Saturday, December 28, 2013

a week of Saturdays....

this holiday week has made me feel like every day was Saturday, even though it's not a holiday I celebrate. no regular routine of classes and groups I generally meet with so had to keep checking the calendar to see what day it was. I did get quite a bit accomplished despite the confusion.

I took out some of my dad's ink pens and pencils and did a bit of sketching and line drawing with the help of a Craftsy class...Mixed Media Pen, Ink & Watercolor. I'm not following along exactly as the teacher suggests. just picking up hints here and there.

(remember to click on the images for close-ups)

sketching lunaria for a page in my Alchemy journal. my aunt sent me seeds, many years ago,  but i have never been able to get them to grow here in Texas.

I worked a bit on my Fun Times cloth this week and am finally working on the last panel. I also learned a new stitch that took some practice to get it right...the cast-on stitch. here's a video tutorial if you want to try it. I love the 3D effect.

the cast-on stitch worked over a seam

some bumpy bits with bullion and french knots and wrapped threads

and a hand seemed appropriate on this panel that has a triangular pocket

I've been wanting to make a cloth doll and just couldn't find my old pattern so i purchased one. it looks a bit complicated, but i'll give it a go.

a Mary Tressler doll pattern

I just finished reading a good book you might like...The Dinner by Herman Koch. you can read a bit about it on Amazon here. hope this link works for you.

I'm hoping to do a bit more reading this coming year. there are a bunch of books waiting to be read on my kindle. I spent lots of time stitching this year and want to find more time for reading. I love getting lost in a good book.

Wishing you all  the best for the New Year.

16 comments:

Rachel said...

I'm always torn between embroidering and reading, too. Sometimes it's good to just sit with good music on and a book in your lap...

karen said...

Oh I can't keep track of the days either Deanna...Saturday? Really? You have accomplished so much this week, your drawing is great, delicate lines, just lovely and the cast on stitch looks beautiful. I especially like the colours....there is so much to see in this post, the bumpy bits, Wow!! There is so much definition because of the added knots and the way you have encrusted the cloth. As for the doll pattern...good luck. I wouldn't know where to start.

Peggy said...

Oh, that beautiful lunaria sketching seems just right for this time of year, the perfect subject. The cast-on stitches are lovely the way you've extended them -- thanks for the link, I just watched it. And I feel the same about reading, it's a tough choice between handwork and reading. Of course, there are podcasts, but not the same as giving something your total focus. Happy New Year, Deanna.

Stitching Lady said...

During those last days we always asked each other which day we are...? Seems that we did not feel different from you and other readers. I remember the cast-on stitch now. Your fun cloth is really fun looking at. I like your sketch of the seed. It grew like mad in our German garden this year.
Happy end of the year to you.

Suzanna said...

Hi Deanna, I always love seeing what you're up to...I like the lunaria sketch and the hand...Happy New Year to you!

Nancy said...

Those bumpy textured stitches look so inviting to touch! I love the hand and can't wait to see your doll. I tried a doll and a bear once years ago...my friend had to save and finish them off for me!! Haha
At work we decided that we rather liked this middle of the week holiday and should Always have it that way! Work two days - OFF one day - Work two days - OFF two days!! Every day felt like a Monday or Friday :) We get to do it again next week too!
The inks and drawing look like so much fun to play around with. You have so many great 'toys'...I wanna come play at your house!
I'm planning on more reading and writing for next year.

Lois Evensen said...

You have been very busy for sure! We've been busy with the usual things and have added some travel to it, too. :) I'll be glad to settle down and get a rest.

margaret said...

wait till you retire, I do not know what week we are in never mind what day! Love the stitching, cast on stitch is very simiiar to josephine knots in tatting (well I think it is) and I am a big fan of bullions etc

Jane said...

I love that cast on stitch, it's very organic, looks as if it's alive! I'm sure you'll feel more comfortable with it with practice.

Nat Palaskas said...

Happy Holiday Deanna. It's confusing for me too not knowing what day or date it is! I'm glad you had some nice days to play - Hugs Nat

Mo Crow said...

love the drawing of the lunaria Deanna, you have captured the delicate translucency perfectly and your cast-on stitching looks like coral! I always take a good book to bed and read for an hour or two before I go to sleep.

Anonymous said...

Loving your gorgeous Karen-inspired work!

Deb G said...

So two of my goals for the next year is to read more authors I'm not familiar with and to draw more. I'm thinking one book a month by someone I've never read before. And I signed up for a drawing class. :)

Anita said...

Your fun times cloth is beautiful,those bumpy bits are very pretty.
Hope you get to spend more time on reading this year.
Wishing you a very happy,healthy and prosperous new year!

blandina said...

So many Saturdays for me too, Deanna, I really loved the feeling of being less engaged with what takes me from my hobbies. Love your sketching, you have many talents indeed.
Happy new year!

Jillayne said...

And Happy New Year to you Deanna.
I love your Fun Times cloth, especially the cast-on stitch - I haven't looked at the video yet but will give it a go soon - they look so pretty along the seam like that.
I am also liking your drawings - it's always so inspiring to visit your blog!

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