This photo shows my work added. I did three small motifs and one seam. The trim on the pink I found in Varna. I had seen the block before I saw the trim, and I bought it specifically for the block. I think it's really for making bridal garters and such. The meandering line on purple is to represent a meditation maze. This block was a challenge for me because it's totally a different style than my usual.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Last Kosovo Finish
I finished this round robin block just before I left Kosovo. I'm back in the States now, having landed yesterday. This is Rebecca's Novice block. It's very small, and she says she's making it into a bible cover. This top picture is before the work I did on it.
This photo shows my work added. I did three small motifs and one seam. The trim on the pink I found in Varna. I had seen the block before I saw the trim, and I bought it specifically for the block. I think it's really for making bridal garters and such. The meandering line on purple is to represent a meditation maze. This block was a challenge for me because it's totally a different style than my usual.
This photo shows my work added. I did three small motifs and one seam. The trim on the pink I found in Varna. I had seen the block before I saw the trim, and I bought it specifically for the block. I think it's really for making bridal garters and such. The meandering line on purple is to represent a meditation maze. This block was a challenge for me because it's totally a different style than my usual.
Labels:
crazy quilting,
finish,
round robin
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Other Finished Temari
This is the other temari I finished. It's a bit more elaborate and I also used Valdani perle 8 on it, this time a brown variegated.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Bulgaria's Stone Forest
About ten miles west of Varna, just off the highway back to Sofia, there's a natural geological formation. We visited it, and here are some pictures. It's the Stone Forest, and it's a national heritage spot in Bulgaria.
Even though there's sand underfoot in these pictures, the surrounding area is tree-dotted meadow. The "forest" runs about three kilometers by half a kilometer and a road straddles it. They say these rock formations were made just like stalactites and stalagmites and then the cave just fell in and eroded around them while they stayed in place.
Even though there's sand underfoot in these pictures, the surrounding area is tree-dotted meadow. The "forest" runs about three kilometers by half a kilometer and a road straddles it. They say these rock formations were made just like stalactites and stalagmites and then the cave just fell in and eroded around them while they stayed in place.
The guide/money collector (entrance was less than two euros each) gave us a New Age spiel about the energy of the rocks and their spiritual healing power. Needless to say, we didn't fall for that. We did, however, take lots of pictures of lizards and flowers. Those aren't on flickr yet, though. Anyway, if you get to the Varna area, do visit. It's impressive.
Labels:
Bulgaria,
non-stitching
An Actual Finish
My host is leaving Kosovo in July, and he needs to give gifts to his local employees. I offered to make temaris. This past week, I finished two! Here's the first. I made large interlaced kikus at the poles.
The ball is shiny because I used polyester thread to wind it. I -don't- recommend this unless you have a lot of patience for slippage. The stitching is with a Valdani perle 8 and Petite Treasure Braid. Considering, I think it came out pretty well. The locals don't have any kind of tradition like this, so we're hoping they'll like it more due to the novelty factor.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Yarn from Sofia
My first yarn shop in Bulgaria introduced me to a brand I've never heard of before - Alize. I bought its mohair blend, which I'm turning into an afghan. It's got great loft and a very luxurious feel. What's better is the price was about $4 a skein ... for mohair ...
The smaller balls are all perle cotton. They were about a euro each. I really like the colors, but haven't used them yet.
Working on the Second Half
The second half is begun. Now I get to do strips the other way, in green and ivories. At least it'll be done soon.
Labels:
charity,
cross stitch
Monday, April 27, 2009
So Close!
I made progress on the measles/wild cherries project this week. The top is done but for the outer line of simple stitches. Still, though, I've been so busy with other things I haven't been able to stitch much. I'd hoped to finish this before I left, but it looks like I'll finish it back in the States, since I leave on Wednesday.
Labels:
cross stitch,
over one
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