Last night I was going to write about one of the books I recently finished (I think I have about three now I want to write about...), but by the time I caught up on a few emails, wrote out a Postcrossing postcard, and did my normal evening chores, the night had pretty much slipped away. So, once again I'll save that post for a little later and show you the progress I've made on my "Pink Hill Manor" sampler. Here's the chart I am working from with a picture of the finished design.
And here were my very first few stitches, which I think I already shared? Doesn't look like much yet, does it?
But wait, the manor house is beginning to emerge! I've even managed to add a few more stitches (more progress to follow soon). I've been taking the design to work with me and spending about twenty minutes on it before I begin my workday. It doesn't sound like much time at all, does it (and those few minutes do fly by!), but it's amazing how adding just a few stitches here and there will begin to look like something real. I am really enjoying working on this I must say. There is something very relaxing about Blackbird Designs samplers (one of my favorite designers). The linen is nice to work on and the colors very calming. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed I can finish this well before the end of the month and may take an afternoon or two off in order to spend some uninterrupted work time on it. If all else fails I might have a previously finihed project to enter (anything finished in the last three years can be entered). Whatever happens with the state fair, I'm just enjoying stitching, which is the most important thing!
Back to bookishness tomorrow--I have lots of new books and borrowed books to share as well as reading--related progress reports. Thanks for the ideas for Canadian authors from my last post--always much appreciated. I'm almost halfway through Hetty Dorval and think I like it even better than Swamp Angel. I've also started The Girl with No Shadow by Joanne Harris, for something a little different.
And I have to leave you with one question--do you have a favorite book/literature journal (can be paper or online) to find book news?