Saturday, February 06, 2010

Bloomin' Blossom

A bright little Blossom was finished about a week ago. This kit was just the color lift I needed. As to the finishing. . . not sure. Maybe I'll find a little frame to pop it into, then set it next to my stitching station during these dreary winter days.

"Blossom" by Dinky Dyes
thread kit included, some substitutions made
28 ct. white linen from my stash

This week I flew the coop, literally. Allegiant Airlines offered a fantastic fare from Pasco to Phoenix awhile back which I had to take advantage of. It's been far too long since I've visited my dad and sister in the Phoenix area, and with my sister recuperating from her second hip replacement surgery, the fare couldn't have come at a more opportune time. I wish I could have stayed with them longer to help out a little more, but responsibilities here at home keep me busy and pulled in so many directions that a longer stay couldn't be done right now. But my sister is doing quite well, making good progress, and will soon have things well in hand there.

As soon as I arrived back home on Thursday afternoon, I picked up my twins from drivers training, stopped at Taco Bell to take home "dinner", then DH and I sped to downtown Kennewick for the monthly Art Walk. This month one of the featured artists was our daughter, Melanie!! She had been working on a series of charcoals, some computer generated prints, and acrylics based on her wildland firefighting experience. Her framing and hanging was very professional-looking, with some help from Laura Gable, a local artist who has taken an interest in Melanie's work. It was an exciting evening for us, and especially for Melanie.


Now it's back to the routine. Yesterday was Story Hour with my little preschoolers. Kirsten had an overnight birthday/slumber party, another son went to a party, Melanie was at work in the evening, and I did my normal shopping. While shopping I made a little detour to Joann Fabrics to see if they had the Ott Lite I'd been considering, which was on sale.

Sure enough, I found it! In no time it was set up at home and I gave it a test run last night. That's stitching nirvana right there! The bulb is longer than my other light and 24w, rather than 18w, more flexible, and has the magnifier and chart clamp. Love it! My chart wasn't always slipping off the chair arm, and no more readjusting the magnifier around my neck all the time - all my supplies at hand - it's perfect for me. :D

And on that very happy note, I wish you all a happy, safe, and warm weekend, especially for my friends facing the snowstorms back east.

14 comments:

Kathryn said...

Von - Love your bright blossom piece! So cheerful!
Melanie's artwork is amazing! I really like the "Mop Up" piece - so realistic.
Kathryn : )

Carolyn NC said...

Nice, cheerful piece in cold weather!

valerie said...

Congrats to Melanie on her art showing!

Love your stitching corner. That chair looks super comfy!

Lynn said...

Just looking at all those bright colours really does cheer you up! Great finish!
Melanie's artwork is unique. I love the charcoals.
Your Ott lite looks great! I find my Daylight lamp is not all that flexible. That chair sure looks comfy too!

Danielle said...

Your daughter's work is lovely! How exciting to be able to show it like that. Your work is so cheerful--if only it could look like that outside right now (instead of snowy white...). And I'm envious of your stitching chair--I'm sure I would get lots done if I had a set up like that! :)

a woman who is said...

Wow you have been busy.

Tell Melanie congratulations.

Looks like you are really set now for your favorite hobby. At our age that good lighting really matters. Something I am needing to upgrade in my art studio.

Sharon said...

Lovely finish Von! Congrats to Melanie on her art showing!

Anonymous said...

What a perfect stitching corner, I'm not sure I would be able to get up once I got settled in lol

Daffycat said...

Oooo, your stitching chair looks like such a happy place!

Annemarie said...

Your stitching station sounds like a fantastic place to be, Von!

I'm glad you got to spend some quality time with your sister and your Dad and were able to help out for a bit.

You must be so proud of Melanie! You must have passed on your creative side to her, then :o)

Oh, that Dinky Dyes piece looks so cheerful and sunny. No wonder you want to look at it for the next couple of... weeks? Months? Let's be optimistic and say weeks...

Siobhán said...

Woohoo!! Congratulations on your finish! It looks great. Big congratulations to Melanie, too--how neat! Her artwork is beautiful. I'm glad you had a good trip. It's hard to leave home when you're a mom!

Andrea said...

Your stitching corner sure looks cosy. Well done Melanie! Love the finish.

Brigitte said...

This is exactly the kind of finish we all need - bright colours and a flower theme that makes you forget the white stuff outside.
Congratulations to your daughter on her success.
Your stitching place looks so cozy and inviting. I think I wouldn't leave it the whole day, lol.

Karoline said...

Bright Blossom's is lovely, congratulations