Seven Down, One To Go

This week I put the final member of the Halloweenies Home Study on the stretcher bars. This time last year we were putting the first stitches on the Haunted House and the first of the characters hadn't even arrived. There are many stitches left to be completed on the Haunted House but I am pleased to say that seven of the eight characters are finished. Here's the finished Sarcoph A. Gus:

It's a shame that photographs (mine, anyway) really don't do Gus justice. You have to see him in person to appreciate the play of light on the beads of the outer case. There were so many fun design features on Gus that went beyond our usual stitching - the beaded crook and flail with the tassel, the muslin wrapping on the mummy, and the skull rattle with the beaded tassel. Amy went all out on this character! All of her directions were so easy to follow and ensured a successful outcome.

Now it's time to turn my attention to Dev L. Mann. This week I started with the bottom border and used a new thread for me - Painter's Threads. It is a ribbon-like thread with an iridescent metallic thread running through it. When used with Fyre Works, it makes for a shimmery, sparkly border. The metallic thread in the Painter's Threads really picks up the light. I can't wait to use it on Dev's pant suit! I think Dev L. Mann will have a lot more "spark" to him in person than what comes across in the photos.

The geckos don't have their tails, feet, or tongues yet. I wanted to move on to the the jack-o-lantern because I enjoyed that stitch so much when we used it in a previous pumpkin. I can't say I enjoyed working it this time. Because of the placement of my tent stitches for the darker lines on the pumpkin, I found myself having to compensate a lot of stitches in a small area and that was no fun. Maybe you can plan your stitches better than I did. There's a lot going on with this pumpkin. Rhett makes his appearance in the middle of the pumpkin's nose, there's grass for the bird nest, and then the crow in the nest.

Just as an FYI - Right above the bottom border is a thin purple border that calls for Fyre Works. The thread list indicates that this color is included in the new threads kit for Dev; but, this is not the case. Peggy and Jill kindly responded very quickly to my question about this thread. The dark periwinkle Fyre Works is found in the Dr. Acula thread kit. So look for it there - there is plenty left from the previous kit to use in the border of Dev L. Mann. Thanks Peggy and Jill!

Yesterday and today we have had a nice hint of spring - warm sunshine and bright blue skies - and robins everywhere. I spent a little time yesterday out by my back steps cutting back my rosemary plants that were about to completely block the walkway to the patio. When I planted them a few years ago, I had no idea that they would thrive as well as they have. Today I need to cut back the thyme plants which have been peeking out from under the rosemary. I usually have a pot of cat mint right there by the other herbs but it doesn't make it through the winter like the rosemary and thyme do. My cat loves the mint and I have seen her checking out the pot to see where her favorite green plant has gone. This time of year all she can do is rub her cheek against the pitiful stems that are the only thing left of the plant. I've bought catnip plants for her but she prefers the cat mint. Hang on a little longer, Little Girl, it won't be long before I can replant that pot for you!

I wish you all a happy Valentine's Day! I hope you get to spend it with those you love!

XOXO!