Sun and Beach what a treat!

Aloha All!

Last week I took a little trip to Miami Beach which is why there was no blog post.  It was a much-needed break from the cold that is West Cleveland this year.  Honestly I have not experienced this bitter cold in years.  Many moons ago I did live in Canada but in 1993 I left and headed south, initially Florida then on to Hawaii with a few pit stops along the way 8) I have been in Cleveland now for 4 years, this is the coldest winter yet!

Since I have been on the road I don’t have much stitching to show.  Unlike many of you I cannot stitch in the car, I get motion sickness.  I do have some lovely photos of blue ocean sand and wildlife.  First I will give you the stitch of the week, a Raised Knot.

This stitch gives lovely texture.   You can stitch the base cross in one thread then change the thread to wrap the spokes.  It would make great bushes, bark, curly hair or fur.  As always you need to play with the thread since this is what changes the texture of the stitch.  It is bumpy but it can be a smooth bumpy or a nubby bumpy.  Think if you used boucle for the cross stitch and burmilana to wrap with that would look like curly hair.  Just some food for thought.

I have been meaning to tell everyone about Amy’s new Book Club “Mysteries of Needlpoint” .  This book is really quite exceptional.  The first chapter is broken into five sections.  She starts by explaining five basic stitch types.  The discovery section discusses how to change stitches by changing colors, direction, etc.   Ideas are given on where to use stitches.  Diagrams are in color with lots of hints and tips associated with stitches.  There is a seven page section on compensation which is very detailed.  Really this is a study in needlepoint, a type of text-book.  I am looking forward to the next Chapter already.  I can honestly say this is a book that I will re-read, since you can’t remember everything that is taught.  This chapter is 57 pages in length, well worth the money.

I do not have photos of any needlepoint shops.  I briefly went in and out of one shop in Miami but no photos were allowed.

Finally, this story will give you a laugh before the photo show.  On the drive home yesterday it was lovely and sunny in the south, clouds appeared in the Appalachians, then about an hour outside of Cleveland the snow flurries started.  Well the closer we got to home the heavier the snow became.  Windshield wipers going to clean the windows, squirt, squirt, wait windows are still dirty, the washer fluid is empty….. it was impossible to stop since we were still on the Highway.  I couldn’t believe it, but enough snow was falling to help keep the windows somewhat clean….. a rather nice welcome home don’t you think!

I love the colors of this unusual lighthouse.  The beacon is at the very top and lights the way.  Truly a piece of art!

Well folks it is rather chilly in my neck of the woods.  Stay warm wherever you are, and if you live in the sunshine, enjoy!  Till next time keep on stitching.

Sheena