Monday, March 4, 2013

Too many projects

I seem to be going crazy with projects right now.  Don't know if I'll be able to handle this more-than-one-project-going-at-a-time thing.  First off, here's The Hart.  I hoped to finish off the grass, but I got distracted once again.



I also did another row on the Hex on the Beach quilt.



I'm looking forward to seeing some more of the fabrics being introduced as I add more rows.

Then, glory of glories, my Millenium Frame arrived from Needle Needs!  If you are following the Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year Blogs, you'll know all about these frames.  I stitch in hand, but I want to stitch Scarlet Letter's Manifesto in a frame since I want to use 40ct silk gauze in tent stitch over one.  So I've been waiting for my frame to arrive.  The silk gauze is very thin and rather slick compared to linen, so I did have to put some scraps of linen in with the silk gauze to hold my silk gauze in place -- trial and error.  But it worked, and I'm happy!  Here's my frame with my Manifesto start.  (I'm using the AVAS silks.)


I would love to have a floor stand to work on, but for now, until the stands come back in stock, I have to make do.  Here's a close up.  I put my scissors in the picture to give you an idea of the size of 40ct over one.


Those are 3/12" Dovo scissors.  Doing tent over one on 40ct silk gauze is easier than doing over one on 40ct linen IMO.  But hard on the eyes!  I'm planning on working on Manifesto one or two days a week as an SAL.

Mia has been a contented kitty, nothing new with her.  Here she is trying to keep warm during one of our recent cold snaps.


And here she is, helping with changing the sheets on my bed.  She loves to wait and pounce on the pillows when I throw them back onto the bed.


Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I hope everyone has a great week.


ETA:  I've had to disallow anonymous comments.  Too much spam getting through recently.  Hope this doesn't cause a problem.

56 comments:

Erica said...

Your projects are all coming along beautifully!
I have always struggled with doing multiple projects. I have found that it just doesn't work for me.
I always hear them nagging me.
I always imaging them languishing in a pile at someone's garage sale LOL!
Your quilt will be magnificent! Can't wait to see it!

What is it about changing the sheets that just incites cats?!
I always try to sneak away to do it. Gracie and Ollie always find me though! Such helpers!

Leneslines said...

Oh, my goodness! That silk is gorgeous, but how can you even see? My eyes would cross themselves after ten minutes. I look forward to seeing its progress. And Hart is really nice, so different and fun.
I am glad Mia finds fun things to do, even if the BoyChild is not at home at the moment.

cucki said...

yup you right so many project and i am thinking so little time..lol..
all your projects are looking so sweet..
love for you x

Deb said...

Your Hart piece is coming along beautifully!! I have to tell you that I was almost a Click away from ordering that quilt after I see so many of them working on it, but I held. I guess I have enough projects! :o) I'm just going to have to drool over your progress.

And I really toyed with doing the Manifesto over that silk gauze, but I chickened out. I think that yours is going to be spectacular. Hope that working on all the projects works out. I like bouncing from one thing to the next, but I have crafter's ADD! They all look wonderful Margaret!!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

I had to smile at what you said about having more than one project on the go. I wish I could be disciplined - I have no self control when it comes to starting new projects. I love to see Mia each week and hear what she's been up to - how old is she?

Annie said...

I'm a one-at-a-timer, but I can see that with large projects, it's probably more interesting to switch 'em up. Hart looks close to completion, isn't it?

40 ct is amazing! My eyes are staging a rebellion just looking at the photo!

Keeper of the Crowes said...

How exciting that you now own a Millenium Frame. I know that it's going to make stitching on the gauze much easier. What a spectacular project Manifesto is! I will be anxiously awaiting your progress each week!! BTW, always love seeing pictures of Mia!

Bertie said...

A girl/boy just cannot have too many projects at ones! Your frame looks good, I have one too and they are fabulous. Stitching is wonderful as is Mia! Do like the Dove scissors!
Have a great week;)

marly said...

