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

Day Trippin' and WIP Update

Those of you who read my previous blog at Multiply, will notice the new photo I'm using for my new blog.  Yes, I stopped dying my hair a while back.  It just didn't make sense to keep spending all that money to cover up the white that I've had in my hair since my mid-20's (leaves more money for stash!)  So, yes, this is the 'real' me!  I'm also sad to say, I've gained about 20 lb. since my back injury. 

I want to share some photos from a day trip my hubby and I went on today.  We live in the beautiful state of Colorado, just a short hour drive from the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.  Today we took a trip to Estes Park, and into Rocky Mountain National Park, over Trail Ridge Road to the summit at Alpine Visitor Center...12,183 feet! 

No matter how many times we make this drive, it always seems like the first time.  The views are simply spectacular.  This is some of the snow left from last season on the mountain right beside the Alpine Visitor Center at the summit.

This is a view of the Gorge Lakes, Mount Ida and Mount Julian from Trail Ridge Road.

This is the view from Rainbow Curve, looking down at the curves up the side of the mountains that make up Trail Ridge Road.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to see the wildlife up close!

On other occasions, we've seen herds of bighorn sheep.  Today we saw many groups of elk.  This group were grazing near the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.  Look at that rack on the elk on the left!

The group below were at Moraine Park on our way out of the park, as we made our way back down into Estes Park.

We stopped in Estes Park after our nice drive.  Walked around a bit and bought some yummy caramel corn to munch on the way back home through Big Thompson Canyon (scene of the flood in 1976 that killed 144).  See an excellent presentation about the flood by the Coloradoan.

Oh, I almost forgot....on our way back to where we'd parked the car in Estes, we stopped in to take a look at the old-fashioned 'Five & Dime' store.  Guess what I found in the back corner?  A pile of all sorts of crafting pamplets!  A quick look through them, and I left with a couple bargains....Prairie Schooler "Garden Beasties" and "A Gardener's Life" by Karen Avery for Dimensions, for the bargain price of $3 for both! 

This stash addition makes me realize I really should dig out my Excel spreadsheet and update my stash list once again.  Dang, something else I need to do.

I also thought I'd post an update to my current project...It's the Gift Bag Melody by Dyan Allaire from Kustom Krafts.  I must admit, it feels GREAT to be stitching again!

Dyan's intention is for this to be finished into a gift bag.  I must admit, I am leaning toward putting the finished stitching on the side of a tote bag; we'll see how I feel once I get it finished up.

Once again, Happy Stitching...Vicki in CO