Week 33

Where does the time go? Wow, 33/52 already

I slowed down on my hoop to make it last, now that I only have a little over 4 months left, I am going to quadrant it out and do more than a few tiny stitches a day to fill it to the rim.

It was eclipse day in my neck of the woods. I ended up stuck on the road but there were plenty of pics posted by nasa and other peeps. I did get to see it through a pinhole box. It was kinda awesome. No, it wasn't transcendent and I didn't want to make a baby at the vega, nor did I cry and treat it like a rare cosmic event. Some people are just, well, a little to in to it.

Got to see my bestie. She lives on the other side of the country. Soooo Fun! 

How I organized my most recent project.  

I am normally a pile-er/jumbler with my threads. It works, but it makes it hard if I find a loose strand and I can't remember what color I used...oy. I think I may try to be this organized for my next big project. I will post the finished article when the showcase has officially opened and I can link you guys up to #sfsnad.

Fetch, anyone? Crazy dog!

What kinds of creative things are you up to?

Take a Stand.......

   
Yes, by all means, take that kind of stand, but this post is all about the hoop stand.

I am, indeed, a hoop-er. I've tried hoopless, but my stitches are hopeless when I do. I've been on the hunt for something, anything, that could help me be hands-free for things like french knots and a few of the fancier stitches.

This is my current batch. All wonderful in their own special way. All pretty easy on the ol' checkbook (debt card) depending on where you purchase them and if you are lucky enough to have a coupon. I'm afraid I paid a bit too much for the lap stand. It did come with three hoops and I did shop local. I was so excited after I tried it out that I had to have it...right then, right there. If I had shopped around, I could've saved myself $30.00 bucks...maybe a little less.

My new baby. I just got it today from Michael's. Yes, I had a coupon. yes, they have better coupons every now and then, but I am not super patient.

I've seen this one on the WWW and it had really good reviews. The pros and price far outweighed the cons. $39.99 before any discounts and/tax.

That is a 14" hoop in there. Feels quite sturdy. Adjustable like crazy and even 360º turning.

I can't wait to try it out tonight.

 My Elbesee lap and table stands.

The lap stand (fanny frame) came with three hoops on a stick. 6-8-10.5"

They will work in the table clamp (barrel clamp) as well. I also have the universal hoop holder on a stick for when I want to change things up or use a funky size. 

I love them and they've worked quite well for the few months I've had them.

They are quite portable

Get yourself one of these little tools. It's for turning wingnuts. 

Three words....

fab  u  lous

The box

The instructions are tiny and a little hard to make out, but it took me about 30 minutes or so and a few adjustments to get things in the right place. I put the plastic knobs where I thought I would use them the most. I am going to purchase a few metal washers to protect the wood from over tightening...that should cost a whole $1.00.

I give all of these items a big thumbs up. Especially the wing nut tool...seriously...I can't say enough good things about it.

There are more hoop stands out there. I've seen them as high as $250.00usd plus shipping. Most of them seem to be in the low 100's. Yes, they have a few more bells and whistles and some are metal and you can buy accessories to make your stitching life easier. (lights, chart holder, etc.) but if you are watching your pennies and don't mind having a little table nearby, this is a great choice.
yes, I did look at the other stands, saw one in person...it was for the hoops on a stick. Lucky for me, they didn't have them yet or I would've over paid in my enthusiastic state. LOL I actually think this is going to work out better...more versatile, less money, not as cute, holds bigger/different hoops. yep, I think I made a frugal and wise purchase.

What kind of tools and/or gadgets do you use when you hoop up?
Do you even hoop?
Inquiring minds want to know. Until recently, I had no idea any of this even existed and I have been sewing for a long dang time. I learned from people sharing.

Week 14ish

 Boy, time flies when you are livin' life. I am glad I have this stitchy little project so I do a little something every day.

Well, Day 100 of stitching happened this past week on April 10th.
I know it's a cliche, but I did a 100 to mark the occasion.

 Treated myself to some new needles.

I plan on using larger perle and all six strands of floss and I am queen of the tiny chenille needles. My favorite is Pony size 25. Love.

 Hoop view

My friend Karen, of Sewmuch2luv fame, sent me these little beauties.

Soooo unexpected and soooooooo awesome. That pig!!!!

One little closeup of my burned thumb and Jayne's goatee

Traced this lovely design using Saral wax free tracing paper. 

The tracing worked great. the fabric.....yukko. It must be some kind of poly blend and my hands hurt like the dickens after such a short line of stitching. I am sooooo ditching this and getting a better fabric. So.

 Celebrated 29 years of wedding bliss

This is our cake topper and our current anniversary card.

Bed hogs extraordinaire

Easter skirt

Favorite embroidery scissors.

Do you have a favorite pair of embroidery scissors? A they more cute than practical or more practical than cute. I am both kinds, but this pair is fab and functional.

Spring has sprung....and Week 10

The back yard is a buzz with blooms and bees

The critters are not so helpful with paperwork.

Week 10 hoop progress

A little gif fun

Using a hobonichi weeks to keep track of my hoop do's

Treated my self to some stitchy goodness.

Variegated perle, silk perle and ribbons, floche, needles, threader...ahhhhhh

Although the weather is getting warmer, I felt the need for a batch of cinnamon rolls.

They were fab and disappeared super fast.

My granddot loves getting facial from her momo (auntie)

I really want to sew but I have a few things in the boring, regular world to get done first....then I am freeeeeeeeeeee!
My #1yearonstitches hoop will have to suffice for now.

What's on your spring to-do list?

Week 9

Not a super eventful week, just one possible ukky event, hence the pink ribbon. If you want to send good thoughts and prayers out to my little sister, that would be much appreciated. I don't want to wear another pink ribbon for my family. Nobody should have to.

What's been added? Pink ribbon, green line, mardi gras hat, boots

                                       

 

A close-up of my outline and the boots that inspired it.

I know, right. Awesome!

Rolling downhill after filling up....best fake mileage ever!!

I have to admit, my hubs got impatient and a little bored so he went out and got me new tires. I already had a day planned and a tire picked out......so much for my timing. He got me tires that fit, but they aren't the narrow, low rolling tires that really help out my mileage. I drive a honda hybrid (anyone else called them hybirds?) My mileage has dropped significantly and I, for better or worse, let him know it every time he drives and I am the passenger that it is awful. Yes, I should stop, I am stuck with the tires now, but wow. I finally got it back up the other day to the real mileage of about 47mpg on the freeway, but in town, it sucks fuel instead of sips. I am not quite over it, but even I am getting tired of my nagfest. LOL Pray I grow up, just a little bit. hahahahaha