Erica's Stitches

To use up some bugle beads I searched for bracelet patterns and found this one . The top bracelet mostly follows the pattern.  I noticed that I had some seed beads that matched the bugle beads.  So, for something different, I replaced every 4th bulge bead with 5 seed beads. I love the result and as I beaded I thought of the possibilities. When I finished I immediately started on bracelet #2 (the bottom one). This time the bugle was shorter so I only needed 4 seed beads to replace one.  And, instead of a matching seed bead I picked random seed beads out of my bead soup.  (See the top picture on this posting ).  I also left off the drops. Like the toggle bead on the bracelet #1?  It came from a trunk show of Humming Line Beads . This was a quick and easy bracelet pattern and I recommend it if you are using up beads.

I'm working on a mystery needle case (that isn't really that much of a mystery - I recognized all the clues).  It's with the Stitchmap group. The front and back are embellished fabric - whatever you want to use.  I picked this piece of dyed Aida cloth.  It was from a dyeing class years ago (the dye job wasn't to even).  I think it was an onion dye.  I cross-stitched the applique style flower on it years ago. For embellishments I attached shell beads with seed beads. For the back, I found some white cloth dyed during the same class. This fabric was tie-dyed.  I added some old white rayon rick-rack and seed beads.  I wanted some embroidery so I borrowed a flower from a vintage doily. It was quick and easy and worked well with the other colors. I wanted to be done by now but I'm falling behind on the assembly part.  So, more on that later.

I've got sequins and beads out. And some fabric from the scrap bag. I love the resulting fabric.  It's going to be a book cover.

I have too many projects going on.  So, I've taken some time off to get some of them done. So far this week I've beaded. And felted.  Now, those two projects are done.  I feel lighter.  The supplies are put away and my work area is clear. So now I'm beading some more. And braiding ... And stitching ... I'll be alternating between these three until they are done.  Then I'll finish some of the other things I've started. My goal is to make it the end of the year or until I run out of projects to finish.  There are other projects calling out to me but I'm going to ignore them for now.

I know, that's usually a easy question.  The answer is to bead.  But, in this case, I've been mulling it over since April or May when I started this project.  Now it's time for the moment of truth. I also realize you probably thought I gave up on this project because it hadn't been blogged in a while.  I've been slowly plugging away at it.  I'll admit that it has gone excruciatingly slowly. As a reminder, the project is called "Colorado Collage" designed by Caela Conn Tyler.  The border colors and lettering are mine but the rest of the magnificent design is hers. Here it is with the beads laid out over the forested areas of the state. I was afraid they would hide the intricate stitching.  But, comparing the two, not really.  The beads do add a nice sparkle.  The unbeaded Colorado looks plainer. I'm still undecided.  I'm going to think about it over the week and decide next week. Any thoughts?

A friend returned from a business trip to the UK and brought me back a knitting magazine.  One of the articles is "5 reasons to sort your stash". My knitting stash is small and well organized.  The magazine came with 2 small skeins of yarn, knitting needles and a pattern for a tea cozy that were promptly put in the correct place in the stash (that's how those extra balls of yarn get there). I didn't agree with all the reasons and have a few more of my own.  Mainly, with an injured hand, it's something I can do.  I have healed to the point were I have 1.5 hands instead of just one.  Better because I can work the shift key, but I still can't do everything I want to. Which brings be to the many cache's of beads around the house.  Bead kits always contain too many beads so I had beads everywhere.  I think I've found them all. All the beading needles are together.  And the beeswax and threads.  Charms and findings are sorted together. Beads...

I recieved the beads and directions last weekend at a luncheon.  They were a gift from the guest speaker, Lauren Vlcek. Once I got started I couldn't stop. OK, after 3 bugs I was able to stop.

I was at the far west side of Denver today and on the way back stopped at Buffalo Bill's Grave.  It was a beautiful day and I had never stopped there before. Right near the grave there was a Swallowtail Butterfly sunning himself and I had to snap a few photos.  Isn't he beautiful? The site is on the top of Lookout Mountain which has great views in all directions.  Some have changed since the burial in 1917 - I don't think there were nearly as many radio towers back then.  Others are probably unchanged - except for the trees.  Pictures from 1917 showed no trees nearby. Inside the museum was the history of Buffalo Bill and artifacts from his life and shows.  The best part was the Indian Beadwork.  Pouches, gloves, necklaces and shirts all covered with beads.  There was even a "design your own beadwork" display. It was a table of blocks, each side of the blocks a different color.  You could rotate the...