Getting ready

In a few short weeks we will be vacationing in Italy. My first time there, and I’m excited to see the lands and eat the foods, maybe meet some of the peoples. I have been trying to get as much done on projects with deadlines as I can. While also getting my house in shape for a live-in caretaker while we are away. Cleaning or crafting, hmm, which do I want to do more?

The last Nocturnal quilt top is complete, and I pieced the backing yesterday, so it is all ready to go on to the frame once I finish the vintage appliqué quilt. That quilt it going along pretty well, so far. I started the computerized designs in the borders yesterday. I got the left long border done and most of the inner sashes are done too. Today I want to work on the blocks, so more free hand and ruler work.

On the cross stitch front, I am making progress on the Consider the Lillies piece. Although, the past two nights I have been trying to finish the small I started in April, Gathering Stitches. It’s a one color piece on Aida 18 ct (I think). I was working on the second bird last night, I think I must have ripped out 25% of the stitches I made and re-did them. In future I will try not to stitch with two threads, especially on smaller count fabrics. I am thinking of starting the Blue Flower design I have kitted up, called Huckleberry Farm. It is sort of a medium sized piece, 14 x 13 inches, in between the giant CtheL and the smalls.