stitchin'

With the newest of the Lil Flakes and Snowbugz out, I picked up the January installment of the Whiskerkins, Snowflake. He was a quick stitch, and has been very well received by the Whiskerkins fans!  He has more sparkle than what you might see here as I worked in a few Kreinik braids.

With the end of the month looming, I thought it better to leave the next holiday themed pattern I had designed for next year, picking up instead Carnival, the next in the cross stitch quilt block collection.

I just love this design. It's addictive and ever-changing.  I've found myself working until 2am the last few nights as I lose track of time while stitching.

This is the progress thus far, working through the bottom left quarter of the design as well as the top left quarter. I hope to get the whole left side finished over the next couple of days. I have already started designing another of these that reminds me a little more of stained glass.

Now off for more coffee and a staff meeting at the group home, pouting a bit because I really just want to stay home and stitch.

sunday discovery: popeye the sailor man

image from Popeye Wiki

Today I discovered a very interesting article about Popeye The Sailorman. 

 13 Interesting Popeye the Sailorman Facts

How he originated, the cool words that the comic gave the English language. Did you know his first appearance was in a Betty Boop film? Or that Mr. Mercer was not the first voice of the sailor? Or that he originally got his strength from rubbing the head of a Whiffle Hen? (what the hell is a whiffle hen?)  Lots of interesting story behind the spinach eating, too! 

Popeye is the only character not in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 

In the original cartoons, Olive Oyl is really kind of a trollop?

So there you have it. Your Sunday Discovery from an animation nerd.

*~*

And finished up today, Violet's Kitties, the newest in the Whiskerkins Collection. 

Now off to start Gingham Buds, still hoping to make it out to the woods today, too.

pumpkin of the whiskerkins

Finished up today! Just love how fast these little guys stitch up. Instant gratification.

Pumpkin of the Whiskerins!

Spoonflower: Cat Contest

Spoonflower's new contest calls for a cat-themed fabric. (No Dogs Allowed!). It has been awhile since I have entered a contest there, but with the this theme I couldn't resist!

This pattern was inspired by the family cat, Eddy. It first appeared as a cross stitch pattern I did some years ago (something like 2005 if I'm not mistaken) called "Every Life Should Have 9 Cats".

I reworked him in Illustrator using the cross stitch design as a template.

Classes are done for the semester, and I've got a whole list of 'gotta try that's' lined up!