Finally finishing has begun

I'm happy to report that I finally got around to finishing something.  Honestly, I've about driven myself crazy with my lack of discipline that has come with the pandemic.  Before I was finishing each project as soon as I was done stitching, at least for the past year.    However, one of the projects I finished yesterday was from 2015 ... oops, but in my defense, I was having a terrible time understanding the directions.  Now the directions were very clear, typed out and any normal person could have put this together in a minute, I'm sure,  but I was not there.  Which is why I kept putting it back in the finishing tote unfinished.  But circumstances made me have to do it yesterday.  Sara's birthday was yesterday, May 12th.  I got notice that the items I ordered for her about 10 days ago, which would have been here in plenty of time prior to the Pandemic, would not be arriving until May 13.    At first, I panicked just a tad, it's not like I could go shopping,  So I thought I should finish a piece of stitching and make it her birthday gift and I could give her the things I purchased when they arrive.  Plus I had a couple of things I was saving for a goodie bag for her so at least she'd have something to open.  First let me say that I loved this project, in fact, Sara originally saw it being offered by a group, could have been Shining Needle, and asked me if I would like to have it.  I took one look and said, OMG yes!  I loved it from the start, loved stitching it and the bargello heart is a favorite of mine of all time.  The project is called Sweet Heart of Mine by Barbara Jackson.

This was such a wonderful stitch and I enjoyed everything about the design.  My finishing experience was of my own making.  Barbara's directions were clear, but for some reason, I was blocked from getting it.  So in the end, I had to just finish it the way I normally finish things and I'm pleased with the outcome.  FYI, the original version has the scissor sheath finished differently and while I was on the road to doing it separately, just like the needle book which is done as instructed, I liked it attached so changed that part of the finish.  The needlebook, etui were done as close to Barbara's instructions as I could personally understand.  In any event, done and gifted.  Because I was set up for finishing, I decided to finish Erica Michael's Needle Berry as well.  I have fallen in love with her berry designs and have a stack of them lined up to stitch.  I chose the Silk Berry patterns but instead of using the silk gauze, included with the pattern,  I stitch over one on linen.  I usually use 32 ct. linen as it's easier for me to see.  I would love to be able to stitch on 36 ct. over one, but that became too arduous for me so I backed it down to 32 and love that as well.  I choose the silk pattern charts because they are packed with more detail than the linen charts.    I didn't realize that at first until Stasi Buhrman and I both did the Scary berry last year.  Stasi did the silk version and when she brought it to me to see I was amazed at the amount of detail which mine did not have.  So now I always stitch the silk design on linen.  I stitched using the colors listed and love it.  

Today I move on to another finish, the Quarantine Project by Brenda Gervais.  I loved this the minute I saw it and thought, how appropriate that I have a stitched reminder of such a tumultuous time in our lives.  Anyway, I'll give you an update once I have it finished.    I started my next new project, Jenny Bean "For the Parlor" from Shakespeare Peddler.  The first section is almost completed and I'm loving doing this one.  I picked a banding which is approx. 8" wide to stitch and it fits beautifully.  Of course, I'm still working on about 5 other projects at the same time, and when I saw the new Plum Street charts I had to have My Peaceful Home and A New Constellation.  I am forcing myself not to start those until I get a couple more finishes out of what's already started.  Well, that's what's been happening in my nest.  Please stay safe and wear a mask when appropriate.  I want to see all of you when this is finally behind us.