A Small Goal Accomplished

Although this is being posted a little late, I did accomplish my goal to complete at least 2 rocks in my mermaid's grotto.  In fact, I managed four!  Hurray!  I'm surprised at how much difference these rocks have made.  They're the first completed along the front right side of the grotto, and having them in really seems to pull the shape of the piece together. 

On the down side, three of these rocks were ones where I didn't have that much choice of which threads to use.  And making those choices for the other rocks has gotten me stuck for a good long while over the past several months.  On the other hand, there are now only five rocks left, so I'm getting close to completing the grotto and moving on to the mermaid herself. 

The Mermaid's Grotto - My current "big project"

My current big stitching project (really one of several) is the Mermaid's Grotto by Tricia Wilson Nguyen.  This was a class taught at Williamsburg in February of this year.  It is inspired by the grottos on 17th century stumpwork, and very faithfully reproduces many of the techniques and materials that were used in the period pieces.  So there are LOTS of unusual materials, and each stitcher is creating many of her own composite threads. 

It's an exciting and challenging piece, and requires lots of decision-making.  That always slows me down.  Last year I committed to a big and challenging piece and actually managed to finish it!  So I'm hoping I can repeat a "big project" finish again this year.

Here's a picture of my progress for 3 days of class plus 3+ months since then.

. . . .not terrible. . . but at this rate. . . well. . . this could take a while.  So, this week's goal, complete at least two additional rocks in the grotto. 

I'm also spurred on by the knowedge that some people in the class have actually finished!  To see the completed piece, check out Margaret's beautiful mermaid at her blog, Life, needlework and everything.  Wish me luck.

First Post

The first step is always the hardest, isn't it.  At this point I'm still wondering whether writing a blog is for me.  I love following them, and it is getting harder and harder to keep in touch and share photos, etc. with my e-friends.  So I'm taking the plunge.  I addition to keeping in touch more faithfully, I hope blogging will help keep me focused and complete some of my many, many unfinished needlework projects.  Since I've discovered so many wonderful books from other bloggers' recommendations, I plan to occasionally share a favorite read.  And be warned, photos of my beloved cats may show up from time to time. . . or possibly all the time!

So, first post completed.  Back to my Mermaid's Grotto piece.  Photos will be coming soon.