Back in my happy place

I’m on my sixth or seventh skein of Deb’s threads, happily stitching my way across a sea of hope …

And wow, that one patch of Deb’s dyed damask makes me think of Hazel’s sailing ships … imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, even when unintentional.

We’ve actually been away … an overnight trip to the little town of Brenham

We stayed at the Main Street House

wandered around the historic district

had a great dinner at Las Americas

and wished some other intriguing places had been open when we wandered by …

Sadly, the new normal in Bed & Breakfast land appears to be serve-yourself breakfast … a change from the toothsome offerings served at a common table in pre-Covid days.

Still, it was good to be venturing out in the world again … and then return home to blue skies and new leaves pushing old leaves off the live oak trees …

a sure sign of spring!

Steady progress

I thought I’d show you the other side of the sea for a change …

Which is to say, 1.5’ done (on the left) and 3.5’ to go (on the right). I’ve already used up two full skeins of Deb’s thread so I’m happier than usual that I have a substantial stash on hand.

And in a wonderful bit of serendipity, Amanda made a comment yesterday that coincided with two screen shots I took on Sunday …

I love synchronicity!

Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to get back into walking around the neighborhood. The ajuga is blooming and the butterflies are on the wing …

I’m hoping the neighborhood trees that were damaged by the ice storm can recover …

Fortunately things aren’t all bad …

And I’m thankful for neighbors who give me good reasons to smile …

Waving

The bottom edge of My Heart’s Compass was meant to evoke the sand, the sea, and the sky …

with raw-edged patches of blue and green, some indigo, some gifted, some stitched with words from Kindred Spirits, all cobbled together into …

Unfortunately, it didn’t quite come together as I had envisioned, so over time I tried various running, blanket, and back stitches …

It still wasn’t coming together as I had hoped, so I tried satin stitching over the raw edges …

But no, that didn’t quite work either (and has since been completely unstitched).

So I’m exceedingly happy that this latest iteration with close/d herringbone stitch is (finally) working out so well …

The cloth and stitches feel more integrated, with a wonderful texture. And it’s fun to do, even though I have to reload my needle with Deb’s thread every couple of inches.

So I’ve got most of one foot done, with about five feet to go …

It’s such a great feeling when you know you’re on the right track.