cold as you are!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The owls are just adorable and I love the LHN start. It is going to be very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lovely stitching and finishing on your owl project. Love the new start.

    ReplyDelete
  11. You know me and owls! Our Great Horned Owls are busy nesting and talk most evenings, nights, and early mornings. I need to scour Pinterest and find that freebie. It's great.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations on the new sewing machine. The colors in fhis piece is really pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your little owls are so cute! I love the green color--so fresh!
    Your new start is lovely, also!

    ReplyDelete