The topic for this month's discussion is: "Retreats and seminars – have you ever been to any stitching events? If so, tell us about them!" I have attended one scrapbooking crop (I do not scrapbook) and three quilting retreats (where I “worked” on piecing together in-progress crazy quilts - three quits the are STILL unfinished!). I have attended three in-person paper crafting events where I did learn a lot of technique, acquired a lot of swag (shopping at paper crafting events is de rigueur!) and completed roughly 6 to 8 projects per event; and a number of online virtual classes (in the past two “covid years", these have been too numerous to count) where I have completed almost no projects. The paper crafting projects are documented on my blog "Carol Stamps" which I have pretty much neglected since December 2021. Would a weekend needlepoint class while I was a graduate student (in the late 1960’s) count? I made two small square pieces at that class and learned a little about needlepoint design. I think I still have those small pieces somewhere but can't swear to it! Nothing since then, however, although I have often wished I lived close to some of the retreats I have seen advertised (The Silver Needle’s retreats in Oklahoma and the Williamsburg Retreats) but the cost of travel and housing, to say nothing of the retreats themselves, was (and is still) prohibitive, considering the odds of actually accomplishing anything (other than spending money on stash I probably do not need!) at them. You see, lighting and magnification are issues for me and carrying all that gear along would be a real hassle. I function much better at in-person "classes", because there seems to be a greater incentive for me to keep up with the instructor (if paper crafting classes are any indication). However, the lighting and magnification issues still apply. Besides, my experiences at quilting retreats indicate to me that very little actual stitching would take place — I am too easily distracted by others! ~~~~~Long-term WIPS~~~~~ When I checked in last month, I had only one long-term WIP in my project bag: The Elizabeth Almond "Save the Stitches" blackwork sampler, which is roughly 60% complete which hadn’t been touched since March check-in. Block #77 is now complete:  ~~~~~Kits started in 2021~~~~~ There is one kit I started in 2021 that is still unfinished: "Hope & Strength" by Glenwood Place, stitched on Jade Lugana using the recommended Dinky Dye threads. This also languished, untouched in April. In May, I did some more work on the border, stitching the pink and purple stars in the lower border. This border has now “turned the corner” and markers for the top border are in place:  ~~~~~ SALs started in 2022 ~~~~~ 1. Lakeside Needlecraft SAL "Crystallized" which started January 2, exclusively designed by Oxana Polyakova, with monthly installments. Stitched on 36-ct white even-weave with DMC floss. Installment one - "Larimar", installment two - "Malachite", installment three -“Amber", installment four - "Obsidian", installment five - "Jasper”, installment five - “Quartz”, AND installment six - “Tiger’s Eye” are complete. The "Quartz" and "Tiger's Eye" are shown below... This is the piece, so far...  There is lettering in the chart but I have decided that I do not want to add it. Installment eight is due out May 29. 2. A Faithwurks/Just Cross Stitch Magazine SAL, designed by Nancy Wahler, which started with the February 2022 issue of the magazine (I get it digitally as well as hard copy); further installments come in future magazine issues through the end of 2022. Stitched on Wichelt oatmeal evenweave using Anchor and Weeks Dye Works threads, and Kreinik braids. Installment 3 consists of an A-frame and a Classic Craftsman. I have completed both the A-Frame and the Craftsman): Here is the piece, so far...  The next pair of houses is due in the August issue of the magazine. 3. A Lakeside Needlecraft SAL, "Kogin", designed by Elizabeth Almond. I began after four installments had been issued. The entire pattern is now in hand. I had issues - and the frog was a frequent visitor. It has been put away until I can deal with my obvious inablility to follow a pattern here! 4. A Stitchonomy SAL, "Spring 2022", started April 22 and installments came out every other day. It was being stitched on pale pink 14-ct Aida using DMC threads and is meant to be a "partner" to the Stitchonomy Winter 2021 SAL. I have stitched 13 of the 15 bands and/or alternatives (the other two bands were omitted because I lacked room for them on my fabric). I added black seed beads to the yes of the birds and the hatching chicks. The charms were part pf the kit.  I have received a bell pull hanger and intend to finish this, and the companion Winter SAL from 2020-21, as soon as I get up the ambition! So, in summary, this month I made progress on two WIPs and two SALs... I also spent last weekend watching another virtual card making series of five classes (Someday, I'll get around to actually MAKING some of the cards taught in these classes!)! Wishing for an honorable peace... |
