Sunday, February 7, 2010

Virtual Stitching Update and New Stitching Glasses

STITCHING UPDATE

Yesterday I participated in a virtual stitch-in.  DH and I ended up needing to run a few errands in the morning, so I didn't get started with my stitching until noon, but I still made good progress.  I ended up spending the entire time working on  the 'Bouquet for Cheryl' SAL that I'm doing with some other stitchers on Sticher's Showcase. 

Here's what it looked like when I finished up last night:


And this is what it looked like when I started stitching yesterday:



Neither of these photos show the nice light lavender fabric I'm stitching this on.  I am enjoying this stitch so much!

I almost forgot, I pulled out a UFO to stitch on during a couple trips I made to Denver this past week, it's the Bent Creek Snapper Series.  I'm stitching them vertically on stitchband.  This is how it look as of 2-5-2010:


Last time I stitched on it was 2-18-2008, here's how it looked then:


I think this will be my travel project for the moment; it's small enough to transport easily, and I really do like these designs.

I need to get busy the rest of today stitching on my Oakhaven Months SAL for February, and also on the February heart ornament for Bride's Tree SAL.  I'm waiting on fabric to arrive from 123 Stitch to start the LHN ornaments and also for the Prairie Schooler ABC Stitching Bee.

Oh yes, my small LNS had a Superbowl Sale yesterday; everything in the store 20% off, and one item (your choice) 50% off (with the postcard they mailed you).  I looked around a little, but actually only purchased two small Val's Stuff charts, a couple WDW threads I needed for a chart.  I used the 50% off for a cute scissor fob that has a spool and thimble on the end.  Only spent $18 total, so I was a very good girl indeed. 


FLOOR STANDS FOR STITCHING

I'm seriously considering purchasing a new floor system called 'Needlework System 4' that I've heard about. All the reviews I've seen for this system seem to be extremely positive. Have any of you used this system? If so, what do you like and/or dislike about it?  You can check it out HERE

I currently have the double-sided wooden floor stand by American Dream Products and while I like it for stitching a project that is currently set-up in it, it is NOT 'portable' to move around from place-to-place easily, or set up to easily switch projects.

I'd love to hear your comments on floor stands!


NEW STITCHING GLASSES

I took the afternoon off work on Friday and DH and I made a quick trip to Denver to go to a store that specializes in products for people with vision issues.  The stitching glasses my eye doctor came up with for me were woefully inadequate for my needs, so I decided to try something else.  They had just what I needed! 

After trying several different strengths of glasses, I came home the proud owner of a slightly expensive but extremely functional pair of glasses that werre made in Germany.  They have prism lenses and are +8 diopter strength!  BUT, I can actually SEE to stitch up to 40 ct without any other magnifying aid!  Woo Hoo!  The other nice thing was, I was able to purchase them on the spot; didn't have to place an order and come back in 2 weeks to pick them up.

Now, these glasses mean that the focal length is fairly short (I think that's the right terminology), so I need the stitching 8-10" from my eyes in order for it to be in focus.  I did find that a challenge yesterday while trying to
stitch with my lap stand.  If I'm stitching with a smaller q-snap, hoop, or in-hand, it is not an issue at all.



As you can see from this photo, the lenses are very thick on the inside.  However, these are actually not as thick as the lenses I wore all day every day for the past 57 years before my cataract surgery; and my lenses before were very thick on both ouside and inside edges.  So, they don't feel like much to me.

Until next time - Happy Stitching!

Vicki in CO

22 comments:

Terri said...

Your stitching is wonderful Vicki. Glad you got the glasses sorted. I had a few friends that bought that stand and love it. I have my hearthside craftworks one and love it but as I don't have the room right now it's not set up :(

Emily in NC said...

You've made alot of progress.

Anonymous said...

You sure are a busy stitcher! Congrats on the great glasses - I need a magnifier for 32 count over 2 threads, so I'm mighty jealous.

Debbie Jo said...

Your stitching looks wonderful. You sure have some nice projects going right now. I have thought about getting a floor stand but until I get back to work that is out of the question. I am tickled about your glasses for stitching. I sure wish we had somewhere near here to look for something like that.

Gabi said...

Beautiful stitching all over Vicki. And yes, I do have a Needlework 4 floor stand. I chose as head the bigger one for scroll rods. Best buy every.

Anonymous said...

Your stitching looks very nice and glad you were able to get new glasses.

Marl

Cynimin said...

Your 'Bouquet for Cheryl' is just beautiful! I really love those colors. You have very nice stitching. I have a floor stand, nothing so elborate as yours, but it is really helpful when I needlepoint.

Meari said...

You made some great progress on your WIPs.

Yoyo said...

Vicki, would you e-mail me or even leave a message on my blog with some 'real details' on these new glasses? Like manufacturer's name or maybe the name of the store where you got them or something I could actually use to find them, either around here or on the internet, please, pretty please. I'm using a 5x magnifier now and it sounds like your new glasses may be even better than that and I'd really like to take a look at them. Thank you ever so much, Yoyo (e-mail yoyo_9203 at yahoo dot com)

Yoyo said...

Oh, dear, and I didn't even say, beautiful stitchy goodies today!

JessB said...

Good stitching. I like your WIPs. I have a floor stand- don't remember what kind it is and it is in storage right now anyway. Sorry I can't help you with that!

Anonymous said...

Your stitching is lovely, I really do like the colours used for Bouquet for Cheryl. I have a Needlework System 4 stand. I dithered over buying one for such a long time, I am in the UK and no-one sells them over here so I knew the shipping from the US plus the customs charge I would have to pay would make it a very expensive purchase. Eventually I bit the bullet and I have to say it's the best purchase I've ever made.

Mylene said...

You have made a very good progress, Vicki.

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

WOW your stitching is so beautiful.

Glad you got some great glasses to help you stitch.

MaryT said...

You had a very busy weekend and you got a lot accomplished. Really nice stitching.

Carolyn NC said...

Love the stitching - nice progress! Glad you have your glasses all fixed now!

Lainey said...

Glad you got your glasses fixed. All your stitching pieces are wonderful. Love those cute scissors!

Nancy M said...

Nice progress on all fronts! I have a couple skeins of BfC, it's just such a pretty color, but I don't know what to do with it. Not sure I want to stitch BfC! Your monthly piece will look great on the ribbon band. Sounds like your eye problems have been solved! Now you will be able to quilt and stitch even faster!

Shelley said...

Love the progress you made during the virtual stitch in. The colors in that piece are fabulous. Congrats on the new glasses. I hope they help you a lot.

Rene la Frog said...

Great stitching as usual. Glad you finally got the glasses that work for stitching.

SnowySticher said...

great work and I love the Bouquet for Cheryl, the colors are so pretty

her87monte said...

Hi Vikki.... love your blog.... and beautiful stitching!!! I have a question about your project 'Bouquet for Cheryl'.... are you using Carrie's cotton or silk floss???

it is beautiful and thot I might just have to start it.... *grin*