Y'all.
Okay, nevermind. Let's just look at pictures first. Then we'll talk about the train wreck I have been.
I am ever so proud to share some little framing projects! Y'all have no idea (well, you might in a few minutes) what an accomplishment these are for me. Cookies for everyone in celebration!
A couple of additions to my beautiful bird collection: American Kestrel by Crossed Wing Collection (28 ct. PTP Eek) and First Snow by Sprouting Lupine (28 ct. Twilight Mist Jobelan).
And a couple more wee projects: Pansy Petals by Just Nan (32 ct. Weeks Lilac) and a baby fox from an Etsy shop that no longer exists (32 ct. Murano Fleur).
Back in 2020 I started my "Summer of..." tradition where I choose a theme and spend the summer working on it. I think I've only missed one year.
2020: Summer of Halloween
2021: Summer of the WIP
2022: Summer of Me (emotional repair work during an extremely tough year)
2023: *frantically working on big 10th annual Christmas Open House*
2024: Summer Birds
Sooo... I've been staring--with a mixture of longing and frustration--at an embarrassingly large pile of finishing and framing work. Back in the early spring, I dragged it all out, arranged it by category, photographed it (for reference during shopping trips), and fully intended to tackle it without delay. And then we had a bereavement in mid-March that leveled us. Immediately after the funeral I got sick and was down for a month.
I think this is where we left off last time.
Ten days after my last post, I got food poisoning and when I tell you it absolutely destroyed my system... y'all. I have been sick more in the last few months than I have been in the last ten years. Food poisoning. Come ON. So I had to struggle back from that for a while. Then I had to re-catch-up on the stuff I didn't get done around the house.
Needless to say, absolutely zero sewing room playtime has happened and almost zero stitching. Since I have been going bonkers looking at that finishing pile, I decided this year is my Summer of Finishing. I'm almost afraid to type this because Every Single Time I do this something goes pear-shaped and I don't get anything done, but... there it is.
2025: Summer of Finishing.
These 4 little framed projects are my start. How far will I get? Who knows? Am I worried about it? Nope. Did I thoroughly enjoy a few hours working away in my sewing room? Yep. Am I happy to have something to share with y'all? Always.
Someone smart once said, "You don't have to be perfect, you just have to start." And start I did. Wish me luck!
Before I get back to work, here are some werewolf pics.
Bonus bunny pic
I apologize for being gone so long. Thank you for sticking with me, and to those who checked on me, through comments and email. It's been one of those seasons.
Hope to be back soon with more finishes.
So happy you've managed to come out the other side of the food poisoning - it's a real leveller isn't it. My gut took time to recover (Kefir helped me I think) still, if the downside is having such a wonderful ankle and foot hugger maybe I'd be tempted to take my time recovering and enjoy the lovely snuggles. Love your stitchies, I learned from your method about straightening the threads, game changer for me. Take care all, glad to see you all again, beautiful pics as always. Elaine in UK
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that, Elaine! It's such a simple thing to do but makes such a big difference!
DeleteYay for those finishes! I have many to complete myself and have been trying to get in gear to work on some. I have picked out 4 frames for some patriotic stitches and have four other patriotic finishes to figure out after that. My husband had food poisoning last Fall and he has never been that sick in his life! He just couldn't seem to bounce back for quite a while. Your cats are adorable!
ReplyDeleteIt's so awful. And then you're weak from not eating but scared to death to put anything in your mouth. 😬
DeleteYour framed finishes looks fantastic, Honeybee. My favorite in this batch is the Kestral. Simply wow and I love the frame you picked for it! I hope you enjoy your summer of finishing. Food poisoning is the pits and I am relieved that you are on the mend. The werewolves are looking good. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robin! I love that Kestrel, too. I took a chance on the orange fabric but I really like how it turned out.
DeleteHope you're feeling better! All your framed pieces are perfect😍a start is a start I always say, says the person who has a large pile of to be framed and pin pillowed, etc. My cats do the same thing, sleep on my feet or lean up against them. There's no deterring them! They're spoiled😁
ReplyDeleteThank you! I can't imagine your kitties are spoiled! Ours surely aren't! 😉
DeleteYour finishes are all so pretty, love the birds.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you were down with food poisoning, it's awful.
Sorry about the funeral also.
The werewolves are so pretty.
Take care.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn! Good to see you!
DeleteIt's so great to see a post from you, Honeybee! I was getting worried (but also hoped you were on vacation or doing something fabulous). I am so sorry you have had so much sickness and also for the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteYour framed pictures are gorgeous and those beautiful werewolves melt my heart! Take good care.
Thank you, dear! It's good to be back to normal!
DeleteSo glad to hear you are back on track Robyn (Australia)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Robyn!
Deletefoot poisoning - ugh - Chef Leo's coleslaw at a Company event - it's been more than fifty years and i still can't eat coleslaw - even my hair hurt, it was so awful ...... lovely, lovely finishes, though!
ReplyDeleteLol, oh no! It can be really traumatizing!
DeleteSo sorry you have been ill.
ReplyDeleteLove all the photos .
And the stitching looks fab , in the new frames .
Take time to get yourself better , sickness is not nice .
Hugs June.
Thank you, June!
DeleteBeautiful finishes and an adorable cat 🐈
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda!
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that you were sick, and for your loss. Give yourself time to heal from both. Wishing you both my best. And I love your werewolves - especially the one holding onto your foot. Very sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kate.
DeleteFirst, I want to say how happy I was to see your post, and your framed finishes look beautiful! It's such a great feeling to get your stitching finished. I had been concerned that you hadn't posted in awhile, and I'm so sorry to hear you were so sick with food poisoning- that sounds truly terrible! You have definitely had a really hard several months with your health, and of course you are still dealing with the bereavement as well. I really hope these next months will be filled with good health and a lot of stitching and finishing! Cute photos of your kitties as well! Take care.
ReplyDeleteMary
Thank you dear. I wish the same for you, too.
DeleteI am glad that you are feeling better, so sorry that you have been so sick. Your finishes are wonderful. Your fur babies are so sweet. stitchinrose
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweetie!
DeleteBeautiful projects. Love the pansy!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Delete