Speed Sewing (and no, it's not a video game!!!)

By the time you read this, I will have recovered from a non-stop, two day sewing marathon that was not---I repeat---NOT FUN. However, the new stole is done for the altar, it is in place, and hopefully all is well in the world.
Below are some of the details, considerably different from the previous photos I posted a while back, but similar........it's the same, but different! ;-)

I did not have the selection of braids I am accustomed to, so you wing it with what you can find locally. Around here, that is extremely limited. Turned out nicer than I thought; hand sewed the braid backgrounds for the crosses while watching "The Misfits". (classic movie, not classic punk band!) The miters are much easier managed by hand......

It looked a lot more impressive on the altar and finally I can see some of the linen embellishment on the altar cloth under the glass. The auto-focus on my camera will not take a picture through glass that is in focus.....most frustrating, to say the least.

And here, completely in place, with a lovely shot of the bottom of the altar cloth. I was not fond of the fringe I used on this but not having real metal bullion to work with, oh well........don't whine Anne. It's okay. It's okay. Really.....

And my reward? After delivery, I sat in complete and utter mental and physical exhaustion eating cold pizza and chugging down a Blackened Voodoo Lager. YUM!!!! (I guess I'm easy......to please, that is....) It is, of course, a New Orleans beer, which makes me even happier. Good memories with that earthy taste!

And what shall TODAY bring?

Hopefully a LOT of rest and a back that is not aching from time spent bent over the machine.

I certainly hope that SOMEONE (who shall remain unnamed) appreciates this.........ahem!!!

Now chill out, have fun, and go be creative---enjoy your day!

Beauty and Sadness

It is always an honor to have work you have done displayed for the public. As artists, we strive to reach a point where that is possible.
Today, however, I find myself wishing this was one time my work was not on display as it is offering an altar of solace and healing for PGA player Chris Smith, whose wife was tragically lost in an auto accident. The extended Smith Family attends my church, and Steve, my minister, had e-mailed me yesterday morning that he had set up the altar Sunday evening with the stole for those who wished to come and pray. He also mentioned I might want to come see it.

I immediately went into town with camera in hand, and these probably are the most detailed shots of the altar cloth and stole that I have. Steve and I talked, and as chance had it, I had grabbed a rosary on the way out. Despite the difference of denominations, I found it a perfect place to use the small, white beads.
So for over an hour, I was at one with beauty, grief, prayer and the fragileness of this life we call our own. We have no guarantees of tomorrows; the todays are what we must use well and cherish.
Make use of your time and love those around you.
Pax.