Saturday, November 5, 2011

NaBloPoMo



November is National Blog Posting Month. Can I manage to post one blog entry every day for a month? I am certainly verbose enough. The question is whether I am disciplined enough to post daily. I know that the posts at the beginning of the month were wildly off-topic for this stitching blog. Though I sometimes post about my professional life [especially as it impacts stitching time], I rarely post about my personal feelings. For those who were thrown off stride by the atypical posts, I can only say that though I am very good at compartmentalizing my life ... and I don't know whether that is a good or a bad thing ... sometimes even I can't keep everything in tidy little boxes tied up in pretty color-coded ribbons. But for now at least, it is back to stitching and stitching related topics. I spent a good part of Thursday morning prepping some of my floss tags for assembly. I prepped the remaining two Friday morning at the beginning of my three day weekend. And I tackled the actual assembly today. Or more specifically, I tackled trying to decipher the directions on my new toy, a Crop-a-Dile, so that I could pre-punch the holes for the grommets. I don't know what it is with me and directions for crafting accessories. My mind just doesn't work in the same fashion as the authors of those ever so clear, ever so detailed instructional leaflets. I took me ages to figure out how to use of my cording drill properly. I simply don't understand even the simplest machines/mechanical theories. This is where I really need my engineer son ... how dare he move to the West Coast just because the Navy told him to? Oddly enough, the Crop-a Dile was a cinch to use. It'll take a bit more practice to get the knack of lining things up precisely. But my first four attempts at Floss tags didn't turn out too badly. They are all Prairie Schooler promo cards: a house on a soft spring day, another house in a summer thunderstorm, a barn on a crisp autumn day and a cabin in a winter snowfall. Next, I'll be working on an emery strawberry, the two Homespun Elegance pedestal pin cushions I'd like to finish up and two more small pin pillow finishes. Maybe I'll have some more finish photos to show tomorrow. Now that I have three day weekends when I can really spread out my crafting stuff on the dining room table and just leave it there for the duration, I am determined to work on finishing as many of the small stitching accessories and/or the seasonal decor pieces I have on hand. The possibilities are pretty broad: ornaments, pillows, stand-ups, cubes or self-framed. I do have several heirloom quality pieces that I will need to send to a professional framer and soon, if I am to have them back in time for Christmas giving. All I want to have left in the "finishing" basket for 2012 are pieces I am accumulating for quilts or wall hangings.

6 comments:

pandy said...

I really like your floss tags. I've been thinking of getting a crop-a-dile. I need to figure out how to make cords, too. I really want to start making ornaments and I like the cording that goes around them. Looking forward to more pictures :)

Carissa said...

Those look great. I'm contemplating getting a crop a dile, since I found out it can be used to make those floss tags. I have so many "small" patterns that would be ideal for floss tags and lots of miscellaneous HDF floss from grab bags that would be perfect to use for them also. Nice to know it's not too difficult to do.

CalamityJr said...

Looks like you didn't have a bit of trouble with your new toy. The floss tags are great!

Myra said...

I love these. You did a fabulous job with the finishing. I have a crop a dile and love it. I do wish they had more things to use with it.

Carol said...

How cute are your new floss tags!! Well done, Riona... I have trouble reading directions, too--am much more of an auditory learner! I have a crop-a-dile, but haven't even opened the package yet--seeing your finishes has inspired me :)

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

What wonderful finishes you've created. Good for you!