It’s been just so crazy around here, that this weekend I concentrated on getting “back to the basics” on some things. I’ve been working on the new Needlework Building Blocks releases, and the next few months you’re going to see designs come out that are truly back to the basics of blackwork. I decided not to try to get cute or special in them – just simply played with shape and fills. The results, I think, are beautiful – and to me will stitch up looking like lace.

It also allowed me to remember what I just LOVE about the series – how playful it can be!!! I decided that I wanted to literally play around with the blocks, so I’ve made my own game pieces to do so. How fun it was – even with Jim staring at me with that blank “what in the world are you doing” look on his face. It’s given me some ideas – that you’ll see developed eventually in the future.

The weather here in Richmond has finally taken a turn for the cold. But with the incredible fall colors still with us, it’s really getting me in the feeling of the season.

Well, not much more happening around here. Wedding plans for my sister continue – and we got her into a couple of wedding dresses over the weekend. What an exciting – and daunting – time it is to plan a wedding!!! At least we have a year…

Have a great week!

Well, got up this morning, and realized that we get an extra hour of sleep this weekend!!! Whoo-whooo!!! Sleep’s been at a premium lately, with so much going on, so I’m looking forward to those extra 60 minutes.

The sky’s finally clearing this morning in Richmond, after having rain all day yesterday and this morning. A last little thunderstorm came rumbling through about an hour ago, and now I’m already seeing blue skies. What a beautiful fall this has been. Yesterday, as I sat in my car talking on the phone (imagine that!), noticed that with the falling rain, and the vibrant fall colors on the stand of trees I was facing, it was almost like an oil painting which continually changed. It was just amazing!!!!!

This past week has seen quite a flurry of stitching activity here in Richmond. The EGA National seminar was here. I, unfortunately, wasn’t able to sneak away from work to take some of their classes, but I did get an opportunity to go down to the Emporium and shop a bit. It was all about temptation – I’m telling you. Threads – charts – stitching accessories – handmade boxes, bags, ornaments – books galore. I somehow didn’t go overboard, but picked up some threads to play with, as well as a few charts for fun. But….. I had an opportunity to meet Marion Scoular! She and I have e-mailed in the past a bit, but what a neat lady she is in person. She introduced me to the DMC floche. If you haven’t seen it, you must find some. It’s got a beautiful sheen to it, and feels like it will be a smooth stitch. It’s a product not found readily in the States, but is available from some vendors. Also, the website says there are only 20 colors, but Marion carries it in 168 colors. I picked up quite a few skeins, and plan on using it in some upcoming models. Also picked up some Prescencia threads as well, in some beautiful colors. I can’t wait to play around with these… Next year’s seminar is in Chicago, so I might just be tempted to head up to the Windy City to play some…

This week for me has been the week of organizing myself. As I’ve moaned and groaned in my few posts, my big challenge in embarking into Stitchin’spiration has been keeping up with all that needs to be done. Well, I’ve always been a “list” person, who gains much joy in crossing off something because it’s been completed. I’ve now gone off the deep end, and have literally “task listed” everything that must be done. Yes, you might be wondering, “posting to the blog” is on that list. Anyways, I’m hoping it will keep my head a little more clear, and a little more focused on what needs to be done. I’ve also gained much inspiration from how software development teams work at the company we work for, and am getting ready to streamline it all as well. Just call me a complete geek, but if it keeps me up-to-date and sane – then a geek I am.

Well, I’m being called to the backyard. Jack’s having a “chuck-it” withdrawal. If you haven’t heard of a “Chuck-it”, and have active dogs, you MUST get one. No more nasty hands from the nasty balls he bring back for me to throw. Off to the back yard…..

Yet another task completed….. ha-ha!

Hello there,

Yes, amazingly, it’s only been 2 days. Something must be in the air…

Busy, busy week it’s been. The Needlework Show opened up tonight, and I’m having to hold myself back from wanting to go and see what the traffic is. I’m looking forward to seeing what other designers are showing – as much as you guys. Not that I EVER have time to stitch any more.

Tonight’s a night of getting caught up and ready to head out of town tomorrow night immediately after work. It’s fun not only packing up myself, my husband, and my dog, but also Stitchin’spiration. With the show on, I’ll be keeping close to the computer to answer questions, etc. Good thing, though, all this getting ready has put me in the designing mood. Sat down last night and finalized the special Needlework Building Blocks which are hidden from my store product pages. I’m pleased, and hope you enjoy them also – when you find them. The juices are flowing, so I’m hoping to be able to get some designs finalized. Maybe, just maybe I’ll share some if they come to life. There’s a series I’ve been waiting to finalize, and I do believe it will be my first patient… ha-ha-ha! Anyone feel like hidden messages in knotwork? There’s my little hint….

It’s really felt like fall today. I had quite a few buildings to go to on the campus today, so decided to take in some fresh air. I probably walked at least 1-1/2 miles or so during the trek, and boy does that make you feel good. Parking’s getting ready to be a hastle since they’re going to be putting in a new parking deck, so I’d better get used to walking. My sneakers are in my desk right now, and might not ever return to the house, as they’ll probably get worn out over the next long while.

