WIP and other stuff

I don't know whether is that I have that much to say or that I am just tired of seeing the image of me in that dress, but I am compelled to post today. The latter is far more likely.  We need to move that one down.

So.

I have been doing other things, I promise.  Like this monogram pillow for my sister.  Intended to be part of her Christmas gift, but wasn't... I traced the K from an enlarged font (lucinda handwriting, maybe?) I printed out onto regular paper, traced it with a fancy ball point pen and then I did thousands of little french knots to fill it in.  It's easy and so, so pretty.  I'm not done with it yet.  The lavender velvet ribbon still needs to be attached, and I need to attach the backside but I'm close.  I promise, sister... it will get done!  XOXO

Speaking of hugs and kisses...

These little hearts are part of a Valentine's Day garland I am making for myself.  MYSELF!  Don't look too close at the stitching, because I haven't yet mastered how to start and stop with blanket stitches without making a mess of things.  These little softies are about 4.5 inches wide and stuffed just enough to make them squishy.  I still have a few more to make, but I'm getting there.  I have grand visions of a really long garland wrapping around the eating nook in our kitchen... but I don't think this will quite make it all the way around. I wish I could say I'm using pricey wool felt.  But I'm not that fancy.

:: There is also a little WIP project for the Hanging Hearts Swap I am doing for my partner Katie through the Goodness Girls.  But that's a secret for now.  Shhhh.  ::

And the ongoing playroom project.  This is a room we added into our basement when we finished it last year.  I was excited to finally receive my Martha Stewart alphabet cards to hang on the wall.  This room.  Egads.  I am not as far along as Kirsten, but I have been busy.  Oh I have plans!!  Fidget's 2nd birthday is coming up, so I've got a deadline in a few weeks.  Stay tuned.  There will be lots of playroom projects!  For now I am happy with the alphabet.  There are a couple more photos of the playroom at flickr.  For you curious types.

Lastly, we finally got off our tushies and found a piano last weekend through craigslist.  Needs a tuning badly, but I am excited to have a piano back in the house after many years of not playing.  We've had this nook of the house ready and waiting for a piano for many months, so my ironing board (that had been 'saving' her space) got packed up and put away... and this is much better! 

Tricky, though, playing with a toddler running around.  Since you can't play without them on your lap when they are awake and can't play while they're sleeping.... hmmm.  Any of you talented ladies have tips here?  Little Fidget isn't very patient.

I've put it under Grammy's brooches.  (Which look so much better over a piano than an ironing board.  I'm sure she approves.)   But now that I see it, methinks the classy linen background of the shadow boxes needs to be replaced with something more fun.  Smoky blue velvet, perhaps?  Whoa.  Another project.  Somebody stop me!!!

XO

Comments

[nikko]

Your playroom is looking so cute. I love the alphabet cards.

I have the same problem with blanket stitching. How in the world do you start and end without it looking junky?

I didn't realize how close in age our two little ones were. Mine turns two on March 2nd.

[heidi]

you are seriously busy girlie! i am loving our new piano too! looks similar to yours! and the garland? shutup.

[Randi]

The hearts are so cute! That is a perfect way to perfect a blanket stitch!

Trading an ironing board for a piano? Great choice!

[Cindy]

I love the french knot K, so awesome! Can't wait to see a finished pic. I really really love the little hearts too and your blanket stitching looks perfect! BTW, I think its pretty great you had a Miss Celaneous party, too cute!

[Joanne (The Simple Wife)]

Love the felt hearts, the Miss America party idea (hmm...think I may need to copy you next year!), and the THOUSANDS of french knots. How long did that take?!

Lucky sis!

Joanne

[kate]

God! I hate French knots - I'm impressed that you could do that many and not go completely insane!