POPPERS!

I forgot how bright and cheery the colors are in this piece!  Just what the doctor ordered as the weather starts to warm up and the flowers and trees start to bloom.

Here's a closer look...this is 18ct mono canvas mounted on stretcher bars with Watercolors and Vineyard Silk threads:

'Scuse the open areas in a few of the blocks...Kreinik goes there, but alas, I did not have the proper colors in my stash.  No problem, though.  They are on order and should be here shortly.

I get a fair number of questions about whether or not I prefer canvaswork (this tyoe of stitching) to counted cross stitch.  The truth is that I love them both and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite.  I like the variety and challenge of specialty stitches in canvaswork, but also crave the feel of a good piece of linen in my hands.  I also like painted canvas needlepoint, but prefer to work with a thread and stitch guide for those.  I know that I'm capable of selecting both threads and stitches on my own, but somehow I find it more enjoyable when the professionals do all the heavy lifting.

Hardanger, crewel, punchneedle, surface embroidery, beading....love it all, but don't do as much of it as I would like.  I suppose that I would also like to learn goldwork and Japanese embroidery too, but for now methinks my little plate (and stitchy basket) are full!

Today is  mammogram and "lady appointment" day and then Thursday will be a day spent at the hospital getting all of the heart and lung tests completed.  I've already been to the dentist, so now I think the only thing left will be an eye exam and everything should be complete for the team down at IU!  Talk about a stem to stern approach to one's healthcare!