Oh, Does She Know You!

"Oh, does she KNOW you!" - as stated by my DH when I opened a most wonderful, exciting, beautimous gift from my dear friend, Annette. She made me this full of awesome scarf in EXACTLY MY COLORS! See it modeled by my *almost* new winter coat:

Now, I must confess, this delightful gift arrived right around Easter. Timing was perfect as I was in need of a major pick-me-up just then. But, unfortunately, Diva Daughter was in need of my camera just then as hers had gone MIA and, well, "Mom, it's my senior year, I HAVE to have a camera everywhere I go!" Thankfully, Diva's camera has re-appeared by some magic known only to happen to teenagers and DHs. So, I can now share my bounty with you. I did, of course, thank Annette privately for such a special prize. But, I am really happy to show it off to all of you, finally. I love it not only because the colors are such a perfect autumn palette, but perhaps most especially because it is hand made. Annette knows that I often lament that "big needles" and I do not get on well together. I could never in a million years make something like this for myself. Just makes it that much more special!

While I had the camera out, I decided to snap a quick photo of my current progress on Egypt Garden:

I swear, one day I will take a photo of this that shows the pale yellow fabric true. But, the blues seem to be just right, so there you go. I'm definitely getting there. Herons and flowers are two-thirds complete. Then, I just have the corner bracelet bands to go. Don't know if I'll be able to get it finished by the end of next month. But, I'm definitely going to try!

And Then There Were SIX!

...as in six WIPs! I finished Diamond Delights 9 by DebBee's Designs over the weekend. While Dana, Wendy, and Melissa GTG'd at my house, I finished the "squiggles" and started beading. And kept beading, and beading, and then decided more bling was called for. What can I say, my inner crow must be heard!



Stitched on 18 ct mono canvas in ecru with gold metallic. The color scheme is my own based on Silk 'n Colors Burnt Toast. My squiggles are diamond shaped rather than circular as the pattern called for. I just thought diamond shapes were more in keeping with the spirit of the design. Beading and crystal embellishments all my own. I learned a LOT of new stitches and worked with fibers I never have before. Will likely frame this at some point. The colors are wonderful for my great room.

I also have an updated photo of Egypt Garden to share.



All four pyramids are now complete. The "cat shelves" are well underway. It will be a near thing to see if I can finish by the end of May for the Chatelaine WIP Slayer Contest. Even if I don't make it, I will certainly finish this year.

Finishing EG would get my WIP count to FIVE. That's only one short of my goal to have an on-going rotation of four WIPs. Could this be the year? Umm, probably not since I am going to start Stars for the New Millenium in October. LOL! But, I am getting there!