Almost A Finish & A Finish

London stitching should be finished today or tomorrow in time for Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching.  Only a few more stitches and added bling (beads) which are to be added at the end. Although it is a small piece (four inches),  I thought I'd be done by this week. The endearing, famous icons are small, yet they involve thread color changes, stops and starts. Uh..... and a few symbols were do overs 🥴.  

Last week I learned from Sarah at Quilting by the Sea the blue bird was really a pigeon, silly me. The color of the canvas was more blue than grey which lead me to the wrong assumption. I removed the bluest thread by its wings and restitched with gray.  A bit more pigeon like wouldn't you say?

Gold thread made Big Ben stitching fun.

The local needlepoint shop has been closed to walk-in customers during Michigan’s stay-at-home restrictions. It made my day when the shop called with news of the completed Paris travel round that would mail to my home. 

Total completion of Paris speeded up my motivation to finish London soon and mail it back to the shop for the finishers to work their magic.  There are more needlepoint travel cities (designed by Kirk & Bradley) that I hope to add to my collection.  However, I need a change of pace and will switch to something different.  Not quite sure what as I'm sadly distracted as you all.

Added edition:  A huge thank you to all readers and their families that work in either healthcare and/or retail!  

In the meantime, may you stay well!

Jill

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London Stitching Marching On

This past week some progress was made on the London needlepoint travel round. 🤗Top half of the background was filled in. Working on the iconic symbols was next. The Union Jack was completed along with the London taxi, Buckingham Palace guard 😍, and a blue bird. Perhaps a UK reader can kindly explain the meaning of a blue bird to this American.

Today, I'll be working on the endearing Big Ben.  A 18 tapestry needle is placed next to the figures to display size. 

While stitching, it seemed appropriate to watch a video by BBC of Prince William and Kate's wedding (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) in 2011. A visit to London is on my list after the crisis passes and it will.

More than ever, this week I looked forward to linking and connecting with the Slow Sunday Stitchers that Kathy graciously  brings together weekly!  May you and yours stay well.

Jill

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Slow London Stitching

A quick, simple post showing a bit of progress on the London travel ornament. 

It's that kind of a Sunday to take it slow and easy. Church services in the area are cancelled. I will needlepoint the Union Jack and fill in some of the background.

Last weekend I was unable to participate with Kathy's group as I had a medical procedure. There was no slow stitching for me other than I was the one stitched. 🥴 I know....bad joke. Thankfully, it went very well. Rest (with handwork 😉) the next few weeks is what the doc prescribed. 

During this trying time, isn't it wonderful that we can get together at Slow Sunday Stitching hosted by Kathy and share our stitching projects.

Take care,

Jill

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Quilt Basting

Two needlework projects this week. Easy background fill-in needlepoint on London of which I am enjoying immensely.

Secondly, there was prep work for board basting (not bored 😉)  the Red & White (RW) quilt which will later be machine quilted on my domestic.

This is the third quilt that I have done board basting which I learned from Sharon Schaumber's youtube video.  The boards give the three layers a nice weight and tension. You unroll the boards and baste each section as you go along. Sharon does an excellent job of explaining the process and reasons. Click here if interested in this method. I have set up a spare table in the guest bedroom which has natural daylight and a TV which keeps me from getting bored while board basting. 😉

The batting / wading is spread out on the bed in between the backing and top. Perhaps you can see the smoothness of the quilt which helps avoid potential puckers while basting. Many quilters use safety pins to baste. I prefer needle and thread. It goes quickly while working at table height.

There are other kindred stitchers linking today with Kathy at her weekly Slow Sunday Stitching.

Until next time,

Jill