Shhh, it's a secret

 Okay, not really a secret. But I try not to post my finished State Fair entries until after the judging, so you won't see them until next week. 

However, I do have 3/5 done. I would like a display card for 2 of them, but other than that the ornament and the mixed media jewelry pieces are done. The heritage craft one is done and it turned out to be multicraft (tatting, sewing, lucet braiding, and I even crocheted a chain). 

My frame piece is mostly done. I've finished the tatting, but I still need to frame it. I cleaned the glass yesterday. I also need to get back fabric and cut it to size.

My last entry is about half done (2 of the 4 art trading cards). But it also needs a sleeve, and I plan to get that on Saturday (the same day I turn them in). 

Saturday, we had our local tatters meeting. 5 of us in all made it, including one person who is learning. One of our members (who sadly hasn't been able to attend meetings recently), had gotten someone's destash of craft supplies. There was 1 good-sized box of needlepoint kits (including a couple purses), plus 6 boxes (think boot boxes) of other supplies, including one that had 3 c. 1967 student knitting manuals. I think the original owner taught knitting. They were also very organized as all the boxes were labeled. 

Turns out that one of the balls of size 10 was the perfect color to make the drawstring for my reticule. I could have used the ecru I had on hand, but this was perfect. Nothing to buy, I just used what I had already plus that one ball of gifted thread.

Carolyn brought 2 new books she bought. The bookmark book by Robin Perfetti is gorgeous. I'm going to have to get it at some point. Gretchen showed off this pretty wreath ornament she made. She said it's a free pattern online, and I'm going to have to find it.

Oh, and here's my year in thread ornament. I have some threads to add to it but this is mostly it.

Oh and on the way home from the meeting, I saw 2 deer grazing on the size of the ~8 lane highway. Luckily, they decided to stay on the shoulder.

State Fair season

 The NC State Fair opens at midday on Thursday, October 12th this year. So by the time this posts, the judging should be over.

First, my only entry in a tatting (plus) category, framed non-threaded needlework, which includes tatting, bobbin lace, etc.

My original design in the mixed media jewelry category, Solar Flare. I need to write this up so I can submit to teach it at Palmetto Tat Days.

Heritage craft, tatting edging on a vintage, embroidered hankie. I also added the butterflies (to cover holes in the hankie). This is before I washed and ironed it.

And ornament, tatted snowflake. I have to find where I got this pattern because I don't remember.

Tri-Tatters met/demo'ed at Mordecai on the 4th. We had 1 new person join and another tatter we hadn't seen in ages was able to tat with us. After, Anitra & I went by the fairgrounds to drop of entries (mine & Martha's). 

I have 2 projects now; another hair bun cover (like my failed doily) and writing out the pattern for Solar Flare and tatting another one. 

It's State Fair Prep season

 So I have been finishing my fair entries. I have 4 to submit, and 3 are done other than some final finishing touches. I won't post pictures until after they've been judged, just in case.

Plus, Mom fell down and got hurt so I've been trying to deal with that. Fortunately, there's multiple trains that run between my town and hers, for a bit more than the gas would cost, and the difference is well worth the hassle I've saved. And Dad has been very supportive by giving me a ride from the train station to see Mom. 

Our Pathfinder game progresses (we're playing Dragon's Demand). We scraped by the last combat by the skin of our teeth (and the generosity of the GM). We went somewhere we shouldn't have and ran into a very nasty fight. We totally misread the clues that said 'beware! stay away!' Oops.

Our 5e game also continues. Still don't really know how the combat works. But we've hit a level the GM likes so maybe we'll stay this level long enough to figure it out.

Chris and I started watching Shakespeare and Hathaway. It's a BBC mystery series set in Stratford upon Avon. Frank Hathaway is a private detective and Lu Shakespeare becomes his partner after investing in the agency. A lot of the episode titles are Shakespeare play references or quotes. They feel like Easter eggs for English Lit majors.

Whingeing ahead: maybe it's my Southern upbringing, but is it really hard to wave or say hi as you come into the office in the morning? If you're on your phone, then no, I don't expect a verbal greeting, but a half-hearted wave at least? Yes, I'm talkative, but unless I have something I need to tell you, I won't stop you to chat. I just want acknowledgment of my existence. Studies prove that people are more willing to do things for people they like. So, help me like you more.

(oops, meant to hit publish on Oct 4)

Confronted by ducks while getting take out

Not Much Since Last Post

Okay, there was Halloween. My costume didn't work out like I'd hoped. Instead I wore a frilly blouse, black skirt, my burgundy boots, and garnet jewelry. Didn't exactly scream neo-Victorian, or even costume. Ah well.

We got eight trick or treaters this year. Less than our record twelve, but a respectable number. We had one Gabby Douglas (she was FloJo last year), one rainbow unicorn amethyst gem (and her costumed mom), two '50's belles, and a quartet composed of Ironman, Black Widow, a UNC football player, and death. We had quite a bit of chocolate left, so I took it to work. 

On the other hand, my iPad photo app put out some fun filters.

blue cat eye

spooky mirror

lightning

I don't know, but it's cool

And here are my State Fair entries (it's only one bobeche, but they're identical).

I completed one of the baby booties. It was a struggle.

Judging Is Done

I haven't seen my entries yet, but my fellow tatter CK has. And she took pictures.

no ribbon (experienced jewelry, beaded)

home furnishings

clothing, purchased item with tatted trim

Yes, I'm still squeeing a little.

I helped Anitra at her booth this weekend. It was a very busy weekend. Dad and Kathy came to visit briefly on Sunday. They brought me some tea, a scarf, and a picture of dad's grad from boot camp.

Gaming on Thursday. Our last game was cancelled, thanks to the GM's alternate plans; he went to see Neil Degrasse Tyson.

I'll be going to the fair on Friday. I won tickets from Go Triangle. I am using one and I gave the other to RG. I picked up a regular ticket for CD on Sunday.

I'll be helping Anitra again this weekend. I'll pick up my entries on Monday and see if CD won any ribbons on Friday. If he did, I'll pick up his ribbons, too.

I 'bout froze on Sunday. It was unseasonably cold and I was wearing my c. 1814 dress. Two layers of cotton, even with leggings and knit shawl, aren't very warm.