And She is Trying, Really Trying

 

So, here we are mid-May, and Jane Fiddes-1823 is 56 days from its start. I don't have my thread yet. Or my pattern, or my fabric, I am getting nervous. With shipping interrupted and/or delayed from France, we are at the mercy of the system. With air freight limited, we must ride the waves. That takes a while. Being one of the "newbies" is not easy when surrounded by 416 (so far) stitchers in the stitch-along. I am practicing on some UFO's and started the new project on black 18 ct Aida. Talk about using a needle with training wheels! I really had to start over. I find that two-handed stitching with my dominant hand on top, rather than on the bottom like most people, seems to give me better tension and flow.

 I charted a chalk line to find the center, I should have thread traced it. The line remains visible but in short order, it will start to fade. I will likely thread trace the vertical centerline tomorrow. I knew that, now I have to do it again.

This UFO is done, needs finishing. I did mess it up, took it all apart, and re-finished it. I need to do one more thing and take a picture. So, there is some progress!

My favorite little Kai scissors with an itty-bitty curve to the tip and who cannot appreciate a bit of Thread Magic?

• I am trying to stitch 1 to 2 hours in the evening while hubs watches some war on television or UFO conspiracy.
• I try to set up the next days stitching by pre-threading needles, having everything at hand on the frame. I need to polish my magnifier on the Ott light. It has some scratches. I am going to try the silicone polish that came with one of my Sew Steady sewing machine extension tables. I try to keep a cover on the magnifier because I fear a beam of sunlight will land there and start a flame. Yes, it has happened. Not to me, but you never know. Lola will occasionally take it off, thinking it is a chew toy!
• Our state is opening to some business, while I will venture out now and then, I am remaining cautious. I really don't know what to believe anymore. So many contradictions, so much conflict. I'll just keep hanging out with my thread.
• Have a lovely weekend. There are threats of sunshine and heat. Can it be?

Harrods Food Hall, Knightsbridge. Lots of anticipation there for a reopening. Who wouldn't don a mask and some charning gloves to stroll around here?