Breaking the barrier

Finally, I have broken the barrier of the 200lb mark. Why does 200 lbs sound so much more obese than 198? I guess it is psychologically satisfying not to see that arrow swing past the starting point on the scale to rack up higher numbers on a second turn around the dial. To stay within just one rotation around the scale for the first time in 5 years is a thrill. Yes, I know there are still 58 lbs to lose but I have already lost 44 ... and, knowing that, I am sure I can keep this momentum going.

As for stitching: having picked up Workbasket's Rabbit Rondel again, I can't seem to set it down. I keep visualizing it finished as the top of a round sewing box. I'll have to check out A. C. Moore or Michael's this weekend for the right size shaker box and some coordinating paint so I can do this. After all, the companion pieces on the leaflet are a pin cushion and a scissor fob. So, making a sewing box seems perfectly logical. I do believe I can finish this piece during the long Memorial Day weekend and still have time to work on some sewing finishes. [I need to do three more sewing "finishes" to meet May goals ... so I am planning to chain myself to the sewing machine till I have accomplished this ... I have two needlebooks, a Christmas ornament, two bell pulls, five pillows, two tote bags and a tea cozy awaiting sewing finishes, so there will be plenty to choose from.] I have already prepped the fabric for the pin cushion and sewn it onto my lap Doodler frame, so I can segue into that project as soon as I am done with the rondel. I have enough of the fabric left to make the fob as well but I am considering stitching that over one since the fabric is 28ct. I do believe stitching the fob over two will make it too large for the scissor with which I want to use it.

Next up, in order to convert Teresa Wentzler's Autumn Faerie from a UFO back into a WIP, I shall have to re-kit the piece again by pulling out all the multitudinous DMC colors that it requires. Once that is done, I'll be able to work it back into my regular stitching rotation. I had put all the floss away months ago, because it became annoying to have to pull out the TW project bag every time I needed one of the flosses for another project. It also made me feel a bit guilty for neglecting the piece. I hope to complete it within a month or two so that I can get it framed in time to give it to my daughter as a Christmas gift. If I do the prep over the week-end, it will become the "focus" project for the next couple of weeks ... since I need a bit of a break from the Holly and Hearts Sampler.

I am trying to keep my active rotation down to three projects so as not to be overwhelmed by the goals I set for myself. Now that I am actively working at keeping my goals down to a reasonable few, I am enjoying my stitching so much more.