Monday, October 11, 2010

Catching Up and Winding Down


First of all I want to say how sorry I am about not blogging much lately. I needed a break while I recovered from life's hard knocks. I cross my heart promise to try and do better about blogging in the future!

Yes, I am still working on The Sparrow but I had a hold up. Unfortunately, my soda bottle got knocked off the side table while I was working on it and landed smack dab all over the piece. Talk about being upset! All that work and I was on the final stretch then that happens! I ran it to the sink and rinsed it out very gently then rolled it up in a towel to dry for several days. I am still upset about the accident but I think the majority of the spill did come out. Also, I have been taking more breaks from my stitching so as not to overwork my hands and suffer the consequences.
I had hoped to have three pieces ready to take to have framed by the end of the year but it may be just a while longer now. I still frame alot of my finished pieces but certain ones that have a special place in my heart go to the framers. Sorry this isn't the best picture of my progress on The Sparrow but it's what I have for now.

Our weather went from deep summer 90s to the autumn days of low 70s and even mid 60s in a flash! Now we are back up into the warmer days but the nights still have the flannel pajama chill to them! Could it be we are in store for another early winter?
With all the up and down temps, it is definitely cold season and we have had our share of sneezing and coughing around here. As long as it doesn't get any worse than that, all should be ok.

Now I need to ask for some suggestions and opions. I am looking at needlework floor stands to give my hands a little more freedom and less strain. I have looked over many different types and found a few I am very impressed with but I am looking for something that will hold both hoops and Q Snap frames. I definitely want something sturdy that will not be a waste of money in a short time but doesn't cost an arm and a leg either. So, if you use a floor stand how about sharing your opinions with me.

Until next time, may you simple day and an uncluttered heart! Thanks so much for stopping by. I always enjoy your visits and comments!

12 comments:

Julie M said...

Glad you were able to get most of the soda out of your piece.

No suggestions on the stand, I have tried the gazelle but didn't care for it.

Welcome back!

Margaret said...

It's definitely more important to take care of yourself than to blog! Blog when you can and we'll be here for you. :D Love your Sparrow progress. Ugh on the spilled soda! I stitch in hand, so no suggestions for floor stands I'm afraid. Good luck!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Soda...YIKES...had that happen recently to an ornament with my tea though...YOWZA! I was a mad woman running to the water! LOL!

Needlework System 4. Now there will people that say its too expensive, but Sherry I've been stitching on mine for almost three years now and I'm thinking about getting a second. I know the ins and outs about them, even have a few tricks on how to "modify" the q-snaps head to make it larger than the 17 inch width it says. I buy q-snaps and dismantle them to make wider but shorter so I have easy lengths to work at...it is a wonderful product and it is easily flipped (no loosening of any bolts, etc for turning to start off and end off threads. I love mine. If you want any more info, google Needlework System 4 or e-mail me - happy to talk mine up, as I love it and firmly, firmly believe in mine. I had to buy mine because of tendonitis in my wrist and elbow.

Roberta said...

Hi Sherry, I also, have been aways from blogging - life gets in the way in different ways!!

As for floor stands - I love the Lawry Frame from England - I have "Arthur -itis" in my hands and this frame I found to be to my liking. Unfortunately, it is very expensive!!

barbara said...

I've toyed for a couple of years with buying a floor stand but the few I've seen in real life are not ones I would like to have, so ... I continue to wait. They're so expensive, it's not something I'd want to make a mistake on.

I'm sorry you spilt cola on your project - that must've been so sad!! But how wonderful that you got it pretty much all out.

Take care of yourself and remember we all care about you, too!

The Scarlett House said...

Hi Sherry, love your progress on The Sparrow. Sorry to hear that you had a spill...I think we've all had that happen in one way or another. I wish I knew anything about stands, but I don't. Sounds like our friend Vonna has some good advice for you though.

Blu said...

Lovely progresson the Sparrow.
Ouch about the spill. Glad you were able to get most of it out.

The doll in your header is just adorable!

Jan said...

I love your progress, Sherry, but oh so sorry about the spill...trust me though, it will still be special and give the piece character beyond measure!:) Can't wait to see more...:)

Siobhán said...

Sherry, you need to take care of yourself and enjoy life, take as many breaks as you need! I tend to withdraw when things are stressful, too. I'm always happy to see a new update from you whenever you manage one. :)

Love the progress! Sorry to hear about the soda spill! Yikes.

Sorry that I can't give any tips on frames, as I only stitch in hand. Good luck!

Jeanne said...

The Sparrow is looking good Shari! I know about issues with the hands...I have to be careful not to stitch too much in a week or I get painful stiff hands. I have never owned a floor stand...but I did keep several notes off of one of the stitching bulletin boards from a year or two ago in which people were debating the various brands. (in case I ever wanted to get one). The most raves went to hte34 Needlework System 4 that Vonna mentioned and also the Lowery which comes from the U.K. Here are some of the points people said you should consider:
- does the stand swing away easily so you don't have to move the whole thing when you get up from your chair
- how easy is it to flip your work over to start/stop threads - some models have screws, some levers, etc
- will the base fit under the edge of your chair or sofa so you can get it close enough to you
- will it hold Q-snaps as well as scroll rods (with some brands you need to purchase additional clamps for the Q-snaps)

Good luck Shari and don't feel guilty about not blogging - remember "blogging without obligation" :)

Brigitte said...

Fortunately you were able to rinse out the soda. It would have been a pity to have to start over. It's such a wonderful piece.
I don't have any experience with floor stands as I stitch in hand only.

Berit said...

Wow; I'm surprised by all the great stitchers who stitch in-hand; I wonder if they mean that they hold their hoops or q-snaps. :/

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you; wanting one, but wanting to make the right choice since they are expensive. :)

So glad your work was saved from the spill!