Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Chloe's block update

I've been slowing working on this block in between moving, unpacking and applying for jobs.

It's not the greatest picture... I think my camera is slowing dying, unfortunately.  Ah well, it will get replaced in good time.  Job first, camera second.  ;0)

Now for a couple of closeups.

Here's the center bit... the "C" is made of primarily vintage mother-of-pearl buttons with beads and faux pearls as fillers.  I really like how it came out.  I was a bit unsure how to get the shape just right until I glanced at a CD and realized that was just the right shape and size.  It worked well, I think.

Here's a closeup of the whipped fan in the corner, along with some nearby seam treatments.  These are vintage irridescent flower sequins I got on ebay years ago.  This needs another pass or two to fill it out but it's a good start.

I've added fluted flower beads to the curlicue "vines" on either side of the block.  Some kind of leaves will be next, although I'm not sure if they will be embroidered or leaf beads... have to think on that a bit.

I'm so out of practice that stitching this 18" block is taking me even longer than usual... but I'm enjoying it so!

Back in a few days with a sewing room update... "see" you then, ladies.  ;0) 

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Shall we have a bit more catch up???

So, ladies, there have been a few changes in the past few months.  I'm not one of those who can blog through thick and thin, unfortunately, so when it gets bad, I shut down.  It's pretty good now so I'll let you in on what's been happenin'!

My hubbie was laid off from his job at the hospital the first week of November last year.  To say it was a shock is an understatment.  It always sits in a little place at the back of your mind, y'know?  You just never expect it to happen.  We brought his resume up-to-date and started applying for jobs up and down the Rockies... through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming.  I found most of the jobs and he applied for whatever I found.  He had interviews in Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming but no takers.  After a couple of months we started applying anywhere we could find a position that matched his experience... Oregon, Texas and even as far east as South Carolina.  Finally, finally, he found a position at a hospital in Thornton, Colorado... what a great day that was!  It meant I had to leave a very good position but since he makes more money than me, the choice was a no-brainer.  ;0)  Besides, we were going back to Colorado... near the kids and grandkids... another no-brainer.

And now... now we are back living about 5 blocks from where we used to live in Longmont.  We are sharing a house with our middle son (and his 2 kids on the weekends) to keep expenses covered since I don't have a job yet.  A fairly modern arrangement, I guess, in this day and age.  I'm putting out lots of resumes for the senior admin assistant positions, but no takers so far.  Hopefully something shows up in the next month or so... I really don't want to have to dip into our retirement account... sigh.  Wish I could retire, but I've a few years to go yet. 

So, that's where we are now... I'm finally stitching again... slowly picking up the threads of my creative life, so to speak.  I'll bring you up to speed on that in the next post.

It's good to be back.  ;0)