Your Manifesto will be spectacular. I used silk gauze once on a very small project and enjoyed it. Watching your progress will be a real treat. Hart is stunning.

Mugwump Woolies said...

It is pure fun watching you stitch your beautiful works! I am so guilty of having too many things going at once and often feel like a cat chasing it's own tail! Mia looks so comfy and cozy.
Have a great week,
Robyn

Melody said...

Hi Margaret! Your Hart piece is so pretty. You are brave to work on the 40 count silk gauze. I haven't worked on any fabric that small. 32 to 36 count linen is as small as I want to stitch on.

Our cats love to 'help' put the clean sheets on the bed too, especially Joplin.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

You are so close on Hart! I know what you mean about tent stitching on higher counts. It looks good. I'm thinking about one of those frames myself. You'll have to tell me how you like it. Have a good week!

Roberta said...

Oh Margaret,I am so jealous that you bought the Millenium frame, I think it would be a wonderful tool for so many projects - maybe someday!!

As usual Mia is just too cute - thank you for sharing her with us.

I think the couch looks nice in the sewing room.

The quilt is coming along and Hart looks like it might almost be finished. I do have multiple projects going at one time - some are large and some are small - since I stitch in 3 different places in the house - each place has a different project.

Vickie said...

I enjoyed the 40ct silk gauze work last year, EXCEPT I needed a magnifier on the dark colors.
Hart is sooooo pretty Margaret. You go and finish that up now. ;)

Krista said...

I hear ya, Margaret... I have lots of projects at one time, sometimes hard to decide what to do when! lol! I am glad you got your Millennium frame, aren't they wonderful!! How are you managing though without a stand? Wonderful progress you have made on Hart!

Mia is as always a cutie pie! :)

Cari said...

First of all your Hart sampler is lovely and your Manifesto will be one fine accomplishment !! I think I would stitch it exactly the same way as you are...on 40 count silk gauze using the tent stitch. What another wonderful piece to add to your amazing collection.

Your Hex on the Beach looks like so much fun to do too. A nice change from tiny stitching.

I have to sneek into the bedroom to change my sheets. My Cassanova and Mick Jagger are all over those flying sheets!! They are so much fun, just like your sweet Mia.

Hugs and Happy Stitching....

Scrap said...

Hello
Oh my goodness !!!!
it's very lovely your project !
have a nice day

Laurie in Iowa said...

Manifesto is going to be absolutely stunning on the 40 ct silk gauze. You made the perfect decision to go with the gauze instead of the linen. That Hart looks wonderful and you really don't have that much left to stitch. YGG
I always love getting my Mia fix every Monday.
Your Hex on the Beach looks the same as mine... I must be doing it right. lol :-)

Nicola said...

Mia must be a good companion Margaret.

I am so pleased that you are pleased with your frame. I am going to order some gauze and give it a go on a small pictorial.

I am enjoying seeing your Hart piece progress, you will soon be finished.

I have found myself with three projects on the go but am having set days. It is hard too stick to the plan sometimes.

Miss Pants said...

How are you liking the new frame? I am so curious but cautious about ordering an expensive piece from the UK. I really want to see one in person.

Solstitches said...

Your quilt is already stunning.
There is a LOT of stitching in your Hart piece. It looks fabulous.
I can't begin to imagine stitching a big piece on silk gauze. I have a teeny tiny mermaid kit and am scared to start even that.
I have a couple of Millennium frames and a table stand also bought at a show before we moved to Spain.
I never did buy the stand but I should have.
Do you find it easy to switch between stitching in hand and working with a big frame?
Margaret

Teresa S. said...

I'm still waiting on my Milennium frame!
Love seeing it with your silk gauze all mounted and going.
That is a great idea for Manifesto.

Hart is so close--I'll keep watching :0

Giovanna said...

Great start on Manifesto - I love the piece, but I do wish the sun didn't look so grumpy :-) Nice going on the quilt and on the sampler too. Mia is a sweetie.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Don't know about the frame - is it light weight? Floor stand by the same company?