Well, I’d better stop procrastinating, and get things ready for the trip. Laundry’s in, husband’s doing dishes (whoo-whoo), so I’d better get my Stitch stuff packed. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get another entry in this weekend from Columbia!

Thanks to everyone for saying hello!!!! Didn’t know if anyone realized I’d disappeared for a while….

Well, a common topic here seems to be “not enough time or brain cells”. Think I’ve covered that enough, so I’ll stop at that. It’s not a New Year, but I’m hoping to get a New Year’s resolution going to keep up more with this blog, with the Stitchin’board, and with other things which just seem to keep slipping away from me.

Boy, when this little hobby started getting it’s own life, I never envisioned I’d be here today. I also never envisioned what work it would take as well. I constantly seem to be in a time management development stage. With my real career also busy, it makes for some very interesting juggling. I’m probably preaching to the choir here, as everyone seems to juggle more than they can. It just seems to unfortunately be the norm here in the States. Just today, I even saw an article about a study that was done which proves that children need to have plain old “play time” for themselves. In this world where every second seems to be orchestrated into organized calendars, events, etc. – isn’t it amazing we have to prove through studies that we just need to “schedule” in some unscheduled time…

Have you seen the new designs and notecards? I’m really excited to introduce the other 2 members of the Windowpanes in Knotwork series. I’ve had this series on my design board from my Ebay days, but had never quite finalized them to my liking – until earlier this year. It’s exciting to work at getting designs just to my liking, and getting them out to you stitchers. It’s really what makes all my “juggling” worth it. I’ve been doing quite a bit of planning lately as to what’s coming down the pike – and I KNOW that you’ll be excited about them.

Tomorrow night, I’m going to sit down and give some more attention to my Needlework Building Blocks. I have some many sketches and ideas, and I just need to finalize them – getting them ready for release to you. I’m getting ready to begin working at finalizing some of the retired ones – readying them for sale in shops. Tomorrow though, I’ll be designing and playing – the fun part of it all!!!!! MMMMMMM – what types of freebie blocks would you like to find throughout the Needlework Show????

Speaking of the show – the online Needlework Show opens it’s “doors” on Wednesday night (October 11), and is open until Monday night (October 16).

How great is it to shop in your jammies! Here in Richmond, they will be flannel jammies since the weather’s cooling down quite a bit. We’ll then be heading down to South Carolina for a long weekend at my childhood home with my mom. Have no fear – the computer will never be far away.

Well, I’d better head along. I’ve got a large black lab staring at me with that “it’s time for bed” stare. Imagine that – a dog who keeps a strict bedtime schedule – but cannot do so unless one of his humans is on the same one. Who runs this household you ask?????

Truly, I promise to try to get on here more…

Happy Stitchin’!

It’s just amazing how time flies when you’ve got too much to do……

Since my last post, not only have my wrens had their babies and flew the coop once, they’ve come back for a second go around!!! I seriously understand “empty nest syndrome”. I just happened to be in the office on the day that they pushed the 2 babies out of the nest, and took them on their first outing. Of course, I’m gullible enough to think that they’d be back! After 2 days of them not returning, I finally gave in and realized they’d left me. Oh my, how that got to me. Well, then after about another month, they started working on the nest again. With fingers crossed, I’ve been anxiously waiting. Well, this weekend, I’ve heard the babies again begging for their food. At least now I’m prepared for the empty nest – which will definitely be coming.

What exciting things are in progress for Stitchin’spiration! Most of my attention lately has been getting my “A Blackwork Christmas” series moving along. Wait until you see the designs! My model stitchers are all faithfully working on the models, and all of the charts will be introduced in early September!!!! Have you wanted to find a blackwork stocking? Have you wanted some quick blackwork Christmas ornaments for small gifts? Need to decorate gift jars or towels? Well, you’ll find that and more all in this series. Based on the Needlework Building Blocks series, this series is one to watch out for. This year will be only the first introduction, for a series which I’ll continue to do annually.

Another release of charts is in the works as well. My original plans were to have them out in May, but it will be June when they come out. You’ll find a nice variety of designs – including some additions to our most popular series. I also hope to get another round of Needlework Building Blocks freebies out for you in the next couple of weeks.

Well, I’d better run along to get ready for another week. June’s stacking up to be another busy month.

Hope to get back faster next time.!!!!

What a long week this has been!!!! Work’s had me hopping, but unfortunately I don’t seem to be making much progress. Getting ready for the Needlework Show also has had me busy. Then, my mother extended her trip with us as well. We’ve had a great time, but when everything’s moving so fast, it’s hard to get it all done.

Today’s my sister’s birthday – HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUBDA!!!!!!!

Speaking of my family, I’ve now successfully irritated my mother by posting my favorite picture of her on a Kodak photo contest. Stop in at www.kodakgallery.com/life. Do a search for the picture with the e-mail sally @ stitchinspiration . com (remove the extra spaces). The little girl looking at the camera through her knees – well that’s my mother!!!!! Please-please vote for it…… it’s to win the bet we unofficially have about the picture. It’s my favorite picture of her, and well, as you can guess, she’s not a fan of it. She really didn’t appreciate it when we put it on her birthday cake last year, and now I’ve taken it national!!!

