I thought I'd take some time to show you what I've been doing recently. Here's the hollyhock rug I've been angsting over. I think I've found the solution...adding texture. So I'm adding a bunch of novelty yarns I picked up at the dollar store before it closed. It seems to be helping those background hills.


Here is a Deanne Fitzpatrick pattern I am hooking. It is not drawn straight on the linen backing, so I am having to adjust things as I go. However, I love the colours I am working with...the deep rich tones. That background is actually a navy and purple plaid with a gold stripe in it!


And the Christmas ornaments are progressing nicely. I just want to do a few more angels and I'll be done. I'm just working on this one piece of cloth this year.


Here is an original design I dreamed up as a result of reading a back issue of "Quilting Arts" (Summer 2005 Issue 18). They had an article on the running stitch. I read it while on the bus going to stitch-in. It's amazing where the mind will take you when you have absolutely nothing else to do. I designed a couple of pieces on the spot. I highly recommend the bus for forcing you to stay focused on creative thinking!LOL This will eventually be a Christmas ornament with beads, etc.


And here's proof I actually finish things!


I must admit, I'm not wild about this framing job, and will not use that framer again. Still, it was a reasonable price because they made a mistake and didn't charge me for the frame. I was going to take my business elsewhere, and should have, in my opinion. Oh well, it could have been worse.