Why can’t we all be ectoplasm with hands?

Seriously, this whole having a body business. It’s for the birds. You know? You gotta feed it and let it sleep and dress it and stuff. What a pain in the ass.

I feel like one of those neglected Tamagotchi pets. Beep! Beep! God.

Last night I was reading this book, The New Crewel by Katherine Shaughnessy, and I was so fucking inspired.

the new crewel

The shapes! The colors! They make me happy, instead of making my eyes bug out like Kaffe Fassett’s stuff does (no offense meant to Kaffe fans; I just can’t handle all those prints and colors at once).

I have some ideas for applique quilts using some of Shaughnessy’s patterns. And I am so psyched to try them out, you know? Also am I psyched to try machine-stippling, which I’d never heard about before this week (it’s a freeform quilting method). But between Owen’s sleep regression and my own stupid body’s need to sleep (not to mention its need for fresh coffee in the mornings and clean clothes to cover it up), there has been no time. No time! Ah the cruelty!

(Or should I make that crewelty? Nah. Nobody likes a bad pun.)

August 31, 2006 | Filed Under blather, create, sewing

Comments

12 Responses to “Why can’t we all be ectoplasm with hands?”

candace on August 31st, 2006 10:51 am

I love, love, love embroidery, but I’ve never understood the difference between just regular embroidery and crewel. Enlighten me!

And this whole sleep thing is totally getting in the way of my life. I feel your pain.
supa on August 31st, 2006 11:07 am

To my understanding: embroidery = decorative stitches with embroidery floss. Crewel = decorative stitches with wool thread on linen.

Anybody else have a better definition?
melissa b on August 31st, 2006 2:02 pm

“I feel like one of those neglected Tamagotchi pets.”

Here, here.
Chair on August 31st, 2006 4:59 pm

Ah, see now, there’s where you’re wrong. I LOVE a bad pun. Just ask Ada.

And? I totally hear you. As soon as modern science discovers sleep and heck, eating replacements, I’ll finally get to do all those things I want to do.

Hey… I just noticed the thingy down below that displays what my comment will look like when it’s submitted….. it’s hypnotizing… ahhhlllleeee ooooooo!
Moop!Moop! It even double spaces for me! Automatically? Coolllll….llllllaaaa….

Now you’re regretting it, aren’t you… ppppppppppppppphtt!
Natalie on August 31st, 2006 5:46 pm

I also love a bad pun…but that one was actually funny.
Suebob on August 31st, 2006 9:23 pm

The whole body thing: I know, I know. I just burned the hell out of my mouth on some nuclear hot soup. Eek.
LetterB on September 1st, 2006 12:38 am

Crewelty! You slay me! Puns are like cheese; the stinkier the better.
Tina C on September 1st, 2006 4:18 pm

I have also been intrigued by this type of needle-art but afraid to get into it…perhaps it is a perfect selection for our craft group to try?????? =)
HVM on September 1st, 2006 9:58 pm

i think your definition is spot on.

and, please tell me you own this book, as that would mean i could most likely steal it when you’re not looking. or ask to borrow it when you’re done, like a grown up. but that’s not as fun.

also, owen? molars? just a thought.

and, i second what tina c said about the craft group. not sure when i could ever in a million years fit that in, but i’m still all for it.
Denise on September 1st, 2006 11:34 pm

MB,

Good for you for wanting to try free motion quilting. I suggest trying a few different darning/free motion feet on your machine. It’s a matter of preference and practice.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE
Denise on September 1st, 2006 11:40 pm

Good for you for wanting to try free motion quilting.

Please, whatever you do, don’t just start. You will be frustrated and crabby. Get the best book I’ve found of machine quilting, “Guide to Machine Quilting” by Diane Gaudynski. She has wonderful directions, photos, and explanations. Even if you just decide to try echo quilting at first, which is much easier by the way, she can give you some help.

Baste, baste, baste. Go buy more safety pins, masking tape, chalk markers, and knee pads. You’ll be happy you did.

Good luck, dear. Keep us posted.

Denise
Matt on September 6th, 2006 6:50 am

(headline)

BALTIMORE WOMAN GETS OBSCURE WISH, TURNS INTO ECTOPLASM
-She reports: “Gosh, typing has gotten awfully hard.”