Back from Vacation

Russell and I had a terrific vacation cruising around the Carib-bean-o. I got lots of reading and needlepoint done. I had a tough time though deciding what to bring with me in terms of both needlepoint and books. I selected a new project -- a set of Imari coasters for my living room. I choose this project primarily for its portability. I cut the canvas into four smaller projects and then I could hold them in my hand and work on them one coaster at the time.

Before we left I wondered whether this would be enough stitching for the entire vacation! As it turned out, I only completed two of them. Oh well. I still have two more to go. I enjoyed working on them. I used Caron Impressions thread (the canvases are 18 mesh) and did basketweave stitch with some cross stitches thrown in here and there. Sometimes, it is nice to just keep it simple and not get too creative (can you say vacation?). The canvases themselves are complicated enough and the 18 mesh was sometimes a challenge to see but I brought with me a helpful pair of clic glasses that I used as needed.

Russell even did some stitching on the cruise with me. He has picked out an ambitious project for himself. It is a design featuring antique buttons on a handsome red background (Associated Talents, item #14438). It's a handsome canvas but a large one too! He made a good start on it during the cruise. Taking a page out of my play book, he has started stitching in the upper right hand corner and is working his way down and to the left -- alternating between background and detail work. He is doing a fine job and more importantly seems to be enjoying himself doing it.

Stop by the store, I am sure that he would be happy to show it to you and ask him to tell you the story about his canvas and how I tried to sabotage his needlepointing career! Just don't believe the whole tall tale.