Itchin' to be Stitchin'...

I am SO ready to get back at some stitching - both sewing at my machine (many quilt projects waiting) and some hand-stitching. There's nothing like seeing an exhibit to get those juices flowing! As you have no doubt guessed from my lack of  steady presence here on Stitch Lines lately, life has been keeping me busy. But now- today- things will start getting "back to normal" (whatever normal is). Laura is settling in to her new life in Nova Scotia, having been there a week now, and Mark left today to move back to his apartment in SJ to begin the second and final year of his program. So the house is quiet(er) once again and Oliver is already missing his buddies. He will miss the attention and teasing that Mark lavished on him... I'll have to do my best to take up the slack! lol
Hubby and I made a quick trip to NS several days ago and one of our stops was in Truro. You see, I had heard about an exhibit by the local needlework guild there (Marigold Guild of Needle Arts), so I managed to "work that in" to our itinerary so I could visit and enjoy it while hubby visited friends. I was disappointed (but not surprised) to see that photography of the show was not allowed, with the exception of one piece. Of course photos would never do justice to the incredible work I saw. I recognized a few stitcher's names - one in particular who used to own a lovely needlework shop that I frequented - so it was nice to know she is still in the area and active in the Guild. There was a lovely variety of work to enjoy- from needlepoint, cross stitch, crewel and canvas work to smocking, goldwork, hardanger, crazy quilting, silk ribbon embroidery, Schwalm and more. You get the idea- it was a feast for the eyes! I found the lighting left something to be desired, and I did not like to stay behind the velvet ropes even though I understood their necessity in keeping back those who would be determined to touch. My aging eyes just longed for a closer look... But it was indeed a wonderful show. Stitches Over Time, a celebration of 30 years of stitching as a Guild, continues at the Colchester Historeum at 29 Young Street in Truro until Sept.28th. Hours are Tuesday- Friday, 10a.m.-12 and 1p.m.-4, and Saturday 1-4p.m. It is WELL worth a visit if you are in the area, or even if you're reasonably close and looking for an excuse for a day trip.
The one piece which could be photographed was a tapestry done a few years back by members of the same stitchery guild, to depict historical buildings and sites of importance in the town. It normally hangs on an upper floor but was brought down to join the Guild's exhibit. It too was spectacular and deserved a period of study. The four oval panels depict the Stanfields factory, the old Railway Station, Joseph Howe Falls  and Victoria Square, and these are surrounded by landmark buildings of the town.
This exhibit excited me (as they never fail to do) and inspired me to get back to some serious stitching. I just today finished a small Christmas piece I have been working on, off and on since last winter. I'll get it framed soon and show you then.... Not sure which stitching project I'll pick up next. Perhaps a canvaswork piece I started several years ago and then set aside. And I can hear my Bernina calling me..  Guild starts next week, I know I'll be back at my machine before then. My visit to the Frex last night (our local Fall Exhibition) to see the quilts also got me revved up...

Peace,
Linda

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." ~ Denis Waitley