A quiet place is a place to reminisce, to reflect, to celebrate the joys and to find solace in the losses.


It can be found in many places; within a garden, by a river, but most of all within oneself. To lose oneself in creating something of beauty is to find a quiet place.

Monday 29 July 2013

Memories


Today was my older brother's birthday... Happy Birthday "B"

To celebrate I organised a small gathering for coffee and cake; it was a lovely afternoon of fellowship. One of his friends brought me a posy of daphne from her garden. Oh, the scent does remind me of Mum and her garden. Whenever the daphne and gardenia was in bloom she would always cut some for me and now the perfume is wafting through my lounge and taking me happily down memory lane. 

Friday 26 July 2013

Shopping Fun



"Embroidery Essentials" in Carrum Downs  is a treasure trove to visit and Linda is both knowledgable and very helpful. (Her website isn't up yet)

I took my tapestry piece with me and together we selected a thread for the troublesome top corner and found a braid to match. I'm a bit worried that the Kreinik braid I need for a couple of the panes may not come in time so she also helped me pick some close matches to substitute at the last minute. 

Yes, I took the bold step of entering it in the Royal Melbourne Show. Now I need to finish it in time to have it framed. I have nearly finishec all the variegated thread in the window panes and now need to add the Kreink braid to about half the squares to make them sparkle. 

I also came home with two books to help me with Needlepoint, a general one and one to help me with Threedles  patterns. I have really enjoyed stitching this piece and am keen to stretch another. I love the Threedles designs and would like to do one of these next.

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Back from the framer


I finished this piece, Toccata # 2, sometime ago and have never been happy with the framing. The frame was too ornate and it was framed without a mat. Every time I looked at it I was dissatisfied with the finished result. 

Finally I decided it was time to fix it and I took it to my wonderful framer, Bob, who has done my last few exhibition pieces. He frames absolutely straight to the thread and his attention to detail is meticulous.

Today I picked it up and I am delighted with the result. The photo doesn't show all the detail, particularly not the white and gold work, but the framing highlights the piece. Now all I have to do is find the wall space for hanging it!

Monday 22 July 2013

Second Iris Finished


I didn't get as much stitched as I expected over the weekend. Actually, that's not quite true. I did stitch a lot but had only a little to show for it. The first time I did the dark purple petals I used the colour recommended and didn't like the result, so it was all pulled out. The second time the threads didn't cover the canvas completely so I started again with 5 threads instead of 4. 

As for the striped pattern on the diagonal left! ! It took me 3 hours to work out the stitch and then get the first row right so I could correctly place the others. I had a magnifier out to follow the 80 stitches in the chart diagram! It's going to be a real challenge to work it around the iris and leaves. 

Today I'm going to work on pattern 8 and the leaves; that should be more restful. 

Monday 15 July 2013

Threads



It has taken me longer to finish the glass panes in the arch of the window. I've completed 2, 3 & 4 but am in the process of unpicking the 1st one. Now that the panes are larger I don't like the recommended colour or stitch  in the top right. It was stitched in tiny cross-stitches worked over one thread and it is taking me almost as long to take them out as it did to stitch them!

I am now 'auditioning' threads to replace it. I couldn't get to "Bustles and Bows" but over the telephone Shirley and I worked out a possible replacement and she posted it to me. It is a gorgeous thread but I think I will make a final decision when more of the piece is stitched. 

The other dilemma I have discovered is that one spool of Kreinik braid is not going to be enough in some of the colours. Not a problem? Just ring my local embroidery shop and ask them to post me some more? No, My local shops do not carry the full range. Fortunately Naomi of "Stitches and Spice" (ooh I love her fabrics) has been able to order them for me. It could take 3 weeks to arrive but there is plenty of other stitching to do in the design. 

I have also realised that I need to stitch the background at the same time as the leaves in order to get the stitching pattern to line up. Here is my progress:-





Thursday 11 July 2013

Oliver helps!



Today was one of those rare mornings  that I was up early... both cats were astonished! Of course as far as they were concerned breakfast was the first item on the day's agenda. 

From outside my kitchen window the sun was streaking the sky with beautiful pink shades. Outside my lounge window two hot air balloons sailed slowly across the sky. 

Today I plan to finish the top of my stained glass window canvas piece. Earlier this week I took it to my framer to check whether I had taken my stitching up far enough for the arch; not quite was the verdict. So, today, I'm going to take the unfinished panes up higher and also stitch the top green and blue panes if I can.  


Sunday 7 July 2013

The first iris is finished



Today I finished the first iris and I'm quite pleased with the result. The petal on the left is a bit flat on the edge but I still need to add in the stem for the bud and the surrounding leaves. 


I have also finished the Smyrna Crosses in the green glass panes. I have only added the Kreinik braid to one of the 4 panes and, whilst it doesn't show in the photo, it does make a difference to the finished result. 

Next to do the stem and leaves in the blank left area of the pane.

Saturday 6 July 2013

My Adventure Into the City

Today was the day I had arranged to meet my friend 'T' at Flinders Street Station. I have only been into town by train once before and on that occasion a friend helped me navigate the public transport system, this time I was on my own. I was fortunate in both the trip in and out again that the bus and train timetables matched.

I was, however, very glad the sun was shining when I got up this morning. I can't say it was warm but rugged up in a coat it was not too cold.

All went as planned, we found each other and wandered across to Southgate. How many years has it been since I last went and browsed the shops? Sadly, the restaurants have increased and all the different shops we used to browse in have either gone or, for the main part, been replaced by something less interesting.

When we crossed the river using the pedestrian bridge from Southgate to Flinders Street Station we noticed that people have been hanging little padlocks, some with inscriptions, as a 'message' that they have travelled that way. 

But, the main reason I made the trip was to meet my friend and catch up on our news. We caught up on our news and laughed as we reminisced some of the past journeys through life that we have shared. Friendship, a gift so very precious. 

Monday 1 July 2013

Iris leaves

Part of my sewing today was in reverse! For the last couple of days I have kept looking at the first iris leaf and thinking it really didn't look right. So I searched the net for photos of iris flowers and leaves and yes, as you can see they are supposed to be long, thin and with smooth edges. My leaf was spiked; they reminded me more of rosemary leaves! I've taken it out and am much happier with my second attempt. 

I have also finished the iris bud and the variegated green thread and pattern in the glass pane around it. It's been a good day of stitching. 


 (My thanks to the unknown person whose photo I found and have used.)