Manifesto is going to be beautiful! Mia looks like she's snuggling into the pillow - smart girl, she is!

Karin said...

Your projects are looking great! I order the Millennium Frame too and can't wait to receive it. Like you I stitch in hand and only use frames for needlepoint. Can't wait to try the Millennium for my cross stitch. How do you like it so far?

HollyXSing said...

Margaret:

I am thrilled to have company doing Manifesto on silk gauze! Yours looks great!

I am doing one page at a time. I only stitch on it on Sundays! I'll be posting an updated picture of mine this afternoon.

Keep up the beautiful work!

Happy Stitches,

-Holly in VA

BrendaS said...

Beautiful projects Margaret. Your Manifesto piece is going to be a "labor of love" when complete:)

Deborah said...

Hart is coming along nicely. Love the little dog. I don't know how you work on 40 count gauze. You must have great eyes.

Kielrain said...

I love the reds in The Hart project. The quilt will be fun to see make progress... and wow... Manifesto on silk gauze. That is going to be stunning.

Ruth said...

You are quite nuts -- OMG I can't even fathom 40-count linen. Ok, I know you say it's easier on gauze than linen, but my little brain starts to shiver at the thought.

Beautiful stitching...as always.. and also as always, Mia cracks me up. :)

Kim said...

The rabbit on the Hart Lives sampler just cracks me up, he looks a little bit sneaky lol The hex quilt pieces are so nice and the gauze sampler, well, you'll probably be finished by the end of the month!!! Can't wait to see it done. :)

woolwoman said...

I agree with kim - that bunny looks evil to me LOL. Nice that you got your new frame. They look super nice - I don't work on a frame except sometimes for canvas work so I wasn't too interested in ordering. Your Hart is coming right along and I guess you'll be flying on Manifesto since you have your snazzy new frame. Have a great week ! mel

Jackie's Stitches said...

I almost ordered a Millenium frame too. What size did you get? I thought I'd try something from the US first and I'll see how that goes. The 40 count silk gauze over 1 sounds like a challenge....one I know you're up for!

Linda said...

Your Hart sampler is stunning and your stitching is truly amazing. I so enjoy seeing your pieces every week. Manifesto is awesome. Someone else is stitching that one also. Mia is a cutie as always. One of our cats likes to help with the bed making too.

Linda

Dot said...

I'm fascinated to read that you stitch "in hand" as your stitches are so perfect. I quite like to stitch in hand also but can never get perfect stitches and so tend to use a frame most of the time.

I'm secretly lusting over a Millennium frame and stand. LOL! As in "in hand" stitcher, I'll be interested to know how you feel about this lovely frame after spending some time with it. Can't imagine stitching such tiny stitches without a frame. It's going to look stunning when finished.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Oh The Hart is looking so good! And be still my heart, The Manifesto on silk guaze....it will be stunning!

Kathy H said...

Beautiful projects and I love seeing the kitty pictures too. My cat loves that game too.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

WOW! All your projects--The Hart, hexie quilt and manifesto are beautiful

How do you like the new frame, I am one click away from ordering one and would like your input.

Cats and beds--they love to help make the bed. and sheets out of the dryer is just heaven for them

Beth said...

My goodness - tent stitch over one on 40 count silk. Wow~ I'm glad to see Mia is happy and well entertained. I really like the woman's dress in "Hart" and am glad you like your new frame.

Bine said...

Manifesto will be a most amazing looking master piece when done!
I am still fighting the temptation of hex on the beach....
Great progress on the hart! I can't imagine how you get all his stitching and sewing done in only one week.

Katrina said...

Love your Hart sampler!!!!! Very cool on the frame I am anxious to hear what you think about it.

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

oh oh oh merveilleux c'est de la gaze de soie ???? Oh que cela va être fin et beau ! bravo mon amie ! bisous !

Annette-California said...

