In Search of My Round To It

Have I mentioned before how many projects I have stacked up waiting for me to feel well enough to get back at them? Would the visual be more clear if I told you almost half of a small one car garage is required to contain those projects? I promise you, I gave away at least as much each time I got the chance. What is left is what I really want to do.

The question is, how does the finishing get accomplished? Well, spring is right around the corner and the warmer weather with bits of sunshine peeking through occasionally, has brought back a bit of motivation. To help get the work done, I found this much-needed item in a box of fabric. Doesn’t everyone have one?

Everyone needs one of these

My round-tuit is now hanging carefully on the sewing room wall. It’s about time I get around to it and I did. This last week I finished stitching out this design for St. Patrick’s Day. I bought this design back on March 18, 2009. Too late for that years St. Pat’s day and by the next March I could no longer sew, at all. Complete recovery is still somewhat elusive but progress is slowly being made and finally, things are getting made.

This little wall hanging is far from perfect, but done supersedes perfect any day. I found the glittery fabric after a long hunt. My dog’s groomer had used a bit of it as a kerchief after her March bath and I fell in love with it. So now I’m on a roll. I have washed and ironed lots of flannels and some other cottons to make several Big Shirts. They are next on my list. Or maybe I need to put a spring hanging together first.

When Irish eyes are smiling.

Must I wear this kerchief? It feels silly.

Easter is too close to get another one done. The hound and saying had 85,509 stitches with 63 color changes. Good thing the machine does all the stitching. I just have to keep changing the threads. Placement can get tricky too, but I love the outcome. That was a good day’s work. Anyone who does this kind of embroidery can tell you it’s addictive. There are so many wonderful designs out there and I want to make them all. I’m 3 years behind but the round-tuit will help me catch up. Sunshine helps too. There is limited light in my sewing area since the good light I had was broken in the last move. I’m hunting a replacement. Good lighting is expensive! So, do you have a round-tuit to help you get your projects finished? Is anyone out there as far behind as I am? I sure hope not.

Looks a little Irish to me. Dad when he still had an Irish smile.

On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s said everyone is a little bit Irish. My mother was full German and when I asked my dad about his heritage, he said his family was Dutch, Irish and the devil. Hmmm. He said it was rumored that his family settled in West Virginia and were a band of outlaws. Sounds like an Irish tale to me.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

When Irish eyes are smiling, sure ’tis like a morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing,
When Irish hearts are happy all the world seems bright and gay,
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away.
~Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. (lyrics), Ernest R. Ball (music)

From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself