Finished Object: Rose Arbour by Mirabilia

This was one of my first Mirabilia purchases along with Rose of Sharon. I love the dresses in these designs! I also love how the beading is minimal compared to some of the other designs, such as Sabrina. I  know that some stitchers love the bling, but I find too much takes away from the stitching.

I searched and searched the internet for errata on this pattern, because I think the roses in her right hand had the wrong symbol in them. After finding nothing, I went with my gut (something I wouldn't have done when I first started stitching--stick with the pattern! The designer is right!). If I'm going to spend all this time on a project, I'm going to make it the way I want to see it!

I also spent the money to get both Rose of Sharon and Rose Arbour professionally framed. I found this great place in Liberty, SC, which is affordable and high-quality. I just about cried when I picked them up!

Finished Object: Serial Bowl Collection, Lesson 1 by Plum Street Samplers

Plum Street Samplers is one of my favorite designers for primitive designs and smalls. Many of the designs can be finished quickly (depending on stitch speed and available time) and uniquely. Some of the recent finishes have been pillows, and this one is the first design in what is called The Serial Bowl Collection.

Serial Bowl Collection of Sampler Lessons: Lesson One was released at the Nashville Market back in March 2015. From start to finish stitch completion took about six weeks, not including finishing. I was working on some other projects at that time, too.

I used 32 count taupe Lugana. I can't follow directions and used two threads over two instead of one thread over two, so the threads that came with the kit were not enough to finish the project. In place of those threads I replaced similar over-dyed cottons that were good matches for the design. These included threads from The Gentle Art and Week's Dye Works.

GA Barn Door --> Week's Red Pear
GA Cherry Cobbler --> GA Cranberry
GA Cinnamon Toast --> Week's Cinnabar
GA Sunkissed -->  GA Lambswool
GA Timber --> GA Molasses (trees only)

                                           

The finishing directions instructed that the chenille be attached using glue. I ended up sewing the pillow together first, then hand-stitched the chenille around the edges. I also created my own pillow insert. 

Who Are the Cylons in Outlander?

When I moved into my current house, I decided to forego a giant cable package and bought a ROKU box instead. I haven't regretted the decision, as I've been able to catch shows that I can't watch on the box via other means.  Honestly, I haven't missed cable. Most of what I had watched was pure trash, like the Real Housewives shows, or I watched the same shows repeatedly. Now I've been catching up--and adding to--my list on Netflix and haven't looked back.

I've also taken advantage of free previews from Showtime and Starz. I binged two seasons of Penny Dreadful and am currently making my way through Outlander. I had attempted reading the book and it hadn't drawn me in like it had much of the fandom. I figured binging would be quicker than trudging through a book that I was marginally interested in, because with watching TV I could also work on my many crafting projects.

As I watched the first few episodes, I realized that the narration was not only the problem I had with the book but with the show as well. Claire narrates a lot. Most of her narration is heavy with her feelings, with how she needed to return back to 1945 from 1743, as if the action did not make these things obvious at all.

Really, who would want to stay in 1743? I understand that 1945 is no joy, but at least the clean-up from WW2 has started. 1945 has electricity, running water, and more comfortable clothes. 1743 has none of those things and corsets. Corsets! I do not envy Claire her task. Get back to 1945, girl! And stop that infernal narration!

http://battlestarfanclub.com/photo/portanida-bsg-episode-cast
(The real Moore is third from the right; the random Moore is the far right.)

Enough of the plot. When I was watching the opening credits in one episode, I noticed a name--Ronald D. Moore. Where had I heard that name before? That's right! Portlandia! In the Season 2 episode "One Moore Episode," the main characters hunt down Ronald D. Moore to write one more episode of Battlestar Galactica after they finished binge watching the show. It's the same guy! Except they find a random Ronald D. Moore and hijinks ensue.


I started thinking about Battlestar Galactica. I was surprised that I liked it because I am so picky about science fiction. But then I noticed something interesting, something the shows had in common.

http://www.gamesradar.com/battlestar-galactica-movie/

https://latfusa.com/article/2016/3/first-look-poster-step-inside-outlander-season-two/

It's The Last Supper Layout! One has sexy space people and robot assassins, the other has powdered wigs on Scots and murderous Sassenachs! Red dress front and center! Lots of side-eye in both posters! Suspicion....

So, who are the Cylons in Outlander? The English? Definitely Black Jack Randall. Claire? Possibly. It could explain her time travel.  I'll probably have more ideas as I watch more episodes.