Monday, June 10, 2013

Mermaid Tale

When I arrived at library stitching last Friday, I realized I had forgotten my cheaters. There was no way I was going to be able to work on this dark, 30-ct fabric without magnification. Fortunately the library carries a magnifier for reading, on a stand and everything. The librarian went and fetched it for me. I'm talking to her when this newish woman wanders over and says, "Black fabric? Good luck with that!"

First of all, honey, I'm a good 20 years younger than you, and so are my eyes. For instance, they can tell that's not black, but rather a bluish steel gray. Secondly, I've already made really good progress on this. It's not like I'm just starting it and have no idea what I am getting into. Finally, who the hell taught you manners?

You might think only my nemesis could be so delicate, but apparently everyone's a critic. In fact, the influx of new people has really diluted the nemesis's sway over the group. She has been much, much quieter over the past month or so. Which is nice.

But back to the mermaid, I finished the tail and added some pink streamers.

Before:



And after:

15 comments:

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Oh I love your mermaid! I bow my needles to you, I'd never be able to see 40 count, even if I used the Hubble Telescope!

Ok, even I (who just happens to be so old that there is dirt younger than me) can clearly see this is not black fabric.

And I agree....who exactly did teach this lady (and I use that term loosely) her manners!

I am looking forward to watching your stitchy progress.

Annie said...

Your modest mermaid looks lovely on that fabric. How great to have the perfect magnifier setup at the library.

As for the witchy woman... I say cut her some slack. I know from experience that when you get old something always hurts and puts you in a bad mood. I can't control my mouth in those circumstances either. "Presumption of good will" as a former boss of mine use say.

Linda said...

Great progress on the mermaid Nikki. What she said wasn't really bad. It was probably just the way she said it and didn't mean it to be rude.

Linda

Jennifer said...

Eh, just cause you're old doesn't mean you have an excuse to be rude. Imagine if YOU were the one making a comment to her about stitching on a dark fabric.

I usually LOVE how darker fabrics look, but I don't enjoy stitching on them. I leave that to my husband. He seems to love it.

Coral said...

Gorgeous! I really like!!

Melody said...

What a great mermaid! You are making good progress. Don't you hate those rude people? I mean, really..?! Was it necessary to be like that? My Mom taught me at an early age to be polite.

Southpaw Stitcher said...

Your mermaid really pops on the dark fabric! Great piece! Sometimes I think manners are going the way of the 8-track tapes. I was teaching a hardanger class recently and there was a person at the table (not taking the class) chatting on her cell phone!

valerie said...

Oh, so many people have to say something and be a critic to make it seem they know so much more than you. I've encountered ladies like that at needlework classes. Love the mermaid!

Margaret said...

That mermaid is fantastic! Love the colors, and the color of the background fabric too. (Black -- hmph!) I hear you on the cheaters too. I need mine at all times these days. lol!

Deb said...

I really like your mermaid and that "black" fabric. It really makes the colors stand out. And there is always one in the crowd isn't there? I'm getting to the age when people say things like that to me it goes through my head that it's good luck that I don't take a swing at them!! Give me a few more years and I'll probably take action!

Chris said...

That lady doesn't know who she is dealing with...lol
That is a fabulous mermaid!

Donna said...

It's quite obvious from your photo you can't see what you're doing. Oh people. People. People.

Love the mermaid. Seriously. Good thing I've sworn off them for now.

Stitchinowl said...

Your mermaid looks great on the dark fabric. I enjoy reading your posts about your library stitch group. Some of your library stitching sisters are not shy about expressing their opinions. They seem to think their way of stitching is the "law of the land" :)
Carolyn

Brigitte said...

Really gorgeous, this mermaid. What a fantastic idea to stitch her on that dark fabric, so all the colours, particularly the pink, stand out even more. I love dark fabric very much but I definitely need my magnifier and a strong light source. But the results ar always great, like your mermaid.

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

The mermaid looks great, I love the effect of her hair against the fabric.

A quiet nemesis might be good for you but boring for us LOL