Hi there~Happy Fall! I know, it's been a while....I've had a lot going on, mostly work...between being very under-staffed, we've all taken turns being sick, and have been covering for one another. I have actually kept up with my stitching and reading, though, just haven't made time for sharing. I actually have had several finishes, and will share photos soon. But today, I felt the need to come clean publicly about some personal atrocities...specifically, the number of projects I have taken the time and trouble to stitch, then have never framed, or made into ornaments, wall hangings, scissor fobs, etc.
Today, I thought I would share one of the most horrendous examples. At one point, up until maybe 8 years ago, I was OBSESSED with Shepherd's Bush designs. Loved the pretty colors, the pudgies, the beautiful threads and fabrics, everything. Then, I started finding more and more of the primitive and antique designs that really touched my soul. I'm not saying I didn't like Shepherds Bush anymore, just there was so much of what I liked better to be had. So, I haven't touched a Shepherds Bush design for years. Last month, I was at my guild meeting, and 2 ladies had brought finished and framed Shepherds Bush halloween samplers for show and tell, and my heart absolutely melted. So, I have decided it's ok for me to like SB again, lol!
This leads up to what I'm about to share. I think the year 2000 was a banner Shepherds Bush stitching year for me. Among other finishes, I stitched the 4 seasons series. These are adorable, each season stitched on a large count linen, with wool threads, now I can't remember what those threads were...and embellished with ceramic buttons, mostly Debbie Mumm, I think. Then, you could buy the hand painted sort of barnwood Jill Rensel frames for each. I stitched all 4, sewed the buttons on Spring, Summer and Winter, somehow, never bought the buttons for Autumn, and am missing one button on Summer. And, I bought frames for Spring and Summer.
My master bedroom is done with muted taupe, ivory and seafoam green, and the walls are pretty much bare, so I have decided to pull out all of my Shepherds Bush UFOS and charts, finish them, and proudly hang them in my bedroom. Starting with the 4 seasons set. I had forgotten how
MUCH SB stash, UFO's and finishes I had...it's mind-boggling, to say the least!
I called Shepherds Bush this week to inquire about the button set for Autumn, and they had a set left, so I ordered those. I called Jill Rensel, talked to her in person, and I have to say, she's about the nicest person ever! She knew exactly which frames I was talking about, said she didn't have any made, but thought she had enough of the moulding to make me the 2 missing frames. She went and checked, called me back, and said yes, I can make them for you, and will have them ready to ship to you early next week! I got out the finished pieces and the 2 frames I had. I am baffled by the one missing button on Summer. Although, I seem to recall my set either missing a button, or having a broken button. So, I may have gotten it and just never sewed it on. If not, I hope SB can find me one of those. Now, to force myself to mount and lace the stitched pieces, and take them somewhere to have spacers and glass cut.
Now, without further ado...Notice I have also photographed the finishing dates I stitched on each.
This brings me to a couple of goals for next year's stitching...I plan to set aside one day a week to tackle my pile of stitched pieces, turn them into ornaments or whatever. And to allow a framing budget with a goal of one item framed per month. What's the point of having these beautiful things just to have them tossed in a drawer not being looked at and admired every day?
Enjoy this beautiful Sunday!
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