I got a couple pictures taken today

I didn't get any stitching done (yet) today (or cardmaking, or any other kind of fun stuff either) but I did get in a few 15s (a Flylady reference for putting in a quick 15 minutes on a long term job) in my craft room.

In the process I dug out a couple of my stitching WIPs, took pictures, and got them ready to be worked on. This one is Star of Wonder, from Just Nan. Not a great picture, I'm afraid, but you get the idea.

This picture came out even worse! Sorry!

This is Road to Bethlehem from Shepherd's Bush. That string hanging from the bottom band is supposed to be there, but not like that. I am part way through doing the weaving with the piece of silk ribbon through the withdrawn threads.

I like Shepherd's Bush designs because they are soft and delicate and yet often intricate. This particular one uses quite a few specialty stitches and as a band sampler changes often enough to keep it interesting. *One* of these years it will finally be finished to show for Christmas- although I suspect it will stay up all year round. This is a piece I am definitely keeping for myself.

I like Just Nan samplers for their complexity and drama. The colors are usually rich and bold, the bands have a lot of specialty stitches, they often use metallic or other fancy fibers, and the embellishments are always gorgeous.

Time to go start dinner for DS's birthday. Back later.