The Potting Shed / The Stitchery: Nicki Franklin

 The first few days in August were a physically exhausting roller coaster due to the flaring of chronic health issues I have briefly mentioned through out by blogging history.

It was such a nice treat from my older daughter and husband to get me an online class: The Potting Shed by Nicki Franklin from The Stitchery! With a bit of encouragement and help, went to Hobby Lobby with my younger daughter to purchase all the DMC threads required in the class. She helped me in finding the numbers and reaching out for them (something both of my daughters used to help me do when they were younger for the fun of competing with each other... LOL, who will find the called for DMC number first).  

After that I was ready to head back home, honestly, chronic health issues and aging are the bomb... in the literal way. I was a bit concern of driving back if I took longer out and about. Still, on our way home not far from where we live, we did a brief stop. I wanted her to grab some treats for being such a good sport in encouraging me to get my threads, accompanying me, helping me with the task while at the store, and saying how happy it made her to see me cheered up. 

So slowly but surely everything was gathered and came together nicely. An inexpensive 3 ring binder, some pocket folders, and trading card sleeves, from Amazon. The rest of the materials and supplies from my stash, all lying either on my bed or on the top of my stash cabinet. While I sat on a chair reaching out for this and that until everything was in its place. It took me a few days to get it ready because I was moving at a snail pace, but it got done and it felt good!

I have printed only 6 of the designs. Those 6 are my most favorites. As you can see, the Sunflower was my chosen one to start with. Why? Because it is almost Fall y'all ;-D! 

In fact I already started working on it, but will show you once I have made more progress. I hope those of you out there living with chronic health issues are finding ways to cope not only with the physical pain, but also with all the emotional fluctuations that can affect our mental health. Take it one hour at a time, and work on seeing your glass half full instead of half empty. 

I look forward to the day when the words in Isaiah 35:5,6 will be a reality! Stay strong and may you have inner peace and joy!

Until next time!

Non-affiliated link: Nicki Franklin's website.

Flowers; Works of Art

Hand embroidered flowers are so beautiful! Of course, nothing compares to the exquisite magnificence of living flowers, however, even a handmade representation makes my heart sing. 

(Notes: book author is マカベアリス  Alice Makabe a designer/artist from Japan. You may find her here: @alice_makabe)

It's Been A While / Yumiko Higuchi: Simply Stitched with Embroidery...

Yes, it has definitely been a long while. My personal volunteer work commitment is on a regular basis nowadays. Although I still keep working on my needlework here and there, I do not feel the urge to post as I used to. 

I've been doing more printed cross stitch lately, but a couple of days ago the desire to work on a hand embroidery project was very strong. The photo above is what I have embroidered so far. The design is by Yumiko Higuchi, from her book: Simply Stitched with Embroidery: Embroidery Motifs for Purses and More. I have the Japanese version, this project is pictured on page 38, and the embroidery pattern on page 73 (on the Japanese book).

Perhaps when I complete the entire project I may stop by and upload a post. However, can't say for sure if I'll start posting more often from now on. Will see how things go. Until next time! Be well!