New and Old

I have many embroidery and sewing things to update and post on today! First I need your help!! One of my projects is making dish towels for my Mom for her birthday. The question is, What is this object? As I understand it this pattern is out of copyright so feel free to print and use it. I thought it was a lantern but what are the big wheel like things on the sides – stylized glow from the light? A grinder of some kind? If you take away those wheel like objects it seems less lamp-like, more urn like? (who wants an urn on their dish towel) I’d love to hear your ideas on what this object is…

   Next up is the finished duck. I’m very pleased with the way it came out!

With those two projects well underway I started a “class” to hone some skill at needle painting. I’m using Trish Burr’s book as a class on my own. Generally I’m the type to start at the hardest level of this sort of thing. I guess I’m just lazy and don’t want to practice. In this situation though I want to really push myself to do things in the proper order. Not unlike practicing penmanship or violin or any other art. What a blessing this book is turning out to be.

   The above pictures are: The cover of the book that I’m using, a very close up shot of a single flower petal and the bottom one shows the trick of how I’m really doing this! Bright light is essential for this type of detail work. I’ve strained my eyes several times now and am determined to avoid doing it again! The magnifying glass really helps cut down on the eyestrain as well although it’s a bit difficult to get used to using I find it well worth learning to adapt. I have yet to adapt to a thimble though! Eventually I will get to the last level in this book which is this level of difficulty… Yikes! “I think I can, I think I can”. Please, if you are interested in needle painting seek out Trish Burr. I’m not paid or reimbursed in any way, the lady has no idea of my existence. It’s just well worth it.

May God bless your day, Dear Reader! Oh, don’t forget to comment on what you think the picture is for my Mom’s dish towel!