Lessons Learned

This week I ordered from Amy's the three new DVDs in the How'd You Do That series - Back to Basics, Level 1, Parts 1, 2, and 3. The DVDs arrived yesterday and I have already watched Part 1 twice. Each DVD features the wisdom of Tony Minieri and the excellent stitching of Amy Bunger. Cudos to Robin King and Pat Ryan who filmed and produced the set - great job!

I am definitely a self-taught stitcher. I have had maybe two classes in my stitching life. The only reason I know how to stitch basketweave correctly is because I stitched a kneeler for The National Cathedral back in the mid 90's. The needlepoint guild there was/is adamant that basketweave be stitched in the correct method. It's the method we all know - slide down the pole (vertical threads) and climb up the stairs (horizontal threads). That's almost all of my knowledge of proper stitch technique right there. I can follow directions (for the most part) and my projects turn out fairly well. But so often I have had no idea why stitches are placed in particular ways or certain directions. In Part 1 of the Back to Basics DVD, so many light bulbs came on for me! I didn't even know you use certain types of needles for vertical stitches and others for diagonal stitches. I can't wait to see what is in store for me in Parts 2 and 3. If you're self-taught as I am, these DVDs would definitely be a worthwhile investment for you.

This week in my stitching I moved on to the M pear with all of its many stripes. Amy, as always, comes up with such unique combinations of patterns and threads. The light green stripe uses Russian interlaced weaving and just to look at it, it seems a daunting stitch but it really isn't. The compensation gave me the most trouble but I think by the time I add the beads to the M, the compensated areas won't jump out at me as they do now. I finished the Eight Ball stitch last night (the center stripe) and now understand why the stitch guide showed some specific stitch placements because just such a subject was covered in Part 1 of the Back to Basics DVD. How timely!

There is just one more thread kit and stitch guide left to come for this Home Study project and it will be concluded. My thoughts turn more and more these days to how I will have it finished. My original idea for finishing was to construct it in such a way that it could hang from my mantle (fireplace not in use!). That would work for the house I live in now, but what if I move somewhere else and there is no mantle? What if Andrew and Anna don't want to use it that way when it eventually is handed down to them? It would make an awfully long pillow so I am not thinking in those terms. I think Amy is considering having hers framed. Maybe that is the best idea but what do you think? You have been watching me stitch this for the last five months. I would love to hear your finishing ideas - please!

I think I will head outdoors for a little while despite the horrible coating of pollen on everything. We had an early morning thunderstorm today so perhaps some of the pollen has been washed away. The trees are leafing out, the dogwoods and azaleas are in full bloom, and there isn't a cloud in the sky. It's a beautiful 72 degree day out right now.

Hope you have a beautiful day to enjoy and a great week ahead!