Link Party, Old Friends, New Inspiration

If it's Monday, it must be Super Mom - No Cape's Vintage Embroidery Monday and Stitchery Link Party.

Remember my sweet step-grandson's stocking and how I ran out of threads for the background? They arrived late last week - YEA! Needless to say, I've been working on it -

 Here's the previous progress:

Here's my next doll, Bird's Nest Marie (you'll find out why the name in a future post). Almost done dressing her -

If you're interested in creating these wonderful dolls, don't hesitate to visit Dana Burton's website. Pour yourself a cuppa, put your feet up and explore her website and creations. It's addicting!

I wanted to drape a shawl around her and have been experimenting with a couple of different patterns and threads/yarn. This one is on size 1 needles and is knitted with a very fine sparkling yarn. Wish I knew what it was, but a mischievous puppy took off with the yarn and managed to destroy the label.

This shawl is knitted on size 0 needles using DMC size 8 Pearl Cotton (work in progress):

Once I get them both finished, I'll see which one drapes the best for Marie.

Now for old friends. The Illinois WOCP State Convention was this past week. I was invited to visit with two of my dear friends and painting teachers, Cookie Barton (from Oregon) and Beverly Miller (from Illinois). So, I drove about an hour and 45 minutes to Peoria, IL.

(Left to right) Cookie, me, Beverly

The time flew by - it was SO GOOD to see them, to chat and catch up. I haven't picked up a brush for four years or so - for various reasons. However, these ladies inspired me to pick up the brushes again - especially Cookie. Her insight, encouragement and caring seemed to turn a light on for me. I came home, checked all my brushes, cleaned off my painting palette and prepared four tiles so I can start to paint again! Our reunion was this past Friday - and this is Monday - wo-HOO!!