OK, she’s watching me type and is now proofreading as I write……. please vote – and vote daily!!!

Well, I also wanted to remind you about the Needlework Show which is now open. There’s a great variety of needlework vendors shown. I’ve only made it through a few, but look forward to adding to my wish list sometime this weekend!

This weekend, expect to find me very tired. Jim and I will be heading over to the church tomorrow afternoon for our Senior High lock-in. The kids are threatening midnight football, although we’re expecting bad storms. We’ll see how it goes – but count on the fact that we won’t be getting much rest and relaxation tomorrow night! It wil be a lot of fun, and hopefully a special time for the group. Two are getting ready to head out for the Marines and the Air Force, so this will be one of our last times all together.

Have a wonderful evening! Talk with you sometime this weekend!!!

Well, the Needlework Show begins tomorrow evening at 6PM, and I’m in the final stages of getting ready for it. Are you!!??!!!!

For the stitcher, it’s a great opportunity to find lots of new designs to tempt you, and if you don’t have a local needlework shop nearby – a great opportunity to purchase through one of the many shops who offer special orders for these shows. You’ll definitely want to stop by our showroom each day, as I’ve hidden Needlework Building Blocks away, which will be changed daily!

Outside of the excitement for me about the Needlework Show, it’s been a crazy week / weekend (and it’s only Tuesday!!! Ugh) We’ve really had a nice visit with my mother, who got here last week. Since she’s retired, she enjoys coming early, and staying late. We weren’t able to take Thursday or this week off from work, but she’s had a long list of things to do. Funny, sometimes I think she knows Richmond even better than I do. Every visit she has certain places she wants to stop by to shop and play, and always has her city map ready to go. There’s no stopping her! She has gotten an eye-opening experience watching me prepare for this show. It was under her guidance that I learned to stitch, so I love having her see all that it takes behind the scenes to pull things together.

Well, I must jump away to finish pulling together everything for the show. Don’t forget to stop in, and if you find something you just can’t live without, please do contact one of the many shops who will special order. Also, don’t forget about our daily freebies!!!! Now, off to finish getting those babies ready to release.

PS – Wren Birdnest update – No eggs laid yet, but they’re still working on the nest. Jack the lab has picked up on their proximity, and seems to check them out himself whenever he comes into the office!

Sunday afternoons… you just have to love them. The busy weekend is winding down, and it’s a lovely VA spring day outside. So, I’m asking myself, why am I inside……?????? Jim’s off to church for youth, and Jack’s asleep at my feet. Meaning… it’s nice and quiet in the house. OK, so I’m really a hermit at heart – I admit it.

It’s been a busy weekend, getting the Needlework Building Blocks caught up finally. Note the new addition to your right with the Blog Block of the Day (or really entry) link added. Each time I add to the blog, I’ll post a different block. You’ll have to be quick to catch them!!! Tonight I’m finalizing my decisions on the next release of designs, which will come out at the Needlework Show mid-April. Oh, which ones will be coming to life for you all to find???? What a tough decision that always is! Luckily, I do have quite a few designs ready to go to choose from. I did work on some new designs last night, and can’t wait to see what they grow into.

Designing blackwork – how does it happen? Well, the designs just seem to develop on their own accord. I get an idea, and slowly over time it develops. I’ll play with it right when it comes to me, then it always seems to take a back seat to others. Then, one day it will pop back into my head, and I develop it a little more. Then, after several phases of development, it will all of a sudden come together. In between, various stages of good, and bad, versions try to come to life. It’s always interesting to look back at where it started. Alot of times, my original idea is NOTHING like the finished product. It was just the starting point.

My blackwork fills are, truthly, my doodling coming to life. I’ve always played around with graphics and repeats. Even as a child, my father would give me his engineering graph pads, and I’d spend hours trying this doodle or that out. I clearly remember many of them which I’d repeated sketch out, and some of those have now come to life in my fills. Again, some will develop over time. Once I come up with one – whether I like it then or not – it goes into my library. Some of the ones I actually didn’t like at first, have soon become my favorite when I put it in that perfect design or put it together with others. I love the mix of various fills, and play around with them as I design. Is there a PERFECT way to combine the fills? Probably. But, I believe that perfection in needlework is simply the eye of the stitcher. If they’re happy with their selection of fabrics and threads, then it’s the perfect piece for them.

Well, it’s going to be a busy week here in the Rudkin household. My mom heads into town on Wednesday from SC for Easter, and we’ve not even started getting ready for her. Whew – hope she’s not reading….. Also, it’s a 4 day week at my job (yes, I have a real job AND design), and that ALWAYS means we’ll be squeezing 5 days of work in to 4 days. Whew, just thinking about it tires me out.

Everyone have a wonderful Easter week! I always look forward to our Maundy Thursday Communion service, as it celebrates a very poignant time for Christ. How humbling it is to celebrate communion on the day when He took his own Last Supper!