Life With Jules, and other stuff

Well, I managed to turn in a rough draft of one chapter of my thesis, so I have turned my attention to Christmas. Over the next few weeks I will be working on another chapter as well as a SAL for Christmas 2010. I began stitching this piece on the evening of Dec 5th. Here are a couple of pics of what I have done so far: The top picture is what I completed on the first night. The bottom is what I did last night. So far I am pleased with how it is turning out! I also managed to get a couple more pillows made from old designs that I finished stitching a while back. The first on is the Polska Sampler. I used a bright (Christmasy) red as the backing fabric. The second one is Forever Wild, which I used a blue backing fabric. Here is a pic: These, along with Astral Lions, was sent off to MI this morning to be distributed for Christmas. I almost forgot! I have completed the 2nd part of the HalloSAL Sampler. Here is a pic:

Finally finished the Polska Sampler. It was starting to get on my nerves, lol. I think because of all the red. ;) When (and if) I tackle this one again, I am thinking of white against a dark green or dark blue fabric.

(Update 2/28/09) Well, here it is the last day of February and I am still not done with the Polska. I guess my prediction was a little ambitious. LOL. Anyway, I have about 20 more rows partially finished from the top of the pattern and am hoping beyond hopes to have it completed this weekend. A lot will depend on what my dad wants to do ~ he generally likes to go for "Sunday drives" at any given moment and I like to go for the ride and with my camera! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am 3/4 of the way finished. I should finish tonight or tomorrow sometime. Here's what it's looking like...

Well, I have gotten to the bottom of the first section I have been working on. The new pic will give an idea as to the size, which is rather small. I did happen to visit the Black Sheep Shop in Winter Park a couple of days ago. They specialize in Needlepoint, but do have a little bit for cross-stitchers. They directed me to a shop in Kissimmee called Needle Craft World. This store has tons of goodies for cross-stitchers! It also happens to be a little closer to home. I have linked both of these stores on my blog.

I have completed another semester (other than wrapping up a couple of things), with my major paper for the term turned in, so now I can concentrate on my stitching for a few weeks. Yeah!! :) I am hoping to complete the Polska Sampler and begin the new project I created recently. I am almost halfway through the Polska and will post updated pics later in the week.

As you can see, it's been a while since my last post. With the holidays and working on my thesis I haven't been able to spend much time on the Polska Sampler. I am uploading what I have done so far. Looking at the red against the white background, it is possible to see the patterns emerging through (the patterns are in white, the red floss is the border).

Ok, so here's what I have so far.... I am actually enjoying this pattern and watching the different images come to life. I went online last night to search for other patterns of this type and couldn't find any. I will probably do this pattern again in a dark/navy blue color and maybe in a deep green.

I have been in a bit of a rut lately. I have a few yet to be finished projects and classwork for my Field of Study class. I am also still looking for a job. So, this past weekend I went to Lincoln, Nebraska for a break from my life. It was fun and a bit invigorating. It also gave me a few days to clear my head a little so I can refocus on my class. On Sunday, I went to a Barnes & Noble in Lincoln and picked up the latest issue of New Stitches magazine. Of course my latest issues isn't necessarily your latest issue as I rely on the international post to get the magazine to the stores; this means we are usually a month (or an issue) behind because it is published in England. I guess the issue I picked up would be considered the October issue (#187). Anyway, inside this issue is a Polska Sampler design. It looks like an interesting design and one I am going to begin as soon as I get the correct fabric. I will try to post as I go on this one. Of course, my trip cleared my head to t...