new work *

If you've been following me, then chances are you've caught a glimpse of these embroidered panels here and there. These pics represent some semblance of their final form, but I'm not sure I'm quite there yet. I really crave that "done" moment, but somehow it always seems to elude me. You know, when you stand back, look at your piece, cock your head, raise your arms dramatically and declare "FIN!" OK maybe people don't really do that, but you know what I mean.

factory girl *

It seems as though my weekend plans might be foiled by some impending wintery mix. I'm in the middle of a project that requires me to make dozens more of these, so it might not be so bad to be snowed in. The work is a bit tedious, but I can't really say I'm working in sweat shop conditions. Mostly I'm sitting on a couch, wrapped in a blanket, eating cookies.

If my fingers do tire, I'll garner inspiration from Anna Von Mertens. I was lucky enough to meet this talented lady a couple of years ago and fell in love with her hand died, hand stitched quilts- gorgeous and obsessively meticulous.

treasure hunting *

My mom and I had a nice weekend of junk store rummaging and estate sale hopping, but we sure do miss my sweet dad. He always loved to see our little discoveries. I found these iron pieces at an estate sale, and mom gave me this obviously much needed spool holder.

Speaking of treasure hunting, I was recently reminded of my all time favorite Antiques Roadshow moment with ol' Mr. Ugly the clock. Someday I'll make this kind of find... you'll see.

a sick day well spent *

Nothing makes you feel more gentile than sitting propped up in bed doing embroidery and nothing makes you feel less so than using toilet paper as Kleenex. Maybe it's the fact that I spent most of my sick day finishing up these ^, writing letters and listening to an audio book of "Pride and Prejudice" but I can't for the life of me stop thinking in a victorian accent.

guerilla knitting *

I love street art, but I just don't see myself spray painting or wheat pasting in a dark ally. More and more, urban artists are gaining recognition in the contemporary art community, I think it's important to recognize this uniquely feminine take on what is for the most part an aggressive and male dominated art form.

Even the stickliest stickler would probably melt into a pool of giggles if confronted by a lamp post wearing a sweater, I know I would.

Check out this, this and this.