Sunday, February 28, 2010

Coming Along

The Olympics are almost over, and I haven't put as many stitches into the sampler as I had hoped to.  I took this picture earlier in the week.

There were some issues with the motif at the right bottom; I had to rip parts of it out three or four times.  Even so, I ended up off one stitch, but because it was in one of the longer rows, I let it go.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Of Sickness and Snow

There are pictures on my camera, waiting to be downloaded to my computer, edited, then uploaded to the Internet and shared with you.  Sadly, that will have to wait, as I am fighting a stomach virus.  I have no desire to get out of bed and be even colder than I am already.  The pictures will have to wait.

We are expecting a major snowfall, dubbed a "snow hurricane" by the local newspaper, although I see now that they've changed the headline.  Depending on who you listen to, or choose to believe, we can expect anywhere from 6" - 15" of heavy wet snow between early Thursday and Friday afternoon, with a couple more inches through Saturday.  This is the biggest storm of the season for us; the snow we've received so far has come in small amounts for the most part.  I am praying that Grace's class for tomorrow night is canceled so I don't have to drive her to school and deal with the snow.  Winter driving is not one of my favorite activities, especially in rush hour traffic.

Keep warm, and happy stitching!
 

Friday, February 19, 2010

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory

Paul Keith Ingram

October 13, 1923 - 
February 16, 2010

Father, Father-in-law & Grandfather


We will miss you.



Monday, February 15, 2010

Wedding Sampler Progress

There are days when I don't think I will ever complete Grace and Anthony's wedding sampler.  Truth be told, I am anxious to finish so I can move on to something else.  I have made more progress, and am hoping to get a lot more stitched while watching the Olympics.



Happy stitching!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Wedding Preparations

Tonight I am excited because I found a dress for Grace's wedding!  Sarah and I went to nearby Eastview Mall, just to look at what was available, and I bought the first dress I tried on!!  I suppose, though, that I should back track.  My plan from the beginning was to make a dress.  Not only did I not like the mother-of-the-bride dresses I saw, but I didn't think I could afford one, even if I did find something that wowed me.  I looked at many patterns, and chose one that I thought would work with a shawl pattern I purchased.  I even found a similar dress online.  So I made a muslin, and finally tried it on last night.  It fit, sort of.  The princess seams weren't quite right in the front, and the upper armscye was too tight (which I still cannot figure out).  We decided that we'd see if I could find anything at the mall and, if not, I'd think further about making a dress.  Fast forward to tonight at J. C. Penney.  The dress is similar to the one here, but the jacket is shorter and a bit more feminine, and has a contrast band around it, as well as around the dress neckline.  The color looks identical.  The best part?  It cost me $41.17.  It was on sale, and I had a coupon which entitled me to an additional discount.  Oh, and it needs no alteration.  Not even hemming, which is amazing, given my short (5' 2") stature.

Also happening this week:  I put together 30 invitations.  What a time-consuming job, but they look great.  We also ordered all but four beads for the jewelry we're making for the bridesmaids; the four we didn't order are on backorder.  Sarah and I are going to learn some new beading techniques, which is always exciting.

Next up?  Working on the ring attendant's pillow, drafting a pattern for my purse, more invitations, more flowers. 

Oh, and I keep putting stitches in the sampler.  More on that next time.