Hart is soo beautiful Margaret! Your quilt your stitching is amazing. All those hexagons and the colors of the fabrics are very pretty. And your new frame:) WOW! I admire you for stitching 1 over 1 on 40ct. I tested it and I did not find it fun at all. I decided to stitch 1 over 1 on 32ct -LOL. Much easier and fun! I enjoy so much seeing your wips. Thank you.
love Annette

Evelyne said...

I smiled because it seem so similar to my, I have also to many projects.
Your heart sampler looks gorgeous.

What a tiny sun on the manifesto!I think it is stunning on the 40 ct silk gauze!
Do you stitch without a daylamp or magnifying-glass?
Nice frame you have!

Love to see Mia

Have a nice stitching week, Evelyne

Liz said...

Haven't been around for a while and my oh my, you've been busy!!
Love the hexie quilt, great colours and that silk is adorable, I can see why it would be hard on the eyes though.....all lovely as usual Margaret.
Lizzie
xxx

Carol said...

I'm another who can't seem to juggle multiple project, Margaret--so I rarely do! I just feel overwhelmed and find myself not wanting to finish things...

I'm just amazed at your over one on 40 ct. silk gauze--it will be a masterpiece :) So glad you splurged and bought the new frame!

Stitch Wizard said...

Hi Margaret I love seeing your posts here and am also juggling 3 projects. I am doing Jane Atkinson, Elizabeth Sheffield and Manifesto too. Many of us are doing these beautiful Scarlet Letter projects and I am loving them. It is going to be amazing watching your progress on the silk gauze. I am not big into stitching over one but Elizabeth Sheffield has taught me how to do it better than I had before doing the tent stitch. It really adds to the project though.

Stitch Wizard said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stitch Wizard said...

I forgot to say I love The Hart and your kitty is so pretty and sweet!!!

Melanie said...

Grass, grass, grass. I'm always amazed at your diligence in stitching up so much grass. :)

Do you find that frame is heavy to use? I've been looking at them, thinking maybe they would be easier on my hands because you could use more of your body or something to help hold them up. Very interesting project though! It's going to look gorgeous on the silk.

Catherine said...

I enjoyed Nicola's videos on this frame and I can imagine how wonderful it is for this particular project! So tiny!!
Funny Mia! Oh there are days I wish I could hide in the pillowcase!

Mindi said...

Your Manifesto on the silk gauze is going to be amazing! I've always wanted to try it, but never been brave enough to pick a smaller project to try.

What is it about our furbabies and changing the bed linens? Annie always wants to jump up right in the middle of the process and get in the way.

Kathy Ellen said...

Oh Margaret, 'The Hart' is absolutely gorgeous! I love those pretty Hexagons for your Beach Quilt too.

No wonder that you are so excited to receive your Millenium Frame! I've watched Nicola's two video tutuorials on both the frame and frame stand, and have sent an email, asking if they will tell me when both are available so that I can order them.

You are so brave, stitching over one on 40 count silk, but Manifesto will, no doubt, be as exquisite as all of your stitching. Look forward to seeing your progress.

Blessings for a lovely weekend!

Karoline said...

All your wips are looking gorgeous, especially The Hart. Looking forward to seeing your progress on Manifesto.

Great photos of Mia, where will she sleep next!

Nikki said...

Your samplers and stitching are just gorgeous, AND I am green with envy that you got your Millennium Frame, as I have had mine on Pre-order for weeks awaiting stock. I am getting the floor stand too. I am like you and saw this on Nicola's Blog and the Scarlet Letter SAL, which I am also part of. I love following your blog, and like your kitty too!!

Anne said...

Oh Margaret! It's so lovely!! I'm starting the feel the same way with too many projects on the go. It makes me feel a wee bit panicky! Stitching on silk gauze...wow! That must feel just wonderful to stitch on silk with silk!! It's going to be quite the masterpiece when completed! I love that little Mia can fit into a pillow case. If Titus did that he'd rip the covers!