Permanent Stitchy Space

I think that one of the reasons I have barely stitched in the last year and a half is because it's such a pain to pull out all my stitchy stuff when my knitting is right beside me. I was often so tired I couldn't even reach to the side table to get that! I tend to like big projects, which means floor stand, light/magnifier, and lots of threads, needles, and patterns. So much stuff to get out and organize before I could even put a stitch in.

Now that school is finally finished, I have set up a permanent stitchy space again:

My dog Toka loves to steal my spot on the couch.

I have stitched more in the past 2 weeks than I have in the rest of 2015, I think. Even on the days I'm dead tired I can often bring myself to put in a few stitches at least. I'm starting to get excited by stitching again. I want to pull out some of my big, super complicated pieces and give them some love!

Before that happens though, I really want to finish Elizabeth by Mirabilia.

I still have a long way to go (that is a ridiculously big pink dress), but at least I am making progress on a more consistent basis. Woot!

Turtle Trot - March

I'm a day late and don't have a whole lot to show. :( When I started thinking about this post the other day I realized how little stitching I've done in the past month. Almost nothing. I need to do something about that.

I did manage a tiny bit of progress on two pieces.

Damask Square:

Ciara Blue:

I wouldn't mind working on some other pieces, but my Millenium frames are full and I have projects on them that I don't really want to switch on and off (like Ciara Blue - she's on my extra long side bars). I ordered 2 more frames in January and am waiting impatiently for them to arrive. One frame will be dedicated to the Chatelaine I want to start and the other will be intended for switching between projects.

Stand-tastic!!

I love my millenium frame. I mean I really LOVE it. I ordered more extension bars and now have 4 different sizes. However, the bigger ones are a tad heavy and certain areas are harder to reach when held in the hand. So, I bought my very first stand:

Necessaire Stand by Needle Needs

Isn't it pretty?

I received it right before I left for the retreat last weekend, and I assembled it the moment I got home. And yet, I still haven't had a chance to use it.  :(  I'm swamped with teaching and schoolwork right now. If I'm lucky I might have time next week to try it out.

At least it's here and waiting for me!

Music Framed & My Christmas Present

First off -- welcome to my new followers! Up to 111 now, holy smokes!

Today I picked up Music Montage (by Stoney Creek) from the framers. I had dropped it off in early September (but told them not to rush), so I had kind of forgotten what colours etc we'd picked out. I think it looks fabulous! I almost hate to give it away -- but I know the intended recipient will LOVE it and it'll blow him away. He has no idea I've been stitching anything for him.

And a close-up so you can really see the design and matting colours. Look at the awesome corners my framer added! What a lovely unexpected touch!

Just minutes after I got home from the framers, there was a knock at my door. The FedEx man!! Woohoo! My Christmas present from my mom finally arived from the UK.

My very own beautiful Millenium frame ... I'm in love! Drama Queen just barely fit on the 16" bars. I'm glad I ordered an extra set of 24" bars for my big HAED pieces.

It looks lovely, it was super easy to set up, and the tension seems too good to be true! I haven't stitched with it yet, but I will certainly be sitting down later tonight to have a go.